bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fear of COVID-19 among professional caregivers of the elderly in Central Alentejo, Portugal
Authors: Mendes Felismina Rosa , Sim-Sim Margarida , Gemito Maria Laurência , Barros Maria da Luz , Serra Isaura da Conceição , Caldeira Ana Teresa
Published: February 2024

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has infected many institutionalised elderly people. In Portugal, the level of pandemic fear among professional caregivers of the elderly is unknown, as are its predictive factors. This study aimed to investigate predictors of fear of COVID-19 among workers caring for institutionalised elderly people in nursing homes. This is a cross-sectional study using multiple linear regression applied to a population of 652 caregivers located in 14 municipalities in Central Alentejo, Portugal, at March 2021. The criterion variable was the fear of COVID-19. Standardised regression coefficients showed that the higher the level of education, the lower the level of fear (β = − 0.158; t = − 4.134; p < .001). Other predictors of the level of fear were gender, with women having higher levels (β = 0.123; t = t = 3.203; p < 0.001), higher scores on COVID-19-like suspicious symptoms (β = 0.123; t = 3.219; p < 0.001) and having received a flu vaccine (β = 0.086; t = 2.252; p = 0.025). The model explains 6.7% of the variation in fear of COVID-19 (R2Adj = 0.067). Health literacy can minimise the impact on the physical and mental health of these workers. In Central Alentejo, caregivers of the elderly play a fundamental role in social balance. Further studies are needed to better understand the factors that can improve their personal and professional well-being.
Fabrication of a novel porous nanostructure based on NiCuFe2O4@MCM-48, embedded with graphene oxide/poly (p-phenylenediamine) to construct an efficient supercapacitor
Authors: Sadat Zahra , Eivazzadeh-Keihan Reza , Daneshvari-Esfahlan Vahid , Dalvand Samad , Kashtiaray Amir , Maleki Ali
Published: February 2024

In this study, a new nanocomposite was created by combining copper-doped nickel ferrite (NiCuFe2O4) nanoparticles with MCM-48 (Mobil Composition of Matter No. 48) on a graphene oxide (GO) substrate functionalized with poly(ρ-phenylenediamine) abbreviated as (PρPD). This nanocomposite was developed to investigate its potential for enhancing the function of a supercapacitor in energy storage. Following NiCuFe2O4@MCM-48 preparation, Hummer’s technique GO was applied. In-situ polymerization of NiCuFe2O4@MCM-48/GO nanoparticles with ρ-phenylenediamine (ρPD) in the presence of ammonium persulfate (APS) produced PρPD, a conductive polymer. Structural characterization of the nanocomposite includes FTIR, XRD, VSM, TGA-DTG, EDX, and FE-SEM. Results from BET indicate a pore size increase of up to 5 nm. Fast ion penetration and higher storage in capacitor material are explained by this. Additionally, the nanocomposite’s electrochemical performance was evaluated using GCD and CV tests. The NiCuFe2O4@MCM-48/GO/PρPD nanocomposite has a specific capacitance of 203.57 F g−1 (1 A g−1). Furthermore, cyclical stability is essential for energy storage applications. The nanocomposite retains 92.5% of its original capacitance after 3000 cycles, indicating outstanding electrochemical stability.
Genome-wide identification of AAAP gene family and expression analysis in response to saline-alkali stress in foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.)
Authors: Wang Huimin , Li Yun , Guo Zhenqing , Zhou Xiaoke , Zhao Yuxue , Han Yucui , Lin Xiaohu
Published: February 2024

Amino acid/auxin permease (AAAP) genes encode a large family of protein transporters that play important roles in various aspects of plant growth and development. Here, we performed genome-wide identification of members in the foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) AAAP family (SiAAAP) and their saline-alkali stress-induced expression patterns, resulting in the identification of 65 SiAAAP genes, which could be divided into eight subfamilies. Except for SiAAAP65, the remaining 64 genes were located on nine chromosomes of foxtail millet. Gene structure and conserved motif analyses indicated that the members in the same subfamily are highly conserved. Gene duplication event analysis suggested that tandem duplication may be the main factor driving the expansion of this gene family, and Ka/Ks analysis indicated that all the duplicated genes have undergone purifying selection. Transcriptome analysis showed differential expression of SiAAAPs in roots, stems, leaves, and tassel inflorescence. Analysis of cis-acting elements in the promoter indicated that SiAAAPs contain stress-responsive cis-acting elements. Under saline-alkali stress, qRT-PCR analysis showed that SiAAP3, SiLHT2, and SiAAP16 were differentially expressed between salt-alkali tolerant millet variety JK3 and salt-alkali sensitive millet variety B175. These results suggest that these genes may be involved in or regulate the response to saline-alkali stress, providing a theoretical basis for further studying the function of SiAAAPs.
Enhancing automic and optimal control systems through graphical structures
Authors: Panda Sumati Kumari , Khan Ilyas , Velusamy Vijayakumar , Niazai Shafiullah
Published: February 2024

The concept of graphical structures of extended suprametric space is introduced in this study and applied to supra-graphical contractive mapping. A recursive algorithm in connection with graphical notions can be employed in adaptive systems to construct a desired output function iteratively after specific conditions are first defined to ensure the existence of the solution by use of supra-graphical contractive mapping. After analyzing the historical context and relevant outcomes, we discuss the usage of graphical structures and supra-graphical contractive mappings in the conceptual frameworks of adaptive control and optimal control systems.
Performance analysis and modelling of circular jets aeration in an open channel using soft computing techniques
Authors: Puri Diksha , Kumar Raj , Kumar Sushil , Thakur M. S. , Fekete Gusztáv , Lee Daeho , Singh Tej
Published: February 2024

Dissolved oxygen (DO) is an important parameter in assessing water quality. The reduction in DO concentration is the result of eutrophication, which degrades the quality of water. Aeration is the best way to enhance the DO concentration. In the current study, the aeration efficiency (E20) of various numbers of circular jets in an open channel was experimentally investigated for different channel angle of inclination (θ), discharge (Q), number of jets (Jn), Froude number (Fr), and hydraulic radius of each jet (HRJn). The statistical results show that jets from 8 to 64 significantly provide aeration in the open channel. The aeration efficiency and input parameters are modelled into a linear relationship. Additionally, utilizing WEKA software, three soft computing models for predicting aeration efficiency were created with Artificial Neural Network (ANN), M5P, and Random Forest (RF). Performance evaluation results and box plot have shown that ANN is the outperforming model with correlation coefficient (CC) = 0.9823, mean absolute error (MAE) = 0.0098, and root mean square error (RMSE) = 0.0123 during the testing stage. In order to assess the influence of different input factors on the E20 of jets, a sensitivity analysis was conducted using the most effective model, i.e., ANN. The sensitivity analysis results indicate that the angle of inclination is the most influential input variable in predicting E20, followed by discharge and the number of jets.
Molecular crosstalk between MUC1 and STAT3 influences the anti-proliferative effect of Napabucasin in epithelial cancers
Authors: Bose Mukulika , Sanders Alexa , Handa Aashna , Vora Aabha , Cardona Manuel R. , Brouwer Cory , Mukherjee Pinku
Published: February 2024

MUC1 is a transmembrane glycoprotein that is overexpressed and aberrantly glycosylated in epithelial cancers. The cytoplasmic tail of MUC1 (MUC1 CT) aids in tumorigenesis by upregulating the expression of multiple oncogenes. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) plays a crucial role in several cellular processes and is aberrantly activated in many cancers. In this study, we focus on recent evidence suggesting that STAT3 and MUC1 regulate each other’s expression in cancer cells in an auto-inductive loop and found that their interaction plays a prominent role in mediating epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and drug resistance. The STAT3 inhibitor Napabucasin was in clinical trials but was discontinued due to futility. We found that higher expression of MUC1 increased the sensitivity of cancer cells to Napabucasin. Therefore, high-MUC1 tumors may have a better outcome to Napabucasin therapy. We report how MUC1 regulates STAT3 activity and provide a new perspective on repurposing the STAT3-inhibitor Napabucasin to improve clinical outcome of epithelial cancer treatment.
Identification of pyroptosis-related gene signature in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Mao Fei , Wang E. , Fu Li , Fan Wenhua , Zhou Jing , Yan Guofeng , Liu Tiemin , Li Yao
Published: February 2024

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as one of the major causes of liver-related morbidity and mortality globally. It ranges from simple steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) characterized by ballooning and hepatic inflammation. In the past few years, pyroptosis has been shown as a type of programmed cell death that triggers inflammation and plays a role in the development of NASH. However, the roles of pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs) in NASH remained unclear. In this study, we studied the expression level of pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs) in NASH and healthy controls, developed a diagnostic model of NASH based on PRGs and explored the pathological mechanisms associated with pyroptosis. We further compared immune status between NASH and healthy controls, analyzed immune status in different subtypes of NASH. We identified altogether twenty PRGs that were differentially expressed between NASH and normal liver tissues. Then, a novel diagnostic model consisting of seven PRGs including CASP3, ELANE, GZMA, CASP4, CASP9, IL6 and TP63 for NASH was constructed with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.978 (CI 0.965–0.99). Obvious variations in immune status between healthy controls and NASH cases were detected. Subsequently, the consensus clustering method based on differentially expressed PRGs was constructed to divide all NASH cases into two distinct pyroptosis subtypes with different immune and biological characteristics. Pyroptosis-related genes may play an important role in NASH and can provide new insights into the diagnosis and underlying mechanisms of NASH.
A study on the evolution of tripartite collaborative prevention and control under public health emergencies using COVID-19 as an example
Authors: Mingyue Liu , Wei Shen , Zhang Xin
Published: February 2024

The problem of repeated epidemic fluctuations in the normalized prevention and control stage is revealed by data from January 20, 2020, to January 30, 2023. In order to improve the collaborative response of the public and government departments to public health emergencies and avoid repeated fluctuations of the epidemic, a tripartite evolutionary game model of the public, local government, and central government departments is constructed, focusing on the evolutionary paths and evolutionary stabilization strategies of the three subjects, and the influence of each element on the evolutionary results is simulated by numerical simulation in Matlab, and based on the inadequacy of the static reward and punishment mechanism, a dynamic Based on the shortcomings of static reward and punishment mechanism, dynamic reward and punishment mechanism is introduced to control the stability of the evolving system. The study shows that (1) with the increase of the initial willingness of the three parties, the rate of the public choosing the discretionary flow strategy slows down, and the collaborative prevention and control process can be accelerated. (2) The reward and punishment mechanism of central government departments has a positive incentive effect on the local government's strict prevention and control and the public's conscious isolation. Appropriately increasing rewards, formulating reasonable subsidy strategies, and increasing penalties for violations are conducive to the overall optimization of the system, and the punishment mechanism is most sensitive to the regulation of the public's discretionary mobility behavior. (3) Government departments' prevention and control costs can influence their enthusiasm for strict prevention and control and real-time supervision. Reducing the human resources cost, time cost, and financial cost of prevention and control is conducive to government departments performing their duties more responsibly. (4) The static punishment mechanism fails to make timely adjustments according to the strategy choice of each actor. It cannot control the stability of the evolving system. In contrast, the dynamic punishment mechanism considers the punishment parameters to link the casual isolation rate with the lenient prevention and control rate, which can effectively control the system's fluctuating instability and is the system's stability control strategy. Finally, combining theoretical and simulation analysis, management suggestions are made for controlling repeated fluctuations of the epidemic in practice, and the research limitations of this paper are explained.
Characteristics of limb kinematics in the gait disorders of post-stroke patients
Authors: Mizuta Naomichi , Hasui Naruhito , Kai Takumi , Inui Yasuhiro , Sato Masahiro , Ohnishi Sora , Taguchi Junji , Nakatani Tomoki
Published: February 2024

Post-stroke gait disorders involve altered lower limb kinematics. Recently, the endpoint of the lower limb has been used as a control variable to understand gait kinematics better. In a cross-sectional study of sixty-seven post-stroke patients, the limb extension angle and effective limb length during gait were used as input variables with a mixed Gaussian model-based probabilistic clustering approach to identify five distinct clusters. Each cluster had unique characteristics related to motor paralysis, spasticity, balance ability, and gait strategy. Cluster 1 exhibited high limb extension angle and length values, indicating increased spasticity. Cluster 2 had moderate extension angles and high limb lengths, indicating increased spasticity and reduced balance ability. Cluster 3 had low limb extension angles and high limb length, indicating reduced balance ability, more severe motor paralysis, and increased spasticity. Cluster 4 demonstrated high extension angles and short limb lengths, with a gait strategy that prioritized stride length in the component of gait speed. Cluster 5 had moderate extension angles and short limb lengths, with a gait strategy that prioritized cadence in the component of gait speed. These findings provide valuable insights into post-stroke gait impairment and can guide the development of personalized and effective rehabilitation strategies.
Accuracy of a zero-heat-flux thermometer in cardiac surgery, a prospective, multicentre, method comparison study
Authors: Pedersen Carsten , Munch Peter , Kjaergaard Jesper , Grønlykke Lars , Bräuer Anselm
Published: February 2024

Accurate measurement of core temperature is of utmost importance during on-pump cardiac surgery, for detection of hypothermia before cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), guidance of temperature management on CPB, active rewarming on CPB and guidance of warming therapy after CPB. Most temperature measurement methods are known to become inaccurate during rapid changes in core temperature and suffer from delayed detection of temperature changes. Zero-heat-flux temperature (ZHF) measurement from the lateral forehead may be an alternative, non-invasive method quantifying the core temperature. A prospective, observational, multicentre study was conducted in one hundred patients scheduled for on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. Core temperatures were measured every minute by two zero-heat-flux thermometer (SpotOn™) and a bladder thermometer and a pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) in the period after induction of anesthesia until CPB. Accuracy and precision of both methods were compared against core temperature measured in the pulmonary artery using the method of Bland and Altman. A high accuracy (around 0.1 °C) and a very good precision (Limits of agreement (LoA) − 0.6; 0.4 °C) were found between zero-heat-flux thermometer and core temperature measured by PAC. Among the two ZHF thermometers the bias was negligible (− 0.003 °C) with narrow LoA of − 0.42 °C and 0.41 °C. In contrast, bias between bladder temperature and PAC temperature was large (0.51 °C) with corresponding LoA of − 0.06 °C and 1.1 °C. ZHF thermometers are in contrast to bladder temperature a reliable core temperature monitor in cardiac surgery during the period after induction of anestesia until CPB. The zero-heat-flux method can provide clinicians reliably with continuous and non-invasive measurements of core temperature in normothermic and mild hypothermic temperature ranges and therefore can be helpful to guide temperature management.
Preparation of a polyaniline/ZnO-NPs composite for the visible-light-driven hydrogen generation
Authors: Azmayesh Rasoul , Naghshara Hamid , Mohammadi Aref Sajedeh , Ghafouri Mohammad
Published: February 2024

Compositions of ZnO nanoparticles and polyaniline, in the form of emeraldine salt, were manufactured as thin layers by using the spin-coating method. Then, the effect of polyaniline content on their photoelectrochemical characteristics was studied. Results indicate that all the samples are sensitive to light. Besides, with 0.30% of PANI, the composite sample demonstrates the highest photocurrent density; also, its photocurrent increment starts to increase at a voltage of ⁓ 1.23 V (vs. RHE), which is approximately in accordance with the theoretical potential of water electrolysis. Furthermore, since the rate of electron–hole recombination in this composite sample is the lowest, it possesses the highest photoelectrochemical efficiency. Main findings were analyzed with respect to UV–visible absorption and photoluminescence spectra as well as SEM micrographs of the samples and Raman spectral measurements. Besides, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis was applied to both pure ZnO and the sample with the best response. Effects of drying temperature and layer thickness were also investigated.
Assessment of the oxidative stress intensity and the integrity of cell membranes under the manganese nanoparticles toxicity in wheat seedlings
Authors: Sieprawska Apolonia , Rudolphi-Szydło Elżbieta , Skórka Magdalena , Telk Anna , Filek Maria
Published: February 2024

A response to manganese nanoparticles was studied in seedlings of two wheat cultivars and a model system of plant cell membranes. Nanoparticles at concentrations of 125 and 250 mg/ml were applied foliar. The application of NPs enhanced the content of Mn in plant cells, indicating its penetration through the leaf surface. The stressful effect in the plant cells was estimated based on changes in the activity of antioxidant enzymes, content of chlorophylls and starch. MnNPs evoked no significant changes in the leaf morphology, however, an increase in enzyme activity, starch accumulation, and a decrease in chlorophyll synthesis indicated the stress occurrence. Moreover, a rise in the electrokinetic potential of the chloroplast membrane surface and the reconstruction of their hydrophobic parts toward an increase in fatty acid saturation was found.
Single-cell analysis of uterosacral ligament revealed cellular heterogeneity in women with pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Liu Xiaochun , Su Minna , Wei Lingyun , Zhang Jia , Wang Wenzhen , Hao Qian , Lin Xiling , Wang Lili
Published: February 2024

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) markedly affects the quality of life of women, including significant financial burden. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we constructed a transcriptional profile of 30,452 single cells of the uterosacral ligament in POP and control samples, which has never been constructed before. We identified 10 major cell types, including smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, neutrophils, macrophages, monocytes, mast cells, T cells, B cells, and dendritic cells. We performed subpopulation analysis and pseudo-time analysis of POP primary cells, and explored differentially expressed genes. We verified previous cell clusters of human neutrophils of uterosacral ligaments. We found a significant reduction in receptor-ligand pairs related to ECM and cell adhesion between fibroblasts and endothelial cells in POP. The transcription factors related to the extracellular matrix, development, and immunity were identified in USL. Here we provide insight into the molecular mechanisms of POP and valuable information for future research directions.
Dynamic urban land extensification is projected to lead to imbalances in the global land-carbon equilibrium
Authors: McManamay Ryan A. , Vernon Chris R. , Chen Min , Thompson Isaac , Khan Zarrar , Narayan Kanishka B.
Published: February 2024

Human-Earth System Models and Integrated Assessment Models used to explore the land-atmosphere implications of future land-use transitions generally lack dynamic representation of urban lands. Here, we conduct an experiment incorporating dynamic urbanization in a multisector model framework. We integrate projected dynamic non-urban lands from a multisector model with projected dynamic urban lands from 2015 to 2100 at 1-km resolution to examine 1st-order implications to the land system, crop production, and net primary production that can arise from the competition over land resources. By 2100, future urban extensification could displace 0.1 to 1.4 million km2 of agriculture lands, leading to 22 to 310 Mt of compromised corn, rice, soybean, and wheat production. When considering increased corn production required to meet demands by 2100, urban extensification could cut increases in yields by half. Losses in net primary production from displaced forest, grassland, and croplands ranged from 0.24 to 2.24 Gt C yr−1, potentially increasing land emissions by 1.19 to 6.59 Gt CO2 yr−1. Although these estimates do not consider adaptive responses, 1st-order experiments can elucidate the individual role of sub-sectors that would otherwise be masked by model complexity.
Rapid time-lapse 3D oxygen tension measurements within hydrogels using widefield frequency-domain fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FD-FLIM) and image segmentation
Authors: Chang Dao-Ming , Hsu Heng-Hua , Ko Ping-Liang , Chang Wei-Jen , Hsieh Tung-Han , Wu Hsiao-Mei , Tung Yi-Chung
Published: February 2024

An approach integrating widefield frequency-domain fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy and image segmentation to achieve rapid time-lapse 3D oxygen tension measurements has been developed.
Advancing carbohydrate quantification in MALDI mass spectrometry by the rapidly freeze-drying droplet (RFDD) method
Authors: Wu Yu-Cheng , Zhang Xin-Wen , Huang Yi-Ching , Lu I-Chung
Published: February 2024

A simple and innovative sample preparation technique of MALDI significantly enhances the ion intensity and spatial uniformity for carbohydrates.
Sortase mediated protein ubiquitination with defined chain length and topology
Authors: Raniszewski Nicole R. , Beyer Jenna N. , Noel Myles I. , Burslem George M.
Published: February 2024

We combine E1/E2-mediated ubiquitin chain extension and sortase compatible ubiquitin to demonstrate a method for robust generation of discrete polyubiquitin chains and use sortase-mediated ligation to conjugate them to proteins site-specifically.
Development of plasma technology for the preparation and modification of energy storage materials
Authors: Shi Fengchun , Jiang Jiaqi , Wang Xuan , Gao Yan , Chen Chen , Chen Guorong , Dudko Natallia , Nevar Alena A. , Zhang Dengsong
Published: February 2024

Plasma technology is an immensely appealing method for material modification. This review provides a comprehensive overview of plasma-based material modification techniques and their applications in the field of energy storage.
Electrochemical aerobic Wacker-type oxygenation of triaryl substituted alkenes to 1,2,2-triarylethanones
Authors: Zhang Zhou , Li Jin , Cai Zhiwei , Kang Songyao , Wang Jian , Cui Yue , Han Siyuan , Sheng Lei , Yin Qing , Dai Ang , Zhao Weining , Zhao Fangyuan
Published: February 2024

An electrochemical oxygenation approach to obtain 1,2,2-triarylethanones represents the first expansion of Wacker-type oxidation substrate scope to triaryl-substituted alkenes.
Unexpected and delayed fragmentation dynamics of the organometallic ferrocene induced by ion-collision
Authors: Aguilar-Galindo F. , Nguyen V. T. T. , Singh R. , Domaracka A. , Huber B. A. , Díaz-Tendero S. , Rousseau P. , Maclot S.
Published: February 2024

Combined experiment/theory study on ionized ferrocene molecules. We found that, due to the population of a specific long-lived excited state, charge screening effects from the iron atom and delayed fragmentations occur leading to unexpected dynamics.
Conformational preference of dipeptide zwitterions in aqueous solvents
Authors: Adasme-Carreño Francisco , Ochoa-Calle Alvaro , Galván Marcelo , Ireta Joel
Published: February 2024

It is shown that the charge-asymmetric nonlocally determined local-electric solvation model (CANDLE) together with density functional theory adequately describes peptide zwitterions in aqueous solvents.
Absence of superconductivity in I4/mmm-FeH5: experimental evidence
Authors: Wang Yulong , Chen Su , Guo Jianning , Huang Xiaoli , Cui Tian
Published: February 2024

High pressure experiments show the absence of superconductivity in FeH5 which indicates the chemical precompression of iron atoms is not beneficial to the superconductivity in pure atomic hydrogen.
Relaxation enhancement by microwave irradiation may limit dynamic nuclear polarization
Authors: von Witte Gevin , Himmler Aaron , Kozerke Sebastian , Ernst Matthias
Published: February 2024

Micro-wave (MW) irradiation of the electrons accelerates the nuclear spin relaxation. For MW irradiation at the frequency of zero dynamic-nuclear polarization (DNP) enhancement, this can be observed directly.
Influence of Sc substitution on the structure and properties of NASICON-type Na3Sc2−xRx(PO4)3 (R = Eu, Tb, Dy) phosphors
Authors: Krutyak Nataliya , Spassky Dmitry A. , Kudryavtseva Irina , Gallyamov Eldar M. , Filatova Daria G. , Mosunov Aleksandr V. , Morozov Vladimir A.
Published: February 2024

To establish the connection between structure, conductivity and luminescence properties, the Na3Sc2−xRx(PO4)3 (R = Eu, Tb, Dy; 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2) compounds have been studied. Solid solutions with a NASICON-type structure were formed at 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.1.
Acridine-based copper(i) PNP pincer complexes: catalysts for alkyne hydroboration and borylation of aryl halides
Authors: Olding Angus , Lucas Nigel. T. , Ho Curtis C. , Bissember Alex C.
Published: February 2024

Original acridine-based copper(i) PNP pincer complexes were prepared and their catalytic viability in alkyne hydroboration and the borylation of aryl iodides was examined.
A nature-inspired solution for water management in flow fields for electrochemical devices
Authors: Trogadas Panagiotis , Cho Jason I. S. , Rasha Lara , Lu Xuekun , Kardjilov Nikolay , Markötter Henning , Manke Ingo , Shearing Paul R. , Brett Dan J. L. , Coppens Marc-Olivier
Published: February 2024

A nature-inspired solution for water management in flow fields for electrochemical devices.
The Gore-Tex® effect in externally hydrophobic Metal–Organic Frameworks
Authors: Miller Kaleb L. , Lin Rijia , Hou Jingwei , Kepert Cameron J. , D’Alessandro Deanna M. , Solomon Marcello B.
Published: February 2024

UiO-66-NH2 ([Zr6O4(OH)4(NH2-bdc)], NH2-bdc = 2-aminoterephthalic acid) was post-synthetically modified using four strategies to improve its external hydrophobicity.
A high-performance humidity sensor based on 3D porous SnO2-encapsulated MCM-48 for real-time breath monitoring and contactless gesture detection
Authors: Malik Priya , Duhan Surender , Malik Rakesh
Published: February 2024

Ordered porous SnO2/MCM-48 was used as a basis for developing a resistive-type humidity sensor was demonstrated for real-time respiration monitoring and no-contact sensing for the first time.
Anti-corrosion applications of 2D transition metal based layered materials
Authors: Tian Yuqin , Yang Qiaoxin , Li Wei , Gong Yuan , Zhao Qiuping , Li Chunlei , Sheng Xinxin
Published: February 2024

Due to the excellent properties, 2D transition metal layered materials have been thoroughly investigated for anti-corrosion. This article briefly reviews the structures and synthetic methods of 2D transition metal layered materials, and their recent applications in metal corrosion prevention.
Theoretical design of imprinted albumin against foodborne toxins
Authors: Ilicheva Polina M. , Fedotova Elena S. , Presnyakov Kirill Yu. , Grinev Vyacheslav S. , Pidenko Pavel S. , Burmistrova Natalia A.
Published: February 2024

Molecular modelling was performed to study albumin-based imprinted proteins against three types of foodborne toxin templates.
Concurrent functional ultrasound imaging with graphene-based DC-coupled electrophysiology as a platform to study slow brain signals and cerebral blood flow under control and pathophysiological brain states
Authors: Zhang Julie Meng , Masvidal-Codina Eduard , Nguyen Diep , Illa Xavi , Dégardin Julie , Goulet Ruben , Prats-Alfonso Elisabet , Matsoukis Stratis , Guger Christoph , Garrido Jose Antonio , Picaud Serge , Guimerà-Brunet Anton , Wykes Rob C.
Published: February 2024

Graphene-enabled micro-transistor arrays can be used to improve our understanding of how infraslow brain signals relate to changes in cerebral blood flow.
Can the presence of a fluorine-containing functional group in eutectic mixtures indeed bring fluorous affinity for fluorotelomer alcohol?
Authors: Fan Chen , Deng Wanlin , Cheng Linru
Published: February 2024

We focus on deep eutectic solvents (DESs) and investigate their potential for perfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) remediation through ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations and quantum chemistry calculations.
Structural coloured epoxy resin patterns prepared using thermochromic epoxy liquid crystal mixtures
Authors: Guo Yongxing , Zhao Jinghua , Wu Limin , Liu Wei , Li Yi , Yang Yonggang
Published: February 2024

Chiral epoxy liquid crystals were synthesized, which could be applied for the preparation of colourful cholesteric liquid crystal polymer network patterns. These patterns were suitably applied for decoration and anti-counterfeiting.
Sulfamide instead of urea in Biginelli reaction: from black box to reality
Authors: Lyapunov Alexander Yu. , Tarnovskiy Andriy V. , Boron Sergey Yu. , Rusanov Eduard B. , Grabchuk Galyna P. , Volochnyuk Dmytro M. , Ryabukhin Serhiy V.
Published: February 2024

The scope and limitations of the classical Biginelli reaction have been expanded to principally novel substrates: sulfamide and its monosubstituted analogues.
Iron-catalyzed C(sp3)–H phosphorylation via photoinduced LMCT
Authors: Liu Hongchi , Wang Kaifang , Ye Sunfeng , Zhu Qiming , Huang Hanmin
Published: February 2024

A redox-neutral strategy for C(sp3)–H phosphorylation is developed via photoinduced LMCT, where the reaction proceeds through radical addition to chlorophosphines to form an R3P–Cl˙ radical and is ultimately concluded by single-electron reduction.
Direct C(sp2)–H activation of allenes via hydrogen-atom transfer (HAT) in organic synthesis
Authors: Chen Jian-Qiang , Zhu Gangguo , Wu Jie
Published: February 2024

The highlighted reports demonstrate the unique application of the direct HAT strategy to unlock new reactivity of allenes. With this novel method, a variety of structurally diverse allenes are efficiently workable.
Pyrolysis of sargassum in a single mode microwave cavity: use of SiC and biochar as microwave absorbers
Authors: De La Cruz Iturbides Randal , Ubiera Lilivet , Jauregui Haza Ulises , Polaert Isabelle
Published: February 2024

This paper examines the feasibility of pyrolyzing the macroalgae sargassum, in a single-mode microwave cavity using char or SiC as microwave absorber.
Efficient O- and S-glycosylation with ortho-2,2-dimethoxycarbonylcyclopropylbenzyl thioglycoside donors by catalytic strain-release
Authors: Ding Han , Lv Jian , Zhang Xiao-Lin , Xu Yuan , Zhang Yu-Han , Liu Xue-Wei
Published: February 2024

An efficient glycosylation reaction utilizing a meticulously designed thioglycoside has been developed. The well-established protocol was demonstrated in the total synthesis of TD139 and a one-pot assembly of E. coli O33 antigen tetrasaccharide.
Rapid detection of trace nitrobenzene in water via SERS using a portable Raman spectrometer
Authors: Yang Zhen-Wei , Yu Zhou , Zheng Ju-Fang , Wang Ya-Hao , Zhou Xiao-Shun
Published: February 2024

A reliable sol-based SERS method has been developed for the detection of trace amounts of nitrobenzene in different water bodies using a portable Raman spectrometer.
Distinguishing the responsive mechanisms of fluorescent probes to hydrogen peroxide, proteins, and DNA/RNA
Authors: Ding Lina , Liu Yang , Wang Liang , Yang Yonggang
Published: February 2024

The responsive mechanism of QVD-B probe to hydrogen peroxide, protein and DNA/RNA are attributed to PET progress and different degrees of local charge transfer after photoexcitation.
Ultralong afterglow of heavy-atom-free carbon dots with a phosphorescence lifetime of up to 3.7 s for encryption and fingerprinting description
Authors: Zhang Xinlei , Liu Xia , Liu Peng , Li Bohan , Xu Yan
Published: February 2024

A D-CDs/BA nanocomposite was prepared using a thermal-evaporation assisted covalent-bonding approach showing ultra-long room-temperature phosphorescence with a lifetime of 3.7 s.
Rational design and application of electrocatalysts based on transition metal selenides for water splitting
Authors: Xiang Haiyan , Dong Qizhi , Yang Meiqing , Liu Song
Published: February 2024

This review has systematically summarized the recent progress (basic principles, synthetic methods and strategies for enhancing catalytic activity) in TMSe-based electrocatalysts for HER, OER, and overall water splitting.
IL-4 activates the futile triacylglyceride cycle for glucose utilization in white adipocytes
Authors: Michurina Svetlana , Agareva Margarita , Zubkova Ekaterina , Menshikov Mikhail , Stafeev Iurii , Parfyonova Yelena
Published: February 2024

The development of cardiometabolic complications during obesity is strongly associated with chronic latent inflammation in hypertrophied adipose tissue (AT). IL-4 is an anti-inflammatory cytokine, playing a protective role against insulin resistance, glucose intolerance and weight gain. The positive effects of IL-4 are associated not only with the activation of anti-inflammatory immune cells in AT, but also with the modulation of adipocyte metabolism. IL-4 is known to activate lipolysis and glucose uptake in adipocytes, but the precise regulatory mechanisms and physiological significance of these processes remain unclear. In this study, we detail IL-4 effects on glucose and triacylglycerides (TAGs) metabolism and propose mechanisms of IL-4 metabolic action in adipocytes. We have shown that IL-4 activates glucose oxidation, lipid droplet (LD) fragmentation, lipolysis and thermogenesis in mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes. We found that lipolysis was not accompanied by fatty acids (FAs) release from adipocytes, suggesting FA re-esterification. Moreover, glucose oxidation and thermogenesis stimulation depended on adipocyte triglyceride lipase (ATGL) activity, but not the uncoupling protein (UCP1) expression. Based on these data, IL-4 may activate the futile TAG–FA cycle in adipocytes, which enhances the oxidative activity of cells and heat production. Thus, the positive effect of IL-4 on systemic metabolism can be the result of the activation of non-canonical thermogenic mechanism in AT, increasing TAG turnover and utilization of excessive glucose.
The cosmic web from perturbation theory
Authors: Kitaura F.-S. , Sinigaglia F. , Balaguera-Antolínez A. , Favole G.
Published: February 2024

Context. Analysing the large-scale structure (LSS) in the Universe with galaxy surveys demands accurate structure formation models. Such models should ideally be fast and have a clear theoretical framework in order to rapidly scan a variety of cosmological parameter spaces without requiring large training data sets.

Aims. This study aims to extend Lagrangian perturbation theory (LPT), including viscosity and vorticity, to reproduce the cosmic evolution from dark matter N-body calculations at the field level.

Methods. We extend LPT to a Eulerian framework, which we dub eALPT. An ultraviolet regularisation through the spherical collapse model provided by Augmented LPT turns out to be crucial at low redshifts. This iterative method enables modelling of the stress tensor and introduces vorticity. The eALPT model has two free parameters apart from the choice of cosmology, redshift snapshots, cosmic volume, and the number of particles.

Results. We find that compared to N-body solvers, the cross-correlation of the dark matter distribution increases at k = 1 h Mpc−1 and z = 0 from ∼55% with the Zel’dovich approximation (∼70% with ALPT), to ∼95% with the three-timestep eALPT, and the power spectra show percentage accuracy up to k ≃ 0.3 h Mpc−1.
A strategy for sensing the petal mode in the presence of AO residual turbulence with the pyramid wavefront sensor
Authors: Levraud Nicolas , Chambouleyron Vincent , Sauvage Jean François , Neichel Benoit , Cisse Mahawa , Fauvarque Olivier , Agapito Guido , Plantet Cédric , Cheffot Anne Laure , Pinna Enrico , Esposito Simone , Fusco Thierry
Published: February 2024

Context. With the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) generation of telescopes come new challenges. The complexity of these telescopes’ pupils creates new problems for adaptive optics (AO) that prevent the telescopes from reaching the theoretical resolutions that their size allows. In particular, the large spiders necessary to support the massive optics of these telescopes create discontinuities in the wavefront measurement. These discontinuities appear as a new phase error dubbed the “petal mode.” This error is described as a differential piston between the fragment of the pupil separated by the spiders and is responsible for a strong degradation in the imaging quality, reducing the European ELT’s resolution to that of a 15m telescope.

Aims. The aim of this paper is to study the measurement of the petal mode by AO sensors. In particular, we want to understand why the pyramid wavefront sensor (PyWFS), the first-light wavefront sensor of any ELT-generation telescope, cannot measure this petal mode under normal conditions, and how to enable this measurement by adapting the AO control scheme and the PyWFS.

Methods. To facilitate our study, we considered a simplified version of the petal mode, featuring a simpler pupil than the ELT. This allowed us to quickly simulate the properties of the petal mode and its measurement by the PyWFS. We studied specifically how a system that separates the atmospheric turbulence from the petal measurement would behave. Studying the petal mode’s power spectral density, we proposed using a spatial filter to reduce the contribution of AO residuals to the benefit of petal mode contribution, eventually enabling it to be measured. Finally, we demonstrated our proposed system with end-to-end simulations.

Results. A solution proposed to measure the petal mode is to use an unmodulated PyWFS (uPyWFS), but the uPyWFS does not make accurate measurements in the presence of atmospheric residuals. A spatial filtering step, consisting of a pinhole around the pyramid tip, reduces the first path residuals seen by the uPyWFS and restores its accuracy. This system was able to measure and control the petal mode during the end-to-end simulation.

Conclusions. To address the petal problem, a two-path AO with a sensor dedicated to the measurement of the petal mode seems necessary. The question remains as to what could be used as the second path petalometer. Through this paper, we demonstrate that an uPyWFS can confuse the petal mode with the residuals from the first path. However, adding a spatial filter on top of said uPyWFS makes it a good petalometer candidate. This spatial filtering step makes the uPyWFS less sensitive to the first path residuals while retaining its ability to measure the petal mode.
Solar nanoflares in different spectral ranges
Authors: Belov S. A. , Bogachev S. A. , Ledentsov L. S. , Zavershinskii D. I.
Published: February 2024

Aims. The rates and other characteristics of solar nanoflares were measured for the same area of the Sun in different extreme-ultravioilet (EUV) channels to find how the main properties of nanoflares depend on the spectral range.

Methods. We used images of the quiet Sun obtained by the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) in seven spectral channels, 94 Å, 131 Å, 171 Å, 193 Å, 211 Å, 304 Å, and 335 Å. We analyzed 300 images for each AIA/SDO channel covering one hour from 12:00 UT to 13:00 UT on 20 May 2019 with a 12 s cadence. We searched for nanoflares in two 360″×720″ fields of view above (N) and below (S) the Sun’s equator to measure nanoflare latitudinal distributions and their N–S asymmetry. To detect nanoflares, we used a threshold-based algorithm with 5σ threshold.

Results. The integral nanoflare rate measured in seven spectral ranges is 3.53 × 10−21 cm−1 s−1; the corresponding frequency is 215 events s−1 for the entire surface of the Sun. A search for nanoflares in any single AIA-channel leads to significant underestimation of their frequency and rate: 171 Å −34% of the total value; 193 Å −33%; 211 Å −24%; other channels – less than 16%. Most EUV nanoflares are single-pixel (∼78%) and mono-channel (∼86%) events. In channel 304 Å, multipixel events dominate over single-pixel events (68% vs. 32%). The average duration of nanoflares is in the range of (89 − 141)±(40 − 61) s depending on the spectral region with the mean value being 129 ± 59 s. The latitudinal distribution of nanoflares is approximately uniform in the range from 0° to 45° for all channels. We find a slight difference between the N and S hemispheres (up to 20% depending on channel), but we do not find it to be statistically significant.

Conclusions. We demonstrate that solar nanoflares can be found in all AIA EUV channels. The detection probability strongly depends on the spectral range and the channels can be approximately ranked as follows (from high to low probability): 171 Å, 193 Å, 211 Å, 131 Å, 304 Å, 335 Å, and 94 Å. The first three channels, 171, 193, and 211 Å, allow the detection of ∼78% of all the nanoflares. The remaining four add only 22%. Other characteristics of nanoflares, including duration and spatial distribution, weakly depend on spectral range.
A theoretical framework for BL Her stars
Authors: Das Susmita , Molnár László , Kanbur Shashi M. , Joyce Meridith , Bhardwaj Anupam , Singh Harinder P. , Marconi Marcella , Ripepi Vincenzo , Smolec Radoslaw
Published: February 2024

Context. In the era of the Hubble tension, it is crucial to obtain a precise calibration of the period-luminosity (PL) relations of classical pulsators. Type II Cepheids (T2Cs; often exhibiting negligible or weak metallicity dependence on PL relations) used in combination with RR Lyraes and the tip of the red giant branch may prove useful as an alternative to classical Cepheids for the determination of extragalactic distances.

Aims. We present new theoretical PL and period-Wesenheit (PW) relations for a fine grid of convective BL Her (the shortest period T2Cs) models computed using MESA-RSP in the Gaia passbands and we compare our results with the empirical relations from Gaia DR3. Our goal is to study the effect of metallicity and convection parameters on the theoretical PL and PW relations.

Methods. We used the state-of-the-art 1D non-linear radial stellar pulsation tool MESA-RSP to compute models of BL Her stars over a wide range of input parameters: metallicity (−2.0 dex ≤ [Fe/H] ≤ 0.0 dex), stellar mass (0.5 M⊙ − 0.8 M⊙), stellar luminosity (50 L⊙ − 300 L⊙), and effective temperature (across the full extent of the instability strip; in steps of 50 K). We used the Fourier decomposition technique to analyse the light curves obtained from MESA-RSP and Gaia DR3 and then compared the theoretical and empirical PL and PW relations in the Gaia passbands.

Results. The BL Her stars in the All Sky region exhibit statistically different PL slopes compared to the theoretical PL slopes computed using the four sets of convection parameters. We find the empirical PL and PW slopes from BL Her stars in the Magellanic Clouds to be statistically consistent with theoretical relations computed using the different convection parameter sets in the Gaia passbands. There is a negligible effect coming from the metallicity on the PL relations in the individual Gaia passbands. However, there is a small but significant negative coefficient of metallicity in the PWZ relations for the BL Her models using the four sets of convection parameters. This could be attributed to the increased sensitivity of bolometric corrections to metallicities at wavelengths shorter than the V band. Our BL Her models also suggest a dependence of the mass-luminosity relation on metallicity. We found the observed Fourier parameter space to be covered well by our models. Higher mass models (> 0.6 M⊙) may be needed to reliably model the observed light curves of BL Her stars in the All-Sky region. We also found the theoretical light curve structures (especially the Fourier amplitude parameters) to be affected by the choice of convection parameters.
Thermonuclear explosions as Type II supernovae
Authors: Kozyreva Alexandra , Morán-Fraile Javier , Holas Alexander , Bronner Vincent A. , Röpke Friedrich K. , Pavlyuk Nikolay , Mironov Alexey , Tsvetkov Dmitry
Published: February 2024

We consider a binary stellar system in which a low-mass (0.6M⊙) carbon-oxygen white dwarf (WD) merges with the degenerate helium core (0.4M⊙) of a red giant. We analyse the outcome of a merger within a common envelope (CE). We predict the observational properties of the resulting transient. We find that the double detonation of the WD, being a pure thermonuclear explosion and embedded into the hydrogen-rich CE, has a light curve with the distinct plateau shape of a supernova (SN) Type IIP, with a duration of about 40 days. We find five observed SNe IIP (SN 2004dy, SN 2005af, SN 2005hd, SN 2007aa, and SN 2008bu) that match theV-band light curve of our models. Hence, we show that a thermonuclear explosion within a CE might be mistakenly identified as a SN IIP, believed to be an outcome of a core-collapse neutrino-driven explosion of a massive star. We discuss a number of diagnostics that may help to distinguish this kind of thermonuclear explosion from a core-collapse SN.