bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of provincial forest ecological security and analysis of the driving factors in China via the GWR model
Authors: Ma Longbo , Yang Binyu , Feng Yan , Ju Liyu
Published: June 2024

Economic and social factors pose an enormous threat to forest ecological security, which in turn affects the development of ecological civilization. This paper applies a geographically weighted regression model to study the impact of urbanization, industrial structure, and foreign direct investment on forest ecological security of 30 provinces in 2013 and 2018 and reveals the spatial differences of various influencing factors in different provinces. First, the overall forest ecological security in China is at an average level, with slight improvement. Second, urbanization has the greatest impact on forest ecological security in all provinces, which shows a rising trend. Third, the positive impact of industrial structure on forest ecological security has improved. Fourth, in 2013, FDI (foreign direct investment) had a negative correlation with forest ecological security. In 2018, FDI had a positive impact on the forest ecological security index of 16 provinces, while it had a negative correlation in other provinces. Therefore, it is necessary to formulate a coordinated security improvement plan for neighboring provinces. The government should promote rural revitalization, plan the layout of cities rationally, increase the proportion of tertiary industry, appropriately raise access barriers to foreign investment and strengthen environmental supervision over existing foreign-invested enterprises.
Properties, quantile regression, and application of bounded exponentiated Weibull distribution to COVID-19 data of mortality and survival rates
Authors: Bashir Shakila , Masood Bushra , Al-Essa Laila A. , Sanaullah Aamir , Saleem Iram
Published: June 2024

Well-known continuous distributions such as Beta and Kumaraswamy distribution are useful for modeling the datasets which are based on unit interval [0,1]. But every distribution is not always useful for all types of data sets, rather it depends on the shapes of data as well. In this research, a three-parameter new distribution named bounded exponentiated Weibull (BEW) distribution is defined to model the data set with the support of unit interval [0,1]. Some fundamental distributional properties for the BEW distribution have been investigated. For modeling dependence between measures in a dataset, a bivariate extension of the BEW distribution is developed, and graphical shapes for the bivariate BEW distribution have been shown. Several estimation methods have been discussed to estimate the parameters of the BEW distribution and to check the performance of the estimator, a Monte Carlo simulation study has been done. Afterward, the applications of the BEW distribution are illustrated using COVID-19 data sets. The proposed distribution shows a better fit than many well-known distributions. Lastly, a quantile regression model from bounded exponentiated Weibull distribution is developed, and its graphical shapes for the probability density function (PDF) and hazard function have been shown.
A side-by-side comparison of different capacitation media in developing mouse sperm fertilizing ability
Authors: González Lucas N. , Giaccagli María M. , Herzfeld Jael D. , Cuasnicú Patricia S. , Da Ros Vanina G. , Cohen Débora J.
Published: June 2024

To acquire the ability to fertilize the egg, mammalian spermatozoa must undergo a series of changes occurring within the highly synchronized and specialized environment of the female reproductive tract, collectively known as capacitation. In an attempt to replicate this process in vitro, various culture media for mouse sperm were formulated over the past decades, sharing a similar overall composition but differing mainly in ion concentrations and metabolic substrates. The widespread use of the different media to study the mechanisms of capacitation might hinder a comprehensive understanding of this process, as the medium could become a confounding variable in the analysis. In this context, the present side-by-side study compares the influence of four commonly used culture media (FD, HTF and two TYH versions) on mouse sperm capacitation. We evaluated the induction of protein kinase A phosphorylation pathway, motility, hyperactivation and acrosome reaction. Additionally, in vitro fertilization and embryo development were also assessed. By analyzing these outcomes in two mouse colonies with different reproductive performance, our study provides critical insights to improve the global understanding of sperm function. The results obtained highlight the importance of considering variations in medium composition, and their potential implications for the future interpretation of results.
Urea regulates soil nematode population by enhancing the nematode-trapping ability of nematode-trapping fungi
Authors: Fa Zhang , Shuaiyi Huang , Boonmee Saranyaphat , Wen Xiao , Xiaoyan Yang
Published: June 2024

As the most abundant animal in the soil, nematodes are directly or indirectly involved in almost all soil ecological processes. Studying soil nematode population regulation is essential to understanding soil ecological processes. This study found urea combines nematode-trapping fungi to regulate the population of soil nematodes. In soil, compared with no urea, adding 0.2 mg/mL urea after applying Arthrobotrys oligospora and Dactylellina ellipsospora reduced the number of nematodes by 34.7% and 31.7%. Further, the mechanism of urea couple nematode-trapping fungi to regulate the nematode population was explored in the medium environment. The results showed that the addition of 0.2 mg/ml urea accelerated the trap formation of A. oligospora and D. ellipsosporas by 50% and 46.5%, and increased the yield of traps of A. oligospora and D. ellipsosporas by 39.5% and 40.6%, thus, the predatory efficiency of A. oligospora and D. ellipsospora on nematodes was increased by 34.2% and 32.7%. In conclusion, urea regulates the predation ability of A. oligospora and D. ellipsosporas to regulate the soil nematode population. This study deepens the understanding of the regulatory pathways of the soil nematodes but also provides a potential new strategy for harmful nematode bio-control.
The changes in ocular torsion after unilateral lateral rectus recession-medial rectus resection for intermittent exotropia
Authors: Liu Changyang , Liu Jiasu , Zhu Huailin , Zhang Lan , Gao Mingjun , Zhang Siqi , Zhao Qi
Published: June 2024

We aim to explore the alterations of objective ocular torsion after unilateral lateral rectus recession-medial rectus resection (R&R) for intermittent exotropia (IXT). Seventy-two IXT patients undergoing R&R between March and June 2023 were enrolled. Ophthalmological examinations were performed before surgery and at 1 week and 1 month after surgery, mainly including prism and alternate cover test and optical coherence tomography. The mean disc-foveal angle of eyes showing intorsion significantly increased from − 1.5 ± 0.9° preoperatively to 2.0 ± 2.0° at 1 week (P = 0.0227) and 2.2 ± 1.6° at 1 month postoperatively (P = 0.0054). The mean disc-foveal angle of eyes exhibiting extorsion significantly reduced from 12.8 ± 1.9° preoperatively to 9.8 ± 3.1° at 1 week (P < 0.0001) and 9.7 ± 2.7° at 1 month postoperatively (P < 0.0001). The improvement of ocular extorsion at postoperative 1 month was more pronounced in patients with extorsion in operative eye compared to those with extorsion in inoperative eye (P = 0.0101). The improvement of ocular torsion was observed following R&R for IXT, with a greater effect noted in cases where the surgery was performed on the eye exhibiting extorsion.
Effects of percutaneous endovascular angioplasty for severe stenosis or occlusion of subclavian artery
Authors: Zhao Tong-Yuan , Xu Gang-Qin , Xue Jiang-Yu , Cai Dong-Yang , Yang Bo-Wen , Ba Yue-Yang , Feng Chen-Yi , Li Tian-Xiao , Gao Bu-Lang , Chen Zhong-Can
Published: June 2024

To investigate the effect and safety of percutaneous endovascular angioplasty (PEA) with optional stenting for the treatment of severe stenosis or occlusion of subclavian artery, patients with severe stenosis ≥ 70% or occlusion of subclavian artery treated with PEA were retrospectively enrolled. The clinical data were analyzed. A total of 222 patients were retrospectively enrolled, including 151 males (68.0%) and 71 females (32.0%) aged 48–86 (mean 63.9 ± 9.0) years. Forty-seven (21.2%) patients had comorbidities. Subclavian artery stenosis ≥ 70% was present in 201 (90.5%) patients and complete subclavian occlusion in 21 (9.5%) cases. Angioplasty was successfully performed in all (100%) patients. Balloon-expandable stents were used in 190 (85.6%) cases, and self-expandable stents in 20 (9.0%) cases. Only 12 (5.4%) cases were treated with balloon dilation only. Among 210 patients treated with stent angioplasty, 71 (33.8% or 71/210) cases underwent balloon pre-dilation, 139 (66.2% or 139/210) had direct deployment of balloon-expandable stents, and 2 (1.0% or 2/210) experienced balloon post-dilation. Distal embolization protection devices were used in 5 (2.3% or 5/222) cases. Periprocedural complications occurred in 3 (1.4%) patients, including aortic dissection in 2 (0.9%) cases and right middle cerebral artery embolism in 1 (0.5%). No hemorrhage occurred. Among 182 (82.0%) patients with 6-month follow-up, restenosis > 70% occurred in 1 (0.5%) patient, and among 68 (30.6%) patients with 12-month follow-up, restenosis > 70% took place in 11 (16.2%) patients. Percutaneous endovascular angioplasty can be safely and efficiently performed for the treatment of severe stenosis ≥ 70% or occlusion of subclavian artery.
Inhibition of the protective effects of preconditioning in ischemia–reperfusion injury by chronic methadone: the role of pAkt and pSTAT3
Authors: Yeganeh-Hajahmadi Mahboobeh , Kordestani Zeinab , Moosavi-Saeed Yasmin , Rostamzadeh Farzaneh
Published: June 2024

Cardiac ischemic preconditioning (Pre) reduces cardiac ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) by stimulating opioid receptors. Chronic use of opioids can alter the signaling pathways. We investigated the effects of chronic methadone use on IRI and Pre. The experiments were performed on isolated hearts of male Wistar rats in four groups: IRI, Methadone + IRI (M-IRI), Pre + IRI (Pre-IRI), Methadone + Pre + IRI (M-Pre-IRI). The infarct size (IS) in the Pre-IRI group was smaller than the IRI group (26.8% vs. 47.8%, P < 0.05). In the M-IRI and M-Pre-IRI groups, the infarct size was similar to the IRI group. Akt (Ak strain transforming) phosphorylation in the Pre-IRI, M-IRI, and M-Pre-IRI groups was significantly higher than in the IRI group (0.56 ± 0.15, 0.63 ± 0.20, and 0.93 ± 0.18 vs 0.28 ± 0.17 respectively). STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) phosphorylation in the Pre-IRI and M-Pre-IRI groups (1.38 ± 0.14 and 1.46 ± 0.33) was significantly higher than the IRI and M-IRI groups (0.99 ± 0.1 and 0.98 ± 0.2). Thus, chronic use of methadone not only has no protective effect against IRI but also destroys the protective effects of ischemic preconditioning. This may be due to the hyperactivation of Akt and changes in signaling pathways.
Dosimetric analysis of six whole-breast irradiation techniques in supine and prone positions
Authors: Kim Dong Wook , Hong Chae-Seon , Son Junyoung , Kim Se Young , Park Ye-In , Chung Mijoo , Chung Weon Kuu , Han Min Cheol , Kim Jihun , Kim Hojin , Kim Jin Sung
Published: June 2024

In breast cancer radiation therapy, minimizing radiation-related risks and toxicity is vital for improving life expectancy. Tailoring radiotherapy techniques and treatment positions can reduce radiation doses to normal organs and mitigate treatment-related toxicity. This study entailed a dosimetric comparison of six different external beam whole-breast irradiation techniques in both supine and prone positions. We selected fourteen breast cancer patients, generating six treatment plans in both positions per patient. We assessed target coverage and organs at risk (OAR) doses to evaluate the impact of treatment techniques and positions. Excess absolute risk was calculated to estimate potential secondary cancer risk in the contralateral breast, ipsilateral lung, and contralateral lung. Additionally, we analyzed the distance between the target volume and OARs (heart and ipsilateral lung) while considering the treatment position. The results indicate that prone positioning lowers lung exposure in X-ray radiotherapy. However, particle beam therapies (PBTs) significantly reduce the dose to the heart and ipsilateral lung regardless of the patient’s position. Notably, negligible differences were observed between arc-delivery and static-delivery PBTs in terms of target conformity and OAR sparing. This study provides critical dosimetric evidence to facilitate informed decision-making regarding treatment techniques and positions.
IL-37d suppresses Rheb-mTORC1 axis independently of TCS2 to alleviate alcoholic liver disease
Authors: Chen Nuo , Wang Xiaoyu , Guo Yaxin , Zhao Ming , Cao Baihui , Zhan Bing , Li Yubin , Zhou Tian , Zhu Faliang , Guo Chun , Shi Yongyu , Wang Qun , Zhang Lining , Li Yan
Published: June 2024

Tuberous sclerosis complex 2 (TSC2) crucially suppresses Rheb activity to prevent mTORC1 activation. However, mutations in TSC genes lead to mTORC1 overactivation, thereby causing various developmental disorders and cancer. Therefore, the discovery of novel Rheb inhibitors is vital to prevent mTOR overactivation. Here, we reveals that the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-37d can bind to lysosomal Rheb and suppress its activity independent of TSC2, thereby preventing mTORC1 activation. The binding of IL-37d to Rheb switch-II subregion destabilizes the Rheb-mTOR and mTOR-S6K interactions, further halting mTORC1 signaling. Unlike TSC2, IL-37d is reduced under ethanol stimulation, which results in mitigating the suppression of lysosomal Rheb-mTORC1 activity. Consequently, the recombinant human IL-37d protein (rh-IL-37d) with a TAT peptide greatly improves alcohol-induced liver disorders by hindering Rheb-mTORC1 axis overactivation in a TSC2- independent manner. Together, IL-37d emerges as a novel Rheb suppressor independent of TSC2 to terminate mTORC1 activation and improve abnormal lipid metabolism in the liver.
Controlling the TE-TM splitting of topological photonic interface states by precise incident angle adjustment
Authors: Li Pan , Guo Yuan , Xi Yingjie , Xiang Ying , Gao Wei , Zhang Xin , Zhao Degang
Published: June 2024

Topological phases in photonic systems have garnered significant attention, often relying on precise structural design for generating non-trivial topological phases. However, this dependency on fixed structures limits their adaptability. This study systematically explores incident angle-induced topological phase transitions in a one-dimensional photonic crystal (PC). Both TE and TM polarized modes undergo topological phase transitions at the same critical transition angles. Additionally, the TM-polarized mode undergoes a unique topological phase transition at the Brewster angle. When these two kinds of transition angles coincide, even if the band structure of the TM-polarized mode undergoes an open-close-reopen process, the topological properties of the corresponding bandgap remain unchanged. Based on theoretical analysis, we design the composite PCs comprising two interfaced PCs having common bandgaps but different topological properties. By tuning the incident angle, we theoretically and experimentally achieve TE-TM splitting of topological interface states in the visible region, which may have potential applications in optical communications, optical switching, photonic integrated circuits, and so on.
Insect-inspired breathing interfaces: investigating robustness of coating-free gas entrapping microtextured surfaces under pressure cycles
Authors: Arunachalam Sankara , Sadullah Muhammad Subkhi , Mishra Himanshu
Published: June 2024

Numerous natural and engineering scenarios necessitate the entrapment of air pockets or bubbles on submerged surfaces. Current technologies for bubble entrapment rely on perfluorocarbon coatings, limiting their sustainability. Herein, we investigated the efficacy of doubly reentrant cavity architecture towards realizing gas-entrapping microtextured surfaces under static and dynamic pressure cycling. The effects of positive (>1 atm), negative (<1 atm), and positive–negative cycles on the stability the gas entrapment inside individual doubly reentrant cavities were studied across a range of pressures, ramp rates, intercycle intervals, and water-column heights. Remarkably, the fate of the trapped air under pressure cycling fell into either of the following regimes: the bubble (i) monotonically depleted (unstable), (ii) remained indefinitely stable (stable), or (iii) started growing (bubble growth). This hitherto unrealized richness of underwater bubble dynamics should guide the development of coating-free technologies and help us understand the curious lives of air-breathing aquatic and marine insects.
Dynamin 1xA interacts with Endophilin A1 via its spliced long C-terminus for ultrafast endocytosis
Authors: Imoto Yuuta , Xue Jing , Luo Lin , Raychaudhuri Sumana , Itoh Kie , Ma Ye , Craft George E , Kwan Ann H , Ogunmowo Tyler H , Ho Annie , Mackay Joel P , Ha Taekjip , Watanabe Shigeki , Robinson Phillip J
Published: June 2024

Dynamin 1 mediates fission of endocytic synaptic vesicles in the brain and has two major splice variants, Dyn1xA and Dyn1xB, which are nearly identical apart from the extended C-terminal region of Dyn1xA. Despite a similar set of binding partners, only Dyn1xA is enriched at endocytic zones and accelerates vesicle fission during ultrafast endocytosis. Here, we report that Dyn1xA achieves this localization by preferentially binding to Endophilin A1 through a newly defined binding site within its long C-terminal tail extension. Endophilin A1 binds this site at higher affinity than the previously reported site, and the affinity is determined by amino acids within the Dyn1xA tail but outside the binding site. This interaction is regulated by the phosphorylation state of two serine residues specific to the Dyn1xA variant. Dyn1xA and Endophilin A1 colocalize in patches near the active zone, and mutations disrupting Endophilin A binding to the long tail cause Dyn1xA mislocalization and stalled endocytic pits on the plasma membrane during ultrafast endocytosis. Together, these data suggest that the specificity for ultrafast endocytosis is defined by the phosphorylation-regulated interaction of Endophilin A1 with the C-terminal extension of Dyn1xA.
Lactate supports cell-autonomous ECM production to sustain metastatic behavior in prostate cancer
Authors: Ippolito Luigi , Duatti Assia , Iozzo Marta , Comito Giuseppina , Pardella Elisa , Lorito Nicla , Bacci Marina , Pranzini Erica , Santi Alice , Sandrini Giada , Catapano Carlo V , Serni Sergio , Spatafora Pietro , Morandi Andrea , Giannoni Elisa , Chiarugi Paola
Published: June 2024

Extracellular matrix (ECM) is a major component of the tumor environment, promoting the establishment of a pro-invasive behavior. Such environment is supported by both tumor- and stromal-derived metabolites, particularly lactate. In prostate cancer (PCa), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are major contributors of secreted lactate, able to impact on metabolic and transcriptional regulation in cancer cells. Here, we describe a mechanism by which CAF-secreted lactate promotes in PCa cells the expression of genes coding for the collagen family. Lactate-exploiting PCa cells rely on increased α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) which activates the α-KG-dependent collagen prolyl-4-hydroxylase (P4HA1) to support collagen hydroxylation. De novo synthetized collagen plays a signaling role by activating discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1), supporting stem-like and invasive features of PCa cells. Inhibition of lactate-induced collagen hydroxylation and DDR1 activation reduces the metastatic colonization of PCa cells. Overall, these results provide a new understanding of the link between collagen remodeling/signaling and the nutrient environment exploited by PCa.
Fluorescent probes for targeting the Golgi apparatus: design strategies and applications
Authors: Xu Silin , Yan Kai-Cheng , Xu Zhi-Hong , Wang Yuan , James Tony D.
Published: June 2024

Golgi-specific fluorescent probes provide non-invasive, real-time andin situvisualization of the temporal and spatial fluctuations of bioactive species enabling effective disease monitoring and treatment.
Nanostructured lipopeptide-based membranomimetics for stabilizing bacteriorhodopsin
Authors: Gurung Arun Bahadur , Chakraborty Kasturee , Ghosh Snehasish , Jan Somnath , Gayen Paramita , Biswas Abhijit , Mallick Argha Mario , Hembram Monjuri , Tripathi Archana , Mukherjee Asmita , Mukherjee Sanchita , Mukherjee Arnab , Bhattacharyya Dhananjay , Sinha Roy Rituparna
Published: June 2024

Engineered lipopeptide-based facial detergents having a linear unstructured or cyclic (β-turn) conformation can stabilize the model integral membrane protein, bacteriorhodopsin.
Antibacterial sponge for rapid noncompressible hemostatic treatment: spatiotemporal studies using a noninvasive model
Authors: Sarkar Pritha , Pugazhendhi Abinaya Sindu , Coathup Melanie , Mukhopadhyay Kausik
Published: June 2024

An injectable, non-compressible silicone-based antibacterial hemostatic bandage system has been developed. Its efficacy is demonstrated using a noninvasive bleeding model.
A solvent controlled regioselective synthesis of 2- and 4-substituted α-carbolines under palladium catalysis
Authors: Chatterjee Sarat , Khatun Rousunara , Ali Mahammad , Chowdhury Chinmay
Published: June 2024

A solvent controlled method for the chemodivergent synthesis of α-carbolines 1via palladium catalyzed [3+3]-annulations of tosyliminoindolines 6 with α, β-unsaturated aldehydes 7 is described along with reaction mechanism and photo-physical study.
An organocatalytic domino annulation approach via C(sp2)–OMe cleavage to unlock the synthesis of pyranochromenones enabled by HFIP
Authors: Singh Sanjay , Sharma Pragya , Dutta Sayantan , Vishwakarma Rahul , Hazra Chinmoy K.
Published: June 2024

Fused pyranochromenone derivatives have extensive applications in medicinal chemistry.
3D hierarchical Ti3C2/TiO2 composite via in situ oxidation for improved lithium-ion storage
Authors: Zhang Jianlin , Wei Shan , Miao Qingyun , Yue Huihui , Meng Xiuxia , Wang Fei , Yang Naitao
Published: June 2024

A 3D Ti3C2/TiO2 hybrid synthesized via in situ oxidation of the 3D porous Ti3C2 MXene demonstrated exceptional cycling stability with a specific capacity of 384.1 mA h g−1 after 600 cycles at 1.0 A g−1 as the LIB anode.
Construction of porous 2D Dy3+ metal organic frameworks: solvent responsive magnetic dynamics under 0 Oe dc field and luminescent sensors for Fe3+ ions
Authors: Gou Yangyang , Gao Ming , Wu Yunlong , Zhou Wei , Feng Jiancheng , Zhang Sheng , Wang Xiaohong , Yin Bing
Published: June 2024

The main distinctions between the crystal structures of 1 and 2 arise from the differing solvent molecules residing within the pores interact with the surrounding frameworks.
In-depth exploration of catalytic sites on amorphous solid water: I. The astrosynthesis of aminomethanol
Authors: Bovolenta Giulia M. , Silva-Vera Gabriela , Bovino Stefano , Molpeceres German , Kästner Johannes , Vogt-Geisse Stefan
Published: June 2024

Unfurling the reaction mechanism of aminomethanol formation on interstellar ice-grain mantles.
Switching of photoinduced proton transfer from one six-membered hydrogen-bonded ring to other: a molecule of hydrazine and pH sensor
Authors: Bhakta Viki , Guchhait Nikhil
Published: June 2024

The present study describes photophysical properties of 3-(benzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-5-bromo-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde (HBOB) and (E)-2-(benzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-4-bromo-6-(hydrazonomethyl)phenol (HBON) molecules with asymmetric two-way proton transfer sites.
Structural engineering of Pt-on-Rh hollow nanorods with high-performance peroxidase-like specific activity for colorimetric detection
Authors: Hao Jian , Tan Yi , Yuan Jincheng , Shang Rui , Xiang Dong , Cai Kai
Published: June 2024

We report a Pt-on-Rh hollow nanorods (PtRh HNRs) with adjustable surface dispersity. The optimized PtRh HNRs exhibit high POD-like activity and the specific activity value is 1352 U mg−1, which is 3.86 times that of monometallic Pt counterpart.
Crafting sustainable solutions: architecting biodegradable copolymers through controlled ring-opening copolymerization
Authors: Sagar Shweta , Nath Priyanku , Ray Aranya , Sarkar Alok , Panda Tarun K.
Published: June 2024

Comprehensive studies concerning the synthesis of PCL–PLA copolymers towards generating novel biodegradable materials by controlling their macromolecular architecture using well-defined organometallic catalysts.
Synthesis and characterisation of antimicrobial metal–organic frameworks as multi-drug carriers
Authors: Ahmed Ahmed , Kelly Aileen , Leonard Dayle , Saleem Waleed , Bezrukov Andrey , Efthymiou Constantinos G. , Zaworotko Michael J. , Tiana Davide , Boyd Aoife , Papatriantafyllopoulou Constantina
Published: June 2024

OnG6 MOFs are mesoporous MOFs derived from the pro-drug ligand 4,4′-azodisalicylic acid. They can encapsulate antibiotics such as isoniazid and ciprofloxacin. The ciprofloxacin-loaded OnG6 exhibit antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and E. coli.
Differential blocking effects of Fe0 nanoplates on rice accumulation of typical essential and non-essential heavy metal elements in paddy fields
Authors: Zhu Saiyong , Chen Minjie , Dai Huiwang , Menhas Saiqa , Xu Jiang , Lin Daohui
Published: June 2024

Better blocking performance of Fe0 nanoplates on non-essential Cd than essential Cu and Zn in the soil–rice system.
Association between daily consumption of spicy food and bone mineral density in middle-aged and older adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhu Wenhao , Zhang Haitao , Yuan Chunchun , Liao Zhangyu , Zeng Xianhui , Yang Zhiwu , Zhou Chenghong , Shi Qi , Tang Dezhi
Published: June 2024

Excessive daily intake of spicy food may affect the gastrointestinal absorption of calcium and magnesium in middle-aged and older adults, potentially leading to a decrease in lumbar spine bone mineral density.
Biocatalytic conversion of lignin model oligomer using a laccase-mediator system
Authors: Murnaghan Christopher W. J. , G. Forsythe William , Lafferty Jack H. , Sheldrake Gary N.
Published: June 2024

Employment of laccase from Trametes versicolor effects considerable cleavage in β-O-4 linkage of lignin model hexamer.
Inkjet-printed Ce-doped SnOx electron transport layer for improved performance of planar perovskite solar cells
Authors: Lu Dongli , Jamshidi Mahboubeh , Dun Chaochao , Urban Jeffrey J. , Gardner James M. , Belova Liubov
Published: June 2024

Inkjet-printed Ce-doped SnOx ETLs achieved improved photovoltaic performance originating from the increased conductivity, suppressed surface defects, and improved energy level alignment at the ETL/perovskite interface, compared to undoped SnOx ETLs.
Electrospun polarity-controlled molecular orientation for synergistic performance of an artifact-free piezoelectric anisotropic sensor
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Gupta Varun , Malik Pinki , Ram Shanker , Mandal Dipankar
Published: June 2024

Electrospinning polarity-controlled anisotropic artifact-free pressure sensor with a hybrid nanogenerator has emerging robotic applications.
Li vacancy-induced ionic conductivity enhancement in Li4B7O12Cl for all-solid-state Li-ion battery application
Authors: Wang Shaowei , Gao Zesen , Sun Futing , Yang Yan , Tao Lang , Wang Yunluo , Yu Zhiqian , Wu Jianghua , Hou Jingshan , Liu Zhanqiang , Song Hucheng , Chen Haijie
Published: June 2024

Doping Mg into the Li sites of Li4B7O12Cl contributes to the generation of Li vacancies and the enhancement of ionic conductivity.
A dual-functional matrix with high absorption and electrocatalysis to suppress the shuttle effect in lithium–selenium batteries
Authors: He Zihao , Yang Lan , He Hao , Lei Wenyang , Yu Ting , Huang Qiushi , Liao Hongxin , Hu Xuebu
Published: June 2024

A dual-functional matrix as both an adsorbent and an electrocatalyst effectively restrained the shuttle effect and improved the electrochemical performance of Li–Se batteries.
Isoxazole group directed Rh(iii)-catalyzed alkynylation using TIPS-EBX
Authors: Das Sukanya , Datta Tanmoy , Sk Md. Abbasuddin , Roy Brindaban , Nandi Raj K.
Published: June 2024

Ortho C–H alkynylation of arenes using TIPS-EBX.
Silver and carbon nitride-doped nickel selenide for effective dye decolorization and bactericidal activity: in silico docking study
Authors: Imran Muhammad , Haider Ali , Shahzadi Anum , Mustajab Muhammad , Ul-Hamid Anwar , Ullah Hameed , Khan Sherdil , Abd-Rabboh Hisham S. M. , Ikram Muhammad
Published: June 2024

In this study, nickel selenide (NiSe), Ag/C3N4–NiSe, and C3N4/Ag–NiSe nanowires (NWs) were synthesized via coprecipitation.
Gas phase composition of a NiMH battery during a work cycle
Authors: Lindberg Aleksandra , Eriksson Björn , Börjesson Axén Jenny , P. Sandra Amritha , Lindbergh Göran
Published: June 2024

In this study, two methods for investigating the internal NiMH battery gas phase composition during different charge/discharge cycles using a mass spectrometer (MS) were developed.
Hydrothermal synthesis of modified lignin-based carbon dots derived from biomass waste for fluorescence determination of valsartan
Authors: Aldakhil Fatemah , Alarfaj Nawal A. , Al-Tamimi Salma A. , El-Tohamy Maha F.
Published: June 2024

Phosphorous and chlorine co-doped carbon dots (PClCDs) based on lignin extracted from date seeds have been synthesized and used in the field of drug detection.
Beyond graphene: exploring the potential of MXene anodes for enhanced lithium–sulfur battery performance
Authors: Sandhu Zeshan Ali , Imtiaz Kainat , Raza Muhammad Asam , Ashraf Adnan , Tubassum Areej , Khan Sajawal , Farwa Umme , Bhalli Ali Haider , Al-Sehemi Abdullah G.
Published: June 2024

The high theoretical energy density of Li–S batteries makes them a viable option for energy storage systems in the near future.
Squaramide-catalyzed enantioselective Michael addition of nitromethane to 2-enoylazaarenes: synthesis of chiral azaarene-containing γ-nitroketones
Authors: Huang Hong-Ping , Xie Yu-Hang , Gan Xu-Mei , Wen Xin-Yu , Wang Cui-Xia , Deng Yan-Qiu , Zhang Zhen-Wei
Published: June 2024

Bifunctional chiral squaramide-catalyzed highly enantioselective Michael addition of nitromethane to diverse 2-enoylazaarenes was successfully performed.
Estimating the interfacial permeability for flow into a poroelastic medium
Authors: Xu Zelai , Yue Pengtao , Feng James J.
Published: June 2024

Streamlines of flow into a pore-scale model for a hydrogel, with colors indicating the velocity magnitude (red means larger). The entry pressure drop provides an estimation of the interfacial permeability.
Drag reduction and antifouling of a spontaneous fast moving air film
Authors: Yan Defeng , Lin Junyi , Zhang Bingzhen , Zhang Song , Ling Siying , Song Jinlong
Published: June 2024

A spontaneous fast-moving air film not only prevents the escape of supplied air bubbles but also replenishes the air film on a superhydrophobic surface, which shows an amazing 27% drag reduction rate and simultaneous 80% antifouling rate.
Magnetic-actuated hydrogel microrobots with multimodal motion and collective behavior
Authors: Chen Xi , Tian Chenyao , Zhang Hao , Xie Hui
Published: June 2024

This study proposes a biodegradable magnetic hydrogel robot with multimodal locomotion and collective behavior through magnetic-assisted fabrication.
Biochemical Society support in action: experiences from our community
Authors: Ollett Lucy
Published: June 2024

Throughout the year, the Biochemical Society offers a programme of grants for all career stages supporting research, attendance at scientific conferences and the sponsorship of events. So far this year, we have awarded over £200,000 towards conference participation, summer vacation studentships, international collaboration and the organization of independent seminars and postgraduate days. In this article, we are delighted to share a few insights from our community that highlight the variety of projects and opportunities made possible by our funding.

For more information about our funding opportunities and the application process, please visit our website.
Screening of active components of Ganoderma lucidum and decipher its molecular mechanism to improve learning and memory disorders
Authors: Zhang Xiao-tian , Ji Chun-lei , Fu Yu-juan , Yang Yue , Xu Guang-yu
Published: June 2024

Learning and memory impairment (LMI), a common degenerative central nervous system disease. Recently, more and more studies have shown that Ganoderma lucidum (GL) can improve the symptoms of LMI. The active ingredients in GL and their corresponding targets were screened through TCMSP (Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform) and BATMAN-TCM (Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine) databases, and the potential LMI targets were searched for through GeneCard (GeneCards Human Gene Database) and DrugBank. Then, we construct a ‘main active ingredient-target’ network and a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network diagram.The GO (Gene Ontology) functional enrichment analysis and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathway annotation analysis were performed on the common targets through DAVID (Database for Annotation Visualization and Integrated Discovery) to clarify the potential molecular mechanism of action of active ingredients in GL. The tumor necrosis factor (TNF) protein was verified by Western blot; Twenty one active ingredients in GL and 142 corresponding targets were screened out, including 59 targets shared with LMI. The 448 biological processes shown by the GO functional annotation results and 55 signal pathways shown by KEGG enrichment analysis were related to the improvement of LMI by GL, among which the correlation of Alzheimer’s disease pathway is the highest, and TNF was the most important protein; TNF can improve LMI. GL can improve LMI mainly by 10 active ingredients in it, and they may play a role by regulating Alzheimer’s disease pathway and TNF protein.
Comprehensive analysis of the endothelin system in the kidneys of mice, rats, and humans
Authors: Patel Margi , Harris Nicholas , Kasztan Malgorzata , Hyndman Kelly A.
Published: June 2024

The intrarenal endothelin (ET) system is an established moderator of kidney physiology and mechanistic contributor to the pathophysiology and progression of chronic kidney disease in humans and rodents. The aim of the present study was to characterize ET system by combining single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data with immunolocalization in human and rodent kidneys of both sexes. Using publicly available scRNA-seq data, we assessed sex and kidney disease status (human), age and sex (rats), and diurnal expression (mice) on the kidney ET system expression. In normal human biopsies of both sexes and in rodent kidney samples, the endothelin-converting enzyme-1 (ECE1) and ET-1 were prominent in the glomeruli and endothelium. These data agreed with the scRNA-seq data from these three species, with ECE1/Ece1 mRNA enriched in the endothelium. However, the EDN1/Edn1 gene (encodes ET-1) was rarely detected, even though it was immunolocalized within the kidneys, and plasma and urinary ET-1 excretion are easily measured. Within each species, there were some sex-specific differences. For example, in kidney biopsies from living donors, men had a greater glomerular endothelial cell endothelin receptor B (Ednrb) compared with women. In mice, females had greater kidney endothelial cell Ednrb than male mice. As commercially available antibodies did not work in all species, and RNA expression did not always correlate with protein levels, multiple approaches should be considered to maintain required rigor and reproducibility of the pre- and clinical studies evaluating the intrarenal ET system.
Molecular regulators of defective placental and cardiovascular development in fetal growth restriction
Authors: Umapathy Anandita , Clark Alys , Sehgal Arvind , Karanam Vijaya , Rajaraman Gayathri , Kalionis Bill , Jones Helen N. , James Jo , Murthi Padma
Published: June 2024

Placental insufficiency is one of the major causes of fetal growth restriction (FGR), a significant pregnancy disorder in which the fetus fails to achieve its full growth potential in utero. As well as the acute consequences of being born too small, affected offspring are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other chronic diseases in later life. The placenta and heart develop concurrently, therefore placental maldevelopment and function in FGR may have profound effect on the growth and differentiation of many organ systems, including the heart. Hence, understanding the key molecular players that are synergistically linked in the development of the placenta and heart is critical. This review highlights the key growth factors, angiogenic molecules and transcription factors that are common causes of defective placental and cardiovascular development.
Experimental validation of magnetic control strategy in LCC‐S compensated wireless power transfer systems
Authors: Solimene Luigi , Corti Fabio , Musumeci Salvatore , López‐Alcolea Francisco Javier , Reatti Alberto , Ragusa Carlo Stefano
Published: June 2024

The paper explores the use of the magnetic control strategy for the output power regulation of an LCC‐S compensated inductive wireless power transfer system. The magnetic control is implemented through a controlled variable inductor whose magnetization state is actively regulated by an auxiliary DC–DC converter. The principles for the design and regulation of the system are discussed, and the experimental setup for the validation of the regulation method is implemented. Several measurement results highlight the effectiveness and potential improvements of the magnetic control strategy for inductive wireless power transfer systems.
Backward–forward sweep inverse power flow for distribution line parameters estimation with metering data
Authors: Leal Pedro C. , Carvalho Pedro M. S.
Published: June 2024

The transition towards the smart grid requires better information on the electrical networks at the distribution system level. Information about electrical line parameters is a critical part of such information. An algorithm for estimating electric line parameters of medium‐voltage distribution networks is proposed. The algorithm relies upon active/reactive power and nodal voltage magnitude data from advanced metering infrastructure and combines an Ordinary Least Squares estimator with the classical Backward–Forward Sweep load‐flow method to iteratively estimate the admittance parameters of the electrical network components. The algorithm is proposed to be applied to balanced loading situations of networks where zero‐injection non‐monitored nodes may exist. Simulations using the IEEE 33‐bus system are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the method under different loading situations and measurement noise levels.
ALMA reveals a dust-obscured galaxy merger at cosmic noon
Authors: Langan I. , Popping G. , Ginolfi M. , Gentile F. , Valentino F. , Kaasinen M.
Published: June 2024

Context. Galaxy mergers play a critical role in galaxy evolution. They alter the size, morphology, dynamics, and composition of galaxies. Galaxy mergers have so far mostly been identified through visual inspection of their rest-frame optical and near-IR (NIR) emission. Dust can obscure this emission, however, resulting in the misclassification of mergers as single galaxies and in an incorrect interpretation of their baryonic properties.

Aims. Having serendipitously discovered a dust-obscured galaxy merger at z = 1.17, we aim to determine the baryonic properties of the two merging galaxies, including the star formation rate (SFR) and the stellar, molecular gas and dust masses.

Methods. Using Band 3 and 6 observations from the Atacama Large Millimeter and submillimeter Array (ALMA) and ancillary data, we studied the morphology of this previously misclassified merger. We deblended the emission, derived the gas masses from CO observations, and modeled the spectral energy distributions to determine the properties of each galaxy. Using the rare combination of ALMA CO(2–1), CO(5–4) and dust-continuum (rest-frame 520 μm) observations, we provide insight into the gas and dust content and into the properties of the interstellar medium of each merger component.

Results. We find that only one of the two galaxies is highly obscured by dust, but both are massive (> 1010.5 M⊙) and highly star forming (SFR = 60 − 900 M⊙/yr), have a moderate-to-short depletion time (tdepl < 0.7 Gyr) and a high gas fraction (fgas ≥ 1).

Conclusions. These properties can be interpreted as the positive impact of the merger. With this serendipitous discovery, we highlight the power of (sub)millimeter observations to identify and characterise the individual components of obscured galaxy mergers.
X-raying the ζ Tau binary system
Authors: Nazé Yaël , Motch Christian , Rauw Gregor , Smith Myron A. , Robrade Jan
Published: June 2024

Context. The Be star ζ Tau was recently reported to be a γ Cas analog; that is, it displays an atypical (bright and hard) X-ray emission. The origin of these X-rays remains debated.

Aims. The first X-ray observations indicated a very large absorption of the hot plasma component (NH ~ 1023 cm−2). This is most probably related to the edge-on configuration of the ζ Tau disk. If the X-ray emission arises close to the companion, an orbital modulation of the absorption could be detected as the disk comes in and out of the line of sight.

Methods. New XMM-Newton data were obtained to characterize the high-energy properties of ζ Tau in more detail. They are complemented by previous Chandra and SRG/eROSITA observations as well as by optical spectroscopy and TESS photometry.

Results. The high-quality XMM-Newton data reveal the presence of a faint soft X-ray emission, which appears in line with that recorded for non-γ Cas Be stars. In addition, ζ Tau exhibits significant short-term variability at all energies, with larger amplitudes at lower frequencies (“red noise”), as is found in X-ray data of other γ Cas stars. Transient variability (softness dip, low-frequency signal) may also be detected at some epochs. In addition, between X-ray exposures, large variations in the spectra are detected in the 1.5–4 keV energy band. They are due to large changes in absorption toward the hottest (9 keV) plasma. These changes are not correlated with either the orbital phase or the depth of the shell absorption of the Hα line. These observed properties are examined in the light of proposed γ Cas models.
COLDSIM predictions of [C II] emission in primordial galaxies
Authors: Casavecchia Benedetta , Maio Umberto , Péroux Céline , Ciardi Benedetta
Published: June 2024

Context. A powerful tool with which to probe the gas content at high redshift is the [C II] 158 μm submillimetre emission line, which, due to its low excitation potential and luminous emission, is considered a possible direct tracer of star forming gas.

Aims. In this work, we investigate the origin, evolution, and environmental dependencies of the [C II] 158 μm emission line, as well as its expected correlation with the stellar mass and star formation activity of the high-redshift galaxies observed by JWST.

Methods. We use a set of state-of-the-art cold-gas hydrodynamic simulations (COLDSIM) with fully coupled time-dependent atomic and molecular non-equilibrium chemistry and self-consistent [C II] emission from metal-enriched gas. We accurately track the evolution of H I, H II, and H2 in a cosmological context and predict both global and galaxy-based [C II] properties.

Results. For the first time, we predict the cosmic mass density evolution of [C II] and find that it is in good agreement with new measurements at redshift z = 6 from high-resolution optical quasar spectroscopy. We find a correlation between [C II] luminosity, L[C II], and stellar mass, which is consistent with results from ALMA high-redshift large programs. We predict a redshift evolution in the relation between L[C II] and the star formation rate (SFR), and provide a fit to relate L[C II] to SFR, which can be adopted as a more accurate alternative to the currently used linear relation.

Conclusions. Our findings provide physical grounds on which to interpret high-redshift detections in contemporary and future observations, such as the ones performed by ALMA and JWST, and to advance our knowledge of structure formation at early times.
Novel Energy Management System of PMSG based Standalone Wind Power Generation System
Authors: Acharjya Kalyan , Pareek Ravi Kant , R Kavitha , Kulhar Kuldeep Singh
Published: June 2024

Renewable energy sources based electric power generating units are often power supply units for many rural areas worldwide especially where power supply is impossible through the power grid. Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generation (PMSG) based wind power conversion system is considered in this paper and equipped with an efficient maximum power tracker (MPPT) circuit. However, electricity produced through wind turbine will be always fluctuating according to wind speed. Hence, an energy storage device (i.e., batteries) is also connected through a dc to dc bidirectional circuit. Moreover, during light load conditions, a dump load also incorporated to consume excess power in case batteries are fully charged. A common dc-link is established by connecting MPPT circuit of wind system, bidirectional converter and dump load along with a power electronic switch. Novel control methods are proposed to all converters to maintain constant voltage at dc-link under various changes happened in the standalone system. In order to provide supply to AC loads, an inverter with voltage control unit also connected between load bus and dc-link. An efferent energy management algorithm is developed based on controlling the voltage at dc-link. MATLAB/Simulink is used to analyze the standalone power supply system and applied various operating conditions to present results.
The Growth of Renewable Energy Sources and Review of Microgrids in Indian Perspective
Authors: Singh Swati , Pandey Vijay Kumar , S Prabha , Kulhar Kuldeep Singh
Published: June 2024

As a consequence of the excessive release of harmful gases (chlorofluorocarbons) by industries, thermal power plants, and vehicles, global warming has become a pressing issue. To mitigate the impact of global warming on our planet, there is a global shift towards green energy. Green energy refers to the energy generated from sources such as solar, wind, small hydro, biomass, etc. However, these sources are intermittent and unpredictable, making it challenging for the existing systems to provide a continuous power supply. To address this issue, extensive research has been conducted on renewable energy resources, leading to the development of hybrid microgrid system configurations. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of microgrids in India, highlighting their functional benefits, current renewable energy statistics globally and in India, climatic challenges, as well as the targets set by the world and India for harnessing renewable energy potential.