bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Agricultural land use curbs exotic invasion but sustains native plant diversity at intermediate levels
Authors: Pellegrini E. , Buccheri M. , Martini F. , Boscutti F.
Published: April 2021

Unveiling the processes driving exotic plant invasion represent a central issue in taking decisions aimed at constraining the loss of biodiversity and related ecosystem services. The invasion success is often linked to anthropogenic land uses and warming due to climate change. We studied the responses of native versus casual and naturalised exotic species richness to land uses and climate at the landscape level, relying on a large floristic survey undertaken in North - Eastern Italy. Both climate and land use drove exotic species richness. Our results suggest that the success of plant invasion at this scale is mainly due to warm climatic conditions and the extent of urban and agricultural land, but with different effects on casual and naturalized exotic species. The occurrence of non-linear trends showed that a small percentage of extensive agricultural land in the landscape may concurrently reduce the number of exotic plant while sustaining native plant diversity. Plant invasion could be potentially limited by land management, mainly focusing on areas with extensive agricultural land use. A more conscientious land management is more and more commonly required by local administrations. According to our results, a shift of intensive to extensive agricultural land, by implementing green infrastructures, seems to be a win–win solution favouring native species while controlling the oversimplification of the flora due to plant invasion.
H2-CO2 polymer electrolyte fuel cell that generates power while evolving CH4 at the Pt0.8Ru0.2/C cathode
Authors: Matsuda Shofu , Niitsuma Yuuki , Yoshida Yuta , Umeda Minoru
Published: April 2021

Generating electric power using CO2 as a reactant is challenging because the electroreduction of CO2 usually requires a large overpotential. Herein, we report the design and development of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell driven by feeding H2 and CO2 to the anode (Pt/C) and cathode (Pt0.8Ru0.2/C), respectively, based on their theoretical electrode potentials. Pt–Ru/C is a promising electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction at a low overpotential; consequently, CH4 is continuously produced through CO2 reduction with an enhanced faradaic efficiency (18.2%) and without an overpotential (at 0.20 V vs. RHE) was achieved when dilute CO2 is fed at a cell temperature of 40 °C. Significantly, the cell generated electric power (0.14 mW cm−2) while simultaneously yielding CH4 at 86.3 μmol g−1 h−1. These results show that a H2-CO2 fuel cell is a promising technology for promoting the carbon capture and utilization (CCU) strategy.
Highlighting the compound risk of COVID-19 and environmental pollutants using geospatial technology
Authors: Singh Ram Kumar , Drews Martin , De la Sen Manuel , Srivastava Prashant Kumar , Trisasongko Bambang H. , Kumar Manoj , Pandey Manish Kumar , Anand Akash , Singh S. S. , Pandey A. K. , Dobriyal Manmohan , Rani Meenu , Kumar Pavan
Published: April 2021

The new COVID-19 coronavirus disease has emerged as a global threat and not just to human health but also the global economy. Due to the pandemic, most countries affected have therefore imposed periods of full or partial lockdowns to restrict community transmission. This has had the welcome but unexpected side effect that existing levels of atmospheric pollutants, particularly in cities, have temporarily declined. As found by several authors, air quality can inherently exacerbate the risks linked to respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. In this study, we explore patterns of air pollution for ten of the most affected countries in the world, in the context of the 2020 development of the COVID-19 pandemic. We find that the concentrations of some of the principal atmospheric pollutants were temporarily reduced during the extensive lockdowns in the spring. Secondly, we show that the seasonality of the atmospheric pollutants is not significantly affected by these temporary changes, indicating that observed variations in COVID-19 conditions are likely to be linked to air quality. On this background, we confirm that air pollution may be a good predictor for the local and national severity of COVID-19 infections.
Leucyl-tRNA synthetase deficiency systemically induces excessive autophagy in zebrafish
Authors: Inoue Masanori , Miyahara Hiroaki , Shiraishi Hiroshi , Shimizu Nobuyuki , Tsumori Mika , Kiyota Kyoko , Maeda Miwako , Umeda Ryohei , Ishitani Tohru , Hanada Reiko , Ihara Kenji , Hanada Toshikatsu
Published: April 2021

Leucyl-tRNA synthetase (LARS) is an enzyme that catalyses the ligation of leucine with leucine tRNA. LARS is also essential to sensitize the intracellular leucine concentration to the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) activation. Biallelic mutation in the LARS gene causes infantile liver failure syndrome type 1 (ILFS1), which is characterized by acute liver failure, anaemia, and neurological disorders, including microcephaly and seizures. However, the molecular mechanism underlying ILFS1 under LARS deficiency has been elusive. Here, we generated Lars deficient (larsb−/−) zebrafish that showed progressive liver failure and anaemia, resulting in early lethality within 12 days post fertilization. The atg5-morpholino knockdown and bafilomycin treatment partially improved the size of the liver and survival rate in larsb−/− zebrafish. These findings indicate the involvement of autophagy in the pathogenesis of larsb−/− zebrafish. Indeed, excessive autophagy activation was observed in larsb−/− zebrafish. Therefore, our data clarify a mechanistic link between LARS and autophagy in vivo. Furthermore, autophagy regulation by LARS could lead to development of new therapeutics for IFLS1.
A prognostic dynamic model applicable to infectious diseases providing easily visualized guides: a case study of COVID-19 in the UK
Authors: Zhang Yuxuan , Gong Chen , Li Dawei , Wang Zhi-Wei , Pu Shengda D. , Robertson Alex W. , Yu Hong , Parrington John
Published: April 2021

A reasonable prediction of infectious diseases’ transmission process under different disease control strategies is an important reference point for policy makers. Here we established a dynamic transmission model via Python and realized comprehensive regulation of disease control measures. We classified government interventions into three categories and introduced three parameters as descriptions for the key points in disease control, these being intraregional growth rate, interregional communication rate, and detection rate of infectors. Our simulation predicts the infection by COVID-19 in the UK would be out of control in 73 days without any interventions; at the same time, herd immunity acquisition will begin from the epicentre. After we introduced government interventions, a single intervention is effective in disease control but at huge expense, while combined interventions would be more efficient, among which, enhancing detection number is crucial in the control strategy for COVID-19. In addition, we calculated requirements for the most effective vaccination strategy based on infection numbers in a real situation. Our model was programmed with iterative algorithms, and visualized via cellular automata; it can be applied to similar epidemics in other regions if the basic parameters are inputted, and is able to synthetically mimic the effect of multiple factors in infectious disease control.
Tunable characteristics of low-frequency bandgaps in two-dimensional multivibrator phononic crystal plates under prestrain
Authors: Zhu Hai-Fei , Sun Xiao-Wei , Song Ting , Wen Xiao-Dong , Liu Xi-Xuan , Feng Jin-Shan , Liu Zi-Jiang
Published: April 2021

In view of the influence of variability of low-frequency noise frequency on noise prevention in real life, we present a novel two-dimensional tunable phononic crystal plate which is consisted of lead columns deposited in a silicone rubber plate with periodic holes and calculate its bandgap characteristics by finite element method. The low-frequency bandgap mechanism of the designed model is discussed simultaneously. Accordingly, the influence of geometric parameters of the phononic crystal plate on the bandgap characteristics is analyzed and the bandgap adjustability under prestretch strain is further studied. Results show that the new designed phononic crystal plate has lower bandgap starting frequency and wider bandwidth than the traditional single-sided structure, which is due to the coupling between the resonance mode of the scatterer and the long traveling wave in the matrix with the introduction of periodic holes. Applying prestretch strain to the matrix can realize active realtime control of low-frequency bandgap under slight deformation and broaden the low-frequency bandgap, which can be explained as the multiple bands tend to be flattened due to the localization degree of unit cell vibration increases with the rise of prestrain. The presented structure improves the realtime adjustability of sound isolation and vibration reduction frequency for phononic crystal in complex acoustic vibration environments.
Combined effects of crude oil exposure and warming on eggs and larvae of an arctic forage fish
Authors: Bender Morgan Lizabeth , Giebichenstein Julia , Teisrud Ragnar N. , Laurent Jennifer , Frantzen Marianne , Meador James P. , Sørensen Lisbet , Hansen Bjørn Henrik , Reinardy Helena C. , Laurel Benjamin , Nahrgang Jasmine
Published: April 2021

Climate change, along with environmental pollution, can act synergistically on an organism to amplify adverse effects of exposure. The Arctic is undergoing profound climatic change and an increase in human activity, resulting in a heightened risk of accidental oil spills. Embryos and larvae of polar cod (Boreogadus saida), a key Arctic forage fish species, were exposed to low levels of crude oil concurrently with a 2.3 °C increase in water temperature. Here we show synergistic adverse effects of increased temperature and crude oil exposure on early life stages documented by an increased prevalence of malformations and mortality in exposed larvae. The combined effects of these stressors were most prevalent in the first feeding larval stages despite embryonic exposure, highlighting potential long-term consequences of exposure for survival, growth, and reproduction. Our findings suggest that a warmer Arctic with greater human activity will adversely impact early life stages of this circumpolar forage fish.
Ultrasensitive nucleic acid detection based on phosphorothioated hairpin-assisted isothermal amplification
Authors: Jung Yujin , Song Jayeon , Park Hyun Gyu
Published: April 2021

Herein, we describe a phosphorothioated hairpin-assisted isothermal amplification (PHAmp) method for detection of a target nucleic acid. The hairpin probe (HP) is designed to contain a 5′ phosphorothioate (PS)-modified overhang, a target recognition site, and a 3′ self-priming (SP) region. Upon binding to the target nucleic acid, the HP opens and the SP region is rearranged to serve as a primer. The subsequent process of strand displacement DNA synthesis recycles the bound target to open another HP and produces an extended HP (EP) with a PS-DNA/DNA duplex at the end, which would be readily denatured due to its reduced thermal stability. The trigger then binds to the denatured 3′ end of the EP and is extended, producing an intermediate double-stranded (ds) DNA product (IP). The trigger also binds to the denatured 3′ end of the IP, and its extension produces the final dsDNA product along with concomitant displacement and recycling of EP. By monitoring the dsDNA products, the target nucleic acid can be identified down to 0.29 fM with a wide dynamic range from 1 nM to 1 fM yielding an excellent specificity to discriminate even a single base-mismatched target. The unique design principle could provide new insights into the development of novel isothermal amplification methods for nucleic acid detection.
Occurrence of bioluminescent and nonbioluminescent species in the littoral earthworm genus Pontodrilus
Authors: Seesamut Teerapong , Yano Daichi , Paitio José , Kin Ikuhiko , Panha Somsak , Oba Yuichi
Published: April 2021

Pontodrilus litoralis is a cosmopolitan littoral earthworm known to exhibit bioluminescence. Recently, a congeneric species, Pontodrilus longissimus, from Thailand was described. These species are sympatric, but their burrowing depths on Thai beaches are different. In this study, we examined the in vivo and in vitro bioluminescent properties of P. longissimus and P. litoralis. Mechanical stimulation induced in vivo luminescence in P. litoralis, as reported previously, but not in P. longissimus. In vitro cross-reaction tests between these species revealed the absence of luciferin and luciferase activities in P. longissimus. The coelomic fluid of P. litoralis had strong fluorescence that matched the spectral maximum of its bioluminescence, but the same result was not observed for P. longissimus. These results suggest that P. litoralis has luminescence abilities due to the creation of bioluminescent components (i.e., luciferin, luciferase, and light emitters). The presence of both luminous and nonluminous species in a single genus is likely widespread, but only a few examples have been confirmed. Our findings provide insight into the possible functions of bioluminescence in earthworms, such as avoiding predation by littoral earwigs.
The effect of age on the association between diabetes and mortality in adult patients with COVID-19 in Mexico
Authors: Woolcott Orison O. , Castilla-Bancayán Juan P.
Published: April 2021

Diabetes is associated with severe COVID-19 and mortality. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of age on the association between diabetes and mortality in patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 in Mexico. This retrospective cohort study involved patients aged 20 years or older with symptoms of viral respiratory disease who were screened for SARS-CoV-2 infection across the System of Epidemiological Surveillance of Viral Respiratory Disease in Mexico from January 1 through November 4, 2020. Cox proportional-hazard regression was used to calculate the hazard ratio for 28-day mortality and its 95% confidence interval (CI). Among 757,210 patients with COVID-19 (outpatients and inpatients), 120,476 (16%) had diabetes and 80,616 died. Among 878,840 patients without COVID-19 (those who tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 infection), 88,235 (10.0%) had diabetes and 20,134 died. Among patients with COVID-19, diabetes was associated with a hazard ratio for death of 1.49 (95% CI 1.47–1.52), adjusting for age, sex, smoking habit, obesity, hypertension, immunodeficiency, and cardiovascular, pulmonary, and chronic renal disease. The strength of the association decreased with age (trend test: P = 0.004). For example, the adjusted hazard ratio for death was 3.12 (95% CI 2.86–3.40) for patients 20–39 years of age; in contrast, the adjusted hazard ratio of death for patients 80 years of age or older was 1.11 (95% CI 1.06–1.16). The adjusted hazard ratios were 1.66 (95% CI 1.58–1.74) in outpatients and 1.14 (95% CI 1.12–1.16) in inpatients. In hospitalized patients 80 years of age or older, no association was observed between diabetes and COVID-19-related mortality (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.03; 95% CI 0.98–1.08). Among patients without COVID-19, the adjusted hazard ratio for death was 1.78 (95% CI 1.73–1.84). In conclusion, in adult patients with COVID-19 in Mexico, the risk of death associated with diabetes decreased with age. No association between diabetes and mortality was observed among inpatients 80 years of age or older. Our findings should be verified in other populations.
A multi-omics approach for understanding the effects of moderate wine consumption on human intestinal health
Authors: Belda Ignacio , Cueva Carolina , Tamargo Alba , Ravarani Charles N. , Acedo Alberto , Bartolomé Begoña , Moreno-Arribas M. Victoria
Published: April 2021

Gut microbiome determines the impact of wine consumption in gut metabolome.
Supplementation with soy isoflavones alleviates depression-like behaviour via reshaping the gut microbiota structure
Authors: Wang Li , Wu Xuejiao , Ma Yuhao , Li Xian , Zhang Jingfeng , Zhao Lichao
Published: April 2021

Our result suggest that soy isoflavones (SI) might affect monoamine neurotransmitters of CUMS rats by reshaping the structure of the gut microbiota, thereby alleviating depression-like behaviour.
Recent advances in Pt-based electrocatalysts for PEMFCs
Authors: Zhang Xuewei , Li Haiou , Yang Jian , Lei Yijie , Wang Cheng , Wang Jianlong , Tang Yaping , Mao Zongqiang
Published: April 2021

In this paper, the latest progress in the design of Pt-based ORR electrocatalysts is reviewed, including the understanding of research progress in the synthesis of high activity and high stability catalysts.
Challenges and prospects about the graphene role in the design of photoelectrodes for sunlight-driven water splitting
Authors: Carminati Saulo A. , Rodríguez-Gutiérrez Ingrid , de Morais Andreia , da Silva Bruno L. , Melo Mauricio A. , Souza Flavio L. , Nogueira Ana F.
Published: April 2021

Graphene and its derivatives have emerged as potential materials for several technological application including sunlight-driven water splitting reactions.
Investigation on the promotional role of Ga2O3on the CuO–ZnO/HZSM-5 catalyst for CO2hydrogenation
Authors: Du Jie , Zhang Yajing , Wang Kangjun , Ding Fu , Jia Songyan , Liu Guoguo , Tan Limei
Published: April 2021

The additive Ga2O3improved the catalytic performance of CuO–ZnO/HZSM-5 catalysts for hydrogenation of CO2to DME.
Ultrasensitive detection of specific IgE based on nanomagnetic capture and separation with a AuNP-anti-IgE nanobioprobe for signal amplification
Authors: Cao Mengda , Liu Yongxin , Lu Chen , Guo Miao , Li Lin , Yu Changmin , Wei Ji-Fu
Published: April 2021

Ultrasensitive sIgE detection was achieved by combining a magnetic nanoparticle-based detection system with a gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-based signal amplification system.
Nanodisc reconstitution of flavin mononucleotide binding domain of cytochrome-P450-reductase enables high-resolution NMR probing
Authors: Krishnarjuna Bankala , Yamazaki Toshio , Anantharamaiah G. M. , Ramamoorthy Ayyalusamy
Published: April 2021

Reconstitution of the flavin mononucleotide binding domain of cyt-P450-reductase in peptide-lipid-nanodiscs provided a stable conformation that assisted in mapping transient lipid-protein interactions and line broadening through chemical shift analysis.
Molecular mechanism of amyloidogenicity and neurotoxicity of a pro-aggregated tau mutant in the presence of histidine tautomerism via replica-exchange simulation
Authors: Chatterjee Sompriya , Salimi Abbas , Lee Jin Yong
Published: April 2021

Considering ΔK280 tau mutation, δε isomer with highest sheet content may accelerate aggregation; generating small compounds to inhibit this would help tp prevent tauopathies.
Sequential dehydration of sorbitol to isosorbide over acidified niobium oxides
Authors: Guo Jiaxing , Song Yongji , Liu Shanshan , Huang Long , Wang Xincheng , Liu Shanshan , Li Cuiqing
Published: April 2021

The synergy of Brønsted and Lewis acid sites facilitated the sequential dehydration of sorbitol to isosorbide under solvent-free conditions.
Exceptional low-temperature activity of a perovskite-type AlCeO3 solid solution-supported Ni-based nanocatalyst towards CO2 methanation
Authors: Zhang Jingyi , Ren Baojin , Fan Guoli , Yang Lan , Li Feng
Published: April 2021

A perovskite-type AlCeO3 solid solution-supported Ni-based nanocatalyst exhibited remarkable low-temperature catalytic activity towards CO2 methanation at 200 °C.
Selective cyclohexene oxidation to allylic compounds over a Cu-triazole framework via homolytic activation of hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Ponchai Panyapat , Adpakpang Kanyaporn , Bureekaew Sareeya
Published: April 2021

Highly robust Cu-triazole MOF with abundant open-metal sites owning Lewis acid attributes is demonstrated to be an efficient catalyst for homolytic activation of H2O2 responsible for allylic compounds with 87% selectivity from cyclohexene oxidation.
Trifluoromethyl derivatives of pentagon-fused C60: 1809C60(CF3)n (n = 10, 12, 14, 16)
Authors: Tamm Nadezhda B. , Markov Vitaliy Yu. , Troyanov Sergey I.
Published: April 2021

The structural chemistry of trifluoromethyl derivatives of non-IPR 1809C60 is discussed and compared with related chloro derivatives for the first time.
The effect of sodium thiosulfate on cytotoxicity of a diimine Re(i) tricarbonyl complex
Authors: Capper Miles S. , Enriquez Garcia Alejandra , Lai Barry , Wang Baiwen O. , Gelfand Benjamin S. , Shemanko Carrie S. , Jalilehvand Farideh
Published: April 2021

Replacing the aqua ligand in fac-[(Re(CO)3(bpy)(H2O)]+ with S2O32− disrupts the cellular uptake of the product in the MD-MB-231 breast cancer cells.
On the lack of monoclinic distortion in the insulating regime of EuNiO3 and GdNiO3 perovskites by high-angular resolution synchrotron X-ray diffraction: a comparison with YNiO3
Authors: Serrano-Sánchez Federico , Martínez José Luis , Fauth François , Alonso José Antonio
Published: April 2021

Unlike YNiO3, exhibiting a monoclinic phase (space group P21/n) in the insulating regime (below TMI) and conspicuous peak splittings, the present EuNiO3 and GdNiO3 samples must be always defined as an orthorhombic perovskite (space group Pbnm).
Ternary alkali ion thiogallates, A5GaS4 (A = Li and Na), with isolated tetrahedral building units and their ionic conductivities
Authors: Balijapelly Srikanth , Sandineni Prashanth , Adhikary Amit , Gerasimchuk Nikolay N. , Chernatynskiy Aleksandr V. , Choudhury Amitava
Published: April 2021

Lithium- and sodium-thiogallates have been synthesized by chemical sulfidation and sealed tube synthesis routes. Their ionic conductivities are reported here.
Common ion effect enhanced Prussian blue analogues for aqueous ammonium ion storage
Authors: Li Siyun , Xia Maoting , Xiao Chengxiang , Zhang Xikun , Yu Haoxiang , Zhang Liyuan , Shu Jie
Published: April 2021

On the basis of the common ion effect, Fe2(SO4)3 is utilized as a functional additive in an electrolyte to enhance the electrochemical performance of FeFe(CN)6 in aqueous NH4+ batteries.
One-pot thermal decomposition of commercial organometallic salt to Fe2O3@C–N and MnO@C–N for lithium storage
Authors: Wei Denghu , Xu Leilei , Jiao Ranran , Zhong Zhenlei , Ji Xiaoli , Zeng Suyuan
Published: April 2021

Fe2O3@C–N was synthesized via a one-step thermal decomposition reaction of commercial C10H12FeN2NaO8 and used for lithium storage. The synthetic strategy can be simply extended to prepare other similar products, e.g. MnO@C–N and ZnO@C–N.
An untold story of a novel mushroom from tribal cuisine: an ethno-medicinal, taxonomic and pharmacological approach
Authors: Khatua Somanjana , Paloi Soumitra , Acharya Krishnendu
Published: April 2021

India showcases an array of fascinating and rare mushrooms that grow exclusively in the wilderness of West Bengal. Investigation on such traditional trerasure may provide exciting evidences for use in favor of human as they possess certain biological properties.
Sheathless and high-throughput elasto-inertial bacterial sorting for enhancing molecular diagnosis of bloodstream infection
Authors: Lu Xiaoguang , Chow Joycelyn Jia Ming , Koo Seok Hwee , Jiang Boran , Tan Thean Yen , Yang Dahou , Ai Ye
Published: April 2021

We present a microfluidic device for high-throughput, size-based bacterial sorting from whole blood in non-Newtonian fluids, enabling rapid and simple purification of bacteria for more accurate molecular diagnosis of bloodstream bacterial infection.
Enabling autonomous scanning probe microscopy imaging of single molecules with deep learning
Authors: Sotres Javier , Boyd Hannah , Gonzalez-Martinez Juan F.
Published: April 2021

Use of state-of-the-art deep learning techniques, object detectors and Siamese networks, to enable autonomous SPM imaging of single molecules.
Metal-free reduction of unsaturated carbonyls, quinones, and pyridinium salts with tetrahydroxydiboron/water
Authors: Peng Henian , Li Tiejun , Tian Duanshuai , Yang He , Xu Guangqing , Tang Wenjun
Published: April 2021

Tetrahydroxydiboron/water effectively reduce a series of unsaturated carbonyls, quinones, and pyridinium salts to the corresponding saturated carbonyls, dihydroxybenzenes, and hydropyridines in moderate to high yields.
Light-induced borylation: developments and mechanistic insights
Authors: Lai Dipti , Ghosh Sumit , Hajra Alakananda
Published: April 2021

This perspective delineates light-induced borylation methodologies, which have been developed in the last 10 years. Mechanistic insights have been explored throughout the article for these UV- and visible-light-induced borylation reactions.
Diastereoselective synthesis of conformationally restricted KOR agonists
Authors: Ilari Denise , Maskri Sarah , Schepmann Dirk , Köhler Jens , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Koch Oliver , Wünsch Bernhard
Published: April 2021

KOR agonists with the ethylenediamine pharmacophore embedded within a rigid bicyclic framework were designed and synthesized via 15 steps. Unexpected retention during substitution with azide led to exo-configured diastereomer with low KOR affinity.
Domino Heck/Hiyama cross-coupling: trapping of the σ-alkylpalladium intermediate with arylsilanes
Authors: Wu Xin-Xing , Ye Hao , Jiang Guomin , Hu Lanping
Published: April 2021

A Pd-catalyzed domino Heck cyclization/Hiyama cross-coupling sequence of aryl-tethered activated/unactivated alkenes with arylsilanes is described.
Correction: Recent advances in the copper-catalyzed aerobic Csp3–H oxidation strategy
Authors: Kim Hun Young , Oh Kyungsoo
Published: April 2021

Correction for ‘Recent advances in the copper-catalyzed aerobic Csp3–H oxidation strategy’ by Hun Young Kim et al., Org. Biomol. Chem., 2021, DOI: 10.1039/d1ob00081k.
Cubane Cu4I4(phosphine)4 complexes as new co-initiators for free radical photopolymerization: towards aromatic amine-free systems
Authors: Hammoud Fatima , Rahal Mahmoud , Egly Julien , Morlet-Savary Fabrice , Hijazi Akram , Bellemin-Laponnaz Stéphane , Mauro Matteo , Lalevée Jacques
Published: April 2021

The investigation of copper-iodide cubane derivatives as new co-initiators for the free radical polymerization (FRP) of acrylate monomers under mild irradiation conditions is described here for the first time.
Phosphotungstic acid impregnated niobium coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles as recyclable catalyst for selective isomerization of terpenes
Authors: Name Luccas Lossano , Toma Sergio Hiroshi , Pereira Nogueira Helton , Avanzi Luis Humberto , Pereira Rafael dos Santos , Peffi Ferreira Luis Fernando , Araki Koiti , Cella Rodrigo , Toyama Marcos Makoto
Published: April 2021

Conversion efficiency as high as 80–100% and 50% selectivity for camphene and limonene was achieved with low production of polymeric byproducts (18–28%), using a new magnetically recyclable catalyst – SPION-Nb30@HPW.
Evaluation of BaCo0.4Fe0.4Zr0.2−xNixO3−δ perovskite cathode using nickel as a sintering aid for IT-SOFC
Authors: Irshad Muneeb , Khalid Mehak , Rafique Muhammad , Ahmad Naveed , Siraj Khurram , Raza Rizwan , Sadiq Muhammad , Ahsan Muhammad , Ghaffar Abdul , Ashfaq Amina
Published: April 2021

Electrochemical performance of BaCo0.4Fe0.4Zr0.2−xNixO3−δ at 600 °C.
Fabrication of porous polymer coating layers with selective wettability on filter papers via the breath figure method and their applications in oil/water separation
Authors: Zhang Xu , Sun Guangping , Liu Heng , Zhang Xuequan
Published: April 2021

A comb-like amphiphilic polymer composed of hydrophobic backbones and hydrophilic side groups, was employed to in situ grow honeycomb coatings on filter paper via directly polymer solution casting and by the subsequent dynamic breath figure method.
Abundant topological phases in hydrogenated group-IV binary alloy compounds
Authors: Gao Guanyi , Bao Hairui , Zhao Bao , Huan Hao , Yang Zhongqin
Published: April 2021

Abundant topological states, including triply degenerate point semimetals and Dirac semimetals, are achieved in the layered SnPbH2 crystals built based on monolayer SnPbH2 with different stacking patterns.
Facile synthesis of antibiotic-functionalized gold nanoparticles for colorimetric bacterial detection
Authors: Elliott Charlotte N. , Becerra María Cecilia , Bennett J. Craig , Graham Lori , Silvero C. M. Jazmin , Hallett-Tapley Geniece L.
Published: April 2021

The following contribution will discuss a novel and rapid synthetic route for the generation of antibiotic functionalized gold nanoparticles and examine the application of these materials as colorimetric sensors for bacterial pathogens.
Integrated magneto–electrophoresis microfluidic chip purification on library preparation device for preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy detection
Authors: Schneider Lindsay , Fraser Michelle , Tripathi Anubhav
Published: April 2021

Automated DNA library preparation device with microfluidic chip for DNA purification using magnetophoresis and electrophoresis.
Oxidative cross-dehydrogenative coupling (CDC) via C(sp2)–H bond functionalization: tert-butyl peroxybenzoate (TBPB)-promoted regioselective direct C-3 acylation/benzoylation of 2H-indazoles with aldehydes/benzyl alcohols/styrenes
Authors: Sharma Richa , Yadav Lalit , Yadav Ravi Kant , Chaudhary Sandeep
Published: April 2021

An efficient transition-metal-free oxidative C(sp2)–H/C(sp2)–H cross-dehydrogenative coupling via C(sp2)–H bond functionalization for regioselective C-3 acylation/benzoylation of 2H-indazoles with aldehydes/benzyl alcohols/styrenes is reported.
High-pressure phase transition of AB3-type compounds: case of tellurium trioxide
Authors: Kurzydłowski Dominik , Kuzovnikov Mikhail A. , Tkacz Marek
Published: April 2021

Tellurium trioxide, TeO3, is the only example of a trioxide adopting at ambient conditions the VF3-type structure (a distorted variant of the cubic ReO3 structure).
Ground- and excited-state dynamic control of an anion receptor by hydrostatic pressure
Authors: Kinoshita Tomokazu , Haketa Yohei , Maeda Hiromitsu , Fukuhara Gaku
Published: April 2021

Hydrostatic pressure can control interactions of chiral countercations with helical receptors containing anions, causing remarkable chiroptical changes.
The CH radical at radio wavelengths: revisiting emission in the 3.3 GHz ground-state lines
Authors: Jacob Arshia M. , Menten Karl M. , Wiesemeyer Helmut , Ortiz-León Gisela N.
Published: April 2021

Context. The intensities of the three widely observed radio-wavelength hyperfine structure (HFS) lines between the Λ-doublet components of the rotational ground state of CH are inconsistent with local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) and indicate ubiquitous population inversion. While this can be qualitatively understood assuming a pumping cycle that involves collisional excitation processes, the relative intensities of the lines and in particular the dominance of the lowest frequency satellite line are not well understood. This has limited the use of CH radio emission as a tracer of the molecular interstellar medium.

Aims. We aim to investigate the nature of the (generally) weak CH ground-state masers by employing synergies between the ground-state HFS transitions themselves and the far-infrared lines near 149 μm (2 THz) that connect these levels to the first HFS-split, rotationally excited level of the 2Π1∕2 spin–orbital manifold.

Methods. We present the first interferometric observations of the CH 9 cm ground-state HFS transitions at 3.264 GHz, 3.335 GHz, and 3.349 GHz towards the four high-mass star-forming regions (SFRs) Sgr B2 (M), G34.26+0.15, W49 (N), and W51 made with the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array. We combine this data set with our high-spectral-resolution observations of the N, J = 2, 3∕2 → 1, 1∕2 transitions of CH near 149 μm observed towards the same sources made with the upGREAT receiver on SOFIA, which share common lower energy levels with the HFS transitions within the rotational ground state.

Results. Towards all four sources, we observe the 3.264 GHz lower satellite line in enhanced emission with a higher relative intensity than is expected at LTE, by a factor of between 4 and 20. Employing recently calculated collisional rate coefficients, we perform statistical equilibrium calculations with the non-LTE radiative-transfer code MOLPOP-CEP in order to model the excitation conditions traced by the ground-state HFS lines of CH and to infer the physical conditions in the emitting regions. The models account for effects of far-infrared line overlap with additional constraints provided by reliable column densities of CH estimated from the 149 μm lines.

Conclusions. The derived gas densities indicate that the CH radio emission lines (and the far-infrared absorption) arise from the diffuse and translucent outer regions of the envelopes of the SFRs as well as in such clouds located along the lines of sight. We infer temperatures ranging from 50 to 125 K. These elevated temperatures, together with astrochemical considerations, may indicate that CH is formed in material heated by the dissipation of interstellar turbulence, which has been invoked for other molecules. The excitation conditions we derive reproduce the observed level inversion in all three of the ground-state HFS lines of CH over a wide range of gas densities with an excitation temperature of ~−0.3 K, consistent with previous theoretical predictions.
Upper limits for phosphine (PH3) in the atmosphere of Mars
Authors: Olsen K. S. , Trokhimovskiy A. , Braude A. S. , Korablev O. I. , Fedorova A. A. , Wilson C. F. , Patel M. R. , Irwin P. G. J. , Montmessin F. , Lefèvre F. , Baggio L. , Alday J. , Belyaev D. A. , Patrakeev A. , Shakun A.
Published: April 2021

Phosphine (PH3) is proposed to be a possible biomarker in planetary atmospheres and has been claimed to have been observed in the atmosphere of Venus, sparking interest in the habitability of Venus’s atmosphere. Observations of another biomarker, methane (CH4), have been reported several times in the atmosphere of Mars, hinting at the possibility of a past or present biosphere. The Atmospheric Chemistry Suite on the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter has a spectral range that includes several absorption lines of PH3 with line strengths comparable to previously observed CH4 lines. The signature of PH3 was not observed in the 192 observations made over a full Martian year of observations, and here we report upper limits of 0.1–0.6 ppbv.
Minimal time control of exact synchronization for parabolic systems
Authors: Wang Lijuan , Yan Qishu
Published: April 2021

This paper studies a kind of minimal time control problems related to the exact synchronization for a controlled linear system of parabolic equations. Each problem depends on two parameters: the bound of controls and the initial state. The purpose of such a problem is to find a control (from a constraint set) synchronizing components of the corresponding solution vector for the controlled system in the shortest time. In this paper, we build up a necessary and sufficient condition for the optimal time and the optimal control; we also obtain how the existence of optimal controls depends on the above mentioned two parameters.
Harnröhrenstrikturen der Frau: Aktuelles zu Diagnostik und Therapie
Authors: Kühnke Lennart , Fisch Margit , Vetterlein Malte W.
Published: April 2021

Harnröhrenstrikturen der Frau sind ein seltenes Krankheitsbild mit individueller Symptomatik. Vor diesem Hintergrund mangelt es an klinischen Leitfäden, die sich mit Diagnostik und Therapie dieser Erkrankung befassen. Mittlerweile liegen einige Ergebnisse zu verschiedenen Operationstechniken vor, ein direkter inter-institutioneller Vergleich wird jedoch durch heterogene Patientenkohorten und kleine Fallzahlen erschwert. Die vorliegende Arbeit befasst sich mit einer aktuellen narrativen Literaturübersicht relevanter Artikel zur klinischen Diagnostik und zu den Therapiemöglichkeiten bei weiblicher Harnröhrenstriktur.

Iatrogene Ursachen wie eine vorangegangene Katheterisierung oder ein urogenitaler operativer Eingriff sind die häufigsten Gründe für die Entstehung einer Harnröhrenstriktur bei der Frau. Im klinischen Alltag stellt die körperliche Untersuchung einen wichtigen Grundstein in der Differentialdiagnostik dar, um bei Verdacht auf eine anatomisch-morphologische Ursache der Harnblasenentleerungsstörung weitere diagnostische Maßnahmen (Urethrozystoskopie, Urethrographie, MRT) einzuleiten. Therapeutisch sind minimal-invasive Eingriffe wie Harnröhrenbougierungen oder Urethrotomien oftmals nur mit kurzfristigem Erfolg assoziiert, sodass die offene Harnröhrenrekonstruktion mit langfristigeren Therapieerfolgen hier eine Sonderstellung einnimmt. Zur Verfügung stehen neben offenen Harnröhrenplastiken mit gestielten Lappen aus Vaginal- oder Labialschleimhaut auch die Verwendung freier Transplantate, vor allem dem Mundschleimhaut-Autotransplantat. Aufgrund der genannten Seltenheit der Erkrankung mit nur kleinen publizierten Fallserien ist jedoch eine Beurteilung der vergleichenden Wirksamkeit der verschiedenen Techniken nur schwer möglich. Wie bei allen seltenen Erkrankungen bedarf es hier der Etablierung von multizentrischen, großen Serien, um die Standards im perioperativen Vorgehen zu verbessern.
The Promise of Youth Resistance Training
Authors: Faigenbaum Avery D , Geisler Stephan
Published: April 2021

Global health reports indicate that a vast majority of children and adolescents are not accumulating the recommended amount of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) daily. This decline in MVPA has coincided with troubling temporal trends in muscular fitness in modern day youth. Since a prerequisite level of muscular strength is needed to move proficiently, developmentally appropriate interventions that target neuromuscular deficits are needed to prepare girls and boys for ongoing participation in active play, exercise and sport activities. Instead of focusing exclusively on aerobic activities, the promotion of youth physical activity should recognize the shared importance of strength, skill and aerobic activities for all youth regardless of body size or physical prowess. In addition to enhancing muscular fitness and improving motor skill performance, regular participation in resistance training has been found to have a favorable influence on musculoskeletal strength, cardiometabolic function, body composition, and mental health in children and adolescents. A new mindset that recognizes the critical importance of strength-building activities early in life is needed before this generation of girls and boys becomes resistant to exercise interventions later in life.
Statistische Signifikanz – was der p-Wert aussagt
Authors: Köppel Maximilian , Eckert Katharina ,   im Namen der AG Wissenschaft des DVGS e.V.
Published: April 2021

Der Begriff der statistischen Signifikanz geht oft mit Missverständnissen einher. Dies liegt u. a. daran, dass sich mit den theoretischen Konzepten und Kenngrößen, die hinter dem Signifikanztesten liegen, zu wenig auseinandergesetzt wird. Hierzu gehört beispielsweise der p-Wert, der aussagt, mit welcher Wahrscheinlichkeit der beobachtete oder ein extremerer Effekt gefunden würde, wenn dieser Effekt in Wirklichkeit gar nicht existieren würde. Anhand des Beispiels eines Münzwurfs soll das Konzept des Nullhypothesensignifikanztestens erläutert werden, um ein besseres Verständnis für die Interpretation von wissenschaftlichen Ergebnissen zu erzeugen.
Folgenreiche Liposuktion – was man im Umgang mit Prilocain beachten sollte
Authors: Mayer Julius Michael , Capellen Carl Ferdinand , Holzbach Thomas
Published: April 2021

Unter der selten auftretenden erworbenen Methämoglobinämie ist die Prilocain-induzierte ätiologisch gesehen eine Rarität. Der folgende Fallbericht behandelt sie als potenziell gefährliche Komplikation nach Liposuktion mit Prilocain.

Eine junge Patientin stellte sich nach präsynkopalem Sturzereignis mit blassem Hautkolorit, immobilisierendem Handgelenksschmerz und Platzwunde am Kinn in der interdisziplinären Notaufnahme vor. Etwa 12 Stunden zuvor sei bei der Patientin ambulant in Regionalanästhesie eine Liposuktion der unteren Extremität durchgeführt worden. Dabei sei ein größeres Volumen einer Tumeszenzlösung, bestehend u. a. aus Prilocain, in das Gewebe infiltriert worden.

Bei initialer Vorstellung wurden ein normwertiger Blutdruck, eine leichte Tachykardie, eine periphere Sauerstoffsättigung von 90 % bei Raumluft gemessen und klinisch fielen ein reduzierter Allgemeinzustand und eine Lippenzyanose auf. Die Liposuktionszonen waren unauffällig.

Die erste arterielle Blutgasanalyse zeigte einen erhöhten Methämoglobin(Met-Hb)anteil von 10,9 %. Konventionell-radiologisch ließ sich eine minimal dislozierte distale Radiusfraktur nachweisen. Unter Sauerstofftherapie fiel das Met-Hb innerhalb von 4 Stunden auf 6 %, die Lippenzyanose war rückläufig, die Vitalparameter stabilisierten sich, die Platzwunde wurde mittels primärer Wundnaht versorgt und es erfolgte eine Ruhigstellung des Handgelenks. Nach 12-stündigem Aufenthalt erfolgte die Entlassung bei gebessertem Allgemeinzustand. Sechs Wochen posttraumatisch zeigte sich eine Konsolidierung der Fraktur und funktionell-ästhetisch regelrechte Wundheilung des Kinns. Wir möchten für die Differenzialdiagnose einer Prilocain-induzierten Methämoglobinämie nach Liposuktion mit Tumeszenzlösung sensibilisieren und im Allgemeinen die Verwendung von Prilocain diskutieren.
Procoagulant Platelets: Mechanisms of Generation and Action
Authors: Podoplelova N.A. , Nechipurenko D.Y. , Ignatova A.A. , Sveshnikova A.N. , Panteleev M.A.
Published: April 2021

During the past decades, it has been increasingly recognized that the major function of accelerating membrane-dependent reactions of blood coagulation is predominantly implemented by a subset of activated platelets. These procoagulant platelets (also called collagen- and thrombin-activated or COAT, coated, necrotic, although there could be subtle differences between these definitions) are uniquely characterized by both procoagulant activity and, at the same time, inactivated integrins and profibrinolytic properties. The mechanisms of their generation both in vitro and in situ have been increasingly becoming clear, suggesting unique and multidirectional roles in hemostasis and thrombosis. In this mini-review, we shall highlight the existing concepts and challenges in this field.
Effect of the Perception of Knee Pain on Muscle Strength and Endurance among Elite Female Handball Players
Authors: Kim ChanWoo , Park Ki Jun
Published: April 2021

Objectives This study aimed to examine the effect of knee pain perception on muscle strength and endurance among elite female handball players.

Methods This study included 60 handball players who participated in training and competition from January to December 2019. Muscle strength, endurance, and hamstring/quadriceps ratio of the knee were estimated using Computer Sports Medicine, INC (Cybex, HUMAC, USA). The independent samples t-test was used for inter-group comparison. The Pearson’s correlation and simple linear regression analyses were used to assess associations among the variables and identify factors affecting pain perception, respectively.

Results No significant differences in knee muscle strength, endurance of both the flexor and extensor muscles, and muscle strength (hamstring/quadriceps ratio) were noted between the high and low groups. However, the ratio of muscle endurance of the flexor and extensor of the knee in the high group was significantly lower than that in the low group. Furthermore, pain was found to correlate only with muscle endurance (hamstring/quadriceps ratio). The pain scale reading increased by 1. Moreover, muscle endurance ratio of the flexor and extensor muscles of the knee decreased by 3.07.

Conclusion Muscle endurance (hamstring/quadriceps ratio) of the flexor and extensor muscles, classified based on an average pain scale, differed between the high and low groups. These results can aid in development of rehabilitation and exercise programs for players involved in handball and similar sports in the future.
Radical Carbosulfonylation of Propellane: Synthesis of Sulfonyl β-Keto-bicyclo[1,1,1]pentanes
Authors: Wei Yunlong , Chen Zhiqi , Zhu Chen , Wu Zhen , Xu Yaohui , Wu Xinxin
Published: April 2021

The construction of multiply functionalized bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes (BCPs) is of high synthetic value, as they are frequently harnessed as bioisosteres of 1,3-disubstituted benzene rings, alkynes, and tert-butyl groups in medicinal chemistry. Herein, we disclose a practical radical-mediated carbosulfonylation of propellane for the synthesis of sulfonyl β-keto-substituted BCPs by using vinyl sulfonates as dual-function reagent. This protocol features broad functional group tolerance and excellent atom-economy, leading to a variety of valuable difunctionalized BCP derivatives under mild photochemical conditions.
Recent Advances in C–Br Bond Formation
Authors: Yeung Ying-Yeung , Wong Jonathan
Published: April 2021

Organobromine compounds are extremely useful in organic synthesis. In this perspective, a focused discussion on some recent advancements in C–Br bond-forming reactions is presented.

1 Introduction

2 Selected Recent Advances

2.1 Catalytic Asymmetric Bromopolycyclization of Olefinic Substrates

2.2 Catalytic Asymmetric Intermolecular Bromination

2.3 Some New Catalysts and Reagents for Bromination

2.4 Catalytic Site-Selective Bromination of Aromatic Compounds

2.5 sp3 C–H Bromination via Atom Transfer/Cross-Coupling

3 Outlook
Awareness about Vulvovaginal Aesthetics Procedures among Medical Students and Health Professionals in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Iqbal Shazia , Akkour Khalid , Bano Bushra , Hussain Ghaiath , Elhelow Manal Khalid Kamal Ali , Al-Mutairi Atheer Mansour , Aljasim Balqees Sami Khaza'l
Published: April 2021

Objective The present study aimed to explore the opinion and ethical consideration of vulvovaginal aesthetics procedures (VVAPs) among health professionals and medical students in Saudi Arabia.

Methods This is a cross-sectional study performed between January 2020 and April 2020. Data was collected through electronic media, WhatsApp, and emails. The results were analyzed by applying the Students t-test, and correlations were considered significant if they presented a p-value < 0.05.

Results There is significant demand to educate doctors, health professionals, medical students, and gynecologists for the VVAPs to have a solid foundation, justified indications, and knowledge about various aesthetic options. Although female doctors, medical students, young doctors, and gynecologists have more knowledge about VVAPs, all health professionals ought to be aware of recent trends in vulvovaginal aesthetics (VVA). The present analysis determined that VVA should be under the domain of gynecologists, rather than under that of plastic surgeons, general surgeons, and cosmetologists. The majority of the participants considered that vaginal rejuvenation, “G-spot” augmentation, clitoral surgery, and hymenoplasty are not justifiable on medical grounds.

Conclusion The decision to opt for different techniques for vaginal tightening and revitalization should be taken very carefully, utilizing the shared decision-making approach. Ethical aspects and moral considerations are important key factors before embarking in the VVAPs purely for cosmetic reasons. Further research is required to determine the sexual, psychological, and body image outcomes for women who underwent elective VVAPs. Moreover, medical educators must consider VVAPs as part of the undergraduate and postgraduate medical curriculum.