bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Threshold flow depths to move large boulders by the 2011 Tohoku-oki tsunami
Authors: Iwai Shohei , Goto Kazuhisa
Published: June 2021

Around the world, numerous coastal boulders with weight of few thousand tons are suspected to have been transported by very large tsunamis, although their origins remain enigmatic. For clarifying origins of these boulders, the relation between the tsunami flow depth and the movement of meter-size boulders should be clarified but there is no proper field dataset. Here we collected first comprehensive dataset of both moved and unmoved boulders as well as the maximum flow depths along the Sanriku coast of Japan, where was affected by the 2011 Tohoku-oki tsunami based on satellite image analyses and field survey. The dataset revealed that up to ca. 1500 tons of boulders and concrete blocks were moved by the 2011 tsunami with approx. 28 m flow depth. We further revealed that most unmoved boulders were not moved because of the local setting rather than their heavy weights. The threshold of moved/unmoved boulders is estimated against the flow depth. The threshold predicted that approx. > 20 m flow depths are required to move approx. > 1000 tons boulders. The results imply that even a few thousand tons of enigmatic boulders in the world could have been moved by these sizes of the tsunami flow depths, although applicability of our results to other examples should be evaluated in the future work. We further tested the validity of an earlier proposed inverse model. Although the model result is consistent with the field observation, assumption of the appropriate parameters is problematic and further improvement of the model is required to estimate hydrodynamic features of the tsunami and to discriminate tsunami boulders from storm ones. Regarding such future work, our dataset is expected to be important for the evaluation of the improved numerical models.
Circulating branch chain amino acids and improvement in liver fat content in response to exercise interventions in NAFLD
Authors: Shi Xiulin , Yin Hongyan , Li Jia , Huang Caoxin , Chen Yinling , Chen Zheng , Liu Wei , Weijuan Su  , Zhang Yiping , Lin Mingzhu , Zhao Yan , Li Xuejun
Published: June 2021

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is likely to be associated with increased circulating branched-chain amino acids. We investigated the relationship between changes in branched-chain amino acids levels in the serum and improvement in liver fat content caused by exercise intervention in individuals with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The exploratory study included 208 central obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease individuals from an exercise intervention randomized clinical trial for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The participants were randomly assigned to control, moderate, and vigorous-moderate exercise groups for 12 months. Changes in total branched-chain amino acids, leucine, isoleucine, and valine levels from baseline to 6 months were calculated. Liver fat content was determined by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Reductions in circulating levels of total branched-chain amino acids, leucine, and valine levels from baseline to 6 months were significantly associated with the improvement of liver fat content at 6 months and 12 months (p < 0.01 for all) after adjustments for age, sex, total energy intake, protein intake, intervention groups, HOMA-IR, BMI, liver fat content, total branched-chain amino acids, leucine, and valine at baseline, respectively. These associations were still significant after further adjustments for changes in HOMA-IR and BMI from baseline to 6 months (p < 0.05 for all). Our findings indicated that reductions in circulating branched-chain amino acids levels were associated with an improvement in liver fat content by exercise intervention among patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which was independent of changes in BMI or HOMA-IR.
Testicular somatic cell-like cells derived from embryonic stem cells induce differentiation of epiblasts into germ cells
Authors: Rore Holly , Owen Nicholas , Piña-Aguilar Raul Eduardo , Docherty Kevin , Sekido Ryohei
Published: June 2021

Regeneration of the testis from pluripotent stem cells is a real challenge, reflecting the complexity of the interaction of germ cells and somatic cells. Here we report the generation of testicular somatic cell-like cells (TesLCs) including Sertoli cell-like cells (SCLCs) from mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) in xeno-free culture. We find that Nr5a1/SF1 is critical for interaction between SCLCs and PGCLCs. Intriguingly, co-culture of TesLCs with epiblast-like cells (EpiLCs), rather than PGCLCs, results in self-organised aggregates, or testicular organoids. In the organoid, EpiLCs differentiate into PGCLCs or gonocyte-like cells that are enclosed within a seminiferous tubule-like structure composed of SCLCs. Furthermore, conditioned medium prepared from TesLCs has a robust inducible activity to differentiate EpiLCs into PGCLCs. Our results demonstrate conditions for in vitro reconstitution of a testicular environment from ESCs and provide further insights into the generation of sperm entirely in xeno-free culture.
Recoding of stop codons expands the metabolic potential of two novel Asgardarchaeota lineages
Authors: Sun Jiarui , Evans Paul N , Gagen Emma J , Woodcroft Ben J , Hedlund Brian P , Woyke Tanja , Hugenholtz Philip , Rinke Christian
Published: June 2021

Asgardarchaeota have been proposed as the closest living relatives to eukaryotes, and a total of 72 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) representing six primary lineages in this archaeal phylum have thus far been described. These organisms are predicted to be fermentative heterotrophs contributing to carbon cycling in sediment ecosystems. Here, we double the genomic catalogue of Asgardarchaeota by obtaining 71 MAGs from a range of habitats around the globe, including the deep subsurface, brackish shallow lakes, and geothermal spring sediments. Phylogenomic inferences followed by taxonomic rank normalisation confirmed previously established Asgardarchaeota classes and revealed four additional lineages, two of which were consistently recovered as monophyletic classes. We therefore propose the names Candidatus Sifarchaeia class nov. and Ca. Jordarchaeia class nov., derived from the gods Sif and Jord in Norse mythology. Metabolic inference suggests that both classes represent hetero-organotrophic acetogens, which also have the ability to utilise methyl groups such as methylated amines, with acetate as the probable end product in remnants of a methanogen-derived core metabolism. This inferred mode of energy conservation is predicted to be enhanced by genetic code expansions, i.e., stop codon recoding, allowing the incorporation of the rare 21st and 22nd amino acids selenocysteine (Sec) and pyrrolysine (Pyl). We found Sec recoding in Jordarchaeia and all other Asgardarchaeota classes, which likely benefit from increased catalytic activities of Sec-containing enzymes. Pyl recoding, on the other hand, is restricted to Sifarchaeia in the Asgardarchaeota, making it the first reported non-methanogenic archaeal lineage with an inferred complete Pyl machinery, likely providing members of this class with an efficient mechanism for methylamine utilisation. Furthermore, we identified enzymes for the biosynthesis of ester-type lipids, characteristic of bacteria and eukaryotes, in both newly described classes, supporting the hypothesis that mixed ether-ester lipids are a shared feature among Asgardarchaeota.
Combination of Carbon Nitride and Semiconductors for the Enhancement of the Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Pollutants and Hydrogen Production
Authors: Sharaf Mohammed , Boz Ismail , Eid Kamel
Published: June 2021

This chapter summarizes the utilization of promoted graphitic carbon nitride (gCN) semiconductors in photocatalytic hydrogen generation and photocatalytic environmental remediation. This includes the methods of tailoring, fine-tuning and promoting the properties of gCN, such as band gap and catalytic activity related features, with particular focus on the enhancement of photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants, dyes, and hydrogen production, which are discussed and summarized to date. Preparations of such combinations include pre, in situ and post incorporation of semiconductors of various forms or functionalization or mechano-composites. This chapter also delves into the characterization of such combinations when necessary. The present barriers in the fabrication of gCNs and their photocatalytic applications in environmental, hydrogen production, and pollutants' degradation are discussed along with their future outlook.
Post-synthetic modification of porous organic cages
Authors: Wang Hailong , Jin Yinghua , Sun Nana , Zhang Wei , Jiang Jianzhuang
Published: June 2021

This tutorial review summarizes the recent progress in utilizing the post-synthetic modification to develop porous organic cage-based novel structures and materials that cannot be easily accessed via conventional predesign and synthesis.
The polyhedral nature of selenium-catalysed reactions: Se(iv) species instead of Se(vi) species make the difference in the on water selenium-mediated oxidation of arylamines
Authors: Tanini Damiano , Dalia Camilla , Capperucci Antonella
Published: June 2021

Selenium-mediated on water oxidation of arylamines with H2O2 is reported. Nitroarenes or azoxyarenes are selectively achieved by switching the selenium catalyst. Mechanistic analysis and 77Se NMR studies highlighted the key role of Se(iv) species.
AIE + ESIPT activity-based NIR Cu2+ sensor with dye participated binding strategy
Authors: Jiang Jie , Sun Haifeng , Hu Yanlei , Lu Gang , Cui Jiwei , Hao Jingcheng
Published: June 2021

An activity-based Cu2+ fluorescent probe functions through chelation with Cu2+via dye-based multidentate binding, which in turn specifically triggers the probe to undergo hydrolysis to release a NIR emission with AIE + ESIPT properties.
Chemical technologies for precise protein bioconjugation interfacing biology and medicine
Authors: Kumar Mohan , Reddy Neelesh C. , Rai Vishal
Published: June 2021

The methods to regulate the reactivity and various selectivity attributes enable the single-site modification of proteins.
Stereospecific synthesis of chiral P-containing polyaromatics based on 7-membered P-rings
Authors: Mokrai Réka , Mocanu Anabella , Duffy Matthew P. , Vives Thomas , Caytan Elsa , Dorcet Vincent , Roisnel Thierry , Nyulászi László , Benkő Zoltán , Bouit Pierre-Antoine , Hissler Muriel
Published: June 2021

Stereospecific synthesis and (chir)optical and redox properties of helicenoid-based phosphepine as well as chiral P-containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are presented.
Ruthenium-catalyzed room-temperature coupling of α-keto sulfoxonium ylides and cyclopropanols for δ-diketone synthesis
Authors: Fang Lili , Fan Shuaixin , Wu Weiping , Li Tielei , Zhu Jin
Published: June 2021

A low-cost, room temperature ruthenium catalytic method is developed herein for highly efficient synthesis of δ-diketones based on the coupling of α-keto sulfoxonium ylides with cyclopropanols. The mild protocol features a broad substrate scope and a high product yield.
Azopyridine-based chiral oxazolines with rare-earth metals for photoswitchable catalysis
Authors: Nakamura Kento , Kondo Masaru , Krishnan Chandu G. , Takizawa Shinobu , Sasai Hiroaki
Published: June 2021

An azopyridine-based oxazoline ligand was developed as a chiral photoswitchable ligand. The ligand coordinated to rare-earth metal modulated the enantioselectivity of cyclic aminal forming reaction by photoisomerization.
Pseudocyclic bis-N-heterocycle-stabilized iodanes – synthesis, characterization and applications
Authors: Boelke Andreas , Sadat Soleicha , Lork Enno , Nachtsheim Boris J.
Published: June 2021

One hypervalent iodine atom can be stabilized by two tethered N-heterocycles in the form of bis-N-heterocyclic iodanes (BNHIs).
Cobalt-based metal–organic frameworks as functional materials for battery applications
Authors: Ou Hong , Xie Qiongyi , Yang Qingyun , Zhou Jianen , Zeb Akif , Lin Xiaoming , Chen Xinli , Reddy R. Chenna Krishna , Ma Guozheng
Published: June 2021

Research progress on cobalt-based metal–organic frameworks as functional materials for battery applications has been presented.
Modulating the slow magnetic relaxation of a mononuclear Dy(iii) single-molecule magnet via a magnetic field and dilution effects
Authors: Cen Peipei , He Zixin , Ding Runmei , Yang Huifang , Li Li , Zhang Yi-Quan , Li Yonghong , Tian Danian , Liu Xiangyu
Published: June 2021

Dynamic magnetic behaviours of a mononuclear Dy(iii) SIM with a square-antiprismatic coordination geometry have been manipulated by using a magnetic field and dilution effects.
Mechanochemical treatment of quercetin and curcumin to obtain eutectic mixtures with high antioxidant activity
Authors: Renza-Diaz Valentina , Gonzalez-Hernández Martin , Pantoja Kriss Dayana , D'Vries Richard F.
Published: June 2021

The present work is an interesting study addressed to creation of eutectic mixtures from quercetin and curcumin molecules through mechanochemical treatment. The obtained product increase and enhance the antioxidant activity.
Direct Bi3+–Bi3+ contacts mediated by lone pairs in the HP-BiNiO(PO4) polymorph
Authors: Colmont Marie , Zadoya Anastasiya , Darie Céline , Domingos Cyril , Leclercq Bastien , Mentré Olivier
Published: June 2021

HP polytype of BiNiO(PO4) (600 °C, 5 GPa) shows the same structural units as the AP one but in a denser form. Bi–Bi contacts intra/inter units are surprisingly identical due to lone pair electron interaction via sharp σ* bonding at the Fermi level.
A theoretical study on the excited-state deactivation paths for the A–5FU dimer
Authors: Yu Xue-fang , Fu Ting-he , Xiao Bo , Yu Hong-yuan , Li Qingzhong
Published: June 2021

Static potential energy surface calculations and the non-adiabatic dynamic simulations were utilized to unveil the excited-state decay mechanism in A–5FU dimer.
In-flow optical characterization of flame-generated carbon nanoparticles sampled from a premixed flame
Authors: Migliorini F. , Belmuso S. , Maffi S. , Dondè R. , De Iuliis S.
Published: June 2021

Coupling absorption and laser-induced incandescence measurements to retrieve energy band gap, and wavelength-dependent absolute values of the refractive index absorption function of carbon nanoparticles sampled from different heights in flame.
Corilagin and 1,3,6-Tri-O-galloy-β-d-glucose: potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 variants
Authors: Binette Vincent , Côté Sébastien , Haddad Mohamed , Nguyen Phuong Trang , Bélanger Sébastien , Bourgault Steve , Ramassamy Charles , Gaudreault Roger , Mousseau Normand
Published: June 2021

The COVID-19 disease caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2, first detected in December 2019, is still emerging through virus mutations.
The formulation of chemical potentials and free energy changes in biochemical reactions
Authors: Cannon William R. , Raff Lionel M.
Published: June 2021

Critical evaluations of IUPAC recommendations for (1) pH transforms and (2) the 1994 Alberty and recent BBR methods for calculating reaction free energies shows that pH transforms are unnecessary and the two reaction free energies are not the same.
Computing gold cluster energies with density functional theory: the importance of correlation
Authors: Ferrari Piero , Hansen Klavs
Published: June 2021

Calculating energy-dependent properties on gold clusters via density functional theory depend critically on the choice of functional. Here we use measured dissociation energies as benchmark data for testing the performance of different functionals.
Shedding light on ultrafast ring-twisting pathways of halogenated GFP chromophores from the excited to ground state
Authors: Boulanger Sean A. , Chen Cheng , Tang Longteng , Zhu Liangdong , Baleeva Nadezhda S. , Myasnyanko Ivan N. , Baranov Mikhail S. , Fang Chong
Published: June 2021

The photoinduced ring-twisting motions governed by electrostatics (sterics) in the excited (ground) state are elucidated by steady-state/time-resolved electronic and vibrational spectroscopies.
Phase change material-integrated latent heat storage systems for sustainable energy solutions
Authors: Aftab Waseem , Usman Ali , Shi Jinming , Yuan Kunjie , Qin Mulin , Zou Ruqiang
Published: June 2021

This review highlights the broad and critical role of latent heat storage in sustainable energy systems including solar-thermal storage, electro-thermal storage, waste heat storage and thermal regulations.
Cascaded filter deterministic lateral displacement microchips for isolation and molecular analysis of circulating tumor cells and fusion cells
Authors: Liu Zongbin , Huang Yuqing , Liang Wenli , Bai Jing , Feng Hongtao , Fang Zhihao , Tian Geng , Zhu Yanjuan , Zhang Haibo , Wang Yuanxiang , Liu Aixue , Chen Yan
Published: June 2021

We present a cascaded filter deterministic lateral displacement design to achieve one-step and label-free CTC isolation with enhanced performance, and combine CTC enrichment and single-cell RNA sequencing for molecular analysis.
Submicron-precision particle characterization in microfluidic impedance cytometry with double differential electrodes
Authors: Zhong Jianwei , Liang Minhui , Ai Ye
Published: June 2021

This work presents a label-free high-throughput impedance-based microfluidic flow cytometry system with a novel design of double differential electrode configuration, enabling submicron particle detection with a minimum size resolution of 200 nm.
Synthesis of a stable iron(iii)–organic framework for a visible light induced simultaneous photocatalytic reduction of Cr(vi) and the degradation of organic dyes in water
Authors: Xie A-Di , Hu Ming-Gai , Luo Yu-Hui , Zhu Xiang-Gui , Wang Zhi-Hui , Geng Wu-Yue , Zhang Hao , Zhang Dong-En , Zhang Hong
Published: June 2021

A stable microporous Fe-MOF was synthesized as single-crystals and was applied as a bifunctional catalyst for the photocatalytic Cr(vi) reduction and organic dyes degradation.
Synergistic effect of Fe and Ga incorporation into ZSM-5 to increase propylene production in the cracking of n-hexane utilizing a microchannel reactor
Authors: Sakha Mohsen Rostami , Soltanali Saeed , Salari Darush , Rashidzadeh Mehdi , Halimitabrizi Parya
Published: June 2021

Comprehensive investigation of the synergistic effect of incorporating Fe and Ga into ZSM-5 in cracking of hexane.
Confined alkali metal ions in two-dimensional aluminum phosphate promoted activity for the condensation of lactic acid to 2,3-pentanedione
Authors: Li Xinli , Zhang Ju , Dai Yunsheng , Tang Congming , Yang Chenglong
Published: June 2021

The intercalated alkali metal ions can efficiently mediate the acidity–basicity of the catalysts, significantly promoting the activity for LA condensation to 2,3-pentanedione.
A green synthesis of calcium silicate nanopowders from silica fume and marble sawing dust by a microwave irradiation-assisted route
Authors: Hashem Amira A. , Mahmoud Sawsan A. , Geioushy Ramadan A. , Fouad Osama A.
Published: June 2021

Calcium silicate nanopowders have been successfully synthesized from solution mixtures of silica fume and marble sawing dust via a simple, fast and eco-friendly microwave irradiation method.
Aminoethylimidazole ionic liquid-grafted MIL-101-NH2 heterogeneous catalyst for the conversion of CO2 and epoxide without solvent and cocatalyst
Authors: Bao Chenglong , Jiang Yichen , Zhao Liyan , Li Dazhi , Xu Ping , Sun Jianmin
Published: June 2021

An aminoethylimidazole IL-functionalized MIL-101-NHIM-NH2 catalyst efficiently catalyzes the cycloaddition reaction of CO2 and epoxide without solvent and cocatalyst, owing to the synergistic effects of Cr, –NH2 and Br− active sites.
Ultrathin mesoporous graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets with functional cyano group decoration and nitrogen-vacancy defects for an efficient selective CO2 photoreduction
Authors: Li Junyi , Wang Xiaohan , Huang Liang , Tian Liang , Shalom Menny , Xiong Chunyan , Zhang Haijun , Jia Quanli , Zhang Shaowei , Liang Feng
Published: June 2021

Ultrathin mesoporous graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets synchronously decorated with functional cyano groups and nitrogen vacancies present excellent CO2 photoreduction performance.
Encapsulation of inorganic nanoparticles in a block copolymer vesicle wall driven by the interfacial instability of emulsion droplets
Authors: Yu Qunli , Sun Nan , Hu Dengwen , Wang Yaping , Chang Xiaohua , Yan Nan , Zhu Yutian , Li Yongjin
Published: June 2021

We proposed an effective route, i.e., three-dimensional confined co-assembly of block copolymers and inorganic nanoparticles, to efficiently encapsulate high-density and large-size nanoparticles into the wall of polymeric vesicles.
Correction: Poly(adenine)-mediated DNA-functionalized gold nanoparticles for sensitive detection of mercury ions in aqueous media
Authors: Yin Jinjin , Wang Jiuchao , Yang Xiyue , Wu Tao , Wang Huashan , Zhou Xiaoming
Published: June 2021

Correction for ‘Poly(adenine)-mediated DNA-functionalized gold nanoparticles for sensitive detection of mercury ions in aqueous media’ by Jinjin Yin et al., RSC Adv., 2019, 9, 18728–18733, DOI: 10.1039/C9RA03041G.
Machine learning for phase behavior in active matter systems
Authors: Dulaney Austin R. , Brady John F.
Published: June 2021

We demonstrate that deep learning techniques can be used to predict motility-induced phase separation (MIPS) in suspensions of active Brownian particles (ABPs) by creating a notion of phase at the particle level.
A multivariable transmission line protection scheme using signal processing techniques
Authors: Gupta Abhishek , Pachar Ramesh Kumar , Khan Baseem , Mahela Om Prakash , Padmanaban Sanjeevikumar ,   Fellow IET
Published: June 2021

This paper introduced an advanced algorithm making hybrid use of Stockwell transform (ST), Hilbert transform (HT) and Alienation coefficient (ACF) for identification, classification and to locate faulty events on transmission line. Signals of Current are processed by application of ST, HT and ACF for computing S‐index, H‐index and A‐index, respectively. These indices are multiplied element by element to compute proposed fault index (FI). A threshold magnitude is decided after testing the algorithm during different fault scenarios and faulty events are recognized when FI exceeds this threshold magnitude. Faults are categorized by identifying the number of phases which are faulty in nature and a ground fault index (GFI). GFI is designed by processing the zero sequence current using ST and used to identify involvement of ground during fault event. A mathematical formulation is framed to estimate location of faults on transmission line. Fault location has been estimated with a mean error less than 1%. Investigated faults include phase to ground (PGF), double phase (PPF), double phase to ground (PPGF) and three phase to ground (TPGF). Algorithm is found effective for faulty scenario such as fault impedance variations, fault incidence angle (FIA) variations, reverse power flow, effect of line loading, effect of noise, transient faults, off‐nominal frequency, and presence of harmonic components. Algorithm is also effective for discriminating switching transients from faulty conditions. Effective performance of the algorithm is established by comparing with fault detection and classification approach based on alienation coefficients, discrete Fourier transform (DFT) and time‐frequency approach. Study is performed on a two terminal transmission line in MATLAB/Simulink environment. Effectiveness of the algorithm is also established on a real time transmission grid of Rajasthan state of India.
Identification of SRGt 062340.2-265751 as a bright, strongly variable, novalike cataclysmic variable
Authors: Schwope Axel , Buckley David A. H. , Kawka Adela , König Ole , Lutovinov Alexander , Maitra Chandreyee , Mereminskiy Ilya , Miller-Jones James , Pichardo Marcano Manuel , Rau Arne , Semena Andrei , Townsend Lee J. , Wilms Jörn
Published: June 2021

We report the identification and follow-up of the transient SRGt 062340.2–265751 detected with both instruments on board the Spektrum-Roentgen-Gamma mission. Optical spectroscopy of the G = 12.5 counterpart firmly classifies the object as a novalike cataclysmic variable (CV) at a distance of 495 pc. A highly significant TESS period of 3.941 h, tentatively identified with the orbital period of the binary, could not be found when the object was reobserved with TESS two years later. The newer high-cadence TESS data revealed quasi-periodic oscillations around 25 min, while ground-based photometry indicated periodic variability at 32 min. Located in very sparsely populated regions of color-magnitude diagrams involving X-ray and optical magnitudes and colors, the new object could be an X-ray underluminous magnetic CV, an intermediate polar, or an overluminous nonmagnetic CV. The lack of uniquely identified spin and orbital periods prevents a final classification. The site of X-ray production in the system, LX,bol = 4.8 × 1032 erg s-1, remains to be understood given its high variability on long and short timescales.
A first eROSITA view of ultracool dwarfs
Authors: Stelzer B. , Klutsch A. , Coffaro M. , Magaudda E. , Salvato M.
Published: June 2021

We present the first X-ray detections of ultracool dwarfs (UCDs) from the first all-sky survey of the extended ROentgen Survey with an Imaging Telescope Array (eROSITA) onboard the Russian Spektrum-Roentgen-Gamma mission. We use three publicly available input catalogs of spectroscopically confirmed UCDs and Gaia-selected UCD candidates that together comprise nearly 20000 objects. In a careful source identification procedure we first extracted all X-ray sources from the catalog of the first survey, eRASS1, that have a UCD or candidate within three times their positional uncertainty. Then we examined all Gaia objects in the vicinity of these 96 X-ray sources and we associated them to the most plausible counterpart on the basis of their spatial separation to the X-ray position and their multiwavelength properties. This way we find 40 UCDs that have a secure identification with an X-ray source (that is bonafide UCD X-ray emitters) and 18 plausible UCD X-ray emitters for which we consider it likely that the X-ray source has its origin in the UCD. Twenty-one of the bonafide and plausible X-ray emitting UCDs have a spectroscopic confirmation, while the others have been selected based on Gaia photometry and we computed spectral types from the G–J color. The spectral types of the X-ray emitting UCDs and candidates range between M5 and M9. The distances of the eRASS1 UCDs range from 3.5 to 190 pc. The spectroscopically confirmed UCDs at the high end of the distance distribution are known to be members of nearby star forming regions. The majority of the UCDs from the eRASS1 sample show a ratio of X-ray to bolometric luminosity well above the canonical saturation limit of log (Lx/Lbol) ≈ −3. For the two most extreme outliers, we verified the hypothesis that these high values are due to flaring activity through an analysis of the eRASS1 light curve. X-ray spectra could be analyzed for the two brightest objects in terms of count rate, both showing an emission-measure weighted plasma temperature of 〈kT〉 = 0.75 keV. These observations demonstrate the potential of eROSITA for advancing our knowledge on the faint coronal X-ray emission from UCDs by building statistical samples for which the average X-ray brightness, flares, and coronal temperatures can be derived.
Two interacting galaxies hiding as one, revealed by MaNGA
Authors: Mazzilli Ciraulo Barbara , Melchior Anne-Laure , Maschmann Daniel , Katkov Ivan Yu. , Halle Anaëlle , Combes Françoise , Gelfand Joseph D. , Al Yazeedi Aisha
Published: June 2021

Given their prominent role in galaxy evolution, it is of paramount importance to unveil galaxy interactions and merger events and to investigate the underlying mechanisms. The use of high-resolution data makes it easier to identify merging systems, but it can still be challenging when the morphology does not show any clear galaxy pair or gas bridge. Characterising the origin of puzzling kinematic features can help reveal complicated systems. Here, we present a merging galaxy, MaNGA 1-114955, in which we highlighted the superimposition of two distinct rotating discs along the line of sight. These counter-rotating objects both lie on the star-forming main sequence but display perturbed stellar velocity dispersions. The main galaxy presents off-centred star formation as well as off-centred high-metallicity regions, supporting the scenario of recent starbursts, while the secondary galaxy hosts a central starburst that coincides with an extended radio emission, in excess with respect to star formation expectations. Stellar mass as well as dynamical mass estimates agree towards a mass ratio within the visible radius of 9:1 for these interacting galaxies. We suggest that we are observing a pre-coalescence stage of a merger. The primary galaxy accreted gas through a past first pericentre passage about 1 Gyr ago and more recently from the secondary gas-rich galaxy, which exhibits an underlying active galactic nucleus. Our results demonstrate how a galaxy can hide another one and the relevance of a multi-component approach for studying ambiguous systems. We anticipate that our method will be efficient at unveiling the mechanisms taking place in a sub-sample of galaxies observed by the Mapping Nearby Galaxies at Apache Point Observatory (MaNGA) survey, all of which exhibit kinematic features of a puzzling origin in their gas emission lines.
Quantum thermodynamics at low temperatures
Authors: Pekola Jukka P.
Published: June 2021

Low temperature phenomena and methods are quantum thermodynamics per se. Modern engineered quantum systems, for instance those used for superconducting quantum information processing and mesoscopic electron transport, provide working media for realizing devices such as quantum heat engines and refrigerators and a testbed for fundamental principles and phenomena in thermodynamics of quantum systems and processes.
Cryogenic Dark Matter Searches
Authors: Baudis Laura
Published: June 2021

In the decades-old quest to uncover the nature of the enigmatic dark matter, cryogenic detectors have reached unprecedented sensitivities. Searching for tiny signals from dark matter particles scattering in materials cooled down to low temperatures, these experiments look out into space from deep underground. Their ambitious goal is to discover non-gravitational interactions of dark matter and to scan the allowed parameter space until interactions from solar and cosmic neutrinos are poised to take over.
Three crayfish species of different origin in a medium-sized river system: a new state of affairs
Authors: Radtke Grzegorz , Bernaś Rafał , Dębowski Piotr , Ulikowski Dariusz , Kapusta Andrzej
Published: June 2021

In view of contemporary changes in aquatic environments, determining the distribution of both native and emerging invasive crayfish species is increasingly important. In central Europe, the three invasive crayfish species of the signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus (Dana, 1852), the spiny-cheek crayfish Faxonius limosus (Rafinesque, 1817) and the red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarki (Girard, 1852) are of North American origin. The spiny-cheek crayfish was first brought to the southern Baltic basin at the end of nineteenth century, and its expansion ensued rapidly. At the same time, the indigenous species of the noble crayfish Astacus astacus (Linnaeus, 1758) began to disappear. The spread of the signal crayfish started in the second half of twentieth century; however, it has progressed strongly in recent years. Latest studies of fish fauna in the Drwęca River system, a tributary of the lower Vistula River, have simultaneously revealed new information on the occurrence of crayfish. The most widespread was spiny-cheek crayfish found at ten sites throughout the river basin. The second alien species, the signal crayfish, was noted in four locations in the upper part of the river system, but no mixed populations were noted. A particularly valuable result of the study was the discovery of an unknown site of noble crayfish in a small stream.
EPA oder DHA – das ist hier die Frage!
Authors: Schmiedel Volker
Published: June 2021

Aus Eicosapentaensäure und Docosahexaensäure gehen entzündungshemmende Substanzen hervor. Bezüglich des antiinflammatorischen Effekts scheint es keine durchgängigen Unterschiede zwischen den beiden ω-3-Fettsäuren zu geben. Bedeutsamer ist die Gesamtmenge an EPA und DHA. In klinischen Studien zeigen EPA-lastige Öle bei Rheuma stärkere analgetische Effekte. In der Schutzwirkung vor psychischen Erkrankungen bei Jugendlichen sind einer Studie zufolge beide Fettsäuren gleich effektiv. DHA ist bei der Verbesserung kognitiver Funktionen überlegen.
Statine – Hemmung der Mevalonatsynthese mit Folgen
Authors: Gröber Uwe
Published: June 2021

Statine sind wegen ihrer cholesterinsenkenden Wirkung sowie weiterer pleiotroper Effekte seit langem Bestandteil der Herz-Kreislauf-Therapie. Es werden jedoch verstärkt schädigende Auswirkungen auf die Funktion der Mitochondrien diskutiert. Über Interaktion mit dem Mevalonatstoffwechsel können Statine die Synthese und Stoffwechselfunktion von Coenzym Q10, Menaquinon (Vitamin K2), selenabhängigen Proteinen und Sexualhormonen beeinträchtigen. Mögliche unerwünschte Nebenwirkungen einer Statintherapie sind z. B. muskuläre Symptome, vermehrte Einlagerung von Kalzium in die Arterienwände, ein erhöhtes Osteoporoserisiko sowie Funktionsstörungen von Organen. Der Haushalt mitotroper Mikronährstoffe ist bei Einnahme von Statinen labordiagnostisch zu überwachen und eine entsprechende Supplementierung ist ratsam, um Wirkung und Verträglichkeit der Therapie zu verbessern.
Kinderwunsch oder Wunschkind
Authors: Pfeiffer Sebastian
Published: June 2021

Für Zustandekommen und Aufrechterhaltung einer Schwangerschaft muss das Immunsystem mittels regulatorischer T-Zellen Toleranz gegenüber dem für den mütterlichen Organismus fremden Antigen induzieren. Es ist davon auszugehen, dass die Reaktion des Systems auf die befruchtete Eizelle innerhalb von Stunden erfolgt. Befindet sich das Immunsystem in dieser Zeit in einem proinflammatorischen Modus, findet eine Abstoßung statt. Auch in den ersten 12 Schwangerschaftswochen kann das Immunsystem den noch sehr kleinen Embryo eliminieren. Die ω-3-Fettsäuren DHA und EPA reduzieren die Synthese proinflammatorischer Mediatoren und begünstigen damit die immunologische Toleranz. Supplementierung von mind. 2000 mg DHA/EPA täglich unterstützt eine Fertilitätstherapie.
Application of Industrially Relevant HydroFluoroOlefin (HFO) Gases in Organic Syntheses
Authors: Novák Zoltán , Kotschy András , Varga Bálint , Csenki János T. , Tóth Balázs L. , Béke Ferenc
Published: June 2021

Hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) gases are state-of-the-art cooling agents with widespread household and industrial applications. Considering their structural benefits these fluorous feedstocks have gained the attention of organic chemists in the last couple of years. In this short review we summarized the existing synthetic transformations of these gaseous starting material and present their applicability in the synthesis of fluorine-containing organic molecules, which have potential importance as building blocks and reagents for diverse syntheses.

1 Introduction

2 Addition Reactions

3 Substitutions

4 Organometallic Chemistry

4.1 Organolithium Compounds

4.2 Organometallic Complexes

4.3 Silicon Organic Chemistry

4.4 Boron Organic Chemistry

4.5 Palladium-Catalyzed Transformations

4.6 Metathesis

4.7 Hydroesterification, Hydroformylation

5 Conclusions
New Cleavable Spacers for Tandem Synthesis of Multiple Oligo­nucleotides
Authors: Hari Yoshiyuki , Yamamoto Kazuki , Fuchi Yasufumi , Okabe Masaya , Osawa Takashi , Ito Yuta
Published: June 2021

In solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis, a single oligonucleotide is generally acquired from a column loaded with a specific solid support. Herein, we have developed new cleavable spacer (CS) derivatives for tandem synthesis of multiple oligonucleotides on a single column­. Four CS analogues were designed, synthesized, and inserted between two oligonucleotide sequences using an automated oligonucleotide synthesizer. The CS derivatives bearing a cyclic cis-1,2-diol exhibited efficient release of the two oligonucleotides under commonly employed basic conditions of aqueous ammonia. Among the CS analogues, it was found that CS with a robust structure can potentially be applied as a spacer molecule in the tandem synthesis of multiple oligonucleotides in a single sequence.
Barriers to Puberty Talk between Mothers and Daughters: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Mirzaee Firoozeh , Pouredalati Malihe , Ahmadi Atefeh , Ghazaznfarpour Masumeh
Published: June 2021

Objective The aim of the present study is to explain the barriers to puberty talk between mothers and daughters.

Methods In the present study, the conventional content analysis method was used. The present study was conducted from September 2018 to August 2019 in Iran. The study population consisted of mothers and adolescent girls. The data was collected using purposeful sampling method. The sample consisted of 4 mothers and 6 girls that were interviewed using semistructured interviews. Data collection continued until data saturation was achieved. Data analysis was conducted as described by Graneheim et al. using NVivo 11 software.

Results In the present study, after exploring the views of the participants about barriers to puberty talk between mothers and daughters, one dominant theme emerged. Puberty talk is seen as an “inappropriate talk with a girl.” There were several subthemes, including “lack of mother's awareness regarding the school role, the busy schedule of the mother, and the adoption of alternatives to mother's talk with girls”.

Conclusions Different sociocultural factors affect puberty talk between mothers and adolescent girls. It is important that mothers and policy makers take these barriers into account.
Comparison between Enzyme Immunoassays Performed on Samples of Dried Blood and Serum for Toxoplasmosis Prenatal Screening: Population-based Study
Authors: Marques Bárbara Araújo , Carellos Ericka Vianna Machado , Silva Vânia Maria Novato , Pereira Fernando Henrique , Guerra Maria Regina Lage , Iturra Jacqueline Araújo Domingos , Januário José Nélio , Andrade Gláucia Manzan Queiroz de
Published: June 2021

Objective Most prenatal screening programs for toxoplasmosis use immunoassays in serum samples of pregnant women. Few studies assess the accuracy of screening tests in dried blood spots, which are of easy collection, storage, and transportation. The goals of the present study are to determine the performance and evaluate the agreement between an immunoassay of dried blood spots and a reference test in the serum of pregnant women from a population-based prenatal screening program for toxoplasmosis in Brazil.

Methods A cross-sectional study was performed to compare the immunoassays Imunoscreen Toxoplasmose IgM and Imunoscreen Toxoplasmose IgG (Mbiolog Diagnósticos, Ltda., Contagem, Minas Gerais, Brazil)in dried blood spots with the enzyme-linked fluorescent assay (ELFA, BioMérieux S.A., Lyon, France) reference standard in the serum of pregnant women from Minas Gerais Congenital Toxoplasmosis Control Program.

Results The dried blood spot test was able to discriminate positive and negative results of pregnant women when compared with the reference test, with an accuracy of 98.2% for immunoglobulin G (IgG), and of 95.8% for immunoglobulin M (IgM).

Conclusion Dried blood samples are easy to collect, store, and transport, and they have a good performance, making this a promising method for prenatal toxoplasmosis screening programs in countries with continental dimensions, limited resources, and a high prevalence of toxoplasmosis, as is the case of Brazil.
Von Willebrand Factor Multimeric Assay in Acquired von Willebrand Disease Diagnosis: A Report of Experience from North Estonia Medical Centre
Authors: Pikta Marika , Banys Valdas , Szanto Timea , Joutsi-Korhonen Lotta , Vaide Ines , Varik Mirja , Lehtinen Anna-Elina , Giangrande Paul , Laane Edward
Published: June 2021

Objectives Acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AVWS) is a rare and frequently underdiagnosed bleeding disorder with an unknown prevalence. The diagnosis of AVWS is made based on laboratory investigations and the presence of clinical symptoms. Evaluation and management of affected patients are complex due to the need for multiple laboratory assays.

Materials and Methods Here, we describe the clinical and laboratory data of seven patients with a diagnosis of AVWS. All patients met the criteria for AVWS based on laboratory findings, bleeding symptoms, and the absence of any previous history of a bleeding disorder.

Results In all cases, the laboratory findings, lack of bleeding anamnesis, and family history suggested the presence of AVWS. Von Willebrand factor multimeric analysis showed decreased high-molecular weight (HMW) multimers in six cases. Patients with lower HMW multimers experienced more severe bleeding complications.

Conclusions The diagnosis of AVWS is complex and requires extensive laboratory evaluation. Interdisciplinary collaboration and complex laboratory evaluations are of paramount importance for the early recognition of AVWS and optimal AVWS diagnosis as well as successful clinical management.
Candiduria—Study of Virulence Factors and Its Antifungal Susceptibility Pattern in Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Pramodhini Subramanian , Srirangaraj Sreenivasan , Easow Joshy Maducolil
Published: June 2021

Background The increased incidence of candiduria in hospitalized patients is due to the use of indwelling devices, long-term antibiotics, parenteral nutrition, and immunocompromised status of the patient. In this study, an attempt was made to speciate, characterize, and determine the antifungal susceptibility pattern of Candida isolated from urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Materials and Methods A total of 70 Candida isolates were obtained from urine samples. The isolated Candida species were studied for the production of virulence factors like phospholipase, protease activities, hemolysin, and biofilm production. Antifungal susceptibility testing of the isolated yeasts was done using Mueller-Hinton agar supplemented with 0.5 mg/mL methylene blue by E-test method for amphotericin B, fluconazole, caspofungin, and voriconazole.

Results Out of 70 isolates, Candida tropicalis was the most frequently isolated species (65.7%), followed by Candida albicans (14.3%), Candida glabrata (7.1%), Candida krusei (5.7%), Candida parapsilosis (4.3%), and Candida dubliniensis (2.9%). A total of 37.1% were biofilm producers, 62.9% showed proteinase activity, 38.6% were phospholipase positive, and 58.6% isolates showed hemolytic activity. Antifungal susceptibility profile of Candida species showed 38.6, 25.7, 15.7, and 12.9% resistance to amphotericin B, fluconazole, caspofungin, and voriconazole, respectively.

Conclusion A rising trend in isolation of non-albicans Candida from urinary isolates was noticed, which was statistically significant when comparing catheterized and noncatheterized urinary isolates from our study. However, there was no statistically significant difference when different virulence factor expressions were compared among Candida spp. isolated from catheterized and noncatheterized urinary samples. Due to this rise in non-albicans Candida species causing UTI that are intrinsically resistant to certain antifungal agents like azoles and increasing incidence of antifungal resistance, it is essential to monitor the antifungal susceptibility profile of Candida species causing candiduria.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Epidemiology of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Virus among Beta-Thalassemia Major Patients in Pakistan
Authors: Waheed Usman , Saba Noore , Wazeer Akhlaaq , Ahmed Saeed
Published: June 2021

Beta-thalassemia major patients are the leading consumers of blood transfusions in Pakistan and, therefore, have a greater risk of acquiring transfusion-transmitted infections, most notably hepatitis B and C virus (HBV and HCV). The present study includes a comprehensive review on the status of HBV and HCV in beta-thalassemia major patients in Pakistan. For this purpose, we examined original articles assessing the epidemiology of HBV and HCV in transfusion-dependent thalassemia patients.

We searched 10 major subscription databases from January through February 2020, that is, Medline, PakMediNet, CINAHL, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and Directory of Open Access Journals. The World Health Organization resources were also explored for relevant reports. The search criteria included published articles up to December 31, 2019, with no language restrictions. Articles identified were introduced into the Endnote version X9 software and then screened for relevance and duplication. The results were stated as the pooled prevalence for the overall study and also for region-wise subgroups.

A total of 33 studies conducted from 1995 to 2019 were included in the review. All 33 articles yielded information on HCV prevalence, while 19 of them provided information on HBV prevalence. The overall sample size was 8,554 that tested the prevalence of HCV in thalassemia patients. The sample size from the 19 studies that tested the prevalence of HBV was 6,184. The overall pooled prevalence of HBV was computed to be 4.13%, while the pooled prevalence of HCV was 29.79%. The majority of the studies were obtained from the Punjab Province (33.33%), followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province (24.24%).

The total sample size of 33 studies was less than 10% of the total number of estimated thalassemic patients, that is, 100,000. Further studies or a national baseline survey are imperative to confirm the actual frequency of HBV and HCV in thalassemia patients across the country.
X-TREAM protocol for in vitro microbeam radiation therapy at the Australian Synchrotron
Authors: Davis Jeremy A. , Engels Elette , Petasecca Marco , Paino Jason , Tehei Moeava , Corde Stephanie , Stevenson Andrew , Hausermann Daniel , Guatelli Susanna , Rosenfeld Anatoly , Lerch Michael L. F.
Published: June 2021

Recommendations for an experimental protocol for beam alignment/optimization and dosimetry relating to in vitro studies at the Imaging and Medical Beam Line of the Australian Synchrotron are presented. An evaluation of the protocol, based upon the consistency and reproducibility of in vitro experiments performed over several years at the Australian Synchrotron, is provided for the community.
A solar resource classification algorithm for global horizontal irradiance time series based on frequency domain analysis
Authors: Lewis C. , Strauss J. M. , Rix A. J.
Published: June 2021

A novel daily and 15-min period solar resource classification algorithm, based only on the Fourier transform of global horizontal irradiance (GHI) and calculable parameters, is presented. These methods can identify GHI series that are not attenuated by clouds, whether the clouds may or may not be visible. Additional sky condition classes are also adopted in which the representative conditions of the remaining days or periods are classified. Although the proposed day classification is too conservative to be widely applicable, the 15-min period classification is generally in good agreement with the Perez sky clearness index while providing greater sensitivity to turbid conditions and algorithm flexibility. It is shown, however, that the adoption of the clearness index in the proposed 15-min period method less successfully distinguished between clear and constant overcast conditions under winter continental conditions due to relatively large solar zenith angles. It is also shown that the proposed 15-min period and Reno and Hansen statistical methods are generally in good agreement on the detection of clear conditions under temperate conditions. The classification results of the proposed method are further shown in comparison to high-resolution sky images to elucidate the character of each class and the classification algorithm flexibility.