bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adsorption of Rose Bengal dye from waste water onto modified biomass
Authors: Hassan Mohammed G. , Wassel Magdy A. , Gomaa Hosni A. , Elfeky Ahmed S.
Published: September 2023

Herein, adsorption of Rose Bengal dye (RB) from aqueous solution was investigated. Nano raw orange peel (OP) activated carbon (AC) coated with nano chitosan (Cs) to obtain nano chitosan/activated carbon (AC/Cs) composite which cross-linked with functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs-COOH) to create a novel composite (AC/Cs/MWCNTs) with high surface area (1923 m2/g). The examined parameters such as concentration (1–7 ppm), pH (6.5–9.5) and temperature (295–323 K) were traversed. The maximum removal efficiency was at pH 6.5, increased from 70.4% for nano OP to 94.7% for AC/Cs/MWCNTs nano composite. Langmuir isotherm model was the best fitting to acquired data (R2 ≥ 0.99). Also, the adsorption of RB matched with pseudo-second order model, t0.5 results for pseudo-second order was 4.4672 for nano OP and 1.2813 for AC/Cs/MWCNTs at 303 K. Thermodynamic studies showed that the adsorption of RB dye is exothermic and spontaneous due to the negative value of ΔG and ΔH.
Hemoglobin and cytochrome c. reinterpreting the origins of oxygenation and oxidation in erythrocytes and in vivo cancer lung cells
Authors: Abramczyk Halina , Surmacki Jakub Maciej , Kopeć Monika , Jarczewska Karolina , Romanowska-Pietrasiak Beata
Published: September 2023

Maintaining life (respiration), cell death (apoptosis), oxygen transport and immunity are main biological functions of heme containing proteins. These functions are controlled by the axial ligands and the redox status of the iron ion (oscillations between Fe2+ and Fe3+) in the heme group. This paper aims to evaluate the current state of knowledge on oxidation and oxygenation effects in heme proteins. We determined the redox status of the iron ion in whole blood (without and with anticoagulant), hemoglobin in erythrocytes, in isolated cytochrome c and cytochrome c in mitochondria of the human lung cancer cells using UV–VIS electronic absorption spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and Raman imaging. Here we discussed the mechanism responsible for the Q electronic absorption band spectral behavior, i.e., its splitting, and its change in extinction coefficient, as well as vibrational modifications upon oxygenation and oxidation. We compared the redox status of heme in hemoglobin of human erythrocytes and cytochrome c in mitochondria of human lung cancer cells. Presented results allow simultaneous identification of oxy- and deoxy-Hb, where 1547 and 1604 cm−1 vibrations correspond to deoxygenated hemoglobin, while 1585 and 1638 cm−1 correspond to oxyhemoglobin, respectively. Our results extend knowledge of oxidation and oxygenation effects in heme proteins. We demonstrated experimentally the mechanism of electronic-vibrational coupling for the Q band splitting. Presented results extend knowledge on oxidation and oxygenation effects in heme proteins and provide evidence that both processes are strongly coupled. We showed that retinoic acid affects the redox state of heme in cytochrome c in mitochondria. The change of the redox status of cytochrome c in mitochondria from the oxidized form to the reduced form has very serious consequences in dysfunction of mitochondria resulting in inhibition of respiration, apoptosis and cytokine induction.
Microbial signature of plaque and gut in acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Pisano Eugenia , Bugli Francesca , Severino Anna , Pedicino Daniela , Paroni Sterbini Francesco , Martini Cecilia , De Maio Flavio , Vinci Ramona , Sacconi Andrea , Canonico Francesco , D’Aiello Alessia , Bonanni Alice , Proto Luca , Ciampi Pellegrino , Ponzo Myriana , Grimaldi Maria Chiara , Urbani Andrea , Primiano Aniello , Gervasoni Jacopo , Montone Rocco , Crea Filippo , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Liuzzo Giovanna
Published: September 2023

Gut microbiota is an emerging editable cardiovascular risk factor. We aim to investigate gut and coronary plaque microbiota, using fecal samples and angioplasty balloons from patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) and control subjects. We examined bacterial communities in gut and coronary plaques by 16S rRNA sequencing and we performed droplet digital PCR analysis to investigate the gut relative abundance of the bacterial genes CutC/CntA involved in trimethylamine N-oxide synthesis. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) at the genus and species levels displayed gut enrichment in Streptococcus, Granulicatella and P. distasonis in ACS compared with CCS and controls; Roseburia, C. aerofaciens and F. prausnitzii were more abundant in controls than in patients. Principal component analysis (PCA) of 41 differentially abundant gut taxa showed a clustering of the three groups. In coronary plaque, LEfSe at the genus level revealed an enrichment of Staphylococcus and Streptococcus in ACS, and Paracoccus in CCS, whereas PCA of 15 differentially abundant plaque taxa exhibited clustering of ACS and CCS patients. CutC and CntA genes were more abundant in ACS and CCS than in controls while no significant difference emerged between ACS and CCS. Our results indicate that ACS and CCS exhibit a different gut and plaque microbial signature, suggesting a possible role of these microbiotas in coronary plaque instability.
Examining the effects of pre-competition rapid weight loss on hydration status and competition performance in elite judo athletes
Authors: Bialowas Dawid , Laskowski Radoslaw , Franchini Emerson , Kujach Sylwester
Published: September 2023

The prevalence of rapid weight loss (RWL) among martial arts athletes including judo is very high. Many applied RWL strategies could be dangerous to health and even lead to death. Therefore, the International Judo Federation (IJF) introduced changes in the weigh-in rules, changing the official weigh-in for the day before the competition. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the impact of the new IJF rules on hydration status and weight loss strategies among professional judo athletes. Seventeen elite judo athletes participated in the study. Body mass and hydration status, were analyzed before the competition. Moreover, competition result and practice of RWL survey were collected. All subjects reached their weight category limits for the competition. RWL resulted in body mass changes (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.79) and dehydration among participants (urine osmolality > 700 [mOsmol*kg]−1 and urine specific gravity > 1.020 [g*cm3]−1). However, urine osmolality (p > 0.05, ηp2 = 0.18), as well as urine specific gravity (p > 0.05, ηp2 = 0.16), at subsequent time points of measurement revealed no statistical differences. The prevalence of RWL was 100%, and only 17.6% of the athletes declared that they would compete in a different weight category if the competition would be conducted on the same day of the weigh-in. All judo athletes applied RWL procedures using traditional methods to achieve the required body mass (i.e., increased exercise, reduced fluid, and food intake). Dehydration state was not associated with competitive performance (p > 0.05).
Demographics and treatment of patients with primary nephrotic syndrome in Japan using a national registry of clinical personal records
Authors: Nakagawa Naoki , Kimura Tomonori , Sakate Ryuichi , Wada Takehiko , Furuichi Kengo , Okada Hirokazu , Isaka Yoshitaka , Narita Ichiei
Published: September 2023

The nationwide clinical features of Japanese patients with primary nephrotic syndrome (NS), including minimal change disease (MCD), focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), or membranous nephropathy (MN), have not yet been reported. We collected the clinical personal records of patients with primary NS between 2015 and 2018 from the national registry organized by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare. Overall, the demographics, chronic kidney disease classification based on glomerular filtration rate and albuminuria, and treatment of 6036 patients were collected: 3394 (56.2%) with MCD, 677 (11.2%) with FSGS, 1455 (24.1%) with MN, and 510 (8.5%) with others. MN patients were older than MCD and FSGS patients (67 vs. 42 and 47 years, respectively). Steroid-dependent NS or frequently relapsing NS was found in 70.2%, 40.5%, and 24.6%, whereas steroid-resistant NS was found in 6.4%, 36.0%, and 37.9% of patients in the MCD, FSGS, and MN, respectively. The present oral prednisolone use (mean dose, mg/day) was 87.2% (21.2), 80.9% (20.0), and 77.5% (18.8) of patients in the MCD, FSGS, and MN, respectively. The national registry of clinical personal records of primary NS could provide an informative insight into the characteristics, clinical features, and treatment approaches for patients with primary NS in Japan.
The lead time and geographical variations of Baidu Search Index in the early warning of COVID-19
Authors: Ruan Yuhua , Huang Tengda , Zhou Wanwan , Zhu Jinhui , Liang Qiuyu , Zhong Lixian , Tang Xiaofen , Liu Lu , Chen Shiwen , Xie Yihong
Published: September 2023

Internet search data was a useful tool in the pre-warning of COVID-19. However, the lead time and indicators may change over time and space with the new variants appear and massive nucleic acid testing. Since Omicron appeared in late 2021, we collected the daily number of cases and Baidu Search Index (BSI) of seven search terms from 1 January to 30 April, 2022 in 12 provinces/prefectures to explore the variation in China. Two search peaks of “COVID-19 epidemic”, “Novel Coronavirus” and “COVID-19” can be observed. One in January, which showed 3 days lead time in Henan and Tianjin. Another on early March, which occurred 0–28 days ahead of the local epidemic but the lead time had spatial variation. It was 4 weeks in Shanghai, 2 weeks in Henan and 5–8 days in Jilin Province, Jilin and Changchun Prefecture. But it was only 1–3 days in Tianjin, Quanzhou Prefecture, Fujian Province and 0 day in Shenzhen, Shandong Province, Qingdao and Yanbian Prefecture. The BSI was high correlated (rs:0.70–0.93) to the number of cases with consistent epidemiological change trend. The lead time of BSI had spatial and temporal variation and was close related to the strength of nucleic acid testing. The case detection ability should be strengthened when perceiving BSI increase.
Evidence of intensification of pyrethroid resistance in the major malaria vectors in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Nguiffo-Nguete Daniel , Mugenzi Leon M. J. , Manzambi Emile Zola , Tchouakui Magellan , Wondji Murielle , Tekoh Theofelix , Watsenga Francis , Agossa Fiacre , Wondji Charles S.
Published: September 2023

Assessing patterns and evolution of insecticide resistance in malaria vectors is a prerequisite to design suitable control strategies. Here, we characterised resistance profile inAnopheles gambiaeandAnopheles funestusin Kinshasa and assess the level of aggravation by comparing to previous 2015 estimates. Bothspeciescollected in July 2021 were highly resistant to pyrethroids at 1×, 5× and 10× concentrations (mortality < 90%) and remain fully susceptible to bendiocarb and pirimiphos methyl. Compared to 2015, Partial recovery of susceptibility was observed inA. gambiaeafter PBO synergist assays for both permethrin and α-cypermethrin and total recovery of susceptibility was observed for deltamethrin in 2021. In addition, the efficacy of most bednets decreased significantly in 2021. Genotyping of resistance markers revealed a near fixation of the L1014-Kdrmutation (98.3%) inA. gambiaein 2021. The frequency of the 119F-GSTe2 resistant significantly increased between 2015 and 2021 (19.6% vs 33.3%;P = 0.02) inA. funestus. Transcriptomic analysis also revealed a significant increased expression (P < 0.001) of key cytochrome P450s inA. funestusnotablyCYP6P9a. The escalation of pyrethroid resistance observed inAnophelespopulations from Kinshasa coupled with increased frequency/expression level of resistance genes highlights an urgent need to implement tools to improve malaria vector control.
Scaling Palaeolithic tar production processes exponentially increases behavioural complexity
Authors: Kozowyk Paul R. B. , Fajardo Sebastian , Langejans Geeske H. J.
Published: September 2023

Technological processes, reconstructed from the archaeological record, are used to study the evolution of behaviour and cognition of Neanderthals and early modern humans. In comparisons, technologies that are more complex infer more complex behaviour and cognition. The manufacture of birch bark tar adhesives is regarded as particularly telling and often features in debates about Neanderthal cognition. One method of tar production, the ‘condensation technique’, demonstrates a pathway for Neanderthals to have discovered birch bark tar. However, to improve on the relatively low yield, and to turn tar into a perennial innovation, this method likely needed to be scaled up. Yet, it is currently unknown how scaling Palaeolithic technological processes influences their complexity. We used Petri net models and the Extended Cyclomatic Metric to measure system complexity of birch tar production with a single and three concurrent condensation assemblies. Our results show that changing the number of concurrent tar production assemblies substantially increases the measured complexity. This has potential implications on the behavioural and cognitive capacities required by Neanderthals, such as an increase in cooperation or inhibition control.
A facile route for concurrent fabrication and surface selective functionalization of cellulose nanofibers by lactic acid mediated catalysis
Authors: Rafi Abdolrahim A. , Alimohammadzadeh Rana , Avella Angelica , Mõistlik Tanel , Jűrisoo Martin , Kaaver Andreas , Tai Cheuk-Wai , Lo Re Giada , Cordova Armando
Published: September 2023

Celulose nanofibers are lightweight, recycable, biodegradable, and renewable. Hence, there is a great interest of using them instead of fossil-based components in new materials and biocomposites. In this study, we disclose an environmentally benign (green) one-step reaction approach to fabricate lactic acid ester functionalized cellulose nanofibrils from wood-derived pulp fibers in high yields. This was accomplished by converting wood-derived pulp fibers to nanofibrillated “cellulose lactate” under mild conditions using lactic acid as both the reaction media and catalyst. Thus, in parallel to the cellulose nanofibril production, concurrent lactic acid-catalyzed esterification of lactic acid to the cellulose nanofibers surface occured. The direct lactic acid esterification, which is a surface selective functionalization and reversible (de-attaching the ester groups by cleavage of the ester bonds), of the cellulose nanofibrils was confirmed by low numbers of degree of substitution, and FT-IR analyses. Thus, autocatalytic esterification and cellulose hydrolysis occurred without the need of metal based or a harsh mineral acid catalysts, which has disadvantages such as acid corrosiveness and high recovery cost of acid. Moreover, adding a mineral acid as a co-catalyst significantly decreased the yield of the nanocellulose. The lactic acid media is successfully recycled in multiple reaction cycles producing the corresponding nanocellulose fibers in high yields. The disclosed green cellulose nanofibril production route is industrial relevant and gives direct access to nanocellulose for use in variety of applications such as sustainable filaments, composites, packaging and strengthening of recycled fibers.
Development and comparative analysis of initiation ability in large-scale Heuchera propagation using tissue culture versus cuttings
Authors: Xu Chan , Guo Hang , Wang Zhijing , Chen Yuan
Published: September 2023

The Heuchera genus, a member of the Saxifragaceae family, encompasses a wide array of varieties and hybrids, serving both traditional medicinal and ornamental purposes. However, a significant knowledge gap persists in achieving efficient mass propagation of diverse Heuchera cultivars creating a substantial market void. To address this, our study focuses on expedited seedling regeneration by investigating leaf cutting and tissue culture techniques to offer novel insights to cultivators. Herein, we successfully rooted thirteen distinct cultivars from the Heuchera and Heucherella (Heuchera × Tiarella) genera through cutting. Moreover, in vitro culture experiments led to the successful induction of calli and shoots from petiole samples. Notably, variations in measured parameters were observed across cultivars in both cutting and tissue culture methodologies. When petiole explants were exposed to cytokinin 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) at concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/L along with auxin α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) at 0.5 mg/L, shoots were produced either directly or indirectly during the primary culture. Exposure to darkness and the application of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) did not promote shoot formation but were beneficial for callus stimulation. Interestingly, a negative correlation was observed between the ease of initiating cutting recovery and inducting tissue culture regeneration, suggesting that cultivars that easily regenerate through cutting might encounter difficulties during induction by tissue culture. In light of these findings, we devised a streamlined and effective protocol for rapid Heuchera propagation. This protocol involves micropropagation, directly acquiring adventitious shoots from primary cultures supplemented by cutting-based propagation methods.
Development of two mouse strains conditionally expressing bright luciferases with distinct emission spectra as new tools for in vivo imaging
Authors: Nakashiba Toshiaki , Ogoh Katsunori , Iwano Satoshi , Sugiyama Takashi , Mizuno-Iijima Saori , Nakashima Kenichi , Mizuno Seiya , Sugiyama Fumihiro , Yoshiki Atsushi , Miyawaki Atsushi , Abe Kuniya
Published: September 2023

In vivo bioluminescence imaging (BLI) has been an invaluable noninvasive method to visualize molecular and cellular behaviors in laboratory animals. Bioluminescent reporter mice harboring luciferases for general use have been limited to a classical luciferase, Luc2, from Photinus pyralis, and have been extremely powerful for various in vivo studies. However, applicability of reporter mice for in vivo BLI could be further accelerated by increasing light intensity through the use of other luciferases and/or by improving the biodistribution of their substrates in the animal body. Here we created two Cre-dependent reporter mice incorporating luciferases oFluc derived from Pyrocoeli matsumurai and Akaluc, both of which had been reported previously to be brighter than Luc2 when using appropriate substrates; we then tested their bioluminescence in neural tissues and other organs in living mice. When expressed throughout the body, both luciferases emitted an intense yellow (oFluc) or far-red (Akaluc) light easily visible to the naked eye. oFluc and Akaluc were similarly bright in the pancreas for in vivo BLI; however, Akaluc was superior to oFluc for brain imaging, because its substrate, AkaLumine-HCl, was distributed to the brain more efficiently than the oFluc substrate, d-luciferin. We also demonstrated that the lights produced by oFluc and Akaluc were sufficiently spectrally distinct from each other for dual-color imaging in a single living mouse. Taken together, these novel bioluminescent reporter mice are an ideal source of cells with bright bioluminescence and may facilitate in vivo BLI of various tissues/organs for preclinical and biomedical research in combination with a wide variety of Cre-driver mice.
MC1R signaling through the cAMP-CREB/ATF-1 and ERK-NFκB pathways accelerates G1/S transition promoting breast cancer progression
Authors: Chelakkot Vipin Shankar , Thomas Kiara , Romigh Todd , Fong Andrew , Li Lin , Ronen Shira , Chen Shuyang , Funchain Pauline , Ni Ying , Arbesman Joshua
Published: September 2023

MC1R, a G-protein coupled receptor, triggers ultraviolet light-induced melanin synthesis and DNA repair in melanocytes and is implicated in the pathogenesis of melanoma. Although widely expressed in different tissue types, its function in non-cutaneous tissue is relatively unknown. Herein, we demonstrate that disruptive MC1R variants associated with melanomagenesis are less frequently found in patients with several cancers. Further exploration revealed that breast cancer tissue shows a significantly higher MC1R expression than normal breast tissue, and knocking down MC1R significantly reduced cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, MC1R signaling through the MC1R-cAMP-CREB/ATF-1 and MC1R-ERK-NFκB axes accelerated the G1-S transition in breast cancer cells. Our results revealed a new association between MC1R and breast cancer, which could be potentially targeted therapeutically. Moreover, our results suggest that MC1R-enhancing/activating therapies should be used cautiously, as they might be pro-tumorigenic in certain contexts.
Quality control for a traditional Chinese medicine, Millettia speciosa Champ, using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography fingerprint, serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology
Authors: Nong Yunyuan , Zhang Chi , Guo Yue , Qin Yuelian , Zhong Xinyu , Feng Linlin , Pan Ziping , Deng Lijun , Guo Hongwei , Su Zhiheng
Published: September 2023

Quality control for traditional Chinese medicine, Millettia Speciosa Champ, using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography fingerprint, serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology.
Construction of a ruthenium-doped CoFe-layered double hydroxide as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for overall water splitting
Authors: Ning Wenxin , Wang Rui , Li Xiaoxia , Wang Ming Hua , Xu Hao Guan , Lin Hao Yang , Fu Xiao Peng , Wang Mengmin , Liu Peng Fei , Yang Hua Gui
Published: September 2023

Ru-doped CoFe-based layered double hydroxides in situ grown on Ni foam were fabricated by an etching-precipitation strategy, boosting bifunctional water splitting efficiently.
Optimized full CO2 photoreduction process by defective spinel atomic layers
Authors: Wu Yang , He Dongpo , Li Lei , Wang Zhiqiang , Yan Wensheng , Zhu Junfa , Pan Yang , Chen Qingxia , Jiao Xingchen , Xie Yi
Published: September 2023

The introduction of defects on photocatalysts helps to expand the photoabsorption, accelerate the carrier separation, and enhance the CO2 adsorption and protonation process, thus obtaining boosted CO2 photoreduction performance.
UVB upconversion of LiYO2:Ho3+,Gd3+ for application in luminescence thermometry
Authors: Zhao Shanshan , Li Benchun , Shen Tiantian , Fang Fang , Zhuang Songlin , Zhang Dawei , Yu Dechao
Published: September 2023

Upon blue ∼445 nm excitation, two-photon absorption upconversion occurs in Ho3+/Gd3+ co-doping for UVB emission. The UVB-emitting levels of Gd3+ 6Pj are sensitive to temperature, and can work as fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) thermometry.
KMB4O6F3 (M = Co, Fe): two-dimensional magnetic fluorooxoborates with triangular lattices directed by triangular BO3 units
Authors: Wang Yanhong , Li Shuang , Dou Yaling , Li Hui , Lu Hongcheng
Published: September 2023

Using triangular BO3 unit, we have firstly synthesized two novel magnetic triangular systems KMB4O6F3 (M = Co 1, Fe 2) with no LRO down to 2 K. This work provides a promising method to synthesize specific magnetic lattices using triangular groups.
Influence of sensor composition on nanoparticle and protein interaction with supported lipid bilayers
Authors: Reardon-Lochbaum Christian A. , Senanayake Ravithree D. , Amaro Marquez Rocio , Trinh Kha , Hoang Khoi Nguyen L. , Rangel Guillen Tobias , Murphy Catherine J. , Hamers Robert J. , Pedersen Joel A. , Hernandez Rigoberto
Published: September 2023

Differences between protein adsorption to bilayers built on SiO2 or Au solid supports suggests that their behavior is affected by underlying substrate material and not just the proximal bilayer.
Modern materials provoke ancient behavior: bacterial resistance to metal nanomaterials
Authors: Mitchell Stephanie L. , Hudson-Smith Natalie V. , Sharan Deepti , Haynes Christy L. , Carlson Erin E.
Published: September 2023

Engineered nanomaterials are increasingly being used in a range of applications; it is important to characterize bacterial response to these novel materials.
Selective dye sorption and metal ion sensing behaviours of a new Cd-based MOF
Authors: Manna Priyanka , Hasija Avantika , Chopra Deepak , Mahata Partha
Published: September 2023

A Cd(ii)-based MOF shows selective and efficient sorption of remazol brilliant blue R (RBBR) dye and photoluminescence based sensing behaviors towards Fe3+, Cr3+ and Al3+ ions in aqueous medium with LOD values 75, 257 and 107 ppb, respectively.
Native extracellular matrix probes to target patient- and tissue-specific cell–microenvironment interactions by force spectroscopy
Authors: Holuigue H. , Nacci L. , Di Chiaro P. , Chighizola M. , Locatelli I. , Schulte C. , Alfano M. , Diaferia G. R. , Podestà A.
Published: September 2023

Native extracellular matrix probes for Atomic Force Microscopy can be successfully used for the quantitative investigation of the cellular mechanosensing of the microenvironment.
Kinetics and mechanism effects of 2D carbon supports in hydrogen spillover composites
Authors: Han Lu , Song Pengfei , Zhang Rui , Zhu Liuyan , Wang Lijiang , Shen Xingxing , Shen Sibo
Published: September 2023

High-energy ball milling can produce stable Co1−xS/2D carbon composites with abundant hydrogen storage sites. 2D carbon supports have different structural and kinetic effects on hydrogen spillover behavior during electrochemical hydrogen storage.
An amorphous Ni–Fe catalyst for electrocatalytic dehydrogenation of alcohols to value-added chemicals
Authors: Zhao Mingzhu , Guo Chengying , Liu Chengqing , Gao Lingfeng , Ren Xiang , Yang Hua , Kuang Xuan , Sun Xu , Wei Qin
Published: September 2023

Hollow NiFeO(OH) nanospheres were adopted as an anode catalyst to oxidize Boc piperidine methanol to Boc piperidine carboxyaldehyde through an electrocatalytic reaction, which realized the green production of value-added chemicals at the anode.
Cascade synthesis of architecture-transformable thermo-labile multisite multiblock copolymers
Authors: Lian Lu , Hu Jiaman , Lin Yong , Zhao Youliang
Published: September 2023

Multisite multiblock copolymers with variable block number and connection mode obtained by one-shot cascade synthesis can be adopted to generate novel single-chain folding and graft polymers.
Covalent adaptive networks with repairable, reprocessable, reconfigurable, recyclable, and re-adhesive (5R) performance via dynamic isocyanate chemistry
Authors: Lai Jialiang , Xing Xijin , Feng Huanzhi , Wang Zhanhua , Xia Hesheng
Published: September 2023

Recent developments and challenges in covalent adaptive networks with repairable, reprocessable, reconfigurable, recyclable, and re-adhesive (5R) performance via dynamic isocyanate chemistry are summarized in this review article.
Pressure-driven structural and electronic transitions in a quasimolecular layered compound of antimony triiodide
Authors: Hong Meiling , Dai Lidong , Hu Haiying , Zhang Xinyu , Li Chuang , Feng Xiaolei , Yu Shidong , Zhang Limin , Mi Zhongying , Aswathappa Sivakumar
Published: September 2023

High-pressure structural and electronic transitions of SbI3 under different hydrostatic environments were investigated using synchrotron X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, electrical conductivity and first-principles theoretical calculations.
Group 14 metallole dianions as η5-coordinating ligands
Authors: Sun Xiaofei , Roesky Peter W.
Published: September 2023

The coordination chemistry of group 14 metallole dianions, compared to monoanionic cyclopentadienides, is underexplored. This perspective reviews η5-coordination in group 14 metallole dianions, revealing their potential in organometallic chemistry.
Nickel-catalyzed selective C1–C8 bond cleavage of benzocyclobutenones: theoretical insights into mechanism, substituent effects on regioselectivity, ligand effects on reactivity, and chemoselectivity
Authors: Zhang Mumin , Yang Jiangping , Rong Wei , Li Juan
Published: September 2023

DFT calculations were performed to explore the mechanisms, the origins of substrate-controlled regioselectivity, ligand effects on reactivity, and chemoselectivity in the Ni(0)-catalyzed C1–C8 bond cleavage of benzocyclobutenones.
Defect- and oxygen-rich nanocarbon derived from solution plasma for bifunctional catalytic activity of oxygen reduction and evolution reactions
Authors: Kim Hye-min , Cha Byung-chul , Kim Dae-wook
Published: September 2023

The embedded and functionalized oxygen with defects nano carbon structure ensured sufficient catalytic activity for the ORR and OER.
Analysis of propoxylation with zinc–cobalt double metal cyanide catalysts with different active surfaces and particle sizes
Authors: Stahl Sarah-Franziska , Luinstra Gerrit A.
Published: September 2023

Propoxylation with DMCs involves external attack of ROH on a coordinated PO; the distance between the DMC particles determines the mass distribution.
Insights into the synthesis of NHC-stabilized Au nanoclusters through real-time reaction monitoring
Authors: Liu Junliang , Sato Yusuke , Kulkarni Viveka K. , Sullivan Angus I. , Zhang Wenyu , Crudden Cathleen M. , Hein Jason E.
Published: September 2023

HPLC-MS monitoring provides insights into the synthesis of uniquely stable NHC-protected gold nanoclusters with applications in catalysis, bioimaging and optoelectronics.
Disilane-bridged architectures: an emerging class of molecular materials
Authors: Zhou Zhikuan , Gai Lizhi , Xu Li-Wen , Guo Zijian , Lu Hua
Published: September 2023

We present and discuss the structures, properties, and applications of novel σ–π-conjugated hybrid architectures with saturated Si–Si σ bonds in this review.
Double-bond delocalization in non-alternant hydrocarbons induces inverted singlet–triplet gaps
Authors: Garner Marc H. , Blaskovits J. Terence , Corminboeuf Clémence
Published: September 2023

Molecules where the first excited singlet state is lower in energy than the first excited triplet state have been discovered which have the potential to revolutionize OLEDs.
Control of electronic polarization via charge ordering and electron transfer: electronic ferroelectrics and electronic pyroelectrics
Authors: Su Sheng-Qun , Wu Shu-Qi , Kanegawa Shinji , Yamamoto Kaoru , Sato Osamu
Published: September 2023

Advances in molecular electronic ferroelectrics are summarized. In addition, electronic pyroelectrics using electron transfer is introduced as a promising alternative in the development of polarization switching materials.
NMR exchange dynamics studies of metal-capped cyclodextrins reveal multiple populations of host–guest complexes in solution
Authors: Goren Elad , Iron Mark A. , Diskin-Posner Yael , Falkovich Alla , Avram Liat , Bar-Shir Amnon
Published: September 2023

Utilizing lanthanide-modified cyclodextrins and implementing the 19F-paraGEST method, up to three different co-existing populations of Ln-β-CD-guest complexes were experimentally identified, despite having similar thermodynamic and kinetic properties.
Acid–base responsive multifunctional poly(formyl sulfide)s through a facile catalyst-free click polymerization of aldehyde-activated internal diynes and dithiols
Authors: Li Baixue , Wang Xue , Huang Die , Li Mingzhao , Qin Anjun , Qin Yusheng , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: September 2023

A facile catalyst-free click polymerization of aldehyde-activated internal diynes and dithiols was established, affording multifunctional polysulfides and derivant with unique acid–base response for promising applications in diverse areas.
Selective placement of modifiers on hematite thin films for solar water splitting
Authors: Pires Fabio A. , dos Santos Gabriel T. , Bettini Jefferson , Costa Carlos A. R. , Gonçalves Renato V. , Castro Ricardo H. R. , Souza Flavio L.
Published: September 2023

A dual-modification strategy enabling the design of hematite with synergistic bulk and interfacial engineering for improved performance as photoanode.
Active nematic liquid crystals simulated by particle-based mesoscopic methods
Authors: Macías-Durán Jesús , Duarte-Alaniz Víctor , Híjar Humberto
Published: September 2023

Multi-particle collision dynamics simulations based on mean-field interactions, conservation laws, and nematohydrodynamics are extended to active nematic liquid crystals to produce consistent dynamic topological structures and fields of orientation and flow.
Bioinspired simultaneous regulation in fluorescence of AIEgen-embedded hydrogels
Authors: Zhang Li-Li , Zhao Yu , Li Ke-Xin , Yu Sheng-Sheng , Dong Rui-Zhi , Ma Shuan-Hong , Liu Hui , Xing Ling-Bao , Zhou Feng
Published: September 2023

A stimulus-responsive hydrogel embedded with an aggregation-induced emission (AIE) monomer is prepared, in which the fluorescence brightness and intensity can be tuned by different cationic surfactants.
Room-temperature processed TiO2 to construct composite electron transport layers for efficient planar perovskite solar cells
Authors: Wang Jiaduo , Dong Zhuo , Wang Jiajun , Zhang Junwei , Zhai Zeyu , Qiu Fazheng , Wu Jinpeng , Lin Yuan , Zhang Jingbo
Published: September 2023

High-quality amorphous TiO2 films were prepared using vacuum ultraviolet light at room temperature and combined with SnO2 to form a composite ETL. The composite ETL-based PSC device achieved a champion PCE of 24.59% and showed improved stability.
A spiropyran-decorated nanocoating for dynamically regulating bacteria/cell adhesion and detachment
Authors: Li Jie , Ma Zhuang , Li Anran , Huang Siyuan , Zhang Yufei , Xue Yun , Song Xianhui , Zhang Ye , Hong Shihao , Wang Mo , Wu Zhongming , Zhang Xinge
Published: September 2023

A facile self-assembled biomaterial nanocoating constructed using acidity- and photoregulated spiropyran-modified nanoparticles was developed for reversibly regulating bacteria or mammalian cell adhesion-and-detachment.
Perovskite material-based memristors for applications in information processing and artificial intelligence
Authors: Liu Mingnan , Cao Zelin , Wang Xufei , Mao Shuangsuo , Qin Jiajia , Yang Yusheng , Rao Zhaowei , Zhao Yong , Sun Bai
Published: September 2023

This paper systematically reviews the preparation technologies, research progress, and typical applications of perovskite material-based memristors.
Dynamic directed graph convolution network based ultra‐short‐term forecasting method of distributed photovoltaic power to enhance the resilience and flexibility of distribution network
Authors: Wang Yuqing , Fu Wenjie , Zhang Xudong , Zhen Zhao , Wang Fei
Published: September 2023

Accurately forecasting regional distributed photovoltaic (DPV) power is crucial in mitigating the negative impact of high DPV penetration on the reliability and resilience of the distribution network. However, most of the current photovoltaic power forecasting methods suffer from two key problems: (1) ignoring the asymmetric influence relationship among DPV sites; (2) lack of consideration of dynamic spatiotemporal correlation among DPV sites. As a result, these methods are unable to fully adapt to the characteristics of DPV, making it challenging to directly apply the existing forecasting methods to improve the accuracy of DPV power forecasting. To conquer this limitation, a dynamic directed Graph Convolution Neural Network (DDGCN) is applied to regional DPV ultra‐short‐term power forecasting. Unlike the conventional Graph Convolution Neural Network (GCN) based forecasting methods, the proposed method improves GCN to process the directed graph. On this basis, to capture the dynamic and directed adjacency relationship among graph nodes, a temporal attention mechanism is proposed and combined with the directed GCN model. In this way, the dynamic and asymmetric/directed relationships among DPV sites can be taken into account. It is worth noting that the DPVs’ adjacency relationship can be constructed without any prior knowledge by end‐to‐end model training. The simulation experiment proves that the prediction accuracy can be further improved by taking into account the dynamic directed relationship among the sites via a real DPV power dataset.
Mass‐based omni‐directional risk indicator (MORI) for multi‐participant traffic
Authors: Ma Haozhan , Li Linheng , An Bocheng , Yi Ziwei , Qu Xu , Ran Bin
Published: September 2023

This study focuses on the potential of connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) to enhance road traffic safety through the provision of rich physical motion state information. Real‐time risk indicators are crucial for improving driving safety and must be tailored to the specific characteristics of the CAV environment. To this end, this paper introduces the concept of “risk pair” to decompose the joint actions of multiple traffic participants into pairwise interactions. An omnidirectional risk indicator (ORI) is developed to describe the effect of “risk pairs”, and the superposition of ORI based on quality is proposed as the mass‐based ORI (MORI). A comparison between MORI and existing risk indicators shows that MORI has good performance in quantifying one‐dimensional scenarios. In two‐dimensional scenarios involving multiple participating entities, MORI provides two quantitative results: vector summation and scalar summation. The trajectory data from the next generation simulation database is used to validate the MORI model. The results show that both vector summation and scalar summation of MORI demonstrate strong risk quantification capabilities with different directions. Although some limitations of MORI still exist, this approach will provide a scientifically effective means of risk quantification for two‐dimensional complex scenarios.
A near‐DC measurement and modelling of low‐frequency noise in electronic components
Authors: Shamaee Zeinab , Mivehchy Mohsen , Kazemi Iraj
Published: September 2023

Low‐frequency noise, generated inherently by the number or mobility fluctuation of carriers, is a crucial concern for the design of analog and digital circuits. Unified modelling based on experimental validation of near‐DC noise in amplifiers is a long‐standing open problem. This article develops a model for low‐frequency noise by deriving new bounds for carrier capturing and releasing. According to the proposed model, a measurement system is suggested that operates in a wide frequency range and even at very low frequencies. The system is noise‐tolerant, since the amplifier is selected based on acceptable noise levels. Among the advantages are the independence from specialized structural noise models for each component and the low cost of the measurement system. The evaluation results show that the proposed method leads to a promising improvement in the low‐frequency noise measuring and is superior to conventional models in the normalized root mean square error indicator. Findings reveal that the proposed measurement method can estimate the flicker noise around the DC frequency, and the proposed model agrees reasonably with the proposed measurement circuit.
Ionized regions in the central arcsecond of NGC 1068
Authors: Vermot P. , Barna B. , Ehlerová S. , Morris M. R. , Palouš J. , Wünsch R.
Published: September 2023

Context. Several bright emission line regions have been observed in the central 100 parsecs of the active galaxy NGC 1068.

Aims. We aim to determine the properties and ionization mechanism of three regions of NGC 1068: the nucleus (B) and two clouds located at 0.3″ and 0.7″ north of it (C and D).

Methods. We combined SPHERE (0.95–1.65 μm) and SINFONI (1.5–2.45 μm) spectra for the three regions B, C, and D. We compared these spectra to several CLOUDY photoionization models and to the MAPPINGS III Library of Fast Radiative Shock Models.

Results. The emission line spectra of the three regions are almost identical to each other and contribute to most of the emission line flux in the nuclear region. The emitting media contain multiple phases, the most luminous of which have temperatures ranging from 104.8 K to 106 K. Central photoionization models can reproduce some features of the spectra, but the fast radiative shock model provides the best fit to the data.

Conclusions. The similarity between the three regions indicates that they belong to the same class of objects. Based on our comparisons, we conclude that they are shock regions located where the jet of the active galactic nucleus impacts massive molecular clouds.
Optimizing Methanol Blending Performance of Electronically Controlled Diesel Engines through Fuzzy Analysis
Authors: Cai Zheng , Yang Chenxi , Fan Jinyu , Li Pinfang , Huang Zhaoxia , Huang Jialiang
Published: September 2023

This paper presents a comprehensive optimization approach for enhancing the performance of a methanol/diesel Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) engine. Initially, a hybrid fuel engine combustion chamber model was developed using AVL-FIRE software, and the simulated results were compared with the values obtained from bench tests. An orthogonal experimental design was employed to optimize five key factors, namely methanol blending ratio, EGR rate, injection advance angle, intake pressure, and intake temperature. Evaluation indexes were established, with indicated power and NO emissions assigned weights of 0.35 and 0.65, respectively. The optimal parameter combinations were determined as follows: methanol blending ratio (a1=20%), EGR rate (a2=12.5%), injection advance angle (a3=16.6°CA), intake temperature (a4 = 315.15 K), and intake pressure (a5=0.173 MPa). The indicated power of the optimized configuration reached 47.8 kW, slightly lower than the original 55 kW, while the NO emission mass fraction decreased to 1.9×10-4%, representing a significant reduction of 77.6% compared to the original value of 8.5×10-4%. This optimization methodology demonstrates the effective reduction of NO emissions without compromising power performance in methanol/diesel EGR engines.
The nonconforming virtual element method for Oseen’s equation using a stream-function formulation
Authors: Adak Dibyendu , Manzini Gianmarco
Published: September 2023

We approximate the solution of the stream function formulation of the Oseen equations on general domains by designing a nonconforming Morley-type virtual element method. Under a suitable assumption on the continuous problem’s coefficients, the discrete scheme is well-posed. By introducing an enriching operator, we derive an a priori estimate of the error in a discrete H2 norm. By post-processing the discrete stream function, we compute the discrete velocity and vorticity fields. Furthermore, we recover an approximate pressure field by solving a Stokes-like problem in a nonconforming Crouzeix–Raviart-type virtual element space that is in a Stokes-complex relation with the Morley-type space of the virtual element approximation. Finally, we confirm our theoretical estimates by solving benchmark problems that include a convex and a nonconvex domain.
Effect of extraction process on quality of oil from Asphodelus tenuifolius seeds
Authors: Eddaoudi Fatima Ezzahra , El Moudden Hamza , El Guezzane Chakir , Saber Mohammed , Harhar Hicham , Tabyaoui Mohamed
Published: September 2023

In this study, Asphodelus tenuifolius (ATO) seeds oils were extracted by three different extraction methods, namely Soxhlet extraction (SE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE). The physicochemical properties, fatty acids, sterols, tocols, total phenol content and antioxidant activity of ATO seed were examined and compared. The best extraction yield was from SE (21.97 ± 0.01%), followed by MAE (19.28 ± 0.13%) while that of UAE was the lowest (16.5 ± 0.1%). Analysis of the chemical composition of these oils showed that linoleic acid and β-sitosterol were the main fatty acid and sterol compounds, respectively. A large amount of fatty acids and sterols were not significantly affected by the three extraction methods. Nevertheless, the tocols, the total phenols contents and the antioxidant power showed a variation between these three extracted oils. Based on these results, it was found that this specie has great potential for industrial use.
Redescriptions of Spinitectus acipenseri and S. micracanthus (Nematoda, Cystidicolidae), with notes on the taxonomy of Spinitectus-like nematodes parasitising North American fishes
Authors: Moravec František , Huffman David G. , de Buron Isaure , González-Solís David
Published: September 2023

Based on light microscopical and scanning electron microscopical (SEM) examinations, two North American species of Spinitectus Fourment, 1884, S. acipenseri Choudhury & Dick, 1992 and S. micracanthus Christian, 1972 (Nematoda, Cystidicolidae) are redescribed from museum voucher specimens (S. acipenseri) and those newly collected from centrarchid and some other fishes in the Upper San Marcos River in Texas and the Santee River in South Carolina, USA. The first use of SEM to study S. acipenseri, a parasite of lake sturgeon Acipenser fulvescens Rafinesque (Acipenseridae) in Canada, made it possible to describe dorsal and ventral lips, amphids and sublabia, and the presence of a dorsal barb on the right spicule, which was confirmed to be the most characteristic feature of this species. The SEM study of S. micracanthus, a parasite mainly of centrarchids, enabled us to correctly determine the location of the excretory pore in relation to rings of cuticular spines in the male, and to describe the exact structure of the tip of the male tail, sublabia, phasmids and the presence of a median ventral protuberance on the male tail. Some taxonomic problems of North American species of Spinitectus are discussed. Filaria serrata Linton, 1901 is considered a junior synonym of S. oviflagellis Fourment, 1884. To date, there are 13 valid species of Spinitectus parasitising fishes in North America. Keys to species of Spinitectus-like nematodes from fishes in North American waters are provided.
A new modified bat algorithm for global optimization
Authors: Adil Nouhaila , Lakhbab Halima
Published: September 2023

Bat Algorithm, is an evolutionary computation technique based on the echolocation behaviour of microbats while looking for their prey. It is used to perform global optimization. It was developed by Xin-She Yang in 2010. Since then, it has extensively been applied in various optimization problems because of its simple structure and robust performance. Continuous, discrete, or binary, many variants were proposed over the last few years, with applications to solve real-world cases in different fields. Yet, it has one major drawback: its premature convergence due to a lack in its exploration ability. In this paper, we introduce a selection-based improvement and three other modifications to the standard version of this metaheuristic in order to enhance the diversification and intensification capabilities of the algorithm. The newly proposed method has been then tested on 20 standard benchmark functions and the CEC2005 benchmark suit. Some non-parametric statistical tests were also used to compare the New Bat algorithm with other algorithms, and results indicate that the new method is very competitive and outperforms some of the state-of-the-art algorithms.