bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Marine Natural Products: The Important Resource of Biological Insecticide
Authors: Song Chenggang , Yang Jian , Zhang Mingzhe , Ding Gang , Jia Chengguo , Qin Jianchun , Guo Lanping
Published: April 2021

Due to the unique environmental conditions and vast territory, marine habitat breeds more abundant biological resources than terrestrial environment. Massive marine biological species provide valuable resources for obtaining a large number of natural products with diverse structure and excellent activity. In recent years, new breakthroughs have been made in the application of marine natural products in drug development. In addition, the use of marine natural products to develop insecticides and other pesticide products has also been widely concerned. Targeting marine plants, animals, and microorganisms, we have collected information on marine natural products with insecticidal activity for nearly decade, including alkaloids, terpenes, flavonoids and phenols fatty acids, peptides, and proteins, et al. In addition, some active crude extracts are also included. This review describes the insecticidal activities of marine natural products and their broad applications for future research in agriculture and health.
Nerve conduit based on HAP/PDLLA/PRGD for peripheral nerve regeneration with sustained release of valproic acid
Authors: Wu Fei , Jiao Chuanjie , Yang Yue , Liu Feng , Sun Zhibo
Published: April 2021

The nerve conduits have been developed for nerve defect repair. However, no artificial conduits have obtained comparable results to autografts to bridge the large gaps. A possible reason for this poor performance may be a lack of sustainable neurotrophic support for axonal regrowth. Previous studies suggested nanocomposite conduits can be used as a carrier for valproic acid (VPA), a common drug that can produce effects similar to the neurotrophic factors. Here, we developed the novel bioabsorbable conduits based on hydroxyapatite/poly d‐l‐lactic acid (PDLLA)/poly{(lactic acid)‐co‐[(glycolic acid)‐alt‐(l‐lysine)]} with sustained release of VPA. Firstly, the sustained release of VPA in this conduit was examined by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Then Schwann cells were treated with the conduit extracts. The cell metabolic activity and proliferation were assayed by 3‐[4,5‐dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl]‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2‐tetrazolium bromide and bromodeoxyuridine staining. A 10‐mm segment of rat sciatic nerve was resected and then repaired, respectively, using the VPA conduit (Group A), the PDLLA conduit (Group B), or the autografts (Group C). Nerve conduction velocities (NCVs), compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs), and histological staining were assayed following the surgery. The cell metabolic activity and proliferation were significantly increased (p < .05) by the extracts from VPA‐conduit extract compared to others. NCVs and CMAPs were significantly higher in Groups A and C than Group B (p < .05). The nerve density of Groups A and C was higher than Group B. There was no significant difference between Groups A and C. Taken together, this study suggested the sustained‐release VPA conduit promoted peripheral nerve regeneration that was comparable to the autografts. It holds potential for future use in nerve regeneration.
Circular RNA circZNF292 regulates H2O2‐induced injury in human lens epithelial HLE‐B3 cells depending on the regulation of the miR‐222‐3p/E2F3 axis
Authors: Xu Xinyan , Gao Rongyu , Li Shuchan , Li Nan , Jiang Keke , Sun Xianyong , Zhang Jie
Published: April 2021

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play important roles in the pathogenesis of age‐related cataract (ARC). CircRNA zinc finger protein 292 (circZNF292, hsa_circ_0004058) is downregulated in ARC lens capsules. Here, we focused on its precise roles in oxidative stress underlying the pathogenesis of ARC. CircZNF292, microRNA (miR)‐222‐3p, and E2F transcription factor 3 (E2F3) were quantified by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction or western blot. Cell viability was assessed by the cell counting kit‐8 assay. Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. The activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and malondialdehyde were measured using the corresponding assay kit. Targeted correlations among circZNF292, miR‐222‐3p, and E2F3 were verified by the dual‐luciferase reporter, RNA immunoprecipitation and RNA pull‐down assays. Our data showed that circZNF292 was downregulated in ARC tissues and H2O2‐treated human lens epithelial B3 (HLE‐B3) cells. Increased expression of circZNF292 alleviated H2O2‐induced cell viability suppression, apoptosis promotion, and oxidative stress enhancement. Mechanistically, circZNF292 directly targeted miR‐222‐3p, and circZNF292 regulated E2F3 expression through miR‐222‐3p. MiR‐222‐3p was a functional mediator of circZNF292 in modulating H2O2‐induced injury in HLE‐B3 cells. Furthermore, reduced level of miR‐222‐3p ameliorated H2O2‐induced HLE‐B3 cell damage by upregulating E2F3. Our present study demonstrated that increased expression of circZNF292 ameliorated H2O2‐induced injury in HLE‐B3 cells at least in part through the miR‐222‐3p/E2F3 axis, highlighting a novel insight into the involvement of circRNAs in the pathogenesis of ARC.
We can, but should we?
Authors: Patel Nachiket J. , Butman Samuel M.
Published: April 2021

Key Points

Octogenarians can and do undergo successful coronary interventions.

Complexity, calcification, and more diffuse disease are more common in this group.

Randomized trials of medical and/or surgical and/or percutaneous approaches in octogenarians are needed.
Coronary sinus size and ischemia improvement after reducer implantation; “one size to fit them all?”
Authors: Tzanis Georgios , Khokhar Arif A , Ponticelli Francesco , Gallone Guglielmo , Palmisano Anna , Esposito Antonio , Beneduce Alessandro , Guarracini Stefano , Colombo Antonio , Giannini Francesco
Published: April 2021

Aim

Coronary sinus (CS) reducer implantation is associated with symptomatic relief of patients with refractory angina. However, 15% to 30% of the patients do not respond to this treatment. Aim if this study was to evaluate the effect of CS size in the effectiveness of the device.

Methods

Prior to device implantation and at 4‐month resting ventricular function was assessed by stress cardiac magnetic resonance. Ischemia was assessed by the myocardial perfusion reserve index (MPRI).

Results

Fifteen patients (66 ± 10 years) underwent successful CS Reducer implantation, with improvements in angina class and exercise tolerance. Patients with a smaller CS size (<5.8 mm) presented a significantly higher percentage increase in MPRI (63 ± 51 vs 9 ± 30%, P = .03) and a higher reduction in left ventricle end‐diastolic volumes.

Conclusions

Greater benefits, in terms of ischemia improvement, after CS Reducer implantation were seen in patients with smaller CS sizes, suggesting a potential mechanism underlying the observed rates of reducer non‐responsiveness.
Right ventricular outflow tract stenting in symptomatic infants without the use of a long delivery sheath
Authors: Linnane Niall , Nasef Mohamed Al , McMahon Colin J. , McGuinness Jonathan , McCrossan Brian , Oslizlok Paul , Walsh Kevin P. , Kenny Damien
Published: April 2021

Background and Objectives

Right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) stenting improves systemic oxygenation and facilitates pulmonary arterial growth in symptomatic infants prior to repair of tetralogy of Fallot. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of RVOT stenting without the use of a long delivery sheath.

Methods

Retrospective data analysis of patients under 1 year of age undergoing RVOT stenting from January 2010 to January 2020 at a single tertiary pediatric cardiology center.

Results

Sixty‐three RVOT stents were deployed during 53 procedures into 44 patients. The median age and weight at insertion were 41 days (range 2–204) and 3.6 kg (range 1.59–7) respectively. Thirty‐one procedures were semi‐elective and 22 were emergencies. Stent positioning was guided by transthoracic echocardiogram and/or RV angiography from a pigtail micro‐catheter placed via the aorta. The median total procedure and fluoroscopy times were 67.5 (range 15–145) and 19 min (1–107), respectively. The median length of hospital stay was 7 days (range 1–258). Twenty‐one patients were admitted to ICU post‐procedure with a median ICU length of stay of 3 days (range 3–11). There were three major complications including two deaths within 30 days of the procedure. A patient with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (1.8 kg) died following stent migration and inability to wean from emergency cardiopulmonary bypass and the second infant had an unexplained asystolic arrest post‐procedure while awaiting transfer to ICU.

Conclusions

RVOT stenting is technically possible with minimal complications without the need for a long delivery sheath. Additional imaging with transthoracic echocardiography can facilitate the safe deployment of the stent.
A Review on the Current Progress and Challenges of 2D Layered Transition Metal Dichalcogenides as Li/Na‐ion Battery Anodes
Authors: Sahoo Ramkrishna , Singh Monika , Rao Tata Narasinga
Published: April 2021

Energy storage systems play a crucial role to effectively utilize the recurrent renewable energy sources. In the last few decades, lithium‐ion battery (LIB) has emerged as the most convenient and viable energy storage systems and consequently, sodium‐ion battery (SIB) has drawn most of the attention of researchers as a potential alternative to LIB, especially in grid storage. Further development on LIB and SIB requires detection of novel electrode materials, precisely the anode. Captivating physico‐chemical properties and unique structure of layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) nanostructured materials have been rendered supremely appealing to the electrochemical energy conversion and storage devices researchers. In this review, synopsis of current state‐of‐art LIB and SIB anode materials, brief discussion on the different crystal structures and the common synthesis process of the TMDs have been articulated. Apart from these, detailed discussion on the electrochemical reaction and battery performance of different TMDs have been summarized and discussed in this review. The individuality of this review paper compared to the other reported review papers has also been highlighted in details. Finally, the challenges and limitations of the current TMDs materials, and outlook for the future improvement of TMDs in the energy sector have been proposed.
Imine‐Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Nanotubes for the Electrocatalytic Reduction of Flue Gas CO2
Authors: Shi Han , Pan Hui , Cheng Yingying , Lu Shijian , Kang Peng
Published: April 2021

Imine‐nitrogen‐doped carbon nanotubes (NCNTs) were prepared by pyrolysis using polyaniline as a major nitrogen source. They can electrocatalytically reduce CO2 to CO with high selectivity and efficiency. The current density of CO presented a volcanic distribution in the applied potential between −0.53 and −0.93 V (vs RHE), reaching 13.8 mA ⋅ cm−2 at −0.83 V. The maximum Faraday efficiency reached 93 % at −0.63 V, and the current density of CO was 6.8 mA ⋅ cm−2. Furthermore, the catalyst can directly reduce CO2 in simulated flue gas (15 % CO2, 77 % N2 and 8 % O2) and exhibited a high CO FE of 70 %. The high catalytic activity originates from rich content of imine‐nitrogen in NCNTs, serving as the active sites for catalysis.
Porous Organic Phenanthroline‐Based Polymer as an Efficient Transition‐Metal‐Free Heterogeneous Catalyst for Direct Aromatic C−H Activation
Authors: Tang Yongquan , Chen Fang , Wang Sai , Sun Qi , Meng Xiangju , Xiao Feng‐Shou
Published: April 2021

Direct C−H bond transformation has been regarded as one of the most important areas in organic synthesis in both academia and industry. However, the heterogeneous transition‐metal‐free catalysis of direct C−H bond transformation has remained a contemporary challenge. To tackle this challenge, we designed and constructed a porous phenanthroline‐based polymer (namely POP‐Phen) via free radical polymerization of vinyl‐functionalized phenanthroline monomers. POP‐Phen shows excellent catalytic performances in transition‐metal‐free catalyzed C−H arylation, even better than those of the corresponding homogeneous catalyst, which is mainly attributed to the high density of catalytically active sites in the heterogeneous catalyst. Kinetic isotope experiments and spectral characterizations demonstrate the electron‐transfer between the heterogeneous catalyst and the base (t‐BuOK), a key step for C−H activation. We believe that this porous organic phenanthroline polymer could open a new door for the design of novel heterogeneous transition‐metal‐free catalysts for direct C−H activation.
Selective, pH‐Dependent Colorimetric and Fluorimetric Detection of Quadruplex DNA with 4‐Dimethylamino(phenyl)‐Substituted Berberine Derivatives
Authors: Wickhorst Peter Jonas , Ihmels Heiko
Published: April 2021

The 9‐ and 12‐dimethylaminophenyl‐substituted berberine derivatives 3 a and 3 b were readily synthesized by Suzuki‐Miyaura reactions and shown to be useful fluorescent probes for the optical detection of quadruplex DNA (G4‐DNA). Their association with the nucleic acids was investigated by spectrometric titrations, CD and LD spectroscopy, and with DNA‐melting analysis. Both ligands bind to duplex DNA by intercalation and to G4‐DNA by terminal π stacking. At neutral conditions, they bind with higher affinity (Kb=105−106 M−1) to representative quadruplex forming oligonucleotides 22AG, c‐myc, c‐kit, and a2, than to duplex calf thymus (ct) DNA (Kb=5‐7×104 M−1). At pH 5, however, the affinity of 3 a towards G4‐DNA 22AG is higher (Kb=1.2×106 M−1), whereas the binding constant towards ct DNA is lower (Kb=3.9×103 M−1) than under neutral conditions. Notably, the association of the ligand with DNA results in characteristic changes of the absorption and emission properties under specific conditions, which may be used for optical DNA detection. Other than the parent berberine, the ligands do not show a noticeable increase of their very low intrinsic emission intensity upon association with DNA at neutral conditions. In contrast, a fluorescence light‐up effect was observed upon association to duplex (Φfl=0.01) and quadruplex DNA (Φfl=0.04) at pH 5. This fluorimetric response to G4‐DNA association in combination with the distinct, red‐shifted absorption under these conditions provides a simple and conclusive optical detection of G4‐DNA at lower pH.
Indium‐Catalyzed C−F Bond Transformation through Oxymetalation/β‐Fluorine Elimination to Access Fluorinated Isocoumarins
Authors: Yata Tetsuji , Nishimoto Yoshihiro , Chiba Kouji , Yasuda Makoto
Published: April 2021

Fluorinated heterocycles have attracted much attention in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries. Many strategies have already been developed to achieve the synthesis of fluorinated heterocycles. Formidable challenges remain, however, in the synthesis of fluorinated isocoumarin derivatives that are among the most alluring structural motifs. Herein, the indium‐catalyzed C−F bond transformation of 2‐(2,2‐difluorovinyl) benzoates is reported, which are readily accessible compounds, to give a diverse array of fluorinated isocoumarins. The present reaction proceeds smoothly using inexpensive reagents: a catalytic amount of indium salt in the presence of zinc salt. A theoretical calculation of potential energy profiles showed that the reaction consists of oxymetalation with the elimination of alkyl halide and the β‐fluorine elimination.
Deconvolving Contributions to Decoherence in Molecular Electron Spin Qubits: A Dynamic Ligand Field Approach
Authors: Mirzoyan Ruben , Kazmierczak Nathanael P. , Hadt Ryan G.
Published: April 2021

In the past decade, transition metal complexes have gained momentum as electron spin‐based quantum bit (qubit) candidates due to their synthetic tunability and long achievable coherence times. The decoherence of magnetic quantum states imposes a limit on the use of these qubits for quantum information technologies, such as quantum computing, sensing, and communication. With rapid recent development in the field of molecular quantum information science, a variety of chemical design principles for prolonging coherence in molecular transition metal qubits have been proposed. Here the spin‐spin, motional, and spin‐phonon regimes of decoherence are delineated, outlining design principles for each. It is shown how dynamic ligand field models can provide insights into the intramolecular vibrational contributions in the spin‐phonon decoherence regime. This minireview aims to inform the development of molecular quantum technologies tailored for different environments and conditions.
Supramolecular Alloys from Fluorinated Hybrid Tri4Di6Imine Cages
Authors: Kunde Tom , Pausch Tobias , Schmidt Bernd M.
Published: April 2021

To create innovative materials, efficient control and engineering of pore sizes and their characteristics, crystallinity and stability is required. Eight hybrid Tri4Di6imine cages with a tunable degree of fluorination and one fully fluorinated Tri4Di6imine cage are investigated. Although the fluorinated and the non‐fluorinated building blocks used herein differ vastly in reactivity, it was possible to gain control over the outcome of the self‐assembly process, by carefully controlling the feed ratio. This represents the first hybrid material based on fluorinated/hydrogenated porous organic cages (POCs). These cages with unlimited miscibility in the solid state were obtained as highly crystalline samples after recrystallization and even showed retention of the crystal lattice, forming alloys. All mixtures and the fully fluorinated Tri4Di6imine cage were analyzed by MALDI‐MS, single‐crystal XRD, powder XRD and in regard to thermal stability (TGA).
G4 Sensing Pyridyl‐Thiazole Polyamide Represses c‐KIT Expression in Leukemia Cells
Authors: Paul Raj , Dutta Debasish , Das Tania , Debnath Manish , Dash Jyotirmayee
Published: April 2021

Specific sensing and functional tuning of nucleic acid secondary structures remain less explored to date. Herein, we report a thiazole polyamide TPW that binds specifically to c‐KIT1 G‐quadruplex (G4) with sub‐micromolar affinity and ∼1 : 1 stoichiometry and represses c‐KIT proto‐oncogene expression. TPW shows up to 10‐fold increase in fluorescence upon binding with c‐KIT1 G4, but shows weak or no quantifiable binding to other G4s and ds26 DNA. TPW can increase the number of G4‐specific antibody (BG4) foci and mark G4 structures in cancer cells. Cell‐based assays reveal that TPW can efficiently repress c‐KIT expression in leukemia cells via a G4‐dependent process. Thus, the polyamide can serve as a promising probe for G‐quadruplex recognition with the ability to specifically alter c‐KIT oncogene expression.
Bis(pertrifluoromethylcatecholato)silane: Extreme Lewis Acidity Broadens the Catalytic Portfolio of Silicon
Authors: Thorwart Thaddäus , Roth Daniel , Greb Lutz
Published: April 2021

Given its earth abundance, silicon is ideal for constructing Lewis acids of use in catalysis or materials science. Neutral silanes were limited to moderate Lewis acidity, until halogenated catecholato ligands provoked a significant boost. However, catalytic applications of bis(perhalocatecholato)silanes were suffering from very poor solubility and unknown deactivation pathways. In this work, the novel per(trifluoromethyl)catechol, H2catCF3, and adducts of its silicon complex Si(catCF3)2 (1) are described. According to the computed fluoride ion affinity, 1 ranks among the strongest neutral Lewis acids currently accessible in the condensed phase. The improved robustness and affinity of 1 enable deoxygenations of aldehydes, ketones, amides, or phosphine oxides, and a carbonyl‐olefin metathesis. All those transformations have never been catalyzed by a neutral silane. Attempts to obtain donor‐free 1 attest to the extreme Lewis acidity by stabilizing adducts with even the weakest donors, such as benzophenone or hexaethyl disiloxane.
Teaching innovation in an age of disruption
Authors: Kresta Suzanne M.
Published: April 2021

In a climate of global disruptions, it seems certain that adaptive change will be an important part of our lives for the foreseeable future. Now, more than ever, we have a responsibility to introduce our students to skills that will support them in this work. This paper is a synthesis of a number of invited plenary talks given from 2014–2019 which explore the dichotomy of engineering: we are innovators and problem solvers who also hold reliability and protection of the public as our most important obligation. The data show that innovation will become more important in the decades ahead, but finding academics who love the uncertainty that comes with teaching design is becoming more difficult. The tension—and occasional polarization—between prioritizing innovation or maintaining reliable known solutions is deconstructed and explored. Two examples of how this plays out in industry are presented. The second half of the paper presents a selection of important ideas for teaching innovation thinking. Practical teaching strategies are included for easy implementation in the classroom. In closing, the major threads in (engineering) teaching and learning research are summarized, again, with samples of best practices in the context of teaching collaborative innovation. The goal of this paper is to provide engineering instructors with tools which are easily applied to build curiosity and an innovation mindset, without reducing their commitment to reliable and robust engineering problem solving.
Sustainable chemistry with light – experimental approaches via digital media
Authors: Bohrmann‐Linde Claudia , Tausch Michael
Published: April 2021

Für nachhaltige Entwicklung unverzichtbare Photoprozesse sind bisher in bildungspolitischen Vorgaben (KMK und Landesleitlinien BNE) nicht angemessen vertreten. In chemiedidaktischen Publikationen werden die Prinzipien „grüner Chemie“ und der Nachhaltigkeit zwar zunehmend thematisiert, aber Licht als nachhaltigste Energieform und die Chemie mit Licht bleiben auch hier unterrepräsentiert. Im Beitrag werden durch die Didaktik der Chemie produzierte, frei zugängliche digitale Ressourcen zur Erschließung der BNE‐relevanten Lehr‐/Lerninhalte, bei denen die Energieform Licht im Fokus steht, präsentiert. Darin werden photochemisches Fachwissen und pädagogische Grundsätze in wissenschaftlich konsistente und didaktisch prägnante Formate zusammengeführt. Die Erschließung ist über etablierte Unterrichtsinhalte möglich. Ihre Nutzung durch Lernende sollte unbedingt von Lehrenden geleitet oder zumindest moderiert werden, wobei im Sinne von systemischen Denkprozessen die behandelten Inhalte nicht nur für sich isoliert betrachtet, sondern in größere Zusammenhänge gebracht werden sollen.
The Improved Interfacial and Thermal Stability of Nickel‐Rich LiNi0.85Co0.10Mn0.05O2 Cathode in Li‐Ion Battery via Perovskite La4NiLiO8 Coating
Authors: Zhao Bo , Gu Zhen‐Yi , Meng Yun‐Feng , Wu Xing‐Long , Wang Guang
Published: April 2021

Capacity attenuation caused by Ni dissolution and interface instability during cycling is a major challenge because it limits the application of high Ni ternary cathode materials in Li‐ion batteries. In this paper, ternary LiNi0.85Co0.10Mn0.05O2 cathode with high nickel content was prepared by co‐precipitation method, and then was coated with perovskite La4NiLiO8 via the simple thermochemical method. The analysis of the images of transmission electron microscope (TEM) showed that the coating is uniformly covered on the surface of NCM85 material with a thickness of 5 nm. Compared to uncoated sample, the La4NiLiO8‐coated LiNi0.85Co0.10Mn0.05O2 material shows lower electrochemical impedance and better cyclic stability, the initial kinetic diffusion coefficient and the interface stability of the prepared material are greatly improved. Meanwhile, the problems of Li+/Ni2+ mixing are also been solved. This work provides a new strategy for improving the interface and thermal stability of the nickel cathode material of Li‐ion battery in the future.
Debottlenecking a Pulp Mill by Producing Biofuels from Black Liquor in Three Steps
Authors: Di Francesco Davide , Dahlstrand Christian , Löfstedt Joakim , Orebom Alexander , Verendel Johan , Carrick Christopher , Håkansson Åsa , Eriksson Sören , Rådberg Henrik , Wallmo Henrik , Wimby Martin , Huber Florian , Federsel Christopher , Backmark Mattias , Samec Joseph S. M.
Published: April 2021

By extracting lignin, pulp production can be increased without heavy investments in a new recovery boiler, the typical bottleneck of a pulp mill. The extraction is performed by using 0.20 and 0.15 weight equivalents of CO2 and H2SO4 respectively. Herein, we describe lignin esterification with fatty acids using benign reagents to generate a lignin ester mixable with gas oils. The esterification is accomplished by activating the fatty acid and lignin with acetic anhydride which can be regenerated from the acetic acid recycled in this reaction. The resulting mass balance ratio is fatty acid/lignin/acetic acid (2 : 1 : 0.1). This lignin ester can be hydroprocessed to generate hydrocarbons in gasoline, aviation, and diesel range. A 300‐hour continuous production of fuel was accomplished. By recirculating reagents from both the esterification step and applying a water gas shift reaction on off‐gases from the hydroprocessing, a favorable overall mass balance is realized.
Pyridine Grafted on SnO2‐Loaded Carbon Nanotubes Acting as Cocatalyst for Highly Efficient Electroreduction of CO2
Authors: Zhang Yuning , Xu Hai , Niu Dongfang , Zhang Xinsheng , Zhang Yayun
Published: April 2021

Sn‐based electrocatalysts have shown great potential in the future industrial application of CO2 electroreduction (CO2ER) to C1 products due to their non‐toxicity and low price. However, it is a great challenge to fabricate a Sn‐based electrocatalytic system with high performance and stability. Herein, grafted pyridine was innovatively coupled with SnO2 to construct an organic‐inorganic composite (SnO2/Py‐CNTO) for highly efficient CO2ER. The detailed studies showed that pyridine and protonated pyridine coexist on the surface of SnO2/Py‐CNTO, and both play distinctive roles in promoting the selectivity of CO2ER. Benefiting from the merits, SnO2/Py‐CNTO delivered an excellent faradaic efficiency (FE) of 96 % for CO2ER at −1.29 VRHE where the HCOOH production with 85 % FE dominated, and good stability for 32 h electrolysis. The theoretical calculations showed that protonated pyridine not only facilitates the CO2 adsorption and HCOOH desorption, but also significantly reduces the limiting potential for the conversion of CO2 to HCOOH.
Green Hydrothermal Synthesis of Fluorescent 2,3‐Diarylquinoxalines and Large‐Scale Computational Comparison to Existing Alternatives
Authors: Amaya‐García Fabián , Caldera Michael , Koren Anna , Kubicek Stefan , Menche Jörg , Unterlass Miriam M.
Published: April 2021

Invited for this month′s cover is the group of Miriam Unterlass at the Technische Universität Wien and the CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences. The image illustrates the synthesis of quinoxalines in “hot water” and the large‐scale computational comparison of all existing syntheses of these quinoxalines. The Full Paper itself is available at 10.1002/cssc.202100433.
Ab initio Molecular Dynamics Investigations of the Speciation and Reactivity of Deep Eutectic Electrolytes in Aluminum Batteries
Authors: Carrasco‐Busturia David , Lysgaard Steen , Jankowski Piotr , Vegge Tejs , Bhowmik Arghya , García‐Lastra Juan María
Published: April 2021

Invited for this month's cover is the Section for Atomic Scale Materials Modelling led by Prof. Tejs Vegge at the Department of Energy Conversion and Storage, Technical University of Denmark. The central image of the cover picture illustrates one of the chemical reaction mechanisms observed in a deep eutectic electrolyte formed by AlCl3 and urea. This is a promising electrolyte for inexpensive and environmentally friendly next‐generation batteries based on aluminum. We have developed the computational techniques needed to identify chemical species and track reaction mechanisms across an ab initio molecular dynamics trajectory. The reaction mechanisms and speciation observed help to gain more insight in the development of such batteries. The Full Paper itself is available at 10.1002/cssc.202100163.
New Reactions of Cyclopentadienylnickel Chelates with Secondary Phosphane Tethers
Authors: Heinisch Sandra Lauren , Werner Irina , Butenschön Holger
Published: April 2021

In continuation of our research in cyclopentadienylalkylphosphane nickel chelates with secondary phosphane tethers the first cationic representatives of this class of compounds are reported. These were obtained by reaction of the respective bromo complex with tris(4‐trifluoromethylphenyl)phosphane as well as with a number of alkyl and aryl isonitriles in the presence of indium tribromide. This Lewis acid is crucial for the success of the reactions leading to the respective tetrabromoindate salts. The compounds were characterized spectroscopically, including rare 14N,13C couplings being observed. Finally, deprotonation experiments are reported, which provide some evidence for deprotonation taking place, although the expected phosphinidene chelates could not be isolated due to rapid decomposition.
Predicting stock market volatility based on textual sentiment: A nonlinear analysis
Authors: Zhang Weiguo , Gong Xue , Wang Chao , Ye Xin
Published: April 2021

This paper investigates whether and how investor sentiment affects stock market volatility forecasting from a nonlinear theory perspective. With the use of a novel dataset that contains massive articles about stock market analysis obtained from a Chinese investors' community, we construct four sentiment indices to measure investor sentiment by applying textual analysis techniques. Differing from the developed market, we find that the investor sentiment from an emerging market causes stock volatility by a nonlinear pattern rather than a linear style. Furthermore, we show that the investor sentiment improves stock volatility prediction based on the long short‐term memory model. And the predictability is still significant after considering another sentiment proxy variable. Finally, we demonstrate that this improvement of predictive performance is meaningful from an economic point of view.
The determinants of immigrant health insurance in the United States: Understanding the role of health care in origin societies
Authors: Amuedo‐Dorantes Catalina , Zhan Crystal
Published: April 2021

We examine how immigrants' health insurance in the United States is shaped by institutional traits of the health care systems in their origin societies. Conditional on a wide range of individual, country‐of‐origin, state‐level, and temporal controls, we find the affordability of health care back home helps explain immigrants' US health coverage. Specifically, low‐ and middle‐income migrants from countries with less affordable health care are more likely to get private insurance once in the United States and, correspondingly, less likely to have public coverage, relative to migrants from countries with more affordable care. The relationship conforms to multiple hypotheses. As predicted by the institutional beliefs hypothesis, migrants from countries with less affordable care might anticipate equally expensive health services in the United States and, in turn, insure themselves against high medical bills. Likewise, as predicted by the endogenous preferences hypothesis, migrants from countries with less affordable care might be accustomed to paying more for health care and, in turn, be less reluctant to pay for private health insurance. Overall, the findings underscore the relevance of migrants' past health care experiences in their origin societies in informing their health insurance in the United States even years after migration.
Backlash in performance feedback: Deepening the understanding of the role of gender in performance appraisal
Authors: Ciancetta Lindsay M. , Roch Sylvia G.
Published: April 2021

We explore one possible factor contributing to the proverbial glass ceiling for women—manifestation of the backlash effect, defined as social repercussions received by women who violate the female gender‐role norm, in performance feedback. Feedback phrasing may have consequences for employee commitment to the organization and intention to leave. The results of study 1, a mixed qualitative and quantitative analysis of a sample of 400 written performance evaluations from two organizations, provide evidence of the backlash effect in the feedback language used in women's performance appraisals at all levels of the organizational hierarchy, not just for women in leadership roles as expected. The results of a self‐report survey of 271 working adults (study 2) suggest differing sensitivity to the use of backlash‐related words according to gender, unexpectedly pointing to lower sensitivity for women and evidence of shaping behaviors toward one's gender‐role norm through positive feedback. Implications are discussed.
High‐frequency monitoring of hydrological and biogeochemical fluxes in forested catchments of southern Chile
Authors: Frêne Cristián , Armesto Juan J. , Véliz Freddy , Alfaro Fernando D. , Weathers Kathleen C.
Published: April 2021

The variability of rainfall‐dependent streamflow at catchment scale modulates many ecosystem processes in wet temperate forests. Runoff in small mountain catchments is characterized by a quick response to rainfall pulses which affects biogeochemical fluxes to all downstream systems. In wet‐temperate climates, water erosion is the most important natural factor driving downstream soil and nutrient losses from upland ecosystems. Most hydrochemical studies have focused on water flux measurements at hourly scales, along with weekly or monthly samples for water chemistry. Here, we assessed how water and element flows from broad‐leaved, evergreen forested catchments in southwestern South America, are influenced by different successional stages, quantifying runoff, sediment transport and nutrient fluxes during hourly rainfall events of different intensities. Hydrograph comparisons among different successional stages indicated that forested catchments differed in their responses to high intensity rainfall, with greater runoff in areas covered by secondary forests (SF), compared to old‐growth forest cover (OG) and dense scrub vegetation (CH). Further, throughfall water was greatly nutrient enriched for all forest types. Suspended sediment loads varied between successional stages. SF catchments exported 455 kg of sediments per ha, followed by OG with 91 kg/ha and CH with 14 kg/ha, corresponding to 11 rainfall events measured from December 2013 to April 2014. Total nitrogen (TN) and phosphorus (TP) concentrations in stream water also varied with rainfall intensity. In seven rainfall events sampled during the study period, CH catchments exported less nutrients (46 kg/ha TN and 7 kg/ha TP) than SF catchments (718 kg/ha TN and 107 kg/ha TP), while OG catchments exported intermediate sediment loads (201 kg/ha TN and 23 kg/ha TP). Further, we found significant effects of successional stage attributes (vegetation structure and soil physical properties) and catchment morphometry on runoff and sediment concentrations, and greater nutrients retention in OG and CH catchments. We conclude that in these southern hemisphere, broad‐leaved evergreen temperate forests, hydrological processes are driven by multiple interacting phenomena, including climate, vegetation, soils, topography, and disturbance history.
Ability of stochastic modelling to forecast crop reference evapotranspiration*
Authors: Yurekli Kadri
Published: April 2021

The main objective of this study is to evaluate the ability to forecast seasonal and non‐seasonal monthly reference plant water consumption (ET0) with the Box–Jenkins approach (autoregressive integrated moving average), the abbreviation of which is ARIMA (indicated as SARIMA for seasonal series). This target was achieved by using the necessary climate parameters obtained from the Ankara meteorology station to calculate the monthly ET0 data sequences by using the Penman–Monteith relationship. Of the 12 months’ non‐seasonal ET0 data, only 4 months achieved all the conditions expected in simulation after satisfying the stationary condition. The ARIMA (SARIMA) (1,0,1) (3,1,0) model produced the best results among all models providing the necessary conditions for the seasonal series. When comparing the results of ET0 estimation from this model to that of the non‐seasonal series, it was determined that using the seasonal series rather than making an estimate based on the non‐seasonal series provided more successful results, and the model giving the most successful forecast for the study is the SARIMA model above.
Variation in southern chinch bug (Blissus insularis) survival and damage on St. Augustinegrass germplasm
Authors: van der Laat Rocio , Dale Adam G. , Arellano Consuelo , Milla‐Lewis Susana R.
Published: April 2021

St. Augustinegrass [Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walter) Kuntze] cultivars tend to be susceptible to the southern chinch bug (Blissus insularis; SCB). This insect feeds on the plant by sucking the sap, causing leaf chlorosis and necrosis, and can kill whole lawns. Resistant cultivars can simplify SCB management and reduce insecticide use. However, little research has been conducted to identify resistant germplasm that can be used in breeding. The objectives of this study were to (i) evaluate the level of damage caused by SCB feeding on sixteen St. Augustinegrass genotypes, and (ii) determine the attractiveness and quality of those genotypes to SCB in choice and no‐choice scenarios under greenhouse conditions. After a period of 6 wk of exposure in a choice study, SCB feeding damage on St. Augustinegrass [S. secundatum (Walter) Kuntze] cultivars ‘FX‐10’, ‘DALSA 0605’ (TamStar®), ‘SS‐100’ (Palmetto®), and pembagrass [Stenotaphrum dimidiatum (L.) Brongn.] accession PI 289729 ranged from 3 to 21%, demonstrating the highest resistance to SCB. Breeding lines XSA 10403, XSA 11168, and XSA 12354 suffered significant damage (>68%), indicating a high susceptibility to SCB. In a no‐choice study, ‘615866’ (Seville®), ‘SS‐100’ and most breeding lines exhibited intermediate levels of SCB susceptibility, with SCB survival ranging from 35 to 74%. FX‐10, ‘DALSA 0605’, and PI 289729 were not suitable for SCB feeding and oviposition and exhibited two‐ to five‐fold reductions in the number of live SCB and eggs recovered per plant compared to most breeding lines. Several breeding lines proved to have higher levels of tolerance than cultivar ‘Raleigh’. The magnitude of the differences between the most resistant and susceptible lines indicates that it is possible to generate biparental populations with enough segregation to conduct QTL mapping for SCB resistance.
Synthesis, mechanical, thermal, and electrical characterization of graphite–epoxy composites
Authors: Radouane Nassima , Depriester Michael , Maaroufi Abdelkrim , Singh Dharmendra Pratap , Ouaki Bennaceur , Duponchel Benoît , Elass Abdelaziz , Tidahy Lucette , Hadj‐Sahraoui Abdelhak
Published: April 2021

Herein, we present a simple procedure for fabricating epoxy/graphite composites using a simple solution blending method. The addition of graphite filler in the epoxy matrix showed a beneficial effect on mechanical properties by enhancing Young's modulus up to 55.25% of its value. The highest thermal conductivity was obtained to be 1.53 ± 0.07 W· m−1· K−1, which depicts a fourfold increment as compared to the neat matrix. The effective thermal conductivity has been predicted using Nan model, which shows a satisfactory agreement with the experimental data. Besides, the investigated composites display enhanced electrical conductivity; this evolution of electrical conductivity as a function of filler volume fraction is well described using percolation theory. Thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry have been used to determine the thermal properties of the composites as a function of filler volume fraction. These findings indicate that the thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties of epoxy/graphite composites could be ideal for thermal management and control of heat transfer devices.
Hydrogen sulfide prevents ethanol‐induced ZO‐1 CpG promoter hypermethylation‐dependent vascular permeability via miR‐218/DNMT3a axis
Authors: Behera Jyotirmaya , Kelly Kimberly E. , Tyagi Neetu
Published: April 2021

Ethanol (ET) causes cerebrovascular dysfunction by altering homocysteine (Hcy) metabolism and by causing oxidative stress. However, there are no strategies to prevent ET‐induced epigenetic deregulation of tight junction protein (hyper‐methylation) and endothelial cell permeability to date. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has an antioxidative, antiapoptotic, and anti‐inflammatory effect. Here, we investigated the protective role of H2S in ET‐induced endothelial permeability through epigenetic changes in mouse brain endothelial cells (bEnd3). The bEnd3 cells were exposed to 50 mM ET treatment in the presence or absence of 50 μM NaHS (H2S donor). The result demonstrates that ET‐induced cellular toxicity increased intracellular Hcy levels, which further intensified mitochondrial dysfunction and energy defects. Using miScript microRNA (miRNA) polymerase chain reaction array‐based screening, we identified a particular miRNA, miR‐218, as a novel target of ET‐induced DNA methyltransferase‐3a (DNMT3a) activation. miR‐218 influences CpG island methylation of the zonula occludens 1 (ZO‐1) promoter in the endothelial cells. We discovered that ET suppressed miR‐218 levels and induced endothelial permeability via DNMT3a‐mediated ZO‐1 hyper‐methylation. Treatment with mito‐TEMPO (mitochondria‐targeted antioxidant), 5′‐azacitidine (DNMT inhibitor), or miR‐218 overexpression was shown to protect endothelial cells against ET‐induced permeability. Also, bEnd3 cells pretreated with NaHS attenuated ET‐induced vascular permeability and prevented CpG island methylation at the promoter. In conclusion, our data provide evidence that H2S treatment protects vascular integrity from ET‐induced stress by mitigating CpG (ZO‐1 promoter) DNA hyper‐methylation. This finding uncovers a new mechanistic understanding of NaHS/H2S, that may have therapeutic potential in preventing or diminishing ET‐induced brain vascular permeability and dysfunction induced by alcoholism.
Axonal Guillain‐Barre syndrome associated with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in a child
Authors: Akçay Nihal , Menentoğlu Mehmet Emin , Bektaş Gonca , Şevketoğlu Esra
Published: April 2021

The relation between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection and demyelinating Guillain‐Barre syndrome (GBS) has been defined. We aim to report the clinical features of a child with axonal GBS associated with SARS‐CoV‐2. A 6‐year‐old male presented with symmetric ascending paralysis progressed over a 4‐day course and 2 days of fever. He had bilateral lower and upper limb flaccid weakness of 1/5 with absent deep tendon reflexes. He had severe respiratory muscle weakness requiring invasive mechanical ventilation. On admission, SARS‐CoV‐2 returned as positive by real‐time polymerase chain reaction on a nasopharyngeal swab. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed elevated protein without pleocytosis. He was diagnosed with GBS associated with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. The nerve conduction study was suggestive of acute motor axonal neuropathy. Ten consecutive therapeutic plasma exchange sessions with 5% albumin replacement followed by four sessions on alternate days were performed. On Day 12, methylprednisolone (30 mg/kg/day for 5 days) was given. On Day 18, intravenous immunoglobulin (2 g/kg/day) was given and repeated 14 days after due to severe motor weakness. On Day 60, he was discharged from the hospital with weakness of neck flexor and extensor muscles of 3/5 and the upper limbs and the lower limbs of 2/5 on home‐ventilation. Our patient is considered to be the youngest patient presenting with a possible para‐infectious association between axonal GBS and SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. The disease course was severe with a rapid progression, an earlier peak, and prolonged duration in weakness as expected in axonal GBS.
Respective prevalence of high‐risk HPVgenotypes in cervical neoplasia in Senegal
Authors: Diop‐Ndiaye Halimatou , Sastre‐Garau Xavier , Drame Aboubacry , Dembele Birama , Ba Nafissatou N. , Diop‐Diongue Oumy , Mbow Madeleine , Diakhaby Mba E. B. , Woto‐Gaye Gisele , Toure Kane Coumba , Diop Mamadou
Published: April 2021

Objectives

With the perspective of prophylactic vaccination against high‐risk human papillomavirus (HPV), we analyzed the viral epidemiology of cervical neoplasia in Senegal.

Methods

All patients were treated at the Institut Joliot Curie du Cancer in Dakar. HPV genotypes were characterized using a real‐time polymerase chain reaction‐based approach and sequencing.

Results

Histologically, there were 224 invasive carcinomas, 17 high‐grade intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), and five undetermined histologies. Molecular analysis was conclusive in 241 cases. HPV DNA was found in 207/241 (85.9%) cases while 34/241 (14.1%) remained HPV negative. There was one single genotype in 127/207 (61.4%) cases and several in 80/207 (38.6%) corresponding to 308 genotypes identified. Viral genotyping found HPV16 in 175 (56.8%) cases, HPV18 in 45 (14.6%), HPV45 in 40 (13.0%), HPV58 in 35 (11.4%), HPV33 in 6 (2.0%), HPV35 in 3 (1.0%), HPV31 in 2 (0.6%), HPV39 and HPV56 in one (0.3% each).

Conclusion

Our analysis showed that 98.4% of the HPV‐positive cases were associated with viral genotypes covered by the 9‐valent HPV vaccine. However, 14.1% of cases remained HPV negative. Therefore, prophylactic vaccination using a 9‐valent vaccine should dramatically reduce the incidence of HPV‐associated neoplasia but the detection and treatment of CIN remain necessary for the optimal prevention of cervical cancer.
Exploring the potential roles of some rodents in the transmission of the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus
Authors: Hemida Maged Gomaa , Alhammadi Mohammed , Almathen Faisal , Alnaeem Abdelmohsen
Published: April 2021

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS‐CoV) is one of the recently identified zoonotic coronaviruses. The one‐hump camels are believed to play important roles in the evolution and transmission of the virus. The animal‐to‐animal, as well as the animal‐to‐human transmission in the context of MERS‐CoV infection, were reported. The camels shed the virus in some of their secretions, especially the nasal tract. However, there are many aspects of the transmission cycle of the virus from animals to humans that are still not fully understood. Rodents played important roles in the transmission of many pathogens, including viruses and bacteria. They have been implicated in the evolution of many human coronaviruses, especially HCoV‐OC43 and HCoV‐HKU1. However, the role of rodents in the transmission of MERS‐CoV still requires more exploration. To achieve this goal, we identified MERS‐CoV that naturally infected dromedary camel by molecular surveillance. We captured 15 of the common rodents (rats, mice, and jerboa) sharing the habitat with these animals. We collected both oral and rectal swabs from these animals and then tested them by the commercial MERS‐CoV real‐time‐PCR kits using two targets. Despite the detection of the viral shedding in the nasal swabs of some of the dromedary camels, none of the rodents tested positive for the virus during the tenure of this study. We concluded that these species of rodents did not harbor the virus and are most unlikely to contribute to the transmission of the MERS‐CoV. However, further large‐scale studies are required to confirm the potential roles of rodents in the context of the MERS‐CoV transmission cycle, if any.