bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular guidelines for promising antimicrobial agents
Authors: Rzycki Mateusz , Gładysiewicz-Kudrawiec Marta , Kraszewski Sebastian
Published: February 2024

Antimicrobial resistance presents a pressing challenge to public health, which requires the search for novel antimicrobial agents. Various experimental and theoretical methods are employed to understand drug-target interactions and propose multistep solutions. Nonetheless, efficient screening of drug databases requires rapid and precise numerical analysis to validate antimicrobial efficacy. Diptool addresses this need by predicting free energy barriers and local minima for drug translocation across lipid membranes. In the current study employing Diptool free energy predictions, the thermodynamic commonalities between selected antimicrobial molecules were characterized and investigated. To this end, various clustering methods were used to identify promising groups with antimicrobial activity. Furthermore, the molecular fingerprinting and machine learning approach (ML) revealed common structural elements and physicochemical parameters in these clusters, such as long carbon chains, charged ammonium groups, and low dipole moments. This led to the establishment of guidelines for the selection of effective antimicrobial candidates based on partition coefficients (logP) and molecular mass ranges. These guidelines were implemented within the Reinforcement Learning for Structural Evolution (ReLeaSE) framework, generating new chemicals with desired properties. Interestingly, ReLeaSE produced molecules with structural profiles similar to the antimicrobial agents tested, confirming the importance of the identified features. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the ability of molecular fingerprinting and AI-driven methods to identify promising antimicrobial agents with a broad range of properties. These findings deliver substantial implications for the development of antimicrobial drugs and the ongoing battle against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
TAS2R38 haplotypes, COVID-19 infection, and symptomatology: a cross-sectional analysis of data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging
Authors: Meng Tongzhu , Nielsen Daiva E.
Published: February 2024

TheTAS2R38gene is well known for its function in bitter taste sensitivity, but evidence also suggests a role in innate immunity.TAS2R38may be relevant in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but research findings are inconsistent. The objective of this study was to explore whether commonTAS2R38haplotypes are associated with COVID-19 infection and symptomatology in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA). Data from the CLSA COVID-19 Questionnaire and Seroprevalence sub-studies were utilized with CLSA genetic data for commonTAS2R38haplotypes related to bitter taste sensitivity. Haplotypes were categorized into three diplotype groups: [P]AV homozygotes, [P]AV/[A]VI heterozygotes, and [A]VI homozygotes. No significant differences were observed between diplotypes and COVID-19 infection frequency. Among self-reported COVID-19 cases (n = 76), and in uncorrected exploratory analyses, heterozygotes were less likely to report experiencing sinus pain compared to [P]AV homozygotes. Among seroprevalence-confirmed cases (n = 177), [A]VI homozygotes were less likely to report experiencing a sore/scratchy throat compared to [P]AV homozygotes. However, both observations were non-significant upon correction for multiple testing. In this study,TAS2R38haplotypes were not significantly associated with COVID-19 infection or symptomatology. Nevertheless, in light of some exploratory patterns and conflicting evidence, additional research is warranted to evaluate links betweenTAS2R38and innate immunity.
Synergistic potential in spinel ferrite MFe2O4 (M = Co, Ni) nanoparticles-mediated graphene oxide: Structural aspects, photocatalytic, and kinetic studies
Authors: Parastar Gharehlar Mahnaz , Sheshmani Shabnam , Nikmaram Farrokh Roya , Doroudi Zohreh
Published: February 2024

The existence of artificial dyes in water is a significant environmental concern, as it can lead to poor water quality. Photodegradation is becoming an increasingly popular method for treating water contaminated with dyes. In this study, the photodegradation of Reactive Red 66 and Reactive Red 120 dyes, as well as textile wastewater, was investigated under UV and visible light irradiation. To enhance the photoresponse of the MFe2O4 (M = Co, Ni) nanoparticles, modifications were made by incorporating graphene oxide. The MFe2O4 nanoparticles and MFe2O4/GO nanocomposite photocatalysts were subjected to several characterization techniques, including FT-IR, Raman spectroscopy, XRD, DRS, zeta potential, VSM, TGA, DSC, BET, SEM, and EDAX analysis. Experiments were conducted to optimize several key parameters involved in the photodegradation process, including pH, photocatalyst dosage, initial dye concentration, and irradiation time. The removal efficiency of Reactive Red 66 and Reactive Red 120 dyes using CoFe2O4 nanoparticles was found to be 86.97 and 82.63%, respectively. Also, the removal percentage of these dyes using CoFe2O4/GO nanocomposite photocatalyst was 95.57 and 90.9% for Reactive Red 66 and Reactive Red 120, respectively. Experiments found that NiFe2O4 nanoparticles removed 90.92% of Reactive Red 66 dye and 84.7% of Reactive Red 120 dye. The NiFe2O4/GO nanocomposite photocatalyst showed even higher removal efficiencies, degrading 97.96% of Reactive Red 66 and 93.44% of Reactive Red 120. After three days of exposure to visible light irradiation, the removal percentage of Reactive Red 66 using MFe2O4 and MFe2O4/GO nanocomposite was investigated.
Silicone-based highly stretchable multifunctional fiber pumps
Authors: Kanno Ryo , Shimizu Keita , Murakami Kazuya , Shibahara Yuya , Ogawa Naoki , Akai Hideko , Shintake Jun
Published: February 2024

Recent advancements on electrohydrodynamic (EHD) soft pumps demonstrate their applicability to various fluid-driven systems such as soft robots, wearable devices, and stretchable electronics. In particular, fiber type EHD pumps reported more recently is a promising pumping element thanks to their versatile fibrous structure. Yet existing EHD fiber pumps are less stretchable and require sophisticated, complex fabrication equipment, implying opportunity for technology advancement. This paper presents a simplified method to create highly stretchable multifunctional fiber EHD pumps. The method employs highly compliant silicone elastomers for the fiber structure that is formed by simple dipping fabrication process. The fabricated pumps (length of 100 mm, inner diameter 4 mm, and mass 5.3 g) exhibit a high stretchability (up to 40% strain) and flow rate and pressure of 167.4 ± 7.6 mL/min (31.6 mL/min/g) and 4.1 ± 0.6 kPa (0.8 kPa/g), respectively. These performances are comparable or even higher than those of previously reported EHD pumps including fiber types. The output performance of the fabricated pumps remain constant for repeated strain cycles (0–25%, up to 2000 cycles) and bending angle up to 180° (corresponding to curvature of 0–30/m). Moreover, the pumps demonstrate unprecedented functionality as a sensor to distinguish the type of fluid inside the tube and to detect strains by reading the capacitance between the electrodes. The characterization result reveals the sensing ability of the pumps as high repeatability up to 30% strain with negligible hysteresis, which is consistent for 5000 cycles.
Assessing urban livability in Shanghai through an open source data-driven approach
Authors: Long Yin , Wu Yi , Huang Liqiao , Aleksejeva Jelena , Iossifova Deljana , Dong Nannan , Gasparatos Alexandros
Published: February 2024

Urban livability has become a major policy and practice priority in many parts of the world. However, its attainment remains challenging in many cities of developing and emerging economies. The lack of data with appropriate quality, coverage, and spatial and temporal resolution often complicates both the assessment of livability in such cities and the identification of priority areas for improvement. Here we develop a framework to mobilize and synthesize open-source data to analyze spatially urban livability patterns in Shanghai. The framework brings together diverse types of open-source data including housing characteristics, population distribution, transportation networks, and points of interest to identify city areas with low livability, and thus priority areas for improvement. Such findings can provide a comprehensive overview of the residential living conditions in Shanghai, as well as useful information to urban planners and decision-makers. Furthermore, subject to data availability, the proposed method has the potential for application in other cities.
Humoral and cellular immune responses to COVID-19 mRNA vaccines in immunosuppressed liver transplant recipients
Authors: Nogimori Takuto , Nagatsuka Yuta , Kobayashi Shogo , Murakami Hirotomo , Masuta Yuji , Suzuki Koichiro , Tomimaru Yoshito , Noda Takehiro , Akita Hirofumi , Takahama Shokichi , Yoshioka Yasuo , Doki Yuichiro , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Yamamoto Takuya
Published: February 2024

Background

Liver transplant recipients (LTRs) are at a high risk of severe COVID-19 owing to immunosuppression and comorbidities. LTRs are less responsive to mRNA vaccines than healthy donors (HDs) or other immunosuppressed patients. However, the disruption mechanism in humoral and cellular immune memory responses is unclear.

Methods

We longitudinally collected peripheral blood mononuclear cells and plasma samples from HDs (n = 44) and LTRs (n = 54) who received BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273 vaccines. We measured the levels of anti-receptor-binding domain (RBD) antibodies and spike-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses.

Results

Here, we show that the induction of anti-RBD IgG was weaker in LTRs than in HDs. The use of multiple immunosuppressive drugs is associated with lower antibody titers than only calcineurin inhibitor, and limits the induction of CD4+ T-cell responses. However, spike-specific CD4+ T-cell and antibody responses improved with a third vaccination. Furthermore, mRNA vaccine-induced spike-specific CD8+ T cells are quantitatively, but not qualitatively, limited to LTRs. Both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells react to omicron sublineages, regardless of the presence in HDs or LTRs. However, there is no boosting effect of spike-specific memory CD8+ T-cell responses after a third vaccination in HDs or LTRs.

Conclusions

The third mRNA vaccination improves both humoral responses and spike-specific CD4+ T-cell responses in LTRs but provides no booster effect for spike-specific memory CD8+ T-cell responses. A third mRNA vaccination could be helpful in LTRs to prevent severe COVID-19, although further investigation is required to elicit CD8+ T-cell responses in LTRs and HDs.
Stable training via elastic adaptive deep reinforcement learning for autonomous navigation of intelligent vehicles
Authors: Zhao Yujiao , Ma Yong , Zhu Guibing , Hu Songlin , Yan Xinping
Published: February 2024

The uncertain stability of deep reinforcement learning training on complex tasks impedes its development and deployment, especially in intelligent vehicles, such as intelligent surface vessels and self-driving cars. Complex and varied environmental states puzzle training of decision-making networks. Here we propose an elastic adaptive deep reinforcement learning algorithm to address these challenges and achieve autonomous navigation in intelligent vehicles. Our method trains the decision-making network over the function and optimization learning stages, in which the state space and action space of autonomous navigation tasks are pruned by choosing classic states and actions to reduce data similarity, facilitating more stable training. We introduce a task-adaptive observed behaviour classification technique in the function learning stage to divide state and action spaces into subspaces and identify classic states and actions. In which the classic states and actions are accumulated as the training dataset that enhances its training efficiency. In the subsequent optimization learning stage, the decision-making network is refined through meticulous exploration and accumulation of datasets. The proposed elastic adaptive deep reinforcement learning enables the decision-making network to effectively learn from complex state and action spaces, leading to more efficient training compared to traditional deep reinforcement learning approaches. Simulation results demonstrate the remarkable effectiveness of our method in training decision-making networks for intelligent vehicles. The findings validate that our method provides reliable and efficient training for decision-making networks in intelligent vehicles. Moreover, our method exhibits stability in training other tasks characterized by continuous state and action spaces.
Gli1 labels progenitors during chondrogenesis in postnatal mice
Authors: Li Boer , Yang Puying , Shen Fangyuan , You Chengjia , Wu Fanzi , Shi Yu , Ye Ling
Published: February 2024

Skeletal growth promoted by endochondral ossification is tightly coordinated by self-renewal and differentiation of chondrogenic progenitors. Emerging evidence has shown that multiple skeletal stem cells (SSCs) participate in cartilage formation. However, as yet, no study has reported the existence of common long-lasting chondrogenic progenitors in various types of cartilage. Here, we identify Gli1+chondrogenic progenitors (Gli1+CPs), which are distinct from PTHrP+or FoxA2+SSCs, are responsible for the lifelong generation of chondrocytes in the growth plate, vertebrae, ribs, and other cartilage. The absence of Gli1+CPs leads to cartilage defects and dwarfishness phenotype in mice. Furthermore, we show that the BMP signal plays an important role in self-renewal and maintenance of Gli1+CPs. Deletion ofBmpr1αtriggers Gli1+CPs quiescence exit and causes the exhaustion of Gli1+CPs, consequently disrupting columnar cartilage. Collectively, our data demonstrate that Gli1+CPs are common long-term chondrogenic progenitors in multiple types of cartilage and are essential to maintain cartilage homeostasis.
Liquid–liquid phase separation-inspired design of biomaterials
Authors: Song Yang
Published: February 2024

Biological liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) provides novel insights for the assembly of biomaterials with tailored structure and intrinsic functionality.
Development of PCR primers enabling the design of flexible sticky ends for efficient concatenation of long DNA fragments
Authors: Nomura Kohei , Onda Kaoru , Murase Hirotaka , Hashiya Fumitaka , Ono Yukiteru , Terai Goro , Oka Natsuhisa , Asai Kiyoshi , Suzuki Daisuke , Takahashi Naho , Hiraoka Haruka , Inagaki Masahito , Kimura Yasuaki , Shimizu Yoshihiro , Abe Naoko , Abe Hiroshi
Published: February 2024

We report on chemically modified PCR primers that enable the design of flexible sticky ends by introducing a photo-cleavable group at the phosphate moiety. DNA fragments synthesized using these primers can be ligated with higher efficiency.
Determining methane mole fraction at a landfill site using the Figaro Taguchi gas sensor 2611-C00 and wind direction measurements
Authors: Shah Adil , Laurent Olivier , Broquet Grégoire , Philippon Carole , Kumar Pramod , Allegrini Elisa , Ciais Philippe
Published: February 2024

The Figaro Taguchi gas sensor 2611-C00 was used to derive methane mole fraction at a landfill site from the ratio between measured resistance and a modelled reference resistance corresponding to background sampling, identified from wind direction.
Reassembly of wood to plastic- and paper-like films via ultra-mild dissolution in formic acid
Authors: Kobayashi Naoko , Hashizume Tomohiro , Kondo Keiko , Kitayama Kenji , Katahira Masato , Watanabe Takashi
Published: February 2024

Lignocellulosic biomass was converted into plastic- and paper-like films via solubilization in formic acid without using ball milling and added catalysts. The formylated cell wall components were reassembled after casting.
A microneedle transdermal patch loaded with iron(ii) nanoparticles for non-invasive sustained delivery to combat anemia
Authors: Surekha Bhavya , Misra Parimal , Thippaiah Anitha C. , Shamanna Bindiganavale R. , Madathil Aiswarya , Rajadurai Marina
Published: February 2024

A new innovative Iron Microneedles Patch for treatment of anemia was tested in vitro on two skin models. It shows steady release of Iron (FeSO4⋅7H2O) nanoparticles over 12 days, with a controlled burst release of 10% to 30% and near-linear kinetics.
Thermally-induced charge carrier population control on graphene nanoribbons
Authors: Cassiano Tiago de Sousa Araújo , e Silva Geraldo Magela , Neto Pedro Henrique de Oliveira
Published: February 2024

Organic thermoelectric devices allow the conversion of heat into electricity in a sustainable way, making them strong candidates to solve the present energy crisis.
Tunable, multifunctional opto-electrical response in multilayer FePS3/single-layer MoS2 van der Waals p–n heterojunctions
Authors: Ramos Maria , Gadea Marcos , Mañas-Valero Samuel , Boix-Constant Carla , Henríquez-Guerra Eudomar , Díaz-García María A. , Coronado Eugenio , Calvo M. Reyes
Published: February 2024

Photoluminescence and photocurrent generation coexist in FePS3/1L-MoS2 heterostructure devices. Their interplay can be tuned through the application of small bias voltages, providing a simple means to control the device’s light emission.
gem-Dibromovinyl phthalonitriles: synthesis, structure elucidation, Hirshfeld surface analysis and energy framework calculations
Authors: Ali Hasrat , van Lier Johan E.
Published: February 2024

A series of versatile phthalocyanine precursors, consisting of gem-dibromovinyl phthalonitrile derivatives, were synthesized and characterized by various spectroscopic and X-ray crystallographic techniques.
A two-dimensional cadmium-based metal–organic framework as an excellent probe: highly selective luminescent “turn on” detection of tetrahydrofuran and quantitative analysis of water
Authors: Qin Bowen , Chen Shuaiyu , Song Guanghao , Sun Wenzhe , Li Wanting , Yue Dan , Zhang Bing , Li Weidong , Ma Qiang , Wang Zhenling
Published: February 2024

A multifunctional Cd-MOF as an excellent probe exhibits highly selective luminescent “turn on” detection of tetrahydrofuran and quantitative analysis of water.
Exploring the synthesis of aminal guanidine-based molecules: synthesis of cernumidine and analogues, and survey of its anti-inflammatory activity
Authors: Rippel Rafael , Leitão Flávia , Georgieva Miglena K. , Mamede Rafael , Gomes Clara S. B. , Roma-Rodrigues Catarina , Fernandes Alexandra R. , Lourenço Ana , Ferreira Luísa M. , Branco Paula S.
Published: February 2024

Enantioselective total synthesis and anti-inflammatory potential evaluation of the natural alkaloid cernumidine and derivatives containing an hybrid aminal core.
Probing the role of surface termination in the adsorption of azupyrene on copper
Authors: Klein Benedikt P. , Stoodley Matthew A. , Morgan Dylan B. , Rochford Luke A. , Williams Leon B. S. , Ryan Paul T. P. , Sattler Lars , Weber Sebastian M. , Hilt Gerhard , Liddy Thomas J. , Lee Tien-Lin , Maurer Reinhard J. , Duncan David A.
Published: February 2024

Quantitative study into how the adsorption of aromatic molecules is affected by surface termination in the absence of clear directional bonds to the substrate. Subtle differences are found between the studied terminations as shown by X-ray standing waves and density functional theory.
Beam induced heating in electron microscopy modeled with machine learning interatomic potentials
Authors: Nuñez Valencia Cuauhtemoc , Lomholdt William Bang , Leth Larsen Matthew Helmi , Hansen Thomas W. , Schiøtz Jakob
Published: February 2024

Molecular dynamics based on machine learning potentials are combined with EELS data to model electron beam heating in high-resolution transmission electron microscopy.
Unleashing the potential: integrating nano-delivery systems with traditional Chinese medicine
Authors: Zou Jianhua , Li Meng , Liu Ziwei , Luo Wei , Han Shiqi , Xiao Fan , Tao Wei , Wu Qibiao , Xie Tian , Kong Na
Published: February 2024

This minireview summarizes the utility of integrating nano-delivery systems with TCM, emphasizing their capacity to enhance treatment efficacy, modernize TCM, and expand global accessibility.
Enhancing the performance of PbS:CsPbBr3 bulk-heterojunction photodetectors by treating with imidazolium-based ionic liquids
Authors: Wang Ying , Yang Shengyi , Sulaman Muhammad , Zou Guanzhen , Xin Haiyuan , Ge Zhenhua , Zhang Zhenheng , Zhu Mengchun , Zou Bingsuo , Jiang Yurong
Published: February 2024

All-inorganic lead halide perovskites and quantum dots (QDs) have gained significant attention since their emergence, owing to their immense potential for applications in optoelectronic devices.
Optical grade transformation of monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides via encapsulation annealing
Authors: Ryu Huije , Hong Seong Chul , Kim Kangwon , Jung Yeonjoon , Lee Yangjin , Lee Kihyun , Kim Youngbum , Kim Hyunjun , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Kim Jeongyong , Kim Kwanpyo , Cheong Hyeonsik , Lee Gwan-Hyoung
Published: February 2024

hBN-encapsulation annealing notably enhances the optical properties of monolayer TMDs by dedoping and improved crystallinity, offering a straightforward way to acquire optical grade TMDs and elucidating the fundamental mechanism for PL enhancement.
Nanotechnology-driven wound healing potential of asiaticoside: a comprehensive review
Authors: Kumar Mohit , Kumar Devesh , Mahmood Syed , Singh Varinder , Chopra Shruti , Hilles Ayah R. , Bhatia Amit
Published: February 2024

The physical properties of asiaticoside (AC), such as its high molecular weight, poor water solubility, and low permeability, restrict its therapeutic benefits. AC-loaded nano-carriers overcome AC limitations in wound healing by enhancing delivery efficiency, stability, and safety.
Selective oxidative devulcanization of hydrosilylation-cured silicone elastomers: enhanced circularity
Authors: Noman Muhammad Ebad , Bayo Massandje K. , Chen Yang , Brook Michael A.
Published: February 2024

Oxidative bromination of hydrosilylation cured silicone elastomers occurs much more rapidly than acid-catalyzed depolymerization. The β-effect facilitates SiC cleavage permitting decrosslinking to oils that can be reprocessed into RTV elastomers.
The development of a novel bio-based corrosion inhibitor: using biomass-derived 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) as a starting material
Authors: Liu Kexin , Li Ping , Li Xia , Zhang Wei , Zou Jiawei , Liu Yuan , Li Pengyu , Cui Haitao , Yang Yu , Ai Wenying
Published: February 2024

An environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitor was prepared from the bio-based platform 5-hydroxymethylfurfural.
Efficient fabrication of bioinspired soft, ridged-slippery surfaces with large-range anisotropic wettability for droplet manipulation
Authors: Jiao Long , Tan Dingqiang , Hu Yanjun , Yang Yijing , Guo Qianqian , Zhou Nan , Wu Huaping , Chen Chen , Zhao Xingang , Hu Guohua
Published: February 2024

The droplet lossless directional motion control on slippery surfaces holds immense promise for applications in microfluidic chips, hazardous substance detection, chemical dispensing, etc.
Radiation resistant chalcopyrite CIGS solar cells: proton damage shielding with Cs treatment and defect healing via heat-light soaking
Authors: Lin Tzu-Ying , Hsieh Chi-Feng , Kanai Ayaka , Yashiro Takahiko , Zeng Wen-Jing , Ma Jian-Jie , Hung Sung-Fu , Sugiyama Mutsumi
Published: February 2024

Cu(In, Ga)Se2 (CIGS) solar cells are recognized as next-generation space technology due to their flexibility, lightweight nature, and excellent environmental stability.
Chemical safety using functionalized carbon nanomaterials: neutralization and detection of organophosphorus compounds
Authors: Fonsaca Jéssica E. S. , Hostert Leandro , Zarbin Aldo J. G. , Orth Elisa S.
Published: February 2024

Functionalized carbon nanomaterials for dealing with organophosphates.
Ni–Mo nitride synthesized via mild plasma for efficient alkaline hydrogen evolution electrocatalysis
Authors: Wei Yunpeng , Yi Lingya , Zhang Siyue , Ni Chengsheng , Cai Xinghong , Sun Wei , Hu Weihua
Published: February 2024

A mild surface nitridation strategy was designed to synthesize Ni–Mo bimetallic nitride from a bimetal oxide precursor for HER electrocatalysis in alkaline solution, exhibiting excellent HER activity and durability.
Ultrasound-augmented cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Liu Bingjie , Du Fangxue , Feng Ziyan , Xiang Xi , Guo Ruiqian , Ma Lang , Zhu Bihui , Qiu Li
Published: February 2024

Illustration of ultrasound-induced enhancement of cancer immunotherapy.
High-performance carbon nanofiber conductive films induced by titanium carbide
Authors: Huang He-Dong , Fan Jun-Wei , Liu Hong-Yang , Su Bing , Ha Xin-Yi , Guo Ze-Yu , Ren Yong-Fei
Published: February 2024

Our study revolutionizes electrothermal film fabrication, pioneering the synthesis of titanium carbide (TiC)/carbon nanofiber (CNF) composites via electrospinning, providing a nuanced understanding of chemical structure transformations.
Modulating the nonlinear optical properties of MAPbBr3 by metal ion doping
Authors: Chen Bingkun , Ouyang Qiuyun , Chen Lin , Huang Hao , Chen Zijun , Pan Junjie , Fang Xuan , Zhang Bowen
Published: February 2024

The nonlinear optical properties of MAPbBr3 are modulated by metal ion doping. After Zn and Bi ion doping, the nonlinear optical and optical limiting properties of MAPbBr3 are enhanced, owing to the adjustment of defects after doping.
Direction control of the easy magnetization axis in the magnetic GdN and GdNX (X = F, Cl) monolayers
Authors: Chen Lu , Gao Zhihao , Li Xuhong , Luo Zhifen , Niu Ziyu , Cao Tengfei , Shi Junqin , Fan Xiaoli
Published: February 2024

Two-dimensional (2D) multiferroics integrating ferromagnetism/anti ferromagnetism and ferroelasticity hold potential for applications in information storage and magnetic response and have attracted intensive attention recently.
Asymmetric synthesis of enantioenriched α-allyl esters through Pd(BINAPHANE)-catalysed allylation of disubstituted ketenes
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmad A. , O’Reilly Stephen C. J. , Bottarel Margot , Kerrigan Nessan J.
Published: February 2024

A Pd2dba3·CHCl3 (2.5 mol%)-BINAPHANE (5 mol%) catalytic system promotes the enantioselective allylation of disubstituted ketenes to give α-allyl esters.
A visible-light-catalyzed sulfonylation reaction of an aryl selenonium salt via an electron donor–acceptor complex
Authors: Wang Yuqing , Zhao Liang , Hao Xinyu , Jin Kun , Zhang Rong , Duan Chunying , Li Yaming
Published: February 2024

An efficient synthesis of sulfone structures through selenonium salts and sodium sulfinates was developed.
Solvato- and vapochromic exchange-coupled Dy2 single-molecule magnets achieved by attaching iron-cyanido metalloligands
Authors: Liberka Michal , Zychowicz Mikolaj , Chorazy Szymon
Published: February 2024

DyIII2 molecules equipped with dicyanidoiron(ii) metalloligands exhibit the unique conjunction of single-molecule magnetism, supported by exchange coupling, with rich solvatochromism in solution and vapochromism in the solid state.
Synthesis of gem-difluorinated pentacyclic indenopyrazolopyrazolones via Rh(iii)-catalyzed cascade C–H functionalization/[3 + 2] dipolar cycloaddition
Authors: Liu Fu-Xiaomin , Chen Weijie , Cai Ying , Zhou Zhi , Yi Wei , Cheng Kui
Published: February 2024

A Rh(iii)-catalysed cascade C–H functionalization/[3 + 2] dipolar cycloaddition was realized to deliver gem-difluorinated pentacyclic indenopyrazolopyrazolones with four continuous chiral carbon centres in a one-pot fashion.
Photoinduced alkylation of pyrazolones via β-scission of unstrained aliphatic alcohol derivatives
Authors: Geng Xinxin , Tao Pan , Li Yujun , Zheng Ke
Published: February 2024

An efficient radical approach was reported for the transformation of unstrained aliphatic alcohols through the β-scission of alkoxyl radicals.
Visible-light-driven photo-peroxidase catalysis: high-efficiency degradation of indole in water
Authors: Xu Chongrui , Xue Ping , Li Rui , Jia Juan , Ma Linmeng , Li Peng
Published: February 2024

The photo-peroxidase catalyst HRP/Zn-CN-ZIF was used for efficient removal of indole in water without the need for additional hydrogen peroxide.
Advances in erythritol-based composite phase change materials
Authors: Peng Fuyan , Zhu Xuhai , Lin Rongjun , Lu Rui , Lu Fang
Published: February 2024

Erythritol-based composite phase change materials (PCMs) can realize energy absorption, storage, and release by the phase change latent heat, which is beneficial for heat energy management.
Synthesis of phosphorescent syn, anti-isomeric clamshell platinum(ii) dimers for OLED applications
Authors: Yao Haibo , Qiao Lige , Yuan Lequn , Luan Xueyin , Shen Yunjun , Zhang Yuzhen , Zhou Liang , Bian Hedong
Published: February 2024

Six clamshell diplatinum(ii) complexes with a formula of [Pt(TBPCH)(N^N)]2 bearing both a carbazole-pyrimidine chelate and a N^N bridge, (TBPCH2 = 3,6-di-tert-butyl-9-(pyrimidin-2-yl)-9H-carbazole), have been prepared by utilizing TBPCH2 (C^N) as the primary ligand and N^N as the bridging ligand.
Hierarchical porous carbon frameworks derived from Juncus effusus biomass with robust electromagnetic wave absorption properties
Authors: Mao Yunshan , Liu Kaiyu , Sheng Yuhao , Liu Jian , Fu Shaohai , Tang Chunxia
Published: February 2024

A biomass-derived electromagnetic absorber was developed using Juncus effusus (JE), achieving low RL value and broad EAB (−40.4 dB, 3.48 GHz), and the maximum RCS reduction value of 32.4 dB m2.
Localising pulsations in the hard X-ray and microwave emission of an X-class flare
Authors: Collier Hannah , Hayes Laura A. , Yu Sijie , Battaglia Andrea F. , Ashfield William , Polito Vanessa , Harra Louise K. , Krucker Säm
Published: February 2024

Aims. The aim of this work is to identify the mechanism driving pulsations in hard X-ray (HXR) and microwave emission during solar flares. Using combined HXR and microwave observations from Solar Orbiter/STIX and EOVSA, we investigate an X1.3 GOES class flare, 2022-03-30T17:21:00, which displays pulsations on timescales evolving from ∼7 s in the impulsive phase to ∼35 s later in the flare.

Methods. We analysed the temporal, spatial, and spectral evolution of the HXR and microwave pulsations during the impulsive phase of the flare. We reconstructed images for individual peaks in the impulsive phase and performed spectral fitting at high cadence throughout the first phase of pulsations.

Results. Our imaging analysis demonstrates that the HXR and microwave emission originates from multiple sites along the flare ribbons. The brightest sources and the location of the emission change in time. Through HXR spectral analysis, the electron spectral index is found to be anti-correlated with the HXR flux, showing a “soft-hard-soft” spectral index evolution for each pulsation. The timing of the associated filament eruption coincides with the early impulsive phase.

Conclusions. Our results indicate that periodic acceleration and/or injection of electrons from multiple sites along the flare arcade is responsible for the pulsations observed in HXR and microwave emission. The evolution of pulsation timescales is likely a result of changes in the 3D magnetic field configuration over time related to the associated filament eruption.
JWST observations of 13CO2 ice
Authors: Brunken Nashanty G. C. , Rocha Will R. M. , van Dishoeck Ewine F. , Gutermuth Robert , Tyagi Himanshu , Slavicinska Katerina , Nazari Pooneh , Megeath S. Thomas , Evans II Neal J. , Narang Mayank , Manoj P. , Rubinstein Adam E. , Watson Dan M. , Looney Leslie W. , Linnartz Harold , Caratti o Garatti Alessio , Beuther Henrik , Linz Hendrik , Klaassen Pamela , Poteet Charles A. , Federman Samuel , Anglada Guillem , Atnagulov Prabhani , Bourke Tyler L. , Fischer William J. , Furlan Elise , Green Joel , Habel Nolan , Hartmann Lee , Karnath Nicole , Osorio Mayra , Muzerolle Page James , Pokhrel Riwaj , Rahatgaonkar Rohan , Sheehan Patrick , Stanke Thomas , Stutz Amelia M. , Tobin John J. , Tychoniec Lukasz , Wolk Scott , Yang Yao-Lun
Published: February 2024

The structure and composition of simple ices can be severely modified during stellar evolution by protostellar heating. Key to understanding the involved processes are thermal and chemical tracers that can be used to diagnose the history and environment of the ice. The 15.2 µm bending mode of 12CO2 in particular has proven to be a valuable tracer of ice heating events but suffers from grain shape and size effects. A viable alternative tracer is the weaker 13CO2 isotopologue band at 4.39 µm, which has now become accessible at high S/N with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). In this study, we present JWST NIRSpec observations of 13CO2 ice in five deeply embedded Class 0 sources that span a wide range in masses and luminosities (0.2–104 L⊙) taken as part of the Investigating Protostellar Accretion Across the Mass Spectrum (IPA) program. The band profiles vary significantly depending on the source, with the most luminous sources showing a distinct narrow peak at 4.38 µm. We first applied a phenomenological approach with which we demonstrate that a minimum of three to four Gaussian profiles are needed to fit the absorption feature of 13CO2. We then combined these findings with laboratory data and show that a 15.2 µm 12CO2 bending-mode-inspired five-component decomposition can be applied to the isotopologue band, with each component representative of CO2 ice in a specific molecular environment. The final solution consists of cold mixtures of CO2 with CH3OH, H2O, and CO as well as segregated heated pure CO2 ice at 80 K. Our results are in agreement with previous studies of the 12CO2 ice band, further confirming that 13CO2 is a useful alternative tracer of protostellar heating and ice composition. We also propose an alternative solution consisting only of heated mixtures of CO2:CH3OH and CO2:H2O ices and warm pure CO2 ice at 80 K (i.e., no cold CO2 ices) for decomposing the ice profiles of HOPS 370 and IRAS 20126, the two most luminous sources in our sample that show strong evidence of ice heating resulting in ice segregation.
Vibration and impact sound properties of hybrid steel-timber floor structures
Authors: Chocholaty Bettina , Roozen Nicolaas Bernardus , Hoppe Karl-Alexander , Maeder Marcus , Marburg Steffen
Published: February 2024

Lightweight floor structures, such as timber or hybrid timber floors, face challenges associated with excessive vibrations and elevated levels of low-frequency impact sound. Especially here, accurate prediction of a floor’s vibration and acoustic behavior is essential. However, typical laboratory testing of building elements is costly and time-consuming. To reduce costs, in this study, adapted simulations are carried out on two types of hybrid steel-timber floor structures to evaluate vibrations and impact sound. The hybrid elements are made of laminated veneer lumber as the top and bottom layers and a trapezoidal steel component as the web. Vibration measurements are used in combination with Bayesian optimization to efficiently calibrate Finite Element models, which are subsequently utilized to quantify and validate the floor structures regarding vibrations and impact sound. The two types of cross-sections, i.e., closed and open, are investigated and compared. The impact sound pressure level computations reveal promising results in predicting the behavior of the hybrid structures. However, further countermeasures are required to fulfill vibration serviceability requirements.
Threat assessment for air-to-ground combat of UAVs using improved Bayesian networks
Authors: ZHANG Jing , LI Weihong
Published: February 2024

Aiming at the problems of information uncertainty and real-time faced by ground threat assessment during UAV air-to-ground combat, the limitations of existing threat assessment methods are analyzed, and a new threat assessment method based on improved Bayesian network is proposed in this paper. In this method, a hybrid-driven approach of threat data and expert knowledge is used to improve the rationality of threat assessment model, and a layered threat assessment architecture is constructed. Threat levels are classified based on the relationship between carrier aircraft and threat envelope, threat radiation, etc. In order to improve the rationality of the ground threat assessment model, a calculation model of ground threat intervisibility probability is established, and the intervisibility probability is taken as the input of Bayesian network threat assessment model. Simulation results show that the model has less computation and good real-time performance, and the introduction of threat intervisibility probability improves the rationality of ground threat assessment.
Research on fixed-trim reentry guidance with multiple constraints
Authors: WANG Kai , GUO Jinlei , HAO Lianying , SHI Zhenxing , LIU Yiji
Published: February 2024

One of the most cost-effective designs for the maneuvering reentry vehicle is a simple lifting configuration with a fixed angle of attack employing a single roll control system. However, the limited maneuverability due to its uncontrollable magnitude of lifting force leads to the major obstacle to achieve the accurate steering with multiple constraints, so seeking a suitable guidance method is the key to overcome this obstacle. Existing ways are not available to solve this problem. This paper presents a new guidance method, which combined with the Gauss pseudospectral method (GPM) to satisfy the constraints, and the rolling guidance law to track the optimized trajectory accurately. The simulation result illustrates that, this method is effective to realize the precision guidance with multiple constraints for fixed-trim reentry vehicle.
Der kontralaterale C7 Transfer
Authors: Bahm Jörg , Beier Justus P. , Schäfer Benedikt
Published: February 2024

Komplexe Verletzungen des Plexus brachialis mit multiplen oder vollständigen
Ausrissen der Wurzeln machen in einigen Fällen eine Rekonstruktion unter
Verwendung intraplexaler Spendernerven unmöglich. In solchen Fällen ist es
erforderlich, dass man sich extraplexischer Nervenspender bedient, wie
beispielsweise des N. accessorius oder der Intercostalnerven. Die kontralaterale
C7-Wurzel stellt einen Spender mit einer hohen Axonzahl dar, die in solchen
Fällen als Axonquelle herangezogen werden kann. Wir beschreiben die aktuelle
Indikationsstellung, Operationstechnik und funktionelle Resultate nach einem
kontralateralem C7-Transfer bei Plexusläsionen der oberen Extremität anhand
eigener Fallbeispiele und einer spezifischen Literaturrecherche.
Assessment of Efficacy and Complications of Endovascular Interventions for Critical Limb Ischemia in Germany: A Nationwide Study
Authors: Bastian Moritz B. , Scheschenja Michael , Wessendorf Joel , König Alexander Marc , Jedelská Jarmila , Nadjiri Jonathan , Mahnken Andreas H.
Published: February 2024

Purpose Endovascular interventional radiological procedures have become the mainstay for the treatment of critical limb ischemia (CLI) due to arterial stenosis or occlusion. Open surgical or endovascular procedures, such as percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) or stenting can be used as a treatment strategy. The aim is to evaluate the success and major complication rates of interventional radiology treatments for CLI in Germany in 2021, and to compare these results with internationally published data.

Materials and Methods Data for PTA and stenting in CLI for 2021 was obtained from the quality management system of the German Society of Interventional Radiology (DeGIR). 16 393 PTA procedures, 701 stenting procedures, and 8110 combined procedures were documented for 2021. Data was analyzed for technical and clinical success rates, as well as major complication rates documented mainly as major bleeding, distal embolization, and aneurysm formation.

Results PTA had technical and clinical success rates of 96.3 % and 92.33 %, respectively. Stenting had technical and clinical success rates of 98.7 % and 96.15 %, respectively. PTA and stenting combined had success rates of 98.71 % and 96.91 %, respectively. The major complications were mainly: major bleeding (PTA: 0.40 %; stenting: 1.28 %; PTA and stenting: 0.54 %), distal embolization (PTA: 0.48 %; stenting: 1 %; PTA and stenting: 0.96 %), and aneurysm formation (PTA: 0.19 %; stenting: 0.43 %; PTA and stenting: 0.19 %). All procedures showed high technical and clinical success rates, while the complication rates were low.

Conclusion Interventional radiologists in Germany perform effective and safe treatment for CLI, achieving outcomes that tend to surpass internationally published data.

Key points 

Citation Format
Facile In Situ Difluoromethylation of Phenols and Thiols Using Ethyl Bromodifluoroacetate and K2CO3
Authors: Dond Bharat D. , Chavan Vijay P. , Thore Shivaji N.
Published: February 2024

Herein, we report an efficient method to access difluoromethyl ethers of thiols and phenols using ethyl bromodifluoroacetate and K2CO3. This method demonstrates chemoselective difluoromethylation of thiols and phenols in the presence of amines. The current method also discloses the synthesis of bis(aryloxy)fluoromethane compounds which are least reported in the literature. Mechanistic investigations revealed that the reaction proceeds through a nucleophilic substitution pathway. We strongly believe this protocol would offer an efficient alternative to earlier photocatalyzed or radical-mediated difluoromethylation methods and it has a great potential in the scale-up of pharmaceutical and agrochemical intermediates that possess difluoromethyl group.
Ultrasound-Mediated Green Synthesis of Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines and Imidazo[2,1-b]thiazoles through C(sp3)–H Functionalization
Authors: Srivastava Vandana , Chauhan Swati , Verma Pratibha
Published: February 2024

An ultrasound-assisted expedient protocol has been developed for the synthesis of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines and imidazo[2,1-b]thiazoles by the C–H functionalization of ketones using a KI/tert-butyl hydroperoxide catalytic system. The reaction takes place in water, a green solvent, and does not require a metal catalyst; it also gives good yields of the products. The method offers numerous noteworthy characteristics, including mild reaction conditions, the absence of a base, broad functional-group compatibility, and excellent reaction yields. Moreover, it avoids the use of costly and air-sensitive chemicals, and can be conducted under ambient reaction conditions.
Free Communications of the Fifth Libyan Diabetes Conference, December 28–30, 2023, Misrata, Libya
Authors: BenRajab Faten , Eammami Adela
Published: February 2024

These are the advance abstracts of the free communications of the Fifth Libyan Diabetes Conference, December 28–30, 2023, Misrata, Libya. They are presented here to give them a wider audience. They mostly provide some insights into clinical practices and research in diabetes and endocrinology mostly from Libya. They are a blend of care reports, observational studies, and a few experimental exercises. We hope this conference abstracts paper helps document the current research interests in the country and stimulate communication between those with mutual research interests in and outside the country.
The double-edged sword effects of perceived algorithmic control on platform workers’ service performance
Authors: Zhu Jian , Zhang Bin , Wang Hui
Published: February 2024

Algorithmic control has been reflected in online labor platform management, but there is a lack of empirical research on how platform algorithmic control affects platform workers’ service performance. To address this gap, drawing upon the transactional theory of stress and regulatory focus theory, this study sheds light on how perceived algorithmic control affects the platform workers’ service performance. Data collected from 286 platform workers was used for empirical study. Findings indicate: (1) perceived algorithmic control indirectly positively affects service performance through job crafting; (2) perceived algorithmic control indirectly negatively affects service performance through withdrawal behavior; (3) the indirect effect of perceived algorithmic control on service performance via job crafting is stronger when there is a high promotion focus and weaker in the case of high prevention focus; and (4) the indirect effect of perceived algorithmic control on service performance via withdrawal behavior is weaker in situations of high promotion focus and stronger in those of high prevention focus. The theoretical and practical implications are also discussed in this work.
CyberGaia: Earth as cyborg
Authors: Collins Logan Thrasher
Published: February 2024

Since the days of the transcendentalists, most environmental philosophers have assumed a dividing line between human-made technology and nature. In the context of our current technological world and the contemporary environmental movement, this way of thinking is perhaps more pervasive than ever. But from a cybernetic perspective, nature and technology together represent an inextricably connected network of signals and feedback, continuously developing as an organic whole. Drawing from cultural histories of the interconnectedness of life and of the cyborg concept, I propose CyberGaia as a metaphor to describe our biosphere in a fashion which acknowledges human technology as an integral part of nature. In this framework, humanity and technology represent an inseparable constituent of a larger interconnected system. Though CyberGaia does not distinguish nature and technology at a fundamental level, it recognizes that the technological world influences nature’s development by acting on the network within which it is embedded. By emphasizing the sublime beauty of nature’s interconnectedness, CyberGaia also preserves the spiritual-emotional connection to Earth which has heavily contributed to driving the environmental movement. CyberGaia merges physics and inspiration, encouraging us to create sustainable closed-loop technological systems that enable a flourishing biosphere. I argue that seeing the world as an interconnected cybernetic network may help us to better understand the biosphere in its totality while motivating us to take actions which help protect and preserve CyberGaia’s diverse menagerie of human and nonhuman life.
Prosody in linguistic journals: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Yan Mengzhu , Wu Xue
Published: February 2024

The present study provides a systematic review of prosody research in linguistic journals through a bibliometric analysis. Using the bibliographic data from 2001 to 2021 in key linguistic journals that publish prosody-related research, this study adopted co-citation analysis and keyword analysis to investigate the state of the intellectual structure and the emerging trends of research on prosody in linguistics over the past 21 years. Additionally, this study identified the highly cited authors, articles and journals in the field of prosody. The results offer a better understanding of how research in this area has evolved and where the boundaries of prosody research might be pushed in the future.
Energy harvesting from water impact using piezoelectric energy harvester
Authors: Wang Shuangjian , He Lipeng , Wang Hongxin , Li Xiaotao , Sun Baoyu , Lin Jieqiong
Published: February 2024

Energy, as an indispensable part of human life, has been a hot topic of research among scholars. The water kinetic energy generated by ocean currents, as a kind of clean energy, has high utilization rate, high power generation potential, and a broad prospect of powering microelectronic devices. As a result, the water kinetic piezoelectric energy harvester (WKPEH) has made significant progress in powering ocean sensors by harvesting ocean currents. This paper provides a comprehensive review of technologies that have been used in recent years to harvest energy from marine fluids using WKPEH. Detailed study of the energy harvesting mechanism of WKPEH. WKPEH can use the flutter-induced vibrations, vortex-induced vibrations, and wake oscillation principles to harvest water kinetic energy. The structural characteristics and output performance of each mechanism are also discussed and compared, and finally, a prospect on WKPEH is given.