bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insights of OPs and PYR cytotoxic potential Invitro and genotoxic impact on PON1 genetic variant among exposed workers in Pakistan
Authors: Imran Iffat , Ansari Asma , Saleem Saima , Azhar Abid , Zehra Sitwat
Published: June 2022

Different pesticide chemicals are used to enhance crop yield by protecting from pests. Organophosphate (OPs) and Pyrethroid (PYR) are used in fields of Sanghar, Sindh Pakistan. PON1 an antioxidant enzyme implicated in OPs detoxification may predispose by OPs chronic exposure. This study was conducted to evaluate the toxic potential of active pesticide chemicals at cellular and genetic levels. To examine toxic potential, locally consumed pesticide n = 2 and reference pesticide compounds organophosphate (OPs): Chloropyrifos, Malathion and Pyrethroid (PYR): Cyprmethrin, Cyhalothrin n = 4 were tested against NIH 3T3 cells using MTS assay. Local consumer pesticides demonstrated relevance for half-maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) 0.00035 mg/mL with selected compound. Malathion IC50 exhibited the highest cytotoxicity among four compounds at 0.0005 mg/mL. On genotoxicity analysis in exposed subjects n = 100 genotypes and alleles n = 200 exhibited significant differences in genotypic and allelic frequencies of pesticide exposed subjects and controls n = 150 (X2 = 22.9, p = 0.001). Screening of genotypes were performed by PCR- RFLP. Statistical assessment carried out using online software and tools. Results suggested that higher heterozygous genotype A/G (74%) may confer low PON1 metabolic activity towards pesticides in exposed subjects. Findings could be helpful to establish health plans by avoiding toxic chemicals that harming exposed population.
Contextual spatial modelling in the horizontal and vertical domains
Authors: Rentschler Tobias , Bartelheim Martin , Behrens Thorsten , Díaz-Zorita Bonilla Marta , Teuber Sandra , Scholten Thomas , Schmidt Karsten
Published: June 2022

Multi-scale contextual modelling is an important toolset for environmental mapping. It accounts for spatial dependence by using covariates on multiple spatial scales and incorporates spatial context and structural dependence to environmental properties into machine learning models. For spatial soil modelling, three relevant scales or ranges of scale exist: quasi-local soil formation processes that are independent of the spatial context, short-range catenary processes, and long-range processes related to climate and large-scale terrain settings. Recent studies investigated the spatial dependence of topsoil properties only. We hypothesize that soil properties within a soil profile were formed due to specific interactions between different features and scales of the spatial context, and that there are depth gradients in spatial and structural dependencies. The results showed that for topsoil, features at small to intermediate scales do not increase model accuracy, whereas large scales increase model accuracy. In contrast, subsoil models benefit from all scales—small, intermediate, and large. Based on the differences in relevance, we conclude that the relevant ranges of scales do not only differ in the horizontal domain, but also in the vertical domain across the soil profile. This clearly demonstrates the impact of contextual spatial modelling on 3D soil mapping.
Reduction of greenhouse gases emission through the use of tiletamine and zolazepam
Authors: Lachowska Sonia , Antończyk Agnieszka , Tunikowska Joanna , Godniak Martyna , Kiełbowicz Zdzisław
Published: June 2022

Isoflurane is an anaesthetic gas widely used in both human and veterinary medicine. All currently used volatile anaesthetics are ozone-depleting halogenated compounds. The use of total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) allows to induce the effect of general anaesthesia by administering drugs only intravenously without the use of anaesthetic gases. This allows you to create a protocol that is safe not only for the patient, but also for doctors and the environment. However, so far, no anaesthetic protocol based on induction of anaesthesia with tiletamine-zolazepam without the need to maintain anaesthesia with anaesthetic gas has been developed. Our study showed that the use of this combination of drugs for induction does not require the use of additional isoflurane to maintain anaesthesia. Thanks to Dixon's up-and-down method we proved that with the induction of anaesthesia with tiletamine-zolazepam at a dose of 5 mg/kg the use of isoflurane is not needed to maintain anaesthesia in minimally invasive surgical procedures. Until now, this dose has been recommended by the producer for more diagnostic than surgical procedures or for induction of general anaesthesia. The maintenance was required with anaesthetic gas or administration of another dose of the tiletamine-zolazepam. The results obtained in this study will allow for a significant reduction in the consumption of isoflurane, a gas co-responsible for the deepening of the greenhouse effect, having a negative impact on patients and surgeons. These results are certainly the first step to achieving a well-balanced and safe TIVA-based anaesthetic protocol using tiletamine-zolazepam, the obvious goal of which will be to maximize both the safety of the patient, people involved in surgical procedures, and the environment itself. Being aware of the problem of the greenhouse effect, we are committed to reducing the consumption of anaesthetic gases by replacing them with infusion agents.
Activation of the GTPase ARF6 regulates invasion of human vascular smooth muscle cells by stimulating MMP14 activity
Authors: Fiola-Masson Emilie , Artigalas Julie , Campbell Shirley , Claing Audrey
Published: June 2022

Hormones and growth factors stimulate vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) invasive capacities during the progression of atherosclerosis. The GTPase ARF6 is an important regulator of migration and proliferation of various cell types, but whether this small G protein can be activated by a variety of stimuli to promote invasion of VSMC remains unknown. Here, we aimed to define whether Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), a mitogenic stimulant of vascular tissues, and Angiotensin II (Ang II), a potent vasoactive peptide, can result in the activation of ARF6 in a human model of aortic SMC (HASMC). We demonstrate that these two stimuli can promote loading of GTP on this ARF isoform. Knockdown of ARF6 reduced the ability of both PDGF and Ang II to promote invasion suggesting that this GTPase regulates key molecular mechanisms mediating degradation of the extracellular matrix and migration. We report that PDGF-BB-mediated stimulation of ARF6 results in the activation of the MAPK/ERK1/2, PI3K/AKT and PAK pathways essential for invasion of HASMC. However, Ang II-mediated stimulation of ARF6 only promotes signaling through the MAPK/ERK1/2 and PAK pathways. These ARF6-mediated events lead to activation of MMP14, a membrane-bound collagenase upregulated in atherosclerosis. Moreover, ARF6 depletion decreases the release of MMP2 in the extracellular milieu. Altogether, our findings demonstrate that the GTPase ARF6 acts as a molecular switch to regulate specific signaling pathways that coordinate invasiveness of HASMC.
Coherent photonic Terahertz transmitters compatible with direct comb modulation
Authors: Gonzalez-Guerrero Luis , Carpintero Guillermo
Published: June 2022

We present a novel approach to coherent photonic THz systems supporting complex modulation. The proposed scheme uses a single optical path avoiding the problems of current implementations, which include: phase decorrelation, 3-dB power loss, and polarization and power matching circuits. More importantly, we show that our novel approach is compatible with direct modulation of the output of an optical frequency comb (i.e., not requiring the demultiplexing of two tones from the comb), further simplifying the system and enabling an increase in the transmitted RF power for a fixed average optical power injected into the photodiode.
Viral infection changes the expression of personality traits in an insect species reared for consumption
Authors: Low Matthew , Eksell Isak , Jansson Anna , Berggren Åsa
Published: June 2022

Disease-induced personality change results from endogenous and adaptive host responses or parasitic manipulation. Within animal husbandry systems understanding the connection between behaviour and disease is important for health monitoring and for designing systems considerate to animal welfare. However, understanding these relationships within insect mass-rearing systems is still in its infancy. We used a simple repeated behavioural-emergence test to examine parasite-induced differences in group personality traits in the house cricketAcheta domesticus, by comparing the behaviours of 37 individuals infected with theAcheta domesticus densovirus(AdDV) and 50 virus-free individuals.AdDV-infected animals had a much lower emergence probability, longer times until emergence, and did not change their behaviour with experience compared to the virus-free animals. AdDV-infected animals also had lower variation in their probability of emergence within the population, most likely related to animals displaying a relatively uniform sickness response. These infected animals also had higher variation in their response to experimental trial experience; this greater variation resulted from a difference between males and females. Infected females responded to experience in a similar way as virus-free animals, while AdDV-infected males showed a response to experience in the opposite direction: i.e., while all other groups reduced emergence time with experience, infected males always increased their mean emergence time as trials progressed. Our results are important not only in the context of animal personality research, but also with regards to creating husbandry systems and disease monitoring within the insects-as-food industry that are considerate to both production traits and animal welfare.
Species- and site-specific circulating bacterial DNA in Subantarctic sentinel mussels Aulacomya atra and Mytilus platensis
Authors: Ferchiou Sophia , Caza France , Villemur Richard , Betoulle Stéphane , St-Pierre Yves
Published: June 2022

Impacts of climate changes are particularly severe in polar regions where warmer temperatures and reductions in sea-ice covers threaten the ecological integrity of marine coastal ecosystems. Because of their wide distribution and their ecological importance, mussels are currently used as sentinel organisms in monitoring programs of coastal ecosystems around the world. In the present study, we exploited the concept of liquid biopsy combined to a logistically friendly sampling method to study the hemolymphatic bacterial microbiome in two mussel species (Aulacomya atra and Mytilus platensis) in Kerguelen Islands, a remote Subantarctic volcanic archipelago. We found that the circulating microbiome signatures of both species differ significantly even though their share the same mussel beds. We also found that the microbiome differs significantly between sampling sites, often correlating with the particularity of the ecosystem. Predictive models also revealed that both species have distinct functional microbiota, and that the circulating microbiome of Aulacomya atra was more sensitive to changes induced by acute thermal stress when compared to Mytilus platensis. Taken together, our study suggests that defining circulating microbiome is a useful tool to assess the health status of marine ecosystems and to better understand the interactions between the sentinel species and their habitat.
The Galapagos giant tortoise Chelonoidis phantasticus is not extinct
Authors: Jensen Evelyn L. , Gaughran Stephen J. , Fusco Nicole A. , Poulakakis Nikos , Tapia Washington , Sevilla Christian , Málaga Jeffreys , Mariani Carol , Gibbs James P. , Caccone Adalgisa
Published: June 2022

The status of the Fernandina Island Galapagos giant tortoise (Chelonoidis phantasticus) has been a mystery, with the species known from a single specimen collected in 1906. The discovery in 2019 of a female tortoise living on the island provided the opportunity to determine if the species lives on. By sequencing the genomes of both individuals and comparing them to all living species of Galapagos giant tortoises, here we show that the two known Fernandina tortoises are from the same lineage and distinct from all others. The whole genome phylogeny groups the Fernandina individuals within a monophyletic group containing all species with a saddleback carapace morphology and one semi-saddleback species. This grouping of the saddleback species is contrary to mitochondrial DNA phylogenies, which place the saddleback species across several clades. These results imply the continued existence of lineage long considered extinct, with a current known population size of a single individual.
Genetic, parental and lifestyle factors influence telomere length
Authors: Andreu-Sánchez Sergio , Aubert Geraldine , Ripoll-Cladellas Aida , Henkelman Sandra , Zhernakova Daria V. , Sinha Trishla , Kurilshikov Alexander , Cenit Maria Carmen , Jan Bonder Marc , Franke Lude , Wijmenga Cisca , Fu Jingyuan , van der Wijst Monique G. P. , Melé Marta , Lansdorp Peter , Zhernakova Alexandra
Published: June 2022

The average length of telomere repeats (TL) declines with age and is considered to be a marker of biological ageing. Here, we measured TL in six blood cell types from 1046 individuals using the clinically validated Flow-FISH method. We identified remarkable cell-type-specific variations in TL. Host genetics, environmental, parental and intrinsic factors such as sex, parental age, and smoking are associated to variations in TL. By analysing the genome-wide methylation patterns, we identified that the association of maternal, but not paternal, age to TL is mediated by epigenetics. Single-cell RNA-sequencing data for 62 participants revealed differential gene expression in T-cells. Genes negatively associated with TL were enriched for pathways related to translation and nonsense-mediated decay. Altogether, this study addresses cell-type-specific differences in telomere biology and its relation to cell-type-specific gene expression and highlights how perinatal factors play a role in determining TL, on top of genetics and lifestyle.
Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived treatment of severe pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Hansmann Georg , Chouvarine Philippe , Diekmann Franziska , Giera Martin , Ralser Markus , Mülleder Michael , von Kaisenberg Constantin , Bertram Harald , Legchenko Ekaterina , Hass Ralf
Published: June 2022

Here we report application of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (HUCMSC)-derived therapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). A 3-year-old female presented with heritable PAH associated with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia and was treated for 6 months with serial intravascular infusions of conditioned media (CM) from allogenic HUCMSCs. The treatment markedly improved clinical and hemodynamic parameters and decreased blood plasma markers of vascular fibrosis, injury and inflammation. A comparative analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing data collected from three HUCMSCs and two human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) controls identified eight common cell clusters, all of which indicated regenerative potential specific for HUCMSCs. The properties of HUCMSCs were validated by untargeted label-free quantitation of the cell and CM proteome, suggesting increased activity of regeneration, autophagy and anti-inflammation pathways and mitochondrial function. Prostaglandin analysis demonstrated increased HUCMSC secretion of prostaglandin E2, known for its regenerative capacity. Additional prospective clinical studies are warranted to confirm and further explore the benefits of HUCMSC-derived therapy for PAH.
Cascade nanozymes based on the “butterfly effect” for enhanced starvation therapy through the regulation of autophagy
Authors: Yao Hanchun , Gong Xiaobao , Geng Meilin , Duan Songchao , Qiao Pan , Sun Fangfang , Zhu Zhihui , Du Bin
Published: June 2022

The mechanism of Cur@MOF-GOx/HA nanozymes for enhanced starvation therapy via the autophagy regulation strategy.
Monitoring GAPDH activity and inhibition with cysteine-reactive chemical probes
Authors: Canarelli Sarah E. , Swalm Brooke M. , Larson Eric T. , Morrison Michael J. , Weerapana Eranthie
Published: June 2022

Cysteine-reactive chemical probes can covalently modify the active-site cysteine of GAPDH.
Living supramolecular polymerization of an amphiphilic aza-BODIPY dye realized by water-assisted kinetic trapping
Authors: Liu Yan , Pan Hongfei , Yuan Siyuan , Ding Jiahui , Jiang Yuanyuan , Ren Xiang-Kui , Chen Zhijian
Published: June 2022

A kinetic-controlled aggregation pathway of amphiphilic aza-BODIPY 1 was established by using H2O as a co-solvent in MeOH and living supramolecular polymerization was realized for this dye.
Photoelectrochemical bioanalysis of microRNA on yolk-in-shell Au@CdS based on the catalytic hairpin assembly-mediated CRISPR-Cas12a system
Authors: Zeng Ruijin , Xu Jianhui , Lu Liling , Lin Qianyun , Huang Xue , Huang Lingting , Li Meijin , Tang Dianping
Published: June 2022

An innovative photoelectrochemical biosensor was designed for the quantitative monitoring of microRNA with horseradish peroxidase-single stranded DNA-encoded magnetic beads cleaved by the catalytic hairpin assembly-mediated CRISPR-Cas12a system by using yolk-in-shell Au@CdS as a photoactive material.
Insight into the enhanced photocatalytic activity mechanism of the Ag3VO4/CoWO4p–n heterostructure under visible light
Authors: Xiong Jie , Zeng Hong-Yan , Peng Jin-Feng , Xu Sheng , Yang Zhuo-Lin
Published: June 2022

A novel Ag3VO4/CoWO4p–n heterostructure was designed and prepared by anin situgrowth method. The physicochemical properties were characterized by multiple techniques, and the photocatalytic performances in Cr(vi) reduction and TC degradation were also evaluated under visible-light irradiation.
Extensive tailoring of REPO4 and REVO4 crystallites via solution processing and luminescence
Authors: Li Meiting , Li Ji-Guang
Published: June 2022

This article highlighted the recent achievements in crystal engineering of REPO4 and REVO4via solution processing, with an emphasis on solution chemistry, the role of chelate ion, crystallization mechanism and luminescence properties.
Role of ergodicity, aging, and Gaussianity in resolving the origins of biomolecule subdiffusion
Authors: Li Jun
Published: June 2022

The internal motions of biomolecules are essential to their function.
Intrinsic fluorescence from firefly oxyluciferin monoanions isolated in vacuo
Authors: Kjær Christina , Langeland Jeppe , Nielsen Steen Brøndsted
Published: June 2022

The true emission colors of oxyluciferin anions: gas-phase fluorescence spectroscopy of oxyluciferin anions in vacuo provides the emission spectra of the phenolate-enol and phenolate-ketone tautomers without perturbations from a microenvironment.
Guerbet-type β-alkylation of secondary alcohols catalyzed by chromium chloride and its corresponding NNN pincer complex
Authors: Narjinari Himani , Tanwar Niharika , Kathuria Lakshay , Jasra Raksh Vir , Kumar Akshai
Published: June 2022

β-Alkylation of alcohols has been efficiently accomplished using readily available 3d metal Cr under microwave conditions in air. Well-defined molecular Cr is involved with a KIE of 7.33 and insertion of α-alkylated ketone into Cr–H bond as the RDS.
Carbazole appendedtrans-dicationic pyridinium porphyrin finds supremacy in DNA binding/photocleavage over a non-carbazolyl analogue
Authors: Das Athulya , Mohammed Thasnim P. , Kumar Rajesh , Bhunia Sarmistha , Sankaralingam Muniyandi
Published: June 2022

DNA binding/cleavage activity of a carbazole appendedtrans-dicationic porphyrin and its Cu(ii) and Zn(ii) complexes were studied. The type of DNA binding is found to be intercalation and singlet oxygen is responsible factor for DNA cleavage.
Carbon-efficient conversion of natural gas and natural-gas condensates to chemical products and intermediate feedstocks via catalytic metal–organic framework (MOF) chemistry
Authors: Liu Jian , Yang Ying , Goetjen Timothy A. , Hupp Joseph T.
Published: June 2022

We examined MOF applications for understanding and potentially enabling carbon-economical, catalytic transformation of C1, C2, C3, and C4 components of natural gas to desirable commodity chemicals, intermediates, or model compounds.
Photoluminescence assessment of materials for solar cell absorbers
Authors: Siebentritt Susanne , Rau Uwe , Gharabeiki Sevan , Weiss Thomas P. , Prot Aubin , Wang Taowen , Adeleye Damilola , Drahem Marwan , Singh Ajay
Published: June 2022

Photoluminescence is used to predict the open circuit voltage. However, band gap fluctuations and tail states broaden the PL emission and can lead to underestimation of the quasi Fermi level splitting. We discuss potential errors and how to avoid them.
Designing food for the elderly: the critical impact of food structure
Authors: Calligaris Sonia , Moretton Martina , Melchior Sofia , Mosca Ana Carolina , Pellegrini Nicoletta , Anese Monica
Published: June 2022

In this review, after examining the physiological changes associated to food consumption in old age, the possible role of food structure in delivering target functionalities has been critically discussed.
Eco-friendly and sustainable approach of assembling sugars into biobased carbon fibers
Authors: Yang Yu , Chen Daming , Cheng Yuan , Sun Boqian , Zhao Guangdong , Fei Weidong , Han Wenbo , Han Jiecai , Zhang Xinghong
Published: June 2022

Sugars are used as precursors to manufacture carbon fibers, obviating the need for hazardous solvents. Through the synergy of sugars and the hydrogel network, the carbon yield was significantly improved and the structure was well retained.
Synthesis of β-fluorocarboxylic esters via organophotoredox-catalyzed fluoroalkoxycarbonylation of alkenes in EtOH
Authors: Wang Xinhua , Chen Yi , Liang Ping , Chen Jian-Qiang , Wu Jie
Published: June 2022

An efficient and environmentally friendly organophotoredox-catalyzed method for the synthesis of β-fluorocarboxylic esters is developed.
Electrochemical enaminone C–H thiolation/C–N amination cascade for thiazole synthesis and its diastereoselective dearomatization
Authors: Guo Haijin , Liu Yunyun , Wen Chengping , Wan Jie-Ping
Published: June 2022

The electrochemical annulation of enaminones/analogous enamines and thioureas providing 2-aminothiazoles has been realized. Modulating the electrolyte enables the diastereoselective synthesis of 4,5-dialkoxyl thiazolines by dearomatization.
Laser ablation of ‘diamonds-in-water’ for trace element and isotopic composition analysis
Authors: Weiss Yaakov , Jockusch Steffen , Koornneef Janne M. , Elazar Oded , Davies Gareth R.
Published: June 2022

A new laser ablation technique combined with mass spectrometry measurements was applied for trace elements and radiogenic isotopic analyses of high-density fluid (HDF) microinclusion-bearing diamonds.
A reconfigurable microfluidic building block platform for high-throughput nonhormonal contraceptive screening
Authors: Lee Jyong-Huei , van der Linden Carl , Diaz Francisco J. , Wong Pak Kin
Published: June 2022

A reconfigurable microfluidic building block platform for high throughput drug screening.
Preparation of miscible CdS and homojunction C3N4 hybrids for efficient photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline
Authors: Liu Ying , Zeng Xianpeng , Han Jun , Tian Zongju , Yu Feifan , Wang Wei
Published: June 2022

Preparation of high-performance photocatalysts for the degradation of organic pollutants by a simple method.
Hydrogen bonding-mediated assembly of carbon dot@Zr-based metal organic framework as a multifunctional fluorescence sensor for chlortetracycline, pH and temperature detection
Authors: Zhang Xinlei , Liu Peng , Li Bohan , Li Xianliang , Xu Yan
Published: June 2022

Carbon dots@UiO-66(COOH)2 with multifunctional fluorescence responsibilities for chlortetracycline, pH, and temperature detection is prepared via a hydrogen bond-driven solvent-free strategy.
Electrochemical atomic force microscopy of two-dimensional trinuclear ruthenium clusters molecular assembly and dynamics under redox state control
Authors: Yoshimoto Soichiro , Kato Jinnosuke , Sakamoto Hiroki , Minamoto Hironori , Daicho Keita , Takamura Kazuki , Shimomoto Naoki , Abe Masaaki
Published: June 2022

Mixed-valence ruthenium trinuclear clusters containing dichloroacetates were synthesized, and the self-assembly of a single molecular adlayer composed of these clusters on a graphite surface was investigated by atomic force microscopy.
Hydroxyalkyl-substituted double-decker silsesquioxanes: effective separation ofcisandtransisomers
Authors: Władyczyn Anna , Gągor Anna , Ślepokura Katarzyna , John Łukasz
Published: June 2022

A procedure to sequentially crystallize the two isomers of hydroxyalkyl-substituted double-decker silsesquioxanes from one another, which may result in the preparation of new materials and polymers with well-defined properties, is reported.
Facile synthesis of diverse hetero polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) via the styryl Diels–Alder reaction of conjugated diynes
Authors: Wei Jingwen , Liu Mengjia , Ye Xiaohan , Zhang Shuyao , Sun Elaine , Shan Chuan , Wojtas Lukasz , Shi Xiaodong
Published: June 2022

The intramolecular styryl Diels–Alder reaction with conjugated diynes under thermally stable triazole-gold (TA–Au) catalytic conditions and the sequential transformation through alkyne activation to access various PAHs with high efficiency was reported for the first time.
Recent progress in treatment of dyes wastewater using microbial-electro-Fenton technology
Authors: Rafaqat Shumaila , Ali Naeem , Torres Cesar , Rittmann Bruce
Published: June 2022

Schematic diagram depicting catalysis of dyes and organic compounds in MXC based MEFS.
Antioxidant properties of butylated phenol with oxadiazole and hydrazone moiety atorthoposition supported by DFT study
Authors: Shakira Raied M. , Abd Wahab Muhammad Kumayl , Nordin Nurdiana , Ariffin Azhar
Published: June 2022

Two series of 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives at the sixth position of the 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol group were synthesized.
Fabrication of flexible temperature sensors to explore indeterministic data analysis for robots as an application of Internet of Things
Authors: Afzal Usama , Afzal Fatima , Maryam Kanza , Aslam Muhammad
Published: June 2022

The use of flexible electronic devices in different applications of Internet of Things, especially in robot technology, has gained importance to measure different physical factors such as temperature.
Convenient and accurate insight into solution-phase equilibria from FlowNMR titrations
Authors: Berry Daniel B. G. , Clegg Ian , Codina Anna , Lyall Catherine L. , Lowe John P. , Hintermair Ulrich
Published: June 2022

Solution phase titrations are made easy by multi-nuclear FlowNMR spectroscopy with automated, continuous titre addition to give accurate insights into Brønsted acid/base, hydrogen bonding, Lewis acid/base and metal/ligand binding equilibria under native conditions.
Combining Cu-SSZ-13 with TiO2: promotion of urea decomposition and influence on SCR
Authors: Ma Yue , Shao Zhimin , Wu Xiaodong , Gao Yang , Jin Baofang , Ran Rui , Si Zhichun , Li Zhenguo , Weng Duan
Published: June 2022

TiO2/Cu-SSZ-13 composited SCR catalysts were prepared to improve urea decomposition activity and prevent urea-derived deposition in low-temperature urea-SCR.
Reply to the ‘Comment on “Surface elastic constants of a soft solid”’ by E. Gutman, Soft Matter, 2022, 18, DOI: 10.1039/D1SM01412A
Authors: Bain Nicolas , Heyden Stefanie , Xu Qin , Style Robert W. , Dufresne Eric R.
Published: June 2022

In response to Gutman's comment, we clarify the derivation of the Shuttleworth equation. In addition, we discuss the findings of our original paper in light of recent theoretical and experimental work on surface elasticity in soft solids.
Accelerating the dissolution kinetics of iodine with a cosolvent for a high-current zinc–iodine flow battery
Authors: Zhao Yunhe , Li Yang , Mao Jiatao , Yi Zhibin , Mubarak Nauman , Zheng Yiting , Kim Jang-Kyo , Chen Qing
Published: June 2022

A cosolvent mitigates the rate-limiting step in the oxidation of iodide and boosts the current of an aqueous Zn–I2 flow battery.
Boosted Zn2+ storage performance of hydrated vanadium oxide by defect and heterostructure
Authors: Nguyen Viet Phuong , Park Ji Su , Yuk Jong Min , Oh Minsub , Kim Jae-Hyun , Lee Seung-Mo
Published: June 2022

Defective hydrated vanadium oxide embedded in porous carbon textile enables highly reversible Zn2+ to intercalate/deintercalate and fast charge transport, thereby promoting the pseudocapacitive behavior of zinc-ion batteries.
AuNCs–LHRHa nano-system for FL/CT dual-mode imaging and photothermal therapy of targeted prostate cancer
Authors: Wang Ze , He Liang , Che Songtian , Xing Huiyuan , Guan Lin , Yang Zhe , Li Xingchen , Zvyagin Andrei V. , Lin Quan , Qu Wenrui
Published: June 2022

The AuNCs-LHRHa nano-system, which combines dual-mode imaging and targeted therapy, will provide a promising strategy for the integration of FL/CT diagnosis and PTT therapy for GnRH-R positive prostate cancer.
Colloidal FAPbBr3 perovskite nanocrystals for light emission: what's going on?
Authors: Bhatia Harshita , Ghosh Biplab , Debroye Elke
Published: June 2022

This review summarizes the current prospect of FAPbBr3 nanocrystals – from synthesis to applications in light emitting diodes and highlights the challenges and promising strategies to mitigate the concerns.
The morphology of CS Cha circumbinary disk suggesting the existence of a Saturn-mass planet
Authors: Kurtovic N. T. , Pinilla P. , Penzlin Anna B. T. , Benisty M. , Pérez L. , Ginski C. , Isella A. , Kley W. , Menard F. , Pérez S. , Bayo A.
Published: June 2022

Context. Planets have been detected in circumbinary orbits in several different systems, despite the additional challenges faced during their formation in such an environment.

Aims. We investigate the possibility of planetary formation in the spectroscopic binary CS Cha by analyzing its circumbinary disk.

Methods. The system was studied with high angular resolution ALMA observations at 0.87 mm. Visibilities modeling and Keplerian fitting are used to constrain the physical properties of CS Cha, and the observations were compared to hydrodynamic simulations.

Results. Our observations are able to resolve the disk cavity in the dust continuum emission and the 12CO J:3–2 transition. We find the dust continuum disk to be azimuthally axisymmetric (less than 9% of intensity variation along the ring) and of low eccentricity (of 0.039 at the peak brightness of the ring).

Conclusions. Under certain conditions, low eccentricities can be achieved in simulated disks without the need of a planet, however, the combination of low eccentricity and axisymmetry is consistent with the presence of a Saturn-like planet orbiting near the edge of the cavity.
The Effect of Composite Material on Rayleigh Wave at Free Surface of Composite Matrix Saturated by Fluids
Authors: Arora Ashish , Bala Neeru
Published: June 2022

The present study signifies the effect of distinct solids on the phase speed and attenuation of Rayleigh surface wave propagating on the boundary of composite porous matrix saturated with fluids. Secular equation depicting propagation of Rayleigh wave is obtained and solved numerically for obtaining phase speed and attenuation coefficient. Two different types of composite materials are considered for numerical study to analyze the effect of solids present in the structure. The study depicts that increase in rigidity of the composite increases the phase speed of the Rayleigh surface wave. Significant effect of the density and bulk modulus of fluid mixture present in the pores is also observed on the phase speed of the wave. The effect of porosity on the phase speed of the Rayleigh wave and the particle motion during the propagation of the wave is also analyzed.
Cost-effective analysis of preliminary single-operator cholangioscopy for management of difficult biliary stones
Authors: Sljivic Igor , Trasolini Roberto , Donnellan Fergal
Published: June 2022

Background and study aims Single-operator peroral cholangioscopy (SOC) is a therapeutic modality for difficult biliary stone disease. Given its high success rate and increasing availability, analysis of the economic impact of early SOC utilization is critical for clinical decision-making. Our aim is to compare the cost-effectiveness of different first and second-line endoscopic modalities for difficult-to-treat choledocholithiasis.

Patients and methods A decision-tree model with a 1-year time horizon and a hypothetical cohort of 200 patients was used to analyze the cost-effectiveness of SOC for first, second and third-line intervention in presumed difficult biliary stones. We adopted the perspective of a Canadian tertiary hospital, omitting recurrence rates associated with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Effectiveness estimates were obtained from updated meta-analyses. One-way sensitivity analyses and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were also performed to assess how changes in key parameters affected model conclusions.

Results First- and second-line SOC achieved comparable clinical efficacy from 96.3 % to 97.6% stone clearance. The least expensive strategy is third-line SOC (SOC-3: $800,936). Performing SOC during the second ERCP was marginally more expensive (SOC-2: $ 816,584) but 9 % more effective. The strategy of first-line SOC incurred the highest hospital expenditures (SOC-1: $ 851,457) but decreased total procedures performed by 16.9 % when compared with SOC-2. Sensitivity analysis was robust in showing SOC-2 as the most optimal approach.

Conclusions Second-line SOC was superior to first and third-line SOC for treatment of difficult biliary stones. When based on meta-analysis of non-heterogeneous trials, SOC-2 is more cost-effective and cost-efficient. Our study warrants a larger pragmatic effectiveness trial.
Benefit of endoscopic stenting for dominant strictures in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis
Authors: Han Samuel , Shah Raj J.
Published: June 2022

Background and study aims Dominant strictures (DS) occur in up to 60 % of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Data regarding the long-term effects of stenting vs. dilation remain limited. The aim of this study was to compare the two treatment modalities in terms of transplantation-free survival.

Patients and methods This single-center, retrospective study examined patients with PSC and DS treated endoscopically with a minimum of 1 year follow-up. Patients were divided into two cohorts: 1) those who received dilation alone; and 2) those who received both dilation and stenting. The primary outcome was transplantation-free survival, defined as time after index ERCP to liver transplantation.

Results In all, 169 patients (54 in dilation cohort, 115 in stenting cohort) were included. The stenting cohort had a significantly higher Mayo PSC Risk Score (1.8 ± 1.1 vs. 0.9 ± 1.2) and presented with cholangitis more frequently (22.6 % vs. 1.9 %). During a follow-up period of 1198 person-years, 69 (40.8 %) patients received transplantation at a mean of 3.4 (± 2.9) years. There was no difference in transplantation rate in the stenting cohort [68 (95 % CI 5.2–8.8) per 100 person-years] compared to the dilation cohort [3.7 (95 % CI 2.1–6.0) per 100 person-years] and no difference in risk for transplantation (dilation cohort adjusted hazards ratio 0.67, 95 % CI 0.33–1.32).

Conclusions Despite a higher Mayo Risk Score in the stenting group, there was no difference in transplantation-free survival between patients managed with stenting vs. dilation alone. Stenting, therefore, may offer benefit in patients with advanced PSC and DS.
Comparison of Various Tosylating Reagents for the Synthesis of Mono-2-O-tosyl-β-cyclodextrin
Authors: Kordopati Golfo G. , Konstantinou Nikoletta-Melina , Tsivgoulis Gerasimos M.
Published: June 2022

Mono-2-O-tosyl-β-cyclodextrin is a key compound, as starting material, for the preparation of multifunctional systems in supramolecular chemistry. Although several methods are available in the literature for its synthesis, yields are always moderate (usually less than 42%) and reproducibility can be an issue as a result of the difficulties encountered in its preparation that are related to selectivity, monofunctionalization, solubility and purification, among others. A modification of a literature method was developed giving emphasis to simplicity and reproducibility and, for the first time, was tested with nine easily accessible tosylating reagents that differ significantly in their nature and reactivity. Product isolation was accomplished with precipitation followed by reverse-phase flash chromatography, which is easy to scale up. Interestingly, with the proposed method, all nine reagents can be successfully applied for the synthesis of the product with yields ranging from 33% to 40%. Optimum reaction times and temperatures were found and conclusions for each tosylating reagent are drawn.
(2-Aminoaryl)iminophosphoranes as Versatile Starting Materials for the Synthesis of 1-Aryl-2-trifluoromethylbenzimidazoles
Authors: Wróbel Zbigniew , Walewska-Królikiewicz Magdalena , Wilk Bogdan , Kwast Andrzej
Published: June 2022

A new route to 2-(trifluoromethyl)benzimidazoles is described which involves the condensation of (2-arylamino)iminophosphoranes with trifluoroacetyl esters or trifluoroacetic anhydride. The method allows the synthesis of the title compounds from simple nitroarenes without the use of separate reduction steps and metallic reagents or expensive catalysts.
Scientometric Analysis of Top 100 Most Cited Articles on Imaging in COVID-19: The Pandemic of Publications
Authors: Jain Pooja , Aggarwal Ankita , Garg Kanwaljeet
Published: June 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in 2020 was paralleled by an equally overwhelming publication of scientific literature. This scientometric analysis was performed to evaluate the 100 most cited articles on COVID-19 imaging to highlight research trends and identify common characteristics of the most cited works. A search of the Web of Science database was performed using the keywords “COVID CT,” “COVID Radiograph,” and “COVID Imaging” on June 29, 2021. The 100 top cited articles found were arranged in descending order on the basis of citation counts and citations per year and relevant data were recorded. Our search revealed a total of 4,862 articles on COVID-19 imaging published in the years 2020 to 2021. The journal with maximum number of publications (n = 22), citation count (n = 8,788), and impact was Radiology. Citations for the top 100 articles ranged from 70 to 1,742 with the most cited article authored by A.I. Tao and published in Radiology. Two authors tied at first spot, having maximum impact, with both having 5 publications and a total of 3,638 citations among them. China was the leading country with both the maximum number of publications (n = 49) and total citations (n = 13,892), the United States coming second in both. This study evaluates publication and citation trends in literature and shows that the countries most affected by the pandemic early on have contributed to the majority of the literature. Furthermore, it will help radiologists to refer to the most popular and important article texts on which to base their unbiased and confident diagnoses.
A Radiologists' Guide to En Bloc Resection of Primary Tumors in the Spine: What Does the Surgeon Want to Know?
Authors: Smith E. , Hegde G. , Czyz M. , Hughes S. , Haleem S. , Grainger M. , James S. L. , Botchu R.
Published: June 2022

En bloc resection in the spine is performed for both primary and metastatic bone lesions and has been proven to lengthen disease-free survival and decrease the likelihood of local recurrence. It is a complex procedure, which requires a thorough multi-disciplinary approach. This article will discuss the role of the radiologist in characterizing the underlying tumor pathology, staging the tumor and helping to predict possible intraoperative challenges for en bloc resection of primary bone lesions. The postoperative appearances and complications following en bloc resection in the spine will be considered in subsequent articles.
Hyperplastic Anterior Choroidal Artery—A Rare Variant Detected on MR Angiography
Authors: Shah Ankita U. , Joshi Anagha R. , Rai Pareekshith R. , Kapse Pratik
Published: June 2022

Introduction The anterior choroidal artery is a branch of the terminal internal carotid artery (ICA) that is often an incidentally detected anomaly. The hyperplastic variant has been linked with an increased risk of aneurysms. We explore the role of magnetic resonance (MR) angiography in the detection of this variant and its impact of presentation of patients.

Patient Presentation A 62-year-old diabetic and hypertensive male came to the casualty with complaints of giddiness, left-sided weakness, and loss of coordination for the last 2 to 3 days. He was provisionally diagnosed with a posterior circulation stroke.

Management and Outcome Magnetic resonance imaging of brain revealed an acute infarct in the right thalamus and the midbrain. Time-of-flight angiography sequences were done that showed hypoplasia of the A1 segment of the left anterior cerebral artery, fetal origin of the right posterior cerebral artery, narrowing of the left ICA, and a hyperplastic left anterior choroidal artery. He was managed conservatively with antiplatelets. He later underwent a digital subtraction angiography that revealed significant narrowing of the left ICA for which he was advised carotid stenting. However, the patient was unwilling for the procedure and was discharged on oral medication with stable vitals.

Conclusion Anatomical variations in the intracranial vasculature impact ischemia territory and the approach to intracranial pathology. Hyperplastic anterior choroidal artery results from the abnormal persistence of fetal pattern of vascular supply. It is important to recognize the presence of a hyperplastic anterior choroidal artery as it impacts both disease presentation and management of these patients. MR angiography allows for noninvasive and reliable detection of these anomalies in patients without the risks associated with radiation or contrast exposure in conventional/computed tomography angiography.
Advanced orthogonal frequency and phase modulated waveform for contrast-enhanced photothermal wave radar thermography
Authors: Luo Zhi-Tao , Shen Peng , Luo Hao , Wang Sheng , Wu Xin-Kai , Zhang Hui
Published: June 2022

Thermal wave radar (TWR) thermography is a high-efficient nondestructive testing technique to increase the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and to enhance target detection capability. However, the detection of subsurface defects, especially small-size defects, usually requires a distinctively high SNR and depth resolvability. This paper proposed an orthogonal phase-coded linear frequency modulated (OPCLFM) excitation waveform, which has significantly improved the SNR and depth resolvability of TWR compared to the LFM waveform. The pulse compression quality of the OPCLFM waveform was initially evaluated through a 1D thermal wave analytical model of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminate. Results show that the OPCLFM waveform combined with the Kaiser window function compresses the largest sidelobe at least by 18.39 dB compared to the LFM waveform. Furthermore, the superior depth resolvability performance of the OPCLFM waveform was also validated by 3D finite element simulation. Finally, the effect of thermal conductivity on the depth resolvability performance of the OPCLFM waveform was evaluated quantitatively by a delaminated CFRP laminate.
Machine learning-based modeling of high-pressure phase diagrams: Anomalous melting of Rb
Authors: Oren Eyal , Kartoon Daniela , Makov Guy
Published: June 2022

Modeling of phase diagrams and, in particular, the anomalous re-entrant melting curves of alkali metals is an open challenge for interatomic potentials. Machine learning-based interatomic potentials have shown promise in overcoming this challenge, unlike earlier embedded atom-based approaches. We introduce a relatively simple and inexpensive approach to develop, train, and validate a neural network-based, wide-ranging interatomic potential transferable across both temperature and pressure. This approach is based on training the potential at high pressures only in the liquid phase and on validating its transferability on the relatively easy-to-calculate cold compression curve. Our approach is demonstrated on the phase diagram of Rb for which we reproduce the cold compression curve over the Rb-I (BCC), Rb-II (FCC), and Rb-V (tI4) phases, followed by the high-pressure melting curve including the re-entry after the maximum and then the minimum at the triple liquid-FCC-BCC point. Furthermore, our potential is able to partially capture even the very recently reported liquid–liquid transition in Rb, indicating the utility of machine learning-based potentials.
Development and verification of the coaxial heterogeneous hyperspectral imaging system
Authors: Tsai Y. H. , Yan Y. J. , Li Y. S. , Chang C. H. , Haung C. C. , Chen T. C. , Lin S. G. , Ou-Yang M.
Published: June 2022

A hyperspectral imaging system (HIS) is a helpful tool that acquires spatial and spectral information from a target. This study developed a coaxial heterogeneous HIS (CHHIS) to collect spectral images with wavelengths ranging from 400 to 1700 nm. In this system, a visible (VIS) spectrometer and a short-wave infrared (SWIR) spectrometer are combined with a coaxial optical path to share the same field of view. This structure reduces the complexity of spatial registration and maintains the scanning duration of two spectrometers as that of a single spectrometer. The spectrometers are also replaceable for extending the detecting spectral range of the system. The calibration methodologies, including spatial correction, spectral calibration, and reflectance calibration, were developed for this system. The signal-to-noise ratio of VIS and SWIR spectrometers in the CHHIS was up to 40 and 60 dB when the exposure time of the VIS and SWIR imaging sensors was 1000 and 10 ms, respectively. When the target distance was at 600 mm, the spatial error of VIS and SWIR images in the scanning direction was less than 1 pixel; these results proved that the system was stable.
Unexpected stability of micrometer weakly viscoelastic jets
Authors: Rubio A. , Vega E. J. , Gañán-Calvo A. M. , Montanero J. M.
Published: June 2022

We study experimentally the stability of micrometer weakly viscoelastic jets produced with transonic flow focusing. Highly stable jets are formed when a low molecular weight polymer is added to water at a given low concentration, and the injected flow rate is reduced to its minimum value. In this case, the capillary instability is delayed, and the jet breakup occurs at distances from the ejector of the order of tens of thousands the jet diameter. The results indicate that the intense converging extensional flow in the ejection point builds up viscoelastic stress that does not relax in the jet even for times much longer than the polymer relaxation time. We hypothesize that the drag (shear) force exerted by the outer gas stream prevents the stress relaxation. It is also possible that partial polymer entanglement at the jet emission point contributes to this effect. We measure the jet length and the diameter at the ejector orifice and breakup point. The diameter takes values just above 2 μm at the breakup point regardless of the liquid flow rate and gas pressure.