bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact and Potentials of Vesicular-Arbuscular Mycorrhizae (VAM) Fungi in Plant Nutrient and Growth: A Sustainable Approach
Authors: Koshariya Ashok Kumar , Sharma Shashikant , Kumar Singampalli Yatendra , Midhunlal V. , Saikiran Maloth , Bhomika Chinthada , Latheef Abdul , Yadav C. Bharath
Published: June 2023

VAM fungi play a vital role in improving the nutrient quality in the plants, increasing the plants’ growth, helping protect plants against the pathogen, and helps in protecting them from salinity and drought. Their functions range from stress reduction to bioremediation in heavy metal-polluted soils. The current review paper focuses on heavy metal absorption, accumulation, and the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in alleviating heavy metal stress in plants. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are important soil microbial resources that assist host plants in dealing with a variety of abiotic stresses. It gives up-to-date information about AMF responses to abiotic stress. The significance of mycorrhiza against pathogenic populations is well documented, and the advantages of these relationships have been proven to minimize root system vulnerabilities by minimizing abiotic stresses, as well as boosting plant variety's ecological fitness in the soil environment. This review paper represents lipids as essential nutrients for AMF. This paper gives an overview of AM fungi's potential as bio-protection agents against soil-borne diseases and discuss about Modes of mycorrhizae-mediated disease control. The present review included reducing the impacts of biotic and abiotic stress through AMF, the mechanisms of AMF to improve the host plant’s capacity to endure stress, and the strategies employed by AM fungus to support plant” survival in stressful conditions.
Knowledge, Attitude and Prevention of Lassa fever Transmission among Women in Nnewi North Lga, Anambra State, Nigeria
Authors: Areji Solomon Chetachukwu , Onyenemezu Kelechi Raphael , Ubah John Chiedu , Akosa Jennifer Makuochukwu , Okeke Chukwuemelie Darlington , Onyenemezu ` Emmanuel Izuchukwu , Okonkwo Hyginus Echezona , Ikwuka Obinna Valentine , Ezike Tobechukwu Chinenye
Published: June 2023

Purpose: Lassa fever is a disease of public health concern associated with significant morbidity and mortality. It is noted to be endemic in the west-African Lassa fever belt with seasonal variations usually associated with epidemics. Nigeria among other countries is known to suffer from this. This study aims to determine the Knowledge, attitude, and prevention of Lassa Fever transmission among women in Nnewi North LGA of Anambra State and contributory factors.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study conducted among women in Nnewi between 1st to 30th September, 2022. Data was collected using pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire among 252 respondents. It was analyzed with SPSS version 25.0.

Results: Their mean age was 33.40 years ranging from 18-69 years. Overall, 80.2% of the respondents had good knowledge on Lassa fever, 77.8% had good attitude towards prevention and 84.9% showed a good level of practice of its prevention. Educational level was a statistically significant factor in all these. 21% of respondents reported knowledge through health workers.

Conclusion: There is a high level of knowledge, attitude, and transmission prevention among women resident in Nnewi with educational status being a major determinant. This will significantly help to reduce the burden of and transmission of the disease though the means of awareness differed among different individuals.

Practical Implication: There is a need to improve public health awareness by health workers in order to improve the integrity and content of the population’s health education.
ULBC: An Ultra Light-weight Block Cipher
Authors: Ghorai Shreyasi , Datta Nilanjan , Nandi Mrinal
Published: June 2023

After explicitly observing the design criteria of two popular block ciphers, namely PRESENT and GIFT, we have proposed a new S-box that would be useful for designing a new light-weight block cipher, we name it as ULBC. The primary goal of the S-Box is to reduce the implementation cost, and make it cheaper than the two block ciphers GIFT and PRESENT. In this design, we have also developed a new property like BOGI which would be extremely helpful in building light-weight block ciphers. Depending on this property we can appropriately design permutation layer, such that no bad output will go bad input. ULBC is composed of a S-box, associated bit wiring and key schedule. Also, we have produced some of cryptanalytic attacks to assure certain security level. We have used two different methods to calculate differential characteristics and linear approximation. By using *-DDT method we have produced tight bounds of them. We find that 24 rounds are sufficient to resist some cryptanalytic attack. It is also found that by using this cipher64-bits plain-text can be encrypted into 64-bits cipher-text.
Functional Brain Network Connectivity Changes in Children and Adolescents with Attention- Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Resting-State Brain Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study
Authors: Younes Osama Ibrahim , Haiba Amr Adel , Ali Rania Essameldein Mohamed , Mubarak Ahmed Abdel Rahman , Eissa Mai AbdelRaouf
Published: June 2023

Background: ADHD is one of the most common psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents. Altered functional connectivity has been associated with ADHD symptoms. This study aimed to investigate abnormal changes in the functional connectivity of resting-state brain networks (RSNs) among children and adolescents with different subtypes of ADHD.

Methods: This study was performed on 50 participants Group A: included 30 children and adolescents with ADHD Group B: included 20 normal typically developing controls. All participants aged between 7 and 16 years. All study patients. All participants underwent a neuropsychological assessment by applying the DSM-5 criteria to them. All study children and adolescents will undergo a R-fMRI examination, including Blood oxygenation level dependent BOLD-MRI and pulsed Arterial spin labeling MRI (PASL-MRI).

Results: According to Conner’s Rating scale, there was a significant difference between ADHD subtypes and severity. Children with combined subtype were more likely to have severe degree in both teacher and parent editions of Conner’s Rating Scale. On the other hand, children with inattentive subtype had less severe degrees by both teacher and parent edition. There were a statistically significance difference between both genders as regard ADHD severity according to Conner’s Rating scale (Teacher and parent editions) (P value = 0.049, 0.028 respectively). Males were significantly affected by moderate and severe type compared to females whose affection were mostly mild and moderate. According to CBCL, most of ADHD children had low competence parameters. There was a statistically significant difference (P value < 0.001) on the type of ADHD and social competence in the studied children, where the lowest parameters were found in children with hyperactive type.

Conclusion: There was a statistically significant difference on the type of ADHD and social competence, where the lowest parameters were found in children with hyperactive type.
Novel insights into brain lipid metabolism in Alzheimer's disease: Oligodendrocytes and white matter abnormalities
Authors: Kawade Noe , Yamanaka Koji
Published: June 2023

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia. A genome‐wide association study has shown that several AD risk genes are involved in lipid metabolism. Additionally, epidemiological studies have indicated that the levels of several lipid species are altered in the AD brain. Therefore, lipid metabolism is likely changed in the AD brain, and these alterations might be associated with an exacerbation of AD pathology. Oligodendrocytes are glial cells that produce the myelin sheath, which is a lipid‐rich insulator. Dysfunctions of the myelin sheath have been linked to white matter abnormalities observed in the AD brain. Here, we review the lipid composition and metabolism in the brain and myelin and the association between lipidic alterations and AD pathology. We also present the abnormalities in oligodendrocyte lineage cells and white matter observed in AD. Additionally, we discuss metabolic disorders, including obesity, as AD risk factors and the effects of obesity and dietary intake of lipids on the brain.
Electrostatic Powder Coating as a Novel Process for High‐Voltage Insulation Applications
Authors: Scholl Moritz , Vogel Nicolas , Lang Steffen
Published: June 2023

A novel strategy for manufacturing of the main insulation of high‐voltage rotating machines is presented. The developed process is based on established electrostatic powder coating equipment. Using complete automation enables the precise and reproducible application of homogeneous powder coating layers. Individual layers can be stacked by process repetitions to achieve a desired layer thickness. This coating strategy alters the particle deposition process by introducing additional capillary bridges that significantly increase powder adhesion. A systematic parameter study is performed to provide process–structure relations connecting various process parameters with the resultant coating thickness and homogeneity. The parameters of the developed coating process are iteratively improved to maximize coating homogeneity and minimize defect density, the most critical parameters in high‐voltage insulation applications. The obtained powder coatings with a target thickness of 1.5 mm are subjected to electrical testing to examine the partial discharge activity as a key criterion for a functional insulating coating. The measurements reveal no significant partial discharge activity up to an electric field strength of 10 kV mm−1, demonstrating that this novel strategy for the production of the main insulation of high‐voltage rotating equipment surpasses the state‐of‐the‐art process in terms of partial discharge activity.
Macrophage Membrane‐Coated Nanoparticles Sensitize Glioblastoma to Radiation by Suppressing Proneural–Mesenchymal Transformation in Glioma Stem Cells
Authors: Li Ruiqi , Chen Lian , Ji Qin , Liang Qing , Zhu Ying , Fu Wei , Chen Tianyou , Duan Hongwei , He Wenshan , Xu Zushun , Dai Xiaofang , Ren Jinghua
Published: June 2023

Radiotherapy is identified as a crucial treatment for patients with glioblastoma, but recurrence is inevitable. The efficacy of radiotherapy is severely hampered partially due to the tumor evolution. Growing evidence suggests that proneural glioma stem cells can acquire mesenchymal features coupled with increased radioresistance. Thus, a better understanding of mechanisms underlying tumor subclonal evolution may develop new strategies. Herein, data highlighting a positive correlation between the accumulation of macrophage in the glioblastoma microenvironment after irradiation and mesenchymal transdifferentiation in glioblastoma are presented. Mechanistically, elevated production of inflammatory cytokines released by macrophages promotes mesenchymal transition in an NF‐κB‐dependent manner. Hence, rationally designed macrophage membrane‐coated porous mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MMNs) in which therapeutic anti‐NF‐κB peptides are loaded for enhancing radiotherapy of glioblastoma are constructed. The combination of MMNs and fractionated irradiation results in the blockage of tumor evolution and therapy resistance in glioblastoma‐bearing mice. Intriguingly, the macrophage invasion across the blood‐brain barrier is inhibited competitively by MMNs, suggesting that these nanoparticles can fundamentally halt the evolution of radioresistant clones. Taken together, the biomimetic MMNs represent a promising strategy that prevents mesenchymal transition and improves therapeutic response to irradiation as well as overall survival in patients with glioblastoma.
Mixed Halide Formation in Lead‐Free Antimony‐Based Halide Perovskite for Boosted CO2 Photoreduction: Beyond Band Gap Tuning
Authors: Lee Jiale , Chong Wei‐Kean , Kok Steven Hao Wan , Ng Boon‐Junn , Kong Xin Ying , Chai Siang‐Piao , Tan Lling‐Lling
Published: June 2023

Photocatalytic conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into value‐added fuels is a vastly promising anthropogenic chemical carbon cycle to combat the greenhouse effect while meeting the ever‐increasing energy demand. Recently, lead‐based halide perovskites have demonstrated great potential in various applications including photochemical reduction of CO2. However, in view of lead toxicity, the exploration of a lead‐free alternative is crucial for long term application. Herein, a series of lead‐free mixed halide perovskites Cs3Sb2ClxBr9−x (0 ≤ x ≤ 9) is prepared via a facile antisolvent recrystallization technique, where the incorporation of a secondary halide enhances the charge transfer and separation while allowing precise tuning of bandgap between 2.59 and 2.90 eV. Theoretical calculations further reveal that the formation of mixed Cl/Br halides engenders favorable charge redistribution due to lower octahedral distortion, which in turn strengthens CO2 adsorption and activation. Under visible light illumination, the optimal dual halide perovskite, Cs3Sb2Cl4Br5 manifests substantial twofold and fourfold enhancements of CH4 yield over the single halide perovskite, Cs3Sb2Br9 and Cs3Sb2Cl9, respectively. In brief, this study provides a compelling demonstration of lead‐free mixed halide perovskites for photocatalytic CO2 reduction, and it is anticipated to drive further application of perovskite‐based photocatalysts toward a diverse range of artificial photoredox reactions.
Creating the Future with Silicon
Authors: Jung ES
Published: June 2023

The rise of AI technology, the expansion of smart and connected devices, and the COVID‐19 global pandemic have driven a change in the nature of social interactions from face‐to‐face to contact‐free/remote, which has tremendously increased the demand for various semiconductor devices. However, scaling and performance improvement of semiconductor devices are becoming more difficult every year, and extensive studies have been conducted to overcome these technological roadblocks. This paper reviews the present state of semiconductor development and discusses several approaches to overcome these scaling and performance limitations. Additionally, the importance of collaboration and the related ecosystem is emphasized to strengthen the cooperation among semiconductor stakeholders and support further semiconductor development.
How to Make Elastomers Piezoelectric?
Authors: Owusu Francis , Venkatesan Thulasinath Raman , Nüesch Frank A. , Negri Ricardo Martin , Opris Dorina M.
Published: June 2023

Piezoelectrics play a significant role in modern electronics and electric devices. Thermal or mechanical stress on such materials induces a change in polarization generating an electric response, which is the sole effect of why they are so interesting. However, most piezoelectrics are rigid and brittle ceramics and thus difficult to integrate into wearable electronics that comply with human skin or organs. To facilitate their incorporation into stretchable, so‐called next generation electronic devices, researchers have focused on developing piezoelectric materials with improved properties. Significant advances are achieved regarding flexibility. However, marrying piezoelectricity and elasticity proved challenging, as elastomers, with their amorphous flexible network structure, cannot keep polarization permanently. Herein, the most recent developments in the field of piezoelectric elastomers are reviewed, and potential future applications in sensors and energy harvesting are discussed.
Hybrid Alkali Salt Catalysts‐Promoted CVD Growth of 2D MoSe2–WSe2 and WSe2–MoSe2 Lateral Heterostructures
Authors: Wibowo Ary Anggara , Tebyetekerwa Mike , Bui Anh Dinh , Truong Thien N. , Saji Sandra , Kremer Felipe , Yang Zhongshu , Yin Zongyou , Lu Yuerui , Macdonald Daniel , Nguyen Hieu T.
Published: June 2023

A scalable growth of atomically‐thin 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) with defect‐free large‐area surfaces is crucial for developing high‐performing optoelectronic devices. Herein, a method to grow large‐area, high‐quality MoSe2 monolayers, MoSe2–WSe2, and WSe2–MoSe2 lateral heterostructures using molten salt‐based chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is systematically reported. First, effects of isolated inorganic (sodium chloride (NaCl) and sodium nitrate (NaNO3)), organic (Perylene–3,4,9,10–tetracarboxylic acid tetrapotassium salt (PTAS), mixed inorganic (NaCl/NaNO3), and hybrid organic–inorganic (PTAS/NaCl/NaNO3) salt catalysts on the CVD growth and optoelectronic quality of MoSe2 monolayers and their lateral heterostructures with WSe2 in MoSe2–WSe2 and WSe2–MoSe2 assemblies are investigated. Results show that molten salt catalysts (NaCl/NaNO3 and PTAS/NaCl/NaNO3) support high‐quality, large‐area growth of MoSe2 monolayers with low defect density. The mixed inorganic salt supports growth of MoSe2–WSe2 lateral heterostructures but not their counterpart. Meanwhile, WSe2–MoSe2 lateral heterostructures are optimally grown, supported by the hybrid organic–inorganic salt. These results are ascribed to the difference in the associated kinetic and thermodynamic mechanisms for the growths of MoSe2 and WSe2 as starting materials. Last, it is confirmed that optoelectronic quality of realized heterostructures and monolayers is improved compared to their mechanically exfoliated counterparts. The obtained high‐quality, large‐area 2D TMD heterostructures can be useful for various optoelectronic applications.
Bioinspired Anisotropic Microstructures toward Multimodal Deformations of Low‐Voltage‐Driven Ionic Actuators
Authors: Zhang Hao , Lin Zhaohua , Li Shuigen , Ma Suqian , Hu Yong , Liang Yunhong , Han Zhiwu , Ren Lei
Published: June 2023

Ionic polymer–metal composites (IPMCs) are a class of ionic actuators considered as potential candidates for future soft electronics that are operable under low voltages (generally <10 V), flexible, lightweight, and can be miniaturized. However, IPMCs can only generate linear bending deformation, but not complex 3D deformation, thus limiting their practical application. Herein, the IPMC actuators with anisotropic stripe microstructures are developed inspired by the botanical systems where microstructural anisotropy of the cell walls can lead to dynamic conformations. The stripe microstructure obtained via one‐way polishing is designed to present a certain angle to the edges of the IPMCs in the longitudinal direction and can be localized. Hence, the IPMCs are subjected to the anisotropic action of the microstructure while bending, yielding a complex 3D deformation. In addition, the large surface area and high ion accessibility area caused by polishing can enhance the actuation performance of IPMCs which is also influenced by the stripe angle, including higher displacement (up to 162%) and larger blocking force (up to 226%). Outstanding electromechanical properties and multimodal deformation model of IPMC actuators with microstructure are demonstrated by applications such as a soft switch, robotic gripper, and imitation of plant organs. This study can open a new vista for making high‐performance actuators and has significant implications for the expansion of the applicability of IPMC actuators.
Photochromic and Electrochromic Hydrogels based on Electron Donor and Acceptor Bridged Viologen Derivatives for Multifunctional Signage Applications
Authors: Liang Dingli , Guo Zeying , Su Yangzhe , Zhou Fan , Wang Min , Chen Weinan , Zhou Gang
Published: June 2023

Inserting a conjugated bridge between the two pyridinium units of the viologen is an effective approach to tuning the colorations of the viologen derivatives. However, the relationship between the charge density on the viologen bridge and the related photochromic (PC) and electrochromic (EC) properties has been rarely studied. Herein, three conjugated bridges with different charge densities, i.e., thienyl, phenyl, and quinoxalinyl groups, are incorporated between the two pyridinium units of ammonium‐functionalized viologens. The coloration scope of the viologens before and after chromism is expanded due to the adjusted intramolecular charge transfer interactions. Moreover, the introduction of an electron‐withdrawing bridge is greatly beneficial to the chromic properties of the conjugation‐extended viologens in polyacrylamide hydrogels. The EC device based on AQV hydrogel exhibits the highest optical contrast of 85% at 580 nm, the fastest switching time (1.0 and 0.9 s for coloration and bleaching processes, respectively), and no decay in optical contrast after 1000 EC cycles. Furthermore, multifunctional and multicolored signages as sports icons and traffic signs are fabricated and demonstrated. Variable traffic signs presenting “Permitted”, “Warning”, and “Prohibited” cautions for pedestrians and vehicles can be realized in a single device with only one piece of ITO glass.
Au Modified Hollow Cube Sn‐MOF Derivatives for Highly Sensitive, Great Selective, and Stable Detection of n‐Butanol at Room Temperature
Authors: Cui Xiuxiu , Tian Xu , Xiao Xuechun , Chen Ting , Wang Yude
Published: June 2023

At present, there are still few gas sensors for detecting n‐butanol at room temperature. It is worth noting that detecting target gas at room temperature is beneficial to reduce energy consumption and prolong the lifetime of sensors. In this work, different molar ratios Au nanoparticles modified SnO2 derived from Sn‐MOF hollow cubes (Au‐SnO2) are synthesized by the coprecipitation method. The Au‐SnO2 has higher specific surface area than pure SnO2, which is conducive to improving gas sensing. The 0.7% Au‐SnO2 exhibit excellent sensing performances of 240% toward 100 ppm n‐butanol and the actual detection interval is 200 ppb–500 ppm under the room temperature. Meanwhile, DFT calculations reveal that Au‐SnO2 gas sensor has wonderful selectivity to n‐butanol at room temperature. The enhancement of n‐butanol sensing performance is also related to the “catalytic sensitization” effect and the “electron sensitization” effect triggered driven by Au NPs. It is hoped this Au‐SnO2 sensing material with such great gas response, selectivity and low detection limit will help detect n‐butanol at room temperature to lower energy consumption.
Sustainable PHBV/CuS Composite Obtained from Waste Valorization for Wastewater Purification by Visible Light‐Activated Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Sarapajevaite Gabriele , Baltakys Kestutis , Degli Esposti Micaela , Morselli Davide , Fabbri Paola
Published: June 2023

The persistency of antimicrobial compounds in the water cycle accelerates the issue of antimicrobial resistance. Therefore, effective wastewater remediation approaches, which can be implemented on a large scale, are urgently required. This study aims at preparing a sustainable organic/inorganic composite material that can photo‐catalyze the degradation of organic pollutants in wastewater by using visible light. Specifically, films and porous composites are composed of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) as supporting material, and copper sulfide (CuS) as active photocatalyst. It is noteworthy that the proposed composite can be fully produced from waste valorization, since PHBV is a polymer, which can be obtained by fermentation of vegetable wastes, and CuS is synthesized from industrial sulfur wastes. The produced composites show remarkable capabilities in the photodegradation of tetracycline and methylene blue, selected as model organic pollutants. Moreover, the PHBV/CuS composites can be reused multiple times with minimal loss in photocatalytic efficiency. The suggested approach is not only sustainable and cost‐effective, but also solves issues occurring in the application of the photodegradation techniques currently reported, such as the consumption of fossil‐based chemicals and photocatalyst removal from the purified water using with expensive procedures.
A High‐Performance Alloy‐Based Anode Enabled by Surface and Interface Engineering for Wide‐Temperature Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Yang Jian , Guo Xin , Gao Hong , Wang Tianyi , Liu Zhigang , Yang Qing , Yao Hang , Li Jiabao , Wang Chengyin , Wang Guoxiu
Published: June 2023

Alloy‐based anodes have shown great potential to be applied in sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) due to their high theoretical capacities, suitable working potential, and abundant earth reserves. However, their practical applications are severely impeded by large volume expansion, unstable solid‐electrolyte interfaces (SEI), and sluggish reaction kinetics during cycling. Herein, a surface engineering of tin nanorods via N‐doped carbon layers (Sn@NC) and an interface engineering strategy to improve the electrochemical performance in SIBs are reported. In particular, the authors demonstrate that uniform surface modification can effectively facilitate electron and sodium transport kinetics, confine alloy pulverization, and simultaneously synergize interactions with the ether‐based electrolyte to form a robust organic‐inorganic SEI. Moreover, it is discovered that the diethylene glycol dimethyl ether electrolyte with strong stability and an optimized Na+ solvation structure can co‐embed the carbon layer to achieve fast reaction kinetics. Consequently, Sn@NC anodes deliver extra‐long cycling stability of more than 10 000 cycles. The full cell of Na3V2(PO4)3║Sn@NC exhibits high energy density (215 Wh kg−1), excellent high‐rate capability (reaches 80% capacity in 2 min), and long cycle life over a wide temperature range of −20 to 50 °C.
Ce‐Induced Differentiated Regulation of Co Sites via Gradient Orbital Coupling for Bifunctional Water‐Splitting Reactions
Authors: Li Meng , Wang Xuan , Liu Kun , Zhu Zhuoya , Guo Hanyu , Li Meize , Du Han , Sun Dongmei , Li Hao , Huang Kai , Tang Yawen , Fu Gengtao
Published: June 2023

Rare‐earth (RE) elements have emerged as crucial promoters to regulate the electrocatalysis of transition metals (TM), but knowledge about the RE‐enhanced mechanism of TM in electrocatalysis is limited. Herein, an array‐like Ce‐CoP catalyst is constructed to explore the origin and distinction of the Ce‐induced enhanced mechanism of Co sites in both the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Compared with individual CoP, the developed Ce‐CoP exhibits superior bifunctional electrocatalytic activity with the overpotentials of 81 and 240 mV at 10 mA cm−2, respectively for HER and OER, with excellent electrocatalytic stability. Theoretical calculations show that the unique 4f valence electron structure of Ce endows the Co sites with differentiated regulation in the HER and OER through f‐p‐d gradient orbital coupling. In the HER, the retained Ce‐4f state induces electron spin parallelism at the surrounding Co sites, promoting the adsorption of *H intermediates. While in the OER, the Ce‐4f band acts as sacrificing band to protect the Co sites from overoxidation through the Ce‐O‐Co chain with an optimized Co‐3d state, providing additional spin coupling with oxygen intermediates. These findings provide new insights into comprehending the RE‐enhanced mechanism of electrocatalysis and present valuable design guidelines for the development of efficient multi‐functional electrocatalysts.
Active Site Tailoring of Metal‐Organic Frameworks for Highly Efficient Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Hu Feng , Yu Deshuang , Zeng Wen‐Jing , Lin Zih‐Yi , Han Silin , Sun Yajie , Wang Hui , Ren Jianwei , Hung Sung‐Fu , Li Linlin , Peng Shengjie
Published: June 2023

The direct correlation between active sites and catalytic activity in multiple‐component metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) is key to understanding their mechanism of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) but remains vague. Herein, supported multiple‐site MOFs are adopted as model catalysts to quantitatively study the composition‐dependent OER performance. Ni MOFs on Fe metal substrate possess the highest intrinsic OER activity with the Ni/Fe ratio of 1:2 in the presence of metal leaching of the substrate during synthesis. Further introducing a proper amount of Cu further boosts the OER performance of Cu‐doped NiFe MOFs with an impressively low overpotential of 200 mV at 10 mA cm−2. Spectroscopic analysis with theoretical study indicates that the copper doping within the NiFe MOFs induces electron redistribution for high valence Fe sites with an optimized balance of OH/OOH adsorption and decreased energy barrier for improved OER. This work sheds light on the active site tailoring of MOFs which highly correlates with the OER activity.
What kinds of subsidies affect technical efficiency? The case of Italian dairy farms
Authors: Agostino Mariarosaria , Comert Ercan Enzo , Demaria Federica , Ruberto Sabrina
Published: June 2023

The relationship between subsidies and the technical efficiency of farms has important policy implications. The impact on efficiency can depend on the type of grant. Here, three macrocategories of subsidy are distinguished. With reference to a large sample of Italian dairy farms, the macrocategory of rural development payments is further broken down according to the main types of subsidy received. A stochastic frontier analysis based on the Farm Accountancy Data Network reveals a heterogeneous influence of these categories. Subsidies coupled with production are associated with greater efficiency. Decoupled grants have a negative influence on efficiency when pursuing agri‐environmental policy objectives, and no impact on efficiency when supporting the income of farms or promoting the transfer of knowledge and competitiveness. [EconLit Citations: C13, Q12].
Development of a concentration‐controlled sequential nanoprecipitation for making lipid nanoparticles with high drug loading
Authors: Xu Letao , Wang Xing , Yang Guangze , Zhao Zihan , Weng Yilun , Li Yang , Liu Yun , Zhao Chun‐Xia
Published: June 2023

Lipid‐based nanostructures have garnered considerable interests over the last two decades, and have achieved tremendous clinical success including the first clinical approval of a liposome (Doxil) for cancer therapy in 1995 and the recent COVID‐19 mRNA lipid nanoparticle vaccines. Compared to liposomes which have a lipid bilayer surrounding an aqueous core, lipid nanoparticles with a particle structure have several attractive advantages for encapsulating poorly water‐soluble drugs such as better stability due to the particle structure, high drug encapsulation efficiency because of a pre‐ or co‐drug‐loading strategy. While many studies have reported the synthesis of lipid nanoparticles for hydrophobic drug encapsulation, the precise control of drug loading and encapsulation efficiency remains a significant challenge. This work reports a new concentration‐controlled nanoprecipitation platform technology for fabricating lipid nanoparticles with tunable drug loading up to 70 wt%. This method is applicable for encapsulating a wide range of drugs from very hydrophobic to slightly hydrophilic. Using this facile method, nanoparticles with tunable drug loading exhibited excellent properties such as small particle size, narrow size distribution, good particle stability, showing great promise for future drug delivery applications.
Adaptive katalytische Systeme für die chemische Energiekonversion
Authors: Bordet Alexis , Leitner Walter
Published: June 2023

Die stark wachsende Bedeutung von grünem Wasserstoff und erneuerbaren Kohlenstoffressourcen als Rohstoffbasis für nachhaltige Wertschöpfungsketten eröffnet Raum für bahnbrechende Innovationen bei chemischen Produktionsprozessen. Die Fluktuation und Variabilität, die mit der Versorgung mit nicht‐fossilen Energieträgern und Rohstoffen einhergehen, stellen Katalysatoren vor viele Herausforderungen, um die daraus resultierende Dynamik zu bewältigen. Allerdings ergeben sich auch viele neue Möglichkeiten, wenn das Katalysatordesign auf eine Leistung abzielt, die “adaptiv” und nicht “aufgabenspezifisch” ist. In diesem Beitrag schlagen wir vor, Adaptivität in der Katalyse auf der Grundlage von drei wesentlichen Eigenschaften zu definieren, nämlich Reversibilität, Rapidität und Robustheit (R3‐Regel). Zur Begründung des wissenschaftlichen Konzepts und zur Darstellung seines Potenzials für die chemische Energiekonversion werden vielversprechende Designstrategien und ausgewählte Beispiele beschrieben.
Cognitive, behavioral, and brain functional connectivity correlates of fatigue in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Trojsi Francesca , Di Nardo Federica , D'Alvano Giulia , Passaniti Carla , Sharbafshaaer Minoo , Canale Fabrizio , Russo Antonio , Silvestro Marcello , Lavorgna Luigi , Cirillo Mario , Esposito Fabrizio , Tedeschi Gioacchino , Siciliano Mattia
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Fatigue is defined as a symptom of exhaustion unexplained by drug effects or psychiatric disorders and comprises two main components (i.e., central or “mental” and peripheral or “physical” components), both influencing global disability in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We aim at investigating the clinical correlations between “physical” and “mental” components of fatigue, measured by the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory scale, and motor and cognitive/behavioral disability in a large sample of patients with ALS. We also investigated the correlations between these measures of fatigue and resting‐state functional connectivity of brain functional magnetic resonance imaging (RS‐fMRI) large‐scale networks in a subset of patients.

Methods

One hundred and thirty ALS patients were assessed for motor disability, cognitive and behavioral dysfunctions, fatigue, anxiety, apathy, and daytime sleepiness. Moreover, the collected clinical parameters were correlated with RS‐fMRI functional connectivity changes in the large‐scale brain networks of 30 ALS patients who underwent MRI.

Results

Multivariate correlation analysis revealed that “physical” fatigue was related to anxiety and respiratory dysfunction, while “mental” fatigue was related to memory impairment and apathy. Moreover, the mental fatigue score was directly related to functional connectivity in the right and left insula (within the salience network), and inversely related to functional connectivity in the left middle temporal gyrus (within the default mode network).

Conclusions

Although the “physical” component of fatigue may be influenced by the disease itself, in ALS the “mental” component of fatigue correlates with cognitive and behavioral impairment, as well as with alterations of functional connectivity in extra‐motor networks.
Right heart catheterization predictors of symptomatic improvement in patients undergoing transcatheter tricuspid valve edge‐to‐edge repair
Authors: Rezkalla Joshua , Reddy Yogesh , Nishimura Rick A. , Padang Ratnasari , Pislaru Sorin V. , Rihal Charanjit S. , Eleid Mackram F.
Published: June 2023

Background

Transcatheter tricuspid valve edge‐to‐edge repair (TTEER) is associated with improvement in outcomes for symptomatic patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR). However, reliable predictors for clinical success are not yet fully defined. This study aims to describe right heart catheterization (RHC) findings in patients referred for TTEER and identify hemodynamic characteristics of patients who experience immediate symptomatic improvement following successful TR intervention.

Methods

Patients who underwent TTEER and had a separate RHC within the preceding 6 months were included. Hemodynamic tracings from the RHC and TTEER procedures were reviewed and recorded. Clinical success was defined as a successful device implant with at least 1‐grade of TR reduction and improvement in NYHA class by 1 or more grades on 30‐day echocardiogram and clinical follow‐up.

Results

Thirteen patients underwent an RHC within 6 months of TTEER procedure (median age 76 years [IQR: 73–80]). All patients were on a stable dose of loop diuretics. Baseline right atrial pressure was severely elevated (mean 19 mmHg [IQR: 9–24 mmHg]) with prominent CV waves. Median pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) was 20 mmHg (IQR: 14–22) and 70% of patients had a mean PCWP > 15 mmHg at rest. Median PCWP CV‐wave was 34 mmHg (IQR: 23–42). Higher PCWP CV‐wave height (40 mmHg [IQR 33–43] versus 18 mmHg [IQR 17–31]) was associated with lower likelihood of clinical success (OR 0.83, 95% CI: 0.35–0.97,p = 0.04).

Conclusions

Inclusion of invasive hemodynamics as part of pre‐TTEER evaluation may allow for improved TR phenotyping and patient selection. Patients with a large left atrial CV wave on resting RHC were less likely to experience immediate symptomatic improvement despite procedural success with TTEER.
Covalent Modification of Nanoparticle‐Imprinted Matrices for Selective Nanoparticle Recognition
Authors: Samuel Sweety Ann , Wittstock Gunther
Published: June 2023

Nanoparticle‐imprinted matrices (NAIMs) were prepared using ammonium‐terminated SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) as templates initially attached to activated glassy carbon. After electrodeposition of a matrix of polyplumbagin and polyphenol, the selectivity of the polymer matrix was tuned towards the ligand shell of the Au analyte NPs by conjugate addition of substituted thiols to the plumbagin moiety within the matrix. The reactions were followed by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and the presence of thiols and amino groups in the film was verified by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). After dissolution of the template NPs, the matrix had complementary cavities for the uptake of Au NPs. The amount of Au NP inside the cavities was quantified by the charge transferred during electrodissolution of the Au NPs in 3 M KCl in linear sweep voltammetry, which depended on the covalent modification of the polyplumbagin matrix, the pH during uptake and the size of the Au analyte NPs. The NAIM system modified with 1,2‐ethanedithiol showed the best uptake with 9.6×107 NPs cm−2 at pH 10, which is five times higher than the uptake of the same matrix at pH 5. In contrast, the cysteamine‐modified NAIM exhibited the highest uptake at pH 5.
Probing Achiral Benzene‐1,3,5‐tricarboxamide Monomers as Inducers of Homochirality in Supramolecular Helical Catalysts**
Authors: Kong Huanjun , Li Yan , Hammoud Ahmad , Dubreucq Ludovic , Troufflard Claire , Maruchenko Régina , Bouteiller Laurent , Raynal Matthieu
Published: June 2023

Adding a complementary achiral monomer to polymers embedding a mixture of enantiopure monomers (the “sergeants”) and achiral monomers (the “soldiers”) is expected to decrease the optical purity of the polymer main chain. This study reports the influence of such achiral benzene‐1,3,5‐tricarboxamide (BTA) additives on the properties of “sergeants‐and‐soldiers” mixtures composed of an achiral BTA ligand coordinated to copper and of an enantiopure BTA monomer. Whilst N,N’,N’’‐tris(octyl)benzene‐1,3,5‐tricarboxamide (BTA C8) shows no significant improvement in term of enantioselectivity in the catalytic reaction of reference, achiral BTA monomers derived from α,α’‐disubstituted amino esters all lead to an increase in the selectivity at low “sergeant” ratio. This different behaviour was probed by characterizing the coassemblies embedding BTA C8, i. e. the worst‐performing achiral additive, and the BTA derived from the ester of 1‐aminocyclohexane carboxylic acid (BTA Achc), the best‐performing one. Both additives were found to efficiently intercalate with the ligand and the “sergeant” leading to the formation of single helices. However, only the terpolymer embedding BTA Achc appears to be homochiral, accounting for the good enantioselectivity even at very low “sergeant” ratio (0.25 %).
Synthesis of TMP esters as a biolubricant from canola oil via a two‐step transesterification–transesterification process
Authors: Kamyab Behzad , Beims Ramon Filipe , Chio Chonlong , Qin Wensheng , Chambers Darren W. , Xu Chunbao Charles
Published: June 2023

Trimethylolpropane esters were synthesized from canola oil by a two‐step transesterification–transesterification process. In the first step, canola oil is reacted with ethanol to produce canola oil ethyl ester, while in the second step, canola oil trimethylolpropane ester was obtained by reacting the canola oil ethyl ester and trimethylolpropane using K2CO3 as a catalyst. In the first step, under the optimal reaction conditions (70°C, 2 h, ethanol‐to‐canola oil molar ratio of 10:1, and 0.25 wt.% catalyst loading), canola oil ethyl ester was successfully synthesized with a yield of 95.7 wt.%. In the second step, the final product with the maximum total concentration of canola oil trimethylolpropane ester (82%) and the maximum conversion of canola oil ethyl ester (85%) was obtained at 130°C for 3 h with a canola oil ethyl ester to trimethylolpropane molar ratio of 3.1:1, and 1 wt.% loading of K2CO3 catalyst. The produced polyol esters can be a promising biolubricant with excellent lubricant characteristics, quenching performance, biodegradability, and rheological/tribological properties.
Calcium Carbide: From Elemental Carbon to Isotope‐Economic Synthesis of 13C2‐Labeled Heterocycles†
Authors: Ledovskaya Maria S. , Voronin Vladimir V. , Valov Nikita R. , Samoylenko Dmitriy E.
Published: June 2023

Comprehensive Summary

13C‐Carbon is the most available source of carbon‐13. It is a relatively inexpensive solid material, which can be easily converted to calcium carbide‐13C2. In current work, Ca13C2 was used for in situ generation of 13C2‐acetylene in 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition and [4+2] cycloaddition reaction. For the first time, 1H‐1,2,3‐triazoles‐4,5‐13C2 and isoxazoles‐4,5‐13C2 were synthesized using calcium carbide‐13C2. A Diels‐Alder type cycloaddition of 3,6‐di(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐1,2,4,5‐tetrazine and Ca13C2 was investigated, and the best way for the synthesis of 3,6‐di(pyridin‐2‐yl)pyridazine‐4,5‐13C2 was proposed for the first time. Here we perform a detailled description of NMR spectra of 13C2‐labeled triazoles, isoxazoles and 3,6‐di(pyridin‐2‐yl)pyridazine.
Enhancing privacy‐preserving mechanisms in Cloud storage: A novel conceptual framework
Authors: Mishra Alok , Jabar Thr Satar , Alzoubi Yehia Ibrahim , Mishra Kamta Nath
Published: June 2023

Data privacy is critical for users who want to use Cloud storage services. There is a significant focus on Cloud service providers to address this need. However, in the evolving dynamic cyber‐space, privacy infractions are rising and pose threats to Cloud storage infrastructures. Several studies developed various models and techniques to ensure the privacy of Cloud storage contents. However, these models came with several shortages in the privacy‐preserving attributes they cover. Thus, this article identified a comprehensive set of Cloud data storage privacy‐preserving attributes to propose a flexible and efficient framework to handle the privacy problem. This framework uses a multi‐layer encryption storage structure and a one‐time password authentication technique. The findings of this article intend to help future communities to enhance existing techniques or develop new research‐based practical alternatives. Since Cloud computing is a rapidly growing technology, new privacy vulnerabilities emerge daily. Future research might confirm the findings of this article and test the suggested framework in different contexts.
Design, Synthesis and Evaluation of Fluorescent Properties of Benzothiazole Derivatives
Authors: Sun Yi‐Tao , Zhang Chun , Gao Li‐Xin , Liu Min‐Min , Yang Yuting , Shao Andong , Zhou Yu‐Bo , Zhu Yun‐Long , Li Jia , Wang Wen‐Long
Published: June 2023

Fluorescence imaging is conducive to establish a bridge between molecular biology and clinical medicine, and provides new tools for disease process research, early diagnosis, and efficacy evaluation, because of the advantages of rapid imaging and nondestructive detection. Herein, a series of fluorescent molecules with thiadiazole, or thiazole, or benzothiazole cores were designed and synthesized to develop more excellent fluorescent molecules in bio‐imaging. According to theoretical and experimental methods, we found that benzothiazole derivative 14 B with conjugate expansion by (4‐aminophenyl) ethynyl group was the most excellent fluorescent molecule among all the investigated compounds and exhibited low cytotoxicity and strong blue and green fluorescence by confocal cell imaging.
Identification of bird cherry‐oat aphid and greenbug resistance sources from Aegilops tauschii for wheat improvement
Authors: Xu Xiangyang , Li Genqiao , Lhamo Dhondup , Carver Brett F. , Wulff Brande B. H. , Gu Yongqiang , Xu Steven S. , Armstrong Scott
Published: June 2023

Bird cherry‐oat aphid (BCOA) and greenbug pose a persistent threat to wheat production in many wheat‐growing regions. Currently, greenbug resistance genes are limited for wheat improvement, and BCOA resistance sources are even more scarce. Thus, it is urgent to identify BCOA and greenbug resistance sources in wheat gene pools. An Aegilops tauschii (Ae. tauschii) panel of 260 accessions, which accounted for 48% of the total Ae. tauschii accessions available in global germplasm banks, was evaluated for BCOA resistance, and a set of BCOA‐resistant lines were identified. The same panel was evaluated for response to greenbug biotypes C, E, F, G, I, and TX1. A total of 102 lines exhibited 14 unique resistance profiles or phenotypes featuring resistance to at least one biotype. The frequency of resistant lines varied among lineages or subspecies, from 62% in Lineage 1 (subspecies tauschii) to 18% in Lineage 2 (subspecies stangulata), indicating conservation of genetic variance for greenbug resistance was nonrandom. Ae. tauschii accessions resistant to both BCOA and greenbug were identified for enhancing aphid resistance.
The interaction between Epstein–Barr virus and multiple sclerosis genetic risk loci: insights into disease pathogenesis and therapeutic opportunities
Authors: Afrasiabi Ali , Ahlenstiel Chantelle , Swaminathan Sanjay , Parnell Grant P
Published: June 2023

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurodegenerative autoimmune disease, characterised by the demyelination of neurons in the central nervous system. Whilst it is unclear what precisely leads to MS, it is believed that genetic predisposition combined with environmental factors plays a pivotal role. It is estimated that close to half the disease risk is determined by genetic factors. However, the risk of developing MS cannot be attributed to genetic factors alone, and environmental factors are likely to play a significant role by themselves or in concert with host genetics. Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection is the strongest known environmental risk factor for MS. There has been increasing evidence that leaves little doubt that EBV is necessary, but not sufficient, for developing MS. One plausible explanation is EBV may alter the host immune response in the presence of MS risk alleles and this contributes to the pathogenesis of MS. In this review, we discuss recent findings regarding how EBV infection may contribute to MS pathogenesis via interactions with genetic risk loci and discuss possible therapeutic interventions.