bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcranial magnetic stimulation of the left middle frontal gyrus modulates the information people communicate in different social contexts
Authors: Martín-Luengo Beatriz , Vorobiova Alicia Nunez , Feurra Matteo , Myachykov Andriy , Shtyrov Yury
Published: June 2023

Neocortical structures of the left frontal lobe, middle frontal gyrus (MFG) in particular, have been suggested to be linked to the processing of punishing and unpleasant outcomes in decision tasks. To assess the role of left MFG (lMFG) in communicative decisions, we used repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to inhibit its function during communicational exchanges under two types of social contexts: formal and informal. Three groups of participants received an offline 1-Hz inhibitory rTMS of lMFG, right MFG as an active control site, or lMFG sham/placebo TMS as a passive control condition. Participants’ task included answering difficult general-knowledge questions, rating their confidence in their answers’ correctness, and, finally, deciding if they would report or withhold these answers in formal and informal social contexts. There were significantly more reported than withheld answers in the informal context in all groups. The formal context showed no differences between reported and withheld answers in both control conditions, while, crucially, real rTMS of lMFG produced a different pattern, with more withheld than reported answers. Thus, lMFG inhibition seems to result in more rational decisions made only in formal communication contexts, where there is a perception of a certain pressure or possible negative outcomes. In informal social contexts and in the absence of negative consequences the pattern of answers did not change, regardless of the reporting strategy or the TMS protocol used. These results suggest selective context-dependent involvement of the lMFG in decision-making processes during communicational exchanges taking place under social pressure.
Mapping gut parasitism patterns in a cohort of Egyptians
Authors: El-Wakil Eman S. , Zalat Rabab S. , El-Badry Ayman A.
Published: June 2023

In developing countries, the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection is still significant, particularly due to geographical and socioeconomic variables. The objective of this study was to map the distribution pattern of intestinal parasitic infection in a cohort of the Egyptian population, as well as to assess associated risk factors. A cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted on 386 patients. A single fecal specimen was collected from the study individual and examined microscopically for the detection of parasitic infection. DNA was extracted from all samples and utilized to amplify Entamoeba histolytica complex species, Cryptosporidium species, Giardia intestinalis assemblages, and Blastocystis species using PCRs. Typing of Cryptosporidium species and Giardia intestinalis assemblages was performed using restriction enzymes RasI and HaeIII respectively. While Blastocystis spp. subtypes (ST) were identified through sequencing of PCR products and phylogenetic analysis. 59.6% (230/386) of the study patients were infected with one or more intestinal parasites, 87.4%; 201/230 of patients had mono-parasitic infections, and 12.6%; 29/230 had multiple-parasitic infections (P < 0.0001). The predominant protozoa were Blastocystis, followed by Entamoeba histolytica complex, and Giardia intestinalis both as mono-parasites and as part of multiple parasites. Molecular assays showed that Blastocystis ST3, Entamoeba dispar, Giardia intestinalis assemblage B, and Cryptosporidium hominis were the most prevalent species. Intestinal parasitic infection was significantly associated with age, gender, residence, and water source. Multi-parasitism showed that residency in a rural area was a risk factor (OR 4.49; 95% CI 1.51–13.37; P = 0.007). Egyptians residing in rural areas have a high prevalence of intestinal multi-parasitism. Therefore, to lessen the prevalence and effects of these infections in this group, effective and sustainable control methods, providing health education focusing on good personal hygiene habits, and providing a safe drinking water supply should be implemented.
TGFβ inhibition and mesenchymal to epithelial transition initiation by Xenopus egg extract: first steps towards early reprogramming in fish somatic cell
Authors: Chênais Nathalie , Le Cam Aurelie , Guillet Brigitte , Lareyre Jean-Jacques , Labbé Catherine
Published: June 2023

Xenopus egg extract is a powerful material to modify cultured cells fate and to induce cellular reprogramming in mammals. In this study, the response of goldfish fin cells to in vitro exposure to Xenopus egg extract, and subsequent culture, was studied using a cDNA microarray approach, gene ontology and KEGG pathways analyses, and qPCR validation. We observed that several actors of the TGFβ and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways, as well as some mesenchymal markers, were inhibited in treated cells, while several epithelial markers were upregulated. This was associated with morphological changes of the cells in culture, suggesting that egg extract drove cultured fin cells towards a mesenchymal-epithelial transition. This indicates that Xenopus egg extract treatment relieved some barriers of somatic reprogramming in fish cells. However, the lack of re-expression of pou2 and nanog pluripotency markers, the absence of DNA methylation remodeling of their promoter region, and the strong decrease in de novo lipid biosynthesis metabolism, indicate that reprogramming was only partial. The observed changes may render these treated cells more suitable for studies on in vivo reprogramming after somatic cell nuclear transfer.
Vulnerability of cocoa-based agroforestry systems to climate change in West Africa
Authors: Ariza-Salamanca Antonio Jesús , Navarro-Cerrillo Rafael M. , Quero-Pérez José L. , Gallardo-Armas Belinda , Crozier Jayne , Stirling Clare , de Sousa Kauê , González-Moreno Pablo
Published: June 2023

Previous research indicates that some important cocoa cultivated areas in West Africa will become unsuitable for growing cocoa in the next decades. However, it is not clear if this change will be mirrored by the shade tree species that could be used in cocoa-based agroforestry systems (C-AFS). We characterized current and future patterns of habitat suitability for 38 tree species (including cocoa), using a consensus method for species distribution modelling considering for the first time climatic and soil variables. The models projected an increase of up to 6% of the potential suitable area for cocoa by 2060 compared to its current suitable area in West Africa. Furthermore, the suitable area was highly reduced (14.5%) once considering only available land-use not contributing to deforestation. Regarding shade trees, 50% of the 37 shade tree species modelled will experience a decrease in geographic rate extent by 2040 in West Africa, and 60% by 2060. Hotspots of shade tree species richness overlap the current core cocoa production areas in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, suggesting a potential mismatch for the outer areas in West Africa. Our results highlight the importance of transforming cocoa-based agroforestry systems by changing shade tree species composition to adapt this production systems for future climate conditions.
Stability analysis and selection of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) genotypes using AMMI, BLUP, GGE biplot and MTSI
Authors: Taleghani Dariush , Rajabi Abazar , Saremirad Ali , Fasahat Parviz
Published: June 2023

The methods utilized to analyze genotype by environment interaction (GEI) and assess the stability and adaptability of genotypes are constantly changing and developing. In this regard, often instead of depending on a single analysis, it is better to use a combination of several methods to measure the nature of the GEI from various dimensions. In this study, the GEI was investigated using different methods. For this purpose, 18 sugar beet genotypes were evaluated in randomized complete block design in five research stations over 2 years. The additive effects analysis of the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model showed that the effects of genotype, environment and GEI were significant for root yield (RY), white sugar yield (WSY), sugar content (SC), and extraction coefficient of sugar (ECS). The multiplicative effect's analysis of AMMI into interaction principal components (IPCs) showed that the number of significant components varies from one to four in the studied traits. According to the biplot of the mean yield against the weighted average of absolute scores (WAAS) of the IPCs, G2 and G16 for RY, G16 and G2 for WSY, G6, G4, and G1 for SC and G8, G10 and G15 for ECS were identified as stable genotypes with optimum performance. The likelihood ratio test showed that the effects of genotype and GEI was significant for all studied traits. In terms of RY and WSY, G3 and G4 had high mean values of the best linear unbiased predictions (BLUP), so they were identified as suitable genotypes. However, in terms of SC and ECS, G15 obtained high mean values of the BLUP. The GGE biplot method classified environments into four (RY and ECS) and three (WSY and SC) mega-environments (MEs). Based on the multi-trait stability index (MTSI), G15, G10, G6, and G1 were the most ideal genotypes.
An oral cancer vaccine using Bifidobacterium vector augments combination of anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 antibodies in mouse renal cell carcinoma model
Authors: Ueki Hideto , Kitagawa Koichi , Kato Mako , Yanase Shihoko , Okamura Yasuyoshi , Bando Yukari , Hara Takuto , Terakawa Tomoaki , Furukawa Junya , Nakano Yuzo , Fujisawa Masato , Shirakawa Toshiro
Published: June 2023

Recently, immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) based combination therapies, including anti-PD-1 antibody, nivolumab with anti-CTLA-4 antibody, and ipilimumab have become the primary treatment option for metastatic or unresectable renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, despite the combination of two ICIs, 60–70% of patients are still resistant to first-line cancer immunotherapy. In the present study, undertook combination immunotherapy for RCC using an oral cancer vaccine (Bifidobacterium longum displaying WT1 tumor associated antigen (B. longum 420)) with anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 antibodies in a mouse syngeneic model of RCC to explore possible synergistic effects. We found that B. longum 420 significantly improved the survival of mice bearing RCC tumors treated by anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 antibodies compared to the mice treated by the antibodies alone. This result suggests that B. longum 420 oral cancer vaccine as an adjunct to ICIs could provide a novel treatment option for RCC patients. Our microbiome analysis revealed that the proportion of Lactobacilli was significantly increased by B. longum 420. Although the detailed mechanism of action is unknown, it is possible that microbiome alteration by B. longum 420 enhances the efficacy of the ICIs.
Paradoxical pharmacological dissociations result from drugs that enhance delta oscillations but preserve consciousness
Authors: Frohlich Joel , Mediano Pedro A. M. , Bavato Francesco , Gharabaghi Alireza
Published: June 2023

Low-frequency (<4 Hz) neural activity, particularly in the delta band, is generally indicative of loss of consciousness and cortical down states, particularly when it is diffuse and high amplitude. Remarkably, however, drug challenge studies of several diverse classes of pharmacological agents—including drugs which treat epilepsy, activate GABABreceptors, block acetylcholine receptors, or produce psychedelic effects—demonstrate neural activity resembling cortical down states even as the participants remain conscious. Of those substances that are safe to use in healthy volunteers, some may be highly valuable research tools for investigating which neural activity patterns are sufficient for consciousness or its absence.
Intrinsic randomness in epidemic modelling beyond statistical uncertainty
Authors: Penn Matthew J. , Laydon Daniel J. , Penn Joseph , Whittaker Charles , Morgenstern Christian , Ratmann Oliver , Mishra Swapnil , Pakkanen Mikko S. , Donnelly Christl A. , Bhatt Samir
Published: June 2023

Uncertainty can be classified as either aleatoric (intrinsic randomness) or epistemic (imperfect knowledge of parameters). The majority of frameworks assessing infectious disease risk consider only epistemic uncertainty. We only ever observe a single epidemic, and therefore cannot empirically determine aleatoric uncertainty. Here, we characterise both epistemic and aleatoric uncertainty using a time-varying general branching process. Our framework explicitly decomposes aleatoric variance into mechanistic components, quantifying the contribution to uncertainty produced by each factor in the epidemic process, and how these contributions vary over time. The aleatoric variance of an outbreak is itself a renewal equation where past variance affects future variance. We find that, superspreading is not necessary for substantial uncertainty, and profound variation in outbreak size can occur even without overdispersion in the offspring distribution (i.e. the distribution of the number of secondary infections an infected person produces). Aleatoric forecasting uncertainty grows dynamically and rapidly, and so forecasting using only epistemic uncertainty is a significant underestimate. Therefore, failure to account for aleatoric uncertainty will ensure that policymakers are misled about the substantially higher true extent of potential risk. We demonstrate our method, and the extent to which potential risk is underestimated, using two historical examples.
Few-femtosecond phase-sensitive detection of infrared electric fields with a third-order nonlinearity
Authors: Kempf Hannes , Sulzer Philipp , Liehl Andreas , Leitenstorfer Alfred , Tenne Ron
Published: June 2023

Measuring an electric field waveform beyond radio frequencies is often accomplished via a second-order nonlinear interaction with a laser pulse shorter than half of the field’s oscillation period. However, synthesizing such a gate pulse is extremely challenging when sampling mid- (MIR) and near- (NIR) infrared transients. Here, we demonstrate an alternative approach: a third-order nonlinear interaction with a relatively long multi-cycle pulse directly retrieves an electric-field transient whose central frequency is 156 THz. A theoretical model, exploring the different nonlinear frequency mixing processes, accurately reproduces our results. Furthermore, we demonstrate a measurement of the real part of a sample’s dielectric function, information that is challenging to retrieve in time-resolved spectroscopy and is therefore often overlooked. Our method paves the way towards experimentally simple MIR-to-NIR time-resolved spectroscopy that simultaneously extracts the spectral amplitude and phase information, an important extension of optical pump-probe spectroscopy of, e.g., molecular vibrations and fundamental excitations in condensed-matter physics.
Brightness of fluorescent organic nanomaterials
Authors: Ashoka Anila Hoskere , Aparin Ilya O. , Reisch Andreas , Klymchenko Andrey S.
Published: June 2023

We introduce and analyse brightness of fluorescent organic nanomaterials as an essential characteristic for biosensing and bioimaging applications.
Self-assembled stereomutation with supramolecular chirality inversion
Authors: Liu Guofeng , Humphrey Mark G. , Zhang Chi , Zhao Yanli
Published: June 2023

Supramolecular chirality inversion is closely related to biological and chemical self-assembly systems. This review highlights the fundamental principles, various strategies, and promising applications of supramolecular chirality inversion.
Effects of storage temperatures on the starch digestibility of whole rice with distinct starch fine molecular structure
Authors: Yi Xueer , Shao Shuaibo , Zhang Xiaowei , Yu Wenwen , Zhang Bin , Liu Hongsheng , Gilbert Robert G. , Li Cheng
Published: June 2023

Effects of storage temperatures on the retrogradation and digestion property of cooked whole rice.
Applications of palladium-catalyzed C–N cross-coupling reactions in pharmaceutical compounds
Authors: Emadi Reza , Bahrami Nekoo Abbas , Molaverdi Fatemeh , Khorsandi Zahra , Sheibani Reza , Sadeghi-Aliabadi Hojjat
Published: June 2023

C–N cross-coupling bond formation reactions have become valuable approaches to synthesizing anilines and their derivatives which are known as important chemical compounds.
Rapid detection of multiple antibiotics in chicken samples via a fluorescence nanobiosensor coupled with a homemade fluorescence analyzer
Authors: Li Yue , Zhou Yinan , Peng Yaping , He Yawen , Shen Yafang , Wang Wen , Liu Xiangjiang , Liu Yuanjie , Lin Jianhan , Li Yanbin , Fu Yingchun
Published: June 2023

Fluorescence nanobiosensor coupled with a homemade fluorescence analyzer for multiple antibiotics detection.
Synthetic nanoparticles for the delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system: classification and biomedical applications
Authors: Zheng Qi , Wang Weitao , Zhou Yuhang , Mo Jiayin , Chang Xinyue , Zha Zhengbao , Zha Lisha
Published: June 2023

The CRISPR/Cas9 systems contain three modes: I. plasmid DNA encoding both Cas9 and sgRNA; II. Cas9 mRNA and sgRNA; III. Cas9 protein and sgRNA. We summarized the application of the synthesized nanomaterials for delivery the CRISPR/Cas9 systems.
Stereoselective synthesis of highly substituted 1-isomorphans (1-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonanes)
Authors: Cruz-Aguilar Diego A. , Hernández-Rodríguez Marcos
Published: June 2023

The first general enantioselective synthesis of polysubstituted 1-isomorphans using four reaction steps and only two chromatographic procedures.
Transforming an esterase into an enantioselective catecholase through bioconjugation of a versatile metal-chelating inhibitor
Authors: Fernandez-Lopez Laura , Cea-Rama Isabel , Alvarez-Malmagro Julia , Ressmann Anna K. , Gonzalez-Alfonso Jose L. , Coscolín Cristina , Shahgaldian Patrick , Plou Francisco J. , Modregger Jan , Pita Marcos , Sanz-Aparicio Julia , Ferrer Manuel
Published: June 2023

Metal complexes introduced into esterase enzyme scaffolds can generate versatile biomimetic catalysts endowed with oxidoreductase activity.
Controlled long-term sustained release of poly(lactic acid) composite microspheres with dual-responsive cellulose nanocrystals
Authors: Wang Mingxin , Abdalkarim Somia Yassin Hussain , Gong Ruixin , Ji Haibin , Chen Zhiming , Shen Yunfei , Zhou Ying , Shen Jiayuan , Yu Hou-Yong
Published: June 2023

This work represents dual-responsive polylactide composite microspheres with potential multifunctional drug delivery systems for promising medical applications.
Naphthalene diimide-based random terpolymers with axisymmetric and asymmetric electron acceptors for controllable morphology and enhanced fill factors in all-polymer solar cells
Authors: Park Geunhyung , Cho Yongjoon , Lee Seunglok , Kim Seungju , Lee Kyu Cheol , Yang Changduk
Published: June 2023

New NDI-based random terpolymer acceptors were designed by introducing axisymmetric and asymmetric electron-accepting units into NDI. Intermolecular arrangement and morphology were controlled, resulting in enhanced fill factors and device performance.
A SIFT-MS study of positive and negative ion chemistry of theortho-,meta- andpara-isomers of cymene, cresol, and ethylphenol
Authors: Swift Stefan J , Sixtová Nikola , Omezzine Gnioua Maroua , Španěl Patrik
Published: June 2023

Experimental results on the kinetics of ion–molecule reactions across isomers of aromatic species. The branching ratios and reaction rate coefficients of 72 reactions were determined using selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry.
Film-formation dynamics coordinated by intermediate state engineering enables efficient thickness-insensitive organic solar cells
Authors: Song Xin , Xu Hao , Jiang Xinyu , Gao Shengzheng , Zhou Xinjie , Xu Shanlei , Li Junjun , Yu Jian , Liu Wenzhu , Zhu Weiguo , Müller-Buschbaum Peter
Published: June 2023

In this work, by adding a low-cost and volatile 1,3,5-tribromobenzene solid as a process-aid additive, a champion power conversion efficiency as high as 19.1% together with a remarkable fill factor of 80.7% is achieved based on the state-of-the-art PM6:L8-BO system.
Highly effective removal of sulfamethoxazole by Na2CO3-modified biochar derived from sorghum straw and sewage sludge
Authors: Niu Yaolan , Huang Zhaojian , Huang Ji , Qin Dingxiang , Tang Linyang , Hu Wei , Dong Kun , Wang Dunqiu
Published: June 2023

A biochar composite (SSBC) was prepared with sorghum straw and sewage sludge as raw materials by modification with Na2CO3 for the removal of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) from water.
The removal of Cd(ii) by the UV/permanganate process: role of continuously in situ formed MnO2 and reactive species
Authors: Wei Wenrui , Kang Xinwen , Wu Sining , Sharma Virender K. , Xie Ruijie , Xia Beicheng , Guo Kaiheng , Fang Jingyun
Published: June 2023

Cd(ii) could be removed completely by the UV/permanganate process, in which the continuously formed nano-sized MnO2 played the critical roles in its abatement.
Validation and expansion of sex determination method through analysis of human hair using electrothermal vaporization coupled to inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry
Authors: MacConnachie Margaret , Beauchemin Diane
Published: June 2023

Modifying a sex determination method involving multi-elemental hair analysis enabled successful application to dyed hair and hair from close relations.
Absolute energy levels in nanodiamonds of different origins and surface chemistries
Authors: Miliaieva Daria , Djoumessi Aurelien Sokeng , Čermák Jan , Kolářová Kateřina , Schaal Maximilian , Otto Felix , Shagieva Ekaterina , Romanyuk Olexandr , Pangrác Jiří , Kuliček Jaroslav , Nádaždy Vojtech , Stehlík Štěpán , Kromka Alexander , Hoppe Harald , Rezek Bohuslav
Published: June 2023

Structure–optoelectronic property relationships experimentally derived for nanodiamonds (NDs) of different origins and surface terminations (oxidized -O and hydrogenated -H).
Recent advances in iridium-based catalysts with different dimensions for the acidic oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Wang Chunyan , Yang Fulin , Feng Ligang
Published: June 2023

An overview of the recent progress of Ir-based catalysts constructed with different dimensions was provided to make a comprehensive understanding of their structural and catalysis performance.
Tailoring an efficient computational methodology for studying ligand interactions with heavy radiometals in solution: the case of radium
Authors: Mohaman Hamissou , Happel Steffen , Montavon Gilles , Galland Nicolas
Published: June 2023

Radium radiometal helps demonstrate the benefits of molecular modeling for the rational design of specific chelators.
Superfast structural transformation as a naked-eye detector: conversion of quasi-HKUST to Fe(BTC) for the detection of Fe(iii)
Authors: Rouhani Farzaneh , Ghiasvand Mahsa , Safari Nasser
Published: June 2023

Quasi metal–organic frameworks could be suitable platforms for sensing and structural transformation.
A two-armed skeleton extension strategy for the design of novel spirobifluorene-based small molecule donors
Authors: Guo Yanli , Liang Yueting , Yin Lunxiang , Liu Chang , Li Yanqin
Published: June 2023

A two-armed extension design strategy based on Spirobifluorene (SF) was employed to regulate the optoelectronic properties of the materials. As the most important result, the devices based on SF(DPPCz)2/PC71BM exhibit the highest PCE of 8.12%.
Preferential perovskite surface-termination induced high piezoresponse in lead-free in situ fabricated Cs3Bi2Br9-PVDF nanocomposites promotes biomechanical energy harvesting
Authors: Sahoo Aditi , Paul Tufan , Nath Ankan , Maiti Soumen , Kumar Prabhat , Ghosh Prasenjit , Banerjee Rupak
Published: June 2023

High-performance flexible nanogenerators using lead-free halide perovskite-polymer composites are fabricated for portable biomechanical energy harvesting. Theoretical calculations reveal the mechanism behind such enhanced piezoresponse.
Self -templated construction of hollow trimetallic MnNiCoP yolk–shell spheres assembled with nanosheets as a satisfactory positive electrode material for hybrid supercapacitors
Authors: Shirvani Majid , Hosseiny Davarani Saied Saeed
Published: June 2023

Hollow trimetallic MnNiCoP yolk–shell spheres assembled with nanosheets were synthesized as a satisfactory positive electrode material for a hybrid supercapacitor.
Oxygen-free polymers: new materials with low dielectric constant and ultra-low dielectric loss at high frequency
Authors: Hou Jiaren , Sun Jing , Fang Qiang
Published: June 2023

Two oxygen-free monomers, 4F-BVS and 6F-BVS, have been synthesized and converted into cross-linked polymers. They exhibit excellent thermal stability and dielectric properties, especially an ultra-low dielectric loss at a high frequency of 10 GHz.
Machine learning enabled rational design of atomic catalysts for electrochemical reactions
Authors: Wu Lianping , Li Teng
Published: June 2023

Atomic catalysts (ACs) with unique catalytic properties have emerged as promising high-performance catalysts because of their great potential for enabling the efficient use of metal resources and achieving atomic economy.
Metal-free meta-halogenation of cyclic diaryliodonium salts via aryne intermediates
Authors: Jiang Hongqiang , Liu Min , Ye Zenghui , Song Zongqiang , Wu Yanqi , Zhang Fengzhi
Published: June 2023

Herein we present a metal-free meta-halogenation of readily available cyclic diaryliodonium salts for the preparation of valuable 2,3′-dihalobiaryls.
Palladium-catalyzed decarboxylation [2 + 2 + 2] annulation approach to chromone-containing polycyclic compounds
Authors: Fang Yu-Chen , Chen Jia-He , Xiu Ren-Feng , Zhang Li-Ren , Zheng Fang-Hua , Chen Yong-Zheng , Gao Zi-Wei , Han Wen-Yong
Published: June 2023

A variety of chromone-containing polycyclic compounds are efficiently generatedviaPd-catalyzed decarboxylation [2 + 2 + 2] annulation of 3-iodochromones, bridged olefins and o-bromobenzoic acids, in whicho-bromobenzoic acids were employed as the electrophilic aryl units.
Electroless plating of premetalized polyamide fibers for stretchable conductive devices
Authors: Weerasinghe P. Vishakha T. , Wijesena Ruchira N. , Tissera Nadeeka D. , Priyadarshana Gayan , Wanasekara Nandula D. , Dissanayake D. G. Kanchana , Nalin de Silva K. M.
Published: June 2023

A new approach was used to produce electrically conductive polyamide yarns, employing an electroless plating technique, which involved stabilizing silver nanoparticles on the surface of the yarn using Sn2+.
Transforming NiCo2O4 nanorods into nanoparticles using citrus lemon juice enhancing electrochemical properties for asymmetric supercapacitor and water oxidation
Authors: Kumar Shusheel , Tahira Aneela , Bhatti Adeel Liaquat , Bhatti Muhammad Ali , Mari Riaz Hussain , Shaikh Nek Muhammad , Solangi Muhammad Yameen , Nafady Ayman , Emo Mélanie , Vigolo Brigitte , Infantes-Molina Antonia , Vomiero Alberto , Ibupoto Zafar Hussain
Published: June 2023

Recently, the nanostructured nickel–cobalt bimetallic oxide (NiCo2O4) material with high electrochemical activity has received intensive attention.
Probing the physical properties for prospective high energy applications of QMnF3 (Q = Ga, In) halide perovskites compounds employing the framework of density functional theory
Authors: Tahir Fareesa Tasneem , Husain Mudasser , Sfina Nourreddine , Rached Ahmed Azzouz , Khan Majid , Rahman Nasir
Published: June 2023

We use WIEN2K to conduct density functional theory computations to explore the structural, thermodynamic, optoelectronic, and mechanical properties of fluoroperovskites QMnF3 (Q = Ga, In).
Green synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles using Ficus elastica extract for the electrochemical simultaneous detection of Cd2+, Pb2+, and Hg2+
Authors: Slimane Ben Ali Djihane , Krid Ferial , Nacef Mouna , Boussaha El Hadi , Chelaghmia Mohamed Lyamine , Tabet Habiba , Selaimia Radia , Atamnia Amira , Affoune Abed Mohamed
Published: June 2023

Green synthesized copper oxide and PANI for Cd2+, Pb2+, and Hg2+ determination.
Integrating a micro-mixing mechanism and on-line thermal processing for the large-scale ejection of polymeric liquid threads for producing ultrafine fibers
Authors: Olmedo-Pradas Jesús , Gañán-Calvo Alfonso M. , Modesto-López Luis B.
Published: June 2023

Flow Blurring atomization of polymer solutions combined with in-flight heating leads to fiber production in a single step.
Influence of the physical properties of the layered oxyselenides Bi2YO4Cu2Se2 through Ni doping
Authors: Xu Lin , Wu Jingyuan , Liu Zhidong , Kong Weiao , Wang Chuanhe , Zhang Yani , Tan Shugang
Published: June 2023

A layered oxyselenide Bi2YO4Ni2Se2 which has a similar crystal structure to KNi2Se2.
Synthesis, characterization and biological evaluation of pyrazole-based benzene sulfonamides as inhibitors of human carbonic anhydrase II, IX and XII
Authors: Hussain Tajamul , Ullah Saif , Alrokayan Salman , Alamery Salman , Mohammed Arif Ahmed , Ejaz Syeda Abida , Aziz Mubashir , Iqbal Jamshed
Published: June 2023

Pyrazole-based benzene sulfonamides derivatives as potential inhibitors of carbonic anhydrases.
Intracellular activated logic nanomachines based on framework nucleic acids for low background detection of microRNAs in living cells
Authors: Li Xiao-Qiong , Jia Yi-Lei , Zhang Yu-Wen , Chen Hong-Yuan , Xu Jing-Juan
Published: June 2023

A framework nucleic acid nanomachine integrating transmission, sensing, computing and output functions with ultra-low background, can sensitively detect targets in living cells.
Removal of metals and inorganics from rendered fat using polyamine-modified cellulose nanocrystals
Authors: Vidal Ezequiel , Alexis Frank , Camiña José M. , Garcia Carlos D. , Whitehead Daniel C.
Published: June 2023

Effect of various treatments to remove metals from rendered fat, leading to significant improvements in the value of the material collected and enabling their use for the production of diesel while solving a waste management problem.
Photothermal therapeutic ability of copper open-shell nanostructures that are effective in the second biological transparency window based on symmetry breaking-induced plasmonic properties
Authors: Sugawa Kosuke , Suzuki Arisa , Honda Jotaro , Yabuki Taiku , Tahara Hironobu , Hayakawa Yutaro , Furuya Masato , Ikake Hiroki , Kimura Tsuyoshi , Kosuge Yasuhiro , Kurumi Satoshi , Akiyama Tsuyoshi , Takase Kouichi , Otsuki Joe
Published: June 2023

In this study, a photothermal therapy agent that works efficiently in the second biological transparency window was developed based on the localized surface plasmon (LSP) resonance of symmetry-broken open-shell nanostructures of low-cost Cu (CuOSNs).
Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles induced calcium overload-initiated cancer cell-specific apoptosis through inhibition of PMCA and activation of calpain
Authors: Dong Xiulin , Zang Chunyu , Sun Yi , Zhang Shuiquan , Liu Changsheng , Qian Jiangchao
Published: June 2023

Intracellular degradation of HAPNs and inhibition of PMCA activity jointly contributed to calcium overload in tumor cells, which then activated calpain-mediated mitochondrial apoptosis pathways, resulting in cancer cell-specific toxicity.
Superlattice-stabilized structure and charge transfer assisted photoluminescence enhancement in a samarium-doped high entropy perovskite oxide
Authors: Xia Lei , Mao Zhan , Wang Xin , Zhu Jing , Xie Jiyang , Wang Zhe , Hu Wanbiao
Published: June 2023

A new orange-red-emitting phosphor,  A-site Sm3+ doped high-entropy perovskite oxide Ca(Zr0.2Ti0.2Sn0.2Hf0.2Nb0.2)O3 is reported, which brings about superlattice satellites and charge transfer states to exhibit significantly enhanced PL property.
Regulated crystallization with minimized degradation for pure-red lead-free perovskite light-emitting diodes
Authors: Ma Zong-Guang , Shen Yang , Zhang Kai , Cao Long-Xue , Ren Hao , Chen Wei-Shuo , Wei Huai-Xin , Li Yan-Qing , Kera Satoshi , Tang Jian-Xin
Published: June 2023

Inhibition of the Sn2+ oxidation process and reduction of perovskite crystallization rate are achieved simultaneously by using bifunctional small molecular additives, yielding a red-emission device with CIE coordinates matching the BT.2020 standard.
A chlorinated polythiophene-based polymer as a dopant-free hole transport material in perovskite solar cells
Authors: Kranthiraja Kakaraparthi , Nishikubo Ryosuke , Saeki Akinori
Published: June 2023

We report a chlorine-substituted polythiophene-based, dioxobenzodithiophene-containing conjugated polymer (P2T-Cl) as a promising dopant-free hole transport material in lead halide perovskite solar cells.
Enhanced uranium extraction selectivity from seawater using dopant engineered layered double hydroxides
Authors: Zubair Muhammad , Ou Hayden , Yang Yuwei , Oldfield Daniel T. , Thomsen Lars , Subhash Bijil , Hamilton Jessica L. , Wright Joshua T. , Bedford Nicholas M. , Carolan Jessica Veliscek
Published: June 2023

Selective uranium extraction from seawater by dopant engineered layered double hydroxide.
Online Program Management Companies: Friend or Foe of Communication Sciences and Disorders Higher Education?
Authors: Peters Cara , Knight AnnMarie
Published: June 2023

Purpose:

Online Program Management companies (OPMs) provide a turn-key solution for higher education institutions that want to build new or move existing programs into an online learning environment. The purposes of this article are to overview the current state of OPM usage by higher education institutions and to identify the benefits and drawbacks of using an OPM.

Method:

This conceptual viewpoint article is based on a review of the literature and informal interviews with administrators who had previous experience in working with OPMs.

Results:

The processes and structures of OPMs, including service offerings and contractual arrangements, are explained. Numerous benefits of OPMs were identified, including increased enrollments, speed to market, and marketing expertise, among others. Several drawbacks were highlighted, such as yielding control to the OPM, a lack of transparency, aggressive recruitment practices, and more.

Conclusions:

The future of OPMs is discussed, especially with respect to the financial and legal implications. Implications for Communication Sciences and Disorder programs are also highlighted.
A nonlinear model predictive control based control method to quadrotor landing on moving platform
Authors: Zhu Bingtao , Zhang BingJun , Ge Quanbo
Published: June 2023

To address the problems that the UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) is vulnerable to distance limitation and environmental interference when tracking and landing on a moving platform autonomously, the accuracy of position estimation relying only on visual odometry in the point‐featureless environment is insufficient, and the traditional linear path planning solvers and controllers cannot meet the fast and safe requirements under the non‐linear strong coupling characteristics of the cooperative landing system, an nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC)‐based multi‐sensor fusion method for autonomous landing of UAVs on motion platforms is proposed. The UAV combines the position information obtained by the RTK‐GPS and the image information obtained by the camera and uses the special identification codes placed in the landing area of the UAV to carry out cooperative planning and navigation while using UKF (Unscented Kalman Filter) to estimate the position of the moving platform and using the interference‐resistant NMPC algorithm to optimise the UAV tracking trajectory based on the precise positioning of the two platforms to achieve the autonomous landing control of the UAV. The simulation and practical experimental results show the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm and the autonomous landing control method and provide an effective solution for the autonomous landing of quadrotors on arbitrarily moving platforms.
A review of system topologies, key operation and control technologies for offshore wind power transmission based on HVDC
Authors: Deng Junpeng , Cheng Fan , Yao Liangzhong , Xu Jian , Mao Beilin , Li Xianyu , Chen Rusi
Published: June 2023

Offshore wind farm (OWF) is considered as a perfect zero‐carbon energy source for the future power system. However, the growing offshore distance and water depth of OWF make the OWF HVDC transmission technique a more promising solution than HVAC due to higher cost‐efficiency and reliability. In this paper, the current situation of OWF‐HVDC projects is introduced at first. Then, novel converter topologies with the higher power density and cost‐efficiency are presented, including the hybrid modular multilevel converter (MMC), alternative arm converter (AAC), and diode rectifier (DR). Next, several OWF HVDC transmission system topologies are introduced, including terminal‐hybrid, station‐hybrid and all‐DC delivered system. Furthermore, the key technologies for OWF HVDC operation and control are summarized, including grid‐forming control strategy for offshore wind turbines, stability analysis method, corresponding stability enhancement measures and frequency support control strategies. Additionally, the fault ride‐through and protection strategies for different fault locations have been presented. Finally, the main conclusions and prospects for OWF HVDC are summarized.
A multi‐agent privacy‐preserving energy management framework for renewable networked microgrids
Authors: Tajalli Seyede Zahra , Kavousi‐Fard Abdollah , Mardaneh Mohammad , Karimi Mazaher
Published: June 2023

This paper proposes a fully distributed scheme to solve the day‐ahead optimal power scheduling of networked microgrids in the presence of different renewable energy resources, such as photovoltaics and wind turbines, considering energy storage systems. The proposed method enables the optimization of the power scheduling problem through local computation of agents in the system and private communication between existing agents, without any centralized scheduling unit. In this paper, a cloud‐fog‐based framework is also introduced as a fast and economical infrastructure for the proposed distributed method. The suggested optimized energy framework proposes an area to regulate and update policies, detect misbehaving elements, and execute punishments centrally, while the general power scheduling problem is optimized in a distributed manner using the proposed method. The suggested cloud‐fog‐based method eliminates the need to invest in local databases and computing systems. The proposed scheme is examined on a small‐scale microgrid and also a larger test networked microgrid, including 4 microgrids and 15 areas in a 24‐h time period, to illustrate the scalability, convergence, and accuracy of the framework. The simulation results substantiate the fast and precise performance of the proposed framework for networked microgrids compared with other existing centralized and distributed methods.
A multiple gated boosting network for multi‐organ medical image segmentation
Authors: Yuan Feiniu , Tang Zhaoda , Wang Chunmei , Huang Qinghua , Shi Jinting
Published: June 2023

Segmentations provide important clues for diagnosing diseases. U‐shaped neural networks with skip connections have become one of popular frameworks for medical image segmentation. Skip connections really reduce loss of spatial details caused by down‐sampling, but they cannot handle well semantic gaps between low‐ and high‐level features. It is quite challenging to accurately separate out long, narrow, and small organs from human bodies. To solve these problems, the authors propose a Multiple Gated Boosting Network (MGB‐Net). To boost spatial accuracy, the authors first adopt Gated Recurrent Units (GRU) to design multiple Gated Skip Connections (GSC) at different levels, which efficiently reduce the semantic gap between the shallow and deep features. The Update and Reset gates of GRUs enhance features beneficial to segmentation and suppress information adverse to final results in a recurrent way. To obtain more scale invariances, the authors propose a module of Multi‐scale Weighted Channel Attention (MWCA). The module first uses convolutions with different kernel sizes and group numbers to generate multi‐scale features, and then adopts learnable weights to emphasize the importance of each scale for capturing attention features. Blocks of Transformer Self‐Attention (TSA) are sequentially stacked to extract long‐range dependency features. To effectively fuse and boost the features of MWCA and TSA, the authors use GRUs again to propose a Gated Dual Attention module (GDA), which enhances beneficial features and suppresses adverse information in a gated learning way. Experiments show that the authors’ method achieves an average Dice coefficient of 80.66% on the Synapse multi‐organ segmentation dataset. The authors’ method outperforms the state‐of‐the‐art methods on medical images. In addition, the authors’ method achieves a Dice segmentation accuracy of 62.77% on difficult objects such as pancreas, significantly exceeding the current average accuracy, so multiple gated boosting (MGB) methods are reliably effective for improving the ability of feature representations. The authors’ code is publicly available at https://github.com/DAgalaxy/MGB‐Net.
Random symmetric phase feeding compensation method for phased array radar based on equivalent monopulse model
Authors: Qiu Shuang , Ye Jianlin , Zhang Renli , Ma Xiaofeng , Sheng Weixing
Published: June 2023

In a phased array radar, the phase quantisation error of phase shifters can lead to the beam steering error (BSE) between the predetermined and the actual directions. Existing researches on phase feeding optimisation suffer from high computational complexity and large storage space. In this study, an equivalent monopulse method is first proposed to yield the BSE with O(N) complexity by formulating the equation between the phase quantisation error and BSE. Further, a symmetric phase feeding compensation (SPFC) method is developed on the basis of the proposed scheme to cancel the phase quantisation error employing a symmetric planar array. Subsequently, a random phase compensation method is formulated to further reduce the residual quantisation errors of SPFC, and a random symmetric phase feeding compensation (RSPFC) method is proposed. The proposed SPFC and RSPFC methods possess O(N) complexities and allow for parallel calculation of element phase feedings, thus making the proposed methods more applicable on the embedded beam controller of a phased array radar. Based on computer simulations and phased array radar experiments, the proposed SPFC and RSPFC methods are validated to yield superior beam pointing accuracies and can improve the fluctuations in angle tracking.
A comprehensive analysis of FBN2 in bladder cancer: A risk factor and the tumour microenvironment influencer
Authors: Lu Zechao , Lu Zeguang , Lai Yongchang , Zhou Haobin , Li Zhibiao , Cai Wanyan , Xu Zeyao , Luo Hongcheng , Chen Yushu , Li Jianyu , Zhang Jishen , He Zhaohui , Tang Fucai
Published: June 2023

Bladder cancer (BLCA) is a common and difficult‐to‐manage disease worldwide. Most common type of BLCA is urothelial carcinoma (UC). Fibrillin 2 (FBN2) was first discovered while studying Marfan syndrome, and its encoded products are associated with elastin fibres. To date, the role of FBN2 in BLCA remains unclear. The authors first downloaded data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). The patients were divided into high FBN2 expression and low FBN2 expression groups, and the survival curve, clinical characteristics, tumour microenvironment (TME), and immune cell differences were analysed between the two groups. Then, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were filtered, and functional enrichment for DEGs was performed. Finally, chemotherapy drug susceptibility analysis based on the high and low FBN2 groups was conducted. The authors found upregulated expression of FBN2 in BLCA and proved that FBN2 could be an independent prognostic factor for BLCA. TME analysis showed that the expression of FBN2 affects several aspects of the TME. The upregulated expression of FBN2 was associated with a high stromal score, which may lead to immunosuppression and be detrimental to immunotherapy. In addition, the authors found that NK cells resting, macrophage M0 infiltration, and other phenomena of immune cell infiltration appeared in the high expression group of FBN2. The high expression of FBN2 was related to the high sensitivity of some chemotherapy drugs. The authors systematically investigated the effects and mechanisms of FBN2 on BLCA and provided a new understanding of the role of FBN2 as a risk factor and TME influencer in BLCA.
Potential of calcein staining as growth monitoring marker in Ostrea edulis
Authors: Merk Verena , Hausen Tanja , Ameis Timon , Colsoul Bérenger , Boersma Maarten , Pogoda Bernadette
Published: June 2023

Growth is an important biological trait and monitoring metric for the assessment of the success and progress of restoration projects with the European oyster (Ostrea edulis). However, sampling time and frequency are often limited, as well as the ability to survey individual growth. Chemical dyes, such as calcein, can be used to create incremental markings for measuring growth in shell cross-sections, especially in bivalves. However, potential negative effects and limits for successful staining have not been assessed for O. edulis, yet. In this study, three different calcein concentrations (100 mg l−1, 150 mg l−1, 200 mg l−1) with three different immersion times (6 h, 12 h, 24 h) were tested for potential negative effects, the best incremental marking result and their potential to be used in growth measurements. Furthermore, the deposition of an annual growth line was investigated. Results showed that calcein is a reliable in situ fluorescence marker that produced sufficient growth lines in the cross-section of O. edulis. At a concentration of 100 mg l−1 or higher and immersion times of 6 h or more, no negative effects on growth and survival were observed after five months. Applications include the possibility for long-term, individual growth data for a large number of oysters for restoration monitoring as well as the option of marking restored oysters from aquaculture production to distinguish them from existing wild stock populations or natural offspring.
A type-II GeSe/SnTe heterostructure with superior optical absorption and strain tunable photovoltaic properties
Authors: Zhao Junxiang , Yu Ziyan , Chen Jiawei , Su Yupeng , Wang Jiafu , Yu Niannian
Published: June 2023

We constructed the GeSe/SnTe van der Waals (vdW) two-dimensional (2D) heterostructure with the use of the first-principles calculation, which has a 0.481 eV indirect bandgap and the type-II band alignment. The GeSe/SnTe heterostructure has superior wide range light absorption with the maximum value of 8.69 × 105cm−1, and the heterostructure also exhibits anisotropic carrier mobilities with the maximum value of 8.36 × 103cm2V−1s−1. By strain engineering, the band structure of GeSe/SnTe heterostructure is able to be modulated effectively. Moreover, by applying biaxial strain, we can greatly enhance the photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) of GeSe/SnTe heterostructure, which can reach 15.29% under 4% tensile strain. Our calculation results reveal that the GeSe/SnTe heterostructure can be considered to apply in the next-generation solar cells.