bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The active sites of Cu–ZnO catalysts for water gas shift and CO hydrogenation reactions
Authors: Zhang Zhenhua , Chen Xuanye , Kang Jincan , Yu Zongyou , Tian Jie , Gong Zhongmiao , Jia Aiping , You Rui , Qian Kun , He Shun , Teng Botao , Cui Yi , Wang Ye , Zhang Wenhua , Huang Weixin
Published: July 2021

Cu–ZnO–Al2O3catalysts are used as the industrial catalysts for water gas shift (WGS) and CO hydrogenation to methanol reactions. Herein, via a comprehensive experimental and theoretical calculation study of a series of ZnO/Cu nanocrystals inverse catalysts with well-defined Cu structures, we report that the ZnO–Cu catalysts undergo Cu structure-dependent and reaction-sensitive in situ restructuring during WGS and CO hydrogenation reactions under typical reaction conditions, forming the active sites of CuCu(100)-hydroxylated ZnO ensemble and CuCu(611)Zn alloy, respectively. These results provide insights into the active sites of Cu–ZnO catalysts for the WGS and CO hydrogenation reactions and reveal the Cu structural effects, and offer the feasible guideline for optimizing the structures of Cu–ZnO–Al2O3catalysts.
Large parental differences in chromatin organization in pancreatic beta cell line explaining diabetes susceptibility effects
Authors: Jian Xing , Felsenfeld Gary
Published: July 2021

Previous GWAS studies identified non-coding loci with parent-of-origin-specific effects on Type 2 diabetes susceptibility. Here we report the molecular basis for one such locus near the KRTAP5-6 gene on chromosome 11. We determine the pattern of long-range contacts between an enhancer in this locus and the human INS promoter 460 kb away, in the human pancreatic β-cell line, EndoC-βH1. 3C long range contact experiments distinguish contacts on the two sister chromosomes. Coupling with allele-specific SNPs allows construction of maps revealing marked differences in organization of the two sister chromosomes in the entire region between KRTAP5-6 and INS. Further mapping distinguishes maternal and paternal alleles. This reveals a domain of parent-of-origin-specific chromatin structure extending in the telomeric direction from the INS locus. This suggests more generally that imprinted loci may extend their influence over gene expression beyond those loci through long range chromatin structure, resulting in parent-of-origin-biased expression patterns over great distances.
Routine sub-2.5 Å cryo-EM structure determination of GPCRs
Authors: Danev Radostin , Belousoff Matthew , Liang Yi-Lynn , Zhang Xin , Eisenstein Fabian , Wootten Denise , Sexton Patrick M.
Published: July 2021

Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) of small membrane proteins, such as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), remains challenging. Pushing the performance boundaries of the technique requires quantitative knowledge about the contribution of multiple factors. Here, we present an in-depth analysis and optimization of the main experimental parameters in cryo-EM. We combined actual structural studies with methods development to quantify the effects of the Volta phase plate, zero-loss energy filtering, objective lens aperture, defocus magnitude, total exposure, and grid type. By using this information to carefully maximize the experimental performance, it is now possible to routinely determine GPCR structures at resolutions better than 2.5 Å. The improved fidelity of such maps enables the building of better atomic models and will be crucial for the future expansion of cryo-EM into the structure-based drug design domain. The optimization guidelines given here are not limited to GPCRs and can be applied directly to other small proteins.
Reduced stress-associated FKBP5 DNA methylation together with gut microbiota dysbiosis is linked with the progression of obese PCOS patients
Authors: Chen Fu , Chen Zhangran , Chen Minjie , Chen Guishan , Huang Qingxia , Yang Xiaoping , Yin Huihuang , Chen Lan , Zhang Weichun , Lin Hong , Ou Miaoqiong , Wang Luanhong , Chen Yongsong , Lin Chujia , Xu Wencan , Yin Guoshu
Published: July 2021

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disease in females that is characterized by hyperandrogenemia, chronic anovulation, and polycystic ovaries. However, the exact etiology and pathogenesis of PCOS are still unknown. The aim of this study was to clarify the bacterial, stress status, and metabolic differences in the gut microbiomes of healthy individuals and patients with high body mass index (BMI) PCOS (PCOS-HB) and normal BMI PCOS (PCOS-LB), respectively. Here, we compared the gut microbiota characteristics of PCOS-HB, PCOS-LB, and healthy controls by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, FK506-binding protein 5 (FKBP5) DNA methylation and plasma metabolite determination. Clinical parameter comparisons indicated that PCOS patients had higher concentrations of total testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, luteinizing hormone, and HOMA-IR while lower FKBP5 DNA methylation. Significant differences in bacterial diversity and community were observed between the PCOS and healthy groups but not between the PCOS-HB and PCOS-LB groups. Bacterial species number was negatively correlated with insulin concentrations (both under fasting status and 120 min after glucose load) and HOMA-IR but positively related to FKBP5 DNA methylation. Compared to the healthy group, both PCOS groups had significant changes in bacterial genera, including Prevotella_9, Dorea, Maihella, and Slackia, and plasma metabolites, including estrone sulfate, lysophosphatidyl choline 18:2, and phosphatidylcholine (22:6e/19:1). The correlation network revealed the complicated interaction of the clinical index, bacterial genus, stress indices, and metabolites. Our work links the stress responses and gut microbiota characteristics of PCOS disease, which might afford perspectives to understand the progression of PCOS.
High temperature oxidation of corrosion resistant alloys from machine learning
Authors: Taylor Christopher D. , Tossey Brett M.
Published: July 2021

Parabolic rate constants, kp, were collected from published reports and calculated from corrosion product data (sample mass gain or corrosion product thickness) and tabulated for 75 alloys exposed to temperatures between ~800 and 2000 K (~500–1700 oC; 900–3000 oF). Data were collected for environments including lab air, ambient and supercritical carbon dioxide, supercritical water, and steam. Materials studied include low- and high-Cr ferritic and austenitic steels, nickel superalloys, and aluminide materials. A combination of Arrhenius analysis, simple linear regression, supervised and unsupervised machine learning methods were used to investigate the relations between composition and oxidation kinetics. The supervised machine learning techniques produced the lowest mean standard errors. The most significant elements controlling oxidation kinetics were Ni, Cr, Al, and Fe, with Mo and Co composition also found to be significant features. The activation energies produced from the machine learning analysis were in the correct distributions for the diffusion constants for the oxide scales expected to dominate in each class.
Influenza colloidal gold method and blood routine tests combination for rapid diagnosis of influenza: a decision tree-based analysis
Authors: Li Xiaoguang , Chen Jing , Lin Fei , Wang Wei , Xu Jie , Li Nan
Published: July 2021

Rapid influenza diagnosis can facilitate targeted treatment and reduce antibiotic misuse. However, diagnosis efficacy remains unclear. This study examined the efficacy of a colloidal gold rapid test for rapid influenza diagnosis. Clinical characteristics of 520 patients with influenza-like illness presenting at a fever outpatient clinic during two influenza seasons (2017–2018; 2018–2019) were evaluated. The clinical manifestations and results of routine blood, colloidal gold, and nucleic acid tests were used to construct a decision tree with three layers, nine nodes, and five terminal nodes. The combined positive predictive value of a positive colloidal gold test result and monocyte level within 10.95–12.55% was 88.2%. The combined negative predictive value of a negative colloidal gold test result and white blood cell count > 9.075 × 109/L was 84.9%. The decision-tree model showed the satisfactory accuracy of an early influenza diagnosis based on colloidal gold and routine blood test results.
Haplotype-resolved genome assembly provides insights into evolutionary history of the tea plant Camellia sinensis
Authors: Zhang Xingtan , Chen Shuai , Shi Longqing , Gong Daping , Zhang Shengcheng , Zhao Qian , Zhan Dongliang , Vasseur Liette , Wang Yibin , Yu Jiaxin , Liao Zhenyang , Xu Xindan , Qi Rui , Wang Wenling , Ma Yunran , Wang Pengjie , Ye Naixing , Ma Dongna , Shi Yan , Wang Haifeng , Ma Xiaokai , Kong Xiangrui , Lin Jing , Wei Liufeng , Ma Yaying , Li Ruoyu , Hu Guiping , He Haifang , Zhang Lin , Ming Ray , Wang Gang , Tang Haibao , You Minsheng
Published: July 2021

Tea is an important global beverage crop and is largely clonally propagated. Despite previous studies on the species, its genetic and evolutionary history deserves further research. Here, we present a haplotype-resolved assembly of an Oolong tea cultivar, Tieguanyin. Analysis of allele-specific expression suggests a potential mechanism in response to mutation load during long-term clonal propagation. Population genomic analysis using 190 Camellia accessions uncovered independent evolutionary histories and parallel domestication in two widely cultivated varieties, var. sinensis and var. assamica. It also revealed extensive intra- and interspecific introgressions contributing to genetic diversity in modern cultivars. Strong signatures of selection were associated with biosynthetic and metabolic pathways that contribute to flavor characteristics as well as genes likely involved in the Green Revolution in the tea industry. Our results offer genetic and molecular insights into the evolutionary history of Camellia sinensis and provide genomic resources to further facilitate gene editing to enhance desirable traits in tea crops.
Scenarios of future Indian electricity demand accounting for space cooling and electric vehicle adoption
Authors: Barbar Marc , Mallapragada Dharik S. , Alsup Meia , Stoner Robert
Published: July 2021

India is expected to witness rapid growth in electricity use over the next two decades. Here, we introduce a custom regression model to project electricity consumption in India over the coming decades, which includes a bottom-up estimate of electricity consumption for two major growth drivers, air conditioning, and vehicle electrification. The model projections are available at a customizable level of spatial aggregation at an hourly temporal resolution, which makes them useful as inputs to long-term electricity infrastructure planning studies. The approach is used to develop electricity consumption data sets spanning various technology adoption and growth scenarios up to the year 2050 in five-year increments. The aim of the data is to provide a range of scenarios for India’s demand growth given new technology adoption. With long-term hourly demand projections serving as an essential input for electricity infrastructure modeling, this data publication enables further work on energy efficiency, generation, and transmission expansion planning for a fast-growing and increasingly important region from a global climate mitigation perspective.
Temporal transcriptomic profiling reveals dynamic changes in gene expression of Xenopus animal cap upon activin treatment
Authors: Satou-Kobayashi Yumeko , Kim Jun-Dal , Fukamizu Akiyoshi , Asashima Makoto
Published: July 2021

Activin, a member of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily of proteins, induces various tissues from the amphibian presumptive ectoderm, called animal cap explants (ACs) in vitro. However, it remains unclear how and to what extent the resulting cells recapitulate in vivo development. To comprehensively understand whether the molecular dynamics during activin-induced ACs differentiation reflect the normal development, we performed time-course transcriptome profiling of Xenopus ACs treated with 50 ng/mL of activin A, which predominantly induced dorsal mesoderm. The number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in response to activin A increased over time, and totally 9857 upregulated and 6663 downregulated DEGs were detected. 1861 common upregulated DEGs among all Post_activin samples included several Spemann’s organizer genes. In addition, the temporal transcriptomes were clearly classified into four distinct groups in correspondence with specific features, reflecting stepwise differentiation into mesoderm derivatives, and a decline in the regulation of nuclear envelop and golgi. From the set of early responsive genes, we also identified the suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (socs3) as a novel activin A-inducible gene. Our transcriptome data provide a framework to elucidate the transcriptional dynamics of activin-driven AC differentiation, reflecting the molecular characteristics of early normal embryogenesis.
Investigating PLGA microparticle swelling behavior reveals an interplay of expansive intermolecular forces
Authors: Rapier Crystal E. , Shea Kenneth J. , Lee Abraham P.
Published: July 2021

This study analyzes the swelling behavior of native, unmodified, spherically uniform, monodisperse poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles in a robust high-throughput manner. This work contributes to the complex narrative of PLGA microparticle behavior and release mechanisms by complementing and extending previously reported studies on intraparticle microenvironment, degradation, and drug release. Microfluidically produced microparticles are incubated under physiological conditions and observed for 50 days to generate a profile of swelling behavior. Microparticles substantially increase in size after 15 days, continue increasing for 30 days achieving size dependent swelling indices between 49 and 83%. Swelling capacity is found to correlate with pH. Our study addresses questions such as onset, duration, swelling index, size dependency, reproducibility, and causal mechanistic forces surrounding swelling. Importantly, this study can serve as the basis for predictive modeling of microparticle behavior and swelling capacity, in addition to providing clues as to the microenvironmental conditions that encapsulated material may experience.
Medial prefrontal cortex (A32 and A25) projections in the common marmoset: a subcortical anterograde study
Authors: Ríos-Flórez Jorge Alexander , Lima Ruthnaldo R. M. , Morais Paulo Leonardo A. G. , de Medeiros Helder Henrique Alves , Cavalcante Jeferson Souza , Junior Expedito S. Nascimento
Published: July 2021

This study was aimed at establishing the subcorticals substrates of the cognitive and visceromotor circuits of the A32 and A25 cortices of the medial prefrontal cortex and their projections and interactions with subcortical complexes in the common marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus). The study was primarily restricted to the nuclei of the diencephalon and amygdala. The common marmoset is a neotropical primate of the new world, and the absence of telencephalic gyrus favors the mapping of neuronal fibers. The biotinylated dextran amine was employed as an anterograde tracer. There was an evident pattern of rostrocaudal distribution of fibers within the subcortical nuclei, with medial orientation. Considering this distribution, fibers originating from the A25 cortex were found to be more clustered in the diencephalon and amygdala than those originating in the A32 cortex. Most areas of the amygdala received fibers from both cortices. In the diencephalon, all regions received projections from the A32, while the A25 fibers were restricted to the thalamus, hypothalamus, and epithalamus at different densities. Precise deposits of neuronal tracers provided here may significantly contribute to expand our understanding of specific connectivity among the medial prefrontal cortex with limbic regions and diencephalic areas, key elements to the viscerocognitive process.
Sex and age bias viral burden and interferon responses during SARS-CoV-2 infection in ferrets
Authors: Francis Magen E. , Richardson Brian , Goncin Una , McNeil Mara , Rioux Melissa , Foley Mary K. , Ge Anni , Pechous Roger D. , Kindrachuk Jason , Cameron Cheryl M. , Richardson Christopher , Lew Jocelyne , Machtaler Steven , Cameron Mark J. , Gerdts Volker , Falzarano Darryl , Kelvin Alyson A.
Published: July 2021

SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) hospitalizations and deaths disportionally affect males and older ages. Here we investigated the impact of male sex and age comparing sex-matched or age-matched ferrets infected with SARS-CoV-2. Differences in temperature regulation was identified for male ferrets which was accompanied by prolonged viral replication in the upper respiratory tract after infection. Gene expression analysis of the nasal turbinates indicated that 1-year-old female ferrets had significant increases in interferon response genes post infection which were delayed in males. These results provide insight into COVID-19 and suggests that older males may play a role in viral transmission due to decreased antiviral responses.
Protective effects and mechanisms of high-dose vitamin C on sepsis-associated cognitive impairment in rats
Authors: Zhang Ning , Zhao Wei , Hu Zhen-Jie , Ge Sheng-Mei , Huo Yan , Liu Li-Xia , Gao Bu-Lang
Published: July 2021

Sepsis survivors present long-term cognitive deficits. The present study was to investigate the effect of early administration of high-dose vitamin C on cognitive function in septic rats and explore its possible cerebral protective mechanism. Rat sepsis models were established by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Ten days after surgery, the Morris water maze test was performed to evaluate the behavior and cognitive function. Histopathologic changes in the hippocampus were evaluated by nissl staining. The inflammatory cytokines, activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase or SOD) and oxidative products (malondialdehyde or MDA) in the serum and hippocampus were tested 24 h after surgery. The activity of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and expressions of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) in the hippocampus were measured 24 h after surgery. Compared with the sham group in the Morris water maze test, the escape latency of sepsis rats was significantly (P = 0.001) prolonged in the navigation test, whereas the frequency to cross the platform and the time spent in the target quadrant were significantly (P = 0.003) reduced. High-dose vitamin C significantly decreased the escape latency (P = 0.01), but increased the time spent in the target quadrant (P = 0.04) and the frequency to cross the platform (P = 0.19). In the CLP+ saline group, the pyramidal neurons were reduced and distributed sparsely and disorderly, the levels of inflammatory cytokines of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-10 in the serum and hippocampus were significantly increased (P = 0.000), the blood brain barrier (BBB) permeability in the hippocampus was significantly (P = 0.000) increased, the activities of SOD in the serum and hippocampus were significantly (P = 0.000 and P = 0.03, respectively) diminished while the levels of MDA in the serum and hippocampus were significantly (P = 0.007) increased. High-dose vitamin C mitigated hippocampus histopathologic changes, reduced systemic inflammation and neuroinflammation, attenuated BBB disruption, inhibited oxidative stress in brain tissue, and up-regulated the expression of nuclear and total Nrf2 and HO-1. High-dose vitamin C significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the levels of tumor necrosis factor- (TNF)-α, interleukin-6 (IL-6), MDA in the serum and hippocampus, and the activity of MMP-9 in the hippocampus, but significantly (P < 0.05) increased the levels of SOD, the anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) in the serum and hippocampus, and nuclear and total Nrf2, and HO-1 in the hippocampus. In conclusion, high-dose vitamin C can improve cognition impairment in septic rats, and the possible protective mechanism may be related to inhibition of inflammatory factors, alleviation of oxidative stress, and activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.
Mating behaviour, mate choice and female resistance in the bean flower thrips (Megalurothrips sjostedti)
Authors: Akinyemi Adeyemi O. , Subramanian Sevgan , Mfuti David K. , Pope Tom W. , Tamiru Amanuel , Kirk William D. J.
Published: July 2021

Many species of thrips (Thysanoptera) in the family Thripidae form mating aggregations, but the adaptive significance of these aggregations and the extent of male and female mate choice is poorly understood. We studied the mating behaviour of the bean flower thrips Megalurothrips sjostedti (Trybom) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), which forms male aggregations and occurs across sub-Saharan Africa. We tested whether males choose mates by female age or mating status. No-choice mating bioassays with one male and one female were used to simulate the way males usually encounter only one female at a time in aggregations in the field. Virgin females violently resisted mating attempts by males, but we found no compelling evidence to establish whether this was indiscriminate or was screening suitable males. Younger males (1–2 days old) did not discriminate females by age (1–2 or 7–10 days old), but older males (7–10 days old) avoided mating with older females. Any male choice by female mating status (virgin or mated) was weak or absent. The mating behaviour of M. sjostedti shows broad similarities with that of other thrips species that form aggregations, but also shows some distinct and novel differences, which can help our understanding of the adaptive significance of aggregations.
Contaminant emissions as indicators of chemical elements in the snow along a latitudinal gradient in southern Andes
Authors: Pizarro Jaime , Vergara Pablo M. , Cerda Sergio , Cordero Raúl R. , Castillo Ximena , Rowe Penny M. , Casassa Gino , Carrasco Jorge , Damiani Alessandro , Llanillo Pedro J. , Lambert Fabrice , Rondanelli Roberto , Huneeus Nicolas , Fernandoy Francisco , Alfonso Juan , Neshyba Steven
Published: July 2021

The chemical composition of snow provides insights on atmospheric transport of anthropogenic contaminants at different spatial scales. In this study, we assess how human activities influence the concentration of elements in the Andean mountain snow along a latitudinal transect throughout Chile. The concentration of seven elements (Al, Cu, Fe, Li, Mg, Mn and Zn) was associated to gaseous and particulate contaminants emitted at different spatial scales. Our results indicate carbon monoxide (CO) averaged at 20 km and nitrogen oxide (NOx) at 40 km as the main indicators of the chemical elements analyzed. CO was found to be a significant predictor of most element concentrations while concentrations of Cu, Mn, Mg and Zn were positively associated to emissions of NOx. Emission of 2.5 μm and 10 μm particulate matter averaged at different spatial scales was positively associated to concentration of Li. Finally, the concentration of Zn was positively associated to volatile organic compounds (VOC) averaged at 40 km around sampling sites. The association between air contaminants and chemical composition of snow suggests that regions with intensive anthropogenic pollution face reduced quality of freshwater originated from glacier and snow melting.
Soil ammonia-oxidizing archaea in a paddy field with different irrigation and fertilization managements
Authors: Wang Limin , Huang Dongfeng
Published: July 2021

Because ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) are ubiquitous and highly abundant in almost all terrestrial soils, they play an important role in soil nitrification. However, the changes in the structure and function of AOA communities and their edaphic drivers in paddy soils under different fertilization and irrigation regimes remain unclear. In this study, we investigated AOA abundance, diversity and activity in acid paddy soils by a field experiment. Results indicated that the highest potential ammonia oxidation (PAO) (0.011 μg NO
2
-
 –N g-1 d.w.day-1) was found in T2 (optimal irrigation and fertilization)—treated soils, whereas the lowest PAO (0.004 μg NO
2
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 –N g-1 d.w.day-1) in T0 (traditional irrigation)- treated soils. Compared with the T0—treated soil, the T2 treatment significantly (P < 0.05) increased AOA abundances. Furthermore, the abundance of AOA was significantly (P < 0.01) positively correlated with pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), and PAO. Meanwhile, pH and SOC content were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the T2—treated soil than those in the T1 (traditional irrigation and fertilization)- treated soil. In addition, these two edaphic factors further influenced the AOA community composition. The AOA phylum Crenarchaeota was mainly found in the T2—treated soils. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that most of the identified OTUs of AOA were mainly affiliated with Crenarchaeota. Furthermore, the T2 treatment had higher rice yield than the T0 and T1 treatments. Together, our findings confirm that T2 might ameliorate soil chemical properties, regulate the AOA community structure, increase the AOA abundance, enhance PAO and consequently maintain rice yields in the present study.
Cochlear SGN neurons elevate pain thresholds in response to music
Authors: Dunbar R. I. M. , Pearce Eiluned , Tarr Bronwyn , Makdani Adarsh , Bamford Joshua , Smith Sharon , McGlone Francis
Published: July 2021

The C-tactile (CLTM) peripheral nervous system is involved in social bonding in primates and humans through its capacity to trigger the brain’s endorphin system. Since the mammalian cochlea has an unusually high density of similar neurons (type-II spiral ganglion neurons, SGNs), we hypothesise that their function may have been exploited for social bonding by co-opting head movements in response to music and other rhythmic movements of the head in social contexts. Music provides one of many cultural behavioural mechanisms for ‘virtual grooming’ in that it is used to trigger the endorphin system with many people simultaneously so as to bond both dyadic relationships and large groups. Changes in pain threshold across an activity are a convenient proxy assay for endorphin uptake in the brain, and we use this, in two experiments, to show that pain thresholds are higher when nodding the head than when sitting still.
Association between chronic low back pain and degree of stress: a nationwide cross-sectional study
Authors: Choi Sungwoo , Nah Sangun , Jang Hae-Dong , Moon Ji Eun , Han Sangsoo
Published: July 2021

Low back pain (LBP) is a very common health problem worldwide, and has a major impact on quality of life. This is a cross-sectional study using data obtained from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) to investigate the health and nutritional status of Korean people, conducted in 2013, 2014, and 2015. The total of 8,473 patients included in the analysis. A 357 (19.34%) subjects in the chronic LBP group and 1,697 (25.61%) subjects in the no chronic LBP group reported no stress (P < 0.001). The numbers of subjects reporting mild, moderate, and severe stress in the two groups were 934 (50.6%) vs. 3,785 (57.11%), 432 (23.4%) vs. 910 (13.73%), and 123 (6.66%) and 235 (3.55%), respectively (all P < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis with full adjustment for other variables indicated higher OR for severe stress (OR 2.82, P < 0.001) than moderate (OR 2.54, P < 0.001) and mild (OR 1.55, P < 0.001) stress. We confirmed that there was a significant association between chronic LBP and degree of stress. Therefore, the degree of stress should be assessed in clinical treatment of chronic LBP patients.
No association between alcohol consumption and pancreatic cancer even among individuals genetically susceptible to the carcinogenicity of alcohol
Authors: Shan Yan-Shen , Chen Li-Tzong , Wu Chih-Hsing , Chang Yin-Fan , Lee Chih-Ting , Chiang Nai-Jung , Chao Ying-Jui , Yen Chia-Jui , Tsai Hui-Jen , Huang Hsin-En , Tsai Chia-Rung , Weng Ya-Ling , Yang Han-Chien , Liu Hui-Chin , Chang Jeffrey S.
Published: July 2021

Inconsistent results have been reported for the association between alcohol use and pancreatic cancer, particularly at low levels of alcohol consumption. Individuals genetically susceptible to the carcinogenic effect of alcohol might have higher pancreatic cancer risk after drinking alcohol. The current study investigated the association between alcohol use and pancreatic cancer with 419 pancreatic cancer cases and 963 controls recruited by a hospital-based case–control study in Taiwan. Gene-environment interaction between alcohol use and polymorphisms of two ethanol-metabolizing genes, ADH1B and ALDH2, on pancreatic risk was evaluated. Our results showed no significant association between alcohol drinking and an increased pancreatic cancer risk, even at high levels of alcohol consumption. Even among those genetically susceptible to the carcinogenic effect of alcohol (carriers of ADH1B*2/*2(fast activity) combined with ALDH2*1/*2(slow activity) or ALDH2*2/*2(almost non-functional)), no significant association between alcohol use and pancreatic cancer was observed. Overall, our results suggested that alcohol drinking is not a significant contributor to the occurrence of pancreatic cancer in Taiwan.
Projections of salt intrusion in a mega-delta under climatic and anthropogenic stressors
Authors: Eslami Sepehr , Hoekstra Piet , Minderhoud Philip S. J. , Trung Nam Nguyen , Hoch Jannis M. , Sutanudjaja Edwin H. , Dung Do Duc , Tho Tran Quang , Voepel Hal E. , Woillez Marie-Noëlle , van der Vegt Maarten
Published: July 2021

Rising temperatures, rapid urbanization and soaring demand for natural resources threaten deltas worldwide and make them vulnerable to rising seas, subsidence, droughts, floods, and salt intrusion. However, climate change projections in deltas often address climate-driven stressors in isolation and disregard parallel anthropogenic processes, leading to insufficient socio-political drive. Here, using a combination of process-based numerical models that integrate both climatic and anthropogenic environmental stressors, we project salt intrusion within the Mekong mega-Delta, in the next three decades. We assess the relative effects of various drivers and show that anthropogenic forces such as groundwater extraction-induced subsidence and riverbed level incisions due to sediment starvation can increase the salinity-affected areas by 10–27% compared to the present-day situation, while future sea level rise adds another 6–19% increase. These projections provide crucial input for adaptation policy development in the Mekong Delta and the methodology inspires future systemic studies of environmental changes in other deltas.
The application of the inexpensive and synthetically simple electrocatalyst CuFe-MoC@NG in immunosensors
Authors: Mei Lisha , Zhao Wentang , Zhang Li , Zhang Mengmeng , Song Yiju , Liang Jiashuai , Sun Yan , Chen Siyu , Li Hongling , Hong Chenglin
Published: July 2021

In this study, we used inexpensive and synthetically simple electrocatalysts as replacements for conventional precious metal materials to reduce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).
Recent development of gene therapy for pancreatic cancer using non-viral nanovectors
Authors: Liu Yu , Wu Wei , Wang Yiyao , Han Shisong , Yuan Yuanyuan , Huang Jinsheng , Shuai Xintao , Peng Zhao
Published: July 2021

The preclinical and clinical developments of non-viral carrier-based gene therapy for pancreatic cancer are summarized. The clinical trials discussed provide a valuable framework for translation of gene therapy research into clinical practice.
Copper/silver co-mediated three-component bicyclization for accessing indeno[1,2-c]azepine-3,6-diones
Authors: Wang Shi-Chao , Liu Peng-Yu , Chen Yi-Xin , Shen Zheng-Jia , Hao Wen-Juan , Tu Shu-Jiang , Jiang Bo
Published: July 2021

A new copper/silver-co-mediated three-component bicyclization of 1,6-enynes with ICF2CO2Et with TMSN3 was reported, and used to produce difluorinated tetrahydroindeno[1,2-c]azepine-3,6-diones with moderate to good yields.
Ultrafast 2D 1H–1H NMR spectroscopy of DNP-hyperpolarised substrates for the analysis of mixtures
Authors: Singh Kawarpal , Jacquemmoz Corentin , Giraudeau Patrick , Frydman Lucio , Dumez Jean-Nicolas
Published: July 2021

Using a fast-injection system for dissolution dynamic nuclear polarisation, 1H–1H 2D NMR spectra tailored for the analysis of mixtures are obtained in a single-scan with enhanced sensitivity.
Unexpected metal-free synthesis of trifluoromethyl arenes via tandem coupling of dicyanoalkenes and conjugated fluorinated sulfinyl imines
Authors: Sanz-Vidal Alvaro , Gaviña Daniel , Sotorríos Lia , Gómez-Bengoa Enrique , López Ortiz Fernando , Sánchez-Roselló María , del Pozo Carlos
Published: July 2021

The unexpected metal free synthesis of trifluoromethyl arenes is described. It involved un unprecedented formal [3 + 3] cycloaromatization reaction of dicyanoalkenes and conjugated fluorinated tert-butyl sulfinyl imines in the presence of DBU.
Sulfonyl radical triggered selective iodosulfonylation and bicyclization of 1,6-dienes
Authors: Wu Shi-Ping , Wang Dong-Kai , Kang Qing-Qing , Ge Guo-Ping , Zheng Hongxing , Zhu Meiling , Li Ting , Zhang Jun-Qi , Wei Wen-Ting
Published: July 2021

A novel sulfonyl radical triggered selective iodosulfonylation and bicyclization of 1,6-dienes has been described for the first time.
Photophysical properties of 1,2,3,4,5-pentaarylcyclopentadienyl–hydrotris(indazolyl)borate ruthenium(ii) complexes
Authors: Gao Sheng , Gisbert Yohan , Erbland Guillaume , Abid Seifallah , Kammerer Claire , Venturini Alessandro , Rapenne Gwénaël , Ventura Barbara , Armaroli Nicola
Published: July 2021

The photophysical properties of heteroleptic rotor-like Ru(ii) complexes containing both a cyclopentadienyl-type ligand and a hydrotris(indazolyl)borate chelating unit with a piano stool structure have been investigated.
Controlling the triplet states and their application in external stimuli-responsive triplet–triplet-annihilation photon upconversion: from the perspective of excited state photochemistry
Authors: Xiao Xiao , Tian Wen , Imran Muhammad , Cao Huaiman , Zhao Jianzhang
Published: July 2021

Strategies for controlling the triplet states using chemical/physical inputs to achieve external stimuli-switchable triplet–triplet-annihilation upconversion (TTA UC).
Curium(iii) radiation-induced reaction kinetics in aqueous media
Authors: Horne Gregory P. , Grimes Travis S. , Zalupski Peter R. , Meeker David S. , Albrecht-Schönzart Thomas E. , Cook Andrew R. , Mezyk Stephen P.
Published: July 2021

Pulsed electron reaction kinetic data for Cm(iii) suggest that radiation-induced Cm(ii) and Cm(iv) transients could exist in aqueous solutions and be available to undergo subsequent redox chemistry.
GeClx[Co(CO)3PR3]4−x (x = 0–3; R = nPr, nBu): from cobalt substituted germanes to novel binary cluster compounds.
Authors: Preißing Lars , Behling Elias , Schnepf Andreas
Published: July 2021

The synthesis of cobalt substituted germanes of the composition GeClx[Co(CO)3PR3]4−x (x = 0–3; R = nPr, nBu) is presented. Reductive coupling with different reducing agents leads amongst others to the pseudo-cubic cluster compound Ge7Co(CO)3[Co(CO)3PnBu3]7.
Structure and luminescence behaviour of a novel red-emitting fluoroperovskite for display backlight application
Authors: Xie Xiaoling , Wan Jing , Pu Haiqi , Zhang Xi , Qing Song , Zhou Qiang , Chu Lingxiang , Yang Tao , Zhou Yayun , Wang Zhengliang
Published: July 2021

A novel red-emitting fluoroperovskite with broad blue excitation and sharp red emissions initiates a wide color gamut of 104.1% NTSC in this work, which implies the potential use of the red-emissive fluoroperovskite for display backlight application.
Effects of rhamnolipid biosurfactant on the dissolution and transport of silver nanoparticles in porous media
Authors: Liao Shuchi , Liu Chen , Pinchbeck Dorothea , Cápiro Natalie L. , Fortner John D. , Abriola Linda M. , Pennell Kurt D.
Published: July 2021

The effects of nanoscale silver (nAg) particles on subsurface microbial communities can be influenced by the presence of biosurfactants, which have been shown to alter nanoparticle surface properties.
Leaching of organic carbon enhances mobility of biochar nanoparticles in saturated porous media
Authors: Ma Pengkun , Yang Cuiyi , Zhu Meiling , Fan Lihua , Chen Wei
Published: July 2021

Leaching of organic carbon enhances the mobility of biochar nanoparticles in saturated porous media due to alleviated particle deposition via cation bridging.
Observation of different regimes of the grain size effect on plasma emission induced by laser ablating granular materials
Authors: Li Yaju , Li Xiaolong , Li Songting , Zhou Maoji , Qian Dongbin , Chen Liangwen , Yang Jie , Zhang Shaofeng , Ma Xinwen
Published: July 2021

Plasma emission intensity as a function of laser fluence exhibited a role transition of grain size effect on plasma emission with laser fluence and indicated that there exists a size effect stemming from mechanical properties of granular materials.
Microfluidic recapitulation of circulating tumor cell–neutrophil clusters via double spiral channel-induced deterministic encapsulation
Authors: Park Junhyun , Park Sunyoung , Hyun Kyung A. , Jung Hyo-Il
Published: July 2021

A novel droplet microfluidic device called double-spiral chip enables the recapitulation of circulating tumor cell (CTC)–neutrophil clusters.
Corrosion resistance of a superhydrophobic dodecyltrimethoxysilane coating on magnesium alloy AZ31 fabricated by one-step electrodeposition
Authors: Zhang Sheng-Jian , Cao Duan-Lin , Xu Li-Kun , Tang Jian-Ke , Meng Rong-Qian , Li Hong-Dao
Published: July 2021

A superhydrophobic and corrosion-resistant coating with a hierarchical macro/nanostructure was constructed by one-step electrodeposition of dodecyltrimethoxysilane (e-DTMS) on Mg alloy AZ31.
Exchange-modified DOSY experiments. the use of chiral solvating agents and lanthanide shift reagents as matrices
Authors: Szalontai Gábor
Published: July 2021

(S)-BINOL and Eu(fod)3 were tried as matrices to improve DOSY performance and Dt and MW prediction power on small organic molecules.
Recent advances in the synthesis of ent-kaurane diterpenoids
Authors: Zhao Xiangbo , Cacherat Bastien , Hu Qifei , Ma Dawei
Published: July 2021

In this review, recent progress in total syntheses of ent-kaurane diterpenoids from 2015 to date are presented, and key transformations for strategic bond formation are highlighted.
Facile fabrication of zeolitic imidazolate framework hollow fibre membranesviaa novel scalable continuous fluid circulation process
Authors: Lewis Allana , Chen Ting , Butt Fraz Saeed , Wei Xiuming , Radacsi Norbert , Fan Xianfeng , Huang Yi
Published: July 2021

A scalable continuous fluid circulation process is employed to fabricate ZIF hollow fibre membranes. Individual circulation of synthesis solutions resulted in a uniform seed layer, improving ZIF membrane growth and its liquid separation performance.
Oriented and robust anchoring of Fe via anodic interfacial coordination assembly on ultrathin Co hydroxides for efficient water oxidation
Authors: Zhou Ya-Nan , Fan Ruo-Yao , Cao Yu-Ning , Wang Hui-Ying , Dong Bin , Zhao Hui-Ying , Wang Fu-Li , Yu Jian-Feng , Chai Yong-Ming
Published: July 2021

Fe chelated with tannic acid is precisely anchored to ultrathin Co hydroxides (TF@Co(OH)2-t) through a new anodic interfacial coordination assembly.
Facile preparation of silver nanocluster self-assemblies with aggregation-induced emission by equilibrium shifting
Authors: Li Yulian , Xi Weiyao , Hussain Irshad , Chen Meiling , Tan Bien
Published: July 2021

Aggregation-induced emission is a promising pathway to get high photoluminescence from metal nanocluster assemblies.
On-surface porphyrin transmetalation with Pb/Cu redox exchange
Authors: Herritsch Jan , Kachel Stefan R. , Fan Qitang , Hutter Mark , Heuplick Lukas J. , Münster Florian , Gottfried J. Michael
Published: July 2021

Metal complexes at surfaces and interfaces are relevant in catalysis, sensors, and organic electronics. Metal centers in these complexes can easily be replaced by surface metal atoms, as was observed for a Pb porphyrin complex on a Cu surface.
Water clusters as bifunctional catalysts in organic chemistry: the hydrolysis of oxirane and its methyl derivatives
Authors: Sauza-de la Vega Arturo , Salazar-Lozas Hugo , Vallejo Narváez Wilmer E. , Hernández-Rodríguez Marcos , Rocha-Rinza Tomás
Published: July 2021

This contribution explores the bifunctional catalytic activity of water clusters ((H2O)nwithn= 1–5) in organic chemistry similar to that observed in the formation of H2SO4in acid rain.
Multifunctional lipophilic purines: a coping strategy for anti-counterfeiting, lipid droplet imaging and latent fingerprint development
Authors: Wang Hao-Yuan , Tan Chong-Yun , Yu Kang-Kang , Li Kun , Liu Yan-Hong , Yu Xiao-Qi
Published: July 2021

A purine-based multifunctional material, with satisfactory lipophilicity and fluorescence properties, has potential to be applied in minutiae-level LFP development, waterproof anti-counterfeiting ink and LD imaging of living cells.
Cyanuric chloride as the basis for compositionally diverse lipids
Authors: Nardo David , Akers Caleb M. , Cheung Nicholas E. , Isom Cierra M. , Spaude Jason T. , Pack Daniel W. , Venditto Vincent J.
Published: July 2021

Cyanuric chloride enables facile synthesis of lipids with unique biophysical properties for use in gene and vaccine delivery.
Thermodynamically driven self-formation of Ag nanoparticles in Zn-embedded carbon nanofibers for efficient electrochemical CO2 reduction
Authors: Lee Gi-Baek , Ahn In-Kyoung , Joo Won-Hyo , Lee Jae-Chan , Kim Ji-Yong , Hong Deokgi , Kim Hyoung Gyun , Lee Jusang , Kim Miyoung , Nam Dae-Hyun , Joo Young-Chang
Published: July 2021

Ag nanoparticles in Zn-embedded carbon nanofiber were synthesized by a simple one-pot, self-forming strategy. Charged Zn single atoms act as Lewis acidic sites and improving the CO2 reduction reaction performance of the Ag nanoparticles.
One-step synthesis, characterization and properties of novel hybrid electromagnetic nanomaterials based on polydiphenylamine and Co–Fe particles in the absence and presence of single-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Ozkan Sveta Zhiraslanovna , Karpacheva Galina Petrovna , Efimov Mikhail Nikolaevich , Vasilev Andrey Aleksandrovich , Muratov Dmitriy Gennad'evich , Petrov Valeriy Alekseevich , Chernavskii Petr Aleksandrovich , Pankina Galina Viktorovna
Published: July 2021

In a self-organizing system within one stage under IR heating conditions, hybrid nanomaterials are formed with a structure that contains bimetallic Co–Fe particles, free or immobilized on the SWCNT surface, dispersed in the polymer PDPA matrix.
Organic–inorganic hybrid sol–gel materials doped with a fluorescent triarylimidazole derivative
Authors: Sousa Rui P. C. L. , Figueira Rita B. , Gomes Bárbara R. , Costa Susana P. G. , Azenha Miguel , Pereira Rui F. P. , Manuela Raposo M.
Published: July 2021

OIH sol–gel materials based on Jeffamine THF-170 and GPTMS, doped with triarylimidazole, were synthesized. The εr obtained for the OIH doped samples ranged between 11 and 19. The OIHs are thermally stable for fresh concrete purposes.
Promoted activity of annealed Rh nanoclusters on thin films of Al2O3/NiAl(100) in the dehydrogenation of Methanol-d4
Authors: Hung Ting-Chieh , Liao Ting-Wei , Liao Guan-Jr , Liao Zhen-He , Hsu Po-Wei , Lai Yu-Ling , Hsu Yao-Jane , Wang Chia-Hsin , Yang Yaw-Wen , Wang Jeng-Han , Luo Meng-Fan
Published: July 2021

Annealing alters the support effect to promote the activity of alumina-supported Rh clusters in methanol dehydrogenation.
Ultrafast and long-time excited state kinetics of an NIR-emissive vanadium(iii) complex I: synthesis, spectroscopy and static quantum chemistry
Authors: Dorn Matthias , Kalmbach Jens , Boden Pit , Kruse Ayla , Dab Chahinez , Reber Christian , Niedner-Schatteburg Gereon , Lochbrunner Stefan , Gerhards Markus , Seitz Michael , Heinze Katja
Published: July 2021

Vanadium is an abundant and cheap metal but near-infrared luminescent vanadium complexes are extremely rare with largely unexplored photophysics and photochemistry. We delineate the photodynamics of VCl3(ddpd) to infer novel design strategies.
Rapid synthesis of gold–palladium core–shell aerogels for selective and robust electrochemical CO2reduction
Authors: Du Ran , Jin Wei , Wu Hengbo , Hübner René , Zhou Lin , Xue Geng , Hu Yue , Eychmüller Alexander
Published: July 2021

By developing a disturbance-assisted dynamic shelling strategy, core–shell structured Au–Pd gels/aerogels are rapidly fabricated, offering robust and highly selective (CO selectivity >99%) electrocatalysts for CO2reduction.
SARS-CoV-2 and approaches for a testing and diagnostic strategy
Authors: Hristov Delyan R. , Gomez-Marquez Jose , Wade Djibril , Hamad-Schifferli Kimberly
Published: July 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an unprecedented global health challenge, creating sudden, massive demands for diagnostic testing, treatment, therapies, and vaccines.
Simultaneous inhibition of planktonic and biofilm bacteria by self-adapting semiconducting polymer dots
Authors: Dai Xiaomei , Ma Jifang , Zhang Qiang , Xu Qingqing , Yang Lele , Gao Feng
Published: July 2021

Self-adapting semiconducting polymer dots were prepared for selectively imaging and inhibiting planktonic and biofilm bacteria.
Riboflavin-based carbon dots with high singlet oxygen generation for photodynamic therapy
Authors: Yue Juan , Li Li , Jiang Chenyu , Mei Qian , Dong Wen-Fei , Yan Ruhong
Published: July 2021

Photodynamic therapy, as an effective treatment for superficial tumors, has attracted more and more attention.
Computational electromagnetics in plasmonic nanostructures
Authors: Amirjani Amirmostafa , Sadrnezhaad S. K.
Published: July 2021

A comprehensive review on the ability of finite difference time domain (FDTD), finite element method (FEM), discrete dipole approximation (DDA), and boundary element method (BEM) for simulating the optical properties of plasmonic nanostructures.
High-efficiency of 15.47% for two-dimensional perovskite solar cells processed by blade coating with non-thermal assistance
Authors: Wu Guangbao , Ahmad Nafees , Zhang Yuan
Published: July 2021

The higher efficiency of 15.47% in quasi-2D perovskite (BA2MA3Pb4I13) solar cells was achieved by using the blade-coating method with non-thermal assistance.
New thiophene-based conjugated macrocycles for optoelectronic applications
Authors: dos Santos John Marques , Jagadamma Lethy Krishnan , Cameron Joseph , Wiles Alan A. , Wilson Claire , Skabara Peter J. , Samuel Ifor D. W. , Cooke Graeme
Published: July 2021

Two thiophene-based macrocycles have been synthesised and their optoelectronics applications have been investigated.
A hydrazone organic optical modulator with a π electronic system for ultrafast photonics
Authors: Zhang Chenxi , Li Xiaohui , Wang Yamin , An Mingqi , Sun Zhipeng
Published: July 2021

A ring-type Er-doped fiber laser is designed based on hydrazone compounds with a strongly conjugated π electron structure. We systematically explained the complex spectral sideband in which valley sidebands and peak sidebands coexist.