bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impacts of COVID-19, meteorology, and emission control policies on PM2.5 drops in Northeast Asia
Authors: Kang Yoon-Hee , You Seunghee , Bae Minah , Kim Eunhye , Son Kyuwon , Bae Changhan , Kim Yoonha , Kim Byeong-Uk , Kim Hyun Cheol , Kim Soontae
Published: December 2020

In January 2020, anthropogenic emissions in Northeast Asia reduced due to the COVID-19 outbreak. When outdoor activities of the public were limited, PM2.5 concentrations in China and South Korea between February and March 2020 reduced by − 16.8 μg/m3 and − 9.9 μg/m3 respectively, compared with the average over the previous three years. This study uses air quality modeling and observations over the past four years to separate the influence of reductions in anthropogenic emissions from meteorological changes and emission control policies on this PM2.5 concentration change. Here, we show that the impacts of anthropogenic pollution reduction on PM2.5 were found to be approximately − 16% in China and − 21% in South Korea, while those of meteorology and emission policies were − 7% and − 8% in China, and − 5% and − 4% in South Korea, respectively. These results show that the influence on PM2.5 concentration differs across time and region and according to meteorological conditions and emission control policies. Finally, the influence of reductions in anthropogenic emissions was greater than that of meteorological conditions and emission policies during COVID-19 period.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Aging-associated distinctive DNA methylation changes of LINE-1 retrotransposons in pure cell-free DNA from human blood
Authors: Mahmood Wardah , Erichsen Lars , Ott Pauline , Schulz Wolfgang A. , Fischer Johannes C. , Arauzo-Bravo Marcos J. , Bendhack Marcelo L. , Hassan Mohamed , Santourlidis Simeon
Published: December 2020

LINE-1 hypomethylation of cell-free DNA has been described as an epigenetic biomarker of human aging. However, in the past, insufficient differentiation between cellular and cell-free DNA may have confounded analyses of genome-wide methylation levels in aging cells. Here we present a new methodological strategy to properly and unambiguously extract DNA methylation patterns of repetitive, as well as single genetic loci from pure cell-free DNA from peripheral blood. Since this nucleic acid fraction originates mainly in apoptotic, senescent and cancerous cells, this approach allows efficient analysis of aged and cancerous cell-specific DNA methylation patterns for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. Using this methodology, we observe a significant age-associated erosion of LINE-1 methylation in cfDNA suggesting that the threshold of hypomethylation sufficient for relevant LINE-1 activation and consequential harmful retrotransposition might be reached at higher age. We speculate that this process might contribute to making aging the main risk factor for many cancers.
Macromolecular changes in spinal cord white matter characterize whiplash outcome at 1-year post motor vehicle collision
Authors: Hoggarth Mark A. , Elliott James M. , Smith Zachary A. , Paliwal Monica , Kwasny Mary J. , Wasielewski Marie , Weber Kenneth A. , Parrish Todd B.
Published: December 2020

Each year, whiplash injuries from motor vehicle collisions (MVC) affect millions worldwide, with no strong evidence of pathology. While the majority recover soon after the injury, the same is not true for roughly 20% reporting higher levels of pain and distress, without diagnostic options. This study used magnetization transfer (MT) imaging to quantify white matter integrity in 78 subjects with varying levels of pain, 1 year after MVC. MT images of the cervical spinal cord were collected parallel to the intervertebral disks. MT ratios (MTR) were calculated in select white matter tracts along with MTR homogeneity (MTRh) at each level. Significant differences were observed between clinical outcome groups in the left and right spinothalamic tracts (p = 0.003 and 0.020) and MTRh (p = 0.009). MTRh was elevated in females with poor recovery versus females reporting recovery (p < 0.001) or milder symptoms (p < 0.001), and in males reporting recovery (p = 0.007) or no recovery (p < 0.001). There was a significant interaction between recovery status and sex (p = 0.015). MT imaging identified tract specific and regional changes in white matter integrity suggesting potential insults to the cord. Additionally, significant MTRh differences between sexes were observed, characterizing the heterogeneity of whiplash recovery and worse outcomes in females.
Ternary Ti alloys functionalised with antibacterial activity
Authors: Bolzoni L. , Alqattan M. , Peters L. , Alshammari Y. , Yang F.
Published: December 2020

Prosthesis bacterial infection occurring during surgery is a rising health issue. Pathogenic bacterial infection causes inflammation, interferes with the healing process, inhibits osteogenesis and, eventually, leads to implant failure. These issues can be tackled either by applying coatings or developing multifunctional (i.e. structural and antibacterial) materials. In this work, β eutectoid bearing functionalised Ti alloys were designed and manufactured via the cost-effective press and sinter powder metallurgy route. The systematic analysis of the ternary Ti–xCu–yMn alloys shows that the mechanical properties proportionally increase with the amount of alloying elements added. All the ternary Ti–xCu–yMn alloys have strong antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli with respect to the negative control (i.e. pure Ti). Our study demonstrates that ternary Ti–xCu–yMn alloys are promising candidates for structural prostheses functionalised with antibacterial capability.
Anthropogenic Pb contribution in soils of Southeast China estimated by Pb isotopic ratios
Authors: Li Jianwu , Hao Guoshuang , Wang Xudong , Ruan Li , Zhou Jinjie
Published: December 2020

Isotopic ratios were used to identify the source of Lead (Pb) contamination in rural soils from Southeast China. Enrichment of Pb in surface soils was detected from three sampling locations, with the206Pb/207Pb ratio indicating recent anthropogenic input. The206Pb/207Pb ratio from deeper soil profiles reflected the ratio from parent basalt. Mass fractions of anthropogenic-derived Pb for soil samples in the upper profiles was as high as 50%, implying that surface soils in the current study were impacted by anthropogenic activity. The206Pb/207Pb and208Pb/206Pb ratios were similar to anthropogenic sources including the combustion of coal, which has been common practice in the region for 2500 years. Considering the relatively short history of petroleum use in this area and the rural location of soils, anthropogenic Pb source from coal burning was considered to be the main cause of lead pollution.
Trends in mortality from external causes in the Republic of Seychelles between 1989 and 2018
Authors: Abio Anne , Bovet Pascal , Didon Joachim , Bärnighausen Till , Shaikh Masood Ali , Posti Jussi P. , Lowery Wilson Michael
Published: December 2020

Data on injury-related mortality are scarce in the African region. Mortality from external causes in the Seychelles was assessed, where all deaths are medically certified and the population is regularly enumerated. The four fields for underlying causes of death recorded were reviewed in the national vital statistics register. The age-standardised mortality rates were estimated (per 100,000 person-years) from external causes in 1989–1998, 1999–2008, and 2009–2018. Mortality rates per 100,000 person-years from external causes were 4–5 times higher among males than females, and decreased among males over the three 10-year periods (127.5, 101.4, 97.1) but not among females (26.9, 23.1, 26.9). The contribution of external causes to total mortality did not change markedly over time (males 11.6%, females 4.3% in 1989–2018). Apart from external deaths from undetermined causes (males 14.6, females 2.4) and “other unintentional injuries” (males 14.1, females 8.0), the leading external causes of death in 2009–2018 were drowning (25.9), road traffic injuries (18.0) and suicide (10.4) among males; and road traffic injuries (4.6), drowning (3.4) and poisoning (2.6) among females. Mortality from broad categories of external causes did not change consistently over time but rates of road traffic injuries increased among males. External causes contributed approximately 1 in 10 deaths among males and 1 in 20 among females, with no marked change in cause-specific rates over time, except for road traffic injuries. These findings emphasise the need for programs and policies in various sectors to address this large, but mostly avoidable health burden.
Properties and role of interfaces in multimaterial 3D printed composites
Authors: Zorzetto Laura , Andena Luca , Briatico-Vangosa Francesco , De Noni Lorenzo , Thomassin Jean-Michel , Jérôme Christine , Grossman Quentin , Mertens Anne , Weinkamer Richard , Rink Marta , Ruffoni Davide
Published: December 2020

In polyjet printing photopolymer droplets are deposited on a build tray, leveled off by a roller and cured by UV light. This technique is attractive to fabricate heterogeneous architectures combining compliant and stiff constituents. Considering the layer-by-layer nature, interfaces between different photopolymers can be formed either before or after UV curing. We analyzed the properties of interfaces in 3D printed composites combining experiments with computer simulations. To investigate photopolymer blending, we characterized the mechanical properties of the so-called digital materials, obtained by mixing compliant and stiff voxels according to different volume fractions. We then used nanoindentation to measure the spatial variation in mechanical properties across bimaterial interfaces at the micrometer level. Finally, to characterize the impact of finite-size interfaces, we fabricated and tested composites having compliant and stiff layers alternating along different directions. We found that interfaces formed by deposition after curing were sharp whereas those formed before curing showed blending of the two materials over a length scale bigger than individual droplet size. We found structural and functional differences of the layered composites depending on the printing orientation and corresponding interface characteristics, which influenced deformation mechanisms. With the wide dissemination of 3D printing techniques, our results should be considered in the development of architectured materials with tailored interfaces between building blocks.
Enantiomer-specific activities of an LRH-1 and SF-1 dual agonist
Authors: Mays Suzanne G. , Stec Józef , Liu Xu , D’Agostino Emma H. , Whitby Richard J. , Ortlund Eric A.
Published: December 2020

Chirality is an important consideration in drug development: it can influence recognition of the intended target, pharmacokinetics, and off-target effects. Here, we investigate how chirality affects the activity and mechanism of action of RJW100, a racemic agonist of the nuclear receptors liver receptor homolog-1 (LRH-1) and steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1). LRH-1 and SF-1 modulators are highly sought as treatments for metabolic and neoplastic diseases, and RJW100 has one of the few scaffolds shown to activate them. However, enantiomer-specific effects on receptor activation are poorly understood. We show that the enantiomers have similar binding affinities, but RR-RJW100 stabilizes both receptors and is 46% more active than SS-RJW100 in LRH-1 luciferase reporter assays. We present an LRH-1 crystal structure that illuminates striking mechanistic differences: SS-RJW100 adopts multiple configurations in the pocket and fails to make an interaction critical for activation by RR-RJW100. In molecular dynamics simulations, SS-RJW100 attenuates intramolecular signalling important for coregulator recruitment, consistent with previous observations that it weakly recruits coregulators in vitro. These studies provide a rationale for pursuing enantiomerically pure RJW100 derivatives: they establish RR-RJW100 as the stronger LRH-1 agonist and identify a potential for optimizing the SS-RJW100 scaffold for antagonist design.
Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 mediates overlapping mechanisms across brain disorders
Authors: Bach Snow , Ryan Niamh M. , Guasoni Paolo , Corvin Aiden P. , El-Nemr Rania A. , Khan Danyal , Sanfeliu Albert , Tropea Daniela
Published: December 2020

MECP2 and its product, Methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2), are mostly known for their association to Rett Syndrome (RTT), a rare neurodevelopmental disorder. Additional evidence suggests that MECP2 may underlie other neuropsychiatric and neurological conditions, and perhaps modulate common presentations and pathophysiology across disorders. To clarify the mechanisms of these interactions, we develop a method that uses the binding properties of MeCP2 to identify its targets, and in particular, the genes recognized by MeCP2 and associated to several neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. Analysing mechanisms and pathways modulated by these genes, we find that they are involved in three main processes: neuronal transmission, immuno-reactivity, and development. Also, while the nervous system is the most relevant in the pathophysiology of the disorders, additional systems may contribute to MeCP2 action through its target genes. We tested our results with transcriptome analysis on Mecp2-null models and cells derived from a patient with RTT, confirming that the genes identified by our procedure are directly modulated by MeCP2. Thus, MeCP2 may modulate similar mechanisms in different pathologies, suggesting that treatments for one condition may be effective for related disorders.
Effects of a complex mixture prepared from agrimonia, houttuynia, licorice, peony, and phellodendron on human skin cells
Authors: Lee Kyung-Ha , Lee Jeong Pyo , Kim Wanil
Published: December 2020

Active ingredients derived from natural sources are widely utilized in many industries. Cosmetic active ingredients are largely derived from various plants. In this study, we examined whether a mixture of plant extracts obtained from agrimonia, houttuynia, licorice, peony, and phellodendron (hereafter AHLPP), which are well-known for their effects on skin, could affect skin barrier function, inflammation, and aging in human skin cells. We also determined whether AHLPP extracts sterilized using γ-irradiation (to avoid preservatives) retained their skin cell regulating activity. The AHLPP mixture could downregulate representative pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL 1-β and IL 7. Procollagen peptide synthesis was also increased by AHLPP treatment along with mRNA upregulation of barrier proteins such as filaggrin and desmoplakin. The AHLPP mixture showed an anti-aging effect by significantly upregulating telomerase activity in human keratinocytes. We further observed TERT upregulation and CDKN1B downregulation, implying a weakening of pro-aging signal transduction. Co-cultivation of a hydrogel polymer containing the AHLPP mixture with human skin cells showed an alteration in skin-significant genes such as FLG, which encodes filaggrin. Thus, the AHLPP mixture with or without γ-irradiation can be utilized for skin protection as it alters the expression of some significant genes in human skin cells.
Phylogenetic comparisons reveal mosaic histories of larval and adult shell matrix protein deployment in pteriomorph bivalves
Authors: Zhao Ran , Takeuchi Takeshi , Koyanagi Ryo , Villar-Briones Alejandro , Yamada Lixy , Sawada Hitoshi , Ishikawa Akito , Iwanaga Shunsuke , Nagai Kiyohito , Che Yuqi , Satoh Noriyuki , Endo Kazuyoshi
Published: December 2020

Molluscan shells are organo-mineral composites, in which the dominant calcium carbonate is intimately associated with an organic matrix comprised mainly of proteins and polysaccharides. However, whether the various shell matrix proteins (SMPs) date to the origin of hard skeletons in the Cambrian, or whether they represent later deployment through adaptive evolution, is still debated. In order to address this issue and to better understand the origins and evolution of biomineralization, phylogenetic analyses have been performed on the three SMP families, Von Willebrand factor type A (VWA) and chitin-binding domain-containing protein (VWA-CB dcp), chitobiase, and carbonic anhydrase (CA), which exist in both larval and adult shell proteomes in the bivalves,Crassostrea gigasandPinctada fucata. In VWA-CB dcp and chitobiase, paralogs for larval and adult SMPs evolved before the divergence of these species. CA-SMPs have been taken as evidence for ancient origins of SMPs by their presumed indispensable function in biomineralization and ubiquitous distribution in molluscs. However, our results indicate gene duplications that gave rise to separate deployments as larval and adult CA-SMPs occurred independently in each lineage after their divergence, which is considerably more recent than hitherto assumed, supporting the “recent heritage and fast evolution” scenario for SMP evolution.
Identification and validation of a miRNA-based prognostic signature for cervical cancer through an integrated bioinformatics approach
Authors: Qi Yumei , Lai Yo-Liang , Shen Pei-Chun , Chen Fang-Hsin , Lin Li-Jie , Wu Heng-Hsiung , Peng Pei-Hua , Hsu Kai-Wen , Cheng Wei-Chung
Published: December 2020

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide. Increasing evidence has shown that miRNAs are related to the progression of cervical cancer. However, the mechanisms that affect the prognosis of cancer are still largely unknown. In the present study, we sought to identify miRNAs associated with poor prognosis of patient with cervical cancer, as well as the possible mechanisms regulated by them. The miRNA expression profiles and relevant clinical information of patients with cervical cancer were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The selection of prognostic miRNAs was carried out through an integrated bioinformatics approach. The most effective miRNAs with synergistic and additive effects were selected for validation through in vitro experiments. Three miRNAs (miR-216b-5p, miR-585-5p, and miR-7641) were identified as exhibiting good performance in predicting poor prognosis through additive effects analysis. The functional enrichment analysis suggested that not only pathways traditionally involved in cancer but also immune system pathways might be important in regulating the outcome of the disease. Our findings demonstrated that a synergistic combination of three miRNAs may be associated, through their regulation of specific pathways, with very poor survival rates for patients with cervical cancer.
T-cell receptor repertoire of cytomegalovirus-specific cytotoxic T-cells after allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Toya Takashi , Taguchi Ayumi , Kitaura Kazutaka , Misumi Fumi , Nakajima Yujiro , Otsuka Yuki , Konuma Ryosuke , Adachi Hiroto , Wada Atsushi , Kishida Yuya , Konishi Tatsuya , Nagata Akihito , Yamada Yuta , Marumo Atsushi , Noguchi Yuma , Yoshifuji Kota , Mukae Junichi , Inamoto Kyoko , Igarashi Aiko , Najima Yuho , Kobayashi Takeshi , Kakihana Kazuhiko , Ohashi Kazuteru , Suzuki Ryuji , Nagamatsu Takeshi , Doki Noriko
Published: December 2020

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a major complication during allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT). However, mechanisms of adaptive immunity that drive this remain unclear. To define early immunological responses to CMV after transplantation, we using next-generation sequencing to examine the repertoire of T-cell receptors in CD8+/CMV pp65 tetramer+ cells (CMV-CTLs) in peripheral blood samples obtained from 16 allo-SCT recipients with HLA-A*24:02 at the time of CMV reactivation. In most patients, TCR beta repertoire of CMV-CTLs was highly skewed (median Inverse Simpson’s index: 1.595) and, 15 of 16 patients shared at least one TCR-beta clonotype with ≥ 2 patients. The shared TCRs were dominant in 12 patients and, two clonotypes were shared by about half of the patients. Similarity analysis showed that CDR3 sequences of shared TCRs were more similar than unshared TCRs. TCR beta repertoires of CMV-CTLs in 12 patients were also analyzed after 2–4 weeks to characterize the short-term dynamics of TCR repertoires. In ten patients, we observed persistence of prevailing clones. In the other two patients, TCR repertoires became more diverse, major clones declined, and new private clones subsequently emerged. These results provided the substantive clue to understand the immunological behavior against CMV reactivation after allo-SCT.
Upregulation of 5′-terminal oligopyrimidine mRNA translation upon loss of the ARF tumor suppressor
Authors: Cottrell Kyle A. , Chiou Ryan C. , Weber Jason D.
Published: December 2020

Tumor cells require nominal increases in protein synthesis in order to maintain high proliferation rates. As such, tumor cells must acquire enhanced ribosome production. How the numerous mutations in tumor cells ultimately achieve this aberrant production is largely unknown. The gene encoding ARF is the most commonly deleted gene in human cancer. ARF plays a significant role in regulating ribosomal RNA synthesis and processing, ribosome export into the cytoplasm, and global protein synthesis. Utilizing ribosome profiling, we show that ARF is a major suppressor of 5′-terminal oligopyrimidine mRNA translation. Genes with increased translational efficiency following loss of ARF include many ribosomal proteins and translation factors. Knockout of p53 largely phenocopies ARF loss, with increased protein synthesis and expression of 5′-TOP encoded proteins. The 5′-TOP regulators eIF4G1 and LARP1 are upregulated in Arf- and p53-null cells.
Deposited ultra-thin titanium nitride nanorod array as a plasmonic near-perfect light absorber
Authors: Jen Yi-Jun , Yang Kai-Bin , Lin Po-Chun , Chung Meng-Hsun
Published: December 2020

The transmittance, reflectance, and extinctance that correspond to the localized plasmonic resonance within TiN nanorods were investigated. The obliquely deposited TiN nanorod array shows polarization-independent admittance matching to air. Unlike noble metal nanorods, the near-field localized longitudinal and transverse plasmonic resonance of TiN nanorod arrays present polarization-dependent light extinction in the far field. The longitudinal plasmonic mode presents stronger extinction than transverse plasmonic mode. In order to have high efficient light absorption, an ultra-thin two-layered TiN nanorod array was fabricated with orthogonal deposition planes for upper layer and bottom layer to absorb different polarized light energy. The measured spectrum shows broadband and wide-angle light extinction.
Self-replicating catalyzed hairpin assembly for rapid aflatoxin B1 detection
Authors: Zhao Lijun , Mao Jianfei , Hu Li , Zhang Shu , Yang Xiaofeng
Published: December 2020

Herein, a rapid signal amplified aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) detection system based on self-replicating catalyzed hairpin assembly (SRCHA) has been constructed.
A STING-based fluorescent polarization assay for monitoring activities of cyclic dinucleotide metabolizing enzymes
Authors: Karanja Caroline W. , Yeboah Kofi S. , Ong Wilson W. S. , Sintim Herman O.
Published: December 2020

Cyclic dinucleoties, such as cGAMP, c-di-GMP and c-di-AMP, are fascinating second messengers with diverse roles in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
Access to functionalized luminescent Pt(ii) complexes by photoredox-catalyzed Minisci alkylation of 6-aryl-2,2′-bipyridines
Authors: Hagui Wided , Cordier Marie , Boixel Julien , Soulé Jean-François
Published: December 2020

Photoredox catalysis is employed to design unprecedented C6′-functionalized 6-aryl-2,2′-bipyridines to prepare (circularly polarized) luminescent cyclomatalated platinum(ii) complexes.
A hydrogen-bonded organic framework based on redox-active tri(dithiolylidene)cyclohexanetrione
Authors: Shivakumar Kilingaru I. , Noro Shin-ichiro , Yamaguchi Yuna , Ishigaki Yusuke , Saeki Akinori , Takahashi Kiyonori , Nakamura Takayoshi , Hisaki Ichiro
Published: December 2020

The porous architecture derived from a tri(dithiolylidene)cyclohexanetrione derivative reveals the crucial role of bite angle (θ) in designing the hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (HOFs).
Advancing the use of Voronoi–Dirichlet polyhedra to describe interactions in organic molecular crystal structures by the example of galunisertib polymorphs
Authors: Serezhkin Viktor N. , Savchenkov Anton V.
Published: December 2020

The universal approach for studying structure/properties relationships shows that every polymorph of galunisertib is characterized with unique noncovalent interactions.
Electric field and charged impurity doping effects on the Schottky anomaly of β12-borophene
Authors: Hoi Bui D. , Tung Luong V. , Vinh Pham T. , Khoa Doan Q. , T. T. Phuong Le
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we systematically examine the effects of charged impurity doping and electric field on the HC of monolayer β12-borophene.
Controlling the off-center positions of anions through thermodynamics and kinetics in flexible perovskite-like materials
Authors: Lobato A. , Recio-Poo M. , Otero-de-la-Roza A. , Salvadó M. A. , Recio J. M.
Published: December 2020

Walking paths from the low-symmetry hettotype to the high-symmetry aristotype structures of BX3 sublattices in perovskite-like materials illustrate that the transformation can be either kinetically or thermodynamically controlled.
Quantification of cation–cation, anion–anion and cation–anion correlations in Li salt/glyme mixtures by combining very-low-frequency impedance spectroscopy with diffusion and electrophoretic NMR
Authors: Pfeifer Sandra , Ackermann Florian , Sälzer Fabian , Schönhoff Monika , Roling Bernhard
Published: December 2020

Interrelation between ion correlations and center-of-mass/dipole fluctuations.
Beyond C3N4 π-conjugated metal-free polymeric semiconductors for photocatalytic chemical transformations
Authors: Yang Long , Peng Yuting , Luo Xuedan , Dan Yi , Ye Jinhua , Zhou Yong , Zou Zhigang
Published: December 2020

“Green” π-conjugated photocatalysts of metal-free polymeric semiconductors beyond carbon nitride for “clean and renewable” energy source production.
Optoelectronic processes in covalent organic frameworks
Authors: Keller Niklas , Bein Thomas
Published: December 2020

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are crystalline porous materials constructed from molecular building blocks using diverse linkage chemistries. The image illustrates electron transfer in a COF-based donor–acceptor system. Image by Nanosystems Initiative Munich.
Fast transport of HCl across a hydrophobic layer over macroscopic distances by using a Pt(ii) compound as the transporter: micro- and nanometric aggregates as effective transporters
Authors: Giannetto Antonino , Nastasi Francesco , Puntoriero Fausto , Bella Giovanni , Campagna Sebastiano , Lanza Santo
Published: December 2020

Nano- and micrometric chloroform aggregates formed because of the dynamic behavior of the carrier Pt in the presence of HCl are responsible for the fast transport of HCl across a hydrophobic layer over macroscopic distances.
Phenoxo-bridged dinuclear mixed valence cobalt(iii/ii) complexes with reduced Schiff base ligands: synthesis, characterization, band gap measurements and fabrication of Schottky barrier diodes
Authors: Banerjee Abhisek , Das Dhananjoy , Ray Partha Pratim , Banerjee Snehasis , Chattopadhyay Shouvik
Published: December 2020

Two dinuclear mixed valence Co(iii)/Co(ii) complexes have been synthesized and characterized. Both of them show good electrical conductivity, which has been rationalized by band gap measurements and further confirmed by DFT studies.
Recent progress in polysaccharides fromPanax ginsengC. A. Meyer
Authors: Guo Mingkun , Shao Shuai , Wang Dandan , Zhao Daqing , Wang Mingxing
Published: December 2020

Panax ginsengC. A. Meyer (P. ginseng) has a long history of medicinal use and can treat a variety of diseases.
Food buffering capacity: quantification methods and its importance in digestion and health
Authors: Mennah-Govela Yamile A. , Bornhorst Gail M.
Published: December 2020

Understanding the influence of food properties on buffering capacity will have an impact on gastric secretions and breakdown during digestion.
Anti-obesity effects of DHA and EPA in high fat-induced insulin resistant mice
Authors: Wei Wenting , Hu Manjiang , Huang Jie , Yu Siyan , Li Xudong , Li Yanhui , Mao Limei
Published: December 2020

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5) exert their anti-obesity effect by mechanisms dependent or independent of PPARγ and GPR120 signaling in insulin resistant mice.
Correction: Efficient and selective catalytic hydrogenation of furanic aldehydes using well defined Ru and Ir pincer complexes
Authors: Padilla Rosa , Koranchalil Sakhitha , Nielsen Martin
Published: December 2020

Correction for ‘Efficient and selective catalytic hydrogenation of furanic aldehydes using well defined Ru and Ir pincer complexes’ by Rosa Padilla et al., Green Chem., 2020, 22, 6767–6772, DOI: 10.1039/D0GC01543A.
Metal halide perovskite nanocrystals: application in high-performance photodetectors
Authors: Liu Dan , Guo Yuxiao , Que Meidan , Yin Xingtian , Liu Jie , Xie Haixia , Zhang Cong , Que Wenxiu
Published: December 2020

Recently, perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) have become highly promising materials due to their unique optical and electrical properties such as high absorption coefficient, high photoluminescence quantum yield, and long exciton diffusion length.
Synthesis of sulfur-doped porous carbon from heavy coker gas oil and its application in CO2 capture
Authors: Du Yi , Wooler Bradley , Smith Stuart E. , Raich Brenda , Chase Clarence E. , Wang Lesheng , Kliewer Chris , Mao Kanmi
Published: December 2020

Elemental sulfur is used to cross-link heavy coker gas oil (HKGO) with only 0.44 wt% olefinic hydrogen content in the absence of solvent; subsequent pyrolysis yields sulfur-doped porous carbon with Brunauer–Emmett–Tell (BET) surface area (s.a.) around 1714–1785 m2 g−1.
Improvement of the photochromism taking place on ZnO/MoO3 combined material interfaces
Authors: Andron Ines , Marichez Léa , Jubera Véronique , Fargues Alexandre , Frayret Christine , Gaudon Manuel
Published: December 2020

MoO3/ZnO mixtures obtained using polyol synthesis exhibit an enhanced photochromism.
Natural product-informed exploration of chemical space to enable bioactive molecular discovery
Authors: Nelson Adam , Karageorgis George
Published: December 2020

Natural products serve as starting points for the systematic exploration of biologically-relevant chemical space to afford bioactive molecules which can be used to study biological processes.
Improved, gram-scale synthesis of sildenafil in water using arylacetic acid as the acyl source in the pyrazolo[4,3-d]pyrimidin-7-one ring formation
Authors: Laha Joydev K. , Gulati Upma , Saima  , Gupta Anjali , Indurthi Harish Kumar
Published: December 2020

An improved, gram-scale synthesis of the blockbuster drug sildenafil, used for the treatment of male erectile dysfunction, has been developed.
Chromium complexes supported by bidentate thioether-imine [N,S] ligands: synthesis and ethylene oligomerization studies
Authors: Milani J. L. S. , Biajoli A. F. P. , Batista F. I. , Oliboni R. S. , Casagrande O. L.
Published: December 2020

Chromium complexes bearing thioether-imine ligands were synthesized and their catalytic behavior in ethylene oligomerization has been investigated, evaluating the effect of the ligand and the experimental parameters on the activity, selectivity, and product distribution.
A novel fluorescence sensor for relay recognition of zinc ions and nitric oxide through fluorescence ‘off–on–off’ functionality
Authors: Mou Jie , Qi Hao , Xiang Rui , Xu Shaofeng , Liu Jie , Meng Sihan , Chen Ninghai , Xue Yunsheng , Pei Dongsheng
Published: December 2020

The fluorescent ‘off–on–off’ probe for relay recognition of Zn2+ and nitro oxide (NO) was constructed with the detection limit of 10−8 mol L−1.
Thermo-mechanical correlation in two-dimensional materials
Authors: Cheng Yuan , Wu Xing , Zhang Zijian , Sun Yao , Zhao Yunshan , Zhang Yingyan , Zhang Gang
Published: December 2020

Here we summarize the up-to-date research on the thermal and mechanical properties and thermo-mechanical correlation in 2D materials.
One-pot, three-component Fischer indolisation–N-alkylation for rapid synthesis of 1,2,3-trisubstituted indoles
Authors: Hughes-Whiffing Christopher A. , Perry Alexis
Published: December 2020

One-pot Fischer indolisation indoleN-alkylation enables straightforward, rapid synthesis of structurally-diverse 1,2,3-trisubstituted indoles from simple, widely-available precursors.
Bismuth(iii)-catalyzed regioselective alkylation of tetrahydroquinolines and indolines towards the synthesis of bioactive core-biaryl oxindoles and CYP19 inhibitors
Authors: Prusty Namrata , Kinthada Lakshmana K. , Meena Rohit , Chebolu Rajesh , Ravikumar Ponneri Chandrababu
Published: December 2020

Bismuth(iii)-catalyzed regioselective alkylation of tetrahydroquinolines and indolines have been demonstrated for the synthesis of the bioactive cores of biaryl oxindoles and CYP19 inhibitors.
Boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) in polymer chemistry
Authors: Lu Pengtao , Chung Kun-You , Stafford Alex , Kiker Meghan , Kafle Kristina , Page Zachariah A.
Published: December 2020

The present review provides both a summary and outlook on the exciting field of BODIPYs in polymer chemistry.
An organocatalytic enantioselective ring-reorganization domino sequence of methyleneindolinones with 2-aminomalonates
Authors: Ren Ji-Wei , Xie Zhen-Zhen , Zheng Lan , Ye Zhi-Peng , Deng Zhi-Xiong , Zhao Qing-Lan , Xiao Jun-An , Chen Kai , Xiang Hao-Yue , Chen Xiao-Qing , Yang Hua
Published: December 2020

Novel organocatalytic enantioselective ring-reorganization domino sequence was developed to efficiently construct polycyclic pyrrolo[3,4-c]quinolinones in high yields (up to 92%) and stereoselectivity (up to >99% ee, >20 : 1 dr).
New accurate molecular dynamics potential function to model the phase transformation of cesium lead triiodide perovskite (CsPbI3)
Authors: Almishal Saeed S. I. , Rashwan Ola
Published: December 2020

The new hybrid potential of CsPbI3accurately reproduces the density, structure and phase transformation from orthorhombic to cubic crystal structure.
Sustainable separation of bio-based cadaverine based on carbon dioxide capture by forming carbamate
Authors: Li Hui , Xu Xu , Tan Weimin , Lu Xuedong , He Feng , Xu Sheng , Tian Weilong , Chen Kequan , Li Ganlu , Ouyang Pingkai , Liu Yaozong , Liang Ruiyuan
Published: December 2020

Cadaverine carbamate, capturing the self-released carbon dioxide from the decarboxylation of l-lysine, is the green and sustainable separation of bio-based cadaverine.
Type-I band alignment of BX–ZnO (X = As, P) van der Waals heterostructures as high-efficiency water splitting photocatalysts: a first-principles study
Authors: Do Thi-Nga , Idrees M. , Binh Nguyen T. T. , Phuc Huynh V. , Hieu Nguyen N. , Hoa Le T. , Amin Bin , Van Hieu
Published: December 2020

In this work, we perform first-principles calculations to examine the electronic, optical and photocatalytic properties of the BX–ZnO (X = As, P) heterostructures.
Impact of sphingosine and acetylsphingosines on the aggregation and toxicity of metal-free and metal-treated amyloid-β
Authors: Yi Yelim , Lin Yuxi , Han Jiyeon , Lee Hyuck Jin , Park Nahye , Nam Geewoo , Park Young S. , Lee Young-Ho , Lim Mi Hee
Published: December 2020

The reactivity of sphingosine and acetylsphingosines towards both metal-free and metal-treated amyloid-β is demonstrated showing a correlation of their micellization properties.
Recharging N95 masks using a van de Graaff generator for safe recycling
Authors: Sugihara K.
Published: December 2020

We report a method to recover polypropylene electric charges that are lost during sterilization processes by a van de Graaff generator.
The Efficacy of an Explicit Intervention Approach to Improve Past Tense Marking for Early School-Age Children With Developmental Language Disorder
Authors: Calder Samuel D. , Claessen Mary , Ebbels Susan , Leitão Suze
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of a theoretically motivated explicit intervention approach to improve regular past tense marking for early school-age children with developmental language disorder (DLD).

Method

Twenty-one children with DLD (ages 5;9–6;9 [years;months]) were included in a crossover randomized controlled trial (intervention,
n
= 10; waiting control,
n
= 11). Intervention included once-weekly sessions over 10 weeks using the SHAPE CODING system, in combination with a systematic cueing hierarchy to teach past tense marking. Once the first group completed intervention, the waiting control group crossed over to the intervention condition. The primary outcome was criterion-referenced measures of past tense marking with standardized measures of expressive and receptive grammar as the secondary outcome. Ancillary analyses on extension and behavioral control measures of morphosyntax were also conducted.

Results

There was a significant Time × Group interaction (
p
< .001) with a significant difference in pre–post intervention improvement in favor of the intervention group (
p
< .001,
d
= 3.03). Further analysis once both groups had received the intervention revealed no improvement for either group on past tense production during the 5-week pre-intervention period, significant improvement pre–post intervention (
p
<
.
001,
d
= 1.22), with gains maintained for 5 weeks postintervention. No significant differences were found on pre- to postintervention standardized measures of grammar, or on extension or control measures.

Conclusions

The efficacy of the theoretically motivated explicit grammar intervention was demonstrated. Results contribute to the evidence base supporting this intervention to improve past tense production in early school-age children with DLD, suggesting it is a viable option for clinicians to select when treating morphosyntactic difficulties for this population.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.13345202
VTE‐AKA: an optimum vector time encoding scheme for synchronising authenticated key agreements in cognitive radio ad hoc networks
Authors: Dhurandher Sanjay Kumar , Indra Gaurav
Published: December 2020

In a hostile wireless environment, a cognitive radio ad hoc network, a robust‐spectrum aware paradigm, is susceptible to spectrum sensing data falsification at the data link layer. In the state‐of‐the‐art literature, distributed cooperative spectrum sensing is considered as a competent technique to ameliorate the performance of primary users (PUs) and malicious users (MUs) detections but synchronising local clocks at secondary users (SUs) remains a major security concern. In this study, an optimal vector time encoding technique infused with an optimised authenticated key agreement scheme, termed as VTE‐AKA is proposed for logically synchronising localised clocks at authenticated SUs. VTE‐AKA competently offers the security attributes viz. key compromise impersonation resilience, known session key security, full perfect forward secrecy, key replicating resilience, unknown key‐share resilience, replay resilience, reflection resilience, and key control resilience. VTE‐AKA is simulated and validated in a cognitive scenario where results validate the adeptness of VTE‐AKA in PU's and MU's detection, average network throughput, and overall channel utilisation.
Modelling of biodiesel blend using optimised deep belief network: blending waste cooking oil methyl ester with tyre pyrolysis oil
Authors: Ganitha Sujesh , Ganesan Subbiah , Ramesh Sengottuvelu
Published: December 2020

This study introduces a new biodiesel blend as an alternative for diesel using waste cooking oil methyl ester by adding tyre pyrolysis oil and cerium oxide. Despite the conventional biodiesel blending models, this study made an effort to efficiently measure the prediction rate of these blended fuels by modelling through the deep belief network (DBN). To attain the accurate prediction, this study moves on with the new logic of optimal tuning of the count of hidden neurons in DBN. The optimal selection is carried out by introducing a new algorithm named lioness updated crow search algorithm (LCSA), which hybrids the concept of the lion algorithm (LA) and crow search algorithm (CSA). Finally, the proposed work is analysed and compared over other conventional models with respect to emission analysis and error analysis. From the analysis, the proposed model in terms of mean deviation (MD) measure has gained betterment and is 75.57, 17.71, 85.55, and 74.19% better than grey wolf optimiser (GWO), whale optimisation algorithm (WOA), LA, and CSA, respectively. For the mean absolute error measure, the implemented model is 42.38, 24.42, 43.53 and 36.72% improved than GWO, WOA, LA, and CSA, respectively.
High stability perovskite solar cells under ambient conditions
Authors: Aslan Emre , Ates Turkmen Tulin , Alturk Elif
Published: December 2020

Though perovskite solar cells have outstanding commercialisation potential, perovskite materials are very vulnerable to moisture and oxygen. So the main issue for perovskite solar cell is very fast degradation. In order to elaborate on this concern, the stability of perovskite solar cells were investigated in this study. The effect of oxygen and moisture on perovskite solar cells decreased with encapsulation of the cells. Encapsulation has been carried out with ultraviolet cured epoxy resin. Stability tests were taken place in laboratory conditions under solar simulator and also shelf‐life tests. Perovskite solar cells showed the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 9.77% with a short circuit current density of 22.5 mA/cm2, the open‐circuit voltage of 0.94 V and fill factor of 0.46. After 2800 h, perovskite solar cells were still 85% stable in atmospheric conditions. Perovskite solar cells exhibited distinctive durability for shelf‐life test in laboratory conditions. The PCE of perovskite solar cells were decreased only 15% of its initial value after 2800 h. In order to elaborate the degradation of perovskite solar cells, the cells are exposed to solar irradiation AM1.5G. Perovskite solar cells degraded gradually with time under solar irradiation; however, this stability test indicated that the solar cells were durable 20% after 500 h exposure to solar irradiation.
Algorithm development for finding the minimum level of noise immunity of an onboard electrical complex during control tests
Authors: Kozlovsky Vladimir , Nikolaev Pavel , Podgorny Alexander , Saksonov Alexander , Shamina Luiza
Published: December 2020

An algorithm for finding the minimum level of noise immunity of the onboard electrical complex during control tests is developed in this paper. The expression is obtained for the frequency tuning step of a narrow-band electromagnetic action and an algorithm is developed that compared with the standard to more accurately find the minimum level of noise immunity of ETS.
Impact of a Heutagogical, Multimedia-Based Teaching Concept to Promote Self-Determined, Cooperative Student Learning in Clinical Radiology
Authors: Teichgräber Ulf , Ingwersen Maja , Mentzel Hans-Joachim , Aschenbach Rene , Neumann Rotraud , Franiel Tobias , Herzog Aimée Barbara , Böttcher Joachim , Pfeil Alexander , Mensel Birger , Kühnel Christian , Freesmeyer Martin , Fischer Martin R. , Zottmann Jan
Published: December 2020

Purpose To date, didactic lecturing is a common method of university medical training. However, higher levels of competence to solve complex issues are hardly to be achieved with a largely passive learning style. We established and evaluated a heutagogical blended learning concept to investigate self-determined learning with a multimedia-based, interactive approach in the lecture room to teach clinical radiology.

Materials and Methods In the 2019/2020 winter semester, we included 266 medical students in their fourth academic year in our prospective, observational study. Students participated in a series of 11 radiological lectures given by 10 lecturers. They were requested to prepare for lectures by watching learning videos. During the lecture, students had to answer key-feature questions (KFQ) in small groups and to jointly submit their answers by means of an audience response system (ARS). After each lecture and the exam, we conducted surveys and compared results with a historical control group. A focus group interview with lecturers was performed after conclusion of the lecture series.

Results The students’ overall impression of the “flipped classroom” concept and their examination grades were superior to historical controls (overall impression: 1.5 [95 % CI 1.4–1.6] vs. 2.7 [95 % CI 2.5–2.9] rated on a scale from 1 to 6, p < 0.001; examination grades: 1.8 [95 % CI 1.7–1.9] vs. 2.0 [95 % CI 1.9–2.0] rated on a scale from 1 to 5, p < 0.001). Most students agreed that learning videos (76.6 %), ARS (88.5 %), KFQ (76.5 %), and solution-oriented small group discussions (83.7 %) were useful. Lecturers stated an improved convergence of demands on learning and clinical competence. However, they also emphasized an increased initial effort for implementation.

Conclusion Students rated the overall benefit from the heutagogical “flipped classroom” concept as high. Examination grades improved. According to lecturers, the “flipped classroom” concept better matched later professional demands than traditional lectures.

Key Points: 

Citation Format
Neue Klassifikation des Diabetes mellitus – Anforderungen an Labormessgrößen
Authors: Hörber Sebastian , Kaiser Patricia , Achenbach Peter , Schleicher Erwin , Peter Andreas
Published: December 2020

Die bislang etablierte Klassifikation des Diabetes mellitus hat sich in der Praxis zwar bewährt, spiegelt aber die Heterogenität der Erkrankung nicht wider. In einer Clusteranalyse einer schwedischen Arbeitsgruppe wurde eine neue Klassifikation vorgeschlagen, die den Diabetes mellitus in 5 Subgruppen unterteilt. Diese unterscheiden sich maßgeblich in der Prädiktion und Therapie von Folgeerkrankungen von Menschen mit Diabetes. Zur Klassifikation wurden unter anderem GAD-Autoantikörper, HbA1c, HOMA2-B und HOMA2-IR verwendet, wobei die Berechnung der HOMA-Indizes auf den Messgrößen Glukose und Insulin beziehungsweise C-Peptid beruht. Die Messverfahren der dabei verwendeten Labormessgrößen müssen notwendigerweise standardisiert und damit vergleichbar sein. Erst dann kann diese Klassifikation weltweit angewendet werden. Unabhängig davon ist die Vergleichbarkeit von Laborergebnissen auch für die Diagnosestellung, Prädiktion und Therapiesteuerung von Menschen mit Diabetes zwingend notwendig. In den letzten Jahrzehnten wurden daher bei den diabetesrelevanten Labormessgrößen große Anstrengungen unternommen, um eine Standardisierung dieser Parameter zu erreichen. Für Glukose und HbA1c-Wert konnte dies inzwischen erreicht werden, sodass diese Parameter international vergleichbar gemessen werden. Der Prozess der Standardisierung der C-Peptid-Bestimmung soll 2020 fertiggestellt sein und anschließend umgesetzt werden. Dagegen ist die Standardisierung der Insulinbestimmung bisher nur unzureichend fortgeschritten. Die Bestimmung von GAD-Autoantikörpern kann aufgrund der biologischen Heterogenität von Autoantikörpern nicht standardisiert werden, jedoch ist in den letzten Jahren eine weitgehende Harmonisierung erzielt worden. Durch eine weltweite Standardisierung dieser Parameter können fehlerhafte Diagnosen und falsche klinische Entscheidungen, die auf Labormessgrößen beruhen, zum Nutzen der Patienten reduziert werden.