bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing potassium polysulfides for high performance potassium-sulfur batteries
Authors: Song Wanqing , Yang Xinyi , Zhang Tao , Huang Zechuan , Wang Haozhi , Sun Jie , Xu Yunhua , Ding Jia , Hu Wenbin
Published: February 2024

Potassium-sulfur batteries attract tremendous attention as high-energy and low-cost energy storage system, but achieving high utilization and long-term cycling of sulfur remains challenging. Here we show a strategy of optimizing potassium polysulfides for building high-performance potassium-sulfur batteries. We design the composite of tungsten single atom and tungsten carbide possessing potassium polysulfide migration/conversion bi-functionality by theoretical screening. We create two ligand environments for tungsten in the metal-organic framework, which respectively transmute into tungsten single atom and tungsten carbide nanocrystals during pyrolysis. Tungsten carbide provide catalytic sites for potassium polysulfides conversion, while tungsten single atoms facilitate sulfides migration thereby significantly alleviating the insulating sulfides accumulation and the associated catalytic poisoning. Resultantly, highly efficient potassium-sulfur electrochemistry is achieved under high-rate and long-cycling conditions. The batteries deliver 89.8% sulfur utilization (1504 mAh g−1), superior rate capability (1059 mAh g−1 at 1675 mA g−1) and long lifespan of 200 cycles at 25 °C. These advances enlighten direction for future KSBs development.
No ground truth needed: unsupervised sinogram inpainting for nanoparticle electron tomography (UsiNet) to correct missing wedges
Authors: Yao Lehan , Lyu Zhiheng , Li Jiahui , Chen Qian
Published: February 2024

Complex natural and synthetic materials, such as subcellular organelles, device architectures in integrated circuits, and alloys with microstructural domains, require characterization methods that can investigate the morphology and physical properties of these materials in three dimensions (3D). Electron tomography has unparalleled (sub-)nm resolution in imaging 3D morphology of a material, critical for charting a relationship among synthesis, morphology, and performance. However, electron tomography has long suffered from an experimentally unavoidable missing wedge effect, which leads to undesirable and sometimes extensive distortion in the final reconstruction. Here we develop and demonstrate Unsupervised Sinogram Inpainting for Nanoparticle Electron Tomography (UsiNet) to correct missing wedges. UsiNet is the first sinogram inpainting method that can be realistically used for experimental electron tomography by circumventing the need for ground truth. We quantify its high performance using simulated electron tomography of nanoparticles (NPs). We then apply UsiNet to experimental tomographs, where >100 decahedral NPs and vastly different byproduct NPs are simultaneously reconstructed without missing wedge distortion. The reconstructed NPs are sorted based on their 3D shapes to understand the growth mechanism. Our work presents UsiNet as a potent tool to advance electron tomography, especially for heterogeneous samples and tomography datasets with large missing wedges, e.g. collected for beam sensitive materials or during temporally-resolved in-situ imaging.
miR-Blood – a small RNA atlas of human blood components
Authors: Jehn Julia , Trudzinski Franziska , Horos Rastislav , Schenz Judith , Uhle Florian , Weigand Markus A. , Frank Maurice , Kahraman Mustafa , Heuvelman Marco , Sikosek Tobias , Rajakumar Timothy , Gerwing Jennifer , Skottke Jasmin , Daniel-Moreno Alberto , Rudolf Christina , Hinkfoth Franziska , Tikk Kaja , Christopoulos Petros , Klotz Laura V. , Winter Hauke , Kreuter Michael , Steinkraus Bruno R.
Published: February 2024

miR-Blood is a high-quality, small RNA expression atlas for the major components of human peripheral blood (plasma, erythrocytes, thrombocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, natural killer cells, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and B cells). Based on the purified blood components from 52 individuals, the dataset provides a comprehensive repository for the expression of 4971 small RNAs from eight non-coding RNA classes.
Escherichia coli resistance mechanism AcrAB-TolC efflux pump interactions with commonly used antibiotics: a molecular dynamics study
Authors: Smith Brooke L. , Fernando Sandun , King Maria D.
Published: February 2024

While antibiotic resistance poses a threat from both Gram-positive bacteria (GPB) and Gram-negative bacteria (GNB), GNB pose a more imminent public health hazard globally. GNB are a threat to growing antibiotic resistance because of the complex makeup of the membrane. The AcrAB-TolC efflux pump is a known resistance mechanism of Escherichia coli (E. coli) cells. This study utilized molecular dynamics modeling to visualize some of the changes occurring at a molecular level when airborne bacteria are exposed to stress and antibiotics. This study was conducted to build upon previous experimental research showing that there is an increase in antibiotic resistance and efflux pump activity when exposed to aerosolization. AcrB and AcrAB-TolC proteins were simulated under standard and increased pressure to compare the effect of aerosolization on the binding to the three different antibiotics (puromycin (PUY), ampicillin (AMP) and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (SXT)) to the AcrB binding site. Analysis such as root-mean-square deviation of atomic positions and root-mean-square fluctuation, the opening of TolC, and the significant molecular mechanics with generalized Born and surface area solvation (MM-GBSA) scores associated with specific ligands were recorded. Resistance in experimental data indicated a relationship between the docking scores and some ligand–protein interactions. Results showed that there was more flexibility in the proteins within simulations conducted under standard pressure for the AcrB protein and the full tripartite complex AcrAB-TolC, showing that increased pressure causes more rigidity. MM-GBSA scores, used to calculate the free energy of ligand–protein binding, did not show a significant change, but interestingly, the strongest MM-GBSA scores were for ligands that moved to another binding pocket and did not result in resistance or opening of the efflux pump. However, the ligand moved from the binding site and did not cause the opening of TolC to increase significantly, whereas PUY and AMP were bound to the binding site for the duration of all simulations. AMP ligands under increased pressure showed the largest change in opening of the TolC efflux pump and aligns with experimental data showing E. coli cells had the most resistance to AMP after aerosolization. These results, in addition to other real-time changes such as OM proteins and mutations of targets within the cell, could be used to delineate and mitigate antibiotic resistance mechanisms.
Characterization of antibiotic resistance genes and mobile genetic elements in Escherichia coli isolated from captive black bears
Authors: Liu Hang , Shi Keyun , Wang Yuhan , Zhong Wenhao , Pan Shulei , Zhou Lei , Cheng Yuehong , Yuan Yu , Zhou Ziyao , Liu Haifeng , Zhang Shaqiu , Peng Guangneng , Yan Qigui , Luo Yan , Zhang Xiaoli , Zhong Zhijun
Published: February 2024

The objective of this study was to analyze the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) characteristics produced by antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), mobile genetic elements (MGEs) and gene cassettes in Escherichia coli isolated from the feces of captive black bears. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by using the disk diffusion method, and both MGEs and integron gene cassettes were detected by polymerase chain reaction. Our results showed that 43.7% (62/142) of the isolates were multidrug resistant strains and 97.9% (139/142) of the isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic. The highest AMR phenotype was observed for tetracycline (79.6%, 113/142), followed by ampicillin (50.0%, 71/142), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (43.7%, 62/142) and cefotaxime (35.9%, 51/142). However, all isolates were susceptible to tobramycin. tetA had the highest occurrence in 6 ARGs in 142 E. coli isolates (76.8%, 109/142). Ten mobile genetic elements were observed and IS26 was dominant (88.0%, 125/142). ISECP1 was positively associated with five β-lactam antibiotics. ISCR3/14, IS1133 and intI3 were not detected. Seventy-five E. coli isolates (65 intI1-positive isolates, 2 intI2-positive isolates and 8 intI1 + intI2-positive isolates) carried integrons. Five gene cassettes (dfrA1, aadA2, dfrA17-aadA5, aadA2-dfrA12 and dfrA1-aadA1) were identified in the intI1-positive isolates and 2 gene cassettes (dfrA1-catB2-sat2-aadA1 and dfrA1-catB2-sat1-aadA1) were observed in the intI2-positive isolates. Monitoring of ARGs, MGEs and gene cassettes is important to understand the prevalence of AMR, which may help to introduce measures to prevent and control of AMR in E. coli for captive black bears.
A digital image colorimetry system based on smart devices for immediate and simultaneous determination of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays
Authors: Mirhosseini Shaghayegh , Nasiri Aryanaz Faghih , Khatami Fatemeh , Mirzaei Akram , Aghamir Seyed Mohammad Kazem , Kolahdouz Mohammadreza
Published: January 2024

Standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays based on microplates are frequently utilized for various molecular sensing, disease screening, and nanomedicine applications. Comparing this multi-well plate batched analysis to non-batched or non-standard testing, the diagnosis expenses per patient are drastically reduced. However, the requirement for rather big and pricey readout instruments prevents their application in environments with limited resources, especially in the field. In this work, a handheld cellphone-based colorimetric microplate reader for quick, credible, and novel analysis of digital images of human cancer cell lines at a reasonable price was developed. Using our in-house-developed app, images of the plates are captured and sent to our servers, where they are processed using a machine learning algorithm to produce diagnostic results. Using FDA-approved human epididymis protein of ovary IgG (HE4), prostate cancer cell line (PC3), and bladder cancer cell line (5637) ELISA tests, we successfully examined this mobile platform. The accuracies for the HE4, PC3, and 5637 tests were 93%, 97.5%, and 97.2%, respectively. By contrasting the findings with the measurements made using optical absorption EPOCH microplate readers and optical absorption Tecan microplate readers, this approach was found to be accurate and effective. As a result, digital image colorimetry on smart devices offered a practical, user-friendly, affordable, precise, and effective method for quickly identifying human cancer cell lines. Thus, healthcare providers might use this portable device to carry out high-throughput illness screening, epidemiological investigations or monitor vaccination campaigns.
Knockdown of Hyaluronan synthase 2 suppresses liver fibrosis in mice via induction of transcriptomic changes similar to 4MU treatment
Authors: Halimani Noreen , Nesterchuk Mikhail , Tsitrina Alexandra A. , Sabirov Marat , Andreichenko Irina N. , Dashenkova Nataliya O. , Petrova Elizaveta , Kulikov Alexey M. , Zatsepin Timofei S. , Romanov Roman A. , Mikaelyan Arsen S. , Kotelevtsev Yuri V.
Published: February 2024

Hepatic fibrosis remains a significant clinical challenge due to ineffective treatments. 4-methylumbelliferone (4MU), a hyaluronic acid (HA) synthesis inhibitor, has proven safe in phase one clinical trials. In this study, we aimed to ameliorate liver fibrosis by inhibiting HA synthesis. We compared two groups of mice with CCl4-induced fibrosis, treated with 4-methylumbelliferone (4MU) and hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2) targeting siRNA (siHAS2). The administration of 4MU and siHAS2 significantly reduced collagen and HA deposition, as well as biochemical markers of hepatic damage induced by repeated CCl4 injections. The transcriptomic analysis revealed converging pathways associated with downstream HA signalling. 4MU- and siHAS2-treated fibrotic livers shared 405 upregulated and 628 downregulated genes. These genes were associated with xenobiotic and cholesterol metabolism, mitosis, endoplasmic reticulum stress, RNA processing, and myeloid cell migration. The functional annotation of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in siHAS2-treated mice revealed attenuation of extracellular matrix-associated pathways. In comparison, in the 4MU-treated group, DEGs were related to lipid and bile metabolism pathways and cell cycle. These findings confirm that HAS2 is an important pharmacological target for suppressing hepatic fibrosis using siRNA.
Blood transcriptomics analysis offers insights into variant-specific immune response to SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Hoffmann Markus , Willruth Lina-Liv , Dietrich Alexander , Lee Hye Kyung , Knabl Ludwig , Trummer Nico , Baumbach Jan , Furth Priscilla A. , Hennighausen Lothar , List Markus
Published: February 2024

Bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of blood is typically used for gene expression analysis in biomedical research but is still rarely used in clinical practice. In this study, we propose that RNA-seq should be considered a diagnostic tool, as it offers not only insights into aberrant gene expression and splicing but also delivers additional readouts on immune cell type composition as well as B-cell and T-cell receptor (BCR/TCR) repertoires. We demonstrate that RNA-seq offers insights into a patient’s immune status via integrative analysis of RNA-seq data from patients infected with various SARS-CoV-2 variants (in total 196 samples with up to 200 million reads sequencing depth). We compare the results of computational cell-type deconvolution methods (e.g., MCP-counter, xCell, EPIC, quanTIseq) to complete blood count data, the current gold standard in clinical practice. We observe varying levels of lymphocyte depletion and significant differences in neutrophil levels between SARS-CoV-2 variants. Additionally, we identify B and T cell receptor (BCR/TCR) sequences using the tools MiXCR and TRUST4 to show that—combined with sequence alignments and BLASTp—they could be used to classify a patient's disease. Finally, we investigated the sequencing depth required for such analyses and concluded that 10 million reads per sample is sufficient. In conclusion, our study reveals that computational cell-type deconvolution and BCR/TCR methods using bulk RNA-seq analyses can supplement missing CBC data and offer insights into immune responses, disease severity, and pathogen-specific immunity, all achievable with a sequencing depth of 10 million reads per sample.
A novel exosome based therapeutic intervention against neuroendocrine prostate cancer
Authors: Saini Sharanjot , Sreekumar Amritha , Nathani Sandip , Asante Diana M. , Simmons Matthew N.
Published: February 2024

Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) is a highly lethal variant of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) with poor survival rates. Current treatment options for NEPC are limited to highly toxic platinum drugs highlighting the urgent need for new therapies. This study aimed to develop a novel therapeutic approach using engineered exosomes against NEPC. Exosomes were modified to target CEACAM5, an NEPC surface antigen, by attaching CEACAM5 antibodies to HEK293T exosomes. These exosomes were loaded with drugs inhibiting EZH2 and the androgen receptor (AR) as recent research shows a persistent role of AR in NEPC wherein it plays a concerted role with EZH2 in driving neuronal gene programs. In vitro experiments with NEPC cell lines demonstrated that CEACAM5-targeted exosomes were specifically taken up by NEPC cells, leading to reduced cellular viability and decreased expression of neuronal markers. Further in vivo tests using a NEPC patient-derived xenograft model (LuCaP145.1) showed significant tumor regression in mice treated with engineered exosomes compared to control mice receiving IgG-labeled exosomes. These results suggest that CEACAM5-engineered exosomes hold promise as a targeted therapy for NEPC. Importantly, our exosome engineering strategy is versatile and can be adapted to target various surface antigens in prostate cancer and other diseases.
Regulation of the antibiotic elution profile from tricalcium phosphate bone cement by addition of bioactive glass
Authors: Abd El-Hamid H. K. , Farag Mohammad M. , Abdelraof Mohamed , Elwan R. L.
Published: February 2024

This work aimed at tailoring of different properties of antibacterial drug delivery Ca-phosphate cements by incorporation of bioactive glass (BG). The cements were prepared from beta-tricalcium phosphate cement (β-TCP) and BG based on 50 SiO2—20 CaO—15 Na2O—7 B2O3—4 P2O5—4 Al2O3 wt% with different percentages of BG [5, 10, 15, and 20% (w/w)]. The composite cements were characterized by XRD, FTIR, and TEM. Moreover, in vitro bioactivity and biodegradation were evaluated in the simulated body fluid (SBF) at 37 °C. In addition, physical properties and mechanical strength were determined. Also, the effect of glass addition on the drug release profile was examined using gentamicin. Finally, the antimicrobial activity was studied against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumonia bacteria, one unicellular fungal strain (Candida albicans), and one multicellular fungal strain (Mucor racemosus). The results showed that after soaking in SBF, the compression strength values ranged from 14 to 36 MPa, the bulk densities and porosities were within 1.35 to 1.49 g/cm3 and 51.3 to 44.71%, respectively. Furthermore, gentamicin was released in a sustained manner, and BG decreased the released drug amount from ~ 80% (in pure β-TCP) to 47–53% in the composite cements. A drug release profile that is sustained by all samples was achieved. The antimicrobial test showed good activity of gentamicin-conjugated cements against bacteria and fungi used in this study. Additionally, cytotoxicity results proved that all samples were safe on MG-63 cells up to 50 µg/mL with no more than 7–12% dead cells. From the view of the physico-mechanical properties, bioactivity, biodegradation, and drug release rate, 20BG/β-TCP sample was nominated for practical bone grafting material, where it showed appropriate setting time and a relatively high mechanical strength suitable for cancellous bone.
A generalized Poisson regression analysis of determinants of early neonatal mortality in Ethiopia using 2019 Ethiopian mini demographic health survey
Authors: Getaneh Fekadeselassie Belege , Belete Alemu Gedefie , Ayres Aznamariam , Ayalew Tewoflos , Muche Amare , Derseh Lemma
Published: February 2024

Neonatal mortality within the first few days of life is a pressing issue in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia. Despite efforts to achieve the targets set by the Sustainable Development Goals, the rate of neonatal mortality in Ethiopia has increased from 29 to 33 deaths per 1000 live births. This study aimed to investigate and identify significant determinants of neonatal mortality within the first 72 h of life in Ethiopia. Utilizing data from the 2019 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey, we employed Generalized Poisson regression analysis following rigorous model fitness assessment. Our study encompassed 5527 weighted live-born neonates. Among women in their reproductive years, 3.1% (n = 174) experienced at least one very early neonatal death. Multiple births (Incidence Risk Ratio (IRR) = 3.48; CI = 1.76, 6.887) and birth order six or above (IRR = 2.23; CI = 1.008, 4.916) were associated with an increased risk of neonatal death within the first 72 h. Conversely, household size (IRR = 0.72; CI = 0.586, 0.885) and additional feeding practices (IRR = 0.33; CI = 0.188, 0.579) were found to mitigate the risk of very early neonatal mortality per mother in Ethiopia. Interventions targeting the identified risk factors and promoting protective factors can contribute to reducing very early neonatal mortality rates and improving the well-being of mothers and their newborns. Further research and implementation of evidence-based strategies are needed to address these challenges and ensure better neonatal outcomes in Ethiopia.
Lung endothelium exploits susceptible tumor cell states to instruct metastatic latency
Authors: Jakab Moritz , Lee Ki Hong , Uvarovskii Alexey , Ovchinnikova Svetlana , Kulkarni Shubhada R. , Jakab Sevinç , Rostalski Till , Spegg Carleen , Anders Simon , Augustin Hellmut G.
Published: February 2024

In metastasis, cancer cells travel around the circulation to colonize distant sites. Due to the rarity of these events, the immediate fates of metastasizing tumor cells (mTCs) are poorly understood while the role of the endothelium as a dissemination interface remains elusive. Using a newly developed combinatorial mTC enrichment approach, we provide a transcriptional blueprint of the early colonization process. Following their arrest at the metastatic site, mTCs were found to either proliferate intravascularly or extravasate, thereby establishing metastatic latency. Endothelial-derived angiocrine Wnt factors drive this bifurcation, instructing mTCs to follow the extravasation–latency route. Surprisingly, mTC responsiveness towards niche-derived Wnt was established at the epigenetic level, which predetermined tumor cell behavior. Whereas hypomethylation enabled high Wnt activity leading to metastatic latency, methylated mTCs exhibited low activity and proliferated intravascularly. Collectively the data identify the predetermined methylation status of disseminated tumor cells as a key regulator of mTC behavior in the metastatic niche.
Nanocellulose-based Membranes for Water Purification: Multifunctional Nanocellulose Extraction, Characterization, Modification Strategies, and Current Release in Water Treatment and Environmental Remediation
Authors: El Dakkony Saly R. , Mubarak Mahmoud F. , Abdel-Rahman Adel A.-H.
Published: February 2024

The environment is a top priority in the 21st century. Much research has focused on renewable water desalination membranes and eco-friendly, sustainable materials from natural sources are being studied more due to their recyclability, biodegradability, compatibility, and benign behavior. Due to its availability, green credentials, and glucose residue chains, nanocellulose (NC) is a potential cellulose-based water-filtering material. NC is a promising sustainable nanomaterial due to its unique structure. Researchers are interested in NC-based green composites because they are lightweight, low cost, low density, of high specific modulus, stable in most solvents, non-toxic adsorbents, abundant, and have outstanding mechanical and physical properties. These materials also guarantee water purification. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis can reveal the thermal properties, chemical structure, and overall morphology of these materials, which are crucial for their future application. The properties of NC depend on the fiber, environment, production method, and surface modification. NC layer-by-layer coated membranes are particularly promising for their dual-cross-linked, self-healing, and antibacterial properties. Finally, this chapter will discuss the many uses of smart nanocellulosic materials and their challenges and potential.
Graphene-based Engineered Macrostructures for Water Purification
Authors: Godiya Chirag Batukbhai
Published: February 2024

Graphene-based functional materials have gained extensive research attention as promising adsorbents in wastewater remediation due to their eco-friendliness and suitable physicochemical characteristics, i.e., high surface area, strong π-interactions, adjustable surface modification, switchable structure, and immense availability of chemical moieties. In particular, engineered multidimensional graphene-based macrostructures (GBMs) have shown remarkable potential for remediating various water pollutants, including heavy metals, dyes, pharmaceuticals, antibiotics, phenols, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Given the swift advancement of GBMs, this chapter provides a valuable forum to consolidate prior explorations, ongoing progress, and prospective avenues related to the use of GBMs in wastewater treatment. A comprehensive overview of different GBMs and their applications in the removal of contaminants with diverse charge states, water solubilities, complexities, and emerging pollutants is provided. The major focus of this chapter encompasses the synthetic pathways, structural characteristics, engineering, and adsorption efficiency of GBMs, and their industrial implementation. By elucidating the potential of GBMs for water purification, this chapter aims to provide valuable insights and guidance into the quest for sustainable and efficient wastewater treatment solutions.
Chemical protein synthesis via one-pot multiple peptide ligation strategies
Authors: Hayashi G. , Nakatsu K. , Suzuki S. , Nakajima Y.
Published: February 2024

Total chemical synthesis of proteins offers both naturally occurring proteins and artificially engineered proteins through single or multiple ligation reactions of synthetic peptide segments. Efficiently repeated peptide ligation steps are key to synthesize proteins with more than 100 amino acid residues, which are normally divided into three or more peptide segments to assemble. One-pot multiple peptide ligation strategies, in which three or more peptide segments are ligated sequentially without purification and isolation of intermediate peptides, have been intensively developed to increase the synthetic efficiency. This chapter describes the concept and mechanism of peptide ligation followed by recent advances of one-pot peptide ligation, by categorizing the direction of the ligation (i.e. C-to-N and N-to-C direction), and especially focusing on the chemistry enabling regioselective and one-by-one ligation of both terminal reactive “middle” peptide segments.
Boosting the LAC-like activity of tetrapeptide capped copper nanoparticle-based nanozymes for colorimetric determination of adrenaline
Authors: Tian Lin , Qi Li , Liu Yutong , Zhao Zhenwen , Liu Wei
Published: February 2024

Enzymatic activity is important for a variety of technological applications, but the limited stability and complex structures of enzymes often limit their use.
Selective vapor-phase formation of dimethylformamide via oxidative coupling of methanol and dimethylamine over bimetallic catalysts
Authors: Minne Alexander P. , Maxson Tristan , Szilvási Tibor , Harris James W.
Published: February 2024

Selective dimethylformamide formation occurs over PdAu; reactivity and selectivity are sensitive to Pd : Au ratio. Reaction kinetics suggest a crowded surface and that beneficial effects of surface hydroxyls are induced by co-feeding water.
Efficient Co/NSPC catalyst for selective hydrogenation of halonitrobenzenes and mechanistic insight
Authors: Xu Jiahui , Chen Xianlang , Bai Jia-qi , Miao Zhengan , Tan Yuan , Zhan Nannan , Liu Huangfei , Ma Mei , Cai Mengdie , Cheng Qin , Sun Song
Published: February 2024

5%Co/NSPC-800 acted as an effective and robust heterogeneous catalyst for hydrogenation of halonitrobenzenes, and the superior catalytic performance can be ascribed to the synergistic effect of Co–Nx and Co0.
Enhanced photocatalytic activity of Fe@UiO-66 for aerobic oxidation of N-aryl tetrahydroisoquinolines
Authors: Zhou Kai , Zhang Yuanyuan , Liu Mingjie , Zhao Zhenghua , Liu Xiang , Bao Zongbi , Yang Qiwei , Ren Qilong , Zhang Zhiguo
Published: February 2024

Fe@UiO-66 synthesized via atomic layer deposition has highly dispersed Fe–O–Zr sites, enabling the photo-oxidation of N-aryl tetrahydroisoquinolines with excellent yield.
Fractionation and preconcentration of silver nanoparticles at environmentally relevant concentrations through induced eco-corona formation and spICP-MS characterization
Authors: de Andrade Aline Martins , de Barros Anerise , Mazali Italo Odone , Arruda Marco Aurélio Zezzi
Published: February 2024

The release of nanoparticles (NPs) into environmental matrices has raised concerns regarding the contamination of environmental matrices. An induced eco-corona method was used to preconcentrate silver NPs in environmental waters analysed by spICP-MS.
Lactobacillus plantarum 24-7 improves postoperative bloating and hard stools by modulating intestinal microbiota in patients with congenital heart disease: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yang Heng , Lan Wanqi , Luo Chao , Huang Qin , Zhong Zhiwang , Yang Juesheng , Xiang Haiyan , Chen Tingtao , Tang Yanhua
Published: February 2024

L. plantarum reduced symptoms of postoperative bloating and hard stools, decreased neutrophil counts, and increased lymphocyte counts in CHD patients. L. plantarum modulates the diversity and composition of the gut microbiota in CHD patients.
New generation copper-based interconnection from nanoporous CuSn alloy film sintered at low temperatures
Authors: Castillo Ezer , Pasha Abdullah F. , Larson Zachary I. , Dimitrov Nikolay
Published: February 2024

Two-step routine for the synthesis of nanoporous CuSn alloy material enabling joint formation in electronic packaging by sintering at 180 °C.
Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel morpholinopyrimidine-5-carbonitrile derivatives as dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitors
Authors: Rady Ghada S. , El Deeb Moshira A. , Sarg Marwa T. M. , Taher Azza T. , Helwa Amira A.
Published: February 2024

In this study, novel morpholinopyrimidine-5-carbonitriles were designed and synthesized as dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitors and apoptosis inducers.
Designing biphenanthridine-based singlet fission materials using computational chemistry
Authors: Veilleux Keighlynn A. , Schreckenbach Georg , Herbert David E.
Published: February 2024

A systematic search for novel singlet fission materials based on the recently synthesized 6,6′-biphenanthridine (biphe) framework is reported, utilizing a straightforward computational approach.
Simultaneously excited downshifting/upconversion luminescence from lanthanide-doped core–shell lead-free perovskite nanocrystals for encryption and data storage
Authors: Cui Endian , Xing Gaoyuan , Yuan Xiangyang , Zhang Yi , Artizzu Flavia , Liao Xiaoling , Tang Jianfeng , Zhao Yanan , Zhao Pengzhou , Liu Kai , Liu Jing
Published: February 2024

The constructed Cs2AgInCl6-based core–shell NCs with separated optically active centers can not only prevent the adverse energy interactions between dopants, but also achieve dual-modal PL in the visible region and improved photostability.
Microkinetic modeling of the homogeneous thermal oligomerization of ethylene to liquid fuel-range hydrocarbons
Authors: Marsden Grant , Shaw Alexander , Conrad Matthew A. , Miller Jeffrey T. , Broadbelt Linda J.
Published: February 2024

Microkinetic model quantitatively captures conditions under which thermal oligomerization of ethylene leads to broad product distribution of linear alkenes with both even and odd carbon numbers.
Carbon nanodots from orange peel waste as fluorescent probes for detecting nitrobenzene
Authors: Michenzi Cinzia , Proietti Anacleto , Rossi Marco , Espro Claudia , Bressi Viviana , Vetica Fabrizio , Simonis Beatrice , Chiarotto Isabella
Published: February 2024

An integrated approach combining thermal and electrochemical technologies for the valorization of agro-industrial waste. The resulting carbon dots (CDs) show fascinating optical properties, enabling their application as fluorescent chemical probes.
Revealing interfacial parasitic reactions of nitrile rubber binders in all-solid-state lithium batteries
Authors: Choi Jaecheol , Kim Ju Young , Kang Seok Hun , Shin Dong Ok , Lee Myeong Ju , Lee Young-Gi
Published: February 2024

The nitrile components in NBR lead to an irreversible side reaction during the initial charging process. However, the problematic chemical stability of NBR has been improved through coordination chemistry, resulting in enhanced battery performance.
Electrosynthesis of ruthenium nanocluster incorporated nickel diselenide for efficient overall water splitting
Authors: Yadav Vipin , Megha  , Sen Prasenjit , Shaijumon M. M.
Published: February 2024

Design of effective catalyst activation strategies that enable efficient electrocatalytic activity towards overall water splitting is necessary for the development of clean energy conversion technologies.
Visible ozone detection and removal in two-dimensional Mn(ii)-based metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Dong Chen , He Tao , Wu Wei , Si Guang-Rui , Xie Lin-Hua , Li Jian-Rong
Published: February 2024

Highly stable and hydrophobic two-dimensional Mn(ii)-based MOFs effectively detect and remove trace O3 with discernible color change as the response.
Removal of lead from aqueous solution using modified dewatered sewage sludge as adsorbent
Authors: Felia Syaza Nadya , Adityosulindro Sandyanto , Zahrandika Fathiya Allisa , Hartono Djoko
Published: February 2024

The increasing demand for clean water also increases sewage and its sludge by-products. Current challenges of disposing and treating sewage sludge necessitates the development and modification of the material into valuables. The composition and structure of sewage sludge give it the potential to be used as an adsorbent for heavy metal ions removal. This study investigated the performance of three different types of dewatered sludge-based adsorbents prepared with varying methods of activation, consisting of CS (carbonized sludge at 600 oC), CS-NaOH (CS activated with NaOH), and CS-KOH (CS activated with KOH) to remove lead (Pb) from aqueous solution. Adsorption experiments were carried out using synthetic Pb wastewater in a batch system. Several experimental parameters were evaluated, including adsorbent types, contact time, adsorbent dose, pollutant concentration, pH, and competing adsorbates. Adsorption data were analysed using isotherms and kinetics model equations and were found to fit Langmuir and pseudo-second-order models, which suggests that the adsorptive behaviour of CS-NaOH is monolayer chemical sorption and depends on the active surface sites. The study revealed that the highest Pb removal, achieving a 100% removal efficiency, was observed with CS-NaOH adsorbent dose of 1 g/L, initial Pb (II) concentration of 10 mg/L, and a contact time of 120 minutes at pH 6. The presence of cadmium (Cd) and methyl orange (MO) in synthetic wastewater inhibited Pb(II) adsorption efficiency using CS-NaOH, which indicates potential competition between adsorbates. In conclusion, CS-NaOH was revealed as a promising adsorbent for lead removal from water.
Real data mapping of DKI Jakarta waste generation using the K-mean Clustering method at final disposal Bantargebang
Authors: Ardiatma Dodit , Lestari Puji , Chaerul Mochammad
Published: February 2024

Final disposal Bantargebang is the largest final disposal in Indonesia which is located in the city of Bekasi with the DKI Jakarta service area. DKI Jakarta’s waste generation in September 2022 is 5948,98 tons/day to 8773,76 tons/day, due to limited land issues and DKI Jakarta’s high waste generation every day. DKI Jakarta needs waste management and determination of the right technology. Mapping waste generation aims to display visual data on waste distribution, to facilitate the determination of DKI Jakarta waste management policies both from sources and at final disposal. Clustering uses the K-mean method using 40,514 data sets of waste generation. The real data on waste generation was obtained from recording directly at the final disposal Bantargebang weighbridge facility with waste sources from DKI Jakarta (West Jakarta, East Jakarta, Central Jakarta, South Jakarta and North Jakarta) for 30 working days with operating hours 24 hours/day. An average waste generation was obtained of 7,512 tonnes/day with a total of 1301 trucks/day. The number of clusters obtained was 3 with 43 members, where cluster 0 had 20 members, cluster 1 had 14 members and cluster 2 had 9 members and the distance performance value showed 0.399.
Remote sensing estimation of water transparency for Saguling Dam in the past decade (2013-2022) based on Landsat 8
Authors: Awfa Dion , Wicaksono Aditya Nugroho , Putra Raden , Soewondo Prayatni
Published: February 2024

Water transparency (i.e., Secchi disk depth (SDD) reflects light transmission capacity of a water body and influences growth of aquatic plants, aquatic organisms, and primary productivity. In this study, using remote sensing reflectance (Landsat 8) and SDD datasets, we predicted the water transparency in Saguling Dam for the first time. The results indicated that the models in the visible (Band 1, Band 2, and Band 3) combined with near infrared (Band 4 and Band 5) are the most robust and reliable to estimate SDD for Saguling Dam. Subsequently, multiple linear regression model was built using 125 pairs of in situ SDD results and concurrent with Landsat images during the last decade (i.e., 2013-2022). The models were validated with an independent dataset of 33 SDD measurement. The in situ remote sensing model compared well with the in situ SDD measurement where determinant coefficient (adjusted R2) and root mean square error (RMSE) ranging from 0.35 - 0.94 and 0.3 - 1.4 m, respectively. Finally, the model was applied to Landsat 8 images acquired between 2013-2022 to elucidate the spatial distribution of SDD in Saguling Dam for each year (i.e. temporal variations) with water area around 33.7 km2. The estimation results indicated that water transparency values in the inlet and outlet zone have relatively low SDD, with SDD value ranging from 0.019 – 1.01 m and 0.24 – 1.04 m, respectively. Furthermore, based on the National Water Quality Standards (i.e., Indonesia Government Regulations No. 22 year 2021/ Peraturan Pemerintah No. 22 Tahun 2021), the estimation of spatial SDD results indicated that > 99% of Saguling Dam water bodies were classified as Class IV (i.e., could be only used for irrigation). This study provides the first comprehensive remote sensing model for Saguling Dam and can provide essential information for local water quality conservation.
Implementation of swampy forest system for acid mine drainage treatment to meet threshold value
Authors: Noor Ihsan , Arifin Yudi Firmanul , Priatmadi Bambang Joko , Saidy Ahmad Rizalli
Published: February 2024

Coal mining with the area of the potential acid-forming category can generate acid mine drainage. Acid mine drainage (AMD) that has been formed must be appropriately managed. There are two techniques to treat AMD by the challenge specificity, including the prohibitive cost of the conventional active treatment with an uncertain process and the passive treatment, which faces time constraints and a wider area for preparation. A novel swampy forest system is a development to overcome the weaknesses of conventional processing by naturally responsive mitigation, reducing cost and speed, which results in greater capacity in AMD treatment. The swampy forest system implemented in coal mining relies on three main components: empty fruit bunches as organic matter, grass, and selected tree species planted in the treatment pond. The system effectively changes the non-compliance parameters of wastewater when entered at the system’s inlet to meet the threshold value after processing. It allows for flowing to the public bodies references with the applicable regulation.
The analysis of macrozoobenthos abundances as bioindicators based on biotic index and pollution index on Citarum River, West Java
Authors: Farhan Rifqi , Muntalif Barti S. , Chazanah Nurul , Suharyanto  , Ismi Mutia Annisya
Published: February 2024

The development and human activities that occur in the area will certainly affect the quality of the water and influence the lives of the organisms contained therein, such as macrofauna and benthic organisms. The Citarum River is the longest river in the province of West Java, Indonesia. The goal of this study is to find out how the physical and chemical properties of water in the upstream, midstream, and downstream of the Citarum River are related using the water quality pollution index and the biological monitoring working party’s average score per taxon for macrozoobenthos. Water quality parameters include degree of acidity, depth, current speed, dissolved oxygen, temperature, total suspended solids, biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, nitrate, and phosphate. The research data was processed using the pollution index and biotic index bmwp-aspt, as well as Pearson correlation. A total of 15,584 individuals belonging to 39 genera and 32 families of macrozoobenthos were found. With a pollution index between 0.78 and 5.65 and a biotic index between 2.00 and 5.53. The conclusion from this research that has been carried out is that the correlation between the pollution index and the BMWP-ASPT biotic index is very strong, with a value of -0.80.
The stakeholder analysis of sanitation management in Pontianak City Slums
Authors: Siddik Salma Savira , Setiyawan Ahmad Soleh , Sarli Prasanti Widyasih , Soewondo Prayatni , Awfa Dion
Published: February 2024

The development of slum settlements is increasing in Indonesia, one of which is in Pontianak City where most of the slum settlements are on the banks of the Kapuas River. The sanitation conditions are poor and inadequate health services. This study aims to identify stakeholders and their roles and classify stakeholders based on the power-interest matrix for sanitation management in Pontianak’s slum settlements. Data collection was carried out through Focus Group Discussions (FGD) and questionnaires to stakeholders from the government, private sector, civil society, and academics related to sanitation. This research is important for stakeholder to handling sanitation problems in slum settlements. Stakeholders related to sanitation had various roles and different levels of involvement. The Stakeholder analysis was succesfully identified 47 stakeholders involved in sanitation management in Pontianak slums, classified as 15 subjects, 6 key players, 17 crowds, and 10 context setters. The existence of these stakeholders can influence the handling of sanitation in slum settlements and need collaborate among the stakeholders.
Potential, isolation, and characterization of bacteria isolates from a coal ash dumpsite for recovery of nickel from coal fly ash
Authors: Lisafitri Yuni , Kardena Edwan , Helmy Qomarudin
Published: February 2024

Nickel is one of the heavy metals that has potential uses in industrial factories. The high demand for nickel causes various efforts to be made to recover nickel from waste. In general, metal recovery is carried out using chemicals in large quantities, so the cost is quite high, and it is harmful to the environment. The recovery of metals using microorganisms, such as bacteria, is quite promising. Therefore, this research will isolate and characterize bacteria from coal ash stockpiles and analyze the potential of these bacteria in nickel recovery through the bioleaching process. Bacterial isolation was carried out by taking a composite sample using the purposive sampling method, and the sample was inoculated into a selective medium for bacteria that play a role in bioleaching. Bacteria that have been isolated will be selected and characterized. Furthermore, these bacteria were tested for their potential in nickel recovery from coal fly ash through the bioleaching process. Bioleaching efficiency is measured to determine the potency of bacteria for nickel recovery. The results of this study showed that eight bacteria were successfully isolated. Characterization results show two gram-negative bacteria and two gram-positive bacteria. Of the eight bacteria, four showed potential for nickel recovery through good growth and higher nickel recovery than the other bacteria. These bacteria are also possibly used for other metal bioleaching processes.
Evaluation of MERRA-2 and MODIS C6.1 aerosol products over Indonesia
Authors: Khoir Aulia Nisa’ul , Siahaan Aberta Rulinri , Sopaheluwakan Ardhasena , Se-tiawan Budi , Nahas Alberth Christian , Taryono  , Kinanti Nanda Putri , Prih Waryatno Nur Faris , Sucianingsih Cici , Nurhayati Hanifah
Published: February 2024

Atmospheric aerosols play an essential role in atmospheric chemistry and climate. Amidst the issue of climate change, analysis of at-mospheric aerosols based on satellite and reanalysis is needed to estimate radiative forcing by aerosols, completing the spatial gap obtained from ground-based observation data. This research aims to evaluate the satellite and reanalysis aerosol products including Modern-Era Retrospective analy-sis for Research and Applications Version 2 (MERRA-2) and Moderate Res-olution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Collection 6.1 (C6.1) over In-donesia in the recent two decades, 2001 - 2020. The long-term performance of MERRA-2 and MODIS C6.1 is evaluated using the Aerosol Robotic Net-work (AERONET)-derived AOD. In general, the results show that the cor-relation of the two data models is good. The average correlation between AOD data obtained from AERONET to MERRA-2 and MODIS C6.1 was 0.8 and 0.5 at all locations, respectively. Meanwhile, the average RMSE val-ues for MERRA-2 and MODIS C6.1 were 0.24 and 0.26 at all locations, respectively. This study successfully assessed the performance of MERRA-2 and MODIS C6.1 in Indonesia as an initial study. This initial study verifies that MERRA-2 and MODIS C6.1 can be used to complement surface data in Indonesia.
Uncertainty-based determination of recalibration dates
Authors: Schaude Janik , Hausotte Tino
Published: February 2024

Traceability is of vital importance in metrology and is achieved by an unbroken chain of calibrations that relate the measurement result to a reference. Less clear is the temporal aspect of traceability, namely the determination of recalibration dates. Relevant standards require the conduction of recalibrations in a planned manner, and thus in general there is a calibration history consisting of a number of past calibrations for measurands that are part of the traceability chain. Nevertheless, commonly only the results of the last calibration of the standards of the traceability chain are considered when determining a measurement result. Furthermore, recalibration dates are often determined in a rather unscientific manner. Within this paper, a method is proposed to predict the current value of a measurand along with its uncertainty, taking into account all past calibrations. Based on the predetermined target measurement uncertainty of the measurand, it is possible to recognize the need for and thus to date recalibrations. The applicability of the method is investigated by examining the metrological compatibility of the predicted results with the results of subsequent calibrations of the calibration histories of a number of different standards. There is an explainable limitation of the applicability of the method to calibration histories that exhibit a correlation of time and the chosen calibration laboratory. However, the paper leads the way of future research to remedy the currently unsatisfying state regarding the handling of calibration histories and the determination of recalibration dates.
Control of unmanned aerial vehicle modules based on inertial measurement system and MEMS sensor
Authors: Boiko Juliy , Svachii Oleh , Kałaczyński Tomasz
Published: February 2024

This article examines the effect of crosswind on the deflection of UAV cargo in free fall, taking into account the parameters of air resistance and drag coefficient. The displacement results are obtained graphically through simulation. The diagram of the module for stabilizing the load in free fall and the block diagram of the inertial measurement unit (IMU) are described. An analysis of navigation systems was carried out and an IMU was selected that allows the use of dead reckoning (DR) navigation. The principles of operation of inertial measuring microelectromechanical (MEMS) structures are considered. The principles of using IMU and how to configure MEMS sensor data are discussed. IMU accuracy testing has been carried out. A description of the principles of setting up and using a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller to control the angle of the stabilizer wing is presented. 3D simulations were performed for the case with and without the stabilization module. The presented results will be useful to UAV developers.