bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behavioral and psychological impact of genome sequencing: a pilot randomized trial of primary care and cardiology patients
Authors: Christensen Kurt D. , Schonman Erica F. , Robinson Jill O. , Roberts J. Scott , Diamond Pamela M. , Lee Kaitlyn B. , Green Robert C. , McGuire Amy L.
Published: August 2021

Many expect genome sequencing (GS) to become routine in patient care and preventive medicine, but uncertainties remain about its ability to motivate participants to improve health behaviors and the psychological impact of disclosing results. In a pilot trial with exploratory analyses, we randomized 100 apparently healthy, primary-care participants and 100 cardiology participants to receive a review of their family histories of disease, either alone or in addition to GS analyses. GS results included polygenic risk information for eight cardiometabolic conditions. Overall, no differences were observed between the percentage of participants in the GS and control arms, who reported changes to health behaviors such as diet and exercise at 6 months post disclosure (48% vs. 36%, respectively,p = 0.104). In the GS arm, however, the odds of reporting a behavior change increased by 52% per high-risk polygenic prediction (p = 0.032). Mean anxiety and depression scores for GS and control arms had confidence intervals within equivalence margins of ±1.5. Mediation analyses suggested an indirect impact of GS on health behaviors by causing positive psychological responses (p ≤ 0.001). Findings suggest that GS did not distress participants. Future research on GS in more diverse populations is needed to confirm that it does not raise risks for psychological harms and to confirm the ability of polygenic risk predictions to motivate preventive behaviors.
In-silico design of envelope based multi-epitope vaccine candidate against Kyasanur forest disease virus
Authors: Arumugam Sathishkumar , Varamballi Prasad
Published: August 2021

Kyasanur forest disease virus (KFDV) causing tick-borne hemorrhagic fever which was earlier endemic to western Ghats, southern India, it is now encroaching into new geographic regions, but there is no approved medicine or effective vaccine against this deadly disease. In this study, we did in-silico design of multi-epitope subunit vaccine for KFDV. B-cell and T-cell epitopes were predicted from conserved regions of KFDV envelope protein and two vaccine candidates (VC1 and VC2) were constructed, those were found to be non-allergic and possess good antigenic properties, also gives cross-protection against Alkhurma hemorrhagic fever virus. The 3D structures of vaccine candidates were built and validated. Docking analysis of vaccine candidates with toll-like receptor-2 (TLR-2) by Cluspro and PatchDock revealed strong affinity between VC1 and TLR2. Ligplot tool was identified the intermolecular hydrogen bonds between vaccine candidates and TLR-2, iMOD server confirmed the stability of the docking complexes. JCAT sever ensured cloning efficiency of both vaccine constructs and in-silico cloning into pET30a (+) vector by SnapGene showed successful translation of epitope region. IMMSIM server was identified increased immunological responses. Finally, multi-epitope vaccine candidates were designed and validated their efficiency, it may pave the way for up-coming vaccine and diagnostic kit development.
Wolves, dogs and humans in regular contact can mutually impact each other’s skin microbiota
Authors: Wetzels Stefanie Urimare , Strachan Cameron R. , Conrady Beate , Wagner Martin , Burgener Iwan Anton , Virányi Zsófia , Selberherr Evelyne
Published: August 2021

In contrast to humans and dogs, the skin microbiota of wolves is yet to be described. Here, we investigated the skin microbiota of dogs and wolves kept in outdoor packs at the Wolf Science Center (WSC) via 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Skin swab samples were also collected from human care takers and their pet dogs. When comparing the three canine groups, representing different degrees of human contact to the care takers and each other, the pet dogs showed the highest level of diversity. Additionally, while human skin was dominated by a few abundant phylotypes, the skin microbiota of the care takers who had particularly close contact with the WSC animals was more similar to the microbiota of dogs and wolves compared to the humans who had less contact with these animals. Our results suggest that domestication may have an impact on the diversity of the skin microbiota, and that the canine skin microbiota can be shared with humans, depending on the level of interaction.
High efficacy of microbial larvicides for malaria vectors control in the city of Yaounde Cameroon following a cluster randomized trial
Authors: Antonio-Nkondjio Christophe , Doumbe-Belisse P. , Djamouko-Djonkam L. , Ngadjeu C. S. , Talipouo A. , Kopya E. , Bamou R. , Mayi M. P. Audrey , Sonhafouo-Chiana N. , Nkahe D. L. , Tabue R. , Fosah D. Achu , Bigoga Jude D. , Awono-Ambene P. , Wondji Charles S.
Published: August 2021

The rapid expansion of insecticide resistance and outdoor malaria transmission are affecting the efficacy of current malaria control measures. In urban settings, where malaria transmission is focal and breeding habitats are few, fixed and findable, the addition of anti-larval control measures could be efficient for malaria vector control. But field evidences for this approach remains scarce. Here we provide findings of a randomized-control larviciding trial conducted in the city of Yaoundé that support the efficacy of this approach. A two arms random control trial design including 26 clusters of 2 to 4 km2 each (13 clusters in the intervention area and 13 in the non-intervention area) was used to assess larviciding efficacy. The microbial larvicide VectoMax combining Bacillus thuringiensis var israelensis (Bti) and Bacillus sphaericus in a single granule was applied every 2 weeks in all standing water collection points. The anopheline density collected using CDC light traps was used as the primary outcome, secondary outcomes included the entomological inoculation rate, breeding habitats with anopheline larvae, and larval density. Baseline entomological data collection was conducted for 17 months from March 2017 to July 2018 and the intervention lasted 26 months from September 2018 to November 2020. The intervention was associated with a reduction of 68% of adult anopheline biting density and of 79% of the entomological inoculation rate (OR 0.21; 95% CI 0.14–0.30, P < 0.0001). A reduction of 68.27% was recorded for indoor biting anophelines and 57.74% for outdoor biting anophelines. No impact on the composition of anopheline species was recorded. A reduction of over 35% of adult Culex biting densities was recorded. The study indicated high efficacy of larviciding for reducing malaria transmission intensity in the city of Yaoundé. Larviciding could be part of an integrated control approach for controlling malaria vectors and other mosquito species in the urban environment.
Biochemical elucidation of citrate accumulation in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 via kinetic analysis of aconitase
Authors: Nishii Maki , Ito Shoki , Katayama Noriaki , Osanai Takashi
Published: August 2021

A unicellular cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 possesses a unique tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, wherein the intracellular citrate levels are approximately 1.5–10 times higher than the levels of other TCA cycle metabolite. Aconitase catalyses the reversible isomerisation of citrate and isocitrate. Herein, we biochemically analysed Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 aconitase (SyAcnB), using citrate and isocitrate as the substrates. We observed that the activity of SyAcnB for citrate was highest at pH 7.7 and 45 °C and for isocitrate at pH 8.0 and 53 °C. The Km value of SyAcnB for citrate was higher than that for isocitrate under the same conditions. The Km value of SyAcnB for isocitrate was 3.6-fold higher than the reported Km values of isocitrate dehydrogenase for isocitrate. Therefore, we suggest that citrate accumulation depends on the enzyme kinetics of SyAcnB, and 2-oxoglutarate production depends on the chemical equilibrium in this cyanobacterium.
Conjugate buoyant convective transport of nanofluids in an enclosed annular geometry
Authors: Sankar M. , Reddy N. Keerthi , Do Younghae
Published: August 2021

A vertical annular configuration with differently heated cylindrical surfaces and horizontal adiabatic boundaries is systematically studied in view to their industrial applications. In this paper, we investigate the effects of conjugate buoyant heat transport in water based nanofluids with different nanoparticles such as alumina, titania or copper, and is filled in the enclosed annular gap. The annulus space is formed by a thick inner cylinder having a uniform high temperature, an exterior cylindrical tube with a constant lower temperature, and thermally insulated upper and lower surfaces. By investigating heat transport for broad spectrum of Rayleigh number, solid wall thickness, thermal conductivity ratio and nanoparticle volume fraction, we found that the influence of wall thickness on thermal dissipation rate along wall and interface greatly depends on conductivity ratio and vice-versa. In particular, we uncover that the choice of nanoparticle in a nanofluid and its concentration are key factors in enhancing the thermal transport along the interface. Specially, copper based nanofluids produces higher heat transport among other nanoparticles, and for the range of nanoparticle concentration chosen in this analysis, enhanced thermal dissipation along the interface has been detected as nanoparticle volume fraction is increased. Our results are applicable to choose nanofluids along with other critical parameters for the desired heat transport.
Two Nicotiana occidentalis accessions enable gene identification for Type II hybrid lethality by the cross to N. sylvestris
Authors: Kawaguchi Kenji , Ohya Yuichiro , Maekawa Maho , Iizuka Takahiro , Hasegawa Akira , Shiragaki Kumpei , He Hai , Oda Masayuki , Morikawa Toshinobu , Yokoi Shuji , Tezuka Takahiro
Published: August 2021

Hybrid lethality, meaning the death of F1 hybrid seedlings, has been observed in many plant species, including Nicotiana. Previously, we have revealed that hybrids of the selected Nicotiana occidentalis accession and N. tabacum, an allotetraploid with S and T genomes, exhibited lethality characterized by the fading of shoot color. The lethality was suggested to be controlled by alleles of loci on the S and T genomes derived from N. sylvestris and N. tomentosiformis, respectively. Here, we extended the analysis of hybrid lethality using other two accessions of N. occidentalis identified from the five tested accessions. The two accessions were crossed with N. tabacum and its two progenitors, N. sylvestris and N. tomentosiformis. After crosses with N. tabacum, the two N. occidentalis accessions yielded inviable hybrid seedlings whose lethality was characterized by the fading of shoot color, but only the T genome of N. tabacum was responsible for hybrid lethality. Genetic analysis indicated that first-mentioned N. occidentalis accession carries a single gene causing hybrid lethality by allelic interaction with the S genome.
The brain mechanism of awakening dysfunction in children with primary nocturnal enuresis based on PVT-NAc neural pathway: a resting-state fMRI study
Authors: Jiang Kaihua , Xue Peng , Xu Yue , Yi Yang , Zhu Jie , Ding Li , Zheng Aibin
Published: August 2021

Primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE) affects children’s physical and mental health with a high rate. However, its neural mechanism is still unclear. Studies have found that the paraventricular thalamus (PVT) is among the key brain regions implicated with awakening regulation and its control of the transition between sleep and wakening is dependent on signaling through the PVT-nucleus accumbens (NAc) pathway. So this study analyzed the function of brain regions and their connectivity of PVT and NAc. A total of twenty-six PNE and typically developing (TD) children were involved in the study and the methods of amplitude of low frequency fluctuation (ALFF), degree centrality (DC) and functional connectivity (FC) based on resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) were used to analyze the brain functions. Results showed that there was no statistical significant difference in ALFF and DC between PNE and TD children in bilateral PVT and NAc. And there was statistical significant difference of the comparison of the FC of left PVT (lPVT) and left NAc (lNAc) between PNE and TD children. Meanwhile, there was negative correlation between awakening score and the FC of rPVT and lNAc, and no obvious correlation between awakening score and the FC of lPVT and lNAc in PNE children. Meanwhile, there was both negative correlation between awakening score and the FC of lPVT, rPTV and lNAc in TD children. Therefore, the FC between rPVT and lNAc was more reliable in assessing the degree of awakening ability in PNE children. This finding could help establish the evaluation index of PNE.
Exploration of collagen cavitation based on peptide electrolysis
Authors: Zhai Rui , Chen Hui , Shan Zhihua
Published: August 2021

Electrochemical modification of animal skin is a new material preparation method and new direction of research exploration. In this study, under the action of the electric field using NaCl as the supporting electrolyte, the effect of electrolysis on Glycyl-glycine(GlyGl), gelatin(Gel) and Three-dimensional rawhide collagen(3DC) were determined. The amino group of GlyGl is quickly eliminated within the anode region by electrolysis isolated by an anion exchange membrane. Using the same method, it was found that the molecular weight of Gel and the isoelectric point of the Gel decreased, and the viscosity and transparency of the Gel solution obviously changed. The electrolytic dissolution and structural changes of 3DC were further investigated. The results of TOC and TN showed that the organic matter in 3DC was dissolved by electrolysis, and the tissue cavitation was obvious. A new approach for the preparation of collagen-based multi-pore biomaterials by electrochemical method was explored.
Author Correction: Potential local adaptation of corals at acidified and warmed Nikko Bay, Palau
Authors: Kurihara Haruko , Watanabe Atsushi , Tsugi Asami , Mimura Izumi , Hongo Chuki , Kawai Takashi , Reimer James Davis , Kimoto Katsunori , Gouezo Marine , Golbuu Yimnang
Published: August 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Cardiac magnetic resonance assessment of right ventricular remodeling after anthracycline therapy
Authors: de Souza Thiago Ferreira , Silva Thiago Quinaglia , Antunes-Correa Lígia , Drobni Zsofia D. , Costa Felipe Osório , Dertkigil Sergio San Juan , Nadruz Wilson , Brenelli Fabrício , Sposito Andrei C. , Matos-Souza José Roberto , Coelho Otávio Rizzi , Neilan Tomas G. , Jerosch-Herold Michael , Coelho-Filho Otávio Rizzi
Published: August 2021

There are limited data on the effects of anthracyclines on right ventricular (RV) structure, function, and tissue characteristics. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of anthracyclines on the RV using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). This was a post-hoc analysis of a prospective study of 27 breast cancer (BC) patients (51.8 ± 8.9 years) using CMR prior, and up to 3-times after anthracyclines (240 mg/m2) to measure RV volumes and mass, RV extracellular volume (ECV) and cardiomyocyte mass (CM). Before anthracyclines, LVEF (69.4 ± 3.6%) and RVEF (55.6 ± 9%) were normal. The median follow-up after anthracyclines was 399 days (IQR 310–517). The RVEF reached its nadir (46.3 ± 6.8%) after 9-months (P < 0.001). RV mass-index and RV CM decreased to 13 ± 2.8 g/m2 and 8.13 ± 2 g/m2, respectively, at 16-months after anthracyclines. The RV ECV expanded from 0.26 ± 0.07 by 0.14 (53%) to 0.40 ± 0.1 (P < 0.001). The RV ECV expansion correlated with a decrease in RV mass-index (r = −0.46; P < 0.001) and the increase in CK-MB. An RV ESV index at baseline above its median predicted an increased risk of LV dysfunction post-anthracyclines. In BC patients treated with anthracyclines, RV atrophy, systolic dysfunction, and a parallel increase of diffuse interstitial fibrosis indicate a cardiotoxic response on a similar scale as previously seen in the systemic left ventricle.
Enhanced (t, n) threshold d-level quantum secret sharing
Authors: Sutradhar Kartick , Om Hari
Published: August 2021

The quantum secret sharing is an essential and fundamental technique for sharing a secret with the all participants in quantum cryptography. It can be used to design many complex protocols such as secure multiparty summation, multiplication, sorting, voting, etc. Recently, Song et al. have discussed a quantum protocol for secret sharing, which has (t, n) threshold approach and modulo d, where t and n denote the threshold number of participants and total number of participants, respectively. Kao et al. point out that the secret in the Song et al.’s protocol cannot be reconstructed without other participants’ information. In this paper, we discuss a protocol that overcomes this problem.
Comparison of robotic and manual implantation of intracerebral electrodes: a single-centre, single-blinded, randomised controlled trial
Authors: Vakharia Vejay N. , Rodionov Roman , Miserocchi Anna , McEvoy Andrew W. , O’Keeffe Aidan , Granados Alejandro , Shapoori Shahrzad , Sparks Rachel , Ourselin Sebastien , Duncan John S.
Published: August 2021

There has been a significant rise in robotic trajectory guidance devices that have been utilised for stereotactic neurosurgical procedures. These devices have significant costs and associated learning curves. Previous studies reporting devices usage have not undertaken prospective parallel-group comparisons before their introduction, so the comparative differences are unknown. We study the difference in stereoelectroencephalography electrode implantation time between a robotic trajectory guidance device (iSYS1) and manual frameless implantation (PAD) in patients with drug-refractory focal epilepsy through a single-blinded randomised control parallel-group investigation of SEEG electrode implantation, concordant with CONSORT statement. Thirty-two patients (18 male) completed the trial. The iSYS1 returned significantly shorter median operative time for intracranial bolt insertion, 6.36 min (95% CI 5.72–7.07) versus 9.06 min (95% CI 8.16–10.06), p = 0.0001. The PAD group had a better median target point accuracy 1.58 mm (95% CI 1.38–1.82) versus 1.16 mm (95% CI 1.01–1.33), p = 0.004. The mean electrode implantation angle error was 2.13° for the iSYS1 group and 1.71° for the PAD groups (p = 0.023). There was no statistically significant difference for any other outcome. Health policy and hospital commissioners should consider these differences in the context of the opportunity cost of introducing robotic devices.

Trial registration: ISRCTN17209025 (https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN17209025).
Deficiency of Axl aggravates pulmonary arterial hypertension via BMPR2
Authors: Novoyatleva Tatyana , Rai Nabham , Kojonazarov Baktybek , Veeroju Swathi , Ben-Batalla Isabel , Caruso Paola , Shihan Mazen , Presser Nadine , Götz Elsa , Lepper Carina , Herpel Sebastian , Manaud Grégoire , Perros Frédéric , Gall Henning , Ghofrani Hossein Ardeschir , Weissmann Norbert , Grimminger Friedrich , Wharton John , Wilkins Martin , Upton Paul D. , Loges Sonja , Morrell Nicholas W. , Seeger Werner , Schermuly Ralph T.
Published: August 2021

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), is a fatal disease characterized by a pseudo-malignant phenotype. We investigated the expression and the role of the receptor tyrosine kinase Axl in experimental (i.e., monocrotaline and Su5416/hypoxia treated rats) and clinical PAH. In vitro Axl inhibition by R428 and Axl knock-down inhibited growth factor-driven proliferation and migration of non-PAH and PAH PASMCs. Conversely, Axl overexpression conferred a growth advantage. Axl declined in PAECs of PAH patients. Axl blockage inhibited BMP9 signaling and increased PAEC apoptosis, while BMP9 induced Axl phosphorylation. Gas6 induced SMAD1/5/8 phosphorylation and ID1/ID2 increase were blunted by BMP signaling obstruction. Axl association with BMPR2 was facilitated by Gas6/BMP9 stimulation and diminished by R428. In vivo R428 aggravated right ventricular hypertrophy and dysfunction, abrogated BMPR2 signaling, elevated pulmonary endothelial cell apoptosis and loss. Together, Axl is a key regulator of endothelial BMPR2 signaling and potential determinant of PAH.
An “on–off” fluorescent probe based on cucurbit[7]uril for highly sensitive determination of ammonia nitrogen in aquaculture water
Authors: Li Zhen , Wang Tan , Xu Xianbao , Wang Cong , Li Daoliang
Published: August 2021

A novel “on–off” fluorescent probe for the determination of ammonia nitrogen has been synthesized. URO can replace PAL into the cavity of CB[7] to form a stable inclusion complex, eventually forming the fluorescence quenching system of URO@CB[7].
A voltammetric sensor based on a carbon black and chitosan-stabilized gold nanoparticle nanocomposite for ketoconazole determination
Authors: Silva Laís Pereira , Silva Tiago Almeida , Moraes Fernando Cruz , Fatibello-Filho Orlando
Published: August 2021

Exploring chitosan-stabilized gold nanoparticles and carbon black nanoparticles for the sensitive voltammetric sensing of ketoconazole.
Kinetic resolution ofN-aryl β-amino alcoholsviaasymmetric aminations of anilines
Authors: Guo Zheng , Xie Jinglei , Hu Tao , Chen Yunrong , Tao Houchao , Yang Xiaoyu
Published: August 2021

An efficient kinetic resolution ofN-aryl β-amino alcohols has been developedviaasymmetricpara-aminations of anilines with azodicarboxylates enabled by chiral phosphoric acid catalysis.
Stepping towards benign alternatives: sustainable conversion of plastic waste into valuable products
Authors: Mohanty Abhijeet , Borah Rajani Kumar , Fatrekar Adarsh P. , Krishnan Saravanan , Vernekar Amit A.
Published: August 2021

The extensive use of plastic and the absence of efficient and sustainable methods for its degradation has raised concerns about its disposal and degradation. This article highlights sustainable strategies for the deconstruction and conversion of plastic waste.
Adjustable magnetoresistance in semiconducting carbonized phthalonitrile resin
Authors: Gao Chong , Yang Ming , Xie Wenhao , Zhang Hang , Gu Hongbo , Du Ai , Shi Zhong , Guo Ying , Zhou Heng , Guo Zhanhu
Published: August 2021

A controllable magnetoresistance in a carbonized phthalonitrile resin has been described.
Fe3O4–Au–polydopamine hybrid microcapsules with photothermal–photodynamic synergistic anti-bacterial performance
Authors: Fang Qunling , Xu Kezhu , Xiong Qingshan , Xu Yunqi , Hui Ailing , Xuan Shouhu
Published: August 2021

A novel magnetic Fe3O4–Au–PDA hybrid microcapsule with both photothermal (PTT) and photodynamic (PDT) anti-bacterial functions has been developed, and the product exhibits higher antibacterial performance by the combined PTT/PDT treatment.
Self-catalytic mechanism of prebiotic reactions: from formamide to pterins and guanine
Authors: Enchev Venelin , Slavova Sofia
Published: August 2021

Prebiotic formation of purine nucleobases and pterins is closely linked and most likely purines and pterins come into being together.
Anomeric effect, hyperconjugation and electrostatics: lessons from complexity in a classic stereoelectronic phenomenon
Authors: Alabugin Igor V. , Kuhn Leah , Krivoshchapov Nikolai V. , Mehaffy Patricia , Medvedev Michael G.
Published: August 2021

Like the tale of blind men and an elephant, discussions of the anomeric effect illustrate the danger of conclusions from a limited perspective. Stereoelectronic analysis addresses this challenge and remains the most useful in predicting reactivity.
Co(ii)-based metal–organic framework induces apoptosis through activating the HIF-1α/BNIP3 signaling pathway in microglial cells
Authors: Yan Xueting , Yang Qundi , Fang Xiaolong , Xiong Ping , Liu Shuang , Cao Zhengyu , Liao Chunyang , Liu Sijin , Jiang Guibin
Published: August 2021

The neurotoxicity induced by Co(ii)-based MOFs provides new insights into understanding the environmental health and safety impacts of MOFs.
Doped and non-doped blue organic light-emitting diodes based on AIEgens with high exciton utilization efficiency and external quantum efficiency
Authors: Jayabharathi Jayaraman , Sivaraj Sekar , Thanikachalam Venugopal , Anudeebhana Jagathratchagan
Published: August 2021

Non-doped OLEDs with NSPI-DVP and CNSPI-DVP show high exciton utilization efficiency of 36.00 and 64.00%, power efficiency of 4.99 and 4.72 lm W−1, external quantum efficiency of 3.2 and 5.3% and current efficiency of 5.61 and 5.03 cd A−1, respectively.
Estimating the cooperativity of PROTAC-induced ternary complexes using 19F NMR displacement assay
Authors: de Castro Guilherme Vieira , Ciulli Alessio
Published: August 2021

In this work we showcase the development of competitive fluorine NMR assays to determine the cooperativities of multiple protein degraders, focusing on key aspects of assay design and comparisons with orthogonal biophysical approaches.
From BaCl2 to Ba(NO3)Cl: significantly enhanced birefringence derived from π-conjugated [NO3]
Authors: Chen Zhen , Zeng Hao , Han Shujuan , Yang Zhihua , Pan Shilie
Published: August 2021

The chlorine barium nitrate Ba(NO3)Cl was synthesized for the first time to the best of our knowledge and found to exhibit a strong birefringence of 0.178 @ 1064 nm, about 19 times that of BaCl2.
Determination of glucose by using MoS2 nanosheets as a peroxidase mimetic enzyme
Authors: Shi Rui , He Qiaoling , Cheng Shiqi , Chen Bolin , Wang Yilin
Published: August 2021

The synthesis of MoS2 nanosheets was achieved and the sensing of glucose was carried out using MoS2 nanosheets as enzyme mimics.
Vertically stacked Bi2Se3/MoTe2 heterostructure with large band offsets for nanoelectronics
Authors: Tao Lin , Yao Bin , Yue Qian , Dan Zhiying , Wen Peiting , Yang Mengmeng , Zheng Zhaoqiang , Luo Dongxiang , Fan Weijun , Wang Xiaozhou , Gao Wei
Published: August 2021

We report a novel Au-assist exfoliation and non-destructive transfer method to fabricate the large-scale Bi2Se3 thin nanosheet. Furthermore, a broken-gap tunneling phototransistor is designed by combing 2H-MoTe2 and Bi2Se3.
Solvent-controlled two-step one-pot syntheses of α-X (X = Br or Cl) enamino ketones/esters and 3-(2,5-dioxopyrrolidin-1-yl)acrylate by using terminal carbonyl alkynes
Authors: Chen Xiao Yun , Yuan Shuxia , Chen Yan , Sun Chenyang , Tang Yaonan , Chen Guang , Zhu Baocheng , Chen Kaiwei , Zheng Shaojun , Cheng Xiaofang
Published: August 2021

A new two-step one-pot aminohalogenation of terminal carbonyl alkynes has been developed here to prepare various α-X (X = Br or Cl) enamino ketones/esters.
Solitumergosterol A, a unique 6/6/6/6/5 steroid from the deep-sea-derived Penicillium solitum MCCC 3A00215
Authors: He Zhi-Hui , Xie Chun-Lan , Hao You-Jia , Xu Lin , Wang Chao-Feng , Hu Man-Yi , Li Shu-Jin , Zhong Tian-Hua , Yang Xian-Wen
Published: August 2021

An unprecedented C30 steroid, solitumergosterol A (1), from the deep-sea-derived Penicillium solitum inhibited the proliferation of MB231 tumor cells by a RXRα-dependent mechanism.
Buckybowl polymers: synthesis of corannulene-containing polymers through post-polymerization modification strategy
Authors: Barát Viktor , Eom Taejun , Khan Anzar , Stuparu Mihaiela C.
Published: August 2021

In this study, we explore the synthesis of methacrylate polymers carrying buckybowl corannulene as the polymer side-chain.
Transparent low-voltage-driven soft actuators with silver nanowires Joule heaters
Authors: Liu Jian , Xu Lulu , He Chaobin , Lu Xuehong , Wang FuKe
Published: August 2021

Transparent soft actuators with silver nanowire Joule heaters embedded in liquid crystal elastomer and PDMS layer was prepared, and it can perform reversible large bending deformation driven by low voltage.
Multifunctional system for combined chemodynamic–photodynamic therapy employing the endothelin axis based on conjugated polymer nanoparticles
Authors: Jasim Khalaf A. , Waheed Ibrahim F. , Topps Martin , Gesquiere Andre J.
Published: August 2021

Most nanomedicines that attack tumors by Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) based on lipid peroxidation mechanisms require external activation to work.
Detailed GPC analysis of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) with core cross-linked star architecture
Authors: Monaco Alessandra , Drain Ben , Becer C. Remzi
Published: August 2021

Core cross-linked star shaped polymers possess unique physical properties that can be utilized as drug transporters for biomedical applications.
Anderson-type polyoxometalate-based complexes constructed from a new ‘V’-like bis-pyridine–bis-amide ligand for selective adsorption of organic dyes and detection of Cr(vi) and Fe(iii) ions
Authors: Zhang Yue , Wang Xiang , Wang Yue , Li Lei , Xu Na , Wang XiuLi
Published: August 2021

Four isostructural complexes constructed from Anderson-type POM and new ‘V’-like ligands exhibited outstanding selective adsorption capacities for organic dyes, and electrochemical sensing behaviors toward Cr(vi) and Fe(iii) ions.
Photoredox-catalyzed direct C(sp2)–H difluoromethylation of enamides or heterocycles with [bis(difluoroacetoxy)iodo]benzene
Authors: Zhao Yun , Zhang Yan , Liu Yating , Zhu Tonghao , Wu Jie
Published: August 2021

A photoredox-catalyzed direct C(sp2)–H difluoromethylation of enamides and heterocycles is accomplished by using easily accessible [bis(difluoroacetoxy)iodo]benzene as the CF2H source.
Phomoidrides E–G, three dimeric anhydrides from the fungus Pleosporales sp. give new insight to the biosynthesis of phomoidrides
Authors: Zhang Lihua , Wang Yanan , Zhang Le , Liu Bingyu , Zhang Chen , Yan Daojiang , Bai Jian , Hu Youcai
Published: August 2021

Three novel dimeric anhydrides with unprecedented skeletons, phomoidrides E–G, were isolated from the fungus Pleosporales sp. A new biosynthetic strategy for dimerization with a key Claisen-like intermediate M1 is proposed.
Electrochemical conversion of CO2 into value-added carbon with desirable structures via molten carbonates electrolysis
Authors: Wang Peng , Wang Mingzhi , Lu Jianqiao
Published: August 2021

CO2 is indirectly converted into carbon nanotubes, carbon spheres and honeycomb carbon in the molten carbonate electrolyte. This research is helpful to alleviate global climate change and is of great significance to the realization of sustainable development of mankind.
Non-invasive Raman spectroscopy for time-resolved in-line lipidomics
Authors: Wieland Karin , Masri Mahmoud , von Poschinger Jeremy , Brück Thomas , Haisch Christoph
Published: August 2021

Oil-producing yeast cells are a valuable alternative source for palm oil production and, hence, may be one important piece of the puzzle for a more sustainable future.
Li-based layered nickel–tin oxide obtained through electrochemically-driven cation exchange
Authors: Morozov Anatolii V. , Savina Aleksandra A. , Boev Anton O. , Antipov Evgeny V. , Abakumov Artem M.
Published: August 2021

Layered O3-Li0.35Na0.07Ni0.5Sn0.5O2 cathode material was obtained by electrochemically-driven Li for Na exchange. The exchange process was comprehensively studied via a combination of transmission electron microscopy techniques.
Flexible electrochromic devices based on tungsten oxide and Prussian blue nanoparticles for automobile applications
Authors: Jeong Chan Yang , Kubota Takashi , Tajima Kazuki
Published: August 2021

Next-generation flexible ECD using nanoparticles water-dispersion ink.
Transition metal-catalyzed organic reactions in undivided electrochemical cells
Authors: Ma Cong , Fang Ping , Liu Dong , Jiao Ke-Jin , Gao Pei-Sen , Qiu Hui , Mei Tian-Sheng
Published: August 2021

Transition metal-catalyzed organic electrochemistry is a rapidly growing research area owing in part to the ability of metal catalysts to alter the selectivity of a given transformation.
Closely packed planar polyphthalocyanine iron/hierarchical three-dimensional graphene as an oxygen electrocatalyst for the ORR and OER, and zinc–air batteries
Authors: Liu Yuepeng , Li Zhongfang , Sun Chongyun , Wang Shuaifeng , Wang Likai , Niu Xueliang , Sun Peng , Zhang Shenzhi
Published: August 2021

The development of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts with high performance and excellent stability is meaningful for fuel cells.
Solar-driven thermochromic fabric based on photothermal conversion for light intensity monitoring
Authors: Ge Fangqing , Yu Weidong , Yin Yunjie , Wang Chaoxia
Published: August 2021

Solar-driven thermochromic fabric with light intensity monitoring functionality based on exceptional photothermal conversion performance and sensitive reversible thermochromic properties was fabricated using screen printing for skin protection.
Ratiometric and amplified fluorescence nanosensor based on a DNA tetrahedron for miRNA imaging in living cells
Authors: Mo Liuting , Liang Danlian , He Wanqi , Yang Chan , Lin Weiying
Published: August 2021

A new nanosensor based on a DNA tetrahedron for ratiometric and amplified fluorescence imaging of intracellular miRNAs.
Correction: Stretching of fibroblast cells on micropatterned gelatin on silicone elastomer
Authors: Müller Stefan , Ueda Motoki , Isoshima Takashi , Ushida Takashi , Ito Yoshihiro
Published: August 2021

Correction for ‘Stretching of fibroblast cells on micropatterned gelatin on silicone elastomer’ by Stefan Müller et al., J. Mater. Chem. B, 2020, 8, 416–425, DOI: 10.1039/C9TB02203A.
High magnetoresistance and perfect spin filtering effect in silicane/germanene based magnetic Li0.5CrI3|Si/Ge|Li0.5CrI3 tunnel junctions
Authors: Liu Jie , Chen Yaqing , Cui Hong , Wang Xiaotian , Zhang Yibin , Wang Zhiyong , Kuang Anlong , Chen Hong , Yuan Hongkuan
Published: August 2021

Silicane/germanane based Li0.5CrI3|Si/Ge|Li0.5CrI3 MTJs show large TMR and perfect spin filtering effect.
Effects of serum irisin, neuregulin 4, and weight management on obese adolescent girls with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Cao Shunshun , Hu Yangyang
Published: August 2021

The study is aimed at investigating the association of serum irisin, neuregulin 4 (NRG4), and anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) with adolescent obesity with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and the efficacy of weight management interventions. Serum levels of irisin, NRG4, AMH, sex steroid hormone, body mass index (BMI), serum insulin, and C-peptide were measured in 52 obese adolescent girls with PCOS (PCOS group) and 43 obese adolescent girls without PCOS (non-PCOS group). The levels of AMH, NRG4, serum irisin, sex steroid hormones, BMI, serum insulin, and C-peptide were evaluated in obese PCOS girls before and after one year weight management. The levels of AMH, serum insulin, NRG4, and total testosterone of PCOS group were significantly higher than those of non-PCOS group. On the contrary, serum irisin and serum C-peptide in PCOS group were significantly lower than that in non-PCOS group. The levels of fat mass, percent body fat, total testosterone, AMH, NRG4, and serum insulin in the obese girls with PCOS showed significant decreases compared with before weight management intervention. On the contrary, after one year of body weight management intervention, serum irisin and serum C-peptide was significantly increased. Adolescent obesity complicated with PCOS is significantly associated with glucose and lipid metabolism and sex steroid hormone disorders, but the exact pathophysiological and clinical features are highly variable. Weight management intervention can significantly improve the clinical symptoms and hematological indicators, serum irisin and NRG4 can be used as two essential biomarkers for evaluating weight management.
Obstacle detection and tracking algorithm based on multi‐lidar fusion in urban environment
Authors: Li Jiong , Zhang Yu , Liu Xixia , Zhang Xudong , Bai Rui
Published: August 2021

Adjacent obstacles are difficult to be distinguished, and remote obstacle is easily detected as multiple targets. Besides, occluded obstacles are difficult to track, and tracking velocity of the obstacles in rapid acceleration or deceleration converges slowly in the urban environment. In view of this, an obstacle detection and tracking method based on multi‐lidar is proposed. Firstly, based on the vehicle kinematics model, motion compensation is adopted to solve the space‐time synchronization problem among lidars after road segmentation, and data level fusion is completed. Next, the obstacles are detected by combining adaptive voxel grid DBSCAN (AVG‐DBSCAN) algorithm and Region Growing (RG) algorithm. Then, the Breadth First Search (BFS) algorithm and KD tree are adopted to improve the Evolutionary Hungarian algorithm for the fast association of obstacles. Finally, the occlusion rate and dynamic region selection are used to track obstacles accurately, based on the Kalman Filter of uniform acceleration model. The experimental results on the authors' extracted urban dataset show that the proposed method can effectively fuse multi‐lidar data and outperforms other methods in obstacle detection and tracking. Its average accuracy for detection is 97.53% and its average accuracy for tracking is 95.1%. The average duration of the entire process is only 30 ms.
Preparation, structural investigation and optical properties determination of composite films based on PAZO polymer doped with GeTe4-Cu chalcogenide particles
Authors: Stoilova Ani , Dimov Dean , Trifonova Yordanka , Lilova Vanya , Blagoeva Blaga , Nazarova Dimana , Nedelchev Lian
Published: August 2021

The work presents preparation, structural investigation and optical properties determination of composite films based on the azopolymer (poly[1-[4-(3-carboxy-4-hydroxyphenylazo)benzenesulfonamido]-1,2-ethanediyl, sodium salt]), shortly PAZO, doped with 1 wt.% particles of the previously synthesized by us new tellurium containing chalcogenide system (GeTe4)100-xCux, wherex = 5, 10, 15 and 20 mol.%. X-Ray diffraction (XRD) was applied to analyze the structure of the chalcogenide bulk material. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has been used to study the particles and the composite films morphology. The transmittance coefficient (T), the reflectance coefficient (R), the refractive index (n), the extinction coefficient (k), the optical absorption coefficient (α) and the optical band gap (Egopt) of the composite films were determined. Birefringence was induced by a He-Cd laser with a wavelength 442 nm and measured with probe Diode Pumped Solid State (DPSS) laser at 635 nm. The influence of the dopants concentration on the optical performance of the composite films has been discussed.
Flow routing aiming load balancing and path length in multi-hop networks with different link qualities
Authors: Pinto Leizer L. , Fernandes Kátia C. C. , Cardoso Kleber V.
Published: August 2021

This paper considers an exact bi-objective approach for simultaneously minimizing the total cost of flow routing and the network bottleneck when link qualities and flow weights are relevant. This is useful for wireless multi-hop networks with long-term TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) flows. The introduced proposal can generate a minimal complete set of Pareto-optimal solutions. Our proposal is evaluated through simulation in which are explored different parameter settings and metrics.
Theoretical analysis on Asset-Liability Management of liquidity risk: the case of Islamic banks
Authors: Ait Malhou Fatima , Maimoun Ahmed
Published: August 2021

The main objective of this research is to identify and review all the studies conducted to investigate the relationship between liquidity risk and Asset-Liability Management in Islamic banks. This systematic review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines (PRISMA Statement ®). During the past two decades, a limited amount of literature has been published on Asset-Liability Management in Islamic banks. In fact, from the 1886 articles collected, only 25 studies were included, 8 of them are considered the most relevant ones. It is important to note that most of the selected articles pointed out the importance of practical asset-liability management approaches and techniques used to mitigate liquidity risk. This study gives an overview of the Asset-liability management in Islamic banks considered as an under-researched topic. It identifies the problems, the challenges and the practical approaches adopted by bankers in managing liquidity risk through assets and liabilities. It therefore shows the need for more empirical studies to ensure better conditions and framework for the Islamic financial industry. This is the first review to investigate the previous studies on the Asset-Liability Management of liquidity risk in Islamic banks. The main limitation could be related to some potential relevant works that have not been included in this study. This is due the limited number of databases that the authors had access to.
Youth in the margin in Morocco: a qualitative approach to the perception of subjectivity and agency politics
Authors: Sadoqi Ilham
Published: August 2021

This paper seeks to investigate the potentials of youth agency in the margin of society and understand the prospects for social action or “Hirak” as an ongoing sweeping protest wave of a marginalized population. Based on a national qualitative study about youth and marginality in Morocco, this paper will focus on three moments. First, it will examine youth perception, their representation of their subjectivities, and how the realities and experiences of exclusion and “Hogra” manifested in inequalities, injustice, and systematic violence have shaped their beliefs and desire to act. The second moment brings to the fore their apprehension of the hegemonic powers of state institutions and social actors to determine their motivations and initiatives to articulate their actions locally and nationally under conditions of domination. The third moment will shed light on the dynamics of youth agency and the nature of their actions, be it individual or collective, subjective or rational. Similarly, it will also consider the structural limitations impinging on the social, political, cultural life, and gender relations. This paper examines the relationship between youth agency in the margin and the emergence of a new quest for social action “Hirak” in different regions of Morocco and how this might pave the way towards renegotiating the existing social contract between society and state.
The effects of Cultural factors on GSCM implementation, Empirical evidence from Morocco
Authors: Elbaz Jamal , Iddik Sadia , Oubal Mohamed
Published: August 2021

This paper aims to link Green SCM and cultural factors by empirically testing a conceptual model emphasizing how national culture and organizational culture affect the GSCM implementation. The conceptual model includes the effects of the firm’s characteristics, especially the firm size, type and industry sectors, on the application of GSCM practices. This paper was conducted among a sample of manufacturing companies incorporating a range of industrial sectors from Morocco. The data was collected using an online questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 25 and SmartPLS software 3. The findings have provided empirical evidence regarding the significant effect of national culture and organizational culture on GSCM implementation. The moderator variables, firm type and firm size, have a significant impact on the relationship between cultural factors and GSCM, except for the industry sector, which does not explain the implementation of green practices.The findings of this paper are expected to help managers and business owners develop cultural orientations that ensure and encourage sustainability and green SCM practices. The existing literature has mainly examined eithernational culture dimensions or organizational culture dimensions’ effects on green supply chain initiatives in developed countries. Thus, this paper highlights the fact that cultural dimensions can be deployed together at the same level of analysis to analyze which one predict better the GSCM integration.
Internet technologies as a source of consumer information on their consumption
Authors: Belharar Ouafae , Chakor Abdellatif
Published: August 2021

Mistrusting food brands have strongly affected the consumers’ assurance, alongside the health crisis we live in nowadays. Inside this terrible context is where the consumers find themselves ahead of a food universe in full mutation. As an outcome, their anxiety keeps growing, and they find it difficult to know what exactly they are eating. And as [1] writes, “If we don’t know what we eat, doesn’t it become difficult to know not only what we are going to become, but also what we are?”. The main objective of this article is to define through a literature review the new consumption tendency of the customers while they are choosing their products. It covers the fact that consumers search for information about what they are consuming before taking the final decision and buying a product. Technology became a tool in which consumers can find any information they might need, and it is an evolving behaviour. Technology gave access to the missing information consumers used to have. It was able to assist them with data and brought back their power or even their empowerment. In general, technology comes to change the passive role the consumers have in the creation process. The consumers are the main actor in the final result of their food and have their expectations met. They have become a “consumer-actor” [2]. The empowerment and power gained through technology can transform and change the way consumers and eaters choose what to eat.
A SWOT Analysis to understand the impact of tourism industry on the Three pillars social Economy and Environment
Authors: Nezha Mejjad , Rossi Alessia , El Khalidi Khalid , Pavel Ana-Bianca , Cherif El Khalil , El Ouaty Otman , Fekri Ahmed
Published: August 2021

The tourism industry is an important sector contributing to the world economy where many countries’ economies worldwide depend mostly on the tourism industry incomes. In the present study, we analyze and review the tourism industry strength, weaknesses and opportunities in Morocco through applying Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, and Threat (SWOT) analysis. The study highlights the importance of the tourism sector for the socio-economic growth and development of the Moroccan economy and the need to preserve the country’s natural and cultural wealth by adopting environmentally sustainable practices.
The development of nursing professional identity in morocco: state of the art and avenues for research and education
Authors: Ammari Nada , Gantare Abdellah
Published: August 2021

Nursing is a major pillar for the achievement of national and global health goals, with a plethora of research documenting the effect of the state of nursing professional identity on different outcomes such as the quality of care, worker retention, and work satisfaction. This present paper examines the current state of professional nursing identity in the Moroccan context and introduces critical priorities for its progress. Using a logical inductive analysis, this article concludes that significant developments have occurred in Moroccan nursing in recent years, mainly the shift to universitybased education and initial formal recognition of nursing as a profession. Nonetheless, Professional identity remains mostly unexplored in Morocco, and research is increasingly required to evaluate its various attributes and inform decision-making in nursing education and practice. Recommendations related to the findings include prioritization of research on the knowledge base of nursing and its application in the Moroccan healthcare context, the establishment of innovative measures in education conducive to positive socialization into the profession, amendment of nursing social image, and the establishment of professional nursing ethics within the Moroccan healthcare system.