bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reconstruction techniques for quantum trees
Authors: Avdonin Sergei A. , Khmelnytskaya Kira V. , Kravchenko Vladislav V.
Published: February 2024

The inverse problem of recovery of a potential on a quantum tree graph from the Weyl matrix given at a number of points is considered. A method for its numerical solution is proposed. The overall approach is based on the leaf peeling method combined with Neumann series of Bessel functions (NSBF) representations for solutions of Sturm–Liouville equations. In each step, the solution of the arising inverse problems reduces to dealing with the NSBF coefficients. The leaf peeling method allows one to localize the general inverse problem to local problems on sheaves, while the approach based on the NSBF representations leads to splitting the local problems into two‐spectrum inverse problems on separate edges and reduces them to systems of linear algebraic equations for the NSBF coefficients. Moreover, the potential on each edge is recovered from the very first NSBF coefficient. The proposed method leads to an efficient numerical algorithm that is illustrated by numerical tests.
A discontinuous Galerkin finite element method for the Oldroyd model of order one
Authors: Ray Kallol , Goswami Deepjyoti , Bajpai Saumya
Published: February 2024

In this work, we analyze a discontinuous Galerkin finite element method for the equations of motion that arise in the 2D Oldroyd model of order one. We investigate the existence and uniqueness of semidiscrete discontinuous solutions, as well as the consistency of the scheme. We derive newa prioriand regularity results for the discrete solution and establish optimal error estimates in ‐norm in time and energy norm in space for the velocity and ‐norm in both time and space for the pressure. Uniform estimates are derived for sufficiently small data. We next apply the backward Euler method to the semidiscrete formulation and establish optimal fully discrete error estimates. At the end, we conduct numerical experiments to support our theoretical results and analyze the findings.
Existence, uniqueness, and Ulam stability of solutions of fractional conformable Langevin system on the ethane graph
Authors: Wang Guotao , Yuan Hualei
Published: February 2024

The present study examines the Langevin coupled boundary value problem with the fractional conformable derivative on the ethane graph. The main objective of this research is to establish the existence and uniqueness of solutions with the help of the fixed point theorem and to analyze the Ulam stability of the corresponding problem. Several examples are provided to demonstrate the obtained results.
Global regularity for the 2D micropolar Rayleigh–Bénard convection system with velocity zero dissipation and temperature critical diffusion
Authors: Yuan Baoquan , Li Changhao
Published: February 2024

This paper studies the global regularity problem for the 2D micropolar Rayleigh–Bénard convection system with velocity zero dissipation, micro‐rotation velocity Laplace dissipation, and temperature critical diffusion. By introducing a combined quantity and using the technique of Littlewood–Paley decomposition, we establish the global regularity result of solutions to this system.
Metabolomic Investigation of Brain and Liver in Rats Fed Docosahexaenoic Acid in Regio‐ and Enantiopure Triacylglycerols
Authors: Pariyani Raghunath , Zhang Yumei , Haraldsson Gudmundur G. , Chen Kang , Linderborg Kaisa M. , Yang Baoru
Published: February 2024

Scope

N‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n‐3 PUFAs) play important roles in cognitive functions. However, there is a lack of knowledge on the metabolic impact of regio‐ and stereo‐specific positioning of n‐3 PUFAs in dietary triacylglycerols.

Methods and results

Rats in a state of mild n‐3 PUFA deficiency are fed daily with 360 mg triacylglycerols containing DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) at sn (stereospecific numbering)‐1, 2, or 3 positions and 18:0 at remaining positions, or an equal amount of tristearin for 5 days. Groups fed with n‐3 deficient diet and normal n‐3 adequate diet are included as controls. The metabolic profiles of the brain and liver are studied using NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance)‐based metabolomics. Several metabolites of significance in membrane integrity and neurotransmission, and glutamate, in particular, are significantly lower in the brain of the groups fed with sn‐1 and sn‐3 DHA compared to the sn‐2 DHA group. Further, the tristearin and DHA groups show a lower lactate level compared to the groups fed on normal or n‐3 deficient diet, suggesting a prominent role of C18:0 in regulating energy metabolism.

Conclusion

This study sheds light on the impact of stereospecific positioning of DHA in triacylglycerols and the role of dietary stearic acid on metabolism in the brain and liver.
Hypolipidemic and Anti‐Obesity Effect of Anserine on Mice Orally Administered with High‐Fat Diet via Regulating SREBP‐1, NLRP3, and UCP‐1
Authors: Luo Jing , Chen Ming , Ji Hongwu , Su Weifeng , Song Wenkui , Zhang Di , Su Weiming , Liu Shucheng
Published: February 2024

To investigate the efficacy of anserine on antiobesity, C57BL/6 mice are orally administered with a high‐fat diet (HFD) and different doses of anserine (60, 120, and 240 mg/kg/day) for 16 weeks. Body weight, lipid, and epididymal fat content in mice are measured, and their liver damage is observed. The results display that the body weight, epididymal fat content, and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) content in anserine groups are decreased by 4.36–18.71%, 7.57–35.12%, and 24.32–44.40%, respectively. To further investigate the antiobesity mechanism of anserine, the expression of SREBP‐1, NLRP3, NF‐κB p65 (p65), and p‐NF‐κB p65 (p‐p65) proteins in the liver and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α (PGC1‐α) and UCP‐1 proteins in brown adipose tissue (BAT) is analyzed by Western blot. Results show that anserine can significantly decrease the expression of the NLRP3, p65, p‐p65, and the SREBP‐1 proteins and increase the expression of the PGC1‐α and UCP‐1 proteins. This study demonstrates that anserine lowered blood lipids and prevented obesity; its antiobesity mechanism may be related to the activation of brown fat by inflammation.
Multiscale simulation and prediction of mechanical properties for carbon fiber reinforced polymer orthotropic laminate
Authors: Song Qixuan , Xu Jinsheng , Chen Xiong , Huang Wei , Zeng Yi , Guo Zongtao
Published: February 2024

A multiscale analysis method based on numerical homogenization is presented for predicting the mechanical properties of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) orthogonally symmetric laminate. Initially, based on the structural characteristics of CFRP orthotropic symmetric laminate, the relational equations for calculating the mechanical engineering constants from the stiffness coefficient are proposed. Subsequently, the finite element model (FEM) of orthotropic laminate is established. Corresponding subroutines are developed through ABAQUS‐Python to extract and compute the simulation results and obtain the mechanical properties of the laminate. Next, the macroscale mechanical properties are estimated by combining the micro‐scale mechanical model, classical laminate theory (CLT), and volume averaging method. Ultimately, the accuracy of the proposed equations and the feasibility of the numerical homogenization method are demonstrated by comparing the results of numerical simulation predictions, theoretical predictions, and experiments.

Highlights

Present the relational equations for calculating the mechanical engineering constants of CFRP orthotropic symmetric laminate from the stiffness coefficient.

Establish the FEM of orthotropic laminate and develop corresponding subroutines to obtain the mechanical properties of the laminate.

Analyze the mechanical properties of orthotropic laminate through microscopic modeling and CLT.
Temperature and strain rate effects on ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight‐polyethylene compression: An experimental and modeling approach
Authors: Kumar Manohar , Ravi Kesavan , Singh Sarthak S.
Published: February 2024

This study aims to predict the compression behavior of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) at various temperatures (25, 40, and 55°C) and strain rates (~10−4/s and ~10−2/s) using a single set of three‐network (TN) viscoplastic model parameters. The TN model is made up of three parallel networks: networks A and B use nonlinear springs and dashpots to control the responses of the crystalline phase and confined amorphous phases, respectively, while network C captures the macromolecular amorphous networks using a single nonlinear spring. A single set of TN model parameters captures the yield and post‐yield hardening responses of the stress–strain curves at experimental temperatures and strain rates. When these TN model calibrated parameters are used as material property in a commercial finite element tool to simulate UHMWPE compression, the predicted and simulated results match well, showing the model's fidelity. Additionally, the model predicts experiments conducted at 40 and 70°C with loading rates of ~10−3/s and ~10−2/s, respectively. The study also correlates the deformations of UHMWPE's crystalline structure and macromolecular amorphous networks with its global stress versus strain response by extracting stresses from individual networks of the TN model at different strain rates and temperatures.

Highlights

UHMWPE's mechanical behavior predicted by a single set of TN model parameters

TN model predicts mechanical response at various strain rates and temperatures.

TN model explains microstructural crystalline and amorphous phase deformations.
Development of poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) composites with high thermal oxidation stability using Chrysanthemum morifolium extract as a natural additive
Authors: Kong Zhe , Li Yueqiu , Zhuang Tao , Zhang Jie , Wang Qidong , Yu Qing , Cheng Guiqing , Wang Zhongwei , Han Yuxi
Published: February 2024

Poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) is one of the solutions to the energy crisis and white pollution. However, the poor thermo‐oxidative stability limits its wide applications. In this work, Chrysanthemum morifolium extract (CME) as a natural additive was used to modify the PBAT. The oxidation onset temperature (OOT) results showed that the CME could provide PBAT with high thermal oxidation stability. By the presence of 2.5 wt% CME, the OOT value of PBAT‐CME2.5 increased by 52°C compared with the neat PBAT. The outstanding antioxidant capacity is attributed to the excellent free radical quenching capacity of CME, whose main components consist of six kinds of phenolic compounds. Moreover, the PBAT‐CME1.5 composite could achieve the balance between the mechanical property and thermo‐oxidative stability, the OOT result of PBAT‐CME1.5 increased by 42°C, the tensile strength reached 103.1%, and the elongation at break could retain 91.4% of that of neat PBAT. Besides, the processing property, degradation performance, and surface hydrophobic nature of modified PBAT samples were all improved. This work proposes a facile method to obtain completely natural biodegradable composites to expand the practical applications of PBAT.

Highlights

The main components in CME are phenolic compounds.

CME showed high free radical scavenging efficiency.

CME improved the thermal oxidation stability of the PBAT matrix.

The addition of CME could still maintain good mechanical properties of PBAT.

The introduction of CME promoted the degradation of PBAT films.
Registration of USDA‐N6006 soybean germplasm combining high yield, flood tolerance, and elevated oil content
Authors: Mian M. A. Rouf , Cunicelli Mia J. , Carter Thomas E. , Villagarcia Margarita , Fallen Benjamin D.
Published: February 2024

USDA‐N6006 soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] (Reg. no. GP‐527, PI 704140) is a conventional F4–derived early maturity group (MG) VI germplasm jointly released by USDA‐ARS and North Carolina Agricultural Research Service in 2023. USDA‐N6006 is the first MG VI, publicly released germplasm that combines flood tolerance with high‐yield lodging resistance, and elevated seed oil. Over 19 environments of the MG VI USDA Southern Uniform Soybean Trials (2017–2018), seed yield of USDA‐N6006 (3393 kg ha−1) was similar to high‐yielding lodging‐resistant check cultivars ‘NC‐Dunphy’ (3427 kg ha−1) and ‘NC‐Dilday’ (3475 kg ha−1). It matured 1 day earlier than NC‐Dunphy and exhibited similar lodging scores. Over 5 years of testing in North Carolina (2016–2019), USDA‐N6006 exhibited very robust flood tolerance. Mean flooding scores were numerically or statistically (p < 0.05) superior to the four flood‐tolerant controls at both V4 and R1 growth stages. USDA‐N6006 was not intentionally bred to be flood tolerant and identified as such only through an extensive screening of “in house” USDA breeding lines. USDA‐N6006 and most of its antecedents are unique in that they are derived from unreleased breeding lines developed at the flood prone Tidewater Research station in North Carolina. Inadvertent selection for flood tolerance may have been a part of the USDA's long‐term breeding effort to improve yield. Seed oil content of USDA‐N6006 (237 g kg−1) was similar to that of elevated seed oil cultivar NC‐Dilday, but significantly higher than NC‐Dunphy (228 g kg−1) in the Uniform Trials. Seed protein content and estimated meal protein contents of USDA‐N6006 (389 g kg−1 and 46.4%, respectively) were similar to that of NC‐Dunphy. USDA‐N6006 should be excellent parental stock for applied breeding in the southern United States.
Deep quantitative proteomics of North American Pacific coast star tunicate (Botryllus schlosseri)
Authors: Kültz Dietmar , Gardell Alison M. , DeTomaso Anthony , Stoney Greg , Rinkevich Baruch , Rinkevich Yuval , Qarri Andy , Dong Weizhen , Luu Brenda , Lin Mandy
Published: February 2024

Botryllus schlosseri, is a model marine invertebrate for studying immunity, regeneration, and stress‐induced evolution. Conditions for validating its predicted proteome were optimized using nanoElute® 2 deep‐coverage LCMS, revealing up to 4930 protein groups and 20,984 unique peptides per sample. Spectral libraries were generated and filtered to remove interferences, low‐quality transitions, and only retain proteins with >3 unique peptides. The resulting DIA assay library enabled label‐free quantitation of 3426 protein groups represented by 22,593 unique peptides. Quantitative comparisons of single systems from a laboratory‐raised with two field‐collected populations revealed (1) a more unique proteome in the laboratory‐raised population, and (2) proteins with high/low individual variabilities in each population. DNA repair/replication, ion transport, and intracellular signaling processes were distinct in laboratory‐cultured colonies. Spliceosome and Wnt signaling proteins were the least variable (highly functionally constrained) in all populations. In conclusion, we present the first colonial tunicate's deep quantitative proteome analysis, identifying functional protein clusters associated with laboratory conditions, different habitats, and strong versus relaxed abundance constraints. These results empower research on B. schlosseri with proteomics resources and enable quantitative molecular phenotyping of changes associated with transfer from in situ to ex situ and from in vivo to in vitro culture conditions.
Dynamic co‐ordination networks in carboxylated nitrile rubber and development of self‐healing and recyclable rubber composites
Authors: Wajge Suraj W. , Basu Debdipta , Das Amit , Mandal Subhradeep , K. Maji Pradip , Singh Shiva , Das Chayan
Published: February 2024

Metal–ligand coordinated cross‐linked polymeric composites that can alter the network topology via a dynamic bond‐exchange mechanism have been recognized as very promising candidates to address the shortcomings of conventional cross‐linked composites, such as poor recyclability and self‐healing ability. This has led to much interest in the cross‐linking of elastomers via non‐covalent interactions with suitable metal ions. In this report, we present a simple but efficient approach to ferric ions (Fe3+) assisted crosslinking of carboxylated nitrile rubber (XNBR) in the presence of an aliphatic amine (Et3N). The dynamic coordination reaction via carboxylate functional group of nitrile rubber (XNBR) is employed to fulfill the coordination requirements of the central Fe3+ metal ion. This is confirmed by x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. The crucial role of Et3N in partially hindering and regulating the extent of crosslinking is investigated and mechanistically interpreted by swelling, differential scanning calorimetry, and rheological study. The tensile strength of ferric crosslinked XNBR could be enhanced up to four times than that of pure XNBR. Furthermore, the dynamic coordination‐driven network of XNBR offers excellent self‐healing (90% efficiency) and recyclability features (80% efficiency) for a composite of appropriate formulations.
Photooxidation‐induced conformational changes and degradation behaviors of poly(butylene succinate) and poly(butylene succinate‐co‐adipate)
Authors: Padermshoke Adchara , An Yingjun , Kajiwara Tomoko , Masunaga Hiroyasu , Kobayashi Yutaka , Ito Hiroshi , Sasaki Sono , Noguchi Hiroshi , Kusuno Atsushi , Takahara Atsushi
Published: February 2024

Two biodegradable polyesters, poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and poly(butylene succinate‐co‐adipate) (PBSA), were artificially aged in a UV irradiation test chamber, and their photodegradation behaviors investigated. The attenuated total reflection (ATR) infrared (IR) spectra of the initial and UV‐aged samples revealed conformational changes in the tetramethylene sequences of the photoaged PBS and PBSA. The one‐dimensional wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (WAXS) profiles showed that the (110) d‐spacing of the α‐form crystal progressively decreased during UV aging, suggesting that the crystalline polymer chains became arranged more closely along the fiber axis. Accordingly, we conclude that PBS and PBSA transform from their TGTGT to nearly TTTTT conformations upon photoaging. The observed WAXS, small‐angle X‐ray scattering, and IR spectral data suggest that photodegradation preferentially occurs in the amorphous phase of each polymer. The less crystallizable butylene adipate co‐unit enhances the degradability of PBSA, with prolonged photooxidation leading to partial degradation of the crystalline region of the copolymer. This finding is consistent with and may be linked to the higher biodegradability of PBSA compared to PBS.
Developing offshore fatigue assessment application to measure fatigue among offshore workers in Malaysia
Authors: Al‐Mekhlafi Al‐Baraa Abdulrahman , Isha Ahmad Shahrul Nizam , Hashim Ahmad Sobri
Published: February 2024

Fatigue is a significant concern in the offshore oil and gas industry, posing risks to both resources and lives. This study aims to assess fatigue levels among daily trippers on offshore platforms and compare them across different job roles. The Offshore Fatigue Assessment Application (OFAA) was developed to measure fatigue in Malaysian offshore workers, focusing on alert response and lapses. A total of 51 participants were involved, with 31 in Crew A and 20 in Crew B. Based on the results, Crew A exhibited fatigue, with only 3 out of 12 data collection points showing an average reaction time (RT) below 500 ms, mainly during post‐work periods. Crew B also experienced fatigue, with only 1 out of 12 data collection points showing an average RT below 500 ms, occurring during mid‐work. While Crew B displayed fatigue during pre‐work and mid‐work, they generally maintained alertness during their sessions. Overall, Crew A consistently faced lapses in alertness, while Crew B showed fatigue during pre‐work and mid‐work but remained alert during their sessions. These findings highlight varying fatigue levels among offshore personnel, emphasizing the need for targeted fatigue management strategies in this industry.
Energy transition technology comes with new process safety challenges and risks—What does it mean?
Authors: Pasman Hans , Sripaul Edison , Khan Faisal , Fabiano Bruno
Published: February 2024

Decarbonization and energy transition will have a large impact on how our mobility, as well as supply of materials for clothing, building, and construction, and even for food, will be energized and processed. This review will give a brief survey of a few main changes and what they mean for process safety. It concerns hazards of hydrogen production and handling, battery systems, and electrification of the process industry, which will bring a range of changes, some easy, others intricate. Coincidentally, three recent papers in the journal Ergonomics prove to be in line with these process safety challenges.
Isolation and antioxidant activity of peptides from Chinese hairy tofu
Authors: Wu Li‐Ping , Wu Yong‐Xiang , Ke Xiang‐Tao , Wang Pan , Zhang Shuo , Zhu Yu‐Ting , Lu Ying , Shu Yu‐Jie , Jiang Shang‐Yue , Li Chang‐Jiang , Hu Xiao‐Qian
Published: February 2024

Hairy tofu is a famous Chinese snack that is made from soybeans and rich in various nutrients. In order to further explore the antioxidant peptides of hairy tofu hydrolysates, seven proteases were used to hydrolyze hairy tofu. The results of in vitro radical scavenging activity showed that hairy tofu hydrolysates obtained by pancreatin exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. After Sephadex G‐25 gel filtration and reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC), 97 peptides were identified in the most antioxidant fraction using liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). Among them, nine peptides were synthesized and their antioxidant activities were assessed using a H2O2‐induced oxidative 293T cell model. Finally, four peptides (QCESHK, LAWNEGR, NLQGENEWDQK, and FTEMWR) at concentrations of < 50 μg/ml significantly decreased the malondialdehyde content compared with the model group, displaying in vivo antioxidant activity and low cytotoxicity. Overall, this research provided the choice of using hairy tofu peptides as antioxidant products in the pharmaceutical and food industries.
Shrinkage priors for isotonic probability vectors and binary data modeling, with applications to dose–response modeling
Authors: Boonstra Philip S. , Owen Daniel R. , Kang Jian
Published: February 2024

Motivated by the need to model dose–response or dose‐toxicity curves in clinical trials, we develop a new horseshoe‐based prior for Bayesian isotonic regression modeling a binary outcome against an ordered categorical predictor, where the probability of the outcome is assumed to be monotonically non‐decreasing with the predictor. The set of differences between outcome probabilities in consecutive categories of the predictor is equipped with a multivariate prior having support over simplex. The Dirichlet distribution, which can be derived from a normalized sum of independent gamma‐distributed random variables, is a natural choice of prior, but using mathematical and simulation‐based arguments, we show that the resulting posterior is prone to underflow and other numerical instabilities, even under simple data configurations. We propose an alternative prior based on horseshoe‐type shrinkage that is numerically more stable. We show that this horseshoe‐based prior is not subject to the numerical instability seen in the Dirichlet/gamma‐based prior and that the horseshoe‐based posterior can estimate the underlying true curve more efficiently than the Dirichlet‐based one. We demonstrate the use of this prior in a model predicting the occurrence of radiation‐induced lung toxicity in lung cancer patients as a function of dose delivered to normal lung tissue. Our methodology is implemented in the R package isotonicBayes and therefore suitable for use in the design of dose‐finding studies or other dose–response modeling contexts.
Therapeutic effects and molecular mechanisms of natural products in thrombosis
Authors: Yuan Ming‐hao , Zhong Wen‐xiao , Wang Yu‐lu , Liu Yu‐shi , Song Jia‐wen , Guo Yu‐rou , Zeng Bin , Guo Yi‐ping , Guo Li
Published: February 2024

Thrombotic disorders, such as myocardial infarction and stroke, are the leading cause of death in the global population and have become a health problem worldwide. Drug therapy is one of the main antithrombotic strategies, but antithrombotic drugs are not completely safe, especially the risk of bleeding at therapeutic doses. Recently, natural products have received widespread interest due to their significant efficacy and high safety, and an increasing number of studies have demonstrated their antithrombotic activity. In this review, articles from databases, such as Web of Science, PubMed, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure, were filtered and the relevant information was extracted according to predefined criteria. As a result, more than 100 natural products with significant antithrombotic activity were identified, including flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, quinones, terpenoids, steroids, and alkaloids. These compounds exert antithrombotic effects by inhibiting platelet activation, suppressing the coagulation cascade, and promoting fibrinolysis. In addition, several natural products also inhibit thrombosis by regulating miRNA expression, anti‐inflammatory, and other pathways. This review systematically summarizes the natural products with antithrombotic activity, including their therapeutic effects, mechanisms, and clinical applications, aiming to provide a reference for the development of new antithrombotic drugs.
The ameliorative effect of turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn) extract and its major constituent, curcumin, and its analogs on ethanol toxicity
Authors: Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar Mahboobeh , Hosseinzadeh Hossein
Published: February 2024

Ethanol toxicity is a major public health problem that can cause damage to various organs in the body by several mechanisms inducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Recently, there has been a growing interest in the potential of herbal medicines as therapeutic agents for the prevention and treatment of various disorders. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) extracts and its main components including curcumin have antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐apoptotic properties. This review aims to evaluate the literature on the ameliorative effects of turmeric extracts and their main components on ethanol toxicity. The relevant studies were identified through searches of Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus without any time limitation. The underlying mechanisms of turmeric and curcumin were also discussed. The findings suggest that turmeric and curcumin ameliorate ethanol‐induced organ damage by suppressing oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, MAPK activation, TGF‐β/Smad signaling pathway, hyperlipidemia, regulating hepatic enzymes, expression of SREBP‐1c and PPAR‐α. However, the limited clinical evidence suggests that further research is needed to determine the efficacy and safety of turmeric and curcumin in human subjects. In conclusion, the available evidence supports the potential use of turmeric and curcumin as alternative treatments for ethanol toxicity, but further high‐quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of the plant.
Enhanced mechanical, optoelectronic and thermoelectric properties of binary CdO by under pressure: An ab initio study
Authors: Erum Nazia , Sharma Ramesh , Anwar Nadia , Al‐Qaisi Samah , Al‐Anazy Murefah mana , Yousef El Sayed
Published: February 2024

This manuscript presents, under the effect of different pressures (0–60 GPa), the structural, mechanical, electronic, optical, and thermoelectric properties of CdO with NaCl type structure by using the FP‐LAPW (Full Potential Linearized Augmented Plane Wave method) with Generalized Gradient Approximation (GGA) whose basis is the Density Functional Theory (DFT). PBE‐GGA was used to compute the structural, elastic, optical, electronic, and thermoelectric properties using Tran‐Blaha modified Becke‐Johnson (TB‐mBJ) potential. Different terms like formation energy, cohesive energy, and phonon were used for the computation of thermal stability and that is further confirmed by elastic properties. Bulk moduli and pressure‐dependent lattice constants were achieved by using the optimization method. From the results, we can say that the increase in pressure is directly related to the band gap and inversely related to the lattice constant. The mechanical properties show that CdO is highly ductile and mechanically stable and ductility is directly related to pressure. The minimum conduction band goes to a higher energy level when the pressure increases while the maximum valance band goes to a lower energy level ultimately the energy band gap increases. The optical parameter curve does not change by increasing pressure but the peaks start moving towards the higher energies slightly. Calculations reveals that band gap increases by increasing pressure which shows the blue shift in optical properties. The optical properties spectrum was studied, including reflectance, dielectric coefficient, and absorption coefficient. The optical constants show that the phase of CdO with NaCl structure was translucent. In the end, the thermoelectric feature in terms of thermal conductivity (K), power factor (PF), Seebeck coefficient (S), and electrical conductivity (σ) were studied by using the BoltzTrap code as a function of temperature. Thermoelectric and optical aspects revealed that pressure induces the possible use of CdO material for various TE and optical applications.
Exploring the effect of R&D support, green technology transfer, sustainable innovation
Authors: Adomako Samuel , Tran Mai Dong
Published: February 2024

This article investigates the impact of R&D support on sustainable innovation through the mediating role of green technology transfer. Based on our analysis of data from 220 firms in Vietnam, we find the following: (1) R&D support has a positive impact on green technology transfer, (2) green technology transfer mediates the relationship between R&D support and sustainable innovation, and (3) The influence of green technology transfer on sustainable innovation is heightened in the presence of a firm's commitment to environmental ethics. These findings underline the critical role of government R&D funding in shaping sustainable innovation in emerging markets. The findings further show the crucial role of environmental commitment as a moderating factor in green technology transfer contexts. Managing the interaction between green technology transfer and a firm's commitment to environmental ethics is essential to optimize the benefits of sustainable innovation. This study offers practical insights for firms seeking to improve their sustainable innovation outcomes.
Sustainable biogas production potential in Nepal using waste biomass: A spatial analysis
Authors: Lohani Sunil Prasad , Acharya Renisha , Shrestha Poushan , Shrestha Sundar , Manisha K. C. , Pradhan Prajal
Published: February 2024

Biogas plays a significant part in replacing solid biomass and fossil fuels for cooking. However, the implementation of appropriate policies to promote the development of biogas plants is hindered by a lack of adequate assessment of the biogas potential in Nepal. Thus, we estimate the potential of biogas production at the district level of Nepal from available waste biomass, including livestock manure, agricultural residues, and organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW). Our estimates show the theoretical potential of biogas production from livestock manure of 1890 million m3 year−1, agricultural residues of 2290 million m3 year−1, and OFMSW of 234 million m3 year−1. The total biogas production is 4412 million m3 year−1, equivalent to 153 million liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders yearly. Using this biogas potential to replace LPG and solid biomass for cooking could result in avoided CO2, CO, and PM2.5 emissions of 6.3 million tons year−1, 0.4 million tons year−1, and 0.04 million tons year−1, respectively. Our findings suggest that the Terai districts of Morang, Sunsari, Saptari, and Banke, as well as the Hilly districts of Kavrepalanchok, Dhading, and Nuwakot, have a significant amount of biogas‐producing potential. Utilising this potential could also contribute to achieving several Sustainable Development Goals and a clean cooking energy transition in Nepal. For this, governments need careful planning, designing, policy support, and facilitation on bio‐resource management and utilisation at the local level.
Estimation of trajectory of protective efficacy in infectious disease prevention trials using recurrent event times
Authors: Cheung Yin Bun , Ma Xiangmei , Lam K. F. , Yung Chee Fu , Milligan Paul
Published: February 2024

In studies of infectious disease prevention, the level of protective efficacy of medicinal products such as vaccines and prophylactic drugs tends to vary over time. Many products require administration of multiple doses at scheduled times, as opposed to one‐off or continual intervention. Accurate information on the trajectory of the level of protective efficacy over time facilitates informed clinical recommendations and implementation strategies, for example, with respect to the timing of administration of the doses. Based on concepts from pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modeling, we propose a non‐linear function for modeling the trajectory after each dose. The cumulative effect of multiple doses of the products is captured by an additive series of the function. The model has the advantages of parsimony and interpretability, while remaining flexible in capturing features of the trajectories. We incorporate this series into the Andersen‐Gill model for analysis of recurrent event time data and compare it with alternative parametric and non‐parametric functions. We use data on clinical malaria disease episodes from a trial of four doses of an anti‐malarial drug combination for chemoprevention to illustrate, and evaluate the performance of the methods using simulation. The proposed method out‐performed the alternatives in the analysis of real data in terms of Akaike and Bayesian Information Criterion. It also accurately captured the features of the protective efficacy trajectory such as the area under curve in simulations. The proposed method has strong potential to enhance the evaluation of disease prevention measures and improve their implementation strategies.
Recent Progress in Photocatalytic Reduction of CO2 by ZnIn2S4‐based Heterostructures
Authors: Li Mingming , Chen Shaohua , Wang Yihua , Zhang Jinhua
Published: February 2024

As a green technology, photocatalytic reduction of CO2 can reduce CO2 into reusable carbon‐based fuels and alleviate environmental and energy problems to a certain extent. However, traditional photocatalytic materials have irreparable defects that limit their applications in photocatalysis, and it becomes a great challenge to find an efficient photocatalytic material. ZnIn2S4, a new photocatalyst, is widely used in photocatalysis because of its layered structure, tunable band gap, excellent photoelectric properties, and catalytic characteristics, and it is also favored by a wide range of scientific researchers due to its stable chemical properties. The construction of heterojunctions can further increase the photocatalytic ability of ZnIn2S4. This review introduces the electron transfer mechanism of different ZnIn2S4‐based heterojunctions in the photocatalytic process and its recent research progress in photocatalytic CO2 reduction applications. Finally, an outlook on constructing ZnIn2S4‐based heterojunctions and their development prospects is presented.
pH/H2O2 Cascade‐Responsive Nanoparticles of Lipid‐Like Prodrugs through Dynamic‐Covalent and Coordination Interactions for Chemotherapy
Authors: Xiao Wanyue , Geng Rui , Bi Duohang , Luo Yi , Zhang Zihan , Gan Quan , Liu Yijing , Zhu Jintao
Published: February 2024

Traditional lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) suffer from low drug loading capacity (DLC), weak stability, and lack of responsiveness. Conventional approaches to address these issues involve the synthesis of lipid‐prodrug by incorporating responsive covalent linkers. However, such approaches often result in suboptimal sensitivity for drug release and undermine therapeutic effectiveness. Herein, the study reports a fundamentally different concept for designing lipid‐like prodrugs through boron–nitrogen (B‐N) coordination and dynamic covalent interaction. The 5‐fluorouracil‐based lipid‐like prodrugs, featuring a borate ester consisting of a glycerophosphoryl choline head and a boronic acid‐modified 5Fu/dodecanamine complex tail, are used to prepare pH/H2O2 cascade‐responsive LNPs (5Fu‐LNPs). The 5Fu‐LNPs exhibit enhanced DLC and stability in a neutral physiological environment due to the B‐N coordination and enhanced hydrophobicity. In tumors, acidic pH triggers the dissociation of B‐N coordination to release prodrugs, which further responds to low H2O2 concentrations to release drugs, showcasing a potent pH/H2O2‐cascade‐responsive property. Importantly, 5Fu‐LNPs demonstrate greater antitumor efficiency and lower toxicity compared to the commercial 5Fu. These results highlight 5Fu‐LNPs as a safer and more effective alternative to chemotherapy. This work presents a unique LNP fabrication strategy that can overcome the limitations of conventional LNPs and broaden the range of intelligent nanomaterial preparation techniques.
TiN as Radical Scavenger in Fe─N─C Aerogel Oxygen Reduction Catalyst for Durable Fuel Cell
Authors: Luo Yi , Li Ke , Hu Yijie , Chen Teng , Wang Qichen , Hu Jianqiang , Feng Jian , Feng Junzong
Published: February 2024

Fe─N─C is the most promising alternative to platinum‐based catalysts to lower the cost of proton‐exchange‐membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). However, the deficient durability of Fe─N─C has hindered their application. Herein, a TiN‐doped Fe─N─C (Fe─N─C/TiN) is elaborately synthesized via the sol–gel method for the oxygen‐reduction reaction (ORR) in PEMFC. The interpenetrating network composed by Fe─N─C and TiN can simultaneously eliminate the free radical intermediates while maintaining the high ORR activity. As a result, the H2O2 yields of Fe─N─C/TiN are suppressed below 4%, ≈4 times lower than the Fe─N─C, and the half‐wave potential only lost 15 mV after 30 kilo‐cycle accelerated durability test (ADT). In a H2─O2 fuel cell assembled with Fe─N─C/TiN, it presents 980 mA cm−2 current density at 0.6 V, 880 mW cm−2 peak power density, and only 17 mV voltage loss at 0.80 A cm−2 after 10 kilo‐cycle ADT. The experiment and calculation results prove that the TiN has a strong adsorption interaction for the free radical intermediates (such as *OH, *OOH, etc.), and the radicals are scavenged subsequently. The rational integration of Fe single‐atom, TiN radical scavenger, and highly porous network adequately utilize the intrinsic advantages of composite structure, enabling a durable and active Pt‐metal‐free catalyst for PEMFC.
Si/CuO Heterojunction‐Based Photomemristor for Reconfigurable, Non‐Volatile, and Self‐Powered In‐Sensor Computing
Authors: Leng Kangmin , Wan Yu , Fu Yao , Wang Li , Wang Qisheng
Published: February 2024

In‐sensor computing has attracted considerable interest as a solution for overcoming the energy efficiency and response time limitations of the traditional von Neumann architecture. Recently, emerging memristors based on transition‐metal oxides (TMOs) have attracted attention as promising candidates for in‐memory computing owing to their tunable conductance, high speed, and low operational energy. However, the poor photoresponse of TMOs presents challenges for integrating sensing and processing units into a single device. This integration is crucial for eliminating the need for a sensor/processor interface and achieving energy‐efficient in‐sensor computing systems. In this study, a Si/CuO heterojunction‐based photomemristor is proposed that combines the reversible resistive switching behavior of CuO with the appropriate optical absorption bandgap of the Si substrate. The proposed photomemristor demonstrates a simultaneous reconfigurable, non‐volatile, and self‐powered photoresponse, producing a microampere‐level photocurrent at zero bias. The controlled migration of oxygen vacancies in CuO result in distinct energy‐band bending at the interface, enabling multiple levels of photoresponsivity. Additionally, the device exhibits high stability and ultrafast response speed to the built‐in electric field. Furthermore, the prototype photomemristor can be trained to emulate the attention‐driven nature of the human visual system, indicating the tremendous potential of TMO‐based photomemristors as hardware foundations for in‐sensor computing.
Transepithelial Electrical Impedance Increase Following Porous Substrate Electroporation Enables Label‐Free Delivery
Authors: Brooks Justin R. , Heiman Tyler C. , Lorenzen Sawyer R. , Mungloo Ikhlaas , Mirfendereski Siamak , Park Jae Sung , Yang Ruiguo
Published: February 2024

Porous substrate electroporation (PSEP) is a promising new method for intracellular delivery, yet fundamentals of PSEP are not well understood, especially the intermediate processes leading to delivery. PSEP is an electrical method, yet the relationship between PSEP and electrical impedance remains underexplored. In this study, a device capable of measuring impedance and performing PSEP is developed and the changes in transepithelial electrical impedance (TEEI) are monitored. These measurements show TEEI increases following PSEP, unlike other electroporation methods. The authors then demonstrate how cell culture conditions and electrical waveforms influence this response. More importantly, TEEI response features are correlated with viability and delivery efficiency, allowing prediction of outcomes without fluorescent cargo, imaging, or image processing. This label‐free delivery also allows improved temporal resolution of transient processes following PSEP, which the authors expect will aid PSEP optimization for new cell types and cargos.
Self‐Implantable Core–Shell Microneedle Patch for Long‐Acting Treatment of Keratitis via Programmed Drug Release
Authors: Jiang Xue , Jin Yinli , Zeng Yongnian , Shi Peng , Li Wei
Published: February 2024

Bacteria‐induced keratitis is a major cause of corneal blindness in both developed and developing countries. Instillation of antibiotic eyedrops is the most common management of bacterial keratitis but usually suffers from low bioavailability (i.e., <5%) and frequent administration, due to the existence of corneal epithelial barrier that prevents large and hydrophilic drug molecules from entering the cornea, and the tear film on corneal surface that rapidly washes drug away from the cornea. Here, a self‐implantable core–shell microneedle (MN) patch with programmed drug release property to facilitate bacterial keratitis treatment is reported. The pH‐responsive antimicrobial nanoparticles (NPs), Ag@ZIF‐8, which are capable of producing antibacterial metal ions in the infected cornea and generating oxidative stress in bacteria, are loaded in the dissolvable core, while the anti‐angiogenic drug, rapamycin (Rapa), is encapsulated in the biodegradable shell, thereby enabling rapid release of Ag@ZIF‐8 NPs and sustained release of Rapa after corneal insertion. Owing to the programmed release feature, one single administration of the core–shell MN patch in a rat model of bacterial keratitis, can achieve satisfactory antimicrobial activity and superior anti‐angiogenic and anti‐inflammation effects as compared to daily topical eyedrops, indicating a great potential for the infectious keratitis therapy in clinics.
Mesoporous polydopamine Targeting CDK4/6 Inhibitor toward Brilliant Synergistic Immunotherapy of Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhou Conglei , Zhao Shuang , Zhang Yongbo , Cheng Jianjun , Shi Jiahua , Du Guanhua
Published: February 2024

Immunotherapy utilizing anti‐PD‐L1 blockade has achieved dramatic success in clinical breast cancer management but is often hampered by the limited immune response. Increasing evidence shows that immunogenic cell death (ICD) recently arises as a promising strategy for enlarging tumor immunogenicity and eliciting systemic anti‐tumor immunity effectively. However, developing simple but versatile, highly efficient but low‐toxic, biosafe, and clinically available transformed ICD inducers remains a huge demand and is highly desirable. Herein, a multifunctional ICD inducer is purposefully developed A6‐MPDA@PAL by integrating photothermal therapy (PTT) nanoplatforms mesoporous polydopamine (MPDA), CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib (PAL), and CD44‐specific targeting A6 peptide in a simple way for augmenting the immune antitumor efficacy of anti‐PD‐L1 therapy. Remarkably, the light‐inducible nanoplatforms exhibit multiple favorable therapeutic features ensuring a superior and biosafe PTT/chemotherapy efficacy. Together with stronger accumulative ICD induction, single administration of A6‐MPDA@PAL can trigger robust systemic antitumor immunity and abscopal effect with the assistance of anti‐PD‐L1 blockade by fascinating the intratumoral infiltration of T lymphocytes and reversing the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment simultaneously, therapy achieving brilliant synergistic immunotherapy with effective tumor ablation. This study presents a simple and smart ICD inducer opening up attractive clinical possibilities for reinforcing the anti‐PD‐L1 therapy against breast cancer.
Interface‐Engineered NiFe/Ni‐S Nanoparticles for Reliable Alkaline Oxygen Production at Industrial Current: A Sulfur Source Confinement Strategy
Authors: Chen Bin , Liu Tao , Zhang Junfeng , Zhao Shuo , Yue Runfei , Wang Sipu , Wang Lianqin , Chen Zhihao , Feng Yingjie , Huang Jun , Yin Yan , Guiver Michael D.
Published: February 2024

Using powder‐based ink appears to be the most suitable candidate for commercializing the membrane electrode assembly (MEA), while research on the powder‐based NPM catalyst for anion exchange membrane water electrolyzer (AEMWE) is currently insufficient, especially at high current density. Herein, a sulfur source (NiFe Layered double hydroxide adsorbed ) confinement strategy is developed to integrate Ni3S2 onto the surface of amorphous/crystalline NiFe alloy nanoparticles (denoted NiFe/Ni‐S), achieving advanced control over the sulfidation process for the formation of metal sulfides. The constructed interface under the sulfur source confinement strategy generates abundant active sites that increase electron transport at the electrode‐electrolyte interface and improve ability over an extended period at a high current density. Consequently, the constructed NiFe/Ni‐S delivers an ultra‐low overpotential of 239 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and 0.66 mA under an overpotential of 300 mV. The AEMWE with NiFe/Ni‐S anode exhibits a cell voltage of 1.664 V @ 0.5 A cm−2 and a 400 h stability at 1.0 A cm−2.
Ionic Covalent Organic Framework as a Dual Functional Sensor for Temperature and Humidity
Authors: Das Gobinda , Ibrahim Fayrouz Abou , Khalil Zahraa Abou , Bazin Philippe , Chandra Falguni , AbdulHalim Rasha G. , Prakasam Thirumurugan , Das Akshaya Kumar , Sharma Sudhir Kumar , Varghese Sabu , Kirmizialtin Serdal , Jagannathan Ramesh , Saleh Na'il , Benyettou Farah , Roz Mohamad El , Addicoat Matthew , Olson Mark A. , Rao D. S. Shankar , Prasad S. Krishna , Trabolsi Ali
Published: February 2024

Visual sensing of humidity and temperature by solids plays an important role in the everyday life and in industrial processes. Due to their hydrophobic nature, most covalent organic framework (COF) sensors often exhibit poor optical response when exposed to moisture. To overcome this challenge, the optical response is set out to improve, to moisture by incorporating H‐bonding ionic functionalities into the COF network. A highly sensitive COF, consisting of guanidinium and diformylpyridine linkers (TG‐DFP), capable of detecting changes in temperature and moisture content is fabricated. The hydrophilic nature of the framework enables enhanced water uptake, allowing the trapped water molecules to form a large number of hydrogen bonds. Despite the presence of non‐emissive building blocks, the H‐bonds restrict internal bond rotation within the COF, leading to reversible fluorescence and solid‐state optical hydrochromism in response to relative humidity and temperature.