bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endogenous Cu(II) Labeling for Distance Measurements on Proteins by EPR
Authors: Hunter Hannah R. , Kankati Shashank , Hasanbasri Zikri , Saxena Sunil
Published: October 2024

In‐cell measurements of the relationship between structure and dynamics to protein function is at the forefront of biophysics. Recently, developments in EPR methodology have demonstrated the sensitivity and power of this method to measure structural constraints in‐cell. However, the need to spin label proteins ex‐situ or use noncanonical amino acids to achieve endogenous labeling remains a bottleneck. In this work we expand the methodology to endogenously spin label proteins with Cu(II) spin labels and describe how to assess in‐cell spin labeling. We quantify the amount of Cu(II)‐NTA in cells, assess spin labeling, and account for orientational effects during distance measurements. We compare the efficacy of using heat‐shock and hypotonic swelling to deliver spin label, showing that hypotonic swelling is a facile and reproducible method to efficiently deliver Cu(II)‐NTA into E. coli. Notably, over six repeats we accomplish a bulk average of 57 μM spin labeled sites, surpassing existing endogenous labeling methods. The results of this work open the door for endogenous spin labeling that is easily accessible to the broader biophysical community.
Recent development of non‐iridium‐based electrocatalysts for acidic oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Shi Lei , Zhang Wenhui , Li Jiayu , Yan Qing , Chen Zhengfei , Zhou Xianbo , Li Jihong , Gao Ruiqin , Wu Yuxue , Li Guo‐Dong
Published: October 2024

Proton exchange membrane water electrolyser (PEMWE) possesses great significance for the production of high purity of hydrogen. To expedite the anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) that involved multiple electron–proton‐coupled process, efficient and stable electrocatalysts are highly desired. Currently, noble‐metal Ir‐based materials are the benchmark anode due to its corrosion‐resistant property and favourable combination of activity/stability. However, the large‐scale deployment of PEMWE is usually constrained due to the use of the scarcest element iridium. In this review, we disclose the current research progress towards the non‐iridium‐based electrocatalysts for OER in acidic media, and then summarize some typical oxides that possesses good catalytic performance. Besides, we also present the unresolved problems and challenges in an attempt to enhance the activity/stability of these catalysts.
A Highly Capacitive Graphene/Multiholed N‐CNTs Hybrid Evolved from Black Humate‐Co‐melamine Precursor
Authors: Zhao Hui , Cheng Jun , Song Zhaozhe , Wang Qianyu , Yang Nana , Xiang Dening , Dai Rundong , Wang Xiaoqin , Xiong Shanxin
Published: October 2024

Black humic acid (BA) is a black mixture of organic macromolecules isolated from humic acid, which has a greater potential for graphene transformation than fulvic acid and ulmic acid because of more and larger aromatic units and higher molecular weights exceeding 5000 Dalton. Here, chemically bonded BA−Co‐Melamine precursors are initially constructed using different BA fractions as substrate, Co2+ as bridge bond and melamine as ligand. A series of Graphene/N‐CNTs hybrids (GNCs) is eventually synthesized after the precursor pyrolysis. Resultantly, Fraction I, separated at a pH value of 4.16, plays a significant role on constructing the BA−Co‐Melamine precursor and further producing multiholed GNCs. Due to abundant CNTs, rich mesopores, moderate nitrogen incorporation and a certain graphitized assembly structure, the prepared GNC‐I‐b has high capacitance performances. The assembled AC//GNC‐I‐b supercapacitor has high specific capacitance (147 F g−1 at 1 A g−1), rate capability, cycling stability and energy density (16.8 Wh kg−1 at 14.4 kW kg−1). The 2032 coin‐type Li//GNC‐I‐b half‐cell has high initial discharge capacity (759 mAh g−1 at 0.03 A g−1), initial Coulombic efficiency (81.8 %), rate performance and cycling stability. Hence, the GNC is a favorable high‐performance carbon material hopefully applied as electrode materials of supercapacitors and LIBs.
Energy efficient permanence‐based community detection algorithm
Authors: Saini Hardik , Kumar Vivek , Chakraborty Tanmoy
Published: October 2024

Detecting an accurate community structure is a crucial task in network analysis. With the increasing popularity of social networking sites, it is essential to have a community detection algorithm that is not only efficien but also cost‐effective for running in data centers. There are several metrics for estimating the accuracy of community detection. However, previous research has shown that permanence, a vertex‐centric metric, provides the most precise estimate of a community structure compared to other approaches. Despite this, no study has been conducted on parallelizing a permanence‐based community detection algorithm and analyzing its energy efficiency. This article introduces Amoeba, a task parallel implementation of a permanence‐based community detection algorithm designed for multicore processors. It uses dynamic tasking to schedule the inherent irregular computation, and it can dynamically adapt the total number of parallel threads, which results in improved energy efficiency. We evaluated Amoeba using several real‐world and artificial graphs on a multicore server processor. Our experimental results show that Amoeba achieves a geometric mean speedup of 15.3 over its sequential implementation, and due to thread adaptability, it achieves energy savings of 12.4% and a speedup of 6% over its nonadaptive implementation.
Scanning Transmission Soft X‐Ray Microscopy Probes Topical Drug Delivery of Rapamycin Facilitated by Microneedles
Authors: Laux J. A. , Ohigashi T. , Bittermann M. R. , Araki T. , Yuzawa H. , Rancan F. , Vogt A. , Rühl E.
Published: October 2024

Scanning Transmission X‐ray microscopy (STXM) is a sensitive and selective probe for the penetration of rapamycin which is topically applied to human skin ex vivo and is facilitated by skin treatment with microneedles puncturing the skin. Inner‐shell excitation serves as a selective probe for detecting rapamycin by changes in optical density as well as linear combination modeling using reference spectra of the most abundant species. The results indicate that mechanical damage induced by microneedles allows this drug to accumulate in the stratum corneum without reaching the viable skin layers. This is unlike intact skin which shows no drug penetration at all and underscores the mechanical impact of microneedle skin treatment. These results are compared to drug penetration profiles of other drugs highlighting the importance of skin barriers. High spatial resolution studies also indicate that the lipophilic drug rapamycin is observed in corneocytes. Attempts in data evaluation are reported to probe rapamycin also in the lipid layers between the corneocytes, which was not accomplished before. These results are compared to recent results on rapamycin uptake in skin where barrier impairment was induced by pre‐treatment with the enzyme trypsin and drug formulations leading to occlusion.
Essential Fluidics for a Flow Cytometer
Authors: Suthanthiraraj Pearlson Prashanth Austin , Shreve Andrew P. , Graves Steven W.
Published: October 2024

Flow cytometry is an inherently fluidic process that flows particles on a one‐by‐one basis through a sensing region to discretely measure their optical and physical properties. It can be used to analyze particles ranging in size from nanoparticles to whole organisms (e.g., zebrafish). It has particular value for blood analysis, and thus most instruments are fluidically optimized for particles that are comparable in size to a typical blood cell. The principles of fluid dynamics allow for particles of such size to be precisely positioned in flow as they pass through sensing regions that are tens of microns in length at linear velocities of meters per second. Such fluidic systems enable discrete analysis of cell‐sized particles at rates approaching 100 kHz. For larger particles, the principles of fluidics greatly reduce the achievable rates, but such high rates of data acquisition for cell‐sized particles allow rapid collection of information on many thousands to millions of cells and provides for research and clinical measurements of both rare and common cell populations with a high degree of statistical confidence. Additionally, flow cytometers can accurately count particles via the use of volumetric sample delivery and can be coupled with high‐throughput sampling technologies to greatly increase the rate at which independent samples can be delivered to the system. Due to the combination of high analysis rates, sensitive multiparameter measurements, high‐throughput sampling, and accurate counting, flow cytometry analysis is the gold standard for many critical applications in clinical, research, pharmaceutical, and environmental areas. Beyond the power of flow cytometry as an analytical technique, the fluidic pathway can be coupled with a sorting mechanism to collect particles based on desired properties. We present an overview of fluidic systems that enable flow cytometry–based analysis and sorting. We introduce historical approaches, explanations of commonly implemented fluidics, and brief discussions of potential future fluidics where appropriate. © 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
IntAct Database for Accessing IMEx's Contextual Metadata of Molecular Interactions
Authors: Panneerselvam Kalpana , Porras Pablo , del‐Toro Noemí , Perfetto Livia , Shrivastava Anjali , Ragueneau Eliot , Reyes Juan Jose Medina , Orchard Sandra , Hermjakob Henning ,   IMEx Consortium Curators
Published: October 2024

The International Molecular Exchange Consortium (IMEx) has evolved into a vital partnership of open resources dedicated to curating molecular interaction data from the scientific literature. This consortium, which includes IntAct, MINT, MatrixDB, and DIP, is a collaborative effort with a central mission of aggregating detailed molecular interaction experimental evidence in a machine‐readable format, supported by controlled vocabularies and standard ontologies. The IntAct molecular interaction database (www.ebi.ac.uk/intact), as an IMEx partner, serves as a valuable portal for accessing IMEx data through user‐friendly search options and an array of interactive filters. The resource currently hosts an extensive repository of 1,293,508 binary interactions meticulously captured from 75,098 experiments documented in 23,366 publications (as of the February 2024 release), with this corpora being added to by regular data releases. IMEx curation policy has consistently prioritized a fine‐grained data and curation model, with a focus on capturing the relevant experimental details essential for interpreting molecular interaction data effectively. Our curation process is designed to support the generation of interactomes tailored to contexts such as disease‐specific or tissue‐/cell‐type‐specific interactomes. These interactions are ranked according to a scoring system based on the Proteomics Standard Initiative Molecular Interaction (PSI MI) standards. This scoring system allows users to assess the degree of confidence in binary interactions, enhancing the value of the data. The resource provides insights into the nature of relationships among interacting partners as defined by the experimental setup and the associated biological context. Interactive filters enable users to navigate these rich, multilayered data, promoting a deeper understanding of biological complexity. Additionally, the IntAct website fosters the creation of networks for collaborative analyses by the scientific community. The recent transformation of the IntAct website, supported by a graph‐type database, empowers users to execute custom queries tailored to their specific research interests. This article illustrates the diverse levels of annotations available for interactions and the multiple search options at users’ disposal to access data of interest. © 2024 European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Using Quick Search, network visualization, and filters

Support Protocol: Accessing fine annotations from intact: Unlocking the molecular details

Alternate Protocol: Using batch search: Querying multiple interactors

Basic Protocol 2: Using advanced search: Precision and customization
Investigating the spatial associations between thatch and white grub populations in imidacloprid‐treated turfgrass
Authors: Huling Andrew , McGraw Benjamin A.
Published: October 2024

Field surveys were conducted on golf courses reporting the inability of imidacloprid to control white grubs (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) when applied preventively. Surveys of five sites with significant past imidacloprid use (>10 years) revealed significantly greater white grub populations in rough‐mown turf following imidacloprid treatment than that of adjacent short‐mown fairways. Additionally, spatial analysis by distance indicEs (SADIE) analyses demonstrated a positive correlation between white grub and thatch spatial patterns. To investigate the impact of thatch on imidacloprid efficacy and translocation throughout the turfgrass plant, greenhouse experiments were conducted using turf with differing thatch levels. Imidacloprid concentrations in soil and plant tissues were measured with high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and compared to values obtained through an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit to determine if the latter could be a cost‐effective alternative in future studies. ELISA provided reliable estimates of concentrations of imidacloprid compared to HPLC, with only minor discrepancies noted across different types of treatments and assessment timings. Despite finding higher imidacloprid levels in leaf tissues compared to roots and some differences in concentration across thatch treatments, there was no clear pattern showing that thatch thickness significantly affects imidacloprid penetration or accumulation in plant tissues or soil over time. These findings suggest that factors other than thatch thickness may contribute to the observed field failures of imidacloprid in controlling white grubs. Further research is necessary to identify these factors and optimize the use of imidacloprid in turfgrass pest management strategies.
Triple Enzymatic Cascade Reaction to Produce Hydroxytyrosol Acetate from Olive Leaves Using Integrated Membrane Bioreactors
Authors: Mazzei Rosalinda , Bazzarelli Fabio , Terholsen Henrik , Nardi Monica , Piacentini Emma , Procopio Antonio , Bornscheuer Uwe T. , Giorno Lidietta
Published: October 2024

An integrated system of three membrane bioreactors (MBRs) has been developed that cascades three different enzymatic reactions. The integrated system was applied to produce hydroxytyrosol acetate from oleuropein extracted from olive leaves. Different reactor configurations for each reaction were tested and individually optimized to select the MBR to ensure high conversion and continuous production of oleuropein aglycone (OA), hydroxytyrosol (HY) and hydroxytyrosol acetate (HA). Based on this study, the most performing configuration of the integrated system was identified. In the first reaction, oleuropein was converted to OA using a biocatalytic membrane reactor (BMR) with immobilized β‐glucosidase in polymeric membranes (conversion 95 %). The OA was then fed to another BMR, where it was converted to HY (conversion: 70 %) by an immobilized mutant of the promiscuous hydrolase/acyltransferase (PestE) (from the thermophilic archaeon Pyrobaculum calidifontis VA1). The HY produced was then acetylated using PestE immobilized on magnetic nanoparticles in a multiphase MBR (conversion: 98 %) and simultaneously extracted (extraction: 98 %) in ethyl acetate. The work demonstrates that continuous cascade enzymatic reactions can be engineered using artificial membranes to tailor enzyme compartmentalization, mass transport and phase contact according to reaction requirements. Besides, environmental factors proved the sustainability of the integrated membrane bioreactive system.
Dietary fibre and metabolic health: A clinical primer
Authors: Mocanu Valentin , Madsen Karen L
Published: October 2024

Dietary fibres consist of a heterogeneous group of carbohydrate polymers which resist digestion by human gastrointestinal enzymes. Consumption of dietary fibre has been linked with innumerable health benefits encompassing the foundational pillars of metabolic health from obesity to hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), with many of these benefits linked with metabolites produced by the fermentation of fibre by gut microbes [1]. The potential of dietary fibre to provide a safe and effective nonpharmacologic complementary tool with which to combat the evolving consequences of the obesity epidemic has recently garnered tremendous attention in both medical literature and lay media alike.

Highlights

Consumption of dietary fibre has been linked with innumerable health benefits encompassing the foundational pillars of metabolic health with many of these benefits linked with metabolites produced by the fermentation of fibre by gut microbes

At the present time clinicians are faced with an impossible task in which there is rapidly mounting evidence for dietary fibres advancing metabolic health, but little practical options for healthcare providers other than to simply recommend patients consume more fibre.

Benefits of fibre intake may perhaps be maximised in an individual by matching specific fibre consumption with existing microbial functional characteristics

If dietary fibres could be demonstrated to act as successful adjuncts to sustain or improve standard of care therapies or even alleviate common gastrointestinal side effects associated with current treatments, they would be an invaluable tool in our metabolic health armamentarium. Neither Dr. Madsen or I have any financial conflicts of interest pertinent to the contents of this manuscript.
EGCG enhances antitumor effect of apatinib in nonsmall cell lung cancer by targeting VEGF signaling to inhibit glycolysis
Authors: Zhou Yue , Qin Liqing , Li Chengpeng , Zhu Danxue , Liu Bo
Published: October 2024

Nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC), one of the most aggressive malignancies globally, is characterized by poor prognosis and limited life expectancy. Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG), a natural polyphenol found in green tea, has emerged as a promising anticancer agent due to its potent antitumor properties. However, the role and the underlying mechanisms of EGCG in NSCLC remain poorly understood. Hence, this research aimed to explore the effect of EGCG on the antitumor effect of apatinib in NSCLC through vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐regulated glycolysis. Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8), 5‐ethynyl‐2'‐deoxyuridine staining, wound healing, transwell, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick‐end labeling, and flow cytometry assays were carried out to evaluate the proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of H1299 cells, respectively. Furthermore, western blot analysis was used to detect the expressions of VEGF, p‐vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐2, hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α, neuropilin‐1, phosphorylated‐phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase, and phosphorylated‐AKT. The transfection efficiency of H1299 cells with VEGF overexpression plasmid was also assessed by western blot analysis. Glycolysis was analyzed by estimating extracellular acidification rate, lactate concentration, glucose uptake, and the expressions of lactate dehydrogenase A, pyruvate kinase M2, and hexokinase 2. The results demonstrated that VEGF activated glycolysis in NSCLC cells. EGCG alone and apatinib alone or in combination inhibited cell viability, proliferation, invasion, migration, and glycolysis whereas promoted apoptosis in NSCLC cells. EGCG regulated glycolysis levels in NSCLC through VEGF overexpression, and enhanced the antitumor effect of apatinib in NSCLC through VEGF‐regulated glycolysis. Taken together, EGCG strengthened the protective effects of apatinib in NSCLC through glycolysis mediated by VEGF.
Hydraulic Microhabitats at a Regulated River Confluence Influence Chinook Salmon Migratory Routing During Drought
Authors: Luis Sean , Pasternack Gregory B.
Published: October 2024

Successful upstream adult migration of Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) from estuary to spawning grounds is critical to population recovery, especially during increasingly extreme droughts that degrade migratory habitat. In regulated systems, river confluences can pose significant navigation impediments given complex operational flow release criteria and other cumulative effects. Differing discharge magnitudes and ratios between tributaries may cause divergent confluence hydraulics and hydraulic microhabitat selectivity, influencing migratory routing. This study asks with respect to confluences: (1) Do magnitudes of discharge in each confluence tributary (and resulting combined discharge) influence availability of preferred hydraulic microhabitats in one river versus the other? (2) Does the ratio of discharge magnitudes influence availability of preferred hydraulic microhabitats in one river versus the other? We used data collected from California Central Valley fall‐run Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) at the confluence of the Feather and Yuba Rivers as a model system to investigate. We combined observations of migratory behavioural responses to hydraulic microhabitats from dual‐frequency identification sonars, spatially explicit, meter‐resolution hydrodynamic modelling, and machine learning to generate a hydraulic microhabitat selectivity index and simulate upstream migratory pathways for nine pertinent discharge scenarios with four discharge ratios. Statistically significant (p < 0.01) differences in preferred hydraulic habitat were found among both discharge scenarios and ratios, with the Feather River selected in five out of nine scenarios. Discharge magnitude and ratio act as controls on distribution of preferred hydraulic microhabitats, and under certain conditions relevant to drought operations in this system, they can influence migratory routing and propensity of straying.
Shifts in light availability driven by dieback across a marsh‐forest gradient
Authors: Nordio Giovanna , Gedan Keryn , Fagherazzi Sergio
Published: October 2024

Ecological zonation in coastal forests is driven by sea level rise and storm‐surge events. Mature trees that can survive moderately saline conditions show signs of stress when soil salinity increases above its tolerance levels. As leaf burn, foliar damage, and defoliation reduce tree canopy cover, light gaps form within the crown. At the forest‐marsh edge, canopy cover loss is most severe; trunks of dead trees without canopies form “ghost forests.” Canopy thinning and light from the edge alter conditions for understory vegetation, promoting the growth of shrubs and facilitating establishment and spread of invasive species that were previously limited by light competition. In this research, we present an analysis of illuminance and temperature in a coastal forest transitioning to a salt marsh. Light sensors above the ground surface were used to measure light attenuation of trees and understory vegetation and to observe the effect of reduced canopies at the forest‐marsh edge. Farther from the marsh, where salinity is lower and trees are healthy, dense canopies attenuate light. We estimate that during the growing season, tree canopies intercept 50% of illuminance on average. Closer to the marsh, canopy thinning, and tree death allow greater light penetration from above, as well as from the adjacent marsh. These illuminance values are further increased by light penetration from the forest‐marsh edge (edge effect). Here, higher illuminance may permit Phragmites australis expansion. At intermediate locations, trees intercept between 32% and 49% of light and the understory shrub Morella cerifera intercepts a further 45% of penetrating light based on comparisons of illuminance above and below shrub canopies. Light penetration from the edge can also be felt. The presence of M. cerifera reduces the air temperature close to the soil surface, creating a cooler summer microclimate. The tree health state is reflected in the canopy size. The canopy patterns and the edge effect are responsible for light availability distribution along forest‐marsh gradients, consequently affecting the understory vegetation biomass. We conclude that during forest retreat driven by sea level rise, tree dieback increases light availability favoring the temporary encroachment of Ph. australis and M. cerifera in the understory.
A Scorpion–Type Dopant‐Free Hole Transport Material for n‐i‐p Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Xie Gang , Yu Jianxin , Zhang Jintao , Yin Haoran , Li Huiyu , Chen Ling , Wang Zhiping , Pan Yang , Liang Aihui
Published: October 2024

It is significant to develop dopant‐free hole transport materials (HTMs) to improve the long‐term stability of n‐i‐p organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells (PSCs). In this work, two HTMs (DTTP‐T and DTTP‐D) based on dithienothiopyrrole (DTTP) core were synthesized to explore the effects of different substituents on the nitrogen atom on the properties of HTMs. Compared with anisole‐substituted DTTP‐D, triarylamine‐substituted scorpion‐type DTTP‐T shows better matching energy level, stronger charge transfer and defect passivation ability. Therefore, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of dopant‐free DTTP‐T‐based n‐i‐p PSCs reaches 18.67 %, which is comparable to that of doped Spiro‐OMeTAD (19.51 %). More encouragingly, the efficiency of DTTP‐T‐based devices remains above 80 % of its initial efficiency after 1728 h of storage in air, while the Spiro‐OMeTAD‐based devices could only maintain 600 h. This work provides a good reference for the development of dopant‐free small molecular HTMs for efficient and stable PSCs.
Organocatalytic Enantioselective Vinylogous Allylic Alkylation between β,γ‐Unsaturated Pyrazoleamides and MBH Carbonates
Authors: He Yun‐Peng , Fu Jun‐Hao , Sha Feng , Wu Xin‐Yan
Published: October 2024

The direct asymmetric vinylogous allylic alkylation is an efficient method to construct chiral 1,5‐diene compounds. In this work, acyclic unsaturated amides are used as a nucleophile for enantioselective vinylogous allylic alkylation. With 10 mol % of chiral tertiary amine C11, the enantioselective vinylogous allylic alkylation between β,γ‐unsaturated pyrazoleamides and Morita‐Baylis‐Hillman carbonates is achieved, affording optically active multifunctional chiral 1,5‐dienes in moderate‐to‐excellent yields (74–99 %) with good‐to‐excellent enantioselectivities (67–94 % ee).
Metal‐Free α‐Sulfonylation of β‐Ketothioamides: Access to α‐Sulfonyl‐β‐Ketoamides and their Photophysical Studies
Authors: Kumar Vipin , Ansari Monish Arbaz , Yadav Anup Kumar , Singh Saurabh , Bandyopadhyay Krishanu , Saha Satyen , Singh Maya Shankar
Published: October 2024

Herein, we report a metal and additive‐free unprecedented reactivity of β‐ketothioamides with sulfonyl chlorides for the synthesis of previously unreported 2‐sulfonyl‐3‐oxo‐N,3‐diarylpropanamides via in situ thioamide to amide conversion followed by dehydrohalogenative C−S cross‐coupling at room temperature under an open air for the first time. The protocol demonstrates not only its operational simplicity, efficiency, mild condition, and scalability, but also easy to get the diverse a‐sulfonyl‐β‐ketoamides in good to high yields. Additionally, the DFT and photophysical studies supported the proposed mechanism, and revealed unique excitation‐dependent emission coupled with ESPT for the synthesized sulfones.
Synergetic effect of iron and tungsten on molybdenum‐doped HZSM‐5 zeolite in catalytic methane dehydroaromatization
Authors: Musamali Ronald. W. , Isa Yusuf. M.
Published: October 2024

Methane dehydroaromatization is a viable route for production of carbon and valuable petrochemicals. Unlike Fischer–Tropsch and methanol synthesis processes which have been scaled up to commercial level, development of methane dehydroaromatization to commercial level has been hampered by various challenges. In this work, a 5.4 wt. % trimetallic (Fe‐W‐Mo/HZSM‐5) catalyst has been synthesized, characterized, and applied in catalytic methane dehydroaromatization reaction. A gas chromatograph was used to analyze both liquid and gaseous products from the reactor. Based on 0.0013 moles of reacted methane after 240 min time on stream at 750, GHSV 960 mlg‐1cath‐1, and atmospheric pressure, a 5.4% Mo/HZSM‐5 catalyst recorded 7.9% methane conversion, 10.6% C2 hydrocarbon selectivity, 51.8% benzene selectivity, 9.8% toluene selectivity and 27.8% coke selectivity. Doping Mo/HZSM‐5 with Fe reduced methane conversion by 4.0%, increased C2 hydrocarbon selectivity by 1.7%, reduced benzene selectivity by 6.2% and increased toluene and coke selectivity by 1.8% and 2.8% respectively. Doping Mo/HZSM‐5 with W increased methane conversion by 7.3%, reduced C2 hydrocarbon selectivity by 2.1%, reduced benzene selectivity by 7.6% and increased toluene and coke selectivity by 0.3% and 9.4% respectively. When iron and tungsten were loaded onto Mo/HZSM‐5, catalytic activity of the tri‐metallic catalyst in methane conversion reduced by 2.0%, C2 hydrocarbon selectivity increased by 2.7%, benzene selectivity reduced by 3.1%, toluene selectivity reduced by 3.7%, and coke selectivity increased by 4.1%. Therefore, this present work demonstrates that metal synergy in a tri‐metallic catalyst plays a role in methane conversion and selectivity towards useful hydrocarbons.
Runoff and sediment reduction effects of different Paspalum wettsteinii‐planting measures on the slopes of Masson pine plantation in the red soil region of southern China
Authors: Zhou Feihua , Zha Ruibo , Wu Zehua , Wu Juan , Lin Qiang , Wu Jieling , Zhang Liu , Wang Liyuan , Zha Xuan
Published: October 2024

Grass‐planting measure is a crucial vegetation approach to mitigate understory soil erosion and improve ecological environment in the red soil region of southern China. This study aimed to quantify the effects of grass (Paspalum wettsteinii Hackel.)‐planting measures on runoff and sediment reduction on slopes of Masson pine plantations under rainstorm conditions. We conducted a rainfall simulation experiment at a rainfall intensity of 2.0 mm/min, comparing single strip (MT1, strip spacing: 145 cm), double strips (MT2, strip spacing: 70 cm), and triple strips (MT3, strip spacing: 45 cm) grass‐planting measures on slope surface runoff generation and soil erosion processes of the young Masson pine (MT0, no grass strip) plantation, and the bare slope (CK) was selected as the control. Results revealed that grass‐planting measures significantly decreased slope erosion parameters compared to CK and MT0. As the average grass coverage increased (MT1 from 10% to 25%, MT2 from 7.5% to 22.5%, MT3 from 7.3% to 25%), the slope surface erosion parameters under the grass‐planting measures decreased, resulting in significantly improved runoff and sediment reduction benefits. The runoff reduction effect could reach 32%, while the sediment reduction effect could reach 88%. Moreover, MT3 demonstrated superior performance over MT2 and MT1, with minimal runoff and sediment reduction effects observed for the MT0. Overall, this study suggests that grass‐planting measures, coupled with the increasing of grass coverage rates, significantly improve runoff and sediment reduction benefits on slopes in regions experiencing heavy rainfall. Among the tested configurations, MT3 emerged as most effective measure for controlling understory soil erosion in Masson pine plantations, especially when its average grass coverage rate reached 25%. These findings provide valuable insights for selecting appropriate grass‐planting strategies, as well as for understanding the underlying mechanisms of how these measures mitigate soil erosion. This scientific reference will aid in the design and implementation of soil and water conservation measures in the region.
The geomorphic work of the European mole (Talpa europaea): Long‐term monitoring of molehills using structure‐from‐motion photogrammetry
Authors: Baxter Timothy , Woor Sam , Coombes Martin , Viles Heather
Published: October 2024

Moles—small insectivorous mammals of the family Talpidae—are widespread across the Northern Hemisphere. These subterranean mammals are easily detected through the mounds, or molehills, they construct as surface bioproducts of tunnel systems excavated underground. The dense aggregation of these bioconstructions in a range of environments (e.g., floodplains, woodland, coastal dunes and upland regions) indicates that moles may play an important role in sediment systems. However, compared with other fossorial mammals (e.g., gophers and rabbits), the impact of moles as direct and indirect biogeomorphic agents is poorly understood. Furthermore, little is known about how molehills develop and degrade over time or how long they persist as landscape features. By examining molehills created by the European mole (Talpa europaea) over 4 months on a floodplain in Oxfordshire, UK, we provide a quantitative assessment of how these landforms evolve over time and space. Through the creation of high‐resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) using structure‐from‐motion (SfM) photogrammetry, we derive a variety of metrics describing molehill morphology and produce a detailed record of how molehills change at weekly time intervals. In addition, measurements of molehill volume are used to estimate the excavation rate of moles over a month. Findings show that (i) molehills are dynamic landforms that change in size and shape in response to phases of construction, collapse, erosion and rebuilding; (ii) rates of degradation are influenced by soil characteristics and seasonal weather conditions; (iii) molehills can persist as landscape features for several months; and (iv) moles are capable of moving a substantial volume of sediment in highly active areas (3.89 m3 ha−1 month−1). Future work is now needed to determine the geomorphic impact of T. europaea over larger spatial scales (e.g., river catchments) and longer timescales (e.g., years–decades) to determine its importance in relation to other bioturbators and within the wider sediment system.
Crop Residue Biochar Rather Than Manure and Straw Return Provided Short Term Synergism Among Grain Production, Carbon Sequestration, and Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction in a Paddy Under Rice‐Wheat Rotation
Authors: Xia Xin , Zhao Zheng , Ding Yuanjun , Feng Xiao , Chen Shuotong , Shao Qianqian , Liu Xiaoyu , Cheng Kun , Bian Rongjun , Zheng Jufeng , Li Lianqing , Pan Genxing
Published: October 2024

Return of crop residues directly as straw, animal manure, or biochar are recommended management options for biowaste recycling and soil organic carbon (SOC) maintenance in agriculture. However, to address the soil health challenges associated with soil degradation and climate change, it is critical to determine if or which of these different forms of crop residues could deliver a synergic improvement in SOC storage, emission reduction, and crop productivity following field application. In this study, maize straw in the form of air‐dried biomass (CS), manure via cattle digestion (CM), and biochar via pyrolysis (CB) was respectively amended once at a dose of 10 t C ha−1, in comparison to no maize straw addition (CK), in a paddy field under rice‐wheat rotation. Changes in soil properties, SOC storage, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and rice/wheat yield were examined over two consecutive rice/wheat rotation cycles following soil amendment. The total rice grain yield considerably increased by 6% under CM and CB, while it reduced by 6% under CS compared to CK. Soil nutrient content persistently increased under CM and CB by 4.2% ~ 17% and 11% ~ 26% for total nitrogen, 26% ~ 61% and 20% ~ 53% for available P, and 2% ~ 82% and 30% ~ 115% for available K, respectively. Topsoil SOC storage increased considerably by 8% under CM and 20% under CB, while remained unchanged under CS, compared to CK. The total methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions were considerably increased by 7 folds and 15% under CS and 3.5 folds and 61% under CM, respectively, compared to CK. In contrast, these emissions considerably decreased under CB by 33% for CH4 and 29% for N2O. Consequently, the C emission efficiency considerably reduced under CS and CM but increased under CB over the two rotation cycles monitored. Moreover, the soil quality index (SQI) considerably improved under CM and CB but remained unchanged under CS compared to CK. Among the different forms of straw return, manure, and biochar, straw amendments differed considerably in their effects on C sequestration, GHG emissions, and crop productivity. Only biochar from crop residues synergistically improved these functions in the short‐term following application to paddy soil.
Establishment and Characterization of a Novel Pleuropulmonary Blastoma Cell Line
Authors: Kato Keisuke , Goto Hiroaki , Tanaka Mio , Suzuki Tetsuomi , Toyoda Yasunori , Shinkai Masato , Kitagawa Norihiko , Nishi Toshiji , Kigasawa Hisato , Kurosawa Kenji , Aida Noriko , Yoshimi Ai , Noda Asami , Ito Yumi , Seki Masafumi , Takita Junko , Nagahara Noriyuki , Tsuchida Masahiro , Tanaka Yukichi
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is an infrequently encountered childhood malignant intrathoracic neoplasm associated with unfavorable clinical behavior. Since a well‐characterized preclinical model is essential for developing competent agents for PPB, we aim to establish and characterize the world's first cell line of PPB, and attempt to perform the cytotoxicity assay on the PPB cell line.

Experimental Design

The index case is a 2‐year‐old female who developed a right thoracic tumor that was surgically removed and treated with multi‐agent chemotherapy. The patient is free from recurrence, although it was 9 years after the diagnosis when she developed a thyroid tumor. We performed in vitro cultivation of the isolated neoplastic cells from the tumor, cytogenetic findings and molecular analysis, and tetrazolium colorimetric assay.

Result

The histology was consistent with PPB. Serial passage of cultivation produced a continuously growing cell line, KCMC‐PPB‐1. Conventional cytogenetic analysis of the established cell line revealed complex numerical and structural chromosomal abnormalities, including add(17)(p11). Mutation analysis on the cultured cells revealed amino‐acid substitution mutation on exon 4 of TP53 (NM_001276760.3:c.212_213delTG; NP_001263689.1:p.Leu72ArgfsTer37) and compound heterozygous mutations of DICER1 (NM_177438.3:c. 4910C>A; NP_803187.1:Ser1637* and NM_177438.3:c. 5114A>T; NP_803187.1:Glu1705Val). The cultivated cells demonstrated vulnerability to bortezomib on cytotoxicity assay.

Conclusion

Our KCMC‐PPB‐1 is the first genuine, molecularly characterized PPB cell line. The cell line is transplantable to nu/nu mice; therefore, it is suitable for a preclinical model for new drug development. The cytotoxicity assay demonstrated that bortezomib is active in the current PPB model.
Waste to Energy: Combustion, Performance, and Emission Characteristics of Waste Animal Fats/Diesel Blends Premixed with Various Alcohols as Port Fuels
Authors: Sathish T. , Giri Jayant , Saravanan R. , Ağbulut Ümit
Published: October 2024

Animal flesh is a major food source with economic and industrial value for consumer demand. These meats produced biowaste during and after preparation and use. Chicken intestines make up most of the waste thrown away after processing or frying. This study considers it a biodiesel source. Transesterification turns chicken intestine waste fat oil into biodiesel. This oil is used in compression ignition (CI) engines but performs poorly compared to diesel. Diesel, the base fuel, is mixed with 20% biodiesel. The remaining 10% and 20% of butanol and pentanol are port fuels, improving combustion and lowering emissions in the 5.2 kW, 1500 rpm CI engine. 20% pentanol premixing outperformed butanol premixing, blending, and engine CIWFOB operation. The greater heating value improves combustion, therefore 20% pentanol premixing with blend produces 32.76% BTE, 10.57% more than diesel. It produced 55.18% less CO and 50.92% less smoke than diesel, which has a greater heat release rate (48.86 J/CAD) and peak pressure (64.76 bar). This premixing costs NOx emissions. The CIWFOB blend with 20% pentanol premixing improves engine performance. For SDGs 7, 9, 12, and 13, this study is supported.
Time‐Quantile and Frequency Response of Green Growth to Energy Vulnerability, Energy Uncertainty, and Geopolitical Risks
Authors: Uche Emmanuel
Published: October 2024

The study explains the time‐quantile‐frequency adjustments of green growth to energy vulnerability, energy uncertainties, and geopolitical risks (GPR) in the United States (US). Novel insights with notable policy implications emerged following the empirical analysis of monthly data spanning 2000 m1–2022 m12. The study implemented the Wavelet Quantile Correlation (WQC), Wavelet Quantile Granger Causality, and the Rolling Windows Wavelet Quantile Granger Causality to understand the dynamics among the variables. Evidence from WQC divulged time‐specific positive and negative interactions between green growth and its determinants. Specifically, energy vulnerability dampened green growth more profoundly in the immediate and medium terms. However, in the long term, green growth prospers amidst energy vulnerability. This outcome reflects some policy effectiveness that reduced the negative effects of energy vulnerability for green growth. The effects of energy uncertainties are similar to that of energy vulnerability, with more profound damaging effects in the lower medium horizon of the distributions. GPR dampened green growth in the short run and enhanced it in the medium term, but it reduced green growth more profoundly in the long run. The pleasant effects of energy efficiency and digitalization are observed mostly in the long run, with notable green growth‐reducing effects mainly in the short run.
Three‐dimensional static reservoir modelling of Kareem sandstone reservoir, Tawilla Oil Field, at the southern region of Gulf of Suez, Egypt
Authors: Othman Adel A. A. , Fathy Mohamed , Hashem Mohamed E.
Published: October 2024

The Gulf of Suez, which contains Egypt's oldest oil fields, is one of North Africa's most well‐known oil regions. There are more than 80 conventional oil fields in Egypt's Gulf of Suez, some of which have reservoirs that stretch back to the Precambrian and Quaternary. In close proximity to the southern entrance of the Gulf of Suez is the Tawilla West oilfield. The oil field Tawilla West is believed to consist of rotating fault blocks that descend in a south‐west direction. The main producing reservoirs are the Miocene section reservoirs, the Belayim and Kareem sandstones. The current research is focusing on the structural elements affecting this giant field to update the field structural model using the newly processed 3D seismic survey, the acquired data from newly drilled wells and the associated different logging techniques. The seismic information quality varied from poor to fair. The quality of the interpreted stratigraphic horizons and geological faults was mainly controlled by the seismic information quality. The research used seismic attribute analyses to improve interpretation and incorporate additional features, enabling better hydrocarbon potential identification and characterization of the reservoirs. Several geological structure contour maps and cross‐sections were generated to help in delineating and understanding the reservoir's extension. Based on the detailed correlation study, we were able to detect the faults that affected the structure of the Tawilla West field in detail, define their throw amounts and directions, and identify the missed sections across the studied area. This study introduces an updated model scenario to show the differences and their effect on the field development plan and recommendations. By examining subsurface geologic structural characteristics and evaluating petrophysical data, a 3D static reservoir model was created to resolve structural settings and hydrocarbon trapping, providing detailed information on the field and identifying new opportunities for future development. The research discovered that the updated detailed 3D structural model may support the Kareem Reservoir development plans and encourage drilling, workover and dynamic operations to assign development possibilities in the correct area. According to the established model, there are at least three options in the study's attic areas that might boost oil output and oil reserves for the field while avoiding further failures.
Assessing Groundwater Vulnerability to Pollution in a Rapidly Urbanizing River Basin Using a Modified DRASTIC Land Use–Lineament Density Method
Authors: Tsegay Tsnat , Birhanu Behailu , Azagegn Tilahun , Hailu Biniyam Tesfaw , Ayenew Tenalem
Published: October 2024

Groundwater quality assessment is crucial for ensuring safe drinking water, protecting public health, and maintaining sustainable water resources for agricultural and industrial uses. The Awash River basin faces significant groundwater quality challenges due to rapid population growth, high urbanization, large‐scale irrigation, and industrial pollution. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the intrinsic vulnerability of aquifers to pollution in the Awash Basin and identify hotspots requiring urgent intervention using a modified DRASTIC overlay analysis method. In addition to the seven parameters considered in the generic DRASTIC overlay analysis (depth to the water table, recharge, aquifer media, slope, soil media, vadose zone, and hydraulic conductivity), we incorporated land use/land‐cover (LULC) and lineament density (LD) distributions (DRASTIC‐LU‐LD). This modification allowed us to produce more realistic groundwater vulnerability maps for the basin. To identify the most influential parameters in the overlay, sensitivity analysis was conducted using Map Removal Sensitivity Analysis (MRSA) and Single Parameter Sensitivity Analysis (SPSA). Initially, the generic DRASTIC index in the area ranges from 69 to 181, categorizing the area into four vulnerability zones: very low (21%), low (51%), medium (27%), and high (1%). After incorporating LU and LD, the index values ranged from 90 to 240. Based on the percentage of the total area studied, the inclusion of LU decreased the very low and low vulnerability zones from 72% to 44% and the inclusion of LD increased the high‐ and very‐high‐vulnerability zones from 14% to 27%. The areas most vulnerable to groundwater pollution are in the western (upper Awash), middle Awash, and northwestern regions, particularly in city centers where groundwater abstraction is significant. These high‐vulnerability zones coincide with municipal, industrial, and agricultural pollution sources. The vadose zone parameter has the highest impact in both MRSA and SPSA, with a variation index value of 3.08% and a mean effective weight of 27.93%, respectively. By identifying areas vulnerable to groundwater pollution, this study provides a valuable basis for informed decision‐making and the development of effective strategies for protecting groundwater from urban, industrial, and agricultural pollution sources.