bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Colonization routes uncovered in a widely introduced Mediterranean gecko, Tarentola mauritanica
Authors: Rato Catarina , Deso Gregory , Renet Julien , Delaugerre Michel Jean , Marques Valéria , Mochales-Riaño Gabriel
Published: October 2023

In this study, we aimed to understand the contemporary and ancient colonization routes of the Moorish gecko,Tarentola mauritanica, using simple sequence repeats. By analyzing the genetic diversity of populations in different regions, we found that Morocco is the genetic diversity hotspot for the species, followed by the Iberian Peninsula. However, historical gene flow estimates identified the Iberian Peninsula, not Morocco, as the primary contributor of colonizing individuals, along with continental Italy to a lesser extent. Currently, mainland Italy is the main source of introduced individuals, likely due to the plant nursery trade. The study suggests that human-facilitated introductions from various geographical origins, with numerous regions colonized through continental Italy during two distinct periods, are responsible for the recurrent entry of individuals belonging to the European lineage ofT. mauritanicainto the Mediterranean and Macaronesia. These findings can inform better monitoring surveys and conservation programs by identifying putative current colonization routes of alien species.
Planktonic ecological networks support quantification of changes in ecosystem health and functioning
Authors: Loschi Matteo , D’Alelio Domenico , Camatti Elisa , Bernardi Aubry Fabrizio , Beran Alfred , Libralato Simone
Published: October 2023

Plankton communities are the foundation of marine food webs and have a large effect on the dynamics of entire ecosystems. Changes in physicochemical factors strongly influence planktonic organisms and their turnover rates, making their communities useful for monitoring ecosystem health. We studied and compared the planktonic food webs of Palude della Rosa (Venice Lagoon, Italy) in 2005 and 2007. The food webs were developed using a novel approach based on the Monte Carlo random sampling of parameters within specific and realistic ranges to derive 1000 food webs for July of each year. The consumption flows involving Strombididae, Evadne spp. and Podon spp. were identified as the most important in splitting food webs of the July of the two years. Although functional nodes (FNs) differed both in presence and abundance in July of the two years, the whole system indicators showed very similar results. Sediment resuspension acted as a source of stress for the Venice Lagoon, being the most used resource by consumers while inhibiting primary producers by increasing water turbidity. Primary production in the water column was mainly generated by benthic FNs. Although the system was near an equilibrium point, it tended to increase its resilience at the expense of efficiency due to stress. This study highlights the role of plankton communities, which can serve to assess ecosystem health.
Evaluation of potential reference genes in the biting midge Culicoides sonorensis for real-time quantitative PCR analyses
Authors: Osborne Cameron , Cooper Anastasia M. W. , Hall Brandon , Bird Edward , Nayduch Dana , Silver Kristopher
Published: October 2023

Studies examining differentially expressed genes and gene silencing by RNA interference (RNAi) require a set of stably expressed reference genes for accurate normalization. The biting midge Culicoides sonorensis is an important vector of livestock pathogens and is often used as a model species for biting midge research. Here, we examine the stable expression of six candidate reference genes in C. sonorensis: actin, β-tubulin, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), ribosomal protein subunit (RPS) 18, vacuolar ATPase subunit A (VhaA), and elongation factor 1-beta (EF1b). Gene expression was assessed under seven conditions, including cells treated with double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), 3rd and 4th instar larvae treated with dsRNA, six developmental stages, four adult female body parts or tissue groups, and females injected with bluetongue virus or vesicular stomatitis virus. Stable gene expression was assessed using RefFinder, NormFinder, geNorm, and BestKeeper. The ranked results for each analysis tool under each condition and a comprehensive ranking for each condition are presented. The data show that optimal reference genes vary between conditions and that just two reference genes were necessary for each condition. These findings provide reference genes for use under these conditions in future studies using real-time quantitative PCR to evaluate gene expression in C. sonorensis.
Controlling crystallites orientation and facet exposure for enhanced electrochemical properties of polycrystalline MoO3 films
Authors: Trzciński Konrad , Zarach Zuzanna , Szkoda Mariusz , Nowak Andrzej P. , Berent Katarzyna , Sawczak Mirosław
Published: October 2023

This study focuses on the development and optimization of MoO3 films on commercially available FTO substrates using the pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique. By carefully selecting deposition conditions and implementing post-treatment procedures, precise control over crystallite orientation relative to the substrate is achieved. Deposition at 450 °C in O2 atmosphere results in random crystallite arrangement, while introducing argon instead of oxygen to the PLD chamber during the initial stage of sputtering exposes the (102) and (011) facets. On the other hand, room temperature deposition leads to the formation of amorphous film, but after appropriate post-annealing treatment, the (00k) facets were exposed. The deposited films are studied using SEM and XRD techniques. Moreover, electrochemical properties of FTO/MoO3 electrodes immersed in 1 M AlCl3 aqueous solution are evaluated using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results demonstrate that different electrochemical processes are promoted based on the orientation of crystallites. When the (102) and (011) facets are exposed, the Al3+ ions intercalation induced by polarization is facilitated, while the (00k) planes exposure leads to the diminished hydrogen evolution reaction overpotential.
Comparison of two surgical interventions for lumbar brucella spondylitis in adults: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Jiang Dingyu , Ma Liang , Wang Xiyang , Xu Zhenchao , Sun Guannan , Jia Runze , Wu Yunqi , Zhang Yilu
Published: October 2023

This retrospective study aimed to compare the clinical efficacy of the posterior procedure with the combined anterior and posterior procedure in the surgical management of lumbar Brucella spondylitis. From January 2015 to June 2020, a total of 62 patients presenting with lumbar Brucella spondylitis underwent either one-stage posterior pedicle fixation, debridement, and interbody fusion (Group A, n = 33) or anterior debridement, bone grafting, and posterior instrumentation (Group B, n = 29). All patients were followed up for an average of 25.4 ± 1.5 months and achieved complete resolution of lumbar Brucella spondylitis. No significant differences between the groups were observed in terms of age or pre-operative, three-month postoperative and final follow-up indices of the VAS, ESR, CRP, lordosis angle, ODI scores, fusion time, and time of serum agglutination test conversion to negative (P > 0.05). Each patient exhibited notable improvements in neurological function, as assessed by the JOA score rating system. Group A demonstrated significantly shorter operative duration, intraoperative blood loss, and hospital stay compared to Group B (P < 0.05). Superficial wound infection was observed in one case in Group A, whereas Group B experienced one case each of intraoperative peritoneal rupture, postoperative ileus, iliac vein injury, and superficial wound infection. This study supports the efficacy of both surgical interventions in the treatment of lumbar Brucella spondylitis, with satisfactory outcomes. However, the posterior approach demonstrated advantages, including reduced surgical time, diminished blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and fewer perioperative complications. Consequently, the one-stage posterior pedicle fixation, debridement, and interbody fusion represent a superior treatment option.
Association between uncontrolled diabetes and periodontal disease in US adults: NHANES 2009–2014
Authors: Vu Giang T. , Shakib Shaminul , King Christian , Gurupur Varadraj , Little Bert B.
Published: October 2023

This study examined the relationship between uncontrolled diabetes and periodontal disease (PD) among adults in the United States. We used data from the 2009–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) with a sample of 6108 adults ages 30 and over. To measure PD status, we used the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/American Academy of Periodontology’s standards. To classify DM status (no DM, DM with HbA1c < 9%, diabetes with HbA1c ≥ 9%),we used self-reported Diabetes Mellitus (DM) diagnosis and laboratory report of HbA1c. Approximately 8.5% of the sample had controlled DM, and 1.7% had uncontrolled DM, for a total of 10.2% DM in the analysis. Multivariate logistic regression showed that compared to those without DM, PD was significantly increased with controlled DM (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–1.73, p < 0.05) and even more with uncontrolled DM (aOR = 2.48, 95% CI 1.52–4.04, p < 0.001), after adjusting for covariates. Factors that reduced the prevalence of PD included annual dental visits, female gender, and college education. Factors that significantly increased PD prevalence were cigarette smoking, non-white race, income < 200% Federal Poverty Level, and older age (age > 50 years). In conclusion, uncontrolled DM was significantly associated with higher odds of PD among adults in the US.
Production of rumen- and gastrointestinal-resistant nanoparticles to deliver lysine to dairy cows
Authors: Albuquerque João , Neves Ana R. , Van Dorpe Ingrid , Fonseca António J. M. , Cabrita Ana R. J. , Reis Salette
Published: October 2023

Supplementing diets with rumen-protected lysine is a common strategy to meet the nutritional needs of high-producing dairy cows. This work addressed two separate but crucial issues: the lysine protection degree across the entire digestive tract as well as the production scalability of the proposed delivery systems. This was achieved by evaluating, in vitro or ex vivo, previously developed rumen-resistant lipid nanoparticles regarding their stability in the digestive tract and in the bloodstream of the dairy cow as well as how their production could be scaled-up. Results showed that the developed nanoparticles were able to resist digestion along the digestive tract but were degraded in the blood over 24 h. Thus, releasing their content to be used by the animal. In vitro viability assays were also performed, with the nanoparticles being found not to be inherently toxic when using nanoparticle concentrations up to 1 mg/mL. Results showed that neither the purity of the used lipids nor the production method significantly altered the nanoparticles’ properties or their ruminal resistance. Furthermore, the shelf-life of these nanoparticles was assessed, and they were found to retain their properties and remain usable after at least 1 month of storage. Moreover, a pilot-scale production allowed the production of nanoparticles with similar properties to the previous ones made using standard methods. To summarize, the proposed rumen-resistant nanoparticles presented potential as orally ingested lysine delivery systems for dairy cattle supplementation, being capable of a large-scale production using cheaper components while maintaining their properties and without any efficiency loss. It should however be noted that these results were obtained mainly in vitro and further in vivo bioavailability and production experiments are needed before this technology can be confirmed as a viable way of delivering lysine to dairy cows.
The relationships between wisdom, positive orientation and health-related behavior in older adults
Authors: Zadworna Magdalena , Stetkiewicz-Lewandowicz Agnieszka
Published: October 2023

The concept of healthy ageing, i.e. maintaining health in late life, is closely connected with the role of health behavior. Although health behavior is determined by personal factors, little is known about its relationships with wisdom and positive orientation. Therefore, the aim of the study was to establish relationships between sociodemographic and health factors, personal resources (wisdom and positive orientation) and health-related behavior in late life. The study included 353 Polish seniors aged 60–99 (M = 71.95; SD = 1.45). The respondents completed the Health-Related Questionnaire for Seniors, Three Dimensional Wisdom Scale, Positive Orientation Scale and a sociodemographic survey. Wisdom and positive orientation were associated with general health behavior and all of its factors. Among the sociodemographic variables, attendance in nonformal education courses had the strongest predictive role for health behavior. A hierarchical regression model demonstrated that personal resources significantly determined healthy lifestyle, after controlling for sociodemographic factors. Additionally, mediational analyses revealed that positive orientation acted as a partial mediator between wisdom and health behavior. Our findings extend knowledge about the factors enhancing healthy lifestyle in older adults, indicating that both wisdom and positive orientation may represent valuable personal resources for health-related behavior.
Estimation of renewable energy systems for mobile network based on real measurements using HOMER software in Egypt
Authors: Bahgaat Naglaa K.
Published: October 2023

With the increasing of global awareness of the importance of reducing polluting emissions and maintaining a clean and healthy environment. So, the tendency to generate electric energy from new and renewable sources has become an urgent need to achieve this goal. In this paper an optimal economic cost analysis using hybrid renewable energy sources to generate the electricity needed for long-term evolution mobile phone systems was estimated. The proposed electric system accounts for the reduction of polluting emissions to the environment. The electrical profile of the optimal approaches or the hybrid technology and traditional methods which contain solar photovoltaic’, batteries, wind turbines, diesel generator were estimated and provides the electrical power for a Long-Term Evolution mobile network (LTE) as the load at a remote located area. A real time optimal cost analysis of each proposed network is done based on the real load profile, wind speed and solar radiation was placid on from 6 October city in Egypt. Statistical analysis was performed by varying the systems through comparison to determine the optimal approaches based on the Hybrid Optimization Model for Electrical Renewables software (HOMER).
Air-filled SIW technology for mass-manufacturable and energy-efficient terahertz systems
Authors: Van Messem Laura , Sinha Siddhartha , Ocket Ilja , Trischler Heinrich , Schlaffer Erich , Schlick Daniel , Rogier Hendrik , Lemey Sam
Published: October 2023

To accommodate the ever-growing data requirements in densely populated areas and address the need for high-resolution sensing in diverse next-generation applications, there is a noticeable trend towards utilizing large unallocated frequency bands above 100 GHz. To overcome the harsh propagation conditions, large-scale antenna arrays are crucial and urge the need for cost-effective, mass-manufacturable technologies. A dedicated Any-Layer High Density Interconnect PCB technology for highly efficient wireless D-band (110–170 GHz) systems is proposed. Specifically, the adapted stack accommodates broadband air-filled substrate-integrated-waveguide components for efficient long-range signal distribution and low-loss passives. The viability of the suggested technology platform is demonstrated by designing, fabricating and measuring several essential low-loss air-filled substrate-integrated-waveguide components, such as a dual rectangular filter, with a minimal insertion loss of 0.87 dB and 10 dB-matching within the (132.8–139.2 GHz) frequency band, and an air-filled waveguide with a routing loss of only 0.08 dB/mm and a flat amplitude variation within 0.01 dB/mm over the (115–155 GHz) frequency range. A broadband transition towards stripline, with a limited loss of 1.1 dB, is described to interface these waveguides with compactly integrated chips. A tolerance analysis is included as well as a comparison to the state of the art.
A deazariboflavin chromophore kinetically stabilizes reduced FAD state in a bifunctional cryptochrome
Authors: Hosokawa Yuhei , Morita Hiroyoshi , Nakamura Mai , Yamamoto Junpei
Published: October 2023

An animal-like cryptochrome derived from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (CraCRY) is a bifunctional flavoenzyme harboring flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) as a photoreceptive/catalytic center and functions both in the regulation of gene transcription and the repair of UV-induced DNA lesions in a light-dependent manner, using different FAD redox states. To address how CraCRY stabilizes the physiologically relevant redox state of FAD, we investigated the thermodynamic and kinetic stability of the two-electron reduced anionic FAD state (FADH−) in CraCRY and related (6–4) photolyases. The thermodynamic stability of FADH− remained almost the same compared to that of all tested proteins. However, the kinetic stability of FADH− varied remarkably depending on the local structure of the secondary pocket, where an auxiliary chromophore, 8-hydroxy-7,8-didemethyl-5-deazariboflavin (8-HDF), can be accommodated. The observed effect of 8-HDF uptake on the enhancement of the kinetic stability of FADH− suggests an essential role of 8-HDF in the bifunctionality of CraCRY.
Comprehensive guidance for optimizing the colloidal quantum dot (CQD) Perovskite solar cells: experiment and simulation
Authors: Memari Ali , Javadian Sarraf Mohammad , Seyyed Mahdavi Chabok Seyyed Javad , Motevalizadeh Leili
Published: October 2023

CsPbI3 perovskite quantum dots (CPQDs) have received great attention due to their potential in large-scale applications. Increasing the efficiency of CPQDs solar cells is an important issue that is addressed in this paper. Here, we have simulated a 14.61% colloidal CPQD solar cell with the least fitting parameter that shows the accuracy of the following results. The absorber layer properties are varied and different power conversion efficiency (PCE) is achieved for the new device. The results show that colloidal CsPbI3 material properties have a significant effect on the PCE of the device. Finally, the optimized parameters for the absorber layer are listed and the optimum efficiency of 29.88% was achieved for this case. Our results are interesting that help the researchers to work on CsPbI3 materials for the achievement of highly efficient, stable, large-scale, and flexible CPQDs solar cells.
Structure–function analysis of histone H2B and PCNA ubiquitination dynamics using deubiquitinase-deficient strains
Authors: Radmall Kaitlin S. , Shukla Prakash K. , Leng Andrew M. , Chandrasekharan Mahesh B.
Published: October 2023

Post-translational covalent conjugation of ubiquitin onto proteins or ubiquitination is important in nearly all cellular processes. Steady-state ubiquitination of individual proteins in vivo is maintained by two countering enzymatic activities: conjugation of ubiquitin by E1, E2 and E3 enzymes and removal by deubiquitinases. Here, we deleted one or more genes encoding deubiquitinases in yeast and evaluated the requirements for ubiquitin conjugation onto a target protein. Our proof-of-principle studies demonstrate that absence of relevant deubiquitinase(s) provides a facile and versatile method that can be used to study the nuances of ubiquitin conjugation and deubiquitination of target proteins in vivo. We verified our method using mutants lacking the deubiquitinases Ubp8 and/or Ubp10 that remove ubiquitin from histone H2B or PCNA. Our studies reveal that the C-terminal coiled-domain of the adapter protein Lge1 and the C-terminal acidic tail of Rad6 E2 contribute to monoubiquitination of histone H2BK123, whereas the distal acidic residues of helix-4 of Rad6, but not the acidic tail, is required for monoubiquitination of PCNA. Further, charged substitution at alanine-120 in the H2B C-terminal helix adversely affected histone H2BK123 monoubiquitination by inhibiting Rad6-Bre1-mediated ubiquitin conjugation and by promoting Ubp8/Ubp10-mediated deubiquitination. In summary, absence of yeast deubiquitinases UBP8 and/or UBP10 allows uncovering the regulation of and requirements for ubiquitin addition and removal from their physiological substrates such as histone H2B or PCNA in vivo.
Autonomous artificial intelligence increases real-world specialist clinic productivity in a cluster-randomized trial
Authors: Abramoff Michael D. , Whitestone Noelle , Patnaik Jennifer L. , Rich Emily , Ahmed Munir , Husain Lutful , Hassan Mohammad Yeadul , Tanjil Md. Sajidul Huq , Weitzman Dena , Dai Tinglong , Wagner Brandie D. , Cherwek David H. , Congdon Nathan , Islam Khairul
Published: October 2023

Autonomous artificial intelligence (AI) promises to increase healthcare productivity, but real-world evidence is lacking. We developed a clinic productivity model to generate testable hypotheses and study design for a preregistered cluster-randomized clinical trial, in which we tested the hypothesis that a previously validated US FDA-authorized AI for diabetic eye exams increases clinic productivity (number of completed care encounters per hour per specialist physician) among patients with diabetes. Here we report that 105 clinic days are cluster randomized to either intervention (using AI diagnosis; 51 days; 494 patients) or control (not using AI diagnosis; 54 days; 499 patients). The prespecified primary endpoint is met: AI leads to 40% higher productivity (1.59 encounters/hour, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.37–1.80) than control (1.14 encounters/hour, 95% CI: 1.02–1.25), p < 0.00; the secondary endpoint (productivity in all patients) is also met. Autonomous AI increases healthcare system productivity, which could potentially increase access and reduce health disparities. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05182580.
Sec22b regulates phagosome maturation by promoting ORP8-mediated lipid exchange at endoplasmic reticulum-phagosome contact sites
Authors: Criado Santos Nina , Bouvet Samuel , Cruz Cobo Maria , Mandavit Marion , Bermont Flavien , Castelbou Cyril , Mansour Farah , Azam Maral , Giordano Francesca , Nunes-Hasler Paula
Published: October 2023

Phagosome maturation is critical for immune defense, defining whether ingested material is destroyed or converted into antigens. Sec22b regulates phagosome maturation, yet how has remained unclear. Here we show Sec22b tethers endoplasmic reticulum-phagosome membrane contact sites (MCS) independently of the known tether STIM1. Sec22b knockdown increases calcium signaling, phagolysosome fusion and antigen degradation and alters phagosomal phospholipids PI(3)P, PS and PI(4)P. Levels of PI(4)P, a lysosome docking lipid, are rescued by Sec22b re-expression and by expression of the artificial tether MAPPER but not the MCS-disrupting mutant Sec22b-P33. Moreover, Sec22b co-precipitates with the PS/PI(4)P exchange protein ORP8. Wild-type, but not mutant ORP8 rescues phagosomal PI(4)P and reduces antigen degradation. Sec22b, MAPPER and ORP8 but not P33 or mutant-ORP8 restores phagolysosome fusion in knockdown cells. These findings clarify an alternative mechanism through which Sec22b controls phagosome maturation and beg a reassessment of the relative contribution of Sec22b-mediated fusion versus tethering to phagosome biology.
Shepherd electron effects in multiple ionization of rubidium by circularly polarized intense laser fields
Authors: Liu Shiwei , Ye Difa , Jiang Yuhai , Liu Jie
Published: October 2023

Nonsequential double/multiple ionization (NSDI/NSMI) of atoms in strong laser fields is a paradigm system for studying field-intervened electron-electron correlation. However, there exists a long-standing debated topic as to how NSDI/NSMI is triggered in a circularly-polarized laser field. In this contribution, it is shown counter-intuitively that the NSMI of alkali atoms is strongly enhanced due to a mechanism induced by their intrinsic shell structure, coined as the shepherd electron effect. Specifically, we find that the early-released outermost electron (the shepherd electron) can be stabilized on the Rydberg states even after dislodging some other inner-shell electrons and thus lead to the emergence of a transient hollow atom. Experimental signatures of the shepherd electron effect and its real-time observation with the attoclock technique are discussed. These results have substantially enriched our understanding of NSMI, beyond the well-accepted cascade recollision picture. They might have applications in coherent extreme-ultraviolet (XUV) light amplification.
Challenges and opportunities for innovation in bioinformed sustainable materials
Authors: Stuart-Fox Devi , Ng Leslie , Barner Leonie , Bennett Andrew T. D. , Blamires Sean J. , Elgar Mark A. , Evans Alistair R. , Franklin Amanda M. , Hölttä-Otto Katja , Hutchison James A. , Jativa Fernando , Jessop Anna-Lee , Kelley Jennifer , McGaw Janet , Mei Jun , Mirkhalaf Mohammad , Musameh Mustafa , Neto Chiara , O’Connor Andrea J. , Schork Tim , Schröder-Turk Gerd E. , Voelcker Nicolas H. , Wang Anna , Watson Gregory S. , Watson Jolanta A. , Wesemann Lukas , Wong Wallace W. H.
Published: October 2023

Nature provides a rich source of information for the design of novel materials; yet there remain significant challenges in the design and manufacture of materials that replicate the form, function, and sustainability of biological solutions. Here, we identify key challenges and promising approaches to the development of materials informed by biology. These challenges fall into two main areas; the first relates to harnessing biological information for materials innovation, including key differences between biological and synthetic materials, and the relationship between structure and function. We propose an approach to materials innovation that capitalizes on biodiversity, together with high-throughput characterization of biological material architectures and properties, linked to environmental and ecological context. The second area relates to the design and manufacture of bioinformed materials, including the physical scale of material architectures and manufacturing scale up. We suggest ways to address these challenges and promising prospects for a bioinformed approach to materials innovation.
Using machine learning to predict the efficiency of biochar in pesticide remediation
Authors: Nighojkar Amrita , Pandey Shilpa , Naebe Minoo , Kandasubramanian Balasubramanian , Soboyejo Winston Wole , Plappally Anand , Wang Xungai
Published: October 2023

Pesticides have remarkably contributed to protecting crop production and increase food production. Despite the improved food availability, the unavoidable ubiquity of pesticides in the aqueous media has significantly threatened human microbiomes and biodiversity. The use of biochar to remediate pesticides in soil water offers a sustainable waste management option for agriculture. The optimal conditions for efficient pesticide treatment via biochar are aqueous-matrix specific and differ amongst studies. Here, we use a literature database on biochar applications for aqueous environments contaminated with pesticides and employ ensemble machine learning models (i.e., CatBoost, LightGBM, and RF) to predict the adsorption behavior of pesticides. The results reveal that the textural properties of biochar, pesticide concentration, and dosage were the significant parameters affecting pesticide removal from water. The data-driven modeling intervention offers an empirical perspective toward the balanced design and optimized usage of biochar for capturing emerging micro-pollutants from water in agricultural systems.
Zwitterionic silver nanoparticle based antibacterial eye drops for efficient therapy of bacterial keratitis
Authors: Bai Yangjing , Ma Li , Huang Yingchun , Lang Shiying , Fan Wenjie , Liu Gongyan
Published: October 2023

Inefficient biofilm clearance and the risk of drug resistance pose significant challenges for antibiotic eye drops in the treatment of bacterial keratitis (BK).
Spatial, well-defined metal-corrole-based covalent organic polymers for remarkably enhanced multipurpose electrocatalysis and high-performance zinc–air batteries
Authors: Yao Yan-Fang , Huang Zhen-Yu , Xie Wan-Yue , Huang Si-Jing , Liu Zheng-Yan , Yang Gang , Ye Jian-Shan , Liu Hai-Yang , Xiao Xin-Yan
Published: October 2023

Incorporating the intrinsic catalytic activity of discrete molecular catalysts into covalent frameworks often enables improved electrocatalytic performance.
Photochemical oxidative dehydrogenation of saturated N-heterocycles by an iminoquinone
Authors: Mandal Baishanal , Bains Amreen K. , Roy Monojit , Adhikari Debashis
Published: October 2023

In this manuscript, we report an organic cofactor-inspired oxidative dehydrogenation reaction under aerobic atmosphere on a series of saturated N-heterocycles.
A COF template-derived mesoporous CeO2-supported Au nanoparticles catalyst for the oxidative esterification of benzaldehydes and benzyl alcohols
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Huang Tianhang , Liang Jinhua , Cao Hongzhang , Xu Yanhui , Liu Weisheng , Dong Zhengping
Published: October 2023

Mesoporous CeO2 was prepared by using low-cost COF as the template, and the obtained Au@CeO2 catalyst fabricated by loading Au nanoparticles on the CeO2 support showed excellent performance for the oxidative esterification of benzaldehydes and benzyl alcohols with methanol.
Remarkably enhanced upconversion luminescence in Na+ codoped spinel nanoparticles for photothermal cancer therapy and SPECT imaging
Authors: Balhara Annu , Gupta Santosh K. , Aggarwal Nidhi , Srivastava Swapnil , Panda Jiban Jyoti , Patra Sourav , Chakraborty Avik , Rakshit Sutapa , Chakravarty Rubel
Published: October 2023

The bio/cyto compatibilty, anti-cancer efficacy and in vivo single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging highlighted the potential of spinel UCNPs for dual modality SPECT/optical imaging and therapeutic applications.
The impact of Ni and Zn doping on the thermal durability and thermoelectric variables of pristine CuSe nanoparticles
Authors: Patel Sefali R. , Chaki Sunil H. , Solanki Mitesh B. , Kannaujiya Rohitkumar M. , Parekh Zubin R. , Khimani Ankurkumar J. , Deshpande Milind P.
Published: October 2023

Copper selenide nanomaterials are recognized to possess thermoelectric characteristics, becoming a strong contender to unite materials science and energy technology with effective use in practical applications in extreme environments.
One-step simultaneous liquid phase exfoliation-induced chirality in graphene and their chirality-mediated microRNA delivery
Authors: Pranav  , Ghali Eswara N. H. K. , Chauhan Neeraj , Tiwari Rahul , Cabrera Marco , Chauhan Subhash C. , Yallapu Murali M.
Published: October 2023

Chiral Graphene showing chirality mediated selective interaction with miR-205 and its delivery.
Synthesis of 2-aminopropyl benzopyran derivatives as potential agents against triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: García Ainhoa , Torres-Ruiz Sandra , Vila Laura , Villarroel-Vicente Carlos , Bernabeu Álvaro , Eroles Pilar , Cabedo Nuria , Cortes Diego
Published: October 2023

Synthesis of three series of 2-aminopropyl derivatives bearing a benzopyran nucleus was performed to evaluate their performance against triple-negative breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-436) and normal breast epithelial cells (MCF10A).
Flow and heat transfer of Al2O3and γ-Al2O3through a channel with non-parallel walls: a numerical study
Authors: Ganie Abdul Hamid , Ullah Basharat , EL Ghoul J. , Zahoor Kiran , Khan Umar
Published: October 2023

Nanofluids are referred to as nanometer suspensions in standard nanometer-sized fluid transfer.
Borane catalyzed transesterification of tert-butyl esters using α-aryl α-diazoesters
Authors: Yan Maying , Xiao Lei , Xiong Jiangkun , Jin Lvnan , Stephan Douglas W. , Guo Jing
Published: October 2023

B(C6F5)3 catalyzed transesterification of unsaturated tert-butyl esters with α-aryl α-diazo esters occurs in good yields (up to 99%) under mild reaction conditions, leaving the CC bonds intact.
Soft seed-mediated dimensional control of metal–organic framework nanocrystals through oil-in-water microemulsions
Authors: Lee Jaedeok , Park Suhyeon , Woo Seojeong , Bae Cheongwon , Jeon Yuri , Gu Mingyu , Kim Jeongeon , Kim Yeram , Nam Sang Yong , Jung Jong Hwa , Kim Juyeong
Published: October 2023

We demonstrate an environment-friendly universal methodology to control MOF crystal dimensions from nanometres to micrometres only by introducing an oil-in-water microemulsion.
NbOx overlayers protecting a NiMo alloy electrode realizing high-efficiency and durable intermittent water electrolysis
Authors: Liu Qilong , Bi Wentuan , Guan Jiaqi , Xiao Chong , Xie Yi
Published: October 2023

The NbOx overlayers developed suppress Mo leaching from pristine NiMo electrodes during intermittent water electrolysis, thus enabling unprecedented durability and providing a practical way to integrate water electrolysis with renewable electricity.
Multifunctional dielectric/optical response with broadband white light emission in a hybrid stannic halide crystal
Authors: Luo Qing-Feng , Ni Hao-Fei , Huang Pei-Zhi , Zhu Ming , Wang Chang-Feng , Zhuo Qian-Hao , Fu Da-Wei , Zhang Yi , Zhang Zhi-Xu
Published: October 2023

This study investigates dielectric switching response equipped with broadband white-light emission in a single hybrid material (3-methoxypropylamine)2SnCl6.
Imine induced metal-free C–H arylation of indoles
Authors: Zhang Lin , Gao Jianan , Wang Bin , Iqbal Azhar , Jin Weiwei , Xia Yu , Zhang Yonghong , Liu Chenjiang
Published: October 2023

A simple, mild, and metal- and extra-auxiliary group-free method for the direct arylation of indole-3-carbaldehydes induced by an in situ generated transient directing group was developed.
Atom-economical synthesis of bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane silanes by gold-catalyzed Si–H bond insertion reaction of 1,6-enynes with hydrosilanes
Authors: Wang Guanghui , Li Haotian , Wang Yongqiang , Li Zengzeng , Liu Gang , Zhao Ximei
Published: October 2023

A gold-catalyzed Si–H bond insertion reaction of 1,6-enynes with hydrosilanes via cyclopropyl gold carbene intermediates is herein reported, and a gold-catalyzed carbene insertion into Ge–H bonds is reported for the first time.
Polyethyleneimine-assisted formation of Ag–SiO2 hybrid microspheres for H2O2 sensing and SERS applications
Authors: Mehta Swati , Bahadur Jitendra , Sen Debasis , Nechiyil Divya , Bhatt H. , Kumar Naveen , Prakash Jyoti
Published: October 2023

Polyethyleneimine-assisted tunable Ag–SiO2 microspheres are obtained through a one-step scalable approach.
Optimized synthesis of polyacrylic acid-coated magnetic nanoparticles for high-efficiency DNA isolation and size selection
Authors: Bali Nesrine , Brennhaug Svein J. , Bjørås Magnar , Bandyopadhyay Sulalit , Manaf Adeel
Published: October 2023

Mono-layer coverage of magnetic beads with polyacrylic acid provides a promising technique for DNA size selection.
Graphene quantum dots (GQD) and edge-functionalized GQDs as hole transport materials in perovskite solar cells for producing renewable energy: a DFT and TD-DFT study
Authors: Kumar Anjan , Sayyed M. I. , Punina Diego , Naranjo Eugenia , Jácome Edwin , Abdulameer Maha Khalid , Albazoni Hamza Jasim , Shariatinia Zahra
Published: October 2023

This study investigated the potential suitability of graphene quantum dots (GQD) and certain edge-functionalized GQDs (GQD-3Xs) as hole transport materials (HTMs) in perovskite solar cells (PSCs).
A copper(ii) complex containing pyridine-2-carbaldehyde and its direct binding onto ethylenediamine functionalized with Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles for catalytic applications
Authors: Karimi Masoud , Ramazani Ali , Sajjadifar Sami , Rezayati Sobhan
Published: October 2023

In this study, Cu(ii)-Schiff base-(CH2)3-SiO2@Fe3O4 as a novel and heterogeneous magnetic nanocatalyst was designed, synthesized and used for the synthesis of pyran derivatives and 2-benzylidenemalononitrile derivatives under mild conditions.
Synthesis of indene in the liquid phase by a one-pot process using orthogonal tandem catalysis
Authors: Bertero Nicolás M. , Apesteguía Carlos R. , Marchi Alberto J.
Published: October 2023

The highest indene yield for a liquid-phase production process is reported here.
Electrochemical intercalation of rubidium into graphite, hard carbon, and soft carbon
Authors: Igarashi Daisuke , Tatara Ryoichi , Fujimoto Ryusei , Hosaka Tomooki , Komaba Shinichi
Published: October 2023

The electrochemical intercalation of Rb into graphite and low-crystalline carbons was demonstrated. It was confirmed that stage-1 RbC8 was formed in the low-potential region close to the Rb plating potential (Rb+/Rb) in non-aqueous electrolytes.
Ultra-fast synthesis of three-dimensional porous Cu/Zn heterostructures for enhanced carbon dioxide electroreduction
Authors: Jia Shuaiqiang , Zhu Qinggong , Han Shitao , Zhai Jianxin , Dong Mengke , Xia Wei , Xing Xueqing , Wu Haihong , He Mingyuan , Han Buxing
Published: October 2023

The excellent performance of porous Cu/Zn electrodes can be attributed to rapid mass/ion diffusion, and the electronic effect between Zn and Cu lowers the energy barrier for *COOH formation on the active sites, facilitating CO generation.
On the understanding of bio-oil formation from the hydrothermal liquefaction of organosolv lignin isolated from softwood and hardwood sawdust
Authors: Paulsen Thoresen Petter , Fahrni Jonas , Lange Heiko , Hertzog Jasmine , Carré Vincent , Zhou Ming , Trubetskaya Anna , Aubriet Frédéric , Hedlund Jonas , Gustafsson Tomas , Rova Ulrika , Christakopoulos Paul , Matsakas Leonidas
Published: October 2023

Organosolv fractionation of hard- and softwood is applied to obtain lignin substrates utilized for bio-oil production through hydrothermal liquefaction. The resulting bio-oil properties reflect the stemming lignin chemistries.
Lightweight, superelastic, and temperature-resistant rGO/polysulfoneamide-based nanofiber composite aerogel for wearable piezoresistive sensors
Authors: Wang Ziwen , Qin Zhen , Zhao Biao , Zhu Han , Pan Kai
Published: October 2023

The piezoresistive sensor assembled by rGO/PSAN composite aerogel is characterized by wide pressure detection range and high sensitivity, and have a broad application prospect in the field of high and low-temperature sensing.
Dynamic cooperativity of chromophores in promoting singlet fission in perylenediimide crystals
Authors: Xue Lijuan , Huang Haibei , Bu Yuxiang
Published: October 2023

Cooperativity of proximate monomers in promoting SF under the influence of structure dynamics in perylenediimide crystals is explored using combined ab initio molecular dynamics simulations and time-dependent density functional theory calculations.
Long-stable solar energy capture and storage via negative thermal expansion regulated calcium-based particles
Authors: Liu Jingrui , Xuan Yimin , Teng Liang , Sun Chen , Zhu Qibin , Liu Xianglei
Published: October 2023

The negative thermal expansion regulation strategy of NTEP alleviates the sintering dilemma of calcium-based particles and provides a promising solution for long-term stable renewable energy conversion and storage.
Accretion rates of 42 nova-like stars with IUE and Gaia data
Authors: Gilmozzi Roberto , Selvelli Pierluigi
Published: October 2023

We analyzed more than 700 ultraviolet spectra of 45 nova-like stars (NLs) observed with the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) satellite, obtaining reliable data for 42 of them. Combining these with the distances from the Gaia Early Data Release 3 (EDR3) and with results from the literature, for each object we determined the reddening EB − V, the disk spectral energy distribution (SED), the reference (i.e., inclination-corrected) absolute magnitude and disk luminosity (MVref, Ldiskref), and the mass accretion rate (Ṁ), all with propagated errors. The de-reddened UV continuum of NLs in a high state is well approximated by a power-law distribution with index α in the range −2.4 ≤ α ≤ −0.2. The agreement between the power-law extrapolation to the V band and the observed V magnitude is outstanding and implies that for NLs in a high state, the disk continuum dominates not only in the UV but also in the optical, with other possible contributions (white dwarf, M dwarf, and hot spot) being minor. We note that the accretion rate correlates with the period, power-law index, and MVref, making them convenient proxies for Ṁ. The strongest correlation (pH0 < 10−6) is  log Ṁ = −0.57 ± 0.06 MVref−5.98 ± 0.29. Nine of the 42 NLs fall within the period gap but all have Ṁ very similar to that of the objects above the gap, contrary to theory expectations but in agreement with other observational work, and indicating that − at least for NLs − the theoretical assumptions of the standard model of the evolution of CVs need substantial revision. Medians and weighted means of log Ṁ (≈ −8.5) are very similar among NL classes, and also to those of old novae, dispelling the prejudice that stars belonging to the SW Sex class of NLs have “exceptionally high” Ṁ compared to other NLs (and old novae). In fact, it is one of the most interesting results of this study that NLs and old novae are indistinguishable in terms of Ṁ and its correlation with MVref. Two NLs (V1315 Aql and BZ Cam) have shells around them, a likely fingerprint of a past nova eruption, but the suggested association with “guest stars” of ancient Chinese chronicles is questionable.
Constraints on the magnetic field in the intercluster bridge A399–A401
Authors: Balboni M. , Bonafede A. , Bernardi G. , Wittor D. , Vazza F. , Botteon A. , Carretti E. , Shimwell T. , Vacca V. , van Weeren R. J.
Published: October 2023

Galaxy cluster mergers are natural consequences of structure formation in the Universe. Such events involve the dissipation of a large amount of energy (∼1063 erg) during the process. Part of this energy can be channelled in particle acceleration and magnetic field amplification, enhancing non-thermal emission of the intra- and intercluster environment. Recently, low-frequency observations led to the detection of a bridge of diffuse synchrotron emission connecting two merging galaxy clusters, Abell 399 and Abell 401. This result provides clear observational evidence of relativistic particles and magnetic fields in between clusters. In this work, we used LOw Frequency ARray (LOFAR) observations at 144 MHz to study the polarised emission in the A399–A401 bridge region for the first time. No polarised emission was detected from the bridge region. Assuming a model where polarisation is generated by multiple shocks, depolarisation can be due to Faraday dispersion in the foreground medium with respect to the shocks. We constrained its Faraday dispersion to be greater than 0.10 rad m−2 at 95% confidence level, which corresponds to an average magnetic field in the bridge region of greater than 0.46 nG (or 0.41 nG if we include regions of the Faraday spectrum that are contaminated by Galactic emission). This result is largely consistent with the predictions from numerical simulations for megaparsec regions where the gas density is about 300 times higher than the mean gas density.
Impact of the uncertainties of 3α and 12C(α, γ)16O reactions on the He-burning phases of low- and intermediate-mass stars
Authors: Tognini F. , Valle G. , Dell’Omodarme M. , Degl’Innocenti S. , Prada Moroni P. G.
Published: October 2023

Aims. We aim to estimate the impact on the stellar evolution of the uncertainties in the 3α and the 12C(α, γ)16O reaction rates, taking into account the recent improvements in their precision.

Methods. We calculated models of low- and intermediate-mass stars for different values of 3α and 12C(α, γ)16O reaction rates. The 3α reaction rate was varied up to ±24% around the reference value, while the 12C(α, γ)16O reaction rate was varied by up to ±35%, taking into account different recent values for these quantities available in the literature. The models were calculated with the FRANEC evolutionary code for two different initial chemical compositions, namely, Y = 0.246, Z = 0.0001, and Y = 0.28, Z = 0.015 to represent different stellar populations. A M = 0.67 M⊙ model was chosen as representative of the first class (halo ancient stars), while for the second composition (disk stars), the M = 1.5 M⊙ and M = 2.5 M⊙ models were considered. The impact of 3α and 12C(α, γ)16O reaction rates on the central He-burning lifetime and the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) lifetime, as well as the mass of the C/O core at the central He exhaustion and the internal C and O abundances, was investigated.

Results. A variation of the 12C(α, γ)16O reaction rates within its nominal error resulted in marginal differences in the analysed features among the three considered stellar masses, except for the C/O abundances. The central He-burning lifetime changed by less than 4%, while the AGB lifetime was affected only at the 1% level. The internal C and O abundances showed greater variation, with a change of about 15%. The uncertainty in the 3α reaction rate mainly influences the C and O central abundances (up to 10%) for all the models considered, and the AGB lifetime for intermediate mass stars (up to 5%). Most of the investigated features were affected by less than 2%.

Conclusions. The current uncertainty in the explored reaction rates has a negligible effect on the predicted evolutionary time scale with respect to other uncertainty sources. On the other hand, the variability in the chemical profile left at the end of the shell He-burning phase is still relevant. We also checked that there is no interaction between the effects of the two reaction rates, as would be expected in the case of small perturbations.
Spectrum of the Dirichlet Laplacian in a thin cubic lattice
Authors: Chesnel Lucas , Nazarov Sergei A.
Published: October 2023

We give a description of the lower part of the spectrum of the Dirichlet Laplacian in an unbounded 3D periodic lattice made of thin bars (of widthε ≪ 1) which have a square cross section. This spectrum coincides with the union of segments which all go to +∞ asεtends to zero due to the Dirichlet boundary condition. We show that the first spectral segment is extremely tight, of lengthO(e−δ/ε),δ> 0, while the length of the next spectral segments isO(ε). To establish these results, we need to study in detail the properties of the Dirichlet LaplacianAΩin the geometry Ω obtained by zooming at the junction regions of the initial periodic lattice. This problem has its own interest and playing with symmetries together with max–min arguments as well as a well-chosen Poincaré–Friedrichs inequality, we prove thatAΩhas a unique eigenvalue in its discrete spectrum, which generates the first spectral segment. Additionally we show that there is no threshold resonance forAΩ, that is no non trivial bounded solution at the threshold frequency forAΩ. This implies that the correct 1D model of the lattice for the next spectral segments is a system of ordinary differential equations set on the limit graph with Dirichlet conditions at the vertices. We also present numerics to complement the analysis.