bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Failure probability assessment of landslides triggered by earthquakes and rainfall: a case study in Yadong County, Tibet, China
Authors: Chen Lixia , Mei Le , Zeng Bin , Yin Kunlong , Shrestha Dhruba Pikha , Du Juan
Published: October 2020

Yadong County located in the southern Himalayan mountains in Tibet, China, is an import frontier county. It was affected by landslides after the 2011 Sikkim earthquake (Mw = 6.8) and the 2015 Gorkha earthquake (Mw = 7.8). Casualties and property damage were caused by shallow landslides during subsequent rainfall on the earthquake-destabilized slopes. Existing researches have generally examined rainfall- and earthquake-triggered landslides independently, whereas few studies have considered the combined effects of both. Furthermore, there is no previous study reported on landslide hazards in the study area, although the area is strategically applicable for trade as it is close to Bhutan and India. This study developed a new approach that coupled the Newmark method with the hydrological model based on geomorphological, geological, geotechnical, seismological and rainfall data. A rainfall threshold distribution map was generated, indicating that the southeast part of Yadong is prone to rainfall-induced landslides, especially when daily rainfall is higher than 45 mm/day. Permanent displacement predictions were used to identify landslide hazard zones. The regression model used to calculate these permanent displacement values was 71% accurate. Finally, landslide probability distribution maps were generated separately for dry and wet conditions with rainfall of varying intensities. Results can serve as a basis for local governments to manage seismic landslide risks during rainy seasons.
Allosteric regulation of glutamate dehydrogenase deamination activity
Authors: Bera Soumen , Rashid Mubasher , Medvinsky Alexander B. , Sun Gui-Quan , Li Bai-Lian , Acquisti Claudia , Sljoka Adnan , Chakraborty Amit
Published: October 2020

Glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) is a key enzyme interlinking carbon and nitrogen metabolism. Recent discoveries of the GDH specific role in breast cancer, hyperinsulinism/hyperammonemia (HI/HA) syndrome, and neurodegenerative diseases have reinvigorated interest on GDH regulation, which remains poorly understood despite extensive and long standing studies. Notwithstanding the growing evidence of the complexity of allosteric network behind GDH regulation, identifications of allosteric factors and associated mechanisms are paramount to deepen our understanding of the complex dynamics that regulate GDH enzymatic activity. Combining structural analyses of cryo-electron microscopy data with molecular dynamic simulations, here we show that the cofactor NADH is a key player in the GDH regulation process. Our structural analysis indicates that, binding to the regulatory sites in proximity of the antenna region, NADH acts as a positive allosteric modulator by enhancing both the affinity of the inhibitor GTP binding and inhibition of GDH catalytic activity. We further show that the binding of GTP to the NADH-bound GDH activates a triangular allosteric network, interlinking the inhibitor with regulatory and catalytic sites. This allostery produces a local conformational rearrangement that triggers an anticlockwise rotational motion of interlinked alpha-helices with specific tilted helical extension. This structural transition is a fundamental switch in the GDH enzymatic activity. It introduces a torsional stress, and the associated rotational shift in the Rossmann fold closes the catalytic cleft with consequent inhibition of the deamination process. In silico mutagenesis examinations further underpin the molecular basis of HI/HA dominant mutations and consequent over-activity of GDH through alteration of this allosteric communication network. These results shed new light on GDH regulation and may lay new foundation in the design of allosteric agents.
Dampened virulence and limited proliferation of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans during subclinical infection of the troglobiont olm (Proteus anguinus)
Authors: Li Zhimin , Verbrugghe Elin , Konstanjšek Rok , Lukač Maja , Pasmans Frank , Cizelj Ivan , Martel An
Published: October 2020

Emerging infections add to existing threats to the survival of amphibians worldwide. The olm (Proteus anguinus) is a vulnerable, troglobiont urodele species with a small European range and restricted to underground karstic systems. Population declines to emerging threats like the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans, are likely to go unnoticed due to inaccessibility of the species’ habitat. We here studied the interaction between olms and B. salamandrivorans. Experimental inoculation of olms resulted in low-level, asymptomatic but persistent infections, with limbs as predilection sites. The lack of exponential fungal growth in the olms’ epidermis correlated with limited fungal proliferation and dampened virulence gene expression after exposure to olm skin compounds. The olm is one of few western Palearctic urodeles that is tolerant to B. salamandrivorans infection and may act as a subterranean disease reservoir, yet costs of subclinical infection may compromise olm fitness on the long term.
Unexpected mutual regulation underlies paralogue functional diversification and promotes epithelial tissue maturation in Tribolium
Authors: Gurska Daniela , Vargas Jentzsch Iris M. , Panfilio Kristen A.
Published: October 2020

Insect Hox3/zen genes represent an evolutionary hotspot for changes in function and copy number. Single orthologues are required either for early specification or late morphogenesis of the extraembryonic tissues, which protect the embryo. The tandemly duplicated zen paralogues of the beetle Tribolium castaneum present a unique opportunity to investigate both functions in a single species. We dissect the paralogues’ expression dynamics (transcript and protein) and transcriptional targets (RNA-seq after RNAi) throughout embryogenesis. We identify an unexpected role of Tc-Zen2 in repression of Tc-zen1, generating a negative feedback loop that promotes developmental progression. Tc-Zen2 regulation is dynamic, including within co-expressed multigene loci. We also show that extraembryonic development is the major event within the transcriptional landscape of late embryogenesis and provide a global molecular characterization of the extraembryonic serosal tissue. Altogether, we propose that paralogue mutual regulation arose through multiple instances of zen subfunctionalization, leading to their complementary extant roles.
Boronate affinity material-based sensors for recognition and detection of glycoproteins
Authors: Qin Xiaoxiao , Zhang Zhong , Shao Hongjun , Zhang Runguang , Chen Lingxin , Yang Xingbin
Published: October 2020

This review comprehensively presents the current overview and development potential of BAMs-based sensors for glycoprotein recognition and detection.
Label-free lipidome study of paraventricular thalamic nucleus (PVT) of rat brain with post-traumatic stress injury by Raman imaging
Authors: Chaichi Ardalan , Hasan Syed Mohammad Abid , Mehta Nishir , Donnarumma Fabrizio , Ebenezer Philip , Murray Kermit K. , Francis Joseph , Gartia Manas Ranjan
Published: October 2020

We introduce a novel method that provides quantitative lipidomics results from Raman maps in the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) region of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) rat brains.
An “on–off–on” selective fluorescent probe based on nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon dots for detecting Cu2+ and GSH in living cells
Authors: Wei Shanshan , Li Tinghua , Zhang Xinyu , Zhang Hongyuan , Jiang Chunzhu , Sun Guoying
Published: October 2020

Nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon dots (N,S-CDs) as a simple “on–off–on” fluorescent probe were applied for quickly detecting Cu2+ ions and GSH in living cells.
Biomaterial-assisted photoimmunotherapy for cancer
Authors: Chen Muchao , Chen Qian
Published: October 2020

The biomaterials have been well designed as photoabsorbing/sensitizing agents or effective carriers to enhance the photoimmunotherapeutic efficacy and evade their side effects.
Mobility of Lewis acids within the secondary coordination sphere: toward a model for cooperative substrate binding
Authors: Kiernicki John J. , Norwine Emily E. , Lovasz Myles A. , Zeller Matthias , Szymczak Nathaniel K.
Published: October 2020

Distance dependence of appended Lewis acids in N2H4 binding and deprotonation was evaluated within a series of zinc complexes.
A delocalized cobaltoviologen with seven reversibly accessible redox states and highly tunable electrochromic behaviour
Authors: Mansoor Iram F. , Wozniak Derek I. , Wu Yilei , Lipke Mark C.
Published: October 2020

Cobalt was found to mediate strong electronic coupling between two viologen-like redox-active ligands, providing electrochromic properties that are easily tuned by the applied redox potential.
Intermolecular cyclotrimerization of haloketoalkynes and internal alkynes: facile access to arenes and phthalides
Authors: Silvestri A. P. , Oakdale J. S.
Published: October 2020

A fully intermolecular Ru(ii)-catalyzed cyclotrimerization of internal alkynes chemo- and regioselectively generates substituted arenes and phthalides in a single step.
Extension of transferable coarse-grained models to dicationic ionic liquids
Authors: Moosavi Majid , Ostadsharif Memar Zahra
Published: October 2020

In this study, we extended the previously developed coarse-grained (CG) models of mono-cationic ionic liquids (MILs) to di-cationic ILs (DILs).
New force field for GCMC simulations of D2/H2 quantum sieving in pure silica zeolites
Authors: Radola Bastien , Giraudet Maxence , Bezverkhyy Igor , Simon Jean Marc , Salazar José-Marcos , Macaud Mathieu , Bellat Jean Pierre
Published: October 2020

A new force field for GCMC simulations of quantum sieving of H2 and D2 in silica zeolites.
Single-molecule kinetic studies of DNA hybridization under extreme pressures
Authors: Sung Hsuan-Lei , Nesbitt David J.
Published: October 2020

Pressure-responsive dynamics of DNA hairpin hybridization/dehybridization is directly visualized at the single molecule level.
Is non-statistical dissociation a general feature of guanine–cytosine base-pair ions? Collision-induced dissociation of a protonated 9-methylguanine–1-methylcytosine Watson–Crick base pair, and comparison with its deprotonated and radical cation analogues
Authors: Sun Yan , Moe May Myat , Liu Jianbo
Published: October 2020

Non-statistical dissociation of a protonated guanine–cytosine Watson–Crick base pair.
Tunable electronic properties of the dynamically stable layered mineral Pt2HgSe3 (Jacutingaite)
Authors: Bafekry Asadollah , Stampfl Catherine , Nguyen Chuong , Ghergherehchi Mitra , Mortazavi Bohayra
Published: October 2020

Density functional theory calculations are performed in order to study the structural and electronic properties of monolayer Pt2HgSe3. Effects of uniaxial and biaxial strain, layer thickness, electric field and out-of-plane pressure on the electronic properties are systematically investigated.
Superconducting behavior of BaTi2Bi2O and its pressure dependence
Authors: Wang Yanan , Li Huan , Taguchi Tomoya , Suzuki Ai , Miura Akari , Goto Hidenori , Eguchi Ritsuko , Miyazaki Takafumi , Liao Yen-Fa , Ishii Hirofumi , Kubozono Yoshihiro
Published: October 2020

A possible Dirac semimetal, BaTi2Bi2O, indicates a sign of topologically nontrivial nature in superconductivity at high pressure.
CO2reduction and ethane dehydrogenation on transition metal catalysts: mechanistic insights, reactivity trends and rational design of bimetallic alloys
Authors: Jalid Fatima , Khan Tuhin Suvra , Haider M. Ali
Published: October 2020

Reactivity trends of transition metal catalysts, studied for the ethane dehydrogenation reaction using CO2as a mild oxidant.
Ligand-free, catalytic and regioselective hydroboration of selenoalkynes
Authors: Baldassari Lucas L. , Santos Kelvin S. , Ebersol Camila P. , Lüdtke Diogo S. , Moro Angélica V.
Published: October 2020

The copper-catalyzed hydroboration of selenoalkynes in a regio- and stereoselective fashion is reported, delivering selenium-containing vinylboronate products in good yields.
Recent advances in Wacker oxidation: from conventional to modern variants and applications
Authors: Fernandes Rodney A. , Jha Amit K. , Kumar Praveen
Published: October 2020

Recent developments in the well-known Wacker oxidation process from conventional to modern variants and applications to natural products' synthesis are compiled in this review.
Macrocyclic NHC complexes of group 10 elements with enlarged aromaticity for biological studies
Authors: Bernd Marco A. , Bauer Elisabeth B. , Oberkofler Jens , Bauer Andreas , Reich Robert M. , Kühn Fritz E.
Published: October 2020

Two sets of macrocyclic, bio-inspired, non-heme ligands are utilized for the synthesis of NiII, PdII and PtII complexes.
Structurally modulated single-ion magnets of mononuclear β-diketone dysprosium(iii) complexes
Authors: Kong Ming , Feng Xin , Li Jing , Hu Zhao-Bo , Wang Jia , Song Xiao-Jiao , Jing Zhao-Yang , Zhang Yi-Quan , Song You
Published: October 2020

Four perturbed eight-coordinated mononuclear β-diketone based Dy(iii) SIMs with distinct hydrogen bond interactions and electron delocalization are noteworthily modulated by the aromatic groups of auxiliary ligands.
Frontiers in the solution-phase chemistry of homoatomic group 15 Zintl clusters
Authors: van IJzendoorn Bono , Mehta Meera
Published: October 2020

Recent developments in the solution-phase chemistry of polypnictogen Zintl cluster are discussed, including the preparation of new clusters, wet synthetic methods, and their subsequent small molecule activations.
Development of new and efficient copper(ii) complexes of hexyl bis(pyrazolyl)acetate ligands as catalysts for allylic oxidation
Authors: Gabrielli Serena , Pellei Maura , Venditti Iole , Fratoddi Ilaria , Battocchio Chiara , Iucci Giovanna , Schiesaro Irene , Meneghini Carlo , Palmieri Alessandro , Marcantoni Enrico , Bagnarelli Luca , Vallesi Riccardo , Santini Carlo
Published: October 2020

New hexyl bis(pyrazol-1-yl)acetate copper(ii) complexes as efficient catalysts for allylic oxidation by the Kharasch–Sosnovsky reaction.
Suitability of strontium and cobalt-free perovskite cathodes with La9.67Si5AlO26 apatite electrolyte for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells
Authors: Robles-Fernandez Adrian , Orera Alodia , Merino Rosa I. , Slater Peter R.
Published: October 2020

Symmetrical cells based on apatite electrolytes show the potential of LaFe0.8Cu0.2O3 as a cathode material for IT applications.
Multiphase chemistry experiment in Fogs and Aerosols in the North China Plain (McFAN): integrated analysis and intensive winter campaign 2018
Authors: Li Guo , Su Hang , Ma Nan , Tao Jiangchuan , Kuang Ye , Wang Qiaoqiao , Hong Juan , Zhang Yuxuan , Kuhn Uwe , Zhang Shaobin , Pan Xihao , Lu Nan , Tang Min , Zheng Guangjie , Wang Zhibin , Gao Yang , Cheng Peng , Xu Wanyun , Zhou Guangsheng , Zhao Chunsheng , Yuan Bin , Shao Min , Ding Aijun , Zhang Qiang , Fu Pingqing , Sun Yele , Pöschl Ulrich , Cheng Yafang
Published: October 2020

High-RH-favored multiphase reactions can significantly change the chemical composition of fine particles and thereby modify their physicochemical properties.
Environmentally sustainable production and application of acyl phosphates
Authors: Guo Shengmei , Li Sen , Yan Wenjie , Liang Zhibin , Fu Zhengjiang , Cai Hu
Published: October 2020

A versatile and environmentally friendly synthetic method for the formation of acyl phosphates is reported.
Near neutral waterborne cationic polyurethane from CO2-polyol, a compatible binder to aqueous conducting polyaniline for eco-friendly anti-corrosion purposes
Authors: Zou Chenyang , Zhang Hongming , Qiao Lijun , Wang Xianhong , Wang Fosong
Published: October 2020

A near-neutral waterborne cationic polyurethane from CO2-polyol was synthesized using BDE as an internal emulsifier. Its compatibility with an aqueous cPANI dispersion and strong adhesion to CS plates mean it could be used for corrosion protection.
Syntheses of two- and three-dimensional covalent organic frameworks in deep eutectic solvents
Authors: Qiu Jikuan , Guan Pengxin , Zhao Yuling , Li Zhiyong , Wang Huiyong , Wang Jianji
Published: October 2020

For the first time, a mild and green strategy is reported for the efficient syntheses of a series of 2D and 3D COFs using deep eutectic solvents as clean media under ambient conditions.
Dipolar cycloadditions of HMF-based nitrones: stepwise and multicomponent reactions, stereochemical outcome and structural scope
Authors: Wang Lianjie , Verrier Charlie , Ahmar Mohammed , Queneau Yves
Published: October 2020

The straightforward preparation of new 3-furanyl isoxazolidines by 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of 5-hydroxymetylfurfural (HMF)-derived nitrones with electro-deficient olefins is investigated.
Pyrolyzed biosolid surface features promote a highly efficient oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: de Falco Giacomo , Florent Marc , Bandosz Teresa J.
Published: October 2020

Materials synthesized from biosolids by simple pyrolysis at 950 °C showed excellent performance as ORR catalysts. It was linked to their intrinsic features (N, P, Fe) and to the developed micro/meso pores lined with the layer of graphitized carbon.
Ammonium phosphomolybdate: a material for dielectric crossover and resistive switching performance
Authors: Ghosh Sarit K. , Perla Venketa K. , Mallick Kaushik , Pal Tarasankar
Published: October 2020

Dielectric crossover and resistive switching application of ammonium phosphomolybdate.
Optical tunability of lead free double perovskite Cs2AgInCl6via composition variation
Authors: Nath Bidisha , Pradhan Basudev , Panda Subhendu K.
Published: October 2020

The tunable bandgap and luminescence properties of lead free double perovskite Cs2AgInCl6 are achieved through variable cation and halide composition.
Hydrothermal synthesis of WO3/CoS2 n–n heterojunction for Z-scheme photocatalytic H2 evolution
Authors: Ma Lijun , Xu Jing , Li Lingjiao , Mao Min , Zhao Sheng
Published: October 2020

WO3 and CoS2 form n–n heterojunctions, and the synergy between them provides a new hydrogen-producing active center for each.
Surface alloys in nanochemistry: catalysis and synthesis
Authors: Song Intek
Published: October 2020

A surface alloy is a surface-confined mixture of metals that are immiscible in bulk. It has unique chemical properties that can be utilized in various catalytic and synthetic reactions.
Shape control of soft patchy nanoparticles under confinement
Authors: Ventura Rosales Ivonne Elizabeth , Rovigatti Lorenzo , Bianchi Emanuela , Likos Christos N. , Locatelli Emanuele
Published: October 2020

Snapshot of an equilibrium configuration of a self-assembled DCS brush in the bulk.
Advanced electrocatalysts based on two-dimensional transition metal hydroxides and their composites for alkaline oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Wan Hao , Chen Fashen , Ma Wei , Liu Xiaohe , Ma Renzhi
Published: October 2020

The progress in developing advanced electrocatalysts mainly based on two-dimensional hydroxides and their composites for alkaline oxygen reduction reaction is reviewed.
Triethoxysilane-derived SiOx-assisted structural reinforcement of Si/carbon nanotube composite for lithium-ion battery
Authors: Park Byung Hoon , Lee Geon-Woo , Choi Soo Bean , Kim Young-Hwan , Kim Kwang Bum
Published: October 2020

Herein, triethoxysilane-derived SiOx is used as a robust adhesive anchor to bind Si nanoparticles (NPs) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to prepare a structurally reinforced Si/CNT microsphere composite.
Traps in metal halide perovskites: characterization and passivation
Authors: Qiu Xincan , Liu Yu , Li Wenwu , Hu Yuanyuan
Published: October 2020

Understanding and passivating the traps in metal halide perovskites for the fabrication of more stable and efficient devices.
Experimental and computational evidence on gold-catalyzed regioselective hydration of phthalimido-protected propargylamines: an entry to β-amino ketones
Authors: Marsicano Vincenzo , Arcadi Antonio , Aschi Massimiliano , Michelet Véronique
Published: October 2020

Gold-catalyzed regioselective hydration of phthalimido-protected propargylamines.
Chemical recycling of poly(thiourethane) thermosets enabled by dynamic thiourethane bonds
Authors: Huang Sijia , Podgórski Maciej , Han Xun , Bowman Christopher N.
Published: October 2020

Herein, we introduce a detailed investigation of the dynamic nature of the thiourethane bond and subsequently apply this dynamic character to formation, recycling and even additive manufacturing using cross-linked networks.
Compliance of a microstructured, soft sampling device for transcutaneous blood gas monitoring
Authors: Seton Ragnar , Thornell Greger , Persson Anders
Published: October 2020

Replacing rigid transcutaneous blood gas monitoring sensors with microstructured silicone patches, makes the proof of concept system developed and evaluated here a viable first step towards truly continuous measurement on premature neonates.
Synthesis of green fluorescent carbon dots from carbon nano-onions and graphene oxide
Authors: Ventrella Alessia , Camisasca Adalberto , Fontana Antonella , Giordani Silvia
Published: October 2020

An easy and low-cost strategy for the synthesis of bright fluorescent CDs from CNOs and GO.
Bio-elastomers based on polyocimene synthesizedviacoordination polymerization using neodymium-based catalytic systems
Authors: Valencia Luis , Enríquez-Medrano Francisco Javier , López González Héctor Ricardo , Handa Rishab , Caballero Hened Saade , Carrizales Ricardo Mendoza , Olivares-Romero José Luis , Díaz de León Gómez Ramón Enrique
Published: October 2020

Towards the development of eco-friendly alternatives of elastomeric materials, herein we report the synthesis of polyocimeneviacoordination polymerization.
CuO nanorods grown vertically on graphene nanosheets as a battery-type material for high-performance supercapacitor electrodes
Authors: Zhai Miaomiao , Li Ang , Hu Jingbo
Published: October 2020

The CuO/rGO@NF electrode is prepared by a simple and time-saving method, which has ultrahigh area capacity and excellent rate performance.
Self-template/activation nitrogen-doped porous carbon materials derived from lignosulfonate-based ionic liquids for high performance supercapacitors
Authors: Xu Qinqin , Wang Xia , Cheng Jian , Zhang Lin , He Feng , Xie Haibo
Published: October 2020

Without any additional template or activation agent, a high N-doped porous carbon was easily prepared by a simple ion exchange reaction and a following carbonization, and showed excellent electrochemical performance as a supercapacitor electrode.
Cu2O as an emerging semiconductor in photocatalytic and photoelectrocatalytic treatment of water contaminated with organic substances: a review
Authors: Koiki Babatunde A. , Arotiba Omotayo A.
Published: October 2020

A wide range of semiconductor photocatalysts have been used over the years in water treatment to eliminate toxic organic substances from wastewater.
Bio-elastomer nanocomposites reinforced with surface-modified graphene oxide prepared via in situ coordination polymerization
Authors: Bahena Arely , Magaña Ilse , López González Héctor Ricardo , Handa Rishab , Enríquez-Medrano Francisco Javier , Kumar Sugam , Carrizales Ricardo Mendoza , Fernandez Salvador , Valencia Luis , Díaz de León Gómez Ramón Enrique
Published: October 2020

This article proposes a method to produce bio-elastomer nanocomposites, based on polyfarnesene or polymyrcene, reinforced with surface-modified graphene oxide (GO).
Application of soot discharged from the combustion of marine gas oil as an anode material for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Baek Hyun-Min , Kim Dae-Yeong , Lee Won-Ju , Kang Jun
Published: October 2020

Many studies have recently investigated the characteristics of combustion products emitted from ships and onshore plant facilities for use as energy sources.
I realized what I was doing was not working: the influence of explicit teaching of metacognition on students’ study strategies in a general chemistry I course
Authors: Muteti Caroline Z. , Zarraga Carolina , Jacob Brooke I. , Mwarumba Tuli M. , Nkhata Dorothy B. , Mwavita Mwarumba , Mohanty Smita , Mutambuki Jacinta M.
Published: October 2020

Many students transitioning from high school to college are faced with challenges of getting acclimated to college life and managing their time and heavy course load that is cognitively demanding. Students planning to major in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs in the United States are mostly required to enroll in general chemistry courses as prerequisites. Unfortunately, these courses are among the STEM gateway courses in which many first-year students struggle to get through, or are weeded out. This is partly due to the use of ineffective study strategies that require more than rote memorization, a common learning approach in high schools. One way to prepare first-year college students for STEM trajectories is by teaching them metacognitive strategies early in their study programs to enable early adoption and sustainability of metacognition knowledge and metacognition regulation skills as they progress to the advanced courses. While a handful of studies have investigated study strategies among students in the general chemistry courses as well as the impact of metacognitive activities on student performance in chemistry, very few in-depth qualitative studies investigating the influence of explicit teaching of metacognition on students’ study strategies have been reported. Using open-ended questionnaires, this unique study investigated general chemistry students’ study strategies that they employed prior to a 50 minute metacognition lesson; strategies they reported to have gained from the instruction; and the influence of the metacognition instruction on students’ study strategies and performance in the final exam. Findings indicated more reported use of rote memorization over higher-order study strategies prior to the metacognition instruction, but more reported gains on higher-order study strategies and fewer strategies related to rote memorization immediately after the metacognition instruction. Furthermore, 67% reported a positive influence of the metacognition instruction on study strategies, with 7% lower DFs in the final exam compared to those who reported ‘no influence’. Findings revealed that most general chemistry students were unaware of effective study strategies; thus, there is a critical need to explicitly teach students in general chemistry courses metacognitive strategies.
Modified cyclodextrins solubilize elemental sulfur in water and enable biological sulfane sulfur delivery
Authors: Bolton Sarah G. , Pluth Michael D.
Published: October 2020

Sulfane sulfur, or S0, is found in polysulfide and persulfide compounds in biology. We demonstrate that modified cyclodextrins can solubilize S8 in water, increase its reactivity with biological nucleophiles, and enable delivery to live cells.
Selective oxidation of alkyl and aryl glyceryl monoethers catalysed by an engineered and immobilised glycerol dehydrogenase
Authors: Velasco-Lozano Susana , Roca Maite , Leal-Duaso Alejandro , Mayoral José A. , Pires Elisabet , Moliner Vicent , López-Gallego Fernando
Published: October 2020

Design and fabrication of a robust heterogeneous biocatalyts for the selective oxidation of alkyl/aryl glyceryl monoethers through the engineering and immobilization of glycerol dehydrogenases.
Remarkable decrease in the viscosity of waxy crude oil under an electric field
Authors: Jain Ankita , Seth Jyoti R. , Juvekar Vinay A. , Verma Nidhi , Pandey Nandini
Published: October 2020

Liquefaction of the wax network in crude oil by an electric field.
Donor–acceptor type conjugated copolymers based on alternating BNBP and oligothiophene units: from electron acceptor to electron donor and from amorphous to semicrystalline
Authors: Miao Junhui , Li Hongxiang , Wang Tao , Han Yanchun , Liu Jun , Wang Lixiang
Published: October 2020

A series of D–A type conjugated polymers based on alternating BNBP unit and oligothiophene units of various length were developed and served as from electron acceptor to electron donor.
Redox-active phthalocyanine-decorated graphene aerogels for high-performance supercapacitors based on ionic liquid electrolyte
Authors: Yang Lifang , Zhuo Kelei , Xu Xiaochao , Zhang Zezhong , Du Quanzhou , Chen Yujuan , Sun Dong , Wang Jianji
Published: October 2020

CuPC-rGA and PC-rGA are prepared to match an ionic liquid electrolyte. The IL-based pseudocapacitance system shows a superior energy-power performance.
Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene/tea polyphenol blends for artificial joint applications
Authors: Ren Yue , Wang Fei-Yu , Chen Zi-Jian , Lan Ri-Tong , Huang Ren-Huan , Fu Wan-Qun , Gul Rizwan M. , Wang Jing , Xu Jia-Zhuang , Li Zhong-Ming
Published: October 2020

A facile and efficient method to fabricate antibacterial and anti-inflammatory artificial joint with tea polyphenols.
MOF based flexible, low-cost chemiresistive device as a respiration sensor for sleep apnea diagnosis
Authors: Leelasree T. , Selamneni Venkatarao , Akshaya T. , Sahatiya Parikshit , Aggarwal Himanshu
Published: October 2020

A MOF based breath sensor with an excellent response time is reported for the first time for sleep apnea diagnosis.
Unusual quaternary structure of a homodimeric synergistic-type toxin from mamba snake venom defines its molecular evolution
Authors: Aoki-Shioi Narumi , Jobichen Chacko , Sivaraman J. , Kini R. Manjunatha
Published: October 2020

Snake venoms are complex mixtures of enzymes and nonenzymatic proteins that have evolved to immobilize and kill prey animals or deter predators. Among them, three-finger toxins (3FTxs) belong to the largest superfamily of nonenzymatic proteins. They share a common structure of three β-stranded loops extending like fingers from a central core containing all four conserved disulfide bonds. Most 3FTxs are monomers and through subtle changes in their amino acid sequences, they interact with different receptors, ion channels and enzymes to exhibit a wide variety of biological effects. The 3FTxs have further expanded their pharmacological space through covalent or noncovalent dimerization. Synergistic-type toxins (SynTxs) isolated from the deadly mamba venoms, although nontoxic, have been known to enhance the toxicity of other venom proteins. However, the details of three-dimensional structure and molecular mechanism of activity of this unusual class of 3FTxs are unclear. We determined the first three-dimensional structure of a SynTx isolated from Dendroaspis jamesoni jamesoni (Jameson's mamba) venom. The SynTx forms a unique homodimer that is held together by an interchain disulfide bond. The dimeric interface is elaborate and encompasses loops II and III. In addition to the inter-subunit disulfide bond, the hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions between the monomers contribute to the dimer formation. Besides, two sulfate ions that mediate interactions between the monomers. This unique quaternary structure is evolved through noncovalent homodimers such as κ-bungarotoxins. This novel dimerization further enhances the diversity in structure and function of 3FTxs.
Chemically based transmissible ER stress protocols are unsuitable to study cell-to-cell UPR transmission
Authors: Bignon Yohan , Poindessous Virginie , Rampoldi Luca , Haldys Violette , Pallet Nicolas
Published: October 2020

Renal epithelial cells regulate the destructive activity of macrophages and participate in the progression of kidney diseases. Critically, the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR), which is activated in renal epithelial cells in the course of kidney injury, is required for the optimal differentiation and activation of macrophages. Given that macrophages are key regulators of renal inflammation and fibrosis, we suppose that the identification of mediators that are released by renal epithelial cells under Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) stress and transmitted to macrophages is a critical issue to address. Signals leading to a paracrine transmission of ER stress (TERS) from a donor cell to a recipient cells could be of paramount importance to understand how ER-stressed cells shape the immune microenvironment. Critically, the vast majority of studies that have examined TERS used thaspigargin as an inducer of ER stress in donor cells in cellular models. By using multiple sources of ER stress, we evaluated if human renal epithelial cells undergoing ER stress can transmit the UPR to human monocyte-derived macrophages and if such TERS can modulate the inflammatory profiles of these cells. Our results indicate that carry-over of thapsigargin is a confounding factor in chemically based TERS protocols classically used to induce ER Stress in donor cells. Hence, such protocols are not suitable to study the TERS phenomenon and to identify its mediators. In addition, the absence of TERS transmission in more physiological models of ER stress indicates that cell-to-cell UPR transmission is not a universal feature in cultured cells.
Identification of prognosis-related genes in the tumor microenvironment of stomach adenocarcinoma by TCGA and GEO datasets
Authors: Ren Na , Liang Bin , Li Yunhui
Published: October 2020

Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role in stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) development, progression, prognosis and immunotherapeutic responses. How the genes in TME interact and behave is extremely crucial for tumor investigation. In the present study, we used gene expression data of STAD available from TCGA and GEO datasets to infer tumor purity using ESTIMATE algorithms, and predicted the associations between tumor purity and clinical features and clinical outcomes. Next, we calculated the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from the comparisons of immune and stromal scores, and postulated key biological processes and pathways that the DEGs mainly involved in. Then, we analyzed the prognostic values of DEGs in TCGA dataset, and validated the results by GEO dataset. Finally, we used CIBERSORT computational algorithm to estimate the 22 tumor infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) subsets in STAD tissues. We found that stromal and immune scores were significantly correlated with STAD subtypes, clinical stages, Helicobacter polyri infection, and stromal scores could predict the clinical outcomes in STAD patients. Moreover, we screened 307 common DEGs in TCGA and GSE51105 datasets. In the prognosis analyses, we only found OGN, JAM2, RERG, OLFML2B, and ADAMTS1 genes were significantly associated with overall survival in TCGA and GSE84437 datasets, and these genes were correlated with the fractions of T cells, B cells, macrophages, monocytes, NK cells and DC cells, respectively. Our comprehensive analyses for transcriptional data not only improved the understanding of characteristics of TME, but also provided the targets for individual therapy in STAD.
The association of interieukin-6 polymorphism (rs1800795) with microvascular complications in Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Cui Jieyuan , Zhang Xiaolin , Guo Cheng , Zhang Lin
Published: October 2020

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs1800795 in interieukin-6 (IL-6) gene on diabetic microvascular complications of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), using statistical meta-analysis.

Methods: Literature pertaining to the relationship between the SNP rs1800795 and microvascular complications of T2DM including diabetic retinopathy, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic neuropathy and foot disease was retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science Knowledge and SinoMed databases. Original information was analyzed using Stata 12.0, including meta-analysis statistics, test for heterogeneity, evaluation of publication bias and sensitivity. Subgroup analysis was conducted to assess the effect of specific factors on the corresponding results.

Results: In total, 14 eligible articles were obtained. The SNP rs1800795 in IL-6 gene is not correlated with risk of microvascular complications in T2DM. Among the original literature, a genetic model (OR = 1.071, 95% CI: 0.681–1.685, P=0.767), an allelic genetic model (OR = 1.010, 95% CI: 0.959–1.063, P=0.703), a heterozygote genetic model (OR = 1.107, 95% CI: 0.916–1.339, P=0.292), a dominant genetic model (OR = 1.108, 95% CI: 0.885–1.387, P=0.372), and a recessive genetic model (OR = 0.978, 95% CI: 0.646–1.478, P=0.917) were included respectively. In the subgroup analysis by types of diabetic microvascular complications, we found no correlation between the SNP rs1000795 polymorphism and complications of T2DM in either the homozygote genetic model or the allelic genetic model (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that rs1800795 polymorphism in IL-6 gene is not correlated with the susceptibility of microvascular complications of T2DM.
Trehalose 6-phosphate signalling and impact on crop yield
Authors: Paul Matthew J. , Watson Amy , Griffiths Cara A.
Published: October 2020

The domestication and breeding of crops has been a major achievement for mankind enabling the development of stable societies and civilisation. Crops have become more productive per unit area of cultivated land over the course of domestication supporting a current global population of 7.8 billion. Food security crops such as wheat and maize have seen large changes compared with early progenitors. Amongst processes that have been altered in these crops, is the allocation of carbon resources to support larger grain yield (grain number and size). In wheat, reduction in stem height has enabled diversion of resources from stems to ears. This has freed up carbon to support greater grain yield. Green revolution genes responsible for reductions in stem height are known, but a unifying mechanism for the active regulation of carbon resource allocation towards and within sinks has however been lacking. The trehalose 6-phosphate (T6P) signalling system has emerged as a mechanism of resource allocation and has been implicated in several crop traits including assimilate partitioning and improvement of yield in different environments. Understanding the mode of action of T6P through the SnRK1 protein kinase regulatory system is providing a basis for a unifying mechanism controlling whole-plant resource allocation and source-sink interactions in crops. Latest results show it is likely that the T6P/SnRK1 pathway can be harnessed for further improvements such as grain number and grain filling traits and abiotic stress resilience through targeted gene editing, breeding and chemical approaches.
Bulge formation through disc instability
Authors: Devergne T. , Cattaneo A. , Bournaud F. , Koutsouridou I. , Winter A. , Dimauro P. , Mamon G. A. , Vacher W. , Varin M.
Published: October 2020

We use simulations to study the growth of a pseudobulge in an isolated thin exponential stellar disc embedded in a static spherical halo. We observe a transition from later to earlier morphological types and an increase in bar prominence for higher disc-to-halo mass ratios, for lower disc-to-halo size ratios, and for lower halo concentrations. We compute bulge-to-total stellar mass ratios B/T by fitting a two-component Sérsic-exponential surface-density distribution. The final B/T is strongly related to the disc’s fractional contribution fd to the total gravitational acceleration at the optical radius. The formula B/T = 0.5 fd1.8 fits the simulations to an accuracy of 30%, is consistent with observational measurements of B/T and fd as a function of luminosity, and reproduces the observed relation between B/T and stellar mass when incorporated into the GALICS 2.0 semi-analytic model of galaxy formation.
Asteroid models reconstructed from ATLAS photometry
Authors: Ďurech J. , Tonry J. , Erasmus N. , Denneau L. , Heinze A. N. , Flewelling H. , Vančo R.
Published: October 2020

Context. The Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) is an all-sky survey primarily aimed at detecting potentially hazardous near-Earth asteroids. Apart from the astrometry of asteroids, it also produces their photometric measurements that contain information about asteroid rotation and their shape.

Aims. To increase the current number of asteroids with a known shape and spin state, we reconstructed asteroid models from ATLAS photometry that was available for approximately 180 000 asteroids observed between 2015 and 2018.

Methods. We made use of the light-curve inversion method implemented in the Asteroids@home project to process ATLAS photometry for roughly 100 000 asteroids with more than a hundred individual brightness measurements. By scanning the period and pole parameter space, we selected those best-fit models that were, according to our setup, a unique solution for the inverse problem.

Results. We derived ~2750 unique models, 950 of them were already reconstructed from other data and published. The remaining 1800 models are new. About half of them are only partial models, with an unconstrained pole ecliptic longitude. Together with the shape and spin, we also determined for each modeled asteroid its color index from the cyan and orange filter used by the ATLAS survey. We also show the correlations between the color index, albedo, and slope of the phase-angle function.

Conclusions. The current analysis is the first inversion of ATLAS asteroid photometry, and it is the first step in exploiting the huge scientific potential that ATLAS photometry has. ATLAS continues to observe, and in the future, this data, together with other independent photometric measurements, can be inverted to produce more refined asteroid models.
Modelling the Galactic very-high-energyγ-ray source population
Authors: Steppa Constantin , Egberts Kathrin
Published: October 2020

Context.The High Energy Stereoscopic System Galactic plane survey (HGPS) is to date the most comprehensive census of Galacticγ-ray sources at very high energies (VHE; 100 GeV ≤ E ≤ 100 TeV). As a consequence of the limited sensitivity of this survey, the 78 detectedγ-ray sources comprise only a small and biased subsample of the overall population. The larger part consists of currently unresolved sources, which contribute to large-scale diffuse emission to a still uncertain amount.

Aims.We study the VHEγ-ray source population in the Milky Way. For this purpose population-synthesis models are derived based on the distributions of source positions, extents, and luminosities.

Methods.Several azimuth-symmetric and spiral-arm models are compared for spatial source distribution. The luminosity and radius function of the population are derived from the source properties of the HGPS data set and are corrected for the sensitivity bias of the HGPS. Based on these models, VHE source populations are simulated and the subsets of sources detectable according to the HGPS are compared with HGPS sources.

Results.The power-law indices of luminosity and radius functions are determined to range between −1.6 and −1.9 for luminosity and −1.1 and −1.6 for radius. A two-arm spiral structure with central bar is discarded as spatial distribution of VHE sources, while azimuth-symmetric distributions and a distribution following a four-arm spiral structure without bar describe the HGPS data reasonably well. The total number of Galactic VHE sources is predicted to be in the range from 800 to 7000 with a total luminosity and flux of (1.6 − 6.3) × 1036ph s−1and (3 − 15) × 10−10ph cm−2s−1, respectively.

Conclusions.Depending on the model, the HGPS sample accounts for (68 − 87)% of the emission of the population in the scanned region. This suggests that unresolved sources represent a critical component of the diffuse emission measurable in the HGPS. With the foreseen jump in sensitivity of the Cherenkov Telescope Array, the number of detectable sources is predicted to increase by a factor between 5 and 9.
Tomography of cool giant and supergiant star atmospheres
Authors: Kravchenko Kateryna , Wittkowski Markus , Jorissen Alain , Chiavassa Andrea , Van Eck Sophie , Anderson Richard I. , Freytag Bernd , Käufl Ulli
Published: October 2020

Context. Asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars are characterized by substantial mass loss, however the mechanism behind it not yet fully understood. The knowledge of the structure and dynamics of AGB-star atmospheres is crucial to better understanding the mass loss. The recently established tomographic method, which relies on the design of spectral masks containing lines that form in given ranges of optical depths in the stellar atmosphere, is an ideal technique for this purpose.

Aims. We aim to validate the capability of the tomographic method in probing different geometrical depths in the stellar atmosphere and recovering the relation between optical and geometrical depth scales.

Methods. We applied the tomographic method to high-resolution spectro-interferometric VLTI/AMBER observations of the Mira-type AGB star S Ori. The interferometric visibilities were extracted at wavelengths contributing to the tomographic masks and fitted to those computed from a uniform disk model. This allows us to measure the geometrical extent of the atmospheric layer probed by the corresponding mask. We then compared the observed atmospheric extension with others measured from available 1D pulsation CODEX models and 3D radiative-hydrodynamics CO5BOLD simulations.

Results. While the average optical depths probed by the tomographic masks in S Ori decrease (with ⟨log τ0⟩ = −0.45, − 1.45, and − 2.45 from the innermost to the central and outermost layers), the angular diameters of these layers increase, from 10.59 ± 0.09 mas through 11.84 ± 0.17 mas, up to 14.08 ± 0.15 mas. A similar behavior is observed when the tomographic method is applied to 1D and 3D dynamical models.

Conclusions. This study derives, for the first time, a quantitative relation between optical and geometrical depth scales when applied to the Mira star S Ori, or to 1D and 3D dynamical models. In the context of Mira-type stars, knowledge of the link between the optical and geometrical depths opens the way to deriving the shock-wave propagation velocity, which cannot be directly observed in these stars.
Abundance of dwarf galaxies around low-mass spiral galaxies in the Local Volume
Authors: Müller Oliver , Jerjen Helmut
Published: October 2020

The abundance of satellite dwarf galaxies has long been considered a crucial test for the current model of cosmology leading to the well-known missing satellite problem. Recent advances in simulations and observations have allowed the study of dwarf galaxies around host galaxies in more detail. Using the Dark Energy Camera we surveyed a 72 deg2 area of the nearby Sculptor group, also encompassing the two low-mass Local Volume galaxies NGC 24 and NGC 45 residing behind the group, to search for as yet undetected dwarf galaxies. Apart from the previously known dwarf galaxies we found only two new candidates down to a 3σ surface brightness detection limit of 27.4 r mag arcsec−2. Both systems are in projection close to NGC 24. However, one of these candidates could be an ultra-diffuse galaxy associated with a background galaxy. We compared the number of known dwarf galaxy candidates around NGC 24, NGC 45, and five other well-studied low-mass spiral galaxies (NGC 1156, NGC 2403, NGC 5023, M 33, and the LMC) with predictions from cosmological simulations, and found that for the stellar-to-halo mass models considered, the observed satellite numbers tend to be on the lower end of the expected range. This could mean either that there is an overprediction of luminous subhalos in ΛCDM or that we are missing some of the satellite members due to observational biases.