bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular watchdogs on genome patrol
Authors: Chistol Gheorghe , Walter Johannes
Published: April 2014

By removing various obstacles from single strands of DNA, an enzyme called Pif1 clears the way for other enzymes that act on DNA.
Redução do espaçamento entrelinhas do milho e sua influência na dose do herbicida
Authors: Ulguim André Da Rosa , Perboni Lais Tessari , Westendorff Nixon Da Rosa , Nohatto Marcos André , Silva Bruno Moncks da , Agostinetto Dirceu
Published: April 2014

A integração de práticas de manejo como ferramenta auxiliar no controle químico de plantas daninhas, em pós-emergência na cultura do milho (Zea mays L.), pode propiciar a redução da dose do herbicida a ser aplicado. Dessa forma, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi estudar, por meio de alterações no espaçamento, a possibilidade de redução das doses recomendadas dos herbicidas tembotriona e mesotriona, sem prejudicar o controle das plantas daninhas e a produtividade da cultura do milho. O experimento foi realizado em delineamento em blocos casualizados em esquema de parcelas sub-subdivididas, com quatro repetições. Como tratamentos utilizaram-se dois espaçamentos entrelinhas (0,40 e 0,80 m); dois herbicidas (tembotriona - 100 g i.a. ha-1 e mesotriona - 192 g i.a. ha-1); e, quatro doses dos herbicidas (100, 80, 60 e 0% a dose recomendada). Avaliaram-se visualmente a fitotoxicidade à cultura e controle de nabo (Raphanus raphanistrum L.) e papuã [Urochloa plantaginea (Link) Hitchc.], aos 7, 14, 21 e 28 dias após a aplicação dos tratamentos, bem como o número de plantas por parcela, espigas por planta, massa de mil grãos e produtividade. Os resultados evidenciaram que o espaçamento não interferiu no controle de nabo e papuã e na produtividade do milho. O herbicida mesotriona foi mais eficiente no controle de nabo e o tembotriona de papuã, possibilitando utilizar 80% da dose recomendada de ambos sem afetar o controle de plantas daninhas e a produtividade da cultura.
Curvas de dose-resposta comparativas entre os biótipos resistente e suscetível de capim-amargoso (Digitaria insularis) ao herbicida glyphosate
Authors: Reinert Camila Schorr , Prado Ana Beatriz Campos Almeida , Christoffoleti Pedro Jacob
Published: April 2014

A utilização frequente do glyphosate em sistemas de produção da cultura do citros tem selecionado no Brasil populações resistentes de capim-amargoso (Digitaria insularis) a este herbicida, sendo importante caracterizar os níveis desta resistência para fundamentação de recomendações de medidas racionais de manejo. Sendo assim, foi conduzido um ensaio para elaboração de curvas de dose-resposta comparativa entre dois biótipos da planta daninha capim-amargoso, um resistente (R) e outro suscetível (S) ao herbicida glyphosate. O ensaio foi conduzido em casa-de-vegetação no período de fevereiro a maio de 2012, com cinco doses, do herbicida glyphosate, tendo como base a dose recomendada do herbicida, 900 g e.a. ha-1 (0,0; 450; 900; 1.800; 3.600 e 7.200 g e.a. ha-1), e a planta daninha com 3 a 4 perfilhos no momento da aplicação. Avaliou-se porcentagem de redução da biomassa seca em relação a dose 0,0 e porcentagem visual de controle, aos 14 dias após a aplicação do herbicida. O fator de resistência R/S foi de 16,66, quando baseado na redução percentual da biomassa seca, e de 20,26 quando baseado na porcentagem de controle. Sendo assim, o biótipo R tem um alto grau de resistência, maior que os já relatados na literatura, que estão em dimensões menores que 10. Alto grau de resistência pode indicar que os mecanismos de resistência ao glyphosate neste biótipo são resultantes de alteração no sítio de ação ou super expressão gênica, e não do metabolismo, como geralmente ocorre em plantas daninhas com baixos valores do fator R/S. Para determinação destes mecanismos há necessidade de novos estudos. Conclui-se também que o manejo deste biótipo deve estar fundamentado em herbicidas alternativos ao glyphosate, pois incrementos na dose de glyphosate provavelmente não são viáveis economicamente.
Aminocyclopyrachlor e indaziflam: Seletividade, controle e comportamento no ambiente
Authors: Guerra Naiara , Oliveira Júnior Rubem Silvério de , Constantin Jamil , Oliveira Neto Antonio Mendes de , Braz Guilherme Braga Pereira
Published: April 2014

Os herbicidas aminocyclopyrachlor e indaziflam são duas novas moléculas que estão em fase de desenvolvimento no Brasil. Aminocyclopyrachlor é um mimetizador de auxina, e o indaziflam atua na biossíntese de parede celular e ambos apresentam grande potencial para controle de plantas daninhas em pré-emergência. O aminocyclopyrachlor é seletivo para espécies pertencentes à família Poaceae, enquanto que o indaziflam é pouco seletivo para culturas anuais, estando em desenvolvimento para culturas perenes. Embora apresentem características distintas de sorção ao solo, ambos herbicidas apresentam correlação positiva entre a sorção e o conteúdo de matéria orgânica. A longa persistência da atividade residual no solo das duas moléculas exige que ambas sejam utilizadas com cautela, em função do potencial de carryover.
Aboriginal Social Policy: A Critical Community Mental Health Issue
Authors: Mitchell Terry , MacLeod Timothy
Published: May 2014

Community psychologists offer relevant tools for pursuing critical reflection on the nature of social policy, with special consideration of power inequities that often arise from the misrepresentation of affected stakeholders. This article examines the critical role researchers and community health practitioners can play in guarding against the misrepresentation of community voices in neoliberal policy environments. We identify the extreme harm caused by socially exclusive policy-making in an examination of the institutional oppression of Aboriginal peoples across Canada. We caution against the dangers of perpetuating neoliberal agendas and token participation via the misuse of community engagement. We emphasize the important role of community psychologists in challenging the status quo, for engaging stakeholders in authentic participation, and in policy development. We conclude with recommendations to broaden and improve the policy skills of community psychologists and other mental health professionals to more effectively advance social policy and actualize the potential for transformative social change in Aboriginal communities.
Acidisarcina
Authors: Belova Svetlana E. , Ivanova Anastasia A. , Dedysh Svetlana N.
Published: July 2024

A.ci.di.sar.ci'na. L. N. neut. adj.
acidum
, acid; L. fem. n.
sarcina,
a package, bundle; N.L. fem. n.
Acidisarcina,
acidophilic package.

Acidobacteriota / Terriglobia / Terriglobales / Acidobacteriaceae / Acidisarcina

The genus
Acidisarcina
accommodates Gram‐stain‐negative, highly polymorphic, acidophilic, psychrotolerant, chemoorganotrophic bacteria. Cells occur in pairs, sarcina‐like tetrads, or in large clusters. Young cultures may contain single cells or short chains of curved cells. In most cases, cells occur inside saccular chambers, which are made of tightly packed microfibrils of cellulose. Colonies are circular, smooth, convex, and of gummy consistency. The colony color varies from opal beige to light pink. Members of the genus are aerobes that are capable of growth under microoxic conditions. Catalase‐negative. The major phospholipid fatty acids are iso‐C
15:0
, C
16:1
ω7
c
, C
16:0
, and 13,16‐dimethyl octacosanedioic acid; the predominant quinone is menaquinone‐8. Sugars are the preferred growth substrates. Hydrolyzes various polysaccharides including xylan, esculin, laminarin, lichenan, chitin, and cellulose. The major polar lipids are phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphohexose; ornithine lipids can also be present. The genus belongs to the phylum
Acidobacteriota,
the class
Terriglobia,
the order
Terriglobales,
and family
Acidobacteriaceae
. Representatives of this genus inhabit acidic soils and peatlands and are often detected in primary soils colonized with lichens and mosses. The type species is
Acidisarcina polymorpha
.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 56.8 (genome sequence).

Type species
:
Acidisarcina polymorpha
Belova et al. 2022a, VL206.
Effect of Scanning Strategies on Grain Structure and Texture of Additively Manufactured Lattice Struts: A Numerical Exploration
Authors: Yang Zerong , Koepf Johannes A. , Markl Matthias , Körner Carolin
Published: July 2024

Electron beam powder bed fusion (PBF‐EB) is a promising technology for fabricating complex parts with near‐net‐shape precision. Moreover, PBF‐EB offers a unique opportunity to tailor the microstructure, thereby tuning local mechanical properties. Numerical simulation has emerged as a powerful tool for predicting the evolution of texture and grain structure during PBF‐EB. Herein, the in‐house developed and experimentally validated simulation software, , is employed to investigate the impact of scanning strategy on the texture and grain structure of CMSX‐4 in PBF‐EB‐processed thin tilted lattice struts, commonly found in cellular structures. The core of consists of a finite difference solver for temperature field computation and a cellular automaton model for simulating grain structure evolution. Nine distinct scanning strategies are systematically explored. The resulting texture and grain structures are meticulously compared and comprehensively discussed. Notably, the contour scanning strategy yields distinctive texture and grain structures compared to other explored scanning strategies. This study highlights the capability of in assisting microstructure customization in the PBF‐EB process, and advances the understanding of the relationship between PBF‐EB scanning strategy and resulting microstructure in tilted lattice struts.
A Long‐Range Planar Polymer with Efficient π‐Electron Delocalization for Superior Proton Storage
Authors: Wang Renyuan , He Jing , Yan Chao , Jing Renwei , Zhao Yue , Yang Jun , Shi Minjie , Yan Xingbin
Published: July 2024

Due to the unique “Grotthus mechanism”, aqueous proton batteries (APBs) are promising energy devices with intrinsic safety and sustainability. Although polymers with tunable molecular structures are ideal electrode materials, their unsatisfactory proton‐storage redox behaviors hinder the practical application in APB devices. Herein, a novel planar phenazine (PPHZ) polymer with a robust and extended imine‐rich skeleton is synthesized and used for APB application for the first time. The long‐range planar configuration achieves ordered molecular stacking and reduced conformational disorder, while the high conjugation with strong π‐electron delocalization optimizes energy bandgap and electronic properties, enabling the polymer with low proton diffusion barriers, high redox activity, and superior electron affinity. As such, the PPHZ polymer as an electrode material exhibits fast, stable, and unrivaled proton‐storage redox behaviors with a large capacity of 273.3 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 (1 C) in 1 M H2SO4 electrolyte, which is the highest value among proton‐inserted electrodes in aqueous acidic electrolytes. Dynamic in situ techniques confirm the high redox reversibility upon proton uptake/removal, and the corresponding protonation pathways are elucidated by theoretical calculations. Moreover, a pouch‐type APB cell using PPHZ electrode exhibits an ultralong lifespan over 30 000 cycles, further verifying its promising application prospect.
Polyphenol‐Derived Carbonaceous Frameworks with Multiscale Porosity for High‐Power Electrochemical Applications
Authors: Kim Minjun , Jang Joon Ho , Nam Myeong Gyun , Yoo Pil J.
Published: July 2024

With the escalating global demand for electric vehicles and sustainable energy solutions, increasing focus is placed on developing electrochemical systems that offer fast charging and high‐power output, primarily governed by mass transport. Accordingly, porous carbons have emerged as highly promising electrochemically active or supporting materials due to expansive surface areas, tunable pore structures, and superior electrical conductivity, accelerating surface reaction. Yet, while substantial research has been devoted to crafting various porous carbons to increase specific surface areas, the optimal utilization of the surfaces remains underexplored. This review emphasizes the critical role of the fluid dynamics within multiscale porous carbonaceous electrodes, leading to substantially enhanced pore utilization in electrochemical systems. It elaborates on strategies of using sacrificial templates for incorporating meso/macropores into microporous carbon matrix, while exploiting the unique properties of polyphenol moieties such as sustainable carbons derived from biomass, inherent adhesive/cohesive interactions with template materials, and facile complexation capabilities with diverse materials, thereby enabling adaptive structural modulations. Furthermore, it explores how multiscale pore configurations influence pore‐utilization efficiency, demonstrating advantages of incorporating multiscale pores. Finally, synergistic impact on the high‐power electrochemical systems is examined, attributed to improved fluid‐dynamic behavior within the carbonaceous frameworks, providing insights for advancing next‐generation high‐power electrochemical applications.
Patterned PEDOT:PSS‐Flexible Electrode Using Electrospinning Nano‐Fiber Substrate with UV‐Induced Selective Wettability
Authors: Yu Bin‐Hai , Zhang Bin , Li Jia‐sheng , Lu Zhou , Liang Guan‐Wei , Li Zong‐tao
Published: July 2024

Water‐soluble conductive polymer poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)/polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) has a broad application prospect in the field of flexible wearable electronics, but the simple and efficient manufacture of patterned PEDOT:PSS flexible electrodes is still challenging. In this paper, a patterned PEDOT:PSS‐flexible electrode with a electrospinning nano‐fiber substrate is proposed. The electrode substrate is produced by electrospinning a hydrophobic polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) matrix material loaded with TiO2 UV‐induced hydrophilic‐hydrophobic conversion particles. The PEDOT:PSS flexible electrode is prepared using a simple UV‐induced selective wettability(UV‐SW) process and optimized vacuum filtration method. The method of manufacturing flexible electrodes based on patterned wetting film substrates is simple and feasible, while the electrode features high precision, good conductivity, and excellent deformation ability. The electrode has a line width error of less than 5%, an initial conductivity of 584.44 S m−1, and maintains stable conductivity under 0–180° bending and 0–30° torsion, with variation rates of only 4.9% and 2.3%, respectively. This paper presents a simple method to fabricate patterned PEDOT:PSS flexible electrode with high precision. This study provides an efficient method for the manufacturing of fibric‐based patterned flexible electrodes, this method is promising for fabric‐based wearable electronics.
Characterization of NiCas12b for In Vivo Genome Editing
Authors: Zhang Yunqian , Wei Jingjing , Wang Hongyan , Wang Yongming
Published: July 2024

The RNA‐guided clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas12b system represents the third family of CRISPR‐Cas systems that are harnessed for genome editing. However, only a few nucleases have demonstrated activity in human cells, and their in vivo therapeutic potential remains uncertain. In this study, a green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐activation assay is conducted to screen a panel of 15 Cas12b orthologs, and four of them exhibited editing activity in mammalian cells. Particularly noteworthy is the NiCas12b derived from Nitrospira sp., which recognizes a “TTN” protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) and facilitates efficient genome editing in various cell lines. Importantly, NiCas12b also exhibits a high degree of specificity, rendering it suitable for therapeutic applications. As proof of concept, the adeno‐associated virus (AAV) is employed to introduce NiCas12b to target the cholesterol regulatory gene proprotein convertase subtilisin/ kexin type 9 (Pcsk9) in the mouse liver. After 4 weeks of injections, an impressive is observed over 16.0% insertion/deletion (indel) efficiency, resulting in a significant reduction in serum cholesterol levels. NiCas12b provides a novel option for both basic research and clinical applications.
A Regenerative Coking‐resistant CO2 Hydrogenation Reactor using a Protonic Ceramic Electrolysis Cell with Thin and Robust Fuel Electrode
Authors: Miao Xiaoyun , Feng Jiangyuan , Dai Zhongqin , Zhu Xingzhi , Wen Jianjun , Zhang Liang , Ye Xiaofeng , Zhou Yucun , Wen Zhaoyin
Published: July 2024

A CO2 hydrogenation reactor based on protonic ceramic electrolysis cells (PCECs) is one of the most promising options for the efficient and clean conversion of CO2. However, insufficient performance and durability have hindered the practical application of such CO2 hydrogenation reactors. Here, fabricates a large‐area (≈10 cm2) tubular air electrode supported PCEC (AES‐PCEC) and develop a fuel electrode regeneration strategy for efficient and durable CO2 hydrogenation. The AES‐PCEC demonstrates a CO yield of 2.88 mL min−1 at 650 °C while maintaining excellent durability for over 1100 h. The high stability of the AES‐PCEC can be attributed to the robust and thin fuel electrode structure as well as the water‐mediated carbon removal regeneration mechanism. Density functional theory calculations have confirmed the regeneration mechanism facilitated by the excellent water hydration and dissociation capability of the BaCe0.4Zr0.4Y0.1Yb0.1O3‐σ. This work offers a feasible strategy to design high‐performance and durable PCEC‐based CO2 hydrogenation reactors.
Efficient removal of emerging pollutant oxytetracycline by cost‐effective biochar–hydroxyapatite composite
Authors: Tran Quang Minh , Le Phuong Thu , Nguyen Thu Phuong , Nguyen Hong Nam , Do Thi Hai , Nguyen Trung Dung , Dinh Thi Mai Thanh
Published: July 2024

Biochar (BC) and hydroxyapatite (HAp) are widely used in environmental remediation due to their high adsorption capacity, porous structure, large specific surface area, chemical stability, non‐toxicity, and low solubility. Combining BC and HAp is a green and effective strategy for creating new adsorbents (BCH) that have a synergistic impact on wastewater treatment. In this study, BCH composites derived from apatite ore and macadamia nut shells were synthesized by the wet impregnation method to remove oxytetracycline (OTC) from aqueous solutions. The BC‐HAp composite with a ratio of 10:1 (by weight) was the most effective material for removing OTC. The Redlich–Peterson model achieved the highest correlation coefficient among the four models tested (Freundlich, Langmuir, Temkin, and Redlich–Peterson). The maximum adsorption capacity calculated with the Langmuir isotherm was 49.59 mg g−1. It was found that the adsorption process was significantly affected by the solution pH. The bipolar form of the drug was found to be OTC±, and the adsorption was most effective in solutions with a pH of 6. The OTC adsorption dominant mechanisms on nanocomposites could be electrostatic attraction, hydrogen bonding formation, surface complexation, or ion exchange. Therefore, the BCH composite showed great potential for removing OTC pollutants in a cost‐effective, and environmentally friendly manner.
Patterns of Infliximab Biosimilar Uptake for Medicare, Medicaid, and Private Insurance from 2016 to 2022
Authors: Roberts Eric T. , Li Jing , Bansback Nick , Tseng Chien‐Wen , Shiboski Steve , Schmajuk Gabriela , Yazdany Jinoos
Published: July 2024

Objective

Biosimilars have the potential to reduce spending on biologic drugs, yet uptake has been slower than anticipated. We investigated how successive introductions of infliximab biosimilars influenced their adoption by major US insurance providers.

Methods

Data came from the Rheumatology Informatics System for Effectiveness, a national registry with electronic health records from more than 1,100 US rheumatologists. All infliximab administrations (bio‐originator or biosimilar) to patients aged ≥18 years from April 2016 to September 2022 were included. We used an interrupted time series to model the effect of each infliximab biosimilar release (infliximab‐dyyb, November 2016; infliximab‐adba, July 2017; and infliximab‐axxq, July 2020) on uptake across Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers.

Results

With the first and second biosimilar releases, biosimilar uptake rose slowly, with average annual increases of ≤5% from 2016 to June 2020 (Medicare 3.2%, Medicaid 5.2%, and private insurance 1.8%). With the third biosimilar release in July 2020, the average annual increase reached 13% for Medicaid and 16.4% for private insurance but remained low for Medicare (5.6%). By September 2022, uptake was higher for Medicaid (43.8%) and private insurance (38.5%) than for Medicare (24%).

Conclusion

Our results have two key findings for policy makers. First, our results suggest that one or two biosimilars may not generate enough competition to speed adoption rates for biosimilars. Second, Medicare, which covers most patients receiving biologics nationally, had slow adoption rates even after the third biosimilar was introduced. Policy levers to speed adoption among Medicare beneficiaries are needed.
Two Different Chiral Groups Based Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Materials for Circularly Polarized OLEDs
Authors: Liang Jia‐Qi , Hu Jia‐Jun , Huo Zhong‐Zhong , Yan Zhi‐Ping , Yuan Li , Zhong Xiao‐Sheng , Wei Yi , Song Shi‐Quan , Liu Qi‐Ming , Song You , Zheng You‐Xuan
Published: July 2024

Circularly polarized organic light‐emitting diodes (CP‐OLEDs) hold significant promise for applications in 3D displays due to the ability to generate circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) directly. In this study, two pairs of circularly polarized thermally activated delayed fluorescence (CP‐TADF) enantiomers, named RR/SS‐ONCN and RS/SR‐ONCN, were synthesized by integrating two distinct chiral groups into the dicyanobenzene unit. The RR/SS‐ONCN and RS/SR‐ONCN enantiomers show CPL properties with dissymmetry photoluminescence factors (|gPL|) of 1.3×10−3 and 2.0×10−3 in doped films, respectively. Notably, RR/SS‐ONCN exhibit higher |gPL| values than that of RS/SR‐ONCN, especially in doped films, indicating that when the configurations of the two chiral groups are identical, the |gPL| value of the CP‐TADF materials can be enhanced, demonstrating a certain stacking effect. Moreover, the corresponding CP‐OLEDs demonstrate good performances, achieving maximum external quantum efficiencies of up to 21.9 % and notable CP electroluminescence with |gEL| factors of up to 1.0×10−3.
Utilization of citrus, date, and jujube substrates for anaerobic digestion processes
Authors: Chubur Viktoriia , Hasan Ghaith , Kára Jaroslav , Hanzlíková Irena , Chernysh Yelizaveta , Sedláček Jan , Wang Jian , Roubík Hynek
Published: July 2024

This research explores the potential for generating biogas and clean energy by processing organic waste, a process that can become a sustainable solution to Syria's energy needs. Focusing on agricultural residues generated from citrus fruit orange, date, and jujube cultivation in Syria, this study evaluates the potential for anaerobic digestion of these residues for biogas production. It highlights the influence of substrate composition and the optimization of fermentation processes on biogas and methane production. The study focuses on evaluating the anaerobic digestion process by examining various dosages ranging from 20% to 50% dry matter for citrus orange waste, and different types of substrate with a fixed ratio of 20% substrate dry matter. It specifically discusses the factors influencing the inhibitory effect of anaerobic digestion, giving particular consideration to orange waste, a significant byproduct of the citrus industry. The biogas produced maintained a stable methane content when a citrus‐to‐inoculum ratio of 30:70 was used. Jujube waste, characterized by a composition rich in cellulose and hemicellulose, exhibited a higher potential for biogas and methane generation among the fruit waste investigated, particularly when combined with the inoculum in a 20:80 ratio. The research findings underscore the potential of using Syrian agricultural residues, including orange citrus peel, date, and jujube fruit, for the production of biogas through anaerobic digestion.
Repurposing Antiviral Drugs as Potential Anti‐EGFR Agents in NSCLC: A Structure‐Based Screening and Molecular Dynamics Analysis
Authors: Adegboyega Fikayo N. , Anifowose Lateef O. , Hammad Sherif F. , Ghazy Mohamed A.
Published: July 2024

One of the problems resulting from recurrent hyperactivated or mutant epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is therapeutic resistance. Consequently, this leads to increased expression of oncogenic proteins and reduces the efficacy of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). This study assessed antiviral drug efficacy as potential anti‐EGFR agents for NSCLC. We used structure‐based virtual screening to evaluate 66 antiviral drugs thoroughly. The top 6 antiviral drugs exhibiting impressive binding energies (i. e. surpassing a threshold of −8.5 kcal mol−1) were identified. Subsequent bioactivity analysis and ADMET profiling were performed to select the most promising candidates, followed by a molecular dynamic simulation. Among the selected antiviral regimens, dolutegravir demonstrated the highest docking score (−9.8 kcal mol−1), followed by rilpivirine and ensitrelvir, surpassing other candidates and our reference EGFR TKI. Further molecular dynamics simulations revealed promising dynamic interactions of dolutegravir, ensitrelvir, and rilpivirine with the EGFR target as compared with afatinib. Our findings highlight the repositioning potential of antiviral drugs for anti‐EGFR drug discovery, supported by their robust docking scores, ADMET profiles, dynamic interactions, and binding free energies. The results open up new avenues for advanced NSCLC therapy. Further in vitro investigations are warranted to evaluate their efficacy and safety.
In‐Vitro Cytotoxic and Anti‐Inflammatory Potential of Asparagus Densiflorus Meyeri and its Phytochemical Investigation
Authors: Sobhy Yasmin , Mahgoub Shahenda , Abo‐zeid Yasmin , Mina Suzan A. , Mady Mohamed S.
Published: July 2024

Genus Asparagus is well known for its pharmacological activities and ethnopharmacological applications. In folk medicine, it is used in the management of several diseases such as diabetes, inflammations, and rheumatism. This work aimed to investigate the potential of Asparagus densiflorus meyeri root & aerial parts extracts as cytotoxic and anti‐inflammatory and the investigation of their chemical profile. GC analysis & Folin‐Ciocalteu and gravimetric methods were used respectively to estimate the lipoidal, phenolic, and saponin contents. MTT assay was conducted using two cell lines (MCF‐7 & HepG2) to investigate the cytotoxic and anti‐inflammatory activity using TNF‐α stimulated MCF‐7 cells through monitoring the level of nitric oxide release and NF‐κB gene expression. Preliminary phytochemical investigation indicated that both extracted parts are equally rich in saponins, flavonoids, carbohydrates and/or glycosides, and sterols and/or triterpenes. Palmitic acid and β sitosterol represented the major saturated fatty acids and sterol, respectively. A significant cytotoxic activity against MCF‐7 cells was recorded for DCM extract (IC50 26.13 μg/ml). All tested extracts showed a significant decrease in NO release and NF‐κB gene expression thus it possesses a potential anti‐inflammatory activity. A. densiflorus meyeri is considered a good candidate as a food supplement for protection from malignancy.
A Homogeneous Nickel Catalyst for Reductive Amination of γ‐Keto Acids using Hydrogen
Authors: Chakrabortty Soumyadeep , Moritz Jan‐Ole , Kallmeier Fabian , Neumann Helfried , Tin Sergey , Beller Matthias , de Vries Johannes G.
Published: July 2024

The reductive amination of levulinic and 2‐acetyl benzoic acids with hydrogen and various amines proceeds efficiently in the presence of a homogeneous Ni/triphos‐catalyst. The reaction rate of the overall process is significantly enhanced using 3,3,3‐trifluoroethanol (TFE) as solvent. The optimized synthetic protocol allows for a straightforward access of >20 examples of N‐functionalized pyrrolidinones in high yields (75 % and >99 %). Upscaling to 10 mmol‐scale is demonstrated and mechanistic in situ studies revealed the presence of alkoxy‐ and hydroxylactams as crucial intermediates.
Photocatalytic Reductive Azaarenylation of Cyclopropanes via Consecutive Photo‐induced Electron Transfer: A Facile Route to α‐Quaternary Azaarenes†
Authors: Sun Gaolei , Wei Wenhui , Zhao Xiaowei , Qiao Baokun , Jiang Zhiyong
Published: July 2024

Comprehensive Summary

α‐Azaarene quaternary carbon centers are prevalent in drug molecules, making the development of efficient synthetic approaches of great interest. Herein, we describe an unprecedented method for constructing α‐all‐carbon quaternary carbon‐centered azaarenes by employing photocatalytic reductive coupling of various 2,2‐disubstituted cycloproarylketones with readily available cyanoazaarenes. The reaction proceeds with high efficiency, displaying excellent compatibility with various functional groups and demonstrating high chemo‐ and regioselectivity. Mechanistic investigations suggest that consecutive photo‐induced electron transfer (ConPET) plays a crucial role in the formation of photocatalyst with greater reducing capability, ultimately enabling the direct reductive conversion of unreactive π‐bonds under mild and transition‐metal‐free conditions.
tBuOK/TMSOK‐Mediated “Alkyl Halide to Alkyl Free Radical” Transformation for Transition‐Metal‐Free Benzoin α‐C—H Alkylation
Authors: Wang Zhouying , Gan Lu , Song Zhibin , Liu Yunyun , Wan Jie‐Ping
Published: July 2024

Comprehensive Summary

The alkali tert‐butoxide (tBuOK or tBuONa) mediated generation of aryl free radical from aryl iodide remarks a milestone discovery in the free radical chemistry. However, the equivalent “alkyl halide to alkyl free radical” transformation has not yet been realized in applicable synthesis by similar catalytic tactic. In this paper, the first practical “alkyl halide to alkyl free radical” transformation mediated by tBuOK or TMSOK in the direct α‐C—H alkylation of benzoins is presented. As the parallelly significant issue as aryl free radical generation, the current work, while bringing a rather facile and useful new approach for the synthesis of diverse benzoins, represents also an important step in the alkyl free radical‐based synthesis by displaying the higher generality of simple alkali base mediated radical formation.
Computational model‐based hemodynamic comparisons of traditional and modified idealized models of autologous radiocephalic fistula
Authors: Wang Fan , Wang Baohui , Guo Jinfeng , Zhang Tian , Mu Weina , Liu Chunhui
Published: July 2024

Autologous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is a commonly used vascular access (VA) for hemodialysis, and hemodynamic changes are one of the main factors for its failure. To explore the effect of geometry on the hemodynamics in the AVF, a modified model is built with a gradual and smooth turn at the anastomosis and is compared with the traditional model, which has an abrupt sharp turn at the anastomisis. Transient computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were performed for the comparison and analysis of the hemodynamic fields of the two models at different stages of the pulse cycle. The results showed that the low shear stress region and high oscillatory shear stress region in the modified AVF model coincided with regions of intimal hyperplasia that have been identified by previous studies. A comparison with the blood flow velocities measured in vivo was performed, and the error between the simulation results and the medical data was reduced by 22% in the modified model, which verifies the rationality and utility of the modified model.
In silico analysis reveals the prospects of renal anisotropy in improving chronic kidney disease detection using ultrasound shear wave elastography
Authors: Lim William T. H. , Ooi Ean H. , Foo Ji J. , Ng Kwan H. , Wong Jeannie H. D. , Leong Sook S.
Published: July 2024

Renal anisotropy is a complex property of the kidney and often poses a challenge in obtaining consistent measurements when using shear wave elastography to detect chronic kidney disease. To circumvent the challenge posed by renal anisotropy in clinical settings, a dimensionless biomarker termed the ‘anisotropic ratio’ was introduced to establish a correlation between changes in degree of renal anisotropy and progression of chronic kidney disease through an in silico perspective. To achieve this, an efficient model reduction approach was developed to model the anisotropic property of kidneys. Good agreement between the numerical and experimental data were obtained, as percentage errors of less than 5.5% were reported when compared against experimental phantom measurement from the literature. To demonstrate the applicability of the model to clinical measurements, the anisotropic ratio of sheep kidneys was quantified, with both numerical and derived experimental results reporting a value of .667. Analysis of the anisotropic ratio with progression of chronic kidney disease demonstrated that patients with normal kidneys would have a lower anisotropic ratio of .872 as opposed to patients suffering from renal impairment, in which the anisotropic ratio may increase to .904, as determined from this study. The findings demonstrate the potential of the anisotropic ratio in improving the detection of chronic kidney disease using shear wave elastography.
High‐throughput in‐memory bitwise computing based on a coupled dual‐SRAM array with independent operands
Authors: Wu Hongbiao , Lin Zhiting , Wu Xiulong , Zhao Qiang , Lu Wenjuan , Peng Chunyu
Published: July 2024

The successful implementation of artificial intelligence algorithms depends on the capacity to execute numerous repeated operations, which, in turn, requires systems with high data throughput. Although emerging computing‐in‐memory (CIM) eliminates the need for frequent data transfer between the memory and processing blocks and enables parallel activation of multiple rows, the traditional structure, where each row has only one identical input value, significantly limits its further application. To solve this problem, this study proposes a dual‐SRAM CIM architecture in which two SRAM arrays are coupled such that all operands are different, thus rendering the use of CIM considerably more flexible. The proposed dual‐SRAM array was implemented through a 55‐nm process, essentially delivering a frequency of 361 MHz for a 1.2‐V supply and energy efficiency of 161 TOPS/W at 0.9 V supply.
Examining the Thermophysical Impact of Low Concentrated Nanoparticles Hexagonal Boron Nitride Embedded in Phase Change Material for Photo to Thermal Energy Conversion
Authors: Bhutto Yasir Ali , Pandey Adarsh Kumar , Saidur Rahman , Islam Anas , Balasubramanian Kalidasan , Buddhi Dharam , Tyagi Vineet Veer
Published: July 2024

Phase change materials (PCMs) have garnered substantial interest for their use in thermal energy storage. However, restricted thermal conductivity of PCMs hinders their effectiveness in application. The objective of this work is to integrate hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) in low concentration with RT38 PCM for thermophysical characterization and photo to thermal energy conversion. The composites are prepared by adding 0.03–0.07 weight percent (wt%) nanoparticles with RT38 PCM through two‐step technique. As per the results, prepared samples remain chemically and thermally stable. Besides, addition of 0.05 wt% of h‐BN nanoparticles with PCM (RT38‐0.05) enhances thermal conductivity to 43%. Additionally, latent heat of melting remains at 137 Jg−1 for 0.05 wt% nanoparticle integrated nanocomposite in comparison to base 140 Jg−1 with slight variation in its melting temperatures. Further, PCM and nanocomposites exhibit zero weight degradation on thermal‐stability analysis up to 160 °C. The research examines thermal energy storage behaviour of base PCM and RT38‐0.05 nanocomposite by applying 800 Wm−2 irradiations. The analysis shows that RT38‐0.05 nanocomposite reaches 49 °C in 9 min, whereas base PCM achieves 43 °C. Thus, the integration of h‐BN nanoparticles in PCM results in improved thermophysical properties and greater conversion of photo to thermal energy.
Modeling and Control of Multi‐Stack Fuel Cell Air System based on Nonlinear Model Predictive Control Method
Authors: Gu Xin , Zhuang Jian , Lin Jianqun , Zeng Wei , Zhou Su
Published: July 2024

Hydrogen is crucial for achieving SDGs by driving energy transition and combating climate change. Proton exchange membrane fuel cell technology, leveraging hydrogen, faces challenges in meeting high‐power demands. The multistack fuel cell system (MFCS) tackles this by integrating multiple substacks, yet its air supply needs meticulous control. Proportional integral derivative (PID) decoupling from single‐stack falls short of MFCS. This article proposes nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) for optimized air flow and pressure decoupling. Modeling MFCS's air system and designing a predictive model, it is aimed to ensuring precise control of air flow and pressure in each substack. The decoupling experiments show that NMPC outperforms PID, accurately managing air flow and pressure and reducing load fluctuations. For air mass flow, NMPC cuts mean‐absolute error (MAE) by 64.56% and root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) by 81.36%. For pressure, MAE drops 81.23% and RMSE 83.59%. Comprehensive step load tests confirm NMPC's precise, dynamic regulation too, compared to PID, NMPC lowers average MAE for air mass by 20.67%, pressure by 32.22%. RMSE improvements of 31.08% and 33.23% highlight NMPC's strength. NMPC's quick response mitigates coupling issues, enhancing vehicle load adaptability.
CM‐Pf deep brain stimulation in polyneuromodulation for epilepsy
Authors: Tatum W. O. , Freund B. , Middlebrooks E. H. , Lundstrom B. N. , Feyissa A. M. , Van Gompel J. J. , Grewal S. S.
Published: July 2024

Objective

Neuromodulation is a viable option for patients with drug‐resistant epilepsies. We reviewed the management of patients with two deep brain neurostimulators. In addition, patients implanted with a device targeting the centromedian‐parafascicular (CM‐Pf) nuclear complex supplements this report to provide an illustrative case to implantation and programming a patient with three active devices.

Methods

A narrative review using PubMed and Embase identified patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy implanted with more than one neurostimulator was performed. Combinations of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), deep brain stimulation (DBS), and responsive neurostimulation (RNS) were identified. We provide a background of a newly reported case of an adult with a triple implant eventually responding to CM‐Pf DBS as the third implant following suboptimal benefit from VNS and RNS.

Results

In review of the literature, dual‐device therapy is increasing in reports of use with combinations of VNS, RNS, and DBS to treat patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy. We review dual‐device implants with thalamic DBS device combinations, functional neural networks, and programming patients with dual devices. CM‐Pf is a new target for DBS and has shown a variable response in focal epilepsy. We report the unique case of 28‐year‐old male with drug‐resistant focal epilepsy who experienced a 75% seizure reduction with CM‐Pf DBS as his third device after suboptimal responses to VNS and RNS. After 9 months, he also experienced seizure freedom from recurrent focal to bilateral tonic–clonic seizures. No medical or surgical complications or safety issues were encountered.

Conclusion

We demonstrate safety and feasibility in an adult combining active VNS, RNS, and CM‐Pf DBS. Patients with dual‐device therapy who experience a suboptimal response to initial device use at optimized settings should not be considered a neuromodulation “failure.” Strategies to combine devices require a working knowledge of brain networks.
Measurement of thermal conductivity of thermally reactive materials for use in pyrolysis models
Authors: DiDomizio Matthew J. , McKinnon Mark B. , Bellamy Grayson
Published: July 2024

Pyrolysis models are used in the fire science field to simulate the thermal decomposition of materials. These models require knowledge of the kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of an assumed reaction mechanism, and the thermophysical properties of the virgin material and product species. Standard test methods exist for measuring the thermal conductivity of nonreactive materials, but to date no suitable method exists that is compatible with contemporary pyrolysis models and is applicable to thermally reactive materials. In the present study, a modified methodology was presented and evaluated to address this need. The methodology involves a preliminary assessment of thermal stability, followed by a series of tests including: thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and laser flash analysis. Once a reaction mechanism has been identified, gram‐scale samples of the virgin and stable product species are isolated and independent measurements of thermal conductivity of those species are obtained. The methodology was applied to eucalyptus fiber hardboard, for which a complete set of property data for pyrolysis modeling was obtained. A pyrolysis experiment was then conducted, and that experiment was simulated using a pyrolysis model parameterized with the measured property data. Model predictions of the mass loss rate and temperature rise of a hardboard sample exposed to radiant heat flux of 35 and 60 kW m−2 were found to be a good match to measurements. These results demonstrate the suitability of the property data, the pyrolysis model, and the utility of this approach. This work will serve as a basis for property determination in future pyrolysis studies.
Assessing the influence of financial fair play on sporting performance: A study of the Spanish league using a data envelopment analysis model
Authors: Calahorro‐López Alberto , Ratkai Melinda , Fernández‐Uclés Domingo
Published: July 2024

The football industry stands as an important economic sector in numerous countries, sparking scholarly discussions on the multifaceted nature of interconnected objectives and the influence of financial, accounting, and management elements on athletic performance. This discussion has gained prominence following the implementation of Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations, which have substantially reshaped industry management practices. This study introduces two innovative models—financial and sporting—that employ data envelopment analysis (DEA) to evaluate the performance of Spanish league football clubs within the context of FFP regulations. These models illuminate a crucial aspect of sports economic theory: the balancing act between financial and sporting objectives. Moreover, our analysis explores the influence of FFP on the efficiency of the Spanish league by comparing club proximity to the best practice frontier before and after FFP implementation. Our findings uncover intriguing differentiations within the proposed models and across various club clusters, providing valuable insights into the nuanced interplay among finance, accounting, and sports management.
Meshless method for wave propagation in poroelastic transversely isotropic half‐space with the use of perfectly matched layer
Authors: Shaker Kamal , Eskandari‐Ghadi Morteza , Mohammadi Soheil
Published: July 2024

Numerical investigation of wave propagation in transversely isotropic poroelastic half‐space with the use of a new stretched coordinate system through the Meshless Local Petrov–Galerkin (MLPG) formulation is presented in this paper. To this end, the u−p formulation of Biot is adopted as the framework of the porous media. One approach to numerically solve the infinite domain problems is the use of an absorber layer in which the whole half‐space is divided into two parts, that is (i) a finite part, in which the responses are interested, and (ii) the remaining semi‐infinite part, which is replaced by a Perfectly Matched Layer (PML). The stretched coordinates in the PML are introduced in such a way that the wave propagating in it does not generate spurious reflection to the finite part. Comparing the numerical results with some existing exact solutions and evaluating the norm of error demonstrate that the response functions in the finite part are achievable as precise as desired. Some new results are also presented which show the validity of the numerical approach in poroelastic transversely isotropic domain.
Experimental and statistical damage analysis in milling of S2‐glass fiber/epoxy and basalt fiber/epoxy composites
Authors: Sayin Ahmed Cagri , Danisman Sengul , Ersoy Emin , Yilmaz Cagatay , Kesriklioglu Sinan
Published: July 2024

S2‐glass fiber reinforced plastics (S2‐GFRP) and basalt fiber reinforced plastics (BFRP) have emerged as crucial materials due to their exceptional mechanical properties, and milling of composite materials plays an important role in achieving desired properties. However, they have proven challenges due to relative inhomogeneity compared with metals, resulting unpredictability in quality of milling operations. The objective of this work is to investigate the effect of cutting parameters, tool geometry and tool surface materials on the surface quality of composites using burrs as a metric. S2‐GFRP and BFRP composites were produced by the vacuum infusion method. Helical and straight flute end mills were manufactured from high‐speed steel (HSS) and carbide rounds, and half of them were coated with titanium nitride using reactive magnetron sputtering technique. Taguchi L18 orthogonal array is used to determine the effect of tool material, tool angle, coating, cutting direction, spindle speed, and feed rate on the machining quality of S2‐GFRPs and BFRPs with respect to burr formations. Milling experiments were conducted under dry conditions and then the burrs were imaged to calculate the total area and length. Statistical analysis was also performed to optimize the machining parameters and tool type for ensuring the structural integrity and performance of the final composite parts. The results showed that the selection of tool material has the most significant impact on the burr area and length of the machined surface. The novel image analysis allows to analyze the extent of the burr size with a desirable operation speed for industrial applications.

Highlights

Aerospace grade S2‐Glass (S2‐GFRP) and basalt fiber reinforced plastics (BFRP) were manufactured.

Carbide and HSS end mills were fabricated and coated with titanium nitride protective layer.

FRPs were machined at various process parameters designed by Taguchi method.

Distinctive image processing was firstly used to compute milling induced Burr area and length.

Statistical analysis was performed to quantify the contribution of parameters and optimize milling.
Analysis of CFRP inter‐laminar cracking location under laser impacts
Authors: Song Yuheng , Qu Meijiao , He Weifeng , Zhu Hanrui , Liu Kai
Published: July 2024

In this study, a combination of theoretical analysis and experimental verification was used to investigate the effects of laser parameters and shock wave shape on the location of layer cracks in carbon fiber‐reinforced plastics specimens. Firstly, the propagation coupling process of trapezoidal, rectangular, and triangular pulses in the material was investigated based on the one‐dimensional stress wave propagation theory. The study analyzed the effects of shock wave pressure amplitude, pulse width, and other factors on the location of layer cracks in the material. Subsequently, laser impact experiments with varying energies and pulse widths were conducted on specimens of different thicknesses to investigate the impact of shock wave pressure amplitude and laser pulse width on the location of layer cracking. The results show that the theoretical analysis of triangular shock waves has broader applicability and can serve as a representative analytical model to describe single‐layer crack damage.

Highlights

Laser impact experiments with various specimen thicknesses.

Laser pulse width determines the initial location of inter‐laminar cracking.

The applicability of the triangular pulsed layer cracking formula.

The effect of laser energy on pulse amplitude.