bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transmembrane signal transduction by cofactor transport
Authors: Kocsis Istvan , Ding Yudi , Williams Nicholas H. , Hunter Christopher A.
Published: August 2021

Synthetic transducers transport externally added metal ion cofactors across the lipid bilayer membrane of vesicles to trigger catalysis of ester hydrolysis in the inner compartment. Signal transduction activity is modulated by hydrazone formation.
NiO/ZrO2 nanocomposites as photocathodes of tandem DSCs with higher photoconversion efficiency with respect to parent single-photoelectrode p-DSCs
Authors: Bonomo Matteo , Ekoi Emmanuel J. , Marrani Andrea G. , Segura Zarate Ana Y. , Dowling Denis P. , Barolo Claudia , Dini Danilo
Published: August 2021

Tandem dye-sensitized solar cell shows higher photoconversion performances with respect to parent devices with single photoactive electrode thanks to careful photocurrent matching and complementarity of electrodes optical absorption.
Effects of the geometrical parameters of a rough structure on the wall of a micro-channel on the catalytic combustion of methane and the extinction limit: a numerical study
Authors: Cai Tiantian , Ran Jinyu , Niu Juntian , Yang Zhongqing , Huang Xin , Yan Yunfei
Published: August 2021

The effects of different geometric parameters of the rough structure of the micro-channel wall on the catalytic combustion efficiency of methane and the extinction limit have been researched.
Nanowires self-assemble into β-MnO2 nanospheres to form crosslinking 3D hierarchical porous networks: with template-free fabrication and good supercapacitive performance over a broad temperature range
Authors: Yu Li-Li , Xu Wei-Ling , Zhang Jian-Guo , Li Shuang , Li Rong-Bing , Zhao Jing-Tai
Published: August 2021

Template-free fabrication of nanowires self-assembling into nanospheres and crosslinking into 3D hierarchical porous β-MnO2 networks with good supercapacitive performance over a broad temperature range.
The effect of pyrolysis on the chemical, thermal and rheological properties of pitch
Authors: Yoon Heedong , Hinton Zachary R. , Heinzman James , Chase Clarence E. , Gopinadhan Manesh , Edmond Kazem V. , Ryan Daniel J. , Smith Stuart E. , Alvarez Nicolas J.
Published: August 2021

There is a clear correlation between pyrolysis time and the extensional properties of pitch. Chemical analysis shows an increase in aromatic species and a shift to higher molecular weight. We hypothesize that these results are important in understanding pitch spinnability.
Plasmonic Au nanoclusters dispersed in nitrogen-doped graphene as a robust photocatalyst for light-to-hydrogen conversion
Authors: Van Dao Dung , Cipriano Luis A. , Di Liberto Giovanni , Nguyen Thuy T. D. , Ki Sang-Woo , Son Hoki , Kim Gyu-Cheol , Lee Kang Hyun , Yang Jin-Kyu , Yu Yeon-Tae , Pacchioni Gianfranco , Lee In-Hwan
Published: August 2021

Au nanoclusters (2.18 wt%) consisting of a few tens of atoms supported nitrogen-doped graphene deliver an impressive hydrogen evolution reaction rate of 3.16 μmol mgcat−1 h−1 under visible-light irradiation and a high maximum quantum yield of 14.3%.
Tailoring the surface in copper manganese oxide materials and enhanced redox nature by graphitic carbon nitride sheets with ultra-long life for electrochemical applications
Authors: Krishna B. N. Vamsi , Yu Jae Su
Published: August 2021

Designing different micro/nanostructured materials with high electrical conductivity and porosity has attracted great attention, making their extraordinary electrochemical properties available in energy storage fields.
Integrating energy-saving hydrogen production with methanol electrooxidation over Mo modified Co4N nanoarrays
Authors: Wang Tongzhou , Cao Xuejie , Qin Hongye , Chen Xuchun , Li Jinhong , Jiao Lifang
Published: August 2021

An effective approach is achieved for concurrent electrolytic hydrogen and value-added formate productions on Mo modified Co4N nanoarrays.
Zincothermic reduction of silica to silicon: make the impossible possible
Authors: Cai Muya , Zhao Zhuqing , Qu Jiakang , Ma Qiang , Qu Xin , Guo Lei , Xie Hongwei , Wang Dihua , Yin Huayi
Published: August 2021

Schematic illustrations of both thermodynamic and kinetic considerations of the zincothermic reduction of SiO2 assisted by AlCl3.
Co-delivery of simvastatin and demineralized bone matrix hierarchically from nanosheet-based supramolecular hydrogels for osteogenesis
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Fan Jiabing , Chen Chen , Aghaloo Tara , Lee Min
Published: August 2021

Supramolecular hydrogels are widely used as 3D scaffolds and delivery platforms in tissue engineering applications.
Photochemical phase and alignment control of a nematic liquid crystal in core-sheath nanofibers
Authors: Thum Matthew D. , Ratchford Daniel C. , Casalini Riccardo , Kołacz Jakub , Lundin Jeffrey G.
Published: August 2021

Electrospinning serves as a versatile means of understanding the effects of strong cylindrical confinement on encapsulated liquid crystals (LCs) and is a promising technique for developing functional fabrics and surfaces.
Novel metal oxides with promising high-temperature thermoelectric performance
Authors: Peng Liyu , Miao Naihua , Wang Guanjie , Zhou Jian , Elliott Stephen R. , Sun Zhimei
Published: August 2021

By performing high-throughput calculations, we have successfully screened out a novel class of metal oxides MTa2O6 (M = Mg, Ca) as promising candidate thermoelectric materials for high-temperature applications.
Scanning the optical properties of 4-(1,1-difluoro-1H-1λ4,10λ4-benzo[4,5]thiazolo[3,2-c][1,3,2]oxazaborinin-3-yl)-N,N-diphenylaniline in mono-disperse and aggregation systems
Authors: Gao Xiujun , Sui Ning , Wang Quan , Pan Lingyun , Chi Xiaochun , Zhang Hanzhuang , Lu Ran , Kang Zhihui , Wang Yinghui
Published: August 2021

In this letter, the TOND molecule is studied through various spectroscopy tests to explore the solvent polarity-dependent optical properties in mono-disperse system and temperature-dependent photoluminescence properties in aggregation state system.
What defines the maternal transcriptome?
Authors: Tora László , Vincent Stéphane D.
Published: August 2021

In somatic cells, RNA polymerase II (Pol II) transcription initiation starts by the binding of the general transcription factor TFIID, containing the TATA-binding protein (TBP) and 13 TBP-associated factors (TAFs), to core promoters. However, in growing oocytes active Pol II transcription is TFIID/TBP-independent, as during oocyte growth TBP is replaced by its vertebrate-specific paralog TBPL2. TBPL2 does not interact with TAFs, but stably associates with TFIIA. The maternal transcriptome is the population of mRNAs produced and stored in the cytoplasm of growing oocytes. After fertilization, maternal mRNAs are inherited by the zygote from the oocyte. As transcription becomes silent after oocyte growth, these mRNAs are the sole source for active protein translation. They will participate to complete the protein pool required for oocyte terminal differentiation, fertilization and initiation of early development, until reactivation of transcription in the embryo, called zygotic genome activation (ZGA). All these events are controlled by an important reshaping of the maternal transcriptome. This procedure combines cytoplasmic readenylation of stored transcripts, allowing their translation, and different waves of mRNA degradation by deadenylation coupled to decapping, to eliminate transcripts coding for proteins that are no longer required. The reshaping ends after ZGA with an almost total clearance of the maternal transcripts. In the past, the murine maternal transcriptome has received little attention but recent progresses have brought new insights into the regulation of maternal mRNA dynamics in the mouse. This review will address past and recent data on the mechanisms associated with maternal transcriptome dynamic in the mouse.
Advances in microglia cellular models: focus on extracellular vesicle production
Authors: Ceccarelli Lorenzo , Marchetti Laura , Giacomelli Chiara , Martini Claudia
Published: August 2021

Microglia are the major component of the innate immune system in the central nervous system. They promote the maintenance of brain homeostasis as well as support inflammatory processes that are often related to pathological conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases. Depending on the stimulus received, microglia cells dynamically change their phenotype releasing specific soluble factors and largely modify the cargo of their secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs). Despite the mechanisms at the basis of microglia actions have not been completely clarified, the recognized functions exerted by their EVs in patho-physiological conditions represent the proof of the crucial role of these organelles in tuning cell-to-cell communication, promoting either protective or harmful effects. Consistently, in vitro cell models to better elucidate microglia EV production and mechanisms of their release have been increased in the last years. In this review, the main microglial cellular models that have been developed and validated will be described and discussed, with particular focus on those used to produce and derive EVs. The advantages and disadvantages of their use will be evidenced too. Finally, given the wide interest in applying EVs in diagnosis and therapy too, the heterogeneity of available models for producing microglia EVs is here underlined, to prompt a cross-check or comparison among them.
Non-coding RNA dysregulation in skin cancers
Authors: Durante Giorgio , Comito Francesca , Lambertini Martina , Broseghini Elisabetta , Dika Emi , Ferracin Manuela
Published: August 2021

Skin cancers are the most common cancers worldwide. They can be classified in melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), the latter includes squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). In recent years, the crucial role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in skin cancer pathogenesis has become increasingly evident. NcRNAs are functional RNA molecules that lack any protein-coding activity. These ncRNAs are classified based on their length: small, medium-size, and long ncRNAs. Among the most studied ncRNAs there are microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNA (circRNAs). ncRNAs have the ability to regulate gene expression at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels and are involved in skin cancer cell proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. Many ncRNAs exhibit tissue- or cell-specific expression while others have been correlated to tumor staging, drug resistance, and prognosis. For these reasons, ncRNAs have both a diagnostic and prognostic significance in skin cancers. Our review summarizes the functional role of ncRNAs in skin cancers and their potential clinical application as biomarkers.
Mammalian lipids: structure, synthesis and function
Authors: Cockcroft Shamshad
Published: August 2021

Lipids are essential constituents of cellular membranes. Once regarded merely as structural components, lipids have taken centre stage with the discovery of their roles in cell signalling and in the generation of bioactive metabolites. Lipids regulate many physiological functions of cells and alterations in membrane lipid metabolism are associated with major diseases including cancer, Type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease and immune disorders. Understanding lipid diversity, their synthesis and metabolism to generate signalling molecules will provide insight into the fundamental function of the cell. This review summarises the biosynthesis of the lipids of the mammalian cell; phospholipids, sphingolipids and cholesterol and how lipid diversity is achieved. The fatty acids (FAs) are the main building blocks of lipids and contribute to the diversity. Lipid synthesis is intimately connected to their transport within cells; the contribution by proteins that transport lipids, lipid transport proteins will be described. Cellular lipids are metabolised by phospholipases, lipid kinases and phosphatases to make new bioactive metabolites. These transient bioactive metabolites allow cells to respond to the external environment to maintain cellular health. The function of individual metabolites is also highlighted. Bioactive metabolites can be second messengers, or released to the external medium to regulate other cells. Alternatively, bioactive lipids also provide a platform for reversible recruitment of proteins to membranes using their lipid-binding domains. The wide range of physiological processes in which a specific involvement of lipids has been identified explains the need for lipid diversity present in mammalian cells.
ATP-binding cassette transporters and neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Katzeff Jared S. , Kim Woojin Scott
Published: August 2021

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are one of the largest groups of transporter families in humans. ABC transporters mediate the translocation of a diverse range of substrates across cellular membranes, including amino acids, nucleosides, lipids, sugars and xenobiotics. Neurodegenerative diseases are a group of brain diseases that detrimentally affect neurons and other brain cells and are usually associated with deposits of pathogenic proteins in the brain. Major neurodegenerative diseases include Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. ABC transporters are highly expressed in the brain and have been implicated in a number of pathological processes underlying neurodegenerative diseases. This review outlines the current understanding of the role of ABC transporters in neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on some of the most important pathways, and also suggests future directions for research in this field.
Colon cancer checks in when bile acids check out: the bile acid–nuclear receptor axis in colon cancer
Authors: Tang Qin , Evans Ronald M.
Published: August 2021

Bile acids (BAs) are a class of hepatically derived metabolite-hormones with prominent roles in nutrient absorption, metabolic and immune homeostasis in the intestine. BAs are ligands for multiple nuclear receptors (NRs), through which they confer transcriptional regulation on target genes that form an enterohepatic hormonal feedback loop to regulate BA synthesis and maintain lipid homeostasis. Endogenous BAs made by the host undergo significant biotransformation by the gut microbiota in the intestine, which diversifies the intestinal BA pool and facilitate host–microbiota cross-talk through BA-mediated signaling. BAs dysregulation contributes to development of metabolic diseases, pathological inflammation and colon cancer. This review provides a brief historic perspective of the study of NR-mediated BA signaling transduction, with a focus on recent advancements in understanding the active role the gut microbiome plays in reshaping intestinal BA landscape, and the implications of novel microbially derived BAs in modulating immune homeostasis and cancer development in the host. Targeting the BA–NR signaling axis for pharmacological intervention provides ample opportunities in the prevention and treatment of intestinal diseases.
Mechanisms of Aminoglycoside- and Cisplatin-Induced Ototoxicity
Authors: Steyger Peter S.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This review article summarizes our current understanding of the mechanisms underlying acquired hearing loss from hospital-prescribed medications that affects as many as 1 million people each year in Western Europe and North America. Yet, there are currently no federally approved drugs to prevent or treat the debilitating and permanent hearing loss caused by the life-saving platinum-based anticancer drugs or the bactericidal aminoglycoside antibiotics. Hearing loss has long-term impacts on quality-of-life measures, especially in young children and older adults. This review article also highlights some of the current knowledge gaps regarding iatrogenic causes of hearing loss.

Conclusion

Further research is urgently needed to further refine clinical practice and better ameliorate iatrogenic drug-induced hearing loss.
Polyurethane coated with polyvinylpyrrolidones via triazole links for enhanced surface fouling resistance
Authors: Wen Xin , Almousa Rashed , Na Sungsoo , Anderson Gregory G. , Xie Dong
Published: August 2021

Surfaces with hydrophilic and antimicrobial properties are very attractive for cardiovascular device‐associated applications. The aim of this study was to prepare and coat a hydrophilic polymer containing a functional group capable of forming triazole functionality onto the surface of polyurethane (PU). The modified surfaces were assessed with cell adhesion, bacterial adhesion and bacterial viability. Mouse fibroblast cells (NIH‐3T3) and three bacterial species were used for assessment. The results showed that the modified surface not only exhibited a significant reduction in cell adhesion with a 25%–59% decrease to mouse fibroblast but also showed a significant reduction in bacterial attachment with 26%–67%, 24%–61% and 23%–57% decrease to Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, respectively, as compared with original PU. Furthermore, the polymer‐modified surface exhibited a significant antibacterial function by inhibiting bacterial growth with reduction of 49%–84%, 44%–79% and 53%–79% to S. aureus, E. coli and P. aeruginosa, respectively, as compared with original PU. These results indicate that covalent polymer attachment enhanced the antibacterial and antifouling properties of the PU surface.
Empirical mass-loss rates and clumping properties of Galactic early-type O supergiants
Authors: Hawcroft C. , Sana H. , Mahy L. , Sundqvist J. O. , Abdul-Masih M. , Bouret J. C. , Brands S. A. , de Koter A. , Driessen F. A. , Puls J.
Published: August 2021

Aims. We investigate the impact of optically thick clumping on spectroscopic stellar wind diagnostics in O supergiants and constrain wind parameters associated with porosity in velocity space. This is the first time the effects of optically thick clumping have been investigated for a sample of massive hot stars, using models which include a full optically thick clumping description.

Methods. We re-analyse existing spectroscopic observations of a sample of eight O supergiants previously analysed with the non-local-thermodynamic-equilibrium (NLTE) atmosphere code CMFGEN. Using a genetic algorithm wrapper around the NLTE atmosphere code FASTWIND we obtain simultaneous fits to optical and ultraviolet spectra and determine photospheric properties, chemical surface abundances and wind properties.

Results. We provide empirical constraints on a number of wind parameters including the clumping factors, mass-loss rates and terminal wind velocities. Additionally, we establish the first systematic empirical constraints on velocity filling factors and interclump densities. These are parameters that describe clump distribution in velocity-space and density of the interclump medium in physical-space, respectively. We observe a mass-loss rate reduction of a factor of 3.6 compared to theoretical predictions from Vink et al. (2020, A&A, 362, 295) and mass-loss rates within a factor 1.4 of theoretical predictions from Björklund et al. (2021, A&A, 648, A36).

Conclusions. We confirm that including optically thick clumping allows simultaneous fitting of optical recombination lines and ultraviolet resonance lines, including the unsaturated ultraviolet phosphorus lines (P V λλ1118–1128), without reducing the phosphorus abundance. We find that, on average, half of the wind velocity field is covered by dense clumps. We also find that these clumps are 25 times denser than the average wind, and that the interclump medium is 3–10 times less dense than the mean wind. The former result agrees well with theoretical predictions, the latter suggests that lateral filling-in of radially compressed gas might be critical for setting the scale of the rarefied interclump matter.
Solar Orbiter observations of an ion-scale flux rope confined to a bifurcated solar wind current sheet
Authors: Eastwood J. P. , Stawarz J. E. , Phan T. D. , Laker R. , Robertson S. , Zhao L.-L. , Zank G. P. , Lavraud B. , Shay M. A. , Evans V. , Angelini V. , O’Brien H. , Horbury T. S.
Published: August 2021

Context.Flux ropes in the solar wind are a key element of heliospheric dynamics and particle acceleration. When associated with current sheets, the primary formation mechanism is magnetic reconnection and flux ropes in current sheets are commonly used as tracers of the reconnection process.

Aims.Whilst flux ropes associated with reconnecting current sheets in the solar wind have been reported, their occurrence, size distribution, and lifetime are not well understood.

Methods.Here we present and analyse new Solar Orbiter magnetic field data reporting novel observations of a flux rope confined to a bifurcated current sheet in the solar wind. Comparative data and large-scale context is provided by Wind.

Results.The Solar Orbiter observations reveal that the flux rope, which does not span the current sheet, is of ion scale, and in a reconnection formation scenario, existed for a prolonged period of time as it was carried out in the reconnection exhaust. Wind is also found to have observed clear signatures of reconnection at what may be the same current sheet, thus demonstrating that reconnection signatures can be found separated by as much as ∼2000 Earth radii, or 0.08 au.

Conclusions.The Solar Orbiter observations provide new insight into the hierarchy of scales on which flux ropes can form, and show that they exist down to the ion scale in the solar wind. The context provided by Wind extends the spatial scale over which reconnection signatures have been found at solar wind current sheets. The data suggest the local orientations of the current sheet at Solar Orbiter and Wind are rotated relative to each other, unlike reconnection observed at smaller separations; the implications of this are discussed with reference to patchy vs. continuous reconnection scenarios.
A Raman study of B203 through the liquid-glass transition range
Authors: HASSAN A. K. , TORELL L. M. , BORJESSON L.
Published: August 2021

The low frequency Raman spectrum of B203 and the boroxol ring vibrational
mode at 808 cm-1 have been studied from room temperature to 1273 K as the
glass transforms to a melt. Both the low frequeney "boson" peak and the boroxol
mode are markedly influenced by the glass transition. Raising the temperature
above Tg the strength of the 808 cm-1 mode decreases linearly indicating the Similar
behavior of the boroxol ring concentration. The boson peak shows a different
temperature behavior, which mirrors that of the sound velo city. The structural
correlation length demostrates the same correlation range in the liquid and the
glass. The results, when compared with neutron diffraction measurements contradict a recently proposed relation between the "boson correlation length" and
the position of the first sharp diffraction peak of the structure factor.
Technique d'observation de surface in situ (TOSIS) :
Authors: Ranaivoarisoa A. , Olive J. M. , Desjardins D.
Published: August 2021

An optical method named In Situ Surface Observation Technique (ISSOT) is presented in this paper. This method is used to detect crack nucleation from a flaw (here a pit) at mesoscopic scale during a triangular push-pull cycling test under the control of charge amplitude in aqueous solution ofMgCl2 at 117°C.

It can be found that the crack initiation time determined by using this technique
represents 2 % of that estimated from a mechanical criterion. Moreover, the follow of
the crack tip evolution by the ISSOT allows to measure average local crack growth
rates. It has been shown that the variations of the latter were related to the effects
of barriers such as grain boundaries, twin boundaries and grain boundaries triple
junction.
La corrosion par piqûres
d'aciers inoxydables austéno-ferritiques
dans l'eau de mer synthétique
Authors: Trigui I. , Sidhom H. , Braham C. , Lédion J.
Published: August 2021

Duplex stainless steels crevice and pitting corrosion resistance in synthetic sea water is studied. Conventional electrochemical tests and image analysis techniques are used. Three commercial steels are examined. The forged material has the best behaviour, whereas cast materials, in spite of their high nitrogen contents, have a lower corrosion resistance. Micrographic studies show a good correlation between pittings distribution and inclusions distribution and reveal that
gamma phase behaviour is more affected by inclusions. The metallurgic purity of products seems to be the most important parameter in this type of corrosion. Consequently, the PREN index is questionable in pitting corrosion grading of
these steels because it does not take into acount the inclusions effect.
Etude cinétique de la croissance
d'une couche de conversion à base d'oxydes de fer, de nickel et de chrome et de la dissolution simultanée du substrat
Authors: Bianco J.-C. , Bes R. S. , Traverse J.-P.
Published: August 2021

In order to optimize the processing of very thin and high emittance coatings, growth of the conversion layer as well as dissolution of the substrate are investigated. The limitant factor of dissolution is assumed to be diffusionnal on the basis of the low value of the activation energy of the process and the data reported on the influence of stirring rate. A logarithmic phenomenological
law represents the growth of the conversion coating.
Ischemic Choroidal Diseases
Authors: Barth Teresa , Helbig Horst
Published: August 2021

Introduction Ischemic choroidal diseases are an underdiagnosed entity. The clinical pattern varies according to the size and the localisation of the affected vascular structure.

Clinical Presentation In eyes with occlusion of the long posterior ciliary arteries, characteristic triangular patches of choroidal ischemia (Amalric sign) are seen, which in the course of time merge into well-defined areas of atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium. Above the non-perfused choroidal areas, hyperpigmented, grouped lines appear (Siegrist streaks). Circumscribed ischemia of smaller choroidal arterioles and capillary vessels appears as multifocal, yellowish lesions in the posterior fundus (Elschnig spots). Vortex vein occlusion becomes manifest as exudative haemorrhagic choroidal swelling in the periphery.

Causes of Choroidal Ischemia Apart from arterial hypertension as a major risk factor, some immunological disorders such as giant cell arteritis and systemic lupus erythematosus and haematological pathologies also affect choroidal perfusion. Furthermore, choroidal ischemia occurs due to local inflammation, as found in eyes with acute multifocal posterior placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE). Rarely, choroidal infarction is of iatrogenic origin or drug-induced. Recent advances in imaging, such as the introduction of enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) and OCT angiography (OCT-A), have improved the visualisation of the choroidal vasculature and complement the classical angiographic procedures. In patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetes, some changes in choroidal blood flow and vascular structure have also been noted. While in AMD the choroidal pathologies correlate with the disease progression and the functional
prognosis, the pathophysiological relationship between diabetic choroidopathy and retinopathy is currently unclear.

Management and Conclusion With regard to the limited therapeutic options for choroidal ischemia, optimisation of the cardiovascular risk profile and the management of accompanying ocular and systemic diseases are essential.
Review of Studies on Phlomis and Eremostachys Species (Lamiaceae) with Emphasis on Iridoids, Phenylethanoid Glycosides, and Essential Oils
Authors: Çalış İhsan , Başer K. Hüsnü Can
Published: August 2021

As the sixth-largest Angiosperm family, Lamiaceae contains more than 245 genera and 7886 species that are distributed worldwide. It is also the third-largest family based on the number of taxa in Turkey where it is represented by 46 genera and 782 taxa with a high endemism ratio (44%). Besides, Lamiaceae are rich in plants with economic and medicinal value containing volatile and nonvolatile compounds. Many aromatic plants of Lamiaceae such as Salvia, Sideritis, Stachys, Phlomis, and Teucrium species are used in traditional herbal medicine throughout Turkey as well as in other Mediterranean countries. Salvia (Sage tea “Adaçayı”), Sideritis (Mountain tea “Dağçayı”), Stachys (Hairy Tea “Tüylü Çay”), and Phlomis (Turkish sage “Çalba or Şalba”) are the largest genera that are used as herbal teas. This review focuses on the volatile and nonvolatile compounds of Lamiaceae from the genera Phlomis and Eremostachys of the
subfamily Lamioideae with emphasis on iridoids, phenylethanoid glycosides, and essential oils.
The Influence of Turmeric and Curcumin on Female Reproductive Processes
Authors: Sirotkin Alexander V.
Published: August 2021

The present review summarizes the available knowledge concerning the action of curcumin, the best-known polyphenol among the rhizomes of Curcumas, on female reproductive processes and their dysfunctions. Curcumin affects a number of physiological processes, including female reproduction (puberty, reproductive aging, ovarian follicullogenesis and oogenesis, and fecundity). Curcumin can affect these processes via changes in the release and reception of pituitary and ovarian hormones, growth factors and cytokines. Furthermore, it can influence the response of ovarian cells to these substances and external environmental factors. Finally, curcumin can affect oxidative processes within the ovary and numerous intracellular signalling pathways related to ovarian cell proliferation and apoptosis. These effects suggest the applicability of curcumin for stimulation of female reproductive processes in vivo and in vitro, as well as for the prevention, mitigation, and
treatment of various reproductive disorders from ovarian insufficiency and infertility to polycystic ovarian syndrome and ovarian cancer.
Surgical Management of Choroidal Diseases
Authors: Hattenbach Lars-Olof , Bopp Silvia , Strobel Marc , Chronopoulos Argyrios
Published: August 2021

Accumulation of serous fluid in the suprachoroidal space, known as uveal effusion, and choroidal or suprachoroidal haemorrhage (SCH) following rupture of ciliary blood vessels are considered rare, but serious, events with extremely poor functional prognosis. As a result, uveal effusion, and expulsive suprachoroidal haemorrhage in particular, continue to be considered as more or less fatal complications. However, clinical experience demonstrates that both clinical entities can be managed by conservative as well as surgical strategies, depending on their severity and localisation, with sometimes surprisingly favourable visual outcome. In addition to prognostic factors, timely recognition and prompt, if possible preventive, acute care, as well as carefully considered timing of adequate surgical measures taking advantage of the specific characteristics of the choroidal tissue, are crucial to treatment success. Along with technical advances in the field of vitreoretinal surgery, numerous variants of therapeutic approaches to the treatment of choroidal effusion and suprachoroidal haemorrhage have been proposed to date. This review presents some of the most important surgical techniques and strategies in the field.
Strain-Induced Transformations of Bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-1-enes
Authors: Lee Daesung , Ghorai Sourav
Published: August 2021

Bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-1-ene is a highly strained bicyclic intermediate that generates trimethylenemethane (TMM) diradical through breaking the C–C bond of its methylene cyclopropane moiety. The reactivity of bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-1-enes and trimethylenemethane (TMM) diradicals depend on the reaction temperature and substitution patterns. This short review covers various strain-induced transformations of bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-1-enes and their formal [3+2] cycloadditions through TMM diradicals and presents synthetic applications to natural products containing triquinane and tropone structures.

1 Introduction

2 Early Reports on Bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-1-enes

3 Approaches to Form Bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-1-enes

4 Structure and Reactivity of Bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-1-enes

4.1 Isomerization

4.2 Dimerization

4.3 [3+2] Cycloaddition

4.4 [4+2] Cycloaddition

5 Synthetic Applications to Natural Products

6 Summary and Outlook
Real-World Experience of Immunotherapy from India in Recurrent Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Abbas Waseem , Gupta Saurabh , Goel Vineeta , Rao Ranga R. , Pankaj Promila , Tripathi Devashish , Patil Pratik P. , Popli Swati
Published: August 2021

Background Recurrent metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients carry a poor prognosis and have limited therapeutic options. In the randomized phase-3 trial CheckMate 141, nivolumab showed benefit in overall survival (OS) with manageable toxicity. Nivolumab is available for clinical practice since 2017 in India. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of nivolumab in real-world settings in India.

Materials and Methods This is a retrospective, single-center study on the use of nivolumab with advanced or metastatic HNSCC in India. Eligible patients had histologically confirmed, recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (including metastatic disease) of the oral cavity, pharynx, or larynx that was not amenable to curative treatment, tumor progression, or recurrence after the administration of platinum-containing chemotherapy administered as adjuvant therapy or in the context of primary or recurrent disease. We assessed demographics, safety (the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events Version 4.0), response evaluation (the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors Version 1.1), progression-free survival (PFS), and OS.

Results Among patients with platinum-refractory, recurrent HNSCC, and treatment with nivolumab resulted in median PFS of 2 months and median OS of 5 months, which is inferior to what was seen in CheckMate 141. Fifteen of 20 patients (75%) had progressive disease, 3 (15%) showed a partial response, and 2 (10%) had stable disease.

Conclusion Nivolumab was well tolerated in our study with fewer toxic effects, and an inferior median survival was reached as compared with CheckMate 141 in platinum refractory, recurrent HNSCC patients treated with nivolumab because 90% of patients in our study received nivolumab as second-line therapy after progression. Our study encourages the use of nivolumab in this population.
Manipulating meso-scale solvent structure from Pd nanoparticle deposits in deep eutectic solvents
Authors: Hammons Joshua A. , Besford Quinn A. , Ilavsky Jan , Christofferson Andrew J.
Published: August 2021

Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) are complex solutions that present unique challenges compared to traditional solvents. Unlike most aqueous electrolytes and ionic liquids, DESs have delicate hydrogen bond networks that are responsible for their highly sensitive compositional dependence on the melting point. Prior work has demonstrated a unique nanoscale structure both experimentally and theoretically that brings both challenges and opportunities to their adoption in traditional electrochemical processes. In this study, we use in situ sample-rotated ultra-small angle x-ray scattering to resolve the near-interface solvent structure after electrodepositing Pd nanoparticles onto a glassy carbon electrode in choline chloride:urea and choline chloride:ethylene glycol DESs. Our results indicate that a hierarchical solvent structure can be observed on the meso-scale in the choline chloride:urea and choline chloride:ethylene glycol systems. Importantly, this extended solvent structure increases between −0.3 V and −0.5 V (vs Ag/AgCl) and remains high until −0.9 V (vs Ag/AgCl). Experimentally, the nature of this structure is more pronounced in the ethylene glycol system, as evidenced by both the x-ray scattering and the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Molecular dynamics simulations and dipolar orientation analysis reveal that chloride delocalization near the Pd interface and long-range interactions between the choline and each hydrogen bond donor (HBD) are very different and qualitatively consistent with the experimental data. These results show how the long-range solvent–deposit interactions can be tuned by changing the HBD in the DES and the applied potential.
Highly efficient diamond electromechanical transducer based on released metal–oxide–semiconductor structure
Authors: Liao Meiyong , Sang Liwen , Sun Huanying , Li Tiefu , Koizumi Satoshi
Published: August 2021

We propose and demonstrate an efficient, integrated, and customizable metal–oxide–semiconductor (MOS) actuator capable of active on-chip driving and tuning microelectromechanical resonators. A single-crystal diamond mechanical resonator with a hydrogen-terminated surface was utilized for demonstration. In this actuator, the electrical field applied to the gate tunes the width of the depletion region of the MOS capacitor on the cantilever and induces an actuation force. The proposed actuator overcomes the drawbacks of conventional actuators, such as the growth of piezoelectric materials, formation of p–n junctions, high dc voltages, and nanoscale air gaps. The actuator has various merits, such as low-power dissipation (∼pW), low-voltage operation (∼mV), and a tailored amplitude through a low dc bias of less than 1 V. The proposed actuator is universally applicable in all semiconductors compatible with complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor.
Quantum nature of molecular vibrational quenching: Water–molecular hydrogen collisions
Authors: Wiesenfeld Laurent
Published: August 2021

Rates of conversions of molecular internal energy to and from kinetic energy by means of molecular collision allow us to compute collisional line shapes and transport properties of gases. Knowledge of ro-vibrational quenching rates is necessary to connect spectral observations to physical properties of warm astrophysical gasses, including exo-atmospheres. For a system of paramount importance in this context, the vibrational bending mode quenching of H2O by H2, we show here that the exchange of vibrational to rotational and kinetic energy remains a quantum process, despite the large numbers of quantum levels involved and the large vibrational energy transfer. The excitation of the quantized rotor of the projectile is by far the most effective ro-vibrational quenching path of water. To do so, we use a fully quantum first-principles computation, potential and dynamics, converging it at all stages, in a full coupled channel formalism. We present here rates for the quenching of the first bending mode of ortho-H2O by ortho-H2, up to 500 K, in a fully converged coupled channel formalism.
Weak magnetohydrodynamic turbulence
Authors: Yoon Peter H. , Choe Gwangson
Published: August 2021

Low-frequency hydromagnetic turbulence is thought to play an important role in charged particle energization in space and astrophysical environments. For understanding large-scale turbulence in magnetized plasmas, low-frequency electromagnetic turbulence has been widely investigated within the theoretical framework of incompressible magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) theory. Among the existing works is the weak turbulence formalism of incompressible MHD turbulence. The present paper revisits the existing formalism under the assumption of zero residual energy. Under the strict assumption of turbulence taking place in a two-dimensional plane, which can be interpolated to a three-dimensional situation with azimuthal symmetry, the well-known steady-state turbulent spectrum of k⊥−2 is recovered, where k⊥ denotes the wave number perpendicular to the ambient magnetic field.
STI and HIV knowledge and testing: a comparison of domestic Australian-born, domestic overseas-born and international university students in Australia
Authors: Engstrom Teyl , Waller Michael , Mullens Amy B. , Durham Jo , Debattista Joseph , Wenham Kathryn , Bell Sara F. E. , Ariana Armin , Gu Zhihong , Daken Kirstie , Dingle Kaeleen , Gilks Charles F. , Williams Owain D. , Dean Judith A.
Published: August 2021

University students usually consist of young people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and a group recognised as being at increased risk of STI. This study found lower levels of STI knowledge and STI testing among international students and to a lesser extent, domestic overseas-born students, compared with domestic Australian-born students. International students exhibited lower risk sexual behaviour but were more likely to have had a HIV test than domestic students. This diversity in sexual health knowledge, sexual health services utilisation and sexual experience indicates the need for a variety of public health approaches to improve sexual health.
Application of tri-axial accelerometer data to the interpretation of movement and behaviour of threatened black cockatoos
Authors: Yeap Lian , Warren Kristin S. , Bouten Willem , Vaughan-Higgins Rebecca , Jackson Bethany , Riley Karen , Rycken Sam , Shephard Jill M.
Published: August 2021

Abstract Context Carnaby’s (Calyptorhychus latirostris), Baudin’s (Calyptorhynchus baudinii) and forest red-tailed black cockatoos (Calyptorhynchus banksii naso) are threatened parrot species endemic to south-western Australia. Behavioural monitoring has previously involved direct observation, which has proven challenging because of their cryptic nature, the type of habitat they move through and their speed of movement. The development of a model to accurately classify behaviour from tri-axial accelerometer data will provide greater insight into black cockatoo behaviour and ecology. Aims To develop an automated classifier model to classify accelerometer data from released black cockatoos to determine behaviour and activity budgets for three species of black cockatoo. Methods In the present study, we attached tri-axial accelerometers, housed in GPS tags, to four Carnaby’s cockatoos, three forest red-tailed black cockatoos and two Baudin’s cockatoos in captive care, undergoing rehabilitation for release back to the wild. Accelerometer data from these birds was coupled with 19 video files of the birds’ behaviour when flying, feeding and resting, to develop an automated behaviour classifier. The classifier was then used to annotate accelerometer data from 15 birds released after successful rehabilitation and to calculate activity budgets for these birds post-release. Key results We developed a classifier able to identify resting, flying and foraging behaviours from accelerometer data with 86% accuracy, as determined by the percentage of observed behaviours correctly identified by the classifier. The application of the classifier to accelerometer data from 15 released cockatoos enabled us to determine behaviours and activity budgets for all three species of black cockatoo. Black cockatoos spent most of their time at rest, followed by foraging with a short period of time flying. Conclusions Application of the classifier to data from released birds gives researchers the ability to remotely identify patterns of behaviour and calculate activity budgets. Implications Combining behaviour and activity budgets with location data provides useful insight into cockatoo movement, distribution, and habitat use. Such information is important for informing conservation efforts and addressing outstanding research objectives. Further studies including larger sample sizes of Baudin’s and forest red-tailed black cockatoos and comparing behaviour and activity between birds in breeding and non-breeding areas are warranted.
Pro-inflammatory T helper 17 directly harms oligodendrocytes in neuroinflammation
Authors: Larochelle Catherine , Wasser Beatrice , Jamann Hélène , Löffel Julian T. , Cui Qiao-Ling , Tastet Olivier , Schillner Miriam , Luchtman Dirk , Birkenstock Jérôme , Stroh Albrecht , Antel Jack , Bittner Stefan , Zipp Frauke
Published: August 2021

Significance

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neuroinflammatory, demyelinating disease that represents one of the most frequent causes of irreversible disability in young adults. Treatment options to halt disability are limited. We discovered that T helper (Th)17 cells in contact with oligodendrocytes produce higher levels of glutamate and induce significantly greater oligodendrocyte damage than their Th2 counterpart. Blockade of CD29, which is linked to glutamate release pathways and expressed in high levels on Th17 cells, preserved human oligodendrocyte processes from Th17-mediated injury. Our data thus provide evidence for the direct and deleterious attack of Th17 cells on the myelin compartment and show the potential for therapeutic opportunities to protect oligodendrocytes’ myelinating processes in MS.
Assisted assembly of bacteriophage T7 core components for genome translocation across the bacterial envelope
Authors: Pérez-Ruiz Mar , Pulido-Cid Mar , Luque-Ortega Juan Román , Valpuesta José María , Cuervo Ana , Carrascosa José L.
Published: August 2021

Significance

Bacteriophage T7 infectsEscherichia colibacteria, and its genomic DNA traverses the bacterial cell envelope, but the precise mechanism used by the virus remains unknown. Previous studies suggested that proteins found inside the viral capsid (core proteins) disassemble and reassemble in the bacterial periplasm to form a DNA translocation channel. In this article, we have solved the structure of two different assemblies of the core proteins gp15 and gp16. These findings confirm the ability of core proteins to form tubes compatible with the periplasmic space and show the location of the transglycosylase enzyme involved in peptidoglycan degradation. Our results reveal key structural details of the assembly of the core translocation complex involved in the DNA transport through the bacterial wall.
Structural insights into a novel family of integral membrane siderophore reductases
Authors: Josts Inokentijs , Veith Katharina , Normant Vincent , Schalk Isabelle J. , Tidow Henning
Published: August 2021

Significance

Secretion of siderophores allows most microbes to assimilate ferric ions into their biological processes. Siderophores must be taken up into the cells, and chelated iron must be released. Here, we present the structure of an inner membrane siderophore reductase, FoxB, which is involved in the uptake of iron from ferrioxamine siderophores inPseudomonas aeruginosa. Our structure reveals FoxB to be a di-heme membrane protein, which is able to reduce the iron in chelated ferric-siderophore complexes. In combination with in vivo uptake studies, these results offer insights into the function of this poorly characterized membrane protein family and its role in iron release from bacterial siderophores.
Metapopulation capacity determines food chain length in fragmented landscapes
Authors: Wang Shaopeng , Brose Ulrich , van Nouhuys Saskya , Holt Robert D. , Loreau Michel
Published: August 2021

Significance

Understanding the persistence of populations in fragmented landscapes is critical for predicting the consequences of habitat destruction, yet analytical tools are largely lacking. Metapopulation capacity provides one such tool, because it summarizes the influences of habitat area and distribution on population persistence in a single metric. However, surprisingly few efforts have extended this theory to multispecies communities. Our analyses demonstrate the power of metapopulation capacity theory in predicting the persistence of prey–predator pairs and food chains in heterogeneous, fragmented landscapes. Such analytic insights serve as a benchmark to predict the consequences of habitat changes. Our findings thus have broad implications for both ecological research and conservation practices.