bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A neural network based approach to classify VLF signals as rock rupture precursors
Authors: Nardi Adriano , Pignatelli Alessandro , Spagnuolo Elena
Published: August 2022

The advent of novel technologies revealed that other geophysical signals than those directly related to fault motion could be used to probe the state of deformation of the Earth's crust. Electromagnetic signals belonging to this category have been increasingly investigated in the last decade in association to natural earthquakes and laboratory rock fractures. These studies are hampered by the lack of continuous recordings and a systematic mathematical processing of large data sets. Indeed, electromagnetic signals exhibit characteristic patterns on a specific frequency band (the very low frequency, VLF) that correlate uniquely with the paroxistic rupture of rocks specimens under uniaxial laboratory tests and were also detected in the atmosphere, in association to moderate magnitude earthquakes. The similarity of laboratory and atmospheric VLF offers an unique opportunity to study the relation between VLF and rock deformation on at least two different scales and to enlarge the dataset by combining laboratory and atmospheric data. In this paper we show that the enlarged VLF dataset can be successfully used, with a neural network approach based on LSTM neural networks to investigate the potential of the VLF spectrum in classifying rock rupture precursors both in nature and in the laboratory. The proposed approach lays foundation to the automatic detection of interesting VLF patterns for monitoring deformations in the seismically active Earth’s crust.
Deep learning methods to predict amyotrophic lateral sclerosis disease progression
Authors: Pancotti Corrado , Birolo Giovanni , Rollo Cesare , Sanavia Tiziana , Di Camillo Barbara , Manera Umberto , Chiò Adriano , Fariselli Piero
Published: August 2022

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a highly complex and heterogeneous neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons. Since life expectancy is relatively low, it is essential to promptly understand the course of the disease to better target the patient’s treatment. Predictive models for disease progression are thus of great interest. One of the most extensive and well-studied open-access data resources for ALS is the Pooled Resource Open-Access ALS Clinical Trials (PRO-ACT) repository. In 2015, the DREAM-Phil Bowen ALS Prediction Prize4Life Challenge was held on PRO-ACT data, where competitors were asked to develop machine learning algorithms to predict disease progression measured through the slope of the ALSFRS score between 3 and 12 months. However, although it has already been successfully applied in several studies on ALS patients, to the best of our knowledge deep learning approaches still remain unexplored on the ALSFRS slope prediction in PRO-ACT cohort. Here, we investigate how deep learning models perform in predicting ALS progression using the PRO-ACT data. We developed three models based on different architectures that showed comparable or better performance with respect to the state-of-the-art models, thus representing a valid alternative to predict ALS disease progression.
Rational peptide design for regulating liquid–liquid phase separation on the basis of residue–residue contact energy
Authors: Kamagata Kiyoto , Ariefai Maulana , Takahashi Hiroto , Hando Atsumi , Subekti Dwiky Rendra Graha , Ikeda Keisuke , Hirano Atsushi , Kameda Tomoshi
Published: August 2022

Since liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) of proteins is governed by their intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs), it can be controlled by LLPS-regulators that bind to the IDRs. The artificial design of LLPS-regulators based on this mechanism can be leveraged in biological and therapeutic applications. However, the fabrication of artificial LLPS-regulators remains challenging. Peptides are promising candidates for artificial LLPS-regulators because of their ability to potentially bind to IDRs complementarily. In this study, we provide a rational peptide design methodology for targeting IDRs based on residue–residue contact energy obtained using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. This methodology provides rational peptide sequences that function as LLPS regulators. The peptides designed with the MD-based contact energy showed dissociation constants of 35–280 nM for the N-terminal IDR of the tumor suppressor p53, which are significantly lower than the dissociation constants of peptides designed with the conventional 3D structure-based energy, demonstrating the validity of the present peptide design methodology. Importantly, all of the designed peptides enhanced p53 droplet formation. The droplet-forming peptides were converted to droplet-deforming peptides by fusing maltose-binding protein (a soluble tag) to the designed peptides. Thus, the present peptide design methodology for targeting IDRs is useful for regulating droplet formation.
Sequence analyses of Malaysian Indigenous communities reveal historical admixture between Hoabinhian hunter-gatherers and Neolithic farmers
Authors: Aghakhanian Farhang , Hoh Boon-Peng , Yew Chee-Wei , Kumar Subbiah Vijay , Xue Yali , Tyler-Smith Chris , Ayub Qasim , Phipps Maude E.
Published: August 2022

Southeast Asia comprises 11 countries that span mainland Asia across to numerous islands that stretch from the Andaman Sea to the South China Sea and Indian Ocean. This region harbors an impressive diversity of history, culture, religion and biology. Indigenous people of Malaysia display substantial phenotypic, linguistic, and anthropological diversity. Despite this remarkable diversity which has been documented for centuries, the genetic history and structure of indigenous Malaysians remain under-studied. To have a better understanding about the genetic history of these people, especially Malaysian Negritos, we sequenced whole genomes of 15 individuals belonging to five indigenous groups from Peninsular Malaysia and one from North Borneo to high coverage (30X). Our results demonstrate that indigenous populations of Malaysia are genetically close to East Asian populations. We show that present-day Malaysian Negritos can be modeled as an admixture of ancient Hoabinhian hunter-gatherers and Neolithic farmers. We observe gene flow from South Asian populations into the Malaysian indigenous groups, but not into Dusun of North Borneo. Our study proposes that Malaysian indigenous people originated from at least three distinct ancestral populations related to the Hoabinhian hunter-gatherers, Neolithic farmers and Austronesian speakers.
Self-induced consensus of Reddit users to characterise the GameStop short squeeze
Authors: Mancini Anna , Desiderio Antonio , Di Clemente Riccardo , Cimini Giulio
Published: August 2022

The short squeeze of GameStop (GME) shares in mid-January 2021 has been primarily orchestrated by retail investors of the Reddit r/wallstreetbets community. As such, it represents a paramount example of collective coordination action on social media, resulting in large-scale consensus formation and significant market impact. In this work we characterise the structure and time evolution of Reddit conversation data, showing that the occurrence and sentiment of GME-related comments (representing how much users are engaged with GME) increased significantly much before the short squeeze actually took place. Taking inspiration from these early warnings as well as evidence from previous literature, we introduce a model of opinion dynamics where user engagement can trigger a self-reinforcing mechanism leading to the emergence of consensus, which in this particular case is associated to the success of the short squeeze operation. Analytical solutions and model simulations on interaction networks of Reddit users feature a phase transition from heterogeneous to homogeneous opinions as engagement grows, which we qualitatively compare to the sudden hike of GME stock price. Although the model cannot be validated with available data, it offers a possible and minimal interpretation for the increasingly important phenomenon of self-organized collective actions taking place on social networks.
80 Hz but not 40 Hz, transcranial alternating current stimulation of 80 Hz over right intraparietal sulcus increases visuospatial working memory capacity
Authors: Park Jimin , Lee Chany , Lee Sangjun , Im Chang-Hwan
Published: August 2022

Working memory (WM) is a complex cognitive function involved in the temporary storage and manipulation of information, which has been one of the target cognitive functions to be restored in neurorehabilitation. WM capacity is known to be proportional to the number of gamma cycles nested in a single theta cycle. Therefore, gamma-band transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) should be dependent of the stimulation frequency; however, the results of previous studies that employed 40 Hz tACS have not been consistent. The optimal locations and injection currents of multiple scalp electrodes were determined based on numerical simulations of electric field. Experiments were conducted with 20 healthy participants. The order of three stimulation conditions (40 Hz tACS, 80 Hz tACS, and sham stimulation) were randomized but counterbalanced. Visual hemifield-specific visual WM capacity was assessed using a delayed visual match to the sample task. High gamma tACS significantly increased WM capacity, while low gamma tACS had no significant effect. Notably, 80 Hz tACS increased WM capacity on both the left and right visual hemifields, while previous tACS studies only reported the effects of tACS on contralateral hemifields. This is the first study to investigate the frequency-dependent effect of gamma-band tACS on WM capacity. Our findings also suggest that high gamma tACS might influence not only WM capacity but also communication between interhemispheric cortical regions. It is expected that high gamma tACS could be a promising neurorehabilitation method to enhance higher-order cognitive functions with similar mechanisms.
Risk score-based substratification improves surveillance costs after transurethral resection of bladder tumor in patients with primary high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Fujita Naoki , Hatakeyama Shingo , Momota Masaki , Tobisawa Yuki , Yoneyama Tohru , Yamamoto Hayato , Ito Hiroyuki , Yoneyama Takahiro , Hashimoto Yasuhiro , Yoshikawa Kazuaki , Ohyama Chikara
Published: August 2022

High-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) has a heterogeneity and intensive surveillances after transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) are major factors of increased costs. Therefore, we aimed to develop optimized surveillance protocols based on the risk score-based substratifications to improve surveillance costs. We retrospectively evaluated 428 patients with primary high-risk NMIBC who underwent TURBT. Patients were substratified into intra-lower, intra-intermediate, and intra-higher groups or UUT-lower, UUT-intermediate, and UUT-higher groups by summing each of the independent risk factors of intravesical and UUT recurrences, respectively. The optimized surveillance protocols that enhance cost-effectiveness were then developed using real incidences of recurrence after TURBT. The 10-year total surveillance costs were compared between the European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines-based and optimized surveillance protocols. The Kaplan–Meier curves of intravesical and UUT recurrence-free survivals were clearly separated among the substratified groups. The optimized surveillance protocols promoted a 43% reduction ($487,599) in the 10-year total surveillance cost compared to the EAU guidelines-based surveillance protocol. These results suggest that the optimized surveillance protocols based on risk score-based substratifications could potentially reduce over investigation and improve surveillance costs after TURBT in patients with primary high-risk NMIBC.
Inhibition of current perception thresholds in A-delta and C fibers through somatosensory stimulation of the body surface
Authors: Shimo Kazuhiro , Ogawa Sho , Niwa Yuto , Tokiwa Yuji , Dokita Ayaka , Kato Sho , Hattori Takafumi , Matsubara Takako
Published: August 2022

Somatosensory stimulation of the body surface, such as through tactile and noxious stimulation, is widely known to inhibit pain. However, no studies have measured the threshold changes due to somatosensory stimulation of each nerve fiber (Aβ, Aδ, and C) separately. We examined the changes in the current perception thresholds of Aδ, C, and Aβ fibers induced by non-noxious and noxious somatosensory stimulation of the body surface. The current stimuli were sinusoidal waves at frequencies of 2000 Hz, 250 Hz, and 5 Hz, which selectively stimulated the Aβ, Aδ, and C fibers, respectively. In the case of non-noxious stimulation, lightly rubbing the dorsal side of the forearm with a brush showed no significant physiological or clinical changes in the current perception thresholds of the Aδ, and C fibers; a significant increase was observed only in the Aβ fibers. However, applying noxious stimulation to the body surface through hand immersion in cold water increased pain thresholds in both the Aδ and C fibers, and sensory threshold of the Aβ fibers; changes in tactile thresholds were not significant. Inhibition of sensory information by nociceptive inputs may selectively suppress nociceptive stimuli.
Genomic and transcriptomic profiling of phoenix colonies
Authors: Sindeldecker Devin , Dunn Matthew , Zimmer Aubree , Anderson Matthew , Alfonzo Juan , Stoodley Paul
Published: August 2022

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative bacterium responsible for numerous human infections. Previously, novel antibiotic tolerant variants known as phoenix colonies as well as variants similar to viable but non-culturable (VBNC) colonies were identified in response to high concentrations of aminoglycosides. In this study, the mechanisms behind phoenix colony and VBNC-like colony emergence were further explored using both whole genome sequencing and RNA sequencing. Phoenix colonies were found to have a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the PA4673 gene, which is predicted to encode a GTP-binding protein. No SNPs were identified within VBNC-like colonies compared to the founder population. RNA sequencing did not detect change in expression of PA4673 but revealed multiple differentially expressed genes that may play a role in phoenix colony emergence. One of these differentially expressed genes, PA3626, encodes for a tRNA pseudouridine synthase which when knocked out led to a complete lack of phoenix colonies. Although not immediately clear whether the identified genes in this study may have interactions which have not yet been recognized, they may contribute to the understanding of how phoenix colonies are able to emerge and survive in the presence of antibiotic exposure.
In situ melt pool measurements for laser powder bed fusion using multi sensing and correlation analysis
Authors: Wang Rongxuan , Garcia David , Kamath Rakesh R. , Dou Chaoran , Ma Xiaohan , Shen Bo , Choo Hahn , Fezzaa Kamel , Yu Hang Z. , Kong Zhenyu
Published: August 2022

Laser powder bed fusion is a promising technology for local deposition and microstructure control, but it suffers from defects such as delamination and porosity due to the lack of understanding of melt pool dynamics. To study the fundamental behavior of the melt pool, both geometric and thermal sensing with high spatial and temporal resolutions are necessary. This work applies and integrates three advanced sensing technologies: synchrotron X-ray imaging, high-speed IR camera, and high-spatial-resolution IR camera to characterize the evolution of the melt pool shape, keyhole, vapor plume, and thermal evolution in Ti–6Al–4V and 410 stainless steel spot melt cases. Aside from presenting the sensing capability, this paper develops an effective algorithm for high-speed X-ray imaging data to identify melt pool geometries accurately. Preprocessing methods are also implemented for the IR data to estimate the emissivity value and extrapolate the saturated pixels. Quantifications on boundary velocities, melt pool dimensions, thermal gradients, and cooling rates are performed, enabling future comprehensive melt pool dynamics and microstructure analysis. The study discovers a strong correlation between the thermal and X-ray data, demonstrating the feasibility of using relatively cheap IR cameras to predict features that currently can only be captured using costly synchrotron X-ray imaging. Such correlation can be used for future thermal-based melt pool control and model validation.
Use of centrifugal systems for investigating water flow processes in unsaturated soils
Authors: Qin Huanhuan
Published: August 2022

Centrifugal modelling, both physical and numerical, has been used for studying groundwater flow and transport processes in the past. However, there was disagreement in previous studies whether numerical models can be used in simulating centrifugal systems under unsaturated flow condition. In the present study, a numerical model based on Richards’ equation was developed to predict one-dimensional unsaturated flow in centrifugal systems. The validity of the model was tested using data from physical models in four published benchmark problems. The ability of the numerical model to close mass balance was also tested. It was shown that the newly developed numerical model was able to recreate the four benchmark problems quite successfully, indicating that using such a model under unsaturated flow condition is feasible. The mass conservation result shows that the model is more sensitive to spatial grid resolution than to specified temporal step. Therefore, fine spatial discretization is suggested to ensure the simulation quality. Additionally, adaptive temporal time stepping method can be used to improve the computational efficiency. It was found that the dimensionless factors used for scaling physical dimensions by 1/N, seepage velocity by N, and temporal dimension by 1/N2 were useful parameters for scaling centrifugal systems.
Spatial autocorrelation signatures of ecological determinants on plant community characteristics in high Andean wetlands
Authors: Lozada Adriana , Bertin Angéline
Published: August 2022

Understanding how biological communities are shaped is a central tenet of community ecology. Recent evidence highlights the potential of decoupling diversity spatial autocorrelation into its positive and negative components to reveal community assembly processes that would otherwise remain undetected, as well as to improve understanding of their impacts on different facets of diversity. Yet, such approaches have only been implemented to investigate the effects of a few assembly drivers on a small number of diversity components. Here, we used high Andean wetland plant communities over a strong latitudinal gradient to investigate the effects of various ecological factors on spatial autocorrelation patterns of nine community metrics with different informative values, including measures of richness, dominance, evenness and beta-diversity. By combining Moran’s Eigenvector Maps, partial least squares structural equation modeling, and regression analyses, we revealed two groups of community parameters presenting contrasting spatial patterns due to specific sensitivities to ecological factors. While environmental variation and wetland connectivity increased positive spatial autocorrelation in richness and dominance-related parameters, species co-occurrence promoted negative spatial autocorrelation in evenness-related parameters. These results offer new insights regarding both how ecological processes affect species assembly, as well as the information captured by classical taxonomic parameters.
A life history model of the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of polyaneuploid cancer cells
Authors: Bukkuri Anuraag , Pienta Kenneth J. , Austin Robert H. , Hammarlund Emma U. , Amend Sarah R. , Brown Joel S.
Published: August 2022

Therapeutic resistance is one of the main reasons for treatment failure in cancer patients. The polyaneuploid cancer cell (PACC) state has been shown to promote resistance by providing a refuge for cancer cells from the effects of therapy and by helping them adapt to a variety of environmental stressors. This state is the result of aneuploid cancer cells undergoing whole genome doubling and skipping mitosis, cytokinesis, or both. In this paper, we create a novel mathematical framework for modeling the eco-evolutionary dynamics of state-structured populations and use this framework to construct a model of cancer populations with an aneuploid and a PACC state. Using in silico simulations, we explore how the PACC state allows cancer cells to (1) survive extreme environmental conditions by exiting the cell cycle after S phase and protecting genomic material and (2) aid in adaptation to environmental stressors by increasing the cancer cell’s ability to generate heritable variation (evolvability) through the increase in genomic content that accompanies polyploidization. In doing so, we demonstrate the ability of the PACC state to allow cancer cells to persist under therapy and evolve therapeutic resistance. By eliminating cells in the PACC state through appropriately-timed PACC-targeted therapies, we show how we can prevent the emergence of resistance and promote cancer eradication.
The exquisitely preserved integument of Psittacosaurus and the scaly skin of ceratopsian dinosaurs
Authors: Bell Phil R. , Hendrickx Christophe , Pittman Michael , Kaye Thomas G. , Mayr Gerald
Published: August 2022

The Frankfurt specimen of the early-branching ceratopsian dinosaurPsittacosaurusis remarkable for the exquisite preservation of squamous (scaly) skin and other soft tissues that cover almost its entire body. New observations under Laser-Stimulated Fluorescence (LSF) reveal the complexity of the squamous skin ofPsittacosaurus, including several unique features and details of newly detected and previously-described integumentary structures. Variations in the scaly skin are found to be strongly regionalized inPsittacosaurus. For example, feature scales consist of truncated cone-shaped scales on the shoulder, but form a longitudinal row of quadrangular scales on the tail. Re-examined through LSF, the cloaca ofPsittacosaurushas a longitudinal opening, or vent; a condition that it shares only with crocodylians. This implies that the cloaca may have had crocodylian-like internal anatomy, including a single, ventrally-positioned copulatory organ. Combined with these new integumentary data, a comprehensive review of integument in ceratopsian dinosaurs reveals that scalation was generally conservative in ceratopsians and typically consisted of large subcircular-to-polygonal feature scales surrounded by a network of smaller non-overlapping polygonal basement scales. This study highlights the importance of combining exceptional specimens with modern imaging techniques, which are helping to redefine the perceived complexity of squamation in ceratopsians and other dinosaurs.
A co-crystal berberine-ibuprofen improves obesity by inhibiting the protein kinases TBK1 and IKKɛ
Authors: Wang Man , Xu Rong , Liu Xiaoli , Zhang Ling , Qiu Siyan , Lu Yuting , Zhang Peng , Yan Ming , Zhu Jing
Published: August 2022

Berberine (BBR) exerts specific therapeutic effects on various diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and other inflammation-associated diseases. However, the low oral bioavailability (below 1%) of berberine due to its poor solubility and membrane permeability limits its clinical use. In this paper, we have prepared a 1:1 co-crystal berberine-ibuprofen (BJ) using drug salt metathesis and co-crystal technology. Pharmacokinetic studies demonstrate a 3-fold increase in vivo bioavailability of BJ compared to that of BBR, and BJ is more effective in treating obesity and its related metabolism in vitro and in vivo. We also find that BJ promotes mitochondrial biogenesis by inhibiting TBK1 and inducing AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation, and BJ increases adipocyte sensitivity to catecholamine by inhibiting IKKε. Together, our findings support that co-crystal BJ is likely to be an effective agent for treating obesity and its related metabolic diseases targeting TBK1 and IKKε.
Ultimate speed limits to the growth of operator complexity
Authors: Hörnedal Niklas , Carabba Nicoletta , Matsoukas-Roubeas Apollonas S. , del Campo Adolfo
Published: August 2022

In an isolated system, the time evolution of a given observable in the Heisenberg picture can be efficiently represented in Krylov space. In this representation, an initial operator becomes increasingly complex as time goes by, a feature that can be quantified by the Krylov complexity. We introduce a fundamental and universal limit to the growth of the Krylov complexity by formulating a Robertson uncertainty relation, involving the Krylov complexity operator and the Liouvillian, as generator of time evolution. We further show the conditions for this bound to be saturated and illustrate its validity in paradigmatic models of quantum chaos.
Role of Topographic Cues in Engineering the Muscle Niche
Authors: Macadangdang Jesse , Mandrycky Christian , Chun Changho , Geisse Nicholas A. , Mack David L. , Smith Alec S. T.
Published: August 2022

Cells are exquisitely receptive to the physical cues present within their native microenvironment. Manipulation of substrate topography is therefore a simple strategy to promote the development of cells in vitro toward a phenotype that is more representative of their in vivo counterparts. In the cases of cardiac and skeletal muscle, substrate topographies have been used to promote uniaxial alignment, myofibrillar development, and cytoskeletal organization in cultured cells for downstream applications in basic biological studies, disease modelling, and drug screening. In this chapter, we review the advantages conferred on muscle cultures by topographic patterns, discuss methods for producing patterns of different dimensions, and provide a perspective on the role these technologies could play in enhancing the predictive power of next generation preclinical assays.
Manipulation of Durotaxis on a Matrix with Cell-scale Stiffness Heterogeneity
Authors: Kidoaki Satoru
Published: August 2022

Durotaxis, cellular taxis induced by a stiffness gradient on an extracellular matrix, is a fundamental phenomenon not only for investigating the mechanosensitivity of moving cells but also in the field of mechanobiology in general. The ability to induce and manipulate durotaxis at will through the proper design of a matrix stiffness gradient should promote both our understanding of the mechanism of cellular mechanosensitivity and the development of novel cell-manipulation technology. The manipulation of durotaxis requires precise determination of the stiffness gradient based on the establishment of a cell culture matrix with well designed cell-scale stiffness heterogeneity. This review summarizes typical methods for constructing a matrix with a stiffness gradient and considers the ideal fabrication, with particular focus on the photolithographic microstiffness patterning of hydrogels. The general conditions for inducing durotaxis and several examples of the sophisticated manipulation of durotaxis are introduced. Finally, the impact of combined modes of durotaxis on traction stress dynamics of a moving cell is discussed.
CO2 Conversion to Chemicals and Fuel Cells Using Renewable Energy Sources
Authors: Chowdhury Muhammad Ifaz Shahriar , Hoque Md Enamul , Rahman Shek Md Atiqure
Published: August 2022

The risk of depletion of a finite amount of fuel resources because of the ever-increasing demand for fossil fuels, along with the alarming increase in CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere causing global warming, is at the center of the energy and environmental concerns today. As the world struggles to reduce its dependency on fossil fuels and limit the global temperature increase to below 2 °C, an array of emerging technologies has evolved that use renewable energy sources to convert CO2 into chemicals or fuel cells with a high added value. This chapter discusses various methods of utilizing renewable energy sources in the conversion of CO2 into fuels including harnessing solar energy by atmospheric CO2 recycling via artificial photosynthesis to produce liquid solar fuels (i.e., methane (CH4), alcohols such as methanol (CH3OH), carbon monoxide (CO) or ethanol (C2H5OH)) from CO2 and water. Further, the opportunities and limitations in particular approaches are also discussed. The liquid fuels produced by these methods can be used in automobile sectors without any radical changes in the economic perspective. Also, the CO2 emission from the burning of these fuels will be of an equal amount with the CO2 initially used – an essential factor that will contribute to the sustainability of transport and the improvement of the overall environment.
Photoelectrochemical CO2 Conversion Through the Utilization of Non-oxide Two-dimensional Nanomaterials
Authors: de Brito J. F. , Corradini P. G. , Silva A. B. , Mascaro L. H.
Published: August 2022

This chapter addresses using non-oxide two-dimensional nanomaterials for the photoelectrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) in an aqueous medium. These photocatalysts have been receiving significant attention in complex reactions that involve multiple steps, such as CO2 reduction and water splitting, due to their catalytic characteristics, including highly accessible active sites and abundant surface defects. These abundant surface defects enhance the adsorption of CO2 and H2O, tunable electronic features, and excellent charge separation properties. Among the diverse non-oxide two-dimensional photocatalysts reported in the literature, this chapter scrutinizes the two-dimensional transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDC), nitrides, carbonitrides, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), and heterojunctions of these catalysts. This investigation is intended to stimulate a novel pathway for researchers to improve the design of materials by harnessing the exceptional structural, optical, and electronic properties impacting the selectivity, activity, and stability of catalysts for successful application in the CO2 reduction. The elucidation of the physical and catalytic properties of two-dimensional nanomaterials opens new opportunities for industrial applications and the reduction of environmental issues, resulting in a positive impact on the economy.
Two-dimensional Based Hybrid Materials for Photocatalytic Conversion of CO2 Into Hydrocarbon Fuels
Authors: Ansari Khursheed B. , Banerjee Arghya , Hassan Saeikh Zaffar , Danish Mohd. , Arman Iram , Khan Parvez , Shakeelur Rahman A. R. , Ahmad Qazi Naved , Trinh Quang Thang
Published: August 2022

The rising level of anthropogenic carbon dioxide in the atmosphere drives researchers to look for promising techniques to convert CO2 into useful end products, such as fuel. The artificial conversion of CO2 using photocatalysts has gained significant attention in recent years. In particular, the photoreduction of CO2 into hydrocarbon fuels appears to be a dual approach to tackle energy and environmental issues. This chapter first discusses the photocatalytic applications of 2D hybrid materials followed by the principles of photocatalytic CO2 reduction. The preparations of several 2D materials such as graphene-based, graphitic carbon nitride-based (g-C3N4), transition metal-oxides (TMO), and transition metal-chalcogenide (TMC) photocatalysts are described. Graphene and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) remained exceptional 2D materials because of their electronic and physicochemical properties. Further, the photocatalytic reduction of CO2 into fuel and chemicals using a photoelectrochemical approach and using several nanosized 2D hybrid materials (i.e., 0D/2D, 1D/2D, and 2D/2D nanomaterials) is discussed. Moreover, the insights of CO2 to fuel conversion processes are elaborated using the density functional theory (DFT) tool which opens new avenues for designing more efficient photocatalysts for CO2 conversion into hydrocarbon fuels.
Recent advances in optical sensors for continuous glucose monitoring
Authors: Ahmed Israr , Jiang Nan , Shao Xinge , Elsherif Mohamed , Alam Fahad , Salih Ahmed , Butt Haider , Yetisen Ali K.
Published: August 2022

This review covers recent advances in optical sensors, which can continuously monitor glucose levels for point-of-care diagnosis of diabetes.
Raman imaging combined with an improved PCA/algebra-based algorithm to capture microplastics and nanoplastics
Authors: Cheng Fang , Luo Yunlong , Naidu Ravi
Published: August 2022

Raman imaging has advanced recently to be able to directly visualise microplastics and even nanoplastics.
Reusable and universal impedimetric sensing platform for the rapid and sensitive detection of pathogenic bacteria based on bacteria-imprinted polythiophene film
Authors: Wang Lingling , Lin Xiaohui , Liu Ting , Zhang Zhaohuan , Kong Jie , Yu Hai , Yan Juan , Luan Donglei , Zhao Yong , Bian Xiaojun
Published: August 2022

A bacteria-imprinted polythiophene film (BIF)-based impedimetric sensor was proposed for the rapid and sensitive detection ofS. aureus. A significant improvement is the reduced time for both BIF fabrication (15 min) and bacterial capturing (10 min).
A rapid method for extracting microplastics from oily food samples
Authors: Bai Cui-Lan , Xu Ting-Ting , Guo Ying , Li Huan-Ting
Published: August 2022

A rapid method combines the digestion reagents and hexane to extract microplastics (MPs) from oily food samples, which is effective to remove oils adsorbed on the surface of MPs and membranes. The extracted MPs can be identified by Raman spectroscopy.
Evaluation of perfluoropropane (C3F8)-filled chitosan polyacrylic acid nanobubbles for ultrasound imaging of sentinel lymph nodes and tumors
Authors: Lin Yi , Huang Ju , Chen Yinyin , Wen Ziwei , Cao Yang , Zhang Liang , Cai Tao , Yu Chaoqun , He Xuemei
Published: August 2022

The synthetic procedure of C3F8–CS-PAA nanobubbles for CEUS imaging.
General synthesis strategy of ZrO2 nanofilms with few-atom layered thickness for boosting triethylamine detection
Authors: Lu Jie , Huang Xiang , Xie Yuanyu , Liu Hongjie , Wang Shaopeng , Chen Yongchang , Wang Liwei
Published: August 2022

Ultrathin 2D ZrO2 nanofilms (NFs) with few-atom-thickness were prepared via the facile thermolysis method. The unique ZrO2-based sensor obtained greatly improved TEA gas sensitivity/selectivity.
Selective C(sp2)–H bond functionalization of olefins via visible-light-induced photoredox-quinuclidine dual catalysis
Authors: Gu Xin-Tao , Li Long-Hai , Wei Yin , Shi Min
Published: August 2022

A facile synthetic method for the C(sp2)–H bond functionalization of unactivated alkenes via visible-light-induced photoredox-quinuclidine dual catalysis and distal heteroaryl ipso-migration has been realized under mild conditions.
Iron-catalyzed deconstructive alkylation through chlorine radical induced C–C single bond cleavage under visible light
Authors: Wu Qiang , Liu Wei , Wang Miao , Huang Yahao , Hu Peng
Published: August 2022

A general method of iron-catalyzed deconstructive alkylation of alcohols with olefins through chlorine radical induced C–C single bond cleavage is developed.
Origins of covalent linkages within the lignin–carbohydrate network of biomass
Authors: Beck Seth , Choi Phillip , Mushrif Samir H.
Published: August 2022

This work investigates the thermodynamics and kinetics of the formation of lignin–carbohydrate complex (LCC) linkages in the plant cell wall that are responsible for the recalcitrant nature of biomass.
Selenylation to charge transfer improvement at the counter electrode (CE)/electrolyte interface for nanocrystalline Cu1.8S1−xSex CEs
Authors: Liu Z. Z. , Li K. P. , Yang X. B. , Zhang Y. Q. , Xie Z. X. , Duan Z. Q. , Zhou B. , Hu Y. M.
Published: August 2022

Nanocrystalline Cu1.8S1−xSex CEs were fabricated via two approaches. Photoelectric conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 4.02% and 4.16% were achieved respectively by Cu1.8S1−xSex CEs. Compared with those of the cells with Cu1.8S CEs, increases of 19% and 45% were achieved, respectively.
Functionalized nona-silicide [Si9R3] Zintl clusters: a new class of superhalogens
Authors: Sinha Swapan , Jena Puru , Giri Santanab
Published: August 2022

Suitable functionalization on Si94− Zintl core makes superhalogen nona-silicide cluster.
Intrinsic type-II van der Waals heterostructures based on graphdiyne and XSSe (X = Mo, W): a first-principles study
Authors: Peng Junhao , Li Chuyu , Dong Huafeng , Wu Fugen
Published: August 2022

Typical transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) and graphdiyne (GDY) often form type-I heterojunctions, which will limit their applications in optoelectronic devices.
A modified magnetic bottle electron spectrometer for the detection of multiply charged ions in coincidence with all correlated electrons: decay pathways to Xe3+ above xenon-4d ionization threshold
Authors: Ismail I. , Khalal M. A. , Huttula M. , Jänkälä K. , Bizau J.-M. , Cubaynes D. , Hikosaka Y. , Bučar K. , Žitnik M. , Andric L. , Lablanquie P. , Palaudoux J. , Penent F.
Published: August 2022

New magnet design of a magnetic bottle electron spectrometer allowing the detection of multiply charged ions in coincidence with n electrons. Electrons spectra obtained without and with filtering by coincidence with Xen+ ions.
Mechanism of the two-dimensional WSeTe/Zr2CO2 direct Z-scheme van der Waals heterojunction as a photocatalyst for water splitting
Authors: Cao Jiameng , Zhang Xianbin , Zhao Shihan , Lu Xiaoyue , Ma Haohao
Published: August 2022

Analysis of the charge transfer mechanism of direct Z-scheme heterojunction WSeTe/Zr2CO2.
Physiological and molecular level understanding of advanced carbon dots to enhance maize drought tolerance: modulation of photosynthesis and signaling molecules
Authors: Wang Chuanxi , Yang Hanyue , Yue Le , Sun Wei , Chen Feiran , Cao Xuesong , Zhao Xiaoli , Wu Fengchang , Wang Zhenyu , Xing Baoshan
Published: August 2022

Foliar application of polyacrylic acid modified and nitrogen doped carbon dots (PNDs) could enhance maize drought tolerance through scavenging ROS, improving photosynthesis, and modulating plant signals.
Label-free and reusable antibody-functionalized gold nanorod arrays for the rapid detection of Escherichia coli cells in a water dispersion
Authors: Petronella Francesca , De Biase Daniela , Zaccagnini Federica , Verrina Vanessa , Lim Seok-In , Jeong Kwang-Un , Miglietta Selenia , Petrozza Vincenzo , Scognamiglio Viviana , Godman Nicholas P. , Evans Dean R. , McConney Michael , De Sio Luciano
Published: August 2022

An antibody-functionalized gold nanorod array enables the realization of a reusable early-warning system for detecting harmful pathogens dispersed in drinkable water.
Bridging length scales from molecules to the whole organism by cryoCLEM and cryoET
Authors: Lovatt Megan , Leistner Conny , Frank René A. W.
Published: August 2022

Experimental workflows combining mouse genetics, cryogenic correlated light and electron microscopy and cryo-electron tomography to bridge length scales from the whole organism to molecules.
Ultrafast and energy-saving extraction of cellulose nanocrystals
Authors: Liu Yunxiao , Wei Hongxiu , Liu Ziwei , Liu Xinran , Fang Yijie , Jiang Min , Li Mingjie , Zhou Lijuan , Zhang Jianming
Published: August 2022

This study provides an innovative idea for shortening CNC extraction times from hours to minutes via a green, high-efficiency and energy-saving pathway.
A sustainable approach to synthesize phosphonated chitosan using ball milling and its application for oilfield scale management
Authors: Mady Mohamed F. , Haukereid Eirik , Abdel-Azeim Safwat , Hussein Ibnelwaleed A. , Kelland Malcolm A.
Published: August 2022

For many years, the petroleum industry has strived to develop green organophosphorus-based scale inhibitors. The high biodegradability of chitosan encouraged us to synthesize phosphonated chitosan (PCH) under mechanochemical conditions as a green oilfield scale inhibitor.
Recyclable iodine-catalyzed radical selenylative annulation of 2-alkynyl biaryls with diselenides in water: a green approach to selanyl polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and polycyclic heteroaromatics
Authors: Mukherjee Nilanjana , Satyanarayana Appanapalli N. V. , Singh Priti , Dixit Mudit , Chatterjee Tanmay
Published: August 2022

A recyclable iodine-catalyzed, highly atom-economical, scalable and green synthetic strategy is developed for the radical selenylative annulation of 2-alkynyl biaryls in water to access a variety of selanyl PAHs and polycyclic heteroaromatics.
Role of ZrO2 in TiO2 composites with rGO as an electron mediator to enhance the photocatalytic activity for the photodegradation of methylene blue
Authors: Jayasinghe Lihini , Jayaweera Vimukthi , de Silva Nuwan , Mubarak Azeez M.
Published: August 2022

A novel study of the role of ZrO2 in rGO-TiO2/ZrO2 composites and the synthesis of an efficient photocatalyst with 95% degradation and a reduced band gap of 3.12 eV synthesized by a single-step alkaline reaction in the absence of hazardous reducing agents.
Rationally-designed self-shaped ceramics through heterogeneous green body compositions
Authors: Ding Zizhen , Zreiqat Hala , Mirkhalaf Mohammad
Published: August 2022

A material- and scale-independent ceramic self-shaping technique using heterogeneous green body compositions resulted in a rich set of shape changes. A model predicted shape change precisely and can serve as a design tool for future developments.
Influence of N- and P-substituents in N-aryl-phosphinoglycine ligands on the selectivity of Ni-catalysed ethylene oligomerization
Authors: Kagileva Alina A. , Kagilev Alexey A. , Kantyukov Artyom O. , Gafurov Zufar N. , Sakhapov Il’yas F. , Bekmukhamedov Giyjaz E. , Khayarov Khasan R. , Zueva Ekaterina M. , Soficheva Olga S. , Yakhvarov Dmitry G.
Published: August 2022

Quantum-chemical calculations were performed to rationalize the experimental molecular weight distribution of α-olefin products, revealing the main mechanistic models of the process.
A novel core–shell Pd(0)@enSiO2–Ni–TiO2 nanocomposite with a synergistic effect for efficient hydrogenations
Authors: Sharma Vrinda , Sharma Surbhi , Sharma Nitika , Sharma Sukanya , Paul Satya
Published: August 2022

The synthesis of a core–shell nano-structured Pd(0)@enSiO2–Ni–TiO2 catalyst for the hydrogenation of nitro-arenes, quinoline and α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds was demonstrated.
Facile synthesis of a novel 0D/2D CdS/Bi4TaO8Br heterojunction for enhanced photocatalytic tetracycline hydrochloride degradation under visible light
Authors: Miao Honghai , Zong Huibin , Zhu Xianglin , Chen Jinzhou , Mo Zhao , Zhang Wei , Chen Zhigang , Xu Hui
Published: August 2022

A novel visible light-responsive 0D/2D CdS/Bi4TaO8Br nanocomposite photocatalyst with enhanced activity was synthesized by thein situdeposition of CdS quantum dots (QDs) on the surface of 2D Bi4TaO8Br nanoplates.
Water content and guest size dictate the mechanical properties of cyclodextrin mediated hydrogels
Authors: Whitaker Daniel J. , Park Junsu , Ueda Chiharu , Wu Guanglu , Harada Akira , Matsuba Go , Takashima Yoshinori , Scherman Oren A.
Published: August 2022

Steric bulkiness and water content plays an important role in mechanical properties of supramolecular hydrogels consisting of host-guest complexation as cross-links. With low and high water contents, the network mobility and the kinetics of the cross-links become dominant to the mechanical properties, respectively.
pH-Responsive nanoprobes for tumour fluorescence imaging based on spirolactam rhodamine
Authors: Sha Weizhou , Wang Mingzhu , Wang Wei , Yuan Zhi
Published: August 2022

HA-RdB-EDS NPs possess excellent optical properties, anti-interference capability and lysosome-targeted ability. Significantly, HA-RdB-EDS NPs can turn on the fluorescence according to the lysosomal pH changes induced by Baf-A1 in HepG2 cells.
Research on UO2 modification of a direct ethanol fuel cell Pt/C catalyst
Authors: Pan Dashu , Xue Yubing , Xiao Songtao , Ouyang Yinggen , Zuo Feng , Lou Fuyan , Li Xiang
Published: August 2022

The Pt–xUO2/C catalyst modified by UO2 in DEFC shows better catalytic activity, durability and resistance to CO poisoning ability than the anode Pt/C catalyst.
Aurone-derived 1,2,3-triazoles as potential fluorescence molecules in vitro
Authors: Bryant Daniel L. , Kafle Arjun , Handy Scott T. , Farone Anthony L. , Miller Justin M.
Published: August 2022

Aurones are a class of naturally occurring compounds with fluorescent derivatives. Here we show a newly synthesized derivative of aurones containing a 1,2,3-triazole which is fluorescent in aqueous environments and has potential to be used as a probe in vitro.
Superior quality chemically reduced graphene oxide for high performance EMI shielding materials
Authors: Sadek Ramy , Sharawi Mohammad S. , Dubois Charles , Tantawy Hesham , Chaouki Jamal
Published: August 2022

The developed two-step protocol offers a superior reduced graphene oxide TCRGOL quality (7 layers), and its SET was 94 dB over the X-band.
Elucidating the mechanism of nucleation inhibition of pathology crystallization of gout based on the evidence from amorphous form and in solution
Authors: Zhou Dan , Jiao Shiqi , Zhang Pengfei , Jin Yige , Pan Yonglan , Ou Chunyan , Zhang Xingde , Fu Tingming , Liu Yonghai
Published: August 2022

Xanthine, a tailor-made inhibitor, could suppress nucleation in the crystallization of gout pathology by blocking the dominant interplanar accumulation in a solution.
Facile production of chitin from shrimp shells using a deep eutectic solvent and acetic acid
Authors: Zhang Jie , Xu Wen-Rong , Zhang Yu-Cang
Published: August 2022

High purity chitin was extracted from shrimp shells by a green, sustainable, and efficient one-pot approach using a deep eutectic solvent consisting of choline chloride and glycerol (ChCl–Gl) combined with a small amount of acetic acid.
Electrophilic halogenations of propargyl alcohols: paths to α-haloenones, β-haloenones and mixed β,β-dihaloenones
Authors: Bovonsombat Pakorn , Sophanpanichkul Punyanuch , Losuwanakul Satreerat
Published: August 2022

This review highlights the development of α-haloenone, β-haloenone and mixed β,β-dihaloenone formations from propargyl alcohols via direct electrophilic halogenations and metal catalysed-halonium interception rearrangements.
Investigation of crystal field effects for the spectral broadening of Yb3+-doped LuxY2−xO3 sesquioxide crystals
Authors: Guo Ruiqi , Huang Dapeng , Lu Dazhi , Liang Fei , Zhang Qingli , Yu Haohai , Zhang Huaijin
Published: August 2022

A linear relationship connecting the properties of composition and spectrum was deduced in Yb3+-doped sesquioxide crystals, and the emission spectra of Yb:LuxY2−xO3 crystals broadened under the effects of crystal field and electron–phonon coupling.
Preparation and study of the flame retardant properties of C60/PMMA microspheres
Authors: Xu Lanjuan , Jiang Juncheng , Ni Lei , Chen Zhiquan , Li Chao
Published: August 2022

In this paper, highly flame retardant C60/PMMA composites were prepared using an in situ polymerization method by introducing fullerene (C60) into polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) to improve its combustion characteristics.
Multiple fluorescence response behaviours to proteins/bacteria and selective antibacterial activity of cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC)-based cationic carbon dots
Authors: Yang Cheng , Xie Hao
Published: August 2022

Aggregation of cetylpyridinium chloride-based cationic carbon dots (CPC-based CDs) inducing by proteins or bacteria could led to multiple fluorescence response behaviours. The CPC-based CDs also showed selective antibacterial activity.
Alpha glucosidase inhibitory properties of a few bioactive compounds isolated from black rice bran: combinedin vitroandin silicoevidence supporting the antidiabetic effect of black rice
Authors: Bhuyan Pranjal , Ganguly Mausumi , Baruah Indrani , Borgohain Gargi , Hazarika Jnyandeep , Sarma Shruti
Published: August 2022

Alpha glucosidase inhibitors reduce post prandial hyperglycemia and are the drugs of choice for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. As synthetic α-glucosidase inhibitors often produce undesirable side effects, less toxic inhibitors from natural sources are in high demand.