bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute avoidance of hydrogen sulfide is modulated by external and internal states in C. elegans
Authors: Pu Longjun , Zhao Lina , Wang Jing , Henriksson Johan , Laurent Patrick , Chen Changchun
Published: December 2023

Hydrogen sulfide (H
2
S) can act as an energy source, a poison and a gasotransmitter in organisms. We used the robust locomotory responses to H
2
S in
Caenorhabditis elegans
to delineate the molecular mechanisms governing sensory and adaptive responses to H
2
S exposure. We found that
C. elegans
exhibited transiently increased locomotory activity and turning behavior as a strategy to escape the noxious H
2
S stimulation. The behavioral responses to H
2
S were modulated by a complex network of signaling pathways, including cyclic GMP signaling in ciliated sensory neurons, calcineurin, nuclear hormone receptors, to the major starvation regulators such as insulin and TGF-β signaling. The response to H
2
S was substantially affected by the ambient O
2
levels and their prior experience in low O
2
environments, suggesting an intricate interplay between O
2
and H
2
S sensing mechanisms. Prolonged exposure to H
2
S robustly evoked H
2
S detoxification coupled with reduced locomotory response to the subsequent H
2
S challenges. Intriguingly, the expression of genes involved in iron homeostasis, including
ftn-1
and
smf-3
, was substantially modified in exposure to H
2
S, implying that labile iron levels are affected by H
2
S. In support of this, iron supplement significantly bolstered the behavioral response to H
2
S. In addition, mitochondria, one of the central hubs for H
2
S metabolism, played a crucial role in adaptive responses to H
2
S. In summary, our study provides molecular insights into the mechanisms through which
C. elegans
detects, modulates, and adapts its response to H
2
S.
En la variedad está el gusto: la experiencia de ir al espectáculo de variedades en Chile entre los años 1900 y 1930
Authors:   , Ortúzar Fernández María Josefina
Published: December 2023

El espectáculo de variedades a principios del siglo XX se fue posicionando como una práctica de la cultura popular que, a su vez, se comenzaba a insertar dentro de una cultura y sociedad de masas. La investigación tiene como propósito comprender cómo fue la recepción de este entretenimiento moderno en Chile; analizando los cambios socioculturales que la sociedad debió enfrentar para responder a la modernidad, al ocio, a la sociedad de consumo y a la democratización de la cultura. De esta manera, la tesis plantea que las varieté y las personas del mundo del espectáculo jugaron con lo especular, lo cotidiano y en ocasiones con lo modélico buscando influir en las costumbres de la sociedad chilena. Se establece que sus diversas transformaciones y contradicciones, tuvieron implicancias inmediatas en la vida de las personas, generando una gran carga simbólica en Chile.
Automatic Headlight Intensity Controller for Motorcycle
Authors: Calma Brian O.
Published: December 2023

Developing a technology that can enhance nighttime driving by minimizing the use of high beams is the main objective of this research development. A system that complied with the requirements was constructed using the Inputs Processes Output paradigm. The technology is quite helpful in comfort driving—a common problem for drivers behind you who get a sudden glare in their eyes. We came up with the concept to build an automated headlamp intensity controller. An automatic headlight intensity high beam light controller that is affordable and easy to install. All the necessary hardware and components for the suggested design were used. Experiments indicate that when facing other drivers, the controller automatically switches on and off the high and low beam lights to give the driver the proper command. The system's ability to detect light from the opposite direction—quantified in intensity and distance—was found upon testing. Consequently, the user rate and assessed the system, and the system and the automated headlight functioned as intended. The user gave the system a Strongly Agree rating in intetion to uses 4.86.
Bioethanol Production from Decaying Oranges and Pineapple Juice Using Ethanol Tolerant-Yeast
Authors: Omoolorun, J. B.  , Afolabi, F. T.  , Olufemi, S. E.  , Adeyemo, S. M.
Published: December 2023

Scientists across the globe ought to harness ways of getting alternative sources of energy which will be renewable, sustainable, efficient, eco-friendly, and cost effective because of the global energy crises owing to the cost of production, transportation and distribution of fossil fuel products. In Nigeria, decaying fruits always constitute a major environmental pollution during the harvesting season. This study screened, selected the best starter, and produced bioethanol from the juice obtained from decaying oranges and pineapple through the process of fermentation and distillation. Samples were collected from different locations within Ile-Ife and transported aseptically to the Laboratory. Microbiological and physicochemical assessment of the isolated strains were on yeast maintenance media. The cell biomass, pH, temperature, brix level, titratable acidity, specific gravity and ethanol yield were monitored during fermentation from day zero to day fourteen. Screening of the isolates obtained from a previous study was carried out to select the best starter for the production of bioethanol.

S.cerevisae and K. marxianus and showed efficient physico-chemical attributes from the screening of the yeast isolates; a temperature of 30oC and pH 6 was the optimum for the growth of isolates tolerating 20% v/v absolute ethanol. Cultures were inoculated singly and in combination, S. cerevisiae gave the highest reduction in brix level from 2.2o at the onset and it reduced to 0.3o at the 21st day of fermentation while the least reduction was seen in K. marxianus. Mixed culture of S. cerevisiae and K. marxianus   gave the highest reduction in brix level from 2.0o at the onset to 0.1o, pH reduced from 4.7- 3.3 while the cell biomass increased, and the temperature increased from 30oC to 34.5oC at the end of fermentation. Titratable acidity in the fermenting fruits juice increased from 0.23 to 1.76, the specific gravity reduced while the alcohol content increased from zero to 25.63 as the fermentation progressed and a reduction on day 21 (1.67) was observed.

The use of decaying plant biomass or fruit waste can be a rich and cheaper source of substrate for different yeasts strains endogenous to the biomass for the production of environmental-friendly biofuel. This can also be employed as a waste management option and an alternative solution to environmental pollution and the global energy crises.
Taxonomic Studies of the Genus Eragrostis Wolf (Poaceae: Chloridoideae) in Telangana-with New Additions
Authors: Jalander Vaghmare , Swamy Jetti
Published: December 2023

Eragrostis Wolf is a highly variable genus in the grass family Poaceae (subfamily Chloridoideae). A taxonomic study of twenty-five species of the genus Eragrostis in Telangana state is here presented. The study was carried out based on fresh collections from various localities of the state and herbarium specimens housed in different herbaria. The results revealed the report of seven species, of these three species namely E. maderaspatana Bor, E. nigra Nees ex Steud. and E. zeylanica Nees & Mey are reported here as additions to the flora of Telangana state, remaining four species already reported by the authors. Key for identifying the species cited for Telangana state, phenology, habitat, local, national distribution, specimens examined, notes, and photographs are provided for easy identification.
Irrigation Water Use Payments and Policies in Developing Countries
Authors: Sattarov R. A.
Published: December 2023

Nowadays, water tariffs in economic developing countries are considered one of the important factors and it is not a secret that one of the reasons for the water crisis in Central Asian Countries is the growing demand for water resources. The resource is becoming scarce like in other continent of earth. It is measured as the most important natural resource and abundant liquid on earth. In this study irrigation water charging case of Uzbekistan and foreign practices, model of tariffs for water services and pricing elements have been analyzed. Irrigation water charging methods in different countries are used in different ways.
Aromatic Hydrocarbons—Benzene and Other Alkylbenzenes
Authors: Kerzic Patrick J.
Published: December 2023

Benzene and its alkyl derivatives are monocyclic aromatic compounds (arenes). The compounds are of considerable economic importance as industrial raw materials, solvents, and components of innumerable commercial and consumer products, and as precursors in the production of drugs, plastics, synthetic rubber, and dyes. The aromatics differ vastly in chemical, physical, and biological characteristics from the aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbons. The aromatics are typically more toxic to humans and other mammals than are the aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbons; toxic effects of prime importance are the toxicity of benzene to the hematopoietic system resulting in aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), and acute myeloid leukemias (AML) as a result of chronic exposures, and central nervous system effects with acute exposures for the class. The simplest single‐ring aromatic hydrocarbon compound is benzene, the nonsubstituted ring system. When one methyl group is attached to the ring, methylbenzene or toluene is formed, and with two attached methyl groups, dimethylbenzene or xylene is formed. Xylene occurs in three isomeric forms: ortho (1,2)‐, meta (1,3)‐, and para (1,4)‐dimethylbenzene. Other important substituted benzenes are phenol (hydroxy‐) and aniline (amino‐). The hemimellitenes and mesitylenes possess three methyl groups, durene four, and the penta and hexamethylbenzenes, five and six methyl groups, respectively. Other industrially important compounds are ethylbenzene and isopropylbenzene or cumene.
Enhancing Faculty Development Through Compiled Verbal Feedback on Clinical Teaching From Trainees
Authors: Katz Guy , Miloslavsky Eli M. , Fernandes Ana D. , Bolster Marcy B.
Published: December 2023

Objective

Feedback from fellows‐in‐training (FITs) is important for faculty development and to enrich clinical teaching. We sought to evaluate the effectiveness of traditional online evaluations and a novel compiled verbal feedback mechanism.

Methods

An annual feedback system was implemented in our rheumatology division in which FITs provided verbal feedback on all faculty to a facilitator who compiled, deidentified, and shared the feedback with individual faculty members. FITs also completed standard online annual evaluations of faculty. FITs and faculty completed surveys assessing the perceived effectiveness and confidentiality of each feedback mechanism.

Results

Thirteen of 15 eligible faculty and all 4 eligible FITs completed both surveys. Responses by FITs and faculty regarding the quality of online evaluations were generally unfavorable or neutral. Faculty responses regarding compiled verbal feedback were more favorable in all questions and significantly more favorable with respect to the feedback's ability to explain strengths (54% favorable for online evaluations vs 100% for compiled verbal feedback), the feedback's specificity (0% vs 54%), and the feedback's actionable nature (15% vs 62%). All FITs’ responses regarding quality of compiled verbal feedback were favorable. FITs had concerns regarding confidentiality with both online evaluations (0% favorable) and compiled verbal feedback (25% favorable), though FITs had less concern for future faculty interactions with compiled verbal feedback (100% favorable) than with online evaluations (0% favorable).

Conclusion

Compiled verbal feedback by FITs produced more actionable and effective feedback for faculty, with less concerns regarding future faculty interactions compared with traditional online evaluations. Further study of this method across different programs and institutions is warranted.
Increased Expression of MiRNA‐1 Contributes to Hypobaric Hypoxia‐Induced Skeletal Muscle Loss
Authors: Srivastava Sukanya , Mondal Samrita , Rathor Richa , Srivastava Swati , Suryakumar Geetha
Published: December 2023

The present study aims to analyze the role of microRNA‐1 in the regulation of skeletal muscle loss under hypobaric hypoxia (HH). Male Sprague Dawley rats (n = 10) weighing 230–250 g are divided into two groups, control and HH exposure for 7 days at 25 000 ft. After the hypoxia exposure, the animals are sacrificed and hindlimb skeletal muscles are excised for further analysis. Studies found the potential role of miR‐1 (myomiR) as a biomarker under different atrophic conditions. Prolonged exposure to HH leads to enhanced expression of miR‐1 in skeletal muscle as compared to unexposed controls. The Bioinformatics approach is used to identify the validated targets and the biological processes of miR‐1. The target prediction tools identify PAX3 and HSP70 as major targets for miR‐1. Exposure to HH significantly reduces PAX3 and HSP70 expression during 7 days of HH exposure, which further enhances the activity of FOXO3, MSTN, and ATROGIN known for the progression of skeletal muscle atrophy in relation to control rats. This study indicates the increased expressions of miR‐1 and reduced expression of PAX3 and HSP70 lead to impaired myogenesis in skeletal muscle under HH. Further, enhanced expression of muscle degradation genes such as FOXO3, MSTN, and ATROGIN under HH exposure causes skeletal muscle protein loss.
ZIF‐67‐Derived Antivirus Cobalt Hydroxide LDH Nanosheets Produced through High‐Concentration Cobalt Ion‐Assisted Hydration
Authors: Wu Ben , Zhang Guofang , Ji Jiawen , Luo Rong‐Hua , Chen Junkang , Liu Feng‐Liang , Coy Emerson , Moya Sergio E. , Li Qi , Suo Xiaoman , Chen Xinyue , Zheng Yong‐Tang , Li Yang , Wang Guocheng
Published: December 2023

In this study, a novel strategy is developed for the first time, referred to as high‐concentration cobalt ion‐assisted hydration (HCCAH) utilizing zeolitic imidazolate framework‐67 (ZIF‐67) as a precursor, to produce independent and flat α‐cobalt hydroxide nanosheets (CHN). These nanosheets offer abundant contact sites for binding with virus surface proteins. The formation of CHN involves the in situ transformation from ZIF‐67, due to the matching of the hydrolysis rate of ZIF‐67 and in situ growth rate of cobalt hydroxide orchestrated by high concentration of cobalt ions. Notably, the CHN contains a higher proportion of trivalent cobalt, which is shown to enhance the binding with the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) Spike protein and induce protein structural denaturation, as demonstrated by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Antiviral experiments using pseudovirus and authentic viruses have confirmed the promising antiviral performance of CHN. Furthermore, both in vitro and in vivo experiments have demonstrated the excellent biocompatibility of CHN. This research opens up new possibilities for the application of cobalt hydroxide nanosheets and serves as a valuable reference for the design of antiviral nanomaterials.
E‐Suture: Mixed‐Conducting Suture for Medical Devices
Authors: Rauhala Onni J. , Ma Liang , Wisniewski Duncan J. , Shao Shan , Schumacher Brandon , Lopez Jose Ferrero , Kaspers Mara , Zhao Zifang , Gelinas Jennifer N. , Khodagholy Dion
Published: December 2023

Modern implantable bioelectronics demand soft, biocompatible components that make robust, low‐impedance connections with the body and circuit elements. Concurrently, such technologies must demonstrate high efficiency, with the ability to interface between the body's ionic and external electronic charge carriers. Here, a mixed‐conducting suture, the e‐suture, is presented. Composed of silk, the conducting polymer poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS), and insulating jacketing polymers,the resulting e‐suture has mixed‐conducting properties at the interface with biological tissue as well as effective insulation along its length. The e‐suture can be mechanically integrated into electronics, enabling the acquisition of biopotentials such as electrocardiograms, electromyograms, and local field potentials (LFP). Chronic, in vivo acquisition of LFP with e‐sutures remains stable for months with robust brain activity patterns. Furthermore, e‐sutures can establish electrophoretic‐based local drug delivery, potentially offering enhanced anatomical targeting and decreased side effects associated with systemic administration, while maintaining an electrically conducting interface for biopotential monitoring. E‐sutures expand on the conventional role of sutures and wires by providing a soft, biocompatible, and mechanically sound structure that additionally has multifunctional capacity for sensing, stimulation, and drug delivery.
Activatable Nanoprobes for Dual‐Modal NIR‐II Photoacoustic and Fluorescence Imaging of Hydrogen Sulfide in Colon Cancer
Authors: Wang Shuhan , Zhang Xuan , Zhang Yiping , Zhu Kang , Liu Xing , Zhang Jieping , Wang Guoyu , Liu Daojia , Zhao Kuaile , Wang Xin , Chen Junqiang , Song Jibin
Published: December 2023

High hydrogen sulfide (H2S) expression has been shown to play a crucial role in tumor growth and proliferation in colon cancer. So far, most probes used for monitoring H2S offer single‐modal imaging, which makes the collection of accurate information for tumor diagnosis difficult. In the present study, a novel dual‐modal imaging probe in the second near‐infrared (NIR‐II, 950‐1700) window is proposed and constructed by coating a uniform shell of polydopamine (PDA) on the surface of cuprous oxide (Cu2O)‐conjugated downconversion nanoparticles (DCNPs). Of note, DCNP‐Cu2O@PDA is in the “on” state, with emission centered at 1550 nm (irradiation using a 980nm laser) in non‐neoplastic tissues. Colon tumors with endogenous H2S overexpression can induce the in situ transformation of Cu2O to copper sulfide (Cu2‐XS）. Owing to the competitive absorption between Cu2‐XS and DCNPs at a wavelength of 980 nm, the generated DCNP‐Cu2‐XS@PDA exhibits a quenched NIR‐II fluorescence (FL) signal. Meanwhile, Cu2‐XS exhibits a strong absorbance at 1250 nm, enhancing the NIR‐II photoacoustic (PA) signal accompanied by NIR‐II FL attenuation. The switching in PA and FL signals at the tumor site offered “double assurances” for the accurate monitoring of H2S.
Dual‐Functional Lithium Nitrate Mediator Eliminating Water Hazard for Practical Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Wang Yan , Ouyang Zhaofeng , Wang Shuo , Zhao Xiaoju , Xu Qiuchen , Yuan Bin , Yue Xinyang , Liang Zheng , Geng Shitao , Tang Shanshan , Sun Hao
Published: December 2023

Water, an unwelcome guest in current battery industry, has been strictly prohibited in almost all the battery production procedures. In particular, the requirement for an extremely low water content (below 20 ppm) in electrolyte has necessitated the use of water‐free raw materials and ultradry conditions, which resulting in significantly higher material cost, energy consumption, and production complexity. Here, it is shown that lithium nitrate (LiNO3) can efficiently restore water‐containing electrolyte for Li metal full batteries through a simple and scalable approach. The dual‐functional NO3− anion not only exhibits strong interaction with water molecules which suppresses the hydrolysis of hexafluorophosphate anion, but also contributes to a robust solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI) that improves the electrochemical reversibility of Li metal plating and stripping process. These enable the first practical Li metal/LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 full cell with a negative/positive electrode capacity (N/P) ratio of 3.8 using a water‐containing electrolyte, which delivers a high energy density of 511 Wh kg−1 and impressive cycling stability of 240 cycles. Remarkably, the introduction of LiNO3 can tolerate moist raw materials for electrolyte preparation, and revitalize moist electrolytes after 5‐day storage, which provides a new paradigm to overcome the water hazard in the current battery industry.
Columnar Liquid Crystal Enables In‐Situ Dispersing of Excess PbI2 Crystals for Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Bao Huayu , Wang Shirong , Liu Hongli , Li Xianggao
Published: December 2023

Excess PbI2 has been deemed as indispensable component to boost the efficiency of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, the random aggregation of PbI2 crystals seriously disturbs the transport behavior of the carrier and accelerates the degradation of perovskite film. Herein, an effective strategy to in situ disperse excess PbI2 crystals via the columnar liquid crystal (T6TE) is developed. Rapid self‐assembly induced by intermolecular π–π interaction enables T6TE to form the ordered columnar phase with “edge‐on” orientation in perovskite. The columnar T6TE can efficiently disperse excess PbI2 crystals with the merits of strong negative electrostatic potential and highly steric hindrance. Target perovskite deserves preferable crystallization and reconstructed surface, leading to reduced defects density, less residual stress, and efficient carrier transport. Besides, the T6TE significantly impedes the degradation of perovskite film and the formation of Pb0 defects. Resultant T6TE‐assisted PSCs achieve the champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 24.27% for mixed Cs+‐FA+‐MA+ perovskite. The PCE of a larger area (1 cm2) device reaches to 21.50%. The unencapsulated device maintains ≈85% of the initial PCE after 1500 h storage in the atmosphere with 40–60% relative humidity. This work provides a new strategy to in situ disperse excess PbI2 by incorporating columnar liquid crystal for the first time.
Efficient Silicon Solar Cells through Organic Self‐Assembled Monolayers as Electron Selective Contacts
Authors: Prasetio Adi , Pradhan Rakesh R. , Dally Pia , Ghadiyali Mohammed , Azmi Randi , Schwingenschlögl Udo , Allen Thomas G. , De Wolf Stefaan
Published: December 2023

Effective charge carrier‐selective contacts are a crucial component of high‐performance crystalline silicon (c‐Si) solar cells. Organic materials deposited via self‐assembly on the c‐Si surface are promising candidates for simplified, scalable, and cost‐effective processing of charge extraction layers. This study investigates the application of nPACz self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs), based on carbazole and phosphonic acid groups, where n (= 2, 4, or 6) is the aliphatic chain length, to facilitate electron extraction in c‐Si solar cells by tuning the work function of aluminum (Al) at the rear contact. So far, these SAM molecules are mainly applied as the hole‐selective layer in state‐of‐the‐art perovskite and organic solar cells, via anchoring on a metal oxide electrode. Here, by inserting 2PACz between amorphous silicon passivated c‐Si and Al, an electron‐selective contact with a contact resistivity of 65 mΩ cm2 is achieved and a power conversion efficiency of 21.4% with an open‐circuit voltage of 725 mV and a fill factor of 79.2% is demonstrated. Although the 2PACz displays some instability in this study, its initial performance is comparable to those achieved with conventionally used n‐type amorphous silicon. This study highlights the potential of solution‐processable organic SAMs in forming carrier‐selective contacts for c‐Si heterojunction solar cells.
From Doped Coordination Polymer Precursor to Cobalt‐Doped ZnO Electrocatalyst for Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Lontio Fomekong Roussin , Kammi Yontchoum Paulin , Matemb Ma Ntep Tobie Junior , Tedjieukeng Kamta Hypolite Mathias , Kenfack Tsobnang Patrice , Krüger Svitlana , Šturala Jiří , Sofer Zdenek , Janiak Christoph , Saruhan Bilge , Delcorte Arnaud , Lambi John Ngolui
Published: December 2023

The large‐scale application of water electrolysis, for clean H2 production, requires the development of eco‐friendly and low‐cost electrocatalysts with high activity for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline media. The excellent alternatives to the benchmark noble metal‐based HER electrocatalyst are transition metal oxides (TMO). Because of the nontoxicity, cost‐effectiveness, availability, and easy electronic structure tuning, zinc oxide (ZnO) is a good TMO candidate. However, ZnO shows poor performance for HER electrocatalysis and therefore has been much less reported. Herein, it is reported that ZnO can be developed as a good HER electrocatalyst in alkaline media through simultaneously proper cobalt loading at the precursor level (coordination polymer) and defects engineering. The optimum amount of cobalt in ZnO shows an overpotential of 385 mV at 10 mA cm−2 (lower than that of ZnO and Co3O4) and a small Tafel slope of 76 mV dec−1. The introduction of cobalt at the precursor level and subsequently in the wurtzite frame of ZnO as revealed by the analyses, allows to considerably lower the bandgap and increasing the number of defects in the structure, thereby boosting the electrocatalytic performance. This work highlights the potential of cheap and environmentally friendly TMO as alternative HER electrocatalysts for large‐scale alkaline water electrolysis.
Isonitriles as Alkyl Radical Precursors in Visible Light Mediated Hydro‐ and Deuterodeamination Reactions**
Authors: Quirós Irene , Martín María , Gomez‐Mendoza Miguel , Cabrera‐Afonso María Jesús , Liras Marta , Fernández Israel , Nóvoa Luis , Tortosa Mariola
Published: December 2023

Herein, we report the use of isonitriles as alkyl radical precursors in light‐mediated hydro‐ and deuterodeamination reactions. The reaction is scalable, shows broad functional group compatibility and potential to be used in late‐stage functionalization. Importantly, the method is general for Cα‐primary, Cα‐secondary and Cα‐tertiary alkyl isonitriles. For most examples, high yields were obtained through direct visible‐light irradiation of the isonitrile in the presence of a silyl radical precursor. Interestingly, in the presence of an organic photocatalyst (4CzIPN) a dramatic acceleration was observed. In‐depth mechanistic studies using UV/Vis absorption, steady‐state and time‐resolved photoluminescence, and transient absorption spectroscopy suggest that the excited state of 4CzIPN can engage in a single‐electron transfer with the isonitrile.
Modeling the curing kinetics of two thermoset adhesives under varying temperature conditions
Authors: Zhang Xiumin , Liu Jianhua , Xia Huanxiong , Ao Xiaohui , Zhao Yuxi , Zhou Jiechen , Fu Zhihao
Published: December 2023

This paper presents detailed curing kinetics models for two thermoset adhesives. The cure kinetics were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry in both anisothermal and isothermal modes. The Sestak–Berggren autocatalytic model was applied to describe the anisothermal cure kinetics of the two adhesives with the Malek and undetermined coefficients methods determining their kinetic parameters. The Kamal autocatalytic model was adopted for the isothermal curing processes with the Kenny analytical‐graphical method determining the kinetic parameters. A modified Kamal model was developed by introducing a concept of the maximum degree of cure (DOC) and temperature‐depended kinetic parameters to describe the isothermal cure kinetics of the adhesive with a typical exothermic peak, and an extended Kamal model was further proposed by adding an initial‐phase‐control term to the modified Kamal model to describe the isothermal cure kinetics of the adhesive with two exothermic peaks. The results showed that the presented curing kinetics models with the determined parameters can precisely predict the evolutions of the DOC of the two thermoset adhesives in both anisothermal and isothermal modes.
Binder‐free, non‐carcinogenic surfactant‐based cellulose‐rich bagasse foams as acoustic panels
Authors: Bikumalla Keerthi , Bhuvana Thiruvelu , Tiwari Anjali , Chandraprakash C.
Published: December 2023

Toward identifying environmentally friendly sound‐absorbing materials, the fabrication of biodegradable bagasse foams and their acoustic absorption and transmission loss were investigated. 10‐mm‐thick bagasse foams were fabricated using different concentrations of four non‐carcinogenic surfactants: sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), sodium bicarbonate (SB), potassium oleate (PO), and polyoxyethylene sorbitol ester (T20). Electron microscopy revealed that the foams comprised microfibers with a 10%–25% porosity. The foams were found to be thermally stable up to 300 °C. While foams fabricated using SDS were found to have a maximum increment in acoustic absorption (by 200%), those made of T20 had a mild decrease in absorption. The increment in absorption was attributed to the decrease in crystallinity and increase in porosity of microstructure, and the decrement to the decrease in viscous nature. Minimal changes were observed in the transmission loss of the foams. The results presented here demonstrate a simple, scalable green method to fabricate porous biodegradable foams of bagasse, without using any binder or filler, suitable for acoustic insulation that fits sustainable development objectives.
High‐performance self‐healing anticorrosion epoxy coating based on microencapsulated epoxy‐amine chemistry
Authors: Xie Cheng , Cheng Chuanrei , Zhao Peng , Xiao Yuan , Zhang He , Xiong Daoying , Wang Yao , Zhang Chen , Ran Shiyu , Jiang Chuanxia
Published: December 2023

Attributed to the merits of excellent material compatibility, healing performance, and long‐term stability, the self‐healing system based on microencapsulated epoxy‐amine chemistry is a potentially practical self‐healing system for both structural and functional materials. Herein, based on the microencapsulated epoxy‐amine chemistry, a self‐healing anticorrosion coating was successfully developed. This self‐healing coating system was modeled theoretically to explore the factors that influence the crack filling and the self‐healing anticorrosion function. The established quantitative relationship shows that the filling depth of the crack in the coating is proportional to the microcapsule parameters and coating thickness, but inversely proportional to the crack width. Based on the above theoretical model, the effects of various parameters on the anticorrosion performance were experimentally studied. The actual filling of small in‐situ cracks (<100 μm) generated by impact damage was semi‐quantitatively characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The filling behavior is consistent with the theoretical modeling. After being healed at room temperature for 2 days upon impact damage, the formulated self‐healing coatings were subjected to accelerated corrosion tests in 10 wt% sodium chloride (NaCl) solution for 2 days to observe their anticorrosion behavior. Compared to the neat epoxy coating, all the formulated self‐healing epoxy coatings show evident anticorrosion function. Good self‐healing anticorrosion performance was achieved by adding 10.0 wt% microcapsules with a size of 100–150 μm to the coating with a thickness of 300 μm. The results of this investigation laid a theoretical and technical foundation for the further development of both the self‐healing chemistry and the self‐healing anticorrosion coating.
A method to improve the barrier performance of flexible riser internal pressure sheath—Heat transfer experiment and simulation
Authors: Meng Xiaoyu , Wen Jihong , Liu Yulun , Song Hongjie , Wang Mei , Wang Yuanyuan , Zhou Qiong
Published: December 2023

A considerable amount of acidic gas penetrates into the annulus between the internal pressure sheath and the outer protective sheath during the service of flexible risers, which will inevitably lead to corrosion of the metal functional layer. Many researchers have modified nanocomposites from the mass transfer perspective to reduce the materials' permeability coefficient. While permeation is an integrated process of heat and mass transfer process, heat distribution directly impacts gas permeation. Herein, the thermal conductivity of flexible riser liner materials is predicted for the first time by a combination of molecular dynamics and experiments, and then the radial temperature distribution under different seawater temperatures and internal fluid temperatures is investigated by finite element analysis. Finally, the effect of temperature distribution on the permeation coefficient was analyzed. The results demonstrate that the thermal conductivity can be predicted by molecular dynamics simulation, and the thermal conductivity of (polyvinylidene difluoride) PVDF/TiO2 decreases, while the thermal conductivity of PVDF/carbon nanotube (CNT) increases compared with pure PVDF. The temperature distribution of the internal pressure sheath material decreases when condensate water is present. As the fluid temperature rises from 30 to 110°C, the maximum increase ratio in the permeability of PVDF/CNT over PVDF increased from 3.6% to 14.8%, and the maximum decrease ratio of PVDF/TiO2 permeability coefficient compared with PVDF is from 1.2% to 4.6%. The results present a new idea to improve the barrier properties of materials by decreasing thermal conductivity.
Effect of powder–liquid ratio and admixture on properties of metakaolin‐based geopolymer coating
Authors: Lv Geyun , Liu Jiesheng , Zhang Man , Tan Xiaoming , Wu Xiaoyu , Gu Zhong , Wang Yuansheng
Published: December 2023

Protective coating is one of the effective ways to help concrete structures resist environmental erosion. However, most of the existing coating materials are organic compounds, which have the disadvantages of poor durability and high energy consumption. In this study, metakaolin with excellent durability was used as the main raw material, and a flexible and waterproof ethylene‐vinyl acetate emulsion was added to improve the high brittleness characteristics of metakaolin, resulting in a metakaolin‐based geopolymer coating material. Through tests such as water absorption, hardness, gloss, and tensile properties, we investigated the effects of the powder–liquid ratio and the type and amount of admixture on the properties of the coating. The results show that the coating exhibits better performance when the powder‐to‐liquid ratio is 0.6. Based on this, it was found that the optimal dosage of water‐reducing agent, coupling agent, and defoamer was 0.7%, 0.3%, and 0.3%, respectively.
Thermal resistance of polyurethane adhesives containing aluminum hydroxide and dealkaline or alkaline lignin
Authors: Yi Sujin , Cho Sehyun , Lee Chan‐Ki , Cho Young‐Jun
Published: December 2023

For the sustainability of the polyurethane resin (PUR) industry, petroleum‐based materials must be replaced with renewable resource and economic aspects must be considered. Lignin is a renewable, thermostable biomass consisted with a phenolic polymer. As a thermostable bio‐filler for PUR adhesives, acidic or basic lignin was blended with an amphiprotic inorganic filler, to reduce the resins and product costs due to cheap, unmodified materials. The thermal resistance of the PUR adhesives was evaluated by measuring adhesion before and after heating and with and without a mechanical effect caused by substrate penetration. The results show that after heating at 200°C, the PURs containing 7.5 or 15 wt% of dealkaline lignin or 7.5 wt% of alkaline lignin decomposed more slowly than the lignin‐free PUR. The properties of the PURs were also analyzed using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. Additionally, the PURs containing over 30 wt% of dealkaline lignin show potential as environmentally friendly water‐blown PUR foams.
Influence mechanism of injection process parameters on iridescent pattern defects on optical molded parts
Authors: Yuan Sinan , Qiu Zhongjun
Published: December 2023

Iridescent patterns are insufferable molding defects during mass manufacturing of polymer optic devices by using injection molding (IM) technique and seriously affect the appearance and imaging performance of parts. However, at present, the research on the factors affecting iridescent pattern defects is lacking, resulting in the difficulty of obtaining effective methods to weaken iridescent pattern defects. This article aims to clarify the correlation mechanism between injection process parameters and iridescent patterns and provide a theoretical basis for reducing iridescent pattern defects. Based on the process characteristics of IM and the optical mechanism of iridescent patterns, the correlation between iridescent patterns and influencing factors such as optical characteristics and the material structure is established. The influence mechanism of process parameters on iridescent patterns is further clarified by experiments. The results show the iridescent pattern color is related to the retardation, while the iridescent pattern brightness is affected by the retardation and transmittance. Process parameters change the retardation and transmittance by varying factors such as the thickness, birefringence, and crystallinity. Higher mold temperature, reasonable melt temperature, injection speed, and holding pressure are conducive to reducing the colorful fringe area and iridescent pattern brightness, thereby weakening the iridescent patterns on the part.
Freedivers harvest thousands of sea turtles a year in the Solomon Islands
Authors: Hamilton Richard , Vuto Simon , Brown Christopher , Waldie Peter , Pita John , Babaua Rose , Masu Rosalie , Peterson Nate , Madden Hof Christine , Limpus Col
Published: December 2023

Sea turtles are harvested in many small‐scale fisheries (SSFs), but few nations have quantified the impacts that SSFs are having on their sea turtle stocks. This study provides the first assessment on the catch composition, national harvest rates, and long‐term trends in sea turtle catches in the Solomon Islands SSFs.

Between October 2016 and May 2018, 10 community monitors located in eight of the nine provinces of the Solomon Islands were trained and employed to work alongside fishers in their respective communities to document, photograph, and georeference the reefs where sea turtles were harvested. Local ecological knowledge (LEK) surveys were then conducted with 32 experienced fishers to infer whether the harvest rates of sea turtles had changed in recent decades.

Community monitors recorded information on 1,132 sea turtles that were harvested on 529 fishing trips: 1,119 sea turtles were identified to species level, with harvests consisting of 73.3% (n = 818) green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas), 25.7% hawksbill sea turtles (n = 291) (Eretmochelys imbricata), and 0.9% (n = 10) olive ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea).

The great majority (92.6%) of sea turtles were captured by night‐time and daytime freedivers who use masks, snorkels, fins, hooks, spears, and underwater flashlights to target a wide range of fauna that inhabit coral reefs.

A methodology that accounts for spatial heterogeneity in sea turtle catch rates was used to estimate that the SSFs of the Solomon Islands harvested 11,184 sea turtles per year, with a 95% confidence interval of 5,862–23,717 sea turtles.

Experienced freedivers reported a 4.9‐fold decline in sea turtle harvest rates over the past 30 years, indicating that the sea turtle stocks of the Solomon Islands are being overfished.

The results and recommendations from this study were integrated into the Solomon Islands National Plan of Action for Marine Turtles 2023–2027.
Developments in the chemistry and biology of 1,2,3‐triazolyl‐C‐nucleosides
Authors: Nascimento Sarah Moreira Rodrigues do , Ferry Angélique , Gallier Florian , Lubin‐Germain Nadège , Uziel Jacques , Gonzales Simon , Miranda Leandro Soter de Mariz e
Published: December 2023

In the last 50 years, nucleoside analogs have been introduced to drug therapy as antivirals for different types of cancer due to their interference in cellular proliferation. Among the first line of nucleoside treatment drugs, ribavirin (RBV) is a synthetic N‐nucleoside with a 1,2,4‐triazole moiety that acts as a broad‐spectrum antiviral. It is on the World Health Organization (WHO) list of essential medicines. However, this important drug therapy causes several side effects due to its nonspecific mechanism of action. There is thus a need for a continuous study of its scaffold. A particular approach consists of connecting 
d‐ribose to the nitrogen‐containing base with a C–C bond. It provides more stability against enzymatic action and a better pharmacologic profile. The coronavirus disease (COVID) pandemic has increased the need for more solutions for the treatment of viral infections. Among these solutions, remdesivir, the first C‐nucleoside, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for clinical use against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). It drew attention to the study of the C‐nucleoside scaffold. Different C‐nucleoside patterns have been synthesized over the years. They show many important activities against viruses and cancer cell lines. 1,2,3‐Triazolyl‐C‐nucleoside derivatives are a prolific and efficient subclass of RBV analogs close to the already‐known RBV with a C–C bond modification. These compounds are often prepared by alkynylation of the 
d‐ribose ring followed by azide‐alkyne cycloaddition. They are reported to be active against the Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever virus and several tumoral cell lines, showing promising biological potential. In this review, we explore such approaches to 1,2,3‐triazolyl‐C‐nucleosides and their evolution over the years.
Asynchronous finite‐time dynamic output feedback control for discrete‐time switched linear systems with admissible edge‐dependent average dwell time
Authors: Wang Mengjiao , Wu Baowei , Wang Yue‐E , Liu Lili , Yan Rongrong
Published: December 2023

This paper is concerned with the problem of asynchronous finite‐time dynamic output feedback (DOF) control for a class of discrete‐time switched linear systems under the admissible edge‐dependent average dwell time (AED‐ADT) switching scheme. The main goal of the paper is to design a DOF controller to ensure that the resulting closed‐loop system is finite‐time bounded with AED‐ADT switching and has a specific
performance. Firstly, some new sufficient conditions for stability criterion and
performance analysis are established based on the multiple Lyapunov functionals technique and the linear matrix inequalities method. Secondly, a type of DOF controllers that guarantee that the closed‐loop system has desired performance is designed. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed approaches is elaborated with a numerical example.
Finite‐time bipartite synchronization of T–S fuzzy coupled neural networks via quantized adaptive control
Authors: Yang Ting , Chen Meishan , Long Pujun , Zhang Wanli
Published: December 2023

Based on the framework of signed graphs, this paper investigates the finite‐time (FET) bipartite synchronization of Takagi‐Sugeno (T–S) fuzzy coupled neural networks with output coupling and state‐dependent parameters. Adaptive control schemes with quantizer are designed, and generalized norm is considered. Based on the framework of bipartite synchronization and FET synchronization, several sufficient conditions are established to realize the goal of synchronization by using Lyapunov functional method. Moreover, some numerical simulations are provided to illustrate the theoretical results.
Erythrocytes' surface properties and stiffness predict survival and functional decline in ALS patients
Authors: Lopes Catarina S. , Pronto‐Laborinho Ana Catarina , Conceição Vasco A. , Freitas Teresa , Matias Gonçalo L. , Gromicho Marta , Santos Nuno C. , de Carvalho Mamede , Carvalho Filomena A.
Published: December 2023

Erythrocytes play a fundamental role in oxygen delivery to tissues and binding to inflammatory mediators. Evidences suggest that dysregulated erythrocyte function could contribute to the pathophysiology of several neurodegenerative diseases. We aimed to evaluate changes in morphological, biomechanical, and biophysical properties of erythrocytes from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients, as new areas of study in this disease. Blood samples were collected from ALS patients, comparing with healthy volunteers. Erythrocytes were assessed using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and zeta potential analysis. The patients' motor and respiratory functions were evaluated using the revised ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS‐R) and percentage of forced vital capacity (%FVC). Patient survival was also assessed. Erythrocyte surface roughness was significantly smoother in ALS patients, and this parameter was a predictor of faster decline in ALSFRS‐R scores. ALS patients exhibited higher erythrocyte stiffness, as indicated by reduced AFM tip penetration depth, which predicted a faster ALSFRS‐R score and respiratory subscore decay. A lower negative charge on the erythrocyte membrane was predictor of a faster ALSFRS‐R and FVC decline. Additionally, a larger erythrocyte surface area was an independent predictor of lower survival. These changes in morphological and biophysical membrane properties of ALS patients' erythrocytes, lead to increased cell stiffness and morphological variations. We speculate that these changes might precipitate motoneurons dysfunction and accelerate disease progression. Further studies should explore the molecular alterations related to these observations. Our findings may contribute to dissect the complex interplay between respiratory function, tissue hypoxia, progression rate, and survival in ALS.
Hsp Inhibitor is Affective Against Adenocarcinomic Human Alveolar Basal Epithelial Cells Through Modulating ERK/MAPK Signaling Pathway
Authors: Tunoğlu Servet , Tutar Lütfi , Gümüş Mehmet , Tunoğlu Ezgi Nurdan Yenilmez , Koca İrfan , Tutar Yusuf
Published: December 2023

The extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) ‐ mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway regulates cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Heat Shock Protein 90 (HSP90) is required to activate proto‐oncogenic protein kinases and promotes tumor growth through anti‐apoptotic effects on A549‐non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Therefore, deregulation of the ERK‐MAPK pathway and abnormal expression of HSP90 are reasonably frequent events in NSCLC. In this study, novel perimidine‐pyrazole compounds employed to block ERK‐MAPK deregulation through inhibiting HSP dependent cancer cell survival mechanisms. A set of perimidine‐pyrazole derivatives effects was monitored on NSCLC cell line. Array experiments performed to understand the effect of the compounds on signaling pathways and results were analyzed by gene enrichment analysis. Further, senescence and apoptosis experiments were performed to support the enrichment results along with in silico methods to determine perimidine‐pyrazole/HSP interactions. Treatment of NSCLC cells with perimidine‐pyrazole derivatives displayed cancer‐inhibitory, pro‐senescent and pro‐apoptotic effects on NSCLC cells through ERK/MAPK pathway and these compounds are promising templates for designing anticancer drugs