bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the impact of coagulation bath temperature on the properties of biphasic calcium phosphate/poly(vinylidene fluoride)‐based membrane scaffold via immersion precipitation
Authors: Mutlu Büşra , Demirci Fatma , Duman Şeyma
Published: October 2024

In this study, composite membrane scaffolds comprising poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and boron‐containing biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) are developed using a non‐solvent‐induced phase separation technique at coagulation bath temperatures of −5, 0, 10, and 20 °C. The morphology, pore size and tensile strength of the scaffolds are primarily influenced by the bath temperature. Moreover, raising the bath temperature enhances the thermal properties and β‐crystalline phase fraction. Results demonstrate that changes in the temperature increase the surface hydrophilicity and reduce the degree of swelling. According to the in vitro bioactivity analysis, apatite growth is affected by the interactive relation between the surface of the samples and the simulated body fluid (SBF) medium, in addition to the superior bioactivity of the scaffolds. In vitro cytotoxicity assay results confirm the extensive spreading of L‐929 cells on the sample surfaces, indicating the high biocompatibility of the scaffolds. Based on these favorable properties, the novel composite membranes produced, particularly at 20 °C coagulation bath temperature, may contribute to applications in bone tissue engineering.
First record of rhynchosaurs (Archosauromorpha: Rhynchosauria: Hyperodapedontinae) from the early Late TriassicSantacruzodonAssemblage Zone of the Santa Maria Supersequence, Brazil
Authors: Battista Francesco , Martinelli Agustín G. , Ribeiro Ana Maria , de Andrade Marco Brandalise , Schultz Cesar L.
Published: October 2024

Rhynchosauria is a group of extinct, exclusively Triassic, terrestrial, and herbivorous archosauromorphs, characterized by a peculiar maxillary‐mandibular apparatus. They reached global distribution during the Carnian, with the Hyperodapedontinae clade. The rhynchosaurian record from South America is included in the Ladinian‐?earliest Carnian Dinodontosaurus Assemblage Zone (Pinheiros‐Chiniquá Sequence, Brazil) and Tarjadia Assemblage Zone (Chañares Formation, Argentina), and for strictly Carnian Hyperodapedon Assemblage Zone (Lower Candelária Sequence, Brazil) and Ischigualasto Formation (Argentina). Here, we present the first record of Hyperodapedontinae from the Brazilian Early Carnian Santacruzodon Assemblage Zone (Santa Cruz Sequence). The most diagnostic elements belong to a nearly complete left pes, which presents a combination of hyperodapedontine traits. The presence of a second individual of cf. Hyperodapedontinae is based on a fragmentary, isolated left metatarsal IV. An isolated fragment of premaxilla could belong to the second specimen (based on preservation mode) or to a third individual. This new report fills a gap within the South American rhynchosaurian distribution, strengthening biostratigraphic correlation with other regions from Gondwana (i.e., Madagascar), where similar and coeval faunas are known. The inclusion of these specimens in a phylogenetic dataset resulted in low resolution results, due to missing data because postcranial characters for rhynchosaurs are still poorly explored.
Erfassung von bestehenden Instandsetzungen an Sichtbetonbauten
Authors: Dauberschmidt Christoph , Hinz Elisabeth , Putz Anthea , Putz Andreas
Published: October 2024

Ziel des Projekts ist es, frühere Instandsetzungen an Sichtbetonbauwerken der Hochmoderne sowohl denkmalpflegerisch wie auch bautechnisch zu bewerten und vernetzte Strategien für einen erhaltenden Umgang zu entwickeln. Während die Notwendigkeit einer regelmäßigen Überwachung und Bewertung des Zustands dieser schützenswerten Bauten allgemein anerkannt wird, fehlen bisher auf diese interdisziplinäre Fragestellung abgestimmte Standards als Basis für Monitoring‐Strategien. Im Folgenden werden im Rahmen des Forschungsprojekts entwickelte methodische Ansätze vorgestellt. Das an der Technischen Universität München entwickelte Aufnahmeverfahren Sirius‐H ermöglicht die qualitative Dokumentation von Sichtbetonoberflächen. Gleichzeitig wird quantitativ ihre farbliche Heterogenität mittels Spektralfotometer und parafotografischen Diagrammen analysiert. Die an der Hochschule München entwickelte Messvorrichtung CoMooD zur Elementstrommessung erlaubt eine Abschätzung des Schädigungsrisikos. Mit ihr kann quantitativ die Korrosionsrate bei carbonatisierungsinduzierter Bewehrungskorrosion ermittelt werden. Insbesondere an schützenswerten Bauwerken sind nicht invasive Untersuchungen erforderlich, deren Ergebnisse langfristig dokumentierbar und reproduzierbar sein müssen, um ein begleitendes, kontinuierliches Monitoring zu gewährleisten. Anhand von Untersuchungsergebnissen wird beispielhaft aufgezeigt, dass beide Methoden geeignet sind, erprobte Verfahren der Zustandserfassung zu ergänzen.
An Approach to Estimate the Refractive Index and the Electronic Polarizability of the Ternary Ag2O‐B2O3‐TeO2 Glasses
Authors: El‐Zaibani M. , El Agammy E. F. , Al Naim Abdullah F. , Alzahrani Eman , Al‐Muntaser A. A.
Published: October 2024

Each of the static properties such as refractive index (n0), cation (), and anion () oxide polarizabilities for the ternary 30Ag2O⋅xB2O3⋅(70 − x)TeO2 (30AgBTe) glasses has been predicted theoretically from those of the binary 30Ag2O‐70B2O3 and 30Ag2O‐70TeO2 glasses. This can be done based on two assumptions: that each of these static properties (n0, , and ) can be considered as an additive property and that ternary 30AgBTe glasses can be treated as a mixture of two binary 30Ag2O‐70B2O3 and 30Ag2O‐70TeO2 glasses. In addition, n0 values for the ternary 30AgBTe glasses can be predicted in terms of and values for the ternary 30AgBTe glasses, and these later properties can be predicted from that of two binaries like as n0 at first stage. The n0 values obtained by using two methods are exactly the same for the corresponding compositions in the studied glasses, confirming the validity of the two assumptions and the procedure described in the present work. This conclusion is valid for the ternary glasses with a fixed content of either basic former/or modifier oxides for all compositions such as xPbO⋅(40 − x)Sb2O3⋅60B2O3 and 30Ag2O⋅xB2O3⋅(70 − x)TeO2 glasses, respectively.
Empowering minoritized Alabamians screened for lung cancer—The Alabama Lung Cancer Awareness Screening and Education (ALCASE) project
Authors: Niranjan Soumya J. , Tipre Meghan , Hardy Claudia M. , Bowman Tara , Baskin Monica L.
Published: October 2024

Background

In Alabama only 4% of those eligible have been screened for lung cancer. The ALCASE project focused on navigating eligible individuals to lung cancer screening.

Methods

Trained local staff enrolled screen eligible individuals from seven rural counties and one urban county. Demographics and knowledge of and barriers to lung cancer screening were collected using questionnaires. Education was provided and individuals were navigated to undergo screening. Descriptive statistics for enrolled and screened participants were computed using SAS 9.4. Debriefing interviews were conducted with the ALCASE staff regarding facilitators/barriers to implementing this project and lessons learned. Using NVivo, themes were identified through a combined deductive and inductive process.

Results

In total, 447 people were contacted of which 257 were enrolled. Participants were predominantly African American (86.8%), female (56.8%), and 86.4% had health insurance. Study participants acknowledged the need for more education of lung cancer/screening procedures; help navigating clinics for screening services and having healthcare facilities close to home. The top five barriers to getting screened were transportation, financial issues, emotional concerns, healthcare insurance, and COVID‐19. Of the 257, 106 participants (41%) completed a primary care referral and were screened for lung cancer. Debriefing interviews revealed: (i) Overall impressions of implementing ALCASE were positive. (ii) Barriers in implementing ALCASE were identified predominantly at the physician and institutional level. (iii) Facilitators in implementing ALCASE were identified at multiple levels. (iv) Suggestions on improving lung cancer screening leaned toward mitigating barriers at the institutional and structural level.

Conclusion

Ability to get screened is severely challenged by both personal and structural barriers.
Exploring the Antimalarial Potential of Entandrophragma Utile and Melochia Umbellata Extracts
Authors: Ngouana Vincent , Tsouh Fokou Patrick Valere , Youbi Kamche Aubin , Kemzeu Raoul , Melogmo Dongmo Yanick Kevin , Tsakem Nangap Marius Jaures , Fekam Boyom Fabrice
Published: October 2024

Resistance remains the fundamental problem with antiplasmodial treatments. The study investigated the antiplasmodial, cytotoxic, and antioxidant properties of two Cameroonian medicinal plants, Entandrophragma utile and Melochia umbellata. Antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum strains 3D7 and Dd2 was assessed using the SYBR Green I assay. Cytotoxicity was assessed against Raw and Vero cells using the resazurin assay, and against red blood cells using a hemoglobin release quantification assay. Antioxidant potential was determined using DPPH (2, 2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazine), ABTS (2, 2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid), and FRAP (ferric‐reducing antioxidant power) assays. The most bioactive extract was further analyzed using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐MS) to determine its phytochemical composition. Extracts from E. utile exhibited moderate anti‐malarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum (IC50 =32.81–100 μg/mL), while M. umbellata leaf extract (MULAE) showed strong activity (IC50 =11.62 and 11.91 μg/mL). All extracts demonstrated antioxidant activity (9.22 to 135.8 μg/mL), were selective for Raw and Vero cells, and were not toxic to red blood cells. UHPLC‐MS analysis annotated potential pyrimidones, phenolic compounds, and terpenoids in MULAE. MULAE exhibited better antiplasmodial activity, suggesting the presence of unique bioactive compounds. Further research, including in vivo investigations, is needed to develop safe and effective antiplasmodial therapies.
Anti‐Malarial Activity of Amentoflavone Isolated from Leaf of Calophyllum Tomentosum Wight
Authors: Bauri Ajoy K. , Butler Joshua H. , Cassera Maria B. , Foro Sabine
Published: October 2024

Calophyllum tomentosum belonging to Clusiaceae family is an Indian medicinal plant used as folklore medicine to cure various kinds of diseases reported in Ayurveda, and the leaves of the plant are also used as an active ingredient for the preparation of a botanical medicine known as ‘Punnaga’, ‘Surapunnaga’ and ‘Tamoil’ among other common names. Chemical profiling of the methanol extract of the defatted leaf revealed the presence of amentoflavone (1) as one of the constituents along with coumarins, terpenoids, steroids, and apetalic acids. Structural determination of amentoflavone (1) has been conducted by chemical, spectral, and spectrometric methods in comparison with spectral values available in the literature and confirmed by a single crystal X‐ray diffraction study. Amentoflavone (1) and its derivative (2–5) tested to check the efficacy of anti‐malarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum. Amongst them, only tetra methoxy amentoflavone, (2) exhibited moderate anti‐malarial activity with IC50 value 1.99±0.42 μM against Plasmodium falciparum in comparison with artemisinin as control, whereas the other products possessed almost negligible activity although their structural skeletons are identical with little variation of number and nature of substituents. The structure activity relationship (SAR) of the active constituent and its derivatives is reported herein.
Enhanced Biological Potential and Phytochemical Profiling of Phoenix Dactylifera Leaves (Deglet Nour and Alig) by Kombucha Fermentation: Focus on Polyphenols, Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, and Cytotoxic Activities
Authors: Mouguech Najet , Taillandier Patricia , Bouajila Jalloul , Romdhane Mehrez , Etteyeb Naceur
Published: October 2024

The date palm, scientifically known as Phoenix dactylifera, is an important cultural and economic source of wealth in southern Tunisia. It produces considerable agricultural waste, including palm leaves, the disposal of which is often a challenge. Our study addresses the sustainable conversion of date palm leaves into a valuable product through kombucha fermentation, focusing on two widely used varieties in Tunisia: Deglet Nour and Alig. HPLC‐RI analysis showed a significant difference in the fermentation process between the treated samples, which is reflected in the highest sugar consumption and metabolite production in Alig palm. Unfermented and fermented date palm leaves were sequentially extracted with solvents of increasing polarity (ethyl acetate and butanol) to evaluate their chemical composition and bioactivity. The results showed that kombucha fermentation significantly increased the total phenolic content, with the highest amounts in the ethyl acetate fraction. In terms of antioxidant activity, the ethyl acetate extracts showed a high percentage inhibitory activity (82.76 %) against the DPPH radical found in fermented Palm Alig, which also exhibited the most important antidiabetic capacity (resulting in an IC50 value of 20 μg/mL). The chemical analyses resulted in the detection of 19 compounds by HPLC‐DAD and 50 volatiles by GC‐MS, which are mainly found in kombucha extracts.
Determinants of Product Outcome in Two Sesquiterpene Synthases from the Thermotolerant Bacterium Rubrobacter radiotolerans
Authors: Whitehead Joshua N. , Leferink Nicole G. H. , Hay Sam , Scrutton Nigel S.
Published: October 2024

Rubrobacter radiotolerans nerolidol synthase (NerS) and trans‐α‐bergamotene synthase (BerS) are among the first terpene synthases (TPSs) discovered from thermotolerant bacteria, and, despite sharing the same substrate, make terpenoid products with different carbon scaffolds. Here, the potential thermostability of NerS and BerS was investigated, and NerS was found to retain activity up to 55 °C. A library of 22 NerS and BerS variants was designed to probe the differing reaction mechanisms of NerS and BerS, including residues putatively involved in substrate sequestration, cation‐π stabilisation of reactive intermediates, and shaping of the active site contour. Two BerS variants showed improved in vivo titres vs the WT enzyme, and also yielded different ratios of the related sesquiterpenoids (E)‐β‐farnesene and trans‐α‐bergamotene. BerS−L86F was proposed to encourage substrate isomerisation by cation‐π stabilisation of the first cationic intermediate, resulting in a greater proportion of trans‐α‐bergamotene. By contrast, BerS−S82L significantly preferred (E)‐β‐farnesene formation, attributed to steric blocking of the isomerisation step, consistent with what has been observed in several plant TPSs. Our work highlights the importance of isomerisation as a key determinant of product outcome in TPSs, and shows how a combined computational and experimental approach can characterise TPSs and variants with improved and altered functionality.
Selective Hydrogenation of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural to 5‑Hydroxymethyltetrahydrofurfural Over Heterogeneous Pd Catalyst Under Mild Conditions
Authors: Liu Jinlian , Jiang Liang , Xing Bo , Zhang Fuping , Wang Yi , Zhao Qilong , Wu Mingliang , Chen Xin , Yang Guo
Published: October 2024

5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural (5‐HMF) derived from lignocellulose represents an important platform molecule that could be employed in the selective hydrogenation of the furan ring to prepare 5‑hydroxymethyltetrahydrofurfural (HMTHF). However, the reported catalytic systems for the synthesis of HMTHF using 5‐HMF still require additional hydrogen pressure. In this study, the Pd/ZrO2 catalyst with uniformly dispersed Pd nanoparticles was prepared via a simple impregnation reduction process. This catalyst exhibited excellent catalytic activity and selectivity for the hydrogenation of 5‐HMF to HMTHF. High HMTHF yields up to 92.3% were produced under mild reaction conditions of ambient hydrogen pressure and room temperature in methanol solvent. This result was superior to the most catalytic systems that had been reported so far. The mechanism study revealed that the active hydrogen species on the surface of the Pd nanoparticles and the reaction solvent in this study were the pivotal factors influencing the hydrogenation of furan rings in 5‐HMF.
Deep Information Retention Network‐Enabled Data Modeling for Key Quality Indicator Prediction in the Chemical Industry
Authors: Luo Jiang , Wang Yalin , Liu Chenliang , Yuan Xiaofeng , Wang Kai
Published: October 2024

Deep learning has attracted widespread attention in data modeling and key quality indicator prediction in the chemical industry. However, traditional deep learning networks usually distort the original data distribution due to the superposition effect of multiple layers of nonlinear activation functions. In this case, multivariate statistical learning techniques present an avenue to reveal the intrinsic relationship of the data by combining the linear trends between input and predictor variables. To comprehensively capture data features from multiple perspectives, this study proposes a deep learning‐based data modeling network called the information retention unit (IRU). This network combines intrinsic attributes to partial least squares (PLS) and autoencoder (AE) modalities, thus engendering an adaptive response to the complex linear and nonlinear data features. Furthermore, multiple IRUs can be stacked to construct a deep information retention network (DIRN), which enhances the robust extraction of deep data features. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed network is validated through its prediction application on a dataset obtained from a real‐world chemical industrial process. This method combines multivariate statistical learning techniques based on deep learning, providing an innovative and practical solution for data analysis and prediction in the chemical industry.
Nitrate‐Anion‐Induced Formation of a 2D Metal‐Organic Framework with an Unconventional Kagomé Lattice Exhibiting Methanol‐Mediated Ketone Catalysis
Authors: Kumar Dhara Ashish , Fu Cheng , Bao Song‐Song , Su Qian‐Qian , Ma Xiu‐Fang , Qin Ye‐Hui , Ma Jing , Zheng Li‐Min
Published: October 2024

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) with kagomé lattice are attractive for their unique physical and chemical properties, but little attention has been paid to their catalytic properties. Herein, we report a 2D MOF based on a phosphonato‐amino‐carboxylate ligand (NaHL), i. e., [Na0.33Co(L)(CH3OH)2](NO3)0.33 (2), which exhibits an unconventional kagomé lattice. The formation of this kagomé lattice is caused by the selective recognition of the NO3− anion by the phenolato group of L2− as evidenced by theoretical calculations. Compound 2 can be utilized for the α‐methoxymethylation and aminomethylation of aromatic ketones using methanol as a C1 source. Interestingly, compound 2 can be exfoliated in‐situ into nanosheets with one‐layer thickness under catalytic reaction conditions, which improves the catalytic efficiency. Based on the results of experiments and theoretical calculations, we proposed possible pathways for the catalytic reaction.
Steric Activation in the Nazarov Cyclization of Fully Substituted Divinyl Ketones
Authors: Chen Shuqi , Keto Angus B. , El‐Hawli Ahmad , Gahan Lawrence R. , White Jonathan M. , Krenske Elizabeth H. , Flynn Bernard L.
Published: October 2024

Fully substituted divinyl ketones (fsDVKs) have long been regarded as resistant to Nazarov cyclization (NC) unless they contain strategically positioned electronically activating substituents. Here, however, we show that fsDVKs bearing only electronically neutral alkyl or aryl groups actually undergo facile NC due to steric crowding in the pentadienyl cation intermediate, which raises its energy and reduces the barrier height to cyclization. Strongly ionizing and suitably bulky acid moieties further increase the energy of this intermediate cation, favoring cyclization. These features enable NCs of fsDVKs to be employed in the ready construction of multiple contiguous all‐carbon quaternary stereocenters under mild conditions, in the absence of electronically activating groups.
Enantioselective Organozinc Addition to Aldehydes Using Planar Chiral [2.2]Paracyclophane‐Imidazoline N,O‐Ligands
Authors: Vivek Kumar Sundaravel , Guiry Patrick J
Published: October 2024

We present an improved and convenient synthesis of [2.2]paracyclophane‐imidazoline N,O‐ligands with central and planar chirality in seven steps starting from [2.2]paracyclophane. The utility of these ligands in organozinc additions to aldehydes is described. The asymmetric ethylation of aldehydes proceeded with enantioselectivities of up to 97 % ee, while the asymmetric arylation of aldehydes gave up to 95 % ee (R) and 82 % ee (S) using (S,S,SP)‐UCD‐Imphanol and (S,S,RP)‐UCD‐Imphanol, respectively.
Rectifiability, finite Hausdorff measure, and compactness for non‐minimizing Bernoulli free boundaries
Authors: Kriventsov Dennis , Weiss Georg S.
Published: October 2024

While there are numerous results on minimizers or stable solutions of the Bernoulli problem proving regularity of the free boundary and analyzing singularities, much less is known about critical points of the corresponding energy. Saddle points of the energy (or of closely related energies) and solutions of the corresponding time‐dependent problem occur naturally in applied problems such as water waves and combustion theory. For such critical points —which can be obtained as limits of classical solutions or limits of a singular perturbation problem—it has been open since (Weiss, 2003) whether the singular set can be large and what equation the measure satisfies, except for the case of two dimensions. In the present result we use recent techniques such as a frequency formula for the Bernoulli problem as well as the celebrated Naber–Valtorta procedure to answer this more than 20 year old question in an affirmative way: For a closed class we call variational solutions of the Bernoulli problem, we show that the topological free boundary (including degenerate singular points , at which as ) is countably ‐rectifiable and has locally finite ‐measure, and we identify the measure completely. This gives a more precise characterization of the free boundary of in arbitrary dimension than was previously available even in dimension two. We also show that limits of (not necessarily minimizing) classical solutions as well as limits of critical points of a singularly perturbed energy are variational solutions, so that the result above applies directly to all of them.
Mechanically Interlocked Macrocycles on Covalent Networks for Energy and Environmental Applications
Authors: Gu Muhua , Suleman Suleman , Kim Yoonseob
Published: October 2024

Macrocycles’ unique properties of interacting with guest molecules have been an intriguing scientific endeavor for many decades. They are potentially practically useful for engineering applications, especially in energy and environmental applications. These applications are usually demanding, involving a high temperature, pH, voltage, etc., thus, finding suitable substrates that can endure working environments and sustain macrocycles’ properties is highly desirable. In that sense, covalent networks are ideal as they are chemically/electrochemically/thermally stable and can be porous by design. Emerging porous materials, especially covalent organic frameworks (COFs), could be suitable as their porous spaces allow macrocycles to interact with guest species. In the past seven years, we have seen the rise of mechanically interlocked macrocycles on covalent networks (MIMc‐CNs) that translate macrocycles’ properties into macroscale materials. In this conceptual review, we first describe the idea of integrating MIMcs into COFs or conventional amorphous polymers. Next, we review the reported representative MIMc‐CNs used in energy and environmental applications. We also provide a brief outlook for the future directions for the MIMc‐CNs research.
A Hybrid 2D‐to‐3D in vitro Differentiation Platform Improves Outcomes of Cerebral Cortical Organoid Generation in hiPSCs
Authors: Whye Dosh , Norabuena Erika M. , Srinivasan Gayathri Rajaram , Wood Delaney , Polanco Taryn J. , Makhortova Nina R. , Sahin Mustafa , Buttermore Elizabeth D.
Published: October 2024

Three‐dimensional (3D) cerebral cortical organoids are popular in vitro cellular model systems widely used to study human brain development and disease, compared to traditional stem cell–derived methods that use two‐dimensional (2D) monolayer cultures. Despite the advancements made in protocol development for cerebral cortical organoid derivation over the past decade, limitations due to biological, mechanistic, and technical variables remain in generating these complex 3D cellular systems. Building from our previously established differentiation system, we have made modifications to our existing 3D cerebral cortical organoid protocol that resolve several of these technical and biological challenges when working with diverse groups of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) lines. This improved protocol blends a 2D monolayer culture format for the specification of neural stem cells and expansion of neuroepithelial progenitor cells with a 3D system for improved self‐aggregation and subsequent organoid development. Furthermore, this “hybrid” approach is amenable to both an accelerated cerebral cortical organoid protocol as well as an alternative long‐term differentiation protocol. In addition to establishing a hybrid technical format, this protocol also offers phenotypic and morphological characterization of stage‐specific cellular profiles using antibodies and fluorescent‐based dyes for live cell imaging. © 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: hiPSC‐based 2D monolayer specification into neural stem cells (NSCs)

Basic Protocol 2: Serial passaging and 2D monolayer expansion of neuroepithelial progenitor cells (NPCs)

Support Protocol 1: Direct cryopreservation and rapid thawing of NSCs and NPCs

Basic Protocol 3: Bulk aggregation of 3D neurospheres and accelerated cerebral cortical organoid differentiation

Alternate Protocol 1: Bulk aggregation of 3D neurospheres and long‐term cerebral cortical organoid differentiation

Support Protocol 2: High‐throughput 3D neurosphere formation and 2D neurosphere migration assay

Support Protocol 3: LIVE/DEAD stain cell imaging assay of 3D neurospheres

Support Protocol 4: NeuroFluor NeuO live cell dye for 3D cerebral cortical organoids
Efficient Selective CO2 Composite Sorbent from Amino Acid Ionic Liquids and Silica Gel: 2H NMR Spectroscopy Provides Insight on the CO2‐Binding Mechanism and in‐Pore Microscopic Viscosity
Authors: Sheshkovas Andrey Z. , Khudozhitkov Alexander E. , Veselovskaya Janna V. , Kolokolov Daniil I. , Stepanov Alexander G. , Ludwig Ralf
Published: October 2024

A promising CO2 sorbent based on the [Emim][Gly] (1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium glycinate)/silica gel composite has been studied. CO2 sorption experiments have shown that the optimum loading of [Emim][Gly] ionic liquid in silica gel is 40 wt.%. The 2‐step process CO2 binding mechanism in [Emim][Gly] has been proposed based on the results of sorption experiments, 2H NMR spectroscopy and ab‐initio calculations. The impact of CO2 on the microscopic viscosity and the dynamical melting of ionic liquid has been thoroughly investigated. 2H NMR spectroscopy has revealed that CO2 strongly binds cation and anion in [Emim][Gly], forcing them to move in a correlated fashion.
High‐Entropy Selenides with Tunable Lattice Distortion as Efficient Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Li Laiquan , Li Changfa , Du Jiale , Huang Qianwei , Duan Jingjing , Liu Jiawei , Chen Sheng
Published: October 2024

Developing stable and active electrocatalysts is crucial for enhancing the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) efficiency, which sluggish kinetics hinder sustainable hydrogen production. High entropy selenides (HESes) feature with random distribution of multiple metals cations and unique electronic and size effect of Se anion, allowing for precious regulation of their catalytic properties towards high OER activity. In this work, we report a series of high‐entropy selenides catalysts with tunable lattice strain for electrocatalytic oxygen evolution. Electrochemical measurements show that the quinary (NiCoMnMoFe)Sex requires only 291 mV to reach 10 mA cm−2 and exhibits a superior stability with negligible current decay during 100 h′s continuous operation. By combining experimental measurements and theoretical calculation, the study reveals that the lattice distortion, reflected by the local microstrain near the active site, plays a vital role in boosting the OER activity of HESes.
Analysis and Design of a Battery and Supercapacitor‐Based Propulsion System for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Singh Minakshi , Kumar Singh Ankit , Prakash Mittal Alok , Kumar Mishra Anjanee
Published: October 2024

This work deals with the design and development of a dual source based propulsion architecture for electric vehicles. The converter utilized for the propulsion system is derived from a conventional CuK converter, which operates in a bidirectional power flow mode. The proposed propulsion system has two energy sources: a battery and a supercapacitor (SC). The proposed system has continuous input and output currents at low and high voltage sides, which improves the cycle life of hybrid energy storage (SC and battery) and the DC‐link capacitor. Further, the proposed converter has magnetic reduction compared to a conventional two‐input bidirectional CuK converter. Moreover, an effective and simpler control strategy (only one switch is pulse width modulated (PWM) operated at a time) has been developed for energy management between sources during charging (regenerative braking) and discharging (propulsion), which is effectively verified by simulation and experimental results. Further, a frequency domain (bode plot)‐based technique is used for controller design and stability analysis of the proposed system.
An Ultra‐High Voltage AC/DC Isolated Matrix Converter Applied to V2G Electric Vehicle Charging Piles
Authors: Liu Liang , Tang Jianlin , Yang Siqi , Qian Bin , Wu Qiong , Zhou Mi , Jun Pingxinjue , Zhang Fan
Published: October 2024

In recent years, in order to alleviate global environmental problems, renewable energy power generation and the electric vehicle industry have been vigorously promoted by many countries. During this background, many scholars have proposed the development of vehicle‐to‐grid (V2G) systems to alleviate the impact of renewable energy generation on grid quality, and electric vehicle charging piles are the core part of realizing V2G systems. This article proposes an ultra‐high voltage AC/DC isolated matrix converter applied to V2G electric vehicle charging piles, which can achieve bidirectional flow of energy, and proposes the control strategy that can reduce the current stress of the device. In addition, the ultra‐high voltage module of the proposed topology can provide wide voltage range and high voltage charging power for different types of electric vehicles. The proposed topology and control strategy are verified by simulation.
Wild Bee Conservation in Viticulture: Effects of Semi‐Natural Habitats, Organic Management, and Fungicide Reduction
Authors: Kaczmarek Marvin , Entling Martin H. , Hoffmann Christoph
Published: October 2024

In agricultural landscapes, the removal of semi‐natural habitats (SNH) and the intensive use of pesticides contribute to declines of biodiversity, including crop pollinators such as bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea). However, effects of pesticide use and landscape characteristics on bees have rarely been studied together. In this study, we investigated how SNH in the surrounding landscape, organic and conventional management, and the reduction of fungicides affect wild bee diversity in 32 vineyards in southwest Germany. We used yellow pan traps to sample bees in a crossed design of management (organic vs. conventional) and fungicide use (reduced in fungus‐resistant grape varieties vs. regular) along a gradient with increasing proportions of SNH in the surrounding landscape. Higher proportions of SNH influenced species composition of bees and increased the abundance and richness of above‐ground‐nesting species. Organic vineyards had a 49% higher abundance of bees compared to conventional vineyards. The reduction of fungicides did not affect bee diversity nor abundance. The absence of a response to fungicide intensity suggests that the benefit of organically managed vineyards to wild bees was through differences in their vegetation management, which is in line with the positive response of bees to SNH in the surrounding landscape. Synthesis and applications: Our study underlines that the local provision of diverse vegetation in vineyards and the landscape‐scale provision of suitable SNH are key factors for wild bee conservation in viticulture.
Predicting the Potential Distribution of Rare and Endangered Emmenopterys henryi in China Under Climate Change
Authors: Cai Hanwei , Zhang Guangfu
Published: October 2024

Climate change has a pivotal impact on the potential distribution of endangered and relic tree species. Probably due to unrepresentative sampling and single algorithm, at present, there are different views on the potential range of the endangered tree Emmenopterys henryi, endemic to China. Here, we first collated 612 occurrence records and 22 environmental variables including climate, topography, and soil. Combined the Biomod2 with MaxEnt, we then predicted its past, current, and future potential suitable area in China, and determined the key factors influencing its distribution. The ensemble model results showed that the main environmental variables affecting this species were the minimum temperature of the coldest month (BIO6), precipitation of warmest quarter (BIO18), and temperature seasonality (BIO4). Its current potential distribution area was 176.53 × 104 km2, mainly concentrated in eastern, central, and southwestern China. Collectively, the suitable area of E. henryi would averagely decrease by 3.90% in all 16 future scenarios, with its centroid largely migrating northeastward. Our findings indicate that the endangered E. henryi covered 18 provinces in China, having a larger area than known. Moreover, climate change may have an adverse effect on its potential distribution. In addition, the ensemble model can produce more effective prediction outcomes than MaxEnt for such endemic tree species with large environmental range. We recommend increasing sample representativeness by analyzing the completeness properties of sample coverage, and simultaneously selecting appropriate algorithms to ensure the reliability of distribution prediction for endangered and relict tree species.
Understanding the chemodiversity of plants: Quantification, variation and ecological function
Authors: Petrén Hampus , Anaia Redouan Adam , Aragam Kruthika Sen , Bräutigam Andrea , Eckert Silvia , Heinen Robin , Jakobs Ruth , Ojeda‐Prieto Lina , Popp Moritz , Sasidharan Rohit , Schnitzler Jörg‐Peter , Steppuhn Anke , Thon Frans M. , Unsicker Sybille B. , van Dam Nicole M. , Weisser Wolfgang W. , Wittmann Meike J. , Yepes Sol , Ziaja Dominik , Müller Caroline , Junker Robert R.
Published: October 2024

Plants produce a great number of phytochemicals serving a variety of different functions. Recently, the chemodiversity of these compounds (i.e., the diversity of compounds produced by a plant) has been suggested to be an important aspect of the plant phenotype that may shape interactions between plants, their environment, and other organisms. However, we lack an agreement on how to quantify chemodiversity, which complicates conclusions about the functional importance of it. Here, we discuss how chemodiversity (deconstructed into components of richness, evenness and disparity) may relate to different ecologically relevant aspects of the phenotype. Then, we systematically review the literature on chemodiversity to examine methodological practices, explore patterns of variability in diversity across different levels of biological organization, and investigate the functional role of this diversity in interactions between plants and other organisms. Overall, the reviewed literature suggests that high chemodiversity is often beneficial for plants, although a heterogeneity of methodological approaches partly limits what general conclusions can be drawn. Importantly, to support future research on this topic, we provide a framework with a decision tree facilitating choices on which measures of chemodiversity are best used in different contexts and outline key questions and avenues for future research. A more thorough understanding of chemodiversity will provide insights into its evolution and functional role in ecological interactions between plants and their environment.
Narwhal (Monodon monoceros) associations with Greenland summer meltwater release
Authors: Laidre Kristin L. , Zahn Marie J. , Simon Malene , Ladegaard Michael , Stafford Kathleen M. , Phillips Elizabeth , Moon Twila , Stern Harry L. , Cohen Benjamin
Published: October 2024

Climate change is rapidly transforming the coastal margins of Greenland. At the same time, there is increasing recognition that marine‐terminating glaciers provide unique and critical habitats to ice‐associated top predators. We investigated the connection between a top predator occupying glacial fjord systems in Northwest Greenland and the properties of Atlantic‐origin water and marine‐terminating glaciers through a multiyear interdisciplinary project. Using passive acoustic monitoring, we quantified the summer presence and autumn departure of narwhals (Monodon monoceros) at glacier fronts in Melville Bay and modeled what glacier fjord physical attributes are associated with narwhal occurrence. We found that narwhals are present at glacier fronts after Greenland Ice Sheet peak summer runoff and they remain there during the period when the water column is becoming colder and fresher. Narwhals occupied glacier fronts when ocean temperatures ranged from −0.6 to 0.8°C and salinities between 33.2 and 34.0 psu at around 200 m depth and they departed on their southbound migration between October and November. Narwhals' departure was approximately 4 weeks later in 2019 than in 2018, after an extreme 2019 summer heatwave event that also delayed sea ice formation by 2 months. Our study provides further support for the niche conservative narwhal's preference for cold ocean temperatures. These results may inform projections about how future changes will impact narwhal subpopulations, especially those occupying Greenland glacial fjords.
Validation of an eDNA‐based workflow for monitoring inter‐ and intra‐specific CytB haplotype diversity of alpine amphibians
Authors: Zanovello Lucia , Martins Filipa M. S. , Girardi Matteo , Casari Stefano , Galla Giulio , Beja Pedro , Pedrini Paolo , Bertorelle Giorgio , Hauffe Heidi C.
Published: October 2024

Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis is a promising tool for monitoring wild animal populations and, more recently, their genetic variability. In this study, we used the mitochondrial Cytochrome B gene to develop and apply new eDNA metabarcoding assays targeting amphibian families and genera in order to estimate both inter‐ and intraspecific genetic diversity. We designed and tested seven new primer pairs (a) in silico against an amphibian reference database based on the target genera; (b) in vitro on tissue samples of the target species; and (c) in situ on water samples from 38 wetlands in the Province of Trento (Italy). Overall, most target species were amplified successfully, although some markers also amplified non‐target amphibian species. In addition, to complete the workflow, we compared the performance of three different bioinformatic pipelines (namely, MICCA with VSEARCH, and OBITools using ecotag or metabinkit), in retrieving reads and exact sequence variants from the metabarcoding datasets. Overall, the MICCA based pipeline retrieved more reads, but less putative haplotypes of amphibians. After comparing these sequences with previously known haplotypes from tissue‐based studies, when the aim is to both decrease the probability of detecting false haplotypes and retrieve the highest number of reads, we suggest using MICCA+VSEARCH, unless a direct comparison with tissue‐based genetic data is possible.
Co‐encapsulation of ω‐3 LC‐PUFAs and carotenoids for enhanced synergistic antioxidant effects
Authors: Zhu Yongchao , Zhang Chuang , Sun Xinyi , Wen Jingyuan , Quek Siew Young
Published: October 2024

This work aimed to study the co‐encapsulation of ω‐3 Long‐Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (LC‐PUFAs) with β‐carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin and the cellular uptake of carotenoids. Monodisperse microcapsules with good properties, including particle surface morphology, water activity, microencapsulation efficiency, and glass transition temperature, were successfully prepared using a microfluidic‐jet spray drier with OSA‐modified starch as a wall matrix. The presence of carotenoids enhanced the oxidative stability of ω‐3 LC‐PUFAs. Caco‐2 cell uptakes of the carotenoids from the spray‐dried microcapsules were studied and compared to those encapsulated in the methylcellulose (MC) or xanthan gum (XG) delivery systems. The microcapsules encapsulated by OSA‐modified starch showed higher cellular uptakes of carotenoids (i.e., β‐carotene, 0.31 μg/mg protein; lutein, 0.52 μg/mg protein; zeaxanthin, 0.54 μg/mg protein) than those in the MC or XG delivery systems. The Caco‐2 cell uptake depended on carotenoid type, where hydrocarbon carotenoids (i.e., β‐carotene) had lower uptake than oxygenated carotenoids (i.e., lutein or zeaxanthin).
Divalent Lanthanide Hydride Complexes
Authors: Stapf Emma , Hinz Alexander
Published: October 2024

Molecular hydride complexes have attracted recent attention, and divalent lanthanides as central atoms in particular are very interesting. They open up possibilities of combining hydride reactivity and lanthanide reactivity. To date, only Yb(II), Eu(II) and Sm(II) as well as a mixed‐valent Dy(II)/Dy(III) hydride complexes have been isolated and characterised but the known examples are still low in numbers. In this contribution the development of divalent lanthanide chemistry is summarised, and structural features, reactivity patterns in stoichiometric and catalytic reactions as well as spectroscopic details are outlined.
Additive‐Free and Diastereoselective Synthesis for Trans‐Disubstituted‐2,3‐Dihydro‐Benzofurans via [4+1] Annulation between p‐QMs and TFISYs
Authors: Li Yi‐Hui , Wang Chuan‐Chuan , Ren Meng‐Ru , Wang Qing‐Long , Chen Ya‐Jing
Published: October 2024

An additive‐free and diastereoselective [4+1] annulation between ortho‐hydroxyphenyl‐substituted para‐quinone methides and CF3‐substituted imidoyl sulfoxonium ylides is developed, providing a facile and practical route to diverse trans‐2,3‐dihydrobenzofurans with high efficiency. This protocol features mild conditions, broad substrate scope and easy to operate.
(Mis)Matching Expectations: The Effects of Claimant Gender Identity and Harassment Form on Perceptions of Sexual Harassment Claims
Authors: Mezzapelle Jennifer L. , Reiman Anna‐Kaisa
Published: October 2024

Laypeople often assume a typical sexual harassment incident involves a cisgender man directing sexual advances toward a cisgender woman. Alternatively, when people learn that a transgender woman was sexually harassed, they tend to assume she experienced gender harassment. How are harassment claims that do not match these expectations evaluated? In two preregistered studies, participants (N = 630 and 638) read a social media post from a transgender or assumed cisgender woman who experienced unwanted sexual attention or gender harassment at work. Regardless of harassment form, transgender (vs. assumed cisgender) women were more likely to be rated as complainers and as overreacting (Studies 1 and 2) and elicited less empathy (Study 2). Additionally, participants in both studies were less likely to label gender harassment (vs. unwanted sexual attention) as sexual harassment. How sexual harassment claims are evaluated may have serious consequences for the (lack of) support claimants receive when speaking up about harassment.
Numerical Analysis of Optical Fiber Refractive Index in the Miniaturized Graded‐Index Fiber Probe
Authors: Bi Shubo , Zhang Shuaishuai , Tang Hongying , Chang Zhanyuan , Ma Wenjing , Zhu Hairong
Published: October 2024

We analyze the impact of the refractive index of optical fibers on the focusing properties of a miniaturized graded‐index (GRIN) fiber probe. The ABCD ray transfer matrix and characteristic parameters are employed to characterize the working distance, focusing spot size, and the depth of field effectively. The three‐dimensional (3‐D) function diagrams and two‐dimensional (2‐D) graphs are used to illustrate the impact of the no‐core fiber (NCF) refractive index and the center refractive index of GRIN fiber on the focusing properties. Numerical analysis results show that when the length of the NCF is 0.36 mm and the GRIN fiber is 0.1 mm, the variation of the refractive index of the NCF between 1.44 and 1.52 leads to the variation of the working distance in the range of 0.02 mm, while the focusing spot size varies in the range of 5 μm. A comparison of 12 probe samples reveals that a 0.02 difference in the center refractive index of GRIN fiber could result in a 0.16 mm variation in working distance and a variation in focusing spot size of over 3 μm. The experimental results indicate that alterations in the length of the fibers have a considerable effect on the focusing properties of the probe. In contrast, the range of variation in focusing properties with fiber refractive index is relatively limited.
DDPG‐based heliostats cluster control of solar tower power plant
Authors: Xie Qiyue , Zhang Xing , Zhong Shuhong , Fu Qiang , Shen Zhongli
Published: October 2024

The control of heliostat is crucial for the development of solar tower power plant. Currently, most power plants use open‐loop control, which has low cost but low efficiency, closed‐loop control has high concentrating efficiency, but each heliostat requires sensors and has high cost, and Proportional‐Integral‐Derivative (PID) controller has good control effect, but the parameter adjustment is difficult and overshooting problem occurs. In this paper, we propose a DDPG‐based heliostat cluster control aimed at improving the heliostat control effect and reducing the control cost. A leader‐follower strategy is used to control the heliostat, where the whole heliostat field is divided into several groups, each group is assigned a leader heliostat, and the rest of the heliostats follow the leader heliostat to rotate. The leader acquires the control error by means of a photoelectric sensor or a camera device. The following heliographs rotate with the leader to obtain the control signal, so there is no need for sensors, which reduces the number of sensors and lowers the cost. To address the shortcomings of traditional PID, we propose a DDPG‐based PID control algorithm. The algorithm is trained to find out the optimal value at each moment, which ensures that the controller parameters are optimal at each moment. The results show that the tracking error is below 0.0001 rad for both cluster control and individual control. This ensures effective tracking performance while reducing the sensor cost. The controller based on the DDPG algorithm eliminates overshoots, reduces errors, and shortens the stabilization time by 0.5 seconds.