bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diffusible signal factors (DSFs) bind and repress VirF, the leading virulence activator of Shigella flexneri
Authors: Trirocco Rita , Pasqua Martina , Tramonti Angela , Colonna Bianca , Paiardini Alessandro , Prosseda Gianni
Published: August 2023

Shigella, the aetiological agent of human bacillary dysentery, controls the expression of its virulence determinants through an environmentally stimulated cascade of transcriptional activators. VirF is the leading activator and is essential for proper virulence expression. In this work, we report on in vitro and in vivo experiments showing that two autoinducers of the DSF family, XcDSF and BDSF interact with the jelly roll module of VirF causing its inhibition and affecting the expression of the entire virulence system of Shigella, including its ability to invade epithelial cells. We propose a molecular model explaining how the binding of XcDSF and BDSF causes inhibition of VirF by preventing its dimerization. Overall, our experimental results suggest that XcDSF and BDSF may contribute to ”colonisation resistance” in the human gut or, alternatively, may be exploited for the fine-tuning of Shigella virulence expression as the bacterium migrates from the lumen to approach the intestinal mucosa. Our findings also stress how a detailed understanding of the interaction of DSF ligands with VirF may contribute to the rational development of innovative antivirulence drugs to treat shigellosis.
Quantitative analysis of choroidal morphology in preeclampsia during pregnancy according to retinal change
Authors: Kim In Kee , Shin Jae Eun , Kim Min Jeong , Ra Ho , Baek Jiwon
Published: August 2023

We sought to investigate changes in choroidal hemodynamics in preeclampsia according to presence of retinal change by quantitatively assessing choroidal vessels using optical coherence tomography (OCT). This retrospective study included 106 eyes (of 53 patients) with preeclampsia, including 70 eyes without retinal change in patients with preeclampsia (Group A), 22 eyes with retinal change in patients with preeclampsia (Group B), and 14 eyes of normal pregnant women (controls). Subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) was measured on OCT B-scan images, and choroidal vessel densities (CVDs) were calculated using binarized OCT B-scan and en face images. Their values were then correlated with clinical parameters associated with preeclampsia. SFCT was greater in Group B compared to Group A or controls (354.32 ± 65.13 vs. 288 ± 55.68 or 277.21 ± 50.08, both P < 0.001). CVD on B-scan images was greater in Group B compared to Group A or controls (76.4 ± 4.9 vs. 73.7 ± 5.3 or 71.5 ± 5.1; both P ≤ 0.046). CVD on en face images was also greater in Group B compared to Group A or controls (64.7 ± 0.8 vs. 63.6 ± 1.5 or 63.3 ± 1.3; both P ≤ 0.001). SFCT and CVD positively correlated with each other (P ≤ 0.009) and were greater in patients with blurred vision and vaginal bleeding (P ≤ 0.020 for blurred vision and P ≤ 0.024 for vaginal bleeding). SFCT and CVDs were higher in preeclampsia patients with retinal change compared to those without retinal change or controls. Both SFCT and CVD showed association with blurred vision and vaginal bleeding.
Water-efficient genotypes along with conservation measures significantly reduce the green and blue water footprints in sugarcane (Saccharum spp.)
Authors: Tayade A. S. , Vasantha S. , Anusha S. , Kumar R. Arun , Hemaprabha G. , Geetha P. , Krishnapriya V. , Reddy K. Sammi , Bhatt Rajan , Siddiqui Manzer H. , Kesawat Mahipal Singh
Published: August 2023

Sugarcane crop is irrigated using surface, overhead, and drip irrigation methods. Increased water use in sugarcane is a major concern around the world, implying the need for water accounting, developing water-efficient hybrids and water-saving agro-techniques for long-term conservation and use of water. “Water Footprint (WF)” is a measure of both direct and indirect water usage accountable for any product and/or process. In praxis, ‘Green Water Footprint’ (GWF) and ‘Blue Water Footprint’ (BWF) are extremely crucial for the restoration of essential ecosystem services (ES), such as sugarcane production. The WF metric was used as a priority tool in our study to evaluate water-efficient sugarcane hybrids, germplasm clones, deficit irrigation scheduling, crop geometry, and water conservation measures. Precise and accurate WF quantification would supplement the decision-making processes for managing available water resources in sugarcane agriculture. In split plot experimental design two research investigations on water management in sugarcane were undertaken at the ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. The major objective of the research trails was to find out suitable sugarcane hybrids and agronomic management practices to minimise water usage in sugarcane cultivation in water stressed and drought prone areas of tropical India. Our investigation comprised two phases; the first one being assessment of the impact of deficit irrigation scheduling, planting techniques and water conservation measures in sugarcane production, while the second phase dealt with genotypic evaluation under variable irrigation scheduling. Results showed that BWF reduced significantly in the first ratoon crop due to deficit irrigation scheduling coupled with planting of two budded setts and application of sugarcane trash at the rate of 5 t ha−1. Sugarcane hybrids viz., Co 85019, Co 10026, Co 12009, Co 13014, Co 14002, Co 14025, Co 15015, and Co 15018 were more water efficient, with a lower total WF. Among the germplasm clones, Fiji 55, ISH 111, ISH 107, Pathri, and Gungera exhibited lower GWF, BWF and total WF.
Image denoising in acoustic microscopy using block-matching and 4D filter
Authors: Gupta Shubham Kumar , Pal Rishant , Ahmad Azeem , Melandsø Frank , Habib Anowarul
Published: August 2023

Scanning acoustic microscopy (SAM) is a label-free imaging technique used in biomedical imaging, non-destructive testing, and material research to visualize surface and sub-surface structures. In ultrasonic imaging, noises in images can reduce contrast, edge and texture details, and resolution, negatively impacting post-processing algorithms. To reduce the noises in the scanned image, we have employed a 4D block-matching (BM4D) filter that can be used to denoise acoustic volumetric signals. BM4D filter utilizes the transform domain filtering technique with hard thresholding and Wiener filtering stages. The proposed algorithm produces the most suitable denoised output compared to other conventional filtering methods (Gaussian filter, median filter, and Wiener filter) when applied to noisy images. The output from the BM4D-filtered images was compared to the noise level with different conventional filters. Filtered images were qualitatively analyzed using metrics such as structural similarity index matrix (SSIM) and peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR). The combined qualitative and quantitative analysis demonstrates that the BM4D technique is the most suitable method for denoising acoustic imaging from the SAM. The proposed block matching filter opens a new avenue in the field of acoustic or photoacoustic image denoising, particularly in scenarios with poor signal-to-noise ratios.
Mechanical properties of sustainable concrete comprising various wastes
Authors: Reda Ramy M. , Mahmoud Hoda S. E. , Ahmad Seleem S. E. , Sallam Hossam El-Din M.
Published: August 2023

Due to the rapid increase of pollution around the world, the disposal of waste materials such as granite powder (GP), iron powder (IP), brick powder (BP), and waste plastic particles (PP) is a major environmental problem in the entire world. Utilizing these industrial waste materials has many advantages for the construction industry regarding cost-effectiveness and the sustainability of natural resources. This investigation examined the addition of GP, IP, BP, and PP as a fine aggregate with ratios of 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% of sand in producing and assessing sustainable concrete. The static properties, i.e., compressive, tensile, flexural strength, and dynamic properties using the drop-weight impact test, were evaluated of such materials. The results showed that using IP as a partial replacement enhances both static and dynamic properties of concrete; the enhancement kept increasing up to 20% of IP, and the compressive, tensile, flexural strength, and impact energy increased by 8.4%, 12.5%, 8.5, and 125%, respectively. Therefore, IP can be suggested to replace sand by up to 20%. Using PP up to 15% enhanced the impact energy at failure by about 225%. It also observed that the optimum value for GP and BP was 10%. When using 10% GP the increase in the compressive, tensile, flexural strength, and impact energy was 11.7%, 25%, 21.5%, and 100%, respectively, while it increased by 12.9%, 7.6%, 15.4%, and 63% respectively when using BP.
Polarization dependent light propagation in $$\textrm{WTe}_2$$ multilayer structure
Authors: Oskoui Abdol S. , Shojaei S. , Abdollahipour B.
Published: August 2023

$$\textrm{WTe}_2$$

WTe
2

is one of the exciting and outstanding semimetallic members of TMDCs, which has attracted immense attention for manipulating light propagation due to its inherent optical anisotropy and hyperbolic characteristic in the infrared frequency range. We investigate the dependence of the reflectance and transmittance of structures with a single and double $$\textrm{WTe}_2$$

WTe
2

thin film in terms of frequency and polarization angle of the incident wave. We find rich behaviors in the optical response of these structures due to their anisotropic permittivity tensors. Furthermore, we analyze the polarization state of transmitted and reflected waves through these structures. We demonstrate that these structures provide the ability to achieve desired polarization rotation for outgoing waves by tuning the frequency and polarization angle of the incident wave with respect to the principal axes of $$\textrm{WTe}_2$$

WTe
2

thin film. In particular, we elucidate the essential relevance of the optical response and polarization rotation of the double thin film structure to the in-plain twist angle of $$\textrm{WTe}_2$$

WTe
2

thin films. We explain that this structure permits comprehensive control of the polarization rotation of the outgoing waves by adjusting the twist angle of thin films. The proposed structure can be employed as an efficient light manipulator with the aim of application in communication, imaging, and information processing.
The isolation of rumen enterococci strains along with high potential utilizing cyanide
Authors: Khota Waroon , Kaewpila Chatchai , Kimprasit Thachawech , Seemakram Wasan , Kakaisorn Suntorn , Wanapat Metha , Cherdthong Anusorn
Published: August 2023

Cyanogenic glycosides in forage species and the possibility of cyanide (CN) poisoning can have undesirable effects on ruminants. The literature estimates that unknown rumen bacteria with rhodanese activity are key factors in the animal detoxification of cyanogenic glycosides, as they are capable of transforming CN into the less toxic thiocyanate. Therefore, identifying these bacteria will enhance our understanding of how to improve animal health with this natural CN detoxification process. In this study, a rhodanese activity screening assay revealed 6 of 44 candidate rumen bacterial strains isolated from domestic buffalo, dairy cattle, and beef cattle, each with a different colony morphology. These strains were identified as belonging to the species Enterococcus faecium and E. gallinarum by 16S ribosomal DNA sequence analysis. A CN-thiocyanate transformation assay showed that the thiocyanate formation capacity of the strains after a 12 h incubation ranged from 4.42 to 25.49 mg hydrogen CN equivalent/L. In addition, thiocyanate degradation resulted in the production of ammonia nitrogen and acetic acid in different strains. This study showed that certain strains of enterococci substantially contribute to CN metabolism in ruminants. Our results may serve as a starting point for research aimed at improving ruminant production systems in relation to CN metabolism.
The metabolic effects of resumption of a high fat diet after weight loss are sex dependent in mice
Authors: Guerra-Cantera Santiago , Frago Laura M. , Jiménez-Hernaiz María , Collado-Pérez Roberto , Canelles Sandra , Ros Purificación , García-Piqueras Jorge , Pérez-Nadador Iris , Barrios Vicente , Argente Jesús , Chowen Julie A.
Published: August 2023

Dietary restriction is a frequent strategy for weight loss, but adherence is difficult and returning to poor dietary habits can result in more weight gain than that previously lost. How weight loss due to unrestricted intake of a healthy diet affects the response to resumption of poor dietary habits is less studied. Moreover, whether this response differs between the sexes and if the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system, sex dependent and involved in metabolic control, participates is unknown. Mice received rodent chow (6% Kcal from fat) or a high-fat diet (HFD, 62% Kcal from fat) for 4 months, chow for 3 months plus 1 month of HFD, or HFD for 2 months, chow for 1 month then HFD for 1 month. Males and females gained weight on HFD and lost weight when returned to chow at different rates (p < 0.001), but weight gain after resumption of HFD intake was not affected by previous weight loss in either sex. Glucose metabolism was more affected by HFD, as well as the re-exposure to HFD after weight loss, in males. This was associated with increases in hypothalamic mRNA levels of IGF2 (p < 0.01) and IGF binding protein (IGFBP) 2 (p < 0.05), factors involved in glucose metabolism, again only in males. Likewise, IGF2 increased IGFBP2 mRNA levels only in hypothalamic astrocytes from males (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the metabolic responses to dietary changes were less severe and more delayed in females and the IGF system might be involved in some of the sex specific observations.
Construct and criterion validity of the HiTOP spectra to predict dimensional and categorical somatization in a large non-western sample
Authors: Komasi Saeid , Hemmati Azad , Rahmani Khaled , Rezaei Farzin
Published: August 2023

The Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP) is a phenotypic data-driven framework for the classification of psychopathology. We tested the construct and criterion validity of the HiTOP spectra measured by the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5) using exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) and hierarchical regressions both to predict somatic symptom and related disorders (SSRD) and a somatization factor. The case–control study used hierarchical logistic regressions to distinguish 257 cases with SSRD from 1007 healthy controls by both the maladaptive and the temperament factors. The extracted factors were also used in hierarchical linear regressions to predict the dimensional somatization factor. The seven temperament factors explained more variance above and beyond the five maladaptive factors when predicting SSRD (pseudo R2 = 0.169 to 0.266 versus 0.125 to 0.196; change in pseudo R2 = 0.055 to 0.087 versus 0.011 to 0.017). The temperament factors also explained more variance above and beyond the maladaptive factors when predicting the somatization factor (R2 = 0.392 versus 0.269; change in R2 = 0.146 versus 0.023). Although the HiTOP spectra measured by PID-5 are significant structures related to the categorical and dimensional measurements of somatoform, our findings highlight potential problems with both the construct and criterion validity of the HiTOP spectra.
Development and validation of a reinforcement learning model for ventilation control during emergence from general anesthesia
Authors: Lee Hyeonhoon , Yoon Hyun-Kyu , Kim Jaewon , Park Ji Soo , Koo Chang-Hoon , Won Dongwook , Lee Hyung-Chul
Published: August 2023

Ventilation should be assisted without asynchrony or cardiorespiratory instability during anesthesia emergence until sufficient spontaneous ventilation is recovered. In this multicenter cohort study, we develop and validate a reinforcement learning-based Artificial Intelligence model for Ventilation control during Emergence (AIVE) from general anesthesia. Ventilatory and hemodynamic parameters from 14,306 surgical cases at an academic hospital between 2016 and 2019 are used for training and internal testing of the model. The model’s performance is also evaluated on the external validation cohort, which includes 406 cases from another academic hospital in 2022. The estimated reward of the model’s policy is higher than that of the clinicians’ policy in the internal (0.185, the 95% lower bound for best AIVE policy vs. −0.406, the 95% upper bound for clinicians’ policy) and external validation (0.506, the 95% lower bound for best AIVE policy vs. 0.154, the 95% upper bound for clinicians’ policy). Cardiorespiratory instability is minimized as the clinicians’ ventilation matches the model’s ventilation. Regarding feature importance, airway pressure is the most critical factor for ventilation control. In conclusion, the AIVE model achieves higher estimated rewards with fewer complications than clinicians’ ventilation control policy during anesthesia emergence.
Earliest ceramic drainage system and the formation of hydro-sociality in monsoonal East Asia
Authors: Li Chunxia , Cao Yanpeng , Zhang Chi , Qin Ling , Deng Zhenhua , Chen Yan , Zhu Shuzheng , Li Wei , Yuan Junping , Zhang Hai , Zhuang Yijie
Published: August 2023

The earliest ceramic drainage system unearthed at the Pingliangtai site on the Central Plains of China represents an unprecedented social and environmental manipulation as societies faced surging environmental crises in the Late Holocene East Asian Monsoon region. Here we present results of excavation and a geoarchaeological survey of the water-management infrastructures and environment which reveal the operation and maintenance of a well-planned and regulated two-tiered drainage system. Rather than a ‘centralized hierarchy’, the drainage activities were mainly practised at household and communal levels, through which Pingliangtai society was drawn to more pragmatic aspects of social governance. Through their emphasis on spatial uniformity, cooperation in public affairs, and a series of technological innovations, water management at Pingliangtai gravitated to collective shared interest as the society responded to recurrent environmental contingencies. Such a pragmatic focus on public affairs constituted a previously unrecognized, alternative pathway to the development of power structure and social governance on the Central Plains regimes in late Neolithic and later times.
One-step synthesis of a pH switched pyrene-based fluorescent probe for ratiometric detection of HS− in real water samples
Authors: Magesh Kuppan , Singh Sukhvant , Wu Shu Pao , Velmathi Sivan
Published: August 2023

The probe Pyr was synthesized in a single step through condensation of 1-pyrenecarboxyaldehyde with 4-methylpyridine. Under acidic condition (pH 2.0) probe undergoes selective reversible response with HS−than other sulfur species and the probe utilized to trace HS−in real water sample.
Enhancing metabolite coverage in MALDI-MSI using laser post-ionisation (MALDI-2)
Authors: McKinnon J. C. , Milioli H. H. , Purcell C. A. , Chaffer C. L. , Wadie B. , Alexandrov T. , Mitchell T. W. , Ellis S. R.
Published: August 2023

Laser post-ionisation coupled with MALDI-mass spectrometry imaging significantly enhances the sensitivity and coverage of small metabolites.
Oxygen-defective zinc oxide nanoparticles as highly efficient and safe sonosensitizers for cancer therapy
Authors: Wang Zifan , Wei Mingjie , Liu Qiyu , Lu Xihong , Zhou Jianhua , Wang Jianwei
Published: August 2023

A ZnO sonosensitizer optimized by oxygen defect modulation is used to achieve cancer therapy with excellent sonodynamic activity. The antitumor efficacy is testified both in vitro and in vivo.
Localised polymerisation of acrylamide using single-barrel scanning electrochemical cell microscopy
Authors: Mohammed Mahir , Jones Bryn A. , Liarou Evelina , Wilson Paul
Published: August 2023

Single-barrel scanning electrochemical cell microscopy has been used for the first time to achieve localized polymerization of acrylamide at a surface with fine control over the reactions and the resulting polymer features formed.
Bilayer hexagonal structure MnN2 nanosheets with room-temperature ferromagnetic half-metal behavior and a tunable electronic structure
Authors: Gao Yuan , Pan Honggang , Zhou Baozeng
Published: August 2023

Bilayer hexagonal structure MnN2 nanosheets with room-temperature ferromagnetic half-metal behavior can be used for high spin-injection and spin-filter.
New insights into phase transition behavior and electrochemistry corrosion of three-dimensional biphenylene
Authors: Hou Chengyi , Zhang Changhong , Ming Sen , Xu Jiongjiong , Meng Kun , Rong Ju , Yu Xiaohua , Chen Hui , Yan Wei
Published: August 2023

Stable diamond-like structures with excellent bonding properties formed by hydrogenation-induced phase transitions. This provides a new strategy for the fabrication of corrosion-resistant materials.
Elucidating the relationship between red fluorescence and structural dynamics of carbon dots dispersed in different solvents
Authors: Mandal Saptarshi , Erimban Shakkira , Banerjee Subhrajeet , Daschakraborty Snehasis , Das Prolay
Published: August 2023

Sustenance of red emission of Carbon Dot is a function of its structural integrity.
The effects of the gas–liquid interface and gas phase on Cl/ClO radical interaction with water molecules
Authors: Zhang Qi , Hadizadeh Mohammad Hassan , Hu Yongxia , Zhang Xiaoyu , Su Zupeng , Wu Zihan , Wang Xiaotong , Xu Fei , Sun Yanhui , Zhang Qingzhu , Wang Wenxing
Published: August 2023

Interaction between ClO/Cl radical with water molecules at the gas–liquid interface and gas phase.
Conducting 1D nanostructures from light-stimulated copper-metalated porphyrin–dibenzothiophene
Authors: Ramakrishna Yelukala , Naresh Madarapu , Bhavani Botta , Prasanthkumar Seelam
Published: August 2023

Light-stimulated dibenzothiophene-appended-copper metalated porphyrin leads to an anion-binding mechanism, which facilitates the formation of self-assembled 1D nanostructures, resulting in improvement of bulk electrical conductivity.
Energy-conserving molecular dynamics is not energy conserving
Authors: Zhang Lina , Hou Yi-Fan , Ge Fuchun , Dral Pavlo O.
Published: August 2023

Molecular dynamics is often simulation-energy conserving but the quality of calculations is still unsatisfactory. It is more conducive to focus on evaluating and improving the theoretical best estimate of total-energy time evolution.
Modifying soluble NPK release with hydrophobized nanocellulose-based hydrogels for sustainable enhanced efficiency fertilizers
Authors: Gomez-Maldonado Diego , Phillips Savannah G. , Vaidya Shital R. , Bartley Paul C. , White Jason C. , Fairbrother D. Howard , Peresin Maria S.
Published: August 2023

Introduction of a hydrophobic shell to a regenerated cellulose-based bead through gas-phase esterification results in slowing of plant nutrient release by an order of magnitude.
Copper-based catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation: a perspective on active sites
Authors: Shi Yun-Fei , Ma Sicong , Liu Zhi-Pan
Published: August 2023

This Perspective reviews the understanding of active sites on various Cu-based materials for the CO2 hydrogenation to high-value products from theoretical and experimental advances.
The association of serum serine levels with the risk of incident cancer: results from a nested case–control study
Authors: Liu Tong , Liu Chenan , Song Mengmeng , Wei Yaping , Song Yun , Chen Ping , Liu Lishun , Wang Binyan , Shi Hanping
Published: August 2023

Cancer is associated with the dysregulation of serum serine levels, and tumor growth is supported by increased serine biosynthesis.
Healthy dietary patterns and risk of cardiovascular disease in diabetic patients: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Liu Xiaohui , Li Yin , Ao Yang , Zhang Lange , Zhuang Pan , Wan Xuzhi , Wu Yuqi , Zhang Yu , Jiao Jingjing
Published: August 2023

Evidence is limited regarding the associations of different dietary patterns with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among the population with diabetes.
Role of extracted phytochemicals from Rosa sterilis S. D. Shi in DSS-induced colitis mice: potential amelioration of UC
Authors: Luan Luqin , Pan Haibo , Chen Yihao , Ye Xingqian , Hou Zhiqiang , Chen Shiguo
Published: August 2023

Nine bioactive components were identified in the ethanol extract of Rosa sterilis S. D. Shi (RSE) and RSE showed strong antioxidant activity in vitro and significant intestinal anti-inflammatory activity in DSS-induced colitis mice.
Vitreoscillahemoglobin: a natural carbene transfer catalyst for diastereo- and enantioselective synthesis of nitrile-substituted cyclopropanes
Authors: Xie Hanqing , Li Fengxi , Xu Yaning , Wang Chunyu , Xu Yuelin , Wu Junhao , Li Zhengqiang , Wang Zhi , Wang Lei
Published: August 2023

we developed an environmentally friendly strategy that combines in situ generation of a diazo reagent with biocatalysis for the asymmetric cyclopropanation of olefins.
Extending the high-performing boundaries of a fully bio-based thermal shrinkage film targeted for food packaging applications
Authors: Lim A-Yeon , Park Sung Bae , Choi Yumi , Oh Dongyeop X. , Park Jeyoung , Jeon Hyeonyeol , Koo Jun Mo
Published: August 2023

Biomass-derived monomers, such as adipic acid (AA), 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), and 1,3-propanediol (PDO) can fully extend the boundaries of petroleum-based applications with desirable elastic properties, biodegradability, and impermeability.
Artificial intelligence-accelerated high-throughput screening of antibiotic combinations on a microfluidic combinatorial droplet system
Authors: Yang Deyu , Yu Ziming , Zheng Mengxin , Yang Wei , Liu Zhangcai , Zhou Jianhua , Huang Lu
Published: August 2023

An artificial intelligence-accelerated high-throughput combinatorial drug evaluation system was developed for rapid screening of antibiotic combinations and their dosage regimens.
Microtubule stabilising peptides: new paradigm towards management of neuronal disorders
Authors: Bhargava Shubhangi , Kulkarni Riya , Dewangan Bhaskar , Kulkarni Neeraj , Jiaswar Chirag , Kumar Kunal , Kumar Amit , Bodhe Praveen Reddy , Kumar Hemant , Sahu Bichismita
Published: August 2023

Neuronal cells made of soma, axon, and dendrites are highly compartmentalized and possess a specialized transport system that can convey long-distance electrical signals for the cross-talk.
Efficient and biocompatible new palladium-supported boehmite nanoparticles: synthesis, characterization and application in Suzuki–Miura and Mizoroki–Heck coupling reactions
Authors: Hajighasemi Zahra , Nahipour Ali , Ghorbani-Choghamarani Arash , Taherinia Zahrra
Published: August 2023

Immobilized palladium on boehmite nanoparticles effective in Heck and Suzuki cross-coupling reactions.
Amorphous bimetallic sulfide Co9S8/SnS2 used as a p–n heterojunction to achieve photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Li Qian , Xu Jing , Liu Zhenlu , Shang Yan , Li Zezhong , Ma Yue
Published: August 2023

Amorphous bimetallic sulfide Co9S8/SnS2 is used as a p–n heterojunction to achieve photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.
Promoting the electrocatalytic activity through the introduction of oxygen vacancies to core–shell NiO hollow sphere catalysts for efficient oxygen evolution
Authors: Li Long , Jiao Mengcong , Xu Ben , Guo Shengrong , Hu Qiang
Published: August 2023

The contribution of oxygen vacancies for improving the OER activity of NiO.
A super-resolution and transmission electron microscopy correlative approach to study intracellular trafficking of nanoparticles
Authors: Andrian Teodora , Muela Yolanda , Delgado Lidia , Albertazzi Lorenzo , Pujals Silvia
Published: August 2023

To allow the localization and quantification of individual NPs in cellular compartments we propose the use of a correlative method combining dSTORM and TEM. Individual PLGAPEG NPs were imaged by dSTORM and assigned to cellular compartments by TEM.
Synthesis of tetracyclic dibenzo[b,f][1,4]oxazepine-fused β-lactams via visible-light-induced Staudinger annulation
Authors: Wang Jiao-Mei , Zhao Yu , Li Wen-Ping , Kong Xiang-Jun , Yao Chang-Sheng , Zhang Kai
Published: August 2023

An efficient visible-light-induced Staudinger [2 + 2] annulation reaction under catalyst-free conditions has been established, and tetracyclic dibenzo[b,f][1,4]oxazepine/thiazepine-fused β-lactams were synthesized with a broad substrate scope and high efficiency (37 examples, up to >99% yield).
A binary neodymium catalyst for the polymerization of lactones
Authors: Kularatne Ruvanthi N. , Taslimy Somayeh , Bhadran Abhi , Cue John Michael O. , Bulumulla Chandima , Calubaquib Erika L. , Gunawardhana Ruwan , Biewer Michael C. , Stefan Mihaela C.
Published: August 2023

NdCl3.3TEP/TIBA catalytic system for the polymerization of non functional caprolactone and valerolactone, and functional caprolactones.
Alkali-metal coating: an effective method to inject electrons into cage molecules and achieve direct metal–metal bonds and spherical aromaticity for endohedral metallofullerenes
Authors: Gu Xiaojiao , Jin Peng
Published: August 2023

Alkali-metal coating is a multifunctional method to inject electrons inside cages, form metal–metal bonds and impart aromaticity to endohedral metallofullerenes.
Modular synthesis of unsymmetric 2,4-diaryl-substituted pyridines through a four-component cyclization strategy under metal-free conditions
Authors: Ma Yanfeng , Xu Tianci , Xiao Fuhong , Mao Guojiang , Deng Guo-Jun
Published: August 2023

We have reported a multicomponent protocol for the synthesis of polysubstituted pyridines through a [2 + 2 + 1 + 1] condensation sequence under metal-free conditions.
Photocatalytic performance of biochar-modified TiO2(C/TiO2) for ammonia–nitrogen removal
Authors: Wang Jiawei , Wang Guoqiao , Yu Tian , Ding Nengjie , Wang Meicheng , Chen Yao
Published: August 2023

Biochar-modified TiO2displays high efficiency for ammonia–nitrogen removal.
A novel series of dipeptide derivatives containing indole-3-carboxylic acid conjugates as potential antimicrobial agents: the design, solid phase peptide synthesis, in vitro biological evaluation, and molecular docking study
Authors: Tivari Sunil R. , Kokate Siddhant V. , Delgado-Alvarado Enrique , Gayke Manoj S. , Kotmale Amol , Patel Harun , Ahmad Iqrar , Sobhia Elizabeth M. , Kumar Siva G. , Lara Bianey García , Jain Vicky D. , Jadeja Yashwantsinh
Published: August 2023

A new library of peptide-heterocycle hybrids consisting of an indole-3-carboxylic acid constituent conjugated with short dipeptide motifs was designed and synthesized by using the solid phase peptide synthesis methodology.
Intramolecular cyclization ofN-cyano sulfoximines by N–CN bond activation
Authors: Seo Ye Ji , Kim Eunsil , Oh In Seok , Hyun Ji Young , Song Ji Ho , Lim Hwan Jung , Park Seong Jun
Published: August 2023

Metal-free halogenated anhydrides promote the intramolecular cyclization ofN-cyano sulfoximines. This method results in excellent yields of thiadiazinone 1-oxides.
Probing the elastic response of lipid bilayers and nanovesicles to leaflet tensions via volume per lipid
Authors: Zamaletdinov Miftakh F. , Miettinen Markus S. , Lipowsky Reinhard
Published: August 2023

Biomembranes are based on lipid bilayers, consisting of two monolayers or leaflets. Using polyhedral Voronoi cells, one can compute the volume of each leaflet by summing up the volumes of the individual lipid molecules.
Recent advances on value-added biocarbon preparation by the pyrolysis of renewable and waste biomass, their structure and properties: a move toward an ecofriendly alternative to carbon black
Authors: MP Drupitha , Misra Manjusri , Mohanty Amar Kumar
Published: August 2023

The production of renewable biocarbon from waste biomass through pyrolysis as a sustainable and ecofriendly alternative to carbon black poses major scientific challenges for value-added uses in plastic and composite industries.
AAV-mediated gene therapy for rare metabolic disorders: turning a promise into a reality
Authors: Seker Yilmaz Berna , Gissen Paul
Published: August 2023

Gene therapy is emerging as the realistic treatment option for inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) and, with the promising safety and efficacy evidence from the proof-of-concept studies, adeno-associated virus (AAV) has become the frontrunner among viral vector candidates for these monogenic disorders. Different AAV capsids exhibit specific tissue tropisms, which can considerably increase the efficiency of gene transfer to particular organs. Here, we will discuss two distinct diseases: ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency and Niemann–Pick disease type C, in which significant advances have been achieved in AAV-based gene therapy trials.
Mechanical fault diagnosis of on‐load tap‐changer based on improved variational mode decomposition and relative density‐based outlier score
Authors: Gu Hongrui
Published: August 2023

In order to diagnose the mechanical fault of transformer on‐load tap‐changer (OLTC) effectively, a fault diagnosis method based on improved variational mode decomposition (VMD) and relative density‐based outlier score (RDOS) is proposed. Firstly, the signal is decomposed into a series of modal components with narrow band and distinguishing centre frequency by improved VMD based on optimal quality factor. Then, the energy, permutation entropy, power spectrum concentration degree and characteristic frequency of each modal component are calculated, and Laplacian‐score method is used to select the features with better discriminative ability. Finally, a RDOS is used to diagnose the mechanical fault of OLTC, and the mechanical condition is judged according to RDOS value. An experiment is conducted on the OLTC simulation experiment platform and the collected signals are processed. The result shows that the proposed method can diagnose mechanical fault effectively.
Bilateral submandibular duct relocation for chronic sialorrhea: a 15 years of experience in children with a neurological disorder
Authors: Turki Imen Mehri
Published: August 2023

Background: Chronic sialorrhea is a troublesome condition for children with neurological disorders that affect swallowing. Various surgical procedures for reflecting drooling cases are helpful. Some of them could be followed by complications or lead to over–dryness of the mouth. This article aims to highlight the safety and effectiveness of bilateral submandibular duct relocation (BSDR) on fifteen years of experience. Material and methods: A retrospective chart review identified 25 patients with chronic sialorrhea who underwent BSDR. Clinical and demographic data were reviewed. Surgical outcomes were assessed with both Wilkie and Brody's criteria and the Teacher drooling (TDS) scale. Results: The mean age of children was 11.7 years. They had neurological disorders and dribbled saliva with an average of 4.28 according to the TDS which falls to an average of 1.12 after surgery. By referring to Wilkie and Brody's criteria, 88% of the results have been labelled as excellent and good for the others. Conclusion: Our 15 years of experience in managing neurologically impaired children with profuse drooling illuminates and supports our trend for BSDR without sublingual gland excision. This surgical procedure is safe, and effective against drooling, protects oral health, and provides a high rate of success.
Numerical modeling of brittle mineral foam in a sacrificial cladding under blast loading
Authors: Aminou Aldjabar , Belkassem Bachir , Atoui Oussama , Pyl Lincy , Lecompte David
Published: August 2023

Cellular materials, such as aluminum foams, have proven to be excellent energy absorbents. They can be used as crushable core in sacrificial cladding (SC) for blast load mitigation. In this study, the blast absorption capacity of a brittle mineral foam-based SC is investigated through finite element modeling using the LS-DYNA software. The experimental set-up used consists of a rigid steel frame with a square cavity of 300 mm x 300 mm in the center The structure to be protected is simulated by a thin aluminum plate clamped into the rigid steel frame. The blast load is generated by 20 g of C4 high explosive set at a distance of 250 mm from the center of the plate. The blast absorption capacity of the considered SC is evaluated by comparing the maximum out-of-plane displacement of the center of the plate with and without the protective brittle mineral foam. The presence of the brittle mineral foam reduces the maximum out-of-plane displacement of the center of the plate at least by a factor of two. The brittle mineral foam is modeled both in solid elements and smoothed-particle hydrodynamics (SPH) by using Fu Chang's constitutive material law based exclusively on the results of quasi-static compression tests of the foam and a phenomenological relationship between stress, strain and strain rate. The SPH model predicts the maximum out-of-plane displacement of the center of the aluminum plate with an average relative error of 5% with respect to the experimental values.
Pneumologische Rehabilitation
Authors: Schneeberger Tessa , Abdullayev Gaffar , Koczulla Andreas Rembert
Published: August 2023

Verminderte körperliche Leistungsfähigkeit, Dysfunktion der
Skelettmuskulatur und ein inaktiver Lebensstil stehen in direkter Verbindung mit
Erschöpfungs- und Dyspnoesymptomen bei Patienten mit chronischer
Lungenerkrankung. Viele dieser extrapulmonalen Manifestationen gelten als
behandelbare Eigenschaften der pneumologischen Rehabilitation (PR), einer
umfassenden, individuellen, nicht-pharmakologischen Intervention.
Immediate Lymphatic Reconstruction in 77 Consecutive Breast Cancer Patients: 2-year Follow-up
Authors: Le Nicole K. , Weinstein Brielle , Parikh Jeegan , Coomar Lokesh A. , Wainwright D'Arcy , Liu Langfeier , Mammadova Jamila , Tavares Tina , Panetta Nicholas J.
Published: August 2023

Background Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a cyclical, progressive disease that begins at the time of axillary dissection and worsens in the setting of adjuvant oncologic therapies. The paradigm of lymphedema management in these patients is shifting from therapeutic surgeries and decongestive therapy to preventative surgery with immediate lymphatic reconstruction (ILR).

Methods After institutional review board approval, a prospective database was maintained of all patients undergoing ILR. Patients were excluded if they had preoperative lymphedema or expired during the study period. All ILR were performed by the senior author. A control group was established with standardized physician delivered phone surveys of patients who had axillary dissection for breast cancer (same oncologic surgeon cohort) prior to the implementation of ILR at the same institution. The study and control groups were matched based on history of adjuvant radiation and body mass index.

Results A cohort of patients between 2016 and 2019 with 2 years of follow-up after undergoing ILR (77 patients) were matched with those who did not undergo lymphatic reconstruction (94 patients). The incidence of lymphedema in the study group undergoing ILR was 10% (N = 8). In comparison, the incidence in the cohort who did not undergo lymphatic reconstruction was 38% (N = 36; p < 0.01). Patients with ILR had 92% lower odds of developing lymphedema (p < 0.01).

Conclusion ILR can significantly reduce the risk of developing BRCL in high-risk patients at 2 years of follow-up. Patients receiving adjuvant radiation therapy are more likely to develop BCRL after ILR compared with those who do not. Ongoing studies include investigation aimed at identifying patients most at risk for the development of BRCL to help target intervention as well as elucidate factors that contribute to the success of ILR.
Long-Term Visual and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Two Children with Congenital Nystagmus Secondary to Methadone Exposure In utero
Authors: Galli Jessica , Loi Erika , Franzoni Alessandra , Accorsi Patrizia , Micheletti Serena , Pansera Laura , Fazzi Elisa
Published: August 2023

Methadone is used as a substitute for illicit opioids during pregnancy. However, the real effect of this molecule on visual and neurodevelopmental outcomes of the children exposed is not fully understood, since studies considered subjects born to polydrug-dependent mothers and followed for few months/years. We report the long-term outcomes of two infants with congenital nystagmus solely exposed to methadone in utero. Neurological and neurovisual evaluations were performed every year from the first year of life to 11 years of age. One child was diagnosed with developmental coordination disorder. Both cases presented with ophthalmologic (refractive errors), oculomotor (nystagmus and fixation, smooth pursuit, and saccades dysfunctions), and perceptive problems (reduced visual acuity and contrast sensitivity). While nystagmus and other oculomotor dysfunctions remained stable over time, visual acuity and contrast sensitivity improved; refractive errors worsened and required corrective lenses. Both children showed normal neurodevelopmental and cognitive profile. This report highlights the long-term visual and developmental outcomes of two children exclusively exposed to methadone underlining the possibility of a visual dysfunction and motor coordination disorder. These observations prompt the need to investigate prenatal drug exposure as a cause of congenital nystagmus.
Constipation in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Quigley Eamonn M. M.
Published: August 2023

Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal features of Parkinson's disease (PD), occurring in over 50% of all PD patients during the course of their disease. Furthermore, constipation is now recognized as an important, prodromal symptom and may predate the onset of the classical motor symptoms by decades. Thereafter, the prevalence and severity of constipation in PD tend to parallel the course of both motor and nonmotor phenomena such as cognitive decline and depression. Difficult defecation (obstructed defecation, dyssynergia) is the primary pathophysiology underlying constipation and likely reflects involvement by the PD process of one or more of the many skeletal muscle groups that are involved in effecting defecation. Management of constipation in PD may be complicated by several patient factors including dysphagia, cognitive impairment, depression, and weak sphincter tone. While the armamentarium available to those who treat constipation, in general, has expanded considerably in recent years, the evidence supporting any therapy in the management of this symptom in PD has remained slim.
Goldenhar's Syndrome (Oculo-Auriculo-Vertebral Dysplasia)
Authors: Mehdiratta N. K. , Singh D. R. , Misra P. C. , Singh S. K.
Published: August 2023

Oculo-auriculo-vertebral syndrome (Goldenhar's syndrome) was found in two cases, who had epibulbar dermoids, pre-auricular skin tags and hypomandibulosis. One case also had left sided complete congenital inguinal hernia.
On the van der Waals interaction between a molecule and a half-infinite plate
Authors: Anapolitanos Ioannis , Badalyan Mariam , Hundertmark Dirk
Published: August 2023

We consider a molecule in the Born–Oppenheimer approximation interacting with a plate of infinite thickness, i.e., a half-space, which is perfectly conducting or dielectric. It is well known in the physics literature that in this case the atom or molecule is attracted by the plate at sufficiently large distances. This effect is analogous to the well-known van der Waals interaction between neutral atoms or molecules. We prove that the interaction energy W of the system is given by W(r,v)=−C(v)r−3+O(r−4), where r is the distance between the molecule and the plate and v indicates their relative orientation. Moreover, C(v) is positive and continuous, thus the atom or molecule is always pulled toward the plate at sufficiently large distances, for all relative orientations v. For some specific systems, we provide sharper estimates of W(r, v). This asymptotic behavior is well known in the physics literature; however, we are not aware of any previous rigorous results, even on the existence of a ground state of the system. For pedagogical reasons, we often start with the case of a hydrogen atom and then we generalize the arguments to deal with a general molecule.
Composite observer-based backstepping tracking control of fractional-order chaotic systems
Authors: Han Lu , Zhang Lili , Chen Yong
Published: August 2023

An observer-based backstepping strategy is constructed for fractional-order chaotic systems. A disturbance observer and a state observer are simultaneously constructed to gain the estimations of uncertain disturbances and unmeasurable states, respectively, and an auxiliary system is developed to connect the two observers. Then, a fractional-order command filter is used to avoid tedious derivatives of virtual signals so as to reduce computational burden. A coupling backstepping controller, which ensures the convergence of tracking error and the boundedness of closed-loop signals, is constructed. Finally, two simulation examples are given to verify the effectiveness of theoretical analysis.
Numerical investigation on the initiation of oblique detonation waves in stoichiometric methane–air mixtures
Authors: Zhang Yuhang , Wang Kuanliang , Tian Cheng , Sun Binfeng , Bian Jing
Published: August 2023

The study investigates the oblique detonation characteristics in a stoichiometric methane–air mixture employing reactive Euler equations coupled with a detailed chemical reaction model. The analysis evaluates the initiation variation for both the inflow Mach number and the wedge angle. The results show that an increase in the Mach number from M0 = 9 to M0 = 12 changes the oblique shock-to-detonation transition from an abrupt to a smooth type. Furthermore, the distinction between high and low Mach numbers is explored through a comparison of the induction length along the wave surface. Additionally, the transition is affected by changes in wedge angle elevation under high Mach numbers, while a large wedge angle generates a second detonation wave surface due to a strong reflection shock downstream under low Mach numbers. Finally, the initiation length is quantitatively compared across varying inflow Mach numbers and wedge angles, which can benefit future investigations of a methane-fueled oblique detonation engine.
Multi-state structural modulation of hydrogenated VO2 revealed by in situ x-ray diffraction
Authors: Li Jiangxiao , Wang Ziyue , Zu Lin , Chen Xinyan , Kuang Lingling , Tao Yajun , He Yu , Zhou Jingtian , Dong Yongqi , Hong Bin , Luo Zhenlin
Published: August 2023

The generation and control of multiple phases via hydrogen insertion open up avenues for tuning the properties of transition metal oxides. Here, by employing both in situ x-ray diffractions and in situ electrical measurements, we accurately probed the full structural phase transitions during the reversible process of hydrogen insertion into and extraction from the vanadium dioxide lattice. Repeatable switches between the hydrogenated VO2 phases and the pristine VO2 phase were demonstrated, implying potential applications for hydrogen detection/storage and multi-state information memorizers. Moreover, different phases were further discussed by synchrotron x-ray absorption spectroscopy and theoretical first-principles calculations, which reveal that hydrogen insertion greatly affects the filling of the d-band as well as the electrical properties. This work will provide fundamental insight into the comprehensive understanding of hydrogen-induced phase transition in metal oxides and may guide the development of proton-based sensors and devices.