bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intrinsically Disordered Tardigrade Proteins Self‐Assemble into Fibrous Gels in Response to Environmental Stress
Authors: Malki Anas , Teulon Jean‐Marie , Camacho‐Zarco Aldo R. , Chen Shu‐wen W. , Adamski Wiktor , Maurin Damien , Salvi Nicola , Pellequer Jean‐Luc , Blackledge Martin
Published: November 2021

Tardigrades are remarkable for their ability to survive harsh stress conditions as diverse as extreme temperature and desiccation. The molecular mechanisms that confer this unusual resistance to physical stress remain unknown. Recently, tardigrade‐unique intrinsically disordered proteins have been shown to play an essential role in tardigrade anhydrobiosis. Here, we characterize the conformational and physical behaviour of CAHS‐8 from Hypsibius exemplaris. NMR spectroscopy reveals that the protein comprises an extended central helical domain flanked by disordered termini. Upon concentration, the protein is shown to successively form oligomers, long fibres, and finally gels constituted of fibres in a strongly temperature‐dependent manner. The helical domain forms the core of the fibrillar structure, with the disordered termini remaining highly dynamic within the gel. Soluble proteins can be encapsulated within cavities in the gel, maintaining their functional form. The ability to reversibly form fibrous gels may be associated with the enhanced protective properties of these proteins.
Dynamic Optical Visualization of Proton Transport Pathways at Water–Solid Interfaces
Authors: Yang Jinmei , Lu Yuxian , Jin Lei , Zhao Chunxiao , Chen Yuang , Xu Yang , Chen Fanfan , Feng Jiandong
Published: November 2021

Probing proton transport is of vital importance for understanding cellular transport, surface catalysis and fuel cells. Conventional proton transport measurements rely on the use of electrochemical conductivity and do not allow for the direct visualization of proton transport pathways. The development of novel experimental techniques to spatiotemporally resolve proton transport is in high demand. Here, building upon the general conversion of aqueous proton flux into spatially resolved fluorescence signals, we optically visualize proton transport through nanopores and along hydrophilic interfaces. We observed that the fluorescence intensity increased at negative voltage due to lateral transport. Thanks to the temporal resolution of optical imaging, our technique further empowers the analysis of proton transport dynamics.
Cascaded Nanozyme System with High Reaction Selectivity by Substrate Screening and Channeling in a Microfluidic Device**
Authors: Zhou Qing , Yang Hong , Chen Xinghua , Xu Yuan , Han Dan , Zhou Sisi , Liu Songqin , Shen Yanfei , Zhang Yuanjian
Published: November 2021

Surpassing natural enzymes in cost, stability and mass production, nanozymes have attracted wide attention in fields from disease diagnosis to tumor therapy. However, nanozymes intrinsically have low reaction selectivity, which significantly restricts their applications. A general method is reported to address this challenge by following a biomimetic operation principle of substrates channeling and screening. Two oxidase‐ and peroxidase‐like nanozymes (i.e., emerging N‐doped carbon nanocages and Prussian blue nanoparticles), were cascaded as a proof of concept to improve the reaction selectivity in transforming the substrate into the targeted product by more than 2000 times. The cascaded nanozymes were also adopted to a spatially confined microfluidic device, leading to more than 100‐fold enhancement of the reaction efficiency due to signal amplification.
Enzymatic hydrolysis of bacterial cellulose in the presence of a non‐catalytic cerato‐platanin protein
Authors: Rovera Cesare , Luti Simone , Pazzagli Luigia , Heeley Ellen L. , Wan Chaoying , Romano Diego , Farris Stefano
Published: November 2021

In this work, the effect of an expansin‐like cerato‐platanin (CP) protein as a pre‐treatment for the enzymatic hydrolysis of bacterial cellulose (BC) is investigated. To this scope, cellulases from Trichoderma reesei are used as hydrolyzing agent using different enzyme/BC formulations. Turbidity experiments reveal that for the higher enzyme concentrations (formulations 0.5:1 and 1:1) the enzymatic hydrolysis of BC show similar hydrolysis kinetics and is not dependent of the CP. However, at higher BC concentrations (formulations 0.25:1 and 0.33:1), the hydrolysis of BC is hindered by the non‐catalytic protein, as confirmed by the lower content of cellobiose and glucose in the presence of CP. Light scattering experiments show that the addition of CP led to an increase of the BC particle size from (445–630 nm) to (890–1.26 μm) for the formulation 1:1, which is also corroborated by atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy analyses. These results suggest that CP did not positively affect the hydrolysis of BC, in contrast to what was previously observed for plant‐derived cellulose. This work for the first time investigates the anomalous behavior of cerato platanin family members with regard to its loosening activity on the structure of bacterial cellulose.
Construction and analysis of the protein–protein interaction network for the detoxification enzymes of the silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Xin ShangHong , Zhang WenJun
Published: November 2021

Detoxification enzymes are necessary for insects to metabolize toxic substances and maintain physiological activities. Cytochromes P450 (CYPs), glutathione S‐transferases (GSTs), and carboxylesterase (CarEs) are the main detoxification enzymes in insects. In addition, UDP‐glucosyltransferase and ATP‐binding cassette transporter also participate in the process of material metabolism. This study collected proteins related to detoxification in the silkworm, Bombyx mori (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae). And we performed Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis on these proteins to understand their biological function. We constructed the protein–protein interaction network for the silkworm's detoxification enzymes and analyzed the network's topological properties. We found that BGIBMGA014046‐TA, BGIBMGA003221‐TA, BGIBMGA011092‐TA, BGIBMGA000074‐TA, and LOC732976 are the essential proteins in the network. These proteins are primarily involved in the process of ribosome biogenesis and may be related to protein synthesis. We integrated GO, KEGG, and network analysis and found that ribosome‐associated protein and GSTs played a vital role in the detoxification process.
Crosslinked Polymer‐Brush Electrolytes: An Approach to Safe All‐Solid‐State Lithium Metal Batteries at Room Temperature
Authors: Ji Xiaoyu , Li Shimei , Cao Mengxue , Liang Ruiqi , Xiao Lin‐Lin , Yue Kan , Liu Shaohong , Zhou Xingui , Guo Zi‐Hao
Published: November 2021

Electric vehicles, intelligent machines, and portable electronics in our daily lives are placing insatiable demand on safe and powerful battery materials that can function at room temperature. Herein, we report an ultrathin and robust solid‐state electrolyte with crosslinked polymer‐brush architecture. On one hand, the highly mobile polymer brushes with a moderate side chain length enable efficient cation solvation and fast ion transport, offering room‐temperature ionic conductivity as high as 0.23 mS cm−1. On the other hand, incorporation of the inorganic core crosslinker endows the material with enhanced mechanical strength, thermal stability, and fire resistance. As a result, the crosslinked polymer‐brush electrolyte films demonstrate stable lithium electrodeposition and great electrochemical performance in Li/LiFePO4 cells at 30 °C, providing a promising pathway to next‐generation safe and high‐energy lithium metal batteries.
Application in photocatalytic degradation of zearalenone based on graphitic carbon nitride
Authors: Li Li , Xiaoxue Shan , Yuchong Zhang , Jin Wang , Zilong Liao , Yuxi Gu , Shuai Chen , Youjun Jiang , Jinying Chen
Published: November 2021

A semiconductor nano‐material was prepared, and its degradation efficiency of zearalenone (ZEN) was studied. The photocatalytic material graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) was synthesized by the traditional method of hot cracking. Its structure was characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The photocatalytic degradation experiment showed that under the irradiation of ultraviolet (UV) lamp (254 nm, including 185 nm), g‐C3N4 could induce photocatalytic effect, which provided a new method for the degradation of ZEN in real powder samples. The experimental conditions of photocatalytic degradation of the primary reference material of ZEN and ZEN in real powder samples were explored. And the degradation products of ZEN were analyzed after high‐performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS). Under each optimal experimental conditions, the degradation rate on primary reference material of ZEN and ZEN in real powder samples was 96.0% and 50.0%, respectively. The results in this work provide a theoretical reference and practical basis for the photocatalytic degradation of mycotoxin in real powder samples by g‐C3N4.
What is the best time for psychosocial counselling from the perspective of cancer patients and their relatives? A multi‐centre qualitative study
Authors: Singer Susanne , Kojima Erika , Deppisch Larissa , Taylor Katherine , Wickert Martin , Riedel Petra , Alt Jürgen , Heß Georg , Hechtner Marlene , Bayer Oliver
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The aim of this study was to identify at what time patients with cancer and their relatives want to be informed about and receive psychosocial counselling.

Methods

In a multi‐centre prospective study, both users and non‐users of psychosocial cancer counselling were asked to participate in a qualitative interview about their preferences for psychosocial counselling. A second interview was scheduled 3–6 months thereafter. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded according to content analysis.

Results

Altogether, 61 patients and 42 relatives participated, resulting in 183 interviews (103 at t1, 80 at t2). Most often, the optimal time‐point for cancer counselling was defined by the participants according to the treatment trajectory, and the most frequently mentioned preferred time‐point was ‘as early as possible’: at the time of cancer diagnosis (mentioned in 22% of interviews with men and 10% of interviews with women). In particular, men also said that they wanted psychosocial counselling while waiting for test results (5%), at the point of returning to work and/or when under the threat of unemployment (3%). Women especially preferred this support during therapy (4%) and ‘when one has the capacity for it’ (4%), in terms of time and emotional capacity.

Conclusions

Healthcare providers should inform their cancer patients and the relatives about the possibilities of professional psychosocial support early on in the disease trajectory (i.e. at the time of diagnosis) and repeatedly thereafter, especially in times of uncertainty, while ensuring the patients’ capacity to process information at each time‐point is taken into consideration.
Optochemical Control of Bacterial Gene Expression: Novel Photocaged Compounds for Different Promoter Systems
Authors: Hogenkamp Fabian , Hilgers Fabienne , Bitzenhofer Nora Lisa , Ophoven Vera , Haase Mona , Bier Claus , Binder Dennis , Jaeger Karl‐Erich , Drepper Thomas , Pietruszka Jörg
Published: November 2021

Photocaged compounds are applied for implementing precise, optochemical control of gene expression in bacteria. To broaden the scope of UV‐light‐responsive inducer molecules, six photocaged carbohydrates were synthesized and photochemically characterized, with the absorption exhibiting a red‐shift. Their differing linkage through ether, carbonate, and carbamate bonds revealed that carbonate and carbamate bonds are convenient. Subsequently, those compounds were successfully applied in vivo for controlling gene expression in E. coli via blue light illumination. Furthermore, benzoate‐based expression systems were subjected to light control by establishing a novel photocaged salicylic acid derivative. Besides its synthesis and in vitro characterization, we demonstrate the challenging choice of a suitable promoter system for light‐controlled gene expression in E. coli. We illustrate various bottlenecks during both photocaged inducer synthesis and in vivo application and possibilities to overcome them. These findings pave the way towards novel caged inducer‐dependent systems for wavelength‐selective gene expression.
Effects of Ethene Pressure on the Deactivation of Ni‐Zeolites During Ethene Oligomerization at Sub‐ambient Temperatures
Authors: Caulkins Richard , Joshi Ravi , Gounder Rajamani , Ribeiro Fabio H.
Published: November 2021

Ni cation sites exchanged onto microporous materials catalyze ethene oligomerization to butenes and heavier oligomers but also undergo rapid deactivation. The use of mesoporous supports has been reported previously to alleviate deactivation in regimes of high ethene pressures and low temperatures that cause capillary condensation of ethene within mesoporous voids. Here, we reproduce these prior findings on mesoporous Ni‐MCM‐41 and report that, in sharp contrast, reaction conditions that nominally correspond to ethene capillary condensation in microporous Ni‐Beta or Ni‐FAU zeolites do not mitigate deactivation, likely because confinement within microporous voids restricts the formation of condensed phases of ethene that are effective at solvating and desorbing heavier intermediates that are precursors to deactivation. Deactivation rates are found to transition from a first‐order to a second‐order dependence on Ni site density in Ni‐FAU zeolites with increasing ethene pressure, suggesting a transition in the dominant deactivation mechanism involving a single Ni site to one involving two Ni sites, reminiscent of the effects of increasing H2 pressure on changing the kinetic order of deactivation in our prior work on Ni‐Beta zeolites.
Analysis of NH3‐TPD Profiles for CuSSZ‐13 SCR Catalyst of Controlled Al Distribution – Complexity Resolved by First Principles Thermodynamics of NH3Desorption, IR and EPR Insight into Cu Speciation**
Authors: Mozgawa Bartosz , Zasada Filip , Fedyna Monika , Góra‐Marek Kinga , Tabor Edyta , Mlekodaj Kinga , Dědeček Jiří , Zhao Zhen , Pietrzyk Piotr , Sojka Zbigniew
Published: November 2021

NH3temperature‐programmed desorption (NH3‐TPD) is frequently used for probing the nature of the active sites in CuSSZ‐13 zeolite for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NOx. Herein, we propose an interpretation of NH3‐TPD results, which takes into account the temperature‐induced dynamics of NH3interaction with the active centers. It is based on a comprehensive DFT/GGA+D and first‐principles thermodynamic (FPT) modeling of NH3adsorption on single Cu2+, Cu+, [CuOH]+centers, dimeric [Cu‐O‐Cu]2+, [Cu‐O22−‐Cu]2species, segregated CuO nanocrystals and Brønsted acid sites (BAS). Theoretical TPD profiles are compared with the experimental data measured for samples of various Si/Al ratios and distribution of Al within the zeolite framework. Copper reduction, its relocation, followed by the intrazeolite olation/oxolation processes, which are concomitant with NH3desorption, were revealed by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and IR. DFT/FPT results show that the peaks in the desorption profiles cannot be assigned univocally to the particular Cu and BAS centers, since the observed low‐, medium‐ and high‐temperature desorption bands have contributions coming from several species, which dynamically change their speciation and redox states during NH3‐TPD experiment. Thus, a rigorous interpretation of the NH3‐TPD profiles of CuSSZ‐13 in terms of the strength and concentration of the active centers of a particular type is problematic. Nonetheless, useful connections for molecular interpretation of TPD profiles can be established between the individual component peaks and the corresponding ensembles of the adsorption centers.
Narrowly‐Distributed Conjugated Polymers Synthesized through Suzuki Polymerization with Palladium(II) N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Complex Confined in Dendritic Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles
Authors: Wu Yusen , Zhu Yanchao , Wang Jie , Shang Zhikun , Jin Huixian , Ding Yun , Hu Aiguo
Published: November 2021

A catalytic heterogenous Suzuki polymerization method was developed by confining the Pd(II)‐catalyzed cross coupling reactions to take place exclusively in the nanochannels of dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles. Conjugated polymers with various monomer combinations, including donor‐acceptor structures, were obtained in high yields. The molecular weights of the obtained polymers were well controlled with narrow molecular weight distributions (PDI value down to 1.13). All the polymeric products were highly soluble in common organic solvents, granting them with high processability. All the features of this confined Suzuki polymerization method endow the conjugated polymers great potential in optoelectronic applications.
Unfused Nonfullerene Acceptors Based on Simple Dipolar Merocyanines
Authors: Li Yibin , Liu Xin , Liu Hongtao , Yu Jiangsheng , Li Zhong'an
Published: November 2021

Merocyanine (MC) dyes exhibit facile synthesis and attractive optical properties, making them widely studied as the donor materials in organic solar cells (OSCs). In this study, for the first time, simple indole‐based MCs are successfully designed as unfused nonfullerene acceptors (NFAs) for OSCs by forming dimers with A−D‐π‐D−A structure, which possess enhanced photostability compared to the well‐known ITIC acceptor and high electron mobility in blend films. When blended with P3HT donor, one of the dimers, i. e. Z2, shows a good cell efficiency of 3.53 %, which outperforms the performance of most of P3HT/NFA blends, particularly for unfused systems, and thus indicates good potential of simple MCs as NFAs.
Molecular Modelling and Simulations of Light‐Harvesting Decanuclear Ru‐Based Dendrimers for Artificial Photosynthesis
Authors: Rogati Giovanna M. A. , Capecci Chiara , Fazio Enza , Serroni Scolastica , Puntoriero Fausto , Campagna Sebastiano , Guidoni Leonardo
Published: November 2021

The structure of a decanuclear photo‐ and redox‐active dendrimer based on Ru(II) polypyridine subunits, suitable as a light‐harvesting multicomponent species for artificial photosynthesis, has been investigated by means of computer modelling. The compound has the general formula [Ru{(μ‐dpp)Ru[(μ‐dpp)Ru(bpy)2]2}3](PF6)20 (Ru10; bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine; dpp=2,3‐bis(2′‐pyridyl)pyrazine). The stability of possible isomers of each monomer was investigated by performing classical molecular dynamics (MD) and quantum mechanics (QM) simulations on each monomer and comparing the results. The number of stable isomers is reduced to 36 with a prevalence of MER isomerism in the central core, as previously observed by NMR experiments. The simulations on decanuclear dendrimers suggest that the stability of the dendrimer is not linked to the stability of the individual monomers composing the dendrimer but rather governed by the steric constrains originated by the multimetallic assembly. Finally, the self‐aggregation of Ru10 and the distribution of the counterions around the complexes is investigated using Molecular Dynamics both in implicit and explicit acetonitrile solution. In representative examples, with nine and four dendrimers, the calculated pair distribution function for the ruthenium centers suggests a self‐aggregation mechanism in which the dendrimers are approaching in small blocks and then aggregate all together. Scanning transmission electron microscopy complements the investigation, supporting the formation of different aggregates at various concentrations.
Thiophene‐Fused 1,4‐Diazapentalene: A Stable C=N‐Containing π‐Conjugated System with Restored Antiaromaticity
Authors: Usuba Junichi , Fukazawa Aiko
Published: November 2021

Invited for the cover of this issue are Junichi Usuba and Aiko Fukazawa at Kyoto and Nagoya Universities. The image depicts the strength of the antiaromaticity of the title compounds as the power of a phoenix. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202103122.
Multifunctional Nanoaggregates Composed of Active CPUL1 and a Triphenylphosphine Derivative for Mitochondria‐Targeted Drug Delivery and Cell Imaging
Authors: Liu Jing , Ji Fei , Xia Zhuolu , Zhang Chunhua , Zhao Changshun , Li Yanfei , Zhou Xiang , Huang Dechun , Chen Wei , Jiang Feng
Published: November 2021

We report that active substance (CPUL1) and triphenylphosphine (TPP) derivative could self‐assemble into multifunctional nanoaggregates (CPUL1−TPP NAs) through electrostatic and π‐π stacking interactions. CPUL1 was wrapped tightly inside the nanoparticles as well as CPUL1 and TPP derivative self‐assembled into stable and compact nanoparticles in water. The positive surface charge of CPUL1−TPP NAs made them much easier to be endocytosed to enter cytoplasm, accumulate in the mitochondria and induce cell apoptosis based on their mitochondria targeting ability, fluorescence property and fast cell uptake characteristic, which showed better antitumor efficacy on HUH7 hepatoma cells in vitro than that of free CPUL1.
Nickel‐Catalyzed Allylic Substitution Reactions: An Evolving Alternative
Authors: Ghorai Debasish , Cristòfol Àlex , Kleij Arjan W.
Published: November 2021

Transition metal‐catalyzed allylic substitution reactions represent versatile transformations in organic synthesis forging C−C and C‐heteroatom bonds. Despite major contributions realized with precious transition metals, earth‐abundant nickel catalysis over the years has emerged as a relative sustainable and efficient alternative in the area of allylic substitution reactions. During the last two decades, the field has witnessed successful accomplishments of chemo‐, regio‐ and enantioselective conversions affording a plethora of products through the employment of Ni‐based methodologies. In this Minireview, the most imperative contributions will be discussed with special attention for the more sustainable character and unique reactivity of Ni, the overall process selectivity features and the functional group tolerance and product scope.
Protic Ferrocenyl Acyclic Diamino Carbene Gold(I) Complexes
Authors: Waniek Sven D. , Förster Christoph , Heinze Katja
Published: November 2021

Two mononuclear protic ferrocenyl acyclic diamino carbene gold(I) complexes AuCl[C(NHFc)(NR2)] were prepared by nucleophilic attack of diethylamine (R = Et) and diisopropylamine (R = iPr) at the ferrocenyl substituted isocyanide complex chlorido(isocyanoferrocene)gold(I) AuCl(CN−Fc). In the solid state, the multifunctional protic carbene gold(I) complexes display intermolecular aurophilic interactions or intermolecular NH⋅⋅⋅Cl hydrogen bonding in addition to intramolecular non‐classical NH⋅⋅⋅Fe hydrogen bonds. Oxidation of the AuCl[C(NHFc)(NR2)] complexes initially takes place at the iron centres giving highly coloured ferrocenium ions, which subsequently likely undergo electron transfer from gold(I) to iron(III) yielding putative EPR‐active gold(II) species.
Monosubstituted 3,3‐Difluorocyclopropenes as Bench‐Stable Reagents: Scope and Limitations
Authors: Nosik Pavel S. , Pashko Mykola O. , Poturai Andrii S. , Kvasha Denys A. , Pashenko Alexander E. , Rozhenko Alexander B. , Suikov Sergiy , Volochnyuk Dmitriy M. , Ryabukhin Sergey V. , Yagupolskii Yurii L.
Published: November 2021

A general approach to gem‐difluorocyclopropenes synthesis based on the reaction of alkynes with Ruppert‐Prakash reagent is reported. The proposed method is evaluated for the synthesis of a wide difluorocyclopropenes scope based on their bench lifespan and hydrolytic stability. The tolerance of the method for common functional groups was shown. Previously unavailable difluorocyclopropenes substituted with aliphatic were prepared using the proposed procedure. The retain of stability was proven by the multigram scale synthesis and further storage in the temperature interval −78 to −4 °C over a year. This makes them attractive building blocks and intermediates for organic synthesis. The reasons for dropping stability were defined. The relations between the structure of the substituents and the stability of the difluorocyclopropene ring were determined and discussed.
A Hexagonal Shape‐Persistent Nanobelt of Elongated Rhombic Symmetry with Orthogonal π‐Planes by a One‐Pot Reaction
Authors: Lauer Jochen C. , Kohl Bernd , Braun Felix , Rominger Frank , Mastalerz Michael
Published: November 2021

Triptycenes with their predefined D3h‐symmetry are excellent molecular building blocks to construct shape‐persistent nanobelts having π‐orbitals orthogonal to the ring plane. However, up to now, there are only a very few examples of fused and rigid iptycene nanobelts synthesized in several consecutive steps in overall yields below 1 %. Here we present the simple one‐step one‐pot approach to an iptycene nanobelt, which forms in >2 % and can readily be isolated from the polymeric by‐product by gel‐permeation chromatography.
The ESG Value Opportunity: A Decision Point for Utilities
Authors: Khalid Saba , Hung Kaylene , Wiley Jeremy
Published: November 2021

As communities around the globe experience more frequent and severe effects of climate change, governments, individuals, and the scientific community are demanding action to decarbonize economies to slow the pace of climate change and take actions to mitigate its effects. The idea of human's impact on the climate and surrounding environment began with the introduction of the first Earth Day in 1970, followed by the passing of the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) and many others. As extreme weather events continue to affect communities globally in unpredictable ways, there is an ever increasing emphasis on governments and businesses to take deliberate action to respond to the impacts of climate change to build resilient communities. The development of the Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) criteria is one of the solutions in response to climate change. ESG requires organizations and businesses to consider their environmental impacts, how an organization treats and values their employees, and the principles and policies an entity uses to make decisions. ESG has become a focal point with investors and financial institutions as many investors are looking at corporations to address climate change and how companies should be performing on a moral basis. There is a growing need for an overarching ESG framework to be established at every company; however, utilities have the market and ample opportunity to lead efforts in this space.
Depositional history of a talus cone in an arid intermontane basin in Central Asia: An interdisciplinary study at the Late Pleistocene–Late Holocene Obishir‐I site, Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Brancaleoni Greta , Shnaider Svetlana , Osipova Evgeniya , Danukalova Guzel , Kurbanov Redzhep , Deput Ewa , Alisher kyzy Saltanat , Abdykanova Aida , Krajcarz Maciej T.
Published: November 2021

Cliff‐related talus accumulations are often highly affected by post‐depositional processes, and the sedimentological characteristics are poorly documented, especially in arid settings. In the southern margin of the Fergana Valley, Kyrgyzstan, the Obishir‐I is an archaeological site of the Epipaleolithic Obishirian industry, located within a talus cone. Archaeological excavations have allowed us to study the internal structure, chronology, and depositional history of the cone as well as the relationship between the slope processes and the archaeological assemblage. We applied a multiproxy approach, including sedimentological studies supported by the basic geochemistry of sediments, luminescence dating, paleoecology of fossil mollusks, and archaeological analyses. The Obishir‐I rockfall talus accumulated from the Last Glacial Maximum to the early part of the Middle Holocene. The talus onlaps the bedrock at the foot of a limestone cliff, and its chronology is coherent, spanning from ca. 19–8 ka B.P. The material is an unconsolidated, poorly sorted mixture of angular rock fragments accumulated by rockfall and fine‐grained materials accumulated by aeolian processes, illuviation, and in situ weathering. The sequence bears an archaeological collection attributed to two settlement phases: unidentified Upper Paleolithic and the Obishirian. Both assemblages are affected by post‐depositional relocation within the slope.
Proposal and Validation of a Novel Scoring System for Hepatocellular Carcinomas Beyond Curability Borders
Authors: Demirtas Coskun Ozer , Ricco Gabrielle , Ozdogan Osman Cavit , Baltacioglu Feyyaz , Ones Tunc , Yumuk Perran Fulden , Dulundu Ender , Uzun Sinan , Colombatto Pierro , Oliveri Filippo , Brunetto Maurizia Rosanna , Gunduz Feyza
Published: November 2021

Optimal scoring system for clinical prognostic factors in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is currently uncertain. We aimed to develop and externally validate an easy to use tool, particularly for this population, and named it the “unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma prognostic index” (UHPI). We evaluated the data of patients with treatment‐naive unresectable HCC who were diagnosed in the training center from 2010 to 2019 (n = 209). A simple prognostic model was developed by assigning points for each covariate in proportion to the beta coefficients in the Cox multivariable model. Predictive performance and distinction ability of the UHPI were further evaluated in an independent European validation cohort (n = 147) and compared with 11 other available models. A simple scoring system was derived, assigning 0.5/1/2 scores for six independent covariates including, the Child‐Pugh score, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, maximum tumor size, vascular invasion or extrahepatic metastasis, lymph node involvement, and alpha‐fetoprotein. The UHPI score, ranging from 0 to 6, showed superior performance in prognosis prediction and outperformed 11 other staging or prognostic models, giving the highest homogeneity (c‐index, 6‐month and 1‐year area under the receiver operator characteristic curves), lowest Akaike information criterion, and –2 log‐likelihood ratio values. The UHPI score allocated well the risk of patients with unresectable HCC for mortality within the first year, using two cut‐off values (low‐risk, <0.5; intermediate‐risk, 0.5‐2; high‐risk, >2). Conclusion: The UHPI score can predict prognosis better than other systems in subjects with unresectable HCC and can be used in clinical practice or trials to estimate the 6‐month and 1‐year survival probabilities for this group.
Pilot decision‐making during a dual engine failure on take‐off: Insights from three different decision‐making models
Authors: Parnell Katie J. , Wynne Rachael A. , Plant Katherine L. , Banks Victoria A. , Griffin Thomas, G.C. , Stanton Neville A.
Published: November 2021

Commercial airline pilots are required to make efficient, justifiable, and safety‐critical decisions when faced with adverse events such as engine failures. Although these are rare events, the consequences are severe, and the pilot response is critical. This paper reviews pilot decision‐making when faced with a dual engine failure on take‐off using three different decision models; the Recognition Primed Decision Model, Decision Ladders and the Perceptual Cycle Model. In‐depth interviews with eight experienced airline pilots were conducted to capture their decision‐making processes in response to a dual engine failure on take‐off event. The analysis of these interviews using the three different decision models provide recommendations for a proposed decision assistant. The different decision models are discussed in relation to the insight they can bring to developing a future decision assistant tool within the flight deck of commercial aircraft.
Visible‐Light Mediated Photooxidative Phosphorylation of Benzylamines: A Novel and Mild Pathway Towards α‐Aminophosphorus Compounds
Authors: Ung Sosthène P.‐M. , Perepichka Inna , Li Chao‐Jun
Published: November 2021

Traditional syntheses of α‐aminophosphorus therapeutic targets proceed through the hydrophosphorylation of C=N or C=O bonds, thus necessitating preliminary oxidized substrates. Cross‐dehydrogenative coupling strategies can bypass this extra oxidation step by oxidizing simpler substrates in situ before phosphorylating them, but those protocols can suffer from the use of toxic stoichiometric oxidants. Photochemical strategies can access those oxidized intermediates without any harsh conditions and can use molecular oxygen as a benign and sustainable oxidant. We report herein a simple protocol using visible light, phosphinylidenes and benzylamine derivatives for the synthesis of α‐aminophosphorus products under aerobic conditions and using an iridium photosensitizer.
Testing the redundancy between work engagement and job attitudes: A replication and extension of the affective events theory in human resource development
Authors: Nimon Kim , Shuck Brad , Fulmore Julia , Zigarmi Drea
Published: November 2021

The purpose of the study was two‐fold. First, the study tested the claim suggested by Newman et al. (2011) (Human Resource Development Quarterly, 22, 37–47) that data from the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale appears to be redundant with the variance that is uniquely common to job satisfaction, affective organizational commitment, and job involvement. Second, the study tested the hypothesis that the variance in work engagement that is uniquely common to the set of job attitudes studied in Newman et al. is largely positive affect. Analyses not conducted in Newman et al. (2010) (Handbook of Employee Engagement: Perspectives, Issues, Research, and Practice, pp. 43–61) were performed to deconstruct the explained variance in work engagement into commonality coefficients representing all possible subsets of variables. The findings demonstrate that variance uniquely common to job satisfaction, affective organizational commitment, and job involvement did not dominate the regression effect as previously suggested. Further, the study found that almost 50% of the variance that was uniquely common to the job attitudes studied was common with positive affect. The results of this study will help scholars and scholar‐practitioners understand the complex relationships between work engagement, job attitudes, and positive affect.
Generalized differential quadrature analysis of electro‐magneto‐hydrodynamic dissipative flows over a heated Riga plate in the presence of a space‐dependent heat source: The case for strong suction effect
Authors: Zaydan Mostafa , Hamad Najiba Hasan , Wakif Abderrahim , Dawar Abdullah , Sehaqui Rachid
Published: November 2021

The importance of including an electromagnetic actuator as a moving boundary on the dissipative flows of weakly conducting fluids had led to many published facts. But, nothing is known on the generalized differential quadrature analysis of magnetohydrodynamics over a Riga plate with emphasis on the case of viscous dissipation and space‐dependent heat source. After deriving the simplified boundary layer equation that models the transport phenomenon, appropriate variables were used to non‐dimensionalize and parameterize the partial differential equations. Thereafter, the resulting set of ordinary differential equations was solved numerically by applying a powerful differential quadrature algorithm. Based on the outcome of the simulation, it can be concluded that the viscous frictional effect can be minimized at the Riga plate either by weakening the suction process or by heightening the magnetic parameter. Moreover, the Lorentz forces have a hastening effect on the fluid motion, in the case when those magnetic causes are directed in the same sense of the developed flow.
Submerged aquatic vegetation: Overview of monitoring techniques used for the identification and determination of spatial distribution in European coastal waters
Authors: Lønborg Christian , Thomasberger Aris , Stæhr Peter A. U. , Stockmarr Anders , Sengupta Sayantan , Rasmussen Mikkel Lydholm , Nielsen Lisbeth Tangaa , Hansen Lars Boye , Timmermann Karen
Published: November 2021

Coastal waters are highly productive and diverse ecosystems, often dominated by marine submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) and strongly affected by a range of human pressures. Due to their important ecosystem functions, for decades, both researchers and managers have investigated changes in SAV abundance and growth dynamics to understand linkages to human perturbations. In European coastal waters, monitoring of marine SAV communities traditionally combines diver observations and/or video recordings to determine, for example, spatial coverage and species composition. While these techniques provide very useful data, they are rather time consuming, labor-intensive, and limited in their spatial coverage. In this study, we compare traditional and emerging remote sensing technologies used to monitor marine SAV, which include satellite and occupied aircraft operations, aerial drones, and acoustics. We introduce these techniques and identify their main strengths and limitations. Finally, we provide recommendations for researchers and managers to choose the appropriate techniques for future surveys and monitoring programs. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:892–908. © 2021 SETAC

KEY POINTS

No technology is perfect; the monitoring objectives, data needs, and budget therefore should be known before the preferred technique is chosen. Studies should combine the different technologies as well as increase the use of machine learning for post processing of the obtained data.
Molecular analysis of alpha‐ and beta‐thalassemia in Meizhou region and comparison of gene mutation spectrum with different regions of southern China
Authors: Wu Heming , Huang Qingyan , Yu Zhikang , Zhong Zhixiong
Published: November 2021

Background

Thalassemia is a group of inherited autosomal recessive hemolytic anemia disease caused by reduced or absent synthesis of globin chain/chains of hemoglobin. Only few studies showed the molecular characterization of α‐ and β‐thalassemia in Meizhou city of China.

Methods

A total of 22,401 individuals were collected; hematological and hemoglobin electrophoresis analysis and thalassemia genetic testing were performed.

Results

Eleven thousand and thirty (49.24%) cases with microcytosis (mean corpuscular volume (MCV) < 82 fl), 11,074 (49.44%) cases with hypochromia (mean corpuscular Hb (MCH) < 27 pg) in 22,401 subjects, 11,085 cases with abnormal hemoglobin results were identified in subjects aged ≥6 months. 7,322 (32.69%) subjects harbored thalassemia mutations, including 4,841 (21.61%) subjects with α‐thalassemia, 2,237 (9.99%) with β‐thalassemia, and 244 (1.09%) with α‐thalassemia combined β‐thalassemia. 18 genotypes of α‐thalassemia mutations and 27 genotypes of β‐thalassemia mutations were characterized. The most frequent α gene mutation was ‐‐SEA (64.69%), followed by ‐α3.7 (19.93%), ‐α4.2 (7.73%), αCSα (3.97%), and αWSα (2.83%). The six most common β‐thalassemia mutations were IVS‐II‐654 (C>T) (39.79%), CD41‐42 (‐TCTT) (33.02%), −28 (A>G) (10.38%), CD17 (A>T) (9.08%), CD27‐28 (+C) (2.14%), and CD26 (G>A) (2.02%). In addition, MCV and MCH were sensitive markers for α‐ and β‐thalassemia except for ‐α3.7/αα, ‐α4.2/αα, αCSα/αα, αWSα/αα, and βCap+40−43/βN.

Conclusions

The ‐‐SEA, ‐α3.7, and ‐α4.2 deletions were the main mutations of α‐thalassemia, while IVS‐II‐654 (C>T), CD41‐42 (‐TCTT), −28 (A>G), and CD17 (A>T) mutations of β‐thalassemia in Meizhou. There were some differences in thalassemia mutation frequencies in Meizhou city from other populations in China.
The pathological tissue expression pattern and clinical significance of m6A‐regulatory genes in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Li Yujie , Zhang Xin , Cai Junchao , Ren Liangliang , Liu Baoyi , Wu Meimei , Lu Wenjie , Li Ronggang , Zhang Chunlai , Huang Chaowen , Tong Jinzhai , Liu Aibin , Zheng Yan , Ren Dong , Guo Yubiao , Huang Yanming
Published: November 2021

Background

Aberrant expression of m6A‐related proteins contributes to the occurrence and progression of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Current studies mainly focus on single m6A regulatory genes and their underlying mechanisms, and the expression of multiple m6A regulatory proteins in NSCLC remains unclear. Therefore, it is necessary to systematically examine these proteins, particularly in clinical specimens.

Methods

Bioinformatic analysis was used to determine the expression of m6A regulatory genes and their correlation with common gene mutations, such as TP53, EGFR and KRAS, using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the AE‐meta databases. Immunohistochemistry was employed to analyze the protein expression of m6A regulatory proteins in 61 benign lung tissues and 316 NSCLC tissues. Statistical analysis was performed to calculate the correlation between the expression of m6A regulatory proteins and clinicopathological features, survival, and common gene mutations in lung carcinoma patients.

Results

Analysis of the mRNA levels of 13 core m6A regulators, using information from TCGA and the AE‐meta databases, revealed that YTHDF1 levels were upregulated in NSCLC compared to those in adjacent normal tissues. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the expression of METTL3, ALKBH5, YTHDC2 and YTHDF1 was significantly upregulated in NSCLC tissues. Further analyses demonstrated a positive correlation between differentially expressed m6A regulatory proteins, including METTL3, ALKBH5, YTHDC2 and YTHDF1, and the poor clinicopathological features and survival of NSCLC patients. According to the statistics of NSCLC patients enrolled in the present study, the protein levels of METTL3 in patients with EGFR exon‐19 mutation were higher than those in patients with wild‐type EGFR.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that m6A regulators, including METTL3, ALKBH5, YTHDC2 and YTHDF1, could serve as predictive markers of NSCLC, which will facilitate the early detection and diagnosis of NSCLC.
Western Siberia experienced rapid shifts in moisture source and summer water balance during the last deglaciation and early Holocene
Authors: Cowling Owen C. , Thomas Elizabeth K. , Svendsen John Inge , Mangerud Jan , Haflidason Haflidi , Regnéll Carl , Brendryen Jo
Published: November 2021

The Russian Arctic is an extensive region, with relatively few long‐duration paleoclimate reconstructions compared to other terrestrial Arctic regions. We present a 24 000‐year reconstruction of climate in the Polar Ural Mountains using n‐alkanoic acid hydrogen isotopes from Lake Bolshoye Shchuchye. Major last deglaciation climate changes in the North Atlantic are present in this record, including transitions associated with the Bølling–Allerød, Younger Dryas and Holocene. However, the magnitude of the last deglaciation isotopic shifts at Bolshoye Shchuchye are small relative to the North Atlantic, and are dwarfed by a shift to 2H‐enriched values starting at 10.5k cal a bp at this site that is not present in most other records. The last deglaciation changes may be due to variations in local temperature, sea ice cover in the Barents and Kara seas, and plant community shifts impacting transpiration. The enrichment starting at 10.5‐k cal a bp probably records a shift towards modern climate conditions, caused by the loss of the Scandinavian Ice Sheet, increased locally sourced moisture from the Barents and Kara seas, and northward treeline migration causing enhanced transpiration. Future warming may increase summer precipitation in this region, with changes to local ecosystems and carbon cycling.
Anal preservation on the psychology and quality of life of low rectal cancer
Authors: Mei Feng , Yang Xin , Na Lina , Yang Liu
Published: November 2021

Introduction

The aims of this study are to evaluate depression and quality of life (QOL) after laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection (LAPR) or transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) surgery in low rectal cancer (RC) patients.

Methods

This is a prospective observational cohort study. Patients were divided into two groups: either TaTME surgery or LAPR. Psychosocial distress and QOL were assessed using a questionnaire before surgery, at 6 months postsurgery, and 12 months postsurgery. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to assess symptoms of anxiety and depression. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer‐QOL questionnaire core was used to estimate the QOL.

Results

In the TaTME group, the scores of psychosocial distress and QOL showed an obvious tendency to decrease and then recover. Meanwhile, in the LAPR group, these scores deteriorated significantly at 6 and 12 months, and the recovery was less pronounced. Multivariable analysis suggested that surgical options and tumor stage were significantly associated with psychosocial distress and QOL.

Conclusion

For low RC, TaTME could significantly improve patients’ QOL and reduce psychological distress as compared to patients with LAPR at 12 months after surgery.
Prospective study on complications using different techniques for parotidectomy for benign tumors
Authors: Thölken Rubens , Jering Monika , Mayer Marcel , Schiele Stefan , Müller Gernot , Zenk Johannes
Published: November 2021

Objectives

Long‐term prospective studies on procedure‐related complications after parotid surgery for benign neoplasms (BNs) are scarce. This is the first prospective study on the use of extracapsular dissection (ECD) for BNs, and it aimed to examine the incidence of postoperative complications after parotid surgery for BN.

Methods

We collected data obtained in a prospective study of parotidectomy for BN at a university hospital and analyzed the transient and long‐term complications.

Results

The incidence rates of transient facial palsy immediately and 18 months after surgery were 15.0% and 3.7%, respectively. The rates of immediate postoperative facial palsy in patients who underwent ECD, partial superficial, superficial, and total parotidectomy were 5.8%, 29.3%, 20.0%, and 44.1%, respectively. Significant risk factors for facial palsy included multiple and larger lesions as well as surgery duration and extension.

Conclusions

Postoperative facial palsy remains a common complication after parotidectomy for BN and is associated with the extent of parotidectomy, presence of multiple neoplasms, and operative duration. The results of this study showed that ECD could be a safe technique for avoiding facial palsy.

Level of Evidence: 2.
Contemporary Approaches for Conventional and Light‐Mediated Synthesis of Conjugated Heteroaromatic Polymers
Authors: Kaya Kerem , Yagci Yusuf
Published: November 2021

π‐Conjugated polymers (CPs) are industrially important materials with vast application in the fabrication of many high‐tech devices. Particularly, CPs based on heteroaromatic monomers (CHAPs) receive great interest due to their superior optoelectronic properties. CHAPs are generally synthesized by classical cross‐coupling or electrochemical polymerizations, but these methods come with major drawbacks. This review summarizes novel approaches for conventional and light‐mediated polymerizations, which overcome the shortcomings associated with these traditional approaches. Special emphasis is devoted to the photooxidative polymerization methods developed by the group for the production of CHAPs.