bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fecal sample collection methods and time of day impact microbiome composition and short chain fatty acid concentrations
Authors: Jones Jacquelyn , Reinke Stacey N , Ali Alishum , Palmer Debra J , Christophersen Claus T.
Published: July 2021

Associations between the human gut microbiome and health outcomes continues to be of great interest, although fecal sample collection methods which impact microbiome studies are sometimes neglected. Here, we expand on previous work in sample optimization, to promote high quality microbiome data. To compare fecal sample collection methods, amplicons from the bacterial 16S rRNA gene (V4) and fungal (ITS2) region, as well as short chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations were determined in fecal material over three timepoints. We demonstrated that spot sampling of stool results in variable detection of some microbial members, and inconsistent levels of SCFA; therefore, sample homogenization prior to subsequent analysis or subsampling is recommended. We also identify a trend in microbial and metabolite composition that shifts over two consecutive stool collections less than 25 h apart. Lastly, we show significant differences in bacterial composition that result from collecting stool samples in OMNIgene·Gut tube (DNA Genotec) or Stool Nucleic Acid Collection and Preservation Tube (NORGEN) compared to immediate freezing. To assist with planning fecal sample collection and storage procedures for microbiome investigations with multiple analyses, we recommend participants to collect the first full bowel movement of the day and freeze the sample immediately after collection.
The association between serum microbial DNA composition and symptoms of depression and anxiety in mood disorders
Authors: Rhee Sang Jin , Kim Hyeyoung , Lee Yunna , Lee Hyun Jeong , Park C. Hyung Keun , Yang Jinho , Kim Yoon-Keun , Ahn Yong Min
Published: July 2021

There is increasing evidence supporting the association between gut microbiome composition and mood disorders; however, studies on the circulating microbiome are scarce. This study aimed to analyze the association of the serum microbial DNA composition with depressive and anxiety symptoms in patients with mood disorders. The sera of 69 patients with mood disorders, aged from 19 to 60, were analyzed. Bacterial DNA was isolated from extracellular membrane vesicles and, subsequently, amplified and quantified with specific primers for the V3–V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rDNA gene. Sequence reads were clustered into Operational Taxonomic Units and classified using the SILVA database. There were no significant associations between alpha diversity measures and the total Hamilton depression rating scale (HAM-D) or Beck anxiety inventory (BAI) scores. Only the weighted UniFrac distance was associated with the total HAM-D score (F = 1.57, p = 0.045). The Bacteroidaceae family and Bacteroides genus were negatively associated with the total HAM-D score (β =  − 0.016, p < 0.001, q = 0.08 and β =  − 0.016, p < 0.001, q = 0.15, respectively). The Desulfovibrionaceae family and Clostridiales Family XIII were positively associated with the total BAI score (β = 1.8 × 10−3, p < 0.001, q = 0.04 and β = 1.3 × 10−3, p < 0.001, q = 0.24, respectively). Further studies with larger sample sizes and longitudinal designs are warranted.
Developmental environment shapes honeybee worker response to virus infection
Authors: Walton Alexander , Toth Amy L. , Dolezal Adam G.
Published: July 2021

The consequences of early-life experiences are far reaching. In particular, the social and nutritional environments that developing animals experience can shape their adult phenotypes. In honeybees, larval nutrition determines the eventual social roles of adults as reproductive queens or sterile workers. However, little is known about the effects of developmental nutrition on important adult worker phenotypes such as disease resilience. In this study, we manipulated worker developmental nutrition in two distinct ways under semi-natural field conditions. In the first experiment, we restricted access to nutrition via social isolation by temporarily preventing alloparental care. In the second experiment, we altered the diet quality experienced by the entire colony, leading to adult bees that had developed entirely in a nutritionally restricted environment. When bees from these two experiments reached the adult stage, we challenged them with a common bee virus, Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV) and compared mortality, body condition, and the expression of immune genes across diet and viral inoculation treatments. Our findings show that both forms of early life nutritional stress, whether induced by lack of alloparental care or diet quality restriction, significantly reduced bees’ resilience to virus infection and affected the expression of several key genes related to immune function. These results extend our understanding of how early life nutritional environment can affect phenotypes relevant to health and highlight the importance of considering how nutritional stress can be profound even when filtered through a social group. These results also provide important insights into how nutritional stress can affect honeybee health on a longer time scale and its potential to interact with other forms of stress (i.e. disease).
Status of corneal endothelial cells in the presence of silicone oil in the anterior chamber
Authors: Shimmura-Tomita Machiko , Takano Hiroko , Tanaka Yoshiaki , Takagi Rina , Kaburaki Toshikatsu , Kakehashi Akihiro
Published: July 2021

To evaluate corneal endothelium damage with silicone oil (SO) presence in the anterior chamber after pars plana vitrectomy. We investigated the medical records of consecutive 54 eyes of 53 patients undergoing SO removal after pars plana vitrectomy with SO tamponade at Saitama Medical Center, Jichi Medical University, Japan. We recorded SO tamponade retention period, anterior chamber SO with gonioscope, area of SO attachment to the corneal endothelium before SO removal surgery, and the lens status. We then retrospectively investigated the correlation between SO presence in the anterior chamber and the decrease rate of corneal endothelial cell (CEC) density during SO tamponade. The average decrease rate of CEC density was 7.6 (0–38.1) %. The correlation between SO tamponade retention period and decrease rate of CEC density was high (p = 0.0001). However, there was no correlation between anterior chamber SO under gonioscope, SO attaching area, and lens status with the decrease rate of CEC density (p = 0.11, p = 0.93, p = 0.16). No correlation was observed between CEC loss and the existence of anterior chamber SO, although CEC decrease rate was relatively high after a long SO tamponade period. These findings suggest that SO presence in the anterior chamber may not directly injure CEC.
Effect of Class II functional treatment on facial attractiveness, as perceived by professionals and laypeople
Authors: Santori Federica , Masedu Francesco , Ciavarella Domenico , Staderini Edoardo , Chimenti Claudio , Tepedino Michele
Published: July 2021

The literature offers different perspectives for and against two-phase treatment of skeletal Class II malocclusion. Facial attractiveness is an important aspect to take into account, given that children with skeletal Class II are often bullied by their peers and have low self-esteem and a lower social perception. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the aesthetic perception of facial profiles by a large number of observers, before and after treatment with a functional appliance, compared to untreated controls. The pre- and post-treatment cephalograms of 20 Class II subjects treated with Sander’s bite-jumping appliance and 20 untreated historical controls were collected and transformed into black and white silhouettes depicting only the lower third of the face. An online questionnaire comprising the silhouettes of the two groups, three “calibration” profiles and an “ideal” profile was submitted to dentists, orthodontists, undergraduates and laypeople, asking them to rate the profile’s attractiveness using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The effect of treatment, and observers’ age, expertise and gender were analysed. The calibration images and the ideal profiles were used to evaluate the coherence of each observer’s judgement. The protocol was approved by the local Ethics Committee. Nine-hundred and ten questionnaires were collected. Treated subjects showed a larger improvement of facial attractiveness compared to controls. A significant effect of gender on the observer’s ratings was observed. Some observers showed incoherent judgement, which had a significant effect on the regression model. In conclusion, early treatment with functional appliances seems to improve patients’ facial aesthetics. This improvement is perceived equally by dental professionals and laypeople.
BeEAM conditioning regimen is a safe, efficacious and economical alternative to BEAM chemotherapy
Authors: Hahn Logan , Lim Hyun , Dusyk Tanner , Sabry Waleed , Elemary Mohamed , Stakiw Julie , Danyluk Pat , Bosch Mark
Published: July 2021

In many stem cell transplant centres, BCNU, etoposide, cytarabine and melphalan (BEAM) high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) has been replaced by the more economic and available bendamustine, etoposide, cytarabine, melphalan (BeEAM) regimen. However, there is a paucity of information on the efficacy and safety of BeEAM HDCT. We describe our experience with BeEAM HDCT in terms of safety, efficacy and cost-savings. We compare overall and progression-free survival to a cohort of patients previously transplanted at our institution with the older BEAM regimen. We performed a retrospective chart review of 41 lymphoma patients undergoing BeEAM HDCT at the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan between 2015 and 2019 to elicit regimen safety in the first 100 days post-transplant. Furthermore, we calculated overall and progression-free survival and constructed corresponding Kaplan–Meier curves, comparing the results to a historical cohort of BEAM patients (n = 86). Finally, we conducted an economic analysis using the financials available at our centre’s pharmacy. With regards to BeEAM HDCT, we report a 100-day transplant-related mortality of 2.4%. Additionally, we report acceptable rates of typhlitis (27%), grade III–IV mucositis (4.9%) and grade III–IV nephrotoxicity (2.4%). In terms of overall and progression-free survival, we found no statistical difference between BeEAM and BEAM (p = 0.296; 0.762, respectively). Finally, our economic analysis revealed a net savings of $21,200 CAD per transplant when BeEAM is used in replacement of BEAM. The acceptable safety profile of BeEAM and its comparable efficacy to BEAM are encouraging for the perseverance of this cost-effective HDCT regimen.
Reversal of senescence-associated beta-galactosidase expression during in vitro three-dimensional tissue-engineering of human chondrocytes in a polymer scaffold
Authors: Katoh Shojiro , Fujimaru Atsuki , Iwasaki Masaru , Yoshioka Hiroshi , Senthilkumar Rajappa , Preethy Senthilkumar , Abraham Samuel J. K.
Published: July 2021

Regenerative medicine applications require cells that are not inflicted with senescence after in vitro culture for an optimal in vivo outcome. Methods to overcome replicative senescence include genomic modifications which have their own disadvantages. We have evaluated a three-dimensional (3D) thermo-reversible gelation polymer (TGP) matrix environment for its capabilities to reverse cellular senescence. The expression of senescence-associated beta-galactosidase (SA-βgal) by human chondrocytes from osteoarthritis-affected cartilage tissue, grown in a conventional two-dimensional (2D) monolayer culture versus in 3D-TGP were compared. In 2D, the cells de-differentiated into fibroblasts, expressed higher SA-βgal and started degenerating at 25 days. SA-βgal levels decreased when the chondrocytes were transferred from the 2D to the 3D-TGP culture, with cells exhibiting a tissue-like growth until 42–45 days. Other senescence associated markers such as p16INK4a and p21 were also expressed only in 2D cultured cells but not in 3D-TGP tissue engineered cartilage. This is a first-of-its-kind report of a chemically synthesized and reproducible in vitro environment yielding an advantageous reversal of aging of human chondrocytes without any genomic modifications. The method is worth consideration as an optimal method for growing cells for regenerative medicine applications.
Adverse perinatal outcomes and its associated factors among adult and advanced maternal age pregnancy in Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Getaneh Temesgen , Asres Azezu , Hiyaru Toyiba , Lake Selamawit
Published: July 2021

Even though reduction of neonatal mortality is needed to achieve Sustainable Development Goals 2030, advanced maternal age is still an independent and a substantial risk factor for different adverse perinatal outcomes, in turn causes neonatal morbidity and mortality. In Ethiopia, research has validated that advanced maternal age is a significant factor in adverse perinatal outcomes, but researches which addressed or estimated its adverse perinatal outcomes are limited, reported inconsistent result and specifically no study was done in the study area. Therefore, this study was aimed to compare adverse perinatal outcomes and its associated factors among women with adult and advanced maternal age pregnancy in Northwest Ethiopia. Comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in Awi Zone, public hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia. Systematic random sampling was employed to select 348 adult and 176 advanced aged pregnant women. Structured questionnaire were used to collect the data. The collected data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25. Binary and multivariate logistic regressions were fitted to assess the association between adverse perinatal outcomes and explanatory variables. P-value less than 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance. Significant percentage of advanced aged women (29.1%) had adverse perinatal outcomes compared to (14.5%) adult aged women. Similarly, proportion low birth weight, preterm birth and low Apgar score were significantly higher among advanced maternal age. The odds of composite adverse perinatal outcomes were higher among advanced maternal age women when compared to adult aged women (AOR 2.01, 95% CI 1.06, 3.79). No formal education (AOR 2.75, 95% CI 1.27, 5.95), short birth interval (AOR 2.25, 95% CI 1.07, 4.73) and complications during pregnancy (AOR 2.12, 95% CI 1.10, 4.10) were also factors significantly associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. Being advanced maternal age is at higher risk for adverse perinatal outcomes compared to adult aged women. Maternal illiteracy, short birth interval and complications during pregnancy were also significantly associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. Access of equal education, provision of family planning and perinatal care (including early detection and management of complication) is recommended.
2D-MoS2 goes 3D: transferring optoelectronic properties of 2D MoS2 to a large-area thin film
Authors: Timpel Melanie , Ligorio Giovanni , Ghiami Amir , Gavioli Luca , Cavaliere Emanuele , Chiappini Andrea , Rossi Francesca , Pasquali Luca , Gärisch Fabian , List-Kratochvil Emil J. W. , Nozar Petr , Quaranta Alberto , Verucchi Roberto , Nardi Marco V.
Published: July 2021

The ongoing miniaturization of electronic devices has boosted the development of new post-silicon two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors, such as transition metal dichalcogenides, one of the most prominent materials being molybdenum disulfide (MoS2). A major obstacle for the industrial production of MoS2-based devices lies in the growth techniques. These must ensure the reliable fabrication of MoS2 with tailored 2D properties to allow for the typical direct bandgap of 1.9 eV, while maintaining large-area growth and device compatibility. In this work, we used a versatile and industrially scalable MoS2 growth method based on ionized jet deposition and annealing at 250 °C, through which a 3D stable and scalable material exhibiting excellent electronic and optical properties of 2D MoS2 is synthesized. The thickness-related limit, i.e., the desired optical and electronic properties being limited to 2D single/few-layered MoS2, was overcome in the thin film through the formation of encapsulated highly crystalline 2D MoS2 nanosheets exhibiting a bandgap of 1.9 eV and sharp optical emission. The newly synthesized 2D-in-3D MoS2 structure will facilitate device compatibility of 2D materials and confer superior optoelectronic device function.
Multi-scale modeling of intensive macroalgae cultivation and marine nitrogen sequestration
Authors: Zollmann Meiron , Rubinsky Boris , Liberzon Alexander , Golberg Alexander
Published: July 2021

Multi-scale macroalgae growth models are required for the efficient design of sustainable, economically viable, and environmentally safe farms. Here, we develop a multi-scale model for Ulva sp. macroalgae growth and nitrogen sequestration in an intensive cultivation farm, regulated by temperature, light, and nutrients. The model incorporates a range of scales by incorporating spatial effects in two steps: light extinction at the reactor scale (1 m) and nutrient absorption at the farm scale (1 km). The model was validated on real data from an experimental reactor installed in the sea. Biomass production rates, chemical compositions, and nitrogen removal were simulated under different seasons, levels of dilution in the environment and water-exchange rate in the reactor. This multi-scale model provides an important tool for environmental authorities and seaweed farmers who desire to upscale to large bioremediation and/or macroalgae biomass production farms, thus promoting the marine sustainable development and the macroalgae-based bioeconomy.
Small-molecule fluorescence-based probes for interrogating major organ diseases
Authors: Han Hai-Hao , Tian He , Zang Yi , Sedgwick Adam C. , Li Jia , Sessler Jonathan L. , He Xiao-Peng , James Tony D.
Published: July 2021

This tutorial review describes recent advances involving small molecule fluorescent probes designed to aid in the study of major organ diseases.
Efficient enzyme-catalyzed production of diosgenin: inspired by the biotransformation mechanisms of steroid saponins in Talaromyces stollii CLY-6
Authors: Cheng Leiyu , Zhang Han , Cui Haiyang , Davari Mehdi D. , Wei Bin , Wang Wenya , Yuan Qipeng
Published: July 2021

Two novel glycosidases (Rhase-TS and Gluase-TS) were discovered from Talaromyces stollii CLY-6, followed by a whole-enzyme-catalyzed approach for highly efficient diosgenin production from steroid saponins.
Environmentally hazardous gas sensing ability of MoS2-nanotubes: an insight from the electronic structure and transport properties
Authors: Baildya Nabajyoti , Ghosh Narendra Nath , Chattopadhyay Asoke P.
Published: July 2021

The ability of the (6,6) MoS2-nanotube (NT) to sense environmentally hazardous electrophilic and nucleophilic gases using density functional theory (DFT).
Charge-transfer dynamics at a Ag/Ni-MOF/Cu2O heterostructure in photoelectrochemical NH3production
Authors: Liu Ying , Lu Jianmin , Zhang Qianxiao , Bai Yajie , Pang Xuliang , Wang Song , Bai Hongye , Fan Weiqiang
Published: July 2021

The charge-transfer dynamics of Ag/Ni-MOF/Cu2O were first demonstrated by ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy. DFT calculations further reveal the superior pathway for N2reduction over the unsaturated Ni2+sites.
Photo-uncaging a Ru(ii) intercalator via photodecomposition of a bridged Mn(i) photoCORM
Authors: Pickens Rachael N. , Judd Grace L. , White Jessica K.
Published: July 2021

DNA intercalation of a Ru(ii) complex is inhibited until exposed to visible light and Mn(i) photoCORM is released.
Diversity-oriented synthesis of benzofuro[3,2-b]pyridine derivatives from aurone-derived α,β-unsaturated imines and activated terminal alkynes
Authors: Cheng Bin , Li Hui , Zhu Xuecheng , Zhang Xinping , He Yixuan , Sun Haiyan , Wang Taimin , Zhai Hongbin
Published: July 2021

Diversity-oriented synthesis of benzofuro[3,2-b]pyridines from aurone-derived α,β-unsaturated imines with activated terminal alkynes was achieved with different catalysts.
Bis-acenaphthoquinone diimides with high electron deficiency and good coplanar conformation
Authors: Yang Xin , Yan Yongkun , Zeng Weixuan , Song Ying , Li Wenhao , Zhao Lingli , Zhao Yan , Chen Huajie , Liu Yunqi
Published: July 2021

This work reports the synthesis and charge-transport properties of a novel family of bis-acenaphthoquinone diimides, which show high electron deficiency and good coplanar conformation.
Asymmetric synthesis of chiral organosilicon compounds via transition metal-catalyzed stereoselective C–H activation and silylation
Authors: Zhang Ming , Gao Shan , Tang Juan , Chen Ling , Liu Aihua , Sheng Shouri , Zhang Ai Qin
Published: July 2021

Central, axial, planar, or helical chiral silylated compounds have been asymmetrically synthesized via transition metal-catalyzed stereoselective C–H activation/silylation.
Three intersecting {V12} rings: {V30Sb8}, an ultra-large polyoxovanadate cluster shell
Authors: Lühmann Henning , Näther Christian , van Leusen Jan , Kögerler Paul , Bensch Wolfgang
Published: July 2021

In contrast to all smaller, all-convex antimonato-polyoxovanadates, the cluster sphere [VIV30SbIII8O78]12− reaches a dimension that allows for concave substructures and discrete SbO3 building blocks.
Facile synthesis of spherical covalent organic frameworks as stationary phases for short-column liquid chromatography
Authors: Zheng Qiong , He Yanting , Ma Wende , Wu Yijing , Chen Zihan , Wang Ran , Tong Wei , Lin Zian
Published: July 2021

Micron-sized spherical covalent organic frameworks (SCOFs) were simply synthesized and used for the first time as stationary phases for the separation of various small molecules and protein digests using short-column liquid chromatography.
A bug in enantiomer separation: double salt formation – diastereomeric and double salt structures of 1-cyclohexylethylammonium 2- and 4-chloromandelate
Authors: Bereczki Laura , Zodge Amit , Kőrösi Márton , Holczbauer Tamás , De Sourav , Székely Edit , Bombicz Petra
Published: July 2021

The number of crystal structures of diastereomeric salt pairs and especially of double salts is limited in the literature.
A highly stable Zn coordination polymer exhibiting pH-dependent fluorescence and as a visually ratiometric and on–off fluorescent sensor
Authors: Chuang Po-Min , Wu Jing-Yun
Published: July 2021

A thermally and chemically stable Zn coordination polymer exhibiting pH-dependent fluorescence behaves as a multi-responsive fluorescent sensor for ratiometric and on–off detection of multiple analytes.
A theoretical investigation of 38-atom CuPd clusters: the effect of potential parameterisation on structure and segregation
Authors: Casey-Stevens Caitlin A. , Yang Mingrui , Weal Geoffrey R. , McIntyre Samantha M. , Nally Brianna K. , Garden Anna L.
Published: July 2021

The structure of 38-atom CuPd clusters varies with composition, with three zones of motif stability; Pd38 to Cu4Pd34 are mostly truncated octahedrons (TOs), Cu5Pd33 to Cu25Pd13 are mostly pancake icosahedrons, and Cu26Pd12 to Cu38 are again TOs.
A theoretical approach to evaluate and understand the electrical properties of the electrode materials of batteries
Authors: Yousefi-Mashhour Hatef , Kalantarian Mohammad Mahdi
Published: July 2021

A novel inclusive evaluation approach for electrodes’ electrical properties is proposed. It considers path of electron/hole transfer, band gaps, DOS bands’ configurations, semiconductor junction features, and the electric-field direction in the cell.
Electron spin dynamics in excited state photochemistry: recent development in the study of intersystem crossing and charge transfer in organic compounds
Authors: Imran Muhammad , Zhang Xue , Wang Zhijia , Chen Xi , Zhao Jianzhang , Barbon Antonio , Voronkova Violeta K.
Published: July 2021

Recent developments of electron spin dynamics in organic molecular systems studied by time-resolved electron paramagnetic spectroscopy are summarized.
Symmetry mismatch controlled ferroelastic domain ordering and the functional properties of manganite films on cubic miscut substrates
Authors: Paudel Binod , Kang Kyeong Tae , Sharma Yogesh , Nakotte Heinrich , Yarotski Dmitry , Chen Aiping
Published: July 2021

This work reports the correlation between functional properties and microstructure in ferroelastic La0.9Sr0.1MnO3 epitaxial thin films on SrTiO3 (001) substrates with different miscut angles.
Insight into the thermal stability of DNA in hydrated ionic liquids from multi-wavelength UV resonance Raman experiments
Authors: Rossi Barbara , Tortora Mariagrazia , Catalini Sara , Vigna Jacopo , Mancini Ines , Gessini Alessandro , Masciovecchio Claudio , Mele Andrea
Published: July 2021

Preferential interactions between the imidazolium cations of ionic liquids and the guanine residues in the DNA groove lead to more effective stacking between the guanine bases even at high temperatures, thus favoring the thermal stability of DNA.
Combining steady state and temperature jump IR spectroscopy to investigate the allosteric effects of ligand binding to dsDNA
Authors: Dale Jessica , Howe C. Peter , Toncrova Hedvika , Fritzsch Robby , Greetham Gregory M. , Clark Ian P. , Towrie Michael , Parker Anthony W. , McLeish Thomas C. , Hunt Neil T.
Published: July 2021

Changes in the structural dynamics of double stranded (ds)DNA upon ligand binding measured using T-jump spectroscopy are linked to the mechanism of allostery without conformational change.
Gas-phase synthesis and deposition of metal–bipyridine complex [M–bpy1–2]+ (M = Ag, Cu)
Authors: Guo Mengdi , Huang Benben , Yi Qiuhao , Luo Zhixun
Published: July 2021

Small Agn+ and Cun+ clusters react with 2,2′-bipyridine in the gas-phase giving rise to the production of [M–bpy1–2]+ (M = Ag, Cu).
Computational investigation of two-dimensional borides with planar octacoordinated main group elements
Authors: Yang Jiashu , Yu Linke , Li Fengyu
Published: July 2021

AlB4 monolayer is stable in the planar octacoordinate motif and can be used for electrocatalyzing hydrogen evolution reaction.
Cobalt–iron zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) as microfibers for the effective detection of hydroquinone
Authors: Thenrajan Thatchanamoorthy , Sam Sankar Selvasundarsekar , Srinivasan Girija , Kundu Subrata , Wilson Jeyaraj
Published: July 2021

CoFe-ZIF-MFs have been synthesized using a simple wet chemical and electrospinning approach. The fabricated microfibers were utilized for the electrochemical sensing of HQ and demonstrated a superior selectivity.
Pristine lignin as a flame retardant in flexible PU foam
Authors: Zhang Dongqiao , Zeng Jia , Liu Weifeng , Qiu Xueqing , Qian Yong , Zhang He , Yang Yi , Liu Meng , Yang Dongjie
Published: July 2021

Pristine lignin could completely prevent fire from destroying PU foam through growing protective thermal char, dilution of oxygen and radical scavenging.
Hydrogen production from bioinspired methanol reforming at room temperature
Authors: Shen Yangbin , Xu Ziwen , Wang Luqi , Zhan Yulu
Published: July 2021

Hydrogen is a promising energy carrier because of its high gravimetric energy density and extensive sources.
Direct transformation of industrial vegetable waste into bioplastic composites intended for agricultural mulch films
Authors: Merino Danila , Simonutti Roberto , Perotto Giovanni , Athanassiou Athanassia
Published: July 2021

The development of mulch films from wastes of vegetables represents a sustainable alternative to the traditionally used polyethylene ones that follow the principles of circular economy.
Visible light mediated selective oxidation of alcohols and oxidative dehydrogenation of N-heterocycles using scalable and reusable La-doped NiWO4 nanoparticles
Authors: Abinaya R. , Mani Rahulan K. , Srinath S. , Rahman Abdul , Divya P. , Balasubramaniam K. K. , Sridhar R. , Baskar B.
Published: July 2021

Visible light-mediated selective and efficient oxidation of various primary/secondary benzyl alcohols to aldehydes/ketones and ODH of partially saturated heterocycles using a scalable and reusable heterogeneous photoredox catalyst are described.
Applying multivariate analysis to X-ray diffraction computed tomography: the study of medieval applied brocades
Authors: Bordet Pierre , Kergourlay Florian , Pinto Ariane , Blanc Nils , Martinetto Pauline
Published: July 2021

Phase mapping and quantitative analysis of complex cultural heritage materials thanks to multivariate analysis applied to XRD-CT data.
VISTA inhibitors in cancer immunotherapy: a short perspective on recent progresses
Authors: Wu Chenyang , Cao Xin , Zhang Xiaojin
Published: July 2021

This review reports the function of VISTA in modulating immune response, and recent advances in VISTA inhibitor development.
Highly efficient solar-driven photocatalytic hydrogen evolution by a ternary 3D ZnIn2S4–MoS2 microsphere/1D TiO2 nanobelt heterostructure
Authors: Zhou Hanghang , Wang Lan , Shi Hang , Zhang Huan , Wang Yue , Bai Shiqi , Yang Yifan , Li Yujuan , Zhang Tingting , Zhang Hongzhong
Published: July 2021

Herein, a novel ternary three-dimensional (3D) ZnIn2S4–MoS2 microsphere/one-dimensional (1D) TiO2 nanobelt photocatalyst was created, achieving excellent photocatalytic H2 evolution performance under visible light irradiation.
Conversion of glucose to levulinic acid and upgradation to γ-valerolactone on Ru/TiO2 catalysts
Authors: Liu Yubo , Ding Guoqiang , Zhao Guoping , She Haohao , Zhu Yulei , Yang Yong
Published: July 2021

Combining glucose dehydration and the subsequent hydrogenation in one pot without extra energy-intensive separation.
A {BW12O40} hybrid decorated by Ag+ for use as a supercapacitor electrode material and photocatalyst
Authors: Liang Qiu-Lan , Du Na-Na , Gong Li-Ge , Wang Chun-Xiao , Wang Chun-Mei , Yu Kai , Zhou Bai-Bin
Published: July 2021

Through a hydrothermal method, we successfully synthesized a supramolecular compound [{Ag(phen)2}4{Ag(phen)}2(H2BW12O40)2]. The as-synthesized material exhibited excellent supercapacitive and photocatalytic performances.
A bench-stable N-trifluoroacetyl nitrene equivalent for a simple synthesis of 2-trifluoromethyl oxazoles
Authors: Kobayashi Yusuke , Masakado Sota , Murai Takuya , Hamada Shohei , Furuta Takumi , Takemoto Yoshiji
Published: July 2021

ortho-Nitro-substituted N-trifluoroacetyl imino-λ3-iodane is a bench-stable trifluoroacetyl nitrene precursor, in which intra- and intermolecular halogen bonding (XB) plays an important role.
A large-bandgap copolymer donor for efficient ternary organic solar cells
Authors: Luo Yue , Chen Xiujuan , Xiao Zuo , Liu Shengjian , Yin Meizhen , Ding Liming
Published: July 2021

A 2.18 eV bandgap copolymer donor C1 was developed for efficient ternary organic solar cells.
A multi-responsive supramolecular heparin-based biohybrid metallogel constructed by controlled self-assembly based on metal–ligand, host–guest and electrostatic interactions
Authors: Wu Gui-Yuan , Liang Chao , Li Hao , Zhang Xianyi , Yao Guanxin , Zhu Fan-Fan , Hu Yi-Xiong , Yin Guang-Qiang , Zheng Wei , Lu Zhou
Published: July 2021

A new family of supramolecular heparin-based biohybrid metallogels with multiple stimuli-responsive behaviours was constructed through the controlled self-assembly based on three orthogonal interactions within a single system.
Sunlight-mediated [3 + 2] cycloaddition of azobenzenes with arynes: an approach toward the carbazole skeleton
Authors: Zhang Wenjie , Bu Jiahui , Wang Lei , Li Pinhua , Li Hongji
Published: July 2021

A mild sunlight-mediated [3 + 2] cycloaddition of azobenzenes with arynes has been established for the construction of the carbazole backbone.
Synthesis of optically active 2-substituted azetidine-2-carbonitriles from chiral 1-arylethylamine via α-alkylation of N-borane complexes
Authors: Tayama Eiji , Nakanome Nobuhiro
Published: July 2021

Synthesis of optically active 2-substituted azetidine-2-carbonitriles by LDA-promoted diastereoselective α-alkylation of borane N-((S)-1-arylethyl)azetidine-2-carbonitrile complexes was demonstrated.
Mo-doping allows high performance for a perovskite cathode applied in proton-conducting solid oxide fuel cells
Authors: Li Xiaomei , Liu Yinhua , Liu Wenyun , Wang Chao , Xu Xi , Dai Hailu , Wang Xianfen , Bi Lei
Published: July 2021

The Mo-doping strategy allows the traditional Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3−δ (BSCF) cathode to show improvements in hydration ability, proton migration ability and chemical stability, leading to high performance of the fuel cell with good stability.
Mechanism of BIP-4 mediated inhibition of InsP3Kinase-A
Authors: Paraschiakos Themistoklis , Flat Wilhelm , Chen Ya , Kirchmair Johannes , Windhorst Sabine
Published: July 2021

Overexpression of the neuronal InsP3kinase-A increases malignancy of different tumor types. Since InsP3kinase-A highly selectively binds Ins(1,4,5)P3, small molecules competing with Ins(1,4,5)P3 provide a promising approach for the therapeutic targeting of InsP3kinase-A. Based on this consideration, we analyzed the binding mechanism of BIP-4 (2-[3,5-dimethyl-1-(4-nitrophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]-5, 8-dinitro-1H-benzo[de]isoquinoline-1,3(2H)-dione), a known competitive small-molecule inhibitor of Ins(1,4,5)P3. We tested a total of 80 BIP-4 related compounds in biochemical assays. The results of these experiments revealed that neither the nitrophenyl nor the benzisochinoline group inhibited InsP3kinase-A activity. Moreover, none of the BIP-4 related compounds competed for Ins(1,4,5)P3, demonstrating the high selectivity of BIP-4. To analyze the inhibition mechanism of BIP-4, mutagenesis experiments were performed. The results of these experiments suggest that the nitro groups attached to the benzisochinoline ring compete for binding of Ins(1,4,5)P3 while the nitrophenyl group is associated with amino acids of the ATP-binding pocket. Our results now offer the possibility to optimize BIP-4 to design specific InsP3Kinase-A inhibitors suitable for therapeutic targeting of the enzyme.
Intelligibility, Articulation Rate, Fluency, and Communicative Efficiency in Typically Developing Children
Authors: Schölderle Theresa , Haas Elisabet , Baumeister Stefanie , Ziegler Wolfram
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This article describes the developmental trajectories of four communication-related parameters (i.e., intelligibility, articulation rate, fluency, and communicative efficiency) in a cross-sectional study of typically developing children between 3 and 9 years. The four target parameters were related to auditory-perceptual parameters of speech function.

Method

One hundred forty-four typically developing children (ages 3;0–9;11 [years;months]; 72 girls and 72 boys) participated. Speech samples were collected using the materials of the Bogenhausen Dysarthria Scales for Childhood Dysarthria, a German assessment tool for childhood dysarthria, and analyzed following established auditory-perceptual criteria on relevant speech functions. To assess intelligibility, naïve listeners transcribed sentences repeated by the children. Articulation rate and fluency were measured by acoustic analyses; communicative efficiency was determined by multiplying the proportion of correctly transcribed syllables by speech rate.

Results

Intelligibility showed a steep developmental trajectory, with the majority of children obtaining a proportion of intelligible syllables close to 1.0 at the age of 5 years. Articulation rate demonstrated a flatter trajectory, with high variability still within the older children. Disfluencies, on the contrary, occurred only in the youngest children. By definition, communicative efficiency shared the characteristics of intelligibility and rate curves. A principal component analysis revealed, among other findings, strong connections between intelligibility and articulation, as well as between communicative efficiency, articulation, and rate measures.

Conclusions

While children speak intelligibly, in terms of the applied assessment, at a comparably young age, other communication-relevant parameters show a slower developmental progress. Knowledge on the typical development of communication-related parameters and on their complex relationships with functional speech variables is crucial for the clinical assessment of childhood dysarthria.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.14880285
One-dimensional prominence threads
Authors: Terradas J. , Luna M. , Soler R. , Oliver R. , Carbonell M. , Ballester J. L.
Published: July 2021

Context. Threads are the building blocks of solar prominences and very often show longitudinal oscillatory motions that are strongly attenuated with time. The damping mechanism responsible for the reported oscillations is not fully understood yet.

Aims. To understand the oscillations and damping of prominence threads we must first investigate the nature of the equilibrium solutions that arise under static conditions and under the presence of radiative losses, thermal conduction, and background heating. This provides the basis to calculate the eigenmodes of the thread models.

Methods. The non-linear ordinary differential equations for hydrostatic and thermal equilibrium under the presence of gravity are solved using standard numerical techniques and simple analytical expressions are derived under certain approximations. The solutions to the equations represent a prominence thread, a dense and cold plasma region of a certain length that connects with the corona through a prominence corona transition region (PCTR). The solutions can also match with a chromospheric-like layer if a spatially dependent heating function localised around the footpoints is considered.

Results. We have obtained static solutions representing prominence threads and have investigated in detail the dependence of these solutions on the different parameters of the model. Among other results, we show that multiple condensations along a magnetic field line are possible, and that the effect of partial ionisation in the model can significantly modify the thermal balance in the thread, and therefore their length. This last parameter is also shown to be comparable to that reported in the observations when the radiative losses are reduced for typical thread temperatures.
The ALPINE-ALMA [CII] survey
Authors: Pozzi F. , Calura F. , Fudamoto Y. , Dessauges-Zavadsky M. , Gruppioni C. , Talia M. , Zamorani G. , Bethermin M. , Cimatti A. , Enia A. , Khusanova Y. , Decarli R. , Le Fèvre O. , Capak P. , Cassata P. , Faisst A. L. , Yan L. , Schaerer D. , Silverman J. , Bardelli S. , Boquien M. , Enia A. , Narayanan D. , Ginolfi M. , Hathi N. P. , Jones G. C. , Koekemoer A. M. , Lemaux B. C. , Loiacono F. , Maiolino R. , Riechers D. A. , Rodighiero G. , Romano M. , Vallini L. , Vergani D. , Zucca E.
Published: July 2021

Aims. The dust content of normal galaxies and the dust mass density (DMD) at high-z (z > 4) are unconstrained given the source confusion and the sensitivity limitations of previous observations. The ALMA Large Program to INvestigate [CII] at Early times (ALPINE), which targeted 118 ultra-violet (UV)-selected star-forming galaxies at 4.4 < z < 5.9, provides a new opportunity to tackle this issue for the first time with a statistically robust dataset.

Methods. We exploited the rest-frame far-infrared (FIR) fluxes of 23 galaxies individually detected in their continuum emission, as well as stacked continuum images, to measure the dust content of the 118 UV-selected ALPINE galaxies. We focused on the dust scaling relations and, by comparison with predictions from chemical evolution models, we probed the evolutionary stage of UV-selected galaxies at high-z. By using the observed correlation between the UV luminosity and the dust mass, we estimated the DMD of UV-selected galaxies at z ∼ 5, weighting the galaxies by means of the UV luminosity function. The derived DMD is compared with the value we estimated from ten ALPINE galaxies blindly detected in the FIR continuum, at the redshift of the ALPINE targets.

Results. Our ALMA survey allows the exploration for the first time of the dust content in normal star-forming galaxies at z > 4 in a statistically robust sample of sources. The comparison of the observed dust scaling relations with chemical evolution models suggests that ALPINE galaxies are not likely progenitors of disc galaxies, but of intermediate- and low-mass proto-spheroids, resulting in present-day bulges of spiral or elliptical galaxies. Interestingly, this conclusion is in line with the independent morphological analysis that shows that the majority (∼70%) of the dust-continuum detected galaxies have a disturbed morphology. The DMD obtained at z ∼ 5 from UV-selected sources is ∼30% of the value obtained from blind FIR-selected sources, showing that the UV selection misses the most dust-rich, UV-obscured galaxies.
[C II] 158 μm line emission from Orion A I. A template for extragalactic studies?
Authors: Pabst C. H. M. , Hacar A. , Goicoechea J. R. , Teyssier D. , Berné O. , Wolfire M. G. , Higgins R. D. , Chambers E. T. , Kabanovic S. , Güsten R. , Stutzki J. , Kramer C. , Tielens A. G. G. M.
Published: July 2021

Context. The [C II] 158 μm fine-structure line is one of the dominant coolants of the neutral interstellar medium. It is hence one of the brightest far-infrared (FIR) emission lines and can be observed not only in star-forming regions throughout the Galaxy, but also in the diffuse interstellar medium and in distant galaxies. [C II] line emission has been suggested to be a powerful tracer of star formation.

Aims. We aim to understand the origin of [C II] emission and its relation to other tracers of interstellar gas and dust. This includes a study of the heating efficiency of interstellar gas as traced by the [C II] line to test models of gas heating.

Methods. We made use of a one-square-degree map of velocity-resolved [C II] line emission toward the Orion Nebula complex, including M 43 and NGC 1977. We employed Herschel FIR photometric images to determine dust properties. Moreover, we compared with Hα emission from the ionized gas, Spitzer mid-infrared photometry to trace hot dust and large polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and velocity-resolved IRAM 30m CO(2–1) observations of the molecular gas.

Results. The [C II] intensity is tightly correlated with PAH emission in the IRAC 8 μm band and FIR emission from warm dust. However, the [C II] intensity depends less than linearly on the 8 μm and FIR intensity, while 8 μm and FIR intensities are approximately linearly correlated. The correlation between [C II] and CO(2–1) does not show a clear trend and is affected by the detailed geometry of the region. We find particularly low [C II]-over-FIR intensity ratios toward large columns of (warm and cold) dust, which suggest the interpretation of the “[C II] deficit” in terms of a “FIR excess”.

Conclusions. In terms of the [C II] deficit, we find clear evidence in our data for the importance of [O I] 63 μm emission in the photodissociation regions (PDRs) associated with the Huygens region. A smaller contribution is made by a decreased heating efficiency in regions of high UV irradiation. FIR emission from deeply embedded protostars leads to palpably deficient [C II]/FIR intensity ratios. The [C II] directly associated with the M 42, M 43, and NGC 1977 regions underestimates the star formation rate derived from extragalactic scaling relations. We ascribe this to the importance of [C II] emission from low surface brightness PDR surfaces of molecular clouds which are not included in our survey. Future studies of more active regions of massive star formation will be instrumental in validating the general applicability of these conclusions.
Study on the Strength Similarity Theory-Based Blasting Compaction Parameters Optimization
Authors: Xu Xue-yong , Liu Yuan-yuan , Xiao Xian-bo
Published: July 2021

The current blasting compaction faces technical difficulties brought by mud depth increment. The strength similarity theory provides theoretic support for deep mud blasting compaction, offering a large room for blasting parameters optimization. The author applied the strength similarity theory to engineering practice and introduced the deep mud soft foundation blasting compaction, blasting parameters selection, blasting safety and processing effect. According to detection results, the riprap settlement elevation and width can meet design requirements. The riprap bottom interface and bearing layer are well connected. Obvious mud layer is not found in the embankment core. It shows that the application of strength similarity theory achieves the satisfactory effect in the engineering practice.
Research on seismic technology of civil engineering structure based on GIS system
Authors: Jingjing Yu
Published: July 2021

The development and application of seismic technology in civil engineering structures is of great significance to extend the service life of buildings and improve the overall quality of buildings, so it is necessary to further strengthen the research on it. Geographic Information System (GIS) is a new subject integrating computer science, informatics, geography and other sciences. Because of its rapid and convenient management of massive data, GIS has been widely used in the fields of resource development, environmental protection, urban planning and construction, disaster monitoring and evaluation, etc. GIS is used to manage and analyze the data, and the damage detection module in the system is used to realize the structural damage identification. And use that special thematic analysis function of GIS to display the data on the map in the form of statistical graph, so that users can find the damage position more directly and clearly.
The progress in repair research of ancient timber structure
Authors: Sisi Li , Xun Zhou
Published: July 2021

Ancient architecture carries Chinese culture, which is helpful to understand the tradition. Timber structure is the main structure of ancient Chinese buildings, and most of the ancient timber structures have been overserved and have been damaged to varying degrees. Although timber structure is made of convenient materials, its low strength and vulnerability to corrosion increase the difficulty of the protection of ancient buildings, so the restoration of ancient buildings is imminent. Through literature research, this paper summarized the repair principles and reinforcement methods, and analyzed the effective methods and research progress of the repair and reinforcement of ancient timber structures from the traditional and modern aspects, and provided reference for the repair work of ancient timber structures.
Application of comprehensive advanced geological prediction technology in Da-puling tunnel
Authors: Liu Hewen , Yu Zhifa , Zhang Hao
Published: July 2021

For the Da-puling tunnel of Puqing Expressway in Guangxi, the advanced geological prediction is carried out by combining TSP long-distance forecast method with short distance geological radar method. This paper describes the principle of seismic wave propagation in elastic medium, as well as the key points of data processing and analysis, some requirements that should be paid attention to the field test and scientific way of image interpretation put forward to improve the accuracy of prediction; When TSP is deployed, it should be sharp angle with potential joint surface. P-wave reacts surrounding rock properties, the shear wave is closely related to the transverse skeleton of medium. In data interpretation, it is necessary to focus on the analysis of the characteristics of P-wave and S-wave, weakening Poisson’s ratio and Young’s modulus. TSP and GPR can achieve the mutual complement and improve the detection accuracy.