bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adding a toe joint to a prosthesis: walking biomechanics, energetics, and preference of individuals with unilateral below-knee limb loss
Authors: McDonald Kirsty A. , Teater Rachel H. , Cruz Justin P. , Kerr John T. , Bastas Gerasimos , Zelik Karl E.
Published: January 2021

Toe joints play an important functional role in able-bodied walking; however, for prosthesis users, the effect of adding a toe joint to a passive prosthetic foot remains largely unknown. The current study explores the kinematics, kinetics, rate of oxygen consumption and user preference of nine individuals with below-knee limb loss. Participants walked on a passive prosthetic foot in two configurations: with a Flexible, articulating toe joint and with a Locked-out toe joint. During level treadmill gait, participants exhibited a decrease in Push-Off work when using the Flexible toe joint prosthesis versus the Locked toe joint prosthesis: 16% less from the prosthesis (p = 0.004) and 10% less at the center of mass level (p = 0.039). However, between configurations, participants exhibited little change in other gait kinematics or kinetics, and no apparent or consistent difference in the rate of oxygen consumption (p = 0.097). None of the traditional biomechanical or metabolic outcomes seemed to explain user preference. However, an unexpected and intriguing observation was that all participants who wore the prosthesis on their dominant limb preferred the Flexible toe joint, and every other participant preferred the Locked configuration. Although perhaps coincidental, such findings may suggest a potential link between user preference and limb dominance, offering an interesting avenue for future research.
SERCA2a ameliorates cardiomyocyte T-tubule remodeling via the calpain/JPH2 pathway to improve cardiac function in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion mice
Authors: Wang Shuai , Zhou You , Luo Yuanyuan , Kan Rongsheng , Chen Jingwen , Xuan Haochen , Wang Chaofan , Chen Junhong , Xu Tongda , Li Dongye
Published: January 2021

Transverse-tubules (T-tubules) play pivotal roles in Ca2+-induced, Ca2+ release and excitation–contraction coupling in cardiomyocytes. The purpose of this study was to uncover mechanisms where sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA2a) improved cardiac function through T-tubule regulation during myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). SERCA2a protein expression, cytoplasmic [Ca2+]i, calpain activity, junctophilin-2 (JPH2) protein expression and intracellular localization, cardiomyocyte T-tubules, contractility and calcium transients in single cardiomyocytes and in vivo cardiac functions were all examined after SERCA2a knockout and overexpression, and Calpain inhibitor PD150606 (PD) pretreatment, following myocardial I/R. This comprehensive approach was adopted to clarify SERCA2a mechanisms in improving cardiac function in mice. Calpain was activated during myocardial I/R, and led to the proteolytic cleavage of JPH2. This altered the T-tubule network, the contraction function/calcium transients in cardiomyocytes and in vivo cardiac functions. During myocardial I/R, PD pretreatment upregulated JPH2 expression and restored it to its intracellular location, repaired the T-tubule network, and contraction function/calcium transients of cardiomyocytes and cardiac functions in vivo. SERCA2a suppressed calpain activity via [Ca2+]i, and ameliorated these key indices. Our results suggest that SERCA2a ameliorates cardiomyocyte T-tubule remodeling via the calpain/JPH2 pathway, thereby improving cardiac function in myocardial I/R mice.
Syntheses of dinor-cis/iso-12-oxo-phytodienoic acid (dn-cis/iso-OPDAs), ancestral jasmonate phytohormones of the bryophyte Marchantia polymorpha L., and their catabolites
Authors: Wang Jianxin , Sakurai Haruka , Kato Nobuki , Kaji Takuya , Ueda Minoru
Published: January 2021

In recent years, the biology of the evolutionary origin of phytohormone signaling has made significant progress. Among them, the ligand-receptor co-evolution found in jasmonate signaling has attracted the attention of plant scientists. Dinor-cis-12-oxo-phytodienoic acid (dn-cis-OPDA, 4) and dn-iso-OPDA (5) are ancestral plant hormones of the bryophyte Marchantia polymorpha L. We succeeded in the first practical synthetic supply of these hormones as well as their possible catabolites. These compounds are expected to be useful in the study of ancestral jasmonate signaling in bryophytes.
Occupational pesticide exposure increases risk of acute myeloid leukemia: a meta-analysis of case–control studies including 3,955 cases and 9,948 controls
Authors: Foucault Amelie , Vallet Nicolas , Ravalet Noemie , Picou Frederic , Bene Marie C. , Gyan Emmanuel , Herault Olivier
Published: January 2021

The impact of pesticides on health is a major public health concern. A higher risk to develop chronic lymphoid malignancies has been demonstrated to be associated with occupational pesticide exposure (OPE). By contrast, little is known of the impact of OPE on the occurrence of myeloid malignancies especially acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The purpose of this meta-analysis is to summarize data on the association between OPE and AML. A relevant dataset of case–control studies was extracted. Among 6784 references extracted, 14 were selected, representing 3,955 AML patients and 9,948 control subjects diagnosed between 1976 and 2010. An adverse association was found between OPE and AML (OR = 1.51; 95%CI: 1.10–2.08), not affected by sensitivity analyses. Funnel plot asymmetry suggested a publication bias underestimating OR. Stratified analysis showed the association to be driven by studies with: (1) monocentric AML patients and hospital-based control population, (2) Newcastle–Ottawa scale > 6 and the group of studies identified as with the lowest risk, (3) exposure assessment through peer-to-peer interview, (4) diagnosis in North America and Asia and after 1995, (5) restriction to de novo AML. Moreover, the association between OPE and AML was significant with insecticides. These findings broaden the spectrum of pesticide toxicity to myeloid malignancies.
Rapid bone staining with hair removal (RAP-B/HR): a non-destructive and rapid whole-mount bone staining protocol optimized for adult hairy mice
Authors: Kariyama Nobuo , Sakata-Haga Hiromi , Tsukada Tsuyoshi , Shimada Hiroki , Taniguchi Makoto , Hatta Toshihisa
Published: January 2021

We developed a non-destructive and rapid whole-mount bone staining method for small fish, Xenopus laevis, and rodent fetuses (RAP-B). RAP-B does not require skin or soft tissue removal. However, RAP-B requires hair removal from hairy animals, such as adult mice and rats. In the present study, we investigated hair removal chemical treatments that did not result in soft tissue destruction. The hair removal effectiveness was investigated using a calcium mercaptoacetate or sodium mercaptoacetate solution on skin fragments obtained from the back of adult mice. A mixture of 2% sodium mercaptoacetate in 3% potassium hydroxide was found to be the most effective in complete hair removal from the skin. Using this hair removal treatment as a pretreatment for RAP-B, the preparation of fast-acting artifact-free whole-mount bone staining was possible without skin and soft tissue removal (RAP-B/HR). We performed a seamless observation from a low magnification wide-view to a high magnification without artifactacting artifacts using fluorescence zoom microscopy. Therefore, the combination of RAP-B/HR and fluorescent zoom microscopy is a novel platform for three-dimensional, wide-field, high-resolution pathological anatomical analysis.
Model-based analysis on social acceptability and feasibility of a focused protection strategy against the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Akamatsu Takashi , Nagae Takeshi , Osawa Minoru , Satsukawa Koki , Sakai Takara , Mizutani Daijiro
Published: January 2021

This paper studies the social acceptability and feasibility of a focused protection strategy against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We propose a control scheme to develop herd immunity while satisfying the following two basic requirements for a viable policy option. The first requirement is social acceptability: the overall deaths should be minimized for social acceptance. The second is feasibility: the healthcare system should not be overwhelmed to avoid various adverse effects. To exploit the fact that the disease severity increases considerably with age and comorbidities, we assume that some focused protection measures for those high-risk individuals are implemented and the disease does not spread within the high-risk population. Because the protected population has higher severity ratios than the unprotected population by definition, the protective measure can substantially reduce mortality in the whole population and also avoid the collapse of the healthcare system. Based on a simple susceptible-infected-recovered model, social acceptability and feasibility of the proposed strategy are summarized into two easily computable conditions. The proposed framework can be applied to various populations for studying the viability of herd immunity strategies against COVID-19. For Japan, herd immunity may be developed by the proposed scheme if $${\mathcal {R}}_0 \le 2.0$$

R
0

≤
2.0

and the severity rates of the disease are 1/10 times smaller than the previously reported value, although as high mortality as seasonal influenza is expected.
LncRNA EBLN3P promotes the progression of osteosarcoma through modifying the miR-224-5p/Rab10 signaling axis
Authors: Dai Shuhong , Li Ning , Zhou Ming , Yuan Yue , Yue Ding , Li Tao , Zhang Xiaowei
Published: January 2021

The treatment of patients with advanced-stage osteosarcoma represents a major challenge, with very few treatments currently approved. Although accumulating evidence has demonstrated the importance of lncRNAs in osteosarcoma, the current knowledge on the functional roles and molecular mechanisms of lncRNA endogenous born avirus-like nucleoprotein (EBLN3P) is limited. At present, the expressions of EBLN3P and miR-224-5p in osteosarcoma tissues were quantified by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR assay, and the expression of Ras-related protein 10 (Rab10) in osteosarcoma tissues was quantified by immunohistochemistry and western-blotting. The bioinformatics prediction software ENCORI was used to predict the putative binding sites of EBLN3P, Rab10 and miR-224-5p. The regulatory role of EBLN3P or miR-224-5p on cell proliferation, migration and invasion ability were verified by Cell Counting Kit-8, wound healing and Transwell assays, respectively. The interaction among EBLN3P, miR-224-5p and Rab10 were testified by luciferase. The increased expression of EBLN3P and Rab10 and decreased expression of miR-224-5p were observed in osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines. Besides, the overexpression of EBLN3P or knockdown of miR-224-5p were revealed to promote the proliferation, migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase assay revealed that EBLN3P could directly interacted with miR-224-5p to attenuate miR-224-5p binding to the Rab10 3′-untranslated region. Furthermore, the mechanistic investigations revealed activation of the miR-224-5p/Rab10 regulatory loop by knockdown of miR‐372-3p or overexpression of Rab10, thereby confirming the in vitro role of EBLN3P in promoting osteosarcoma cell proliferation, migration and invasion. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to demonstrate that EBLN3P may act as a competitive endogenous RNA to modulate Rab10 expression by competitive sponging to miR-224-5p, leading to the regulation of osteosarcoma progression, which indicates a possible new approach to osteosarcoma diagnosis and treatment.
Transcriptome profiling of cells exposed to particular and intense electromagnetic radiation emitted by the "SG-III" prototype laser facility
Authors: Wei Jiangbin , Shi Qiwu , Xiong Lidan , Xin Guang , Yi Tao , Xiao Yunqing , Huang Wanxia
Published: January 2021

The experiment of inertial confinement fusion by the “ShengGuang (SG)-III” prototype laser facility is a transient and extreme reaction process within several nanoseconds, which could form a very complicated and intense electromagnetic field around the target chamber of the facility and may lead to harmful effect on people around. In particular, the biological effects arising from such specific environment field could hardly be ignored and have never been investigated yet, and thus, we reported on the investigation of the biological effects of radiation on HaCat cells and PC12 cells to preliminarily assess the biological safety of the target range of the "SG-III" prototype laser facility. The viability revealed that the damage of cells was dose-dependent. Then we compared the transcriptomes of exposed and unexposed PC12 cells by RNA-Seq analysis based on Illumina Novaseq 6000 platform and found that most significantly differentially expressed genes with corresponding Gene Ontology terms and pathways were strongly involved in proliferation, transformation, necrosis, inflammation response, apoptosis and DNA damage. Furthermore, we find increase in the levels of several proteins responsible for cell-cycle regulation and tumor suppression, suggesting that pathways or mechanisms regarding DNA damage repair was are quickly activated. It was found that "SG-III" prototype radiation could induce DNA damage and promote apoptotic necrosis.
Risk of venous thromboembolism in Asian patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Heo Chan Mi , Kim Tae Jun , Kim Eun Ran , Hong Sung Noh , Chang Dong Kyung , Yang Mi , Kim Seonwoo , Kim Young-Ho
Published: January 2021

Routine prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in Asian IBD patients has been controversial. We aimed to estimate the risk of VTE of Asian patients at different phases of IBD by incorporating patient-specific risk factors. In this cohort study, we analyzed the National Health Insurance claims data between 2012 and 2016 for the entire Korean population. We calculated incidence rates and hazard ratios for VTE. The overall VTE risk was higher in patients with IBD [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR), 2.06; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.66–2.55], than in controls. When we compare the risk of VTE by different disease phases, the risk of VTE was the highest during post-operation period after IBD-related bowel surgery (aHR, 39.7; 95% CI 9.87–159.3), followed by during hospitalized periods with flare (aHR, 27.2; 95% CI 14.9–49.65) and during hospitalized periods with non-flare (aHR, 16.23; 95% CI 10.71–24.58). The incidence rate (per 1000 person-years) was 15.26 during hospitalized periods with a flare and 9.83 during hospitalized periods with non-flare. According to age groups, the incidence rate (per 1000 person-years) during hospitalized periods with flare was 14.53 in young patients (20–39 years) and 34.58 in older patients (60–80 years). During hospitalized periods with non-flare, the incidence rate was 3.55 in young patients and 23.61 in older patients. The prophylaxis of VTE for Asian patients with IBD should be recommended in older patients admitted to hospital and be considered in young patients who are hospitalized with a flare.
Polycomb represses a gene network controlling puberty via modulation of histone demethylase Kdm6b expression
Authors: Wright Hollis , Aylwin Carlos F. , Toro Carlos A. , Ojeda Sergio R. , Lomniczi Alejandro
Published: January 2021

Female puberty is subject to Polycomb Group (PcG)-dependent transcriptional repression. Kiss1, a puberty-activating gene, is a key target of this silencing mechanism. Using a gain-of-function approach and a systems biology strategy we now show that EED, an essential PcG component, acts in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus to alter the functional organization of a gene network involved in the stimulatory control of puberty. A central node of this network is Kdm6b, which encodes an enzyme that erases the PcG-dependent histone modification H3K27me3. Kiss1 is a first neighbor in the network; genes encoding glutamatergic receptors and potassium channels are second neighbors. By repressing Kdm6b expression, EED increases H3K27me3 abundance at these gene promoters, reducing gene expression throughout a gene network controlling puberty activation. These results indicate that Kdm6b repression is a basic mechanism used by PcG to modulate the biological output of puberty-activating gene networks.
Factors associated with smoking susceptibility among high school students in western Spain
Authors: Santano-Mogena E. , Franco-Antonio C. , Chimento-Díaz S. , Rico-Martín S. , Cordovilla-Guardia S.
Published: January 2021

The Expanded Susceptibility to Smoking Index (ESSI) is based on the combination of susceptibility to smoking and curiosity about smoking. The ESSI can identify young people who are at risk of starting to smoke cigarettes and related products. The objective of this study was to analyse the ESSI results and to examine factors associated with ESSI scores in students between 12 and 16 years of age. Sociodemographic, social/environmental and personal variables were analysed, and the ESSI value was determined for non-smoking students recruited from three schools in western Spain. Regression models were used to examine the factors associated with smoking for the entire sample and the factors associated with ESSI scores in the non-smoking population. Of the 377 participants who were analysed, 20.4% were smokers. Among the non-smokers, 53.5% and 55.3% presented medium–high ESSI scores for cigarettes and e-cigarettes, respectively, and 39.8% presented medium–high ESSI scores for hookah use. A higher ESSI score was associated with greater exposure to people smoking in the home, having more friends who smoke, alcohol consumption, and a higher impulsivity scale score. These findings reinforce the importance of reducing peer pressure and suggest the important role of resolve under conditions of positive affect on reducing impulsivity. Approaches based on self-efficacy could be addressed in preventive programmes developed in educational settings.
Prevalence and trigger factors of functional gastrointestinal disorders among male civil pilots in China
Authors: Li Chen , Xu Junrong , Yin Daiwen , Zhang Yuhai , Shan Dezhi , Jiang Xun , Shang Lei
Published: January 2021

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are common among the aircrew due to their arduous working environment. This study investigated the prevalence of FGIDs in Chinese male pilots and assessed the effects of trigger factors on the FGIDs. A cross-sectional study including 212 male pilots was performed in a Chinese large civil airline company. FGIDs were diagnosed according to the Rome IV diagnostic criteria. The psychological performance, dietary pattern, sleep situation, and physical activity of the respondents were assessed. Logistic regression analysis and structural equation modeling were used to explore the association between these trigger factors and FGIDs. FGIDs were observed in 83 (39.22%) respondents, of which 31 (37.35%) had overlap syndromes. Age, flight level, flight time, high-salt food pattern, anxiety, and sleep performance were found to be associated with FGIDs (all P < 0.05). Stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed that the flight level (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.31–0.080), high-salt food pattern (OR 2.31, 95% CI 1.28–4.16), and sleep performance (OR 2.39, 95% CI 1.11–5.14) were the influencing factors associated with FGIDs. Structural equation modeling confirmed the correlations between FGIDs and the occupational, dietary, and psychological factors with a reasonable fit. The preventive strategies were necessitated according to occupational and psychological characteristics.
An overview of molecular biology and nanotechnology based analytical methods for the detection of SARS-CoV-2: promising biotools for the rapid diagnosis of COVID-19
Authors: Kailasa Suresh Kumar , Mehta Vaibhavkumar N. , Koduru Janardhan Reddy , Basu Hirakendu , Singhal Rakesh Kumar , Murthy Z. V. P. , Park Tae-Jung
Published: January 2021

Molecular biology and nanotechnology based analytical methods have proven to be promising diagnostic tools for the rapid diagnosis of COVID-19.
Correction: ZIF-8-modified Au–Ag/Si nanoporous pillar array for active capture and ultrasensitive SERS-based detection of pentachlorophenol
Authors: Yan Lingling , Yang Peng , Cai Hongxin , Chen Liang , Wang Yongqiang , Li Ming
Published: January 2021

Correction for ‘ZIF-8-modified Au–Ag/Si nanoporous pillar array for active capture and ultrasensitive SERS-based detection of pentachlorophenol’ by Lingling Yan et al., Anal. Methods, 2020, 12, 4064–4071, DOI: 10.1039/D0AY00388C.
Low temperaturein situformation of cobalt in silicon nitride toward functional nitride nanocomposites
Authors: Tada Shotaro , Mallmann Maira Debarba , Takagi Haruna , Iihama Junya , Asakuma Norifumi , Asaka Toru , Daiko Yusuke , Honda Sawao , Nishihora Rafael Kenji , Machado Ricardo Antonio Francisco , Bernard Samuel , Iwamoto Yuji
Published: January 2021

A proposed reaction scheme forin situcontrolled low-temperature formation of metallic-Co at the early stage of pyrolysis of perhydropolysilazane (PHPS) coordinated with CoCI2.
Facile construction of N-doped carbon nanotubes encapsulating Co nanoparticles as a highly efficient multifunctional catalyst for electrochemical reactions
Authors: Chao Shujun , Liu Ping , Xia Qingyun , Liu Shuang , Chen WenGe , Li Wenge , Ni Tianjun
Published: January 2021

A multifunctional electrocatalyst, N-doped carbon nanotubes encapsulating Co nanoparticles (Co@NCNTs), has been synthesized by a facile solid-phase precursor pyrolysis method. It displays high performance for the ORR, OER and HER in alkaline medium.
A seven-coordinated DyIII single-ion magnet with C2v symmetry constructed by a multidentate Schiff-base ligand
Authors: Wang Ruirui , Yao Binling , Bai Feifei , Wang Wen , Li Licun , Ma Yue , Wang Qinglun , Zhao Bin , Zhang Yuanzhu
Published: January 2021

Utilizing a flexible Schiff-base ligand with large steric hindrance helps to stabilize the seven-coordinated LnIII complexes; DyIII complex with C2v low symmetry still displays the SIM behavior.
A photoenhanced oxidation of amino acids and the cross-linking of lysozyme mediated by tetrazolium salts
Authors: Zhao Jianfeng , Zhu Ruixue , Zhang Xiting , Zhang Bowu , Liu Yancheng , Li Yuanchun , Wang Wenfeng , Phillips David Lee
Published: January 2021

Mechanisms of UV light-enabled strong oxidizing capacity of tetrazolium salts and their oxidization towards proteins were first elucidated.
Energetics and kinetics of various cyano radical hydrogen abstractions
Authors: Burke Alexandra D. , Bowman Michael C. , Turney Justin M. , Schaefer Henry F.
Published: January 2021

Accurate energetics and rate constants have been obtained for various hydrogen abstraction reactions by the cyano radical using highly accurateab initiomethods.
Heterolytic cleavage of dihydrogen (HCD) in metal nanoparticle catalysis
Authors: Cano Israel , Martínez-Prieto Luis M. , van Leeuwen Piet W. N. M.
Published: January 2021

Supports, ligands and additives can promote heterolytic H2splitting by a cooperative mechanism with metal nanoparticles.
Comprehensive organic emission profiles, secondary organic aerosol production potential, and OH reactivity of domestic fuel combustion in Delhi, India
Authors: Stewart Gareth J. , Nelson Beth S. , Acton W. Joe F. , Vaughan Adam R. , Hopkins James R. , Yunus Siti S. M. , Hewitt C. Nicholas , Nemitz Eiko , Mandal Tuhin K. , Gadi Ranu , Sahu Lokesh. K. , Rickard Andrew R. , Lee James D. , Hamilton Jacqueline F.
Published: January 2021

This study examines the volatility distribution of organic emissions from solid fuel combustion sources from Delhi, India, and examines the chemical drivers of the OH reactivity and the secondary organic aerosol production potential.
Exploring the protective effect ofGynura procumbensagainst type 2 diabetes mellitus by network pharmacology and validation in C57BL/KsJ db/db mice
Authors: Guo Sa , Ouyang Hui , Du Wendi , Li Junmao , Liu Mi , Yang Shilin , He Mingzhen , Feng Yulin
Published: January 2021

Flowchart of the experimental procedures.
Collaborative virtual screening to elaborate an imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine hit series for visceral leishmaniasis
Authors: Akao Yuichiro , Canan Stacie , Cao Yafeng , Condroski Kevin , Engkvist Ola , Itono Sachiko , Kaki Rina , Kimura Chiaki , Kogej Thierry , Nagaoka Kazuya , Naito Akira , Nakai Hiromi , Pairaudeau Garry , Radu Constantin , Roberts Ieuan , Shimada Mitsuyuki , Shum David , Watanabe Nao-aki , Xie Huanxu , Yonezawa Shuji , Yoshida Osamu , Yoshida Ryu , Mowbray Charles , Perry Benjamin
Published: January 2021

Ligand-based similarity screening of proprietary pharmaceutical company libraries enables rapid hit to lead investigation of a chemotype with anti-leishmania activity.
Nanoparticles and bioorthogonal chemistry joining forces for improved biomedical applications
Authors: Idiago-López Javier , Moreno-Antolín Eduardo , de la Fuente Jesús M. , Fratila Raluca M.
Published: January 2021

Herein, we summarise the recent efforts to bring together the unique properties of nanoparticles and the remarkable features of bioorthogonal reactions for creating a toolbox of new or improved biomedical applications.
Synthesis of novel porphyrin derivatives and their self-assemblies to enhance photocatalytic performance
Authors: Pei Jinghe , Gao Bo , Li Yanhui , Duan Qian
Published: January 2021

Preparation of new porphyrin derivatives and their self-assemblies to improve photocatalytic performance.
Role of non-covalent interactions in the supramolecular architectures of mercury(ii) diphenyldithiophosphates: An experimental and theoretical investigation
Authors: Kumar Pretam , Banerjee Snehasis , Radha Anu , Firdoos Tahira , Sahoo Subash Chandra , Pandey Sushil K.
Published: January 2021

The H-bond, spodium bond and CH⋯π interactions playing an important role in the supramolecular organization of two mercury(ii) diphenyldithiophosphate complexes have been discussed.
A new one-pot synthesis of pseudopeptide connected to sulfonamide via the tandem N-sulfonylation/Ugi reactions
Authors: Nazeri Mohammad Taghi , Beygzade Nowee Ali , Shaabani Ahmad
Published: January 2021

In this study, an efficient one-pot reaction is reported for the synthesis of a new class of pseudopeptide connected to sulfonamide via a tandem N-sulfonylation/Ugi four-component reaction (Ugi-4CR) strategy under mild conditions in high yields.
Size and ligand effects of gold nanoclusters in alteration of organellar state and translocation of transcription factors in human primary astrocytes
Authors: Gran Evan Rizzel , Bertorelle Franck , Fakhouri Hussein , Antoine Rodolphe , Perić Bakulić Martina , Sanader Maršić Željka , Bonačić-Koutecký Vlasta , Blain Manon , Antel Jack , Maysinger Dusica
Published: January 2021

Ultra-small gold nanoclusters are atomically precise structures that modulate organelles and redox-responsive transcription factors in human primary astrocytes.
Mortise–tenon joint structured hydrophobic surface-functionalized barium titanate/polyvinylidene fluoride nanocomposites for printed self-powered wearable sensors
Authors: Li Hai , Song Hoseong , Long Mengjie , Saeed Ghuzanfar , Lim Sooman
Published: January 2021

This 3D-printed self-powered sensor based on the surface hydrophobic functionalized FD-BTO/PVDF composite film exhibits excellent performance and can contribute significantly to the development of printed electronic wearable devices.
Different effects of metal-NHC bond cleavage on the Pd/NHC and Ni/NHC catalyzed α-arylation of ketones with aryl halides
Authors: Shepelenko Konstantin E. , Soliev Safarmurod B. , Galushko Alexey S. , Chernyshev Victor M. , Ananikov Valentine P.
Published: January 2021

Fundamental differences in the behavior of Pd/NHC and Ni/NHC catalytic systems in ketones α-arylation were elucidated and exploited.
Ultrasound irradiation mediated preparation of antimony sulfoiodide (SbSI) nanorods as a high-capacity electrode for electrochemical supercapacitors
Authors: Manoharan Sindhuja , Kesavan Dhanasekar , Pazhamalai Parthiban , Krishnamoorthy Karthikeyan , Kim Sang-Jae
Published: January 2021

Antimony sulfoiodide (SbSI) nanorods prepared via a smart ultrasound mediated synthesis route are used as electrode materials towards electrochemical energy storage device applications in both aqueous and ionic liquid-based electrolytes.
Color-tunable luminescent materials via a CB[8]-based supramolecular assembly strategy
Authors: Jin Wei-Hang , Wang Qian , Chen Meng , Zhang Qi , Qu Da-Hui
Published: January 2021

This research revealed a class of fluorescent materials which have a response to humidity, based on simple small molecules via a CB[8]-based supramolecular assembly strategy, in which the materials’ fluorescent properties can be dynamically controlled.
Tailored nanotopography of photocurable composites for control of cell migration
Authors: Hasselmann Sebastian , Kopittke Caroline , Götz Maria , Witzel Patrick , Riffel Jacqueline , Heinrich Doris
Published: January 2021

Influencing amoeboid cell migration by a novel approach creating tailored surface roughness via a photocurable composite material.
Hydrogen induced interface engineering in Fe2O3–TiO2 heterostructures for efficient charge separation for solar-driven water oxidation in photoelectrochemical cells
Authors: Singh Aadesh P. , Wang Richard Baochang , Tossi Camilla , Tittonen Ilkka , Wickman Björn , Hellman Anders
Published: January 2021

Approximate energy band diagram and charge transfer mechanism for the Fe2O3–TiO2 photoanode (left) and Fe2O3–H:TiO2 photoanode (right) with external applied anodic potential under illumination.
Recent progress in application of nanocatalysts for carbonylative Suzuki cross-coupling reactions
Authors: Söğütlü Inci , Mahmood Evan Abdulkarim , Ahmadizadeh Shendy Saeid , Ebrahimiasl Saeideh , Vessally Esmail
Published: January 2021

Cross-coupling of aryl halides and arylboronic acids in the presence of carbon monoxide, also called carbonylative Suzuki coupling, to form two new carbon–carbon bonds in the production of synthetically and biologically important biaryl ketones, has been widely studied.
Fullerene soot and a fullerene nanodispersion as recyclable heterogeneous off-the-shelf photocatalysts
Authors: Jozeliūnaitė Augustina , Valčeckas Domantas , Orentas Edvinas
Published: January 2021

Fullerene soot, a purely carbon-based material, is an effective photocatalyst for oxidation in ethanol in batch and flow regimes.
Restoration of catalytic activity by the preservation of ligand structure: Cu-catalysed asymmetric conjugate addition with 1,1-diborylmethane
Authors: Kim Changhee , Roh Byeongdo , Lee Hong Geun
Published: January 2021

A novel Cu-catalysed asymmetric conjugate addition reaction with bis[(pinacolato)boryl]methane using α,β-unsaturated enones as substrates has been developed on the basis of strategic preservation of the supporting ligand.
Chalcogenide-based inorganic sodium solid electrolytes
Authors: Jia Huanhuan , Peng Linfeng , Yu Chuang , Dong Li , Cheng Shijie , Xie Jia
Published: January 2021

Chalcogenide-based ISSEs are summarized in view of the crystal structure. Structural characteristics, structure–property relationships, synthetic routes as well as chemical/electrochemical stability are systematically discussed in the review.
Recent advances in transition-metal-sulfide-based bifunctional electrocatalysts for overall water splitting
Authors: Wang Min , Zhang Li , He Yijia , Zhu Hongwei
Published: January 2021

This review summarizes recent advances relating to transition metal sulfide (TMS)-based bifunctional electrocatalysts, providing guidelines for the design and fabrication of TMS-based catalysts for practical application in water electrolysis.
Correction: Synthesis and properties of block copolymers composed of norbornene/higher α-olefin gradient segments using ansa-fluorenylamidodimethyltitanium-[Ph3C][B(C6F5)4] catalyst system
Authors: Yuan Haobo , Kida Takumitsu , Tanaka Ryo , Cai Zhengguo , Nakayama Yuushou , Shiono Takeshi
Published: January 2021

Correction for ‘Synthesis and properties of block copolymers composed of norbornene/higher α-olefin gradient segments using ansa-fluorenylamidodimethyltitanium-[Ph3C][B(C6F5)4] catalyst system’ by Haobo Yuan et al., Polym. Chem., 2021, DOI: 10.1039/d0py01370f.
Proposed approach for force transducers classification
Authors: Mahmoud Gouda M. , Osman Seif M. , Hegazy Riham S.
Published: January 2021

In accordance with the recent version of ISO 376:2011, the classification of the force transducers is based on the relative errors calculated from the calibration results. This classification approach doesn't take the uncertainty of measurement into consideration. It becomes one of the most important factors that must be utilized when making a classification decision based on of ISO/IEC 17025:2017. In this study a proposed approach for force proving instrument classification was developed. This approach is based on taking into account the calibration results uncertainty of the instruments as a decision rule for classifications. Since the expanded budget uncertainty is a combination of different parameters that may affect the classifications decisions so it is more realistic and more accurate for decision making. The results of this paper demonstrate a recommendation for ISO 376:2011 to modify its classification criteria for the force proving instruments in the upcoming version of this standard.
Kokain abseits von pathologischem Konsum
Authors: Köhler Thorsten , Grau Hannah
Published: January 2021

Hintergrund Der Kokainkonsum in Europa steigt an, v. a. in sozial integrierten Gruppen. Doch gibt es bisher zu wenig Forschung zu dieser Zielgruppe, um neue Konzepte für eine zeitgemäße Prävention abseits von Illegalisierung und Pathologisierung entwerfen zu können.

Methode Vom 01.03. bis zum 31.07.2018 wurden in einer Datenbankrecherche einschlägige Zeitschriftenartikel in den Publikationssprachen Deutsch und Englisch, erschienen ab 2007 analysiert.

Ergebnisse Ein erhöhter Konsum lässt sich am Wochenende feststellen. Motivation für den Konsum scheint daher die Freizeitgestaltung und weniger eine pathologische Nutzung. Außerdem wird in fast allen Studien die Unterscheidung zwischen marginalisierten und sozial integrierten Konsumierenden belegt. Es lässt sich feststellen, dass Party-Besuchende eine wichtige Zielgruppe bei der Prävention von Kokainkonsum darstellen: Diese sind sowohl gut gebildet und setzen den Konsum bewusst und „zum Spaß“ ein. Kokain als Substanz für Neuro-Enhancement lässt sich anhand dieses Reviews nicht belegen. Allgemein zeigt sich die Party-Zielgruppe als relativ empfänglich für Safer-Use-Maßnahmen und zeigt eine moralische Ambivalenz in Bezug auf den eigenen Konsum, den sie mit verschiedenen Legitimierungsstrategien zu rechtfertigen versucht.

Schlussfolgerung Um Kokain als Lifestyleprodukt zu erforschen, müssten Primärdaten erhoben werden, um diese „Gelegenheitskonsumierenden“ sichtbar zu machen, ihre Motivationen zu verstehen und Ansatzpunkte für Präventionsinterventionen zu finden.
Cannabis und Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 – Eine
Online-Kurzbefragung während der Kontaktbeschränkungen in der
frühen Phase der Pandemie
Authors: Werse Bernd , Kamphausen Gerrit
Published: January 2021

Ziel Erkenntnisse über Änderungen des Erwerbs und
Konsum von Cannabisprodukten während der Zeit der
Kontaktbeschränkungen im Zusammenhang mit dem Coronavirus
SARS-CoV-2.

Methode Eine ad hoc erstellte, über Soziale Medien verbreitete
Online-Umfrage ergab 1146 vollständig ausgefüllte
Fragebögen, die quantitativ, teils auch qualitativ ausgewertet
wurden.

Ergebnisse Es wurden überwiegend Personen erreicht, die
häufig Cannabis konsumierten. Rund ein Drittel hatte während
der entsprechenden Phase der Pandemie den Konsum gesteigert, nur etwa ein
Sechstel reduziert. Mit zunehmender Dauer der Beschränkungen stieg
auch der Anteil jener, die angaben, mehr zu konsumieren. Rund die
Hälfte stellte keine Änderungen der Marktbedingungen fest,
ansonsten wurden leichte Preissteigerungen und schwerere
Verfügbarkeit beobachtet. Infektionsgefahren wurden durch diverse
Schutzmaßnahmen und Verhaltensänderungen versucht zu
minimieren.

Schlussfolgerung Trotz gewisser Beeinträchtigungen wurde
während der betreffenden Phase der Coronapandemie häufiger
Cannabis konsumiert.
Peperomin E Induces Apoptosis and Cytoprotective Autophagy in Human Prostate Cancer DU145 Cells In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Lin Min , Zhu Qiannan , Li Yunzhi , Pan Jigang
Published: January 2021

Peperomin E was first isolated from Peperomia dindygulensis, an anticarcinogenic herb, and exhibited anticancer activity in many cancer cell lines. To date, it is unknown whether peperomin E has an effect on human prostate cancer DU145 cells in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we used MTT to assess the proliferation inhibition activity of peperomin E in DU145 cells in vitro and observed the cell morphological changes by a phase contrast microscope. A DU145 cell xenograft tumor mouse model was used to evaluate the efficacy of peperomin E in vivo. Apoptosis rates were measured by flow cytometry, and protein expression levels were analyzed by western blot. The results showed that peperomin E significantly inhibited the proliferation of DU145 cells in vitro and reduced the weight and volume of tumors in vivo. Peperomin E also significantly induced the apoptosis and autophagic response of DU145 cells. The autophagic inhibitors
LY294002 and chloroquine enhanced peperomin E-mediated inhibition of DU145 cell proliferation and induction of DU145 cell apoptosis. The results also showed that the Akt/mTOR pathway participated in peperomin E-induced autophagy in DU145 cells. In summary, our finding showed that peperomin E had an effect on DU145 cells in vitro and in a nude mouse DU145 cell xenograft model in vivo, demonstrated that peperomin E could significantly induce apoptosis and the autophagic response in DU145 cells and that autophagy played a cytoprotective role in peperomin E-treated DU145 cells. These results suggest that the combination of peperomin E treatment and autophagic inhibition has potential for the treatment of prostate cancer.
Developing a Methodology for Catalytic Asymmetric Crotylation of Aldehydes
Authors: Malkov Andrei V. , Rubtsov Aleksandr E.
Published: January 2021

Asymmetric crotylation has firmly earned a place among the set of valuable synthetic tools for stereoselective construction of carbon skeletons. For a long time the field was heavily dominated by reagents bearing stoichiometric chiral auxiliaries, but now catalytic methods are gradually taking center stage, and the area continues to develop rapidly. This account focuses primarily on preformed organometallic reagents based on silicon and, to some extent, boron. It narrates our endeavors to design new and efficient chiral Lewis base catalysts for the asymmetric addition of crotyl(trichloro)silanes to aldehydes. It also covers the development of a novel protocol for kinetic resolution of racemic secondary allylboronates to give enantio- and diastereomerically enriched linear homoallylic alcohols. As a separate topic, cross-crotylation of aldehydes by using enantiopure branched homoallylic alcohols as a source of crotyl groups is discussed. Finally, the synthetic credentials of the developed methodology are illustrated by total syntheses of marine natural products, in which crotylation plays a key role in setting up stereogenic centers.

1 Introduction

2 Pyridine N-Oxides as Lewis Base Catalysts

3 Bipyridine N,N′-Dioxides as Lewis Base Catalysts

4 Chiral Allylating Reagents

5 Synthetic Applications

6 Concluding Remarks
Medical and Revascularization Management of Stable Ischemic Heart Disease: An Overview
Authors: Radaideh Qais , Shammas Nicolas W. , Daher Ghassan E. , Rachwan Rayan Jo
Published: January 2021

Stable ischemic heart disease (SIHD) affects approximately 10 million Americans with 500,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Patients with SIHD are primarily managed in the outpatient setting with aggressive cardiovascular risk factor modification via medical therapy and lifestyle changes. Currently, this approach is considered as the mainstay of treatment. The recently published ISCHEMIA trial has established the noninferiority of medical therapy in comparison to coronary revascularization in patients with moderate to severe ischemia. Percutaneous coronary intervention is currently recommended for patients with significant left main disease, large ischemic myocardial burden, and patients with severe refractory angina despite maximal medical therapy.
Reciprocal space slicing: A time-efficient approach to femtosecond x-ray diffraction
Authors: Zeuschner S. P. , Mattern M. , Pudell J.-E. , von Reppert A. , Rössle M. , Leitenberger W. , Schwarzkopf J. , Boschker J. E. , Herzog M. , Bargheer M.
Published: January 2021

An experimental technique that allows faster assessment of out-of-plane strain dynamics of thin film heterostructures via x-ray diffraction is presented. In contrast to conventional high-speed reciprocal space-mapping setups, our approach reduces the measurement time drastically due to a fixed measurement geometry with a position-sensitive detector. This means that neither the incident (ω) nor the exit (2θ) diffraction angle is scanned during the strain assessment via x-ray diffraction. Shifts of diffraction peaks on the fixed x-ray area detector originate from an out-of-plane strain within the sample. Quantitative strain assessment requires the determination of a factor relating the observed shift to the change in the reciprocal lattice vector. The factor depends only on the widths of the peak along certain directions in reciprocal space, the diffraction angle of the studied reflection, and the resolution of the instrumental setup. We provide a full theoretical explanation and exemplify the concept with picosecond strain dynamics of a thin layer of NbO2.
Toward improved in vitro models of human cancer
Authors: Ayuso Jose M. , Park Keon-Young , Virumbrales-Muñoz María , Beebe David J.
Published: January 2021

Cancer is a leading cause of death across the world and continues to increase in incidence. Despite years of research, multiple tumors (e.g., glioblastoma, pancreatic cancer) still have limited treatment options in the clinic. Additionally, the attrition rate and cost of drug development have continued to increase. This trend is partly explained by the poor predictive power of traditional in vitro tools and animal models. Moreover, multiple studies have highlighted that cell culture in traditional Petri dishes commonly fail to predict drug sensitivity. Conversely, animal models present differences in tumor biology compared with human pathologies, explaining why promising therapies tested in animal models often fail when tested in humans. The surging complexity of patient management with the advent of cancer vaccines, immunotherapy, and precision medicine demands more robust and patient-specific tools to better inform our understanding and treatment of human cancer. Advances in stem cell biology, microfluidics, and cell culture have led to the development of sophisticated bioengineered microscale organotypic models (BMOMs) that could fill this gap. In this Perspective, we discuss the advantages and limitations of patient-specific BMOMs to improve our understanding of cancer and how these tools can help to confer insight into predicting patient response to therapy.
Prospects for sub-nanometer scale imaging of optical phenomena using electron microscopy
Authors: Zhang Ze , Rayabharam Archith , Martis Joel , Li Hao-Kun , Aluru Narayana R. , Majumdar Arun
Published: January 2021

Imaging of optical phenomena at the sub-nanometer scale can offer fundamental insights into the electronic or vibrational states in atomic-scale defects, molecules, and nanoparticles, which are important in quantum information, heterogeneous catalysis, optoelectronics, and structural biology. Several techniques have surpassed the traditional Abbe diffraction limit and attained spatial resolutions down to a few nanometers, but sub-nanometer scale optics has remained elusive. Here, we propose an approach that combines spectrally specific photoabsorption with sub-nanometer scale resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of photoexcited electrons. We first estimate the signal level and conditions required for imaging nanoscale optical phenomena in core-shell quantum dots (QDs) like CdS/CdTe. Furthermore, we show the possibility of imaging photoexcited states of atomic-scale defects in a monolayer hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) using ab initio and high resolution (HR)TEM simulations. The ability to directly visualize photoexcited states at the sub-nanometer scale opens opportunities to study properties of individual quantum dots and atomic defects.
Anti-contamination SMART (Spectrum Monitoring Apparatus with Roll-to-roll Transparent film) window for optical diagnostics of plasma systems
Authors: Kim Jongyoon , Lee Kang-Il , Jeong Hyun-Young , Lee Ji-Hoon , Choi Yong Sup
Published: January 2021

Optical emission spectroscopy is widely used in semiconductor and display manufacturing for plasma process monitoring. However, because of the contamination of the viewport, quantitative analysis is extremely difficult; therefore, qualitative analysis is used to detect species in the process. To extend plasma monitoring in advanced precise processes, the contamination problem of the viewport must be solved. We propose a new spectrum monitoring apparatus with a roll-to-roll transparent film window for optical diagnostics of a plasma system. By moving a transparent film in front of the viewport, contamination in the emission light path becomes negligible. However, the speed of the film should be optimized to reduce the maintenance period and to minimize measurement errors. We calculated the maximum thickness of SiO2, Si3N4, ITO, and the Ar/CHF3 plasma contaminant to suppress the electron temperature error measured by the line-intensity-ratio within 2% at 2 eV. The thickness of the Si3N4, ITO, and Ar/CHF3 plasma contaminant should be thinner than 12.5 nm, 7.5 nm, and 100 nm, respectively.
Predicting nonresonant pressure-driven MHD modes in equilibria with low magnetic shear
Authors: Wright A. M. , Ferraro N. M. , Hudson S. R. , Dewar R. L. , Hole M. J.
Published: January 2021

Nonresonant internal modes can be difficult to anticipate as there is no resonant surface in the plasma. However, equilibria that are unstable to multiple nonresonant magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) modes may be more prone to global loss of confinement since these instabilities generate spatially extended linear displacements, potentially enhancing magnetic field line chaos via nonlinear interactions. Here, we successfully predict the unstable nonresonant pressure-driven modes for equilibria with zero shear in the plasma core, irrational q on axis, and a central pressure gradient, which is consistent with pre-crash profiles in sawtoothing tokamak plasmas in the large-aspect-ratio limit. A criterion for identifying nonresonant modes most likely to be unstable is developed from the convergents of the continued fraction representation of q0. A higher-order analysis of the standard Energy Principle reveals the conditions under which these modes are expected to dominate. Linear growth rate spectra, as a function of toroidal mode number (up to n = 30), calculated using the initial-value extended-MHD code, M3D-C1, recover the characteristic dependence observed for ideal infernal modes. Nonresonant modes have also been invoked in some ideal sawtooth crash models. This work provides a mechanism to predict the mode numbers of infernal modes and, potentially, the width of some post-sawtooth-crash profiles.