bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impaired Mitochondrial Respiration in REM‐Sleep Behavior Disorder: A Biomarker of Parkinson's Disease?
Authors: Ongari Gerardo , Ghezzi Cristina , Di Martino Deborah , Pisani Antonio , Terzaghi Michele , Avenali Micol , Valente Enza Maria , Cerri Silvia , Blandini Fabio
Published: November 2023

Background

Idiopathic rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) is associated with prodromal Parkinson's disease (PD), but the mechanisms linking phenoconversion of iRBD to PD have not yet been clarified. Considering the association between mitochondrial dysfunction and sleep disturbances in PD, we explored mitochondrial activity in fibroblasts derived from iRBD patients to identify a biochemical profile that could mark the presence of impending neurodegeneration.

Methods

The study involved 28 participants, divided into three groups: patients diagnosed with iRBD, PD patients converted from iRBD (RBD‐PD), and healthy controls. We performed a comprehensive assessment of mitochondrial function, including an examination of mitochondrial morphology, analysis of mitochondrial protein expression levels by western blot, and measurement of mitochondrial respiration using the Seahorse XFe24 analyzer.

Results

In basal conditions, mitochondrial respiration did not differ between iRBD and control fibroblasts, but when cells were challenged with a higher energy demand, iRBD fibroblasts exhibited a significant (P = 0.006) drop in maximal and spare respiration compared to controls. Interestingly, RBD‐PD patients showed the same alterations with a further significant reduction in oxygen consumption linked to adenosine triphosphate production (P = 0.032). Moreover, RBD‐PD patients exhibited a significant decrease in protein levels of complexes III (P = 0.02) and V (P = 0.002) compared to controls, along with fragmentation of the mitochondrial network. iRBD patients showed similar, but milder alterations.

Conclusions

Altogether, these findings suggest that mitochondrial dysfunctions in individuals with iRBD might predispose to worsening of the bioenergetic profile observed in RBD‐PD patients, highlighting these alterations as potential predictors of phenoconversion to PD. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Convergence analysis of high‐order exponential Rosenbrock methods for nonlinear stiff delay differential equations
Authors: Zhan Rui , Fang Jinwei
Published: November 2023

In this work, we extend previous research on exponential integrators for stiff semilinear delay differential equations to the nonlinear case. In addition to the stiffness, there are two new issues that should be handled properly: nonlinear term and delay term. For nonlinear problems, a badly chosen linearization can cause a severe step size restriction. In this work, we linearize the equation along the numerical solution in each step. For the delay term, the interpolation based on the numerical values at the mesh points rather than inner stage values is adopted to significantly reduce the number of stiff order conditions. We focus on the construction and convergence analysis of high‐order exponential Rosenbrock methods for nonlinear stiff delay differential equations. The main result of this paper is that under the framework of strongly continuous semigroup, the explicit exponential Rosenbrock method is proved to be stiffly convergent of order
even if the order conditions of order
hold in a weak form. Moreover, by pointing that there does not exist fifth‐order method with less than or equal to four stages, we present the construction of a fifth‐order method with five stages. Finally, numerical tests are carried out to validate the theoretical results and to demonstrate the superiority of high‐order methods.
To flame‐seal or not to flame‐seal NMR tubes: The role of liquid–vapor equilibria on the accuracy of variable temperature experiments
Authors: Morrelli Derek , Maitra Santanu , Krishnan V. V.
Published: November 2023

In NMR experiments, it is crucial to control the temperature of the sample, especially when measuring kinetic parameters. Usually, it takes 2 to 5 min for the temperature of the sample inside the NMR probe to stabilize at a fixed value set for the experiment. However, the NMR sample tubes are flame‐sealed in some cases, such as when working with volatile solvents, atmosphere‐sensitive samples, or calibration samples for long‐term use. When these samples are placed inside the NMR probe, the spectrometer controls the lower portion (liquid phase) of the NMR sample tube with a gas flow at a fixed temperature, while the upper portion (vapor) is at ambient temperature. This probe design creates a unique temperature gradient across the sample, leading to vapor pressure build‐up, particularly inside a sealed NMR tube. By analyzing the temperature‐dependent spectral line shape changes of a chemical exchange process, we report that under standard experimental conditions, the sample temperature can take up to 2 to 3 h (instead of minutes) to stabilize. The time scale of the liquid–vapor equilibrium process is much slower, with a half‐life exceeding 35 min, in contrast to the 2‐min duration required to obtain each spectrum. This phenomenon is exclusively due to the liquid–vapor equilibrium process of the flame‐sealed NMR tube and is not observable otherwise.
Changes in tissue sodium concentration and sodium relaxation times during the maturation of human knee cartilage: Ex vivo 23Na MRI study at 10.5 T
Authors: Zbýň Štefan , Ludwig Kai D. , Watkins Lauren E. , Lagore Russell L. , Nowacki Amanda , Tóth Ferenc , Tompkins Marc A. , Zhang Lin , Adriany Gregor , Gold Garry E. , Shea Kevin G. , Nagel Armin M. , Carlson Cathy S. , Metzger Gregory J. , Ellermann Jutta M.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the influence of skeletal maturation on sodium (23Na) MRI relaxation parameters and the accuracy of tissue sodium concentration (TSC) quantification in human knee cartilage.

Methods

Twelve pediatric knee specimens were imaged with whole‐body 10.5 T MRI using a density‐adapted 3D radial projection sequence to evaluate 23Na parameters: B1+, T1, biexponential , and TSC. Water, collagen, and sulfated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) content were calculated from osteochondral biopsies. The TSC was corrected for B1+, relaxation, and water content. The literature‐based TSC (TSCLB) used previously published values for corrections, whereas the specimen‐specific TSC (TSCSP) used measurements from individual specimens. 23Na parameters were evaluated in eight cartilage compartments segmented on proton images. Associations between 23Na parameters, TSCLB − TSCSP difference, biochemical content, and age were determined.

Results

From birth to 12 years, cartilage water content decreased by 18%; collagen increased by 59%; and sGAG decreased by 36% (all R2 ≥ 0.557). The short () decreased by 72%, and the signal fraction relaxing with () increased by 55% during the first 5 years but remained relatively stable after that. TSCSP was significantly correlated with sGAG content from biopsies (R2 = 0.739). Depending on age, TSCLB showed higher or lower values than TSCSP. The TSCLB − TSCSP difference was significantly correlated with (R2 = 0.850), (R2 = 0.651), and water content (R2 = 0.738).

Conclusion

TSC and relaxation parameters measured with 23Na MRI provide noninvasive information about changes in sGAG content and collagen matrix during cartilage maturation. Cartilage TSC quantification assuming fixed relaxation may be feasible in children older than 5 years.
Modeling cracks in viscoelastic materials at finite strains
Authors: Abu‐Qbeitah Suhib , Jabareen Mahmood , Volokh Konstantin Y.
Published: November 2023

Viscosity is a manifestation of internal friction in materials. Such friction is accompanied by the dissipation of energy, which affects deformation and fracture. In the present work, we develop a new theoretical formulation and its numerical implementation for modeling fracture in viscoelastic soft materials. Concerning the theory, we extend the material‐sink approach by including a viscosity description at finite strains. Concerning numerical methods, we introduce a mixed finite‐element formulation based on the relative deformation gradient and implement it in Abaqus. Representative numerical examples show that the proposed approach captures the viscous behavior of material and demonstrates the coupling between viscosity and fracture. Simulations reveal that the viscous dissipation suppresses minor crack branching as compared to the purely hyperelastic case, when the strain rate is relatively small. That said, when the strain rate is relatively large, viscoelastic and hyperelastic materials fracture consonantly.
Searching for the North Star or how to navigate a boat with a fixed rudder through turbulent times
Authors: Ahmad Sufina , von Schnurbein Georg
Published: November 2023

This piece of work aims to connect the governance and leadership levels of foundations with the demand to respond to the societal poly‐crisis. Challenges such as climate change, migration, demographic development and economic debts cannot be solved on the level of a single country and, thus, call for joint action. Given the inherent independence of foundations, an analysis of how foundations can strengthen their contribution to solve the global poly‐crisis has to begin with the single organisation, its purpose and its leaders. However, how feasible is it to evolve, transform even, governance and leadership in philanthropic organisations, which are often considered rather rigid and inflexible organisations? Based on arguments on governance and leadership of foundations from both the academic and the public debate, we formulate four propositions on how foundation leaders can adapt their foundation to the current societal situation. The propositions include aspects such as transparency, empowerment, sensemaking and leadership support.
Nuclear perceptions from radioactive blue to sustainable green: The EU taxonomy as reflection of a divided public
Authors: Egres Dorottya , Sarlós Gábor
Published: November 2023

Following the Fukushima disaster, several European countries revisited their policies and decided to phase out nuclear energy production. More recently, however, the EU taxonomy proposed a classification system of environmentally sustainable economic activities and consequently reopened the debate regarding nuclear energy. This study analyses public comments about the inclusion or exclusion of nuclear energy as a response to climate change, in the conceptual frameworks of ecological modernization, sustainability and technological neutrality. The study highlights the challenge of shaping energy policies amid dynamic circumstances and diverse viewpoints. Proponents of nuclear energy emphasised its low‐carbon emissions and climate change mitigation potential, while opponents focused on issues of radioactive waste and environmental risks. The study reveals that sustainability emerges as a potential reconciling framework to match arguments to influence the EU's decision‐making, while it reflects the political primacy of this process. Finally, this research recommends improving feedback visibility and enhancing clear communication, and suggests further research directions to understand future EU nuclear energy policies.
Does citizen participation make public servants more satisfied with their jobs? It depends on whether they are Spectators or Participants
Authors: Islam Kazi Maruful , Meyer‐Sahling Jan‐Hinrik , Mikkelsen Kim Sass , Rahman Taiabur , Schuster Christian
Published: November 2023

Is citizen participation in policymaking and implementation desirable? Numerous studies have explored its effects on policy outcomes and citizen attitudes. We, instead, examine its effects on public servants. Citizen participation changes public sector job characteristics and thus potentially job attitudes. Looking at job satisfaction, we argue that citizen participation negatively affects public servants who observe, but do not participate in citizen participation initiatives in their institution's decisions (“Spectators”), yet not public servants who are “Participants.” “Participants” learn to appreciate the benefits of citizen participation while minimizing its cost. Survey data from public servants in one developing country, Bangladesh, provides empirical support.
Interests, beliefs, experience and perceptions shape tolerance towards impacts of recovering predators
Authors: Hobson Keziah J. , Stringer Andrew , Gill Robin , MacPherson Jenny , Lambin Xavier
Published: November 2023

The modification of landscapes is increasing the interface between humans and wildlife, while conflicts concerning predator impacts on human activities persist. Some previously persecuted but now protected predator species are experiencing recovery and range expansion.

Tolerance is considered essential for achieving coexistence between humans and wildlife; however, its conceptualisation remains unresolved. Little is known about tolerance in the context of recovering predators, particularly which drivers are relevant to all or specific species and human interests.

Using an online questionnaire survey shared with members of organisations with interests in rural land‐based activities, we collected data on interests and beliefs, and attitudes, perceptions, experience and management preferences for six recovering vertebrate predators in the United Kingdom (n = 819). We created a species tolerance score representing the management choices of the respondents in different conflict scenarios, which differed in the degree of impact on the predator population.

Our species tolerance score was characterised by a complex combination of the interests and beliefs of the respondents about wildlife management, perceptions and experience of that species (perceived benefits, population trend, positive and negative experience, indirect negative experience) and negative experience of other recovering predators.

We found a tolerance gradient between interest groups with notable overlap between groups with primary interests in wildlife conservation, shooting, farming and fishing. Although higher perceived benefits consistently corresponded to higher tolerance, having a negative experience of the species dampened the effect of perceived benefits on tolerance. When both negative personal and indirect experiences were reported, tolerance was dramatically reduced. The classification of species from least to most tolerated was consistent between interest groups.

The application of our species tolerance score as the normative dimension (i.e. acceptability) in Brenner and Metcalf's (2020) Social Tolerance of Wildlife Framework highlights that tolerance (negative attitude—high acceptability) is potentially rare and more positive attitudes must be achieved before acceptance of the impacts of species can increase.

Our findings highlight that considering only primary interests may hinder debates concerning recovering predators. Strategies to reduce negative experiences or change how they are perceived could significantly increase tolerance in combination with increasing positive experiences.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
A mini‐review of ultra‐low dielectric constant intrinsic epoxy resins: Mechanism, preparation and application
Authors: Wu Yalan , Fan Xuerong , Wang Zhen , Zhang Zhiming , Liu Zheng
Published: November 2023

Epoxy resins are widely utilized in electronics, electrical components, and communication equipment for polymer‐based wave‐transparent composites. However, the dielectric constant (ε) and dielectric loss (tanδ) of common epoxy resins are relatively high (ε for 3.8–4.2; tanδ for 0.018–0.025), and the corresponding impact resistance is poor. Thus, it cannot meet the requirements of advanced microelectronic materials. And the epoxy resins prepared by filling the inorganic fillers are difficult to combine the low ε with good machining performance. The ε and tanδ of intrinsic epoxy resins can be decreased by the synthesis of epoxy monomers and curing agents and the optimization of the final curing network. Meanwhile, the use of some special processing methods, such as the electrospinning technology, is also conducive to reducing the ε and tanδ values of final epoxy‐cured resins. The factors affecting the dielectric properties of epoxy‐cured resins, and the common methods to decrease the ε value of epoxy‐cured resins are reviewed in this article. Then, the design, synthesis and research progress of ultra‐low ε epoxy resins are investigated with the relevant academic results. Finally, the development trends and application prospects of the ultra‐low ε epoxy resins are discussed.
Novel polycarbonate/Fe3O4 nanocomposite membranes: Fabrication and performance evaluation in water treatment
Authors: Etemadi Habib , Ghasemian Naser , Ghesmati Zahra , Hermani Milad
Published: November 2023

In this work, a novel polycarbonate (PC) nanocomposite membrane was prepared by incorporation of iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles using the nonsolvent induced phase separation method. The prepared membranes was applied in a submerged membrane system for bovine serum albumin (BSA) filtration through two cycles of 60 min. The properties and performance of fabricated membranes was characterized using water content, porosity, water contact angle, mechanical and thermal properties, membrane morphology including FESEM and AFM, antifouling performance, and BSA rejection. Results showed that by incorporation of Fe3O4 up to 0.5 wt.% in membrane, the hydrophilicity and porosity was increased and then decreased again by more nanoparticles concentration. DSC analysis indicated that Tg of membrane increased from 135.2 to 140.1°C when 0.5 wt.% of Fe3O4 was used. Also, the results of FESEM images revealed that addition of Fe3O4 nanoparticles significantly increased the number and pore size of membrane surface. According to AFM analysis, the membrane containing 0.5 wt.% showed smoother surface as compared to other membranes. Additionally, the PC/Fe3O4–0.5 membrane had better antifouling properties in term of high flux recovery ratio of 82.3% and 85% in the first and second cycles, respectively, while the neat PC membrane showed lower FRR of 70.4% and 74%.
Robust conductive nanocomposite hydrogels with an interpenetrating network based on polyaniline for flexible supercapacitors
Authors: Du Juan , Zhu Wenli , She Xiaohong , Yang Qiaoling , Lu Yue , Zhang Chao , He Yuxuan , Tian Hongli , Tsou Chihui
Published: November 2023

Conductive polyacrylic acid/polyaniline/SiO2 (PAA/PANI/SiO2) nanocomposite hydrogels as electrolytes for a high‐performance flexible supercapacitor were prepared by combining in situ radical polymerization of anionic monomer acrylic acid, in situ sol–gel reaction of vinyltriethoxysilane (VTES), and oxidative polymerization of conductive monomer aniline (ANI). In the nanocomposite hydrogel, vinyl‐SiO2 nanoparticles served as analogous covalent crosslinkers, while the reversible noncovalent interactions (such as hydrogen bonds, electrostatic interactions, and chain entanglements) between the PAA/SiO2 and PANI networks acted as physical crosslinkers. The interconnected PANI and PAA/SiO2 networks thus constructed an interpenetrating three‐dimensional network that improved the movement of electrons and ions while also enhancing the mechanical properties of the hydrogel. At a volume ratio of ANI to VTES of 50:200, the compressive strength and conductivity of PAA/PANI/SiO2 hydrogels were as high as 1505 kPa and 4.42 S/m, respectively. Moreover, the flexible supercapacitors based on the nanocomposite hydrogel electrolyte exhibited high specific capacitance (574.7 F/g), energy density (19.6 Wh/kg), and power density (1.4 kW/kg) at a current density of 0.05 A/g. Meanwhile, these supercapacitors exhibit exceptional flexibility and mechanical stability, and can be repeatedly bent without degrading performance. This nanocomposite hydrogel has considerable potential for use in other flexible energy devices and electronics due to its excellent mechanical and electrochemical properties.

Highlights

Conductive nanocomposite hydrogel have good conductivity and mechanical properties.

Conductive hydrogels are used as electrolytes for flexible supercapacitors.

Vinyl‐SiO2 served as analogous covalent crosslinkers for the hydrogel.

Noncovalent bonds between PAA/SiO2 and PANI acted as physical crosslinkers.

Interconnected PANI and PAA/SiO2 networks formed an interpenetrating network.
Dissecting genomic regions and underlying sheath blight resistance traits in rice (Oryza sativaL.) using a genome‐wide association study
Authors: Naveenkumar R , Anandan Annamalai , Prabhukarthikeyan Seenichamy Rathinam , Mahender Anumalla , Sangeetha Ganesan , Vaish Shyam Saran , Singh Pawan Kumar , Hussain Waseem , Ali Jauhar
Published: November 2023

The productivity of rice is greatly affected by the infection of the plant pathogenic fungusRhizoctonia solani, which causes a significant grain yield reduction globally. There exist a limited number of rice accessions that are available to develop sheath blight resistance (ShB). Our objective was to identify a good source of the ShB resistance, understand the heritability, and trait interactions, and identify the genomic regions for ShB resistance traits by genome‐wide association studies (GWAS). In the present study, a set of 330 traditional landraces and improved rice varieties were evaluated for ShB resistance and created a core panel of 192 accessions used in the GWAS. This panel provides a more considerable amount of genetic variance and found a significant phenotypic variation among the panel of rice accessions for all the agro‐morphological and disease‐resistance traits over the seasons. The infection rate of ShB and disease reaction were calculated as percent disease index (PDI) and area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC). The correlation analysis showed a significant positive association between PDIs and AUPDC and a negative association between PDI and plant height, flag leaf length, and grain yield. The panel was genotyped with 133 SSR microsatellite markers, resulting in a genome coverage of 314.83 Mb, and the average distance between markers is 2.53 Mb. By employing GLM and MLM (Q + K) models, 30 marker–trait associations (MTAs) were identified with targeted traits over the seasons. Among these QTLs, eight were found to be novel and located on 2, 4, 8, 10, and 12 chromosomes, which explained the phenotypic variation ranging from 5% to 15%. With the GWAS approach, six candidate genes were identified. Os05t0566400, Os08t0155900, and Os09t0567300 were found to be associated with defense mechanisms against ShB. These findings provided insights into the novel donors of IC283139, IC 277248, Sivappuchithirai Kar, and Bowalia. The promising genomic regions on 10 of 12 chromosomes associated with ShB would be useful in developing rice varieties with durable disease resistance.
The Refractive Index Sensing Performance of Au and Ag Nanoparticles Under Different Surrounding Environment
Authors: Li Meiying , Yang Kang
Published: November 2023

Benefiting from the sensitive response to the change of surrounding environment, localized surface plasmon resonance sensors have wide applications for the detection of bio‐/chemical species. Traditionally, the sensitivity research of localized surface plasmon resonance sensors mainly focused on the morphologies and materials of sensor structures. Instead, the effect of environmental refractive index on sensitivity of a gold (Au) nanoparticle sensor is theoretically investigated in this work. The results show that when few free targets are adjacent to the sensor, a better sensing performance can be achieved as the refractive index increases from 1.00 to 1.10. However, when a target layer is closely covered on the Au nanoparticle, a 0.1 decrease in environmental refractive index can lead to a significant improvement in sensitivity. The similar results can be also obtained on a silver (Ag) nanoparticle. This work provides new understandings for advanced sensing applications of surface plasmon resonance sensors.
Structural, elastic, mechanical, electronic, and magnetic properties of In2NbX6 (X = Cl, Br) variant perovskites
Authors: Ali Basit , Saad H.‐E. M. Musa , Ali Malak Azmat , Alothman Asma A. , Mushab Mohammed , Wadood Fazal , Ali Jawad , Hussain Sajjad
Published: November 2023

This article is about the study of structural, elastic, mechanical, electronic, and magnetic properties of two variant perovskites In2NbX6 (X = Cl, Br) using density functional theory. To the best of our information all calculations were carried out for the first time. The results established the cubic state stability of the present compounds in the FM phase. The thermodynamic and perovskites phase stabilities are respectively confirmed from negative values of formation energies and tolerance factor. The calculated elastic constants C11, C12, and C44 confirmed the mechanical stability of In2NbX6 compounds. The mechanical properties confirmed ductile nature of In2NbCl6 and brittle nature of In2NbBr6. The electronic properties showed that these compounds were metallic in spin up state and semiconductor in spin down state. The magnetic moments were calculated as 1 μB for both the compounds majorly associated with the Nb atom. The spin dependent electrical conductivity was calculated via BoltzTrap code. Besides half metallic nature, high spin dependent electrical conductivities reveals that In2NbX6 variant perovskites compounds are suitable for spintronic applications.
Frozen 1‐RSB structure of the symmetric Ising perceptron
Authors: Perkins Will , Xu Changji
Published: November 2023

We prove, under an assumption on the critical points of a real‐valued function, that the symmetric Ising perceptron exhibits the ‘frozen 1‐RSB’ structure conjectured by Krauth and Mézard in the physics literature; that is, typical solutions of the model lie in clusters of vanishing entropy density. Moreover, we prove this in a very strong form conjectured by Huang, Wong, and Kabashima: a typical solution of the model is isolated with high probability and the Hamming distance to all other solutions is linear in the dimension. The frozen 1‐RSB scenario is part of a recent and intriguing explanation of the performance of learning algorithms by Baldassi, Ingrosso, Lucibello, Saglietti, and Zecchina. We prove this structural result by comparing the symmetric Ising perceptron model to a planted model and proving a comparison result between the two models. Our main technical tool towards this comparison is an inductive argument for the concentration of the logarithm of number of solutions in the model.
An econometric study of eco‐innovation, clean energy, and trade openness toward carbon neutrality and sustainable development in OECD countries
Authors: Obobisa Emma Serwaa
Published: November 2023

International entities have highlighted the issue of climate change and global efforts toward becoming carbon neutral by 2050. Given the current emphasis on Agenda 2030 and the commitment to achieve net zero emissions, this study lures motivation from the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs) of access to affordable clean energy, innovation, sustainable economic growth, sustainable consumption, and production to avert climate change. To this end, this study assesses the role of eco‐innovation, clean energy, trade openness, human capital, and economic growth toward carbon neutrality and sustainable development in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries. The study utilized regression models to analyze the relationship between the variables. The study findings show that eco‐innovation, clean energy utilization, and human capital have a negative impact on CO2 emissions. Trade openness and economic growth have a positive impact on CO2 emissions except that trade impact is insignificant. The results of the causality test show bidirectional causality between eco‐innovation, clean energy utilization, human capital, and CO2 emissions as well as a one‐way causality from trade openness and economic growth to CO2 emissions. Moreover, the impulse‐response and variance decomposition analysis results show that human capital and clean energy will be the key drivers contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions in the future while eco‐innovation, trade openness, and economic growth will steadily increase CO2 emissions. The study proposes expanded development and deployment of clean energy technologies to curtail CO2 emissions and achieve SDGs.
Measuring regions' vulnerability and adaptation to climate change in China: An application of hybrid assessment approach
Authors: Li Qin , Zhu Lei , Shi Xunpeng
Published: November 2023

A timely and systematic assessment can provide valuable insights for decision‐making aimed at reducing vulnerability and enhancing adaptive capacity. This study assesses the vulnerability and adaptation of China's provinces to climate change by employing a combination of the criteria importance intercriteria correlation method and Grey relational analysis. We establish a comprehensive three‐level index system for evaluation, allowing us to prioritize various factors. Our findings reveal significant disparities in the levels of adaptation and vulnerability to climate change across various regions, Generally, regions with well‐developed economies exhibit greater resilience to the impacts of climate change. the ecological system emerges as a key determinant influencing provincial vulnerability to climate change. Moreover, our study underscores the pivotal role of energy system transition in facilitating adaptation to climate change. The findings suggest policy recommendations in areas of ecosystem protection, energy intensity, roadmap, and funding allocation.
Decolonization of MB Dye (C16H18CIN3S) under the Natural Light Using Pristine and Zn−Y Substituted CoFe2O4 as a Catalyst
Authors: Patil Pradip D. , Birajdar Chandrakant T. , Alwesabi Wedad A. , Panchariya Prakashram K. , Raut Anil V. , Jadhav Kamalakar M. , Kavade Ramdas B.
Published: November 2023

Co2Fe2O4 NPs were made using the sol‐gel ignition technique employing citric acid (C6H8O7.6H2O) as a reducing agent to oxidizing agent with a ratio of 1 : 3. A thorough study of the effects of divalent Zn2+ and trivalent Y3+ ion on their structural, Infra‐red, morphological, magnetic, DC‐electrical, optical, and photocatalytic activity. All of the samples have crystallized to a cubic spinel structure with a single phase space group Fd3m, according to the analysis of the XRD pattern consisting of the intense reflections (220), (311) (222), (400), (422), (511), (440), (533), and (444). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) suggested the particle size range of ~27 nm; and demonstrates the agglomerations on the tip of MNPs, which are ideal for increasing surface area, and infrared study verifies the spinel structure. With a decrease in the hysteresis loop for the Zn−Y ligand, the magnetic hysteresis loops demonstrate a ferrimagnetic character. With Zn−Y, magnetic characteristics are noticeably affected; saturation magnetization (Ms) 70.9133 to 59.2148 emu/g; and coercivity (Hc) 1900.30 to 193.96 Oe both exhibit a decrease. The DC‐electrical resistivity image reveals the CFMNPs′ semiconducting nature and the optical energy bandgap demonstrates a decrease from their original state. The MB dye's decolorization demonstrates the amazing deterioration in a short amount of time 20 to 80 minutes range was observed to be 35.88, 61.92, 76.40, and 94.07 %.
Synthesis and Characterization of Carboxymethylated Locust Bean Gum‐co‐poly(SA)‐cl‐poly(MBA) pH Responsive Hydrogel for Controlled Drug Delivery of Metformin Hydrochloride
Authors: Tanwar Meenakshi , Rani Archna , Gupta Rajinder K.
Published: November 2023

The development of hydrophilic carriers with dual stimuli‐ responsiveness for the drug encapsulation and controlled release is one of the biggest challenges for the modern medicinal chemist. In this context, the current study explores the application of locust bean gum (LB), to develop a pH and temperature responsive matrix for controlled delivery of an anti‐diabetic drug, Metformin HCl (MFH) for the first time. LB gum was first structurally modified to carboxymethylated locust bean gum (CMLB). It was copolymerized with sodium acrylate (SA) and cross‐linked by using N,N‐methylene bisacrylamide (MBA) to form hydrogel (CMLB‐co‐poly(SA)‐cl‐poly(MBA)). The model hydrogel was examined using FTIR, TGA, SEM, XRD, and 13C‐NMR to determine structural changes, thermal behaviour and surface morphology. Network parameters confirm the porous nature of the hydrogel and support their swelling behaviour. The drug loaded CMLB‐co‐poly(SA)‐cl‐poly(MBA) hydrogel follows the non‐Fickian diffusion of the anti‐diabetic drug, Metformin HCl (MFH), which is having short and biological half life time. The MFH release profile was analysed by fitting data in the Korsmeyer‐Peppas kinetic model with high rate of release in pH 7.4 compared to Distilled Water (DW) and pH 2.2. Thus we can explore the bio‐compatible synthesized hydrogel as a carrier for sustained drug delivery.
CuS Morphology Control for Enhanced Catalytic Performance in A3 Coupling Reaction
Authors: Cao Sainan , Pan Yongqi , Feng Huangdi , Yang Jingxia
Published: November 2023

A3 coupling reaction can be used to efficiently synthesize propargylamine, which is an important bioactive molecule intermediate, and copper sulfide (CuS) as its catalyst is rarely reported. Herein, CuS with different morphologies including nanoflowers (NFS), nanorods (NR), nanoparticles (NP) were synthesized and applied to the A3 coupling reaction. The results show that CuS NP has the highest catalytic activity (99 % conversion) compared to other CuS, and also has good group compatibility and recyclability. Combining the activity with the CuS surface structure checked by XPS, BET and HRTEM etc., the excellent catalytic performance of CuS NP can be attributed to its higher specific surface area ((SBET=26.9 m2/g, SLangmuir=144.2 m2/g), and higher Cu+/Cu0 (58.9 %), Sn2− (16.7 %). The large specific surface area can provide more active sites, and higher Cu+/Cu0, Sn2− content are conducive to promoting the activation of alkyne terminal C−H, which is an important step in the A3 coupling reaction.
Rationally Construction of Mn‐Doped RuO2 Nanofibers for High‐Activity and Stable Alkaline Ampere‐Level Current Density Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Li Weimo , Liu Ran , Yu Guangtao , Chen Xiaojie , Yan Su , Ren Siyu , Chen Junjie , Chen Wei , Wang Ce , Lu Xiaofeng
Published: November 2023

Nowadays, highly active and stable alkaline bifunctional electrocatalysts toward water electrolysis that can work at high current density (≥1000 mA cm−2) are urgently needed. Herein, Mn‐doped RuO2 (MnxRu1‐xO2) nanofibers (NFs) are constructed to achieve this object, presenting wonderful hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performances with the overpotentials of only 269 and 461 mV at 1 A cm−2 in 1 m KOH solution, and remarkably stability under industrial demand with 1 A cm−2, significantly better than the benchmark Pt/C and commercial RuO2 electrocatalysts, respectively. More importantly, the assembled Mn0.05Ru0.95O2 NFs||Mn0.05Ru0.95O2 NFs electrolyzer toward overall water splitting reaches the current density of 10 mA cm−2 with a cell voltage of 1.52 V and also delivers an outstanding stability over 150 h of continuous operation, far surpassing commercial Pt/C||commercial RuO2, RuO2 NFs||RuO2 NFs and most previously reported exceptional electrolyzers. Theoretical calculations indicate that Mn‐doping into RuO2 can significantly optimize the electronic structure and weaken the strength of O─H bond to achieve the near‐zero hydrogen adsorption free energy (ΔGH*) value for HER, and can also effectively weaken the adsorption strength of intermediate O* at the relevant sites, achieving the higher OER catalytic activity, since the overlapping center of p‐d orbitals is closer to the Fermi level.
Durable Roller‐Based Swing‐Structured Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Water Wave Energy Harvesting
Authors: Xu Zhiqiang , Chen Litu , Zhang Zheng , Han Jiajia , Chen Pengfei , Hong Zhanyong , Jiang Tao , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: November 2023

Ocean energy is a kind of clean and renewable energy source, but it cannot be efficiently harvested by traditional electromagnetic generators, due to its low‐frequency characteristic. The emergence of triboelectric nanogenerators provides a more promising technology for collecting ocean energy. In this work, a durable roller‐based swing‐structured triboelectric nanogenerator (RS‐TENG) is designed and fabricated for low‐frequency water wave energy harvesting. The rolling structure reduces the wear between triboelectric materials and improves the device's durability. After a continuous operation of 1 260 000 cycles, the attenuation of the electrical outputs of the RS‐TENG is below 1.6%, exhibiting excellent durability. At the same time, the output current can arrive at 53.2 µA. Under the triggering of water waves, the RS‐TENG can generate an output power of 4.27 mW, corresponding to a power density of 1.16 W m−3. After the arraying, the output performance can be doubled, so that the TENG can successfully power an environmental monitoring sensor and ensure long‐term stable operation of the sensor. This work provides an effective strategy for improving the device durability, which benefits the practical applications of the TENGs in large‐scale blue energy harvesting.
Zinc Aluminum Oxide Encapsulation Layers for Perovskite Solar Cells Deposited Using Spatial Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Asgarimoghaddam Hatameh , Chen Qiaoyun , Ye Fan , Shahin Ahmed , Song Bo , Musselman Kevin P.
Published: November 2023

An atmospheric‐pressure spatial atomic layer deposition system is used to rapidly deposit 60 nm zinc–aluminum oxide (Zn–AlOx) thin‐film‐encapsulation layers directly on perovskite solar cells at 130 °C without damaging the temperature‐sensitive perovskite and organic materials. Varying the Zn/Al ratio has a significant impact on the structural properties of the films and their moisture barrier performance. The Zn–AlOx films have higher refractive indexes, lower concentrations of OH─ groups, and lower water–vapor transmission rates (WVTR) than AlOx films without zinc. However, as the Zn/Al ratio increases beyond 0.21, excess Zn atoms segregate, leading to an increase in the number of available hydroxyl groups on the surface of the deposited film and a slight increase in the WVTR. The stability of the p–i–n formamidinium methylammonium lead iodide solar cells under standard ISOS‐D‐3 testing conditions (65 °C and 85% relative humidity) is significantly enhanced by the thin encapsulation layers. The layers with a Zn/Al ratio of 0.21 result in a seven‐fold increase the time required for the cells to degrade to 80% of their original efficiency.
Soiling in Solar Energy Systems: The Role of the Thresholding Method in Image Analysis
Authors: Micheli Leonardo , Smestad Greg P. , Khan Muhammad Zahid , Lange Katja , Almughary Huda M. I. , Abraim Mounir , Alamat Yanal , Anderson Cody B. , Bentouba Said , Figgis Benjamin , Fuke Pavan , Hachicha Ahmed Amine , Karim Mounia , Kottantharayil Anil , Martinez-Morales Alfredo A. , Alami Merrouni Ahmed , Olivares Douglas , Picotti Giovanni , Rabanal-Arabach Jorge , Wiesinger Florian , Ilse Klemens
Published: November 2023

The use of image analysis has often been suggested as a practical way to monitor the soiling accumulated on the surfaces of solar energy conversion devices. Indeed, the deposited soiling particles can be counted and characterized to calculate the area they cover, and this area can be converted into an energy loss. However, several particle counting methodologies exist and can lead to dissimilar results. This work focuses on the role of thresholding, an essential step where particles are distinguished from a background based on the pixel brightness. Sixteen automatic thresholding methods are assessed using 13 200 micrographs of glass coupons soiled at nine locations globally. In low‐to‐intermediate soiling conditions, the “Triangle” method is found to return the minimum coefficient of variation and a mean deviation closer to zero. On the other hand, methods assuming a bimodal distribution of pixel brightness underestimate the area coverage. In addition, since soiling can be unevenly distributed over a surface, different loss estimations can be returned when the same image analysis process is used on different spots on a sample's surface. For these reasons, image analysis should be repeated at multiple locations on each investigated surface.
Cost‐benefit assessment framework for robotics‐driven inspection of floating offshore wind farms
Authors: Khalid Omer , Hao Guangbo , MacDonald Hamish , Cooperman Aubryn , Devoy McAuliffe Fiona , Desmond Cian
Published: November 2023

Operations and maintenance (O&M) of floating offshore wind farms (FOWFs) poses various challenges in terms of greater distances from the shore, harsher weather conditions, and restricted mobility options. Robotic systems have the potential to automate some parts of the O&M leading to continuous feature‐rich data acquisition, operational efficiency, along with health and safety improvements. There remains a gap in assessing the techno‐economic feasibility of robotics in the FOWF sector. This paper investigates the costs and benefits of incorporating robotics into the O&M of a FOWF. A bottom‐up cost model is used to estimate the costs for a proposed multi‐robot platform (MRP). The MRP houses unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to conduct the inspection of specific FOWF components. Emphasis is laid on the most conducive O&M activities for robotization and the associated technical and cost aspects. The simulation is conducted in Windfarm Operations and Maintenance cost‐Benefit Analysis Tool (WOMBAT), where the metrics of incurred operational expenditure (OPEX) and the inspection time are calculated and compared with those of a baseline case consisting of crew transfer vessels, rope‐access technicians, and divers. Results show that the MRP can reduce the inspection time incurred, but this reduction has dependency on the efficacy of the robotic system and the associated parameterization e.g., cost elements and the inspection rates. Conversely, the increased MRP day rate results in a higher annualized OPEX. Residual risk is calculated to assess the net benefit of incorporating the MRP. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis is conducted to find the key parameters influencing the OPEX and the inspection time variation. A key output of this work is a robust and realistic framework which can be used for the cost‐benefit assessment of future MRP systems for specific FOWF activities.
Long noncoding RNAs and their complex role in shaping and regulating arachidonic acid metabolism: Learning to love the (not‐really) junk
Authors: Desind Samuel Z. , Bell Samira K. , Davidson Zachary M. , Lutz Carol S.
Published: November 2023

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as critical regulators in numerous biological processes. The arachidonic acid (AA) metabolic pathway is a fundamental biochemical pathway responsible for the enzymatic conversion of AA, a 20‐carbon omega‐six polyunsaturated fatty acid, into a variety of potent lipid signaling molecules known as eicosanoids. Eicosanoids are produced through the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase arms of the AA pathway and have diverse biological roles in both healthy and disease states, including cancer and inflammatory diseases. Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX‐2), the inducible, rate‐limiting enzyme of the cyclooxygenase arm, produces two main forms of eicosanoids: prostaglandins and thromboxanes. AA  metabolized through the lipoxygenase arm by the action of 5‐lipoxygenase (ALOX5) produces eicosanoids known as leukotrienes. COX‐2 and ALOX5 gene expression are regulated through many different lncRNAs and microRNA (miRNA)‐mediated mechanisms. As previously reviewed, noncoding RNAs affect transcription, splicing, alternative polyadenylation, messenger RNA stability, translation, and miRNA regulation of COX‐2 and ALOX5 (Lutz and Cornett, 2013, Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews. RNA, 4(5), 593–605). This current review discusses the intricate roles of lncRNAs, including MALAT1, NEAT1, HOTAIR, PACER, and others, in modulating the AA pathway. In this review update, we will delve into advancements in our understanding of AA gene expression regulation. We will explore the mechanisms of lncRNAs and their associated miRNAs and proteins known to regulate key components of the AA signaling pathway. We will also discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting lncRNA‐mediated regulation, with a focus on modulating COX‐2 and ALOX5 activity and downstream eicosanoid production for applications in inflammatory and oncological conditions.

This article is categorized under:

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease
High nitrogen concentration causes G2/M arrest in Hanseniaspora vineae
Authors: Schwarz Luisa Vivian , Sandri Fernanda Knaach , Scariot Fernando , Delamare Ana Paula Longaray , Valera Maria Jose , Carrau Francisco , Echeverrigaray Sergio
Published: November 2023

Yeasts have been widely used as a model to better understand cell cycle mechanisms and how nutritional and genetic factors can impact cell cycle progression. While nitrogen scarcity is well known to modulate cell cycle progression, the relevance of nitrogen excess for microorganisms has been overlooked. In our previous work, we observed an absence of proper entry into the quiescent state in Hanseniaspora vineae and identified a potential link between this behavior and nitrogen availability. Furthermore, the Hanseniaspora genus has gained attention due to a significant loss of genes associated with DNA repair and cell cycle. Thus, the aim of our study was to investigate the effects of varying nitrogen concentrations on H. vineae's cell cycle progression. Our findings demonstrated that nitrogen excess, regardless of the source, disrupts cell cycle progression and induces G2/M arrest in H. vineae after reaching the stationary phase. Additionally, we observed a viability decline in H. vineae cells in an ammonium‐dependent manner, accompanied by increased production of reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial hyperpolarization, intracellular acidification, and DNA fragmentation. Overall, our study highlights the events of the cell cycle arrest in H. vineae induced by nitrogen excess and attempts to elucidate the possible mechanism triggering this absence of proper entry into the quiescent state.
Data-Based Utilisation Contexts
Authors: Scheffer Jörg
Published: November 2023

Personalised data are used in different economic contexts of utilisation to target users with the right products, information and services. The channels through which person-related data are obtained are as various as the possibilities of approaching people individually. While the extensive knowledge about users provides the topic for research looking into (government) surveillance or the loss of privacy, this chapter focuses on the significance of self-mirroring: What are the social implications of targeting every user individually when people are confronted with the economic expression of their own dispositions? Numerous examples will illustrate that such a recursive reference is possible and widely used for the majority of day-to-day activities, online as well as offline.
Einleitung
Authors: Landherr Anna
Published: November 2023

Am 31. Dezember 2003 strahlen alle nationalen chilenischen Nachrichtensender die gleichen Bilder aus: der damalige Präsident Ricardo Lagos läuft in Badehose über einen weißen Sandstrand in ein türkisfarbenes Meer und badet vor den Augen lokaler PolitikerInnen, AnwohnerInnen und gefolgt von mehreren Kameramännern ausgelassen in der Bucht von Chañaral. Nach einem erfolgreichen Dekontaminierungsplan sei einer der größten Umweltskandale des Landes nun behoben und der Sandstrand offiziell wieder zum Baden freigegeben, wodurch die Region eine neue Tourismusattraktion dazugewinnen würde, kommentieren die NachrichtensprecherInnen die Bilder. Sie berichten, es handle sich dabei um ein öffentliches Zeichen des Präsidenten, das sein Engagement für die Umwelt unterstreiche.