bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of IL-18 in addition to Th17 cytokines in rheumatoid arthritis development and treatment in women
Authors: Vasilev Georgi , Manolova Irena , Ivanova Mariana , Stanilov Iskren , Miteva Lyuba , Stanilova Spaska
Published: July 2021

We aimed to analyze serum pro-inflammatory profiles of female rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and compare them with healthy women to establish the relative importance of pro-inflammatory cytokines in RA and their relation with different treatment regimens. Levels of six cytokines were determined by ELISA assays. A supervised dimensionality reducing approach (PLS-DA Analysis) was applied. All of the cytokines assayed were significantly elevated in the sera of RA female patients than healthy controls with fold change: 21-fold for IL-6; 6.1-fold for IL-17A; 2.5-fold for IL-23; 2.3-fold for IL-18; 1.94-fold for TNF-α; 1.7-fold for IL-12p40. According to the results of the PLS-DA analysis, IL-17A, IL-18, and TNF-α were of higher importance rank compared to IL-23 and IL-12p40. Women in the early stage of RA displayed significantly elevated IL-17A levels than those with longer disease duration: 8.04 pg/ml [8.04–175.3] vs 4.64 pg/ml [2.95–13.31], p = 0.007. IL-6 serum levels were related to higher disease activity. We have demonstrated altered cytokine production within female RA patients on different treatment regimens. Those on Tocilizumab therapy showed elevated IL-6 levels and decreased IL-17A versus the rest of the patients’ subgroups. In conclusion, our data support the pivotal role of IL-18 in addition to IL-6, IL-17A, and TNF-α as the hierarchical cytokines in the pathogenesis of RA, particularly valid for women. Therapy with biological agents targeting IL-18 in addition to the Th17 axis may be an adequate approach in RA patients.
A phenotypic high-content, high-throughput screen identifies inhibitors of NLRP3 inflammasome activation
Authors: Nizami Sohaib , Millar Val , Arunasalam Kanisa , Zarganes-Tzitzikas Tryfon , Brough David , Tresadern Gary , Brennan Paul E. , Davis John B. , Ebner Daniel , Di Daniel Elena
Published: July 2021

Inhibition of the NACHT, LRR and PYD domains-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome has recently emerged as a promising therapeutic target for several inflammatory diseases. After priming and activation by inflammation triggers, NLRP3 forms a complex with apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD domain (ASC) followed by formation of the active inflammasome. Identification of inhibitors of NLRP3 activation requires a well-validated primary high-throughput assay followed by the deployment of a screening cascade of assays enabling studies of structure–activity relationship, compound selectivity and efficacy in disease models. We optimized a NLRP3-dependent fluorescent tagged ASC speck formation assay in murine immortalized bone marrow-derived macrophages and utilized it to screen a compound library of 81,000 small molecules. Our high-content screening assay yielded robust assay metrics and identified a number of inhibitors of NLRP3-dependent ASC speck formation, including compounds targeting HSP90, JAK and IKK-β. Additional assays to investigate inflammasome priming or activation, NLRP3 downstream effectors such as caspase-1, IL-1β and pyroptosis form the basis of a screening cascade to identify NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors in drug discovery programs.
The influence of subcolony-scale nesting habitat on the reproductive success of Adélie penguins
Authors: Schmidt Annie E. , Ballard Grant , Lescroël Amélie , Dugger Katie M. , Jongsomjit Dennis , Elrod Megan L. , Ainley David G.
Published: July 2021

Group-size variation is common in colonially breeding species, including seabirds, whose breeding colonies can vary in size by several orders of magnitude. Seabirds are some of the most threatened marine taxa and understanding the drivers of colony size variation is more important than ever. Reproductive success is an important demographic parameter that can impact colony size, and it varies in association with a number of factors, including nesting habitat quality. Within colonies, seabirds often aggregate into distinct groups or subcolonies that may vary in quality. We used data from two colonies of Adélie penguins 73 km apart on Ross Island, Antarctica, one large and one small to investigate (1) How subcolony habitat characteristics influence reproductive success and (2) How these relationships differ at a small (Cape Royds) and large (Cape Crozier) colony with different terrain characteristics. Subcolonies were characterized using terrain attributes (elevation, slope aspect, slope steepness, wind shelter, flow accumulation), as well group characteristics (area/size, perimeter-to-area ratio, and proximity to nest predators). Reproductive success was higher and less variable at the larger colony while subcolony characteristics explained more of the variance in reproductive success at the small colony. The most important variable influencing subcolony quality at both colonies was perimeter-to-area ratio, likely reflecting the importance of nest predation by south polar skuas along subcolony edges. The small colony contained a higher proportion of edge nests thus higher potential impact from skua nest predation. Stochastic environmental events may facilitate smaller colonies becoming “trapped” by nest predation: a rapid decline in the number of breeding individuals may increase the proportion of edge nests, leading to higher relative nest predation and hindering population recovery. Several terrain covariates were retained in the final models but which variables, the shapes of the relationships, and importance varied between colonies.
Effects of a virtual gender swap on social and temporal decision-making
Authors: Bolt Elena , Ho Jasmine T. , Roel Lesur Marte , Soutschek Alexander , Tobler Philippe N. , Lenggenhager Bigna
Published: July 2021

Mounting evidence has demonstrated that embodied virtual reality, during which physical bodies are replaced with virtual surrogates, can strongly alter cognition and behavior even when the virtual body radically differs from one’s own. One particular emergent area of interest is the investigation of how virtual gender swaps can influence choice behaviors. Economic decision-making paradigms have repeatedly shown that women tend to display more prosocial sharing choices than men. To examine whether a virtual gender swap can alter gender-specific differences in prosociality, 48 men and 51 women embodied either a same- or different-gender avatar in immersive virtual reality. In a between-subjects design, we differentiated between specifically social and non-social decision-making by means of a virtually administered interpersonal and intertemporal discounting task, respectively. We hypothesized that a virtual gender swap would elicit social behaviors that stereotypically align with the gender of the avatar. To relate potential effects to changes in self-perception, we also measured implicit and explicit identification with gendered (or gender-typical) traits prior to and following the virtual experience, and used questionnaires that assessed the strength of the illusion. Contrary to our hypothesis, our results show that participants made less prosocial decisions (i.e., became more selfish) in different-gender avatars, independent of their own biological sex. Moreover, women embodying a male avatar in particular were more sensitive to temptations of immediate rewards. Lastly, the manipulation had no effects on implicit and explicit identification with gendered traits. To conclude, while we showed that a virtual gender swap indeed alters decision-making, gender-based expectancies cannot account for all the task-specific interpersonal and intertemporal changes following the virtual gender swap.
Effect of cryoprotectant concentration on bovine oocyte permeability and comparison of two membrane permeability modelling approaches
Authors: García-Martínez Tania , Mogas Teresa , Mullen Steven F. , Martínez-Rodero Iris , Gulieva Ramila E. , Higgins Adam Z.
Published: July 2021

The plasma membrane permeability to water and cryoprotectant (CPA) significantly impacts vitrification efficiency of bovine oocytes. Our study was designed to determine the concentration-dependent permeability characteristics for immature (GV) and mature (MII) bovine oocytes in the presence of ethylene glycol (EG) and dimethyl sulphoxide (Me2SO), and to compare two different modeling approaches: the two parameter (2P) model and a nondilute transport model. Membrane permeability parameters were determined by consecutively exposing oocytes to increasing concentrations of Me2SO or EG. Higher water permeability was observed for MII oocytes than GV oocytes in the presence of both Me2SO and EG, and in all cases the water permeability was observed to decrease as CPA concentration increased. At high CPA concentrations, the CPA permeability was similar for Me2SO and EG, for both MII and GV oocytes, but at low concentrations the EG permeability of GV oocytes was substantially higher. Predictions of cell volume changes during CPA addition and removal indicate that accounting for the concentration dependence of permeability only has a modest effect, but there were substantial differences between the 2P model and the nondilute model during CPA removal, which may have implications for design of improved methods for bovine oocyte vitrification.
Combination of wet fixation and drying treatments to improve dye fixation onto spray-dyed cotton fabric
Authors: Lin Lina , Zhu Wenju , Zhang Cong , Hossain Md. Yousuf , Oli Zubair Bin Sayed , Pervez Md. Nahid , Sarker Shamima , Hoque Md. Ikram Ul , Cai Yingjie , Naddeo Vincenzo
Published: July 2021

The conventional dyeing process requires a substantial amount of auxiliaries and water, which leaches hazardous colored effluents to the environment. Herein, a newly developed sustainable spray dyeing system has been proposed for cotton fabric in the presence of reactive dyes, which has the potential to minimize the textile dyeing industries environmental impact in terms of water consumption and save significant energy. The results suggest that fresh dye solution can be mixed with an alkali solution before spray dyeing to avoid the reactive dye hydrolysis phenomenon. After that, drying at 60–100 °C, wet fixation treating for 1–6 min, and combined treatments (wet fixation + drying) were sequentially investigated and then dye fixation percentages were around 63–65%, 52–70%, and above 80%, respectively. Following this, fixation conditions were optimized using L16 orthogonal designs, including wet fixation time, temperature, dye concentration, and pH with four levels where the “larger-the-better” function was selected to maximize the dye fixation rate. Additionally, the color uniformity and wash and rubbing fastnesses were at an acceptable level when both treatments were applied. Finally, the dyes were hydrolyzed after wet fixation, and the hydrolysis percentages were enhanced after the drying process.
Evaluation of retinal vascular density and related factors in youth myopia without maculopathy using OCTA
Authors: Wang Tiantian , Li Hui , Zhang Rongrong , Yu Yan , Xiao Xin , Wu Changfan
Published: July 2021

To evaluate the retinal vascular flow density changes of myopic eyes of young adults using optical coherence tomography angiography and the factors affecting these changes. In this cross-sectional study, 90 eyes of 45 participants were analyzed and divided into three groups: mild, moderate, and high myopia (without pathological changes). Macular and radial peripapillary capillary flow densities were measured using optical coherence tomography angiography. Their relationships with the axial length, the spherical equivalent of the refractive error, and age were analyzed using analysis of variance, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and multivariate linear regression analysis. Superficial and deep macular vascular densities were significantly decreased in the high myopia group compared to the other groups. In the high myopia group, the nasal peripapillary flow density decreased, whereas the flow density inside the disc increased. The axial length negatively correlated with the superficial and deep macular vascular density, but positively correlated with the vascular density inside the disc. The spherical equivalent of the refractive error negatively correlated with the macular vascular density. The retinal vascular density decreased in the high myopia group. Hence, the microvascular network inside the disc may have a compensatory action in the hypoxic setting of high myopia.
Association of the classification and severity of heart failure with the incidence of contrast-induced acute kidney injury
Authors: Xu Tian , Lin Maoning , Shen Xiaohua , Wang Min , Zhang Wenjuan , Zhao Liding , Li Duanbin , Luan Yi , Zhang Wenbin
Published: July 2021

Congestive heart failure (HF) is a known risk factor of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI). However, the relationship of the classification and severity of HF with CI-AKI remains under-explored. From January 2009 to April 2019, we recruited patients undergoing elective PCI who had complete pre- and post-operative creatinine data. According to the levels of ejection fraction (EF), HF was classified as HF with reduced EF (HFrEF) [EF < 40%], HF with mid-range EF (HFmrEF) [EF 40–49%] and HF with preserved EF (HFpEF) [EF ≥ 50%]. CI-AKI was defined as an increase of either 25% or 0.5 mg/dL (44.2 μmoI/L) in serum baseline creatinine level within 72 h following the administration of the contrast agent. A total of 3848 patients were included in the study; mean age 67 years old, 33.9% females, 48.1% with HF, and 16.9% with CI-AKI. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, HF was an independent risk factor for CI-AKI (OR 1.316, p value < 0.05). Among patients with HF, decreased levels of EF (OR 0.985, p value < 0.05) and elevated levels of N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) (OR 1.168, p value < 0.05) were risk factors for CI-AKI. These results were consistent in subgroup analysis. Patients with HFrEF were more likely to develop CI-AKI than those with HFmrEF or HFpEF (OR 0.852, p value = 0.031). Additionally, lower levels of EF were risk factors for CI-AKI in the HFrEF and HFmrEF groups, but not in the HFpEF group. NT-proBNP was an independent risk factor for CI-AKI in the HFrEF, HFmrEF and HFpEF groups. Elevated levels of NT-proBNP are independent risk factors for CI-AKI irrespective of the classification of HF. Lower levels of EF were risk factors for CI-AKI in the HFrEF and HFmrEF groups, but not in the HFpEF group.
Energetic and health effects of protein overconsumption constrain dietary adaptation in an apex predator
Authors: Rode Karyn D. , Robbins Charles T. , Stricker Craig A. , Taras Brian D. , Tollefson Troy N.
Published: July 2021

Studies of predator feeding ecology commonly focus on energy intake. However, captive predators have been documented to selectively feed to optimize macronutrient intake. As many apex predators experience environmental changes that affect prey availability, limitations on selective feeding can affect energetics and health. We estimated the protein:fat ratio of diets consumed by wild polar bears using a novel isotope-based approach, measured protein:fat ratios selected by zoo polar bears offered dietary choice and examined potential energetic and health consequences of overconsuming protein. Dietary protein levels selected by wild and zoo polar bears were low and similar to selection observed in omnivorous brown bears, which reduced energy intake requirements by 70% compared with lean meat diets. Higher-protein diets fed to zoo polar bears during normal care were concurrent with high rates of mortality from kidney disease and liver cancer. Our results suggest that polar bears have low protein requirements and that limitations on selective consumption of marine mammal blubber consequent to climate change could meaningfully increase their energetic costs. Although bear protein requirements appear lower than those of other carnivores, the energetic and health consequences of protein overconsumption identified in this study have the potential to affect a wide range of taxa.
Prevalence of human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 and 2 (HTLV-1/-2) infection in pregnant women in Brazil: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Vieira Bruna Angelo , Bidinotto Augusto Bacelo , Dartora William Jones , Pedrotti Luana Giongo , de Oliveira Vanessa Martins , Wendland Eliana Márcia
Published: July 2021

Human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) infection may cause serious disease, while pathogenicity of HTLV-2 is less certain. There are no screening or surveillance programs for HTLV-1/-2 infection in Brazil. By performing this systematic review, we aimed to estimate the prevalence of HTLV-1/-2 infections in pregnant women in Brazil. This review included cohort and cross-sectional studies that assessed the presence of either HTLV-1/-2 infection in pregnant women in Brazil. We searched BVS/LILACS, Cochrane Library/CENTRAL, EMBASE, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science and gray literature from inception to August 2020. We identified 246 records in total. Twenty-six of those were included in the qualitative synthesis, while 17 of them were included in the meta-analysis. The prevalence of HTLV-1 in Brazilian pregnant women, as diagnosed by a positive screening test and a subsequent positive confirmatory test, was 0.32% (95% CI 0.19–1.54), while of HTLV-2 was 0.04% (95% CI 0.02–0.08). Subgroup analysis by region showed the highest prevalence in the Northeast region (0.60%; 95% CI 0.37–0.97) for HTLV-1 and in the South region (0.16%; 95% CI 0.02–1.10) for HTLV-2. The prevalence of HTLV-1 is much higher than HTLV-2 infection in pregnant Brazilian women with important differences between regions. The prevalence of both HTLV-1/-2 are higher in the Northeast compared to Center-West region.
Extrarenal expression of α-klotho, the kidney related longevity gene, in Heterocephalus glaber, the long living Naked Mole Rat
Authors: Morevati M. , Mace M. L. , Egstrand S. , Nordholm A. , Doganli C. , Strand J. , Rukov J. L. , Torsetnes S. B. , Gorbunova V. , Olgaard K. , Lewin E.
Published: July 2021

The Naked Mole Rat (NMR), Heterocephalus glaber, provides an interesting model for studying biomarkers of longevity due to its long lifespan of more than 30 years, almost ten times longer than that of mice and rats. α-Klotho (klotho) is an aging-suppressor gene, and overexpression of klotho is associated with extended lifespan in mice. Klotho is predominantly expressed in the kidney. The expression profile of klotho in the NMR has not previously been reported. The present investigation studied the expression of klotho in the kidney of NMR with that of Rattus Norvegicus (RN) and demonstrated that klotho was expressed in the kidney of NMR at the same level as found in RN. Besides, a significant expression of Kl mRNA was found in the liver of NMR, in contrast to RN, where no hepatic expression was detected. The Klotho expression was further confirmed at the protein level. Thus, the results of the present comparative study indicate a differential tissue expression of klotho between different species. Besides its important function in the kidney, Klotho might also be of significance in the liver of NMR. It is suggested that the hepatic extrarenal expression of klotho may function as a further longevity-related factor in supplement to the Klotho in the kidney.
Role of ICAM-1 in impaired retinal circulation in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
Authors: Yokota Harumasa , Nagaoka Taiji , Noma Hidetaka , Ofusa Akemi , Kanemaki Tomoe , Aso Hiroshi , Hanazaki Hirotsugu , Yamagami Satoru , Shimura Masahiko
Published: July 2021

Many studies have demonstrated that rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) leads to impaired retinal circulation. However, the involvement of inflammation in the RRD-induced worsening of retinal circulation was obscure. This retrospective observational study included 150 patients with primary RRD (macula-on, n = 63; macula-off, n = 87) who underwent 25-gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery (25G MIVS). Total retinal blood flow was represented by the mean blur rate (MBR) of the optic nerve head vessel, measured by laser speckle flowgraphy preoperatively and until 6 months postoperatively. Aqueous humor samples were obtained during surgery to determine cytokine concentrations by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. At 3 and 6 months postoperatively, there were no significant differences between eyes with macula-on RRD and fellow eyes. However, in macula-off RRD, MBR remained significantly lower in RRD eyes 6 months postoperatively (P < 0.05). Log-transformed levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) were negatively correlated with relative MBR (r-MBR, RRD eye/fellow eye) before surgery (r =  − 0.47, P = 0.01) in macula-on, but not macula-off, RRD. Six months postoperatively, r-MBR correlated significantly with sICAM-1 levels (r =  − 0.36, P = 0.02) in macula-off RRD. ICAM-1 may play a role in RRD-induced deterioration of retinal circulation.
Teaching of experimental design skills: results from a longitudinal study
Authors: Szalay L. , Tóth Z. , Borbás R.
Published: July 2021

This paper reports the findings of the second and the third year of a four year longitudinal empirical research into the modification of ‘step-by-step’ instructions to practical activities which require one or more steps to be designed by the students. This method had been successfully applied for a short period for 14–15 years old students. However, the first year of the current longitudinal study, investigating the approach's effectiveness (a) for younger students and (b) over a period of time, did not produce the expected results. Therefore the research model was modified at the beginning of the second year which began in September 2017 with over 800 13–14-year-old students. Each school year they spent six lessons carrying out practical activities using worksheets we provided. The participating classes were allocated to one of three groups. Group 1 was the control group. Students simply followed the step-by-step instructions. Groups 2 and 3 were experimental groups. Group 2 students followed the same instructions, but from the beginning of the second school year their worksheets explained the principles related to the experimental design of the step-by-step experiments carried out. Group 3 students followed the same instructions, but one or more steps were incomplete and students were required to design these steps, as in the first year. However, from the second year onwards Group 3 students were taught the relevant principles of the experimental design before they started planning and carrying out the experiments. The impact of the intervention on the students’ experimental design skills and disciplinary content knowledge was measured by structured tests. After the second school year of the project it was clear that both types of instruction (used in case of Group 2 and Group 3) had a significant positive effect on the results of the students disciplinary content knowledge and experimental design skills. However, the development seemed to stop in the third year of the project. In the third year, a student's achievement was influenced mostly by their school ranking.
A 3D cell printing-fabricated HepG2 liver spheroid model for high-content in situ quantification of drug-induced liver toxicity
Authors: Hong Sera , Song Joon Myong
Published: July 2021

A 3D printing-based HepG2 liver spheroid culture model was developed for in situ quantitative evaluation and high-content monitoring of drug-induced hepatotoxicity.
Assembly of tetra-nuclear YbIII-containing selenotungstate clusters: synthesis, structures, and magnetic properties
Authors: Han Li-Zhi , Jiao Cheng-Qi , Chen Wei-Chao , Shao Kui-Zhan , Jin Long-Yi , Su Zhong-Min
Published: July 2021

The first YbIII-containing POMs with a selenium heteroatom have been isolated, namely Keggin {Yb4Se6W44} and Wells–Dawson {Yb4Se6W45}, the former of which exhibits field-induced SMM behavior.
Multifunctional MOF-based probes for efficient detection and discrimination of Pb2+, Fe3+ and Cr2O72−/CrO42−
Authors: Wang Fengqin , Zhang Fengxiao , Zhao Zhongrui , Sun Zhenyu , Pu Yanyan , Wang Yanjun , Wang Xiaoqing
Published: July 2021

As sensors, both MOFs and Ln3+@MOFs exhibit multi-target detection performances. And also, the combination of Eu3+@MOFs and the original MOFs can effectively distinguish analytes due to different quenching effects.
Fabrication of two-phase Ca2+-doped LaVO4:Eu3+ structures: morphology modification, tunable optical performance and detection of Fe3+ ions with high sensitivity
Authors: Zeng Lingwei , Li Zhongyu , Zhou Hu , Zeng Jianxian , Yuan Zhengqiu , Chen Zhizhi , Tang Jianfeng
Published: July 2021

Schematic illustration of the morphology evolution of Ca2+-ion doping in m-LaVO4 and t-LaVO4 nanocrystals and their applications in Fe3+-ions’ detection.
Surface modification strategies to improve titanium hemocompatibility: a comprehensive review
Authors: Manivasagam Vignesh K. , Sabino Roberta M. , Kantam Prem , Popat Ketul C.
Published: July 2021

This manuscript aims to explore the hemocompatibility of titanium surfaces for achieving enhanced implant life. The surface treatment techniques investigated have shown that different surface properties can be tuned to improve hemocompatibility.
Multi-target weapons: diaryl-pyrazoline thiazolidinediones simultaneously targeting VEGFR-2 and HDAC cancer hallmarks
Authors: Upadhyay Neha , Tilekar Kalpana , Safuan Sabreena , Kumar Alan P. , Schweipert Markus , Meyer-Almes Franz-Josef , C S Ramaa
Published: July 2021

In anticancer drug discovery, multi-targeting compounds have been beneficial due to their advantages over single-targeting compounds.
Analysis of physicochemical properties of protein–protein interaction modulators suggests stronger alignment with the “rule of five”
Authors: Truong Jia , George Ashwin , Holien Jessica K.
Published: July 2021

The physicochemical properties of protein–protein interaction (PPI) modulators vary between those on the market, those in clinical trials, and those in the early drug discovery pipeline.
Complex coacervation of statistical polyelectrolytes: role of monomer sequences and formation of inhomogeneous coacervates
Authors: Yu Boyuan , Rumyantsev Artem M. , Jackson Nicholas E. , Liang Heyi , Ting Jeffrey M. , Meng Siqi , Tirrell Matthew V. , de Pablo Juan J.
Published: July 2021

Monomer sequences in statistical (co)polyelectrolytes can be used to tune complex coacervation, including density and structure of the polymer-rich phase.
One-step preparation of Cr2O3-based inks with long-term dispersion stability for inkjet applications
Authors: Xie Dongjin , Luo Qiuyi , Zhou Shen , Zu Mei , Cheng Haifeng
Published: July 2021

Acetylacetone ligand capped Cr2O3 pigment ink prepared by an annealing-free one-step solvothermal method for long-term dispersion stability simulated by a centrifugation test.
Vanadium doped CaTiO3 cuboids: role of vanadium in improving the photocatalytic activity
Authors: Bantawal Harsha , Shenoy U. Sandhya , Bhat D. Krishna
Published: July 2021

Electronic structure engineering for enhanced photocatalytic performance of orthorhombic calcium titanate cuboids via substitutional doping of vanadium.
Synthesis of regioisomeric maltose-based Man/Glc glycoclusters to control glycoligand presentation in 3D space
Authors: Jaeschke Sven Ole , vom Sondern Ingo , Lindhorst Thisbe K.
Published: July 2021

Regioisomeric maltose-based heterobivalent glycoclusters were designed to tease out the effect of glycoligand presentation in carbohydrate recognition employing bacterial adhesion. The measured effects were rationalized by molecular modelling.
Access to benzene-modified 2nd generation strigolactams and GR24 by merging C–H olefination with decarboxylative Giese cyclization
Authors: Ge Yuhua , Chen Xingyue , Dong Yi , Wang Hua-Nan , Li Yangyan , Chen Gang
Published: July 2021

Herein, we reported an efficient and general synthetic route to assemble benzene-modified 2nd generation strigolactams and GR24. The key features of this synthesis include a palladium-catalyzed ortho-selective olefination and a decarboxylative Giese radical cyclization.
Enantioselective construction of substituted pyridine and a seven-membered carbocyclic skeleton: biomimetic synthesis of (−)-rupestine D, (−)-guaipyridine, (−)-epiguaipyridine, and (−)-cananodine and their stereoisomers
Authors: Zhang Cun , Wang Bianlin , Aibibula Paruke , Zhao Jiangyu , Aisa Haji Akber
Published: July 2021

Guaipyridine alkaloids (−)-rupestine D, (−)-guaipyridine, (−)-epiguaipyridine, and (−)-cananodine together with two stereoisomers 8-epi-rupestine D and 5-epi-cananodine were synthesized enantioselectively from readily available citronellol.
Efficient organic light-emitting diodes with narrow emission bandwidths based on iridium(iii) complexes with a pyrido[3′,2′:4,5]pyrrolo[3,2,1-jk]carbazole unit
Authors: Liao Xiang-Ji , Zhu Jin-Jun , Yuan Li , Yan Zhi-Ping , Tu Zhen-Long , Mao Meng-Xi , Lu Jun-Jian , Zhang Wen-Wei , Zheng You-Xuan
Published: July 2021

Two iridium(iii) complexes containing a bulk and rigid pyrido[3′,2′:4,5]pyrrolo[3,2,1-jk]carbazole unit show a narrow FWHM bandwidth of about 30 nm in OLEDs with an EQEmax of 24.5% and an efficiency roll-off of less than 5%.
Novel nano-architectured carbon quantum dots (CQDs) with phosphorous acid tags as an efficient catalyst for the synthesis of multisubstituted 4H-pyran with indole moieties under mild conditions
Authors: Rasooll Milad Mohammadi , Zarei Mahmoud , Zolfigol Mohammad Ali , Sepehrmansourie Hassan , Omidi Afsaneh , Hasani Masoumeh , Gu Yanlong
Published: July 2021

A new nano-structured catalyst with phosphorus acid moieties, synthesized by the reaction of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) and phosphorus acid under refluxing EtOH.
Off-axis microsphere photolithography patterned nanohole array and other structures on an optical fiber tip for glucose sensing
Authors: Liu Jiayu , Jasim Ibrahem , Liu Tao , Huang Jie , Kinzel Edward , Almasri Mahmoud
Published: July 2021

Off-axis microsphere photolithography (MPL) was used as a method to create a plasmonic fiber-based sensor for glucose sensing. Sensitivity of 906 nm per RIU has been achieved. And multiple nanostructures have been successfully created on a fiber tip.
Transmol: repurposing a language model for molecular generation
Authors: Zhumagambetov Rustam , Molnár Ferdinand , Peshkov Vsevolod A. , Fazli Siamac
Published: July 2021

A novel molecular generation pipeline employing an attention-based neural network.
The application of amino acid ionic liquids as additives in the ultrasound-assisted extraction of plant material
Authors: Roman Barbara , Muzykiewicz-Szymańska Anna , Ossowicz-Rupniewska Paula , Klimowicz Adam , Janus Ewa
Published: July 2021

The antioxidant activity of the aqueous extracts fromLycopodium clavatum,Cetraria islandicaandDipsacus fullonumobtained by ionic liquids and ultrasound-assisted extraction (IL-UAE) method was determined.
Molecular dynamics insight into viscosity reduction of hydrolysed polyacrylamide by using carbon quantum dots
Authors: Yao Guice , Zhao Jin , Haruna Maje Alhaji , Wen Dongsheng
Published: July 2021

The hydrolysed polyacrylamide (HPAM) chain prefers to attach to the surface of the carbon quantum dot which results in the collapse of the chain.
Structure-based design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of novel piperine–resveratrol hybrids as antiproliferative agents targeting SIRT-2
Authors: Tantawy Ahmed H. , Meng Xiang-Gao , Marzouk Adel A. , Fouad Ali , Abdelazeem Ahmed H. , Youssif Bahaa G. M. , Jiang Hong , Wang Man-Qun
Published: July 2021

A series of novel piperine–resveratrol hybrids 5a–h was designed, synthesized, and structurally elucidated by IR, and 1H, 13C, and 19F NMR.
Cold–hot nature identification based on GC similarity analysis of Chinese herbal medicine ingredients
Authors: Wei Guohui , Fu Xianjun , He Xueying , Qiu Peng , Yue Lu , Rong Rong , Wang Zhenguo
Published: July 2021

A similarity-based kNN scheme for cold–hot nature identification.
Distribution of polyphenolic and sugar compounds in different buckwheat plant parts
Authors: Nešović Milica , Gašić Uroš , Tosti Tomislav , Horvacki Nikola , Nedić Nebojša , Sredojević Milica , Blagojević Stevan , Ignjatović Ljubiša , Tešić Živoslav
Published: July 2021

The aim of this study was to provide information on the phenolic and sugar profiles of different parts of the buckwheat plant, which can define that buckwheat is a functional food, with a high nutritional value and very useful for human health.
A rapid analysis of antioxidants in Sanghuangporus baumii by online extraction-HPLC-ABTS
Authors: Shen Qian-Hui , Huang Qi , Xie Ju-Ying , Wang Kun , Qian Zheng-Ming , Li De-Qiang
Published: July 2021

Rapid discovery of antioxidants from natural product by online OLE-HPLC-ABTS.
Optimisation of a gold nanoparticle-based aptasensor integrated with image processing for the colorimetric detection of acephate using response surface methodology
Authors: Osman Mohd Junaedy , Abdul Rashid Jahwarhar Izuan , Khim Ong Keat , Zin Wan Yunus Wan Md , Mohd Noor Siti Aminah , Mohd Kasim Noor Azilah , Knight Victor Feizal , Chuang Teoh Chin
Published: July 2021

We successfully optimized AuNPs, modified DNA aptamer and magnesium sulphate salt to enhance the selectivity and sensitivity for detection of Ac. The accuracy of the detection was also improved by image processing technique.
New insight into the electrochemical reduction of different aryldiazonium salts in aqueous solutions
Authors: Tavakkoli Zahra , Goljani Hamed , Sepehrmansourie Hassan , Nematollahi Davood , Zolfigol Mohammad Ali
Published: July 2021

Electrochemical reduction of different aryldiazonium salts in aqueous solution was studied. It is shown that the aryldiazonium salts are converted to the corresponding aryl radical and aryl anion.
Nitration of aromatics with dinitrogen pentoxide in a liquefied 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane medium
Authors: Kharchenko Alexandr K. , Fauziev Ruslan V. , Zharkov Mikhail N. , Kuchurov Ilya V. , Zlotin Sergei G.
Published: July 2021

A green, safe, and economical method for the production of nitroaromatics is developed. The method comprises the use of the eco-friendly nitrating agent, dinitrogen pentoxide, and liquefied 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane as the reusable reaction medium.
Facile synthesis of copper selenides with different stoichiometric compositions and their thermoelectric performance at a low temperature range
Authors: Li Longbin , Zhao Yifang , Shi Chaosheng , Zeng Wei , Liao Bing , Zhang Mingqiu , Tao Xiaoming
Published: July 2021

Copper selenides with different stoichiometric compositions were prepared via facile wet-chemistry methods and sintered-Cu2−xSe exhibited the highest ZT value at a low temperature range.
Catalyst free N-formylation of aromatic and aliphatic amines exploiting reductive formylation of CO2 using NaBH4
Authors: Kumar Arun , Sharma Pankaj , Sharma Nidhi , Kumar Yashwant , Mahajan Dinesh
Published: July 2021

Herein, we report a sustainable approach for N-formylation of aromatic as well as aliphatic amines using sodium borohydride and carbon dioxide gas.
Reactions of organic peroxy radicals, RO2, with substituted and biogenic alkenes at room temperature: unsuspected sinks for some RO2 in the atmosphere?
Authors: Nozière Barbara , Fache Fabienne
Published: July 2021

The reactions of organic peroxy radicals with alkenes, overlooked until now, could be more significant than expected for some RO2 in the atmosphere.
Oxa-spirocycles: synthesis, properties and applications
Authors: Fominova Kateryna , Diachuk Taras , Granat Dmitry , Savchuk Taras , Vilchynskyi Vladyslav , Svitlychnyi Oleksiy , Meliantsev Vladyslav , Kovalchuk Igor , Litskan Eduard , Levterov Vadym V. , Badlo Valentyn R. , Vaskevych Ruslan I. , Vaskevych Alla I. , Bolbut Andrii V. , Semeno Volodymyr V. , Iminov Rustam , Shvydenko Kostiantyn , Kuznetsova Anastasiia S. , Dmytriv Yurii V. , Vysochyn Daniil , Ripenko Vasyl , Tolmachev Andrei A. , Pavlova Olexandra , Kuznietsova Halyna , Pishel Iryna , Borysko Petro , Mykhailiuk Pavel K.
Published: July 2021

A general practical approach to a new generation of spirocyclic molecules – oxa-spirocycles – is developed.
Regular ordering of spherical microdomains in dewetted monolayer islands induced by thermal annealing of spin-coated ultrathin films of a triblock copolymer
Authors: Bayomi Rasha Ahmed Hanafy , Aoki Takashi , Sasaki Sono , Sakurai Shinichi
Published: July 2021

We report spontaneous dewetting of a spin-coated, ultra-thin film of a sphere-forming block copolymer upon thermal annealing, and that the dewetting resulted in the formation of plateau-shaped islands, in which the spherical microdomains are regularly ordered.
Unconventional rheological properties in systems of deformable particles
Authors: Pasupalak Anshuman , Samidurai Shawn Khuhan , Li Yanwei , Zheng Yuanjian , Ni Ran , Ciamarra Massimo Pica
Published: July 2021

We unveil a universal shear weakening crossover in various two-dimensional confluent models of solids whose energy depends on their shape,vianumerical simulations.
Seawater desalination derived entirely from ocean biomass
Authors: Liu Xiaojie , Tian Yanpei , Wu Yanzi , Caratenuto Andrew , Chen Fangqi , Cui Shuang , DeGiorgis Joseph A. , Wan Yinsheng , Zheng Yi
Published: July 2021

A full ocean biomass-derived hydrogel photothermal evaporator, composed of chitosan hydrogel as the hydratable skeleton and cuttlefish ink as the photothermal material, achieves a rapid evaporation rate of 4.1 kg m−2 h−1 under one sun irradiation.
Tailored template engineering of MoSe2/N,P-doped carbon nanospheres with sandwiched carbon and few-layered MoSe2 shells for stable and high-rate storage of Na+/K+-ions
Authors: Wang Xiaotong , Kang Wenpei , Wang Yuyu , Zhang Bingchen , Sun Daofeng
Published: July 2021

Core–double-shell MoSe2/N,P–C@N–C⊂MoSe2 nanospheres are obtained through a tailored template and used as a stable host for high-rate storage of Na+/K+-ions.
Adsorption site engineering: Cu–Ni(OH)2 sheets for efficient hydrogen evolution
Authors: Zhong Wenda , Yang Chenfan , Wu Jing , Xu Wenli , Zhao Rong , Xiang Hui , Shen Ke , Li Xuanke
Published: July 2021

The introduction of Jahn–Teller distortion and electron redistribution afford Cu–Ni(OH)2 with abundant active adsorption sites, facilitating the complete hydrogen evolution kinetics.
A novel self-healing triple physical cross-linked hydrogel for antibacterial dressing
Authors: Li Dongrun , Fei Xu , Wang Kang , Xu Longquan , Wang Yi , Tian Jing , Li Yao
Published: July 2021

Structure diagram and main properties of PAAMV hydrogel.
Measurement of Pharyngeal Air Pressure During Phonation Using High-Resolution Manometry
Authors: Hoffmeister Jesse D. , Ulmschneider Christopher L. , Jones Corinne A. , Ciucci Michelle R. , McCulloch Timothy M.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The study of air pressure in the vocal tract is essential to understanding vocal function. Changes in vocal tract shape during different phonatory gestures are hypothesized to produce nonuniform air pressure across lower vocal tract locations. Current methods of air pressure measurement, however, are limited to a single location in the anterior oral cavity. The purposes of this study were (a) to assess the feasibility of a novel method of simultaneously measuring phonatory air pressure at multiple locations across the lower vocal tract using high-resolution pharyngeal manometry (HRM) and (b) to compare pressure across locations and among phonatory tasks.

Method

Two subjects underwent HRM while performing phonatory tasks. A catheter was passed transnasally and air pressure was measured simultaneously at five locations between the velopharyngeal port and the upper esophageal sphincter. Descriptive statistics were calculated for each location by task, and for each task averaged across locations.

Results

HRM was well tolerated, and air pressures from multiple locations in the lower vocal tract were able to be obtained simultaneously. During vocal tract semi-occlusion tasks, air pressures differed by location. Pressures averaged across locations demonstrated a pattern of increasing pressure with increasing semi-occlusion.

Conclusions

HRM is feasible for measuring air pressure simultaneously at multiple locations in the lower vocal tract during phonation with high spatial and temporal resolution, providing rich data to augment understanding of vocal function. The high spatial and temporal resolution yielded by this new method, paired with preliminary evidence that pressures change by location as a function of phonatory task, may be useful in future assays exploring differences in lower vocal tract air pressures between normal and disordered populations.
La filière tomate de transformation à Haouaria en Tunisie : prédominance de la forme industrielle déterritorialisée
Authors: Arfa Lamia , Elloumi Mohamed
Published: July 2021

En Tunisie, la filière tomate de transformation joue un rôle majeur dans le développement socio-économique local de certains territoires. La plaine de Haouaria, région historiquement spécialisée dans cette production industrielle, connaît depuis les années 2010 un processus de déterritorialisation se traduisant en amont par une plus grande vulnérabilité des agriculteurs. L’objectif de cet article est de présenter les variables explicatives de ce processus. Pour ce faire, nous avons mobilisé le cadre conceptuel de l’approche filière. Notre démarche méthodologique s’est appuyée sur une recherche bibliographique et documentaire, des enquêtes de terrain auprès d’agriculteurs et de consommateurs, des entretiens avec les acteurs institutionnels et les industriels et enfin des focus groupes avec différentes parties prenantes de la filière. L’article analyse la structure et les mécanismes de régulation de la filière et estime le poids du territoire dans son développement. Nos résultats montrent que la structure de cette filière est dominée par la forme industrielle, avec des entreprises dont la production est peu diversifiée et est constituée principalement de double concentré de tomate, produit de base du modèle de consommation alimentaire tunisien. Cette structure se caractérise par une forte asymétrie de pouvoir ainsi qu’une répartition inégale de la valeur entre les acteurs économiques de la filière. Des mécanismes de régulations ont été développés par les acteurs économiques et l’État afin de s’adapter à diverses contraintes internes en amont, telles que la baisse de disponibilité en eau et la saturation du marché. Cette reconfiguration se traduit par une forte dépendance de cette filière à d’autres régions pour son développement. Finalement, il apparaît que la déterritorialisation de cette filière résulte des régulations internes et externes, alors que les actions de territorialisation (diversification des produits, reconnaissance par des dispositifs de labellisation, etc.) restent timides et ont du mal à se structurer.
Fauna, ecology, and protection of birds in the vicinity of Meryasovo village, Baymaksky district, republic of Bashkortostan of the Russian Federation
Authors: Bairamgulova G.R. , Zulkarnaev A.B. , Muzafarov S.M. , Yagafarova G.A. , Aminev F.G.
Published: July 2021

Avifauna is of great importance in anthropogenic, natural biocenoses. In order to regulate and protect them, it is necessary to investigate firstly the composition of the ornithofauna, secondly the specific distribution, and thirdly the population activity of the species composition. We studied the spatial and temporal structure of the avifauna in the vicinity of the village of Meryasovo in the Baymaksky district. We have identified 34 bird species belonging to 10 orders and 22 families in the vicinity of Meryasovo, Baimaksky district of the Republic of Bashkortostan. The conducted measures to preserve the bird habitats and territories with the main conditions for birds as breeding sites, stopping-off points during migration, wintering, moulting have contributed to the conservation of the bird fauna in the vicinity of Meryasovo village, Baymaksky district of the Republic of Bashkortostan.
The calculate of current transformers with combined magnetic cores
Authors: Batrashov Andrey , Stepanskaya Olga
Published: July 2021

The manufacture of current transformers is associated with many design constraints, which include the restricted dimensions of its installation places, requirements for the accuracy class, as well as the limitation on the safety factor or the minimum factor of the accuracy limit factor. In a design sense of current transformers, these requirements are contradictory, which resulting in a flexible approach to the manufacture of current transformers. The use of combined magnetic cores can be referred to one of these areas, in other words magnetic cores consisting of materials with different magnetic properties, which allows to obtain unique magnetic properties that are inaccessible when using magnetic cores of the same type (material), thus providing a rational model of production. The article presents a feature of calculating of current transformer with combined magnetic cores.
Influence of change in frictional condition of track rail surfaces on interaction forces in the “wheel/rail” contact
Authors: Parakhnenko Inna , Akkerman Sergey , Romanov Andrey , Shalamova Oksana
Published: July 2021

Determination of frictional condition of the running surface and side surface of the top of rail (lubrication) that ensures the best interaction of the rolling stock wheels and the rail, reduces the force action and thus ensures the track stability and reduced side wear of rails in the curved tracks is relevant for all the rail net.The objective of research is to determine the influence of frictional condition of the track rail surfaces on the interaction forces in the “wheel/rail” contact with various motion parameters (speed, radius).The theoretical and experimental methods were used in the research. The theoretical methods include multioptional computer modelling of axial and lateral forces that appear in the curved tracks during the freight train movement in the software package “Universal Mechanism”. The modelling results were processed with the use of correlation and regression analysis. The experimental methods include full-scale measurements in the existing track and results processing.According to the research results, the theoretical algorithms for assessment of influence of the running surface lubrication on the forces. The option of frictional condition of the wheel and rail interaction surfaces has been established to ensure reduction in the operating expenses for surfacing and rail replacement, energy costs for haulage of freight train.
Research of energy security problems of the Russian Federation considered by system-structural analysis
Authors: Karanina Elena , Abasheva Natalya
Published: July 2021

The authors of the article make an attempt to prove the need to apply a system-structural approach to studying an object in order to model its economic security system, demonstrated by the example of the energy industry. The authors conduct a consistent analysis of threats to Russia’s energy security as the most important strategic subsystem influencing national security. Among the most significant threats analyzed in the article are: changes in the structure of demand for energy resources and the structure of their consumption in the world, the propensity of states to “green energy” and the introduction of energy-saving technologies. Increasing energy efficiency requirements also have a significant impact on the industry. However, the long time lag of the fourth energy transition described in the article makes it necessary to increase the efficiency of using our most important resources - gas and oil - to generate electricity, which will ensure the energy security of the state in the near future. Therefore, the authors examine the risks posed by the internal environment of the electric power industry, and prove possible solutions ensuring its economic security.