bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autoimmmune hepatitis
Authors: Terziroli Beretta-Piccoli Benedetta , Mieli-Vergani Giorgina , Vergani Diego
Published: September 2021

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a T-cell mediated, inflammatory liver disease affecting all ages and characterized by female preponderance, elevated serum transaminase and immunoglobulin G levels, positive circulating autoantibodies, and presence of interface hepatitis at liver histology. AIH type 1, affecting both adults and children, is defined by positive anti-nuclear and/or anti-smooth muscle antibodies, while type 2 AIH, affecting mostly children, is defined by positive anti-liver-kidney microsomal type 1 and/or anti-liver cytosol type 1 antibody. While the autoantigens of type 2 AIH are well defined, being the cytochrome P4502D6 (CYP2D6) and the formiminotransferase cyclodeaminase (FTCD), in type 1 AIH they remain to be identified. AIH-1 predisposition is conferred by possession of the MHC class II HLA DRB1*03 at all ages, while DRB1*04 predisposes to late onset disease; AIH-2 is associated with possession of DRB1*07 and DRB1*03. The majority of patients responds well to standard immunosuppressive treatment, based on steroid and azathioprine; second- and third-line drugs should be considered in case of intolerance or insufficient response. This review offers a comprehensive overview of pathophysiological and clinical aspects of AIH.
Identification of three novel TCOF1 mutations in patients with Treacher Collins Syndrome
Authors: Marszałek-Kruk Bożena Anna , Wójcicki Piotr
Published: September 2021

Here we describe three novelTCOF1mutations found in unrelated patients with Treacher Collins syndrome. These mutations include one deletion, NM_001135243.2:c.2604_2605delAG (p.Gly869Glufs*3), and two substitutions, NM_001135243.2:c.2575C>T (p.Gln859*) and NM_001135243.2:c.4111G>T (p.Glu1371*). These mutations cause shortening of a protein called Treacle in patients with features typical of TCS. Continuous identification of new mutations is important to expand the mutation base, which is helpful in the diagnosis of both patients and their families
Testing CPT symmetry in ortho-positronium decays with positronium annihilation tomography
Authors: Moskal P. , Gajos A. , Mohammed M. , Chhokar J. , Chug N. , Curceanu C. , Czerwiński E. , Dadgar M. , Dulski K. , Gorgol M. , Goworek J. , Hiesmayr B. C. , Jasińska B. , Kacprzak K. , Kapłon Ł. , Karimi H. , Kisielewska D. , Klimaszewski K. , Korcyl G. , Kowalski P. , Krawczyk N. , Krzemień W. , Kozik T. , Kubicz E. , Niedźwiecki S. , Parzych S. , Pawlik-Niedźwiecka M. , Raczyński L. , Raj J. , Sharma S. , Choudhary S. , Shopa R. Y. , Sienkiewicz A. , Silarski M. , Skurzok M. , Stępień E. Ł. , Tayefi F. , Wiślicki W.
Published: September 2021

Charged lepton system symmetry under combined charge, parity, and time-reversal transformation (CPT) remains scarcely tested. Despite stringent quantum-electrodynamic limits, discrepancies in predictions for the electron–positron bound state (positronium atom) motivate further investigation, including fundamental symmetry tests. While CPT noninvariance effects could be manifested in non-vanishing angular correlations between final-state photons and spin of annihilating positronium, measurements were previously limited by knowledge of the latter. Here, we demonstrate tomographic reconstruction techniques applied to three-photon annihilations of ortho-positronium atoms to estimate their spin polarisation without magnetic field or polarised positronium source. We use a plastic-scintillator-based positron-emission-tomography scanner to record ortho-positronium (o-Ps) annihilations with single-event estimation of o-Ps spin and determine the complete spectrum of an angular correlation operator sensitive to CPT-violating effects. We find no violation at the precision level of 10−4, with an over threefold improvement on the previous measurement.
Cross-neutralizing antibodies bind a SARS-CoV-2 cryptic site and resist circulating variants
Authors: Li Tingting , Xue Wenhui , Zheng Qingbing , Song Shuo , Yang Chuanlai , Xiong Hualong , Zhang Sibo , Hong Minqing , Zhang Yali , Yu Hai , Zhang Yuyun , Sun Hui , Huang Yang , Deng Tingting , Chi Xin , Li Jinjin , Wang Shaojuan , Zhou Lizhi , Chen Tingting , Wang Yingbin , Cheng Tong , Zhang Tianying , Yuan Quan , Zhao Qinjian , Zhang Jun , McLellan Jason S. , Zhou Z. Hong , Zhang Zheng , Li Shaowei , Gu Ying , Xia Ningshao
Published: September 2021

The emergence of numerous variants of SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, has presented new challenges to the global efforts to control the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we obtain two cross-neutralizing antibodies (7D6 and 6D6) that target Sarbecoviruses’ receptor-binding domain (RBD) with sub-picomolar affinities and potently neutralize authentic SARS-CoV-2. Crystal structures show that both antibodies bind a cryptic site different from that recognized by existing antibodies and highly conserved across Sarbecovirus isolates. Binding of these two antibodies to the RBD clashes with the adjacent N-terminal domain and disrupts the viral spike. Both antibodies confer good resistance to mutations in the currently circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants. Thus, our results have direct relevance to public health as options for passive antibody therapeutics and even active prophylactics. They can also inform the design of pan-sarbecovirus vaccines.
Precise quantification of bacterial strains after fecal microbiota transplantation delineates long-term engraftment and explains outcomes
Authors: Aggarwala Varun , Mogno Ilaria , Li Zhihua , Yang Chao , Britton Graham J. , Chen-Liaw Alice , Mitcham Josephine , Bongers Gerold , Gevers Dirk , Clemente Jose C. , Colombel Jean-Frederic , Grinspan Ari , Faith Jeremiah
Published: September 2021

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been successfully applied to treat recurrent Clostridium difficile infection in humans, but a precise method to measure which bacterial strains stably engraft in recipients and evaluate their association with clinical outcomes is lacking. We assembled a collection of >1,000 different bacterial strains that were cultured from the fecal samples of 22 FMT donors and recipients. Using our strain collection combined with metagenomic sequencing data from the same samples, we developed a statistical approach named Strainer for the detection and tracking of bacterial strains from metagenomic sequencing data. We applied Strainer to evaluate a cohort of 13 FMT longitudinal clinical interventions and detected stable engraftment of 71% of donor microbiota strains in recipients up to 5 years post-FMT. We found that 80% of recipient gut bacterial strains pre-FMT were eliminated by FMT and that post-FMT the strains present persisted up to 5 years later, together with environmentally acquired strains. Quantification of donor bacterial strain engraftment in recipients independently explained (precision 100%, recall 95%) the clinical outcomes (relapse or success) after initial and repeat FMT. We report a compendium of bacterial species and strains that consistently engraft in recipients over time that could be used in defined live biotherapeutic products as an alternative to FMT. Our analytical framework and Strainer can be applied to systematically evaluate either FMT or defined live bacterial therapeutic studies by quantification of strain engraftment in recipients.
A comparative study on image-based snake identification using machine learning
Authors: Rajabizadeh Mahdi , Rezghi Mansoor
Published: September 2021

Automated snake image identification is important from different points of view, most importantly, snake bite management. Auto-identification of snake images might help the avoidance of venomous snakes and also providing better treatment for patients. In this study, for the first time, it’s been attempted to compare the accuracy of a series of state-of-the-art machine learning methods, ranging from the holistic to neural network algorithms. The study is performed on six snake species in Lar National Park, Tehran Province, Iran. In this research, the holistic methods [k-nearest neighbors (kNN), support vector machine (SVM) and logistic regression (LR)] are used in combination with a dimension reduction approach [principle component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA)] as the feature extractor. In holistic methods (kNN, SVM, LR), the classifier in combination with PCA does not yield an accuracy of more than 50%, But the use of LDA to extract the important features significantly improves the performance of the classifier. A combination of LDA and SVM (kernel = 'rbf') is achieved to a test accuracy of 84%. Compared to holistic methods, convolutional neural networks show similar to better performance, and accuracy reaches 93.16% using MobileNetV2. Visualizing intermediate activation layers in VGG model reveals that just in deep activation layers, the color pattern and the shape of the snake contribute to the discrimination of snake species. This study presents MobileNetV2 as a powerful deep convolutional neural network algorithm for snake image classification that could be used even on mobile devices. This finding pave the road for generating mobile applications for snake image identification.
Investigating the hexavalent chromium removal from aqueous solution applying bee carcasses and corpses modified with Polyaniline
Authors: Hosseini Seyed Ali , Samani Majid Riahi , Toghraie Davood
Published: September 2021

There are currently heavy metals in most industrial effluents which are among the most significant environmental pollutants. Hexavalent chromium is one of the most significant heavy metals. In this research for the first time, eliminating the hexavalent chromium from the aqueous medium/aquedia applying bee carcasses and corpses modified with polyethylene was examined. Adsorption experiments were conducted discontinuously on laboratory solutions, including hexavalent chromium. The optimal adsorption conditions such as different pH factors, contact time, initial chromium concentration, and adsorbent value on the adsorption rate were examined at different levels, and adsorption isotherms were plotted. Some adsorbent properties were examined using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, XRD analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, and BET test to study the properties of the synthesized adsorbent. This study indicated that the highest percentage of removal related to polyethylene composite and bee carcasses in the presence of polyethylene glycol was 50.56% among the bee carcasses composites. The parameters effective on the adsorption process for polyethylene composite and bee carcasses and losses in the presence of polyethylene glycol suggested that the adsorption percentage increased for this composite by decreasing the pH, increasing the contact time, and increasing the adsorbent. The highest percentage of adsorption was obtained when the pH was 2, the contact time was 120 min and the adsorbent value was 8 g/L and the initial concentration of chromium was 100 ppm. The most optimal removal percentage was achieved at the pH = 2, the contact time was 30 min, and the adsorbent value was 2 g/L, and the initial chromium concentration was 100 ppm. The results of drawing adsorption isotherms also indicated that higher R2 had a better fit than Langmuir for polyethylene composite and bee carcasses in the polyethylene glycol Freundlich equation.
Integrated genomics point to immune vulnerabilities in pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Nastase Anca , Mandal Amit , Lu Shir Kiong , Anbunathan Hima , Morris-Rosendahl Deborah , Zhang Yu Zhi , Sun Xiao-Ming , Gennatas Spyridon , Rintoul Robert C. , Edwards Matthew , Bowman Alex , Chernova Tatyana , Benepal Tim , Lim Eric , Taylor Anthony Newman , Nicholson Andrew G. , Popat Sanjay , Willis Anne E. , MacFarlane Marion , Lathrop Mark , Bowcock Anne M. , Moffatt Miriam F. , Cookson William O. C. M.
Published: September 2021

Pleural mesothelioma is an aggressive malignancy with limited effective therapies. In order to identify therapeutic targets, we integrated SNP genotyping, sequencing and transcriptomics from tumours and low-passage patient-derived cells. Previously unrecognised deletions of SUFU locus (10q24.32), observed in 21% of 118 tumours, resulted in disordered expression of transcripts from Hedgehog pathways and the T-cell synapse including VISTA. Co-deletion of Interferon Type I genes and CDKN2A was present in half of tumours and was a predictor of poor survival. We also found previously unrecognised deletions in RB1 in 26% of cases and show sub-micromolar responses to downstream PLK1, CHEK1 and Aurora Kinase inhibitors in primary mesothelioma cells. Defects in Hippo pathways that included RASSF7 amplification and NF2 or LATS1/2 mutations were present in 50% of tumours and were accompanied by micromolar responses to the YAP1 inhibitor Verteporfin. Our results suggest new therapeutic avenues in mesothelioma and indicate targets and biomarkers for immunotherapy.
Facile and reproducible method of stabilizing $$\hbox {Bi}_2\hbox {O}_3$$ phases confined in nanocrystallites embedded in amorphous matrix
Authors: Pietrzak Tomasz K. , Jarocka Agata , Jastrzębski Cezariusz , Płociński Tomasz , Wasiucionek Marek , Garbarczyk Jerzy E.
Published: September 2021

Bismuth sesquioxide ($$\hbox {Bi}_2\hbox {O}_3$$

Bi
2

O
3

) draws much attention due to wide variety of phases in which it exists depending on the temperature. Among them, $$\delta$$
δ
phase is specially interesting because of its high oxide ion conductivity and prospects of applications as an electrolyte in fuel cells. Unfortunately, it is stable only in a narrow temperature range ca. 730–830 $$^{\circ }$$

∘

C. Our group has developed a facile and reproducible two-stage method of stabilizing $$\hbox {Bi}_2\hbox {O}_3$$

Bi
2

O
3

crystalline phases confined in nanocrystallites embedded in amorphous matrix. In the first stage, glassy materials were obtained by a routine melt-quenching method: pure $$\hbox {Bi}_2\hbox {O}_3$$

Bi
2

O
3

powders were melted in porcelain crucibles and fast-cooled down to room temperature. In the second step, the materials were appropriately heat-treated to induce formation of crystallites of $$\beta$$
β
, $$\delta$$
δ
or $$\gamma$$
γ
$$\hbox {Bi}_2\hbox {O}_3$$

Bi
2

O
3

phases confined in a glassy matrix, depending on the process conditions. It was found out that the vitrification of the initial $$\hbox {Bi}_2\hbox {O}_3$$

Bi
2

O
3

and the subsequent nanocrystallization were unexpectedly possible due to the presence of some Al, and Si impurities from the crucibles. Systematic DTA, XRD, optical, Raman and SEM/EDS studies were carried out to investigate the influence of the syntheses processes and allowed us to determine conditions under which the particular phases appear and remain stable down to room temperature.
Age-dependent effects on radiation-induced carcinogenesis in the rat thyroid
Authors: Matsuu-Matsuyama Mutsumi , Shichijo Kazuko , Matsuda Katsuya , Fujimoto Nariaki , Kondo Hisayoshi , Miura Shiro , Kurashige Tomomi , Nagayama Yuji , Nakashima Masahiro
Published: September 2021

Childhood radiation exposure is a known thyroid cancer risk factor. This study evaluated the effects of age on radiation-induced thyroid carcinogenesis in rats irradiated with 8 Gy X-rays. We analyzed cell proliferation, cell death, DNA damage response, and autophagy-related markers in 4-week-old (4W) and 7-month-old (7M) rats and the incidence of thyroid tumors in 4W, 4-month-old (4M), and 7M rats 18 months after irradiation. Cell death and DNA damage response were increased in 4W rats compared to those in controls at 1 month post-irradiation. More Ki-67-positive cells were observed in 4W rats at 12 months post-irradiation. Thyroid tumors were confirmed in 61.9% (13/21), 63.6% (7/11), and 33.3% (2/6) of irradiated 4W, 4M, and 7M rats, respectively, compared to 0%, 14.3% (1/7), and 16.7% (1/6) in the respective nonirradiated controls. There were 29, 9, and 2 tumors in irradiated 4W, 4M, and 7M rats, respectively. The expression of several autophagy components was downregulated in the area surrounding radiation-induced thyroid carcinomas in 4W and 7M rats. LC3 and p62 expression levels decreased in radiation-induced follicular carcinoma in 4W rats. Radiosensitive cells causing thyroid tumors may be more prevalent in young rats, and abrogation of autophagy may be associated with radiation-induced thyroid carcinogenesis.
Importance of medication adherence in treatment needed diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Kao Chia-Chen , Hsieh Hui-Min , Lee Daniel Yu , Hsieh Kun-Pin , Sheu Shwu-Jiuan
Published: September 2021

We aim to investigate the role of medication adherence history in treatment needed diabetic retinopathy (TNDR). We conducted a retrospective nested case–control study using 3 population-based databases in Taiwan. The major one was the 2-million-sample longitudinal health and welfare population-based database from 1997 to 2017, a nationally representative random sample of National Health Insurance Administration enrolled beneficiaries in 2010 (LHID2010). The national death registry and national cancer registry were also checked to verify the information. The outcome was defined as the TNDR. The Medication possession ratio (MPR) was defined as the ratio of total days of diabetes mellitus (DM) medication supply divided by total observation days. MPR ≥ 80% was proposed as good medication adherence. The association of MPR and the TNDR was analyzed. Other potential confounders and MPR ratio were also evaluated. A total of (n = 44,628) patients were enrolled. Younger aged, male sex and patients with less chronic illness complexity or less diabetes complication severity tend to have poorer medication adherence. Those with severe comorbidity or participating pay-for-performance program (P4P) revealed better adherence. No matter what the characteristics are, patients with good MPR showed a significantly lower likelihood of leading to TNDR after adjustment with other factors. The protection effect was consistent for up to 5 years. Good medication adherence significantly prevents treatment needed diabetic retinopathy. Hence, it is important to promote DM medication adherence to prevent risks of diabetic retinopathy progression, especially those who opt to have low medication adherence.
Inclusion of double helix structural oligonucleotide (STexS) results in an enhance of SNP specificity in PCR
Authors: Kim Jae Jong , Park Hyoung-Min , Kyoung A. Young , Park In Kyung , Lim Si-Kyu , Park Byoung Chul
Published: September 2021

Genetic mutations such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) are known as one of the most common forms which related to various genetic disorders and cancers. Among of the methods developed for efficient detection of such SNP, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods are widely used worldwide for its cost and viable advantages. However, the technique to discriminate small amounts of SNP mixed in abundant normal DNA is incomplete due to intrinsic technical problems of PCR such as amplification occurring even in 3’mismatched cases because of high enzyme activity of DNA polymerases. To overcome the issue, specifically designed PCR platform, STexS (SNP typing with excellent specificity) using double stranded oligonucleotides was implemented as a means to emphasize the amplification of SNP templates by decreasing unwanted amplification of 3’mismatched DNA copies. In this study, the results indicate several EGFR mutations were easily detected specifically utilizing the STexS platform. Further trials show the novel method works effectively to discriminate mutations in not only general allele specific (AS)-PCRs, but also amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS)-PCR. The STexS platform will give aid in PCRs targeting potential SNPs or genetically mutated biomarkers in human clinical samples.
Treosulfan-induced myalgia in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation identified by an electronic health record text mining tool
Authors: van der Stoep M. Y. Eileen C. , Berghuis Dagmar , Bredius Robbert G. M. , Buddingh Emilie P. , Mohseny Alexander B. , Smiers Frans J. W. , Guchelaar Henk-Jan , Lankester Arjan C. , Zwaveling Juliette
Published: September 2021

Treosulfan is increasingly used as myeloablative agent in conditioning regimen prior to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). In our pediatric HSCT program, myalgia was regularly observed after treosulfan-based conditioning, which is a relatively unknown side effect. Using a natural language processing and text-mining tool (CDC), we investigated whether treosulfan compared with busulfan was associated with an increased risk of myalgia. Furthermore, among treosulfan users, we studied the characteristics of given treatment of myalgia, and studied prognostic factors for developing myalgia during treosulfan use. Electronic Health Records (EHRs) until 28 days after HSCT were screened using the CDC for myalgia and 22 synonyms. Time to myalgia, location of pain, duration, severity and drug treatment were collected. Pain severity was classified according to the WHO pain relief ladder. Logistic regression was performed to assess prognostic factors. 114 patients received treosulfan and 92 busulfan. Myalgia was reported in 37 patients; 34 patients in the treosulfan group and 3 patients in the busulfan group (p = 0.01). In the treosulfan group, median time to myalgia was 7 days (0–12) and median duration of pain was 19 days (4–73). 44% of patients needed strong acting opiates and adjuvant medicines (e.g. ketamine). Hemoglobinopathy was a significant risk factor, as compared to other underlying diseases (OR 7.16 95% CI 2.09–30.03, p = 0.003). Myalgia appears to be a common adverse effect of treosulfan in pediatric HSCT, especially in hemoglobinopathy. Using the CDC, EHRs were easily screened to detect this previously unknown side effect, proving the effectiveness of the tool. Recognition of treosulfan-induced myalgia is important for adequate pain management strategies and thereby for improving the quality of hospital stay.
Distinct mechanisms involving diacylglycerol, ceramides, and inflammation underlie insulin resistance in oxidative and glycolytic muscles from high fat-fed rats
Authors: Jani Shailee , Da Eira Daniel , Hadday Ishvinder , Bikopoulos George , Mohasses Arta , de Pinho Ricardo A. , Ceddia Rolando B.
Published: September 2021

This study investigated whether oxidative and glycolytic rat skeletal muscles respond differently to a high-fat (HF) sucrose-enriched diet with respect to diacylglycerol (DAG) and ceramides accumulation, protein kinase C (PKC) activation, glucose metabolism, and the expression of inflammatory genes. HF diet (8 weeks) suppressed insulin-stimulated glycogen synthesis and glucose oxidation in soleus (Sol), extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and epitrochlearis (Epit) muscles. However, DAG and ceramides levels increased in Sol and EDL, but not in Epit muscles of HF-fed rats. Additionally, membrane-bound PKC-delta and PKC-theta increased in Sol and EDL, whereas in Epit muscles both PKC isoforms were reduced by HF diet. In Epit muscles, HF diet also increased the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) receptors (CD40 and FAS), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and nuclear factor kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B cells (NF-kB), whereas in Sol and EDL muscles the expression of these inflammatory genes remained unchanged upon HF feeding. In conclusion, HF diet caused DAG and ceramides accumulation, PKC activation, and the induction of inflammatory pathways in a fiber type-specific manner. These findings help explain why oxidative and glycolytic muscles similarly develop insulin resistance, despite major differences in their metabolic characteristics and responsiveness to dietary lipid abundance.
Medicinal Au(i) compounds targeting urease as prospective antimicrobial agents: unveiling the structural basis for enzyme inhibition
Authors: Mazzei Luca , Massai Lara , Cianci Michele , Messori Luigi , Ciurli Stefano
Published: September 2021

A few gold compounds were recently found to show antimicrobial properties in vitro, holding great promise for the discovery of new drugs to overcome antibiotic resistance.
The structural and magnetic properties of BaFe12O19nanoparticles: effect of residual sodium ions
Authors: Choi Jae-Young , Lee Jeong-Min , Baek Youn-Kyung , Lee Jung-Goo , Kim Young-Kuk
Published: September 2021

The magnetic properties of BaFe12O19nanoparticles can be enhanced by doping with Na ionsviaformation of oxygen vacancies and further evolution of magnetic interactions.
Recent advances in molecular logic gate chemosensors based on luminescent metal organic frameworks
Authors: Li Bei , Zhao Dongsheng , Wang Feng , Zhang Xiaoxian , Li Wenqian , Fan Liming
Published: September 2021

This review covers the latest advancements of molecular logic gates based on LMOF. The classification, design strategies, related sensing mechanisms, future developments, and challenges of LMOFs-based logic gates are discussed.
Flexible luminescent non-lanthanide metal–organic frameworks as small molecules sensors
Authors: Khatua Sajal , Krishnaraj Chidharth , Baruah Debendra Chandra , Van Der Voort Pascal , Jena Himanshu Sekhar
Published: September 2021

Non-lanthanide metal–organic frameworks with flexible structure and luminescence properties are systematically discussed as potential small molecule sensors.
Enhanced metal–support interaction between Pd and hierarchical Nb2O5via oxygen defect induction to promote CO oxidative coupling to dimethyl oxalate
Authors: Tan Hongzi , Xu Yu-Ping , Rong Siteng , Zhao Rongrong , Cui Hongyou , Chen Zhe-Ning , Xu Zhong-Ning , Zhang Ning-Ning , Guo Guo-Cong
Published: September 2021

Production of ethylene glycol from coal is a particularly interesting route as it is an economic alternative to the petrochemical-based route.
Rhodium(iii)-catalyzed annulation of 3-arylquinazolinones with alkynes via double C–H activation: an efficient route for quinolino[2,1-b]quinazolinones
Authors: Huang Jian , Chen Wei , Liang Jiazhi , Yang Qin , Deng Zhihong , Song Zhibin , Peng Yiyuan
Published: September 2021

An effective method for the synthesis of quinolino[2,1-b]quinazolinones has been described.
Hyperbeanone A, a 5,6-seco-spirocyclic polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinol derivative with an unprecedented skeleton from Hypericum beanii
Authors: Yang Beiye , Huang Jianzheng , Lin Shuang , Tong Qingyi , Yao Zeyu , Li Fengli , Ye Ying , Hu Zhengxi , Zhang Yonghui
Published: September 2021

Hyperbeanone A (1), a novel 5,6-seco-polycyclic PPAP derivative characterized by an undescribed benz[f]indene-1,9(4H)-dione ring system fused to a tricyclic γ-lactone unit via a ketone carbonyl, was isolated from the aerial parts of Hypericum beanii.
Efficient corrosion inhibition by sugarcane purple rind extract for carbon steel in HCl solution: mechanism analyses by experimental and in silico insights
Authors: Meng Siguang , Liu Zining , Zhao Xiaoqi , Fan Baomin , Liu Hao , Guo Mao , Hao Hua
Published: September 2021

The anticorrosive mechanism of extracted components from sugarcane purple rind for carbon steel in HCl solution is clarified by weight loss, electrochemical and theoretical (novel DFT calculation and molecular dynamics simulation) analyses.
Optimization study on deep extractive oxidative desulfurization with tetrabutylammonium bromide/polyethylene glycol DES
Authors: Guo Yanwen , Liu Xingjian , Li Jingwen , Hu Bing
Published: September 2021

Green, efficient and inexpensive desulfurizing solvents have always been a considerable focus of petroleum desulfurization research.
Rapid kinetic evaluation of homogeneous single-site metallocene catalysts and cyclic diene: how do the catalytic activity, molecular weight, and diene incorporation rate of olefins affect each other?
Authors: Ali Amjad , Nadeem Muhammad , Lu Jinwei , Moradian Jamile Mohammadi , Rasheed Tahir , Aziz Tariq , Maouche Chanez , Guo Yintian , Awais Muhammad , Zhiqiang Fan , Quo Li
Published: September 2021

The kinetics and mechanism of ethylene and 5-ethylidene-2-norbornene copolymerization catalyzed by rac-Et(Ind)2ZrCl2 were investigated using 2-thiophenecarbonyl chloride.
Mixed lead–tin perovskite films with >7 μs charge carrier lifetimes realized by maltol post-treatment
Authors: Hu Shuaifeng , Truong Minh Anh , Otsuka Kento , Handa Taketo , Yamada Takumi , Nishikubo Ryosuke , Iwasaki Yasuko , Saeki Akinori , Murdey Richard , Kanemitsu Yoshihiko , Wakamiya Atsushi
Published: September 2021

Maltol, a metal binding agent, effectively passivates defects on the surface of mixed lead–tin perovskite films. The carrier lifetimes of the resultant perovskite films are over 7 μs. The solar cell devices exhibit efficiencies of up to 21.4%.
Boosting magnesium storage in MoS2via a 1T phase introduction and interlayer expansion strategy: theoretical prediction and experimental verification
Authors: Yang Jingdong , Wang Jinxing , Zhu Ling , Wang Xiao , Dong Xiaoyang , Zeng Wen , Wang Jingfeng , Pan Fusheng
Published: September 2021

The Mg-storage performance of MoS2 is enhanced by 1T phase introduction and interlayer-expansion.
Non-monotonic speed-dependence of microswimmers on wall distance
Authors: Heidari Mojdeh , Jakob Franziska , Liebchen Benno , von Klitzing Regine
Published: September 2021

While substrates naturally occur in most microswimmer experiments, their impact on the swimming performance is not well understood.
Preparation of a one-dimensional hierarchical MnO@CNT@Co–N/C ternary nanostructure as a high-performance bifunctional electrocatalyst for rechargeable Zn–air batteries
Authors: Li Fen , Qin Tengteng , Sun Yuping , Jiang Renjun , Yuan Jiangfeng , Liu Xiaoqiang , O'Mullane Anthony P.
Published: September 2021

A MnO@CNT@Co–N/C bifunctional electrocatalyst is prepared that is active for both the OER and ORR and employed as an electrode in a Zn–air battery that shows superior performance in terms of power density and cyclability over a commercial electrode.
Research on the design of small interior space
Authors: Li Zeting , Wu Jiahao
Published: September 2021

In such a high population density society as China, especially in developed cities, the real estate market needs a concept of micro-housing. Working people in big cities like Beijing and Shanghai spend very little time at home while working and socializing outside the home every day. High-density population cities need to meet the living needs of as many people as possible in a limited area. If we can solve this problem the demand for houses will decrease and prices will fall. And tiny buildings can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions. (Statistics show that residential, commercial, and industrial buildings account for 40 percent of greenhouse gas emissions.) The ecological benefits of micro buildings extend beyond the house itself. Micro buildings not only increase the density of housing, so that more people have a home, but also shorten the time of transportation. After consulting a large number of literatures, this study hopes to summarize the existing literatures and find the best way for micro buildings to meet the needs of more people in high-density population cities. In this study, conclude some interior design methods or techniques to find out how to improve the quality of small space design. We search and review information in three different fields: indoor thermal comfort, human-based furniture, and interior lighting design. The paper presents some techniques including thermal control equipment and a day-light prediction system. Different human-based furniture is divided into various types, we analyse their advantages and disadvantages, leading to the small interior space to find how can they be used to improve human’s feeling. We discuss the possibility that designers enhance people’s life in a big city by using indoor designing ways.
The effect of policy planning, population and age structure on carbon emission under different city scale
Authors: Tang Kaicheng
Published: September 2021

In recent years, air pollution has become more and more serious in the world. The transportation system in cities made a large contribution to carbon emission. Therefore, the problem of urban traffic pollution needed to be solved urgently. The city scale, population, the age structure of population and policy planning would influence the energy consumption and carbon emission of transportation systems. This article compared three different transportation systems: private motor vehicles, buses and subway in three cities. Beijing, Nanjing and Shijiazhuang were selected as the main cities which represented the different city scale. By reading the article about carbon emission from the transportation system and analyzing the research methods used before, this article analyzed the carbon emission from transportation in Beijing, Nanjing and Shijiazhuang. The article mainly included the following parts. First of all, ‘engineering technical model’ was used in this article. Using the ‘engineering technical model’ based on the data, which includes amounts of transportation tools, total miles, energy consumption and carbon emission factors, the carbon emission would be taken. Besides that, this article also predicted the carbon emission in 2035 based on ’The Fourteenth Five-Year Plan for the National Economic and Social Development of the People Republic of China and the Outline of the Long-range Goals to 2035’ to detect the effect of policy on carbon emission. At last, the cities with advanced transportation systems would have less carbon emission, but the super cities like Beijing still had the largest carbon emission. The age structure of the population also influenced carbon emission. Government policy was also the main influence factor for carbon emission. Under the government policy, the carbon emission of the transportation system decreased sharply.
Impact of cover change of land use on flood vulnerability in Jiangsu province
Authors: Du Shuangchen , Zhang Zichuan
Published: September 2021

In the context of global warming and rising sea levels, as urbanization continues to increase, the risk situation of urban systems facing floods has become more severe. Therefore, we constructed a vulnerability assessment model for urban flood disasters in Jiangsu Province, focusing on using GIS technology to classify the land use of each city in Jiangsu Province for supervised learning. We also established a flood disaster vulnerability model to evaluate the Vulnerability of 13 cities in Jiangsu Province. Evaluation and analysis of the changes in land use vulnerability use flood disasters in Jiangsu Province from 2000 to 2020. The results show that from 2000 to 2020, the Vulnerability to flooding disasters is on the rise as a whole. Yancheng has the lowest average Vulnerability to flooding disasters due to the low population density and high greening rate in the built-up area. On the other hand, Nantong City has the most heightened average flood vulnerability due to excessive population density. The low greening rate in built-up areas has led to a worsening of flood vulnerability. Suggestions have been made to reduce the Vulnerability of urban floods in Jiangsu Province, such as vigorously developing the local economy, reasonably adjusting the rate of urbanization, and building drainage infrastructure.
Water Supply: RO Desalination Versus Conventional Water Treatment
Authors: Han Jiayuan , Liu Ying , Li Yining , Wang Wenmin , You Lexin
Published: September 2021

Water scarcity threatens the health and development of countries worldwide due to the rapid expansion of population and climate change, pushing the government to find more innovative and sustainable ways to address water stress. Governments have adopted reverse Osmosis (RO) seawater desalination technology for its cheap raw water intake and stability. However, its environmental and financial sustainability remains disputable. In this study, three metrics, carbon footprint, cost, and waste discharge, are defined and analyzed to identify which water supply technology has greater prospects. Accounting for a full water treatment process from raw water intake to transportation and distribution, the RO desalination plant outruns traditional water treatment facilities due to less carbon emission, limited operation cost and maintenance, and less hazardous waste discharge. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of environmental and financial sustainability of existing solutions to the water supply may provide a more comprehensive understanding and further supports policy making.
A Timely Review of Lithium-ion Batteries in Electric Vehicles: Progress, Future Opportunities, and Challenges
Authors: Hu Mengqi , Wang Yuhao , Ye Diwen
Published: September 2021

Energy plays an important role in human society. With the development of science and technology, the increasing demand for new energy like electric energy cannot be ignored. The battery is the key component of electric vehicles which are the centers of future development. Lithium-ion batteries have great advantages in electric vehicle applications for their excellent performance. We need to find ways to improve lithium-ion batteries to promote the development of electric vehicles fundamentally. The high specific energy, low self-discharge, good cycling performance, no memory effect, and other advantages lead to the excellent performance of lithium-ion batteries. This paper reviews the unique merits of lithium-ion batteries compared with other important battery technologies in electric vehicle application in three main aspects and describes some methods to enhance the performance of lithium-ion batteries by improving the anode, cathode, and electrolyte, respectively. For instance, we can use LiNi1-x-yCoxMnyO2 (NCM) materials as cathode, silicon-based materials as anode with composite materials like FeOOH@rGO and SiNP@NC add more silicon in the composite anode structure and silicon nanowire anode to improve its mechanical stability. Also, with an example of their employment in the BMW i3 94 Ah vehicles, the application outlook of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles and their development trend in the future have been prospected. Although electric vehicles are becoming the ideal next-generation vehicles with the increasing environmental friendliness, the battery technology, such as its safety problem and the manufacturing cost, etc., remains a big challenge in the development of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles.
Energy Consumption, Pollutant Emissions and Cost of Electric Vehicles and Fuel Vehicles
Authors: Yue Han , Zhang Shuming , Tang Xinqi , Wang Wenmin
Published: September 2021

With the depletion of the earth’s energy and the deterioration of the environment, since the United Nations issued the Sustainable Development Goals, all countries have begun research and policies aimed at energy conservation and emission reduction. In the fields of transportation and automobiles, electric vehicles have great potential as an envisioned alternative to conventional fuel vehicles. This article first describes the relevant knowledge about the GREET model and the WTW evaluation system and then discusses and evaluates the differences in energy consumption, pollution emissions and personal use costs between electric vehicles and conventional fuel vehicles. The research results show that the energy consumption of electric vehicles is 11 % lower than that of conventional fuel vehicles. Pollutant emissions of electric vehicles are significantly lower than that of fuel vehicles and their emissions are mainly concentrated in the power generation stage and the overall price of electric vehicles is lower, and the proportion of fuel consumption is smaller than that of conventional fuel vehicles. This article provides a data basis for judging of electric vehicles advantages and development prospects and contribute to reducing social energy consumption and improving environmental degradation.
Seaweed extractions as promising polymer electrolytes for lithium batteries
Authors: Lin Aijun , Yang Xuelin
Published: September 2021

Polymer electrodes are vital components of lithium-ion batteries and have gained great interest in recent years. Currently, the majority of electrodes are petroleum-based that are toxic and non-biodegradable, which consists of serious environmental concerns. Therefore, exploration of natural polymer electrolytes, such as seaweed extracts, balances non-toxicity and ion conductivity as new research directions. In this review, we mainly focus on the progress of polymer electrolytes based on alginate, kappa carrageenan, and other natural polymers of seaweed extracts, including agar and iota carrageenan. We first give a brief overview of the fundamentals of polymer electrolytes. Then, we discuss the structures and performances of seaweed extracts derived polymer electrolytes. Finally, we compare the ion conductivity of natural polymer derived electrolytes and synthetic polymers, and insights on the future direction for improvement of this field.
Global warming solutions: Carbon capture and storage
Authors: Fei Hengyang , Zhang Chaoyue
Published: September 2021

Global warming (GW) is a severe problem that needs to be resolved, but how can scientists contribute to this issue? Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology is a way of reducing the enhanced greenhouse effect. Here, we introduce two methods of CCS technology, including corresponding scientific proofs for each one being viable, the merits and demerits of each measure. Moreover, there are oppositions against the implementation of CCS projects. We also summarize some perspectives and possible solutions for societal opposition against CCS projects. This review will enhance the understanding of the strategies of CCS and the solutions of GW.
Evaluation of environmental recovery and vulnerability in the Mohe area by using mathematical modeling and remote sensing techniques
Authors: Che Xinyue , Diao Ke , Zhou Kangzhe
Published: September 2021

In the Greater Khingan Range, wildfires in forests were frequent and severe. The wildfire in the Greater Khingan Range in 1987 was one of the severest wildfires in human history, and the study is primarily based on this natural disaster. Mohe is a representative region in the Greater Khingan Range field related to wildfire cases. Many indicators affect the relationship between wildfire and forests, such as topography, climate change, and human behaviors. This paper used remote sensing techniques, the AHP model, and the entropy model to study the environmental fragility of forests in the region of Mohe. Present paper used NDVI images from 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002 to detect the vegetation coverage change in this area and found out its potential problems that need to be paid attention to. NDVI images in the paper showed that the vegetation coverage in the region of Mohe was generally low. Therefore, the results indicated that it is necessary to make prevention and conservation in the region of Mohe. By collecting dem images and data from fire yearbooks within these years, the paper summarized seven indicators: vegetation coverage, number of fires, area of damaged forest, number of injured people, slope, altitude, and temperature. Then the paper used the AHP model to calculate the ratio of each indicator affecting wildfire and scored on indicators to observe the quality of the environment under different indicators. AHP tables in the paper showed that the influence of slope and altitude were weak on a wildfire in this region because their scores were constant. Forest quality in 1987 was relatively low, and the trend dramatically increased after this year; however, it decreased again from 1997 to 2002. Besides the AHP model, the paper also provided an entropy model by using the same parameters. Compared to the AHP model, the entropy model was more objective. Although its scores were all higher than the AHP model, the trends of the two models were similar.
Quantifying the Speed, Landscape Pattern Changes and Its Driving Factors of Shenzhen China
Authors: He Qinxue , Chen Yuhong , Su Yunlei
Published: September 2021

Urban expansion has always been a topic of great concern. The purpose of this study is to explore land use change and the types of urban expansion in Shenzhen from 1995 to 2015, and to indicate the driving factors of this change, so as to provide a paradigm for other similar studies. By analysing the landscape expansion index and the correlation coefficient between urban area and various factors in Shenzhen, the following conclusions are obtained: 1) The main changes of land use types are the decrease of cultivated land and the increase of urban land. The land cover type changed most dramatically from 2000 to 2005, and the urban land transformed from cultivated land and grassland occupied most of the area. 2) Analysis shows that during the 20 years from 1995 to 2015, the main expansion type is edge-expansion. In detail, during the period from 1995 to 2010, the proportion of infilling has been increasing, while that of the outlying has been decreasing. After 2010, the urban area of Shenzhen increased slightly. Besides, according to the landscape expansion index, Shenzhen experienced dramatic urban expansion from 2000 to 2005. 3) Education and population growth are the main factors of urban growth in Shenzhen, which is reflected in the strongest correlation between university enrolment rate and urban area.
Pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease and its treatments: A systematic review
Authors: Lou Yuxuan , Sun Shiyuan , Tan Jiangqi
Published: September 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by loss of memory and cognition. In this review article, three main pathogenesis of AD were described: Amyloid-beta hypothesis, Tau protein hyperphosphorylation and Neurotransmitter decrease hypothesis. Specifically, amyloid-beta accumulation can be detrimental for nervous system for Amyloid-beta hypothesis, while Tau protein hyperphosphorylation can cause the breakdown of nerve cells. With regard to Neurotransmitter decrease hypothesis, it is deemed as the direct reason to cause Alzheimer’s disease. On top of that, mainstream treatments therapy and their features, advantages and disadvantages are discussed. Firstly, medicine treatments corresponding to its pathogenesis are introduced. Secondly, gene therapy is also demonstrated which alleviates Alzheimer’s disease be means of gene modification, inactivation and immune regulation. Finally, the stem cells therapy is also described as well as other therapies. Based on our analysis, combined therapy should be put into practice to achieve a better effect. Moreover, more knowledge about AD pathogenesis is required for researchers, which provides theoretical basis and reference for treatments. These results shed light for future research of AD.
Genetic and environmental factors of mental disorders
Authors: Mao Runxian , Tang Yao
Published: September 2021

Both genetic and environmental factors influence neurological disorders. Various family, twin, and adoption studies aim to understand how combining these factors cause different types of neurological disorders. This review summarises and examines research on the extent to which genetics and environment contribute to the onset of neurological disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Understanding the causes of neurological disorders is crucial in determining better treatment options and promoting better mental health.