bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Independent association between age- and sex-specific metabolic syndrome severity score and cardiovascular disease and mortality
Authors: Honarvar Mohammadjavad , Mehran Ladan , Masoumi Safdar , Agahi Sadaf , Khalili Shayesteh , Azizi Fereidoun , Amouzegar Atieh
Published: September 2023

Traditional metabolic syndrome (MetS) criteria have several limitations, which hinder its use in clinical practice. To overcome the limitations, we investigated the association between age- and sex-specific continuous MetS severity score (cMetS-S) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality beyond MetS components in the framework of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. Participants aged 20–60 years at baseline were included in the study. We excluded participants with CVD, cancer, use of corticosteroids, estimated glomerular filtration rate < 30 ml/min/1.73 m2, and those who were pregnant. We evaluated the association between cMetS-S with CVD and mortality over 18 years of follow-up among 8500 participants with continuous and quantile approaches using the Cox proportional hazard regression model. In addition, the model performance of cMetS-S for predicting CVD events was compared to the conventional MetS criteria. Participants with higher cMetS-S had a significantly increased risk for CVD, coronary (CHD) and non-coronary heart disease (non-CHD), and all-cause, cardiovascular, and sudden cardiac death. Independent of the confounders and MetS components, the cMetS-S had the HRs of 1.67 (95% CI 1.47–1.89), 1.60 (95% CI 1.37–1.86), and 1.88 (95% CI 1.50, 2.35) for CVD, CHD, and non-CHD events upon 1-SD increment, respectively. The risk of mortality was increased for 1-SD of cMetS-S (all-cause mortality, HR 1.24; 95% CI 1.09–1.41; CVD mortality, HR 1.72; 95% CI 1.20–2.45; sudden cardiac death, HR 1.60; 95% CI 1.03–2.49). The model fitness of cMetS-S was superior to the conventional MetS criteria in predicting CVD and mortality. The cMetS-S provided an additional risk for CVD and mortality beyond the individual MetS components. Standardized cMetS-S could be a potential universal measure to define MetS severity while considering the weighted contribution of MetS components and their variations by age, sex, and ethnicity.
Widespread learned predator recognition to an alien predator across populations in an amphibian species
Authors: Polo-Cavia Nuria , Arribas Rosa , Caballero-Díaz Carlos , Baltanás Ángel , Gomez-Mestre Ivan
Published: September 2023

Alien predators are a major cause of decline and extinction of species worldwide, since native organisms are rarely equipped with specific antipredatory strategies to cope with them. However, phenotypic plasticity and learned predator recognition may help prey populations to survive novel predators. Here we examine geographical variation in the learning ability of larval spadefoot toads (Pelobates cultripes) to recognize invasive predatory crayfish (Procambarus clarkii). We compare the learning-mediated behavioural responses of tadpoles from six populations across two regions in Spain (central and southern), with different histories of exposure to the presence of the invasive species. Two of the populations showed innate recognition of chemical cues from the invasive crayfish, whereas three of them learned to recognize such cues as a threat after conditioning with conspecific alarm cues. Learning abilities did not differ among southern populations, but they did among central populations. We assessed patterns of genetic variation within and among these two regions through microsatellite markers and found low genetic divergence among the southern populations but greater differentiation among the central ones. We hypothesize that similar responses to the invasive crayfish in southern populations may have arisen from a combination of extended historical exposure to this introduced predator (~ 50 y) and higher levels of gene flow, as they inhabit a highly interconnected pond network. In contrast, populations from central Spain show lower connectivity, have been exposed to the invasive crayfish for a shorter period of time, and are more divergent in their plastic responses.
Photoacoustic based evaluation of viscoelastic properties of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial colonies
Authors: Hosseindokht Zahra , Kolahdouz Mohammadreza , Hajikhani Bahareh , Sasanpour Pezhman
Published: September 2023

Mechanical properties of bacterial colonies are crucial considering both addressing their pathogenic effects and exploring their potential applications. Viscoelasticity is a key mechanical property with major impacts on the cell shapes and functions, which reflects the information about the cell envelope constituents. Hereby, we have proposed the application of photoacoustic viscoelasticity (PAVE) for studying the rheological properties of bacterial colonies. In this regard, we employed an intensity-modulated laser beam as the excitation source followed by the phase delay measurement between the generated PA signal and the reference for the characterization of colonies of two different types of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The results of our study show that the colony of Staphylococcus aureus as Gram-positive bacteria has a significantly higher viscoelasticity ratio compared to that value for Acinetobacter baumannii as Gram-negative bacteria (77% difference). This may be due to the differing cell envelope structure between the two species, but we cannot rule out effects of biofilm formation in the colonies. Furthermore, a lumped model has been provided for the mechanical properties of bacterial colonies.
Inhibitory effect of Sanguisorba hakusanensis Makino ethanol extract on atopic dermatitis-like responses in NC/Nga mice and human keratinocytes
Authors: Song Hyun-Kyung , Park Sun Haeng , Kim Hye Jin , Jang Seol , Choo Byung-Kil , Kim Ho Kyoung , Kim Taesoo
Published: September 2023

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an allergic, inflammatory skin disease caused by immune dysregulation. In this study, we investigated anti-atopic and anti-inflammatory activities of Sanguisorba hakusanensis ethanol extract (SHE) both in vivo using NC/Nga mice and in vitro using human HaCaT keratinocytes. Oral administration of SHE suppressed several atopic symptoms associated with house dust mites (induced with Dermatophagoides farinae extract) in NC/Nga mice and decreased serum levels of inflammatory mediators such as immunoglobulin E, histamine, and inflammatory chemokines. Additionally, SHE treatment reduced the infiltration of immune cells such as mast cells and macrophages in AD skin lesions. In vitro, interferon-γ- and tumor necrosis factor-α-stimulated HaCaT cells exhibited increased expression of T helper 1 and 2 chemokines; their expression was inhibited by SHE treatment. The anti-inflammatory effects of SHE treatment involved blocking of the mitogen-activated protein kinase and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 signaling pathways. In conclusion, SHE exerts potent anti-atopic and anti-inflammatory effects and should be considered for the clinical treatment of AD.
Upcycling of waste EPS beads to immobilized codoped TiO2 photocatalysts for ciprofloxacin degradation and E. coli disinfection under sunlight
Authors: Manjunatha Manasa , Mahalingam Hari
Published: September 2023

The emerging global problem of antimicrobial resistance needs immediate attention. In this regard, this work demonstrates the use of expanded polystyrene waste in the synthesis of immobilized photocatalytic films for the treatment of antibiotics as well as for bacterial disinfection. A boron–cerium codoped TiO2 catalyst (of specific composition: B0.8Ce0.2TiO2) was immobilized in an expanded polystyrene (EPS) film prepared from waste EPS beads. These films were studied for the degradation of ciprofloxacin (CIP) and disinfection of E. coli under sunlight. The film with a catalyst loading of 20 wt% showed a maximum degradation of 89% in 240 min with a corresponding TOC reduction of 84%. A 7.4 and 6.3 log reduction from the bacterial inactivation studies in the presence and absence of antibiotics, respectively, was obtained. The EPS film was stable after five times of reuse, and no significant chemical changes in the used film were observed from FTIR analysis. The average thickness of the prepared film was found from FESEM analysis to be 1.09 mm. These EPS films were also tested for degradation of other antibiotics, such as norfloxacin, levofloxacin and moxifloxacin. The EPS films were tested in two different reactor volumes at optimum conditions. Also, the effectiveness of B0.8Ce0.2TiO2/EPS film in real water samples indicates its potential in large-scale and real-world applications. Thus, these B0.8Ce0.2TiO2/EPS films can be effectively employed for both degradation of ciprofloxacin and the disinfection of E. coli under solar light to solve the increasing problem of antimicrobial resistance.
Asymmetric quantum decision-making
Authors: Shiratori Honoka , Shinkawa Hiroaki , Röhm André , Chauvet Nicolas , Segawa Etsuo , Laurent Jonathan , Bachelier Guillaume , Yamagami Tomoki , Horisaki Ryoichi , Naruse Makoto
Published: September 2023

Collective decision-making plays a crucial role in information and communication systems. However, decision conflicts among agents often impede the maximization of potential utilities within the system. Quantum processes have shown promise in achieving conflict-free joint decisions between two agents through the entanglement of photons or the quantum interference of orbital angular momentum (OAM). Nonetheless, previous studies have shown symmetric resultant joint decisions, which, while preserving equality, fail to address disparities. In light of global challenges such as ethics and equity, it is imperative for decision-making systems to not only maintain existing equality but also address and resolve disparities. In this study, we investigate asymmetric collective decision-making theoretically and numerically using quantum interference of photons carrying OAM or entangled photons. We successfully demonstrate the realization of asymmetry; however, it should be noted that a certain degree of photon loss is inevitable in the proposed models. We also provide an analytical formulation for determining the available range of asymmetry and describe a method for obtaining the desired degree of asymmetry.
A bio-inspired convolution neural network architecture for automatic breast cancer detection and classification using RNA-Seq gene expression data
Authors: Mohamed Tehnan I. A. , Ezugwu Absalom E. , Fonou-Dombeu Jean Vincent , Ikotun Abiodun M. , Mohammed Mohanad
Published: September 2023

Breast cancer is considered one of the significant health challenges and ranks among the most prevalent and dangerous cancer types affecting women globally. Early breast cancer detection and diagnosis are crucial for effective treatment and personalized therapy. Early detection and diagnosis can help patients and physicians discover new treatment options, provide a more suitable quality of life, and ensure increased survival rates. Breast cancer detection using gene expression involves many complexities, such as the issue of dimensionality and the complicatedness of the gene expression data. This paper proposes a bio-inspired CNN model for breast cancer detection using gene expression data downloaded from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA). The data contains 1208 clinical samples of 19,948 genes with 113 normal and 1095 cancerous samples. In the proposed model, Array-Array Intensity Correlation (AAIC) is used at the pre-processing stage for outlier removal, followed by a normalization process to avoid biases in the expression measures. Filtration is used for gene reduction using a threshold value of 0.25. Thereafter the pre-processed gene expression dataset was converted into images which were later converted to grayscale to meet the requirements of the model. The model also uses a hybrid model of CNN architecture with a metaheuristic algorithm, namely the Ebola Optimization Search Algorithm (EOSA), to enhance the detection of breast cancer. The traditional CNN and five hybrid algorithms were compared with the classification result of the proposed model. The competing hybrid algorithms include the Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA-CNN), the Genetic Algorithm (GA-CNN), the Satin Bowerbird Optimization (SBO-CNN), the Life Choice-Based Optimization (LCBO-CNN), and the Multi-Verse Optimizer (MVO-CNN). The results show that the proposed model determined the classes with high-performance measurements with an accuracy of 98.3%, a precision of 99%, a recall of 99%, an f1-score of 99%, a kappa of 90.3%, a specificity of 92.8%, and a sensitivity of 98.9% for the cancerous class. The results suggest that the proposed method has the potential to be a reliable and precise approach to breast cancer detection, which is crucial for early diagnosis and personalized therapy.
CRISPR imaging reveals chromatin fluctuation at the centromere region related to cellular senescence
Authors: Takata Hideaki , Masuda Yumena , Ohmido Nobuko
Published: September 2023

The human genome is spatially and temporally organized in the nucleus as chromatin, and the dynamic structure of chromatin is closely related to genome functions. Cellular senescence characterized by an irreversible arrest of proliferation is accompanied by chromatin reorganisation in the nucleus during senescence. However, chromatin dynamics in chromatin reorganisation is poorly understood. Here, we report chromatin dynamics at the centromere region during senescence in cultured human cell lines using live imaging based on the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat/dCas9 system. The repetitive sequence at the centromere region, alpha-satellite DNA, was predominantly detected on chromosomes 1, 12, and 19. Centromeric chromatin formed irregular-shaped domains with high fluctuation in cells undergoing 5′-aza-2′-deoxycytidine-induced senescence. Our findings suggest that the increased fluctuation of the chromatin structure facilitates centromere disorganisation during cellular senescence.
On the cardiorespiratory coordination assessed by the photoplethysmography imaging technique
Authors: Borik Stefan , Keller Micha , Perlitz Volker , Lyra Simon , Pelz Holger , Müller Gero , Leonhardt Steffen , Blazek Vladimir
Published: September 2023

Cardiorespiratory coordination (CRC) probes the interaction between cardiac and respiratory oscillators in which cardiac and respiratory activity are synchronized, with individual heartbeats occurring at approximately the same temporal positions during several breathing cycles. An increase of CRC has previously been related to pathological stressful states. We studied CRC employing coordigrams computed from non-contact photoplethysmography imaging (PPGI) and respiratory data using the optical flow method. In a blocked study design, we applied the cold pressure test (CPT), water at ambient temperature (AWT), and intermittent resting conditions. In controls (no intervention), CRC remained on initial low levels throughout measurements. In the experimental group (AWT and CPT intervention), CRC decreased during AWT and CPT. Following both interventions, CRC increased significantly, with a rebound effect following AWT. In controls, HR increased steadily over time. CPT evoked a significant HR increase which correlated with subjective stress/pain ratings. The CRC increase following AWT correlated significantly with subjective pain (r = .79) and stress (r = .63) ratings. Furthermore, we observed a significant correlation (r = − .80) between mean RMSSD and mean duration of CRC, which further supports an association between autonomic state and CRC level. CRC analysis obtained from cutaneous tissue perfusion data therefore appears to be a sensitive and useful method for the study of CRC and ANS activity. Future studies need to investigate the physiological principles and clinical significance of these findings.
Tmem161a regulates bone formation and bone strength through the P38 MAPK pathway
Authors: Nagai Takuya , Sekimoto Tomohisa , Kurogi Syuji , Ohta Tomomi , Miyazaki Shihoko , Yamaguchi Yoichiro , Tajima Takuya , Chosa Etsuo , Imasaka Mai , Yoshinobu Kumiko , Araki Kimi , Araki Masatake , Choijookhuu Narantsog , Sato Katsuaki , Hishikawa Yoshitaka , Funamoto Taro
Published: September 2023

Bone remodeling is an extraordinarily complex process involving a variety of factors, such as genetic, metabolic, and environmental components. Although genetic factors play a particularly important role, many have not been identified. In this study, we investigated the role of transmembrane 161a (Tmem161a) in bone structure and function using wild-type (WT) and Tmem161a-depleted (Tmem161aGT/GT) mice. Mice femurs were examined by histological, morphological, and bone strength analyses. Osteoblast differentiation and mineral deposition were examined in Tmem161a-overexpressed, -knockdown and -knockout MC3T3-e1 cells. In WT mice, Tmem161a was expressed in osteoblasts of femurs; however, it was depleted in Tmem161aGT/GT mice. Cortical bone mineral density, thickness, and bone strength were significantly increased in Tmem161aGT/GT mice femurs. In MC3T3-e1 cells, decreased expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Osterix were found in Tmem161a overexpression, and these findings were reversed in Tmem161a-knockdown or -knockout cells. Microarray and western blot analyses revealed upregulation of the P38 MAPK pathway in Tmem161a-knockout cells, which referred as stress-activated protein kinases. ALP and flow cytometry analyses revealed that Tmem161a-knockout cells were resistant to oxidative stress. In summary, Tmem161a is an important regulator of P38 MAPK signaling, and depletion of Tmem161a induces thicker and stronger bones in mice.
Unveiling the origin of n-type doping of natural MoS2: carbon
Authors: Park Youngsin , Li Nannan , Jung Daesung , Singh Laishram Tomba , Baik Jaeyoon , Lee Eunsook , Oh Dongseok , Kim Young Dok , Lee Jin Yong , Woo Jeongseok , Park Seungmin , Kim Hanchul , Lee Geunseop , Lee Geunsik , Hwang Chan-Cuk
Published: September 2023

MoS2 has attracted intense interest in many applications. Natural MoS2 and field-effect transistors made of it generally exhibit n-type characteristics, but its origin is unknown. Herein, we show that C is the origin of the universal n-type doping of natural MoS2. Photoemission spectroscopies reveal that while many MoS2 samples with C detected are n-type, some without C exhibit p-type characteristics. The C-free, p-type MoS2 changes to n-type over time with the concurrent appearance of C that is out-diffused from bulk, indicating that C induces the n-type doping. The C-origin is verified by C-deposition and supported by theoretical calculations. This carbon appears as nanometer-scale defects frequently observed in scanning tunneling microscopy. In addition, we propose, based on the calculations, that S vacancies are responsible for the p-type characteristics, which contrasts with the widespread belief. This work provides new perspectives on MoS2 doping and presents a new direction for fabricating reliable MoS2 devices.
INPP5E regulates CD3ζ enrichment at the immune synapse by phosphoinositide distribution control
Authors: Chiu Tzu-Yuan , Lo Chien-Hui , Lin Yi-Hsuan , Lai Yun-Di , Lin Shan-Shan , Fang Ya-Tian , Huang Wei-Syun , Huang Shen-Yan , Tsai Pei-Yuan , Yang Fu-Hua , Chong Weng Man , Wu Yi-Chieh , Tsai Hsing-Chen , Liu Ya-Wen , Hsu Chia-Lin , Liao Jung-Chi , Wang Won-Jing
Published: September 2023

The immune synapse, a highly organized structure formed at the interface between T lymphocytes and antigen-presenting cells (APCs), is essential for T cell activation and the adaptive immune response. It has been shown that this interface shares similarities with the primary cilium, a sensory organelle in eukaryotic cells, although the roles of ciliary proteins on the immune synapse remain elusive. Here, we find that inositol polyphosphate-5-phosphatase E (INPP5E), a cilium-enriched protein responsible for regulating phosphoinositide localization, is enriched at the immune synapse in Jurkat T-cells during superantigen-mediated conjugation or antibody-mediated crosslinking of TCR complexes, and forms a complex with CD3ζ, ZAP-70, and Lck. Silencing INPP5E in Jurkat T-cells impairs the polarized distribution of CD3ζ at the immune synapse and correlates with a failure of PI(4,5)P2clearance at the center of the synapse. Moreover, INPP5E silencing decreases proximal TCR signaling, including phosphorylation of CD3ζ and ZAP-70, and ultimately attenuates IL-2 secretion. Our results suggest that INPP5E is a new player in phosphoinositide manipulation at the synapse, controlling the TCR signaling cascade.
Inhibition of ACSL4 ameliorates tubular ferroptotic cell death and protects against fibrotic kidney disease
Authors: Dai Yue , Chen Yuting , Mo Dexiameng , Jin Rui , Huang Yi , Zhang Le , Zhang Cuntai , Gao Hongyu , Yan Qi
Published: September 2023

Ferroptosis is a recently recognized form of regulated cell death, characterized by iron-dependent accumulation of lipid peroxidation. Ample evidence has depicted that ferroptosis plays an essential role in the cause or consequence of human diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disease and acute kidney injury. However, the exact role and underlying mechanism of ferroptosis in fibrotic kidney remain unknown. Acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) has been demonstrated as an essential component in ferroptosis execution by shaping lipid composition. In this study, we aim to discuss the potential role and underlying mechanism of ACSL4-mediated ferroptosis of tubular epithelial cells (TECs) during renal fibrosis. The unbiased gene expression studies showed that ACSL4 expression was tightly associated with decreased renal function and the progression of renal fibrosis. To explore the role of ACSL4 in fibrotic kidney, ACSL4 specific inhibitor rosiglitazone (ROSI) was used to disturb the high expression of ACSL4 in TECs induced by TGF-β, unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and fatty acid (FA)-modeled mice in vivo, and ACSL4 siRNA was used to knockdown ACSL4 in TGF-β-induced HK2 cells in vitro. The results demonstrated that inhibition and knockdown of ACSL4 effectively attenuated the occurrence of ferroptosis in TECs and alleviated the interstitial fibrotic response. In addition, the expression of various profibrotic cytokines all decreased after ROSI-treated in vivo and in vitro. Further investigation showed that inhibition of ACSL4 obviously attenuates the progression of renal fibrosis by reducing the proferroptotic precursors arachidonic acid- and adrenic acid- containing phosphatidylethanolamine (AA-PE and AdA-PE). In conclusion, these results suggest ACSL4 is essential for tubular ferroptotic death during kidney fibrosis development and ACSL4 inhibition is a viable therapeutic approach to preventing fibrotic kidney diseases.
Activation of TrkB signaling mitigates cerebellar anomalies caused by Rbm4-Bdnf deficiency
Authors: Tsai Yu-Young , Shen Chiu-Lun , D Dhananjaya , Tsai Ching-Yen , Tarn Woan-Yuh
Published: September 2023

A molecular and functional link between neurotrophin signaling and cerebellar foliation is lacking. Here we show that constitutive knockout of two homologous genes encoding the RNA binding protein RBM4 results in foliation defects at cerebellar lobules VI–VII and delayed motor learning in mice. Moreover, the features of Rbm4 double knockout (dKO), including impaired differentiation of cerebellar granule cells and dendritic arborization of Purkinje cells, are reminiscent of neurotrophin deficiency. Loss of RBM4 indeed reduced brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). RBM4 promoted the expression of BDNF and full-length TrkB, implicating RBM4 in efficient BDNF-TrkB signaling. Finally, prenatal supplementation with 7,8-dihydroxyflavone, a TrkB agonist, restored granule cell differentiation, Purkinje cell dendritic complexity and foliation—the intercrural fissure in particular—in the neonatal cerebellum of Rbm4dKO mice, which also showed improved motor learning in adulthood. This study provides evidence that prenatal activation of TrkB signaling ameliorates cerebellar malformation caused by BDNF deficiency.
Integrated aquatic and terrestrial food production enhances micronutrient and economic productivity for nutrition-sensitive food systems
Authors: Ignowski Liz , Belton Ben , Ali Hazrat , Thilsted Shakuntala Haraksingh
Published: September 2023

Integrated aquaculture–agriculture (IAA) is a form of crop diversification where aquatic and terrestrial foods are grown together on a single parcel of land. We compare economic and nutrient productivity per hectare for 12 distinct IAA combinations, identified from a representative survey of 721 farms in southern Bangladesh. Just under half of households integrate agriculture into their aquaculture production. Regression analyses show positive associations between the integration of terrestrial foods into aquatic farming systems and nutrient productivity, but that nutrient productivity is partly disconnected from economic productivity. However, we find that production of specific combinations of aquatic foods and vegetables can simultaneously improve nutrient productivity and economic productivity, thereby promoting nutrition-sensitive agriculture (NSA). The approach demonstrated here can be applied to the design of NSA programmes that are important for realizing nutrition-sensitive food systems.
Tightly bound and room-temperature-stable excitons in van der Waals degenerate-semiconductor Bi4O4SeCl2 with high charge-carrier density
Authors: Xu Yueshan , Wang Junjie , Su Bo , Deng Jun , Peng Cao , Wu Chunlong , Zhang Qinghua , Gu Lin , Luo Jianlin , Xu Nan , Guo Jian-gang , Chen Zhi-Guo
Published: September 2023

Excitons, which represent a type of quasi-particles consisting of electron-hole pairs bound by the mutual Coulomb interaction, are often observed in lowly-doped semiconductors or insulators. However, realizing excitons in semiconductors or insulators with high charge-carrier densities is challenging. Here, we perform infrared spectroscopy, electrical transport, ab initio calculations, and angle-resolved-photoemission spectroscopy study of the van der Waals degenerate-semiconductor Bi4O4SeCl2. A peak-like feature (α peak) is present around ~125 meV in the optical conductivity spectra at low temperature T = 8 K and room temperature. After being excluded from the optical excitations of free carriers, interband transitions, localized states and polarons, the α peak is assigned as an exciton absorption. Assuming the existence of weakly-bound Wannier-type excitons in this material violates the Lyddane-Sachs-Teller relation. Moreover, the exciton binding energy of ~375 meV, which is about an order of magnitude larger than those of conventional semiconductors, and the charge-carrier concentration of ~1.25 × 1019 cm−3, which is higher than the Mott density, further indicate that the excitons in this highly-doped system should be tightly bound. Our results pave the way for developing optoelectronic devices based on tightly bound and room-temperature-stable excitons in highly-doped van der Waals degenerate semiconductors.
MXene-reduced graphene oxide sponge-based solar evaporators with integrated water-thermal management by anisotropic design
Authors: Liu Zonglin , Ding Renjie , Xue Fuhua , Zhao Xu , Chen Zhong , Zheng Haowen , Li Pengyang , Yan Qian , Xu Liangliang , Xiong Jinhua , Peng Qingyu , He Xiaodong
Published: September 2023

The main issue limiting the performance of the solar evaporators is that water-thermal management is difficult to coordinate. Herein, we achieve integrated water-thermal management by designing hierarchical MXene-reduced graphene oxide sponges with anisotropic thermal conductivity and axial-directional water conveyance channels. The reduced graphene oxide acts as the sponge framework and carbon source for in situ synthesis of MXenes on the surface. The axial-oriented framework supports the structure and provides fast water transmission channels to the air-water interface. Meanwhile, the MXene nanosheets are vertically aligned on the framework surface, making the radial thermal conductivity of the sponges much greater than the axial one, which suppresses heat loss in the axial direction. The material exhibits an evaporation rate of 2.35 kg m−2 h−1 under one sunlight and maintains 85 % energy efficiency under weak sunlight (0.5-sun). Furthermore, the sponge shows a long working life with 96 % evaporation rate retention after a 30-day-sustained operation.
The ephemeral history of Earth’s youngest supra-subduction zone type ophiolite from Timor
Authors: Lin Yu-Chin , Chung Sun-Lin , Maruyama Shigenori , Kadarusman Ade , Lee Hao-Yang
Published: September 2023

Ophiolites occur widely in orogenic belts, yet their origins remain controversial. Here we present a modern example with a geodynamic model from Timor, eastern Indonesia, where Earth’s youngest supra-subduction zone (SSZ)-type ophiolitic fragments are exposed. Zircon U-Pb ages and geochemical data indicate a short timespan (~10 to 8 Ma) for the magmatic sequence with boninitic and tholeiitic arc compositions. We interpret the Timor ophiolite as part of the infant Banda arc-forearc complex, which formed with the opening of the North Banda Sea and subsequent arc-continent collision along the irregular Australian continental margin. Our study connects the occurrence of small, short-lived ocean basins in the western Pacific with orogens around the globe where ephemeral SSZ-type ophiolites occur. These orogenic ophiolites do not represent preexisting oceanic crust, but result from upper-plate processes in early orogenesis and thus mark the onset of collision zone magmatism.
Moon’s high-energy giant-impact origin and differentiation timeline inferred from Ca and Mg stable isotopes
Authors: Fu Hairuo , Jacobsen Stein B. , Sedaghatpour Fatemeh
Published: September 2023

Mass-dependent stable isotopic variations recorded in lunar samples provide novel resolution to the formation and differentiation history of the Moon. In this study, we report new high-precision Ca-isotope measurements for lunar rocks and minerals. Ca-isotope data and modeling of the lunar magma ocean together demonstrate indistinguishable mass-dependent Ca isotopic compositions of the bulk silicate Earth and Moon. This implied Earth-Moon isotope equilibration is consistent with the Moon’s high-energy giant-impact (Synestia) origin and not readily compatible with the traditional giant-impact models. Moreover, a cross-comparison between Ca and Mg isotopic data for an important anorthosite sample (60025) consistently clarifies its formation near the completion of the lunar magma ocean crystallization. Therefore, the various existing radiometric dating for 60025 sets the lunar magma ocean to have fully solidified by either 4.51 or 4.38 billion years ago, constraining the two respective lunar differentiation timescales to <30 (short-lived) or ~130–150 (long-lived) million years.
Abrupt, climate-induced increase in wildfires in British Columbia since the mid-2000s
Authors: Parisien Marc-André , Barber Quinn E. , Bourbonnais Mathieu L. , Daniels Lori D. , Flannigan Mike D. , Gray Robert W. , Hoffman Kira M. , Jain Piyush , Stephens Scott L. , Taylor Steve W. , Whitman Ellen
Published: September 2023

In the province of British Columbia, Canada, four of the most severe wildfire seasons of the last century occurred in the past 7 years: 2017, 2018, 2021, and 2023. To investigate trends in wildfire activity and fire-conducive climate, we conducted an analysis of mapped wildfire perimeters and annual climate data for the period of 1919–2021. Results show that after a century-long decline, fire activity increased from 2005 onwards, coinciding with a sharp reversal in the wetting trend of the 20th century. Even as precipitation levels remain high, moisture deficits have increased due to rapid warming and increased evaporative demand. Bottom-up factors further influence fire activity, as the legacy of past wildfires, insect outbreaks, and land-use practices continually influence fire regimes. The compound effects of climate-induced moisture changes and altered fuels now force British Columbians to confront the harsh reality of more frequent years of intense and prolonged wildfire activity.
A unified approach for the thermodynamic comparison of heat pump cycles
Authors: Yu Zhibin , Ouderji Zahra Hajabdollahi
Published: September 2023

The flexible heat pump cycle introduces a heat storage device into the Evans-Perkins cycle to recover, store, and reuse part of the sensible heat carried by the hot liquid refrigerant from the condenser, achieving a higher coefficient of performance than the latter. In this paper, we develop a unified approach, namely cycle superposition to allow comparison of the flexible heat pump cycle with other performance-enhancing cycle layouts including two-stage cycles with intercooling, subcooling, flash gas removal, or their combinations. We show that under ideal conditions, the flexible heat pump cycle is thermodynamically similar to two-stage heat pump cycles with full subcooling or flash gas removal, but no intercooling. From the energy recovery perspective, the two-stage cycles recover and reuse some sensible heat carried by hot liquid refrigerant simultaneously using their high-stage compressor, whereas the flexible heat pump cycle decouples the recovery and reuse of such heat in time using a heat storage. However, the irreversible heat transfer via real heat exchangers during charging and discharging processes will reduce the benefits of the flexible heat pump cycle. The effectiveness of all these performance-enhancing methods strongly depends on the characteristics of refrigerants.
Controllable preparation of long wavelength carbon dots and their application in fluorescence detection
Authors: Deng Yafeng , Liu Di , Guo Ting , Qian Jun , Zhou Yihua
Published: September 2023

By adjusting the reactants and reaction conditions, the particle size and surface state of fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) can be controlled, and CDs with different photoluminescence colors can be finally prepared.
Detection of nasopharyngeal cancer cells using the laser tweezer Raman spectroscopy technology
Authors: Chen Xiwen , Lin Ruiying , Zhang Jun , Wu Qiong
Published: September 2023

A laser tweezer Raman spectroscopy system was built and used to detect and characterize single nasopharyngeal cancer cells.
A feasibility study of direct analysis in real time-mass spectrometry for screening organic gunshot residues from various substrates
Authors: Ledergerber Thomas D. , Feeney William , Arroyo Luis , Trejos Tatiana
Published: September 2023

This study reports the use of direct analysis in real time-mass spectrometry (DART-MS) for the detection of organic gunshot residues (OGSR) in a variety of matrices of interest for forensics, customs, and homeland security.
Phosphine-catalyzed [5+1] annulation of β′-acetoxy allenoates: straightforward access to tetrahydroquinoline derivatives
Authors: Zhu Yannan , Xu Zhili , Wang Yi-Ning
Published: September 2023

A phosphine-catalyzed [5+1] annulation reaction of β′-acetoxy allenoates with 1,5-dinucleophiles was developed to readily access functionalized tetrahydroquinolines in good to high yields.
Highly active and stable Ru–(OH)-based catalysts supported on Ni–manganite for the base-free aerobic oxidation of 5-hydroxymethyl furfural to 2,5-furan dicarboxylic acid in a noble water–organic solvent system
Authors: Rao Bolla Srinivasa , Hidajat Marcel Jonathan , Yun Gwang-Nam , Hwang Dong Won
Published: September 2023

Highly efficient and robust Ru supported on nickel–manganite catalysts for selective conversion of 5-hydroxymethyl furfural into 2,5-furan dicarboxylic acid in a solvent mixture of noble water and acetone with eliminating homogeneous base addition.
Four octamolybdate compounds with properties of organic dye adsorption and photocatalytic reduction of Cr(vi)
Authors: Hao Xinxin , Ying Jun , Zhang Yanping , Tian Aixiang , Yang Mengle , Wang Xiuli
Published: September 2023

Four kinds of POM-based compounds were synthesized. Compounds 1–4 have good capactance and can be used as bifunctional sensors. Compounds 1–4 can be used as adsorbents to adsorb organic cationic dyes and photocatalysts to reduce Cr(vi).
Low-temperature synergistic effect of MA and Cl towards high-quality α-FAPbI3 films for humid-air-processed perovskite solar cells
Authors: Gao Hao , Zhang Minghui , Xu Zicong , Chen Yichuan , Hu Yuehui , Yi Zhijie , Huang Jiayu , Zhu Hua
Published: September 2023

Low-temperature fabrication of high-quality α-FAPbI3 materials in humid air is a green method for perovskite solar cells to further their sustainable commercialization.
Photochemical and gas adsorption studies of Keggin polyoxometalate functionalized porous melamine terephthaldehyde material
Authors: Tripathi Anjali , Supriya Sabbani
Published: September 2023

Protonated melamine terephthaldehyde-Keggin POM composites exhibit photochromism in solid state. The composites are characterised by IR, PXRD, DRS, ICP and EPR- techniques. Physisorption of all three composite materials are analyzed using H2, N2 and CO2 gases.
Reactivity of Ir(i)-aminophosphane platforms towards oxidants
Authors: Palmese Marco , Pérez-Torrente Jesús J. , Passarelli Vincenzo
Published: September 2023

The amino-phosphano iridium(i) complex [Ir{κ3C,P,P′-(SiNP-H)}(cod)] exhibits a divergent reactivity towards oxidants, yielding cod substitution, proton abstraction or hydride abstraction from cod.
An inexpensive electrolyte with double-site hydrogen bonding and a regulated Zn2+ solvation structure for aqueous Zn-ion batteries capable of high-rate and ultra-long low-temperature operation
Authors: You Chaolin , Wu Ruoyu , Yuan Xinhai , Liu Lili , Ye Jilei , Fu Lijun , Han Peng , Wu Yuping
Published: September 2023

A FA co-solvent electrolyte avoids hydrogen evolution and corrosion, achieving uniform deposition of the zinc anode and stable operation at low temperatures.
Photo-enhanced metal-assisted chemical etching of α-gallium oxide grown by halide vapor-phase epitaxy on a sapphire substrate and its applications
Authors: Choi Woong , Jeon Dae-Woo , Park Ji-Hyeon , Lee Dongryul , Lee Soobeen , Baik Kwang Hyeon , Kim Jihyun
Published: September 2023

Our study presents photo-enhanced metal-assisted chemical etching of α-Ga2O3 and its properties at various temperatures. The results show great potential for use in α-Ga2O3-based optoelectronic device fabrication.
Amino acid-induced rapid gelation and mechanical reinforcement of hydrogels with low-hysteresis and self-recoverable and fatigue-resistant properties
Authors: Luo Xingqi , Yuan Zhaoyang , Xie Xiangyan , Xie Yuanjie , Lv Hongyi , Zhao Jin , Wang Hao , Gao Yuanji , Zhao Lijuan , Wang Yi , Wu Jinrong
Published: September 2023

This work reports a facile and universal strategy to achieve rapid gelation and mechanical reinforcement of free-radical polymerized hydrogels by utilizing amino acids to promote the production of free radicals and form highly dynamic hydrogen bonds.
Overview of the design of bionic fine hierarchical structures for fog collection
Authors: Zhan Danyan , Guo Zhiguang
Published: September 2023

A novel perspective is proposed to analyze designs of fine hierarchical structures, which are vital for fog collection. In this review, an overall overview of recent work is given from a bionic, and thus from a spatial dimensional perspective.
Robust 2 nm-sized gold nanoclusters on Co3O4 for CO oxidation
Authors: Shi Quanquan , Li Zhiwen , Cao Changhai , Li Gao , Barkaoui Sami
Published: September 2023

In this study, gold nanoparticles were dispersed on Co3O4 nanoplates, forming a specific Au–Co3O4 interface.
Microfluidic synthesis of nanomaterials for biomedical applications
Authors: Huang Yanjuan , Liu Chao , Feng Qiang , Sun Jiashu
Published: September 2023

This review provides an overview of the fundamentals of microfluidic reactors and summarizes their use for fabricating various nanomaterials and applications in the biomedical field.
Donor–acceptor-based two-dimensional polymer as a supercapacitor electrode with long cycling stability
Authors: T. M. Bhagyasree , Puthiyaveetil Priyanka Pandinhare , Kumar Viksit , Asokan Kiran , Sreekumar K. , Babu Sukumaran Santhosh
Published: September 2023

An organic donor–acceptor-based 2D polymer, a promising candidate for energy storage devices, displays a specific capacitance of 218 F g−1, a power density of 4648.35 W kg−1, an energy density of 7.05 W h kg−1, and a capacitance retention of 70% over 10 000 cycles.
Exploration of the photovoltaic properties of oxide-based double perovskite Bi2FeCrO6 using an amalgamation of DFT with spin–orbit coupling effect and SCAPS-1D simulation approaches
Authors: Kumar Gagan , Ravidas Babban Kumar , Bhattarai Sagar , Roy Mukesh Kumar , Samajdar Dip Prakash
Published: September 2023

DFT-computed optoelectronic properties of a perovskite material (BFCO) are imported into the SCAPS-1D module to generate the J–V characteristics of a perovskite solar cell with different hole transport layers.
2-Iodo-1-C-acceptor-substituted glycals: synthesis and transformation into 1,2-C,C-disubstituted glycals via Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction
Authors: Juhász-Tóth Éva , Szilárd Malecz Ádám , Tóth Marietta , Homolya Ágnes , Kaszás Tímea , Somsák László , Juhász László
Published: September 2023

A series of 2-iodo-1-C-substituted glycals having EWG groups at the C-1 carbon were synthesized from 1-C-substituted glycals using NIS or NIPhth and Lewis acids. Their applicability in Suzuki–Miyaura reaction was studied in details.
A facile synthesis of phthalimides from o-phthalaldehyde and amines via tandem cyclocondensation and α-C–H oxidation by an electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Neerathilingam Nalladhambi , Prabhu Sakthivel , Anandhan Ramasamy
Published: September 2023

A facile electrochemical synthesis of phthalimides from o-phthalaldehyde and amines was achieved via tandem cyclocondensation and α-C–H oxygenation under mild conditions.
Assembly of spirocyclic pyrazolone-pyrrolo[4,3,2-de]quinoline skeleton via cascade [1,5] hydride transfer/cyclization by C(sp3)–H functionalization
Authors: Xie Xin , Huang He , Fan Yu , Luo Yuan , Pang Qiwen , Li Xiang , Huang Wei
Published: September 2023

An efficient, scalable cascade [1,5] hydride transfer/cyclization approach for the construction of spirocyclic pyrazolone-pyrrolo[4,3,2-de]quinoline skeletons through C(sp3)–H functionalization.
Divergent transformation of C,N-cyclic-N′-acyl azomethine imines by reaction with diazo compounds
Authors: Ohno Haruki , Takahashi Ryosuke , Suga Takuya , Soeta Takahiro , Ukaji Yutaka
Published: September 2023

Divergent transformation of C,N-cyclic-N′-acyl azomethine imines by ethyl diazoacetate and trimethylsilyldiazomethane was achieved to give α-diazoacetate moiety-introduced tetrahydroisoquinolines and 3-benzazepine derivatives respectively.
Bifunctionalization of styrene through ring-opening-recombination strategy of phenylpropathiazole salt
Authors: Fan Yongbo , Xu Shengting , Cai Xinxin , Hou Zhijing , Chen Tianxiang , Fu Guozhang , Zhu Zhongzhi , Chen Xiuwen
Published: September 2023

The ring-opening of a benzothiazole salt serves as a sulfur source for the bifunctional reaction of styrene, enabling the simultaneous formation of new C–S, C–O, and CO bonds following C–S bond cleavage.
Ring-chain equilibria of dynamic macrocycles with a bis(hindered amino)disulfide linker
Authors: Takashima Rikito , Aoki Daisuke , Kuwata Shigeki , Otsuka Hideyuki
Published: September 2023

The effect of chain length on ring-chain equilibria was investigated to both reveal their dynamic equilibrium reactions and expand the availability of bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl)disulfide (BiTEMPS)-based macrocyclic monomers.
TADF emitters based on a tri-spiral acridine donor and a spiro-B-heterotriangulene acceptor with high horizontal dipole orientation ratios and high efficiencies in deep-blue OLEDs
Authors: Lee Young Hoon , Ji Jeoungmin , Tran Thi Quyen , Lee Taehwan , Jung Jaehoon , Lee Youngil , Yoo Seunghyup , Lee Min Hyung
Published: September 2023

Linearly expanded rigid TADF emitters, composed of a tri-spiral acridine donor and a spiro-fluorenyl-B-heterotriangulene acceptor, exhibit very high horizontal dipole orientation ratios, thereby achieving high efficiencies in deep-blue OLEDs.
Progress in optical properties of chiral metal clusters: circular dichroism and circularly polarized luminescence
Authors: Zhou Bo-Wei , Zhang Siqi , Zhao Liang
Published: September 2023

This review aims to elucidate how the regulation of chiral metal cluster structures affects their circular dichroism or circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) signals, with the ultimate objective of providing a reference for the rational design of CPL materials in the future.
Base-promoted selective C2–N1 ring-expansion reaction of indolones toward substituted quinolines
Authors: Kang Qiongwen , Wang Mengdan , Wang Zongkang , Cheng Lu , Zhu Yilin , Wang Chengyu , Li Yanzhong
Published: September 2023

Base-promoted selective C2–N1 ring-expansion reactions of indolones toward substituted quinolines under mild conditions were developed.
Dearomatization of indoles via palladium-catalyzed carbonylation using Co2(CO)8 as the carbonyl source leading to carbonyl-containing spiroindolenines
Authors: Hu Weiming , Huang Jiali , Wu Wenting , Guo Wenting , Gao Gang , Pei Xiaoqin , Wang Huiyan , Tao Chuanzhou , Hu Huayou
Published: September 2023

A Pd-catalyzed carbonylative dearomatization of indoles using Co2(CO)8 as a safe CO source has been reported.
Phytoremediative adsorption methodologies to decontaminate water from dyes and organic pollutants
Authors: Kanwal Ayesha , Rehman Rabia , Imran Muhammad , Samin Ghufrana , Jahangir Muhammad Muzammil , Ali Saadat
Published: September 2023

Persistent organic pollutants and dyes can be removed by phytoremediation methods for eco-friendly wastewater treatment.
Regioselective synthesis of 3-nitroindoles under non-acidic and non-metallic conditions
Authors: Zhang Hua , Su Rong-Chuan , Qin Yu-Li , Wang Xiao-Juan , Chen Dan , Liu Xiao-Rong , Jiang Yu-Xin , Zhao Peng
Published: September 2023

An electrophilic substitution reaction, without acid and metal, of indole with ammonium tetramethylnitrate for accessing 3-nitroindole has been developed.
The effect of composition changes on the structure and electronic properties of jamesonite: a DFT study
Authors: Zhou Xi , Zhao Cuihua , Chen Jianhua , Feng Yao
Published: September 2023

Models of jamesonite with different compositions were constructed by substituting different amounts of Sb or Pb at Fe sites, which leads to the changes in structure and electronic properties of jamesonite, thereby changing its flotation performance.
Phototransformation of extracellular polymeric substances in activated sludge and their interaction with microplastics
Authors: Wei Shuyin , Zeng Feng , Zhou Yingyue , Zhao Jiawei , Wang Hao , Gao Rui , Liang Weiqian
Published: September 2023

Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) extracted from sludge from wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) have different photochemical characteristics.
On the high-temperature phase transition of a new chlorocadmate(ii) complex incorporating symmetrical Cd2Cl6 clusters: structural, optical and electrical properties
Authors: Elgahami Hanen , Oueslati Abderrazek , Nasr Samia , Costantino Ferdinando , Naïli Houcine
Published: September 2023

The detailed mechanism of conductivity before and after the structural phase transition has been analyzed for the hybrid material [(C4H9)4P]2Cd2Cl6. The optical study of this coordination compound suggests its semiconductor character.
β-tricalcium phosphate synthesized in organic medium for controlled release drug delivery application in bio-scaffolds
Authors: Sahadat Hossain Md. , Shaikh Md. Aftab Ali , Uddin Md. Najem , Bashar Muhammad Shahriar , Ahmed Samina
Published: September 2023

β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) was synthesized in an organic medium (acetone) to obtain a single-phase product while calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and ortho-phosphoric acid (H3PO4) were the sources of Ca, and P, respectively.