bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-pressure synthesis of seven lanthanum hydrides with a significant variability of hydrogen content
Authors: Laniel Dominique , Trybel Florian , Winkler Bjoern , Knoop Florian , Fedotenko Timofey , Khandarkhaeva Saiana , Aslandukova Alena , Meier Thomas , Chariton Stella , Glazyrin Konstantin , Milman Victor , Prakapenka Vitali , Abrikosov Igor A. , Dubrovinsky Leonid , Dubrovinskaia Natalia
Published: November 2022

The lanthanum-hydrogen system has attracted significant attention following the report of superconductivity in LaH10 at near-ambient temperatures and high pressures. Phases other than LaH10 are suspected to be synthesized based on both powder X-ray diffraction and resistivity data, although they have not yet been identified. Here, we present the results of our single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies on this system, supported by density functional theory calculations, which reveal an unexpected chemical and structural diversity of lanthanum hydrides synthesized in the range of 50 to 180 GPa. Seven lanthanum hydrides were produced, LaH3, LaH~4, LaH4+δ, La4H23, LaH6+δ, LaH9+δ, and LaH10+δ, and the atomic coordinates of lanthanum in their structures determined. The regularities in rare-earth element hydrides unveiled here provide clues to guide the search for other synthesizable hydrides and candidate high-temperature superconductors. The hydrogen content variability in lanthanum hydrides and the samples’ phase heterogeneity underline the challenges related to assessing potentially superconducting phases and the nature of electronic transitions in high-pressure hydrides.
Medin co-aggregates with vascular amyloid-β in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Wagner Jessica , Degenhardt Karoline , Veit Marleen , Louros Nikolaos , Konstantoulea Katerina , Skodras Angelos , Wild Katleen , Liu Ping , Obermüller Ulrike , Bansal Vikas , Dalmia Anupriya , Häsler Lisa M. , Lambert Marius , De Vleeschouwer Matthias , Davies Hannah A. , Madine Jillian , Kronenberg-Versteeg Deborah , Feederle Regina , Del Turco Domenico , Nilsson K. Peter R. , Lashley Tammaryn , Deller Thomas , Gearing Marla , Walker Lary C. , Heutink Peter , Rousseau Frederic , Schymkowitz Joost , Jucker Mathias , Neher Jonas J.
Published: November 2022

Aggregates of medin amyloid (a fragment of the protein MFG-E8, also known as lactadherin) are found in the vasculature of almost all humans over 50 years of age1,2, making it the most common amyloid currently known. We recently reported that medin also aggregates in blood vessels of ageing wild-type mice, causing cerebrovascular dysfunction3. Here we demonstrate in amyloid-β precursor protein (APP) transgenic mice and in patients with Alzheimer’s disease that medin co-localizes with vascular amyloid-β deposits, and that in mice, medin deficiency reduces vascular amyloid-β deposition by half. Moreover, in both the mouse and human brain, MFG-E8 is highly enriched in the vasculature and both MFG-E8 and medin levels increase with the severity of vascular amyloid-β burden. Additionally, analysing data from 566 individuals in the ROSMAP cohort, we find that patients with Alzheimer’s disease have higherMFGE8expression levels, which are attributable to vascular cells and are associated with increased measures of cognitive decline, independent of plaque and tau pathology. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that medin interacts directly with amyloid-β to promote its aggregation, as medin forms heterologous fibrils with amyloid-β, affects amyloid-β fibril structure, and cross-seeds amyloid-β aggregation both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, medin could be a therapeutic target for prevention of vascular damage and cognitive decline resulting from amyloid-β deposition in the blood vessels of the brain.
Modelling the Mediterranean Sea ecosystem at high spatial resolution to inform the ecosystem-based management in the region
Authors: Piroddi Chiara , Coll Marta , Macias Diego , Steenbeek Jeroen , Garcia-Gorriz Elisa , Mannini Alessandro , Vilas Daniel , Christensen Villy
Published: November 2022

Cumulative pressures are rapidly expanding in the Mediterranean Sea with consequences for marine biodiversity and marine resources, and the services they provide. Policy makers urge for a marine ecosystem assessment of the region in space and time. This study evaluates how the whole Mediterranean food web may have responded to historical changes in the climate, environment and fisheries, through the use of an ecosystem modelling over a long time span (decades) at high spatial resolution (8 × 8 km), to inform regional and sub-regional management. Results indicate coastal and shelf areas to be the sites with highest marine biodiversity and marine resources biomass, which decrease towards the south-eastern regions. High levels of total catches and discards are predicted to be concentrated in the Western sub-basin and the Adriatic Sea. Mean spatial–temporal changes of total and commercial biomass show increases in offshore waters of the region, while biodiversity indicators show marginal changes. Total catches and discards increase greatly in offshore waters of the Western and Eastern sub-basins. Spatial patterns and temporal mean changes of marine biodiversity, community biomasses and trophic indices, assessed in this study, aim at identifying areas and food web components that show signs of deterioration with the overall goal of assisting policy makers in designing and implementing spatial management actions for the region.
Robust R-peak detection in an electrocardiogram with stationary wavelet transformation and separable convolution
Authors: Yun Donghwan , Lee Hyung-Chul , Jung Chul-Woo , Kwon Soonil , Lee So-Ryoung , Kim Kwangsoo , Kim Yon Su , Han Seung Seok
Published: November 2022

R-peak detection is an essential step in analyzing electrocardiograms (ECGs). Previous deep learning models reported their performance primarily in a single database, and some models did not perform at the highest levels when applied to a database different from the testing database. To achieve high performances in cross-database validations, we developed a novel deep learning model for R-peak detection using stationary wavelet transform (SWT) and separable convolution. Three databases (i.e., the MIT-BIH Arrhythmia [MIT-BIH], the Institute of Cardiological Technics [INCART], and the QT) were used in both the training and testing models, and the MIT-BIH ST Change (MIT-BIH-ST), European ST-T, TELE and MIT-BIH Noise Stress Test (MIT-BIH-NST) databases were further used for testing. The detail coefficient of level 4 decomposition by SWT and the first derivative from filtered ECGs were used for model inputs, and the interval of 150 ms centered at marked peaks was used for labels. Separable convolution with atrous spatial pyramidal pooling was selected as the model’s architecture, and noise-augmented waveforms of 5.69 s duration (2048 size in 360 Hz) were used in training. The model performance was evaluated using cross-database validation. The F1 scores of the peak detection model were 0.9994, 0.9985, and 0.9999 in the MIT-BIH, INCART, and QT databases, respectively. When the above three databases were pooled, the F1 scores were 0.9993 for fivefold cross-validation and 0.9991 for cross-database validation. The model performance remained high for MIT-BIH-ST, European ST-T, and TELE, with F1 scores of 0.9995, 0.9988, and 0.9790, respectively. The model performance when trained by severe noise augmentation increased for the MIT-BIH-NST database (F1 scores from 0.9504 to 0.9759) and decreased for the MIT-BIH database (F1 scores from 0.9994 to 0.9991). The present SWT and separable convolution-based model for R-peak detection yields a high performance even for cross-database validations.
Impact assessment of particulate pollution on maternal mortality in Nigeria
Authors: Emetere M. E. , Oladimeji T. E.
Published: November 2022

Recently, the World Health Organization reported that 20% of all global maternal deaths happened in Nigeria between 2005 and 2015. In developing countries, these maternal deaths are mainly from air pollution. Due to poor facilities and documentation, the extent of danger is not known. This research seeks to estimate the available pollutants and its direct and indirect impact on maternal mortality. Ten (10) years (2010–2019) datasets of black carbon, sulfur dioxide, dust, carbon monoxide, organic carbon particulates, sea-salts, and sulphate particulates were obtained from the second modern-era retrospective analysis for research and applications (MERRA-2). The dataset was obtained for the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria and analyzed using statistical tool, models, spatial interpolation, and risk analysis. The volumetric and radioecological risk was also analyzed. It was observed the dust content had minute volume of heavy metal and/or radionuclide particles that may be unharmful in the short term but lethal in the long term. The risk quotient and total dose rate per organism are given as 0.00000396 and 0.0000396 µGy h−1. The result in this manuscript corroborates existing data on maternal mortality in Nigeria. It is recommended that the safety of pregnant woman depends on significant efforts of authorities to enact and enforce environmental laws to mitigate air pollution.
Secure lightweight cryptosystem for IoT and pervasive computing
Authors: Abutaha Mohammed , Atawneh Basil , Hammouri Layla , Kaddoum Georges
Published: November 2022

Large volumes of sensitive data are being transferred among devices as the Internet of Things (IoT) grows in popularity. As a result, security measures must be implemented to ensure that unauthorized parties do not obtain access to the data. It is well acknowledged that IoT devices have restricted resources, such as limited battery life, memory, and hence reaction time. Classical encryption approaches and methods become inefficient for IoT devices due to memory limits. Large volumes of sensitive data are being transferred between devices as the Internet of Things (IoT) grows in popularity. This involves the implementation of security safeguards to ensure that unauthorized parties do not obtain access to the data. IoT devices are notorious for having limited resources, such as battery life, memory, and hence response time. Classical encryption approaches and methods become inefficient for IoT devices due to memory limits. As a result, a Lightweight cryptosystem that fits the needs of Lightweight devices and ubiquitous computing systems has emerged. The goal of this study is to present a Lightweight cryptosystem (LWC) that may be used as a plugin to secure data transfers in IoT devices and pervasive computing. To that goal, the researchers employ several simple measuring techniques. The suggested system was then implemented on a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) board using the Verilog programming language to demonstrate its appropriateness for actual security applications. FPGA is also utilized in hardware applications to assess the system’s resource usage and performance. Finally, a comparison of the proposed system with previous lightweight cryptography systems is performed to reinforce the major goal of this work, which is to present a new lightweight cryptosystem.
Parametric optimisation for the design of gravity energy storage system using Taguchi method
Authors: Elsayed Mostafa E. A. , Abdo Saber , Attia Ahmed A. A. , Attia El-Awady , Abd Elrahman M. A.
Published: November 2022

Gravitational energy storage systems are among the proper methods that can be used with renewable energy. However, these systems are highly affected by their design parameters. This paper presents a novel investigation of different design features of gravity energy storage systems. A theoretical model was developed using MATLAB SIMULINK to simulate the performance of the gravitational energy storage system while changing its design parameters. A parametric optimization study was also conducted using Taguchi and analysis of variance (ANOVA) techniques for optimizing the energy storage rate. Six parameters were studied; three are related to the piston design (diameter, height, and material density). The other parameters are the return pipe diameter, length, and charging/discharging time. Results revealed that the piston diameter and height are the two most significant parameters for the system performance compared to the other parameters, as they contributed by 35.11% and 30.28%, respectively. The optimization results indicated that the optimal piston diameter, height, and return pipe diameter were 0.25, 0.5, and 0.01 of the container height. The outcomes of this paper can significantly improve energy storage and power generation from renewable energy systems as it provides a reliable, economical, sustainable, and durable energy storage system.
Evaluation under real-life conditions of a lifestyle intervention for diabetes prevention developed by the municipal health services of Madrid, Spain
Authors: Martin-Ridaura Carmen , Ochoa-Esteban Darío , Berlinches-Zapero Carmen , Ruiz-Fernández Dolores , Sanz-Martín Vanessa , Gavira-Izquierdo Rosario , March Sebastià , López-Toribio María , Ceinos-Arcones Mercedes ,   The ALAS Project Working Group, Rivas-Hernández Dolores , Pino-Vega Saray , Melero-Rubio Juan Manuel , Bordel-Nieto Francisco , Caballero-Jauregui Milagros , Corella-Monzon Isabel , Pino-Días Raquel , Cutanda-Rodriguez Carmen , Sánchez-Muñoz Sergio , Fernández-Garrido José Manuel , Morales-López Carmen , Majarrez-Arias María Jesús , Sancho Santiago , Fernández Nuria Calle , Martínez-Cortes Mercedes , García-Crespo Pilar , León-Dominguez Carmen María , Pascual Marina , Herrera Raquel
Published: November 2022

The Diet, Physical Activity and Health (Alimentación, Actividad física y Salud, ALAS) program is an intervention implemented by the municipal health services of Madrid with the objective of reducing weight and preventing diabetes in high-risk population by improving diet and physical activity. The ALAS program combines individual visits with a 10-session group workshop that takes place over a 6-month period. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the ALAS intervention implemented under real-life conditions between 2016 and 2019. The intervention was evaluated with a pre- and post-intervention study with follow-up performed 6 and 12 months from the start of the program. The analyzed outcomes were a 5–10% reduction in the initial weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and a change in glycemic status in prediabetic participants. Statistical models were adjusted by sociodemographic variables. The participants were recruited from municipal community health centers or referred by municipal occupational health services. Between 2016 and 2019, 1629 people participated in the program. At 6 months, 85% of the participants had lost weight; 43% had lost 5% or more of their initial weight, and 12% had lost 10% or more. Regarding BMI, 22.3% of participants who were initially obese were no longer obese, and 15.2% of the overweight participants achieved normal weight. A total of 35.1% of the prediabetic participants reverted to normoglycemic status. The intervention was found to be more effective for men, for those who completed the intervention and those who accessed the program through the occupational health route. Among the participants who accessed the intervention via the community, the intervention was more effective in those with a high educational level. The evaluation demonstrated the effectiveness of the ALAS program for reducing weight and the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes when applied under real-life conditions. The effectiveness of the intervention differed according to gender, access route and educational level of the participants.
Numerical analysis of the relationship between mixing regime, nutrient status, and climatic variables in Lake Biwa
Authors: Zhou Jinxin , Yoshida Takero , Kitazawa Daisuke
Published: November 2022

As awareness of climate-related freshwater quality problems increases, more research is needed to better understand how climate impacts water quality. Climate has significant impacts on the mixing regime and nutrient status of lakes. However, the relationship between climatic variables, mixing regime, and nutrient status in large monomictic lakes requires further study. Here we applied a three-dimensional ecosystem model to the large monomictic Lake Biwa, where hypoxia had recurred over the past 60 years. The model was validated using monitoring data, and the relationships among mixing regime, nutrient status, and climatic variables have been investigated. The turnover timing, which represented the mixing regime, varied by 36 days and depended most on wind speed but least on air temperature. In the early period prior to waste-water treatment there was a strong linear relationship between phosphorus and deep-water dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations. Following this period, the relationship weakened but remained significant. In addition, we find a weak relationship between turnover timing and deep-water DO concentrations. We suggest that later turnover timing may favor lower deep-water DO concentrations, which in turn may favor release of legacy nutrients from sediments. Although waste-water treatment has improved conditions in the lake, climate change induced alteration of turnover timing may adversely influence water quality. Maintaining water quality under continued warming may require more rigorous controls on phosphorus loading to the lake.
Near field and far field plasmonic enhancements with bilayers of different dimensions AgNPs@DLC for improved current density in silicon solar
Authors: Hekmat Maryam , Shafiekhani Azizollah , Khabir Mehdi
Published: November 2022

The effect of a bilayer of different dimension silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) on light trapping in silicon solar cells is investigated. Here, we report on the improved performance of silicon solar cells by integrating two layers of silver nanoparticles of different sizes. We experimentally examine the plasmonic near-field and far-field effects of bilayer Ag NPs embedded within an anti-reflective DLC layer on silicon solar cells' optical and electrical characteristics. Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy drove the two-dimensional differences in the size of Ag NPs. The surface plasmon resonance of the two-dimensional nanoparticles was estimated from the absorption optical spectra. External quantum efficiency measurements showed that near-field or far-field plasmonic effects altered with the Ag NPs size. The development of far fields was confirmed by measuring the solar cell performance under AM 1.5 G illumination. The impact of the far-field in the cell containing two layers of Ag NPs, which outer layer is larger dimensions NPs, improves the current density up to 38.4 mA/cm2 (by 70% compared to the bare reference cell).
Paradoxical suboptimal vitamin D levels in a Mediterranean area: a population-based study
Authors: Díaz-Rizzolo D. A. , Kostov B. , Gomis R. , Sisó-Almirall A.
Published: November 2022

Policies in sunny countries, such as those in the Mediterranean area, do not promote vitamin D supplementation despite some studies might suggest the high prevalence of sub-optimal levels. The objective was to determine the vitamin D levels by 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) of a Mediterranean population and their characteristics. This population-based study included a database of public health system from all individuals living in Catalonia > 18 years who had some measure of 25(OH)D between January 2018 and April 2021. More than half million people were classified based on 25(OH)D measurements to study their characteristics. Three vitamin D categories were created: < 20 ng/ml deficiency, 20–30 ng/ml insufficiency and > 30 ng/ml optimal. Less than 10% of the population residing in Catalonia had recent 25(OH)D determinations and the majority of determinations were in ≥ 45 years and in women. Around 80% of young people with determination had sub-optimal levels but the prevalence of vitamin D supplementation prescription increased with age which was associated with better values of 25(OH)D. In a Mediterranean area 25(OH)D determinations were low despite the high prevalence of suboptimal levels in the population with recent determination. In addition, the measurements were especially concentrated in people ≥ 45 years of age and in women who were, in addition, the groups to whom the most vitamin D supplementation was prescribed. On the contrary, young people presented few determinations of 25(OH)D and, although majority of them showed sub-optimal levels, vitamin D supplementation was not prescribed in most cases.
Imaging-based representation and stratification of intra-tumor heterogeneity via tree-edit distance
Authors: Cavinato Lara , Pegoraro Matteo , Ragni Alessandra , Sollini Martina , Erba Paola Anna , Ieva Francesca
Published: November 2022

Personalized medicine is the future of medical practice. In oncology, tumor heterogeneity assessment represents a pivotal step for effective treatment planning and prognosis prediction. Despite new procedures for DNA sequencing and analysis, non-invasive methods for tumor characterization are needed to impact on daily routine. On purpose, imaging texture analysis is rapidly scaling, holding the promise to surrogate histopathological assessment of tumor lesions. In this work, we propose a tree-based representation strategy for describing intra-tumor heterogeneity of patients affected by metastatic cancer. We leverage radiomics information extracted from PET/CT imaging and we provide an exhaustive and easily readable summary of the disease spreading. We exploit this novel patient representation to perform cancer subtyping according to hierarchical clustering technique. To this purpose, a new heterogeneity-based distance between trees is defined and applied to a case study of prostate cancer. Clusters interpretation is explored in terms of concordance with severity status, tumor burden and biological characteristics. Results are promising, as the proposed method outperforms current literature approaches. Ultimately, the proposed method draws a general analysis framework that would allow to extract knowledge from daily acquired imaging data of patients and provide insights for effective treatment planning.
Causal attribution fractions, and the attribution of smoking and BMI to the landscape of disease incidence in UK Biobank
Authors: Webster Anthony J.
Published: November 2022

Unlike conventional epidemiological studies that use observational data to estimate “associations” between risk factors and disease, the science of causal inference has identified situations where causal estimates can be made from observational data, using results such as the “backdoor criteria”. Here these results are combined with established epidemiological methods, to calculate simple population attribution fractions that estimate the causal influence of risk factors on disease incidence, and can be estimated using conventional proportional hazards methods. A counterfactual argument gives an attribution fraction for individuals. Causally meaningful attribution fractions cannot be constructed for all risk factors or confounders, but they can for the important established risk factors of smoking and body mass index (BMI). Using the new results, the causal attribution of smoking and BMI to the incidence of 226 diseases in the UK Biobank are estimated, and summarised in terms of disease chapters from the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). The diseases most strongly attributed to smoking and BMI are identified, finding 11 with attribution fractions greater than 0.5, and a small number with protective associations. The results provide new tools to quantify the causal influence of risk factors such as smoking and BMI on disease, and survey the causal influence of smoking and BMI on the landscape of disease incidence in the UK Biobank population.
Quantitative muscle MRI captures early muscle degeneration in calpainopathy
Authors: Forsting Johannes , Rohm Marlena , Froeling Martijn , Güttsches Anne-Katrin , Südkamp Nicolina , Roos Andreas , Vorgerd Matthias , Schlaffke Lara , Rehmann Robert
Published: November 2022

To evaluate differences in qMRI parameters of muscle diffusion tensor imaging (mDTI), fat-fraction (FF) and water T2 time in leg muscles of calpainopathy patients (LGMD R1/D4) compared to healthy controls, to correlate those findings to clinical parameters and to evaluate if qMRI parameters show muscle degeneration in not-yet fatty infiltrated muscles. We evaluated eight thigh and seven calf muscles of 19 calpainopathy patients and 19 healthy matched controls. MRI scans were performed on a 3T MRI including a mDTI, T2 mapping and mDixonquant sequence. Clinical assessment was done with manual muscle testing, patient questionnaires (ACTIVLIM, NSS) as well as gait analysis. Average FF was significantly different in all muscles compared to controls (p < 0.001). In muscles with less than 8% FF a significant increase of FA (p < 0.005) and decrease of RD (p < 0.004) was found in high-risk muscles of calpainopathy patients. Water T2 times were increased within the low- and intermediate-risk muscles (p ≤ 0.045) but not in high-risk muscles (p = 0.062). Clinical assessments correlated significantly with qMRI values: QMFM vs. FF: r = − 0.881, p < 0.001; QMFM versus FA: r = − 0.747, p < 0.001; QMFM versus MD: r = 0.942, p < 0.001. A good correlation of FF and diffusion metrics to clinical assessments was found. Diffusion metrics and T2 values are promising candidates to serve as sensitive early and non-invasive methods to capture early muscle degeneration in non-fat-infiltrated muscles in calpainopathies.
Spatial self-segregation of pioneer cyanobacterial species drives microbiome organization in biocrusts
Authors: Nelson Corey , Giraldo-Silva Ana , Thomas Finlay Warsop , Garcia-Pichel Ferran
Published: November 2022

Microbial communities are typically characterized by some degree of self-organization. In biological soil crust (biocrust) communities, vertical organization of resident populations at the mm scale is driven by organismal adaptations to physicochemical microniches. However, the extent of horizontal organization and its driving processes are unknown. Using a combination of observational and genetic mapping, we provide evidence for a highly defined, horizontal self-organization (patchiness) at the mm to cm scale in a successionally early biocrust community dominated by the pioneer cyanobacteria, Microcoleus vaginatus (Microcoleaceae) and Parifilum sp. (Coleofasciculaceae). Experiments with representative isolates of each species demonstrate that the phenomenon is driven by active spatial segregation based on cross-species sensing through the exometabolome acted upon with motility responses. Further, we show that both species share the ability to enrich for specialized cyanospheres of heterotrophic bacteria at smaller scales, and that these cyanospheres are characterized by compositional host-specificity, thus expanding the reach of spatial patchiness beyond primary producers. Our results highlight the importance of specific microbial interactions in the emergence of microbiome compositional architecture and the enhancement of microbial diversity.
Ginger in Ayurvedic Preparations and Its Applications in the Development of Nutraceuticals, Dietary Supplements and Functional Foods and Their Beneficial Effects in Various Biological Activities
Authors: Amalraj Augustine , Karthik Varma A. C.  , Jude Shintu , Kuttappan Sasikumar
Published: November 2022

Ayurveda is the traditional Indian arrangement of medicine, which highlights preferential health prevention, and delivers action against sickness while also dealing with pharmaceutical science. Various plants and/or their parts are used in a number of Ayurvedic and Siddha formulations, among them, ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is one of the most important species, and has a long history of therapeutic practice dating back 2500 years. Ginger is an extensively utilized food constituent and has been regularly recommended as a therapy for various symptoms, and it has also been applied in the treatment of several diseases, such as metabolic dysfunction, emesis, cancer, bone disorders and vascular disorders, with clinical evidence. More than 400 bioactive components have been identified in ginger, among them, gingerols, shogaols, paradols and zingerone are the most important bioactive components, which have been shown to have various biological activities. This chapter highlights the chemistry, biological activities and therapeutic applications of ginger and various Ayurvedic formulations with ginger, and their uses and applications in different dietary supplements, nutraceuticals and functional foods. Furthermore, this chapter aims to inspire new scholars and industrialists to work on several fields to enable the growth and upgrading of Siddha and Ayurveda.
Most Modern Approach to the Phytochemical Evaluation and Use of Pepper Species in Ayurvedic Formulations
Authors: Singh Rashmi , Rasheed Haamid , Ahmed Suhail , Singh Harjeet , Sharma Alok
Published: November 2022

Black pepper, Piper nigrum L. (P. nigrum), is renowned as the “king of spices” and is used as a seasoning and condiment all over the world. The bioactive compounds in P. nigrum can be used to inhibit and treat a variety of ailments. P. nigrum contains the alkaloid piperine, which is found in the fruit at levels between 5 and 13 percent and is also a well-known bioavailability booster. There are numerous phytoconstituents in this plant, including alkaloids, isobutyl amides, lignans, esters, and volatile oils, that have diverse pharmacological properties. Besides being an antiinflammatory and anticancer agent, piperine also has anti larvicidal, antipesticide, anti-Alzheimer and antidepressant properties. The present work critically evaluates P. nigrum concerning its ethnopharmacology, geographical distribution, botanical description, phytochemicals, clinical trials, Ayurvedic formulations, and marketed formulations. In addition, a wide range of extraction and isolation procedures for natural products also are discussed. This chapter will be helpful in correlating this well-known Ayurveda plant with modern science and marketed formulations.
Ayurvedic Knowledge Inspired Approach to Modern Drug Discovery
Authors: Balachandran Premalatha
Published: November 2022

Ayurvedic medicines have been tested over centuries and were developed based on the extensive knowledge on pharmacognosy, medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and clinical case studies that are continuing to be proven useful for modern drug discovery. In recent years, drugs have been developed through the identification of targets and their validation, screening of these hit compounds, and optimizing these leads. High throughput screening (HTS) methods, molecular docking in silico methods, understanding of signal transduction pathways and their interconnection with various disorders, and advanced tools in molecular biological techniques paved a new way in drug discovery and these methodologies open huge opportunities for drug development from Ayurvedic knowledge. Interest in lead drugs from botanical products is being revitalized and, in this chapter, we suggest sequential steps that could lead to success in Ayurvedic approach-based drug discovery. Furthermore, we discuss the advantages, concerns, and challenges of integrating Ayurvedic principles into modern drug discovery. A list of new drugs developed from natural products and in particular from Ayurvedic medicine is also included. An interdisciplinary research approach involving traditional knowledge and evidence, history of use, ethnopharmacology, molecular biology, pharmacoepidemiology, reverse pharmacology, and other advanced research areas for a scientific basis are the essential steps to integrate Ayurveda into modern drug discovery.
Fe3O4@Au–metal organic framework nanozyme with peroxidase-like activity and its application for colorimetric ascorbic acid detection
Authors: Han Bolin , Guan Huanan , Peng Bo , Zhang Yue , Liu Ying
Published: November 2022

A free radical scavengingd system based on Fe3O4@Au/MOF-ABTS˙+ has formed the basis of a novel method for the highly sensitive and specific spectrophotometric determination of ascorbic acid (AA).
Transformation of π-conjugated macrocycles: from furanophanes to napthalenophanes
Authors: Rajagopal Shinaj K. , Dishi Or , Bogoslavsky Benny , Gidron Ori
Published: November 2022

Applying sequential Diels–Alder cycloaddition and deoxygenation to small π-conjugated furan macrocycles fully converts them to 1,4-naphthalophanes with either ethylene or acetylene spacers, depending on the reaction conditions.
Photoelectrochemical approaches for the conversion of lignin at room temperature
Authors: Li Shuya , Park Seongsu , Sherman Benjamin D. , Yoo Chang Geun , Leem Gyu
Published: November 2022

Photoelectrochemical approaches that combine photocatalysis and electrocatalysis to perform visible light-driven chemical transformations in lignin were discussed with high product yield and high chemoselectivity of value-added aromatic compounds.
A mixed-valence copper chloride coordination polymer composed of one-dimensional cationic and anionic substructures
Authors: Park Hee Sun , Lee Jae-Chang , Jung Myung-Hwa , Lee Yong-Min , Nam Wonwoo , Hur Nam Hwi
Published: November 2022

A coordination polymer composed of cationic [CuIICl2(Hdatrz)2]2+ and anionic [CuI2Cl4]2− substructures was obtained from the reaction of 3,5-diamino-1,2,4-triazole (datrz) with CuICl and CuIICl2 in the presence of HCl.
Homogeneous freezing of water droplets for different volumes and cooling rates
Authors: Shardt Nadia , Isenrich Florin N. , Waser Benedikt , Marcolli Claudia , Kanji Zamin A. , deMello Andrew J. , Lohmann Ulrike
Published: November 2022

Using microfluidics, water droplets are generated, held in tubing, and cooled to obtain nucleation rates with high temperature accuracy.
Synthesis of a ternary Bi2O3/CQDs/rGO photocatalyst to active peroxymonosulfate for the removal of tetracycline hydrochloride
Authors: Long Mingyang , Li Di , Li Hongmiao , Wang Li , Zhao Qianqian , Wen Qi , Song Fang
Published: November 2022

Bi2O3/CQDs/rGO photocatalyst is synthesized by a solvothermal method and is used to activate peroxymonosulfate by the photogenerated electrons.
Adjusting the balance between hydrogen and chalcogen bonds
Authors: Scheiner Steve
Published: November 2022

The balance between the H-bond and chalcogen bond can be precisely tuned by adjustment of the substituents and nature of Ch atom: S, Se, or Te. Either bond can be selectively strengthened at the expense of the other.
Disentangling reaction rate acceleration in microdroplets
Authors: Ruiz-López Manuel F. , Martins-Costa Marilia T. C.
Published: November 2022

The observed rate acceleration of chemical reactions in water microdroplets is elucidated using a simple kinetic model that separates the core and surface contributions, and can be used to determine the rate constants at the air–water interface.
Modulating the electronic structure of ternary transition metal phosphide for enhanced hydrogen evolution activity
Authors: Dong Sheying , Tang Huangcong , Wang Kangkang , Zheng Qian , Huang Tinglin
Published: November 2022

Ternary FeCoNiP encapsulated in a porous carbon shell, coupled with N-doped carbon nanotubes (FeCoNiP@NCNTs) are synthesized for improving HER performance.
Retraction: Reductive immobilization of uranium by PAAM–FeS/Fe3O4 magnetic composites
Authors: Shao Dadong , Wang Xiangxue , Li Jiaxing , Huang Yongshun , Ren Xuemei , Hou Guangshun , Wang Xiangke
Published: November 2022

Retraction of ‘Reductive immobilization of uranium by PAAM–FeS/Fe3O4 magnetic composites’ by Dadong Shao et al., Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2015, 1, 169–176, https://doi.org/10.1039/C4EW00014E
Exploring structural effects in a new class of NRF2 inhibitors
Authors: Hou Zhilin , Lockwood Lizbeth , Zhang Di , Occhiuto Christopher J. , Mo Linqing , Aldrich Kelly E. , Stoub Hayden E. , Gallo Kathleen A. , Liby Karen T. , Odom Aaron L.
Published: November 2022

SAR on NRF2 inhibitor MSU38225 has led to a compound that inhibits expression of NRF2 target genes, reduces proliferation of lung cancer cells through G2/M arrest, and lowers cell migration.
Effectiveness of 7-chloro-4-(phenylselanyl) quinoline in improving learning, short-term memory, and anxiety-like behaviors in a mimetic model of Parkinson's disease in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Couto Shanda de Freitas , Araujo Stífani Machado , Bortolotto Vandreza Cardoso , Dahleh Mustafa Munir Mustafa , Musachio Elize Aparecida Santos , Pinheiro Franciane Cabral , Romio Leugim Corteze , do Sacramento Manoela , Alves Diego , Prigol Marina
Published: November 2022

The potential of 4-PSQ on psychomotor and non-motor behaviors of PD, such as spontaneous locomotor activity, learning, memory, and anxiety.
One-pot Mannich/aza-Wittig/deaminative aromatization reactions for the synthesis of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroacridines and cyclohepta[b]quinolines
Authors: Zhang Wensheng , Zheng Wei , Zuo Guoqiang , Li Xiaole , Zhang Xiaofeng , Zhang Wei
Published: November 2022

One-pot and three-step synthesis of quinoline-containing polycyclic compounds.
Glucose-assisted synthesis of a magnetic monohydroxy aluminium oxide@carbon (γ-AlOOH/Fe3O4@C) nanocomposite as an innovative sorbent for extraction and pre-concentration of deferasirox present in plasma and urine samples
Authors: Arabkhani Payam , Sadegh Negar , Shahamat Mahmoud , Asfaram Arash
Published: November 2022

In this work, a novel γ-AlOOH/Fe3O4@C nanocomposite was successfully synthesized and used as an effective sorbent in the UA-DSPME method for the extraction of deferasirox present in plasma and urine samples combined with the HPLC-UV technique.
Development of titanium doped hydroxyapatite for efficient removal of radioactive strontium from contaminated water
Authors: Ejaz Syeda Zil-e-Huma , Iqbal Sajid , Shahida Shabnam , Husnain Syed M. , Saifullah Muhammad
Published: November 2022

In this study, we focused on synthesizing an efficient composite material for the decontamination of non-radioactive surrogates of strontium and extensively studied the adsorption and thermodynamic parameters.
Boosting the photogenerated charge separation of g-C3N4 by constructing a Ni@Ni2P cocatalyst with a core–shell structure
Authors: Bi Lingling , Liang Xiaobo , Zhang Lijing , Jiang Jinlong , Hu Tao , Wu Nannan , Xie Tengfeng
Published: November 2022

The photocatalytic H2 production rate is significantly boosted by constructing Ni@Ni2P core–shell cocatalyst on g-C3N4 resulted from the working function gradient to improve the separation efficiency of photogenerated electrons and holes.
Angle-resolved polarimetry of hybrid perovskite emission for photonic technologies
Authors: Dhami Bibek S. , Iyer Vasudevan , Pant Aniket , Tripathi Ravi P. N. , Taylor Ethan J. , Lawrie Benjamin J. , Appavoo Kannatassen
Published: November 2022

Cathodoluminescence microscopy of hybrid perovskite reveals the role of grain boundaries on emitted photons as characterized by full angle-dependent Stokes parameters, with spatial resolution well below the diffraction limit.
Experimental study on single biomolecule sensing using MoS2–graphene heterostructure nanopores
Authors: Gu Chaoming , Yu Zhoubin , Li Xiaojie , Zhu Xin , Jin Chuanhong , Cao Zhen , Dong Shurong , Luo Jikui , Ye Zhi , Liu Yang
Published: November 2022

MoS2-graphene heterostructure nanopores can prolong the dwell time of BSA molecules up to more than 100 ms compared with other kinds of nanopores.
Correction: Fabrication and behaviors of CdS on Bi2MoO6 thin film photoanodes
Authors: Yang Hao , Jin Zhiliang , Hu Hongyan , Lu Gongxuan , Bi Yingpu
Published: November 2022

Correction for ‘Fabrication and behaviors of CdS on Bi2MoO6 thin film photoanodes’ by Hao Yang et al., RSC Adv., 2017, 7, 10774–10781, https://doi.org/10.1039/C6RA28323C.
Retraction: A carboxymethyl cellulose modified magnetic bentonite composite for efficient enrichment of radionuclides
Authors: Hu Rui , Ren Xuemei , Hou Guangshun , Shao Dadong , Gong Yu , Chen Xiaojun , Tan Xiaoli , Wang Xiangke , Nagatsu Masaaki
Published: November 2022

Retraction of ‘A carboxymethyl cellulose modified magnetic bentonite composite for efficient enrichment of radionuclides’ by Rui Hu et al., RSC Adv., 2016, 6, 65136–65145, https://doi.org/10.1039/C6RA10990J
Cardiotoxicity of pyrethroids: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic options for acute and long-term toxicity
Authors: Marques Leisiane P. , Joviano-Santos Julliane V. , Souza Diego S. , Santos-Miranda A. , Roman-Campos D.
Published: November 2022

Pyrethroids (PY) are synthetic pesticides used in many applications ranging from large-scale agriculture to household maintenance. Their classical mechanisms of action are associated with binding to the sodium channel of insect neurons, disrupting its inactivation, ensuring their use as insecticides. However, PY can also lead to toxicity in vertebrates, including humans. In most toxicological studies, the impact of PY on heart function is neglected. Acute exposure to a high dose of PY causes enhancement of the late sodium current (INaL), which impairs the action potential waveform and can cause severe cardiac arrhythmias. Moreover, long-term, low-dose exposure to PY displays oxidative stress in the heart, which could induce tissue remodeling and impairment. Isolated and preliminary evidence supports that, for acute exposure to PY, an antiarrhythmic therapy with ranolazine (an INaL blocker), can be a promising therapeutic approach. Besides, heart tissue remodeling associated with low doses and long-term exposure to PY seems to benefit from antioxidant therapy. Despite significant leaps in understanding the mechanical details of PY intoxication, currently, few studies are focusing on the heart. In this review, we present what is known and what are the gaps in the field of cardiotoxicity induced by PY.
Intrinsic heterogeneity in axon regeneration
Authors: Fu Xiu-Qing , Zhan Wen-Rong , Tian Wei-Ya , Cao Dong-Dong , Luo Zhen-Ge
Published: November 2022

The nervous system is composed of a variety of neurons and glial cells with different morphology and functions. In the mammalian peripheral nervous system (PNS) or the lower vertebrate central nervous system (CNS), most neurons can regenerate extensively after axotomy, while the neurons in the mammalian CNS possess only limited regenerative ability. This heterogeneity is common within and across species. The studies about the transcriptomes after nerve injury in different animal models have revealed a series of molecular and cellular events that occurred in neurons after axotomy. However, responses of various types of neurons located in different positions of individuals were different remarkably. Thus, researchers aim to find the key factors that are conducive to regeneration, so as to provide the molecular basis for solving the regeneration difficulties after CNS injury. Here we review the heterogeneity of axonal regeneration among different cell subtypes in different animal models or the same organ, emphasizing the importance of comparative studies within and across species.
Attack detection and fault‐tolerant control of interconnected cyber‐physical systems against simultaneous replayed time‐delay and false‐data injection attacks
Authors: Baroumand Salman , Zaman Amirreza , Mihaylova Lyudmila
Published: November 2022

Nowadays, interconnected cyber‐physical systems (CPSs) are widely used with increasing deployments of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) applications. Other than operating properly under system uncertainties, CPSs should be secured under unwanted adversaries. To mark such challenges, this paper proposes the solution of secure decentralized robust control for uncertain CPSs under replayed time‐delay and false‐data injection attacks altogether. Potentially, considered attacks can force the whole system to instability and crash. Three challenges are addressed, and solutions are presented: (1) model non‐linearity and uncertainties, (2) existing simultaneous time‐delay and potential false‐data injection attacks with skew probability density functions, and (3) requirement to use real‐time attack detection. Thus, a novel, robust control method to deal with thwart attacks on a closed‐loop control system is proposed to provide the system's trustworthiness. Additionally, novel attack detection methodologies are presented to detect these advanced attacks rapidly based on statistical methods such as Spearman's correlation coefficient, Neyman–Pearson (NP) error classification, and trend analysis. Ultimately, the proposed novel attack detection and robust control protocol are verified and evaluated in real‐time.
Research on conflict detection model for taxi‐in process on the apron based on aircraft wingtip keypoint detection
Authors: Zhang Tianxiong , Zhu Xinping , Li Jiajun , Chen Honghao , Li Zhihan
Published: November 2022

Apron safety is critical to aviation operations and aprons are prone to wingtip scraping accidents. However, few studies have been conducted on wingtip conflicts. In this paper, a class of aircraft conflict detection models based on wingtip keypoint detection is devised to solve the problem of wingtip scraping that may occur during the aircraft taxi‐in process on the apron. Firstly, a concise camera calibration technique is designed for the conversion between the pixel coordinate and the airport actual coordinate, which allows for the acquisition of high accuracy activity posture within the apron. Secondly, the static and dynamic safety protection zone delineation methods for wingtip conflict detection are given, taking the apron standard operating procedures and aircraft kinematic model into consideration. Then, the corresponding conflict detection models and algorithms are designed for the possible scraping between the vehicle and aircraft wingtips and between the aircraft and aircraft wingtips during the aircraft taxi‐in process on the apron. Finally, HRNet is selected to detect the keypoint of the wingtip by comparison, and the corresponding models and algorithm validation are carried out based on the apron physical sandbox. The verification results indicate that the models have strong accuracy and real‐time performance.
A study of digital architectural heritage preservation based on blockchain technology
Authors: Hsiao Tsung‐Chih , Shen Sijun
Published: November 2022

Liben Building, constructed in 1822 AD, is located in Xinnan Village, Hukeng Town, Yongding District, Longyan City, Fujian Province, China. This square earthen building covers an area of about 2100 square metres. In 1931 AD, the building was sacked and burned down by bandits during a war, leaving behind only the remnants of the walls of the main building. In the meta‐universe environment, firstly, this study adopted blockchain DAO technology to conduct a study on the digital collection, storage, processing, display and dissemination of Liben Building, revealing the problems with digital regeneration of cultural heritage. Then, the questionnaire with 20 questions was designed, and 158 valid completed copies of the questionnaire were collected. Combining influence relationship with sample clustering analysis methods, this paper explored the findings of a study of the historical sites under blockchain digital heritage preservation and protection in the metaverse.