bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maternal periconceptional folic acid supplementation reduced risks of non-syndromic oral clefts in offspring
Authors: Xu Wenli , Yi Ling , Deng Changfei , Zhao Ziling , Ran Longrong , Ren Zhihong , Zhao Shunxia , Zhou Tianjin , Zhang Gang , Liu Hanmin , Dai Li
Published: June 2021

Maternal periconceptional folic acid supplementation (FAS) has been documented to be associated with decreased risk of nonsyndromic oral clefts (NsOC). However, the results remain inconclusive. In this population-based case–control study of 807 singletons affected by NsOC and 8070 healthy neonates who were born between October 2010 and September 2015 in Chengdu, China, we examined the association of maternal FAS with the risk of nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NsCL/P), and cleft palate (NsCP). Unconditional logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidential intervals (CI). Significant associations were found between maternal periconceptional FAS and decreased risk of NsCL/P (aOR = 0.41, 95% CI 0.33–0.51). This protective effect was also detected for NsCL (aOR = 0.42, 95% CI 0.30–0.58) and NsCLP (aOR = 0.41, 95% CI 0.31–0.54). Both maternal FAS started before and after the last menstrual period (LMP) were inversely associated with NsCL/P (before LMP, aOR = 0.43, 95% CI 0.33–0.56; after LMP, aOR = 0.41, 95% CI 0.33–0.51). The association between NsCP and maternal FAS initiating before LMP was also found (aOR = 0.52, 95% CI 0.30–0.90). The findings suggest that maternal periconceptional FAS can reduce the risk of each subtype of NsCL/P in offspring, while the potential effect on NsCP needs further investigations.
HLA-B27 is associated with reduced disease activity in axial spondyloarthritis
Authors: Rosenbaum James T. , Weisman Michael H. , Hamilton Hedley , Shafer Cassie , Aslanyan Elin , Howard Richard A. , Ogle Kimberly , Reveille John D. , Winthrop Kevin L. , Choi Dongseok
Published: June 2021

HLA-B27 is associated with increased susceptibility and disease activity of ankylosing spondylitis, but the effect of HLA-B27 on the activity of the broader category now called axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) is apparently the opposite. A modified Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) was used to assess disease activity among 3435 patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA) who participated in a survey designed to assess the effect of their disease and its treatment on the susceptibility and severity of Covid-19. Chi square testing was used to compare BASDAI scores between HLA-B27 positive and negative subjects. 2836 survey respondents were HLA B27 positive. The average BASDAI for the HLA-B27 negative cohort was 4.92 compared to 4.34 for the HLA-B27 positive subjects. Based on linear regression, a subject’s sex could not fully account for the differing BASDAI score in HLA-B27 negative subjects compared to those who are HLA-B27 positive. The difference between B27 positive and negative subjects was skewed by those with a BASDAI score of one or two. HLA-B27 positive subjects were more than twice as likely to have a BASDAI score of 1 compared to HLA B27 negative subjects and about 60% more likely to have a BASDAI score of 2 (p < 0.0001). HLA-B27 positive subjects have less active spondyloarthritis compared to HLA-B27 negative subjects as measured by a BASDAI score. Our data indicate that patients with mild back pain and a diagnosis of AxSpA are disproportionately HLA-B27 positive. The HLA-B27 test facilitates the diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis such that patients from a community survey with mild back pain may be disproportionately diagnosed as having AxSpA if they are HLA-B27 positive. The test result likely introduces a cognitive bias into medical decision making and could explain our observations.
Effect of freeze–thaw cycle on physical and mechanical properties and damage characteristics of sandstone
Authors: Chen Longxiao , Li Kesheng , Song Guilei , Zhang Deng , Liu Chuanxiao
Published: June 2021

Rock deterioration under freeze–thaw cycles is a concern for in-service tunnel in cold regions. Previous studies focused on the change of rock mechanical properties under unidirectional stress, but the natural rock mass is under three dimensional stresses. This paper investigates influences of the number of freeze–thaw cycle on sandstone under low confining pressure. Twelve sandstone samples were tested subjected to triaxial compression. Additionally, the damage characteristics of sandstone internal microstructure were obtained by using acoustic emission (AE) and mercury intrusion porosimetry. Results indicated that the mechanical properties of sandstone were significantly reduced by freeze–thaw effect. Sandstone’ peak strength and elastic modulus were 7.28–37.96% and 6.38–40.87% less than for the control, respectively. The proportion of super-large pore and large pore in sandstone increased by 19.53–81.19%. We attributed the reduced sandstone’ mechanical properties to the degenerated sandstone microstructure, which, in turn, was associated with increased sandstone macropores. The macroscopic failure pattern of sandstone changed from splitting failure to shear failure with an increasing of freeze–thaw cycles. Moreover, the activity of AE signal increased at each stage, and the cumulative ringing count also showed upward trend with the increase of freeze–thaw number.
MiR-124 and miR-506 are involved in the decline of protein C in children with extra-hepatic portal vein obstruction
Authors: Zhang Jin-Shan , Li Long
Published: June 2021

The deficiency of protein C (PROC) can be partly rescued by Rex shunt through restoring portal blood flow in children with extra-hepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO). However, the decline of PROC is still found in some patients with a normal portal blood flow after Rex shunt. The aim of this study was to identify the candidate miRNAs involving in the decline of PROC and their mechanism. The protein level of PROC was detected by the ELISA assay, and was compared between sick and healthy groups. The expressions of miRNAs and PROC mRNA were measured using qRT-PCR, and were compared between sick and healthy groups. The correlation between PROC and candidate miRNAs was analysed by a Pearson correlation analysis to identify the most significant miRNAs. The expression of PROC mRNA was detected by qRT-PCR in HL-7702 and LX-2 cells tansfected with miRNAs mimics or inhibitors and negative control (NC) mimics, which was compared among the different groups. The rates of liver cells’ proliferation and apoptosis were detected in HL-7702 and LX-2 cells tansfected with miRNAs mimics or inhibitors or with overexpressing PROC and negative control mimics by CKK8 assay and flow cytometry, which were compared among the different groups. The expressions of COX-2 and VEGF were measured by qRT-PCR, and were compared between the miRNAs groups and NC group. Western blot was assayed for detecting the protein levels of PROC, COX-2, VEGF, Bcl-2 and Bax, which were compared between the miRNAs groups and NC group. The expression of PROC mRNA was lower, and the expressions of miR-506-3p and miR-124-3p were higher in children with EHPVO than healthy group. PROC mRNA was negatively correlated with the expression of miR-506-3p and miR-124-3p. Compared to the NC group, the transcription activity of PROC was lower after exposure of miR-506 and miR-124 mimics in HL-7702 and LX-2 cells, but this phenomenon was reversed after inhibiting miR-506 and miR-124. The rate of cell proliferation was lower after exposure of miR-506 and miR-124 than the NC group, which was increased after inhibiting miR-506 and miR-124 in HL-7702 cells and overexpressing PROC in LX-2 cells. The apoptotic rate was higher after exposure of miR-506 and miR-124 than the NC group, which was decreased after inhibiting miR-506 and miR-124 in HL-7702 cells and overexpressing PROC in LX-2 cells. The mRNA levels of COX-2 and VEGF were significantly higher after exposure of miR-506 and miR-124 mimics than those in the NC group. The protein levels of PROC and Bcl-2 were down-regulated, and the levels of COX-2, Bax and VEGF were up-regulated after exposure of miR-506 and miR-124 in HL-7702 cells, but this phenomenon was reversed after inhibiting miR-506 and miR-124. MiR-506-3p and miR-124-3p may involve in the decline of PROC in protein and transcriptional level, in which the anti-proliferation and pro-apoptosis role of miR-506-3p and miR-124-3p for liver cells may involve in this mechanism.
Brain training using cognitive apps can improve cognitive performance and processing speed in older adults
Authors: Bonnechère Bruno , Klass Malgorzata , Langley Christelle , Sahakian Barbara Jacquelyn
Published: June 2021

Managing age-related decrease of cognitive function is an important public health challenge, especially in the context of the global aging of the population. Over the last years several Cognitive Mobile Games (CMG) have been developed to train and challenge the brain. However, currently the level of evidence supporting the benefits of using CMG in real-life use is limited in older adults, especially at a late age. In this study we analyzed game scores and the processing speed obtained over the course of 100 sessions in 12,000 subjects aged 60 to over 80 years. Users who trained with the games improved regardless of age in terms of scores and processing speed throughout the 100 sessions, suggesting that old and very old adults can improve their cognitive performance using CMG in real-life use.
Irradiation-induced sterility in an egg parasitoid and possible implications for the use of biological control in insect eradication
Authors: Horrocks Kiran Jonathan , Avila Gonzalo Andres , Holwell Gregory Ian , Suckling David Maxwell
Published: June 2021

Classical biological control is a pest control tool involving the release of imported natural enemies. The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) comprises releasing sexually sterile insects of a pest into the wild population for suppression or eradication. Both these approaches are environmentally friendly and their combination can result in a synergistic impact on pest populations and improve eradication. However, stringent regulation surrounding the introduction of biological control agents limits their use in eradication owing to the perceived risk of effects on non-target organisms. We investigated the irradiation biology of the egg parasitoid Trissolcus basalis to ascertain whether sterile parasitoids could mitigate the risk of potential sustained non-target impacts. Mated female T. basalis were gamma-irradiated at doses between 120 and 150 Gy and exposed to egg masses of their host Nezara viridula throughout their lifespans. This resulted in host mortality, despite a substantial reduction in developing parasitoid offspring, which followed a negative dose–response. There was no emergence of parasitoid offspring at 140 Gy and above. Irradiation did not affect oviposition behaviour but caused an increase in longevity. Consequently, sterile parasitoids could possibly alleviate concerns regarding the irreversibility of biological control release, which promotes further investigation of their potential role in eradication.
Overcoming resistance to BRAFV600E inhibition in melanoma by deciphering and targeting personalized protein network alterations
Authors: Vasudevan S. , Flashner-Abramson E. , Alkhatib Heba , Roy Chowdhury Sangita , Adejumobi I. A. , Vilenski D. , Stefansky S. , Rubinstein A. M. , Kravchenko-Balasha N.
Published: June 2021

BRAFV600E melanoma patients, despite initially responding to the clinically prescribed anti-BRAFV600E therapy, often relapse, and their tumors develop drug resistance. While it is widely accepted that these tumors are originally driven by the BRAFV600E mutation, they often eventually diverge and become supported by various signaling networks. Therefore, patient-specific altered signaling signatures should be deciphered and treated individually. In this study, we design individualized melanoma combination treatments based on personalized network alterations. Using an information-theoretic approach, we compute high-resolution patient-specific altered signaling signatures. These altered signaling signatures each consist of several co-expressed subnetworks, which should all be targeted to optimally inhibit the entire altered signaling flux. Based on these data, we design smart, personalized drug combinations, often consisting of FDA-approved drugs. We validate our approach in vitro and in vivo showing that individualized drug combinations that are rationally based on patient-specific altered signaling signatures are more efficient than the clinically used anti-BRAFV600E or BRAFV600E/MEK targeted therapy. Furthermore, these drug combinations are highly selective, as a drug combination efficient for one BRAFV600E tumor is significantly less efficient for another, and vice versa. The approach presented herein can be broadly applicable to aid clinicians to rationally design patient-specific anti-melanoma drug combinations.
Predictive analytics and tailored interventions improve clinical outcomes in older adults: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Golas Sara Bersche , Nikolova-Simons Mariana , Palacholla Ramya , op den Buijs Jorn , Garberg Gary , Orenstein Allison , Kvedar Joseph
Published: June 2021

This study explored the potential to improve clinical outcomes in patients at risk of moving to the top segment of the cost acuity pyramid. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the impact of a Stepped-Care approach (predictive analytics + tailored nurse-driven interventions) on healthcare utilization among 370 older adult patients enrolled in a homecare management program and using a Personal Emergency Response System. The Control group (CG) received care as usual, while the Intervention group (IG) received Stepped-Care during a 180-day intervention period. The primary outcome, decrease in emergency encounters, was not statistically significant (15%, p = 0.291). However, compared to the CG, the IG had significant reductions in total 90-day readmissions (68%, p = 0.007), patients with 90-day readmissions (76%, p = 0.011), total 180-day readmissions (53%, p = 0.020), and EMS encounters (49%, p = 0.006). Predictive analytics combined with tailored interventions could potentially improve clinical outcomes in older adults, supporting population health management in home or community settings.
Long term fMRI adaptation depends on adapter response in face-selective cortex
Authors: Stam Daphne , Huang Yun-An , Vansteelandt Kristof , Sunaert Stefan , Peeters Ron , Sleurs Charlotte , Vrancken Leia , Emsell Louise , Vogels Rufin , Vandenbulcke Mathieu , Van den Stock Jan
Published: June 2021

Repetition suppression (RS) reflects a neural attenuation during repeated stimulation. We used fMRI and the subsequent memory paradigm to test the predictive coding hypothesis for RS during visual memory processing by investigating the interaction between RS and differences due to memory in category-selective cortex (FFA, pSTS, PPA, and RSC). Fifty-six participants encoded face and house stimuli twice, followed by an immediate and delayed (48 h) recognition memory assessment. Linear Mixed Model analyses with repetition, subsequent recognition performance, and their interaction as fixed effects revealed that absolute RS during encoding interacts with probability of future remembrance in face-selective cortex. This effect was not observed for relative RS, i.e. when controlled for adapter-response. The findings also reveal an association between adapter response and RS, both for short and long term (48h) intervals, after controlling for the mathematical dependence between both measures. These combined findings are challenging for predictive coding models of visual memory and are more compatible with adapter-related and familiarity accounts.
A porcine brain-wide RNA editing landscape
Authors: Huang Jinrong , Lin Lin , Dong Zhanying , Yang Ling , Zheng Tianyu , Gu Weiwang , Zhang Yan , Yin Tailang , Sjöstedt Evelina , Mulder Jan , Uhlén Mathias , Kristiansen Karsten , Bolund Lars , Luo Yonglun
Published: June 2021

Adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing, catalyzed by ADAR enzymes, is an essential post-transcriptional modification. Although hundreds of thousands of RNA editing sites have been reported in mammals, brain-wide analysis of the RNA editing in the mammalian brain remains rare. Here, a genome-wide RNA-editing investigation is performed in 119 samples, representing 30 anatomically defined subregions in the pig brain. We identify a total of 682,037 A-to-I RNA editing sites of which 97% are not identified before. Within the pig brain, cerebellum and olfactory bulb are regions with most edited transcripts. The editing level of sites residing in protein-coding regions are similar across brain regions, whereas region-distinct editing is observed in repetitive sequences. Highly edited conserved recoding events in pig and human brain are found in neurotransmitter receptors, demonstrating the evolutionary importance of RNA editing in neurotransmission functions. Although potential data biases caused by age, sex or health status are not considered, this study provides a rich resource to better understand the evolutionary importance of post-transcriptional RNA editing.
High-frequency burst spiking in layer 5 thick-tufted pyramids of rat primary somatosensory cortex encodes exploratory touch
Authors: de Kock Christiaan P. J. , Pie Jean , Pieneman Anton W. , Mease Rebecca A. , Bast Arco , Guest Jason M. , Oberlaender Marcel , Mansvelder Huibert D. , Sakmann Bert
Published: June 2021

Diversity of cell-types that collectively shape the cortical microcircuit ensures the necessary computational richness to orchestrate a wide variety of behaviors. The information content embedded in spiking activity of identified cell-types remain unclear to a large extent. Here, we recorded spike responses upon whisker touch of anatomically identified excitatory cell-types in primary somatosensory cortex in naive, untrained rats. We find major differences across layers and cell-types. The temporal structure of spontaneous spiking contains high-frequency bursts (≥100 Hz) in all morphological cell-types but a significant increase upon whisker touch is restricted to layer L5 thick-tufted pyramids (L5tts) and thus provides a distinct neurophysiological signature. We find that whisker touch can also be decoded from L5tt bursting, but not from other cell-types. We observed high-frequency bursts in L5tts projecting to different subcortical regions, including thalamus, midbrain and brainstem. We conclude that bursts in L5tts allow accurate coding and decoding of exploratory whisker touch.
Lentiviral vector induces high-quality memory T cells via dendritic cells transduction
Authors: Ku Min Wen , Authié Pierre , Nevo Fabien , Souque Philippe , Bourgine Maryline , Romano Marta , Charneau Pierre , Majlessi Laleh
Published: June 2021

We report a lentiviral vector harboring the human β2-microglobulin promoter, with predominant expression in immune cells and minimal proximal enhancers to improve vector safety. This lentiviral vector efficiently transduces major dendritic cell subsets in vivo. With a mycobacterial immunogen, we observed distinct functional signatures and memory phenotype in lentiviral vector- or Adenovirus type 5 (Ad5)-immunized mice, despite comparable antigen-specific CD8+ T cell magnitudes. Compared to Ad5, lentiviral vector immunization resulted in higher multifunctional and IL-2-producing CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, lentiviral vector immunization primed CD8+ T cells towards central memory phenotype, while Ad5 immunization favored effector memory phenotype. Studies using HIV antigens in outbred rats demonstrated additional clear-cut evidence for an immunogenic advantage of lentiviral vector over Ad5. Additionally, lentiviral vector provided enhance therapeutic anti-tumor protection than Ad5. In conclusion, coupling lentiviral vector with β2-microglobulin promoter represents a promising approach to produce long-lasting, high-quality cellular immunity for vaccinal purposes.
Fabrication of Co3O4 quantum dot incorporated polyacrylamide ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as a new fiber for solid phase microextraction and trace determination of organophosphorus pesticides in environmental water samples
Authors: Aladaghlo Zolfaghar , Maddah Bozorgmehr , Fakhari Ali Reza
Published: June 2021

A solid phase microextraction fiber based on Co3O4 quantum dot incorporated polyacrylamide-co-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate followed by corona discharge ion mobility spectrometry is shown for trace determination of organophosphorus pesticides in environmental water samples.
γ-Difluorolysine as a 19F NMR probe for histone lysine methyltransferases and acetyltransferases
Authors: Hintzen Jordi C. J. , Luo Yan , Porzberg Miriam R. B. , White Paul B. , Jian Jie , Proietti Giordano , Mecinović Jasmin
Published: June 2021

γ-Difluorolysine acts as an excellent lysine mimic and 19F NMR probe for examinations of biomedicinally important histone lysine methyltransferases and acetyltransferases.
Correction: Fluorescent glycoconjugates and their applications
Authors: Thomas Baptiste , Yan Kai-Cheng , Hu Xi-Le , Donnier-Maréchal Marion , Chen Guo-Rong , He Xiao-Peng , Vidal Sébastien
Published: June 2021

Correction for ‘Fluorescent glycoconjugates and their applications’ by Baptiste Thomas et al., Chem. Soc. Rev., 2020, 49, 593–641, DOI: 10.1039/C8CS00118A.
Access to α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids through water-soluble palladium catalyzed hydroxycarbonylation of alkynes using water as the solvent
Authors: Lv Jinhe , Zong Lingbo , Zhang Jinrong , Song Jiaxin , Zhao Jinyu , Zhang Kai , Zhou Ziqin , Gao Mingjie , Xie Congxia , Jia Xiaofei , Ren Xinyi
Published: June 2021

A reusable water-soluble Pd(OAc)2/sulfoxantphos catalyst has been developed for the hydroxycarbonylation of symmetrical and unsymmetrical alkynes with CO/H2O to afford the corresponding α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids in good yields.
Selective adsorption of malachite green (MG) and fuchsin acid (FA) by ZIF-67 hybridized polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes
Authors: Liu Ying , Wang Na , Sun Zhongqiao , Han Yide , Xu Junli , Xu Yan , Wu Junbiao , Meng Hao , Zhang Xia
Published: June 2021

MOF/polymer hybrid membranes integrate the surface activity of MOFs and the advantages of PVDF membranes, and can be used as adsorption membranes in the efficient removal of target organics.
On the metal–ligand bonding in dinuclear complexes with redox-active guanidine ligands
Authors: Steuer Lena , Kaifer Elisabeth , Himmel Hans-Jörg
Published: June 2021

The bond properties of dinuclear transition metal complexes with redox-active guanidine ligands were systematically analysed. The trend highlight the peculrarity of copper-gunaiidne bonding caused by an extraordinary high π-bond contribution.
DFT mechanistic study on the formation of 8-oxoguanine and spiroiminodihydantoin mediated by iron Fenton reactions
Authors: Chen Hsing-Yin , Lin Yu-Fen
Published: June 2021

The Fenton oxidation mediated by guanine N7-bound iron(ii) leads to the formation of 8-oxoguanine and spiroiminodihydantoin through multiple reaction pathways involving hydroxyl radical and high-valent iron(iv)-oxo species.
Role of oxygen-bound reaction intermediates in selective electrochemical CO2 reduction
Authors: Zhi Xing , Vasileff Anthony , Zheng Yao , Jiao Yan , Qiao Shi-Zhang
Published: June 2021

The review presents the important role of oxygen-bound intermediates in directing the selectivity of electrochemical CO2 reduction by considering available theoretical calculations, electrochemical measurements and operando spectroscopy observations.
The beneficial effects of Lactobacillus brevis FZU0713-fermented Laminaria japonica on lipid metabolism and intestinal microbiota in hyperlipidemic rats fed with a high-fat diet
Authors: Zhang Qing , Fan Xiao-Yun , Cao Ying-Jia , Zheng Ting-Ting , Cheng Wen-Jian , Chen Li-Jiao , Lv Xu-Cong , Ni Li , Rao Ping-Fan , Liang Peng
Published: June 2021

The beneficial effects of the oral administration of Lactobacillus brevis FZU0713-fermented Laminaria japonica (FLJ) on lipid metabolism and intestinal microbiota.
Ginsenoside extract from ginseng extends lifespan and health span inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Wang Hui , Zhang Shuai , Zhai Lu , Sun Liwei , Zhao Daqing , Wang Zeyu , Li Xiangyan
Published: June 2021

Ginsenoside extract from ginseng extends lifespan and health span inCaenorhabditis elegans through activatingNRF2/SKN-1, SIRT1/SIR 2.1, and FOXO/DAF-16 signaling pathways.
Formic acid dehydrogenation over single atom Pd-deposited carbon nanocones for hydrogen production: a mechanistic DFT study
Authors: Yodsin Nuttapon , Jungsuttiwong Siriporn
Published: June 2021

The proposed catalysts (Pd/dCNC) effectively provide excellent activity and selectivity for FA dehydrogenation into H2.
Multi-solvent large stopband monitoring based on the insolubility/superoleophilicity of PEDOT inverse opals
Authors: Wu Pingping , Wang Jingxia , Jiang Lei
Published: June 2021

Multi-solvent monitoring was achieved based on the insolubility/superoleophilicity properties of PEDOT-IO. The synergistic effect of increased effective refractive index and volume expansion contributed to a large redshift of the stopband.
Morphology-induced dielectric enhancement in polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Zhang Bing , Chen Xin , Lu Wenchang , Zhang Q. M. , Bernholc J.
Published: June 2021

Admixture of dilute nanoparticles into dipolar polymer dielectrics enlarges free volume and increases permittivity by over 50%.
A review of oligo(arylene ethynylene) derivatives in molecular junctions
Authors: O'Driscoll Luke J. , Bryce Martin R.
Published: June 2021

This review explores the synthetic variation of structural features of oligo(arylene ethynylene) (OAE) molecular wires and how this affects the electronic and thermal properties of OAE molecules or molecular assemblies held between electrodes.
A direct foaming approach for carbon nanotube aerogels with ultra-low thermal conductivity and high mechanical stability
Authors: Chen Yu Wen , Zhan Hang , Wang Jian Nong
Published: June 2021

A CNT aerogel exhibits an ultra-low density (4.6 mg cm−3), high porosity (99.6%), high specific surface area (463 m2 g−1), and low thermal conductivity (16.5 mW m−1 K−1), as well as excellent fire-retardance and mechanical stability.
Enantioselective fluorination of 3-indolinone-2-carboxylates with NFSI catalyzed by chiral bisoxazolines
Authors: Banik Swarnayu , Sahoo Tanmoy , Sridhar B. , Subba Reddy B. V.
Published: June 2021

A chiral Cu(i)–bisoxazoline catalyzed enantioselective fluorination of 3-indolinone-2-carboxylates with NFSI is reported to produce chiral 2-fluoro-3-indolinone-2-carboxylates.
One-pot three-component coupling access to 1,2-dihydropyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine-1-phosphonates: multi-functionalization of a pyrazine unit
Authors: Lee Jeong Hwa , Yoon Seok Hyun , Nam Seonghyeon , Kim Ikyon
Published: June 2021

A highly efficient domino one-pot three-component Kabachnik–Fields coupling-intramolecular dehydrative cyclization process allowed facile access to 1,2-dihydropyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine-1-phosphonates with a densely-functionalized pyrazine unit.
Ultrafast and durable Li/Na storage by an iron selenide anode using an elastic hierarchical structure
Authors: Jing Peng , Wang Qiong , Xian Chunxiang , Du Liyu , Zhang Yin , Wang Boya , Wu Hao , Wu Kaipeng , Wang Qian , Zhang Yun
Published: June 2021

An exquisite composite consisting of polycystic FeSe/C microspheres encapsulated within a three-dimensional graphene framework was designed and fabricated for fast and durable Li-/Na-storage applications.
Facile synthesis of RuOx/SiC/C for photoelectrocatalysis
Authors: Mohamed Aya Gomaa Abdelkader , Zhang Xiang , Wang Yaobing
Published: June 2021

The rapid growth of quasi-aligned SiC nanowire arrays on carbon paper was achieved by an induction heating technique without catalyst assistance. RuOx/SiC/C results in enhanced performance compared to SiC/C toward the photoelectrochemical oxygen evolution reaction.
Nitric oxide-sensitized mitoxantrone chemotherapy integrated with photothermal therapy against multidrug-resistant tumors
Authors: Huang Xiaoyu , Gu Rui , Zhong Zhihao , Ou Changjin , Si Weili , Wang Fu , Zhang Ting , Dong Xiaochen
Published: June 2021

A versatile two-dimensional (2D) nanoplatform (N-GO-MTX-BNN6 NPs) can achieve nitric oxide-sensitized mitoxantrone chemotherapy integrated with photothermal therapy to fight MCF-7/ADR tumor cells.
Softness-driven complexity in supercrystals of gold nanoparticles
Authors: Pansu Brigitte , Goldmann Claire , Constantin Doru , Impéror-Clerc Marianne , Sadoc Jean-François
Published: June 2021

Schematic diagram of the structure of supercrystals built by softly coated gold nanoparticules.
The in situ construction of ZnIn2S4/CdIn2S4 2D/3D nano hetero-structure for an enhanced visible-light-driven hydrogen production
Authors: Dang Xinyu , Xie Mingsen , Dai Fangfang , Guo Jinna , Liu Jia , Lu Xiaoquan
Published: June 2021

ZnIn2S4/CdIn2S4 nano-composites with tight interface contact exhibited a high photocatalytic activity for the hydrogen generation.
Oxygen reduction reaction over (Ba,Sr)6RE2Co4O15–Ba(Ce,Pr,Y)O3 composite cathodes for proton-conducting ceramic fuel cells
Authors: Matsui Toshiaki , Kunimoto Naoki , Manriki Kohei , Miyazaki Kazunari , Kamiuchi Naoto , Muroyama Hiroki , Eguchi Koichi
Published: June 2021

The oxygen reduction reaction mechanism on the Ba5SrGd2Co4O15–BaCe0.5Pr0.3Y0.2O3−δ (BSGC–BCPY) composite cathode for proton-conducting fuel cells.
Molecular sieving using metal–polymer coordination membranes in organic media
Authors: Hardian Rifan , Pogany Peter , Lee Young Moo , Szekely Gyorgy
Published: June 2021

Metal–polymer coordination strategy replaced covalent crosslinking, and improved the chemical resistance of membranes without sacrificing their molecular sieving performance.
A novel self-targeting theranostic nanoplatform for photoacoustic imaging-monitored and enhanced chemo-sonodynamic therapy
Authors: Yang Yifan , Fan Zhongxiong , Zheng Kaili , Shi Dao , Su Guanghao , Ge Dongtao , Zhao Qingliang , Fu Xu , Hou Zhenqing
Published: June 2021

A novel self-targeting theranostic nanoplatform was developed to deliver sonosensitizers for photoacoustic imaging-monitored and enhanced chemo-sonodynamic therapy.
Modulating surficial oxygen vacancy of the VO2 nanostructure to boost its electromagnetic absorption performance
Authors: Cheng Siyao , Xie Aming , Pan Xihao , Zhang Kexin , Zhang Cheng , Lin Xiangpeng , Dong Wei
Published: June 2021

Surficial oxygen vacancy of VO2 was regulated by grinding with NaBH4 under ambient conditions, and electromagnetic absorption (EMA) properties of treated VO2 were systematically investigated.
Correlation functions in 2D and 3D as descriptors of the cosmic web
Authors: Einasto J. , Hütsi G. , Einasto M.
Published: June 2021

Aims. Our goal is to find the relation between the two-point correlation functions (CFs) of projected and spatial density fields of galaxies in the context of the cosmic web.

Methods. To investigate relations between spatial (3D) and projected (2D) CFs of galaxies we used density fields of two simulations: a Λ-dominated cold dark matter model with known particle data, and the Millennium simulation with know data on simulated galaxies. We compare 3D and 2D correlation functions. In the 2D case, we use samples of various thickness to find the dependence of 2D CFs on the thickness of samples. We also compare 3D CFs in real and redshift space.

Results. The dominant elements of the cosmic web are clusters and filaments, separated by voids filling most of the volume. In individual 2D sheets, the positions of clusters and filaments do not coincide. As a result, in projection, the clusters and filaments fill in 2D voids. This leads to a decrease in the amplitudes of CFs (and power spectra) in projection. For this reason, the amplitudes of 2D CFs are lower than the amplitudes of 3D correlation functions: the thicker the 2D sample, the greater the difference.

Conclusions. Spatial CFs of galaxies contain valuable information about the geometrical properties of the cosmic web that cannot be found from projected CFs.
Optimization of strip-layout using graph-theoretic methodology for stamping operations on progressive die: a case study
Authors: Aly Shady , Abdelaaty Hend , Muneer Dawood Osama , Hussein Hussein M. A.
Published: June 2021

The design of the progressive die stamping process is optimized through minimizing the number of die stamping stations in the strip layout to reduce the die cost. In order to accomplish such end, in this study, a graph-theoretic based method is implemented to model and optimize the strip layout design. This method starts with mapping stamping features into stamping operations. This step is followed by constructing two graphs to model the precedence and adjacency constraints among stamping operations based on a set of manufacturing rules. These two graphs are called: operation precedence graph and operation adjacency graph. In the next step, a topological sorting algorithm clusters the operations into partially ordered sets. Then, a graph coloring algorithm clusters the partially ordered operations sets into final sequence of operations. The graph-theoretic technique has been implemented on a part currently manufactured by laser cutting process technology in some Egyptian factory in Cairo. This study indicated that the graph-theoretic technique offers several advantages including the ease of programming and transparency in understanding the obtained strip layout design. This is besides being a systematic and logically approach to obtain an optimized strip layout design. In general, the progressive die manufacturing can increase productivity of sheet metal works in Egypt, only in situations of mass production. The limitation is that it requires considerable skill level and training for labor to conduct die strip layout design.
GNSS positioning error forecasting in the Arctic: ROTI and Precise Point Positioning error forecasting from solar wind measurements
Authors: Fabbro Vincent , Jacobsen Knut Stanley , Andalsvik Yngvild Linnea , Rougerie Sebastien
Published: June 2021

A model forecasting ionospheric disturbances and its impact on GNSS positioning is proposed, called HAPEE (High lAtitude disturbances Positioning Error Estimator). It allows predicting ROTI index and corresponding Precise Point Positioning (PPP) error in Arctic region (i.e. latitudes > 50°). The model is forecasting for the next hour a probability of a disturbance index or PPP error to exceed a given threshold, from solar wind conditions measured at L1 Lagrange point. Or alternatively, it is forecasting a disturbance index level that is exceeded during the next hour for a given percentage of the time. The ROTI model has been derived from NMA network measurements, considering a database covering the years 2007 up to 2019. It is demonstrated that the statistical variability of the ROTI index is mainly following a lognormal distribution. The proposed model has been tested favorably on measurements performed using measurements from stations of the NMA network that were not used for the model derivation. It is also shown that the statistics of PPP error conditioned by ROTI is following a Laplace distribution. Then a new compound model has been proposed, based on a conditional probability combining ROTI distribution conditioned by solar wind conditions and error distributions conditioned by ROTI index level.
Should We Perform Laboratory and Radiographic Evaluations for All Children with COVID-19?: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Karaci Mehmet , Güven Şirin , Boğa Aysun , Varol Fatih , Çalışkan Sümeyra , Sayman Ezgi Nafile , Ercan Gözde , Kara Beril , Çam Halit
Published: June 2021

Background The diagnostic and treatment strategies for children are limited because of the small number of children with COVID-19. A large proportion of infected children are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms. We report our experience regarding clinical characteristics, laboratory, radiologic findings, and outcomes of children with COVID-19.

Materials and Methods This retrospective single-center study was conducted on children with COVID-19. The data on epidemiologic characteristics, clinical features, laboratory, and radiologic findings of patients were extracted from the hospital information management system records, and patients' forms filled upon admission.

Results The median age of children was 121 months, 46.8% of the patients were females and 53.2% were males. Of the 581 children assessed, a total of 222 (38.2%) had positive test results; 69 of them (31.1%) were asymptomatic. The median absolute lymphocyte and eosinophil counts were statistically significantly lower in symptomatic children (p = 0.001; p = 0.02). Neutrophil lymphocyte ratio was statistically significantly higher in the symptomatic children (p = 0.001). Of 72 computed tomography scans, 35 (48.6%) were normal, and only 29 (40%) were consistent with classic/probable/indeterminate COVID-19 predominant pattern.

Conclusion Our results showed a few laboratory abnormalities in asymptomatic polymerase chain reaction positive children; therefore, unnecessary investigation might be avoided and clinicians should consider clinical symptoms.
Political science in exceptional times: Finnish scholars responding to three crises of the 2010s
Authors: Koikkalainen Petri
Published: June 2021

This article focuses on Finnish political scientists’ contributions to the public debate at a time when the relationship between academia and the government was tenser than usual. More specifically, it addresses the public roles and relevance of political scientists during three salient political crises of the 2010s: the annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014 and the war in Donbass, the so-called European migrant crisis beginning in 2015, and the failure of major Finnish governance reform in 2019. I examine scholars’ interventions into them in a corpus of eighty articles collected from the online journal Politiikasta and use qualitative content analysis to study the polarisation of their views and the style of interventions, including scholars’ relationship with the government. I discuss the visibility and impact of political science in the context of gender and seniority of researchers, the presence of political science in the Finnish media, in general, and against other social-scientific disciplines, and with the other countries studied in this Special Issue.
Design and characterization of a magnetic bottle electron spectrometer for time-resolved extreme UV and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy of liquid microjets
Authors: Kurahashi Naoya , Thürmer Stephan , Liu Suet Yi , Yamamoto Yo-ichi , Karashima Shutaro , Bhattacharya Atanu , Ogi Yoshihiro , Horio Takuya , Suzuki Toshinori
Published: June 2021

We describe a magnetic bottle time-of-flight electron spectrometer designed for time-resolved photoemission spectroscopy of a liquid microjet using extreme UV and X-ray radiation. The spectrometer can be easily reconfigured depending on experimental requirements and the energy range of interest. To improve the energy resolution at high electron kinetic energy, a retarding potential can be applied either via a stack of electrodes or retarding mesh grids, and a flight-tube extension can be attached to increase the flight time. A gated electron detector was developed to reject intense parasitic signal from light scattered off the surface of the cylindrically shaped liquid microjet. This detector features a two-stage multiplication with a microchannel plate plus a fast-response scintillator followed by an image-intensified photon detector. The performance of the spectrometer was tested at SPring-8 and SACLA, and time-resolved photoelectron spectra were measured for an ultrafast charge transfer to solvent reaction in an aqueous NaI solution with a 200 nm UV pump pulses from a table-top ultrafast laser and the 5.5 keV hard X-ray probe pulses from SACLA.
CL-20 based energetic thin films: Micro-spray molding and micro-detonation
Authors: Kong Sheng , Liao Dongjie , An Chongwei , Zhu Guohao , Liu Qian , Wang JieChao , Ye Baoyun , Wang Jingyu
Published: June 2021

In order to solve the problem of low sample forming efficiency and uncontrollable crystal type in inkjet printing, a formula of explosive ink suitable for micro-spraying is designed by using hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20) as the main explosive, the compound of polyazide glycidyl ether and ethyl cellulose as the bonding system, ethyl acetate as the solvent, and the refined ε-CL-20 as the seed crystal in this paper. The optimal process conditions were determined, and under the optimal process conditions, the explosive ink is written on an aluminum substrate or a glass substrate by micro-spraying direct writing technology, and CL-20 based energetic thin film forming samples are characterized. The results show that the CL-20 crystal form in the sample is ε type and the molding effect is good. The optimum process conditions are as follows: the nozzle has an air pressure of 0.02 MPa, the height is 40 mm, the spraying rate is 0.4 ml min−1, and the substrate temperature is 50°C. The explosive particles in the energetic thin films are spherical. The particle size is about 10 µm, and the particle size distribution is relatively uniform. The density of the composite is 1.567 g cm−3, and the molding density can reach 80.2% of the theoretical density. The activation energy is 242.07 kJ mol−1. The characteristic drop height H50 is 38.5 cm. When the charge width is 0.8 mm, the critical size of the detonation is 0.8 × 0.03 mm2. The detonation wave formed after the shaped sample is detonated in a small groove with a cross-sectional dimension of 1.0 × 1.0 mm2 can successfully pass through multiple continuous 90° charging corners.
Method for determining the thermal conductivity of in situ formation rock using drilling cuttings
Authors: Yi Fu , Qi Xupeng , Zheng Xuexin , Yu Huize , Bai Wenming , Bao Hanbo
Published: June 2021

In this paper, a method for determining the thermal conductivity of in situ formation rock, which combines experimental measurements, theoretical model predictions, and geophysical logging of formation porosity, is presented to predict the thermal conductivity of in situ formation rocks (this method effectively combines experimental measurements, theoretical model, and geological conditions, referred to as “ETG,” where E is for experimental measurements, T is for the theoretical model, and G is for geological conditions). 24 drilling cuttings samples from rocks down to a depth of 2000 m were selected for transient plane source thermal conductivity tests, and an effective thermal conductivity method was used to predict the thermal conductivity of rocks corresponding to each formation. The predicted thermal conductivity of mudstone was 2.31–3.27 W/(m K), and that of sandstone was 2.40–3.69 W/(m K). An independent-samples t test was carried out between the thermal conductivity results from the ETG prediction method and those from a diagenetic mineral-theory model. The results showed that there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups (P > 0.05) and that the fitting degree was high. The mean-square error in the solid thermal conductivities determined by the two methods was about 0.3, which indirectly demonstrates that the ETG method has high accuracy for predicting the thermal conductivity of in situ formation rock. Therefore, this method is likely to become popular in engineering practice.
Seasonal variations in characteristics, sources and diurnal patterns of carbonaceous and water-soluble constituents in urban aerosols from the east coast of tropical India
Authors: Boreddy Suresh K. R. , Hegde Prashant , Aswini A. R. , Williams M. Ashok , Elavarasi R. , Kumar T. V. Lakshmi
Published: June 2021

Environmental context The export of various man-made pollutants from northern India has a large impact on aerosol formation processes, their transformations and regional environmental chemistry over tropical peninsular India. The quantitative source apportionment of organic aerosols performed in this study provides a better understanding of their sources and implications for climate and air-quality management policies in South Asia. Abstract This study highlights seasonal characteristics, sources, daytime (sea-breeze) and night-time (land-breeze) variations of carbonaceous and water-soluble ionic components in PM10 (<10 µm particulate matter) aerosols from the east coast (Chennai city) of tropical India. Elemental and organic carbon (EC and OC) were found to be higher in winter when air masses were delivered from the northern part of India covered by the Indo-Gangetic-Plains whereas lower concentrations were observed during summer and monsoon associated with marine air masses. Sea salts (Na+ and Cl–), dust (Ca2+ and Mg2+) and nitrates (NO3–) were found to be highest in monsoon, suggesting these species may be co-transported over the sampling site with marine air masses. Using air mass back-trajectory analysis, linear relationships between chemical species and specific mass ratios, we demonstrate that east coast urban aerosols are strongly influenced by aged anthropogenic sources including biomass burning in winter and post monsoon while aged marine emissions mixed with local pollutants (dust and vehicular) are important in monsoon and summer. Further, the mesoscale phenomenon was reflected in measured chemical constituents during the study period. Positive-matrix-factorisation (PMF) analysis confirmed that OC aerosols are largely attributable to chemically aged anthropogenic (53 % in the day and 39 % in the night) and combustion-derived (17 % and 39 %) sources in winter and sea salts mixed with dust and vehicular emissions (61 % and 52 %) during monsoon. These important insights about the sources and formation processes of organic aerosols will help in understanding the formation of atmospheric brown clouds over south Asia.
Lethal control reduces the relative abundance of dingoes but not cattle production impacts
Authors: Edwards Glenn P. , Eldridge Stephen R. , Shakeshaft Bernie J. , Nano Teresa
Published: June 2021

Context Lethal control through the application of 1080 baits is widely used in Australia to manage the negative impacts of wild dogs (dingoes, wild domestic dogs and their hybrids) on cattle production, but its effectiveness in this regard is not well understood. Aims To evaluate the efficacy of once yearly 1080 baiting on dingoes and its effects in mitigating predation and sublethal impacts on beef cattle. Methods A replicated experiment with two paired treatments (1080 poisoned and non-poisoned) was conducted on each of four cattle stations of 3782–10 850 km2, over 2.5 years (2000–02) in the southern Northern Territory. The study was undertaken in relatively good rainfall years. Key results Track-based surveys indicated that dingo abundance declined on poisoned relative to non-poisoned areas immediately following a single baiting episode. However, there was no detectable difference about 8 months after baiting. No difference was detected in observed levels of calf damage or calf loss between poisoned and non-poisoned areas. Conclusions The results add to the growing body of consistent evidence that contemporary dingo control practices yield little benefit to rangeland beef producers most of the time. Implications Routine dingo baiting (as currently undertaken) may be largely unnecessary for beef cattle producers in arid and semiarid areas. Alternative strategies and practices to reduce dingo mauling and predation impacts should be investigated using replicated and controlled field studies.