bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel alleles gained during the Beringian isolation period
Authors: Niedbalski Sara D. , Long Jeffrey C.
Published: March 2022

During the Last Glacial Maximum, a small band of Siberians entered the Beringian corridor, where they persisted, isolated from gene flow, for several thousand years before expansion into the Americas. The ecological features of the Beringian environment, coupled with an extended period of isolation at small population size, would have provided evolutionary opportunity for novel genetic variation to arise as both rare standing variants and new mutations were driven to high frequency through both neutral and directed processes. Here we perform a full genome investigation of Native American populations in the Thousand Genomes Project Phase 3 to identify unique high frequency alleles that can be dated to an origin in Beringia. Our analyses demonstrate that descendant populations of Native Americans harbor 20,424 such variants, which is on a scale comparable only to Africa and the Out of Africa bottleneck. This is consistent with simulations of a serial founder effects model. Tests for selection reveal that some of these Beringian variants were likely driven to high frequency by adaptive processes, and bioinformatic analyses suggest possible phenotypic pathways that were under selection during the Beringian Isolation period. Specifically, pathways related to cardiac processes and melanocyte function appear to be enriched for selected Beringian variants.
Environment and body-brain interplay affect inhibition and decision-making
Authors: Bouny Pierre , Trousselard Marion , Jacob Sandrine , Vialatte François , Verdonk Charles
Published: March 2022

The fine-tuned interplay of brain and body underlies human ability to cope with changes in the internal and external milieus. Previous research showed that cardiac interoceptive changes (e.g., cardiac phase) affect cognitive functions, notably inhibition that is a key element for adaptive behaviour. Here we investigated the influence on cognition of vestibular signal, which provides the brain with sensory information about body position and movement. We used a centrifuge-based design to disrupt vestibular signal in healthy human volunteers while their inhibition and decision-making functions were assessed with the stop-signal paradigm. Participants performed the standard and a novel, sensorial version of the stop-signal task to determine whether disrupted vestibular signal influences cognition as a function of its relevance to the context. First, we showed that disrupted vestibular signal was associated with a larger variability of longest inhibition latencies, meaning that participants were even slower to inhibit in the trials where they had the most difficulty inhibiting. Second, we revealed that processing of bodily information, as required in the sensorial stop-signal task, also led to a larger variability of longest inhibition latencies, which was all the more important when vestibular signal was disrupted. Lastly, we found that such a degraded response inhibition performance was due in part to the acceleration of decision-making process, meaning that participants made a decision more quickly even when strength of sensory evidence was reduced. Taken together, these novel findings provide direct evidence that vestibular signal affects the cognitive functions of inhibition and decision-making.
Universality and superiority in preference for chromatic composition of art paintings
Authors: Nakauchi Shigeki , Kondo Taisei , Kinzuka Yuya , Taniyama Yuma , Tamura Hideki , Higashi Hiroshi , Hine Kyoko , Minami Tetsuto , Linhares João M. M. , Nascimento Sérgio M. C.
Published: March 2022

Color composition in paintings is a critical factor affecting observers’ aesthetic judgments. We examined observers’ preferences for the color composition of Japanese and Occidental paintings when their color gamut was rotated. In the experiment, observers were asked to select their preferred image from original and three hue-rotated images in a four-alternative forced choice paradigm. Despite observers’ being unfamiliar with the presented artwork, the original paintings (0 degrees) were preferred more frequently than the hue-rotated ones. Furthermore, the original paintings’ superiority was observed when the images were divided into small square pieces and their positions randomized (Scrambled condition), and when the images were composed of square pieces collected from different art paintings and composed as patchwork images (Patchwork condition). Therefore, the original paintings’ superiority regarding preference was quite robust, and the specific objects in the paintings associated with a particular color played only a limited role. Rather, the original paintings’ general trend in color statistics influenced hue-angle preference. Art paintings likely share common statistical regulations in color distributions, which may be the basis for the universality and superiority of the preference for original paintings.
Enhanced ionic conduction in composite polymer electrolytes filled with plant biomass “lignin”
Authors: Liu Zitong , Shikinaka Kazuhiro , Otsuka Yuichiro , Tominaga Yoichi
Published: March 2022

A small amount of lignin was used as a filler for composite polymer electrolytes and provided surprisingly improved ion-conductive behavior, exhibiting application potential for flexible batteries with low environmental impact.
Assessment of cancer cell migration using a viscosity-sensitive fluorescent probe
Authors: Pan Xiaohong , Wang Cheng , Zhao Congcong , Cheng Tingting , Zheng Aishan , Cao Yuru , Xu Kehua
Published: March 2022

Probe NV1 can respond to viscosity changes rapidly and was successfully used to monitor intracellular viscosity changes during cancer cell migration.
Mechanistic exploration of CO2 conversion to dimethoxymethane (DMM) using transition metal (Co, Ru) catalysts: an energy span model
Authors: Das Amitabha , Mandal Shyama Charan , Pathak Biswarup
Published: March 2022

Mechanistic investigation of CO2 conversion to DMM through methylformate (MF) and methoxymethane (MM) intermediates using transition metal catalysts.
A theoretical investigation of the hydrolysis of uranium hexafluoride: the initiation mechanism and vibrational spectroscopy
Authors: Lutz Jesse J. , Byrd Jason N. , Lotrich Victor F. , Jensen Daniel S. , Zádor Judit , Hubbard Joshua A.
Published: March 2022

A mechanistic study of the hydrolysis of UF6 reveals a dihydroxide intermediate facilitates formation of the observed solid product, UO2F2. Vibrational simulations show that the intermediate may have been detected decades ago by IR spectroscopy.
On the atomic structure of two-dimensional materials with Janus structures
Authors: Boukhvalov Danil W.
Published: March 2022

Difference in the lengths of metal–S and metal–Se bonds and contribution from configurational entropy destabilise Janus-structures and make energetically favorable disordered configurations.
Electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate – a step towards a sustainable nitrogen cycle
Authors: Xu Hui , Ma Yuanyuan , Chen Jun , Zhang Wei-xian , Yang Jianping
Published: March 2022

This review provides an overview of electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate, including the reaction mechanisms, reactor design principles, product detection methods, and performance evaluation methods, which can provide a sustainable nitrogen cycle.
Porous carbon nano-sheets as excellent carbocatalysts for organic pollutant removal via persulfate activation: the role of the sp2/sp3 carbon ratio
Authors: Fu Qi , Yang Huangsheng , Yu Jiaxing , Li Nan , Tong Yuanjun , Wei Songbo , Hao Zhengping , Wang Junhui , Ouyang Gangfeng
Published: March 2022

A series of porous carbon nano-sheets with tunable sp2/sp3 carbon hybridizations are prepared and exhibit outstanding catalytic activity for the removal of various pollutants via persulfate activation.
Immunomodulatory activity ofSenegalia macrostachya(Reichenb. ex DC.) Kyal. & Boatwr seed polysaccharide fraction through the activation of the MAPK signaling pathway in RAW264.7 macrophages
Authors: Zongo Abel Wend-Soo , Zogona Daniel , Zhang Ziyang , Youssef Mahmoud , Zhou Peiyuan , Chen Yuanyuan , Geng Fang , Chen Yijie , Li Jing , Li Bin
Published: March 2022

A novel polysaccharide (SMSP2) was extracted and purified fromSenegalia macrostachyaseeds. SMSP2 promoted RAW264.7 macrophage activation leading to pro- and anti-inflammatory mediator release. SMSP2-induced macrophage activation occursviaactivation of the MAPK signaling pathway.
Preparation of Ni-loaded oxygen-enriched vacancy TiO2−x hierarchical micro-nanospheres and the study of their photocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance
Authors: Li Hao-tian , Zhang Wang-gang , Niu Lu , Wang Jian , Zuo Zhi-jun , Liu Yi-ming
Published: March 2022

Ni-loaded oxygen-enriched vacancy TiO2−x hierarchical micro-nanospheres were prepared, and the photocatalytic hydrogen production properties were greatly improved due to the synergetic effect between THS, oxygen vacancies and Ni-based promoters.
Synthesis of surface-modified iron oxide nanocrystals using supercritical carbon dioxide as the reaction field
Authors: Orita Yasuhiko , Kariya Keito , Wijakmatee Thossaporn , Shimoyama Yusuke
Published: March 2022

We applied the supercritical CO2 technology, which is an excellent solventless process, to the synthesis of surface-modified iron oxide nanocrystals.
A facile aqueous production of bisphosphonated-polyelectrolyte functionalized magnetite nanoparticles for pH-specific targeting of acidic-bone cells
Authors: Rahman Md. Abdur , Ochiai Bungo
Published: March 2022

Synthesis of a bisphosphonated polyelectrolytic stabilizer to in situ fabricate and functionalize Fe3O4 nanoparticles and their pH-dependent hemolysis and bone-cell adhesion.
Novel Janus GaInX3 (X = S, Se, Te) single-layers: first-principles prediction on structural, electronic, and transport properties
Authors: Vu Tuan V. , Hieu Nguyen N. , Lavrentyev A. A. , Khyzhun O. Y. , Lanh Chu V. , Kartamyshev A. I. , Phuc Huynh V. , Hieu Nguyen V.
Published: March 2022

In this paper, the structural, electronic, and transport properties of Janus GaInX3 (X = S, Se, Te) single-layers are investigated by a first-principles calculations.
Shallow and deep trap states of solvated electrons in methanol and their formation, electronic excitation, and relaxation dynamics
Authors: Lan Jinggang , Yamamoto Yo-ichi , Suzuki Toshinori , Rybkin Vladimir V.
Published: March 2022

Condensed-phase first-principles molecular dynamics simulations elucidate the presence of different electron trapping sites in liquid methanol and their roles in the formation, electronic transitions, and relaxation of solvated electrons.
Stable lithium metal batteries enabled by localized high-concentration electrolytes with sevoflurane as a diluent
Authors: Chang Caiyun , Yao Yuan , Li Rongrong , Cong Zifeng , Li Longwei , Guo Zi Hao , Hu Weiguo , Pu Xiong
Published: March 2022

A localized high concentration electrolyte, prepared using sevoflurane as a diluent in carbonate, promotes the formation of highly robust LiF-rich solid-electrolyte interphases on both Li-metal anodes and NMC811 cathodes, leading to long-life high-voltage lithium batteries.
Terbium-doped LiYbF4nanomaterial-based scintillator responding to X-rays with high-resolution imaging applications
Authors: Chen Xi , Lu Hao , Gu Qi , Zhang Nan , Wang Shuaihua , Wu Shaofan
Published: March 2022

As a new scintillation material, LiYbF4nanocrystals exhibit high stability and strong absorption of X-rays, and appear competitive in high-resolution X-ray imaging with a spatial resolution of 20 LP mm−1(MTF = 0.35).
Selective aerobic oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid over nanojunctions of cobalt–ceria binary oxide in water
Authors: Chen Aicheng , Li Tingting , Zhang Qian , Zhu Hu
Published: March 2022

Non-precious cobalt–ceria binary oxide nanojunctions with rich interfaces were designed to efficiently catalyze 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA).
Graphitization induced structural transformation of candle soot carbon into carbon nano-onion as a functional anode for metal-ion batteries
Authors: Pathak Anil D. , Potphode Darshna , Sharma Chandra S.
Published: March 2022

Structural transformation of candle soot carbon into carbon nano-onion as a functional anode for metal-ion batteries.
Two Cu(i)-based inorganic–organic complexes assembled with polyoxometalate and thiacalix[4]arene for efficient catalytic reactions
Authors: Ma Le , Guo Feifan , Ma Jian-Fang
Published: March 2022

Two Cu(i)-based inorganic–organic complexes were synthesized, which can be used as high-efficiency heterogeneous catalysts for ODS and AAC reactions, respectively.
Synthesis of N-methylene phosphonate aziridines: reaction scope and mechanistic insights
Authors: Cheviet Thomas , Gonzales Ilyana , Peyrottes Suzanne
Published: March 2022

Treatment of N-carbamoyl aziridines by the diethyl phosphite anion affords either α-methylene-phosphonate or gem-bisphosphonate derivatives containing an aziridine motif depending on the nature of the base used.
A bioinspired stimuli-responsive amino acid-based antibacterial drug delivery system in cancer therapy
Authors: Biswas Subharanjan , Datta Lakshmi Priya , Kumar Das Tapan
Published: March 2022

Design of tyrosine based stimuli responsive antibacterial drug delivery system with potential application in cancer therapy.
Reinforced concrete inspired Si/rGO/cPAN hybrid electrode: highly improved lithium storage via Si electrode nanoarchitecture engineering
Authors: Qin Xin , Wang Yingchao , Wang Hui , Lin Haifeng , Zhang Xinghao , Li Yanyan , Li Zhenjiang , Wang Lei
Published: March 2022

A reinforced concrete inspired Si/rGO/cPAN hybrid electrode is achieved to build robust transport charge pathways for high-capacity binder-free lithium battery anodes.
Nitrogen doped In2O3–ZnO nanocomposite mesoporous thin film based highly sensitive and selective ethanol sensors
Authors: Shihabudeen P. K. , Roy Chaudhuri Ayan
Published: March 2022

Nitrogen doped In2O3/ZnO nanocomposite thin films show superior ethanol sensing characteristics compared to pristine In2O3/ZnO thin films. The improved performance has been attributed to nitrogen doping and the synergistic effects in the composites.
Correction: Triethylamine-methanol mediated selective removal of oxophenylacetyl ester in saccharides
Authors: Rasool Javeed Ur , Kumar Atul , Ali Asif , Naveed Ahmed Qazi
Published: March 2022

Correction for ‘Triethylamine-methanol mediated selective removal of oxophenylacetyl ester in saccharides’ by Javeed Ur Rasool et al., Org. Biomol. Chem., 2021, 19, 338–347, DOI: 10.1039/d0ob02192j.
Correction: Recent advances in Cu-catalyzed transformations of internal alkynes to alkenes and heterocycles
Authors: Rasool Javeed Ur , Ali Asif , Ahmad Qazi Naveed
Published: March 2022

Correction for ‘Recent advances in Cu-catalyzed transformations of internal alkynes to alkenes and heterocycles’ by Javeed Ur Rasool et al., Org. Biomol. Chem., 2021, 19, 10259–10287, DOI: 10.1039/d1ob01709h.
Direct synthesis of nanorod stacked “nest-like” hierarchical ZSM-48 hollow spheres using a triazine-based bolaform organic structure-directing agent
Authors: Wang Risheng , Peng Zhihua , Wu Pingping , Sun Hongman , Zhang Yu , Subhan Fazle , Yin Hailiang , Wang Youhe , Yan Zifeng
Published: March 2022

Ordered “nest-like” hierarchical ZSM-48 (NSH-ZSM-48) hollow spheres stacked by uniform nanorods with superior accessibility were synthesized utilizing a novel bolaform s-triazine based surfactant, and the proper formation mechanism was proposed.
Cyanide-free electrolyte for Au/Co–Au nano-multilayer electrodeposition utilising 5,5-dimethylhydantoin as a complexing agent
Authors: Luo Gong , Yuan Yuan , Li Deyu , Li Ning , Yuan Guohui
Published: March 2022

Cross-section of Au/Co-rich nano-multilayer.
A rational synthesis of ultrasmall palladium-based alloys with superhydrophilicity as biocompatible agents and recyclable catalysts
Authors: Chen Shiyue , He Xiaoxiao , Yuan Xulei , Wang Zhenyu , Wang Teng , He Chengdian , Zhang Ximu , Mao Xiang
Published: March 2022

As essential controlling parameters, the local surface area (size distribution) and polarity property of the surface molecules can determine the catalytic activity and biocompatibility directly.
Photo-Brook rearrangement of acyl silanes as a strategy for photoaffinity probe design
Authors: Page Annika C. S. , Scholz Spencer O. , Keenan Katherine N. , Spradlin Jessica N. , Belcher Bridget P. , Brittain Scott M. , Tallarico John A. , McKenna Jeffrey M. , Schirle Markus , Nomura Daniel K. , Toste F. Dean
Published: March 2022

Irradiation initiated 1,2-photo Brook rearrangement of acyl silanes generated α-siloxycarbene intermediates that were used for photoaffinity labeling. Optimization of the acyl silane group produced a probe capable of capturing small molecule–protein interactions.
Membrane-mediated interactions between hinge-like particles
Authors: Li Bing , Abel Steven M.
Published: March 2022

The stiffness and adhesion strength of deformable, hinge-like particles provide a means to control effective, membrane-mediated interactions between them.
A molecular crowding thermo-switchable chiral G-quartet hydrogel with circularly polarized luminescence property
Authors: Gao Chenqi , Zhang Zhiwei , Zhang Xinying , Chen Jingqi , Chen Yingying , Zhao Chuanqi , Zhao Lijuan , Feng Lingyan
Published: March 2022

A molecular crowding chiral G-quartet hydrogel with thermo-switchable CPL property.
Porous gC3N4–Gd2Zr2O7 enables the high-temperature operation of Nafion membranes in polymer electrolyte fuel cells over 500 hours
Authors: Vinothkannan Mohanraj , Son Byungrak , Shanmugam Sangaraju
Published: March 2022

Porous and antioxidative gC3N4–Gd2Zr2O7 facilitates a highly conductive Nafion composite membrane, leading to efficient and durable performance in high-temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cells.
Solid polymer electrolytes from polyesters with diester sidechains for lithium metal batteries
Authors: Rosenbach Dominic , Krimalowski Alexander , Erabhoina Harimohan , Thelakkat Mukundan
Published: March 2022

Seven novel polyesters with sidechain diester groups are synthesized, electrochemically characterized, and compared to polybutylacrylate and polycaprolactone. As “beyond PEO” SPEs, they show high capacity retention even at high C rate and low T.
Characterization and preliminaryin vivoevaluation of a self-expandable hydrogel stent with anisotropic swelling behavior and endoscopic deliverability for use in biliary drainage
Authors: Nagakawa Yoshiyasu , Fujita Satoshi , Yunoki Shunji , Tsuchiya Takayoshi , Suye Shin-ichiro , Kinoshita Kenji , Sasaki Motoki , Itoi Takao
Published: March 2022

We demonstrate the potential of a novel self-expandable biliary stent comprised of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogel with anisotropic swelling behavior, endoscopic deliverability, and removabilityin vivo, using a porcine stent model.
SnSe2-functionalized ultrafast terahertz switch with ultralow pump threshold
Authors: Xu Xing , Lou Jing , Wu Shiyou , Yu Ying , Liang Jiangang , Huang Yindong , Fang Guangyou , Chang Chao
Published: March 2022

Benefiting from the laser-excited high photoconductivity up to 105 S m−1 of 10 nm SnSe2 film, the active metadevice enables ultrafast modulation of THz waves with an extremely low 400 nm optical pump.
Fructus Amomi extract attenuates nasal inflammation by restoring Th1/Th2 balance and down-regulation of NF-κB phosphorylation in OVA-induced allergic rhinitis
Authors: Fan Yanjing , Nguyen Thi Van , Piao Chun Hua , Shin Hee Soon , Song Chang Ho , Chai Ok Hee
Published: March 2022

Fructus Amomi Cardamomi (FA) is the mature fruit of Amomum villosum Lour (family Zingiberaceae) and is commonly used in Chinese traditional medicine to treat various gastrointestinal disorders. FA’s possible benefits as an allergic rhinitis (AR) treatment, however, have not been examined. We used an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced AR mouse model to identify any anti-allergic effects associated with the administration of 200 mg/kg FA or dexamethasone (Dex) 2.5 mg/kg by oral administration. The results of our testing confirm that FA ameliorated nasal symptoms and alleviated nasal epithelium swelling, reduced the goblet cell hyperplasia and eosinophil cell infiltration in the nasal epithelium, and inhibited lung tissue inflammation and Dex as well. Significantly decreased Th2 cytokine (interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, and IL-5) expression, and a correspondingly significant increase in Th1 cytokine (IL-12, interferon (IFN)-γ) production, was observed in nasal lavage fluid (NALF) taken from mice that received FA or Dex treatment. FA also reduced the presence of OVA-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E, OVA-specific IgG1, and histamine levels in serum, and inhibited mast cell degranulation in vitro. In addition, these effects were involved with the reduction in NF-κB phosphorylation. These results suggest that FA restores Th1/Th2 balance and inhibits NF-κB phosphorylation and mast cell degranulation, thereby achieving a notable anti-inflammatory effect. Accordingly, it has the potential to be used as an efficacious therapeutic treatment for AR.
Improved two‐dimensional DOA estimation for three‐parallel nested arrays
Authors: Sun Fenggang , Wu Jiefang , Lan Peng
Published: March 2022

An improved two‐dimensional direction of arrival (DOA) estimation algorithm is proposed for three‐parallel nested arrays. To achieve a balanced estimation, array aperture is extended from two aspects, that is, virtual difference coarray construction of nested arrays and sparsely displaced parallel arrays. A new DOA extended matrix is formed by fully utilizing the auto‐covariance and cross‐covariance matrix among subarrays. Finally, a reduced dimensional estimation method is proposed without spectral search. Simulations verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Accuracy study of linearization methods for quadratic cost curves of thermal units in unit commitment problems
Authors: Dong Jizhe , Li Yuanhan , Lu Yu , Han Shunjie
Published: March 2022

To solve the unit commitment (UC) problems with efficient mixed‐integer linear programming solvers, the quadratic cost functions (QCFs) of thermal units are always approximated to piecewise linear (PWL) functions. This study examines the accuracies of different approximation methods for piecewise linearizing the QCFs of units in UC problems. We use five piecewise linearization methods—evenly spaced PWL interpolation, evenly spaced PWL tangent, evenly spaced PWL–ɛmax/2 shifted interpolation, tighter PWL interpolation, and evenly spaced PWL least‐squares fit—to approximate the QCFs of units. The authors first perform a series of reproductivity studies to verify the program. Then, numerical tests are conducted using different methods on the systems with 10, 100, and 800 units. The results show that different approximation methods lead to considerable differences in operating costs and the tighter PWL interpolation, compared with the other methods, is preferred in terms of approximation accuracy.
Inverse design of a high‐quality factor multi‐purpose optical biosensor
Authors: Mafi Majid , Esmaile Amir Hosn
Published: March 2022

This paper investigates a high‐quality and multi‐purposed biosensor with maximum stable output transmittance numerically by using the inverse design method. The proposed biosensor utilises particle swarm optimisation for inverse design which will be a helpful way of designing different kinds of precise sensors in the future. In this research, some parameters are introduced to the optimiser to find the best cavity parameters for developing a high‐quality sensor to sense different targets. Many previous studies were on single‐goal biosensors, or their quality factor and output spectrum were very low. The proposed sensor can sense different parts of blood components, the amount of glucose in the urine, and tear's glucose for the first time just in one device to the best of our knowledge. Compared to previous works, this structure detects the differences between refractive indexes analytes with a high‐quality factor and a high and stable output transmittance spectrum. This structure contains two‐dimensional photonic crystal microresonators to provide resonance frequencies in the photonic bandgap. The device works on a window of 1.55 μm with a quality factor equal to 24,000, the sensitivity is 500 nm/RIU (refractive index unit), and the resolution is equal to 4 × 10−5. In this paper, the scaling method, particle swarm optimisation, two‐dimensional finite‐difference dime domain, and Plane‐Wave Expansion methods are utilised.
WD 1145+017: Alternative models of the atmosphere, dust clouds, and gas rings
Authors: Budaj J. , Maliuk A. , Hubeny I.
Published: March 2022

Context. WD 1145+017 (WD1145) is the first white dwarf known to be orbited by disintegrating exoasteroids. It is a DBZ-type white dwarf with strongly variable broad circumstellar lines and variable shallow ultraviolet (UV) transits. Various models of the dust clouds and gaseous rings have been proposed as an explanation for this behavior.

Aims. We aim to revisit these observations and propose alternative or modified models of the atmosphere of this white dwarf, its dust clouds, and gas rings.

Methods. The simple radiative transfer code Shellspec was modified for this purpose and used for testing the new dust cloud and gas disk models. We used modified TLUSTY and SYNSPEC codes to calculate atmosphere models assuming the local thermodynamical equilibrium (LTE) or nonLTE (NLTE), and to calculate the intrinsic spectrum of the star. We then used these atmosphere models to estimate the mass of the radiative and convective zones and NLTE spectrum synthesis to estimate their chemical composition.

Results. We offer an alternative explanation of some (not all) shallow UV transits. These may be naturally caused by the optical properties of the dust grains: opacities and mainly phase functions as a result of the forward scattering. The latter is much stronger in UV compared to the optical region, leaving more UV photons in the original direction during the transit. We also developed an alternative model of the gaseous disk, consisting of an inner, hotter, and almost circular disk and an outer, cooler, and eccentric disk. The structure precesses with a period of 3.83 ± 0.12 yr. We demonstrate that it fits the observed circumstellar lines reasonably well. These alternative models solve a few drawbacks that might be associated with the previous models, but they also have their own disadvantages. We confirm that the chemical composition of the atmosphere is similar to that of CI chondrites but carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur are significantly underabundant and much closer to the bulk Earth composition. This is a strong argument that the star has recently encountered and accreted material from a body of Earth-like composition.
THA 15−31: Discovery with VLT/X-shooter and Swift/UVOT of a new symbiotic star of the accreting-only variety
Authors: Munari U. , Alcalá J. M. , Frasca A. , Masetti N. , Traven G. , Akras S. , Zampieri L.
Published: March 2022

We report the discovery and characterization of a new symbiotic star of the accreting-only variety, which we observed in the optical/near-infrared (NIR) with VLT/X-shooter and in the X-rays/ultraviolet with Swift/UVOT+XRT. The new symbiotic star, THA 15−31, was previously described as a pre-main sequence star belonging to the Lupus 3 association. Our observations, ancillary data, and Gaia EDR3 parallax indicate that THA 15−31 is a symbiotic star composed of an M6III red giant and an accreting companion, is subject to EB − V = 0.38 reddening, and is located at a distance of ∼12 kpc and at 1.8 kpc above the Galactic plane in the outskirts of the Bulge. The luminosity of the accreting companion is ∼100 L⊙, placing THA 15−31 among the symbiotic stars accreting at a high rate (2.5 × 10−8 M⊙ yr−1 if the accretion is occurring on a white dwarf of 1 M⊙). The observed emission lines originate primarily from H I, He I, and Fe II, with no He II or other high-excitation lines observed; a sharp central absorption superimposed on the Balmer emission lines is observed, while all other lines have a simple Gaussian-like profile. The emission from the companion dominates over the M6III red giant at U and B-band wavelengths, and is consistent with an origin primarily in an optically thick accretion disk. No significant photometric variability is observed at optical or NIR wavelengths, suggesting either a face-on orbital orientation and/or that the red giant is far from Roche-lobe filling conditions. The profile of emission lines supports a low orbital inclination if they form primarily in the accretion disk. An excess emission is present in AllWISE W3 (12 μm) and W4 (22 μm) data, radiating a luminosity ≥35 L⊙, consistent with thermal emission from optically thin circumstellar dust.
The SEDIGISM survey: Molecular cloud morphology
Authors: Neralwar K. R. , Colombo D. , Duarte-Cabral A. , Urquhart J. S. , Mattern M. , Wyrowski F. , Menten K. M. , Barnes P. , Sánchez-Monge Á. , Beuther H. , Rigby A. J. , Mazumdar P. , Eden D. , Csengeri T. , Dobbs C. L. , Veena V. S. , Neupane S. , Henning T. , Schuller F. , Leurini S. , Wienen M. , Yang A. Y. , Ragan S. E. , Medina S. , Nguyen-Luong Q.
Published: March 2022

We present one of the very first extensive classifications of a large sample of molecular clouds based on their morphology. This is achieved using a recently published catalogue of 10 663 clouds obtained from the first data release of the Structure, Excitation and Dynamics of the Inner Galactic InterStellar Medium (SEDIGISM) survey. The clouds are classified into four different morphologies via visual inspection and using an automated algorithm – J plots. The visual inspection also serves as a test for the J plots algorithm as this is the first time it has been used on molecular gas. Generally, it has been found that the structure of molecular clouds is highly filamentary, and our observations indeed verify that most of our molecular clouds are elongated structures. Based on our visual classification of the 10 663 SEDIGISM clouds, 15% are ring-like, 57% are elongated, 15% are concentrated, and 10% are clumpy clouds. The remaining clouds do not belong to any of these morphology classes and are termed unclassified. We compare the SEDIGISM molecular clouds with structures identified through other surveys: the elongated structures from the APEX Telescope Large Area Survey of the Galaxy (ATLASGAL) and the bubbles from Milky Way Project (MWP). We find that many of the ATLASGAL and MWP structures are velocity coherent. Elongated ATLASGAL structures overlap with ≈21% of the elongated SEDIGISM structures (elongated and clumpy clouds), and MWP bubbles overlap with ≈25% of the ring-like SEDIGISM clouds. We also analyse the star formation associated with different cloud morphologies using two different techniques. The first technique examines star formation efficiency and the dense gas fraction based on SEDIGISM cloud and ATLASGAL clump data. The second technique uses the highmass star formation threshold for molecular clouds. The results indicate that clouds with ring-like and clumpy morphologies show a higher degree of star formation.
High-precision chemical abundances of Galactic building blocks
Authors: Matsuno Tadafumi , Koppelman Helmer H. , Helmi Amina , Aoki Wako , Ishigaki Miho N. , Suda Takuma , Yuan Zhen , Hattori Kohei
Published: March 2022

Context. Sequoia is a retrograde kinematic substructure in the nearby Galactic halo, whose properties are a matter of debate. For example, previous studies do not necessarily agree on the chemical abundances of Sequoia stars, which are important for understanding its nature.

Aims. We characterize the chemical properties of a sample of stars from Sequoia by determining high-precision abundances.

Methods. We measured abundances of Na, Mg, Si, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Ni, Zn, Y, and Ba from a differential abundance analysis on high signal-to-noise ratio, high-resolution spectra from new observations and from archival data. We compared precisely measured chemical abundances of 12 Sequoia candidates with those of typical halo stars from the literature, which also includes stars from Gaia-Enceladus. This allowed us to characterize Sequoia and compare it to another Galactic building block. The comparison was made after putting all the abundances onto the same scale using standard stars.

Results. There are significant differences in [Na/Fe], [Mg/Fe], [Ca/Fe], [Ti/Fe], [Zn/Fe], and [Y/Fe] between Sequoia and Gaia-Enceladus stars at −1.8 ≲ [Fe/H]≲ − 1.4 in the sense that these abundance ratios are lower in Sequoia. These differences are similar to those seen between Gaia-Enceladus and in situ stars at a higher metallicity, suggesting that Sequoia is affected by type Ia supernovae at a lower metallicity than Gaia-Enceladus. We also confirm that the low [Mg/Fe] of Sequoia is seen in the literature and in surveys, namely APOGEE DR17 and GALAH DR3, if the stars are kinematically selected in the same way.

Conclusions. Sequoia stars have a distinct chemical abundance pattern and can be chemically separated from in situ stars or Gaia-Enceladus stars if abundances are measured with sufficient precision, namely σ([X/Fe]) ≲ 0.07 dex.
Les protéines G : les transducteurs privilégiés des récepteurs à sept domaines transmembranaires
Authors: Hanson Julien
Published: March 2022

Les récepteurs couplés aux protéines G ou RCPG sont les récepteurs membranaires les plus abondants de notre génome avec environ 800 membres. Ils jouent un rôle essentiel dans la plupart des phénomènes physiologiques et physiopathologiques. De plus, ils constituent 30 % des cibles de médicaments actuellement commercialisés et restent un réservoir important pour de nouvelles thérapies innovantes. Leurs principaux effecteurs sont les protéines G hétérotrimériques. Celles-ci sont composées de 3 sous-unités, α, β et γ qui, lors du couplage avec un RCPG, se dissocient en Gα et Gβγ pour activer de nombreuses voies de signalisation. Cet article décrit certaines des avancées récentes dans la compréhension du fonctionnement et du rôle des protéines G hétérotrimériques. Après une courte introduction sur les RCPG, l’historique de la découverte des protéines G est décrit succinctement. Ensuite, les mécanismes fondamentaux de l’activation, la signalisation et la régulation des protéines G sont passés en revue. Les nouveaux paradigmes qui concernent la signalisation intracellulaire, la reconnaissance spécifique des protéines G par les RCPG ainsi que la signalisation biaisée sont également abordés.
New formulations and convergence analysis for reduced tracer mass fragmentation model: an application to depolymerization
Authors: Singh Mehakpreet , Walker Gavin , Randade Vivek
Published: March 2022

In this work, two discrete formulations based on the finite volume approach for a reduced fragmentation model are developed. The important features such as mass conservation and accurate prediction of the zeroth order moments are accomplished by the modification of the selection function. The new schemes can compute the second order moment, which plays a significant role in predicting the area of the particles in real life applications, with high accuracy without taking any specific measures. A thorough convergence analysis of both schemes including Lipschitz condition and consistency is presented and exhibit second order convergence. The accuracy and efficiency of both schemes is demonstrated by applying them to the depolymerization problem which commonly arises in polymer sciences and chemical engineering. It is demonstrated that the new schemes are easy to implement, computationally efficient and able to compute the numerical results with higher precision even on a coarser grid.
Sustainability screening in the context of advanced material development for printed electronics
Authors: Gehring Florian , Prenzel Tobias Manuel , Graf Roberta , Albrecht Stefan
Published: March 2022

Flexible, ultra-light and wafer-thin – the future of electronics is printed! The cornerstones for this development are conductive inks and adhesives that connect components and sensors with each other, integrating them into a printed environment. A decisive role hereby is played by advanced materials, such as functional inks, and their interaction in final devices for application in various use-cases. For this purpose, various particle structures in the nanometre range are created that enable the required conductivity, while keeping material input of the conductive substance as low as possible. Due to the excellent properties, the versatile functionalities, the possible high production volumes and the associated reduced production costs a wide range of applications is facilitated through printed electronics and mass markets become accessible. Therefore, associated environmental impacts as well as the security of the supply chain are expected to gain further relevance in the future. Yet, as most of the processes are in a development stage, prospective assessments before the start of production are essential, if development of printed electronics shall be aligned with sustainability goals. In order to address environmental consequences of future implementations of advanced materials for printed electronics at an early stage, this contribution is considering and evaluating the sustainable effects in a comprehensive assessment even before the physical start of product and material development. To this end, a procedure was developed, in which underlying methodology enables development engineers to identify hotspots at an early stage and to address and mitigate them early on. This way, challenges of tomorrow’s circular economy are already being addressed today and critical sustainability pitfalls can be avoided.
L’espace social du souci des sols : récit et contre-récit d’agriculteurs vendéens en agriculture de conservation
Authors: Compagnone Claude , Sigwalt Annie
Published: March 2022

L’article vise à montrer l’espace social qui se dessine dans le récit d’agriculteurs vendéens en agriculture de conservation s’exprimant sur les bonnes pratiques agricoles à mettre en œuvre dans le cadre de leur « souci du sol ». À partir d’entretiens collectifs avec des agriculteurs et s’appuyant sur la sémiotique narrative de Greimas, il rend compte de l’émergence dans le discours de ces agriculteurs, d’une part, d’un récit sur la sauvegarde et le développement de « la vie du sol » et, d’autre part, d’un contre-récit qui marque leur opposition à un usage non agricole de terres agricoles. Mettant plus particulièrement l’accent sur les acteurs qui aident les démarches des agriculteurs ou s’y opposent, le cadre d’analyse utilisé révèle la pluralité, la dynamique et l’ambivalence des rôles des acteurs de ce récit et de ce contre-récit.
Local Diagnostic Reference Levels (LDRLs) for routine X-ray examinations in Morocco
Authors: Talbi M. , Tahiri Z. , Eddaoui K. , El Mansouri M. , Nhila O. , Benmessaoud M. , Ait Ouaggou I. , Chakir E. , Sebihi R. , Khalis M.
Published: March 2022

In Morocco, the radiation protection of patients undergoing medical imaging examinations using ionizing radiation sources is now governed by specific provisions of Chapter VII of Law no142-12 (Loi no142-12 – AMSSNuR, 2015). The principle of justification of procedures and the principle of optimization of doses delivered constitute the basis of the legislation governing medical exposure. DRLs are considered as an important optimization tool encouraging healthcare professionals to optimize their practice and assure a better patient safety. In this survey, Local Diagnostic Reference Levels (LDRLs) were established for the eight most frequent examinations in Morocco. Data from 1747 patients were collected from seven regional hospitals. The proposed LDRLs were defined as the 75th percentile of the mean entrance surface dose distribution (ESD) in mGy using the indirect dosimetry method according to the IAEA Report Series No. 457. The LDRLs values reported in this study were for the eight examinations: skull (PA) 2.8 mGy, chest (PA) 0.51 mGy, abdomen (AP) 7.6 mGy, pelvis (AP) 6.45 mGy, lumbar (AP) 7.8 mGy, lumbar (Lat) 10.7 mGy, cervical (AP) 2.2 mGy, and cervical (Lat) 2.4 mGy. The DRLs reported in Morocco were compared with those of international authorities and other countries: IRSN (France), NRPB (UK), Japan, Sudan, and Iran. The present work assesses the local DRLs in Morocco and constitutes a starting point that will provide professionals with a tool to help them optimize the doses delivered to patients. Furthermore, the definition of national DRLs by radiography is an essential step in the process of optimizing medical exposures.
Brustkrebsfrüherkennung bei Frauen mit erhöhten Erkrankungsrisiken
Authors: Püsken Michael , Rhiem Kerstin , Fallenberg Eva M.
Published: March 2022

Für Patientinnen und gesunde Ratsuchende mit einem erhöhten Erkrankungsrisiko für Brustkrebs besteht ein langjährig etabliertes Programm zur intensivierten Früherkennung und Nachsorge in
den spezialisierten Zentren des Deutschen Konsortiums Familiärer Brust- und Eierstockkrebs (https://www.konsortium-familiaerer-brustkrebs.de/). Dabei kommt der MR-Mammografie aufgrund der sehr hohen Sensitivität beim Tumornachweis eine besondere Bedeutung zu.
Acquisition of Behavioral Skills after Manikin-Based Simulation of Neonatal Resuscitation by Fellows in Neonatology
Authors: Guerreiro Maiana D. M. , Ogata Joice F. M. , Sanudo Adriana , Prestes Ana Claudia Y. , Conzi Maria F. , Kawakami Mandira D. , Miyoshi Milton H. , Almeida Maria Fernanda B. de , Guinsburg Ruth
Published: March 2022

Objective Behavioral performance of health professionals is essential for adequate patient care. This study aimed to assess the behavioral skills of fellows in neonatology before and after a simulation training program on neonatal resuscitation.

Study Design From March 2019 to February 2020, a prospective cohort with 12 second-year fellows in neonatology were evaluated during three training cycles (16 hours each) in manikin-based simulation of neonatal resuscitation with standardized scenarios. Each cycle lasted 1 month, followed by a 3-month interval. One video-recorded scenario of approximately 10 minutes was performed for each fellow at the beginning and at the end of each training cycle. Therefore, each fellow was recorded six times, before and after each one of three training cycles. Anxiety of the fellows was assessed by the Beck Anxiety Inventory applied before the first training cycle. The videos were independently analyzed in a random order by three trained facilitators using the Behavioral Assessment Tool. The behavioral performance was evaluated by repeated measures of analysis of variance adjusted for anxiety and for previous experience in neonatal resuscitation.

Results Fellows' overall behavioral performance improved comparing the moment before the first training and after the second training. The specific skills, such as communication with the team, delegation of tasks, allocation of attention, use of information, use of resources, and professional posture, showed a significant improvement after the second month of training. No further gains were noted with the third training cycle. Anxiety was observed in 42% of the fellows and its presence worsened their behavioral performance.

Conclusion An improvement in behavioral performance was observed, comparing the moment before the first training and after the second training, without further gains after the third training. It is worth noting the important role of anxiety as a modulator of acquisition and retention of behavioral skills in health professionals in training.

Key Points
Facile Access to Spiro[4.5]decanes through Oxidative Dearomatization-Induced Ring Expansion of Cyclobutanes
Authors: Tang Yefeng , Xi Shuang , Zhang Jingyang , Guo Zhen , Zu Yumeng , Liu Yang , Wang Gelin
Published: March 2022

A mechanistically interesting and practical method for the synthesis of functionalized spiro[4.5]decanes is developed, featuring oxidative dearomatization-induced ring expansion of cyclobutanes as the key element. The new method enables facile access to a variety of spiro[4.5]cyclohexadienones with good efficiency and generality. Further elaboration of the resulting products into other valuable scaffolds is also explored, leading to the discovery of an interesting compound that displays a promising biological profile. Moreover, we have also conducted a comprehensive computational study that provides a deep insight into the mechanism of the reaction.
Assembling Chiral Center of Heterocycles by Palladium-Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrocarbonylation
Authors: Dong Kaiwu , Shen Chaoren
Published: March 2022

The strategy of embedding coordinative functional group into the starting material is frequently employed to enhance reactivity and enantioselectivity in various asymmetric catalytic reactions other than enantioselective hydrocarbonylation. Recent progress in palladium-catalyzed asymmetric hydrocarbonylation with this strategy for the synthesis of chiral heterocycles was highlighted. The merits of the innate coordinative functional group not only enhance the reactivity and boost the multiple selectivity, but also facilitates the synthesis of chiral heterocycles.

1 Introduction

2 Challenges in Pd-Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrocarbonylation

3 Pd-Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrocarbonylation for the Synthesis of Chiral Heterocycles

4 Summary and Outlook
Integrated GWAS and Gene Expression Suggest ORM1 as a Potential Regulator of Plasma Levels of Cell-Free DNA and Thrombosis Risk
Authors: Lopez Sonia , Martinez-Perez Angel , Rodriguez-Rius Alba , Viñuela Ana , Brown Andrew A. , Martin-Fernandez Laura , Vilalta Noelia , Arús Marc , Panousis Nikolaos I. , Buil Alfonso , Sabater-Lleal Maria , Souto Juan Carlos , Dermitzakis Emmanouil T. , Soria Jose Manuel
Published: March 2022

Plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is a surrogate marker of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) that contribute to immunothrombosis. There is growing interest about the mechanisms underlying NET formation and elevated cfDNA, but little is known about the factors involved. We aimed to identify genes involved in the regulation of cfDNA levels using data from the Genetic Analysis of Idiopathic Thrombophilia (GAIT-2) Project.

Imputed genotypes, whole blood RNA-Seq data, and plasma cfDNA quantification were available for 935 of the GAIT-2 participants from 35 families with idiopathic thrombophilia. We performed heritability and GWAS analysis for cfDNA. The heritability of cfDNA was 0.26 (p = 3.7 × 10−6), while the GWAS identified a significant association (rs1687391, p = 3.55 × 10−10) near the ORM1 gene, on chromosome 9. An eQTL (expression quantitative trait loci) analysis revealed a significant association between the lead GWAS variant and the expression of ORM1 in whole blood (p = 6.14 × 10−9). Additionally, ORM1 expression correlated with levels of cfDNA (p = 4.38 × 10−4). Finally, genetic correlation analysis between cfDNA and thrombosis identified a suggestive association (ρ
g = 0.43, p = 0.089).

All in all, we show evidence of the role of ORM1 in regulating cfDNA levels in plasma, which might contribute to the susceptibility to thrombosis through mechanisms of immunothrombosis.
Psychotherapeutic Tools to Enhance the Neurologist-Patient Interaction
Authors: DeGrush Elizabeth , LaFrance W. Curt
Published: March 2022

Despite providing care for patients with “disturbances of the same organ,” the brain, the therapeutic approaches used by neurologists and psychiatrists are, to some extent, distinct. With recognition of the closely coupled relationship between physical health and mental health, there is increased awareness of the need to provide an integrated, neuropsychiatric approach to the care of patients in neurology. In this review article, we provide a broad overview of how neurologists can use psychotherapeutic principles to enhance patient–physician interactions in the neurological setting (e.g., developing a therapeutic alliance; frame/boundary setting; active, empathic listening; acknowledging affect). These practices relate to a broad range of conditions, including, but not necessarily limited to epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, and functional neurological (conversion) disorder. The authors provide practical approaches that a neurologist can learn to leverage psychotherapeutic tools to enhance clinical encounters.