bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vulnerability to Water Shortage Under Current and Future Water Supply‐Demand Conditions Across U.S. River Basins
Authors: Heidari Hadi , Arabi Mazdak , Warziniack Travis
Published: September 2021

Climate change, population growth, urbanization, and interactions thereof may alter the water supply‐demand balance and lead to shifts in water shortage characteristics at different timescales. This study proposes an approach to improve the vulnerability assessments of U.S. river basins to the shortage at the interannual to decadal timescales by characterizing shifts in intensity, duration, and frequency (IDF) of water shortage events from current (1986–2015) to future (2070–2099) periods. The results indicate that under the driest future climate projection, the frequency and intensity of over‐year (D > 12 months) events at the monthly scale and decadal (D > 10 years) events at the annual scale tend to increase in the Southwest, Southern, middle Great Plain, and Great Lakes regions. Conversely, the frequency of interannual (D < 12 months) events at the monthly scale and annual (D > 1 year) and multi‐year (D > 3 years) events at the annual scale is likely to increase in the West Coast regions. Besides, river basins with a higher rate of aridification are likely to experience more frequent over‐year (D > 12 months) events, while river basins with a decrease in aridification were projected to undergo more frequent interannual (D < 12 months) events due to an increase in the variability of extreme weather anomalies within a year. The findings of this study provide new insights to understand and characterize vulnerability to water shortage under current and future water supply‐demand conditions and can inform the development of effective mitigation and/or adaptation strategies.
The interactions of Bcl9/Bcl9L with β-catenin and Pygopus promote breast cancer growth, invasion, and metastasis
Authors: Vafaizadeh Vida , Buechel David , Rubinstein Natalia , Kalathur Ravi K. R. , Bazzani Lorenzo , Saxena Meera , Valenta Tomas , Hausmann George , Cantù Claudio , Basler Konrad , Christofori Gerhard
Published: September 2021

Canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling is an established regulator of cellular state and its critical contributions to tumor initiation, malignant tumor progression and metastasis formation have been demonstrated in various cancer types. Here, we investigated how the binding of β-catenin to the transcriptional coactivators B-cell CLL/lymphoma 9 (Bcl9) and Bcl9-Like (Bcl9L) affected mammary gland carcinogenesis in the MMTV-PyMT transgenic mouse model of metastatic breast cancer. Conditional knockout of both Bcl9 and Bcl9L resulted into tumor cell death. In contrast, disrupting the interaction of Bcl9/Bcl9L with β-catenin, either by deletion of their HD2 domains or by a point mutation in the N-terminal domain of β-catenin (D164A), diminished primary tumor growth and tumor cell proliferation and reduced tumor cell invasion and lung metastasis. In comparison, the disruption of HD1 domain-mediated binding of Bcl9/Bcl9L to Pygopus had only moderate effects. Interestingly, interfering with the β-catenin-Bcl9/Bcl9L-Pygo chain of adapters only partially impaired the transcriptional response of mammary tumor cells to Wnt3a and TGFβ treatments. Together, the results indicate that Bcl9/Bcl9L modulate but are not critically required for canonical Wnt signaling in its contribution to breast cancer growth and malignant progression, a notion consistent with the “just-right” hypothesis of Wnt-driven tumor progression.
Mouse visual cortex areas represent perceptual and semantic features of learned visual categories
Authors: Goltstein Pieter M. , Reinert Sandra , Bonhoeffer Tobias , Hübener Mark
Published: September 2021

Associative memories are stored in distributed networks extending across multiple brain regions. However, it is unclear to what extent sensory cortical areas are part of these networks. Using a paradigm for visual category learning in mice, we investigated whether perceptual and semantic features of learned category associations are already represented at the first stages of visual information processing in the neocortex. Mice learned categorizing visual stimuli, discriminating between categories and generalizing within categories. Inactivation experiments showed that categorization performance was contingent on neuronal activity in the visual cortex. Long-term calcium imaging in nine areas of the visual cortex identified changes in feature tuning and category tuning that occurred during this learning process, most prominently in the postrhinal area (POR). These results provide evidence for the view that associative memories form a brain-wide distributed network, with learning in early stages shaping perceptual representations and supporting semantic content downstream.
External validation of the 4C mortality score among COVID-19 patients admitted to hospital in Ontario, Canada: a retrospective study
Authors: Jones Aaron , Pitre Tyler , Junek Mats , Kapralik Jessica , Patel Rina , Feng Edward , Dawson Laura , Tsang Jennifer L. Y. , Duong MyLinh , Ho Terence , Beauchamp Marla K. , Costa Andrew P. , Kruisselbrink Rebecca ,   the COREG Investigators, Ciccotelli William , Corriveau Sophie , Farjou George , Giilck Stephen , Girolametto Carla , Griffith Lauren , Guy Brent , Haider Shariq , Hanmiah Rajendar , Hosek Paul , Law Cindy Cin Yee , Liu Theresa T. , Marcucci Maura , Martin Leslie , Neary John , Patel Ameen , Raghavan Natya , Raina Parminder , Raza Samir , Schumacher Connie , Tong Catherine , Wald Joshua
Published: September 2021

Risk prediction scores are important tools to support clinical decision-making for patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The objective of this paper was to validate the 4C mortality score, originally developed in the United Kingdom, for a Canadian population, and to examine its performance over time. We conducted an external validation study within a registry of COVID-19 positive hospital admissions in the Kitchener-Waterloo and Hamilton regions of southern Ontario between March 4, 2020 and June 13, 2021. We examined the validity of the 4C score to prognosticate in-hospital mortality using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) with 95% confidence intervals calculated via bootstrapping. The study included 959 individuals, of whom 224 (23.4%) died in-hospital. Median age was 72 years and 524 individuals (55%) were male. The AUC of the 4C score was 0.77, 95% confidence interval 0.79–0.87. Overall mortality rates across the pre-defined risk groups were 0% (Low), 8.0% (Intermediate), 27.2% (High), and 54.2% (Very High). Wave 1, 2 and 3 values of the AUC were 0.81 (0.76, 0.86), 0.74 (0.69, 0.80), and 0.76 (0.69, 0.83) respectively. The 4C score is a valid tool to prognosticate mortality from COVID-19 in Canadian hospitals and can be used to prioritize care and resources for patients at greatest risk of death.
Confirmation of Oryctes rhinoceros nudivirus infections in G-haplotype coconut rhinoceros beetles (Oryctes rhinoceros) from Palauan PCR-positive populations
Authors: Tanaka Shunsuke , Harrison Robert L. , Arai Hiroshi , Katayama Yukie , Mizutani Tetsuya , Inoue Maki N. , Miles Joel , Marshall Sean D. G. , Kitalong Christopher , Nakai Madoka
Published: September 2021

Coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB), Oryctes rhinoceros, is a pest of palm trees in the Pacific. Recently, a remarkable degree of palm damage reported in Guam, Hawaii, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands has been associated with a particular haplotype (clade I), known as “CRB-G”. In the Palau Archipelago, both CRB-G and another haplotype (clade IV) belonging to the CRB-S cluster coexist in the field. In this study, more than 75% of pheromone trap-captured adults of both haplotypes were Oryctes rhinoceros nudivirus (OrNV)-positive by PCR. No significant difference in OrNV prevalence between the haplotypes was detected. In PCR-positive CRB-G tissue specimens from Palau, viral particles were observed by electron microscopy. Hemocoel injection of CRB larvae with crude virus homogenates from these tissues resulted in viral infection and mortality. OrNV isolated from Palauan-sourced CRB was designated as OrNV-Palau1. Both OrNV-Palau1 and OrNV-X2B, a CRB biological control isolate released in the Pacific, were propagated using the FRI-AnCu-35 cell line for production of inoculum. However, the OrNV-Palau1 isolate exhibited lower viral production levels and longer larval survival times compared to OrNV-X2B in O. rhinoceros larvae. Full genome sequences of the OrNV-Palau1 and -X2B isolates were determined and found to be closely related to each other. Altogether these results suggest CRB adults in Palau are infected with a less virulent virus, which may affect the nature and extent of OrNV-induced pathology in Palauan populations of CRB.
Key factors affecting people’s unwillingness to be confined during the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain: a large-scale population study
Authors: Martinez-Garcia Marina , Rabasa Alejandro , Barber Xavier , Polotskaya Kristina , Roomp Kristof , Oliver Nuria
Published: September 2021

Population confinements have been one of the most widely adopted non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) implemented by governments across the globe to help contain the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. While confinement measures have been proven to be effective to reduce the number of infections, they entail significant economic and social costs. Thus, different policy makers and social groups have exhibited varying levels of acceptance of this type of measures. In this context, understanding the factors that determine the willingness of individuals to be confined during a pandemic is of paramount importance, particularly, to policy and decision-makers. In this paper, we study the factors that influence the unwillingness to be confined during the COVID-19 pandemic by the means of a large-scale, online population survey deployed in Spain. We perform two types of analyses (logistic regression and automatic pattern discovery) and consider socio-demographic, economic and psychological factors, together with the 14-day cumulative incidence per 100,000 inhabitants. Our analysis of 109,515 answers to the survey covers data spanning over a 5-month time period to shed light on the impact of the passage of time. We find evidence of pandemic fatigue as the percentage of those who report an unwillingness to be in confinement increases over time; we identify significant gender differences, with women being generally less likely than men to be able to sustain long-term confinement of at least 6 months; we uncover that the psychological impact was the most important factor to determine the willingness to be in confinement at the beginning of the pandemic, to be replaced by the economic impact as the most important variable towards the end of our period of study. Our results highlight the need to design gender and age specific public policies, to implement psychological and economic support programs and to address the evident pandemic fatigue as the success of potential future confinements will depend on the population’s willingness to comply with them.
Development and validation of diagnostic SNP markers for quality control genotyping in a collection of four rice (Oryza) species
Authors: Gouda Arnaud Comlan , Warburton Marilyn L. , Djedatin Gustave L. , Kpeki Sèdjro Bienvenu , Wambugu Peterson W. , Gnikoua Karlin , Ndjiondjop Marie Noelle
Published: September 2021

Morphological identification of closely related rice species, particularly those in the Oryza AA genome group, presents major challenges and often results in cases of misidentification. Recent work by this group identified diagnostic single nucleotide polymorphic (SNP) markers specific for several rice species and subspecies based on DArTseq next-generation sequencing technology (“DArTseq”). These SNPs can be used for quality control (QC) analysis in rice breeding and germplasm maintenance programs. Here, we present the DArTseq-based diagnostic SNPs converted into Kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASPar or KASP) assays and validation data for a subset of them; these can be used for low-cost routine genotyping quality control (QC) analysis. Of the 224 species/subspecies’ diagnostic SNPs tested, 158 of them produced working KASP assays, a conversion success rate of 70%. Two validation experiments were run with 87 of the 158 SNP markers to ensure that the assays amplified, were polymorphic, and distinguished the five species/subspecies tested. Based on these validation test results, we recommend a panel of 36 SNP markers that clearly delineate O. barthii, O. glaberrima, O. longistaminata, O. sativa spp. indica and japonica. The KASP assays provide a flexible, rapid turnaround and cost-effective tool to facilitate germplasm curation and management of these four Oryza AA genome species across multiple genebanks.
Mental health prevalence and predictors among university students in nine countries during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-national study
Authors: Ochnik Dominika , Rogowska Aleksandra M. , Kuśnierz Cezary , Jakubiak Monika , Schütz Astrid , Held Marco J. , Arzenšek Ana , Benatov Joy , Berger Rony , Korchagina Elena V. , Pavlova Iuliia , Blažková Ivana , Aslan Imran , Çınar Orhan , Cuero-Acosta Yonni Angel
Published: September 2021

The student population has been highly vulnerable to the risk of mental health deterioration during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. This study aimed to reveal the prevalence and predictors of mental health among students in Poland, Slovenia, Czechia, Ukraine, Russia, Germany, Turkey, Israel, and Colombia in a socioeconomic context during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was conducted among 2349 students (69% women) from May–July 2020. Data were collected by means of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), Gender Inequality Index (GII), Standard & Poor's Global Ratings, the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker (OxCGRT), and a sociodemographic survey. Descriptive statistics and Bayesian multilevel skew-normal regression analyses were conducted. The prevalence of high stress, depression, and generalized anxiety symptoms in the total sample was 61.30%, 40.3%, and 30%, respectively. The multilevel Bayesian model showed that female sex was a credible predictor of PSS-10, GAD-7, and PHQ-8 scores. In addition, place of residence (town) and educational level (first-cycle studies) were risk factors for the PHQ-8. This study showed that mental health issues are alarming in the student population. Regular psychological support should be provided to students by universities.
Meta-analysis of the efficacy of preoperative skin preparation with alcoholic chlorhexidine compared to povidone iodine in orthopedic surgery
Authors: Mastrocola Mario , Matziolis Georg , Böhle Sabrina , Lindemann Chris , Schlattmann Peter , Eijer Henk
Published: September 2021

Preoperative skin preparation is an effective method to prevent surgical site infections (SSI). Alcoholic chlorhexidine (CHG) and povidone iodine (PV-I) are the most widely used antiseptic agents. This meta-analysis aims to determine their efficacy in reducing natural bacterial skin flora in clean orthopedic surgery. A systematic search was conducted through current literature up to June 2021 to identify clinical randomized trials that compared the efficacy of alcoholic chlorhexidine and povidone iodine in reducing bacterial skin colonization after preoperative skin preparation. A meta-analysis was conducted. Of 235 screened articles, 8 randomized controlled trials were included. The results of the meta-analysis demonstrate a significantly lower positive culture rate in the chlorhexidine group than in the povidone iodine group (RR = 0.53, 95% Cl: 0.32–0.88). The present data show the superiority of chlorhexidine in reducing the normal bacterial flora compared to povidone iodine in clean orthopedic surgery.
Randomised feasibility study of prehospital recognition and antibiotics for emergency patients with sepsis (PhRASe)
Authors: Jones Jenna , Allen Susan , Davies Jan , Driscoll Timothy , Ellis Gemma , Fegan Greg , Foster Theresa , Francis Nick , Islam Saiful , Morgan Matt , Nanayakkara Prabath W. B. , Perkins Gavin D. , Porter Alison , Rainer Timothy , Ricketts Samuel , Sewell Bernadette , Shanahan Tracy , Smith Fang Gao , Smyth Michael A. , Snooks Helen , Moore Chris
Published: September 2021

Severe sepsis is a time critical condition which is known to have a high mortality rate. Evidence suggests that early diagnosis and early administration of antibiotics can reduce morbidity and mortality from sepsis. The prehospital phase of emergency medical care may provide the earliest opportunity for identification of sepsis and delivery of life-saving treatment for patients. We aimed to assess the feasibility of (1) paramedics recognising and screening patients for severe sepsis, collecting blood cultures and administering intravenous antibiotics; and (2) trial methods in order to decide whether a fully-powered trial should be undertaken to determine safety and effectiveness of this intervention. Paramedics were trained in using a sepsis screening tool, aseptic blood culture collection and administration of intravenous antibiotics. If sepsis was suspected, paramedics randomly allocated patients to intervention or usual care using scratchcards. Patients were followed up at 90 days using linked anonymised data to capture length of hospital admission and mortality. We collected self-reported health-related quality of life at 90 days. We pre-specified criteria for deciding whether to progress to a fully-powered trial based on: recruitment of paramedics and patients; delivery of the intervention; retrieval of outcome data; safety; acceptability; and success of anonymised follow-up. Seventy-four of the 104 (71.2%) eligible paramedics agreed to take part and 54 completed their training (51.9%). Of 159 eligible patients, 146 (92%) were recognised as eligible by study paramedics, and 118 were randomised (74% of eligible patients, or 81% of those recognised as eligible). Four patients subsequently dissented to be included in the trial (3%), leaving 114 patients recruited to follow-up. All recruited patients were matched to routine data outcomes in the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage Databank. Ninety of the 114 (79%) recruited patients had sepsis or a likely bacterial infection recorded in ED. There was no evidence of any difference between groups in patient satisfaction, and no adverse reactions reported. There were no statistically significant differences between intervention and control groups in Serious Adverse Events (ICU admissions; deaths). This feasibility study met its pre-determined progression criteria; an application will therefore be prepared and submitted for funding for a fully-powered multi-centre randomised trial.

Trial registration: ISRCTN36856873 sought 16th May 2017; https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN36856873
Degeneracy of light scattering and absorption by a single nanowire
Authors: Lee Jeng Yi , Chen Yi-Huan , Chen Pai-Yen
Published: September 2021

We theoretically and numerically prove that under an electromagnetic plane wave with linear polarization incident normally to a single nanowire, there exists a power diagram that could indicate scattering properties for any system configurations, material parameters, and operating wavelength. We demonstrate the distinct power distribution boundary in absorption, scattering, and extinction for a generalized nanowire with any partial wave modes dominant. In the boundary, each dominant scattering coefficients remain constant, and its energy performance would display superabsorbers or superscatterers. Interestingly, for a system with larger partial wave modes dominant, the occupied domain in the power diagram could completely cover that with lower ones. Hence, a system with different levels of partial wave modes can display the same power results, reflecting the degeneracy. This degenerate property could release more degrees of freedom in design of energy harvesting devices and sensors. We demonstrate several systems based on realistic materials to support our findings.
Dual function Li-reactive coating from residual lithium on Ni-rich NCM cathode material for Lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Sattar Tahir , Sim Seong-Ju , Jin Bong-Soo , Kim Hyun-Soo
Published: September 2021

In this study, lithium phosphate (Li3PO4) is coated on the surface of Ni-rich LiNi0.91Co0.06Mn0.03O2 cathode material to enhance its cyclability and rate performance. The process is carried-out by achieving dual benefits, reduction of residual lithium compounds by converting them into Li3PO4 coating material. The 0.1 mol.% Li3PO4 (LiP) sample exhibits a capacity retention of 82% while the pristine NCM shows only 68.1% after 100 cycles. In addition, the LiP-0.1 NCM delivers high discharge capacities (161.9 mAh g−1 at 3C, 144.3 mAh g−1 at 4C and 94.6 mAh g−1 at 5C) as compared to the pristine NCM (129.3 mAh g−1 at 3C, 67.4 mAh g−1 at 4C and 33.4 mAh g−1 at 5C) in the voltage range of 3.0–4.3 V. In addition, the irreversible phase transition has also suppressed in the coated sample which is confirmed by cyclic voltammetry. Our study suggests that Li3PO4 coating reduces the polarization and acts as protecting layer between the electrode and electrolyte that results in the superior electrochemical performance.
Flow cytometry method for absolute counting and single-cell phenotyping of mycobacteria
Authors: Barr David A. , Omollo Charles , Mason Mandy , Koch Anastasia , Wilkinson Robert J. , Lalloo David G. , Meintjes Graeme , Mizrahi Valerie , Warner Digby F. , Davies Gerry
Published: September 2021

Detection and accurate quantitation of viable Mycobacterium tuberculosis is fundamental to understanding mycobacterial pathogenicity, tuberculosis (TB) disease progression and outcomes; TB transmission; drug action, efficacy and drug resistance. Despite this importance, methods for determining numbers of viable bacilli are limited in accuracy and precision owing to inherent characteristics of mycobacterial cell biology—including the tendency to clump, and “differential” culturability—and technical challenges consequent on handling an infectious pathogen under biosafe conditions. We developed an absolute counting method for mycobacteria in liquid cultures using a bench-top flow cytometer, and the low-cost fluorescent dyes Calcein-AM (CA) and SYBR-gold (SG). During exponential growth CA + cell counts are highly correlated with CFU counts and can be used as a real-time alternative to simplify the accurate standardisation of inocula for experiments. In contrast to CFU counting, this method can detect and enumerate cell aggregates in samples, which we show are a potential source of variance and bias when using established methods. We show that CFUs comprise a sub-population of intact, metabolically active mycobacterial cells in liquid cultures, with CFU-proportion varying by growth conditions. A pharmacodynamic application of the flow cytometry method, exploring kinetics of fluorescent probe defined subpopulations compared to CFU is demonstrated. Flow cytometry derived Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) time-kill curves differ for rifampicin and kanamycin versus isoniazid and ethambutol, as do the relative dynamics of discrete morphologically-distinct subpopulations of bacilli revealed by this high-throughput single-cell technique.
Projections of northern hemisphere extratropical climate underestimate internal variability and associated uncertainty
Authors: O’Reilly Christopher H. , Befort Daniel J. , Weisheimer Antje , Woollings Tim , Ballinger Andrew , Hegerl Gabriele
Published: September 2021

Internal climate variability will play a major role in determining change on regional scales under global warming. In the extratropics, large-scale atmospheric circulation is responsible for much of observed regional climate variability, from seasonal to multidecadal timescales. However, the extratropical circulation variability on multidecadal timescales is systematically weaker in coupled climate models. Here we show that projections of future extratropical climate from coupled model simulations significantly underestimate the projected uncertainty range originating from large-scale atmospheric circulation variability. Using observational datasets and large ensembles of coupled climate models, we produce synthetic ensemble projections constrained to have variability consistent with the large-scale atmospheric circulation in observations. Compared to the raw model projections, the synthetic observationally-constrained projections exhibit an increased uncertainty in projected 21st century temperature and precipitation changes across much of the Northern extratropics. This increased uncertainty is also associated with an increase of the projected occurrence of future extreme seasons.
A novel approach to imaging and visualization of minute amounts of DNA in small volume samples
Authors: Ceresa Luca , Kitchner Emma , Seung Michael , Bus Magdalena M. , Budowle Bruce , Chavez Jose , Gryczynski Ignacy , Gryczynski Zygmunt
Published: September 2021

This report presents a novel approach for detecting and visualizing small to trace amounts of DNA in a sample.
Pd-Catalyzed allylic C–H activation to seven-membered N,O-heterocycles
Authors: Velasco-Rubio Álvaro , Varela Jesús A. , Saá Carlos
Published: September 2021

Heterocyclization of catalytic Pd π-allyl intermediates from simple olefins to seven-membered N,O-heterocycles has been developed.
Diversity-oriented synthesis of imidazo[1,2-a][1,3,5]triazine derivatives from 2-amine-[1,3,5]triazines with ketones
Authors: Zhao Wanqiu , Zhang Cheng , Zhong Pengzhen , Zhou Wei , Zhang Chen , Cui Dong-Mei
Published: September 2021

The diversity-oriented synthesis of imidazo[1,2-a][1,3,5]triazine derivatives from 2-amine-[1,3,5]triazines with ketones has been developed by tuning the reaction conditions.
Single sheets of graphene for fabrication of fibers with enhanced mechanical properties
Authors: Salim Muhammad G. , Thimons Luke A. , Kim Min A. , Carr Brennan , Montgomery Michelle , Tolman Nathan , D. B. Jacobs Tevis , Liu Haitao
Published: September 2021

This paper reports the fabrication and mechanical properties of macroscale graphene fibers (diameters of 10 to 100 μm with lengths upwards of 2 cm) prepared from a single sheet of single-layer graphene grown via chemical vapor deposition (CVD).
London dispersion dominating diamantane packing in helium nanodroplets
Authors: Alić Jasna , Messner Roman , Lackner Florian , Ernst Wolfgang E. , Šekutor Marina
Published: September 2021

Diamantane molecules deposited into helium nanodroplets form magic number clusters and the process is driven by dispersion interactions.
Jilin zircon – a new natural reference material for microbeam U–Pb geochronology and Hf–O isotopic analysis
Authors: Luo Tao , Li Qiuli , Ling Xiaoxiao , Li Yang , Yang Chuan , Wang Hanlin , Xia Xiaoping , Zhang Shaobing , Xu Lei , Liu Xiaoming , Deng Xiaodong , Hu Zhaochu
Published: September 2021

This study presented a new natural zircon reference material for microbeam U–Pb geochronology and Hf–O isotopic analysis.
Heterobimetallic platinum(ii) complexes with increased cytotoxicity against ovarian cancer cell lines
Authors: Melounková Lucie , Syková Miriam , Jirásko Robert , Jambor Roman , Havelek Radim , Peterová Eva , Honzíček Jan , Vinklárek Jaromír
Published: September 2021

Two series of heterobimetallic compounds were prepared from the starting complex [cis-L2PtCl2] containing an aminophosphine ligand (L = 2,6-iPr2-C6H3-NHPPh2).
Efficient synthesis of tetra- and penta-substituted benzenes via a domino annulation reaction of a pyridinium ylide and chalcone o-enolate
Authors: Xu Feng-Shun , Yan Chen , Sun Jing , Yan Chao-Guo
Published: September 2021

A very simple and highly efficient protocol for synthesizing tetra- and penta-substituted benzene derivatives has been developed.
Study on the synthesis and thermal stability of silicone resins reinforced by Si–O–Ph cross-linking
Authors: Zhang Huadong , Yan Zhongyi , Yang Zhizhou , Yao Jinshui , Mu Qiuhong , Peng Dan , Zhao Hui
Published: September 2021

A novel silicone resin (SR-OH) containing phenolic hydroxyl (Ph–OH) groups was designed and synthesized via co-hydrolysis/condensation and catalytic hydrogenation.
Synthesis of nano-zirconium-iron oxide supported by activated carbon composite for the removal of Sb(v) in aqueous solution
Authors: Liu Yanjun , Meng Lingda , Han Kai , Sun Shujuan
Published: September 2021

The adsorbent was highly effective in the removal of Sb(v). The adsorbent easily achieved solid–liquid separation under the action of an external magnetic field.
Recent advances in zinc chalcogenide-based nanocatalysts for photocatalytic reduction of CO2
Authors: Li Pan , He Tao
Published: September 2021

This review highlights various approaches used to improve photocatalytic performance of CO2 reduction over zinc-chalcogenide catalysts, such as microstructure modulation, surface modification, multi-component formation and heterojunction fabrication.
The intrigue of directional water collection interface: mechanisms and strategies
Authors: Wang Qiuyue , Yang Fuchao , Guo Zhiguang
Published: September 2021

The synthetic strategies of various bionic water interface materials are reviewed, and the development of durability and self-healing water collection materials are highlighted.
Effects of substituents on the intermolecular interaction, morphology, and charge transport of novel bis-lactam-based molecules
Authors: Kim Su-Yeon , Kim Jin Hong , Choi Min-Woo , Kwon Ji Eon , Park Soo Young
Published: September 2021

To elucidate the origin of high charge carrier mobility in bis-lactam compounds with twisted geometries, we synthesized a series of 3,7-diphenyl-1,5-dioctyl-1,5-naphthyridine-2,6-dione (NTDP) derivatives bearing various substituents.
Characterization of subunit interactions in the hetero-oligomeric retinoid oxidoreductase complex
Authors: Adams Mark K. , Belyaeva Olga V. , Wu Lizhi , Chaple Ivis F. , Dunigan-Russell Katelyn , Popov Kirill M. , Kedishvili Natalia Y.
Published: September 2021

The hetero-oligomeric retinoid oxidoreductase complex (ROC) catalyzes the interconversion of all-trans-retinol and all-trans-retinaldehyde to maintain the steady-state output of retinaldehyde, the precursor of all-trans-retinoic acid that regulates the transcription of numerous genes. The interconversion is catalyzed by two distinct components of the ROC: the NAD(H)-dependent retinol dehydrogenase 10 (RDH10) and the NADP(H)-dependent dehydrogenase reductase 3 (DHRS3). The binding between RDH10 and DHRS3 subunits in the ROC results in mutual activation of the subunits. The molecular basis for their activation is currently unknown. Here, we applied site-directed mutagenesis to investigate the roles of amino acid residues previously implied in subunit interactions in other SDRs to obtain the first insight into the subunit interactions in the ROC. The results of these studies suggest that the cofactor binding to RDH10 subunit is critical for the activation of DHRS3 subunit and vice versa. The C-terminal residues 317–331 of RDH10 are critical for the activity of RDH10 homo-oligomers but not for the binding to DHRS3. The C-terminal residues 291–295 are required for DHRS3 subunit activity of the ROC. The highly conserved C-terminal cysteines appear to be involved in inter-subunit communications, affecting the affinity of the cofactor binding site in RDH10 homo-oligomers as well as in the ROC. Modeling of the ROC quaternary structure based on other known structures of SDRs suggests that its integral membrane-associated subunits may be inserted in adjacent membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), making the formation and function of the ROC dependent on the dynamic nature of the tubular ER network.
Identification of potential genes related to breast cancer brain metastasis in breast cancer patients
Authors: Zhang Lijian , Wang Luxuan , Yang Hua , Li Chunhui , Fang Chuan
Published: September 2021

Brain metastases (BMs) usually develop in breast cancer (BC) patients. Thus, the molecular mechanisms of breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM) are of great importance in designing therapeutic strategies to treat or prevent BCBM. The present study attempted to identify novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of BCBM. Two datasets (GSE125989 and GSE100534) were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to find differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in cases of BC with and without brain metastasis (BM). A total of 146 overlapping DEGs, including 103 up-regulated and 43 down-regulated genes, were identified. Functional enrichment analysis showed that these DEGs were mainly enriched for functions including extracellular matrix (ECM) organization and collagen catabolic fibril organization. Using protein–protein interaction (PPI) and principal component analysis (PCA) analysis, we identified ten key genes, including LAMA4, COL1A1, COL5A2, COL3A1, COL4A1, COL5A1, COL5A3, COL6A3, COL6A2, and COL6A1. Additionally, COL5A1, COL4A1, COL1A1, COL6A1, COL6A2, and COL6A3 were significantly associated with the overall survival of BC patients. Furthermore, COL6A3, COL5A1, and COL4A1 were potentially correlated with BCBM in human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) expression. Additionally, the miR-29 family might participate in the process of metastasis by modulating the cancer microenvironment. Based on datasets in the GEO database, several DEGs have been identified as playing potentially important roles in BCBM in BC patients.
Searches for new physics with free neutrons and radioactive atomic nuclei
Authors: Severijns N.
Published: September 2021

The Standard Model of Particle Physics is very successful but does not explain several experimental observations. Extensions of it, invoking new particles or phenomena, could overcome this. Experiments in different energy domains allow testing these extensions and searching for new particles. Here focus is on low-energy experiments with neutrons and radioactive nuclei.
Symmetry and asymmetry from MEMS variable capacitor by nonlinear micro stoppers
Authors: Zhu Jianxiong , Shi Yunde , Ma Feng
Published: September 2021

Mechanical stoppers in MEMS capacitive systems can dramatically affect electrical performances and result in complicated mechanical dynamic responses. This paper introduces electromechanical coupling nonlinear dynamic responses in MEMS variable dual-capacitor with an effect of nonlinear and asymmetrical stoppers. We found that the capacitance in the electrical circuit system related to the first-order derivative of the output voltage on a load resistor, and the variable dual-capacitor was strongly affected by the coupling of up and down superposition instantaneous electrostatic force and limited space by the length of nonlinear stoppers. The numerical calculation results and the experimental results in our analysis based on our system had a good agreement, and the numerical simulation results presented rich nonlinear impacts dynamic responses through the imposed voltage and the height of stoppers in MEMS variable dual-capacitive device. The device in operation cannot reach the 0.6 time's initial gap due to small forcing amplitude (1.026 g). However, we observed that the movable plate and stoppers (across the 0.6 time's initial gap) had fierce impacts due to big forcing amplitude (4 g) on to the device. With asymmetric stopper each impact, we also concluded that the movable plate would experience attenuations of the displacement until the moment to the next impacts. Moreover, the height of stoppers can not only result in complicated dynamic motion of the movable plate, but also can modulate a voltage of the fixed plate with its asymmetry structure.
The “happiness” concept in the Russian and German advertising texts
Authors: Zharyonova Natalia Vyacheslavovna , Borisov Dmitry Alexandrovich , Zintsova Uliya Nikolayevna
Published: September 2021

The prerequisite for this research was the frequent use of the “happiness” word in modern advertising texts. The authors of the article have tried to answer the following question: Do copywriters take into account a national mindset when creating an illusion of easy-to-get happiness in advertising slogans? How effective is such advertising? The article aims at studying the national specifics of the “happiness” concept in the German- and Russian-speaking environment, analyzing advertising texts and assessing the correspondence of the “happiness” image created in them to consumers’ ideas about it. The authors used the method of linguistic observation and description, contextual analysis, conceptual analysis, comparative analysis, associative field method and survey method. Based on the study results, they have drawn the following conclusions: 1. The concept of “happiness” in the German- and Russian-speaking linguistic cultures is mostly the same and its representatives can be combined into the following semantic groups: “state”, “its external manifestations” and “external sources of happiness”. 2. In contrast to the German-speaking society, which measures the degree of its happiness by the individual feeling of satisfaction in life, the Russians prefer to wait for happiness and do not talk about it once this emotion is obtained. 3. The use of the “happiness” lexeme in advertising products and consumer goods is ineffective since they are not included in the concept of “happiness” in the Russian and German cultural codes. 4. Pandemic-caused changes in modern society requires the reappraisal of values: happiness is now associated with such concepts as health, freedom of movement, travel and home. The comparative analysis of the “happiness” concept in German and Russian advertising was conducted for the first time. The results obtained can be used in further linguistic and marketing research.
Genre-based tradition of happy ending in Ye. Zamyatin’s Tales
Authors: Korzheva Alina Evgenievna
Published: September 2021

The article deals with Ye.I. Zamyatin tales from the perspective of their compliance with the genre canons of a fairytale. The authors explore the Tales of Fita cycle as well as the tales “The Devourer” and “The Church of God” included in the collection “Big Kids’ Fairytales”. Special attention is paid to the endings of tales; the authors analyze their correspondence to the canons of folklore and literary fairytales formulated by the researchers of this genre: V.Ya. Propp, V.P. Anikin, and I.P. Lupanova. There is a mixture of the fairytale genre with the genre of socio-political satire in Ye.I. Zamyatin’s analyzed works. The authors analyze the plot and stylistic means used by the writer, their compliance with the standard canon. Within the study, the authors rely on the results of existing research in this area and attempt to explore the writer’s work in a new context. Traditionally works in the field of literary research into Ye.I. Zamyatin’s work focus on the dystopian motives and the analysis of political overtones in the writer’s satirical works. At the same time, the genre-related features of Ye.I. Zamyatin’s early works remain poorly understood and require particular academic attention. The novelty of this study consists in the fact that the study is focused on the analysis of the genre structure of Zamyatin’s “tales”. The authors use the method of comparative analysis, problem-logical, functional and systemic methods. The study allows one to determine the degree to which Ye.I. Zamyatin’s tales correspond to traditional plot-related and “formulaic” devices used in the endings of folk and literary fairy tales as well as study the specific features of mixing the genres of fairytale and satire in the famous Russian writer’s works.
“The phenomenon of Russian happiness”: studies of Bashkortostan students during the COVID-19
Authors: Cherkasova Tatyana Vasilievna
Published: September 2021

Studies of Russian youth in Russia, their values, life plans, and happy worldviews have always aroused interest abroad since young people are the potential of the future. They are at the epicenter of Russian domestic events. The study aims to formulate the algorithm of the “phenomenon of Russian happiness” in the regional student youth of Bashkortostan. Methods: an annual complex sociological study (on the sample of 563 respondents) and a focus-group ethno0gender study were conducted by the author in December 2019 – January 2020. The study respondents are the students of the major supporting oil university of the region aged from 19 to 30 years old. The novelty of the study lies in identifying the specifics of Russians’ perception of the “phenomenon of happiness” under the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic. A regional portrait of Russian student youth is compiled based on the study results. The happiness of youth is a value orientation that determines their social behavior. Happiness is a “social indicator” of self-control for the “satisfaction of their needs”. Family, health, love, peace, and patriotism remain the traditional values ensuring the happy life of Russians. A scientifically grounded synthesis approach is important for studying the “phenomenon of happiness” as it allows accounting for the ethno-gender, psycho-physiological, political and economic, and socio-demographic components. “The phenomenon of Russian happiness” in the 21st century is associated with traditional and successive fundamental values: “study-work-provide for the family”. Russian students prove to be “felicitous optimists”. The majority of them (70%) do not find themselves disoriented in the conditions of the COVID-19, they observe measures of personal safety. The students indicate “creating a family with children” and “professional and career advancement” in their postgraduate happy plans while in the present they “make money in their free time” and “read” professional literature.
Female image of memory-centric happiness of first-wave Russian emigration
Authors: Reznik Oxana Vladimirovna , Popovich Natalia Grigorievna , Donskaja Elena Vicktorovna , Perzeke Margarita Yurievna , Tulup Elzara Refatovna
Published: September 2021

In the article, the starting point of the study is the changes in the semantic aspects of the work by Russian emigrant writers of the first wave. These writers bring conceptually significant topics to the pages of their works, thus highlighting the scale of the global catastrophe. It is argued that, under these conditions, an objective pattern is a change in genre preferences, in particular, the emigrant writers’ turn to memoir genres as the most relevant in the context of emigration, which in turn entails a change in thematic priorities. Trace the features of the literary representation of the conceptually established understanding of happiness in the conditions of the first-wave emigration on the example of the works by the writers N. Teffi and Z. Shakhovskaya. Methods: comparative biographical analysis, the historical research method, and concept analysis. Unlike the male understanding of happiness by emigrant writers, female authors focus on the detailed (material) world rather than philosophical generalizations associated with history and politics. The very understanding of happiness for female writers, according to the authors, is akin to interpretations of the state of contentment, prosperity, well-being, joy from abundant life. The uniqueness of understanding the concept of “happiness” is primarily due to gender differences. The authors propose to connect the origins of the formation of this worldview with the folklore traditions of the Russian people, in which happiness is described as an emotionally elevated state of human satisfaction. A similar understanding is established in childhood, and its images become key in emigrant works. At the same time, the feminine view is characterized by patriarchal nature and belief in the victory of good over evil.
Comfortable digital education: problems and development prospects
Authors: Bankov Andrey Sergeevich , Kuritsyna Galina Viktorovna , Retivina Veronika Viktorovna , Rodkina Olga Yanovna , Chikova Nana Dzhimsherovna
Published: September 2021

Currently, digitalization is rapidly encompassing all spheres of society, including education. This process received particular relevance and a powerful impetus to development in connection with the pandemic in 2020. The educational process has undergone dramatic changes, which has given rise to many problems associated with the insufficient development of the principles of digital didactics, with the unwillingness of universities to provide the necessary conditions for mass online education. The study aims to determine the set of conditions that form the basis of effective and comfortable learning in the modern digital educational environment, to determine the directions for the development of new professional competencies of the teacher. The team of authors considers the readiness of the material and digital infrastructure of the university, as well as the readiness of teachers and students to carry out their functions in the digital environment, to be the main prerequisites for organizing a comfortable and effective education in digital format. The paper discusses the prospects for the development of a multi-tier infrastructure of digital education, the problems that arise among the main actors of educational relations (teachers and students), the direction of the choice of teaching methods, and the organization of classes, taking into account the peculiarities of the distance learning process. The study used methods of comparative analysis, generalization, synthesis. The result and novelty of the research are expressed in the development of a set of necessary conditions for effective and comfortable interaction of participants in the educational process in the context of mass online learning. The results of the work can be used to organize professional development courses and retraining programs for teachers in the field of designing online courses, developing tools for a digital educational environment.
Implementation of the state policy on children in Tula oblast
Authors: Shaidenko Nadezhda Anatolievna , Orekhova Elena Yakovlevna , Svetlana Nikolaevna Kipurova
Published: September 2021

The profound and comprehensive crisis faced by the Russian Federation in the 1990s severely affected families and children. With the advent of the new millennium, however, funding for all aspects regarding family and children increased and the role and responsibilities of state agencies were enshrined in legislation. The change in interpersonal relations, women’s employment, and the focus on reducing the number of orphanages through various forms of foster care support the need for new ideologies and measures to support families and orphans and children left without parental care. This supports the importance of analyzing the regional policy in the sphere of family and orphans based on the state legislation on the one hand and the regional normative legal documents stemming from this experience on the other. The study uses the methods of specific sociological techniques: surveying, content analysis of the regional press on the problems of the social sphere, and analysis of legislative and regulatory documents and statistical data. The article identifies the problems present in education in the studied region, as well as significant positive changes primarily in rehabilitation work with parents deprived of parental rights to return children to their families. The authors propose a strategy for early prevention of family dysfunction based on increased cooperation between all regional subjects of upbringing. Forms of socio-pedagogical support for families with foster children are highlighted separately. The main reason for the continuing problems in the region is the lack of activity on the part of most social systems having the potential of pedagogical impact. In terms of future perspectives, the authors indicate the need to develop educational and developmental multivariate programs focused on the development of competent parenthood in the region.