bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of port competitiveness along China’s “Belt and Road” based on the entropy-TOPSIS method
Authors: Wang Jie , Mo Lilian , Ma Zhu
Published: September 2023

Based on the literature on the factors influencing port competitiveness, this paper evaluates the competitiveness of Chinese ports along the Belt and Road based on Porter’s diamond model. The evaluation system includes four primary indicators, including port infrastructure, port operation scale, port hinterland economic level and port development potential, and 13 secondary indicators. Then, based on the entropy-TOPSIS method, an evaluation model of port competitiveness is constructed. Finally, 15 seaports along China’s “Belt and Road” are used to evaluate competitiveness, and a comprehensive ranking of port competitiveness is obtained. The advantages and shortcomings of each port are pointed out according to the evaluation results to provide a reference for the long-term development of the competitiveness of ports along the “Belt and Road” in China.
Kinetic study on the reaction of sodium nitrite with neurotransmitters secreted in the stomach
Authors: González-Jiménez Mario , García-Santos M. Pilar , Bermejo Tesón Blanca , Fuentes de Arriba Ángel L. , Arenas Valgañón Jorge , Calle Emilio , Casado Julio
Published: September 2023

Nitroso-compounds are potentially mutagenic and carcinogenic compounds due to their ability to alkylate DNA bases. One of the most common sources of human exposure to nitroso-compounds is their formation in the acidic environment of the stomach by the reaction between electron-rich molecules present in the lumen and sodium nitrite ingested in the diet. To date, the formation of nitroso-compounds by the reaction of nitrite with food components has been investigated in depth, but little attention has been paid to substances secreted in the stomach, such as dopamine or serotonin, whose reaction products with nitrite have proven mutagenic properties. In this article, we present a kinetic study with UV–visible spectroscopy of the nitrosation reactions of both molecules, as well as of L-tyrosine, the amino-acid precursor of dopamine. We determined the kinetic parameters and reaction mechanisms for the reactions, studying the influence of the reactants concentration, pH, temperature, and ionic strength on the reaction rate. In all cases, the favoured reaction product was a stable nitroso-compound. Serotonin, the molecule whose product was the most mutagenic, underwent two consecutive nitrosation reactions. These findings suggest that additional biological research is needed to understand how this reaction alters the function of these neurotransmitters as well as the potentially toxic effects they may have once nitrosated.
Non-destructive testing of interfacial stiffness based on spring model for diffusion bonding interface of titanium alloy components with complex surface
Authors: Yang Gongpeng , Zhou Zhenggan , Ma Tengfei , Teng Lichen , Wang Jun , Zhou Yuxuan , Li Yang , Zhou Wenbin
Published: September 2023

Ultrasonic testing is an important non-destructive testing method, which is sensitive to the defects in the diffusion bonding interface. Ultrasonic testing of diffusion bonding interfaces in complex-surface components is a challenge due to the geometry and the weak echo signal of the diffusion bonding defects. This paper proposes an interfacial stiffness characterization method based on the spring model for the ultrasonic testing of the diffusion bonding interface of titanium alloy complex-surface component. Finite element models for ultrasonic field are established to analyze the diffusion bonding defects response, the effect of complex surface, and the inconsistency of the bonding interface depth in ultrasonic testing of the titanium alloy complex-surface component. 15 MHz is recommended as the testing frequency of the diffusion bonding interface. Ultrasonic C-scan experiments are conducted using specimens with embedded artificial defects and a titanium alloy complex-surface component. The simulation and experimental results show that the novel interfacial stiffness characterization method can be applied to ultrasonic testing of the diffusion bonding interface (inclination angle less than 14°) in complex-surface components, and the ability to test defects at the diffusion bonding interface can be improved.
Association of living environmental and occupational factors with semen quality in chinese men: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Mai Hanran , Ke Junyi , Li Miaomiao , He Menghua , Qu Yanxia , Jiang Fan , Cai Simian , Xu Yufen , Fu Lanyan , Pi Lei , Zhou Huazhong , Yu Hongyan , Che Di , Gu Xiaoqiong , Zhang Jinxin , Zuo Liandong
Published: September 2023

Sperm quality can be easily influenced by living environmental and occupational factors. This study aimed to discover potential semen quality related living environmental and occupational factors, expand knowledge of risk factors for semen quality, strengthen men's awareness of protecting their own fertility and assist the clinicians to judge the patient’s fertility. 465 men without obese or underweight (18.5 < BMI < 28.5 kg/m2), long-term medical history and history of drug use, were recruited between June 2020 to July 2021, they are in reproductive age (25 < age < 45 years). We have collected their semen analysis results and clinical information. Logistic regression was applied to evaluate the association of semen quality with different factors. We found that living environment close to high voltage line (283.4 × 106/ml vs 219.8 × 106/ml, Cohen d = 0.116, P = 0.030) and substation (309.1 × 106/ml vs 222.4 × 106/ml, Cohen d = 0.085, P = 0.015) will influence sperm count. Experienced decoration in the past 6 months was a significant factor to sperm count (194.2 × 106/ml vs 261.0 × 106/ml, Cohen d = 0.120, P = 0.025). Living close to chemical plant will affect semen PH (7.5 vs 7.2, Cohen d = 0.181, P = 0.001). Domicile close to a power distribution room will affect progressive sperm motility (37.0% vs 34.0%, F = 4.773, Cohen d = 0.033, P = 0.030). Using computers will affect both progressive motility sperm (36.0% vs 28.1%, t = 2.762, Cohen d = 0.033, P = 0.006) and sperm total motility (57.0% vs 41.0%, Cohen d = 0.178, P = 0.009). After adjust for potential confounding factors (age and BMI), our regression model reveals that living close to high voltage line is a risk factor for sperm concentration (Adjusted OR 4.03, 95% CI 1.15–14.18, R2 = 0.048, P = 0.030), living close to Chemical plants is a protective factor for sperm concentration (Adjusted OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.05–0.46, R2 = 0.048, P = 0.001) and total sperm count (Adjusted OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.13–0.99, R2 = 0.026, P = 0.049). Time spends on computer will affect sperm total motility (Adjusted OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.11–4.73, R2 = 0.041, P = 0.025). Sum up, our results suggested that computer using, living and working surroundings (voltage line, substation and chemical plants, transformer room), and housing decoration may association with low semen quality. Suggesting that some easily ignored factors may affect male reproductive ability. Couples trying to become pregnant should try to avoid exposure to associated risk factors. The specific mechanism of risk factors affecting male reproductive ability remains to be elucidated.
ORM1 promotes tumor progression of kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) through CALR-mediated apoptosis
Authors: Yu Gang , Gao Juan , Hu Weifeng , Hu Dayong , Wang Weibing , Yang Shiquan , Gao Jing
Published: September 2023

Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) is the most prevalent type of kidney cancer and causes thousands of deaths each year. The prognosis for KIRC is poor. One critical factor is that the mechanism beneath KIRC is unclear. ORM1 is a reactant to acute inflammation. In this study, we demonstrated that methylation of ORM1 promoter was low and ORM1 was expressed significantly higher in KIRC. KIRC with higher ORM1 expression exhibited worse survival probability. Meanwhile, ORM1 was expressed higher in KIRC cell lines. When ORM1 was knocked down, cell proliferation ability was inhibited potently compared to the NC control. Cell migration as well as invasion ability were also suppressed dramatically. At molecular level, the expression of active caspase-3 and Bax was upregulated in ORM1-KD group while Bcl-2 downregulated. Moreover, CALR decreased following ORM1-KD and rescued expression of CALR increased Bcl-2 level but reduced the level of cleaved caspase-3 and Bax. Consistently, the apoptotic rate of 786-O and Caki-2 cells was upregulated in ORM1-KD but downregulated after CALR overexpression. The activity of caspase-3 was also regulated by ORM1-KD. In addition, the inhibition rate of sorafenib was enhanced in ORM1 KD group but reduced after overexpression of ORM1. Conclusively, ORM1 is clinically associated with progression of KIRC and regulates cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis in KIRC. Moreover, ORM1 affects the efficiency of sorafenib in KIRC and regulates caspase-3 mediated cascades response through CALR molecule. This study provides us a new way to recognize the development and progression in KIRC.
Sustainable colonization of Mars using shape optimized structures and in situ concrete
Authors: Soureshjani Omid Karimzade , Massumi Ali , Nouri Gholamreza
Published: September 2023

The major obstacle to Martian colonization is the mission cost which requires significant reduction. From the structural engineering point of view, importing materials and structural elements from Earth or massive excavations on the surface of Mars require an enormous amount of energy; thus, inflatable and under-surface structures as the main options for Martian colonization seem unrealistically expensive. Construction of affordable buildings onsite using only in situ sources may represent an ideal solution for Martian colonization. On the other hand, solar energy, at the early stage of colonization, would be the only available, practical, and low-cost energy source on Mars. Though, for sustainable and broad colonization, the energy required for construction and the construction cost should be minimized. Here, we propose three types of simple (relatively optimized), perforated, and algorithmic shape-optimized Martian structures to minimize the material and energy required for construction as well as the construction cost using only in situ resources. These structural forms can be considered remarkable steps towards sustainable structural construction and colonization on Mars. Also, these innovative structures were designed to minimize the tensile stress (maximize the compressive stress) and enable the use of in situ concrete. Our data indicate that compared to our previous study, the material and energy required for construction as well as the construction cost can be reduced by more than 50%. Acceptance criteria and limitations appropriate to the Martian environment, and desirable structural and material behaviors were defined to evaluate whether or not the behavior of a structure under the applied loads and conditions will be acceptable. To detect potential issues for onsite construction and evaluate the geometry of the models, a 1:200 3D model of the best structural form was printed.
Spin-acoustic control of silicon vacancies in 4H silicon carbide
Authors: Dietz Jonathan R. , Jiang Boyang , Day Aaron M. , Bhave Sunil A. , Hu Evelyn L.
Published: September 2023

Bulk acoustic resonators can be fabricated on the same substrate as other components and can operate at various frequencies with high quality factors. Mechanical dynamic metrology of these devices is challenging as the surface information available through laser Doppler vibrometry lacks information about the acoustic energy stored in the bulk of the resonator. Here we report the spin-acoustic control of naturally occurring negatively charged silicon monovacancies in a lateral overtone bulk acoustic resonator that is based on 4H silicon carbide. We show that acoustic driving can be used at room temperature to induce coherent population oscillations. Spin-acoustic resonance is shown to be useful as a frequency-tunable probe of bulk acoustic wave resonances, highlighting the dynamical strain distribution inside a bulk acoustic wave resonator at ambient operating conditions. Our approach could be applied to the characterization of other high-quality-factor microelectromechanical systems and has the potential to be used in mechanically addressable quantum memory.
Brain insulin action on peripheral insulin sensitivity in women depends on menstrual cycle phase
Authors: Hummel Julia , Benkendorff Charlotte , Fritsche Louise , Prystupa Katsiaryna , Vosseler Andreas , Gancheva Sofiya , Trenkamp Sandra , Birkenfeld Andreas L. , Preissl Hubert , Roden Michael , Häring Hans-Ulrich , Fritsche Andreas , Peter Andreas , Wagner Robert , Kullmann Stephanie , Heni Martin
Published: September 2023

Insulin action in the human brain modulates eating behaviour, whole-body metabolism and body fat distribution1,2. In particular, brain insulin action increases whole-body insulin sensitivity, but these studies were mainly performed in lean men3,4. Here we investigate metabolic and hypothalamic effects of brain insulin action in women with a focus on the impact of menstrual cycle (ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT03929419).

Eleven women underwent four hyperinsulinemic–euglycemic clamps, two in the follicular phase and two in the luteal phase. Brain insulin action was introduced using nasal insulin spray5–7 and compared to placebo spray in a fourfold crossover design with change in glucose infusion rate as the primary endpoint. Here we show that during the follicular phase, more glucose has to be infused after administration of nasal insulin than after administration of placebo. This remains significant after adjustment for blood glucose and insulin. During the luteal phase, no significant influence of brain insulin action on glucose infusion rate is detected after adjustment for blood glucose and insulin (secondary endpoint). In 15 other women, hypothalamic insulin sensitivity was assessed in a within-subject design by functional magnetic resonance imaging with intranasal insulin administration8. Hypothalamus responsivity is influenced by insulin in the follicular phase but not the luteal phase.

Our study therefore highlights that brain insulin action improves peripheral insulin sensitivity also in women but only during the follicular phase. Thus, brain insulin resistance could contribute to whole-body insulin resistance in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.
Ordered π-conjugated polymer backbone in amorphous blend for high efficiency nonfullerene organic photovoltaics
Authors: Saito Masahiko , Yamada Hiroya , Kranthiraja Kakaraparthi , Jeon Jihun , Kim Hyung Do , Mikie Tsubasa , Saeki Akinori , Ohkita Hideo , Osaka Itaru
Published: September 2023

In π-conjugated polymers, the amorphous region absent from π–π stacking order typically limits polymer functions compared to the crystalline region with high π–π stacking order. Here, we show that a benzodithiophene–thiazolothiazole copolymer containing tripropylsilyl groups (PSTz2) has a greater coplanar backbone structure when the π–π stacking order is absent, such as in solution and in a film blended with a nonfullerene acceptor, than when it is present in a neat film. The excitons and charge carriers generated in PSTz2 are more highly delocalized in the blend film than in the neat film, presumably through the backbone. The unconventional structural feature of PSTz2 shows higher photovoltaic performance in nonfullerene-based cells compared to its alkyl-functionalized counterpart. Our results show that it is possible to develop π-conjugated polymers that perform well in amorphous blends due to the ordered backbone structure.
The VCAM1–ApoE pathway directs microglial chemotaxis and alleviates Alzheimer’s disease pathology
Authors: Lau Shun-Fat , Wu Wei , Wong Hiu Yi , Ouyang Li , Qiao Yi , Xu Jiahui , Lau Jessica Hiu-Yan , Wong Carlton , Jiang Yuanbing , Holtzman David M. , Fu Amy K. Y. , Ip Nancy Y.
Published: September 2023

In Alzheimer’s disease (AD), sensome receptor dysfunction impairs microglial danger-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) clearance and exacerbates disease pathology. Although extrinsic signals, including interleukin-33 (IL-33), can restore microglial DAMP clearance, it remains largely unclear how the sensome receptor is regulated and interacts with DAMP during phagocytic clearance. Here, we show that IL-33 induces VCAM1 in microglia, which promotes microglial chemotaxis toward amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaque-associated ApoE, and leads to Aβ clearance. We show that IL-33 stimulates a chemotactic state in microglia, characterized by Aβ-directed migration. Functional screening identified that VCAM1 directs microglial Aβ chemotaxis by sensing Aβ plaque-associated ApoE. Moreover, we found that disrupting VCAM1–ApoE interaction abolishes microglial Aβ chemotaxis, resulting in decreased microglial clearance of Aβ. In patients with AD, higher cerebrospinal fluid levels of soluble VCAM1 were correlated with impaired microglial Aβ chemotaxis. Together, our findings demonstrate that promoting VCAM1–ApoE-dependent microglial functions ameliorates AD pathology.
Self-engineered binary nanoassembly enabling closed-loop glutathione depletion-amplified tumor ferroptosis
Authors: Lei Jin , Zhang Shenwu , Wu Zehua , Sun Xinxin , Zhou Binghong , Huang Peiqi , Fang Mingzhu , Li Lin , Luo Cong , He Zhonggui
Published: September 2023

Schematic illustration of a self-engineered dual-drug (GA and Sor) nanoassembly for closed-loop GSH depletion-amplified tumor ferroptosis.
Dual reactivity based dynamic covalent chemistry: mechanisms and applications
Authors: You Lei
Published: September 2023

Dual reactivity based dynamic covalent chemistry was developed via activating/switching the reaction pathways of ring-chain tautomers toward diverse reversible systems. The underlying mechanistic insights and versatile applications are summarized.
Entropy-driven formation of binary superlattices assembled from polymer-tethered nanorods and nanospheres
Authors: Li Jinlan , Yu Xin , Zhang Jianing , Yan Nan , Jin Jing , Jiang Wei
Published: September 2023

Binary superlattices with tunable internal structures by adjusting the ratio of effective diameter (deff) of the polymer tethered spherical nanoparticles to the size of the polymer domain (L) between the adjacent gold nanorods are prepared.
Non-covalent matere bonds in perrhenates probed via ultrahigh field rhenium-185/187 NMR and zero-field NQR spectroscopy
Authors: Xu Yijue , Calabrese Miriam , Demitri Nicola , Pizzi Andrea , Nag Tamali , Hung Ivan , Gan Zhehong , Resnati Giuseppe , Bryce David L.
Published: September 2023

The first investigations of matere bonds via ultrahigh-field 185/187Re NMR spectroscopy and NQR spectroscopy are reported.
Lipid-inspired biomimicking morphosynthesis of a series of complex concave silica architectures
Authors: Li Zhengdao , Yang Chuanyun , Zhang Xingjian , Shi Jiping , Ruan Lu , Liu Qi , Zhang Yongcai , Zhou Yong
Published: September 2023

Employment of synergistic coassembly of a synthetic glycolipid N-(11-cis-octadecenoyl)-β-d-glucopyranosylamine (1) and silica allows us to create a series of complex silica architectures. 1 acts as both a structure-directing template and morphogen.
Dinuclear and trinuclear cyano-bridged {DyIIIMIV} (M = W, Mo) single-ion magnets supported by pentadentate Schiff-base ligands
Authors: Mao Pan-Dong , Sun Hui-Ying , Yan Fei-Fei , Zhang Shi-Hui , Li Xin-Feng , Zhou Ren-He , Zhang Yi-Quan , Meng Yin-Shan , Liu Tao
Published: September 2023

Four cyano-bridged {DyIIIMIV} complexes 1–4, with various structures and magnetic behaviors, were obtained by adjusting the pyridyl N-sites of the pentadentate Schiff-base ligands.
Robustness of heteroaggregates involving hydrophobic cholesterol and its mimetics
Authors: Hazra Rituparna , Roy Durba
Published: September 2023

Heteroaggregation affinity of cholesterol and its mimetics like cholesteryl hemisuccinate, campesterol and arjunic acid provides crucial understanding of the role of weak forces in inducing mixed micellization.
Free and internal energies for the adsorption of short alkanes into the zeolite SSZ-13 from ab initio molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Hutton Daniel J. , Göltl Florian
Published: September 2023

We use ab initio molecular dynamics simulations to calculate the temperature dependent free energy and internal energy of adsorption of short alkanes into the zeolite SSZ-13.
Theoretical insight into the essential role of charged surface for ammonia synthesis: Si-decorated carbon nitride electrode
Authors: Yang Lei , Fan Jiake , Zhu Weihua
Published: September 2023

We report a new Si-decorated carbon nitride electrode for the sustainable generation of ammonia, which not only possesses sound electrical conductivity, dynamic stability, and electrochemical activity for NO/N2 reduction reaction, but also provides an option for designing metal-free electrodes.
A larger basis set describes atomization energy core–valence correction better than a higher-order coupled-cluster method
Authors: Chamkin Aleksandr A. , Chamkina Elena S.
Published: September 2023

We considered the accuracies of coupled-cluster methods for the evaluation of core-valence correction to the total atomization energy. It is sensible to stick with a lower-level method combined with a larger basis set, not the other way round.
The quantitative contribution of interfacial coexisting Mn and O vacancies to MnO2 photocatalytic degradation of phenol
Authors: Zhou Yahui , Lei Xingxin , Yan Dali , Ye Jian , Deng Bo , Xu Weilin
Published: September 2023

Vacancy engineering is an important means to improve the catalytic performance of photocatalysts.
An Ir(iii) cyclometalate-functionalized molecularly imprinted polymer: photophysics, photochemistry and chemosensory applications
Authors: Liu Ruoyang , Cheng Shun-Cheung , Ng Chi-On , Xiao Yelan , Tang Kin-Man , Tong Ka-Ming , Lei Ngai-Yu , Ko Chi-Chiu
Published: September 2023

A luminescent trimethylamine (TMA) sensor, PTMA-Ir, has been designed and synthesized through immobilizing a phosphorescent iridium(iii) complex on a TMA-imprinted polymer.
Intrinsic conductivity as an indicator for better thermoelectrics
Authors: Hu Chaoliang , Gao Ziheng , Zhang Min , Han Shen , Fu Chenguang , Zhu Tiejun
Published: September 2023

The intrinsic conductivity σ0 is proposed as a simple indicator to evaluate the intrinsic electrical performance of thermoelectric materials, which could instruct the exploration of better thermoelectrics.
Efficient removal of viscous crude oil by a super-hydrophobic polystyrene/carbon black foam with photo-thermal conversion
Authors: Qiao Di , Guan Yihao , Zhang Dan , Bi Bingqian , Li Yiming
Published: September 2023

In this study, carbon black nanoparticles were introduced in one-step to develop a super-hydrophobic polystyrene foam with efficient photo-thermal conversion and adsorption for highly viscous crude oil.
Multiple roles of humic acid in the photolysis of sulfamethoxazole: kinetics and mechanism
Authors: Chen Li-Jing , Song Chao , Yang Zhi-Chen , Fu Hai-Yan , Xu Chang , Sun Xiao-Min , Wang Shu-Guang
Published: September 2023

Humic acid exhibited multiple roles in the photolysis of sulfamethoxazole via distributing ROS generation and complexing with sulfamethoxazole, leading to different degradation paths and intermediates.
A chemist's guide to photoelectrode development for water splitting – the importance of molecular precursor design
Authors: Harris-Lee Thom R. , Marken Frank , Bentley Cameron L. , Zhang Jie , Johnson Andrew L.
Published: September 2023

This review outlines the underexplored molecular chemistry bottom-up approach of bespoke precursor design in photoelectrode development for photoelectrochemical water splitting.
Novel styryl-thiazole hybrids as potential anti-Alzheimer's agents
Authors: Gouleni Niki , Di Rienzo Annalisa , Yılmaz Ahmet , Selvitopi Harun , Arslan Mehmet Enes , Mardinoglu Adil , Turkez Hasan , Di Stefano Antonio , Vassiliou Stamatia , Cacciatore Ivana
Published: September 2023

Novel styryl-thiazole hybrids (6a–p) was rationally designed, synthesized, and evaluated by the multi-target-directed ligands strategy as potential candidates for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Gradual conductance modulation by defect reorganization in amorphous oxide memristors
Authors: Li Siqin , Du Jigang , Lu Bojing , Yang Ruqi , Hu Dunan , Liu Pingwei , Li Haiqing , Bai Jingsheng , Ye Zhizhen , Lu Jianguo
Published: September 2023

The gradual switching in a-ZATO indicates that the filaments generated by reorganization of oxygen vacancies are more conductive than the initial LRS. The special relaxation model reveals the diffusion of these vacancies in orthogonal directions.
DFT studies on the effect of additives on stereoselectivity in the polymerization of styrene catalyzed by rare-earth metal complexes
Authors: Wen Xin , Xing Xiaonan , Zhang Wenzhen , Lu Han , Zhu Ling , Xu Xiaowei , Zhao Yanan , Cui Dongmei , Luo Yi
Published: September 2023

The mechanism of stereoselective polymerization of styrene catalyzed by rare-earth metal complexes was studied using computational means.
Amorphous Fe/Co-based tannic acid salts as robust oxygen evolution pre-catalysts
Authors: Zhu Wenjuan , Wang Xueyang , Zhu Yi , Fang Lu , Yao Chengli , Song Xiaoyang , Chen Hu , Wang Xi , Zhu Guoxing
Published: September 2023

Improving the slow kinetics of the alkaline oxygen evolution reaction is highly desirable for accelerating the commercialization of water electrolysis.
Co(OH)2 nanosheets decorated with La-CoP nanorod array for alkaline electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Yang Yaoxia , Guo Xingwei , Kang Mi , Wang Dangxia , Yang Zhiwang
Published: September 2023

The La-CoP/Co(OH)2 nanoarray supported on nickel foam was successfully prepared through the secondary hydrothermal and low-temperature phosphating method as efficient and stable electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline media.
Mono(arylhydrazino)acenaphthenones as a platform for the design of NIR chromophores based on Pd(ii)-BIAN complexes
Authors: Bakaev I. V. , Romashev N. F. , Komlyagina V. I. , Samsonenko D. G. , Gushchin A. L.
Published: September 2023

A series of push-pull palladium(II) complexes containing redox-active bis(arylimino)acenaphthene (Ar-bian) and mono(arylhydrazino)acenaphthenone (Ar-mhan) have been synthesized and fully characterized.
Efficient approach to 1,1′-bisindoles via copper(i)-catalyzed double domino reaction
Authors: Bauer Ann-Kathrin , Conrad Jürgen , Beifuss Uwe
Published: September 2023

The CuI-catalyzed reaction between one 1,2-bis(2-bromoaryl)hydrazine moiety and two 1,3-diketones delivers substituted 1,1′-bisindoles with yields up to 92%.
Supramolecular assembly of pyrene–DNA conjugates: influence of pyrene substitution pattern and implications for artificial LHCs
Authors: Thiede Jan , Rothenbühler Simon , Iacovache Ioan , Langenegger Simon M. , Zuber Benoît , Häner Robert
Published: September 2023

The supramolecular self-assembly of pyrene-modified DNA into nanostructures with implications for the design and construction of artificial light-harvesting complexes is described.
Synergetic microstructure engineering by induced ZB/WZ twin boundaries and S vacancies in a Zn0.5Cd0.5S-based S-scheme photocatalyst for highly efficient photocatalytic hydrogen production
Authors: Zhang Yuhao , Lu Dingze , Wang Zhennan , Zhou Min , Kondamareddy Kiran Kumar , Li Jing , Fan Huiqing , Cao Dezhong , Ho Wingkei
Published: September 2023

Development of structurally unique Zn0.5Cd0.5S (with twin structure and S vacancies) and a Zn0.5Cd0.5S-based metal–organic framework for photocatalytic applications.
Auxiliary-controlled regiodivergent NiH-catalyzed gem-difluoroallylation of alkenyl amines via defluorinative olefin cross-coupling
Authors: Zhu Lin , Huang Jie , Meng Fanling , Tan Ziyun , Meng Xiao , Xiao Yang , Zhang Lanlan , Li Wenyi , Wang Chao
Published: September 2023

A NiH-catalyzed migratory and non-migratory multisite-selective gem-difluoroallylation of alkenyl amines with trifluoromethyl alkenes has been developed by judicious choice of directing groups with high levels of chemo- and regioselectivity.
Unravelling the surface structure of β-Ga2O3 (100)
Authors: Kilian Alex Sandre , de Siervo Abner , Landers Richard , Abreu Guilherme Jean P. , Castro Mayron S. , Back Tyson , Pancotti Alexandre
Published: September 2023

The present work is on a comprehensive surface atomic structure investigation of β-Ga2O3 (100).
Gadolinium doped zinc ferrite nanoarchitecture reinforced with a carbonaceous matrix: a novel hybrid material for next-generation flexible capacitors
Authors: Aadil Muhammad , Taki Anmar Ghanim , Zulfiqar Sonia , Rahman Abdur , Shahid Muhammad , Warsi Muhammad Farooq , Ahmad Zubair , Alothman Asma A. , Mohammad Saikh
Published: September 2023

Gd-doped and CNT-reinforced electroactive material was supported on Al-foil to form flexible electrodes for supercapacitors. The hybrid material showed excellent electrochemical activities beneficial for next-generation supercapacitor applications.
Evaluating the level of inquiry in postsecondary instructional laboratory experiments: results of a national survey
Authors: Zammit Kendall M. , Connor Megan C. , Raker Jeffrey R.
Published: September 2023

A national survey on chemistry instructional laboratories was administered to faculty members at four-year postsecondary institutions in the United States for the purpose of exploring levels of inquiry-based instruction implemented in laboratory courses. Respondents were asked to rate the level of choice their students had in deciding six key characteristics of the experiments used in their course (e.g., what research questions to explore); the more choices students get to make, the more inquiry-based instructional experience. MANOVA and post hoc analyses suggest that there are differences in the level of inquiry across chemistry course levels; lower-level courses (i.e., general chemistry and organic chemistry) implement lower levels of inquiry-based laboratory instruction compared to upper-level courses (i.e. more chemistry major-focused courses). We found no evidence of association between the level of inquiry courses and institutions’ highest chemistry degree awarded, American Chemical Society approval to award certified bachelors degrees, or external funding to transform postsecondary chemistry courses. Our study contributes to the chemical education community's growing understanding of the state of postsecondary chemistry laboratory instruction. Results further suggest that there is an opportunity for faculty members and department leaders to reflect on their instructional laboratory courses and implement more inquiry-based instructional laboratory experiences across the entirety of the postsecondary chemistry curriculum.
Passivating quantum dots against histag-displaying enzymes using blocking peptides: salient considerations for self-assembling quantum dot biosensors
Authors: Green Christopher M. , Hastman David A. , Susumu Kimihiro , Spangler Joseph , Stenger David A. , Medintz Igor L. , Díaz Sebastián A.
Published: September 2023

Peptide-based passivation strategies were developed to prevent the unintended conjugation of his-tagged enzymes to quantum dot (QD) biosensors, enabling the application of QD biosensors in complex assays such as CRISPR-based diagnostics.
Self-assembly and structures of nanoscale double emulsion droplets through coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Chen Qiubo , Zheng Jianwei
Published: September 2023

Coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations demonstrate that an oil-in-water-in-oil (O/W/O) double emulsion forms in ternary mixtures of water, n-heptane, and tetraethylene glycol monododecyl ether (C12E4) when the water/C12E4 volume ratio = 1/1.
Fully recyclable high-performance polyacylsemicarbazide/carbon fiber composites
Authors: Jian Zhiwen , Wang Yindong , Zhang Xiaokang , Yang Xi , Wang Zhanhua , Lu Xili , Xia Hesheng
Published: September 2023

Realizing the complete and non-destructive recycling of carbon fiber reinforced composite materials is of great significance for the pursuit of sustainability and a circular economy.
Self-curing solid-state electrolytes based on transamination bond exchange for reliable lithium batteries
Authors: Chen Yu-Te , Paste Rohan , Lin Hong-Cheu , Chu Chih Wei
Published: September 2023

BTC acts as a tri-topic center for three-dimensional cross-linking with Jeffamine ED-2003 through the Schiff-base reaction, forming a dynamic network structure with reversible imine bonds.
Upcycling spent cathodes into single-crystalline Ni-rich cathode materials through selective lithium extraction
Authors: Kim Kyoung Sun , Jeon Min Ku , Song Seok Hyun , Hong Seokjae , Kim Hwa Soo , Kim Sung-Wook , Kim Jinsoo , Oh Pilgun , Hwang Junhyeok , Song Jinju , Ma Jiyoung , Woo Jung-Je , Yu Seung-Ho , Kim Hyungsub
Published: September 2023

The lithium extraction method, involving the chlorination of unevenly degraded spent cathodes, successfully upcycled a Ni-rich single-crystalline cathode material that exhibited excellent performance, especially in bimodal electrodes.
How much is the plasmonic effect worth in photocatalysis? Mechanisms of photocatalytic activity enhancement in composites with metallic nanostructures
Authors: Jakimińska Anna , Macyk Wojciech
Published: September 2023

In this work preparation of titanium dioxide polymorphs modified with metallic (Au and Ag) nanostructures of different sizes is presented.
Towards an atomic scale understanding of the early-stage deterioration mechanism of LSCF
Authors: Liu Shu-Sheng , Develos-Bagarinao Katherine , Budiman Riyan Achmad , Ishiyama Tomohiro , Kishimoto Haruo , Yamaji Katsuhiko
Published: September 2023

The early-stage degradation behaviour of a porous lanthanum strontium cobalt ferrite (LSCF) cathode in a solid oxide fuel cell is investigated at a low temperature of 600 °C by operating in dry air and wet air conditions with and without bias.
Discharging antibonding orbital electrons of 1T-MoS2 by S-rich treatment for promoting photocatalytic H2 evolution
Authors: Deng Pinsi , Gao Duoduo , Wang Ping , Wang Xuefei , Chen Feng , Yu Huogen
Published: September 2023

An antibonding-orbital regulation strategy is proposed to greatly enhance the H-adsorption ability of S sites in an S-enriched 1T-MoS2 cocatalyst, which can significantly promote the photocatalytic H2-evolution activity of TiO2.
Green synthesis of metal–organic framework loaded dexamethasone on wood aerogels for enhanced cranial bone regeneration
Authors: Chen Zheng-Yang , Wang Rui-Deng , Su Shi-Long , Hao You-Liang , Zhou Fang
Published: September 2023

The research direction of this manuscript is focused on osteogenesis through zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) loaded dexamethasone DEX. It is shown that DEX can induce osteogenic differentiation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and promote osteogenesis in vitro and in vivo.
Dog-bone shaped gold nanoparticle-mediated chemo-photothermal therapy impairs the powerhouse to trigger apoptosis in cancer cells
Authors: Ingle Jaypalsing , Uttam Bhawna , Panigrahi Reha , Khatua Saumyakanti , Basu Sudipta
Published: September 2023

Dog-bone shaped gold nanoparticle consisting chemotherapeutic drugs and mitochondria homing moiety was engineered which upon NIR light irradiation induced mitochondrial impairment leading to apoptotic cancer cell death.
Hierarchically porous CsPbBr3@HZIF-8 heterojunctions for high-performance photocatalytic degradation of antibiotics in high-salinity wastewater
Authors: Hou Yangwen , Meng Fanfei , He Jingting , Dong Man , Tong Jialin , Sun Jing , Sun Chunyi , Wang Xinlong , Su Zhongmin
Published: September 2023

Hierarchically porous Z-scheme CsPbBr3@HZIF-8 heterojunctions are prepared for efficient photodegradation of tetracycline hydrochloride in high-salinity water.
Optimizing the horizontal dipole orientation and dipole–dipole interaction of thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitters for high efficiency and low roll-off red OLEDs
Authors: Qin Jianwen , Qiao Xianfeng , Yang Dezhi , Sun Qian , Dai Yanfeng , Zhu Xuhui , Ma Dongge
Published: September 2023

Three TADF molecules are developed with high PLQYs and red-shifted EL. By changing the dipole moment of the host, high efficiency and low roll-off red OLEDs are achieved.
Airway-associated adipose tissue accumulation is increased in a kisspeptin receptor knockout mouse model
Authors: Wang Carolyn J. , Smith Jeremy T. , Lu David , Noble Peter B. , Wang Kimberley C.W.
Published: September 2023

Airway-associated adipose tissue increases with body mass index and is a local source of pro-inflammatory adipokines that may contribute to airway pathology in asthma co-existing with obesity. Genetic susceptibility to airway adiposity was considered in the present study through kisspeptin/kisspeptin receptor signalling, known to modulate systemic adiposity and potentially drive airway remodelling. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the effects of kisspeptin/kisspeptin receptor signalling in the lung, focusing on airway-associated adipose tissue deposition and impact on airway structure–function. Wild-type, heterozygous and kisspeptin receptor knockout mice were studied at 6 or 8 weeks of age. Lung mechanics were assessed before and after methacholine challenge and were subsequently fixed for airway morphometry. A separate group of mice underwent glucose tolerance testing and bronchoalveolar lavage. At 6 weeks of age, kisspeptin/kisspeptin receptor signalling did not affect body adiposity, airway inflammation, wall structure or function. Despite no differences in body adiposity, there was a greater accumulation of airway-associated adipose tissue in knockout mice. By 8 weeks of age, female knockout mice displayed a non-diabetic phenotype with increased body adiposity but not males. Airway-associated adipose tissue area was also increased in both knockout females and males at 8 weeks of age, but again no other respiratory abnormality was apparent. In summary, airway-associated adipose tissue is decoupled from body adiposity in prepubescent mice which supports a genetic susceptibility to fatty deposits localised to the airway wall. There was no evidence that airway-associated adipose tissue drives pathology or respiratory impairment in the absence of other environmental exposures.
Detection and discovery of repeat expansions in ataxia enabled by next-generation sequencing: present and future
Authors: Rafehi Haloom , Bennett Mark F. , Bahlo Melanie
Published: September 2023

Hereditary cerebellar ataxias are a heterogenous group of progressive neurological disorders that are disproportionately caused by repeat expansions (REs) of short tandem repeats (STRs). Genetic diagnosis for RE disorders such as ataxias are difficult as the current gold standard for diagnosis is repeat-primed PCR assays or Southern blots, neither of which are scalable nor readily available for all STR loci. In the last five years, significant advances have been made in our ability to detect STRs and REs in short-read sequencing data, especially whole-genome sequencing. Given the increasing reliance of genomics in diagnosis of rare diseases, the use of established RE detection pipelines for RE disorders is now a highly feasible and practical first-step alternative to molecular testing methods. In addition, many new pathogenic REs have been discovered in recent years by utilising WGS data. Collectively, genomes are an important resource/platform for further advancements in both the discovery and diagnosis of REs that cause ataxia and will lead to much needed improvement in diagnostic rates for patients with hereditary ataxia.
The Impact of Traumatic Brain Injury on Binaural Processing in Young and Middle-Age Adults
Authors: Roup Christina M. , Lander Devan , Powell Julie , Hoffman Jennifer
Published: September 2023

Purpose:

This study examined the impact of traumatic brain injury (TBI) on self-perceived hearing and suprathreshold binaural processing in young and middle-age adults.

Method:

Ninety-three adults with normal hearing (thresholds ≤ 25 dB HL, 250–4000 Hz) participated in one of four groups: 38 young adults, 23 young adults with TBI, 16 middle-age adults, and 16 middle-age adults with TBI. Self-perceived hearing difficulty was measured via questionnaires. Binaural processing was measured using dichotic word recognition, the Listening in Spatialized Noise–Sentences Test (LiSN-S), and the 500-Hz masking level difference (MLD). For each participant, a composite binaural processing (CBP) score was calculated to obtain a global metric of binaural processing performance. The CBP was composed of six measures from the three behavioral tests, including the S
0
N
0
and S
π
N
0
thresholds from the 500-Hz MLD, the low- and high-cue speech recognition thresholds from the LiSN-S, and the free and directed recall ear advantages from the dichotic word test.

Results:

The middle-age TBI group reported significantly greater degrees of self-perceived hearing difficulty than the other groups. On average, the middle-age TBI group performed poorer on the individual binaural processing tests; however, the differences were significant for the S
0
N
0
and S
π
N
0
MLD thresholds only. Results for the global metric of binaural processing revealed significantly poorer CBP scores for the middle-age TBI group compared to the other groups.

Conclusions:

Results demonstrate that both age and a positive history of TBI contributed to deficits in suprathreshold binaural processing. Middle-age adults with a history of TBI are at risk for experiencing presenescent deficits in suprathreshold binaural processing deficits, despite having clinically normal hearing.
Combining Languages in Bilingual Input: Using Experimental Evidence to Formulate Bilingual Exposure Strategies
Authors: Kaushanskaya Margarita
Published: September 2023

Purpose:

Traditional approaches to studying bilingual language development through bilingual–monolingual comparisons are deeply flawed. They are also insufficient as the evidence base for informing advice to bilingual parents regarding the optimal bilingual exposure strategy and for supporting the formulation of bilingual intervention approaches. The purpose of this review article is to provide an overview of empirical studies that have queried the question of how different types of dual-language input shape learning and language outcomes in bilingual children.

Method:

We rely on tightly controlled experimental studies of word learning in Spanish–English bilingual children, where we contrast children's learning in dual-language conditions (defined as distributed exposure and code-switched input) to a single-language condition in a within-subjects design.

Results:

Word-learning studies querying the role of distributed exposure indicated that distribution of exposures across Spanish and English reduced children's performance in comparison to English-only exposure. However, this effect was rooted in the abrupt switch from Spanish to English rather than distributed exposure itself. In contrast, an experiment designed to test the role of code-switched context on children's word learning revealed that code-switched context where switches resembled naturalistic code-switching behaviors enhanced learning in Spanish–English bilingual children. Notably, across different studies, children with weaker language skills (developmental language disorder) were no more affected by dual-language input than children with typical language skills.

Conclusions:

Together, experimental studies of word learning indicate that bilingual children can effectively learn from dual-language input but that different ways of combining languages in the input to bilingual children can have distinct consequences for learning. Ultimately, word-learning experiments, beyond answering critical questions regarding bilingual learning, can serve as an effective bridge between laboratory-based work and intervention studies whose goal it is to discover the optimal way of combining languages in the input to bilingual children with communication impairments.

Presentation Video:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.23929515
Chinese personalised text‐to‐speech synthesis for robot human–machine interaction
Authors: Pang Bao , Teng Jun , Xu Qingyang , Song Yong , Yuan Xianfeng , Li Yibin
Published: September 2023

Speech interaction is an important means of robot interaction. With the rapid development of deep learning, end‐to‐end speech synthesis methods based on this technique have gradually become mainstream. Chinese deep learning‐based speech synthesis techniques suffer from problems such as unstable synthesised speech, poor naturalness and poor personalised speech synthesis, which do not satisfy some practical application scenarios. Hence, an F‐MelGAN model is adopted to improve the performance of Chinese speech synthesis. A post‐processing network is used to refine the Mel‐spectrum predicted by the decoder and alleviate the Mel‐spectrum distortion phenomenon. A phoneme‐level and sentence‐level combined module is proposed to model the personalised style of speakers. A combination of an acoustic conditioning network, speaker encoder network GCNet and feedback‐constrained training is proposed to solve the problem of poor personalised speech synthesis and achieve personalised speech customisation in Chinese. Experimental results show that the whole model can generate high‐quality speech with high speaker similarity for both speakers that appear in the training process and speakers that never appear in the training process.
Design and analysis of PM‐assisted synchronous reluctance machine with shifted magnetic poles
Authors: Mousavi Bafrouei Seyyed Morteza , Aliabad Aliakbar Damaki , Amiri Ebrahim
Published: September 2023

The authors present a new design of a PM‐assisted synchronous reluctance motor (PM‐SynRM) with uneven air‐gap length to improve the power factor and enhance the torque production capability. The rotor structure is modified to properly shift rotor magnetic poles and therefore (i) increases the back‐EMF and the electromagnetic torque, (ii) allows electromagnetic torque and reluctance torque components peak near the same current phase angle. The proposed solution is simple, does not require changing the arrangement of magnets and/or flux barriers and is applicable to all types of PM‐SynRMs. Sensitivity analysis is carried out to determine the extent of which the proposed magnetic pole shifting may impact the resultant torque profile. To assess the level of success, the electromagnetic characteristics of the proposed design (e.g. torque, power factor, and back‐EMF) are compared against the baseline structure under the same operating conditions. For verification purposes, Finite Element simulation results are validated via a series of analytical calculations and experimental measurements, and supported with detailed theoretical discussion.
Energy management strategies of hybrid electric vehicles: A comparative review
Authors: Azim Mohseni Naser , Bayati Navid , Ebel Thomas
Published: September 2023

With increasing environmental problems, including air pollution, rising greenhouse gases and global warming, the need to use clean energy resources seems essential. Therefore, the usage of clean and renewable energy sources is suggested as a suitable solution to overcome the mentioned concerns. The transportation section contributes to a huge percentage of energy consumption. Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), by combining several energy resources, are considered as a crucial solution to decrease fossil fuel consumption and improve the environmental challenges. The existence of an alternative energy resource and the internal combustion engine together provides optimal power distribution among them to maximise power usage and minimise fuel consumption. Energy management strategy (EMS) is an essential challenge in HEV's design procedure to deal with the power distribution in multiple power source systems to improve the performance of the HEVs. A review of various EMSs for HEVs, followed by an analysis of each type, including its benefits and drawbacks, is presented by the authors. In addition to this, the major challenges in EMSs for HEVs are described and a comprehensive review is presented for strategies addressing these issues.