bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular scale insights into interaction mechanisms between organic inhibitor film and copper
Authors: Wu Xiaocui , Wiame Frédéric , Maurice Vincent , Marcus Philippe
Published: April 2021

A model experimental approach, providing molecular scale insight into the build up mechanisms of a corrosion inhibiting interface, is reported. 2-mercaptobenzimidazole (2-MBI), a widely used organic inhibitor, was deposited from the vapor phase at ultra-low pressure on copper surfaces in chemically-controlled state, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used in situ to characterize the adsorption mechanisms upon formation of the inhibiting film. On copper surfaces prepared clean in the metallic state, the intact molecules lie flat at low exposure, with sulfur and both nitrogen atoms bonded to copper. A fraction of the molecules decomposes upon adsorption, leaving atomic sulfur on copper. At higher exposure, the molecules adsorb in a tilted position with sulfur and only one nitrogen bonded to copper, leading to a densification of 2-MBI in the monolayer. A bilayer is formed at saturation with the outer layer not bonded directly to copper. In the presence of a pre-adsorbed 2D oxide, oxygen is substituted and the molecules adsorb intactly without decomposition. A 3D oxide prevents the bonding of sulfur to copper. The molecular film formed on metallic and 2D oxide pre-covered surfaces partially desorbs and decomposes at temperature above 400 °C, leading to the adsorption of atomic sulfur on copper.
X-ray quasi-periodic eruptions from two previously quiescent galaxies
Authors: Arcodia R. , Merloni A. , Nandra K. , Buchner J. , Salvato M. , Pasham D. , Remillard R. , Comparat J. , Lamer G. , Ponti G. , Malyali A. , Wolf J. , Arzoumanian Z. , Bogensberger D. , Buckley D. A. H. , Gendreau K. , Gromadzki M. , Kara E. , Krumpe M. , Markwardt C. , Ramos-Ceja M. E. , Rau A. , Schramm M. , Schwope A.
Published: April 2021

Quasi-periodic eruptions (QPEs) are very-high-amplitude bursts of X-ray radiation recurring every few hours and originating near the central supermassive black holes of galactic nuclei1,2. It is currently unknown what triggers these events, how long they last and how they are connected to the physical properties of the inner accretion flows. Previously, only two such sources were known, found either serendipitously or in archival data1,2, with emission lines in their optical spectra classifying their nuclei as hosting an actively accreting supermassive black hole3,4. Here we report observations of QPEs in two further galaxies, obtained with a blind and systematic search of half of the X-ray sky. The optical spectra of these galaxies show no signature of black hole activity, indicating that a pre-existing accretion flow that is typical of active galactic nuclei is not required to trigger these events. Indeed, the periods, amplitudes and profiles of the QPEs reported here are inconsistent with current models that invoke radiation-pressure-driven instabilities in the accretion disk5–9. Instead, QPEs might be driven by an orbiting compact object. Furthermore, their observed properties require the mass of the secondary object to be much smaller than that of the main body10, and future X-ray observations may constrain possible changes in their period owing to orbital evolution. This model could make QPEs a viable candidate for the electromagnetic counterparts of so-called extreme-mass-ratio inspirals11–13, with considerable implications for multi-messenger astrophysics and cosmology14,15.
Structural basis of GABAB receptor–Gi protein coupling
Authors: Shen Cangsong , Mao Chunyou , Xu Chanjuan , Jin Nan , Zhang Huibing , Shen Dan-Dan , Shen Qingya , Wang Xiaomei , Hou Tingjun , Chen Zhong , Rondard Philippe , Pin Jean-Philippe , Zhang Yan , Liu Jianfeng
Published: April 2021

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have central roles in intercellular communication1,2. Structural studies have revealed how GPCRs can activate G proteins. However, whether this mechanism is conserved among all classes of GPCR remains unknown. Here we report the structure of the class-C heterodimeric GABAB receptor, which is activated by the inhibitory transmitter GABA, in its active form complexed with Gi1 protein. We found that a single G protein interacts with the GB2 subunit of the GABAB receptor at a site that mainly involves intracellular loop 2 on the side of the transmembrane domain. This is in contrast to the G protein binding in a central cavity, as has been observed with other classes of GPCR. This binding mode results from the active form of the transmembrane domain of this GABAB receptor being different from that of other GPCRs, as it shows no outside movement of transmembrane helix 6. Our work also provides details of the inter- and intra-subunit changes that link agonist binding to G-protein activation in this heterodimeric complex.
Trabecular and cortical mandibular bone investigation in familial adenomatous polyposis patients
Authors: Pacheco-Pereira Camila , Silvestre-Barbosa Yuri , Almeida Fabiana T. , Geha Hassem , Leite Andre F. , Guerra Eliete N. S.
Published: April 2021

Mandibular cortical and trabecular bone abnormalities in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) were evaluated using dental panoramic radiographs (DPR) radiomorphometric indices and fractal dimension (FD). Sixty DPRs from 15 FAP patients and 45 healthy controls were evaluated. FAP group was composed of 33.3% females and 66.6% males, agemean = 37.2 years (SD 15.79). The non-FAP group was paired by gender and sex. The parameters analyzed were: FD of the trabecular bone in four regions of interest (ROI), mandibular cortical index (MCI) and width (MCW). FD values were lower for the FAP group. Statistically significance differences were shown by ROI 2 and 3 anteriorly to the mental foramen bilaterally, p = 0.001, and p = 0.006. The ROI 1 and 4, at the mandibular angle trabeculae, indicated statistical significances on the right side (p = 0.036) and no differences on the left side (p = 0.091). There was no significant difference in MCI and MCW when the groups were compared, MCW (L) p = 0.247, and MCW (R) p = 0.070. Fractal values of FAP patients' mandibular trabecular bone were lower than healthy controls. The radiomorphometric indices MCI and MCW were not useful for analyzing the cortical bone pattern. Therefore, FD is a promising tool for detection of abnormal bone structure in DPRs and for supporting the appropriate referral of FAP patients.
Vicilin and legumin storage proteins are abundant in water and alkali soluble protein fractions of glandless cottonseed
Authors: He Zhongqi , Mattison Christopher P. , Zhang Dunhua , Grimm Casey C.
Published: April 2021

In this work, we sequentially extracted water (CSPw)- and alkali (CSPa)-soluble protein fractions from glandless cottonseed. SDS-Gel electrophoresis separated CSPw and CSPa to 8 and 14 dominant polypeptide bands (110–10 kDa), respectively. Liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry identified peptide fragments from 336 proteins. While the majority of peptides were identified as belonging to vicilin and legumin storage proteins, peptides from other functional and uncharacterized proteins were also detected. Based on the types (unique peptide count) and relative abundance (normalized total ion current) of the polypeptides detected by mass spectrometry, we found lower levels (abundance) and types of legumin isoforms, but higher levels and more fragments of vicilin-like antimicrobial peptides in glandless samples, compared to glanded samples. Differences in peptide fragment patterns of 2S albumin and oleosin were also observed between glandless and glanded protein samples. These differences might be due to the higher extraction recovery of proteins from glandless cottonseed as proteins from glanded cottonseed tend to be associated with gossypol, reducing extraction efficiency. This work enriches the fundamental knowledge of glandless cottonseed protein composition. For practical considerations, this peptide information will be helpful to allow better understanding of the functional and physicochemical properties of glandless cottonseed protein, and improving the potential for food or feed applications.
Dyslipidemia and its associated factors in southern Iranian women, Bandare-Kong Cohort study, a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Nikparvar Marzieh , Khaladeh Mohadeseh , Yousefi Hadi , Vahidi Farashah Mohammadsadegh , Moayedi Behzad , Kheirandish Masoumeh
Published: April 2021

Dyslipidemia, a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, has become a global issue. Due to the variations in the prevalence of dyslipidemia, this study aimed to evaluate dyslipidemia and its associated factors in women of the Bandare-Kong Cohort Study (BKNCD). This study was conducted on women from the population-based BKNCD, as part of the Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in IrAN (PERSIAN). Sociodemographic data, medical history, and anthropometric indices were collected. Dyslipidemia was defined as any lipid abnormality including low-density lipoprotein (LDL) ≥ 160, total cholesterol (TC) ≥ 240, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) < 40, or triglyceride > 200 mg/dl. From the 2223 women in this study (mean age: 48.28 ± 9.26 years), dyslipidemia was observed in 851 (38.3%). High TC was the most common lipid abnormality (18.5%) followed by high LDL (17.7%). Dyslipidemia was most prevalent among women aged 55–70 years, the married, those with < 6 years of education, the unemployed, the overweight or obese, with low socioeconomic status, diabetes, hypertension, and high waist circumference, those using the hookah and living in urban areas. Logistic regression revealed that women with high waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) (OR = 2.22, 95% CI 1.60–3.08), those aged 45–54 years (OR = 1.34, 95% CI 1.07–1.68) and 55–70 years (OR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.03–1.72), and those living in urban areas (OR = 1.35, 95% CI 1.05–1.73) were at significantly increased risk of dyslipidemia. In addition, the results were confirmed using deep neural network models. Dyslipidemia was highly prevalent in Iranian women in the southern coastal region. Central obesity, age over 45 years, and living in urban areas appear to be relatively significant risk factors for dyslipidemia among women.
In vivo enrichment of busulfan-resistant germ cells for efficient production of transgenic avian models
Authors: Kim Young Min , Park Kyung Je , Park Jin Se , Jung Kyung Min , Han Jae Yong
Published: April 2021

Most transgenic animals are generated using a genome-modified stem cell system and genome modification directly in embryos. Although this system is well-established in the development of transgenic animals, donor cell-derived transgenic animal production is inefficient in some cases. Especially in avian models such as chickens, the efficiency of transgenic animal production through primordial germ cells (PGCs) is highly variable compared with embryonic manipulation of mammalian species. Because germ cell and germline-competent stem cell-mediated systems that contain the transgene are enriched only at the upstream level during cell cultivation, the efficiency of transgenic animal production is unreliable. Therefore, we developed an in vivo selection model to enhance the efficiency of transgenic chicken production using microsomal glutathione-S-transferase II (MGSTII)-overexpressing PGCs that are resistant to the alkylating agent busulfan, which induces germ cell-specific cytotoxicity. Under in vitro conditions, MGSTII-tg PGCs were resistant to 1 μM busulfan, which was highly toxic to wild-type PGCs. In germline chimeric roosters, transgene-expressing germ cells were dominantly colonized in the recipient testes after busulfan exposure compared with non-treated germline chimera. In validation of germline transmission, donor PGC-derived progeny production efficiency was 94.68%, and the transgene production rate of heterozygous transgenic chickens was significantly increased in chickens that received 40 mg/kg busulfan (80.33–95.23%) compared with that of non-treated germline chimeras (51.18%). This system is expected to significantly improve the efficiency of generating transgenic chickens and other animal species by increasing the distribution of donor cells in adult testes.
Long-term treatment with subcutaneous immunoglobulin in multifocal motor neuropathy
Authors: Gentile Luca , Russo Massimo , Rodolico Carmelo , Arimatea Ilenia , Vita Giuseppe , Toscano Antonio , Mazzeo Anna
Published: April 2021

Multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) is a rare disease with a prevalence of less than 1 per 100,000 people. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy, performed for a long-term period, has been demonstrated able to improve the clinical picture of MMN patients, ameliorating motor symptoms and/or preventing disease progression. Treatment with subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIg) has been shown to be as effective as IVIG. However, previously published data showed that follow-up of MMN patients in treatment with SCIg lasted no more than 56 months. We report herein the results of a long-term SCIg treatment follow up (up to 96 months) in a group of 8 MMN patients (6 M; 2F), previously stabilized with IVIG therapy. Clinical follow-up included the administration of Medical Research Council (MRC) sum-score, the Overall Neuropathy Limitation Scale (ONLS) and the Life Quality Index questionnaire (LQI) at baseline and then every 6 months. Once converted to SCIg, patients’ responsiveness was quite good. Strength and motor functions remained stable or even improved during this long-term follow-up with benefits on walking capability, resistance to physical efforts and ability in hand fine movements.
Third dissociation constant of phosphoric acid in H2O and D2O from 75 to 300 °C at p = 20.4 MPa using Raman spectroscopy and a titanium-sapphire flow cell
Authors: Conrad Jacy , Tremaine Peter R.
Published: April 2021

The first reported Raman spectra and ionization constants for the phosphate ion in H2O and D2O above 50 °C quantify deuterium isotope effects under hydrothermal conditions.
Engaging yne-allenones in tunable catalytic silane-mediated conjugate transfer reductions
Authors: Qin Xiao-Yan , Wang Jia-Yin , Geng Fang-Zhou , Hao Wen-Juan , Tu Shu-Jiang , Jiang Bo
Published: April 2021

New tunable catalytic [2+2] cycloaddition/silane-mediated conjugate reductions of yne-allenones have been developed by adjusting Fe–H and Cu–H catalytic systems.
Eshelby untwisting
Authors: Zhong Xiaodi , Zhou Hengyu , Li Chao , Shtukenberg Alexander G. , Ward Michael D. , Kahr Bart
Published: April 2021

The concept of Eshelby untwisting, the effect of an axial screw dislocation driving an intrinsically twisted nanocrystal towards a straighter configuration more consistent with long–range translational symmetry, is introduced here.
Enhanced room-temperature ethanol sensing performance of porous MoO3/V0.13Mo0.87O2.935 heterostructures self-assembled with 2D nanosheets
Authors: Guo Jia , Li Hang , Chu Shushu , Zhang Qi , Lin Ziqiong , Ma Qian
Published: April 2021

Porous MoO3/V0.13Mo0.87O2.935 heterostructures self-assembled with 2D nanosheets have been primarily prepared by a facile method for effectively detecting ethanol at room temperature.
Desolvation of dasatinib methanolate: an improved anhydrous polymorph
Authors: Ahmadi Soroush , Mondal Pradip Kumar , Mirmehrabi Mahmoud , Rohani Sohrab
Published: April 2021

A case study portraying how a labile tri-methanol solvate of dasatinib leads to polymorph transformation and particle size reduction.
Relating nucleus independent chemical shifts with integrated current density strengths
Authors: Radenković Slavko , Đorđević Slađana
Published: April 2021

The π electron bond current strengths were found to be correlated with the NICSπ,zz(1), but not with the NICSzz(1) values. This revealed a strong dependence of the NICSzz(1) values on the σ electron subsystem effects.
Striking solvent dependence of total emission and circularly polarised luminescence in coordinatively saturated chiral europium complexes: solvation significantly perturbs the ligand field
Authors: Fradgley Jack D. , Frawley Andrew T. , Pal Robert , Parker David
Published: April 2021

Total emission and CPL spectra of three 9-coordinate, C3 symmetric Eu(iii) complexes with well-defined speciation show that their ligand fields are very sensitive to solvent polarity, even if solvent is not present in the first coordination sphere.
Understanding entrapped molecular photosystem and metal–organic framework synergy for improved solar fuel production
Authors: Stanley Philip M. , Parkulab Mykhaylo , Rieger Bernhard , Warnan Julien , Fischer Roland A.
Published: April 2021

Synergy between particle size, electron source, and organic base improves the solar carbon dioxide reduction of a metal–organic framework entrapped molecular photosystem.
Electrochemical multicomponent synthesis of 4-selanylpyrazoles under catalyst- and chemical-oxidant-free conditions
Authors: Wu Yan , Chen Jin-Yang , Ning Jing , Jiang Xue , Deng Jie , Deng Yu , Xu Rui , He Wei-Min
Published: April 2021

An electrochemical multicomponent reaction was established under catalyst-, chemical-oxidant-free and mild conditions, which provides an eco-friendly and simple protocol for constructing 4-selanylpyrazoles from easily available raw materials with high yields.
Biomass-derived γ-valerolactone: efficient dissolution and accelerated alkaline hydrolysis of polyethylene terephthalate
Authors: Chen Wenjun , Yang Yuechao , Lan Xue , Zhang Baolong , Zhang Xiaogang , Mu Tiancheng
Published: April 2021

The dissolution and further alkaline hydrolysis of PET in biomass-derived γ-valerolactone is realized at a relatively mild temperature and high efficiency.
Propionate as the preferred carbon source to produce 3-indoleacetic acid inB. subtilis: comparative flux analysis using five carbon sources
Authors: Castillo Alfonso Freddy , Vigueras-Ramírez Gabriel , Rosales-Colunga Luis Manuel , del Monte-Martínez Alberto , Olivares Hernández Roberto
Published: April 2021

Bacillus subtiliscell factory uses propionate as the best carbon source to produce 3-indole acetic acid.
From nanoaggregates to mesoscale ribbons: the multistep self-organization of amphiphilic peptides
Authors: Messina Grazia M. L. , Mazzuca Claudia , Dettin Monica , Zamuner Annj , Di Napoli Benedetta , Ripani Giorgio , Marletta Giovanni , Palleschi Antonio
Published: April 2021

This paper reports AFM and MD results on long-term self-organization structures of negatively charged (AcA4)2KD and AcA4D (“single tail”) peptides forming micrometer-longribbon-like structures and nanometer-sized, unstructured aggregates, respectively.
Label-free colorimetric detection of glutathione by autocatalytic oxidation of o-phenylenediamine based on Au3+ regulation and its application
Authors: Li Shaoguang , Liu Huilin , Zhang Xiaoying , Cai Jiasong , Huang Kunlong , Chen Bing , Huang Liying , Lin Zhen , Lin Xinhua , Yao Hong
Published: April 2021

A label-free, rapid, and highly sensitive colorimetric assay for the detection of glutathione (GSH) was developed.
Label-free electrochemical aptasensor based on reduced graphene oxide–hemin–chitosan nanocomposite for the determination of glypican-3
Authors: Chen Min , Li Haimei , Su Xueming , Wu Runqiang , Feng Huafu , Shi Xiaohang , Liang Jintao , Chen Jiejing , Li Guiyin
Published: April 2021

A GPC3 electrochemical aptasensor was constructed using an RGO–H–CS-modified SPE as a biosensing platform and GPC3 aptamer as the recognition element.
Preparation of a ZIF-67-modified magnetic solid phase extraction material and its application in the detection of pyridine ring insecticides
Authors: Feng Xiangzhi , Li Yuanyuan , Yang Yuanyuan , Ma Yulong , Ji Wenxin , Sun Yonggang , Chen Tong , Chen Yang
Published: April 2021

An advanced and reliable m-SPE material of a water-stable ZIF was developed for the determination of trace praziquantel and pymetrozine in spinach and broccoli.
Electro-oxidative depolymerisation of technical lignin in water using platinum, nickel oxide hydroxide and graphite electrodes
Authors: Di Fidio Nicola , Timmermans Johan W. , Antonetti Claudia , Raspolli Galletti Anna Maria , Gosselink Richard J. A. , Bisselink Roel J. M. , Slaghek Ted M.
Published: April 2021

In order to improve the lignin exploitation to added-value bioproducts, a mild chemical conversion route based on electrochemistry was investigated.
Fabrication of a narrow size nano curcuminoid emulsion by combining phase inversion temperature and ultrasonication: preparation and bioactivity
Authors: Tran Quang-Hieu , Thuy Thi Thanh-Ho , Nguyen Thi Thanh-Tu
Published: April 2021

A novel method to prepare narrow size nano curcuminoids fromCurcuma longa.
Correction: Preparation of well-defined 2D-lenticular aggregates by self-assembly of PNIPAM-b-PVDF amphiphilic diblock copolymers in solution
Authors: Folgado Enrique , Mayor Matthias , Cot Didier , Ramonda Michel , Godiard Franck , Ladmiral Vincent , Semsarilar Mona
Published: April 2021

Correction for ‘Preparation of well-defined 2D-lenticular aggregates by self-assembly of PNIPAM-b-PVDF amphiphilic diblock copolymers in solution’ by Enrique Folgado et al., Polym. Chem., 2021, 12, 1465–1475, DOI: 10.1039/D0PY01193B.
A novel Cd-MOF with enhanced thermo-sensitivity: the rational design, synthesis and multipurpose applications
Authors: Ju Ping , Li Mengting , Yang Hua , Jiang Long , Xia Lian , Kong Rongmei , Zhang Ensheng , Qu Fengli
Published: April 2021

A novel thermo-sensitive fluorescent Cd-MOF probe (complex 1) and its multipurpose sensing properties have been revealed.
Progress in copper metal halides for optoelectronic applications
Authors: Li Yanyan , Zhou Zhicong , Tewari Neha , Ng Michael , Geng Pai , Chen Dezhang , Ko Pui Kei , Qammar Memoona , Guo Liang , Halpert Jonathan E.
Published: April 2021

We summarize the structures, synthesis and properties of copper-based ternary metal halides, and their applications in optoelectronics, along with a perspective and suggestions for the future directions for this class of copper compounds.
A novel fluorous effect induced fluorescence sensor for Cu(ii) detection in the organic phase with high sensitivity
Authors: Gong Honghong , Cheng Yipin , Zhang Ying , Xiong Jie , Zhang Zhicheng
Published: April 2021

P(VDF–ATrFE) with excellent performance is employed as a fluorescent probe for Cu ion detection in the organic phase directly.
Transition-metal free cyano 1,3 migration of unsaturated cyanohydrins
Authors: Tao Jing , Yang Ting-Ting , Li Qing-Hua , Liu Tang-Lin
Published: April 2021

A novel approach of transition-metal-free cyano 1,3-migration of β,γ- and α,β-unsaturated cyanohydrins is reported.
Copper-catalyzed thioamination of maleimides with diethylphosphorodithioate and amines
Authors: Xu Yaling , Gao Jieyi , Wang Caihong , Ma Yunfei , Zhou Jun , Wu Ge
Published: April 2021

The first copper-catalyzed oxidative aminophosphorothiolation of maleimides with secondary alkylamines and diethylphosphorodithioate has been established.
Facile construction of a hierarchical Bi@BiOBr–Bi2MoO6 ternary heterojunction with abundant oxygen vacancies for excellent photocatalytic nitrogen fixation
Authors: Lan Meng , Zheng Nan , Dong Xiaoli , Ren Xiaolei , Wu Jiaxin , Ma Hongchao , Zhang Xiufang
Published: April 2021

A facile two-step solvothermal strategy was applied to prepare Bi@BiOBr–Bi2MoO6 ternary heterojunction with plentiful oxygen vacancies that can be used to effectively fix nitrogen without any organic scavengers or noble-metal cocatalysts.
Insight into the microscopic morphology and electrochemical performance correlation mechanism upon calcination at different temperatures of a novel spherical cobalt-free 0.6Li2MnO3·0.4Li[Fe1/3Ni1/3Mn1/3]O2 cathode
Authors: Li Zhuangzhi , Guo Bingshu , Qu Ke , Li Pei , Liu Xinhui , Jin Yifu , Chen Junchen , Ma Zhiyuan , Huang Yun , Wang Mingshan , Huang Rong , Yang Zhenzhong , Li Xing
Published: April 2021

The effect of calcination temperature on a novel spherical cobalt-free lithium-rich manganese-based cathode is systematically studied and highlighted.
Assessing the true power of bifacial perovskite solar cells under concurrent bifacial illumination
Authors: Song Zhaoning , Chen Cong , Li Chongwen , Rijal Suman , Chen Lei , Li You , Yan Yanfa
Published: April 2021

Bifacial perovskite solar cells have the potential to achieve a higher output power density than monofacial devices.
The Effect of Visual Sort and Rate Versus Visual Analog Scales on the Reliability of Judgments of Dysphonia
Authors: Kapsner-Smith Mara R. , Opuszynski Amanda , Stepp Cara E. , Eadie Tanya L.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The reliability of auditory-perceptual judgments between listeners is a long-standing problem in the assessment of voice disorders. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a relatively novel experimental scaling method, called visual sort and rate (VSR), yielded stronger reliability than the more frequently used method of visual analog scales (VAS) for ratings of overall severity (OS) and breathiness (BR) in speakers with voicedisorders.

Method

Fifty speech samples were selected from a database of speakers with voice disorders. Twenty-two inexperienced listeners provided ratings of OS or BR in four rating blocks: VSR-OS, VSR-BR, VAS-OS, and VSR-BR. For the VAS task, listeners rated each speaker for BR or OS using a vertically oriented 100-mm VAS. For the VSR task, stimuli were distributed into sets of samples with a range of speaker severities in each set. Listeners sorted and ranked samples for OS or BR within each set, and final ratings were captured on a vertically oriented 100-mm VAS. Interrater variability, defined as the mean of the squared differences between a listener's ratings and group mean ratings, and intrarater reliability (Pearsonr) were compared across rating tasks for OS and BR using pairedttests.

Results

Results showed that listeners had significantly less interrater variability (better reliability) when using VSR methods compared to VAS for judgments of both OS and BR. Intrarater reliability was high across rating tasks and dimensions; however, ratings of BR were significantly more consistent within individual listeners when using VAS than when using VSR.

Conclusions

VSR is an experimental method that decreases variability of auditory-perceptual judgments between inexperienced listeners when rating speakers with a range of dysphonic severities and disorders. Future research should determine whether a clinically viable tool may be developed based on VSR principles and whether such benefits extend to experienced listeners.
Rôle du néphron distal dans le contrôle du volume extracellulaire en condition physiologique et dans le syndrome néphrotique
Authors: Feraille Éric , Olivier Valérie
Published: April 2021

Les reins jouent un rôle majeur dans le maintien de la composition du milieu intérieur. Cette fonction est coordonnée avec l’élimination des déchets du métabolisme, impliquant la production par les reins d’environ 180 litres de filtrat par jour et la réabsorption de la grande majorité de l’eau et des solutés filtrés. L’ajustement final de la composition de l’urine est réalisé dans le segment distal sensible à l’aldostérone (ASDN), qui inclut le tube contourné distal et le système collecteur. La réabsorption de sodium prédomine dans le tube distal si le potassium doit être épargné, ou dans le système collecteur si le potassium doit être sécrété. Le syndrome néphrotique est caractérisé par une protéinurie massive causée par des lésions glomérulaires, associée à une rétention hydrosodée prenant place dans l’ASDN et induisant chez le patient des œdèmes parfois volumineux.
La protéine MDM2 favorise la mort cellulaire en affectant la bioénergétique mitochondriale
Authors: Gaillard Baptiste , Juarez-Krieguer Clara , Golinelli-Cohen Marie-Pierre
Published: April 2021

Pour la sixième année, dans le cadre du module d’enseignement « Physiopathologie de la signalisation » proposé par l’université Paris-sud, les étudiants du Master « Biologie Santé » de l’université Paris-Saclay se sont confrontés à l’écriture scientifique. Ils ont sélectionné une quinzaine d’articles scientifiques récents dans le domaine de la signalisation cellulaire présentant des résultats originaux, via des approches expérimentales variées, sur des thèmes allant des relations hôte-pathogène aux innovations thérapeutiques, en passant par la signalisation hépatique et le métabolisme. Après un travail préparatoire réalisé avec l’équipe pédagogique, les étudiants, organisés en binômes, ont ensuite rédigé, guidés par des chercheurs, une Nouvelle soulignant les résultats majeurs et l’originalité de l’article étudié. Ils ont beaucoup apprécié cette initiation à l’écriture d’articles scientifiques et, comme vous pourrez le lire, se sont investis dans ce travail avec enthousiasme ! Trois de ces Nouvelles sont publiées dans ce numéro, les autres le seront dans des prochains numéros.
Vers une thérapie génique pour la progéria ?
Authors: Jordan Bertrand
Published: April 2021

Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria (acute premature aging) is caused by a de novo point mutation in the lamin A gene. Recently, this mutation has been accurately corrected by base editing in patient cell lines and in a mouse model, resulting in nearly complete reversal to a normal phenotype. This success opens the perspective for clinical applications in Progeria and other diseases.
Antioxidant in cosmeceutical products containing Calophyllum inophyllum oil
Authors: Saechan Charinrat , Kaewsrichan Jasadee , Leelakanok Nattawut , Petchsomrit Arpa
Published: April 2021

Every part of Calophyllum inophyllum L. has been used in various traditional remedies, especially the oil from its nut was mostly used to treat skin diseases. This study aimed to investigate the composition and antioxidant activity of C. inophyllum nut oil and formulate the oil as a cosmeceutical product. The chemical composition and the amount of total phenolic compounds (TPC) were demonstrated by Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS) and Folin–Ciocalteu method, respectively. Additionally, the antioxidant activity was tested using the DPPH method. Calophyllolide (4.35%) was a major component. Additional components were calanolide A, inophyllum D, and inophyllum B. We found that the TPC contained 25.9 ± 1.2 mg GE/g oil and a free radical scavenging activity approximate to that of the synthetic Trolox. Emulgel formulation consisted of tween 80, span 80, and isopropyl alcohol as a surfactant, and carbopol 940 as a gelling agent. The microemulsion was formulated using distilled water, oil, tween 80 with span 80, as a surfactant, and isopropyl alcohol as a cosurfactant. The mean droplet size for optimized microemulsion formulations was 34.37 ± 1.06 nm. Furthermore, the results of thermodynamic stability tests (freeze-thaw cycle) and long-term stability tests indicated that emulsions and microemulsions remained stable. In conclusion, this nut oil could potentially be used as a cosmeceutical product, and the obtained emulgels and microemulsions exhibited good characteristics in terms of being a potential agent for skin antioxidant.
Perspectives for Uranyl Photoredox Catalysis
Authors: Jiang Xuefeng , Hu Deqing
Published: April 2021

The application of uranyl salts as powerful photoredox catalysts in chemical transformations lags behind the advances achieved in thermocatalysis and structural chemistry. In fact, uranyl cations (UO2
2+) have proven to be ideal photoredox catalysts in visible-light-driven chemical reactions. The excited state of uranyl cations (*UO2
2+) that is generated by visible-light irradiation has a long-lived fluorescence lifetime up to microseconds and high oxidizing ability [E
o = +2.6 V vs. standard hydrogen electrode (SHE)]. After ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT), quenching occurs with organic substrates via hydrogen-atom transfer (HAT) or single-electron transfer (SET). Interestingly, the ground state and excited state of uranyl cations (UO2
2+) are chemically inert toward oxygen molecules, preventing undesired transformations from active oxygen species. This review summarizes recent advances in photoredox transformations enabled by uranyl salts.

1 Introduction

2 The Application of Uranyl Photoredox Catalysis in HAT Mode

3 The Application of Uranyl Photoredox Catalysis in SET Mode

4 Conclusion and Outlook
A Short Enantioselective Synthesis of (S)-Levetiracetam through Direct Palladium-Catalyzed Asymmetric N-Allylation of Methyl 4-Aminobutyrate
Authors: Schmalz Hans-Günther , Albat Dominik , Neudörfl Jörg-Martin
Published: April 2021

An exceedingly short and enantioselective synthesis of the antiepileptic drug (S)-levetiracetam was elaborated. As the chirogenic key step, a Pd-catalyzed asymmetric N-allylation of methyl 4-aminobutyrate was achieved in the presence of only 1 mol% of a catalyst prepared in situ from [Pd(allyl)Cl]2 and a tartaric acid-derived C
2-symmetric diphosphine ligand.
Demonstration of Al0.85Ga0.15N Schottky barrier diode with > 3 kV breakdown voltage and the reverse leakage currents formation mechanism analysis
Authors: Wang Jieying , Zhou Hong , Zhang Jincheng , Liu Zhihong , Xu Shengrui , Feng Qian , Ning Jing , Zhang Chunfu , Ma Peijun , Zhang Jinfeng , Hao Yue
Published: April 2021

In this paper, high performance lateral Al0.85Ga0.15N Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) with a field-plate structure and a heavily doped GaN cap layer in the Ohmic region are demonstrated. Employing Al0.85Ga0.15N rather than AlN for the channel layer effectively reconciles the tension between electron mobility and dopant activation caused by AlN material dilemma. The lateral Al0.85Ga0.15N SBD with an anode-cathode spacing (LAC) of 20 μm achieves a specific on-resistance (Ron,sp) of 0.19 Ω·cm2 and a breakdown voltage exceeding 3 kV, rendering Baliga's power figure of merit of more than 47 MW/cm2, which is the highest value among all AlN- or Al-rich-AlGaN (Al ratio > 70%)-based diodes. Reverse leakage current mechanisms of Al0.85Ga0.15N SBDs are dominated by a variable range of hopping and trap-assisted space charge-limited conduction before destructive breakdown occurs in the field-plate oxide, which are verified by analyzing the reverse leakage characteristics. Combined with the stable performance with temperature up to 275 °C, the Al0.85Ga0.15N SBD shows great promise for next--generation high power electronics applications after further resolving the Ohmic and electron mobility issues.
A dual high-energy radiography platform with 15 μm resolution at the National Ignition Facility
Authors: Khan S. F. , Martinez D. A. , Kalantar D. H. , Kirkwood R. K. , Santos C. , Ose N. A. , Johnson S. , Alessi D. A. , Prantil M. A. , Woods D. T. , Glendinning S. G. , Tommasini R. , Mackinnon A. J. , Prisbrey S. T. , Dittrich T. R. , Bowers M. W. , Cabral J. , Crane J. , Di Nicola J. -M. , Hamamoto M. , Herriot S. , Lanier T. , Lowe-Webb R. , Pelz L. J. , Widmayer C. C. , Williams W. , Yang S.
Published: April 2021

To study matter at extreme densities and pressures, we need mega laser facilities such as the National Ignition Facility as well as creative methods to make observations during timescales of a billionth of a second. To facilitate this, we developed a platform and diagnostic to characterize a new point-projection radiography configuration using two micro-wires irradiated by a short pulse laser system that provides a large field of view with up to 3.6 ns separation between images. We used tungsten-carbide solid spheres as reference objects and inferred characteristics of the back-lighter source using a forward-fitting algorithm. The resolution of the system is inferred to be 15 μm (using 12.5 μm diameter wires). The bremsstrahlung temperature of the source is 70–300 keV, depending on laser energy and coupling efficiency. By adding the images recorded on multiple stacked image plates, the signal-to-noise of the system is nearly doubled. The imaging characterization technique described here can be adapted to most point-projection platforms where the resolution, spectral contrast, and signal-to-noise are important.
Weak dust acoustic shock wave in strongly coupled two-dimensional complex plasma
Authors: Li Zhong-Zheng , Duan Wen-Shan
Published: April 2021

By using the equation of the state of P=αd+βdTd, we studied a shock wave propagation in a strongly coupled complex plasma. A Korteweg-de Vries–Burgers equation is obtained to describe a shock wave in strongly coupled complex plasma. Dependence of the shock wave speed on the piston velocity and the plasma parameters such as the screening parameter of the strongly coupled complex plasma are given analytically for a weak shock wave. It is in good agreement with previous results. It shows in the present paper that there are density oscillations in the postshock region which is similar to that found in the previous works. Dependence of the length between two first peaks of the density oscillation on the piston velocity and the plasma parameter are also given analytically which is also in agreement qualitatively with previous results.
When the doorbell rings in COVID-19 times: Numerical insights into some possible scenarios
Authors: Sen Nirvik , Singh K. K.
Published: April 2021

As ongoing Corona virus disease 2019 pandemic is ravaging the world, more and more people are following social distancing norms, avoiding unnecessary outings and preferring online shopping from the safety of their home over visiting brick and mortar stores and neighborhood shops. Although this has led to a significant reduction in chances of exposure, human-to-human interaction at the doorstep of the customer might be involved during the delivery of the ordered items. This human-to-human doorstep interaction arises in some other situations also. There is a finite probability that the person standing in front of the door coughs or sneezes during such an interaction. In this work, a three dimensional (3D) Euler–Lagrangian computational fluid dynamic model is used to understand the transmission and evaporation of micrometer-size droplets generated due to a coughing event in this setting. Different possible scenarios varying in wind direction, wind velocity, ventilation in the vicinity of door, and extent of door opening have been postulated and simulated. The results obtained from numerical simulations show that in the presence of wind, the dynamics of transmission of droplets is much faster than the dynamics of their evaporation. Thus wind velocity and direction have a significant impact on the fate of the droplets. The simulation results show that even if the door is opened by a very small degree, cough droplets enter through the door. Having open windows in the vicinity of the door on a windy day is expected to reduce the chance of the exposure significantly.
A fast and robust trajectory surface hopping method: Application to the intermolecular photodissociation of a carbon dioxide dimer cation (CO2)2+
Authors: Kanno Manabu , Maeda Toshiaki , Nakashima Yuji , Misaizu Fuminori , Kono Hirohiko
Published: April 2021

Our recently developed trajectory surface hopping method uses numerical time derivatives of adiabatic potential gradients to estimate the nonadiabatic transition probability and the hopping direction. To demonstrate the practicality of the novel method, we applied it to the intermolecular photodissociation of a carbon dioxide dimer cation (CO2)2+. Our simulations reproduced the measured velocity distribution of CO2+ fragments consisting of two (fast and slow) components and revealed that nonadiabatic transitions occur promptly toward the electronic ground state regardless of the fragment velocity. The structure of (CO2)2+ at optical excitation governs the fate of subsequent nonadiabatic dynamics leading to a fast or slow dissociation. Our method gave similar results to the fewest switches algorithm at lower computational expense. Our fast and robust surface hopping method is promising for the investigation of nonadiabatic dynamics in large and complex systems.
Water interaction with dielectric surface: A combined ab initio modeling and experimental study
Authors: Yurkiv Vitaliy , Wu Jingwei , Halder Subhayan , Granda Rafael , Sankaran Abhilash , Yarin Alexander L. , Mashayek Farzad
Published: April 2021

A combined ab initio modeling and experimental study of water adsorption on a dry hydrophobic dielectric surface is presented. This is an important phenomenon for controlled droplet deposition in various technological applications. The ab initio density functional theory calculations are performed to reveal the dominant water adsorption sites, energetics, and the electron density profile on Teflon and parafilm surfaces. Several surface states such as stretched, nondefective, and defective are considered for water adsorption studies. It is revealed that stretching of nondefective surface leads to weaker water adsorption compared to an unstretched surface. Accordingly, such stretching makes the surface more hydrophobic as revealed by the electron density profile. The introduction of random defects into Teflon and parafilm surfaces results in an increase in water adsorption energy leading, in some cases, to practically hydrophilic interactions. These findings are in good agreement with the present measurements of static contact angle on prestretched Teflon and parafilm samples, where stretching not only elongates interatomic bonds but also changes the surface roughness. Thus, the present combined modeling and experimental study allows for a mechanistic interpretation of the reasons behind the change of wettability of dry hydrophobic surfaces.
Optical gain based on NaYF4: Er3+, Yb3+ nanoparticles-doped polymer waveguide under convenient LED pumping
Authors: Zhou Zhaoqin , Xue Jiabi , Zhang Baoping , Wang Ce , Yang Xingchen , Fan Wang , Ying Leiying , Zheng Zhiwei , Xie Yongjun , Wu Yuanfei , Yang Xiaodong , Zhang Dan
Published: April 2021

The relative optical gains at three near infrared wavelengths (1550 nm, 1064 nm, and 980 nm) were achieved in NaYF4: Er3+, Yb3+ nanoparticle-doped SU-8 waveguides when using two low-cost light-emitting diodes (LEDs) instead of traditional 980 nm semiconductor laser as pump source. The polymer waveguides were fabricated by one-step photolithography process. The fluorescence bands around 1550 nm and 1000 nm wavelengths due to the 4I13/2 → 4I15/2 transition of Er3+ ions and 2F5/2 → 2F7/2 transition of Yb3+ ions were observed under the excitation of 405 nm and 520 nm LEDs. By using the vertical top pumping mode of LEDs, the relative gains of 4.2 dB, 1.7 dB, and 2.1 dB at 1550 nm, 1064 nm, and 980 nm wavelengths were achieved, respectively, on a 10-mm-long waveguide.
Radiation-resistant beta-photovoltaic battery using Ce-doped Gd3Ga3Al2O12 single-crystal scintillator
Authors: Tyagi M. , Singh A. , Banerjee D. , Sugilal G. , Kaushik C. P.
Published: April 2021

A radiation-resistant nuclear battery combining betavoltaic and photovoltaic techniques was demonstrated using Ce-doped Gd3Ga3Al2O12 single-crystal scintillator. The present device comprising 1 mm thick Ce-doped GGAG single-crystal scintillator and Si-based p–i–n diode produced an electric power output of 48 nW with a short-circuit current of 490 nA and an open-circuit voltage of 0.18 V using a 3 mCi 106Ru source. Long-term radiation stability test carried out for more than 4000 h revealed that there was no significant reduction in the output of beta-photovoltaic device (with scintillator), whereas there was 68% reduction in the output power for the betavoltaic device (without scintillator). The electron beam irradiation of 1 mm thick Ce-doped GGAG scintillator up to a dose level of 5 MGy using 10 MeV electron beam indicated a power degradation by 4% suggesting a reasonably long battery life (∼15 years) with 90Sr-90Y source.
On the redox property of Ag16Au13 clusters: One-way conversion from anionic [Au13Ag16L24]3− to charge neutral [Au13Ag16L24]
Authors: Chen Qing , Qin Zhaoxian , Liu Shuang , Zhu Mingchang , Li Gao
Published: April 2021

The redox property of metal nanoclusters plays a pivotal role and is of particular interest in catalysis and other applications, such as aerobic oxidation, hydrogenation, and singlet oxygen generation, over intact nanoclusters. In this study, we report a one-way conversion process of the anionic [Ag16Au13L24]3− nanocluster into a charge neutral nanocluster of [Ag16Au13L24]0 via oxidation in a solution phase using H2O2 as the oxidant. Three-electron loss of [Ag16Au13L24]3− occurred during the oxidation process, which was confirmed by electron paramagnetic resonance and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry methods. The one-way conversion from [Ag16Au13L24]3− to [Ag16Au13L24]0 nanoclusters is in situ monitored by UV–visible spectroscopy. A nanocluster charge effect is manifested in the UV–visible spectra of nanoclusters; an ∼10 nm redshift is observed compared with the optical absorption spectrum of [Ag16Au13L24]3−.
Conformational statistics of non-equilibrium polymer loops in Rouse model with active loop extrusion
Authors: Starkov Dmitry , Parfenyev Vladimir , Belan Sergey
Published: April 2021

Motivated by the recent experimental observations of the DNA loop extrusion by protein motors, in this paper, we investigate the statistical properties of the growing polymer loops within the ideal chain model. The loop conformation is characterized statistically by the mean gyration radius and the pairwise contact probabilities. It turns out that a single dimensionless parameter, which is given by the ratio of the loop relaxation time over the time elapsed since the start of extrusion, controls the crossover between near-equilibrium and highly non-equilibrium asymptotics in the statistics of the extruded loop, regardless of the specific time dependence of the extrusion velocity. In addition, we show that two-sided and one-sided loop extruding motors produce the loops with almost identical properties. Our predictions are based on two rigorous semi-analytical methods accompanied by asymptotic analysis of slow and fast extrusion limits.
Semi-supervised delineation of riparian Macrogroups in plot deficient regions within eastern Australia using generalised dissimilarity modelling
Authors: Hunter John T. , Growns Ivor
Published: April 2021

In areas of poor plot data, limited funding and expertise, alternate approaches are needed to create elements of a hierarchical classification schema to assist in landscape planning. This is especially important for vulnerable systems under pressure from human activities. Within this paper we introduce an approach to help create a consistent classification section for riparian vegetation at a subcontinental scale, within the context of low plot data availability. We collated occurrence data for selected dominant plants known to occur within riparian environments from electronic databases and our own unpublished survey data. We used generalised dissimilarity modelling (GDM), which models species turnover between pairs of 0.01° grid cells as a function of environmental differences between those cells. Eight climatic and landscape variables were derived for each grid cell. Average temperature and average rainfall had the greatest contribution to species turnover followed by elevation. A model incorporating eight climatic, physiognomic and spatial variables accounted for 48% of the turnover of species. Six ecoregions were defined and used to circumscribe the equivalent number of interim Macrogroups based on the GLM outputs and diagnostic species.