bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A chromosome-level genome assembly for Onobrychis viciifolia reveals gene copy number gain underlying enhanced proanthocyanidin biosynthesis
Authors: He Junyi , Tian Danyang , Li Xue , Wang Xuemeng , Wang Tingting , Wang Ziyao , Zang Hui , He Xiaofan , Zhang Tiejun , Yun Quanzheng , Zhang Rengang , Jiang Jishan , Jia Shangang , Zhang Yunwei
Published: January 2024

Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia), which belongs to subfamily Papilionoideae of Leguminosae, is a vital perennial forage known as “holy hay” due to its high contents of crude proteins and proanthocyanidins (PAs, also called condensed tannins) that have various pharmacological properties in animal feed, such as alleviating rumen tympanic disease in ruminants. In this study, we select an autotetraploid common sainfoin (2n = 4x = 28) and report its high-quality chromosome-level genome assembly with 28 pseudochromosomes and four haplotypes (~1950.14 Mb, contig N50 = 10.91 Mb). The copy numbers of genes involved in PA biosynthesis in sainfoin are significantly greater than those in four selected Fabales species, namely, autotetraploid Medicago sativa and three other diploid species, Lotus japonicus, Medicago truncatula, and Glycine max. Furthermore, gene expansion is confirmed to be the key contributor to the increased expression of these genes and subsequent PA enhancement in sainfoin. Transcriptomic analyses reveal that the expression of genes involved in the PA biosynthesis pathway is significantly increased in the lines with high PA content compared to the lines with medium and low PA content. The sainfoin genome assembly will improve our understanding of leguminous genome evolution and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in sainfoin.
SNAP-25, but not SNAP-23, is essential for photoreceptor development, survival, and function in mice
Authors: Huang Mengjia , Chow Chun Hin , Gurdita Akshay , Harada Hidekiyo , Pham Truong Victor Q. B. , Eide Sarah , Sun Hong-Shuo , Feng Zhong-Ping , Monnier Philippe P. , Wallace Valerie A. , Sugita Shuzo
Published: January 2024

SNARE-mediated vesicular transport is thought to play roles in photoreceptor glutamate exocytosis and photopigment delivery. However, the functions of Synaptosomal-associated protein (SNAP) isoforms in photoreceptors are unknown. Here, we revisit the expression of SNAP-23 and SNAP-25 and generate photoreceptor-specific knockout mice to investigate their roles. Although we find that SNAP-23 shows weak mRNA expression in photoreceptors, SNAP-23 removal does not affect retinal morphology or vision. SNAP-25 mRNA is developmentally regulated and undergoes mRNA trafficking to photoreceptor inner segments at postnatal day 9 (P9). SNAP-25 knockout photoreceptors develop normally until P9 but degenerate by P14 resulting in severe retinal thinning. Photoreceptor loss in SNAP-25 knockout mice is associated with abolished electroretinograms and vision loss. We find mistrafficked photopigments, enlarged synaptic vesicles, and abnormal synaptic ribbons which potentially underlie photoreceptor degeneration. Our results conclude that SNAP-25, but not SNAP-23, mediates photopigment delivery and synaptic functioning required for photoreceptor development, survival, and function.
Site-selective chlorination of pyrrolic heterocycles by flavin dependent enzyme PrnC
Authors: Peh GuangRong , Tay Terence , Tan Lee Ling , Tiong Elaine , Bi Jiawu , Goh Yi Ling , Ye Suming , Lin Fu , Tan Cheryl Jia Xin , Tan Yong Zi , Wong Joel , Zhao Huimin , Wong Fong Tian , Ang Ee Lui , Lim Yee Hwee
Published: January 2024

Halogenation of pyrrole requires strong electrophilic reagents and often leads to undesired polyhalogenated products. Biocatalytic halogenation is a highly attractive approach given its chemoselectivity and benign reaction conditions. While there are several reports of enzymatic phenol and indole halogenation in organic synthesis, corresponding reports on enzymatic pyrrole halogenation have been lacking. Here we describe the in vitro functional and structural characterization of PrnC, a flavin-dependent halogenase that can act on free-standing pyrroles. Computational modeling and site mutagenesis studies identified three key residues in the catalytic pocket. A moderate resolution map using single-particle cryogenic electron microscopy reveals PrnC to be a dimer. This native PrnC can halogenate a library of structurally diverse pyrrolic heterocycles in a site-selective manner and be applied in the chemoenzymatic synthesis of a chlorinated analog of the agrochemical fungicide Fludioxonil.
Two-fold symmetric superconductivity in the Kagome superconductor RbV3Sb5
Authors: Wang Shuo , Fang Jing-Zhi , Wu Ze-Nan , Lu Sirong , Wei Zhongming , Wang Zhiwei , Huang Wen , Yao Yugui , Yang Jia-Jie , Chen Tingyong , Lin Ben-Chuan , Yu Dapeng
Published: January 2024

The recently discovered kagome superconductors offer a promising platform for investigating intertwined orders and novel states, including topology, superconductivity, charge density waves, and more. The interplay among these orders can spontaneously break rotational symmetry, giving rise to exotic phenomena such as nematicity or even nematic superconductivity. Here we present our findings on the two-fold symmetric superconductivity in thin-flake RbV3Sb5 in response to direction-dependent in-plane magnetic fields, in contrast to the inherent six-fold structural symmetry of the crystal lattice. The two-fold symmetry was evidenced through a combination of magnetoresistance transport experiments, critical magnetic field measurements, and observations of anisotropic superconducting gaps. Additionally, by altering the experimental configuration, we also detected the presence of six-fold symmetric components superimposed on the two-fold symmetry at the boundary between normal and superconducting states. Our results underscore the correlation-driven symmetry-breaking phenomena and emphasize the potential of this correlated kagome family as a promising platform for investigating intertwined orders, including unconventional superconductivity.
Hosohedral nodal-line superconductivity in hexagonal ABC Dirac semimetals
Authors: Min Hong-Guk , Lyi Churlhi , Park Moon Jip , Kim Youngkuk
Published: January 2024

The recently identified hexagonal non-polar phase of KZnBi, an archetypal topological semimetal, has been found to cohost superconductivity on the surface. We propose that KZnBi can realize an unconventional topological superconductor featuring the hosohedral formation of nodal lines and Bogoliubov Fermi surface emerging under a magnetic field. Our density functional theory (DFT)-based low-energy model shows that the nonsymmorphic band degeneracy of the Dirac bands generically triggers topological nodal line superconductivity fostered by inter-band Coulomb interaction. In particular, the nodal lines of the gap resemble a hexagonal hosohedron with the Schläfli symbol of {2, 6}. Remarkably, the holohedral nodal line superconductor defines the topological phase boundary of the Bogoliubov Fermi surface in the limit where time-reversal symmetry is restored. Our results demonstrate that line nodes readily inflate to the Bogoliubov Fermi surface under an external magnetic field. We provide an experimentally verifiable explanation for the observed superconductivity and suggest a feasible platform for observing topological superconductivity in the hexagonal ABC ternary systems class.
A magnetically actuated dynamic labyrinthine transmissive ultrasonic metamaterial
Authors: Choi Christabel , Bansal Shubhi , Hardwick James , Münzenrieder Niko , Tiwari Manish K. , Subramanian Sriram
Published: January 2024

Currently, space-coiling acoustic metamaterials are static, requiring manual reconfiguration for sound-field modulation. Here, we introduce an approach to enable active reconfiguration, using standalone dynamic space-coiling unit cells called dynamic meta-bricks. Unlike their static counterparts, these meta-bricks, house an actuatable soft robotic-inspired magnetorheological elastomeric flap. This flap operates like a switch to directly control the transmitted ultrasound. For scalability, we present a hybrid stacking method, which vertically combines static and dynamic meta-bricks. This allows us to form a surface-integrated metasurface through concatenating variations of either fully static or hybrid stacks. By actuating dynamic metasurface sections, we experimentally demonstrate accurate modulation of λ/4 (≈2 mm) between two acoustic twin traps. We shift a levitated bead between the traps, validating that full-array operational dynamicity is achievable with partial, localised actuation. This work showcases the synergy between active and passive reconfigurability, opening possibilities to develop multifunctional metamaterials with additional degrees of freedom in design and control.
Traditional seismic hazard analyses underestimate hazard levels when compared to observations from the 2023 Kahramanmaras earthquakes
Authors: Altindal Abdullah , Askan Aysegul
Published: January 2024

A sequence of two major earthquakes, Mw7.8 Pazarcik, and Mw7.5 Elbistan, struck Southeastern Turkey in February 2023. The large magnitudes of the earthquakes and the short time between the two events raised questions about whether this sequence was an extremely rare disaster. Here, based on prior knowledge, we perform seismic hazard assessment for the region to estimate exceedance probabilities of observed magnitudes and ground motions. We discuss that many regional studies indicated the seismic gap in the area but with lower magnitude estimations. Observed ground motions generally agree with empirical models for the Pazarcik event. However, some records with high amplitudes exceed the highest observed amplitudes in an extensive database of shallow crustal earthquakes. We observe a notable trend of residuals for the Elbistan earthquake, leading to underestimation at long periods. We discuss potential advances in science for better characterization of such major earthquakes in the future.
Inhibiting anti-angiogenic VEGF165b activates a miR-17-20a-Calcipressin-3 pathway that revascularizes ischemic muscle in peripheral artery disease
Authors: Batan Sonia , Kuppuswamy Sivaraman , Wood Madison , Reddy Meghana , Annex Brian , Ganta Vijay
Published: January 2024

Background

VEGF165a increases the expression of the microRNA-17-92 cluster, promoting developmental, retinal, and tumor angiogenesis. We have previously shown that VEGF165b, an alternatively spliced anti-angiogenic VEGF-A isoform, inhibits the VEGFR-STAT3 pathway in ischemic endothelial cells (ECs) to decrease their angiogenic capacity. In ischemic macrophages (Møs), VEGF165b inhibits VEGFR1 to induce S100A8/A9 expression, which drives M1-like polarization. Our current study aims to determine whether VEGF165b inhibition promotes perfusion recovery by regulating the microRNA(miR)-17-92 cluster in preclinical PAD.

Methods

Femoral artery ligation and resection was used as a preclinical PAD model. Hypoxia serum starvation (HSS) was used as an in vitro PAD model. VEGF165b was inhibited/neutralized by an isoform-specific VEGF165b antibody.

Results

Here, we show that VEGF165b-inhibition induces the expression of miR-17-20a (within miR-17-92 (miR-17-18a-19a-19b-20a-92) cluster) in HSS-ECs and HSS-Møs vs. respective normal and/or isotype-matched IgG controls to enhance perfusion recovery. Consistent with the bioinformatics analysis that revealed RCAN3 as a common target of miR-17 and miR-20a, Argonaute-2 pull-down assays showed decreased miR-17-20a expression and higher RCAN3 expression in the RNA-induced silencing complex of HSS-ECs and HSS-Møs vs. respective controls. Inhibiting miR-17-20a induced RCAN3 levels to decrease ischemic angiogenesis and promoted M1-like polarization to impair perfusion recovery. Finally, using STAT3 inhibitors, S100A8/A9 silencers, and VEGFR1-deficient ECs and Møs, we show that VEGF165b-inhibition activates the miR-17-20a-RCAN3 pathway independent of VEGFR1-STAT3 or VEGFR1-S100A8/A9 in ischemic-ECs and ischemic-Møs respectively.

Conclusions

Our data revealed a hereunto unrecognized therapeutic ‘miR-17-20a-RCAN3’ pathway in the ischemic vasculature that is VEGFR1-STAT3/S100A8/A9 independent and is activated only upon VEGF165b-inhibition in PAD.
Learning multi-site harmonization of magnetic resonance images without traveling human phantoms
Authors: Liu Siyuan , Yap Pew-Thian
Published: January 2024

Harmonization improves Magn. Reson. Imaging (MRI) data consistency and is central to effective integration of diverse imaging data acquired across multiple sites. Recent deep learning techniques for harmonization are predominantly supervised in nature and hence require imaging data of the same human subjects to be acquired at multiple sites. Data collection as such requires the human subjects to travel across sites and is hence challenging, costly, and impractical, more so when sufficient sample size is needed for reliable network training. Here we show how harmonization can be achieved with a deep neural network that does not rely on traveling human phantom data. Our method disentangles site-specific appearance information and site-invariant anatomical information from images acquired at multiple sites and then employs the disentangled information to generate the image of each subject for any target site. We demonstrate with more than 6,000 multi-site T1- and T2-weighted images that our method is remarkably effective in generating images with realistic site-specific appearances without altering anatomical details. Our method allows retrospective harmonization of data in a wide range of existing modern large-scale imaging studies, conducted via different scanners and protocols, without additional data collection.
Programming structural and magnetic anisotropy for tailored interaction and control of soft microrobots
Authors: Yan Yimo , Song Chao , Shen Zaiyi , Zhu Yuechen , Ni Xingyu , Wang Bin , Christiansen Michael G. , Stavrakis Stavros , Lintuvuori Juho S. , Chen Baoquan , deMello Andrew , Schuerle Simone
Published: January 2024

Swarms of soft microrobots controlled by minimally invasive magnetic fields show promise as biomedical agents. The collective behaviour of such swarms, governed by magnetic and hydrodynamic interactions, emerges from the properties of their individual constituents. The introduction of both magnetic and structural anisotropy into microrobots expands the possibilities for tailoring and predetermining interactions and collective behaviours that result. Unfortunately, current methods for large-scale production of soft microrobots, typically result in isotropic properties. Herein, by combining simulation-guided design and droplet-based microfluidics, we present a versatile, high-throughput technique for fabricating soft microrobots with programmable structural and magnetic anisotropy. Such microrobots consist of iron oxide nanoparticles organized into supra-domain structures and entrapped in a hydrogel matrix that can be elongated independently of its magnetic properties. By applying rotating magnetic fields to resulting swarms, distinct collective behaviours are produced, including gas-like formations, variable crystals, and heterogeneous motions.
Frequency-dependent impairment calibration and estimation for a 96 GBaud coherent optical transceiver
Authors: Dai Longquan , Zhang Ziheng , Cao Zicai , Yao Shuchang , Li Tianming , Fu Yudi , Dai Jing , Wang Yaqin , Luo Ming , Xiao Xi , Cheng Mengfan , Yang Qi , Tang Ming , Liu Deming , Deng Lei
Published: January 2024

For 800 Gbps/λ and beyond optical transmission systems, frequency-dependent impairments (FDI) degrade coherent optical transceiver (CO-TRx) performance severely. Calibration and compensation of such FDI in factories includes amplitude/phase frequency response (AFR/PFR), skew, and ripple for both transmitters(Tx) and receivers (Rx). However, due to the polarization rotation and phase rotation effects in optical link, the separation and extraction of FDI from different polarization or I/Q tributaries is challenging. Here we report a FDI calibration method based on orthogonal separation scheme and frequency domain analysis. The proposal can simultaneously characterize and separate the Tx/Rx sides FDI including AFR, PFR, and time skew of four tributaries. Finally, the effectiveness is demonstrated by transmitting a 96 GBuad Nyquist-16QAM signal on a 64 GBaud-class CO-TRx.
1,10-phenanthroline inhibits sumoylation and reveals that yeast SUMO modifications are highly transient
Authors: McNeil J Bryan , Lee Su-Kyong , Oliinyk Anna , Raina Sehaj , Garg Jyoti , Moallem Marjan , Urquhart-Cox Verne , Fillingham Jeffrey , Cheung Peter , Rosonina Emanuel
Published: January 2024

The steady-state levels of protein sumoylation depend on relative rates of conjugation and desumoylation. Whether SUMO modifications are generally long-lasting or short-lived is unknown. Here we show that treating budding yeast cultures with 1,10-phenanthroline abolishes most SUMO conjugations within one minute, without impacting ubiquitination, an analogous post-translational modification. 1,10-phenanthroline inhibits the formation of the E1~SUMO thioester intermediate, demonstrating that it targets the first step in the sumoylation pathway. SUMO conjugations are retained after treatment with 1,10-phenanthroline in yeast that express a defective form of the desumoylase Ulp1, indicating that Ulp1 is responsible for eliminating existing SUMO modifications almost instantly when de novo sumoylation is inhibited. This reveals that SUMO modifications are normally extremely transient because of continuous desumoylation by Ulp1. Supporting our findings, we demonstrate that sumoylation of two specific targets, Sko1 and Tfg1, virtually disappears within one minute of impairing de novo sumoylation. Altogether, we have identified an extremely rapid and potent inhibitor of sumoylation, and our work reveals that SUMO modifications are remarkably short-lived.
Functional and structural asymmetry suggest a unifying principle for catalysis in membrane-bound pyrophosphatases
Authors: Strauss Jannik , Wilkinson Craig , Vidilaseris Keni , de Castro Ribeiro Orquidea M , Liu Jianing , Hillier James , Wichert Maximilian , Malinen Anssi M , Gehl Bernadette , Jeuken Lars JC , Pearson Arwen R , Goldman Adrian
Published: January 2024

Membrane-bound pyrophosphatases (M-PPases) are homodimeric primary ion pumps that couple the transport of Na+- and/or H+ across membranes to the hydrolysis of pyrophosphate. Their role in the virulence of protist pathogens like Plasmodium falciparum makes them an intriguing target for structural and functional studies. Here, we show the first structure of a K+-independent M-PPase, asymmetric and time-dependent substrate binding in time-resolved structures of a K+-dependent M-PPase and demonstrate pumping-before-hydrolysis by electrometric studies. We suggest how key residues in helix 12, 13, and the exit channel loops affect ion selectivity and K+-activation due to a complex interplay of residues that are involved in subunit-subunit communication. Our findings not only explain ion selectivity in M-PPases but also why they display half-of-the-sites reactivity. Based on this, we propose, for the first time, a unified model for ion-pumping, hydrolysis, and energy coupling in all M-PPases, including those that pump both Na+ and H+.
Jamming on convex deformable surfaces
Authors: Xie Zhaoyu , Atherton Timothy J.
Published: January 2024

We propose a new scenario, metric jamming, where particles rigidify on a deformable surface. The resulting states possess mechanical properties tunable between classically jammed and conventional elastic media and new types of mode that couple particle and shape degrees of freedom.
Efficient sensitization of CdTe QDs towards PTCDA for sensitive photoelectrochemical Hg2+ assay
Authors: Li Mengjie , Zhou You , Wang Jiapeng , Chen Yang
Published: January 2024

Herein, a sensitive PEC biosensor was designed for the detection of Hg2+ on the basis of the efficient sensitization of CdTe QDs towards PTCDA and the significant quenching ability of a thymine-Hg2+-thymine (T-Hg2+-T) structure.
Detection of azadirachtin from neem kernels using a paper-based sandwich sensor
Authors: Sinu Kurian , Savitha Rangasamy , Ranjit Bauri , Pushpavanam Subramaniam
Published: January 2024

A microfluidic paper-based analytical device (μPAD) for detection of biopesticide - azadirachtin (Aza).
Engineering surgical face masks with photothermal and photodynamic plasmonic nanostructures for enhancing filtration and on-demand pathogen eradication
Authors: Haghighat Bayan Mohammad Ali , Rinoldi Chiara , Rybak Daniel , Zargarian Seyed Shahrooz , Zakrzewska Anna , Cegielska Olga , Põhako-Palu Kaisa , Zhang Shichao , Stobnicka-Kupiec Agata , Górny Rafał L. , Nakielski Paweł , Kogermann Karin , De Sio Luciano , Ding Bin , Pierini Filippo
Published: January 2024

Development of a light-responsive face mask with enhanced filtration properties and on-demand photodynamic and photothermal-driven pathogen eradication.
Mononuclear indium(iii) photosensitizers for photo-dehalogenation and olefin reduction
Authors: Fu Li-Zhi , He Piao , Wang Jia-Wei , Ma Fan , Liu Chao , Chen Guo , Yi Xiao-Yi
Published: January 2024

A series of indium(iii) photosensitizers are used in photoinduced electron transfer reactions.
Induced chirality at the surface: fixation of a dynamic M/P invertible helical Co3 complex on SiO2
Authors: Muratsugu Satoshi , Sawaguchi Kana , Shiraogawa Takafumi , Chiba Shunsuke , Sakata Yoko , Shirai Sora , Baba Hiroshi , Ehara Masahiro , Akine Shigehisa , Tada Mizuki
Published: January 2024

Unique M/P helicity of the dynamic helical Co3 complex was induced at a SiO2 surface with chiral ((R) or (S))-1-phenylethylamine.
Open-[60]fullerenols with water adsorbed both inside and outside
Authors: Hashikawa Yoshifumi , Sadai Shumpei , Ikemoto Yuka , Murata Yasujiro
Published: January 2024

Molecular water adsorption at the internal sphere modulates the adsorptive behavior of water at the external sphere of an open-[60]fullerenol.
[Au14(2-SAdm)9(Dppe)2]+: a gold nanocluster with a crystallization-induced emission enhancement phenomenon
Authors: Liu Dong , Gao Guiqi , Zhang Yongyu , Li Qinzhen , Yang Sha , Chai Jinsong , Yu Haizhu , Zhu Manzhou
Published: January 2024

This work reports the determination of a gold nanocluster [Au14(SR)9(Dppe)2]PF6, which exhibits a significant crystallization-induced emission enhancement phenomenon induced by the weak intermolecular interactions.
Luminescent metal–organic frameworks as optical sensors for selective sensing towards Fe3+ and Cu2+
Authors: Song Nuan , Huai Ranran , Zhao Yu , Yang Lu , Zhang Daopeng , Zhou Zhen
Published: January 2024

Luminescent metal–organic frameworks (LMOFs) have emerged as promising luminescent sensors for remarkable and selective sensing towards Fe3+ and Cu2+via a “turn-off/turn-on” strategy.
A single carbon nanotube-entangled high-performance buckypaper with tunable fracture mode
Authors: Sang Yuna , Cui Chongxiao , Zhao Yushun , Zhang Xiuping , Zhang Zhuochao , Wang Fei , Liu Rong , Sui Chao , He Xiaodong , Wang Chao
Published: January 2024

A highly-entangled single-wire buckypaper with superior mechanical properties and excellent impact resistance is constructed.
High-resolution infrared spectroscopy of jet cooled cyclobutyl in the α-CH stretch region: large-amplitude puckering dynamics in a 4-membered ring radical
Authors: Chan Ya-Chu , Nesbitt David J.
Published: January 2024

1D potential along the ring puckering coordinate of cyclobutyl radical represents a double minimum well with a shallow barrier. The equilibrium structure is predicted to be a puckered geometry while the transition state reflects a planar geometry.
Chirality and length-dependent electron transmission of fullerene-capped chiral carbon nanotubes sandwiched in gold electrodes
Authors: Kumar Ameet , Sarkar Sudip , Cho Daeheum
Published: January 2024

Chirality and length-dependent transmission properties of metallic and semiconducting carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The substantial differences in current and transmission eigenchannels highlight chirality and CNTs length's pivotal roles.
Optimizing skyrmionium movement and stability via stray magnetic fields in trilayer nanowire constructs
Authors: Gong Bin , Wang Luowen , Wang Sunan , Yu Ziyang , Xiong Lun , Xiong Rui , Liu Qingbo , Zhang Yue
Published: January 2024

(a) Schematic diagram of a trilayer nanowire. (b) The result of the DSNN recognizes the images of the MNIST database of handwritten digits. (c) Graph of the accuracy of the DSNN as a function of a period.
The Coulomb effect in nonsequential double ionization by counter-rotating two-color elliptical polarization fields
Authors: Liu Zichao , Huang Cheng , He Tongtong , Liao Jianying , Li Yingbin , Yu Benhai
Published: January 2024

Using a three-dimensional classical ensemble model, nonsequential double ionization (NSDI) of Ar atoms by counter-rotating two-color elliptical polarization (TCEP) fields is investigated.
On the multiphoton ionisation photoelectron spectra of phenol
Authors: Dey Diptesh , Woodhouse Joanne L. , Taylor Marcus P. , Fielding Helen H. , Worth Graham A.
Published: January 2024

The mulitphoton ionisation spectra of phenol from S0 to D0 and D1via S1 and S2 are characterised by quantum dynamics simulations including the laser pulse explicitely showing direct and indirect photo-ionisation channels.
Unravelling the mechanism of polarization transfer from spin-1/2 to spin-1 system in solids
Authors: Nehra Ekta , Pandey Manoj Kumar
Published: January 2024

An analytic theory based on the concept of “effective-fields” is proposed to explain the polarization transfer dynamics between spin-1/2 and spin-1 in non-rotating solids.
Homogeneous-like photocatalysis: covalent immobilization of an iridium(III) complex onto polystyrene brushes grafted on SiO2 nanoparticles as a mass/charge transfer-enhanced platform
Authors: Chen Shaoqi , Zhou Yang , Ma Xuebing
Published: January 2024

Covalent immobilization of a photocatalyst onto polystyrene brushes grafted on SiO2 nanoparticles achieves homogeneous-like photocatalysis with comparable yields to homogeneous photocatalysis.
Highly stable and reversible Zn anodes enabled by an electrolyte additive of sucrose
Authors: Song Ming , Li Shan , Zhu Yi , Wan Hongri , Xu Xuena , Li Lu , Sun Limei , Tian Lin , Xu Yan
Published: January 2024

The cheap and edible sucrose is employed as an electrolyte additive for aqueous zinc-ion batteries. Due to the weakened solvated structure of Zn2+ and the SEI-like ion buffer layer, the side reactions and Zn dendrites can be effectively inhibited.
Solvent- and catalyst-free reduction of CO2 with ammonia borane
Authors: Lombardo Loris , Nishiguchi Taichi , Ko Youngdon , Zhong Liping , Horike Nao , Züttel Andreas , Horike Satoshi
Published: January 2024

The catalyst-free CO2 reduction with ammonia borane in the solid state is reported. Close to 40 mmol of CO2 per gram of ammonia borane can be reduced at 0.5 MPa and 60 °C to formamide in high yield, achieving a highly atom-economical process.
Thermo-/photo-catalysts for aerobic oxidative cyanation of diverse oxygen-containing feedstocks
Authors: He Jie , Zhou Peng , Zhang Shiying , Lam Jason Chun-Ho , Liao Yuhe , Zhang Zehui
Published: January 2024

Aerobic oxidative cyanation of diverse oxygen-containing compounds over thermo- and photocatalysts is highlighted as a green and promising avenue for nitrile synthesis.
Enabling continuous immune cell recirculation on a microfluidic array to study immunotherapeutic interactions in a recapitulated tumour microenvironment
Authors: Chi Chun-Wei , Lao Yeh-Hsing , Ahmed A. H. Rezwanuddin , He Siyu , Merghoub Taha , Leong Kam W. , Wang Sihong
Published: January 2024

We developed a tumour-on-a-chip system that recapitulated dynamic interplay between immunotherapeutics, regenerated microvessels, tumor stroma and recirculating immune cells.
Ti2O3 film electrode for water treatment via electrochemical chlorine evolution
Authors: Zhang Yishu , Kirk Caroline , Robertson Neil
Published: January 2024

This work introduces a low-cost and earth-abundant Ti2O3 thin film electrode as the anode for chlorine-driven electrochemical water treatment.
Mesoporous degradable chitosan-based monoliths: synthesis and applications toward water purification
Authors: Katiyar Jyoti Devi , Chattopadhyay Subrata
Published: January 2024

A synthetic strategy is presented for the preparation of degradable chitosan based functional porous polymer monoliths with tunable surface area, which are capable to efficiently remove multiple pollutants from water.
Recent progress of MXene as an energy storage material
Authors: Wu Yuqiang , Sun Mengtao
Published: January 2024

As a powerful candidate for energy storage materials, improving the antioxidant properties of MXene and optimizing its synthesis method to enhance its energy storage performance has become a research hotspot.
pH-dependent adsorption of the sulfamethoxazole antibiotic on HKUST-1@CNS nanocomposite corroborating efficiency, mechanistic, and kinetic studies
Authors: Jain Geetika , Bhattacharyya Puja , Mandal Mrinal Kanti , Chaudhuri Rajib Ghosh , Chakrabarti Sandip
Published: January 2024

Sulfonamide antibiotics, such as sulfamethoxazole (SMX), are found to be pollutants mostly generated from pharmaceutical wastewater with very high detection levels.
Influence of bridging atoms in copper-based coordination polymers for enhancing urease inhibition activity
Authors: Wang Ling-Li , Wang Kai-Tong , Duan Wen-Long , Luan Jian , Han Xiao-Ri
Published: January 2024

By using different O-donor second auxiliary ligands, we have designed and synthesized two Cu-based CPs with different bridging atoms to operate as urease inhibitors which show excellent urease inhibitory activity.
MoP nanocrystals encapsulated in N-doped three-dimensional carbon networks for efficient hydrogen evolution electrocatalysis
Authors: Yu Yang , Jiang Ling , Zhang Xinxin , Zhang Tiansui , Zhang Shiyin , Wu Yanting , Liu Dong , Liu Dequan , Liu Hongfang , Wang Haitao
Published: January 2024

An efficient HER electrocatalyst, in which MoP nanocrystals are encapsulated in N-doped carbon networks, has been prepared successfully via a hard template-assisted freeze-drying and subsequent carbonization–phosphorization process.
Hierarchical structure promoted lithiation/delithiation behavior of a double-carbon microsphere supported nano-Co3O4 anode
Authors: Liu Min , Li Hai , Yu Jie , Zhang Shuo , Chen Qi , Lu Wei , Yuan Anbao , Zhong Li , Sun Litao
Published: January 2024

Double-carbon microsphere supported Co3O4 anode is synthesized by a solvothermal-based method. The carbon skeleton improves the performance of the anode by providing facile strain accommodation and good electronic conductivity.
Synthesis of 4-sulfonyl-1,7-diesters via K2CO3-mediated alkylative debenzoylation of α-sulfonyl o-hydroxyacetophenones with acrylates
Authors: Chang Meng-Yang , Chen Pin-Hsien
Published: January 2024

A one-pot construction of diverse 4-sulfonyl-1,7-diesters by K2CO3-mediated alkylative debenzoylation of α-sulfonyl o-hydroxyacetophenones with acrylates has been developed.
Direct synthesis of phenanthrenyl triflates from 1-biphenylyl-2-diazo-2-aryl ketones and triflic anhydride
Authors: Liu Yueqiang , Zhang Sheng , Feng Xiujuan , Yu Xiaoqiang , Yamamoto Yoshinori , Bao Ming
Published: January 2024

We have described a mild and efficient method for the construction of phenanthrenyl triflates from α-aryl-α-diazoketones. The reaction of 1-biphenylyl-2-diazo-2-aryl ketones and triflic anhydride proceeded smoothly to produce phenanthrenyl triflates via vinyl cation intermediates.
Palladium-catalyzed cross-dehydrogenative coupling of (hetero)arenes
Authors: Albano Gianluigi
Published: January 2024

A general and authoritative literature overview on Pd-catalyzed cross-dehydrogenative coupling reactions of (hetero)arenes from the origins to 2023, where not only the synthetic aspects were described but also the most relevant mechanistic features.
Effect of surface functionalization on DNA sequencing using MXene-based nanopores
Authors: Yu You-Sheng , Tan Rong-Ri , Ding Hong-Ming
Published: January 2024

We consider three typical surfaces of MXene materials and investigate their potentials for detecting DNA bases via molecular simulations.
Highly efficient eco-friendly sodium titanate sorbents of Cs(i), Sr(ii), Co(ii) and Eu(iii): synthesis, characterization and detailed adsorption study
Authors: Motlochová Monika , Szatmáry Lórant , Pližingrová Eva , Salačová Petra , Fajgar Radek , Lidin Sven , Šubrt Jan
Published: January 2024

A novel way of simple preparation of sodium titanates was described and their ion-exchange mechanism was studied for the removal of Cs(i), Sr(ii), Co(ii) and Eu(iii) from aqueous environments.
Insight into molecular structures and dynamical properties of niosome bilayers containing melatonin molecules: a molecular dynamics simulation approach
Authors: Ritwiset Aksornnarong , Maensiri Santi , Krongsuk Sriprajak
Published: January 2024

The niosome bilayer containing melatonin exhibits the liquid–disordered phase, resulting in increased fluidity. Furthermore, the inclusion of 50 mol% cholesterol in the bilayer enhances melatonin mobility in both lateral and transverse directions.
Synthesis of a high-iron fly-ash-based Na-X molecular sieve and its application in the adsorption of low concentration of CO2
Authors: Guo Jiaxing , Wu Hong , Wei Yao , Miao Yingju , Qu Jingyuan , Wang Ping
Published: January 2024

Using high-iron FA, Na-X was synthesized by hydrothermal. The changes of iron during this process were characterized. The product was used for the adsorption of low concentration of CO2, and were fitted by physical model.
Retraction: The anchoring of a Cu(ii)–salophen complex on magnetic mesoporous cellulose nanofibers: green synthesis and an investigation of its catalytic role in tetrazole reactions through a facile one-pot route
Authors: kargar Pouya Ghamari , Bagherzade Ghodsieh
Published: January 2024

Retraction of ‘The anchoring of a Cu(ii)–salophen complex on magnetic mesoporous cellulose nanofibers: green synthesis and an investigation of its catalytic role in tetrazole reactions through a facile one-pot route’ by Pouya Ghamari kargar et al., RSC Adv., 2021, 11, 19203–19220, https://doi.org/10.1039/D1RA01913A.
Effect of intermolecular hydrogen bonding strength on the dynamic fragility of amorphous polyamides
Authors: Shi Gaopeng , Zhang Jianjun , Xu Yangyang
Published: January 2024

Increasing inter-HB strength leads to a decreased fragility m, heat capacity ΔCp, and enthalpy hysteresis ΔHR although the decrease of Tg, which indicates that the inter-HB interactions behave like physical cross-linking.
A nanofibrillated cellulose/Al(OH)3/polytetrafluoroethylene hybrid protective layer enabling dendrite free Zn anodes for rechargeable aqueous batteries
Authors: Shayan Mohammad , Abouzeid Ragab , Xu Wangwang , Wu Tongyao , Wu Qinglin
Published: January 2024

A full cell zinc-ion battery using a zinc anode with a NFC/Al(OH)3/PTFE protective layer.
Recent progress in perylene diimide supermolecule-based photocatalysts
Authors: Yang Bin , Lu Liliang , Liu Shiyu , Cheng Wenjin , Liu Hao , Huang Chao , Meng Xintao , Rodriguez Raul D. , Jia Xin
Published: January 2024

This review focuses on recent advancements in perylene diimide supramolecular (PDI)-based photocatalysts.
Flexibly stretchable acrylic resin elastomer films for efficient electromagnetic shielding and photothermal conversion
Authors: Yu Ruoling , Liang Leilei , Zhao Yue , Ji Guangbin
Published: January 2024

A retractable, stretchable shielding device with large areal strain variability is essential for intelligent wearable electronics.
Monophenylboryl aza-BODIPY with free rotation of the B-phenyl group for enhanced photothermal conversion
Authors: Zhang Yiming , Li Sicheng , Wang Jie , Zhang Dongxiang , Lv Meiheng , Shen Yue , Xu Zhangrun , Du Jianjun , Jiang Xin-Dong
Published: January 2024

Owing to the efficient non-radiative relaxation by the free rotation of the B-phenyl moiety, monophenyl substituted aza-BODIPY on the boron centre with near-infrared absorption has high photothermal conversion efficiency.
Controlled intermolecular proton-coupled electron transfer process: a novel design strategy for highly sensitive piezo-chromic fluorescent materials
Authors: Yu Miao , He Jingping , Xu Zhenzhen , Man Zhongwei , Wang Ping , Xiang Yuhao , Yu Fei , Fu Hongbing
Published: January 2024

Highly sensitive piezochromic fluorescent materials were successfully synthesized via a controlled intermolecular proton-coupled electron transfer process in single-benzene π-system.
Diagnosis and classification of disturbances in the power distribution network by phasor measurement unit based on fuzzy intelligent system
Authors: Khosravi Marzieh , Trik Mohammad , Ansari Alireza
Published: January 2024

The dynamic nature of distribution networks raises fresh issues with how such electrical systems function. These networks have some characteristics that indicate the need for better monitoring and control capabilities, including dispersed generation employing renewable resources, changing load profiles, and rising reliability requirements. Phasor measurement units (PMUs) offer simultaneous voltage and current phasor measurements at various places and offer a variety of options for gauging the condition and health of the power distribution network. In this regard, a cost‐optimized PMU with some unique features for distribution systems is presented in this work. These features include a fuzzy inference system to determine the root cause of potential electrical disturbances and methods to estimate electrical parameters through measured field data, which are necessities. This study takes into account the modelling of PMUs, utilizing a process for fault detection and classification with a fuzzy inference network. The 9‐bus distribution network's dependability model is built once the components and their functions are first outlined. The proposed model is then used to calculate the availability of the presented model, which has been examined to provide an analogous reliability model for PMUs. Depending on the specific manufacturer, the PMU's design and specs will change. To extract phase and size measurement features for the proposed model adaptive neural‐fuzzy inference system network's training, two PMU structures and associated reliability models are described here. When merging input data for fuzzy neural network prediction using MATLAB software, fuzzy sets are taken into account for error classification analysis.
Confirmation of the presence of a CRSF in the NICER spectrum of X 1822-371
Authors: Iaria R. , Di Salvo T. , Anitra A. , Miceli C. , Barra F. , Leone W. , Burderi L. , Sanna A. , Riggio A.
Published: January 2024

Aims. X 1822-371 is an eclipsing binary system with a period close to 5.57 h and an orbital period derivative Ṗorb of 1.42(3) × 10−10 s s−1. The extremely high value of its Ṗorb is compatible with a super-Eddington mass transfer rate from the companion star and, consequently, an intrinsic luminosity at the Eddington limit. The source is also an X-ray pulsar, it shows a spin frequency of 1.69 Hz and is in a spin-up phase with a spin frequency derivative of 7.4 × 10−12 Hz s−1. Assuming a luminosity at the Eddington limit, a neutron star magnetic field strength of B = 8 × 1010 G is estimated. However, a direct measure of B could be obtained observing a CRSF in the energy spectrum. Analysis of XMM-Newton data suggested the presence of a cyclotron line at 0.73 keV, with an estimated magnetic field strength of B = (8.8 ± 0.3)×1010 G.

Methods. Here we analyze the 0.3–50 keV broadband spectrum of X 1822-371 combining a 0.3–10 keV NICER spectrum and a 4.5–50 keV NuSTAR spectrum to investigate the presence of a cyclotron absorption line and the complex continuum emission spectrum.

Results. The NICER spectrum confirms the presence of a cyclotron line at 0.66 keV. The continuum emission is modeled with a Comptonized component, a thermal component associated with the presence of an accretion disk truncated at the magnetospheric radius of 105 km and a reflection component from the disk blurred by relativistic effects.

Conclusions. We confirm the presence of a cyclotron line at 0.66 keV inferring a NS magnetic field of B = (7.9 ± 0.5)×1010 G and suggesting that the Comptonized component originates in the accretion columns.
The bar pattern speed of the Large Magellanic Cloud
Authors: Jiménez-Arranz Ó. , Chemin L. , Romero-Gómez M. , Luri X. , Adamczyk P. , Castro-Ginard A. , Roca-Fàbrega S. , McMillan P. J. , Cioni M.-R. L.
Published: January 2024

Context. The internal kinematics of the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) have been studied in unprecedented depth thanks to the excellent quality of the Gaia mission data, thus revealing the disc’s non-axisymmetric structure.

Aims. We seek to constrain the LMC bar pattern speed using the astrometric and spectroscopic data from the Gaia mission.

Methods. We applied three methods to evaluate the bar pattern speed by measuring it via: the Tremaine-Weinberg (TW) method, the Dehnen method, and a bisymmetric velocity (BV) model. These methods provide additional information on the bar properties, such as the corotation radius as well as the bar length and strength. We tested the validity of the methods with numerical simulations.

Results. A wide range of pattern speeds are inferred by the TW method, owing to a strong dependency on the orientation of the galaxy frame and the viewing angle of the bar perturbation. The simulated bar pattern speeds (corotation radii, respectively) are well recovered by the Dehnen method (BV model). Applied to the LMC data, the Dehnen method finds a pattern speed of Ωp = −1.0 ± 0.5 km s−1 kpc−1, thus corresponding to a bar that barely rotates and is only slightly counter-rotating with respect to the LMC disc. The BV method gives a LMC bar corotation radius of Rc = 4.20 ± 0.25 kpc, corresponding to a pattern speed of Ωp = 18.5−1.1+1.2 km s−1 kpc−1.

Conclusions. It is not possible to determine which global value best represents an LMC bar pattern speed with the TW method, due to the strong variation with the orientation of the reference frame. The non-rotating bar from the Dehnen method would be at odds with the structure and kinematics of the LMC disc. The BV method result is consistent with previous estimates and gives a bar corotation-to-length ratio of 1.8 ± 0.1, suggesting that the LMC is hosting a slow bar.
Spatial resolution effects on the solar open flux estimates
Authors: Milić I. , Centeno R. , Sun X. , Rempel M. , de la Cruz Rodríguez J.
Published: January 2024

Context.Spectropolarimetric observations used to infer the solar magnetic fields are obtained with a limited spatial resolution. The effects of this limited resolution on the inference of the open flux over the observed region have not been extensively studied.

Aims.We aim to characterize the biases that arise in the inference of the mean flux density by performing an end-to-end study that involves the generation of synthetic data, its interpretation (inversion), and a comparison of the results with the original model.

Methods.We synthesized polarized spectra of the two magnetically sensitive lines of neutral iron around 630 nm from a state-of-the-art numerical simulation of the solar photosphere. We then performed data degradation to simulate the effect of the telescope with a limited angular resolution and interpreted (inverted) the data using a Milne-Eddington spectropolarimetric inversion code. We then studied the dependence of the inferred parameters on the telescope resolution.

Results.The results show a significant decrease in the mean magnetic flux density – related to the open flux observed at the disk center – with decreasing telescope resolution. The original net magnetic field flux is fully resolved by a 1m telescope, but a 20 cm aperture telescope yields a 30% smaller value. Even in the fully resolved case, the result is still biased due to the corrugation of the photospheric surface.

Conclusions.Even the spatially averaged quantities, such as the open magnetic flux in the observed region, are underestimated when the magnetic structures are unresolved. The reason for this is the presence of nonlinearities in the magnetic field inference process. This effect might have implications for the modeling of large-scale solar magnetic fields; for example, those corresponding to the coronal holes, or the polar magnetic fields, which are relevant to our understanding of the solar cycle.
Probing a magnetar origin for the population of extragalactic fast X-ray transients detected by Chandra
Authors: Quirola-Vásquez J. , Bauer F. E. , Jonker P. G. , Brandt W. N. , Eappachen D. , Levan A. J. , López E. , Luo B. , Ravasio M. E. , Sun H. , Xue Y. Q. , Yang G. , Zheng X. C.
Published: January 2024

Context. Twenty-two extragalactic fast X-ray transients (FXTs) have now been discovered from two decades of Chandra data (analyzing ∼259 Ms of data), with 17 associated with distant galaxies (≳100 Mpc). Different mechanisms and progenitors have been proposed to explain their properties; nevertheless, after analyzing their timing, spectral parameters, host-galaxy properties, luminosity function, and volumetric rates, their nature remains uncertain.

Aims. We interpret a sub-sample of nine FXTs that show a plateau or a fast-rise light curve within the framework of a binary neutron star (BNS) merger magnetar model.

Methods. We fit their light curves and derive magnetar (magnetic field and initial rotational period) and ejecta (ejecta mass and opacity) parameters. This model predicts two zones: an orientation-dependent free zone (where the magnetar spin-down X-ray photons escape freely to the observer) and a trapped zone (where the X-ray photons are initially obscured and only escape freely once the ejecta material becomes optically thin). We argue that six FXTs show properties consistent with the free zone and three FXTs with the trapped zone.

Results. This sub-sample of FXTs has a similar distribution of magnetic fields and initial rotation periods to those inferred for short gamma-ray bursts, suggesting a possible association. We compare the predicted ejecta emission fed by the magnetar emission (called merger-nova) to the optical and near-infrared upper limits of two FXTs, XRT 141001 and XRT 210423 where contemporaneous optical observations are available. The non-detections place lower limits on the redshifts of XRT 141001 and XRT 210423 of z ≳ 1.5 and ≳0.1, respectively.

Conclusions. If the magnetar remnants lose energy via gravitational waves (GWs), it should be possible to detect similar objects with the current advanced LIGO detectors out to a redshift z ≲ 0.03, while future GW detectors will be able to detect them out to z ≈ 0.5.
Faint calcium-rich transient from a double detonation of a 0.6 M⊙ carbon-oxygen white dwarf star
Authors: Morán-Fraile Javier , Holas Alexander , Röpke Friedrich K. , Pakmor Rüdiger , Schneider Fabian R. N.
Published: January 2024

We have computed a 3D hydrodynamic simulation of the merger between a massive (0.4 M⊙) helium white dwarf (He WD) and a low-mass (0.6 M⊙) carbon-oxygen white dwarf (CO WD). Despite the low mass of the primary, the merger triggers a thermonuclear explosion as a result of a double detonation, producing a faint transient and leaving no remnant behind. This type of event could also take place during common-envelope mergers whenever the companion is a CO WD and the core of the giant star has a sufficiently large He mass. The spectra show strong Ca lines during the first few weeks after the explosion. The explosion only yields < 0.01 M⊙ of 56Ni, resulting in a low-luminosity Type Ia supernova-like light curve that resembles the Ca-rich transients within this broad class of objects, with a peak magnitude of Mbol ≈ −15.7 mag and a rather slow decline rate of Δm15bol ≈ 1.5 mag. Both its light curve shape and spectral appearance resemble the appearance of Ca-rich transients, suggesting such mergers as a possible progenitor scenario for this class of events.