bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness and biochemical impact of ozone gas and silica nanoparticles on Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Salem Hend H. A. , Mohammed Shaimaa H. , Eltaly Randa I. , Elqady Enayat M. , El-said Eman , Metwaly Khaled H.
Published: August 2024

Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae) is a vector of many serious human diseases, and its control by the heavy use of chemical insecticides has led to the evolution of insecticide resistance and high environmental risks. Many safe alternatives, such as ozone gas (O3) and silica nanoparticles (silica NPs) can reduce these risks. Therefore, O3 and silica NPs were applied to 3rd larval instars of Cx. pipiens at different concentrations (100, 200, and 400 ppm) for different exposure times (1, 2, 3, and 5 min for O3 and 24, 48, and 72 h for silica NPs). The activity of some vital antioxidant enzymes as well as scanning electron microscopy of the body surface were also investigated. A positive correlation was observed between larval mortality % and the tested concentrations of O3 and silica NPs. O3 was more effective than silica NPs, it resulted in 92% mortality at 400 ppm for a short exposure time (5 min). O3-exposed larvae exhibited a significant increase in glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, and catalase activities as well as the total antioxidant capacity. Scanning electron microscopy showing disruptive effects on the body surface morphology of ozone and silica NPs treated larvae. These results provide evidence that O3 and silica NPs have the potential for use as alternative vector control tools against Cx. pipiens.
First identification of a Neanderthal bone spear point through an interdisciplinary analysis at Abric Romaní (NE Iberian Peninsula)
Authors: Mateo-Lomba Paula , Ollé Andreu , Fernández-Marchena Juan Luis , Saladié Palmira , Marín Juan , Chacón M. Gema , Vallverdú Josep , Cáceres Isabel
Published: August 2024

Osseous industry has been observed at an increasing number of Neanderthal sites. Bone fragments were used for practical purposes, and a range of bone shaping techniques were employed. The variability of bone tools observed in different assemblages reflects considerable functional diversity. However, no bone spear points have been reported from these contexts. A comprehensive analysis of a bone spear point from the Middle Palaeolithic site of Abric Romaní (Barcelona, Spain) is presented. Through an interdisciplinary, multi-technique, and multi-scale approach combining technology, taphonomy, and functional analysis, compelling evidence for manufacture, use, and hafting was uncovered. The specimen exhibits clear signs of intentional knapping. The presence of microscopic linear impact marks, an impact fracture at the tip and potential internal stress fractures indicate its use as a spear. Furthermore, the observed wear pattern and a morphological adjustment of the trabecular tissue support the hafting hypothesis. Abric Romaní contributes to our understanding of Neanderthal hunting behaviour and the significance of composite bone tools in their technological repertoire 50,000 years ago. This discovery highlights the flexibility and adaptability of Neanderthal technology, providing evidence of bone technology that is sometimes obscured in the archaeological record and offering valuable insights into their hunting strategies during the Middle Palaeolithic.
Effective lane detection on complex roads with convolutional attention mechanism in autonomous vehicles
Authors: Maddiralla Vinay , Subramanian Sumathy
Published: August 2024

Autonomous Vehicles (AV’s) have achieved more popularity in vehicular technology in recent years. For the development of secure and safe driving, these AV’s help to reduce the uncertainties such as crashes, heavy traffic, pedestrian behaviours, random objects, lane detection, different types of roads and their surrounding environments. In AV’s, Lane Detection is one of the most important aspects which helps in lane holding guidance and lane departure warning. From Literature, it is observed that existing deep learning models perform better on well maintained roads and in favourable weather conditions. However, performance in extreme weather conditions and curvy roads need focus. The proposed work focuses on presenting an accurate lane detection approach on poor roads, particularly those with curves, broken lanes, or no lane markings and extreme weather conditions. Lane Detection with Convolutional Attention Mechanism (LD-CAM) model is proposed to achieve this outcome. The proposed method comprises an encoder, an enhanced convolution block attention module (E-CBAM), and a decoder. The encoder unit extracts the input image features, while the E-CBAM focuses on quality of feature maps in input images extracted from the encoder, and the decoder provides output without loss of any information in the original image. The work is carried out using the distinct data from three datasets called Tusimple for different weather condition images, Curve Lanes for different curve lanes images and Cracks and Potholes for damaged road images. The proposed model trained using these datasets showcased an improved performance attaining an Accuracy of 97.90%, Precision of 98.92%, F1-Score of 97.90%, IoU of 98.50% and Dice Co-efficient as 98.80% on both structured and defective roads in extreme weather conditions.
Mouse models to investigate in situ cell fate decisions induced by p53
Authors: Lieschke Elizabeth , Thomas Annabella F , Kueh Andrew , Atkin-Smith Georgia K , Baldoni Pedro L , La Marca John E , Young Savannah , Huang Allan Shuai , Ross Aisling M , Whelan Lauren , Kaloni Deeksha , Tai Lin , Smyth Gordon K , Herold Marco J , Hawkins Edwin D , Strasser Andreas , Kelly Gemma L
Published: August 2024

Investigating how transcription factors control complex cellular processes requires tools that enable responses to be visualised at the single-cell level and their cell fate to be followed over time. For example, the tumour suppressor p53 (also called TP53 in humans and TRP53 in mice) can initiate diverse cellular responses by transcriptional activation of its target genes: Puma to induce apoptotic cell death and p21 to induce cell cycle arrest/cell senescence. However, it is not known how these processes are regulated and initiated in different cell types. Also, the context-dependent interaction partners and binding loci of p53 remain largely elusive. To be able to examine these questions, we here developed knock-in mice expressing triple-FLAG-tagged p53 to facilitate p53 pull-down and two p53 response reporter mice, knocking tdTomato and GFP into the Puma/Bbc3 and p21 gene loci, respectively. By crossing these reporter mice into a p53-deficient background, we show that the new reporters reliably inform on p53-dependent and p53-independent initiation of both apoptotic or cell cycle arrest/senescence programs, respectively, in vitro and in vivo.
PCPE-1, a brown adipose tissue-derived cytokine, promotes obesity-induced liver fibrosis
Authors: Hsiao Yung Ting , Yoshida Yohko , Okuda Shujiro , Abe Manabu , Mizuno Seiya , Takahashi Satoru , Nakagami Hironori , Morishita Ryuichi , Kamimura Kenya , Terai Shuji , Aung Tin May , Li Ji , Furihata Takaaki , Tang Jing Yuan , Walsh Kenneth , Ishigami Akihito , Minamino Tohru , Shimizu Ippei
Published: August 2024

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH, previously termed non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)), is a major complication of obesity that promotes fatty liver disease. MASH is characterized by progressive tissue fibrosis and sterile liver inflammation that can lead to liver cirrhosis, cancer, and death. The molecular mechanisms of fibrosis in MASH and its systemic control remain poorly understood. Here, we identified the secreted-type pro-fibrotic protein, procollagen C-endopeptidase enhancer-1 (PCPE-1), as a brown adipose tissue (BAT)-derived adipokine that promotes liver fibrosis in a murine obesity-induced MASH model. BAT-specific or systemic PCPE-1 depletion in mice ameliorated liver fibrosis, whereas, PCPE-1 gain of function in BAT enhanced hepatic fibrosis. High-calorie diet-induced ER stress increased PCPE-1 production in BAT through the activation of IRE-1/JNK/c-Fos/c-Jun signaling. Circulating PCPE-1 levels are increased in the plasma of MASH patients, suggesting a therapeutic possibility. In sum, our results uncover PCPE-1 as a novel systemic control factor of liver fibrosis.
CHC22 clathrin recruitment to the early secretory pathway requires two-site interaction with SNX5 and p115
Authors: Greig Joshua , Bates George T , Yin Daowen I , Briant Kit , Simonetti Boris , Cullen Peter J , Brodsky Frances M
Published: August 2024

The two clathrin isoforms, CHC17 and CHC22, mediate separate intracellular transport routes. CHC17 performs endocytosis and housekeeping membrane traffic in all cells. CHC22, expressed most highly in skeletal muscle, shuttles the glucose transporter GLUT4 from the ERGIC (endoplasmic-reticulum-to-Golgi intermediate compartment) directly to an intracellular GLUT4 storage compartment (GSC), from where GLUT4 can be mobilized to the plasma membrane by insulin. Here, molecular determinants distinguishing CHC22 from CHC17 trafficking are defined. We show that the C-terminal trimerization domain of CHC22 interacts with SNX5, which also binds the ERGIC tether p115. SNX5, and the functionally redundant SNX6, are required for CHC22 localization independently of their participation in the endosomal ESCPE-1 complex. In tandem, an isoform-specific patch in the CHC22 N-terminal domain separately mediates binding to p115. This dual mode of clathrin recruitment, involving interactions at both N- and C-termini of the heavy chain, is required for CHC22 targeting to ERGIC membranes to mediate the Golgi-bypass route for GLUT4 trafficking. Interference with either interaction inhibits GLUT4 targeting to the GSC, defining a bipartite mechanism regulating a key pathway in human glucose metabolism.
Histone demethylase KDM2A recruits HCFC1 and E2F1 to orchestrate male germ cell meiotic entry and progression
Authors: Feng Shenglei , Gui Yiqian , Yin Shi , Xiong Xinxin , Liu Kuan , Li Jinmei , Dong Juan , Ma Xixiang , Zhou Shunchang , Zhang Bingqian , Yang Shiyu , Wang Fengli , Wang Xiaoli , Jiang Xiaohua , Yuan Shuiqiao
Published: August 2024

In mammals, the transition from mitosis to meiosis facilitates the successful production of gametes. However, the regulatory mechanisms that control meiotic initiation remain unclear, particularly in the context of complex histone modifications. Herein, we show that KDM2A, acting as a lysine demethylase targeting H3K36me3 in male germ cells, plays an essential role in modulating meiotic entry and progression. Conditional deletion of Kdm2a in mouse pre-meiotic germ cells results in complete male sterility, with spermatogenesis ultimately arrested at the zygotene stage of meiosis. KDM2A deficiency disrupts H3K36me2/3 deposition in c-KIT+ germ cells, characterized by a reduction in H3K36me2 but a dramatic increase in H3K36me3. Furthermore, KDM2A recruits the transcription factor E2F1 and its co-factor HCFC1 to the promoters of key genes required for meiosis entry and progression, such as Stra8, Meiosin, Spo11, and Sycp1. Collectively, our study unveils an essential role for KDM2A in mediating H3K36me2/3 deposition and controlling the programmed gene expression necessary for the transition from mitosis to meiosis during spermatogenesis.
The unfolded protein response regulates ER exit sites via SNRPB-dependent RNA splicing and contributes to bone development
Authors: Zahoor Muhammad , Dong Yanchen , Preussner Marco , Reiterer Veronika , Shameen Alam Sabrina , Haun Margot , Horzum Utku , Frey Yannick , Hajdu Renata , Geley Stephan , Cormier-Daire Valerie , Heyd Florian , Jerome-Majewska Loydie A , Farhan Hesso
Published: August 2024

Splicing and endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-proteostasis are two key processes that ultimately regulate the functional proteins that are produced by a cell. However, the extent to which these processes interact remains poorly understood. Here, we identify SNRPB and other components of the Sm-ring, as targets of the unfolded protein response and novel regulators of export from the ER. Mechanistically, The Sm-ring regulates the splicing of components of the ER export machinery, including Sec16A, a component of ER exit sites. Loss of function of SNRPB is causally linked to cerebro-costo-mandibular syndrome (CCMS), a genetic disease characterized by bone defects. We show that heterozygous deletion of SNRPB in mice resulted in bone defects reminiscent of CCMS and that knockdown of SNRPB delays the trafficking of type-I collagen. Silencing SNRPB inhibited osteogenesis in vitro, which could be rescued by overexpression of Sec16A. This rescue indicates that the role of SNRPB in osteogenesis is linked to its effects on ER-export. Finally, we show that SNRPB is a target for the unfolded protein response, which supports a mechanistic link between the spliceosome and ER-proteostasis. Our work highlights components of the Sm-ring as a novel node in the proteostasis network, shedding light on CCMS pathophysiology.
Retinoic acid-induced protein 14 links mechanical forces to Hippo signaling
Authors: Jeong Wonyoung , Kwon Hyeryun , Park Sang Ki , Lee In-Seob , Jho Eek-hoon
Published: August 2024

Cells sense and respond to various mechanical forces from the extracellular matrix primarily by modulating the actin cytoskeleton. Mechanical forces can be translated into biochemical signals in a process called mechanotransduction. Yes-associated protein (YAP) is an effector of Hippo signaling and a mediator of mechanotransduction, but how mechanical forces regulate Hippo signaling is still an open question. We propose that retinoic acid-induced protein 14 (RAI14) responds to mechanical forces and regulates Hippo signaling. RAI14 positively regulates the activity of YAP. RAI14 interacts with NF2, a key component of the Hippo pathway, and the interaction occurs on filamentous actin. When mechanical forces are kept low in cells, NF2 dissociates from RAI14 and filamentous actin, resulting in increased interactions with LATS1 and activation of the Hippo pathway. Clinical data show that tissue stiffness and expression of RAI14 and YAP are upregulated in tumor tissues and that RAI14 is strongly associated with adverse outcome in patients with gastric cancer. Our data suggest that RAI14 links mechanotransduction with Hippo signaling and mediates Hippo-related biological functions such as cancer progression.
The promise of chiral electrocatalysis for efficient and sustainable energy conversion and storage: a comprehensive review of the CISS effect and future directions
Authors: Chae Kyunghee , Mohamad Nur Aqlili Riana Che , Kim Jeonghyeon , Won Dong-Il , Lin Zhiqun , Kim Jeongwon , Kim Dong Ha
Published: August 2024

The integration of chirality, specifically through the chirality-induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect, into electrocatalytic processes represents a pioneering approach for enhancing the efficiency of energy conversion and storage systems.
Visual monitoring of cisplatin-regulated caspase-3 activity in living cells based on a reduced graphene oxide-loaded fluorescent probe
Authors: Liu Qing , Zhou Hongyan , Zhang Wei , Zhao Chuan , Tao Xueqing , Tong Chunyi , Liu Bin
Published: August 2024

Cisplatin (DDP) is a potent chemotherapeutic drug, which can regulate tumor cell apoptosis by up-regulating caspase-3 activity.
Transient cucurbit[7]uril-mediated host–guest complexes for time-dependent fluorescence and information-self-erasing hydrogel
Authors: Wang Qian , Qi Zhen , Xu Hanren , Li Xianghao , Lei Yifan , Qu Da-Hui
Published: August 2024

A non-equilibrium supramolecular host–guest system is fabricated, showing transient assembly behavior, time-dependent fluorescence, and positive feedback regulation. A dynamic fluorescent hydrogel is further developed for information encryption.
Solvent-dependent reaction mechanisms in the electrooxidative coupling of phenols: insights by operando Raman spectroelectrochemistry
Authors: Krumbiegel Christian , Ly Hoang Khoa , Weidinger Inez M.
Published: August 2024

Electrochemical operando Raman spectroscopy is able to elucidate the reaction mechanism of the electrooxidative sesamol dimerization reaction.
An Fe2NiSe4/holey-graphene composite with superior rate capability enabled by in-plane holes for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Wu Zixin , Wang Xuejie , Hou Shenghua , Zhang Xilong , Nie Xinming , Yu Jiaguo , Liu Tao
Published: August 2024

An Fe2NiSe4/holey-graphene composite has been prepared by in situ growth and simultaneous perforation via a carbothermal reaction, exhibiting excellent rate capability.
Ultrafast mechanosynthesis of hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks with UV and NIR photoswitching of photochromic/photothermal behavior
Authors: Gao Yanfeng , Wang Zhe , Wang Tieqiang , Wu Junbiao , Wang Zhuopeng , Liang Zhiqiang , Li Jiyang
Published: August 2024

A facile and ultrafast mechanochemical synthesis of hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks |C10N2H10‖HC2O4|2 with UV and NIR bidirectional photoswitching of photochromic/photothermal behavior.
Low-temperature de-alloying and unique self-filling interface optimization mechanism of layered silicon for enhanced lithium storage
Authors: Ji Wanling , Li Minghuang , Nong Yutong , Luo Jie , Liang Xinglong , Wang Xiaowei , Ming Lei , Ou Xing , Zhang Jiafeng , Zhang Bao , Fu Xuwang , Dong Lei , Feng Jianmin , Liang Ji
Published: August 2024

The safe synthesis and unique self-filling interface optimization mechanism of high-purity layered silicon for lithium storage.
Quantum fundaments of catalysis: true electronic potential energy
Authors: Gracia Jose , Biz Chiara , Fianchini Mauro
Published: August 2024

Catalysis is a quantum phenomenon enthalpically driven by electronic correlations with many-particle effects in all of its branches, including electro-photo-catalysis and electron transfer.
Best practices of modeling complex materials in electrocatalysis, exemplified by oxygen evolution reaction on pentlandites
Authors: Sokolov Maksim , Doblhoff-Dier Katharina , Exner Kai S.
Published: August 2024

Estimating the catalytic activity of a complex material in the oxygen evolution reaction is associated with several pitfalls, which are summarized in the present work.
Rotational spectra of five cyano derivatives of fluorene
Authors: Cabezas Carlos , Janeiro Jesús , Steber Amanda L. , Pérez Dolores , Bermúdez Celina , Guitián Enrique , Lesarri Alberto , Cernicharo José
Published: August 2024

Fourier transform microwave spectra for the five cyano derivative isomers of the PAH fluorene have been observed in the 2–12 GHz frequency region.
Two-dimensional bilayer blue phosphorus Dirac-like material: a multi-orbital tight-binding investigation
Authors: Benhaij Amine , Mounkachi Omar
Published: August 2024

A theoretical examination of the band structure of AA (AB) stacked bilayer blue phosphorus within the fifth intralayer and second interlayer nearest-neighbor multi-orbital tight-binding approach.
Water–carbon disulfide dimers: observation of a new isomer and ab initio structure theory
Authors: Barclay A. J. , McKellar A. R. W. , Pietropolli Charmet A. , Moazzen-Ahmadi N.
Published: August 2024

We provide experimental and theoretical support for the second most stable isomer of CS2–water which has not been considered previously.
trans-Stilbene aggregates and crystallites in polystyrene films: microscopy and spectroscopy studies
Authors: Halimski Ivan , Karpicz Renata , Dementjev Andrej , Jankunec Marija , Chmeliov Jevgenij , Macernis Mindaugas , Abramavicius Darius , Valkunas Leonas
Published: August 2024

Aggregates and crystallites of trans-stilbene are formed spontaneously on the surface of a polystyrene film with smooth transition from a mono-molecular form to a monocrystal form when the concentration of stilbene is increased.
An anti-corrosive cellulose nanocrystal/carbon nanotube derived Zn anode interface for dendrite-free aqueous Zn-ion batteries
Authors: Wang Hai , Zhao Qin , Wang Yue , Lin Junliang , Li Weimin , Watanabe Shun , Wang Xiaobo
Published: August 2024

Schematic diagram of the preparation of a hydrophobic CNC/CNT interface.
Statistical accuracy of molecular dynamics-based methods for sampling conformational ensembles of disordered proteins
Authors: Bastida Adolfo , Zúñiga José , Fogolari Federico , Soler Miguel A.
Published: August 2024

The statistical characterization of conformational ensembles of intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) is a great challenge both from experimental and computational points of view.
Towards a science exocortex
Authors: Yager Kevin G.
Published: August 2024

We propose a science exocortex—a swarm of artificial intelligence (AI) agents coordinating with each other to accomplish tasks, thereby expanding a researcher's cognitive abilities.
Structure and size of complete hydration shells of metal ions and inorganic anions in aqueous solution
Authors: Persson Ingmar
Published: August 2024

The structure and size of hydrated metal ions and inorganic anions in aqueous solution are determined and discussed.
Molecularly engineered potential of d-orbital modulated iron-bridged delaminated MBene for rechargeable Zn–air batteries
Authors: Nam Seung Woong , Nguyen Thanh Hai , Tran Duy Thanh , Dinh Van An , Ta Thi Thuy Nga , Dong Chung-Li , Kim Nam Hoon , Lee Joong Hee
Published: August 2024

An air cathode with high catalytic activity and reversibility toward the OER and ORR is designed by the typical coordinations of iron phthalocyanine molecule crystals on delaminated MoAl1−xB MBene sheets.
A water-soluble binder in high-performance silicon-based anodes for lithium-ion batteries based on sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and waterborne polyurethane
Authors: Sun Xingshen , Lin Xiangyu , Wen Yong , Dong Fuhao , Guo Lizhen , Song Zhanqian , Yang Zitao , Liu He , Li Xuequan , Xu Xu , Wang Hongxiao
Published: August 2024

Silicon (Si) materials have attracted growing attention in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to their remarkably high theoretical capacity and abundance on Earth.
A smartphone-based immunochromatographic strip platform for on-site quantitative detection of antigenic targets
Authors: Zhang Enhui , Zeng Qing , Xu Yanwen , Lu Jinhui , Li Chengcheng , Xiao Ke , Li Xiaozhou , Li Jinfeng , Li Tingting , Li Chengyao , Zhang Ling
Published: August 2024

In this paper, a new type of self-prepared carbon sphere is proposed for immunochromatographic strip labeling and quantification using a smartphone.
Design and batch fabrication of anisotropic microparticles toward small-scale robots using microfluidics: recent advances
Authors: Yang Chaoyu , Liu Xurui , Song Xin , Zhang Li
Published: August 2024

This review covers recent advances in the microfluidic preparation of small-scale robots.
Amorphous Li2O–LiI–MoO3 solid electrolytes: mechanochemical synthesis and application to all-solid-state batteries
Authors: Fujita Yushi , Otono Tomoya , Asakura Taichi , Ding Jiong , Tsukasaki Hirofumi , Mori Shigeo , Motohashi Kota , Sakuda Atsushi , Hayashi Akitoshi
Published: August 2024

Amorphous-type Li2O–LiI–MoO3 solid electrolytes prepared using a mechanochemical method exhibit a high ionic conductivity of 10−5 S cm−1 at 25 °C, sufficient ductility to densify by pressing at room temperature, and stability to Li metals.
In silico investigation of the interaction between α-synuclein aggregates and organic supramolecular assemblies
Authors: Le Bras Laura , Dory Yves L. , Champagne Benoît
Published: August 2024

An α-synuclein aggregate with the PreNAC and NACore areas, responsible for the aggregation, highlighted.
Metal salts of fused triazole–triazine as promising energetic materials: crystal structures, energetic properties and high thermal stability
Authors: Liu Shichang , Dong Zhen , Ye Zhiwen
Published: August 2024

Novel metal salt energetic material with good energetic properties and high thermal stability.
Niobium oxide dispersed over PET waste activated carbon: an efficient catalyst for oxidation of the fungicide prothioconazole
Authors: Oliveira Cinthia C. , Gutierrez Leandro G. , Ferretti Cristian A. , Eid Janaina Guedes , Mota Estella G. da , Gastelois Pedro Lana , Souza Patterson P. , Oliveira Jhonatan Bispo , Oliveira Luiz C. A.
Published: August 2024

Highly porous activated carbon from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste acts as a catalyst support for niobium oxide nanoparticles. Nb2O5/activated carbon is an efficient catalyst for wastewater treatment.
Structure-based design to explore the anticancer efficacy of organometallic Pt(ii)- and Au(iii)-N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes
Authors: Das Pooja , Roy Sraddhya , Das Chaitali , Biswas Raju , Chaterjee Nabanita , Dinda Joydev
Published: August 2024

The promising anticancer activities of Pt(ii)- and Au(iii)-N-heterocyclic carbene complexes against triple negative MDA-MB-231 cell line are described.
A growth type pathway for improving the folding of BPTI
Authors: Wang Yingsong , Mandumula Shweta , Lees Watson J.
Published: August 2024

Efficient folding of a disulfide-containing protein, bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor, BPTI, can be achieved by rescuing protein kinetic traps via growth type pathways, instead of the traditional rearrangement type with glutathione disulfide, GSSG.
A novel albumin-binding macrocyclic Gd-HPDO3A complex bearing a deoxycholic acid residue: the role of the hydration state, water exchange and local dynamics in the observed relaxivity
Authors: Hasallari Ferdeze , Carrera Carla , Cavallari Eleonora , Gianolio Eliana , Aime Silvio
Published: August 2024

Improved efficiency of an HSA-binding Gd-complex: the role of the hydration state, water exchange and local dynamics in the observed relaxivity of a highly stable macrocyclic Gd-HPDO3A complex bearing a deoxycholic acid residue.
A review on covalent organic frameworks: exploration of their growing potential as porous materials in photocatalytic applications
Authors: Prakash Kamal , Deka Rakesh , Mobin Shaikh M.
Published: August 2024

This review explores advancements in COFs for photocatalytic applications, focusing on mechanisms enhancing COFs' synergy, identifying research gaps in design strategies and key factors, and suggesting new directions for future research.
Preparation of hydroxyapatite and its elimination of excess fluoride from aqueous solution
Authors: Zou Yiming , Wang Yaoting , Wang Junfu , Wang Song , Chen Li , Xi Yu , Xie Ruliang , Yang Jie , Xiao Xin
Published: August 2024

Excess fluoride in aqueous solutions can significantly affect dental and bone health.
Convenient two-step method constructed silicon-based microfluidic chip for fast CYP2C19 SNPs detection
Authors: Wang Haobo , Yan Chi , Tong Hua , Ye Xiaojun , Yuan Xiao , Liu Cui , Li Hongbo
Published: August 2024

Silicon-based qPCR chips are used for the rapid and efficient detection of SNPs with the same accuracy as commercial PCR instruments.
Synthesis and characterization of new electrospun medical scaffold-based modified cellulose nanofiber and bioactive natural propolis for potential wound dressing applications
Authors: El-Ghoul Yassine , Altuwayjiri Abdulmohsen S. , Alharbi Ghadah A.
Published: August 2024

Recently, the design of polymer nanofibers using the electrospinning process has attracted much interest.
A novel green and efficient heterogeneous acid catalyst for the one-pot synthesis of benzopyrazine-aminoimidazole hybrids with antiproliferative potential
Authors: Altharawi Ali , Alqahtani Safar M. , Aldakhil Taibah , Sharma Pawan , Kumar Abhishek , Ramadan Montather F.
Published: August 2024

The new MFe2O4@PDA@BuSO3H MNPs showed excellent activity in one-pot reactions, producing benzopyrazine hybrids with selective anti-proliferative efficacy and tubulin binding potential.
Phase separation in soft repulsive polymer mixtures: foundation and implication for chromatin organization
Authors: Iso Naoki , Norizoe Yuki , Sakaue Takahiro
Published: August 2024

Phase separation of a soft repulsive polymer mixture and its extension to copolymer mode toward implications for chromatin organization.
Inhibition of Norovirus GII.4 binding to HBGAs by Sargassum fusiforme polysaccharide
Authors: Sun Yiqiang , Liang Meina , Wu Mingjiang , Su Laijin
Published: August 2024

Norovirus (NoV) is the main pathogen that causes acute gastroenteritis and brings a heavy socio-economic burden worldwide. In this study, five polysaccharide fractions, labeled pSFP-1-5, were isolated and purified from Sargassum fusiforme (S. fusiforme). In vitro experiments demonstrated that pSFP-5 significantly prevented the binding of type A, B and H histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) to NoV GII.4 virus-like particles (NoV GII.4 VLPs). In addition, in vivo experiments revealed that pSFP-5 was effective in reducing the accumulation of NoV in oysters, indicating that pSFP-5 could reduce the risk of NoV infection from oyster consumption. The results of transmission electron microscopy showed that the appearance of NoV GII.4 VLPs changed after pSFP-5 treatment, indicating that pSFP-5 may achieve antiviral ability by altering the morphological structure of the viral particles so that they could not bind to HBGAs. The results of the present study indicate that pSFP-5 may be an effective anti-NoV substance and can be used as a potential anti-NoV drug component.
DCDroid: An APK Static Identification Method Based on Naïve Bayes Classifier and Dual‐Centrality Analysis
Authors: Han Lansheng , Chen Peng , Liao Wei
Published: August 2024

The static scanning identification of android application packages (APK) has been widely proven to be an effective and scalable method. However, the existing identification methods either collect feature values from known APKs for inefficient comparative analysis, or use expensive program syntax or semantic analysis methods to extract features. Therefore, this paper proposes an APK static identification method that is different from traditional graph analysis. We match application programming interface (API) call graph to a complex network, and use a dual‐centrality analysis method to calculate the importance of sensitive nodes in the API call graph, while integrating the global and relative influence of sensitive nodes. Our key insight is that the dual‐centrality analysis method can more accurately characterize the graph semantic information of Android malicious APKs. We created and named a method DCDroid and evaluated it on a dataset of 4,428 benign samples and 4,626 malicious samples. The experimental results show that compared to the four advanced methods Drebin, MaMaDroid, MalScan, and HomeDroid, DCDroid can identify Android malicious APKs with an accuracy of 97.5%, with an F1 value of 96.7% and is two times faster than HomeDroid, eight times faster than Drebin, and 17 times faster than MaMaDroid. We grabbed 10,000 APKs from the Google Play Market, DCDroid was able to find 68 malicious APKs, of which 67 were confirmed Android malicious APKs, with a good ability to identify market‐level malicious APKs.
Hyperspectral image restoration using noise gradient and dual priors under mixed noise conditions
Authors: Aetesam Hazique , Maji Suman Kumar , Prasath V. B. Surya
Published: August 2024

Images obtained from hyperspectral sensors provide information about the target area that extends beyond the visible portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. However, due to sensor limitations and imperfections during the image acquisition and transmission phases, noise is introduced into the acquired image, which can have a negative impact on downstream analyses such as classification, target tracking, and spectral unmixing. Noise in hyperspectral images (HSI) is modelled as a combination from several sources, including Gaussian/impulse noise, stripes, and deadlines. An HSI restoration method for such a mixed noise model is proposed. First, a joint optimisation framework is proposed for recovering hyperspectral data corrupted by mixed Gaussian‐impulse noise by estimating both the clean data as well as the sparse/impulse noise levels. Second, a hyper‐Laplacian prior is used along both the spatial and spectral dimensions to express sparsity in clean image gradients. Third, to model the sparse nature of impulse noise, an ℓ1 − norm over the impulse noise gradient is used. Because the proposed methodology employs two distinct priors, the authors refer to it as the hyperspectral dual prior (HySpDualP) denoiser. To the best of authors' knowledge, this joint optimisation framework is the first attempt in this direction. To handle the non‐smooth and non‐convex nature of the general ℓp − norm‐based regularisation term, a generalised shrinkage/thresholding (GST) solver is employed. Finally, an efficient split‐Bregman approach is used to solve the resulting optimisation problem. Experimental results on synthetic data and real HSI datacube obtained from hyperspectral sensors demonstrate that the authors’ proposed model outperforms state‐of‐the‐art methods, both visually and in terms of various image quality assessment metrics.
A non‐intrusive method for friction and windage losses estimation in induction motors
Authors: Geravandi Moslem , Moradi Hassan
Published: August 2024

In the in‐service induction motors (IMs), friction and windage losses (FWL) value should be determined non‐intrusively. Hence, in the in‐service IMs, instead of measuring FWL, empirical equations are used to estimate FWL value. A novel technique is proposed for estimating the FWL value in low‐voltage three‐phase IMs based on obtained data from applying the no‐load test on 425 simulated IMs in the MATLAB software. The simulated IMs are 380 V, 50 Hz, with different numbers of poles in the power range of 0.37–400 kW. The FWL value for simulated IMs is calculated based on the IEEE 112 standard and by applying the no‐load test. Then, based on the dispersion of the obtained data from the no‐load test and using non‐linear regression, according to the number of IM poles for each number of poles, a third‐degree equation for FWL estimation is fitted to the test data. The proposed method to estimate the FWL value only needs the nominal output power listed on the IM nameplate. Also, unlike existing empirical relationships, the proposed approach estimates the FWL value for IMs with high accuracy and non‐intrusively. The effectiveness of the suggested technique is confirmed by simulation and practical results.
An improved approach for the evaluation of the environmental impact of nano‐modified insulating oils in electrical transformers
Authors: Chronis Ioannis , Tang Chao , Psomopoulos Constantinos S.
Published: August 2024

Nano‐modified electrical insulating fluids are a promising new family of insulating oils with enhanced characteristics. They can significantly improve many properties, such as fire point, breakdown voltage, partial discharge inception voltage and thermal conductivity etc. However, nanoparticles have raised concerns about the possible harm to human health and the ecosystems, but the environmental impact of nano‐modified insulating oils is far more complicated than that. Following the recent research results on the stability of nano‐modified particles, the authors introduce environmental aspects that have not attracted attention so far, such as the possible loss of stability of the insulating oil, mechanical erosion problems in parts of the electrical transformer and problems in recycling processes that may turn waste nano‐modified insulating oils into an unwanted feed stock for recycling industries. An improved method for the environmental risk assessment (RA) of nano‐modified insulating oils, based on an existing model for the RA of nanoparticles, is proposed. The authors reflect the complicated nature of the nanoliquids, mainly due to the stability of the element, which seems to have a paramount role on their environmental impact and is neglected by the current approach in RA.
Towards assessing reliability of next‐generation Internet of Things dashboard for anxiety risk classification
Authors: Siddiqui Shama , Khan Anwar Ahmed , Abdesselam Farid Nait , Qasmi Shamsul Arfeen , Akhundzada Adnan , Dey Indrakshi
Published: August 2024

The ubiquitous Internet of Things (IoT) and sensing technologies provide an interesting opportunity of remote health monitoring and disease risk categorisation of populations. An end‐to‐end architecture is proposed to facilitate real‐time digital dashboards to visualise general anxiety risks of patients, especially during a pandemic, such as COVID‐19. To collect physiological data related to anxiety (heart rate, blood pressure, and saturation of peripheral oxygen [SPO2]) and communicate them to a centralised dashboard, dubbed ‘X‐DASH’, a hardware prototype of the proposed architecture was developed using Node‐MCU and diverse sensors. The dashboard presents a smart categorisation of users' data, assessing their anxiety risks, to provide medical professionals and state authorities a clear visualisation of health risks in populations belonging to different regions. We categorised the risk levels as Normal, Mild, Moderate, Elevated, Severe, and Extreme, based on the collected physiological data and pre‐defined threshold values. The developed hardware prototype in this work was used to collect data from about 500 patients present at cardiac clinic of a leading general hospital in Karachi (Pakistan) and the anxiety risk levels were assigned based on pre‐defined threshold values. To validate the reliability of the X‐DASH, the personal physician of each patient was consulted and was requested to identify each of their anxiety risk levels. It was found that the risk levels suggested by X‐DASH, (based on data of heart rate, blood pressure, and SPO2 were more than 90% accurate when compared with diagnoses of physicians. Subsequently, packet loss, delay and network overhead for the platform was compared when using MQTT, CoAP and Modbus. Although MQTT has shown higher delays, but it is still recommended due to having a higher reliability.
Dispersion and rotation measures from fast radio burst (FRB) host galaxies based on the TNG50 simulation
Authors: Kovacs Timea Orsolya , Mao Sui Ann , Basu Aritra , Ma Yik Ki , Pakmor Ruediger , Spitler Laura G. , Walker Charles R. H.
Published: August 2024

Context. Fast radio bursts (FRBs) are poised to become important cosmological tools in the near future, as the number of observed FRBs is increasing rapidly with multiple surveys underway. A large sample of FRBs will soon have available dispersion measures (DMs) and rotation measures (RMs), which can be used to study the cosmic baryon density and the intergalactic magnetic field. However, the observed DM and RM of FRBs consists of multiple contributions that must be quantified to estimate the DM and RM of the intergalactic medium (IGM).

Aims. In this paper, we estimate one such contribution to DM and RM, namely, of FRB host galaxies. We show how this contribution changes with redshift, galaxy type, and the stellar mass of the galaxies. We also investigate its dependence on galaxy inclination and on an FRB’s offset from the center of the galaxy.

Methods. Using the TNG50 simulation of the IllustrisTNG project, we selected 16 500 galaxies at redshifts of 0≤ ɀ ≤2, with stellar masses in the range of 9 ≤ log(M*/M⊙) ≤ 12. In each galaxy, we calculated the DM and RM contributions of 1000 sightlines; from these, we constructed the DM and RM probability density functions (PDFs).

Results. We find that the rest frame DM distributions of all galaxies at a given redshift can be fitted by a log normal function and its median and width increase as a function of redshift. The rest-frame RM distribution is symmetric, with a median RMhost,rf=0 rad m–2 and it can be fitted by a combination of a Lorentzian and two Gaussian functions. The redshift evolution of the distribution width can be fitted by a curved power law. The parameters of these functions change for different subsets of galaxies with different stellar mass, inclination, and FRB offset. These changes are due to an increasing ne with redshift, SFR, and stellar mass. We do find a more ordered B field at lower ɀ compared to higher ɀ, as suggested by the presence of more galaxies with B field reversals and B fields dominated by random B field at higher ɀ.

Conclusions. We estimated the FRB host DM and RM contributions, which can be used in the future to isolate the IGM contribution from the observed DM and RM of FRBs. We predict that to constrain a σRM,IGM of 2 rad m–2 to the 95% confidence level, we would need to observe 95 000 FRBs at ɀ = 0.5, but only 9 500 FRBs at ɀ = 2.
X-ray view of emission lines in optical spectra: Spectral analysis of the two low-mass X-ray binary systems Swift J1357.2–0933 and MAXI J1305–704
Authors: Anitra A. , Miceli C. , Di Salvo T. , Iaria R. , Degenaar N. , Miller J. M. , Barra F. , Leone W. , Burderi L.
Published: August 2024

We propose a novel approach for determining the orbital inclination of low-mass X-ray binary systems by modelling the Hα and Hβ line profiles emitted by the accretion disc, with a Newtonian (i.e. non-relativistic) version of DISKLINE. We applied the model to two sample sources, Swift J1357.2–0933 and MAXI J1305–704, which are both transient black hole systems, and analyse two observations that were collected during a quiescent state and one observation of an outburst. The line profile is well described by the DISKLINE model, although we had to add a Gaussian line to describe the deep inner core of the double-peaked profile, which the DISKLINE model was unable to reproduce. The Hβ emission lines in the spectrum of Swift 1357.2–0933 and the Hα emission lines in that of MAXI J1305–704 during the quiescent state are consistent with a scenario in which these lines originate from a disc ring between (9.6 − 57)×103 Rg and (1.94 − 20)×104 Rg, respectively. We estimate an inclination angle of 81 ± 5 degrees for Swift J1357.2−0933 and an angle of 73 ± 4 degrees for MAXI J1305−704. This is entirely consistent with the values reported in the literature. In agreement with the recent literature, our analysis of the outburst spectrum of MAXI J1305−704 revealed that the radius of the emission region deviates from expected values. It is larger than the orbital separation of the system. This outcome implies several potential scenarios, including line profile contamination, an alternative disc configuration that deviates from the Keplerian model, or even the possibility of a circumbinary disc. We caution that these results were derived from a simplistic model that may not fully describe the complicated physics of accretion discs. Despite these limitations, our results for the inclination angles are remarkably consistent with recent complementary studies, and the proposed description of the emitting region remains entirely plausible.
Exploring the nature of an ultraluminous X-ray source in NGC 628
Authors: Avdan H. , Avdan S.
Published: August 2024

Aims. In this work, we study the X-ray spectral and temporal properties of an ultraluminous X-ray source (ULX) in NGC 628 by using multi-epoch archival X-ray data. The physical parameters were estimated in each epoch in order to constrain the nature of the compact object in the system. Also, the optical counterpart candidates of the ULX were examined using the archival Hubble Space Telescope (HST)/Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) data.

Methods.XMM-Newton, Chandra, and Swift data were used to create the long-term light curve (which covers a period of 22 years) and perform the spectral analysis. Lomb-Scargle periodograms of the source were constructed to examine the short-term variability in each epoch. In order to search for an optical counterpart in the HST/WFC3 images, a relative astrometric correction was initially applied to the Chandra and HST/WFC3 images.

Results. The X-ray flux of the source changes by a factor of ∼200 throughout the observations. The previously detected quasi-periodic signal (in the range of 0.1−0.4 mHz) was confirmed by using the Lomb-Scargle method. After astrometric correction, two optical counterpart candidates were detected for the source. The obtained spectral energy distributions in the optical band for both candidates indicate that the optical emission is dominated by the irradiation of the accretion disc. Considering the best-fit model parameters of the multi-colour disc black-body model, we derived the mass of the black hole in the system as being in the range of (5−28) M⊙. Nonetheless, the long-term variability and the spectral transitions in the hardness–luminosity diagram make it difficult to rule out the neutron star scenario.
The DEHVILS in the details: Type Ia supernova Hubble residual comparisons and mass step analysis in the near-infrared
Authors: Peterson E. R. , Scolnic D. , Jones D. O. , Do A. , Popovic B. , Riess A. G. , Dwomoh A. , Johansson J. , Rubin D. , Sánchez B. O. , Shappee B. J. , Tonry J. L. , Tully R. B. , Vincenzi M.
Published: August 2024

Measurements of type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) in the near-infrared (NIR) have been used both as an alternate path to cosmology compared to optical measurements and as a method of constraining key systematics for the larger optical studies. With the DEHVILS sample, the largest published NIR sample with consistent NIR coverage of maximum light across three NIR bands (Y, J, and H), we check three key systematics: (i) the reduction in Hubble residual scatter as compared to the optical, (ii) the measurement of a “mass step” or lack thereof and its implications, and (iii) the ability to distinguish between various dust models by analyzing slopes and correlations between Hubble residuals in the NIR and optical. We produce SN Ia simulations of the DEHVILS sample and find that it is harder to differentiate between various dust models than previously understood. Additionally, we find that fitting with the current SALT3-NIR model does not yield accurate wavelength-dependent stretch-luminosity correlations, and we propose a limited solution for this problem. From the data, we see that (i) the standard deviation of Hubble residual values from NIR bands treated as standard candles are 0.007–0.042 mag smaller than those in the optical, (ii) the NIR mass step is not constrainable with the current sample size of 47 SNe Ia from DEHVILS, and (iii) Hubble residuals in the NIR and optical are correlated in the data. We test a few variations on the number and combinations of filters and data samples, and we observe that none of our findings or conclusions are significantly impacted by these modifications.