bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of environmental variables on the spread of COVID-19 in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Lim Yong Kwan , Kweon Oh Joo , Kim Hye Ryoun , Kim Tae-Hyoung , Lee Mi-Kyung
Published: March 2021

Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been declared a global pandemic and is a major public health concern worldwide. In this study, we aimed to determine the role of environmental factors, such as climate and air pollutants, in the transmission of COVID-19 in the Republic of Korea. We collected epidemiological and environmental data from two regions of the Republic of Korea, namely Seoul metropolitan region (SMR) and Daegu-Gyeongbuk region (DGR) from February 2020 to July 2020. The data was then analyzed to identify correlations between each environmental factor with confirmed daily COVID-19 cases. Among the various environmental parameters, the duration of sunshine and ozone level were found to positively correlate with COVID-19 cases in both regions. However, the association of temperature variables with COVID-19 transmission revealed contradictory results when comparing the data from SMR and DGR. Moreover, statistical bias may have arisen due to an extensive epidemiological investigation and altered socio-behaviors that occurred in response to a COVID-19 outbreak. Nevertheless, our results suggest that various environmental factors may play a role in COVID-19 transmission.
Topical bromfenac reduces multiple inflammatory cytokines in the aqueous humour of pseudophakic patients
Authors: Matsumura Takehiro , Iwasaki Kentaro , Arimura Shogo , Takeda Ryuji , Takamura Yoshihiro , Inatani Masaru
Published: March 2021

Intraocular surgery is associated with increased ocular inflammation. If maintained for a prolonged period after surgery, this inflammation can cause various complications, including subconjunctival fibrosis and bleb scarring. This clinical trial was a prospective, randomised, single-blind, interventional study comparing the efficacy and safety of 0.1% bromfenac sodium ophthalmic solution and 0.02% fluorometholone ophthalmic suspension in the inhibition of multiple inflammatory cytokines in the aqueous humour of 26 patients with pseudophakic eyes who had undergone phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation. The patients were randomly assigned to one of the trial drugs, and aqueous humour samples were collected before and after drug administration. Platelet-derived growth factor-AA levels significantly decreased in both drug groups, but they were significantly higher in the fluorometholone group than in the bromfenac group (P = 0.034). Bromfenac also significantly decreased vascular endothelial growth factor level (P = 0.0077), as well as monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 level (P = 0.013), which was elevated for a prolonged period after phacoemulsification. These data suggest that bromfenac is useful to alleviate prolonged microenvironmental alterations in the aqueous humour of pseudophakic eyes.
Both IRBIT and long-IRBIT bind to and coordinately regulate Cl−/HCO3− exchanger AE2 activity through modulating the lysosomal degradation of AE2
Authors: Itoh Ryo , Hatano Naoya , Murakami Momoko , Mitsumori Kosuke , Kawasaki Satoko , Wakagi Tomoka , Kanzaki Yoshino , Kojima Hiroyuki , Kawaai Katsuhiro , Mikoshiba Katsuhiko , Hamada Koichi , Mizutani Akihiro
Published: March 2021

Anion exchanger 2 (AE2) plays crucial roles in regulating cell volume homeostasis and cell migration. We found that both IRBIT and Long-IRBIT (L-IRBIT) interact with anion exchanger 2 (AE2). The interaction occurred between the conserved AHCY-homologous domain of IRBIT/L-IRBIT and the N-terminal cytoplasmic region of AE2. Interestingly, AE2 activity was reduced in L-IRBIT KO cells, but not in IRBIT KO cells. Moreover, AE2 activity was slightly increased in IRBIT/L-IRBIT double KO cells. These changes in AE2 activity resulted from changes in the AE2 expression level of each mutant cell, and affected the regulatory volume increase and cell migration. The activity and expression level of AE2 in IRBIT/L-IRBIT double KO cells were downregulated if IRBIT, but not L-IRBIT, was expressed again in the cells, and the downregulation was cancelled by the co-expression of L-IRBIT. The mRNA levels of AE2 in each KO cell did not change, and the downregulation of AE2 in L-IRBIT KO cells was inhibited by bafilomycin A1. These results indicate that IRBIT binding facilitates the lysosomal degradation of AE2, which is inhibited by coexisting L-IRBIT, suggesting a novel regulatory mode of AE2 activity through the binding of two homologous proteins with opposing functions.
Compact omnidirectional multicore fiber-based vector bending sensor
Authors: Amorebieta Josu , Ortega-Gomez Angel , Durana Gaizka , Fernández Rubén , Antonio-Lopez Enrique , Schülzgen Axel , Zubia Joseba , Amezcua-Correa Rodrigo , Villatoro Joel
Published: March 2021

We propose and demonstrate a compact and simple vector bending sensor capable of distinguishing any direction and amplitude with high accuracy. The sensor consists of a short segment of asymmetric multicore fiber (MCF) fusion spliced to a standard single mode fiber. The reflection spectrum of such a structure shifts and shrinks in specific manners depending on the direction in which the MCF is bent. By monitoring simultaneously wavelength shift and light power variations, the amplitude and bend direction of the MCF can be unmistakably measured in any orientation, from 0° to 360°. The bending sensor proposed here is highly sensitive even for small bending angles (below 1°).
Consecutive ruptures on a complex conjugate fault system during the 2018 Gulf of Alaska earthquake
Authors: Yamashita Shinji , Yagi Yuji , Okuwaki Ryo , Shimizu Kousuke , Agata Ryoichiro , Fukahata Yukitoshi
Published: March 2021

We developed a flexible finite-fault inversion method for teleseismic P waveforms to obtain a detailed rupture process of a complex multiple-fault earthquake. We estimate the distribution of potency-rate density tensors on an assumed model plane to clarify rupture evolution processes, including variations of fault geometry. We applied our method to the 23 January 2018 Gulf of Alaska earthquake by representing slip on a projected horizontal model plane at a depth of 33.6 km to fit the distribution of aftershocks occurring within one week of the mainshock. The obtained source model, which successfully explained the complex teleseismic P waveforms, shows that the 2018 earthquake ruptured a conjugate system of N-S and E-W faults. The spatiotemporal rupture evolution indicates irregular rupture behavior involving a multiple-shock sequence, which is likely associated with discontinuities in the fault geometry that originated from E-W sea-floor fracture zones and N-S plate-bending faults.
Nucleation and growth dynamics of graphene grown by radio frequency plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Li Na , Zhen Zhen , Zhang Rujing , Xu Zhenhua , Zheng Zhen , He Limin
Published: March 2021

We investigated the nucleation and grain growth of graphene grown on Cu through radio frequency plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (RF-PECVD) at different temperatures. A reasonable shielding method for the placement of copper was employed to achieve graphene by RF-PECVD. The nucleation and growth of graphene grains during PECVD were strongly temperature dependent. A high growth temperature facilitated the growth of polycrystalline graphene grains with a large size (~ 2 μm), whereas low temperature induced the formation of nanocrystalline grains. At a moderate temperature (790 to 850 °C), both nanocrystalline and micron-scale polycrystalline graphene grew simultaneously on Cu within 60 s with 50 W RF plasma power. As the growth time increased, the large graphene grains preferentially nucleated and grew rapidly, followed by the nucleation and growth of nanograins. There was competition between the growth of the two grain sizes. In addition, a model of graphene nucleation and grain growth during PECVD at different temperatures was established.
Different environmental requirements of female and male Siberian ibex, Capra sibirica
Authors: Han Lei , Wang Zhi , Blank David , Wang Muyang , Yang Weikang
Published: March 2021

In sexually dimorphic species, males and females may select different habitat for greater fitness. However, the key factors that play a leading role between sexes in habitat selection are still poorly understood. In this paper, we investigated the possible causes of the differences in habitat preference between male and female Siberian ibex (Capra sibirica) living in the Tianshan Mountains (China). Using the Maximum entropy model, we found that the ruggedness and elevation of the terrain were the most important factors affecting habitat selection in Siberian ibex. Females preferred the most rugged terrain to increase the security of their young and themselves, while males favored moderately rugged terrain to provide sufficient safety from predators, and availability of suitable forage simultaneously. Females used a wider variety of elevations to search for newly emerged vegetation for its higher nutritional value, while males preferred more elevated slopes to avoid the higher temperatures and greater presence of biting insects found at the lower elevations. In addition, females were associated more with rivers due to their higher water demands. The differences in habitat selection between Siberian ibex males and females depend on multiple considerations, but only a limited number of key factors determine their actual distribution.
S100A11 (calgizzarin) is released via NETosis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and stimulates IL-6 and TNF secretion by neutrophils
Authors: Navrátilová Adéla , Bečvář Viktor , Baloun Jiří , Damgaard Dres , Nielsen Claus Henrik , Veigl David , Pavelka Karel , Vencovský Jiří , Šenolt Ladislav , Andrés Cerezo Lucie
Published: March 2021

S100A11 (calgizzarin), a member of S100 family, is associated with several autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are implicated in the pathogenesis of RA and in the externalization of some S100 family members. Therefore, we aimed to determine the association between S100A11 and NETs in RA. For this purpose, the levels of S100A11 and NETosis markers were detected in the RA synovial fluid by immunoassays. The expression of S100A11 by neutrophils in the RA synovial tissue was assessed. Neutrophils isolated from peripheral blood were exposed to S100A11 or stimulated to release NETs. The levels of NETosis- and inflammation-associated proteins were analysed by immunoassays. NETs were visualized by immunofluorescence. We showed that S100A11 was expressed by the neutrophils in the RA synovial tissue. Moreover, S100A11 in the RA synovial fluid correlated with several NETosis markers. In vitro, S100A11 was abundantly released by neutrophils undergoing NETosis compared to untreated cells (p < 0.001). Extracellular S100A11 increased the secretion of IL-6 (p < 0.05) and TNF (p < 0.05) by neutrophils but did not induce NETosis. This study demonstrates, for the first time, that the release of S100A11 is dependent on NETosis and that extracellular S100A11 augments the inflammatory response by inducing pro-inflammatory cytokines in neutrophils.
Salvadora persica mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles and their antimicrobial efficacy
Authors: Arshad Hammad , Sami Muhammad A. , Sadaf Saima , Hassan Umer
Published: March 2021

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) exhibit strong antimicrobial properties against many pathogens. Traditionally employed chemical methods for AgNPs synthesis are toxic for the environment. Here, we report a quicker, simpler, and environmentally benign process to synthesize AgNPs by using an aqueous ‘root extract’ of Salvadora persica (Sp) plant as a reducing agent. The synthesized Salvadora persica nano particles (SpNPs) showed significantly higher antimicrobial efficacy compared to earlier reported studies. We characterized SpNPs using UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and X-ray powder diffraction (P-XRD). UV–Vis spectrum showed the highest absorbance at 420 nm. FTIR analysis depicts presence of bond stretching including OH– (3300 cm−1), C=N– (2100 cm−1) and NH– (1630 cm−1) which are attributed in the involvement of phenolics, proteins or nitrogenous compounds in reduction and stabilization of AgNPs. TEM, FE-SEM and DLS analysis revealed the spherical and rod nature of SpNPs and an average size of particles as 37.5 nm. XRD analysis showed the presence of the cubic structure of Ag which confirmed the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. To demonstrate antimicrobial efficacy, we evaluated SpNPs antimicrobial activity against two bacterial pathogens (Escherichia coli (ATCC 11229) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC 12228)). SpNPs showed a significantly high inhibition for both pathogens and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were found to be 0.39 µg/mL and 0.78 µg/mL for E. coli while 0.19 µg/mL and 0.39 µg/mL for S. epidermidis respectively. Further, Syto 16 staining of bacterial cells provided a supplemental confirmation of the antimicrobial efficacy as the bacterial cells treated with SpNPs stop to fluoresce compared to the untreated bacterial cells. Our highly potent SpNPs will likely have a great potential for many antimicrobial applications including wound healing, water purification, air filtering and other biomedical applications.
Downregulation of Zn-transporters along with Fe and redox imbalance causes growth and photosynthetic disturbance in Zn-deficient tomato
Authors: Kabir Ahmad Humayan , Akther Mst Salma , Skalicky Milan , Das Urmi , Gohari Gholamreza , Brestic Marian , Hossain Md. Monzur
Published: March 2021

Zinc (Zn) deficiency hinders growth and development in tomato. This study unveils the responses of how Zn starvation affects physiological and molecular processes in tomato. Zn deficiency negatively affected the biomass, cellular integrity, and chlorophyll synthesis in tomato. Also, Zn deficiency decreased the maximum yield of PSII, photosynthesis performance index and dissipation energy per active reaction center, although the antenna size, trapping energy efficiency and electron transport flux were stable in Zn-starved leaves. Further, Zn shortage caused a substantial reduction in Zn and Fe concentrations in both roots and shoots along with decreased root Fe-reductase activity accompanied by the downregulation of Fe-regulated transporter 1, Zn transporter-like (LOC100037509), and Zn transporter (LOC101255999) genes predicted to be localized in the root plasma membrane. The interactome partners of these Zn transporters are predominantly associated with root-specific metal transporter, ferric-chelate reductase, BHLH transcriptional regulator, and Zn metal ion transporters, suggesting that Zn homeostasis may be tightly linked to the Fe status along with BHLH transcription factor in Zn-deficient tomato. We also noticed elevated O2.− and H2O2 due to Zn deficiency which was consistent with the inefficient antioxidant properties. These findings will be useful in the downstream approach to improve vegetable crops sensitive to Zn-deficiency.
Clinical application of thioredoxin reductase as a novel biomarker in liver cancer
Authors: Wu Xuping , Wang Qi , Lu Yousheng , Zhang Jinye , Yin Hanwei , Yi Yongxiang
Published: March 2021

Hepatic cancer is often amenable to surgery, including percutaneous ablation, trans-arterial chemoembolization. However, in metastatic cases, surgery is often not an effective option. Chemotherapy as a conventional clinical method for treatment of malignant diseases may be useful in such cases, but it is likewise not always able to slow or halt progression, therefore novel approaches for treatment of hepatic cancer are needed. Current research suggests that molecular tumor markers (TM) can play a crucial role for diagnosis and prognostic evaluation of malignancies, and TM such as AFP, CEA, CA19-9 have been reported in many malignant diseases. Thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), a type of anti-oxidant biomarker, has become a TM of significant interest. However, little is known about the above TM and TrxR activity in liver cancer. Therefore, this paper aimed to assess these TM with regards to diagnosis and and monitoring treatment efficacy in both primary and metastatic liver cancer. Our results showed TrxR had superior performance for discriminating between liver cancer patients and healthy controls than AFP, CEA, and CA19-9. TrxR also exhibited superior performance for assessing benefits of chemotherapy regardless if patients had PLC or MLC. Meanwhile, due to diagnostic efficiency of unresponsive chemotherapy patients, TrxR also showed a higher activity levels than other general markers in liver metastasis patients. Our results suggest that application of TrxR in combination with other tumor markers may maximize the efficiency of diagnosis and assessment of therapeutic efficiency, and provide new insights for the clinical application of TrxR as a candidate biomarker for liver cancer.
Deep learning-based real-time detection of neurons in brain slices for in vitro physiology
Authors: Yip Mighten C. , Gonzalez Mercedes M. , Valenta Christopher R. , Rowan Matthew J. M. , Forest Craig R.
Published: March 2021

A common electrophysiology technique used in neuroscience is patch clamp: a method in which a glass pipette electrode facilitates single cell electrical recordings from neurons. Typically, patch clamp is done manually in which an electrophysiologist views a brain slice under a microscope, visually selects a neuron to patch, and moves the pipette into close proximity to the cell to break through and seal its membrane. While recent advances in the field of patch clamping have enabled partial automation, the task of detecting a healthy neuronal soma in acute brain tissue slices is still a critical step that is commonly done manually, often presenting challenges for novices in electrophysiology. To overcome this obstacle and progress towards full automation of patch clamp, we combined the differential interference microscopy optical technique with an object detection-based convolutional neural network (CNN) to detect healthy neurons in acute slice. Utilizing the YOLOv3 convolutional neural network architecture, we achieved a 98% reduction in training times to 18 min, compared to previously published attempts. We also compared networks trained on unaltered and enhanced images, achieving up to 77% and 72% mean average precision, respectively. This novel, deep learning-based method accomplishes automated neuronal detection in brain slice at 18 frames per second with a small data set of 1138 annotated neurons, rapid training time, and high precision. Lastly, we verified the health of the identified neurons with a patch clamp experiment where the average access resistance was 29.25 M$$\Omega$$
Ω
(n = 9). The addition of this technology during live-cell imaging for patch clamp experiments can not only improve manual patch clamping by reducing the neuroscience expertise required to select healthy cells, but also help achieve full automation of patch clamping by nominating cells without human assistance.
Oviposition behavior of wild yellow fever vector mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in an Atlantic Forest fragment, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil
Authors: Silva Shayenne Olsson Freitas , de Mello Cecilia Ferreira , Figueiró Ronaldo , Docile Tatiana , Serdeiro Michele , Fumian Fabiana Fagundes , Alencar Jeronimo
Published: March 2021

Although there are many studies on the control of mosquito vectors of the yellow fever virus (YFV) in tropical forests, there are still few ecological studies regarding abiotic factors effect on these mosquitoes. Here we characterize these effects on oviposition behavior, abundance, and diversity of mosquito vectors of YFV. The study was conducted in Córrego da Luz Municipal Park, in Casimiro de Abreu, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, from July 2018 to December 2019. Ovitraps were placed at ground level and 3 m high. The data were tested for normality using the Shapiro–Wilk test, followed by an independent sample analysis, the Mann–Whitney test. The Shannon Diversity Index was used to evaluate the abundance of mosquitos' eggs collected at both ground level and 3 m high. We highlight the presence of Haemagogus janthinomys and Hg. leucocelaenus, primary YFV vectors in forest areas. The abundance of Hg. leucocelaenus (63%), Hg. janthinomys (75%), and Aedes terrens (58%) was higher at the height of 3 m, while Ae. albopictus (52%) was higher at ground level. Aedes albopictus was positively correlated with temperature. Culicidae monitoring is essential for assessing the YFV transmission cycle in Atlantic forest fragments.
Asymmetric C(sp3)–H functionalization of unactivated alkylarenes such as toluene enabled by chiral Brønsted base catalysts
Authors: Hirata Tsubasa , Sato Io , Yamashita Yasuhiro , Kobayashi Shū
Published: March 2021

Benzylic functionalisation of unactivated alkylarenes remains as a significant challenge in asymmetric catalysis due to their less reactive nature. Here, we show development of catalytic asymmetric C(sp3)–H functionalization of unactivated alkylarenes such as toluene with imines. The reactions proceeded smoothly under proton-transfer conditions using a chiral, strong Brønsted base catalyst system. A chiral Brønsted base prepared from an alkylpotassium and a chiral amine ligand was found to effectively form a promising asymmetric environment around a benzyl anion. Optimization of the reaction conditions revealed that the use of the alkaline metal amide, potassium hexamethyldisilazide (KHMDS), as an additive was most effective, and enantioselective and atom economical carbon–carbon bond-forming reactions at the benzylic positions of unactivated alkylarenes was achieved without using any transition-metal catalyst.
The effect of different covalent bond connections and doping on transport properties of planar graphene/MoS2/graphene heterojunctions
Authors: Li Wei , Wei Jinlei , Bian Baoan , Liao Bin , Wang Guoliang
Published: March 2021

Different covalent bond connections based on graphene/MoS2/graphene heterojunctions induce different electron distributions, resulting in different electron transport properties.
Additive-free N-methylation of amines with methanol over supported iridium catalyst
Authors: Wang Jing , Qiang Wenwen , Ye Sen , Zhu Longfei , Liu Xiang , Loh Teck-Peng
Published: March 2021

Clean N-methylation of amines with methanol was achieved, providing a green approach to the selective synthesis of mono- or di-methylated amines.
A dual-functional nanovehicle with fluorescent tracking and its targeted killing effects on hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Zhang Xiaojie , Gao Qiming , Zhuang Qianfen , Zhang Lu , Wang Sihan , Du Libo , Yuan Wenxi , Wang Caifang , Tian Qiu , Yu Hua , Zhao Yuming , Liu Yang
Published: March 2021

Schematic illustration of the synthesis of the MTX@AuNCs-CS–AS1411, and its targeted delivery and imaging of hepatocellular carcinoma cells.
Effects of alkanolamine solvents on the aggregation states of reactive dyes in concentrated solutions and the properties of the solutions
Authors: Cao Chuangui , Zhao Zhihui , Qi Yong , Peng Hui , Fang Kuanjun , Xie Ruyi , Chen Weichao
Published: March 2021

The solvent, DEA, reduces the dye aggregation that may be caused by the weak hydrogen bonding and relatively smaller steric hindrance effect.
Metal organic framework sensors on flexible substrate for ammonia sensing application at room temperature
Authors: Spieser Hugo , Tehrani Zari , Ali Muhammad Munem , Ahmadi Ehsaneh Daghigh , Denneulin Aurore , Bras Julien , Deganello Davide , Gethin David
Published: March 2021

The application of sensitive gas sensors manufactured in high volume at low cost is of great interest due to an extensive array of potential applications.
A new coding-decoding system through combining near-infrared photonic crystals and their spatial reflection spectra
Authors: Ouyang Cheng , Zhang Yuqi , Yang Dongpeng , Ma Dekun , Huang Shaoming
Published: March 2021

A new coding-decoding system was established through combining the line coding of near-infrared photonic crystals (NIRPCs) with diverse reflection wavelengths and their spatial reflection spectra (SRS).
An efficient localized catalytic hairpin assembly-based DNA nanomachine for miRNA-21 imaging in living cells
Authors: Wu Juan , Tian Yonghui , He Lu , Zhang Jing , Huang Zhijun , Luo Zewei , Duan Yixiang
Published: March 2021

A localized catalytic hairpin assembly-based DNA nanomachine (LCHA nanomachine) was developed for the rapid, efficient and reliable fluorescence resonance energy transformation (FRET) imaging of miRNA-21 in living cells.
Protein phylogenetics with mass spectrometry. A comparison of methods
Authors: Downard Kevin M.
Published: March 2021

Three methods to construct protein phylogenies with mass spectrometry data are reviewed and compared together with the tools and algorithms required.
Self-delivery nanomedicine to overcome drug resistance for synergistic chemotherapy
Authors: Zheng Rong-Rong , Zhao Lin-Ping , Liu Ling-Shan , Deng Fu-An , Chen Xia-Yun , Jiang Xue-Yan , Wang Chang , Yu Xi-Yong , Cheng Hong , Li Shi-Ying
Published: March 2021

α-TOS and DOX-based self-delivery nanomedicine (α-TD) is prepared with a high drug loading rate. α-TD could induce mitochondria depolarization, ROS accumulation and ATP reduction to overcome drug resistance for cancer synergistic chemotherapy.
Nano-enabled coordination platform of bismuth nitrate and cisplatin prodrug potentiates cancer chemoradiotherapy via DNA damage enhancement
Authors: Ma Yin-Chu , Tang Xin-Feng , Xu You-Cui , Jiang Wei , Xin Yong-Jie , Zhao Wei , He Xu , Lu Li-Gong , Zhan Mei-Xiao
Published: March 2021

Bismuth-based NP@PVP could potentiate DNA damage and inhibit DNA damage repair with synchronization spatio-temporally for enhanced chemoradiation therapy.
Close band center and rapid adsorption kinetics facilitate selective electrochemical sensing of heavy metal ions
Authors: Song Zong-Yin , Li Pei-Hua , Yang Meng , Chen Shi-Hua , Xiao Xiang-Yu , Duan Wanchun , Lin Chu-Hong , Huang Xing-Jiu
Published: March 2021

Combination of density functional theory calculation and kinetics simulation reveals the mechanism of electrochemical selectivity towards Cu(ii).
Defect-related dynamics of photoexcited carriers in 2D transition metal dichalcogenides
Authors: Gao Lei , Hu Zhenliang , Lu Junpeng , Liu Hongwei , Ni Zhenhua
Published: March 2021

Defects participate various relaxation mechanisms and alter the trace and time scale of the decay process in two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs).
Catalytic effect of water and formic acid on the reaction of carbonyl sulfide with dimethyl amine under tropospheric conditions
Authors: Arathala Parandaman , Musah Rabi A.
Published: March 2021

The reaction of carbonyl sulfide with dimethyl amine catalyzed by a single water and a formic acid molecule in the atmosphere is insignificant.
Effect of counter-anions on the aggregation of Thioflavin-T
Authors: Desai Akshat M. , Pandey Shrishti P. , Singh Prabhat K.
Published: March 2021

The extent of salt induced aggregation of Thioflavin-T is not only dependent on the ionic strength of the medium but also critically depends on the nature of the counter-anions involved.
Local electronic structure of histidine in aqueous solution
Authors: Kostko O. , Xu B. , Ahmed M.
Published: March 2021

X-Ray spectroscopy coupled with DFT calculations reveals the pH dependent electronic structure of an amino acid in an aqueous environment.
Two-photon absorption and excitation spectroscopy of carotenoids, chlorophylls and pigment–protein complexes
Authors: Gacek Daniel A. , Betke Alexander , Nowak Julia , Lokstein Heiko , Walla Peter J.
Published: March 2021

Comparing carotenoid and chlorophyll two-photon spectra with that of light harvesting complexes shows the latter consist of both. Depending on the two-photon excitation (TPE) wavelength, mainly carotenoid dark states or chlorophylls can be excited.
Catalytic direct oxidation of methane to methanol by redox of copper mordenite
Authors: Ohyama Junya , Hirayama Airi , Tsuchimura Yuka , Kondou Nahoko , Yoshida Hiroshi , Machida Masato , Nishimura Shun , Kato Kazuo , Miyazato Itsuki , Takahashi Keisuke
Published: March 2021

Catalytic production of CH3OH by direct oxidation of CH4with O2was performed using Cu zeolites in a CH4/O2/H2O flow reaction, where Cu-MOR exhibited relatively high CH3OH production with the redox of Cu(i)/Cu(ii) species.
Proanthocyanidins isolated from the leaves of Photinia × fraseri block the cell cycle and induce apoptosis by inhibiting tyrosinase activity in melanoma cells
Authors: Song Wei , Zhao Ya-Ying , Ren Yuan-Jing , Liu Lu-Lu , Wei Shu-Dong , Yang Hai-Bo
Published: March 2021

Proanthocyanidins isolated from the leaves of P. × fraseri can affect melanin production by downregulating MITF expression and inhibiting tyrosinase and TRP-1 activities, leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of melanoma cells.
Tailorable cellulose II nanocrystals (CNC II) prepared in mildly acidic lithium bromide trihydrate (MALBTH)
Authors: Li Ning , Bian Huiyang , Zhu J. Y. , Ciesielski Peter N. , Pan Xuejun
Published: March 2021

Cellulose II nanocrystals were prepared from bleached kraft pulpviasimultaneous hydrolysis of disordered cellulose and polymorph transformation in mildly acidic lithium bromide trihydrate followed by ammonium persulfate oxidation.
Synthesis, polytypism, and dehydration behaviour of nitrate-intercalated layered double hydroxides of Ca and Al
Authors: Narayanappa Anand N. , Nagendran Supreeth , Kamath P. Vishnu
Published: March 2021

Rapid and controlled precipitation of the hydroxide phases from a mixed metal nitrate solution comprising Ca2+ and Al3+ ions leads to the formation of 1H and 3R polytypes of [Ca–Al] layered double hydroxide respectively.
Green fabrication of hydrogel-immobilized Au@Ag nanoparticles using tannic acid and their application in catalysis
Authors: He Hengxi , Astruc Didier , Gu Haibin
Published: March 2021

A catalytic hydrogel was obtained by immobilizing tannic acid reduced and stabilized Au@AgNPs on a PVA/TA hydrogel, used as the good solid catalyst for the degradation of environmental pollutants such as Congo red, 4-nitrophenol, -etc.
Sodium cation-templated synthesis of an ion-pair binding heteroditopic [2]catenane
Authors: Knighton Richard C. , Beer Paul D.
Published: March 2021

A novel method utilising sodium cation templation between a pyridinium bridged calix[4]diquinone macrocycle and a pyridine-N-oxide functionalised macrocycle precursor motif is used for the construction of a mechanically interlocked ion-pair.
Palladium-catalyzed 1,2-amino carbonylation of 1,3-dienes with (N-SO2Py)-2-iodoanilines: 2,3-dihydroquinolin-4(1H)-ones synthesis
Authors: Wang Jian-Shu , Na Yi , Ying Jun , Wu Xiao-Feng
Published: March 2021

A palladium-catalyzed 1,2-amino carbonylation of 1,3-dienes with (N-SO2Py)-2-iodoanilines has been developed for the construction of 2,3-dihydroquinolin-4(1H)-one scaffolds.
Structure-modulated CaFe-LDHs with superior simultaneous removal of deleterious anions and corrosion protection of steel rebar
Authors: Park Ji Young , Lee Jimin , Lim Minseob , Go Gwang-Myeong , Cho Hong-Baek , Lee Han-Seung , Choa Yong-Ho
Published: March 2021

The three anionic species; chloride (Cl−), sulfate (SO42−), and carbonate (CO32−), are typical chemical factors that environmentally accelerate failure of concrete structures with steel rebar through long-term exposure.
The functional regulatory details of ERK2 in complex with RSK1: an in silico insight
Authors: Jafari Sepideh , Farsani Farzaneh Mohamadi , Ganji Maziar , Ganjalikhany Mohamad Reza
Published: March 2021

DFG, αC-helix orientation regarding the active site position and distance between K54 and Glu71 in the active and inactive states of ERK2.
Correction: Electrokinetics and behavior near the interface of colloidal particles in non-polar dispersions
Authors: Prasad Manoj , Strubbe Filip , Beunis Filip , Neyts Kristiaan
Published: March 2021

Correction for ‘Electrokinetics and behavior near the interface of colloidal particles in non-polar dispersions’ by Manoj Prasad et al., Soft Matter, 2017, 13, 5604–5612, DOI: 10.1039/C7SM00559H.
Advances in electromagnetic shielding properties of composite foams
Authors: Zhao Biao , Hamidinejad Mahdi , Wang Shuai , Bai Pengwei , Che Renchao , Zhang Rui , Park Chul B.
Published: March 2021

In recent decades, problems with electromagnetic interference (EMI) radiation problems have arisen, that can seriously reduce the performance of precision devices nearby and threaten human health.
Anin situphotopolymerized composite solid electrolyte from halloysite nanotubes and comb-like polycaprolactone for high voltage lithium metal batteries
Authors: Xu Hongli , Ye Wei , Wang Qingrong , Han Bing , Wang Jun , Wang Chaoyang , Deng Yonghong
Published: March 2021

The HNT and comb-like PCL-based composite solid electrolyte enables LMBs with extremely stable cycling and high safety.
A fishbone-inspired liquid splitter enables directional droplet transportation and spontaneous separation
Authors: Cui Zehang , Xiao Lin , Li Yaoxia , Zhang Yabin , Li Guoqiang , Bai Haoyu , Tang Xiaoxuan , Zhou Maolin , Fang Jiahao , Guo Long , Liu Senyun , Xiao Chunhua , Cao Moyuan
Published: March 2021

Inspired by the directional wettability of the fishbone, a novel assembled fish-spine-like liquid splitter is prepared, achieving directional self-transport and separation of the mixed droplets in a specific surface tension range.
Ultra-durable, multi-template molecularly imprinted polymers for ultrasensitive monitoring and multicomponent quantification of trace sulfa antibiotics
Authors: Liu Yuanchen , Liu Yujian , Liu Zhiming , Hill Jonathan P. , Alowasheeir Azhar , Xu Zhigang , Xu Xingtao , Yamauchi Yusuke
Published: March 2021

Molecularly-imprinted polymers have been used for the selective and ultrasensitive monitoring of trace sulfa antibiotics avoiding sample matrix interference effects and leading to improved reusability of the relevant materials.
Intrinsic acetamide brush-off by polyurea biodendrimers
Authors: Martinho Nuno , Pires Rita F. , Zloh Mire , Bonifácio Vasco D. B.
Published: March 2021

Polyurea biodendrimers display an intrinsic affinity–repulsion ability towards drug–acetamide mixtures, turning these nanocarriers into an attractive platform for API purification and/or preparation of genotoxin-free nanoformulations.
Cytochrome C with peroxidase-like activity encapsulated inside the small DPS protein nanocage
Authors: Waghwani Hitesh Kumar , Douglas Trevor
Published: March 2021

Chimeric assembly of Dps cage encapsulating catalytically active CytC.
A VS2@N-doped carbon hybrid with strong interfacial interaction for high-performance rechargeable aqueous Zn-ion batteries
Authors: Liu Jiapeng , Peng Wenchao , Li Yang , Zhang Fengbao , Fan Xiaobin
Published: March 2021

VS2@N-doped carbon hybrid is prepared by an effective in situ hybridization method. Benefiting from the strong interfacial interaction between VS2 and N-doped carbon, the material shows outstanding aqueous Zn-ion batteries performance.
Une approche cognitive co-constructiviste pour définir un service environnemental « bassin versant ». Cas de Tolongoina, Madagascar
Authors: Serpantié Georges , Rakotonirina Albert , Poussin Jean-Christophe , Toillier Aurélie , Andriamahefazafy Fano
Published: March 2021

Lors du montage d’un dispositif de paiement pour service environnemental lié à l’eau (PSE-bassin versant), l’identification précise des services environnementaux en jeu est une étape à forte dimension cognitive, mais souvent laissée implicite. À l’occasion d’un projet d’hydro-électricité à Madagascar dans un contexte conflictuel de déforestation, une recherche-action en partenariat a créé les conditions d’un rapprochement cognitif et d’une explicitation du service environnemental, grâce à des études écohydrologiques participatives, la mobilisation de savoirs locaux et des ateliers-débats multi-acteurs. Suivi d’autres études et négociations, cet apprentissage collectif a facilité l’aboutissement du premier contrat PSE-bassin versant-hydro-électricité dans ce pays, et permis d’y inclure des agriculteurs.
Mehr Klarheit beim Reden über Sexualität!
Authors: Binswanger Ralf
Published: March 2021

Einleitung In den Sexualwissenschaften und vor allem in der Therapie sexueller Probleme besteht eine andauernde Verunsicherung angesichts der verwirrenden Vielfalt gewachsener sexualwissenschaftlicher Konzepte sowie dem Nebeneinander von alten und neuen Normen. Der zeitgeistigen Entpathologisierung der verschiedensten sexuellen Aktivitäten steht die Notwendigkeit gegenüber, sexuelles Leiden zu verstehen und zu behandeln.

Forschungsziele Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es, die verwirrende Vielfalt auf eine Art und Weise zu ordnen, welche die Verständigung erleichtert und insbesondere zu klären hilft, wann eine psychodynamische Therapie sexuellen Verhaltens indiziert ist und wann nicht.

Methoden Es wird auf konzeptueller Ebene ein Modell eingeführt, das vorschlägt, Sexualität in sexualwissenschaftlichen Diskursen und klinisch-therapeutischen Kontexten konsequent unter zwei Gesichtspunkten zu betrachten: unter dem Gesichtspunkt der Persönlichkeitsstruktur und unter dem Gesichtspunkt von sexuellem Verhalten und Fantasieren. Diese beiden Gesichtspunkte werden Sexualität per se und Sexualität in actu genannt. Nach einer detaillierten Darstellung und Begründung des Modells wird dessen Brauchbarkeit als Orientierungshilfe im Umgang mit theoretischen Diskursen und praktisch-klinischen Fragen an verschiedenen kasuistischen und theoretischen Beispielen illustriert.

Ergebnisse Unter dem Gesichtspunkt Sexualität per se stehen Homosexualität und pervers genannte Sexualitäten auf der gleichen Ebene – gleichsam gleichberechtigt – neben der Heterosexualität. Dadurch erschließt sich die Unangemessenheit ihrer Pathologisierung und allfälliger Versuche, sie zu therapieren. Die Frage, wann Behandlungen indiziert sind, erschließt sich ausschließlich unter dem Gesichtspunkt Sexualität in actu und auf der Basis einer Klärung der Frage, welche Funktion bei jedem einzelnen sexuellen Verhalten und Fantasieren das Primat hat, d. h. primär motivations- und handlungsleitend ist: die sexuelle Funktion (Triebbefriedigung) oder verschiedene nicht-sexuelle Funktionen (Aggressionsabfuhr, narzisstische Stabilisierung, Bindungsbedürfnisse, Inszenierung neurotischer Konflikte, Weitergabe erlittener Traumata u. v. a. m.). Pathologische und womöglich psychodynamisch therapierbare sexuelle Aktivitäten sind durch das Primat nicht-sexueller Funktionen gekennzeichnet.

Schlussfolgerung Das Modell scheint sich speziell dafür zu eignen, in sexualwissenschaftlichen und sexualtherapeutischen Diskursen orientierend zu wirken, was insbesondere den angemessenen und entspannten therapeutischen Umgang mit Betroffenen erleichtert.
Das Unbehagen in der Sexualwissenschaft – oder ist „im Grunde alles relativ einfach“?
Authors: Cassel-Bähr Sabine
Published: March 2021

Was ist sexuell am Sexuellen? Mit dieser Frage sucht Binswanger in sexualwissenschaftlichen und psychoanalytischen Konzepten einen Weg zwischen Normierung und „zeitgeistiger Entpathologisierung“ sexuellen Leidens, insbesondere für die sogenannten Perversionen. Er legt ein Modell vor, in dem sich jede psychogenetische Herleitung einer erwachsenen Sexualorganisation verbietet und die Unterscheidung zwischen Triebbefriedigung und nicht-sexuellen Funktionen in sexuellen Aktivitäten zentral ist. Unklar bleiben seine Begriffe von Trieb, psychischer Struktur und Psychosexualität. Für die Kritik der Autorin ist dabei vor allem die Frage entscheidend, wie sexualisierte Aggression und Destruktivität in Binswangers Modell zu verorten wären. Die gesamte erwachsene Sexualorganisation eines (hetero- wie homosexuell identifizierten) Menschen kann ganz überwiegend dazu in Dienst genommen werden, das Selbst oder das Objekt zu schädigen – und vor allem diese Entwicklung wird in der Psychoanalyse als Perversion bezeichnet. Leidvolle Konflikte und Widersprüche um Liebe und Hass, um Soziales und Antisoziales bleiben der menschlichen Sexualität eingeschrieben – und deshalb auch der Sexualwissenschaft.
Von der Variabilität des Begehrens zur Variabilität des Geschlechts
Authors: Düring Sonja
Published: March 2021

Die Autorin wagt eine Hypothese zur Frage, warum es im letzten Jahrzehnt zu einer signifikanten Zunahme von Frau-zu-Mann-Transsexuellen gekommen ist. Sie stellt die Frage, ob diese Entwicklung als zeitgeschichtliches Phänomen verstanden werden könnte und schlägt vor diesem Hintergrund einen Bogen von dem Kampf um die Anerkennung der Vielfalt des Begehrens zum Kampf um die Vielfalt des Geschlechts. Vor einem feministischen Hintergrund greift sie auf Christina von Brauns Arbeit zu anorektischen Frauen zurück, die die Anorexie als Auflehnung gegen die kulturelle Form von Weiblichkeit versteht. Könnte die Zunahme transsexuellen Begehrens von jungen Transmännern heute ähnlich verstanden werden, nämlich als Verwerfung von Weiblichkeit in einer Gesellschaft, in der Frauen nach wie vor der Zugang zur (Definitions-)Macht massiv erschwert wird?
Zahngesundheit von Kindern und Jugendlichen des Rhein-Erft-Kreises mit Haupt- bzw. Förderschulbedarf im 5-Jahresvergleich
Authors: Schmidt Peter , Petrakakis Pantelis , Schulte Andreas G.
Published: March 2021

Hintergrund Bislang gibt es bundesweit unzureichende Daten zur Karieserfahrung und Kariesprävalenz von Schulkindern mit erhöhtem Kariesrisiko, die 10 bis 14 Jahre alt sind und sich somit in der zweiten Wechselgebissphase befinden. Ziel Vergleich der Kariesprävalenz, Karieserfahrung und Prävalenz zur Fissurenversiegelung (FV) von Schülerinnen und Schülern, die eine Hauptschule (HS) bzw. eine Förderschule (FS) im Rhein-Erft-Kreis (REK) besuchten.

Methodik Die Zahngesundheit bei Schulkindern im Alter von 10 bis 14 Jahren, die eine FS oder HS besuchen, wurde nach WHO-Standard in 2 Untersuchungsperioden (UP1=Schuljahr 2010/2011 bzw. UP2=Schuljahr 2015/2016) ermittelt. Die Daten wurden anonym mit MS Excel 2019 und IBM SPSS Version 26 ausgewertet. Vor Beginn der Studie gab die Ethikkommission der UW/H ein positives Votum ab (#119/2016).

Ergebnisse Es konnten die Daten von 2539 Kindern und Jugendlichen ausgewertet werden. Die Kariesprävalenz der Schulkinder aus HS (UP1=36,5%; UP2=32,7%) und aus FS (UP1=31,4%; UP2=33,3%) war in beiden UP annähernd gleich ebenso wie die korrespondierenden mittleren DMFT-Werte. Bezogen auf die Kariesprävalenz war ein signifikanter Unterschied zwischen beiden Gruppen in UP1 und eine signifikante Abnahme zwischen UP1 und UP2 bei den Schulkindern von HS erkennbar. Weitere Unterschiede wurden in Bezug auf die FV festgestellt. So wiesen 50,7% (UP1) bzw. 50,9% (UP2) der Schulkinder von HS und 36,3% (UP1) bzw. 52,1% (UP2) der Schulkinder von FS mindestens eine FV auf. Die Karieserfahrung von Schulkindern beider Schulformen, die mindestens eine FV aufwiesen, war signifikant geringer als bei jenen ohne FV. Die mittleren DMFT-Werte der Schülerinnen und Schüler von HS lagen bei 0,53 (UP1, FV>0) und 1,16 (UP1, FV=0) bzw. bei 0,49 (UP2, FV>0) und 0,99 (UP2, FV=0) (jeweils p<0,001). Die mittleren DMFT-Werte der Schülerinnen und Schüler von FS lagen bei 0,56 (UP1, FV>0) und 0,90 (UP1, FV=0) (p=0,01) sowie 0,51 (UP2, FV>0) und 1,02 (UP2, FV=0) (p=0,003).

Schlussfolgerungen Die Zahngesundheit der Schülerinnen und Schüler von HS und FS aus dem REK ist deutlich schlechter als die von Gleichaltrigen der Allgemeinbevölkerung. Damit zählen diese beiden Gruppen noch immer zu Subgruppen der Bevölkerung mit einem erhöhten Kariesrisiko. Zur Verbesserung dieser Situation müssen beide Schulformen über das Grundschulalter hinaus verstärkt in den Fokus der Kariespräventionsmaßnahmen gerückt werden.
Management der ersten COVID-19-Welle in 45 Kinder- und Jugendarztpraxen im Saarland
Authors: Theiß Karsten , Simon Arne , Graf Norbert , Rohrer Tilman
Published: March 2021

Hintergrund Das Saarland ist in der ersten Welle der COVID-19-Pandemie eines der am stärksten betroffenen Bundesländer. Niedergelassene Kinder- und Jugendärzte sind für pädiatrische Patienten und ihre Familien erste Ansprechpartner.

Fragestellung Darstellung der Herausforderungen und Maßnahmen zur Aufrechterhaltung der Patientenversorgung sowie der Zusammenarbeit während der COVID-19-Pandemie.

Methoden Internet-basierte Befragung der niedergelassenen Kinder- und Jugendärzte sowie papierbasierte Befragung von nicht-ärztlichem Assistenzpersonal der Kinder- und Jugendarztpraxen im Saarland.

Ergebnisse Inhaber von 85% sowie Assistenzpersonal aus 81% der Praxen nahmen teil. Für 71% der Praxisinhaber bzw. 48% des Assistenzpersonals bestand ein erhöhtes persönliches Ausfallrisiko als Risikogruppenangehörige oder aufgrund von Betreuungsverpflichtungen. Es kam aber nur zu wenigen tatsächlichen Ausfällen. 85% halten die Hygiene- und Arbeitsschutzempfehlungen für sinnvoll, aber nur 32% stand bei Pandemiebeginn die notwendige Schutzausrüstung zur Verfügung. 89% der Praxen haben Ihr Praxis- und Patientenmanagement in der Pandemie umgestellt. Es wird ein deutlicher Verbesserungsbedarf in der Pandemievorbereitung (77%) und -bewältigung (61%), aber auch in der Zusammenarbeit mit dem öffentlichen Gesundheitswesen (59%) sowie mit Kindertagesstätten und Schulen (77%) gesehen.

Schlussfolgerung Die erste Welle der Pandemie hat die Praxen vor erhebliche Herausforderungen gestellt, die durch betrieblich-funktionelle Umstrukturierung und -organisation bewältigt wurden. Jedoch wird eine bessere Pandemievorbereitung und Unterstützung bei der Bewältigung einschl. verbesserter Zusammenarbeit mit den Gesundheitsämtern und Kinderbetreuungseinrichtungen gefordert.
Immunoglobulin G4-Related Disease Masquerading an Epidural Spinal Cord Tumor
Authors: Abdulla Ebtesam , Luther Harleen , Shah Tejal , Chandran Nisha
Published: March 2021

Background Immunoglobulin G4–related disease (IgG4-RD) is a recently identified multisystemic fibroinflammatory condition of unclear etiology. IgG4-RD of the epidural tissue causing spinal cord compression is extremely rare.

Case description Here, we present a 27-year-old male with epidural mass, causing spinal cord compression at the level of D5-D6. The mass proved pathologically to be epidural inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT) related to IgG4. Spinal decompression was done. The patient was started on steroid treatment and reported a complete resolution of his symptoms over a 3 years’ follow-up period.

Conclusion To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case of IgG4-related epidural IPT and spinal cord compression in Bahrain and the Middle East. IgG4-RD should always be considered as a part of the differential diagnosis of spinal tumors.