bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crop rotation and sowing date effects on yield of winter wheat
Authors: Groeneveld Marten , Grunwald Dennis , Piepho Hans-Peter , Koch Heinz-Josef
Published: May 2024

Simplified cereal-based crop rotations are widely grown due to economic reasons, leading to the cultivation of wheat after wheat and associated yield losses. In this study, a crop rotation trial was conducted in Northern Germany on a Stagnic Luvisol from 2006 to 2018 with winter wheat after the four most widely used preceding crops in the region (sugar beet, winter wheat, silage maize and winter oilseed rape) in different crop rotations to evaluate potential benefits of different preceding crops. Additionally, the effects of two different sowing dates (2016–2018) and higher crop residue input (whole period) were investigated.

While the pre-preceding crop had no effect, preceding crops winter oilseed rape and sugar beet led to a significantly higher yield of about 1.00 and 0.43 t/ha, respectively, compared to wheat after wheat. This was not modified by crop rotational diversity, including wheat monoculture. Wheat yield tended to be higher for the late sowing date after sugar beet, maize and wheat, while there was no effect of sowing date after oilseed rape. Higher crop residue input led to a significantly higher yield (0.30 t/ha) in wheat after wheat (after pre-preceding crop sugar beet). Overall, sugar beet and winter oilseed rape were found to be favourable preceding crops for winter wheat under the given site conditions. The effect of sowing date on yield and potential modifications of the preceding crop effect by sowing date needs further research in appropriate long-term trials.
Cystic echinococcosis in Cyprus: historical retrospective and finding of 2 Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato species
Authors: Santoro Azzurra , Konstantinou Panagiotis , Santolamazza Federica , Casulli Adriano
Published: May 2024

The island of Cyprus was a historical endemic area for cystic echinococcosis (CE) in the Mediterranean. During the last decades, Cyprus has been an open-air laboratory and a model for testing and implementing control measures aiming to eliminate CE as a public health problem. Despite control and surveillance measures implemented during last 50 years, molecular characterization of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato specimens has been never provided. In February 2023, the carcass of a stray dog collected in the Nicosia district was examined by the Veterinary Services and found infected with Echinococcus spp. worms. The worms were sent to the European Union Reference Laboratory (EURLP) for species/genotype identification. The sequences analyses of nad2 and nad5 genes allowed us to identify the tapeworms as Echinococcus canadensis, genotype G7b. In November 2023, a parasitic liver cyst was observed during the post-mortem examination of a mouflon from the same area of the dog's finding. The cyst sample was also referred to EURLP for identification and comparison with tapeworms previously collected from the dog. The sequences analysis of cox1 gene allowed to identify the cyst as E. granulosus sensu stricto, genotype G1. The finding of 2 different species of E. granulosus s.l. in a limited area raises epidemiological questions on the origin of the samples: whether distinct transmission cycles are present or a recent introduction event have occurred. From a public health perspective, it will be essential to conduct further molecular epidemiology studies to clarify the recent transmission dynamics of Echinococcus species in Cyprus.
Leading the Other: Gender and Colonialism in Partner Dancing's Long Century
Authors: Kaminsky David
Published: May 2024

In the 1840s, the polka craze established lead/follow partner dancing as the normative social dance structure in the Atlantic world. In the process, it imposed a choreographed performance of bourgeois heteropatriarchy (originally developed with the waltz) on Europe's colonies and post-colonies. However, a central mechanism of the lead/follow system in social partner dance is the woman's body attitude, and as the nature of that attitude changes, so do the associated dances. In the Americas, women acculturated to African-rooted principles of polycentricity disrupted the equilibrium of the lead/follow dynamic, catalyzing the creation of new partner dance forms and techniques. On the one hand, this resulted in an intensification of the lead/follow system such that men could now control and shape the dissociated parts of their partners’ bodies. On the other hand, it also seeded the fissioning and eventual dissolution of the dance partnership itself.
Autonomous navigation and steering control based on wireless non-wheeled snake robot
Authors: Bao Liming , Sun Yongjun , Xie Zongwu
Published: May 2024

This paper mainly studies an autonomous path-planning and real-time path-tracking optimization method for snake robot. Snake robots can perform search and rescue, exploration, and other tasks in a variety of complex environments. Robots with visual sensors such as LiDAR can avoid obstacles in the environment through autonomous navigation to reach the target point. However, in an unstructured environment, the navigation of snake robot is easily affected by the external environment, causing the robot to deviate from the planned path. In order to solve the problem that snake robots are easily affected by environmental factors in unstructured environments, resulting in poor path-following ability, this paper uses the Los algorithm combined with steering control to plan the robot in real time and control the robot’s steering parameters in real time, ensuring that the robot can stably follow the planned path.
Targeting EMT using low-dose Teniposide by downregulating ZEB2-driven activation of RNA polymerase I in breast cancer
Authors: Metge Brandon J. , Alsheikh Heba Allah M. , Kammerud Sarah C. , Chen Dongquan , Das Devika , Nebane N. Miranda , Bostwick J. Robert , Shevde Lalita A. , Samant Rajeev S.
Published: May 2024

Metastatic dissemination from the primary tumor is a complex process that requires crosstalk between tumor cells and the surrounding milieu and involves the interplay between numerous cellular-signaling programs. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) remains at the forefront of orchestrating a shift in numerous cellular programs, such as stemness, drug resistance, and apoptosis that allow for successful metastasis. Till date, there is limited success in therapeutically targeting EMT. Utilizing a high throughput screen of FDA-approved compounds, we uncovered a novel role of the topoisomerase inhibitor, Teniposide, in reversing EMT. Here, we demonstrate Teniposide as a potent modulator of the EMT program, specifically through an IRF7–NMI mediated response. Furthermore, Teniposide significantly reduces the expression of the key EMT transcriptional regulator, Zinc Finger E-Box Binding Homeobox 2 (ZEB2). ZEB2 downregulation by Teniposide inhibited RNA polymerase I (Pol I) activity and rRNA biogenesis. Importantly, Teniposide treatment markedly reduced pulmonary colonization of breast cancer cells. We have uncovered a novel role of Teniposide, which when used at a very low concentration, mitigates mesenchymal-like invasive phenotype. Overall, its ability to target EMT and rRNA biogenesis makes Teniposide a viable candidate to be repurposed as a therapeutic option to restrict breast cancer metastases.
Evidence for a finite-momentum Cooper pair in tricolor d-wave superconducting superlattices
Authors: Asaba T. , Naritsuka M. , Asaeda H. , Kosuge Y. , Ikemori S. , Suetsugu S. , Kasahara Y. , Kohsaka Y. , Terashima T. , Daido A. , Yanase Y. , Matsuda Y.
Published: May 2024

Fermionic superfluidity with a nontrivial Cooper-pairing, beyond the conventional Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer state, is a captivating field of study in quantum many-body systems. In particular, the search for superconducting states with finite-momentum pairs has long been a challenge, but establishing its existence has long suffered from the lack of an appropriate probe to reveal its momentum. Recently, it has been proposed that the nonreciprocal electron transport is the most powerful probe for the finite-momentum pairs, because it directly couples to the supercurrents. Here we reveal such a pairing state by the non-reciprocal transport on tricolor superlattices with strong spin-orbit coupling combined with broken inversion-symmetry consisting of atomically thin d-wave superconductor CeCoIn5. We find that while the second-harmonic resistance exhibits a distinct dip anomaly at the low-temperature (T)/high-magnetic field (H) corner in the HT-plane for H applied to the antinodal direction of the d-wave gap, such an anomaly is absent for H along the nodal direction. By carefully isolating extrinsic effects due to vortex dynamics, we reveal the presence of a non-reciprocal response originating from intrinsic superconducting properties characterized by finite-momentum pairs. We attribute the high-field state to the helical superconducting state, wherein the phase of the order parameter is spontaneously spatially modulated.
Population pharmacokinetic modelling of primaquine exposures in lactating women and breastfed infants
Authors: Wattanakul Thanaporn , Gilder Mary Ellen , McGready Rose , Hanpithakpong Warunee , Day Nicholas P. J. , White Nicholas J. , Nosten François , Tarning Joel , Hoglund Richard M.
Published: May 2024

Current guidelines advise against primaquine treatment for breastfeeding mothers to avoid the potential for haemolysis in infants with G6PD deficiency. To predict the haemolytic risk, the amount of drug received from the breast milk and the resulting infant drug exposure need to be characterised. Here, we develop a pharmacokinetic model to describe the drug concentrations in breastfeeding women using venous, capillary, and breast milk data. A mother-to-infant model is developed to mimic the infant feeding pattern and used to predict their drug exposures. Primaquine and carboxyprimaquine exposures in infants are <1% of the exposure in mothers. Therefore, even in infants with the most severe G6PD deficiency variants, it is highly unlikely that standard doses of primaquine (0.25-1 mg base/kg once daily given to the mother for 1-14 days) would cause significant haemolysis. After the neonatal period, primaquine should not be restricted for breastfeeding women (Clinical Trials Registration: NCT01780753).
N2 cleavage by silylene and formation of H2Si(μ-N)2SiH2
Authors: Cai Liyan , Xu Bing , Cheng Juanjuan , Cong Fei , Riedel Sebastian , Wang Xuefeng
Published: May 2024

Fixation and functionalisation of N2 by main-group elements has remained scarce. Herein, we report a fixation and cleavage of the N ≡ N triple bond achieved in a dinitrogen (N2) matrix by the reaction of hydrogen and laser-ablated silicon atoms. The four-membered heterocycle H2Si(μ-N)2SiH2, the H2SiNN(H2) and HNSiNH complexes are characterized by infrared spectroscopy in conjunction with quantum-chemical calculations. The synergistic interaction of the two SiH2 moieties with N2 results in the formation of final product H2Si(μ-N)2SiH2, and theoretical calculations reveal the donation of electron density of Si to π* antibonding orbitals and the removal of electron density from the π bonding orbitals of N2, leading to cleave the non-polar and strong NN triple bond.
Mechanistic basis of the dynamic response of TWIK1 ionic selectivity to pH
Authors: Chatelain Franck C. , Gilbert Nicolas , Bichet Delphine , Jauch Annaïse , Feliciangeli Sylvain , Lesage Florian , Bignucolo Olivier
Published: May 2024

Highly selective for K+ at neutral pH, the TWIK1 channel becomes permeable to Na+ upon acidification. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we identify a network of residues involved in this unique property. Between the open and closed states previously observed by electron microscopy, molecular dynamics simulations show that the channel undergoes conformational changes between pH 7.5–6 involving residues His122, Glu235, Lys246 and Phe109. A complex network of interactions surrounding the selectivity filter at high pH transforms into a simple set of stronger interactions at low pH. In particular, His122 protonated by acidification moves away from Lys246 and engages in a salt bridge with Glu235. In addition, stacking interactions between Phe109 and His122, which stabilize the selectivity filter in its K+-selective state at high pH, disappear upon acidification. This leads to dissociation of the Phe109 aromatic side chain from this network, resulting in the Na+-permeable conformation of the channel.
Anti-resonant acoustic waveguides enabled tailorable Brillouin scattering on chip
Authors: Lei Peng , Xu Mingyu , Bai Yunhui , Chen Zhangyuan , Xie Xiaopeng
Published: May 2024

Empowering independent control of optical and acoustic modes and enhancing the photon-phonon interaction, integrated photonics boosts the advancements of on-chip stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS). However, achieving acoustic waveguides with low loss, tailorability, and easy fabrication remains a challenge. Here, inspired by the optical anti-resonance in hollow-core fibers and acoustic anti-resonance in cylindrical waveguides, we propose suspended anti-resonant acoustic waveguides (SARAWs) with superior confinement and high selectivity of acoustic modes, supporting both forward and backward SBS on chip. Furthermore, this structure streamlines the design and fabrication processes. Leveraging the advantages of SARAWs, we showcase a series of breakthroughs for SBS within a compact footprint on the silicon-on-insulator platform. For forward SBS, a centimeter-scale SARAW supports a large net gain exceeding 6.4 dB. For backward SBS, we observe an unprecedented Brillouin frequency shift of 27.6 GHz and a mechanical quality factor of up to 1960 in silicon waveguides. This paradigm of acoustic waveguide propels SBS into a new era, unlocking new opportunities in the fields of optomechanics, phononic circuits, and hybrid quantum systems.
Visualizing the gas-sensitive structure of the CuZn surface in methanol synthesis catalysis
Authors: Jensen Sigmund , Mammen Mathias H. R. , Hedevang Martin , Li Zheshen , Lammich Lutz , Lauritsen Jeppe V.
Published: May 2024

Methanol formation over Cu/ZnO catalysts is linked with a catalytically active phase created by contact between Cu nanoparticles and Zn species whose chemical and structural state depends on reaction conditions. Herein, we use variable-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy at elevated pressure conditions combined with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements to investigate the surface structures and chemical states that evolve when a CuZn/Cu(111) surface alloy is exposed to reaction gas mixtures. In CO2 hydrogenation conditions, Zn stays embedded in the CuZn surface, but once CO gas is added to the mixture, the Zn segregates onto the Cu surface. The Zn segregation is CO-induced, and establishes a new dynamic state of the catalyst surface where Zn is continually exchanged at the Cu surface. Candidates for the migrating few-atom Zn clusters are further identified in time-resolved imaging series. The findings point to a significant role of CO affecting the distribution of Zn in the multiphasic ZnO/CuZn/Cu catalysts.
Cadmium binding by the F-box domain induces p97-mediated SCF complex disassembly to activate stress response programs
Authors: Lauinger Linda , Andronicos Anna , Flick Karin , Yu Clinton , Durairaj Geetha , Huang Lan , Kaiser Peter
Published: May 2024

The F-box domain is a highly conserved structural motif that defines the largest class of ubiquitin ligases, Skp1/Cullin1/F-box protein (SCF) complexes. The only known function of the F-box motif is to form the protein interaction surface with Skp1. Here we show that the F-box domain can function as an environmental sensor. We demonstrate that the F-box domain of Met30 is a cadmium sensor that blocks the activity of the SCFMet30 ubiquitin ligase during cadmium stress. Several highly conserved cysteine residues within the Met30 F-box contribute to binding of cadmium with a KD of 8 µM. Binding induces a conformational change that allows for Met30 autoubiquitylation, which in turn leads to recruitment of the segregase Cdc48/p97/VCP followed by active SCFMet30 disassembly. The resulting inactivation of SCFMet30 protects cells from cadmium stress. Our results show that F-box domains participate in regulation of SCF ligases beyond formation of the Skp1 binding interface.
A unifying modelling of multiple land degradation pathways in Europe
Authors: Prăvălie Remus , Borrelli Pasquale , Panagos Panos , Ballabio Cristiano , Lugato Emanuele , Chappell Adrian , Miguez-Macho Gonzalo , Maggi Federico , Peng Jian , Niculiță Mihai , Roșca Bogdan , Patriche Cristian , Dumitrașcu Monica , Bandoc Georgeta , Nita Ion-Andrei , Birsan Marius-Victor
Published: May 2024

Land degradation is a complex socio-environmental threat, which generally occurs as multiple concurrent pathways that remain largely unexplored in Europe. Here we present an unprecedented analysis of land multi-degradation in 40 continental countries, using twelve dataset-based processes that were modelled as land degradation convergence and combination pathways in Europe’s agricultural (and arable) environments. Using a Land Multi-degradation Index, we find that up to 27%, 35% and 22% of continental agricultural (~2 million km2) and arable (~1.1 million km2) lands are currently threatened by one, two, and three drivers of degradation, while 10–11% of pan-European agricultural/arable landscapes are cumulatively affected by four and at least five concurrent processes. We also explore the complex pattern of spatially interacting processes, emphasizing the major combinations of land degradation pathways across continental and national boundaries. Our results will enable policymakers to develop knowledge-based strategies for land degradation mitigation and other critical European sustainable development goals.
Critical learning from industrial catalysis for nanocatalytic medicine
Authors: Jin Zhaokui , Jiang Lingdong , He Qianjun
Published: May 2024

Systematical and critical learning from industrial catalysis will bring inspiration for emerging nanocatalytic medicine, but the relevant knowledge is quite limited so far. In this review, we briefly summarize representative catalytic reactions and corresponding catalysts in industry, and then distinguish the similarities and differences in catalytic reactions between industrial and medical applications in support of critical learning, deep understanding, and rational designing of appropriate catalysts and catalytic reactions for various medical applications. Finally, we summarize/outlook the present and potential translation from industrial catalysis to nanocatalytic medicine. This review is expected to display a clear picture of nanocatalytic medicine evolution.
Decoupling excitons from high-frequency vibrations in organic molecules
Authors: Ghosh Pratyush , Alvertis Antonios M. , Chowdhury Rituparno , Murto Petri , Gillett Alexander J. , Dong Shengzhi , Sneyd Alexander J. , Cho Hwan-Hee , Evans Emrys W. , Monserrat Bartomeu , Li Feng , Schnedermann Christoph , Bronstein Hugo , Friend Richard H. , Rao Akshay
Published: May 2024

The coupling of excitons in π-conjugated molecules to high-frequency vibrational modes, particularly carbon–carbon stretch modes (1,000–1,600 cm−1) has been thought to be unavoidable1,2. These high-frequency modes accelerate non-radiative losses and limit the performance of light-emitting diodes, fluorescent biomarkers and photovoltaic devices. Here, by combining broadband impulsive vibrational spectroscopy, first-principles modelling and synthetic chemistry, we explore exciton–vibration coupling in a range of π-conjugated molecules. We uncover two design rules that decouple excitons from high-frequency vibrations. First, when the exciton wavefunction has a substantial charge-transfer character with spatially disjoint electron and hole densities, we find that high-frequency modes can be localized to either the donor or acceptor moiety, so that they do not significantly perturb the exciton energy or its spatial distribution. Second, it is possible to select materials such that the participating molecular orbitals have a symmetry-imposed non-bonding character and are, thus, decoupled from the high-frequency vibrational modes that modulate the π-bond order. We exemplify both these design rules by creating a series of spin radical systems that have very efficient near-infrared emission (680–800 nm) from charge-transfer excitons. We show that these systems have substantial coupling to vibrational modes only below 250 cm−1, frequencies that are too low to allow fast non-radiative decay. This enables non-radiative decay rates to be suppressed by nearly two orders of magnitude in comparison to π-conjugated molecules with similar bandgaps. Our results show that losses due to coupling to high-frequency modes need not be a fundamental property of these systems.
Full-colour 3D holographic augmented-reality displays with metasurface waveguides
Authors: Gopakumar Manu , Lee Gun-Yeal , Choi Suyeon , Chao Brian , Peng Yifan , Kim Jonghyun , Wetzstein Gordon
Published: May 2024

Emerging spatial computing systems seamlessly superimpose digital information on the physical environment observed by a user, enabling transformative experiences across various domains, such as entertainment, education, communication and training1–3. However, the widespread adoption of augmented-reality (AR) displays has been limited due to the bulky projection optics of their light engines and their inability to accurately portray three-dimensional (3D) depth cues for virtual content, among other factors4,5. Here we introduce a holographic AR system that overcomes these challenges using a unique combination of inverse-designed full-colour metasurface gratings, a compact dispersion-compensating waveguide geometry and artificial-intelligence-driven holography algorithms. These elements are co-designed to eliminate the need for bulky collimation optics between the spatial light modulator and the waveguide and to present vibrant, full-colour, 3D AR content in a compact device form factor. To deliver unprecedented visual quality with our prototype, we develop an innovative image formation model that combines a physically accurate waveguide model with learned components that are automatically calibrated using camera feedback. Our unique co-design of a nanophotonic metasurface waveguide and artificial-intelligence-driven holographic algorithms represents a significant advancement in creating visually compelling 3D AR experiences in a compact wearable device.
Molecular pixelation: spatial proteomics of single cells by sequencing
Authors: Karlsson Filip , Kallas Tomasz , Thiagarajan Divya , Karlsson Max , Schweitzer Maud , Navarro Jose Fernandez , Leijonancker Louise , Geny Sylvain , Pettersson Erik , Rhomberg-Kauert Jan , Larsson Ludvig , van Ooijen Hanna , Petkov Stefan , González-Granillo Marcela , Bunz Jessica , Dahlberg Johan , Simonetti Michele , Sathe Prajakta , Brodin Petter , Barrio Alvaro Martinez , Fredriksson Simon
Published: May 2024

The spatial distribution of cell surface proteins governs vital processes of the immune system such as intercellular communication and mobility. However, fluorescence microscopy has limited scalability in the multiplexing and throughput needed to drive spatial proteomics discoveries at subcellular level. We present Molecular Pixelation (MPX), an optics-free, DNA sequence-based method for spatial proteomics of single cells using antibody–oligonucleotide conjugates (AOCs) and DNA-based, nanometer-sized molecular pixels. The relative locations of AOCs are inferred by sequentially associating them into local neighborhoods using the sequence-unique DNA pixels, forming >1,000 spatially connected zones per cell in 3D. For each single cell, DNA-sequencing reads are computationally arranged into spatial proteomics networks for 76 proteins. By studying immune cell dynamics using spatial statistics on graph representations of the data, we identify known and new patterns of spatial organization of proteins on chemokine-stimulated T cells, highlighting the potential of MPX in defining cell states by the spatial arrangement of proteins.
Potential clinical value of fibrinogen-like protein 1 as a serum biomarker for the identification of diabetic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Liu Yao , Wang Min , Su Jia-Bao , Fu Xiao , Zheng Guan-Li , Guo Shan , Zhang Li-Juan , Lu Qing-Bo
Published: May 2024

Diabetic individuals with diabetic cardiomyopathy (DbCM) present with abnormal myocardial structure and function. DbCM cannot be accurately diagnosed due to the lack of suitable diagnostic biomarkers. In this study, 171 eligible participants were divided into a healthy control (HC), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients without DbCM (T2DM), or DbCM group. Serum fibrinogen-like protein 1 (FGL-1) and other biochemical parameters were determined for all participants. Serum FGL-1 levels were significantly higher in patients with DbCM compared with those in the T2DM group and HCs. Serum FGL-1 levels were negatively correlated with left ventricular fractional shortening and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and positively correlated with left ventricular mass index in patients with DbCM after adjusting for age, sex and body mass index. Interaction of serum FGL-1 and triglyceride levels on LVEF was noted in patients with DbCM. A composite marker including serum FGL-1 and triglycerides could differentiate patients with DbCM from those with T2DM and HCs with an area under the curve of 0.773 and 0.789, respectively. Composite marker levels were negatively correlated with N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide levels in patients with DbCM. Circulating FGL-1 may therefore be a valuable index reflecting cardiac functions in DbCM and to diagnose DbCM.
Biomineral crystallographic preferred orientation in Solenogastres molluscs (Aplacophora) is controlled by organic templating
Authors: Castro-Claros J. D. , Yin X. , Salas C. , Griesshaber E. , Hörl S. , Checa A. G. , Schmahl W. W.
Published: May 2024

Aplacophoran molluscs are shell-less and have a worm-like body which is covered by biomineralized sclerites. We investigated sclerite crystallography and the sclerite mosaic of the Solenogastres species Dorymenia sarsii, Anamenia gorgonophila, and Simrothiella margaritacea with electron-backscattered-diffraction (EBSD), laser-confocal-microscopy and FE-SEM imaging. The soft tissue of the molluscs is covered by spicule-shaped, aragonitic sclerites. These are sub-parallel to the soft body of the organism. We find, for all three species, that individual sclerites are untwinned aragonite single crystals. For individual sclerites, aragonite c-axis is parallel to the morphological, long axis of the sclerite. Aragonite a- and b-axes are perpendicular to sclerite aragonite c-axis. For the scleritomes of the investigated species we find different sclerite and aragonite crystal arrangement patterns. For the A. gorgonophila scleritome, sclerite assembly is disordered such that sclerites with their morphological, long axis (always the aragonite c-axis) are pointing in many different directions, being, more or less, tangential to cuticle surface. For D. sarsii, the sclerite axes (equal to aragonite c-axes) show a stronger tendency to parallel arrangement, while for S. margaritacea, sclerite and aragonite organization is strongly structured into sequential rows of orthogonally alternating sclerite directions. The different arrangements are well reflected in the structured orientational distributions of aragonite a-, b-, c-axes across the EBSD-mapped parts of the scleritomes. We discuss that morphological and crystallographic preferred orientation (texture) is not generated by competitive growth selection (the crystals are not in contact), but is determined by templating on organic matter of the sclerite-secreting epithelial cells and associated papillae.
Improvement of phenolic profile and biological activities of wild mustard sprouts
Authors: Salah Hala A. , Elsayed Alshaimaa M. , Bassuiny Roqaya I. , Abdel-Aty Azza M. , Mohamed Saleh A.
Published: May 2024

The current study aimed to assess the effect of the germination process of wild mustard seeds on the phenolic profile, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antidiabetic properties, and some relevant enzyme activities. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents increased 5- and 10-fold, respectively, and were maximized on 5-days sprouts. One new phenolic compound was identified on 5-days sprout extract using HPLC. The concentrations of the identified phenolic compounds increased 1.5–4.3 folds on 5-days sprouts compared with dry seeds. The total antioxidant activity multiplied 17- and 21-fold on 5-days sprouts using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assays, respectively. The activity of carbohydrate-cleaving, phenolic-synthesizing and antioxidant enzymes also increased during germination. On 5-days sprouts, there was a substantial correlation between the highest β-glucosidase and peroxidase activities with highest phenolic and flavonoid levels and maximum antioxidant activity. The phenolic extract of 5-days sprouts exhibited antimicrobial activities against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus and showed potent antidiabetic activity established by its inhibitory effect against α-amylase and α-glucosidase compared to dry seeds.
Periodic heat waves-induced neuronal etiology in the elderly is mediated by gut-liver-brain axis: a transcriptome profiling approach
Authors: Roy Subhajit , Saha Punnag , Bose Dipro , Trivedi Ayushi , More Madhura , Lin Christina , Wu Jie , Oakes Melanie , Chatterjee Saurabh
Published: May 2024

Heat stress exposure in intermittent heat waves and subsequent exposure during war theaters pose a clinical challenge that can lead to multi-organ dysfunction and long-term complications in the elderly. Using an aged mouse model and high-throughput sequencing, this study investigated the molecular dynamics of the liver-brain connection during heat stress exposure. Distinctive gene expression patterns induced by periodic heat stress emerged in both brain and liver tissues. An altered transcriptome profile showed heat stress-induced altered acute phase response pathways, causing neural, hepatic, and systemic inflammation and impaired synaptic plasticity. Results also demonstrated that proinflammatory molecules such as S100B, IL-17, IL-33, and neurological disease signaling pathways were upregulated, while protective pathways like aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling were downregulated. In parallel, Rantes, IRF7, NOD1/2, TREM1, and hepatic injury signaling pathways were upregulated. Furthermore, current research identified Orosomucoid 2 (ORM2) in the liver as one of the mediators of the liver-brain axis due to heat exposure. In conclusion, the transcriptome profiling in elderly heat-stressed mice revealed a coordinated network of liver-brain axis pathways with increased hepatic ORM2 secretion, possibly due to gut inflammation and dysbiosis. The above secretion of ORM2 may impact the brain through a leaky blood–brain barrier, thus emphasizing intricate multi-organ crosstalk.
Synthesis of chiral Cu(II) complexes from pro-chiral Schiff base ligand and investigation of their catalytic activity in the asymmetric synthesis of 1,2,3-triazoles
Authors: Ajormal Fatemeh , Bikas Rahman , Noshiranzadeh Nader , Emami Marzieh , Kozakiewicz-Piekarz Anna
Published: May 2024

A pro-chiral Schiff base ligand (HL) was synthesized by the reaction of 2-amino-2-ethyl-1,3-propanediol and pyridine-2-carbaldehyde in methanol. The reaction of HL with CuCl2·2H2O and CuBr2 in methanol gave neutral mononuclear Cu(II) complexes with general formula of [Cu(HL)Cl2] (1) and [Cu(HL)Br2] (2), respectively. By slow evaporation of the methanolic solutions of 1 and 2, their enantiomers were isolated in crystalline format. The formation of pure chiral crystals in the racemic mixture was amply authenticated by single crystal X-ray analysis, which indicated that S-[Cu(HL)Cl2], R-[Cu(HL)Cl2], and S-[Cu(HL)Br2] are crystallized in chiral P212121 space group of orthorhombic system. Preferential crystallization was used to isolate the R and S enantiomers as single crystals and the isolated compounds were also studied by CD analysis. Structural studies indicated that the origin of the chirality in these compounds is related to the coordination mode of the employed pro-chiral ligand (HL) because one of its carbon atoms has been converted to a chiral center in the synthesized complexes. Subsequently, these complexes were used in click synthesis of a β-hydroxy-1,2,3-triazole and the results of catalytic studies indicated that 1 and 2 can act as enantioselective catalysts for the asymmetric synthesis of β-hydroxy-1,2,3-triazole product under mild condition. This study illustrates the significant capacity of the use of pro-chiral ligands in preparing chiral catalysts based on complexes which can also be considered as an effective approach to cheap chiral catalysts from achiral reagents.
Mechanical behavior and waterproof performance of longitudinal section of tunnel segment joint gasket
Authors: Zhang Qian , Xie Li , Zhao Zhirong , Zhao WeiGang , Ma Yan , Shi Longhe , Zhang Zihang
Published: May 2024

In the construction stage, due to construction errors and longitudinal differential settlement during tunnel operation, the amount of dislocation and opening at the segment joint increases, increasing the likelihood of water leakage. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct an in-depth study on the influence of the amount of dislocation and opening at the segment joints on the contact stress of the longitudinal section. Firstly, through theoretical analysis, this paper deduces that the waterproof performance of the gasket depends not only on its own contact area, linear compression stiffness, and Poisson’s ratio but also on the height of the segment joint specimen and the amount of joint opening caused by the sinking offset angle. Then, the effects of different openings and dislocations at the segment joints on the contact stress of the segment gasket section were compared using numerical simulation and model experiments. Through numerical simulation, it is found that the dislocation has a greater influence on the longitudinal left section. The average contact stress at 16 mm is 28.3% lower than that at 4 mm, and the influence of the opening amount on the sealing gasket section is greater than that of the dislocation. Combined with the test results, it is also shown that the influence of the opening amount of the waterproof performance at the segment joint is greater than that of the dislocation, and the waterproof rate of the segment gasket section joint is greater than 40% under the modified working condition.
A non-invasive capacitive sensor to investigate the Leidenfrost phenomenon: a proof of concept study
Authors: Purandare Abhishek S. , Rijs Jelle , Sagar Pankaj , Vanapalli Srinivas
Published: May 2024

A volatile sessile liquid droplet or a sublimating solid manifests levitation on its own vapor when placed on a sufficiently heated surface, illustrating the Leidenfrost phenomenon. In this study, we introduce a non-invasive capacitance method for investigating this phenomenon, offering a potentially simpler alternative to existing optical techniques. The designed sensor features in-plane miniaturized electrodes forming a double-comb structure, also known as an interdigitated capacitor. Initially, the sensor’s capacitance is characterized for various distances between the sensor and a dielectric material. The influence of the sensor substrate material and the spacing between the electrodes on the sensor’s capacitance is also investigated. To demonstrate the feasibility of the method, a sublimating dry ice pellet is placed on the capacitive sensor, and its performance is evaluated. We present results for the dimensionless vapor layer thickness and the pellet’s lifetime at different substrate temperatures, derived from the capacitance output. The results are compared with Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) data, serving as a benchmark. While the temporal evolution of the sensor’s output, variation in the dimensionless vapor layer thickness, and the lifetime of the dry ice pellet align with expected results from OCT, notable quantitative deviations are observed. These deviations are attributed to practical experimental limitations rather than shortcoming in the sensor’s working principle. Although this necessitates further investigation, the methodology presented in this paper can potentially serve as an alternative for the detection and measurement of Leidenfrost vapor layers.
Analyzing solitary wave solutions of the nonlinear Murray equation for blood flow in vessels with non-uniform wall properties
Authors: Inc Mustafa , Hussain Shabbir , Ali Ali Hasan , Iqbal Muhammad Sajid , Ashraf Romana , Tarar Muhammad Akhtar , Adnan Muhammad
Published: May 2024

Solitary wave solutions are of great interest to bio-mathematicians and other scientists because they provide a basic description of nonlinear phenomena with many practical applications. They provide a strong foundation for the development of novel biological and medical models and therapies because of their remarkable behavior and persistence. They have the potential to improve our comprehension of intricate biological systems and help us create novel therapeutic approaches, which is something that researchers are actively investigating. In this study, solitary wave solutions of the nonlinear Murray equation will be discovered using a modified extended direct algebraic method. These solutions represent a uniform variation in blood vessel shape and diameter that can be used to stimulate blood flow in patients with cardiovascular disease. These solutions are newly in the literature, and give researchers an important tool for grasping complex biological systems. To see how the solitary wave solutions behave, graphs are displayed using Matlab.
Preoperative three-dimensional lung volumetry predicts respiratory complications in patients undergoing major liver resection for colorectal metastases
Authors: Elmaagacli Suzan , Thiele Christoph , Meister Franziska , Menne Philipp , Truhn Daniel , Olde Damink Steven W. M. , Bickenbach Johannes , Neumann Ulf , Lang Sven Arke , Vondran Florian , Amygdalos Iakovos
Published: May 2024

Colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) are the predominant factor limiting survival in patients with colorectal cancer and liver resection with complete tumor removal is the best treatment option for these patients. This study examines the predictive ability of three-dimensional lung volumetry (3DLV) based on preoperative computerized tomography (CT), to predict postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing major liver resection for CRLM. Patients undergoing major curative liver resection for CRLM between 2010 and 2021 with a preoperative CT scan of the thorax within 6 weeks of surgery, were included. Total lung volume (TLV) was calculated using volumetry software 3D-Slicer version 4.11.20210226 including Chest Imaging Platform extension (http://www.slicer.org). The area under the curve (AUC) of a receiver-operating characteristic analysis was used to define a cut-off value of TLV, for predicting the occurrence of postoperative respiratory complications. Differences between patients with TLV below and above the cut-off were examined with Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test and Mann–Whitney U tests and logistic regression was used to determine independent risk factors for the development of respiratory complications. A total of 123 patients were included, of which 35 (29%) developed respiratory complications. A predictive ability of TLV regarding respiratory complications was shown (AUC 0.62, p = 0.036) and a cut-off value of 4500 cm3 was defined. Patients with TLV < 4500 cm3 were shown to suffer from significantly higher rates of respiratory complications (44% vs. 21%, p = 0.007) compared to the rest. Logistic regression analysis identified TLV < 4500 cm3 as an independent predictor for the occurrence of respiratory complications (odds ratio 3.777, 95% confidence intervals 1.488–9.588, p = 0.005). Preoperative 3DLV is a viable technique for prediction of postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing major liver resection for CRLM. More studies in larger cohorts are necessary to further evaluate this technique.
Synthetic progress of organic thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitters via C–H activation and functionalization
Authors: Ni Fan , Huang Yipan , Qiu Longzhen , Yang Chuluo
Published: May 2024

This review highlights progress made in the last decade in the synthesis of thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitters through C–H bond transformations, and gives an outlook on further challenges and potential directions in this field.
Fabrication of an all-in-one self-enhanced solid-state electrochemiluminescence sensing platform for the selective detection of spermine
Authors: Sornambigai Mathavan , Roselin Pavithra Antony Samy , Hansda Shekhar , Senthil Kumar Shanmugam
Published: May 2024

Fabrication of chemically synthesised silica polyethylene nanoparticles acted as an all-in-one solid-state ECL platform for selective sensing of spermine which offers an expediting the miniaturization of sensing devices and point-of-care needs.
Enhancing the sequence coverage of nanodiamond-extracted early secretory proteins from the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex
Authors: Soo Po-Chi , Lee Ching-Chieh , Shie Meng-Fu , Patil Avinash A. , Descanzo Mhikee Janella N. , Chin Ya-Ching , Chen Hsi-An , Horng Yu-Tze , Lin Chih-Bin , Lee Jen-Jyh , Chiang Cheng-Kang , Peng Wen-Ping
Published: May 2024

The sequence coverage of CFP-10 and ESAT-6 proteins from the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) has been greatly enhanced >94% with the Cl-CCA matrix and eliminating interferences from bovine serum albumin and α-crystallin proteins.
Construction of a stable radical hydrogen-bonded metal–organic framework with functionalized tetrathiafulvalene linkers
Authors: Su Jian , Han Xiao , Ke Si-Wen , Zhou Xiao-Cheng , Yuan Shuai , Ding Mengning , Zuo Jing-Lin
Published: May 2024

We have designed a radical hydrogen-bonded metal–organic framework with an atomically-resolved single crystal structure, demonstrating excellent stability, good electrical conductivity, and highly efficient near-infrared photothermal conversion.
Nucleophilic hydrolysis enables HF-etched MXene kilofarad specific capacitance and excellent rate performance
Authors: Xu Jiang , Gu Yaokai , Hu Bingqing , Yang Haoqi , Sha Dawei , Lian Jiabiao , Ge Shanhai
Published: May 2024

An unusual MXene with a high ratio of oxygen functional groups was prepared by hydrothermal treatment of HF-etched MXene in KOH solution, which enables HF-etched MXene kilofarad specific capacitance and excellent rate performance.
Semimetallic electrical properties of rock salt-type LaBi thin films grown by solid-phase reaction of La/Bi multilayer precursors
Authors: Yoshikawa Kenshin , Kawasoko Hideyuki , Fukumura Tomoteru
Published: May 2024

Highly crystalline LaBi thin films, grown by solid-phase reaction of La/Bi multilayer precursors, showed metallic conduction and nonlinear Hall resistance, indicating the semimetallic nature with electron and hole carriers.
Surface-engineered Mo2B: a promising electrode material for constructing Ohmic contacts with blue phosphorene for electronic device applications
Authors: Yang Jingying , Liu Xiang , Deng Xiaohui , Tang Zhenkun , Cao Liemao
Published: May 2024

The Schottky barrier between a metal and a semiconductor plays an important role in determining the transport efficiency of carriers and improving the performance of devices.
Recent advances in the stabilization of monomeric stibinidene chalcogenides and stibine chalcogenides
Authors: Wenger John S. , Johnstone Timothy C.
Published: May 2024

The synthetic strategies employed to isolate monomeric stibinidene chalcogenides (RSbCh) and monomeric stibine chalcogenides (R3SbCh) are discussed, and a perspective on the outcomes and future directions of this exciting area is provided.
A self-supported porous NiMo electrocatalyst to boost the catalytic activity in the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Kong Qingxiang , Li Yulei , Zhao Qin , Liu Zhenwei , Wu Song , Tong Xiaoning , Wang Junli , Huang Bangfu , Xu Ruidong , Yang Linjing
Published: May 2024

A simple electrodeposition method for preparing porous catalyst (NiMo/Ni/NF) for hydrogen evolution by electrolytic water is reported in this paper. The catalyst has excellent hydrogen evolution performance.
Bioactive compounds of peanut skin in prevention and adjunctive treatment of chronic non-communicable diseases
Authors: Cordeiro-Massironi Karina , Soares Freitas Rosana Aparecida Manólio , Vieira da Silva Martins Isabelle Christine , de Camargo Adriano Costa , Torres Elizabeth Aparecida Ferraz da Silva
Published: May 2024

The global prevalence of cancer continues to increase, so does its mortality.
Nature-inspired batteries: from biomaterials to biomimetic design strategies
Authors: Tagliaferri Stefano , Gaspard Louis , Au Heather , Mattevi Cecilia , Titirici Maria-Magdalena , Crespo-Ribadeneyra Maria
Published: May 2024

Bio-inspired materials and design serve as a source of inspiration for the design of electrodes, electrolytes, interfaces and devices, inducing flexibility, selective ionic transport, self-healing properties or biodegradability.
Classification of zirconium-rich engineered and natural nano particles using single particle ICP-TOFMS
Authors: Karkee Hark , Kyte Chloe , Gundlach-Graham Alexander
Published: May 2024

Measurement of zirconium-containing particles by single-particle ICP-TOFMS and classification of individual particles using a decision tree-based approach.
Electronic redistribution through the interface of MnCo2O4–Ni3N nano-urchins prompts rapid In situ phase transformation for enhanced oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Gaur Ashish , Aashi  , John Joel Mathew , Pundir Vikas , Kaur Rajdeep , Sharma Jatin , Gupta Kaustubhi , Bera Chandan , Bagchi Vivek
Published: May 2024

In this study, the in situ electrochemical phase transformation of MnCo2O4–Ni3N into MnCo2O4–NiOOH is described. The catalyst has an exceptional overpotential of 224 mV to drive a current density of 10 mA cm−2. Strong contact between MnCo2O4 and Ni3N is responsible for the phase trasformation.
The stability of CsPb(BrxCl1−x)3 all-inorganic mixed halide perovskites
Authors: Zhu Chunwei , Yan Xiaotong , Zhao Yu-Jun , Yang Xiao-Bao
Published: May 2024

From the perspective of configuration characteristics (octahedra types, distortion, and order–disorder), the stability of all-inorganic mixed halide perovskites (CsPb(BrxCl1−x)3) is studied.
Improving photoluminescence properties and reducing recombination of CsPbBr3 perovskite through lithium doping
Authors: Zalrhi Hicham , Ouafi Mouad , Regragui Mohammed , Soucase Bernabé Marí , Baig Faisal , Khattak Yousaf Hameed , Shafi Ullah , Abd-lefdil Mohammed , Atourki Lahoucine
Published: May 2024

Lithium doping improves CsPbBr3 perovskites films by enhancing optical properties and reducing non-radiative recombination for enhanced stability and performance of perovskite thin films based optoelectronic devices.
Advancements in double decarboxylative coupling reactions of carboxylic acids
Authors: Behmagham Farnaz , Tawfiq Maha Mohammed , Poor Heravi Mohammad Reza , Alsultany Nahed Mahmood Ahmed , Ballal Suhas , Bahair Hala , Adthab A. Husein , Arshadi Sattar , Vessally Esmail
Published: May 2024

The double decarboxylative coupling reaction between two (similar or different) molecules of carboxylic acids is an emerging area that has gained considerable attention as a new avenue for forging carbon–carbon bonds.
Humidity-tolerant and highly sensitive gas sensor for hydrogen sulfide based on WO3 nanocubes modified with CeO2
Authors: Deng Zhixiang , Wu Zhixuan , Liu Xinkuan , Chen Zhengai , Sun Yan , Dai Ning , Ge Meiying
Published: May 2024

CeO2 nanoparticles modified WO3 nanocube materials were prepared. CeO2 nanoparticles endowed the WO3 with good hydrophobic properties and dissociative oxygen adsorption. The response and moisture resistance were synchronized.