bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nitrogen Isotopes of Sinking Particles Reveal the Seasonal Transition of the Nitrogen Source for Phytoplankton
Authors: Yoshikawa Chisato , Ogawa Nanako O. , Chikaraishi Yoshito , Makabe Akiko , Matsui Yohei , Sasai Yoshikazu , Wakita Masahide , Honda Makio C. , Mino Yoshihisa , Aita Maki N. , Fujiki Tetsuichi , Nunoura Takuro , Harada Naomi , Ohkouchi Naohiko
Published: September 2022

In the high‐productivity subarctic ocean, phytoplankton growth is assumed to rely mainly on nitrate, based on snapshot observations conducted in spring or summer. However, the year‐round utilization of nitrate and ammonium by phytoplankton remains unexplored. Here, we show the seasonal transition of the dominant nitrogen source for phytoplankton by using the nitrogen isotopic composition (δ15N) of nitrate, ammonium, and sinking particles in the northwestern North Pacific. To decouple the combined effects of nitrogen sources for phytoplankton and subsequent trophic transfers in δ15N of sinking particles, we used compound‐specific δ15N analysis of amino acids (δ15NAA) in sinking particles. The seasonal change in δ15NAA revealed that most of the seasonal variation in δ15N of sinking particles arose from changes in the availability of nitrogenous nutrients in the euphotic layer. The δ15N of sinking particles suggested that the dominant nitrogen source for phytoplankton switches from nitrate to ammonium in autumn.
Late Quaternary Slip Rates for the Hyde and Dunstan Faults, Southern New Zealand: Implications for Strain Migration in a Slowly Deforming Continental Plate Margin
Authors: Griffin Jonathan D. , Stirling Mark W. , Wilcken Klaus M. , Barrell David J. A.
Published: September 2022

Reverse faulting in Otago, southern New Zealand, accommodates distributed tectonic convergence on the eastern side of the Australian‐Pacific plate boundary. Paleoearthquake records from some of the faults in the region show highly variable earthquake recurrence times, with long periods of quiescence separated by periods of earthquake activity. Here we develop a longer‐term context for these records, using cosmogenic radionuclide dating of faulted alluvial fan surfaces to characterize the late Quaternary slip rates on two significant faults within the system, the Hyde and Dunstan faults. We determine an average slip rate of 0.24 mm/yr (0.19–0.29 mm/yr at 95% confidence) for the Hyde Fault since about 115 ka, and an average slip rate of 0.16 mm/yr (0.12–0.21 mm/yr) for the Dunstan Fault since about 320 ka. Both faults show increases in slip rate of a factor of three to five times the average long‐term rate over timescales of 10 kyr. Increases in slip rate are out of phase on the two faults, supporting a hypothesis that strain is shared within the fault system over timescales on the order of 10 kyr. Over longer timescales, on the order of 100 kyr, slip rates can be well‐approximated by a linear fit, providing an upper limit on the variability of fault slip rates with time.
ABCB1 variants and sex affect serotonin transporter occupancy in the brain
Authors: Silberbauer Leo R. , Rischka Lucas , Vraka Chrysoula , Hartmann Annette M. , Godbersen Godber Mathis , Philippe Cécile , Pacher Daniel , Nics Lukas , Klöbl Manfred , Unterholzner Jakob , Stimpfl Thomas , Wadsak Wolfgang , Hahn Andreas , Hacker Marcus , Rujescu Dan , Kasper Siegfried , Lanzenberger Rupert , Gryglewski Gregor
Published: September 2022

Strategies to personalize psychopharmacological treatment promise to improve efficacy and tolerability. We measured serotonin transporter occupancy immediately after infusion of the widely prescribed P-glycoprotein substrate citalopram and assessed to what extent variants of the ABCB1 gene affect drug target engagement in the brain in vivo. A total of 79 participants (39 female) including 31 patients with major depression and 48 healthy volunteers underwent two PET/MRI scans with the tracer [11C]DASB and placebo-controlled infusion of citalopram (8 mg) in a cross-over design. We tested the effect of six ABCB1 single nucleotide polymorphisms and found lower SERT occupancy in ABCB1 rs2235015 minor allele carriers (n = 26, MAF = 0.18) compared to major allele homozygotes (t73 = 2.73, pFWE < 0.05) as well as in men compared to women (t73 = 3.33, pFWE < 0.05). These effects were robust to correction for citalopram plasma concentration, age and diagnosis. From occupancy we derived the ratio of occupied to unoccupied SERT, because in theory this measure is equal to the product of drug affinity and concentration at target sites. A model combining genotype with basic clinical variables, predicted that, at the same dosage, occupied to unoccupied SERT ratio was −14.48 ± 5.38% lower in rs2235015 minor allele carriers, +19.10 ± 6.95% higher in women, −4.83 ± 2.70% lower per 10 kg bodyweight, and −2.68 ± 3.07% lower per 10 years of age. Our results support the exploration of clinical algorithms with adjustment of initial citalopram dosing and highlight the potential of imaging-genetics for precision pharmacotherapy in psychiatry.
Cell-type specific synaptic plasticity in dorsal striatum is associated with punishment-resistance compulsive-like cocaine self-administration in mice
Authors: Pascoli Vincent , Hiver Agnès , Li Yue , Harada Masaya , Esmaeili Vahid , Lüscher Christian
Published: September 2022

Addiction-related compulsion-like behavior can be modeled in rodents with drug self-administration (SA) despite harmful consequences. Recent studies suggest that the potentiation of glutamatergic transmission at the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) to dorsal striatum (DS) synapses drives the transition from controlled to compulsion-like SA. However, the timing of the induction of this synaptic plasticity remains elusive. Here, mice were first allowed to intravenously self-administer cocaine. When mice had to endure a risk of electrical foot shock, only a fraction persevered in cocaine SA. In these persevering mice, we recorded high A/N ratios (AMPA-R/NMDA-R: α-amino-3hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor/N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor) in both types of spiny projection neurons (i.e., D1 and D2 dopamine receptor-expressing SPNs). By contrast, when we prepared slices at the end of the acquisition period, in all mice, the A/N was high in D1R- but not D2R-SPNs. These results indicate that the transition to compulsion-like cocaine SA emerges during the punishment sessions, where synapses onto D2R-SPNs are strengthened. In renouncing individuals, the cocaine-evoked strengthening in D1R-SPNs is lost. Our study thus reveals the cell-type specific sequence of the induction of plasticity that eventually may cause compulsion-like SA.
Tobacco carcinogen induces tryptophan metabolism and immune suppression via induction of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1
Authors: Liang Fan , Wang Gui-Zhen , Wang Yan , Yang Ya-Ning , Wen Zhe-Sheng , Chen Dong-Ni , Fang Wen-Feng , Zhang Bin , Yang Lu , Zhang Chen , Han Si-Chong , Yang Fu-Ying , Wang Di , Liang Li-Jun , Wang Zheng , Zhao Yong , Wang Chang-Li , Zhang Li , Zhou Guang-Biao
Published: September 2022

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1), the enzyme that catabolizes tryptophan (Trp) metabolism to promote regulatory T cells (Tregs) and suppress CD8+ T cells, is regulated by several intrinsic signaling pathways. Here, we found that tobacco smoke, a major public health concern that kills 8 million people each year worldwide, induced IDO1 in normal and malignant lung epithelial cells in vitro and in vivo. The carcinogen nicotine-derived nitrosaminoketone (NNK) was the tobacco compound that upregulated IDO1 via activation of the transcription factor c-Jun, which has a binding site for the IDO1 promoter. The NNK receptor α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) was required for NNK-induced c-Jun activation and IDO1 upregulation. In A/J mice, NNK reduced CD8+ T cells and increased Tregs. Clinically, smoker patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) exhibited high IDO1 levels and low Trp/kynurenine (Kyn) ratios. In NSCLC patients, smokers with lower IDO1 responded better to anti-PD1 antibody treatment than those with higher IDO1. These data indicate that tobacco smoke induces IDO1 to catabolize Trp metabolism and immune suppression to promote carcinogenesis, and lower IDO1 might be a potential biomarker for anti-PD1 antibodies in smoker patients, whereas IDO1-high smoker patients might benefit from IDO1 inhibitors in combination with anti-PD1 antibodies.
Multiomics approach reveals the ubiquitination-specific processes hijacked by SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Xu Gang , Wu Yezi , Xiao Tongyang , Qi Furong , Fan Lujie , Zhang Shengyuan , Zhou Jian , He Yanhua , Gao Xiang , Zeng Hongxiang , Li Yunfei , Zhang Zheng
Published: September 2022

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a global pandemic that seriously threatens health and socioeconomic development, but the existed antiviral drugs and vaccines still cannot yet halt the spread of the epidemic. Therefore, a comprehensive and profound understanding of the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 is urgently needed to explore effective therapeutic targets. Here, we conducted a multiomics study of SARS-CoV-2-infected lung epithelial cells, including transcriptomic, proteomic, and ubiquitinomic. Multiomics analysis showed that SARS-CoV-2-infected lung epithelial cells activated strong innate immune response, including interferon and inflammatory responses. Ubiquitinomic further reveals the underlying mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 disrupting the host innate immune response. In addition, SARS-CoV-2 proteins were found to be ubiquitinated during infection despite the fact that SARS-CoV-2 itself didn’t code any E3 ligase, and that ubiquitination at three sites on the Spike protein could significantly enhance viral infection. Further screening of the E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) library revealed four E3 ligases influencing SARS-CoV-2 infection, thus providing several new antiviral targets. This multiomics combined with high-throughput screening study reveals that SARS-CoV-2 not only modulates innate immunity, but also promotes viral infection, by hijacking ubiquitination-specific processes, highlighting potential antiviral and anti-inflammation targets.
Identification of trypsin-degrading commensals in the large intestine
Authors: Li Youxian , Watanabe Eiichiro , Kawashima Yusuke , Plichta Damian R. , Wang Zhujun , Ujike Makoto , Ang Qi Yan , Wu Runrun , Furuichi Munehiro , Takeshita Kozue , Yoshida Koji , Nishiyama Keita , Kearney Sean M. , Suda Wataru , Hattori Masahira , Sasajima Satoshi , Matsunaga Takahiro , Zhang Xiaoxi , Watanabe Kazuto , Fujishiro Jun , Norman Jason M. , Olle Bernat , Matsuyama Shutoku , Namkoong Ho , Uwamino Yoshifumi , Ishii Makoto , Fukunaga Koichi , Hasegawa Naoki , Ohara Osamu , Xavier Ramnik J. , Atarashi Koji , Honda Kenya
Published: September 2022

Increased levels of proteases, such as trypsin, in the distal intestine have been implicated in intestinal pathological conditions1–3. However, the players and mechanisms that underlie protease regulation in the intestinal lumen have remained unclear. Here we show that Paraprevotella strains isolated from the faecal microbiome of healthy human donors are potent trypsin-degrading commensals. Mechanistically, Paraprevotella recruit trypsin to the bacterial surface through type IX secretion system-dependent polysaccharide-anchoring proteins to promote trypsin autolysis. Paraprevotella colonization protects IgA from trypsin degradation and enhances the effectiveness of oral vaccines against Citrobacter rodentium. Moreover, Paraprevotella colonization inhibits lethal infection with murine hepatitis virus-2, a mouse coronavirus that is dependent on trypsin and trypsin-like proteases for entry into host cells4,5. Consistently, carriage of putative genes involved in trypsin degradation in the gut microbiome was associated with reduced severity of diarrhoea in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Thus, trypsin-degrading commensal colonization may contribute to the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis and protection from pathogen infection.
Gut–brain circuits for fat preference
Authors: Li Mengtong , Tan Hwei-Ee , Lu Zhengyuan , Tsang Katherine S. , Chung Ashley J. , Zuker Charles S.
Published: September 2022

The perception of fat evokes strong appetitive and consummatory responses1. Here we show that fat stimuli can induce behavioural attraction even in the absence of a functional taste system2,3. We demonstrate that fat acts after ingestion via the gut–brain axis to drive preference for fat. Using single-cell data, we identified the vagal neurons responding to intestinal delivery of fat, and showed that genetic silencing of this gut-to-brain circuit abolished the development of fat preference. Next, we compared the gut-to-brain pathways driving preference for fat versus sugar4, and uncovered two parallel systems, one functioning as a general sensor of essential nutrients, responding to intestinal stimulation with sugar, fat and amino acids, whereas the other is activated only by fat stimuli. Finally, we engineered mice lacking candidate receptors to detect the presence of intestinal fat, and validated their role as the mediators of gut-to-brain fat-evoked responses. Together, these findings reveal distinct cells and receptors that use the gut–brain axis as a fundamental conduit for the development of fat preference.
Novel antigen-presenting cell imparts Treg-dependent tolerance to gut microbiota
Authors: Akagbosu Blossom , Tayyebi Zakieh , Shibu Gayathri , Paucar Iza Yoselin A. , Deep Deeksha , Parisotto Yollanda Franco , Fisher Logan , Pasolli H. Amalia , Thevin Valentin , Elmentaite Rasa , Knott Maximilian , Hemmers Saskia , Jahn Lorenz , Friedrich Christin , Verter Jacob , Wang Zhong-Min , van den Brink Marcel , Gasteiger Georg , Grünewald Thomas G. P. , Marie Julien C. , Leslie Christina , Rudensky Alexander Y. , Brown Chrysothemis C.
Published: September 2022

Establishing and maintaining tolerance to self-antigens or innocuous foreign antigens is vital for the preservation of organismal health. Within the thymus, medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) expressing autoimmune regulator (AIRE) have a critical role in self-tolerance through deletion of autoreactive T cells and promotion of thymic regulatory T (Treg) cell development1–4. Within weeks of birth, a separate wave of Treg cell differentiation occurs in the periphery upon exposure to antigens derived from the diet and commensal microbiota5–8, yet the cell types responsible for the generation of peripheral Treg (pTreg) cells have not been identified. Here we describe the identification of a class of RORγt+ antigen-presenting cells called Thetis cells, with transcriptional features of both mTECs and dendritic cells, comprising four major sub-groups (TC I–TC IV). We uncover a developmental wave of Thetis cells within intestinal lymph nodes during a critical window in early life, coinciding with the wave of pTreg cell differentiation. Whereas TC I and TC III expressed the signature mTEC nuclear factor AIRE, TC IV lacked AIRE expression and was enriched for molecules required for pTreg generation, including the TGF-β-activating integrin αvβ8. Loss of either major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII) or ITGB8 by Thetis cells led to a profound impairment in intestinal pTreg differentiation, with ensuing colitis. By contrast, MHCII expression by RORγt+ group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3) and classical dendritic cells was neither sufficient nor required for pTreg generation, further implicating TC IV as the tolerogenic RORγt+ antigen-presenting cell with an essential function in early life. Our studies reveal parallel pathways for the establishment of tolerance to self and foreign antigens in the thymus and periphery, respectively, marked by the involvement of shared cellular and transcriptional programmes.
The conditional defector strategies can violate the most crucial supporting mechanisms of cooperation
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmed M.
Published: September 2022

Cooperation is essential for all domains of life. Yet, ironically, it is intrinsically vulnerable to exploitation by cheats. Hence, an explanatory necessity spurs many evolutionary biologists to search for mechanisms that could support cooperation. In general, cooperation can emerge and be maintained when cooperators are sufficiently interacting with themselves. This communication provides a kind of assortment and reciprocity. The most crucial and common mechanisms to achieve that task are kin selection, spatial structure, and enforcement (punishment). Here, we used agent-based simulation models to investigate these pivotal mechanisms against conditional defector strategies. We concluded that the latter could easily violate the former and take over the population. This surprising outcome may urge us to rethink the evolution of cooperation, as it illustrates that maintaining cooperation may be more difficult than previously thought. Moreover, empirical applications may support these theoretical findings, such as invading the cooperator population of pathogens by genetically engineered conditional defectors, which could be a potential therapy for many incurable diseases.
Optimizing the heat transfer characteristics of MWCNTs and TiO2 water-based nanofluids through a novel designed pilot-scale setup
Authors: Javadpour Reza , Heris Saeed Zeinali , Mohammadfam Yaghoub , Mousavi Seyed Borhan
Published: September 2022

This study aimed to investigate the effect of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nano additives on the thermal performance of a pilot-scale cross-flow cooling tower. Moreover, it is a continuation of our previous study on the effect of using multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) nanofluid, and the results were compared with the results of TiO2 and previous work. An experimental design by response surface methodology (RSM) based on central composite design (CCD) with two factors (concentration and flow rate) was used to study the effectiveness of the setup, Merkel number, and the cooling range. The nanofluids were prepared by the two-step method. The stability tests were performed considering different surfactants such as Gum Arabic, Triton X-100, and sodium dodecyl sulfate, and Gum Arabic was determined as the optimal surfactant. The visual method, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and Zeta potential analyses were used to ensure the stability of the nanofluids and determine the size distribution of the nanoparticles in the nanofluids. The findings revealed that the heat transfer characteristics of the working fluid were improved with the addition of nanoparticles. Moreover, by comparing the effect of nanoparticles, it was found that MWCNTs could enhance the thermal features better than TiO2. The nanofluid containing 0.085 wt% of the MWCNTs improves the Merkel number, effectiveness, and cooling range by 28, 10.2, and 15.8%, respectively, whereas these values for TiO2 containing nanofluids are 5, 4.1, and 7.4%, respectively. MWCNTs nanofluid with a concentration of 0.069 wt% and a flow rate of 2.092 kg/min was proposed for optimal system setup. Under these conditions, the cooling range, effectiveness, and Merkel number were about 23.5, 55.75%, and 0.64, respectively.
Thermal cycles behavior and microstructure of AZ31/SiC composite prepared by stir casting
Authors: Mousavi Seyed Fereidon , Sharifi Hassan , Tayebi Morteza , Hamawandi Bejan , Behnamian Yashar
Published: September 2022

In the present work, the effect of thermal cycles on the physical and thermal properties of AZ31 alloy and AZ31/5wt%SiC and AZ31/10wt%SiC composites was investigated. Samples were prepared using the stir casting method and then subjected to precipitation hardening. Thermal cycles were done for as-cast and aged samples with V-shaped notch under 300, 600, and 900 heating and cooling cycles at 150 and 350 °C. The crack length (CL) was evaluated using optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy-dispersive scanning electron (EDS) analysis. Also, density, porosity, thermal expansion coefficient of the samples were evaluated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was employed to assess the phases present in the material. The results demonstrated that by increasing the number of thermal cycles up to 600 at 150 °C and 350 °C, the porosity and density of the as-cast and aged AZ31 alloy decreased and increased, respectively; however, the density and open porosity were remained constant for the composite samples. The crack's length enlarged with increasing the thermal cycles from 300 to 600 µm at 150 °C and 300 to 900 µm at 350 °C. It was found that the reinforcement and precipitates prevented the rapid growth of the crack in the magnesium matrix. All in All, composite and the aged samples demonstrated better thermal fatigue resistance compared with that of the unreinforced alloy and as-cast samples, respectively.
Performance of a novel risk model for deep sternal wound infection after coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: Orlandi Bianca Maria Maglia , Mejia Omar Asdrúbal Vilca , Sorio Jennifer Loría , de Barros e Silva Pedro , Oliveira Marco Antonio Praça , Nakazone Marcelo Arruda , Tiveron Marcos Gradim , Campagnucci Valquíria Pelliser , Lisboa Luiz Augusto Ferreira , Zubelli Jorge , Normand Sharon-Lise , Jatene Fabio Biscegli
Published: September 2022

Clinical prediction models for deep sternal wound infections (DSWI) after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery exist, although they have a poor impact in external validation studies. We developed and validated a new predictive model for 30-day DSWI after CABG (REPINF) and compared it with the Society of Thoracic Surgeons model (STS). The REPINF model was created through a multicenter cohort of adults undergoing CABG surgery (REPLICCAR II Study) database, using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression, internally and externally validated comparing discrimination, calibration in-the-large (CL), net reclassification improvement (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI), trained between the new model and the STS PredDeep, a validated model for DSWI after cardiac surgery. In the validation data, c-index = 0.83 (95% CI 0.72–0.95). Compared to the STS PredDeep, predictions improved by 6.5% (IDI). However, both STS and REPINF had limited calibration. Different populations require independent scoring systems to achieve the best predictive effect. The external validation of REPINF across multiple centers is an important quality improvement tool to generalize the model and to guide healthcare professionals in the prevention of DSWI after CABG surgery.
First-principles theory of extending the spin qubit coherence time in hexagonal boron nitride
Authors: Lee Jaewook , Park Huijin , Seo Hosung
Published: September 2022

Negatively charged boron vacancies (VB−) in hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) are a rapidly developing qubit platform in two-dimensional materials for solid-state quantum applications. However, their spin coherence time (T2) is very short, limited to a few microseconds owing to the inherently dense nuclear spin bath of the h-BN host. As the coherence time is one of the most fundamental properties of spin qubits, the short T2time of VB−could significantly limit its potential as a promising spin qubit candidate. In this study, we theoretically proposed two materials engineering methods, which can substantially extend the T2time of the VB−spin by four times more than its intrinsic T2. We performed quantum many-body computations by combining density functional theory and cluster correlation expansion and showed that replacing all the boron atoms in h-BN with the10B isotope leads to the coherence enhancement of the VB−spin by a factor of three. In addition, the T2time of the VB−can be enhanced by a factor of 1.3 by inducing a curvature around VB−. Herein, we elucidate that the curvature-induced inhomogeneous strain creates spatially varying quadrupole nuclear interactions, which effectively suppress the nuclear spin flip-flop dynamics in the bath. Importantly, we find that the combination of isotopic enrichment and strain engineering can maximize the T2time of VB−, yielding 207.2 μs and 161.9 μs for single- and multi-layer h-10BN, respectively. Furthermore, our results can be applied to any spin qubit in h-BN, strengthening their potential as material platforms to realize high-precision quantum sensors, quantum spin registers, and atomically thin quantum magnets.
PBA-MoS2 nanoboxes with enhanced peroxidase activity for constructing a colorimetric sensor array for reducing substances containing the catechol structure
Authors: Liu Xiangwei , Zhang Yunpeng , Liu Zhenchao , Lu Guang , Fan Gaochao , Kong Xia , Li Guijiang , Liu Qingyun
Published: September 2022

A fast colorimetric sensor array is constructed based on the enhanced peroxidase-like activity of nickel cobalt Prussian blue analogue-MoS2 nanoboxes (PBA-MoS2) for the detection of reducing substances containing the catechol structure.
Correction: Implantation of a functional TEMPO-hydrogel induces recovery from rat spinal cord transection through promoting nerve regeneration and protecting bladder tissue
Authors: Zhang Yu , Li Liming , Mu Jiafu , Chen Jiachen , Feng Shiqing , Gao Jianqing
Published: September 2022

Correction for ‘Implantation of a functional TEMPO-hydrogel induces recovery from rat spinal cord transection through promoting nerve regeneration and protecting bladder tissue’ by Yu Zhang et al., Biomater. Sci., 2020, 8, 1695–1701, https://doi.org/10.1039/C9BM01530B.
Micro-photo-flow reactor system for fused N-heteroaryl scaffold synthesis and late-stage functionalization of pyrazolopyridines
Authors: Kumar Sanjeev , Singh Ajay K.
Published: September 2022

Late-stage functionalization (LSF) of active pharmaceutical ingredients can provide a straightforward approach to efficient de novo design and synthesis of drug molecules for structural activity relationship studies (SARS).
In situ fabrication of bendable epitaxial metal–organic framework films via spraying
Authors: Fan Fuqiang , Zeng Qingqi , Zhang Zhihui , Zhang Liying , Zhang Xuemin , Wang Tieqiang , Fu Yu
Published: September 2022

Epitaxial metal–organic framework (MOF) films have shown huge potential for use in separation applications.
Ultrathin MOF nanosheet-based resistive sensors for highly sensitive detection of methanol
Authors: Dai Fangna , Cui Xiaoya , Luo Yuwei , Zhang Dongzhi , Li Nanjun , Huang Ying , Peng Yongwu
Published: September 2022

Ultrathin anionic metal–organic framework (MOF) nanosheets used as active materials have been fabricated as a resistive sensor, which exhibits a high sensitivity for methanol at sub-ppm level at room temperature.
A novel flower-like hierarchical aluminum-based MOF anode for high-performance lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Tong Yihong , Xu Hongyuan , Li Ting , Kong Zhao , Li Jiawei , Fan Qi Hua , Xu Hui , Jin Hong , Wang Keliang
Published: September 2022

Metal–organic frameworks, an emerging electrode material, are mostly synthesized by using costly, limited reserve and environmentally unfriendly metals as nodes.
Crystal structure prediction of host–guest supramolecular systems based on β-cyclodextrin dimers and trimers with luminescent probes
Authors: Titov Sergey V. , Avakyan Vitaly G.
Published: September 2022

A theoretical method is proposed for constructing new crystals consisting of β-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes with luminescent probes and determining their structural parameters.
Sawtooth chains self-assembled from clusters of MnO6 octahedra within the silicate framework of K3Mn4Si10O24.33(H2O,OH)3/V,B
Authors: Yakubovich Olga V. , Shvanskaya Larisa V. , Kiriukhina Galina V. , Dimitrova Olga V. , Volkov Anatoly S. , Volkova Olga S. , Vasiliev Alexander N.
Published: September 2022

A disordered mineralogically probable silicate hydrate K3Mn4Si10O24.33(H2O,OH)3/V,B, obtained hydrothermally, demonstrates low-dimensional magnetic behavior.
A new 3D 8-connected Cd(ii) MOF as a potent photocatalyst for oxytetracycline antibiotic degradation
Authors: Dong Xiuyan , Li Yuyan , Li Duqingcuo , Liao Donghui , Qin Tianrui , Prakash Om , Kumar Abhinav , Liu Jianqiang
Published: September 2022

1 exhibits the best photocatalytic decomposition efficiency towards antibiotic OXY. The plausible photocatalytic mechanism has been explained with the help of the density of states calculations and Hirshfeld surface analysis.
Analysis of the orientation of cholesterol in high-density lipoprotein nanodiscs using solid-state NMR
Authors: Lau Sophie , Middleton David A.
Published: September 2022

Measurements of dipolar couplings from multiple 13C-labelled cholesterol in reconstituted high-density lipoprotein nanodiscs and multilamellar vesicles reveal differences in the orientation of cholesterol in the two environments and agree well with molecular dynamics simulations.
Unveiling the role of lithium in cerium oxide based ceramic fuel cells employing lithium compounds as the anode
Authors: Hu Enyi , Zhao Wenjuan , Jiang Zheng , Wang Faze , Wang Jun , Zhu Bin , Lund Peter
Published: September 2022

The lithium compound as an anode is a double-edge sword in cerium oxide based ceramic fuel cells.
On the transferability of classical pairwise additive atomistic force field to the description of unary and multi-component systems: applications to the solidification of Al-based alloys
Authors: Castillo-Sánchez Juan-Ricardo , Rincent Antoine , Gheribi Aïmen E. , Harvey Jean-Philippe
Published: September 2022

A parametrization strategy for Zr, Al–Cu, Al–Cr, and Al–Zr–Ti force fields is proposed. The solidification of Al and the effect of Cr on grain refinement of Al–Cr alloys are evaluated.
Formation of CO, CH4, H2CO and CH3CHO through the H2CCO + H surface reaction under interstellar conditions
Authors: Ibrahim Mohamad , Guillemin Jean-Claude , Chaquin Patrick , Markovits Alexis , Krim Lahouari
Published: September 2022

The reaction of ketene (H2CCO) with hydrogen atoms has been studied under interstellar conditions through two different experimental methods, occurring on the surface and in the bulk of H2CCO ice.
The photoisomerization mechanism of methacrolein oxide (MACR-OO): the cyclic dioxole formation pathway revealed
Authors: Yang Jiawei , Li Yazhen , Makroni Lily , Liu Fengyi
Published: September 2022

A new photo-induced ring-closure to heterocyclopentane dioxole in syn_syn-MACR-OO (S0-SS) is found, which competes with the channel of forming dioxirane.
Revealing the promotion of carbonyl groups on vacancy stabilized Pt4/nanocarbons for propane dehydrogenation
Authors: Zhai Ziwei , Zhang Bofeng , Wang Yutong , Wang Li , Liu Sibao , Liu Guozhu
Published: September 2022

Platinum clusters anchored on carbon nanoribbons by vacancy engineering and oxygen functionality for propane dehydrogenation.
Strong coupling of excitons in patterned few-layer WS2 with guided mode and bound state in the continuum
Authors: Wu Jun , Qing Ye Ming
Published: September 2022

The strong coupling of excitons in few-layer transition-metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) with guided mode resonance (GMR) and bound state in the continuum (BIC) is investigated.
Efficient degradation of VOCs using semi-coke activated carbon loaded ternary Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst BiVO4–BiPO4–g-C3N4 under visible light irradiation
Authors: Shi Long , Xue Juanqin , Xiao Wen , Wang Peng , Long Mingyang , Bi Qiang
Published: September 2022

We consider the degradation of VOCs by a BiPO4–BiVO4–g-C3N4/semi-coke activated carbon (PVCN/SAC) composite under simulated sunlight.
Electrochemical tuning of a Cu3P/Ni2P hybrid for a promoted hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Guo Jiaqian , Zhan Zhenxiang , Lei Ting , Yin Ping
Published: September 2022

In this work, self-supported Cu3P/Ni2P hybrid on nickel foam modified by 4000 cyclic voltammetry scans exhibited a great HER performance with an overpotential of only 67 mV required to reach the current density of 10 mA cm−2.
Radical-Friedel–Crafts benzylation of arenes with benzyl ethers over 2H-MoS2: ether cleavage into carbon- and oxygen-centered radicals
Authors: Du Xinze , Zhang Chaofeng , Liu Shenglin
Published: September 2022

2H-MoS2 can achieve the homolytic cleavage of the Bn–OR bond to generate benzyl carbon radicals and RO˙ species, and efficiently catalyze the Radical-Friedel–Crafts benzylation of arenes.
Effectiveness of wearing face masks against traffic particles on the streets of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Authors: Velasco Erik , Ha Hoang Hieu , Pham Anh Duc , Rastan Soheil
Published: September 2022

Particle pollution on the streets of Ho Chi Minh City forces the use of face masks. They do reduce particle exposure with varying efficiencies under real wearing conditions that may differ from the efficiencies reported by their manufacturers.
Cationic dye removal using surface treated activated carbon as an adsorbent
Authors: Goswami R. , Dey A. K.
Published: September 2022

The use of treated activated carbon (AC) is investigated to eliminate cationic dye malachite green (MG) using modelled dye solution.
Supercritical carbon dioxide as reaction medium for selective hydrogenation of fluorinated arenes
Authors: Kacem Souha , Qiao Yunxiang , Wirtz Cornelia , Theyssen Nils , Bordet Alexis , Leitner Walter
Published: September 2022

The selective hydrogenation of fluorinated arenes with polar functionalities to valuable fluorinated cyclohexanes is achieved using supercritical CO2 as solvent in combination with Rh NPs immobilized on molecularly modified silica as catalysts.
Efficient heterogeneous photocatalytic C–C coupling of halogenated arenes mediated by metal cocatalyst
Authors: Li Yaru , Li Yajiao , Hu Caixia , Wen Xiaodong , Xiang Hongwei , Li Yongwang , Niemantsverdriet Hans , Su Ren
Published: September 2022

A moderate adsorption of benzyl halogens and appropriate kinetics of reaction intermediates are the keys to achieve efficient C–C coupling on the Ni/gCN photocatalyst.
Microfluidics for antibiotic susceptibility testing
Authors: Postek Witold , Pacocha Natalia , Garstecki Piotr
Published: September 2022

The rise of antibiotic resistance is a threat to global health.
A review of the synthetic strategies toward spirobarbiturate-fused 3- to 7-membered rings
Authors: Bagherinejad Akram , Alizadeh Abdolali
Published: September 2022

This review covers the reported use of activated olefins, such as barbiturate-based olefins, for the synthesis of spirobarbiturate-fused three- to seven-membered carbo- and heterocyclic rings through different synthetic strategies.
AzaBenzannulated perylene diimide multimers as electron acceptors for organic solar cells
Authors: Makhloutah Aline , Hoff Anderson , Goujon Antoine , Welch Gregory C. , Hudhomme Piétrick
Published: September 2022

We present herein a series of AzaBenzannulated PDI (AzaBPDI) multimers, with their synthesis, characterizations and applications as non-fullerene acceptors in bulk-heterojunction organic solar cells.
Selective CO2-to-CO photoreduction over an orthophosphate semiconductor via the direct Z-scheme heterojunction of Ag3PO4 quantum dots decorated on SnS2 nanosheets
Authors: Fu Fang-Yu , Fan Chi-Chan , Qorbani Mohammad , Huang Chih-Yang , Kuo Ping-Chun , Hwang Jih-Shang , Shu Guo-Jiun , Chang Sue-Min , Wu Heng-Liang , Wu Chih-I , Chen Kuei-Hsien , Chen Li-Chyong
Published: September 2022

A direct Z-scheme heterojunction via decorating Ag3PO4 quantum dots on SnS2 nanosheets results in highly selective and efficient solar-driven CO2-to-CO photoreduction.
Effect of the length of bromoalkyl chains on light-driven hydrogen evolution facilitated by fluorene-based polymers
Authors: Sun Han-Sheng , Tsai Tien-Liang , Chang Cheng-Hao , Chen Yen-Yu , Yang Hau-Ren , Wu Jeffrey C. S. , Lai Yu-Ying
Published: September 2022

Tetraalkylammonium bromide is produced in situ. The effect of the length of bromoalkyl chains is recognized, indicating the importance of side-chain engineering. The hydrogen evolution rate is improved significantly by the presence of Pd.
From microbes to ecosystems: a review of the ecological effects of biodegradable plastics
Authors: Courtene-Jones Winnie , Martínez Rodríguez Ana , Handy Richard D.
Published: September 2022

Biodegradable plastics have been proposed as a potential solution to plastic pollution, as they can be biodegraded into their elemental components by microbial action. However, the degradation rate of biodegradable plastics is highly variable across environments, leading to the potential for accumulation of plastic particles, chemical co-contaminants and/or degradation products. This paper reviews the toxicological effects of biodegradable plastics on species and ecosystems, and contextualises these impacts with those previously reported for conventional polymers. While the impacts of biodegradable plastics and their co-contaminants across levels of biological organisation are poorly researched compared with conventional plastics, evidence suggests that individual-level effects could be broadly similar. Where differences in the associated toxicity may arise is due to the chemical structure of biodegradable polymers which should facilitate enzymatic depolymerisation and the utilisation of the polymer carbon by the microbial community. The input of carbon can alter microbial composition, causing an enrichment of carbon-degrading bacteria and fungi, which can have wider implications for carbon and nitrogen dynamics. Furthermore, there is the potential for toxic degradation products to form during biodegradation, however understanding the environmental concentration and effects of degradation products are lacking. As global production of biodegradable polymers continues to increase, further evaluation of their ecotoxicological effects on organisms and ecosystem function are required.
A physically motivated “charge-exchange method” for measuring electron temperatures within H ii regions
Authors: Kreckel Kathryn , Egorov Oleg V. , Belfiore Francesco , Groves Brent , Glover Simon C. O. , Klessen Ralf S. , Sandstrom Karin , Bigiel Frank , Dale Daniel A. , Grasha Kathryn , Scheuermann Fabian , Schinnerer Eva , Williams Thomas G.
Published: September 2022

Aims. Temperature uncertainties plague our understanding of abundance variations within the interstellar medium. Using the PHANGS-MUSE large program, we develop and apply a new technique to model the strong emission lines arising from H ii regions in 19 nearby spiral galaxies at ~50 pc resolution and infer electron temperatures for the nebulae.

Methods. Due to the charge-exchange coupling of the ionization fraction of the atomic oxygen to that of hydrogen, the emissivity of the observed [O i]λ6300/Hα line ratio can be modeled as a function of the gas phase oxygen abundance (O/H), ionization fraction (fion), and electron temperature (Te). We measure O/H using a strong-line metallicity calibration and identify a correlation between fion and [S iii]λ9069/[S ii]λ6716,6730, tracing ionization parameter variations.

Results. We solve for Te and test the method by reproducing direct measurements of Te([N ii]λ5755) based on auroral line detections to within ~600 K. We apply this“charge-exchange method” of calculating Te to 4129 H ii regions across 19 PHANGS-MUSE galaxies. We uncover radial temperature gradients, increased homogeneity on small scales, and azimuthal temperature variations in the disks that correspond to established abundance patterns. This new technique for measuring electron temperatures leverages the growing availability of optical integral field unit spectroscopic maps across galaxy samples, increasing the statistics available compared to direct auroral line detections.
Investigating magnetically induced distortions of neutron stars through gamma-ray burst X-ray plateaus
Authors: Lin Tingting , Du Shuang , Wang Weihua , Hou Shujin , Xu Renxin
Published: September 2022

The magnetic field may distort neutron stars (NSs), but its effect has not yet been robustly tested through gravitational-wave observations due to the absence of a fast-rotating Galactic magnetar. The investigation of parts of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) can potentially shed light on the magnetically induced distortion since their central objects may be millisecond magnetars. In this paper we propose a method for estimating the distortions of these possible magnetars under the GRB magnetar scenario. According to the case study of GRB 070521, we find a relation between the effective magnetically induced ellipticity, ϵB, eff, and the effective dipole magnetic field strength on NS surfaces, Beff, namely ϵB, eff ∼ 10−3(Beff/1015 G)2. Furthermore, we constrain the internal magnetic field structure of the magnetar to be Beff ∼ 0.02⟨Bt⟩ and Beff ∼ 0.1 Bt, where ⟨Bt⟩ is the volume-averaged internal toroidal field. This constraint can be used as the initial condition in modeling the structure of NS magnetospheres. Finally, the possibility of testing the method shown in this paper through gravitational-wave observations is discussed.
Multi-line Observations, Models, and Data Needed to Understand the Nature of UV-irradiated Interstellar Matter
Authors: Goicoechea Javier R. , Cuadrado Sara , Le Petit Franck
Published: September 2022

Far-ultraviolet photons from OB-type massive stars regulate the heating, ionization, and chemistry of much of the neutral interstellar gas in star-forming galaxies. The interaction of FUV radiation and interstellar matter takes place in environments broadly known as photodissociation regions (PDRs). PDR line diagnostics are the smoking gun of the radiative feedback from massive stars. Improving our understanding of stellar feedback in the ISM requires quantifying the energy budget, gas dynamics, and chemical composition of PDR environments. This goal demands astronomical instrumentation able to deliver multi-line spectroscopic images of the ISM (of the Milky Way and nearby galaxies). It also requires interdisciplinary collaborations to obtain the rate coefficients and cross sections of the many microphysical processes that occur in the ISM and that are included in models such as the Meudon PDR code.
HCN/HNC ratio: A new chemical thermometer at 3 mm
Authors: Hacar Alvaro , Suri Sümeyye
Published: September 2022

The gas kinetic temperature (TK) determines the physical and chemical evolution of the interstellar medium (ISM). This work explores the use of HCN/HNC (J=1–0) line ratio as new probe of the gas kinetic temperature in the molecular ISM. Based on a new set of IRAM-30m observations at 30 arcsec resolution towards Orion Nebula Cluster, we find a two-part linear correlation of the observed HCN/HNC line ratio and TK. This empirical calibration allows to obtain direct estimates of the TK values across a wide range of column densities (AV ≳ 5 mag) and up to scales of ~ 10 pc. Comparisons with additional studies highlight the potential use of the HCN/HNC line ratio as novel chemical thermometer at 3mm.
Gas condensation in Brightest Group Galaxies unveiled with MUSE
Authors: Olivares Valeria
Published: September 2022

How central galaxies in groups acquired their cold gas is still not fully understood. To unfold this unknown, we map the kinematics and distribution of the optical emission-line gas using MUSE observations of 18 optically selected local brightest group galaxies (BGGs). The observations reveal a distribution of gas morphologies, including complex networks of filaments extending up to ∼10 kpc to compact (<3 kpc) and extended (>5 kpc) disk-dominated structures. By exploring the thermodynamical properties of the X-ray atmospheres, we find most of the filaments and compact have are likely cooled out from the intragroup medium (IGrM).
Dynamically regulated star formation in the strongly interacting Taffy galaxies
Authors: García-Rodríguez Axel , Usero Antonio , García-Burillo Santiago , Bigiel Frank , Brinks Elias , Fuente Asunción , Leroy Adam K. , Querejeta Miguel
Published: September 2022

The Taffy system stands out as one of the strongest gas-rich galaxy mergers with little star formation (SF) activity. We study the causes of this SF inefficiency by observing with the IRAM 30m telescope the line emission of several species in 6 positions. We report clear detections of tracers of bulk (12CO and 13CO) and dense (HCN and HCO+) molecular gas in all regions, as well as evidence for shocks (SiO J=2–1) over the intergalactic bridge. Our observations not only confirm the SF inefficiency of the bulk gas, but they also show that the SF efficiency of the dense gas phase is abnormally low too (∼1 dex below ULIRGs). The dense gas fraction (∝ HCN/CO) only shows small variations across the entire system, with a typical value of 4%. Although this fraction is somewhat low compared to other interacting/merging systems, it is similar to the values measured in the disk of nearby, normal star-forming galaxies. Finally, we use the outstanding properties of the Taffy system to place constraints on some of the turbulence-regulated SF models from the literature.
The LEGO Large Program: Constraining the Physics of Line Emission in Galaxy Observations
Authors: Kauffmann Jens , Barnes Ashley
Published: September 2022

The IRAM Large Program LEGO studies molecular clouds in the Milky Way to constrain the physics controlling molecular line emission in galaxies. This is done by imaging two dozen clouds with setups that provide continuous spectral coverage of about 85–115 GHz. To give one example, research in this area permits to “calibrate” extragalactic observations of molecules like HCN and N2H+ to explore how the star formation activity in galaxies depends on their dense gas contents (i.e., Gao & Solomon relation). Interestingly, LEGO and other studies now reveal a substantial cloud-to-cloud variation in line ratios. Once understood properly, this diversity can be used to constrain the properties of extragalactic molecular clouds at great detail. Here we outline the LEGO sample and describe the project status.
Learning from model grids: Tracers of the ionization fraction in the ISM
Authors: Bron Emeric , Roueff Evelyne , Gerin Maryvonne , Pety Jérôme , Gratier Pierre , Le Petit Franck , Guzman Viviana , Orkisz Jan , de Souza Magalhaes Victor , Gaudel Mathilde , Palud Pierre , Einig Lucas , Bardeau Sébastien , Gerin Maryvonne , Chainais Pierre , Chanussot Jocelyn , Goicoechea Javier , Hughes Annie , Kainulainen Jouni , Languignon David , Le Bourlot Jacques , Levrier François , Lis Darek , Liszt Harvey , Öberg Karin , Peretto Nicolas , Roueff Antoine , Sievers Albrecht , Thouvenin Pierre-Antoine , Tremblin Pascal
Published: September 2022

The ionization fraction in neutral interstellar clouds is a key physical parameter controlling multiple physical and chemical processes, and varying by orders of magnitude from the UV irradiated surface of the cloud to its cosmic-ray dominated central regions. Traditional observational tracers of the ionization fraction, which mostly rely on deuteration ratios of molecules like HCO+, suffer from the fact that the deuterated molecules are only detected in a tiny fraction of a given Giant Molecular Cloud (GMC). In [1], we propose a machine learning-based, semi-automatic method to search in a large dataset of astrochemical model results for new tracers of the ionization fraction, and propose several new tracers relevant in different ranges of physical conditions.