bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The genome sequence of the Violet Carpenter Bee, Xylocopa violacea (Linnaeus, 1785): a hymenopteran species undergoing range expansion
Authors: Nash Will J. , Man Angela , McTaggart Seanna , Baker Kendall , Barker Tom , Catchpole Leah , Durrant Alex , Gharbi Karim , Irish Naomi , Kaithakottil Gemy , Ku Debby , Providence Aaliyah , Shaw Felix , Swarbreck David , Watkins Chris , McCartney Ann M. , Formenti Giulio , Mouton Alice , Vella Noel , von Reumont Björn M. , Vella Adriana , Haerty Wilfried
Published: September 2024

We present a reference genome assembly from an individual male Violet Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa violacea, Linnaeus 1758). The assembly is 1.02 gigabases in span. 48% of the assembly is scaffolded into 17 pseudo-chromosomal units. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 21.8 kilobases in length. The genome is highly repetitive, likely representing a highly heterochromatic architecture expected of bees from the genus Xylocopa. We also use an evidence-based methodology to annotate 10,152 high confidence coding genes. This genome was sequenced as part of the pilot project of the European Reference Genome Atlas (ERGA) and represents an important addition to the genomic resources available for Hymenoptera.
Zeolite-promoted platinum catalyst for efficient reduction of nitrogen oxides with hydrogen
Authors: Xie Shaohua , Liu Liping , Li Yuejin , Ye Kailong , Kim Daekun , Zhang Xing , Xin Hongliang , Ma Lu , Ehrlich Steven N. , Liu Fudong
Published: September 2024

Internal combustion engine fueled by carbon-free hydrogen (H2-ICE) offers a promising alternative for sustainable transportation. Herein, we report a facile and universal strategy through the physical mixing of Pt catalyst with zeolites to significantly improve the catalytic performance in the selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides (NOx) with H2 (H2-SCR), a process aiming at NOx removal from H2-ICE. Via the physical mixing of Pt/TiO2 with Y zeolite (Pt/TiO2 + Y), a remarkable enhancement of NOx reduction activity and N2 selectivity was simultaneously achieved. The incorporation of Y zeolite effectively captured the in-situ generated water, fostering a water-rich environment surrounding the Pt active sites. This environment weakened the NO adsorption while concurrently promoting the H2 activation, leading to the strikingly elevated H2-SCR activity and N2 selectivity on Pt/TiO2 + Y catalyst. This study provides a unique, easy and sustainable physical mixing approach to achieve proficient heterogeneous catalysis for environmental applications.
A single diiron enzyme catalyses the oxidative rearrangement of tryptophan to indole nitrile
Authors: Adak Sanjoy , Ye Naike , Calderone Logan A. , Duan Meng , Lubeck Wilson , Schäfer Rebecca J. B. , Lukowski April L. , Houk K. N. , Pandelia Maria-Eirini , Drennan Catherine L. , Moore Bradley S.
Published: September 2024

Nitriles are uncommon in nature and are typically constructed from oximes through the oxidative decarboxylation of amino acid substrates or from the derivatization of carboxylic acids. Here we report a third nitrile biosynthesis strategy featuring the cyanobacterial nitrile synthase AetD. During the biosynthesis of the eagle-killing neurotoxin, aetokthonotoxin, AetD transforms the 2-aminopropionate portion of 5,7-dibromo-l-tryptophan to a nitrile. Employing a combination of structural, biochemical and biophysical techniques, we characterized AetD as a non-haem diiron enzyme that belongs to the emerging haem-oxygenase-like dimetal oxidase superfamily. High-resolution crystal structures of AetD together with the identification of catalytically relevant products provide mechanistic insights into how AetD affords this unique transformation, which we propose proceeds via an aziridine intermediate. Our work presents a unique template for nitrile biogenesis and portrays a substrate binding and metallocofactor assembly mechanism that may be shared among other haem-oxygenase-like dimetal oxidase enzymes.
Transparent RFID tag wall enabled by artificial intelligence for assisted living
Authors: Khan Muhammad Zakir , Usman Muhammad , Tahir Ahsen , Farooq Muhammad , Qayyum Adnan , Ahmad Jawad , Abbas Hasan , Imran Muhammad , Abbasi Qammer H.
Published: September 2024

Current approaches to activity-assisted living (AAL) are complex, expensive, and intrusive, which reduces their practicality and end user acceptance. However, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and wireless communications offer new opportunities to enhance AAL systems. These improvements could potentially lower healthcare costs and reduce hospitalisations by enabling more effective identification, monitoring, and localisation of hazardous activities, ensuring rapid response to emergencies. In response to these challenges, this paper introduces theTransparentRFIDTag Wall (TRT-Wall), a novel system taht utilises a passive ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag array combined with deep learning for contactless human activity monitoring. TheTRT-Wallis tested on five distinct activities: sitting, standing, walking (in both directions), and no-activity. Experimental results demonstrate that theTRT-Walldistinguishes these activities with an impressive average accuracy of$$95.6\%$$95.6%under four distinct distances (2, 2.5, 3.5 and 4.5 m) by capturing the RSSI and phase information. This suggests that our proposed contactless AAL system possesses significant potential to enhance elderly patient-assisted living.
In silico evaluation of cell therapy in acute versus chronic infarction: role of automaticity, heterogeneity and Purkinje in human
Authors: Riebel Leto Luana , Wang Zhinuo Jenny , Martinez-Navarro Hector , Trovato Cristian , Camps Julia , Berg Lucas Arantes , Zhou Xin , Doste Ruben , Sachetto Oliveira Rafael , Weber dos Santos Rodrigo , Biasetti Jacopo , Rodriguez Blanca
Published: September 2024

Human-based modelling and simulation offer an ideal testbed for novel medical therapies to guide experimental and clinical studies. Myocardial infarction (MI) is a common cause of heart failure and mortality, for which novel therapies are urgently needed. Although cell therapy offers promise, electrophysiological heterogeneity raises pro-arrhythmic safety concerns, where underlying complex spatio-temporal dynamics cannot be investigated experimentally. Here, after demonstrating credibility of the modelling and simulation framework, we investigate cell therapy in acute versus chronic MI and the role of cell heterogeneity, scar size and the Purkinje system. Simulations agreed with experimental and clinical recordings from ionic to ECG dynamics in acute and chronic infarction. Following cell delivery, spontaneous beats were facilitated by heterogeneity in cell populations, chronic MI due to tissue depolarisation and slow sinus rhythm. Subsequent re-entrant arrhythmias occurred, in some instances with Purkinje involvement and their susceptibility was enhanced by impaired Purkinje-myocardium coupling, large scars and acute infarction. We conclude that homogeneity in injected ventricular-like cell populations minimises their spontaneous beating, which is enhanced by chronic MI, whereas a healthy Purkinje-myocardium coupling is key to prevent subsequent re-entrant arrhythmias, particularly for large scars.
Proximity coupling induced two dimensional magnetic order in EuO-based synthetic ferrimagnets
Authors: Rosenberger Paul , Kundu Moumita , Gloskovskii Andrei , Schlueter Christoph , Nowak Ulrich , Müller Martina
Published: September 2024

Proximity effects allow for the adjustment of magnetic properties in a physically elegant way. If two thin ferromagnetic (FM) films are brought into contact, electronic coupling alters their magnetic exchange interaction at their interface. For a low-$$T_C$$

T
C

 rare-earth FM coupled to a 3d transition metal FM, even room temperature magnetism is within reach. In addition, magnetic proximity coupling is particularly promising for increasing the magnetic order of metastable materials such as europium monoxide (EuO) beyond their bulk $$T_C$$

T
C

, since neither the stoichiometry nor the insulating properties are modified. We investigate the magnetic proximity effect at Fe/EuO and Co/EuO interfaces using hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. By exciting the FM layers with circularly polarized light, magnetic dichroism is observed in angular dependence on the photoemission geometry. In this way, the depth-dependence of the magnetic signal is determined element-specifically for the EuO and 3d FM parts of the bilayers. In connection with atomistic spin dynamics simulations, the thickness of the EuO layer is found to be crucial, indicating that the observed antiferromagnetic proximity coupling is a short-ranged and genuine interface phenomenon. This fact turns the bilayer into a strong synthetic ferrimagnet. The increase in magnetic order in EuO occurs in a finite spatial range and is therefore particularly strong in the 2D limit—a counterintuitive but very useful phenomenon for spin-based device applications.
Genomic study of taste perception genes in African Americans reveals SNPs linked to Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Joseph Paule Valery , Abbas Malak , Goodney Gabriel , Diallo Ana , Gaye Amadou
Published: September 2024

While previous research has shown the potential links between taste perception pathways and brain-related conditions, the area involving Alzheimer’s disease remains incompletely understood. Taste perception involves neurotransmitter signaling, including serotonin, glutamate, and dopamine. Disruptions in these pathways are implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. The integration of olfactory and taste signals in flavor perception may impact brain health, evident in olfactory dysfunction as an early symptom in neurodegenerative conditions. Shared immune response and inflammatory pathways may contribute to the association between altered taste perception and conditions like neurodegeneration, present in Alzheimer’s disease. This study consists of an exploration of expression-quantitative trait loci (eQTL), utilizing whole-blood transcriptome profiles, of 28 taste perception genes, from a combined cohort of 475 African American subjects. This comprehensive dataset was subsequently intersected with single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified in Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Finally, the investigation delved into assessing the association between eQTLs reported in GWAS of AD and the profiles of 741 proteins from the Olink Neurological Panel. The eQTL analysis unveiled 3,547 statistically significant SNP-Gene associations, involving 412 distinct SNPs that spanned all 28 taste genes. In 17 GWAS studies encompassing various traits, a total of 14 SNPs associated with 12 genes were identified, with three SNPs consistently linked to Alzheimer’s disease across four GWAS studies. All three SNPs demonstrated significant associations with the down-regulation of TAS2R41, and two of them were additionally associated with the down-regulation of TAS2R60. In the subsequent pQTL analysis, two of the SNPs linked to TAS2R41 and TAS2R60 genes (rs117771145 and rs10228407) were correlated with the upregulation of two proteins, namely EPHB6 and ADGRB3. Our investigation introduces a new perspective to the understanding of Alzheimer's disease, emphasizing the significance of bitter taste receptor genes in its pathogenesis. These discoveries set the stage for subsequent research to delve into these receptors as promising avenues for both intervention and diagnosis. Nevertheless, the translation of these genetic insights into clinical practice requires a more profound understanding of the implicated pathways and their pertinence to the disease's progression across diverse populations.
Formamidinium lead iodide perovskite photovoltaics with MoS2 quantum dots
Authors: Kambley Ankur Uttam , Alessi Bruno , McDonald Calum , Papakonstantinou Pagona , Svrcek Vladimir , Mariotti Davide
Published: September 2024

We present the formation of a composite film made out of formamidinium lead iodide (FAPI) and molybdenum disulphide quantum dots (MoS2 QDs) and propose a corresponding photovoltaic device architecture based on a ‘type-I’ alignment of the two materials’ electronic energy levels. The introduction of the MoS2 QDs has not compromised the overall crystallinity of the FAPI film and the composite absorber has shown improved stability. We report on the benefits of this composite film and energy band arrangement as the photogenerated carriers in MoS2 QDs, both positive and negative, are injected into the FAPI host matrix, resulting in an increased current density of 24.19 mA cm−2 compared to a current density of 19.83 mA cm−2 for the control device with FAPI only. The corresponding photoconversion efficiency increases from 12.6 to 15.0%. We also show that inclusion of MoS2 QDs in FAPI films resulted in a notable improvement in the fill factor and open-circuit voltage of the solar cells. Most importantly, MoS2 QDs enhanced the film stability by reducing defect formation and acting as passivating agents that minimize recombination losses and improve charge carrier transport. Our results suggest that a composite film in a type-I device architecture can introduce benefits for both future developments in perovskite solar cells and effectively tackling the longstanding challenges of carrier transport in QDs solar cells.
Proteomic Mendelian randomization to identify protein biomarkers of telomere length
Authors: Zhao Jiaxuan , Yang Kun , Lu Yunfei , Zhou Linfeng , Fu Haoran , Feng Jingbo , Wu Jinghua
Published: September 2024

Shortening of telomere length (TL) is correlated with many age-related disorders and is a hallmark of biological aging. This study used proteome-wide Mendelian randomization to identify the protein biomarkers associated with telomere length. Protein quantitative trait loci (pQTL) were derived from two studies, the deCODE Health study (4907 plasma proteins) and the UK Biobank Pharma Proteomics Project (2923 plasma proteins). Summary data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for TL were obtained from the UK Biobank (472,174 cases) and GWAS Catalog (418,401 cases). The association between proteins and TL was further assessed using colocalization and summary data-based Mendelian randomization (SMR) analyses. The protein–protein network, druggability assessment, and phenome-wide MR were used to further evaluate the potential biological effects, druggability, and safety of the target proteins. Proteome-wide MR analysis identified 22 plasma proteins that were causally associated with telomere length. Five of these proteins (APOE, SPRED2, MAX, RALY, and PSMB1) had the highest evidence of association with TL and should be prioritized. This study revealed telomere length-related protein biomarkers, providing new insights into the development of new treatment targets for chronic diseases and anti-aging intervention strategies.
Infection length and host environment influence on Plasmodium falciparum dry season reservoir
Authors: Andrade Carolina M , Carrasquilla Manuela , Dabbas Usama , Briggs Jessica , van Dijk Hannah , Sergeev Nikolay , Sissoko Awa , Niangaly Moussa , Ntalla Christina , LaVerriere Emily , Skinner Jeff , Golob Klara , Richter Jeremy , Cisse Hamidou , Li Shanping , Hendry Jason A , Asghar Muhammad , Doumtabe Didier , Farnert Anna , Ruppert Thomas , Neafsey Daniel E , Kayentao Kassoum , Doumbo Safiatou , Ongoiba Aissata , Crompton Peter D , Traore Boubacar , Greenhouse Bryan , Portugal Silvia
Published: September 2024

Persistence of malaria parasites in asymptomatic hosts is crucial in areas of seasonally-interrupted transmission, where P. falciparum bridges wet seasons months apart. During the dry season, infected erythrocytes exhibit extended circulation with reduced cytoadherence, increasing the risk of splenic clearance of infected cells and hindering parasitaemia increase. However, what determines parasite persistence for long periods of time remains unknown. Here, we investigated whether seasonality affects plasma composition so that P. falciparum can detect and adjust to changing serological cues; or if alternatively, parasite infection length dictates clinical presentation and persistency. Data from Malian children exposed to alternating ~6-month wet and dry seasons show that plasma composition is unrelated to time of year in non-infected children, and that carrying P. falciparum only minimally affects plasma constitution in asymptomatic hosts. Parasites persisting in the blood of asymptomatic children from the dry into the ensuing wet season rarely if ever appeared to cause malaria in their hosts as seasons changed. In vitro culture in the presence of plasma collected in the dry or the wet seasons did not affect parasite development, replication or host-cell remodelling. The absence of a parasite-encoded sensing mechanism was further supported by the observation of similar features in P. falciparum persisting asymptomatically in the dry season and parasites in age- and sex-matched asymptomatic children in the wet season. Conversely, we show that P. falciparum clones transmitted early in the wet season had lower chance of surviving until the end of the following dry season, contrasting with a higher likelihood of survival of clones transmitted towards the end of the wet season, allowing for the re-initiation of transmission. We propose that the decreased virulence observed in persisting parasites during the dry season is not due to the parasites sensing ability, nor is it linked to a decreased capacity for parasite replication but rather a consequence decreased cytoadhesion associated with infection length.
Functionality of Surface-modified Magnetite Nanoparticles with Controlled Sizes and Shapes
Authors: Shen Chen , Kanie Kiyoshi
Published: September 2024

This chapter is focused on the functionality of surface-modified magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles in magnetorheological (MR) fluids (MRFs). These Fe3O4 nanoparticles are precisely controlled in their particle sizes, particle shapes, surface modifications, and polymer molecular weights. We found that the surface-modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles can form stable chain structures or special columnar alignments upon application of an external magnetic field. In addition, the rheological properties of MRFs are investigated by controlling the above-mentioned influencing factors. The rheological results demonstrate that the increase in particle sizes, the introduction of anisotropic shapes, the surface modification with organic layers, and the increase in polymer molecular weights are all powerful methods to enhance the MR performance.
Magnetic Micro- and Nanodisks: A Bridge Between Thin Films and Nanoparticles
Authors: Laureti S. , Varvaro G. , Peddis D.
Published: September 2024

Magnetic micro- and nanodisks represent a peculiar class of systems that combines the benefits of both thin films and nanoparticles, thus representing a bridge between them. The progress in designing, fabricating, and manipulating micro- and nanodisk systems is continuously enhancing the ability to tailor their properties, opening new opportunities to use them in fundamental studies and to explore new frontiers in materials science, physics, and other related fields.
Magneto-optics and Magnetoplasmonics in Nanomaterials
Authors: Gabbani A. , Pineider F.
Published: September 2024

Magneto-optical techniques are useful characterization tools to investigate different types of nanoparticles. With respect to magnetometry, these techniques have an additional degree of freedom due to the tunability of the incoming light energy, providing access to additional information on the electronic structure of the materials. In addition, the use of magnetic fields to modulate plasmonic or excitonic resonances has also been demonstrated over the last 20 years, opening the application of magneto-optical spectroscopy to the analysis of semiconductor and plasmonic nanoparticles. In this chapter, the main results achieved so far in the field of magneto-optics and magnetoplasmonics are summarized, with a special focus on nanomaterials, including magnetic oxides, pure and magnetically doped semiconductor nanoparticles and plasmonic and magnetoplasmonic nanostructures. Some of the more recent trends and opportunities in the thriving fields of magneto-optics and magnetoplasmonics are also presented.
Magnetic Anisotropy and Exchange Bias in Size-distributed Ultrasmall Nanoparticle Systems
Authors: Gomide G. , Cabreira-Gomes R. , Depeyrot J.
Published: September 2024

Understanding the thermal dependence of the magnetic properties of nanomaterials is mandatory to enable and develop new applications. There are many parameters that influence such properties and their originated effects. For instance, saturation magnetization ms and magnetic anisotropy energy κ become size-dependent at the nanoscale. Consequently, thermal variations impose effects on magnetic materials, such as superparamagnetism. We investigated the influence of polydispersity on the thermal dependencies of coercivity HC(T) and bias field Hexc(T) of ultrasmall core@shell magnetic nanoparticles in compressed powder and ferrofluids. The analysis of the thermal behaviour of these two quantities allows us to shed light on the physical processes involved. By considering the necessary conditions for magnetic coupling and the volume-dependent transition to the superparamagnetic state, we demonstrate that the thermal dependence of exchange bias is due to two different temperature-modulated effects. The first effect is the freezing of interfacial spins and the second is the changing populations of superparamagnetic and blocked nanoparticles. Our results demonstrate that even at very low temperatures, the fraction of nanoparticles subjected to superparamagnetic relaxation has an important effect on the magnetic behaviour of nanoparticle systems, being also responsible for the modulation of coupling and, thus, the exchange bias effect.
Electron Magnetic Resonance of Magnetic Nanoparticles
Authors: Winkler Elin L. , Tobia Dina
Published: September 2024

The reduction of the size of a material to the nanometric scale introduces significant modifications to its magnetic properties compared to the bulk material, opening new perspectives for its applications in different fields. Within this context, the magnetic resonance technique emerges as an essential technique for studying magnetic nanoparticles, as it is very sensitive to changes in anisotropy and exchange interactions, allowing to distinguish magnetic phases at very low concentrations, study the coexistence of different magnetic phases within the same nanoparticle and obtain information on size and shape distribution and thermal fluctuation effects of nanoparticle systems. In this chapter, we introduce the main features of electron magnetic resonance for magnetic materials in the paramagnetic state and magnetically ordered compounds to analyze the ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic resonance and emphasize the application of this technique in the research of magnetic nanoparticles. We propose several examples of nanoparticle systems, where the use of magnetic resonance spectroscopy is essential to elucidate their main magnetic features.
Hybrid Inorganic Magnetic-based Nanostructures: Towards Multitasking Nanoplatforms
Authors: Figuerola A. , Van de Walle A. , Pellicer E. , Serrà A. , Lin M. , Wilhelm C. , Estrader M.
Published: September 2024

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) sharing heterojunctions with other magnetic, plasmonic, or semiconductor nanodomains form a large family of inorganic hybrid nanostructures of high interest due to their synergistic properties and multitasking performance in highly demanding technological fields. This chapter provides an updated review of the strategies mostly used for the synthesis of multifunctional bi-magnetic, magneto-plasmonic, and magneto-semiconductor hybrid nanostructures and the advances they represent. In the subsequent sections, the most recent (mainly within the last five years) and promising examples of the application of magnetic-based hybrid nanostructures are described and organized by their field of application, including multimodal therapy for biomedicine, magnetically assisted catalysis for energy production, and pollutant detection and removal for environmental remediation. Finally, some conclusions and perspectives are outlined in an attempt to foresee the future utilization of magnetic-based inorganic hybrid nanostructures.
Multivariate HPLC system assessment and optimization for traditional Chinese medicine: a case study of Gastrodia elata
Authors: Xu Qilin , Huo Xinyi , Yin Xianggang , Zhao XiaoHan , Chen Meixu , Wu Linlin , Zhou Yifeng
Published: September 2024

Improved HPLC system evaluation for Gastrodia elata using measurement system analysis based on weighted principal components. Optimised chromatography using Box-Behnken and Monte Carlo methods, followed by method validation and sample analysis.
A cheap and straightforward method for the selective isolation of histidine-derived natural products using nickel(ii) phosphate
Authors: Saalim Muhammad , Lu Ya , Woycechowsky Kenneth J. , Clark Benjamin R.
Published: September 2024

Using a simple three step solid-phase extraction protocol with nickel(ii) phosphate, two histidine-derived alkaloids were isolated from fungal cultures.
Intrinsic conformational preference in the monomeric protein governs amyloid polymorphism
Authors: Giri Anjali , Bhattacharya Mily
Published: September 2024

The conformational fingerprints of protein monomers persist and perpetuate during amyloid polymorphism.
Effects of adsorption of O2 and H2O molecules on the corrosion behavior of the NiTi alloy surface: a DFT investigation
Authors: Wang Xiaoting , Xie Dong , Hou MingXi , Guan Min , Leng Yongxiang
Published: September 2024

DFT calculations are performed to examine the impact of phase transformation on the corrosion behavior of NiTi-B2 and NiTi-B19′ phases by studying the adsorption of O2 and H2O molecules, showing the better corrosion resistance of the NiTi-B19′ phase.
H-shift and cyclization reactions in unsaturated alkylperoxy radicals near room temperature: propagating or terminating autoxidation?
Authors: Nozière Barbara , Vereecken Luc
Published: September 2024

Experimental and theoretical rate coefficients for unimolecular reactions of gas-phase unsaturated organic peroxy radicals (RO2) are in excellent agreement. But the observed products question their contributions to autoxidation in Earth’s atmosphere.
Space charge effects in mixed ionic–electronic conducting electrodes for solid-state batteries
Authors: Chen Shu-Han , Chen Chia-Chin
Published: September 2024

Prediction of the space charge profiles to evaluate interfacial charge storage and transport properties in all-solid-state batteries.
Controlled and sequential single-electron reduction of the uranyl dication
Authors: Obey Tom J. N. , Nichol Gary S. , Love Jason B.
Published: September 2024

Single-electron reductions of the uranyl(vi) dication to uranyl(v) and to uranium(iv) in a flexible tripodal pyrrole-imine ligand form heterometallic transition metal- and rare-earth-uranyl complexes.
Storms mobilize organophosphate esters, bisphenols, PFASs, and vehicle-derived contaminants to San Francisco Bay watersheds
Authors: Peter Katherine T. , Gilbreath Alicia , Gonzalez Melissa , Tian Zhenyu , Wong Adam , Yee Don , Miller Ezra L. , Avellaneda Pedro M. , Chen Da , Patterson Andrew , Fitzgerald Nicole , Higgins Christopher P. , Kolodziej Edward P. , Sutton Rebecca
Published: September 2024

We evaluated the occurrence of 154 organic contaminants from multiple chemical/use classes in San Francisco Bay watersheds during storm events, revealing complex mixtures and high concentrations transported to receiving waters.
3D-printed microfluidic–microwave device for droplet network formation and characterisation
Authors: Silver Kai , Li Jin , Porch Adrian , Jamieson William David , Castell Oliver , Dimitriou Pantelitsa , Kallnik Colin , Barrow David
Published: September 2024

A 3D-printed microwave–microfluidic device using a liquid metal resonator for droplet network formation and characterisation.
Interaction mechanism studies of 1H-tetrazole derivatives and nitrocellulose. Part 1: introduction of amino groups on C and N atoms
Authors: Zhang Jianwei , Bian Chengming , Chen Ling , He Weidong
Published: September 2024

The interaction analysis: the addition of aminotetrazole (5-ATZ and DATZ) mainly affected the autocatalytic reaction at the initial stage of the pyrolysis process of NC. The imino form of 5-ATZ or DATZ played an important role in this process.
Cotton-based fabric waste to microcrystalline cellulose: a sustainable waste management approach
Authors: Singhal Shailey , Mittal Ajay , Anand Shivangi , Mangalam Jimmy , Agarwal Shilpi , Barman Juganov , Singhal Naveen , Kumar Ranjit
Published: September 2024

The escalating accumulation of textile waste in landfill sites poses a significant environmental hazard that requires immediate intervention.
A two-dimensional PtSe2 thin film coupled with a graphene/Si Schottky junction for a high-performance photodetector
Authors: Zhu Qinghai , Wei Shiyu , Sun Jiabao , Sun Yijun , Xu Mingsheng
Published: September 2024

The built-in electric field is enhanced by coupling a 2D PtSe2 thin film and a graphene/Si Schottky junction, and the double-heterojunction device shows better photodetection performance under near-infrared illumination.
Evaluation of magnetic hyperthermia, drug delivery and biocompatibility (bone cell adhesion and zebrafish assays) of trace element co-doped hydroxyapatite combined with Mn–Zn ferrite for bone tissue applications
Authors: Tithito Tanatsaparn , Sillapaprayoon Siwapech , Chantho Varissara , Pimtong Wittaya , Thongbunchoo Jirawan , Charoenphandhu Narattaphol , Krishnamra Nateetip , Yong Nararat , Lert-itthiporn Aurachat , Maneeprakorn Weerakanya , Pon-On Weeraphat
Published: September 2024

The treatment and regeneration of bone defects, especially tumor-induced defects, is an issue in clinical practice and remains a major challenge for bone substitute material invention.
Development of an electrochemical sensor modified with gold nanoparticles for detecting fumonisin B1 in packaged foods
Authors: Zhao Liyuan , Zhou Longzhu , Dansou Dieudonné M. , Tang Chaohua , Zhang Junmin , Qin Yuchang , Yu Yanan
Published: September 2024

Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is naturally present in the environment and can easily contaminate packaged foods during processing, storage and transportation, and electrochemical detection provides a simple way to obtain sensitive detection results.
Metal-free alkyne annulation enabling π-extension of boron-doped polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Anitha Mandala , Chin To-Jen , Liu Guan-Cheng , Hsieh Chi-Tien , Wang Kuan-Hua , Li Shu-Li , Cheng Mu-Jeng , Farrell Jeffrey M.
Published: September 2024

A metal-free alkyne annulation reaction provides a new π-extension strategy for structurally constrained, fusion atom B-doped polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Products exhibit low LUMO energy levels and modifiable packing arrangements.
In situ synthesis of lithiophilic Ag sites in 3D MOF-derived nitrogen-doped porous carbon composites towards dendrite-free lithium metal anodes
Authors: Li Xiaoxuan , Yin Longwei
Published: September 2024

Synergistic modulation of Li nucleation/growth achieved by MOF-derived nitrogen-doped porous carbon framework and lithiophilic Ag nanoparticles.
High-performance white light-emitting diodes based on an efficient trivalent europium molecular complex
Authors: Mund Sibani , Singh Kasturi , Vaidyanathan Sivakumar
Published: September 2024

Eu3+ phosphors integrate with blue/NUV LEDs for efficient white light generation with high CRI and better light quality, crucial for energy-efficient and sustainable lighting solutions.
Broadband polarization conversion metasurface for beam deflection with switchable characteristics
Authors: Liang Yuhao , Liu Yuxin , Huang Weikai , Lin Yu-Sheng
Published: September 2024

A broadband polarization conversion metasurface (PCM) for anomalous reflection and beam deflection with switchable characteristics.
Growth, characterization and theoretical analysis of α-SrGeO3 as a candidate mid-IR stimulated Raman scattering crystal
Authors: Wang Hailong , Li Bin , Zhou Ying , Zheng Guimei , Zhang Xue , Wan Songming
Published: September 2024

α-SrGeO3 is a promising stimulated Raman scattering crystal which has a growth performance superior to the α-BaGeO3 crystal, while keeping the excellent spectral performance of the α-BaGeO3 crystal.
Comprehensive assessment of voltage and current source PV‐based modular multilevel converters
Authors: Barresi Marzio , Piegari Luigi , Scalabrin Riccardo
Published: September 2024

Recently, modular multilevel converters (MMCs) gained popularity for the grid integration of photovoltaic (PV), due to their many advantages, including low total harmonic distortion, high control flexibility, and distributed maximum power point (MPP) tracking capability. Two distinguished families of MMCs exist: voltage source and current source. Voltage source MMCs are mostly studied, but current source MMCs offer advantages under certain operating conditions. This article compares voltage and current source MMCs, for PV integration. To this aim, several key indicators are identified: number of components, energy stored in passive elements, semiconductor power rating, and the number of MPP trackers. The results of the analysis, performed in MATLAB©, show that for a fixed number of output voltage levels, power rating, and switching frequency, voltage source MMCs have simpler control and higher number of MPP trackers. In contrast, current source MMCs minimize the semiconductor power rating, the number of components and the energy stored in passive elements. Regarding efficiency, in the analyzed case study, voltage source MMCs perform better under both homogeneous and non‐homogenous irradiance conditions. This article provides a tool to select the optimal solution based on the required target (e.g. efficiency, energy storage etc.), given the specific characteristics of the application.
Expected insights into Type Ia supernovae from LISA’s gravitational wave observations
Authors: Korol Valeriya , Buscicchio Riccardo , Pakmor Ruediger , Morán-Fraile Javier , Moore Christopher J. , de Mink Selma E.
Published: September 2024

The nature of progenitors of Type Ia supernovae has long been debated, primarily due to the elusiveness of the progenitor systems to traditional electromagnetic observation methods. We argue that gravitational wave observations with the upcoming Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) offer the most promising way to test one of the leading progenitor scenarios – the double-degenerate scenario, which involves a binary system of two white dwarf stars. In this study we review published results, supplementing them with additional calculations for the context of Type Ia supernovae. We discuss the fact that LISA will be able to provide a complete sample of double white dwarf Type Ia supernova progenitors with orbital periods shorter than 16–11 minutes (gravitational wave frequencies above 2–3 millihertz). Such a sample will enable a statistical validation of the double-degenerate scenario by simply counting whether LISA detects enough double white dwarf binaries to account for the measured Type Ia merger rate in Milky Way-like galaxies. Additionally, we illustrate how LISA’s capability to measure the chirp mass will set lower bounds on the primary mass, revealing whether detected double white dwarf binaries will eventually end up as a Type Ia supernova. We estimate that the expected LISA constraints on the Type Ia merger rate for the Milky Way will be 4–9%. We also discuss the potential gravitational wave signal from a Type Ia supernova assuming a double-detonation mechanism and explore how multi-messenger observations could significantly advance our understanding of these transient phenomena.
The potential of additively manufactured porous absorbers in the design of multi-layer microperforated absorbers
Authors: Berchtenbreiter Benedikt , Renz Andreas , Becker Stefan
Published: September 2024

Microperforated absorbers (MPA) are a well-established technology for attenuating sound in flow carrying ducts. MPAs usually consist of a microperforated panel (MPP) in combination with a cavity as back volume. The damping maxima of MPAs occur in the range of their resonant frequencies and the effect is narrowband compared to porous or fibrous absorbers, which damp broadband at high frequencies. The resonant frequencies of MPAs decrease with increasing back volume. This provides a challenge, especially in applications with limited installation space when the damping of low frequencies is required. In the literature, the combination of MPPs and porous or fibrous absorbers is reported to reduce the required back volume. Therefore, double-layer MPAs with an additively manufactured porous absorber underneath the MPP are introduced in this work. The advantage of using additively manufactured porous absorbers as an acoustic metamaterial over conventional absorbers is that the acoustic properties can be specifically adapted to the required impedance boundary conditions. The results of this work show that the additively manufactured absorbers reduce the required back volume by up to 13% compared with liners without absorber underneath the MPP. Experimental validation underscores the robustness of the chosen design approach for double-layer MPAs.
Heterogeneous Sex Dolls: Outlining a Sociology of Knowledge Approach to the Abject
Authors: Bibbert Mark
Published: September 2024

This paper explores the integration of Julia Kristeva’s concept of abjection into the sociology of knowledge, with a particular focus on the cultural phenomenon of hyperrealistic sex dolls. Employing a unique methodological approach, this paper interprets Kristeva’s Powers of Horror through Berger and Luckmann’s The Social Construction of Reality by utilizing two observation-based vignettes. It proposes a novel translation of the abject, typically a psychoanalytic concept, into empirical research frameworks that traditionally emphasize everyday reality. This synthesis extends the boundaries of a sociology of knowledge by incorporating affective responses to transgressive phenomena. The findings suggest that pre-recognition psychoanalytic concepts can significantly broaden the theoretical scope of sociology, offering new lenses to examine events and affects that lie beyond conventional sociological analysis.
Design and simulation of a liquid-microjet time-of-flight mass spectrometer with a femtosecond laser ionization source
Authors: Long Jinyou , Wei Jie , Wang Yaping , Zhang Song , Zhang Bing
Published: September 2024

A liquid-microjet (LJ) linear time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometer, coupled with a femtosecond laser ionization source, has been designed for direct measurements of mass spectra of liquid aqueous solutions. Two main features of our designed spectrometer involve the coupling of a liquid microjet nozzle to a conventional ion optics and the application of femtosecond pulses for mass spectral ionization. The detailed design, construction, and simulation of this new spectrometer are presented. More importantly, we combined the experimental tests with the simulated electric fields and ion trajectories to investigate the performance of the designed spectrometer, especially the kind of disturbances of the nozzle electric field on the conventional ion optics. In our current design, the optimal E/R (E: extractor, R: repeller) electrode voltage ratio was found to be ∼0.71 when the voltages on the R, E and G (ground) electrodes were set to be 1500, 1060 and 0 V, respectively, whilst the voltage on the N nozzle electrode was required to be around 1250 V. The capability of the designed spectrometer has been demonstrated by recording the simulated mass spectra of the water, benzene and cytidine with their mass/charge ratios of 18, 76 and 243, respectively. This work shall be helpful for the development of new all-liquid-phase mass spectral technology to be employed in the diagnosis of diseases by the mass analysis of human body fluids.
Use of energy bandgap adjustment when simulating optical properties to maintain correct energy dissipation: Application to Ruddlesden–Popper oxysulfides
Authors: Kaneko Masanori , Nandal Vikas , Yamashita Koichi , Seki Kazuhiko
Published: September 2024

The use of density functional theory (DFT) to calculate the optical properties of materials frequently leads to a predicted energy bandgap that is narrower than that experimentally determined. When the energy bandgap is incorrectly evaluated by DFT, the resulting absorption coefficient must be adjusted to give the correct value, in particular in the vicinity of the energy bandgap. Recently, a method has been developed whereby the dielectric coefficient for a material calculated using DFT is blueshifted and its amplitude is scaled such that the scaled function satisfies the same moment sum rule as the unshifted dielectric coefficient. However, while the moment sum rule is a necessary condition for correctly predicting the optical properties, it is not a sufficient condition. In the present work, it is shown that this method of scaling the imaginary part of the dielectric coefficient is based on the fact that the optical conductivity obtained using the fluctuation–dissipation (FD) theorem can be shifted to adjust the energy bandgap. This assumes that the energy dispersion is accurately calculated using DFT, although the energy bandgap is shifted. This shift is taken into account simply by modifying the energy associated with inter-band transitions in an expression for the electron conductivity obtained using the FD theorem within an independent particle approximation. The effectiveness of this method is illustrated by predicting the optical properties of particulate oxysulfide photocatalysts recently shown to promote visible-light-driven overall water splitting.
Generative neural network models for synthetic solar irradiance sequences
Authors: Lajić Romanela , Divnić Darko , Risojević Vladimir , Mirjanić Dragoljub
Published: September 2024

With the significant increase in the amount of solar energy sources, the variation in the production caused by the stochastic nature of these sources becomes a larger problem for the electrical grid. Having a large percentage of installed units, therefore, requires some type of both short- and long-term planning of energy production. Most planning and forecasting tools require a large amount of solar energy data for the location in question and oftentimes that data is difficult to obtain. In this paper, we propose a method for generating synthetic solar irradiance data and test its applicability on forecasting and long-term planning problems. Synthetic data are generated using various generative adversarial networks and masked autoencoder based models, which are all trained on a dataset of solar irradiance data measured on the territory of the city of Banja Luka in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The synthetic data are evaluated both on different types of short-term forecasting tools and a long-term solar plant simulation tool, and the obtained results are compared with the cases where real data is used. By comparing the results, we have concluded that by using generative models we are able to generate synthetic data which is not only realistic, but applicable for both of these uses.
Comparison and optimization of electrochemical and thermal performances of SOFC with different configurations of a metal foam flow field
Authors: Jian Hui , He Zhenzong , Mao Junkui , Liang Fengli , Wang Zaixing , Fu Yao
Published: September 2024

The effects of different configurations of a metal foam flow field on current density and temperature gradient of a single channel solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) are investigated, and the overall performance of the optimum configuration is optimized. First, model A (conventional channel-rib flow field) is compared with three different configurations (i.e., model B with metal foam flow field only at anode, model C with that only at cathode, and model D at both). Although model C achieves the highest current density, its temperature is also fairly high. Although model B achieves the lowest temperature gradient, its current density is also fairly low. Model D performs well in both current density and temperature gradient. Then, the effect of electrode thickness and metal foam thickness on the performance of model D is investigated. The Ohmic polarization of model D remains almost constant with different electrode thicknesses, and its concentration polarization decreases as the electrode thickness decreases, which is totally different from the channel-rib flow field. Moreover, a thinner cathode causes lower activation overpotential, whereas a thinner anode causes higher activation overpotential. In general, a thick anode, a thin cathode, and thin metal foam can maximize the current density of model D, while a thick electrode and metal foam can always reduce the temperature gradient. Finally, the Taguchi method and gray relational analysis are used to optimize the current density and temperature gradient of model D. The current density of an optimized model is 3.27% higher than that of the original model with a temperature gradient of 9.05 K/cm.
Site fidelity trumps disturbance: aerial shooting does not cause surviving fallow deer (Dama dama) to disperse
Authors: Bengsen Andrew J. , Comte Sebastien , Parker Lee , Forsyth David M. , Hampton Jordan O.
Published: September 2024

Context Aerial shooting is an important tool for managing the economic and environmental impacts of widespread wild fallow deer populations in eastern Australia and could be crucial for mounting an effective response to an emergency animal disease incursion. However, there is a concern that the disturbance caused by aerial shooting could cause infected animals to disperse, thereby transmitting pathogens to previously uninfected areas. Aims We sought to describe the nature and extent of spatial behavioural changes in fallow deer exposed to aerial shooting to: (1) assess the risk that aerial shooting poses to disease spread, and (2) better understand how aerial shooting can contribute to routine deer management programs. Methods We contrasted movement rates, activity range areas, and daily activity patterns of 48 GPS-collared fallow deer before, during and after exposure to aerial shooting at three sites in New South Wales. Key results No collared deer left its pre-shoot activity range area during shooting or within 30 days after shooting finished. Observed behaviour changes included increased daily and hourly distance travelled by female deer during and after shooting, increased activity range areas for female deer after shooting, and increased nocturnal activity in female and male deer during shooting. However, observed changes were minor, temporary, localised, and variable among sites. Conclusions Collared deer showed strong site fidelity despite repeated intense disturbance and substantial population reductions. We found no evidence to support concerns that aerial shooting poses a hazard of disease spread. Implications Aerial shooting should be retained as a key control tool for managing wild fallow deer populations in Australia, including for reducing disease host population densities in the event of an emergency animal disease incursion.