bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Native American geography shaped historical fire frequency in forests of eighteenth-century Pennsylvania, USA
Authors: Tulowiecki Stephen J. , Hanberry Brice B. , Abrams Marc D.
Published: October 2023

Researchers have debated the relative importance of environmental versus Indigenous effects on past fire regimes in eastern North America. Tree-ring fire-scar records (FSRs) provide local-resolution physical evidence of past fire, but few studies have spatially correlated fire frequency from FSRs with environmental and anthropogenic variables. No study has compared FSR locations to Native American settlement features in the eastern United States. We assess whether FSRs in the eastern US are located near regions of past Native American settlement. We also assess relationships between distance to Native American settlement, environmental conditions, and fire frequency in central Pennsylvania (PA), US, using an “ensemble of small models” approach for low sample sizes. Regression models of fire frequency at 21 locations in central PA often selected distance-based proxies of Indigenous land use. Models with mean annual temperature and Native American variables as predictors explained > 70% of the variation in fire frequency. Alongside temperature and wind speed, “distance to nearest trail” and “mean distance to nearest town” were significant and important predictors. In 18th-century central PA, fires were more frequent near Indigenous trails and towns, and further south due to increasing temperature and pyrophilic vegetation. However, for the entire eastern US, FSRs are located far from past settlement, limiting their effectiveness in detecting fire patterns near population centers. Improving understanding of historical fire will require developing FSRs closer to past Native American settlement.
Solutions of fuzzy advection-diffusion and heat equations by natural adomian decomposition method
Authors: Jamal Noor , Sarwar Muhammad , Agarwal Parveen , Mlaiki Nabil , Aloqaily Ahmad
Published: October 2023

In this article, we present an algorithm for computing analytical solutions of linear fuzzy advection-diffusion equations and one-dimensional fuzzy heat equations involving an external source. The fuzzy problems can be solved by using the natural transform and Adomian decomposition method. The results obtained through the natural Adomian decomposition method are calculated in a series form that converges rapidly to the exact solution. To enhance the practicality of our work, we provide examples to illustrate our findings.
A Web-GIS tool for diagnosing spatial orientation of young adults: design and evaluation of Geo-Survey
Authors: Kulawiak Marcin , Krajnik Dominik , Czaplicka Marta , Dawidowicz Agnieszka
Published: October 2023

Spatial orientation is the effectiveness with which one is able to assess the mutual location of objects relative to a point of reference or a system of coordinates. Traditionally, this ability has been evaluated through field navigation tests, which do not take into account the prevailing influence of free online maps and virtual walks on a person’s interpretation of space. In this context, this study presents a Web-GIS tool designed and developed to examine spatial orientation skills in the context of the used map type. The tool, named Geo-Survey, enables combination of survey questions with customized maps, providing users with a set of possible answer types. Moreover, using the unique concept of predefined answers, the tool attempts to automate the process of analysing research results. The tools’ performance is evaluated via assessing the spatial orientation skills of a group of young adults.
Augmentation of plant biomass productivity using epigeic earthworm Perionyx excavatus and Eisenia fetida as soil nutrient facilitators
Authors: Jing Lirikum , Kakati Lakhmi Nandan , Ao Bendang , Kiewhuo Patricia
Published: October 2023

With the increasing demand for organic food production, the earthworm is used as a soil nutrient facilitator. The present study was conducted to assess the effect of epigeic earthworms Perionyx excavatus and Eisenia. fetida on soil nutrients and the consequent improvement of biomass productivity and yield of Capsicum chinense Jacq and Zea mays L. The experiment was conducted in 5 L and 15 L capacity plastic pots for C. chinense and Z. mays with 150 g and 300 g of half-decomposed cow dung, respectively. It was observed that the weekly harvest rate of ripened chili was 17.59 g, 13.91 g, and 9.24 g in P. excavatus, control, and E. fetida pot showing 26.49% higher in P. excavatus. Also, the total kernel count per corn was significantly different (F(2, 9) = 37.78, p < 0.05), with the highest kernel present in P. excavatus(333.5 ± 13.5), followed by E. fetida(261.5 ± 16.5) and control (235 ± 22). The impact of P. excavatus was more perceptible in C. chinense, indicated by higher leaf biomass (69.16%), root length (30.14%), and fruit harvest (71.03%). However, the effect of E. fetida was noticed more in Z. mays (stem length, 19.24%, stem biomass, 14.39%, root biomass, 20.9%, kernel count, 41.91%, and kernel weight, 95.07%). Enhanced plant productivity was also supported by an increasing soil nutrient turnover in organic carbon (OC) (25.76% and 23.4%), Phosphorus (P) (31.03% and 25.67%), and Potassium (K) (41.67% and 12.26) in P. excavatus and E. fetida worked soil respectively. The findings indicate that earthworms have a notable impact on plant biomass productivity by promoting the mineralization of soil nutrients and imply on possibility of organic cultivation of seasonal vegetables without using synthetic fertilizers.
Reduction of retinal ganglion cell death in mouse models of familial dysautonomia using AAV-mediated gene therapy and splicing modulators
Authors: Schultz Anastasia , Cheng Shun-Yun , Kirchner Emily , Costello Stephanann , Miettinen Heini , Chaverra Marta , King Colin , George Lynn , Zhao Xin , Narasimhan Jana , Weetall Marla , Slaugenhaupt Susan , Morini Elisabetta , Punzo Claudio , Lefcort Frances
Published: October 2023

Familial dysautonomia (FD) is a rare neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disease caused by a splicing mutation in the Elongator Acetyltransferase Complex Subunit 1 (ELP1) gene. The reduction in ELP1 mRNA and protein leads to the death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and visual impairment in all FD patients. Currently patient symptoms are managed, but there is no treatment for the disease. We sought to test the hypothesis that restoring levels of Elp1 would thwart the death of RGCs in FD. To this end, we tested the effectiveness of two therapeutic strategies for rescuing RGCs. Here we provide proof-of-concept data that gene replacement therapy and small molecule splicing modifiers effectively reduce the death of RGCs in mouse models for FD and provide pre-clinical foundational data for translation to FD patients.
Predicting the strengths of date fiber reinforced concrete subjected to elevated temperature using artificial neural network, and Weibull distribution
Authors: Adamu Musa , Rehman Khalil Ur , Ibrahim Yasser E. , Shatanawi Wasfi
Published: October 2023

Date palm fiber (DPF) is normally used as fiber material in concrete. Though its addition to concrete leads to decline in durability and mechanical strengths performance. Additionally, due to its high ligno-cellulose content and organic nature, when used in concrete for high temperature application, the DPF can easily degrade causing reduction in strength and increase in weight loss. To reduce these effects, the DPF is treated using alkaline solutions. Furthermore, pozzolanic materials are normally added to the DPF composites to reduce the effects of the ligno-cellulose content. Therefore, in this study silica fume was used as supplementary cementitious material in DPF reinforced concrete (DPFRC) to reduce the negative effects of elevated temperature. Hence this study aimed at predicting the residual strengths of DPFRC enhanced/improved with silica fume subjected to elevated temperature using different models such as artificial neural network (ANN), multi-variable regression analysis (MRA) and Weibull distribution. The DPFRC is produced by adding DPF in proportions of 0%, 1%, 2% and 3% by mass. Silica fume was used as partial substitute to cement in dosages of 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% by volume. The DPFRC was then subjected to elevated temperatures between 200 and 800 °C. The weight loss, residual compressive strength and relative strengths were measured. The residual compressive strength and relative strength of the DPFRC declined with addition of DPF at any temperature. Silica fume enhanced the residual and relative strengths of the DPFRC when heated to a temperature up to 400 °C. To forecast residual compressive strength (RCS) and relative strength (RS), we provide two distinct ANN models. The first layer's inputs include DPF (%), silica fume (%), temperature (°C), and weight loss (%). The hidden layer is thought to have ten neurons. M-I is the scenario in which we use RCS as an output, whereas M-II is the scenario in which we use RS as an output. The ANN models were trained using the Levenberg–Marquardt backpropagation algorithm (LMBA). Both neural networking models exhibit a significant correlation between the predicted and actual values, as seen by their respective R = 0.99462 and R = 0.98917. The constructed neural models M-I and M-II are highly accurate at predicting RCS and RS values. MRA and Weibull distribution were used for prediction of the strengths of the DPFRC under high temperature. The developed MRA was found to have a good prediction accuracy. The residual compressive strength and relative strength followed the two-parameter Weibull distribution.
Spatial compartmentalisation of bacteria in phoronid microbiomes
Authors: Holt Corey C. , Dhaliwal Sahib , Na Ina , Mtawali Mahara , Boscaro Vittorio , Keeling Patrick
Published: October 2023

The phylum Phoronida comprises filter-feeding invertebrates that live in a protective tube sometimes reinforced with particulate material from the surrounding environments. Animals with these characteristics make promising candidate hosts for symbiotic bacteria, given the constant interactions with various bacterial colonizers, yet phoronids are one of the very few animal phyla with no available microbiome data whatsoever. Here, by sequencing the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene, we compare bacterial microbiomes in whole phoronids, including both tube and living tissues, with those associated exclusively to the isolated tube and/or the naked animal inside. We also compare these communities with those from the surrounding water. Phoronid microbiomes from specimens belonging to the same colony but collected a month apart were significantly different, and bacterial taxa previously reported in association with invertebrates and sediment were found to drive this difference. The microbiomes associated with the tubes are very similar in composition to those isolated from whole animals. However, just over half of bacteria found in whole specimens are also found both in tubes and naked specimens. In conclusion, phoronids harbour bacterial microbiomes that differ from those in the surrounding water, but the composition of those microbiomes is not stable and appears to change in the same colony over a relatively short time frame. Considering individual spatial/anatomical compartments, the phoronid tube contributes most to the whole-animal microbiome.
Valorization of sorghum ash with digestate and biopreparations in the development biomass of plants in a closed production system of energy
Authors: Romanowska-Duda Zdzisława , Janas Regina , Grzesik Mieczysław , van Duijn Bert
Published: October 2023

Replacing chemical fertilizers with non-toxic waste that meet all fertilizing purposes, including ash from plant biomass and their management is becoming the important goal of sustainable agriculture concerning energy plants production in a closed system. This study aims to explore a novel strategy for utilizing natural sorghum ash together with digestate and ecological compounds, to replace synthetic fertilizers, for the energy plant development improvement and thus reduction of the environment pollution. Sorghum, as an energy plant, cultivated in low quality sandy and podzolic soils, in Central and North Poland climate, was fertilized with different doses of YaraMila Complex, a synthetic fertilizer (0, 150, 300 kg ha−1 Each dose was supplemented with different amounts of sorghum ash (0.5, 1, 2 and 4 t ha−1), used alone or with addition of APOL-HUMUS (soil improver; 10 L ha−1), biogas plant digestate (30 m3 ha−1) and Stymjod (nano-organic leaf fertilizer; 5 L ha−1). Added to each YaraMila Complex dose, the applied ash amounts (optimally 2–4 t ha−1), increased growth of plants, crop biomass, index of chlorophyll content, net photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductance, content of intercellular CO2, activity of acid and alkaline phosphatase, RNase and dehydrogenase and energy properties. Sorghum ash used with the lesser YaraMila Complex doses of 0 or 150 kg ha−1 caused the enhanced growth of plants more than the doubled YaraMila Complex amounts applied alone (150 or 300 kg ha−1, correspondingly). Additionally, applied biogas plant digestate, APOL-HUMUS and Stymjod further increased the plant growth. This indicates that the application of natural sorghum ash accelerates energy plant development, can reduce by half the recommended synthetic fertilizer doses on poor and marginal soil and enables the cultivation of sorghum in a closed production cycle.
A multi-objective optimization design approach of large mining planetary gear reducer
Authors: Xin Wen , Zhang Yanyan , Fu Yang , Yang Wei , Zheng Huanping
Published: October 2023

A two-stage computational framework is proposed to optimize the radiated noise and weight of a large mining planetary gear reducer under the rated conditions, based on a combination of response surface methodology and multi-objective optimization. The well-established transient dynamic analysis model of a large mining planetary gear reducer, which is used to analyze the mechanical strength and acoustic characteristics of the gear reducer. A unified experimental design is developed to obtain the response surface of the gearbox radiated noise and the mass of the gearbox housing. After obtaining the multi-objective optimization function, the multi-objective optimization problem for a lightweight and low-noise gearbox is performed using non-dominated sorting from the Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II). The research results demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed optimization method in reducing vibrating amplitude and weight of the gearbox. This is crucial for minimizing energy consumption and enhancing the overall performance of the system. Additionally, the optimized gearbox design not only saves energy but also contributes to the reduction of carbon emissions, making it environmentally friendly.
Risk and protective factors for health behaviour in adolescence in Europe
Authors: Zsakai Annamaria , Ratz-Sulyok Fanny Zselyke , Koronczai Beatrix , Varro Petra , Toth Erika , Szarvas Szilvia , Tauber Tamas , Karkus Zsolt , Molnar Kinga
Published: October 2023

The purpose of the analysis was to identify the risk and protective factors for health behaviour in European adolescents from population health status and expenditure, mental health status, sexual life, social life and education indices and the existence of national strategies, programmes. National and international databases providing information on the presumed health behaviour predictors were used in the analysis. The existence of national health strategies, the level of health expenditure, the socioeconomic conditions, the level of education and literacy had significant influence on the health-risk behaviour of adolescents in the European societies. Six clusters of European countries were extracted by considering the health behaviour risks and health protection strategies. National health strategies combined with governmental support for health prevention and action plans have the most effective impact on the health-risk behaviour of adolescents.
Early diagnosis of aortic calcification through dental X-ray examination for dental pulp stones
Authors: Ishikawa Misao , Kanzaki Hiroyuki , Kodera Ryo , Sekimizu Takehiro , Wada Satoshi , Tohyama Syunnosuke , Ida Tomomi , Shimoyama Miho , Manase Shugo , Tomonari Hiroshi , Kuroda Noriyuki
Published: October 2023

Vascular calcification, an ectopic calcification exacerbated by aging and renal dysfunction, is closely associated with cardiovascular disease. However, early detection indicators are limited. This study focused on dental pulp stones, ectopic calcifications found in oral tissues that are easily identifiable on dental radiographs. Our investigation explored the frequency and timing of these calcifications in different locations and their relationship to aortic calcification. In cadavers, we examined the association between the frequency of dental pulp stones and aortic calcification, revealing a significant association. Notably, dental pulp stones appeared prior to aortic calcification. Using a rat model of hyperphosphatemia, we confirmed that dental pulp stones formed earlier than calcification in the aortic arch. Interestingly, there were very few instances of aortic calcification without dental pulp stones. Additionally, we conducted cell culture experiments with vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and dental pulp cells (DPCs) to explore the regulatory mechanism underlying high phosphate-mediated calcification. We found that DPCs produced calcification deposits more rapidly and exhibited a stronger augmentation of osteoblast differentiation markers compared with SMCs. In conclusion, the observation of dental pulp stones through X-ray examination during dental checkups could be a valuable method for early diagnosis of aortic calcification risk.
Effects of fat source in calf starter on growth performance, blood fatty acid profiles, and inflammatory markers during cold season
Authors: Khalilvandi-Behroozyar H. , Mohtashami B. , Dehghan-Banadaky M. , Kazemi-Bonchenari M. , Ghaffari M. H.
Published: October 2023

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of supplementation of different fat sources in calf starters on growth performance, health, blood fatty acid profiles, and inflammatory markers during the cold season in dairy calves. A total of 48 Holstein calves (24 males and 24 females) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 starter diets throughout the experiment (d 3 to 65): (1) no supplemented fat (CON), (2) 3% calcium-salts of soybean oil (Ca-SBO), (3) 3% calcium-salts of fish oil (Ca–FO), and (4) 3% mixture of Ca-SBO and Ca–FO (1.5% each, DM basis; MIX). Calves were given free access to starter feed and water and were raised individually in pens from 3 to 65 d of age. Calves fed Ca-SBO consumed a greater proportion of n-6 FA, while calves fed Ca–FO consumed a greater level of n-3 FA compared to the other dietary treatments. Fat supplementation increased the intake of linoleic acid, the major n-6 FA, with the greater intake observed in the Ca-SBO group compared to the other dietary treatments. Calves fed the Ca–FO and MIX diets consumed more long-chain n-3 FA than the other diets. In addition, calves fed Ca-SBO and Ca–FO diets consumed more starter feed and total dry matter than calves fed MIX and CON throughout the experiment (d 3 to 65). Calves fed Ca–FO had higher average daily gain throughout the trial (d 3 to 65) than the other treatment groups. Of all treatment groups, calves fed Ca–FO achieved the highest final body weight and showed the greatest feed efficiency. Random forest analysis revealed that eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and arachidonic acid were the serum levels of FA most affected by the diets. The principal component analysis of blood FA profile, blood parameters, and inflammatory markers showed distinct differences between dietary treatments. Calves fed Ca-SBO had higher plasma concentrations of linoleic acid, while calves fed Ca–FO had higher plasma concentrations of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), such as EPA, docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), and DHA than the other treatment groups. Plasma inflammatory markers were lower in calves fed Ca–FO and higher in calves fed CON than in the other treatment groups. The Ca–FO group had lower levels of inflammatory markers, including serum amyloid A, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, Interferon-γ, haptoglobin, and interleukin-6 compared to the other experimental treatments. Also, the blood malondialdehyde levels, an indicator of oxidative stress, were lower in calves fed Ca–FO compared with calves fed the other treatment diets. In conclusion, the performance of preweaned dairy calves can be improved by adding fat to their starter feed under cold conditions. Overall, the type of fat in milk may affect growth and inflammation of dairy calves before weaning under cold conditions, with n-3 FA (Ca–FO) promoting growth and reducing inflammation more effectively than n-6 FA (Ca-SBO).
Identification of urinary volatile organic compounds as a potential non-invasive biomarker for esophageal cancer
Authors: Liu Qi , Li Shuhai , Li Yaping , Yu Longchen , Zhao Yuxiao , Wu Zhihong , Fan Yingjing , Li Xinyang , Wang Yifeng , Zhang Xin , Zhang Yi
Published: October 2023

Early diagnosis of esophageal cancer (EC) is extremely challenging. The study presented herein aimed to assess whether urinary volatile organic compounds (VOCs) may be emerging diagnostic biomarkers for EC. Urine samples were collected from EC patients and healthy controls (HCs). Gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) was next utilised for volatile organic compound detection and predictive models were constructed using machine learning algorithms. ROC curve analysis indicated that an 8-VOCs based machine learning model could aid the diagnosis of EC, with the Random Forests having a maximum AUC of 0.874 and sensitivities and specificities of 84.2% and 90.6%, respectively. Urine VOC analysis aids in the diagnosis of EC.
Meta-analysis identifies native priority as a mechanism that supports the restoration of invasion-resistant plant communities
Authors: Halassy Melinda , Batáry Péter , Csecserits Anikó , Török Katalin , Valkó Orsolya
Published: October 2023

The restoration of invasion-resistant plant communities is an important strategy to combat the negative impacts of alien invasions. Based on a systematic review and meta-analysis of seed-based ecological restoration experiments, here we demonstrate the potential of functional similarity, seeding density and priority effect in increasing invasion resistance. Our results indicate that native priority is the most promising mechanism to control invasion that can reduce the performance of invasive alien species by more than 50%. High-density seeding is effective in controlling invasive species, but threshold seeding rates may exist. Overall seeding functionally similar species do not have a significant effect. Generally, the impacts are more pronounced on perennial and grassy invaders and on the short-term. Our results suggest that biotic resistance can be best enhanced by the early introduction of native plant species during restoration. Seeding of a single species with high functional similarity to invasive alien species is unpromising, and instead, preference should be given to high-density multifunctional seed mixtures, possibly including native species favored by the priority effect. We highlight the need to integrate research across geographical regions, global invasive species and potential resistance mechanisms.
Bis-ferrocenyl-hydrazide metal complexes: studying electronic functional groups as newly potent homogeneous photocatalysts for C(sp3)–H and C(sp2)–H bond oxidation utilizing visible light condition
Authors: Bashiri Mohammad , Hosseini-Sarvari Mona , Fakhraee Sara
Published: October 2023

A crucial challenge in using organo-metal complexes for photocatalytic organic reactions is the need to develop applications of homogeneous photocatalysts that can effectively function under visible light conditions.
Organic chiral nano- and microfilaments: types, formation, and template applications
Authors: Gowda Ashwathanarayana , Pathak Suraj Kumar , Rohaley Grace A. R. , Acharjee Gourab , Oprandi Andrea , Williams Ryan , Prévôt Marianne E. , Hegmann Torsten
Published: October 2023

Chiral filaments are omnipresent in nature and our daily lives. This review gives an overview of nano- and microfilaments, delineates formation modes based on the concept of intra- or interlayer misfits, and shows examples of template applications.
DFT approach towards accurate prediction of 1H/13C NMR chemical shifts for dipterocarpol oxime
Authors: Le Phong Q. , Nguyen Nhu Q. , Nguyen Thien T.
Published: October 2023

A computational NMR approach for accurate predicting the 1H/13C chemical shifts of triterpenoid oximes featuring the screening of 144 DFT methods was demonstrated.
Nitric oxide/paclitaxel micelles enhance anti-liver cancer effects and paclitaxel sensitivity by inducing ferroptosis, endoplasmic reticulum stress and pyroptosis
Authors: Li Huilan , Deng Xiaoyu , Zhang Ziwei , Yang Zunhua , Huang Hesong , Ye Xide , Zhong Linyun , Xu Guoliang , Liu Ronghua , Fang Yuanying
Published: October 2023

The paclitaxel-containing micelle bearing NO donor (NO/PTX) exhibited improved anticancer effect in Bel-7402 cells and H22 xenograft mice by the modes of ferroptosis, pyroptosis, ERS and apoptosis-associated networks.
Study on the behavior and mechanism of NiFe-LDHs used for the degradation of tetracycline in the photo-Fenton process
Authors: Liu Xia , Zhou Yuting , Sun Shuanghui , Bao Siqi
Published: October 2023

An environment-friendly 3D NiFe-LDHs photocatalyst was fabricated via a simple hydrothermal method and characterized by means of SEM, XRD, BET, XPS and FT-IR.
Robust reverse-electrowetting based energy harvesting on slippery surface
Authors: Cheng Haimei , Shao Wan , Jin Jing , Wu Junjun , Zhao Manhong , Tang Biao , Zhou Guofu
Published: October 2023

A robust reversed-electrowetting based droplet electricity generator (REWOD-DEG) was achieved by introducing a lubricant-infused porous surface (SLIPS) in this work.
Chemistry graduate teaching assistants’ teacher noticing
Authors: Geragosian Eleni K. , Zhu Diana , Skriloff Marc , Shultz Ginger V.
Published: October 2023

Chemistry graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) have substantial facetime with undergraduate students at large research institutions where they lead discussion and lab sessions. Emerging research describes GTAs’ content and teaching knowledge for introductory chemistry classes, but we need to know more about how GTAs manage their classes in the moment and how they assess student learning during class time. We conducted classroom observations and post-observation interviews with six chemistry GTAs with various years of teaching experience and who were teaching a variety of classes (e.g., general chemistry discussion, biochemistry discussion, organic chemistry lab, computational chemistry lab, and more). These GTAs were each observed and interviewed multiple times over the course of a semester. Through qualitative analysis guided by the teacher noticing framework, we describe what chemistry GTAs notice, or pay attention to, regarding student learning in their teaching sessions and how they interpret what they notice. We found that chemistry GTAs often paid attention to the types of questions that students asked but relied on their students to take initiative to ask questions in order to assess their learning. Also, GTAs often focused on superficial features of their class sessions to assess learning, like whether students finished their tasks and left their session early. However, some GTAs noticed more sophisticated evidence of student understanding, such as when students connected content covered across multiple class sessions. The results from this study contribute to our understanding of how chemistry GTAs lead their sessions and evaluate student learning during their sessions. Results serve to inform potential training designs that can support chemistry GTAs’ teacher learning through learning to notice—and to create opportunities to notice—significant features of their classrooms.
A new class of organic–inorganic single and double hybrid perovskites with a diammonium-halide-diammonium spacer layer
Authors: Wong Walter P. D. , Wang Xinyun , Zhang Rongrong , Loh Kian Ping
Published: October 2023

Hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites (HOIPs) can be molecularly engineered to exhibit diverse functionalities such as chirality, ferroelectricity and photovoltaics.
High-efficiency purification of CH4 and H2 energy sources enabled by a phosphotungstic acid-supported Os single-atom catalyst
Authors: Zhang Li-Long , Zheng Ji , Gu Jinxing , Huang Zhuochun , Lu Linguo , Li Hu , Chen Zhongfang , Yang Song
Published: October 2023

By means of comprehensive density functional theory computations, this work proposes a novel bifunctional strategy for purifying CH4 and H2 energy sources by utilizing phosphotungstic acid-supported Os single-atom catalysts.
Visualizing asymmetric phase separation driven by surface ionic diffusion in lithium titanate
Authors: Nomura Yuki , Yamamoto Kazuo , Hirayama Tsukasa
Published: October 2023

Spatially asymmetric phase separation during lithiation and delithiation in lithium titanate is observed by real-time monitoring of nanoscale lithium distribution using operando transmission electron microscopy with electron energy-loss spectroscopy.
High-throughput design of bimetallic core–shell catalysts for the electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction
Authors: Kim Sooyeon , Kim Min-Cheol , Yeo Byung Chul , Han Sang Soo
Published: October 2023

Design strategies for core–shell or multilayered electrochemical NRR catalysts are suggested based on high-throughput DFT calculations of transition-metal core–shell catalysts.
Synergistic design of a new PbHfO3-based antiferroelectric solid solution with high energy storage and large strain performances under low electric fields
Authors: Wan Hongyan , Liu Zenghui , Zhuo Fangping , Xi Jingwen , Gao Pan , Zheng Kun , Jiang Luyue , Xu Jun , Li Jingrui , Zhang Jie , Zhuang Jian , Niu Gang , Zhang Nan , Ren Wei , Ye Zuo-Guang
Published: October 2023

Excellent energy storage density and strain performances are achieved in a new PbHfO3-based antiferroelectric solid solution under low electric fields by a synergistic design strategy.
Deciphering the amplification of dual catalytic active sites of Se-doped NiV LDH in water electrolysis: a hidden gem exposure of anion doping at the core-lattice LDH framework
Authors: De Aditi , Madhu Ragunath , Bera Krishnendu , Dhandapani Hariharan N. , Nagappan Sreenivasan , Singha Roy Suprobhat , Kundu Subrata
Published: October 2023

Selenium anion doping in the core lattice structure of NiV LDH is done for the very first time which shows excellent OER and HER performance. Polarization effect of electron-dense Se anion results optimal outcomes in Se-NiV LDH for TWS.
Fiber-in-tube RuxCr1−xOy as highly efficient electrocatalysts for pH-universal water oxidation via facile bubble desorption
Authors: Song Chaewon , Jin Dasol , Choi Subin , Lee Youngmi
Published: October 2023

Controlling atmospheric composition for thermal annealing yields diverse morphologies of bimetallic Ru–Cr oxides (RuxCr1−xOy). RuxCr1−xOy_20 with fiber-in-tube structure excels in catalyzing pH-universal water oxidation, enabling easy bubble release.
Solution fabrication methods and optimization strategies of CsPbBr3 perovskite solar cells
Authors: Chen Chuanliang , Lu Xiaoman , Hu Xuzhi , Liang Guijie , Fang Guojia
Published: October 2023

To date, various optimization strategies have been performed to enhance the performance of CsPbBr3 PSCs, such as additive engineering, interface engineering, HTL optimization and so on, and the best efficiency has reached 11.08%.
Zero-dimensional antimony halides with tunable photoluminescence via halogen ligand modulation
Authors: Huang Zhaohui , Zhao Enzhi , Qi Ping , Song Aixin
Published: October 2023

Antimony halides with different halogen ligands exhibit distinct crystal structures and luminescence properties.
A high-density Ag nanoneedle forest array by using a nano-peeling technique for near-infrared SERS detection
Authors: Chen Zhiming , Zeng Pan , Wang Yifan , Zhang Guofeng , Yu Jie , Cao An , Liu Dilong , Li Yue
Published: October 2023

We develop a new nano-peeling technique to realize high-density Ag nanoneedle forest arrays for sensitively detecting target molecules in the NIR region. The excellent SERS performance is ascribed to abundant hotspots from both gaps and tips formed in the unique Ag nanoneedle forest structure.
Fruitful interplay between theory and experiment in the design of circularly polarized luminescent materials
Authors: Rapp Mario R. , Ziemann Paul , Zinna Francesco , Di Bari Lorenzo , Bettinger Holger F.
Published: October 2023

A computational approach identified BINOL-derived emitters for circularly polarized luminescence (CPL). Very good agreement between computed and experimental glum factors was observed when state-specific solvation was included.
Enseigner les bases de la commande logique avec HOME I/O et Scratch 3.0
Authors: Riera Bernard , Annebicque David , Moussa Idriss , Doucet Aristide , Emprin Fabien
Published: October 2023

Le logiciel HOME I/O est le résultat d'un projet de R&D démarré en 2011 entre le laboratoire CReSTIC de l'Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne (URCA) et Real Games, L’objectif était de concevoir une maison virtuelle pour l'enseignement des STEM (Sciences, Technologies, Ingénierie et Mathématiques) utilisable du collège à l'université. Lors des CETSIS en 2017 et 2021, HOME I/O et les premiers retours d’expérience ont été présentés. Cet article, décrit un module d’enseignement original d’initiation à la commande logique destiné à des étudiants en 2ème année de BUT « informatique » à l’IUT de Reims-Châlons-Charleville. HOME I/O, combiné avec Scratch 3 (logiciel utilisé au collège pour s’initier à la programmation), a été utilisé pour présenter les principaux concepts de la commande logique. L’approche pédagogique mise en œuvre, est basée sur un apprentissage par l'erreur, permettant aux étudiants d’appréhender, à partir des difficultés qu’ils ou elles rencontrent, les spécificités de l’informatique industrielle et de la commande logique. Les retours des étudiants obtenus au moyen de questionnaires anonymes sont globalement positifs.
Scénarisation pédagogique d’un travail pratique d’électronique des capteurs et réflexion sur les pratiques du télétravail
Authors: Roucaries Bastien , Hebaz Salah-Eddine , Goncalves Taisa Guidini , Alaoui Meriem Chrifi
Published: October 2023

Le télétravail devient une réalité établie dans les entreprises à l’échelle mondiale. Une réflexion sur la pédagogie et l’enseignement de ces nouvelles pratiques doit être menée dans le cadre des études initiales. Le présent travail s’adresse à la question de la motivation et à la capacité des étudiants à collaborer via l’ensemble des nouveaux moyens de communications numériques, ainsi que l’efficacité dans le travail collectif. Il consiste en une scénarisation pédagogique de travail pratique d’électronique des capteurs. Le scénario consiste à mettre l’équipe technique d’une startup en situation de crise, en leur faisant perdre leur modèle d’affaire et les obligeant ainsi à créer en situation contrainte un nouveau produit. Au cours de ce jeu de rôle, des évènements scénarisés non connus à priori des étudiants joueront le rôle de contraintes supplémentaires et permettront de manière progressive de passer en mode télétravail.
Effect of particle size distribution on shear strength of soil
Authors: Eteraf Hasan , Kovacs Balazs , Mikita Viktoria , Delshad Zahra
Published: October 2023

Soil grain size distribution has a significant impact on the mechanical properties of geotechnical materials. This study presents a laboratory investigation into the effects of fine content and grading factors on shear parameters. A series of shear tests and triaxial tests on sandy soils were performed for this aim. Finally, the outcomes of both strategies were compared and assessed. It was discovered that altering the grain size distribution results in changing the values of shearing parameters. Furthermore, the outcomes of different laboratory tests are not the same.
Bacterial indole-3-lactic acid affects epithelium–macrophage crosstalk to regulate intestinal homeostasis
Authors: Yu Kaiyuan , Li Qianqian , Sun Xuan , Peng Xianping , Tang Qiang , Chu Hongyu , Zhou Lu , Wang Bangmao , Zhou Zhemin , Deng Xueqin , Yang Jianming , Lv Junqiang , Liu Ran , Miao Chunhui , Zhao Wei , Yao Zhi , Wang Quan
Published: October 2023

Tryptophan and its derivatives perform a variety of biological functions; however, the role and specific mechanism of many tryptophan derivatives in intestinal inflammation remain largely unclear. Here, we identified that an
Escherichia coli
strain (
Ec-
TMU) isolated from the feces of tinidazole-treated individuals, and indole-3-lactic acid (ILA) in its supernatant, decreased the susceptibility of mice to dextran sulfate sodium–induced colitis.
Ec-
TMU and ILA contribute to the relief of colitis by inhibiting the production of epithelial CCL2/7, thereby reducing the accumulation of inflammatory macrophages in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, ILA downregulates glycolysis, NF-κB, and HIF signaling pathways via the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, resulting in decreased CCL2/7 production in epithelial cells. Clinical evidence suggests that the fecal ILA level is negatively correlated with the progression indicator of inflammatory bowel diseases. These results demonstrate that ILA has the potential to regulate intestinal homeostasis by modulating epithelium–macrophage interactions.
Amazon deforestation causes strong regional warming
Authors: Butt Edward W. , Baker Jessica C. A. , Bezerra Francisco G. Silva , von Randow Celso , Aguiar Ana P. D. , Spracklen Dominick V.
Published: October 2023

Tropical deforestation impacts the climate through complex land–atmosphere interactions causing local and regional warming. However, whilst the impacts of deforestation on local temperature are well understood, the regional (nonlocal) response is poorly quantified. Here, we used remote-sensed observations of forest loss and dry season land–surface temperature during the period 2001 to 2020 to demonstrate that deforestation of the Amazon caused strong warming at distances up to 100 km away from the forest loss. We apply a machine learning approach to show nonlocal warming due to forest loss at 2–100 km length scales increases the warming due to deforestation by more than a factor 4, from 0.16 K to 0.71 K for each 10-percentage points of forest loss. We estimate that rapid future deforestation under a strong inequality scenario could cause dry season warming of 0.96 K across Mato Grosso state in southern Brazil over the period 2020 to 2050. Reducing deforestation could reduce future warming caused by forest loss to 0.4 K. Our results demonstrate the contribution of tropical deforestation to regional climate warming and the potential for reduced deforestation to deliver regional climate adaptation and resilience with important implications for sustainable management of the Amazon.
CAMSAP1 role in orchestrating structure and dynamics of manchette microtubule minus-ends impacts male fertility during spermiogenesis
Authors: Hu Weichang , Zhang Rui , Xu Honglin , Li Yuejia , Yang Xiaojuan , Zhou Zhengrong , Huang Xiahe , Wang Yingchun , Ji Wei , Gao Fei , Meng Wenxiang
Published: October 2023

The manchette is a crucial transient structure involved in sperm development, with its composition and regulation still not fully understood. This study focused on investigating the roles of CAMSAP1 and CAMSAP2, microtubule (MT) minus-end binding proteins, in regulating manchette MTs, spermiogenesis, and male fertility. The loss of CAMSAP1, but not CAMSAP2, disrupts the well-orchestrated process of spermiogenesis, leading to abnormal manchette elongation and delayed removal, resulting in deformed sperm nuclei and tails resembling oligoasthenozoospermia symptoms. We investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms by purifying manchette assemblies and comparing them through proteomic analysis, and results showed that the absence of CAMSAP1 disrupted the proper localization of key proteins (CEP170 and KIF2A) at the manchette minus end, compromising its structural integrity and hindering MT depolymerization. These findings highlight the significance of maintaining homeostasis in manchette MT minus-ends for shaping manchette morphology during late spermiogenesis, offering insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying infertility and sperm abnormalities.
Korean mothers’ attitudes towards their dual heritage children’s maintenance of heritage languages in New Zealand
Authors: Park Mi Yung
Published: October 2023

This study investigates family language policy (FLP) in three dual heritage and interlingual families in New Zealand. It focuses on the language use of three Korean migrant mothers and their attitudes towards their children’s multilingualism and heritage languages (HLs). Each family’s FLP took a “one person, one language” approach, with the mothers consistently using Korean but occasionally switching to English. All three mothers in this case study showed positive attitudes towards their children maintaining their HLs, and used various strategies to encourage their children’s exposure to the HLs. However, each of the mothers conceptualized the positions of the children’s HLs somewhat differently, which influenced language socialization at home. Moreover, despite their strong commitment to bilingual or multilingual parenting, the mothers had low expectations for their children’s HL proficiency, reflecting the minority status of HLs in the wider society.
Local glycolysis fuels actomyosin contraction during axonal retraction
Authors: Santos Renata , Lokmane Ludmilla , Ozdemir Dersu , Traoré Clément , Agesilas Annabelle , Hakibilen Coralie , Lenkei Zsolt , Zala Diana
Published: October 2023

In response to repulsive cues, axonal growth cones can quickly retract. This requires the prompt activity of contractile actomyosin, which is formed by the non-muscle myosin II (NMII) bound to actin filaments. NMII is a molecular motor that provides the necessary mechanical force at the expense of ATP. Here, we report that this process is energetically coupled to glycolysis and is independent of cellular ATP levels. Induction of axonal retraction requires simultaneous generation of ATP by glycolysis, as shown by chemical inhibition and genetic knock-down of GAPDH. Co-immunoprecipitation and proximal-ligation assay showed that actomyosin associates with ATP-generating glycolytic enzymes and that this association is strongly enhanced during retraction. Using microfluidics, we confirmed that the energetic coupling between glycolysis and actomyosin necessary for axonal retraction is localized to the growth cone and near axonal shaft. These results indicate a tight coupling between on-demand energy production by glycolysis and energy consumption by actomyosin contraction suggesting a function of glycolysis in axonal guidance.
Confinement of bosons in symmetrically spherical regions with double topological defect
Authors: de Oliveira M D
Published: October 2023

In this work, we analyze the behavior of a spin-0 particle confined inside a sphere in space-time with a double topological deficit, whose line element is given by

ds

2

=

dt

2

−

b

−
2

dr

2

−

r

2

d

θ

2

−

γ

2

r

2

sin

2

θ
d

ϕ

2

, where (b, γ) are real constants. We show that it is possible to confine the particle inside a spherical cone-shaped section with θ < θ
0, where θ
0 is the confinement angle and r < a with a being the radius of the section spherical, and we obtain the angles θ
0 that confine the particle as a function of the angular moments l and m and the parameter of the cosmic string γ. As an application, we analyze the particle confined inside a regular sphere, that is θ
0 = π and r < a,and we investigate how topological defects in space influence the eigenenergies and probability densities of the particle inside the sphere. As a result, we verified that the more intense the topological defect, the greater the energy of the particle, and it will be confined in regions where r → a.
First principles investigation of electronic and elastic properties of strontium oxide and strontium peroxide phases: insights into structural stability and phase transitions
Authors: Patel H S , Dabhi V A , Vora A M
Published: October 2023

Strontium oxide (SrO) and Strontium peroxide (SrO2) with multiple phases have been observed to exist at various temperatures and pressures, however there is little literature available on their properties. We have therefore attempted to discover several unexplored properties of various phases of SrO and SrO2. In this study, the electronic and elastic properties of SrO and SrO2 have been calculated via the first principle approach. We performed the said calculations over four available phases (FCC, BCC, hexagonal-1, and hexagonal-2) of SrO and two available phases (tetragonal and orthorhombic) of SrO2. The calculations have been conducted using density functional theory within the scalar-relativistic norm-conserving optimized Vanderbilt pseudopotential. In this study, equilibrium lattice parameter, elastic constants, structural stability, bulk modulus, shear modulus, Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio, Pugh ratio, Universal anisotropy index, Cauchy pressure and Kleinman’s internal strain parameter as elastic properties; the band gap and nature of the band gap as electronic properties have been calculated for the aforementioned materials. The phase transition between FCC-SrO and BCC-SrO has been observed during the calculation of elastic properties at 47 GPa. Based on the mechanical stability criteria, all phases except SrO(BCC) and SrO(Hexagonal-2) have been found to pass. The value of the bulk modulus have been observed between 68 GPa and 88 GPa for the different phases of SrOx [x = 1, 2]. Satisfactory agreement could be found between the present results and the available theoretical and experimental results.
Nonclassicality of entangled Schrödinger cat states associated to generalized displaced Fock states
Authors: Miry Seyedeh Robabeh , Faghihi Mohammad Javad , Mahmoudi Hajar
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we introduce some distinct classes of entangled cat states associated to generalized displaced Fock states. For this purpose, we use the formalism of nonlinear coherent states corresponding to nonlinear oscillator algebra which yields various kinds of f-deformed entangled states. We also take a particular class of Gilmore-Perelomov-type of SU(1, 1) and a class of SU(2) coherent states. We then obtain the amount of entanglement between subsystems of the quantum states of interest by applying the measure of concurrence. Furthermore, examining some of the most important criteria, such as Mandels Q parameter, quadrature squeezing and Vogels characteristic function, we study the nonclassicality of the introduced quantum states. The numerical results show remarkable values of entanglement, sub-Poissonian statistics of the field, and squeezing indicating that the introduced states can be regarded as possible candidates for nonclassical entangled states. Afterwards, we see that the Vogel function for quantum states of interests goes beyond the value of characteristic function of the ground state, which shows the nonclassicality of the introduced states.