bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An efficient plasmid-based system for the recovery of recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus encoding foreign glycoproteins
Authors: Marqués María-Carmen , Andreu-Moreno Iván , Sanjuán Rafael , Elena Santiago F. , Geller Ron
Published: June 2024

Viral glycoproteins mediate entry into host cells, thereby dictating host range and pathogenesis. In addition, they constitute the principal target of neutralizing antibody responses, making them important antigens in vaccine development. Recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) encoding foreign glycoproteins can provide a convenient and safe surrogate system to interrogate the function, evolution, and antigenicity of viral glycoproteins from viruses that are difficult to manipulate or those requiring high biosafety level containment. However, the production of recombinant VSV can be technically challenging. In this work, we present an efficient and robust plasmid-based system for the production of recombinant VSV encoding foreign glycoproteins. We validate the system using glycoproteins from different viral families, including arenaviruses, coronaviruses, and hantaviruses, as well as highlight their utility for studying the effects of mutations on viral fitness. Overall, the methods described herein can facilitate the study of both native and recombinant VSV encoding foreign glycoproteins and can serve as the basis for the production of VSV-based vaccines.
Digital symbol-digit modalities test with modified flexible protocols in patients with CNS demyelinating diseases
Authors: Seo Dayoung , So Jeong Min , Kim Jiyon , Jung Heejae , Jang Inhye , Kim Hyunjin , Kang Dong-Wha , Lim Young-Min , Choi Jaesoon , Lee Eun-Jae
Published: June 2024

Cognitive impairment (CI) is prevalent in central nervous system demyelinating diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD). We developed a novel tablet-based modified digital Symbol Digit Modalities Test (MD-SDMT) with adjustable protocols that feature alternating symbol-digit combinations in each trial, lasting one or two minutes. We assessed 144 patients (99 with MS and 45 with NMOSD) using both MD-SDMT protocols and the traditional paper-based SDMT. We also gathered participants’ feedback through a questionnaire regarding their preferences and perceived reliability. The results showed strong correlations between MD-SDMT and paper-based SDMT scores (Pearsons correlation: 0.88 for 2 min; 0.85 for 1 min, both p < 0.001). Among the 120 respondents, the majority preferred the digitalized SDMT (55% for the 2 min, 39% for the 1 min) over the paper-based version (6%), with the 2 min MD-SDMT reported as the most reliable test. Notably, patients with NMOSD and older individuals exhibited a preference for the paper-based test, as compared to those with MS and younger patients. In summary, even with short test durations, the digitalized SDMT effectively evaluates cognitive function in MS and NMOSD patients, and is generally preferred over the paper-based method, although preferences may vary with patient characteristics.
Associations of air pollution with acute coronary syndromes based on A/B/AB versus O blood types: case-crossover study
Authors: Bochenek Tomasz , Pytlewski Adam , Bride Daniel , Gruchlik Bartosz , Lelek Michał , Teodorska Małgorzata , Nowok Michał , Wita Krystian , Mizia-Stec Katarzyna , Horne Benjamin D.
Published: June 2024

Short-term exposure to air pollutants may contribute to an increased risk of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). This study assessed the role of short-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) as well as fine and coarse PM (PM10) air pollution in ACS events and the effect of blood groups on this phenomenon. A retrospectively collected database of 9026 patients was evaluated. The study design was a case-crossover using a conditional logistic regression model. The main analysis focused on PM2.5 levels with a 1 day lag until the ACS event, using threshold-modelled predictor for all patients. Secondary analyses utilized separate threshold-modelled predictors for 2–7-days moving averages and for patients from specific ABO blood groups. Additional analysis was performed with the non-threshold models and for PM10 levels. Short-term exposure to increased PM2.5 and PM10 levels at a 1-day lag was associated with elevated risks of ACS (PM2.5: OR = 1.012 per + 10 µg/m3, 95% CI 1.003, 1.021; PM10: OR = 1.014 per + 10 µg/m3, CI 1.002, 1.025) for all patients. Analysis showed that exposure to PM2.5 was associated with increased risk of ACS at a 1-day lag for the A, B or AB group (OR = 1.012 per + 10 µg/m3, CI 1.001, 1.024), but not O group (OR = 1.011 per + 10 µg/m3, CI 0.994, 1.029). Additional analysis showed positive associations between exposure to PM10 and risk of ACS, with 7-days moving average models stratified by blood group revealing that exposures to PM2.5 and PM10 were associated with elevated risk of ACS for patients with group O. Short-term exposures to PM2.5 and PM10 were associated with elevated risk of ACS. Short-term exposure to PM2.5 was positively associated with the risk of ACS for patients with A, B, or AB blood groups for a 1-day lag, while risk in O group was delayed to 7 days.
Gluten-containing flours and gluten-free flours as a source of calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc
Authors: Mystkowska Iwona , Plażuk Ewa , Szepeluk Adam , Dmitrowicz Aleksandra
Published: June 2024

Wheat flour is widely used in Poland for the preparation of bread, pasta and other foods. Due to the increasing number of people diagnosed with diet-related diseases, consumer awareness of health-promoting issues and interest in gluten-free products (GFP). There is a dynamic development of the market for these foods with high quality and nutritional value and minerals that benefit human health and prevent deficiencies in patients on a gluten-free diet. The aim of this study was to determine the content of minerals: Ca, Fe, Mg and Zn in flours using the ICP-OES method. The mineral composition of selected GF flours available on the Polish market was analysed. It was tested how they supplement the mineral requirements compared to gluten-containing flours. It was found that these products can be a valuable source of essential minerals, which are often in short supply, especially in patients with gastrointestinal disorders. As our study has shown, flours from the GFP group are a good source of essential minerals, especially in the case of chia and flax flours, as well as buckwheat, amaranth, quinoa, lupin or almonds flours.
Novel Bacillus and Prestia isolates from Dwarf century plant enhance crop yield and salinity tolerance
Authors: Dhar Sanjoy Kumar , Kaur Jaspreet , Singh Gajendra Bahadur , Chauhan Arjun , Tamang Jeewan , Lakhara Nikita , Asyakina Lyudmila , Atuchin Victor , Mudgal Gaurav , Abdi Gholamreza
Published: June 2024

Soil salinity is a major environmental stressor impacting global food production. Staple crops like wheat experience significant yield losses in saline environments. Bioprospecting for beneficial microbes associated with stress-resistant plants offers a promising strategy for sustainable agriculture. We isolated two novel endophytic bacteria, Bacillus cereus (ADJ1) and Priestia aryabhattai (ADJ6), from Agave desmettiana Jacobi. Both strains displayed potent plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits, such as producing high amounts of indole-3-acetic acid (9.46, 10.00 µgml−1), ammonia (64.67, 108.97 µmol ml−1), zinc solubilization (Index of 3.33, 4.22, respectively), ACC deaminase production and biofilm formation. ADJ6 additionally showed inorganic phosphate solubilization (PSI of 2.77), atmospheric nitrogen fixation, and hydrogen cyanide production. Wheat seeds primed with these endophytes exhibited enhanced germination, improved growth profiles, and significantly increased yields in field trials. Notably, both ADJ1 and ADJ6 tolerated high salinity (up to 1.03 M) and significantly improved wheat germination and seedling growth under saline stress, acting both independently and synergistically. This study reveals promising stress-tolerance traits within endophytic bacteria from A. desmettiana. Exploiting such under-explored plant microbiomes offers a sustainable approach to developing salt-tolerant crops, mitigating the impact of climate change-induced salinization on global food security.
The role of attachment and personality traits in choosing opiate addiction replacement therapy
Authors: Gizdic Alena , Antičević Vesna , Brajević-Gizdić Igna
Published: June 2024

Contemporary medical approaches for opioid addiction often include medication-assisted therapy, utilizing methadone and buprenorphine. However, factors influencing patient preferences for starting buprenorphine or methadone therapy are poorly understood. This study aims to explore whether variances in personality traits and attachment styles are related to treatment preferences among individuals undergoing buprenorphine and methadone maintenance therapies. 300 participants completed the Big Five Questionnaire for personality traits and sub-dimensions and the Experiences in Close Relationship Scale for assessing attachment styles. The results indicated that patients with higher levels of Dynamism, Conscientiousness, and Perseverance personality traits were more likely to choose buprenorphine over methadone for achieving and maintaining abstinence. Although attachment styles showed a greater ability to differentiate between groups compared to personality traits, the differences were not significant. However, Conscientiousness stood out for its high discriminant validity, suggesting that scores in this personality dimension could significantly distinguish between groups, with individuals in the buprenorphine group showing higher levels of Conscientiousness compared to the methadone group. The study suggests a partial association between individuals' preference for abstinence therapy and their personality traits. These findings could be considered useful indicators when choosing maintenance therapy to help opiate-addicted patients achieve and maintain abstinence.
Frequency-dependent selection of neoantigens fosters tumor immune escape and predicts immunotherapy response
Authors: Chen Shaoqing , Xie Duo , Li Zan , Wang Jiguang , Hu Zheng , Zhou Da
Published: June 2024

Cancer is an evolutionary process shaped by selective pressure from the microenvironments. However, recent studies reveal that certain tumors undergo neutral evolution where there is no detectable fitness difference amongst the cells following malignant transformation. Here, through computational modeling, we demonstrate that negative frequency-dependent selection (or NFDS), where the immune response against cancer cells depends on the clonality of neoantigens, can lead to an immunogenic landscape that is highly similar to neutral evolution. Crucially, NFDS promotes high antigenic heterogeneity and early immune evasion in hypermutable tumors, leading to poor responses to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. Our model also reveals that NFDS is characterized by a negative association between average clonality and total burden of neoantigens. Indeed, this unique feature of NFDS is common in the whole-exome sequencing (WES) datasets (357 tumor samples from 275 patients) from four melanoma cohorts with ICB therapy and a non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) WES dataset (327 tumor samples from 100 patients). Altogether, our study provides quantitative evidence supporting the theory of NFDS in cancer, explaining the high prevalence of neutral-looking tumors. These findings also highlight the critical role of frequency-dependent selection in devising more efficient and predictive immunotherapies.
Phosphatidylserine enrichment in the nuclear membrane regulates key enzymes of phosphatidylcholine synthesis
Authors: Niu Yang , Pemberton Joshua G , Kim Yeun Ju , Balla Tamas
Published: June 2024

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is an important anionic phospholipid that is synthesized within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). While PS shows the highest enrichment and serves important functional roles in the plasma membrane (PM) but its role in the nucleus is poorly explored. Using three orthogonal approaches, we found that PS is also uniquely enriched in the inner nuclear membrane (INM) and the nuclear reticulum (NR). Nuclear PS is critical for supporting the translocation of CCTα and Lipin1α, two key enzymes important for phosphatidylcholine (PC) biosynthesis, from the nuclear matrix to the INM and NR in response to oleic acid treatment. We identified the PS-interacting regions within the M-domain of CCTα and M-Lip domain of Lipin1α, and show that lipid droplet formation is altered by manipulations of nuclear PS availability. Our studies reveal an unrecognized regulatory role of nuclear PS levels in the regulation of key PC synthesizing enzymes within the nucleus.
Physiological regulation of neuronal Wnt activity is essential for TDP-43 localization and function
Authors: Zhang Nan , Westerhaus Anna , Wilson Macey , Wang Ethan , Goff Loyal , Sockanathan Shanthini
Published: June 2024

Nuclear exclusion of the RNA- and DNA-binding protein TDP-43 can induce neurodegeneration in different diseases. Diverse processes have been implicated to influence TDP-43 mislocalization, including disrupted nucleocytoplasmic transport (NCT); however, the physiological pathways that normally ensure TDP-43 nuclear localization are unclear. The six-transmembrane enzyme glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterase 2 (GDE2 or GDPD5) cleaves the glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor that tethers some proteins to the membrane. Here we show that GDE2 maintains TDP-43 nuclear localization by regulating the dynamics of canonical Wnt signaling. Ablation of GDE2 causes aberrantly sustained Wnt activation in adult neurons, which is sufficient to cause NCT deficits, nuclear pore abnormalities, and TDP-43 nuclear exclusion. Disruption of GDE2 coincides with TDP-43 abnormalities in postmortem tissue from patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Further, GDE2 deficits are evident in human neural cell models of ALS, which display erroneous Wnt activation that, when inhibited, increases mRNA levels of genes regulated by TDP-43. Our study identifies GDE2 as a critical physiological regulator of Wnt signaling in adult neurons and highlights Wnt pathway activation as an unappreciated mechanism contributing to nucleocytoplasmic transport and TDP-43 abnormalities in disease.
Senescent endothelial cells promote pathogenic neutrophil trafficking in inflamed tissues
Authors: Rolas Loïc , Stein Monja , Barkaway Anna , Reglero-Real Natalia , Sciacca Elisabetta , Yaseen Mohammed , Wang Haitao , Vazquez-Martinez Laura , Golding Matthew , Blacksell Isobel A , Giblin Meredith J , Jaworska Edyta , Bishop Cleo L , Voisin Mathieu-Benoit , Gaston-Massuet Carles , Fossati-Jimack Liliane , Pitzalis Costantino , Cooper Dianne , Nightingale Thomas D , Lopez-Otin Carlos , Lewis Myles J , Nourshargh Sussan
Published: June 2024

Cellular senescence is a hallmark of advanced age and a major instigator of numerous inflammatory pathologies. While endothelial cell (EC) senescence is aligned with defective vascular functionality, its impact on fundamental inflammatory responses in vivo at single-cell level remain unclear. To directly investigate the role of EC senescence on dynamics of neutrophil-venular wall interactions, we applied high resolution confocal intravital microscopy to inflamed tissues of an EC-specific progeroid mouse model, characterized by profound indicators of EC senescence. Progerin-expressing ECs supported prolonged neutrophil adhesion and crawling in a cell autonomous manner that additionally mediated neutrophil-dependent microvascular leakage. Transcriptomic and immunofluorescence analysis of inflamed tissues identified elevated levels of EC CXCL1 on progerin-expressing ECs and functional blockade of CXCL1 suppressed the dysregulated neutrophil responses elicited by senescent ECs. Similarly, cultured progerin-expressing human ECs exhibited a senescent phenotype, were pro-inflammatory and prompted increased neutrophil attachment and activation. Collectively, our findings support the concept that senescent ECs drive excessive inflammation and provide new insights into the mode, dynamics, and mechanisms of this response at single-cell level.
Relationship between the bandgap energy and photoluminescence properties of Pr3+-activated complex perovskite oxides by cation–nitrogen substitution
Authors: Noda Suzuka , Sato Yasushi , Hasegawa Takuya , Kakihana Masato , Yin Shu
Published: June 2024

The photoluminescence properties of f–f emission-type phosphors strongly depend on the electronic structure of the host materials.
Synthesis of a dendritic cell-targeted self-assembled polymeric nanoparticle for selective delivery of mRNA vaccines to elicit enhanced immune responses
Authors: Fan Chen-Yo , Wang Szu-Wen , Chung Cinya , Chen Jia-Yan , Chang Chia-Yen , Chen Yu-Chen , Hsu Tsui-Ling , Cheng Ting-Jen R. , Wong Chi-Huey
Published: June 2024

Dendritic cell-targeted mRNA–PNP vaccines.
A novel dual-model photoelectrochemical/electrochemical sensor based on Z-scheme TiO2 disks/methylene blue for kanamycin detection
Authors: Geng Wenchao , Liu Huimin , Yan Zhiyi , Ji Jiangying , Wang Fei , Yang Ruiying
Published: June 2024

A novel dual-model photoelectrochemical/electrochemical sensor based on Z-scheme TiO2 disks/methylene blue for the detection of Kana was developed.
Micro-patterning of C–C covalently-bound grafts by mechanochemical imprint lithography
Authors: Xie Xiaoshi , Chang Xiaoli , Kang Shuilong , Fang Yuan , Ivasenko Oleksandr
Published: June 2024

A simple, inexpensive and versatile patterned removal of C–C grafts has been realized for scalable multicomponent micropatterned functionalization.
Self-assembly of enzymes and prodrugs with clickable amino acids for nucleus-targeted cancer therapy
Authors: Liu Ye , Cao Rumeng , Yang Jieyu , Chen Hui , Zhang Jiumeng , Feng Xuli
Published: June 2024

A novel nanocomposite assembled by clickable amino acid-tuned co-assembly of proteins and chemotherapeutics can effectively escape from the endolysosome and accumulate in the nucleus, thereby achieving significantly improved antitumor therapy.
Synthesis of 1,2,4,5-tetra-substituted benzenes via copper-catalyzed dimerization of γ,δ-unsaturated ketones
Authors: Ma Kai-Xian , Hong Chuan-Ming , Yan Jiang-Min , Li Qing-Hua , Liu Tang-Lin
Published: June 2024

An efficient cyclization for the synthesis of 1,2,4,5-tetra-substituted benzenes via copper catalyzed dimerization of γ,δ-unsaturated ketones has been described.
Fluoride recovery in degradable fluorinated polyesters
Authors: Fornacon-Wood Christoph , Stühler Merlin R. , Millanvois Alexandre , Steiner Luca , Weimann Christiane , Silbernagl Dorothee , Sturm Heinz , Paulus Beate , Plajer Alex J.
Published: June 2024

Fluorination in semi-aromatic polyesters accessed by ring-opening copolymerization leads to accelerated degradation and allows recovery of aryl bound fluoride.
Zinc-doped C4N3/BiOBr S-scheme heterostructured hollow spheres for efficient photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline
Authors: Liu Yaqi , Luo Guicheng , Liu Yichen , Xu Zuozheng , Shen Hengxin , Sheng Yuxiang , Zhu Yuan , Wu Shuyi , Liu Lizhe , Shan Yun
Published: June 2024

A novel S-scheme Zn2+ doped C4N3 (Zn–C4N3)/BiOBr heterostructure with good stability is constructed to efficiently suppress fast recombination of photogenerated electron–hole pairs for efficient photodegradation of tetracycline (TC).
Electronic phase transition in bilayer P6mmm borophene
Authors: Hieu Nguyen N. , Phuc Huynh V. , Hoi Bui D.
Published: June 2024

Electronic phase transitions in bilayer P6mmm borophene occur under the influence of external stimuli, including a perpendicular electric field, electron–hole coupling between sublayers (excitonic effects), and dopants.
Beyond metals: theoretical discovery of semiconducting MAX phases and their potential application in thermoelectrics
Authors: Khazaei Mohammad , Maleki Iraj , Koshi Namitha Anna , Ranjbar Ahmad , Miao Nanxi , Wang Junjie , Khaledialidusti Rasoul , Kühne Thomas D. , Lee Seung-Cheol , Bhattacharjee Satadeep , Hosano Hamid , Mehdi Vaez Allaei S. , Esfarjani Keivan , Ohno Kaoru
Published: June 2024

Some MAX phase can be narrowband semiconductor with superior thermoelectric performance.
Efficient narrowband yellow organic light-emitting diodes based on iridium(iii) complexes with the rigid indolo[3,2,1-jk]carbazole unit
Authors: Liu Qi-Ming , Liu Xiao-Jia , Zhong Xiao-Sheng , Huo Zhong-Zhong , Shen Zhen , Zheng You-Xuan
Published: June 2024

Two yellow Ir(iii) complexes based on the main ligands containing rigid indolo[3,2,1-jk]carbazole and thiazole units show high efficiencies with narrow emission. And the OLEDs show good performances with an EQEmax of up to 25.2% and a FWHM of 31 nm.
Na ion-exchanged zirconium phosphate crystal with high calcium ion selectivity
Authors: Hayashi Fumitaka , Shirasu Yuka , Fujisawa Kazunori , Tipplook Mongkol , Yamada Tetsuya , Teshima Katsuya
Published: June 2024

We demonstrate growth of sodium hydrogen zirconium phosphate ((Na,H)–ZrP) crystals with high Ca2+ selectivity. This high selectivity of (Na,H)–ZrP could be attributed to the size matching between the ion exchange site of (Na,H)–ZrP and Ca2+.
Room-temperature-modulated polymorphism of nonfullerene acceptors enables efficient bilayer organic solar cells
Authors: Zhao Zhenmin , Chung Sein , Kim Young Yong , Jeong Minyoung , Li Xin , Zhao Jingjing , Zhu Chaofeng , Karuthedath Safakath , Zhong Yufei , Cho Kilwon , Kan Zhipeng
Published: June 2024

Polymorphism of nonfullerene acceptors enhances electron transport properties and potentially impacts the performance of organic electronic devices.
Nickel-catalyzed cross-coupling aminations via high-throughput mechanochemistry enabled by resonant acoustic mixing
Authors: Nanni Alice , Kong Deshen , Zhu Chen , Rueping Magnus
Published: June 2024

Resonant Acoustic Mixing (RAM) allows High Throughput Experimentation (HTE) using commercially available 96-well plates as exemplified by the nickel catalyzed C–N cross coupling of aryl halides with different amine and anilines.
Programmable switching of CRISPR/Cas12a activity by adjusting guide RNA conformation for non-nucleic acid marker analysis and logic gate applications
Authors: Wang Huihui , Zhu Zhixue , Pan Huan , Guo Zhiqiang , Zhang Mingshuo , Meng Yanling , Yue Xudong , Wang Yu , Liu Su , Yu Jinghua , Huang Jiadong
Published: June 2024

A powerful and universal fluorescent sensing platform for the detection of non-nucleic acid analytes based on programmable switching of CRISPR/Cas12 activity via modulating crRNA conformation is presented.
Metal ion-supported mesoporous silica materials for the removal of sulfamethizole from water
Authors: Yan Ni , Duan Long-Hui , He Min , Luo Wen , Ou Zhitong , Wang Jing
Published: June 2024

Sulfamethizole (SIZ) exhibited spontaneous, exothermic and fast adsorption on Ni-AAPTMS-SBA-15 within 2 min and maximum adsorption capacity of 188.68 mg g−1, attributing to combined mechanism of electrostatic interaction, complexation and pore-filling.
Enhancement of covalent triazine frameworks containing S heteroatom for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution: the role of composite PEG
Authors: Yao Chan , Wang Shuhao , Zha Yixuan , Xu Yanhong
Published: June 2024

The higher the content of PEG filled in the pores of TTBT-COF, the higher the hydrogen evolution rate. The photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate of TTBT-COF@PEG30 is 1.51 times that of pristine TTBT-COF.
Transport, trapping, triplet fusion: thermally retarded exciton migration in tetracene single crystals
Authors: Muth Dominik , Anhäuser Sebastian , Bischof Daniel , Krüger Anton , Witte Gregor , Gerhard Marina
Published: June 2024

Temperature and material quality strongly influence spatiotemporal exciton dynamics in the endothermic singlet fission material tetracene. Underlying transport mechanisms are disentangled by combining spectral and spatial data from TRPL experiments.
Lysozyme-sensitive plasmonic hydrogel nanocomposite for colorimetric dry-eye inflammation biosensing
Authors: Ziai Yasamin , Rinoldi Chiara , Petronella Francesca , Zakrzewska Anna , De Sio Luciano , Pierini Filippo
Published: June 2024

Multi-layered hydrogel-based plasmonic photothermal-responsive nanoplatforms were fabricated for lysozyme biosensing in human tears. Visual color change of the system in a colorimetric assay and shifts in the absorption LSPR revealed their potential.
Bi3O2.5Se2: a two-dimensional high-mobility polar semiconductor with large interlayer and interfacial charge transfer
Authors: Dong Xinyue , Hou Yameng , Deng Chaoyue , Wu Jinxiong , Fu Huixia
Published: June 2024

2D high mobility polar semiconductor Bi3O2.5Se2 with high electrostatic potential difference, ideal as an assisted gate in high-speed electronics.
Laser-machined micro-supercapacitors: from microstructure engineering to smart integrated systems
Authors: Li Hongpeng , Luo Junhao , Ding Shumei , Ding Jiabao
Published: June 2024

Micro-supercapacitors (MSCs) play a crucial role as micro-power sources for on-chip electronics. This review comprehensively summarizes recent advances in laser-machined MSCs and their integration into smart microsystems.
Stereoselective convergent total synthesis of oxylipins
Authors: Fernandes Rodney A. , Yadav Sandhya S. , Moharana Sanjita
Published: June 2024

An efficient 4–6 step convergent stereoselective synthesis of four oxylipins has been achieved through kinetic resolution of allyl alcohols, asymmetric dihydroxylation and cross-metathesis.
Electroreductive carboxylation of benzylphosphonium salts with CO2 through the cleavage of the C(sp3)–P bond
Authors: Han Fen , Xie Fenfen , Yin Mengyun , Jing Linhai , Han Pan
Published: June 2024

Herein, a novel electroreductive carboxylation of benzylphosphine salts with CO2 through cleavage of the C(sp3)-P bond was reported under the conditions without redox reagents and noble metal catalysts.
Ultrathin NiO nanosheets anchored to a nitrogen-doped dodecahedral carbon framework for aqueous potassium-ion hybrid capacitors
Authors: Wang Tianlu , Zong Wei , Yang Jieru , Zhang Leiqian , Meng Jian , Ge Jiale , Yang Guozheng , Ren Jianguo , He Peng , Debroye Elke , Gohy Jean-François , Liu Tianxi , Lai Feili
Published: June 2024

The hierarchical and interconnected architecture of NiO/N-HPC promotes efficient electrolyte penetration, shortens ion transport path, and accelerates reaction kinetics, leading to a high-performance aqueous potassium-ion hybrid capacitor.
Fabrication strategies for metallic nanowire flexible transparent electrodes with high uniformity
Authors: Ding Su , Chen Junjie , Li Ke , Zhang He
Published: June 2024

Recent strategies for improving the uniformity of metallic nanowire-based flexible transparent electrodes for application in highly reliable flexible devices are reviewed.
The limiting factors of quantum-cutting efficiency of ytterbium-doped lead halide perovskites: dimeric and monomeric ytterbium species
Authors: Streckaitė Simona , Abdelrazik Lamiaa , Maleckaitė Karolina , Šimėnas Mantas , Usevičius Gediminas , Banys Jūras , Rutkauskas Danielis , Katelnikovas Artūras , Pakštas Vidas , Franckevičius Marius , Gulbinas Vidmantas
Published: June 2024

Monomeric and dimeric Yb species form in Yb-doped cesium lead halide perovskites. At low concentration monomers create a quantum-cutting efficiency loss channel, while diffusion-limited quenching of Yb excited states dominates at high concentration.
A novel Mn2+ doped ScTaO4 dual-emitting phosphor for high temperature optical thermometry
Authors: Hou Jingshan , Qin Zhiyu , Wu Jianghua , Li Tong , Dong Langping , Zhang Ganghua , Zhao Guoying , Liu Yufeng , Chen Haijie , Fang Yongzheng
Published: June 2024

A novel ScTaO4:Mn2+ dual-emitting phosphor has been synthesized. It achieved white light emission by Mn2+ doping optimization. The highest Sr reach 2.1% K−1 at 523 K, which makes it a potential candidate material for optical thermometry.
Secure energy efficiency maximization for joint ITS and IRS assisted satellite downlink communications
Authors: Yang Shaochuan , Huang Kaizhi , Niu Hehao , Wang Yi , Liu Ya , Chu Zheng
Published: June 2024

Satellite communications (SatCom) have been viewed as a promising technique to achieve ubiquitous global coverage in next‐generation wireless systems. This article investigates the secure energy efficient downlink transmission for SatCom where an intelligent transmissive surface‐aided transmitter is deployed at the satellite to perform energy efficient beamforming and an intelligent reflecting surface as well as a cooperative jammer are deployed on the ground to enhance the secure performance. The aim is to maximize the secure energy efficiency by jointly designing ITS beamforming, IRS phase shift, jammer precoding vector, and transmit power allocation. To develop a low‐complexity solution,first, an approximated concave lower bound of the non‐concave objective function is derived by utilizing Dinkelbach's method and a novel successive convex approximation technique. Then the reformulated problem is decoupled using alternating optimization algorithm and the subproblems are solved by adopting Riemannian manifold optimization, element‐wise block coordinate descent, Lagrange dual method and Karush–Kuhn–Tucker conditions. At last, simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Robust distributed Nash equilibrium solution for multi‐agent differential graphical games
Authors: Zhang Shouxu , Zhang Zhuo , Cui Rongxin , Yan Weisheng
Published: June 2024

This paper studies the differential graphical games for linear multi‐agent systems with modelling uncertainties. A robust optimal control policy that seeks the distributed Nash equilibrium solution and guarantees the leader‐following consensus is designed. The weighting matrices rely on modelling uncertainties, leading to the Nash equilibrium solution, and the solution can be obtained by solving a decoupled algebraic Riccati equation. Simulation studies are finally reported to illustrate the effectiveness of proposed policy.
A piezoelectric transducer for bone conduction implants designed using finite element analysis
Authors: Shin Dong Ho , Seong Ki Woong
Published: June 2024

This study describes the design of a transducer for bone conduction implants that combines a piezoelectric element and a displacement amplifier. To develop a displacement amplifier with the maximum possible amplification ratio, theoretical analysis was performed to derive the parameters that affect the amplification ratio. Parametric sweep analysis was conducted to calculate the amplification ratio according to changes in the various parameters. The resulting optimal displacement amplifier afforded the maximum amplification ratio when the beam thickness, depth, inclination angle, and length were 0.15 mm, 1.2 mm, 6.5°, and 4 mm, respectively. The displacement amplifier with these optimal parameter values amplified the piezoelectric element displacement by approximately 7.7‐fold. Frequency characteristic analysis by weight was performed to derive a mechanical resonance location with frequency characteristics that appropriately compensated for hearing loss. As a result of this analysis, when a weight of 0.7 g was applied to the displacement amplifier, the mechanical resonance was that required for bone conduction implant transducers.
An improved transformer‐based model for long‐term 4D trajectory prediction in civil aviation
Authors: Luo Aofeng , Luo Yuxing , Liu Hong , Du Wenchao , Wu Xiping , Chen Hu , Yang Hongyu
Published: June 2024

Four‐dimensional trajectory prediction is a crucial component of air traffic management, and its accuracy is closely related to the efficiency and safety of air transportation. Although long short‐term memory (LSTM) or its variants have been widely used in recent studies, they may produce unacceptable results in long‐term prediction due to the iterative output that accumulates error. To address this issue, a transformer‐based long‐term trajectory prediction model is proposed here, which utilizes the self‐attention mechanism to extract time series features from historical trajectory data. For long‐term prediction scenarios, we a trajectory stabilization module is introduced to ensure the stationarity of the time series for better predictability. Additionally, the transformer output strategy is improved to generate the prediction sequence by a single step instead of serial dynamic decoding, thus effectively enhancing the precision and inference speed. The proposed model is validated using real data obtained from China's Southwest Air Traffic Management Bureau. The experimental results demonstrate that this model outperforms the benchmark model. Further ablation experiments and visualizations are performed to analyze the impact of trajectory stabilization and one‐step inference strategy.
Parameter‐free predictive control with flexibility in power adjustment for grid‐connected converters under unbalanced grid conditions
Authors: Jabbarnejad Alireza , Vaez‐Zadeh Sadegh , Khalilzadeh Mohammad
Published: June 2024

This paper introduces a novel finite control set predictive direct power control method for grid‐connected converters without cost function evaluations. Unlike conventional predictive direct power control, since the proposed method does not use the model parameters, their uncertainties do not cause prediction error and inappropriate voltage vector selection. The method employs a new form of voltage vector selection based on the slopes of active and reactive powers. The slopes are predicted in a manner with a low sensitivity to sampling noise, without updating a look‐up table, and recursive methods. Hence, there are no stagnation and convergence issues. Also, the proposed method avoids startup problems caused by data‐lacking due to directly regulating the active and reactive power by a switching logic. Flexible power oscillations control with balanced sinusoidal grid currents without any signal sequence extraction can also be achieved under this method in unbalanced grid conditions. The proposed method is assessed by both simulation and experimental studies, and its performance is compared with existing robust combined and model predictive control methods. The outcomes highlight the influence of the proposed approach and establish its superiority over the other considered methods.
A triple‐LC‐based DC/DC converter with wide input voltage gain in both under‐resonance and over‐resonance frequency regions
Authors: Ren Chunguang , Qin Yue , Kong Jiansheng , Li Xinqi , Hui Yue , Han Xiaoqing , He Xiangning
Published: June 2024

In recent years, wide voltage range DC/DC converters have been widely used in telecom power, solar generation and electric vehicle charger applications. Based on this, a new multi‐resonant converter with wide input voltage is proposed here. Compared with the traditional LLC converter, the proposed converter can maintain the output voltage within a narrow frequency regulation range in both under‐resonance and over‐resonance areas. Thus, a wide voltage range can be realized without additional switch components or complex control strategies. The topology and the corresponding working principle of the proposed converter are introduced. In addition, the equivalent model by considering the fundamental wave is established and the influence of the resonance parameters on the voltage gain characteristic is analysed in detail. With these considerations, the resonance parameters are designed. Finally, a 500 W experiment platform is established to verify the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed converter.
Quantum algorithm for bioinformatics to compute the similarity between proteins
Authors: Chagneau Anthony , Massaoudi Yousra , Derbali Imene , Yahiaoui Linda
Published: June 2024

Drug discovery has become a main challenge in the society, following the COVID‐19 pandemic. However, pharmaceutical companies are already using computing to accelerate drug discovery and are increasingly interested in quantum computing (QC), with a view to improving the speed of development process for new drugs. The authors propose a quantum method for generating random sequences based on occurrence in a protein database and quantum algorithms for calculating a similarity rate between proteins. Both concepts can be used for structure prediction in drug design. The aim is to find the proteins closest to the generated protein and obtain an ordering of these proteins. First, the authors will present the construction of a quantum protein generator that defines a protein, called a test protein. The authors will then describe different methods to compute the similarity's rate between each protein in the database and the test protein or, for a case study, the elafin. The algorithms have been extended or adapted to a quantum formalism for use cases, that is, amino acid sequences, and tested to see the added value of quantum versions. The interest is to observe whether QC can be used in the drug discovery process.
Markov chain Monte Carlo inversions of the internal rotation of Kepler subgiants
Authors: Buldgen G. , Fellay L. , Bétrisey J. , Deheuvels S. , Farnir M. , Farrell E.
Published: June 2024

Context. The measurement of the internal rotation of post-main-sequence stars using data from space-based photometry missions has demonstrated the need for an efficient angular momentum transport in stellar interiors. No clear solution has emerged so far, and it remains a challenge for stellar modellers to explain the observed trends.

Aims. We constrained the shape of the internal rotation profile of six Kepler subgiants that were studied in details in 2014 and also the properties of the missing angular momentum transport process that acts in stellar interiors from Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) inversions of the internal rotation.

Methods. We applied a new MCMC inversion technique to existing Kepler subgiant targets and tested various shapes of the internal rotation profile of the six subgiants that were observed in 2014. We also constrained the limitations on the number of free parameters that can be used in the MCMC inversion, showing the limitations in the amount of information in the seismic data.

Results. First, we show that large-scale fossil magnetic fields are not able to explain the internal rotation of subgiants, similarly to what was determined from detailed studies of Kepler red giants. We are also able to constrain the location of the transition in the internal rotation profile for the most evolved stars in the available set of subgiants. We find that some of them exhibit a transition that is located close to the border of the helium core, but one object exhibit a transition located much higher in radius.

Conclusions. We conclude that various processes might be at play that would explain our observations, but a consistent detailed modelling of all available subgiants is required to reveal the physical nature of the angular momentum process, in particular, for the least evolved objects. In addition, it is paramount to increase the number of stars for which these inferences are possible (e.g. with the future PLATO mission) because they play a key role in validating candidates for the transport process.
Use of geomatics and multi-criteria methods to assess water erosion in the Tigrigra watershed (Azrou region, Morocco)
Authors: Saouita Jihane , El-Hmaidi Abdellah , Ousmana Habiba , Aouragh My Hachem , Iallamen Zineb , Boufala M’hamed , Ragragui Hind , Kasse Zahra , El Ouali Anas , Jaddi Hajar
Published: June 2024

In Morocco, the capacity of dam reservoirs has decreased in recent years due to water erosion. This study aims to identify the sub-watersheds most vulnerable to soil erosion in the Tigrigra watershed by utilizing morphometric analysis of linear, landscape, and shape parameters and various multi-criteria decision models. These approaches allow for the prioritization of areas or sub-watersheds at high erosion risk. In the study area, erosion assessment is conducted using multi-criteria decision support models (MCDM) such as MOORA, VIKOR, TOPSIS, COPRAS, WASPAS, and SAW within a GIS environment. This approach highlights the significant role of morphometric parameters and multi-criteria methods in identifying sub-watersheds susceptible to erosion. Overall, the results indicate that morphometric parameters are highly effective in identifying erosion-prone areas. The Tigrigra watershed generally exhibits low to medium sensitivity to erosion, except for certain sub-watersheds. Subcatchment 28 showed significant erosion in most methods used.
Assessment of physicochemical and microbiological quality using the SEQ-Eau approach for groundwater in the Saïss basin (Fez-Meknes region, Morocco)
Authors: Jaddi Hajar , El-Hmaidi Abdellah , Aouragh My Hachem , Saouita Jihane , Ousmana Habiba , Iallamen Zineb , Boufala M’hamed , Ragragui Hind , Kasse Zahra , El Ouali Anas , Lahjouj Abdelhakim
Published: June 2024

The Saïss water table is one of Morocco's major agricultural regions. Its water resources satisfy domestic, agricultural, industrial, and tourist needs. The present work focuses on the technique used to detect spatiotemporal variations in the overall physicochemical, microbiological, and heavy metal quality of groundwater in the Saïss basin, as assessed by the SEQ-Eau water quality system. A total of 28 samples were collected during high and low water periods, respectively. The results show that 25% of the stations present average quality during the dry season, and are located mainly in the southern part of the Meknes plateau in the El Hajeb, Boufekrane, and Agouray regions, while this pollution is reduced during the wet season with a percentage of 7.14%. However, the poor quality of groundwater indicates that 75% and 92.85% occupy almost the entire rest of the basin during the dry and wet seasons. Mapping of nitrate pollution of groundwater indicates that the lowest nitrate concentrations were recorded in the southwest part of the aquifer. The highest values were recorded in the center of the study area, with a maximum value of 118 mg/l, which exceeds the Moroccan standard due to the anthropogenic impact of agriculture and water use.
Predicting Nitrate Levels in the Saïss Water Table: A Comparative Study of Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Jaddi Hajar , El-Hmaidi Abdellah , Ousmana Habiba , Berrada Mohamed , Aouragh My Hachem , Iallamen Zineb , Kasse Zahra , El Ouali Anas , Boufala M’hamed , Ragragui Hind , Saouita Jihane
Published: June 2024

The main goal of this study is to predict nitrate (NO3-) levels in the Saiss basin water table as a function of various physicochemical parameters. To accomplish this, three machine learning approaches were utilized: multiple linear regression (MLR), super vector regression (SVR), and artificial neural networks (ANN). The independent variables were composed of six water quality parameters, including Ca2+, Na2+, EC, Cl-, HCO3-, and SO42-. The study utilized a dataset of 389 water samples collected between 1991 and 2017. The artificial neural network (ANN) was trained using the Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) algorithm, which was selected from various optimization algorithms. Additionally, during the training of the SVR model, it was observed that the RBF kernel outperformed the other kernels (linear, polynomial, and sigmoid kernel). The results were analyzed by the coefficient of determination (R2) and the mean square error (MSE). The results of the MLR method revealed R2 (0.523) and MSE (757.34). The ANN model with architecture [6-20-1] performed better than RLM with R2 = 0.836, MSE= 0.023 The SVR model result confirms what has been proved by ANN concerning the performance, with R2=0.902 and MSE= 4,364.
Evolution of Bioclimatic Stages under climate change in the Ouergha Catchment (Northern Morocco)
Authors: Boutallaka Mohamed , El Mazi Mohamed , El Yazidi Maryame , El Hairchi Khalid , Benabdelhadi Mohammed
Published: June 2024

Climate change is one of the greatest environmental challenges facing humanity in the 21st century. This change is having a negative impact on the world, and in particular on the Southern part of the Mediterranean. Climate projections predict a reduction in precipitation, with mountainous regions being the hardest hit. The intensity of the effects of climate variability will particularly affect humid and sub-humid areas, such as the Ouergha watershed in Northern Morocco. The aim of this study is to analyse the evolution of annual precipitation between 1960 and 2020, and to assess its impact on the spatio-temporal evolution of bioclimatic stages and to make future projections of bioclimatic stages according to two scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5). The results of the study indicate a significant drop in water supply, estimated at around 30% over the studied period. A sharp drop in precipitation marked the months of the wet seasons. The effects of this decline on local ecosystems are manifold. The semi-arid and sub-humid bioclimatic stages have replaced the humid and hyper-humid stages, whereas the RCP scenarios show that the rate of change reaches 34.4%. This led to an amplification of the water crisis during the dry seasons.
Comparative Study of Observed and Projected Future Climate Evolution in Two Watersheds (Souss-Massa and Ouergha, Morocco) Using the Statistical Downscaling Model (SDSM)
Authors: El-Yazidi Maryame , Benabdelhadi Mohammed , Laaraj Marouane , Boutallaka Mohamed , El-Hamdouny Malika , Daide Fatima , Tabyaoui Hassan , Lahrach Abderrahim
Published: June 2024

The hydrological cycle and local climate of a region are directly impacted by climate change. Rapid fluctuations in climate alter weather patterns, resulting in the occurrence of extreme weather phenomena. This study examines two basins situated in distinct regions of Morocco, each influenced by specific climatic conditions. The primary aim of this study is to examine the climatic changes occurring within the two watersheds. Initially, it involves a comparative analysis of annual precipitation and temperatures from 1982 to 2022. Subsequently, the study projects precipitation and temperatures for the period spanning from 2024 to 2100. This analysis relies on data collected from 13 stations, 8 in the Souss-Massa and 5 in the Ouergha regions, using the Statistical Downscaling Model (SDSM) version 4.2.9. The investigation employs the fourth generation coupled global climate model CanESM2. Precipitation data and historical temperature models are used to forecast future temperatures and precipitation, based on Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) scenarios 4.5 and 8.5. The projected scenarios indicate a decrease in observed precipitation for the years 2040, 2060, and 2080, while temperatures are predicted to rise in both watersheds across all future scenarios.
Petrographic, mineralogical and geochemical characterization of The Tidiennit volcanic complex (eastern Rif)
Authors: Rachidi Mariam , Adil Samira , Belkasmi Mohammed , Sadequi Mohammed
Published: June 2024

The Tidiennit massif corresponds to a volcanic apparatus that represents one of the two known neovolcanic manifestations in the Nador region (north-east Morocco). It is a satellite volcano of the neogenous volcanic edifices of Gourougou (high-K calc-alkaline to shoshonitic), which is characterized by the presence of various deposits of useful mineral substances (bentonite, perlite). The studies carried out on the Tidiennit massif focused on the bentonites of the three sectors of Prévidencia, Trébia, and Taghzoute. The results obtained by EDAX/MEB show that the main components of bentonite are generally: montmorillonite, illite, calcite, hematite, sepiolite, fayalite, albite, biotite, orthose, cristobalite, and calcite, with montmorillonite accounting for a sizable portion of 80%. The studied region was affected by intense striking tectonics. The petrographic analysis of the rhyolitic magma highlights the superposition of two fluidity phases, one linear and the other nested, which is suggested the passage from a plastic to a brittle deformation stage. This favored the evolution of a set of structures and microstructures that facilitated the circulation of water, which allow us to conclude the origin of meteoric and hydrothermal alteration, and that bentonitization (alteration) is closely linked to the lithological characters of the rocks.