bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication of nanofibrous mat surrounded hydrogel scaffold as an encapsulation device for encapsulating pancreas β cells
Authors: Seyyedi Mahdiyeh Sadat , Monfared Mohammad , Mirzaei Esmaeil , Azarpira Negar
Published: December 2022

The main barriers to cells or organ transplantation such as pancreatic β-cells are the need for lifelong immune suppression and the shortage of donors. It may be overcome via cell encapsulation and transplantation techniques. Hydrogels provide a suitable ECM-like microenvironment for cells to adhere, survive, and function, while weakly performing as an immune barrier. In this study, we aimed to macro-encapsulate islet cells in a dual encapsulation device with collagen hydrogel and PCL nanofiber to provide an immune-isolated environment for cells to function more efficiently, where immune cells are not allowed to enter but oxygen, insulin, and nutrients can pass through. PCL thin mats with the pores diameter of 500 nm were synthesized by electrospinning and characterized by scanning electron microscope, porosity measurement, tensile strength test, and contact angle measurement. Collagen hydrogel was fabricated by extracting collagen fibers from rat tail tendons and solving them in acetic acid. β-cells (CRI-D2 cell line) encapsulated after neutralizing collagen solution (pH ≈ 7.4). Cell-collagen gel complex was poured into the nanofibrous mat packets to fabricate the whole device. Histology evaluation, cell viability, and cell function tests were done in 10 days. Live/dead assay of Cri-D2 cells encapsulated within the device showed that cells have diffuse distribution at the core of the hydrogel and the device. Also, cluster formation was seen and shows these cells can live in groups. To identify cells’ function within the device in these 10 days samples’ supernatant insulin level was measured by chemiluminescent immunoassay. It just showed a positive result for existing insulin within the medium. Based on our results, this device presents adequate features to be a good immune-isolation device for cell transplanting.
Combining palaeontological and neontological data shows a delayed diversification burst of carcharhiniform sharks likely mediated by environmental change
Authors: Brée Baptiste , Condamine Fabien L. , Guinot Guillaume
Published: December 2022

Estimating deep-time species-level diversification processes remains challenging. Both the fossil record and molecular phylogenies allow the estimation of speciation and extinction rates, but each type of data may still provide an incomplete picture of diversification dynamics. Here, we combine species-level palaeontological (fossil occurrences) and neontological (molecular phylogenies) data to estimate deep-time diversity dynamics through process-based birth–death models for Carcharhiniformes, the most speciose shark order today. Despite their abundant fossil record dating back to the Middle Jurassic, only a small fraction of extant carcharhiniform species is recorded as fossils, which impedes relying only on the fossil record to study their recent diversification. Combining fossil and phylogenetic data, we recover a complex evolutionary history for carcharhiniforms, exemplified by several variations in diversification rates with an early low diversity period followed by a Cenozoic radiation. We further reveal a burst of diversification in the last 30 million years, which is partially recorded with fossil data only. We also find that reef expansion and temperature change can explain variations in speciation and extinction through time. These results pinpoint the primordial importance of these environmental variables in the evolution of marine clades. Our study also highlights the benefit of combining the fossil record with phylogenetic data to address macroevolutionary questions.
A comprehensive intervention package improves the linear growth of children under 2-years-old in rural Bangladesh: a community-based cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ara Gulshan , Sanin Kazi Istiaque , Khanam Mansura , Sarker Md. Shafiqul Alam , Tofail Fahmida , Nahar Baitun , Chowdhury Imran Ahmed , Boitchi Anika Bushra , Gibson Sarah , Afsana Kaosar , Askari Sufia , Ahmed Tahmeed
Published: December 2022

Approximately one-third of children under the age of five are stunted in developing countries and many of them are micronutrient-deficient. We designed a comprehensive intervention package including egg/milk-based snacks to improve linear growth and dietary diversity among 6 to 12-month-old children in rural Bangladesh. In this 1-year community-based cluster randomized controlled longitudinal experiment, 412 mother–infant pairs were randomly assigned to receive either monthly food vouchers (for eggs, milk, semolina, sugar, and oil) to prepare egg and milk-based snacks for their children, along with multiple micronutrient powder (MNP), counseling on child feeding and handwashing, or regular government health communication alone (control; n = 206, treatment; n = 206). The trial was conducted in 12 clusters (small administrative units of sub-district). The primary inclusion criteria were ultra-poor households with limited resources and having children under 2-years-old. The primary and secondary outcomes were differences in children's length gain and dietary diversity. The effect of intervention on child growth was examined using a mixed effect linear regression model. Mean weight and length of the children did not significantly differ between groups at baseline. Around 90% of the children in both groups were breastfed. After receiving intervention for 12 months, LAZ score increased by 0.37 (CI 0.24, 0.51,p < 0.001) and risk of stunting reduced by 73% (OR: 0.27, CI 0.13, 0.58,p = 0.001). This comprehensive intervention package improved the growth and dietary diversity of children in extremely poor Bangladeshi households. A scaling-up of this intervention in contexts with limited resources should be taken into consideration.

Trial registration:This trial registered retrospectively at ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT03641001, 21/8/2018.
Changes in ideal cardiovascular health among Malawian adults from 2009 to 2017
Authors: Ngwasiri Calypse , Samadoulougou Sekou , Cissé Kadari , Aminde Leopold , Kirakoya-Samadoulougou Fati
Published: December 2022

Ideal Cardiovascular Health (CVH) is a concept defined by the American Heart Association (AHA) as part of its 2020 Impact Goals. Until now, changes in ideal CVH have been poorly evaluated in Sub-Saharan African populations. We aimed to investigate changes in the prevalence of ideal CVH and its components in a population of Malawian adults. Secondary analysis was done on cross-sectional data from 2009 to 2017, obtained from the Malawi STEPS surveys which included 5730 participants aged 25–64 years. CVH metrics categorized into “ideal (6–7 ideal metrics)”, “intermediate (3–5 ideal metrics)” and “poor (0–2 ideal metrics)” were computed using blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), fasting glycaemia, fruit and vegetable intake, physical activity, smoking, and total cholesterol. Sampling weights were used to account for the sampling design, and all estimates were standardised by age and sex using the direct method. The mean participant age across both periods was 40.1 ± 12.4 years. The prevalence of meeting ≥ 6 ideal CVH metrics increased substantially from 9.4% in 2009 to 33.3% in 2017, whereas having ≤ 2 ideal CVH metrics decreased from 7.6% to 0.5% over this time. For the individual metrics, desirable levels of smoking, fruit and vegetable intake, physical activity, blood pressure (BP), total cholesterol and fasting glucose all increased during the study period whilst achievable levels of BMI (< 25 kg/m2) declined. From 2009 to 2017, the mean number of ideal CVH metrics was higher in women compared to men (from 2.1% to 5.1% vs 2.0% to 5.0%). However, poor levels of smoking and fruit and vegetable intake were higher in men compared to women (from 27.9% to 23.6% vs. 7.4%% to 1.9% , and from 33.7% to 42.9% vs 30.8% to 34.6%, respectively). Also, whilst achievable levels of BMI rose in men (from 84.4% to 86.2%) the proportion reduced in women (from 72.1% to 67.5% ). Overall, CVH improved in Malawian adults from 2009 to 2017 and was highest in women. However, the prevalence of poor fruit and vegetable intake, and poor smoking remained high in men whilst optimal levels of BMI was declined in women. To improve this situation, individual and population-based strategies that address body mass, smoking and fruit and vegetable intake are warranted for maximal health gains in stemming the development of cardiovascular events.
Estimating hydrogen absorption energy on different metal hydrides using Gaussian process regression approach
Authors: Gheytanzadeh Majedeh , Rajabhasani Fatemeh , Baghban Alireza , Habibzadeh Sajjad , Abida Otman , Esmaeili Amin , Munir Muhammad Tajammal
Published: December 2022

Hydrogen is a promising alternative energy source due to its significantly high energy density. Also, hydrogen can be transformed into electricity in energy systems such as fuel cells. The transition toward hydrogen-consuming applications requires a hydrogen storage method that comes with pack hydrogen with high density. Among diverse methods, absorbing hydrogen on host metal is applicable at room temperature and pressure, which does not provide any safety concerns. In this regard, AB2 metal hydride with potentially high hydrogen density is selected as an appropriate host. Machine learning techniques have been applied to establish a relationship on the effect of the chemical composition of these hosts on hydrogen storage. For this purpose, a data bank of 314 data point pairs was used. In this assessment, the different A-site and B-site elements were used as the input variables, while the hydrogen absorption energy resulted in the output. A robust Gaussian process regression (GPR) approach with four kernel functions is proposed to predict the hydrogen absorption energy based on the inputs. All the GPR models' performance was quite excellent; notably, GPR with Exponential kernel function showed the highest preciseness with R2, MRE, MSE, RMSE, and STD of 0.969, 2.291%, 3.909, 2.501, and 1.878, respectively. Additionally, the sensitivity of analysis indicated that ZR, Ti, and Cr are the most demining elements in this system.
Identifying differentially expressed genes and miRNAs in Kawasaki disease by bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Cai Yanliang , Hu Weitao
Published: December 2022

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute systemic immune vasculitis caused by infection, and its etiology and underlying mechanisms are not completely clear. This study aimed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with diagnostic and treatment potential for KD using bioinformatics analysis. In this study, three KD datasets (GSE68004, GSE73461, GSE18606) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Identification of DEGs between normal and KD whole blood was performed using the GEO2R online tool. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment analysis of DEGs was undertaken with Metascape. Analysis and visualization of protein–protein interaction networks (PPI) were carried out with STRING and Cytoscape. Lastly, miRNA-genes regulatory networks were built by Cytoscape to predict the underlying microRNAs (miRNAs) associated with DEGs. Overall, 269 DEGs were identified, including 230 up-regulated and 39 down-regulated genes. The enrichment functions and pathways of DEGs involve regulation of defense response, inflammatory response, response to bacterium, and T cell differentiation. KEGG analysis indicates that the genes were significantly enriched in Neutrophil extracellular trap formation, TNF signaling pathway, Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, and Primary immunodeficiency. After combining the results of the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network and CytoHubba, 9 hub genes were selected, includingTLR8, ITGAX, HCK, LILRB2, IL1B, FCGR2A, S100A12, SPI1,andCD8A. Based on the DEGs-miRNAs network construction, 3 miRNAs including mir-126-3p, mir-375 and mir-146a-5p were determined to be potential key miRNAs. To summarize, a total of 269 DEGs, 9 hub genes and 3 miRNAs were identified, which could be considered as KD biomarkers. However, further studies are needed to clarify the biological roles of these genes in KD.
Water-soluble ions and source apportionment of PM2.5 depending on synoptic weather patterns in an urban environment in spring dust season
Authors: Cheng Bowen , Ma Yuxia , Li Heping , Feng Fengliu , Zhang Yifan , Qin Pengpeng
Published: December 2022

Emission sources and meteorological conditions are key factors affecting the intensity and duration of air pollution events. In the current study, using the daily concentrations of PM2.5 (particulate matter with a diameter ≤ 2.5 μm) and the water-soluble ions thereof in Lanzhou from March 1, 2021, to May 31, 2021, we investigated the contributions of emission sources and locations of potential sources through positive matrix factorization and potential source contribution function analysis. In addition, synoptic weather patterns affecting pollution were typed using T-model principal component analysis. The results revealed that the average concentrations of PM2.5 for the entire spring, dust storm days, and normal days were 54.3, 158.1 and 33.0 μg/m3, respectively. During dust storm days, sulfate produced from primary emissions was mainly present in the form of K2SO4, Na2SO4, MgSO4, and CaSO4, and nitrate was mainly produced through secondary conversion and took the form of NH4NO3. Dust, industrial entities, biomass combustion, metal smelting, secondary aerosol, and sea salt contributed to 32.0, 29.8, 13.4, 11.2, 10.8 and 2.7% of the spring PM2.5, respectively, in Lanzhou. The main potential sources of PM2.5 during the normal days were in the western parts of Lanzhou. Dust storms entered Lanzhou through the Hexi Corridor from several dust sources: southeastern Kazakhstan, Mongolia, the Kurbantungut Desert, and the Badain Jaran Desert. The northwest high-pressure; northern strong high-pressure and southwest low-pressure; northwest high-pressure and southwest high-pressure synoptic weather circulation types were prone to dust storms. Our results may provide a basis for local environmental governance.
Repeated dosing improves oncolytic rhabdovirus therapy in mice via interactions with intravascular monocytes
Authors: Naumenko Victor , Rajwani Jahanara , Turk Madison , Zhang Chunfen , Tse Mandy , Davis Rachelle P. , Kim Daesun , Rakic Andrea , Dastidar Himika , Van Shinia , Mah Laura K. , Kaul Esha K. , Chekhonin Vladimir P. , Mahoney Douglas J. , Jenne Craig N.
Published: December 2022

There is debate in the field of oncolytic virus (OV) therapy, whether a single viral dose, or multiple administrations, is better for tumor control. Using intravital microscopy, we describe the fate of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) delivered systemically as a first or a second dose. Following primary administration, VSV binds to the endothelium, initiates tumor infection and activates a proinflammatory response. This initial OV dose induces neutrophil migration into the tumor and limits viral replication. OV administered as a second dose fails to infect the tumor and is captured by intravascular monocytes. Despite a lack of direct infection, this second viral dose, in a monocyte-dependent fashion, enhances and sustains infection by the first viral dose, promotes CD8 T cell recruitment, delays tumor growth and improves survival in multi-dosing OV therapy. Thus, repeated VSV dosing engages monocytes to post-condition the tumor microenvironment for improved infection and anticancer T cell responses. Understanding the complex interactions between the subsequent viral doses is crucial for improving the efficiency of OV therapy and virus-based vaccines.
Cell-type-specific aging clocks to quantify aging and rejuvenation in neurogenic regions of the brain
Authors: Buckley Matthew T. , Sun Eric D. , George Benson M. , Liu Ling , Schaum Nicholas , Xu Lucy , Reyes Jaime M. , Goodell Margaret A. , Weissman Irving L. , Wyss-Coray Tony , Rando Thomas A. , Brunet Anne
Published: December 2022

The diversity of cell types is a challenge for quantifying aging and its reversal. Here we develop ‘aging clocks’ based on single-cell transcriptomics to characterize cell-type-specific aging and rejuvenation. We generated single-cell transcriptomes from the subventricular zone neurogenic region of 28 mice, tiling ages from young to old. We trained single-cell-based regression models to predict chronological age and biological age (neural stem cell proliferation capacity). These aging clocks are generalizable to independent cohorts of mice, other regions of the brains, and other species. To determine if these aging clocks could quantify transcriptomic rejuvenation, we generated single-cell transcriptomic datasets of neurogenic regions for two interventions—heterochronic parabiosis and exercise. Aging clocks revealed that heterochronic parabiosis and exercise reverse transcriptomic aging in neurogenic regions, but in different ways. This study represents the first development of high-resolution aging clocks from single-cell transcriptomic data and demonstrates their application to quantify transcriptomic rejuvenation.
Homogeneous CO2 Copolymerization and Coupling
Authors: Joshi Satej S. , Eagan James M.
Published: December 2022

The advances in catalytic homogeneous coupling and copolymerization of carbon dioxide with comonomers has enabled sustainable routes to existing polymers and new molecular structures. This chapter reviews selected approaches to coupling CO2 with olefins and epoxides to form monomers and copolymers directly. Both landmark advances and recent directions in the field of homogeneous catalytic conversion of CO2 into macromolecules are covered.
Heterogeneous Copolymerization of CO2
Authors: Padmanaban S. , Yoon S.
Published: December 2022

Recently, catalytic conversion of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide to chemical commodities has received much interest. Among various possibilities, the copolymerization of CO2 with cyclic ethers to produce aliphatic polycarbonates is a promising approach. Among various homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts, the Zn-dicarboxylates and double metal cyanide complexes are mainly used in the large-scale production of aliphatic polycarbonates. In this chapter, the developments in the heterogeneously catalyzed copolymerization of CO2 with cyclic ethers are briefly reported.
Solar-thermal Catalytic CO2 Splitting
Authors: Pullar Robert C.
Published: December 2022

With increasing demand for renewable energy and fuels there is much interest in solar thermochemical fuel production (STFP), the use of concentrated solar power (CSP) to power the splitting of water and carbon dioxide into H2 and CO for sustainable fuels. This is usually a two-step process: the reduction of a catalyst at high temperatures followed by oxidation at lower temperatures utilising CSP to provide the high reaction temperatures (up to 1500 °C). Since it was first explored as a solar-driven redox catalyst to split CO2 in 2010, there has been an increasing interest in cerium oxide as the catalyst for the solar-driven production of CO from CO2. This chapter looks at pure CeO2, and especially the effects of its stoichiometry on the redox process, as ceria will partially reduce from Ce4+ → Ce3+ to create CeO2–δ with oxygen deficiencies (δ). It also looks at the extensive work on the doping or substitution of ceria, which has been explored with a wide range of transition metal and rare earth ions, with particularly interesting results for tetravalent Hf4+ and Zr4+.
Techno-economic Analysis of CO2 Electroreduction
Authors: Irabien A. , Rumayor M. , Fernández-González J. , Domínguez-Ramos A.
Published: December 2022

Electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) is a promising alternative to mitigate hard-to-abate sectors, which may produce clean fuels and chemicals using renewable energy. This chapter describes the techno-economic fundamentals for assessing a general CO2 electroreduction system. The methodological insights are summarized and exemplified with a case study for formic acid. Carbon footprint and costs benchmarks for fossil fuel production of formic acid can be found in the literature, which have been compared with different electrochemical techno-economic scenarios based on different restrictions like available solar energy supply, electrified heat, and process efficiencies. Some reported results are summarized, and their significant conclusions extracted. The chapter concludes with future challenges and potential pitfalls in the technology assessment and a view of its role in the decarbonization of hard to abate chemical sectors.
Microwave-assisted Catalytic Dry Methane Reforming
Authors: Zerva C. , Stefanidis G. D. , Stankiewicz A. I.
Published: December 2022

Microwave-assisted catalytic dry methane reforming is an alternative methane valorisation route that can intensify reactants conversion and yield performance, while reducing coke deposition on the catalyst surface as compared to conventional heating mechanisms. This chapter, after a short introduction on dry methane reforming and a concise overview of microwave-catalyst thermal interaction in gas–solid catalytic reactors, focuses on the microwave-assisted methane dry reforming reaction discussing relevant catalytic materials and reactor design aspects concerning process scale up. Finally, the potential application of two alternative electricity-based heating techniques, that is Joule heating and induction heating, to dry methane reforming is evaluated at the end of the chapter.
Valorisation of Carbon Dioxide via Enzymatic Transformation
Authors: Meyer Anne S.
Published: December 2022

The level of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere has now reached 420 ppm and new methods are necessary to help combat global warming and climate change. Formate dehydrogenases (FDHs) are microbial enzymes that have a natural capability to convert CO2 to formate (HCO2−) via reversible redox catalysis. Formate is a commodity chemical, and can be reduced further enzymatically to formaldehyde and methanol, but it is the FDH-catalyzed conversion of CO2 that is the key step towards valorisation of CO2 to chemicals. This chapter will focus on the recent progress and understanding of the function of FDHs and discuss critical features in relation to their efficient use in practical CO2 reduction.
Life Cycle Analysis of CO2 Valorisation
Authors: Thonemann N. , Garcia-Garcia G. , Armstrong K. , Styring P.
Published: December 2022

This chapter provides a short introduction to the mainly applied environmental assessment methodology, life cycle assessment. Based on life cycle assessment, CO2-based production of methane, methanol, carbon monoxide, dimethyl ether, dimethyl carbonate, and polyols regarding global warming, acidification, ecotoxicity, freshwater eutrophication, and abiotic resource use is evaluated. It is shown that the CO2-based production of DME, polyols, and CO is interesting from an environmental point of view as some environmental impacts are reduced when compared with the conventional alternative production.
A comparative study of aptamer isolation by conventional and microfluidic strategies
Authors: Meng Xin , Wen Kechun , Citartan Marimuthu , Lin Qiao
Published: December 2022

We present a comparative study of three SELEX strategies for aptamer isolation, including those using conventional agarose bead-based partitioning, microfluidic affinity selection, and fully integrated microfluidic affinity selection and PCR amplification.
One-step rapid colorimetric detection of K+ using silver nanoparticles modified by crown ether
Authors: Sun Yufeng , Wang Shengwen , Wang Fangfang , Zhang Hao , Huang Weiya , Wu Aiguo , Zhang Yujie
Published: December 2022

One-step rapid colorimetric detection method for K+ based on size matching was established with excellent selectivity and interference immunity. The LOD for K+ is 20 μM with the naked eye and 2.16 μM with UV-vis absorption spectroscopy.
Structure-sensitive epoxidation of dicyclopentadiene over TiO2 catalysts
Authors: Chung Sang-Ho , Park G. Hwan , Schukkink Niels , Lee Hyoyoung , Shiju N. Raveendran
Published: December 2022

The crystalline phase of TiO2 plays a crucial role in the epoxidation of DCPD-both in the activity and in the product selectivity towards mono-epoxides in cyclopentene and norbornene moiety.
A new adsorption energy-barrier relation and its application to CO2 hydrogenation to methanol over In2O3-supported metal catalysts
Authors: Yang Deshuai , Lu Huili , Zeng Guixiang , Chen Zhao-Xu
Published: December 2022

A new thermodynamics-kinetics relation called adsorbate-dependent barrier scaling (ADBS) relation is discovered and used to predict the catalytic activity of a series of In2O3-supported metal and alloy catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation to methanol.
An MMP-2 sensitive and reduction-responsive prodrug amphiphile for actively targeted therapy of cancer by hierarchical cleavage
Authors: Zhang Xueni , Dai Lihui , Ding Yumeng , Liu Qian , Li Xiaoya , Liu Mengting , Meng Meng , Pan Jie , Xi Rimo , Yin Yongmei
Published: December 2022

Novel dual-stimuli responsive prodrug amphiphile-based micelles for actively targeted cancer therapy through hierarchical cleavage.
MXene-derived Ti3C2–Co–TiO2nanoparticle arraysviacation exchange for highly efficient and stable electrocatalytic oxygen evolution
Authors: Zeng Xiaojun , Tan Yunan , Xia Lei , Zhang Qingqing , Stucky Galen D.
Published: December 2022

A cation exchange strategy is proposed to convert layered Ti3C2–Na–TiO2MXene nanofibers into Ti3C2–Co–TiO2MXene nanoparticle arrays with numerous heterogeneous interfaces, which deliver excellent oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity.
Insights into the amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) → ikaite → calcite transformations
Authors: Lázár Anett , Molnár Zsombor , Demény Attila , Kótai László , Trif László , Béres Kende Attila , Bódis Eszter , Bortel Gábor , Aradi László Előd , Karlik Máté , Szabó Máté Zoltán , Pekker Áron , Németh Gergely , Kamarás Katalin , Garvie Laurence A. J. , Németh Péter
Published: December 2022

Ikaite formation and its transformation to calcite occurs via distinct amorphous calcium carbonates (referred to as I and II) that differ in their morphology, particle size, water content and stability.
Design of diastereomeric salt resolutionviamulticomponent system characterization: a case study with hydrate formation
Authors: Bosits Miklós H. , Bereczki Laura , Bombicz Petra , Szalay Zsófia , Pataki Hajnalka , Demeter Ádám
Published: December 2022

Design of a chiral resolution process with thermodynamic control.
A hybrid bonding strategy for tetrathiafulvalene-based hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks with electrical- and photo-conductivity
Authors: Zhang Yu , Hu Li-Yuan , Luo Xu-Feng , Shen Liangjun , Li Zhong-Qiu , Ke Si-Wen , Li Xing , Xiao Xunwen
Published: December 2022

The first proton transfer type HOF based on two-component TTF derivatives.
Detailed insights into the formation pathway of CdS and ZnS in solution: a multi-modalin situcharacterisation approach
Authors: Ströh J. , Hess T. , Ohrt L. , Fritzsch H. , Etter M. , Dippel A.-C. , Nyamen L. D. , Terraschke H.
Published: December 2022

Structural evolution during the formation of CdS and ZnS in solution is studied for the first time combiningin situluminescence spectroscopy, synchrotron-based X-ray diffraction (XRD) and pair distribution function (PDF) analyses.
Experimental and computational studies of sulfided NiMo supported on pillared clay: catalyst activation and guaiacol adsorption sites
Authors: Oemry F. , Adilina I. B. , Cahyanto W. T. , Rinaldi N. , Aulia F. , Jackson A. , Parker S. F. , Kroner A. B. , Shotton E. J.
Published: December 2022

We report on intermediate (oxysulfides) and sulfided structures of NiMo supported on aluminium pillared clay (Al-PILC) during the catalyst activation process and the prefered guaiacol adsorption sites on the sulfided catalyst using XAFS, DFT, and INS methods.
Electronic and thermal transport properties of the metallic antiferromagnet MnSn2
Authors: Yang Mingge , Wang Ziyue , Li Jiangxiao , Hong Bin , Du Yinchang , Wei Wensen , Wang Ruilong , Liu Fengguang , Zu Lin
Published: December 2022

We report the structure, magnetic and electrical/thermal transport properties of the antiferromagnet MnSn2.
Controlling the morphology and wavelength of self-assembled coaxial GaAs/Ga(As)Sb/GaAs single quantum-well nanowires
Authors: Kang Yubin , Lin Fengyuan , Tang Jilong , Dai Qian , Hou Xiaobing , Meng Bingheng , Wang Dongyue , Wang Le , Wei Zhipeng
Published: December 2022

Four GaAs/Ga(As)Sb/GaAs SQW NWs with different morphologies and photon energies from 1.323 eV to 0.762 eV were achieved.
Efficient and accurate density-based prediction of macromolecular polarizabilities
Authors: Zhao Dongbo , Zhao Yilin , He Xin , Ayers Paul W. , Liu Shubin
Published: December 2022

Accurately and efficiently predicting macromolecules’ polarizabilities is an open problem.
Platonic and Archimedean solids in discrete metal-containing clusters
Authors: Luo Xi-Ming , Li Ya-Ke , Dong Xi-Yan , Zang Shuang-Quan
Published: December 2022

This review presents the symmetrical beauty of metal cluster structures from the perspective of Platonic and Archimedean solids, and further provides some insights into the design and synthesis of unknown metal clusters.
Decentralised treatment solutions for on-site faecal sludge: quantifying the removal efficiencies of two novel systems in an East African city
Authors: Levira Beda , Bright-Davies Laura , Carmargo Jutta , Duma Larissa , Fettback Tim , Lazaro Alfred , Mahundo Clarence , Matwewe Fatuma , Mrimi Emmanuel , Schmidt Andreas , Thomas Jacqueline
Published: December 2022

Faecal sludge was emptied from pit latrines by manual pumps and transported by a motorcycle to the faecal sludge treatment plant.
Synthesis and optical properties of phenazinone-based photosensitizers for singlet oxygen generation
Authors: Ohira Kazuki , Yamamoto Masahiro , Imato Keiichi , Ooyama Yousuke
Published: December 2022

Phenazinone derivatives have been designed and developed as high-efficiency halogen-atom-free-heteroanthracene-based photosensitizers for singlet oxygen (1O2) generation.
Topochemical polymerization in phenylalanine anchored chiral diacetylenes for chiroptical properties and tunable thermo-, halo-, solvatochromism
Authors: Maulik Antarlina , Miglani Chirag , Mavlankar Nimisha A. , Joseph Jojo P. , Chandran Vysakh C. , Pal Asish
Published: December 2022

Peptide tethered chiral diacetylene exhibits topochemical polymerization to form films that respond to external perturbations like temperature, solvent, and pH changes.
Indium chloride catalysed benzyl bromination using continuous flow technology
Authors: Thankappan Hajeeth , Burke Conor , Glennon Brian
Published: December 2022

An efficient continuous-flow synthesis of benzyl bromide with excellent selectivity using InCl3 as a green catalyst is described. The flow process employed is readily scalable for large-scale manufacture.
Amine-functionalized MOF-derived carbon materials for efficient removal of Congo red dye from aqueous solutions: simulation and adsorption studies
Authors: Hu Na , Yu Junzhe , Hou Liran , Shi Changrong , Li Kai , Hang Fangxue , Xie Caifeng
Published: December 2022

Schematic diagram on the preparation of polyethyleneimine-modified MOF-derived carbon (PEI@MDC) samples and the Congo red dye adsorption process.
Room temperature dilute magnetic semiconductor response in (Gd, Co) co-doped ZnO for efficient spintronics applications
Authors: Khan Rajwali , Shigidi Ihab , Al Otaibi Sattam , Althubeiti Khaled , Abdullaev Sherzod Shukhratovich , Rahman Nasir , Mohammad sohail  , Khan Alamzeb , Iqbal Shahid , Del Rosso Tommaso , Zaman Quaid , Khan Aurangzeb
Published: December 2022

The structure parameters of the synthesize ZnO, Zn0.96Gd0.04O and Zn0.96−xGd0.04CoxO (Co = 0, 0.01, 0.03, 0.04) diluted magnetic semiconductor nanotubes.
Drying dynamics of pellet feces
Authors: Magondu Benjamin , Lee Alexander B. , Schulz Andrew , Buchelli Gabriel Cervantes , Meng Michelle , Kaminski Candice , Yang Patricia J. , Carver Scott , Hu David L.
Published: December 2022

Pellet feces are generated by a number of animals important to science or agriculture, including mice, rats, goats, and wombats.
Realizing 18.03% efficiency and good junction characteristics in organic solar cells via hydrogen-bonding interaction between glucose and ZnO electron transport layers
Authors: Wang Zhongqiang , Ren Yabing , Meng Jiawei , Zou Xuefeng , Wang Shenjian , Zhao Min , Wang Hua , Hao Yuying , Xu Bingshe , Wang Ergang , Yin Shougen
Published: December 2022

The defects of OH in ZnO electron transport layer (ETL) processed by sol–gel was passivated by glucose (Gl). An improved PCE of 18.03% is obtained in PM6:Y6-based cell. The ZnO/Gl ETL shows generic improvement for other blend system based cells.
Chitosan/snail slime films as multifunctional platforms for potential biomedical and cosmetic applications: physical and chemical characterization
Authors: Gubitosa Jennifer , Rizzi Vito , Fini Paola , Fanelli Fiorenza , Sibillano Teresa , Corriero Nicola , Cosma Pinalysa
Published: December 2022

Due to the pollution problem, the use of sustainable materials with a reduced environmental impact, such as biocompatible and biodegradable polymers, is growing worldwide in many fields, especially for Life Sciences applications.
Epitope imprinted polymeric materials: application in electrochemical detection of disease biomarkers
Authors: Singhal Ayushi , Singh Amrita , Shrivastava Apoorva , Khan Raju
Published: December 2022

Electrochemical detection of disease biomarkers using epitope imprinted polymeric materials.
Dinuclearization strategy of cationic iridium(iii) complexes for efficient and stable flexible light-emitting electrochemical cells
Authors: Song Weilin , Mao Huiting , Shao Kuizhan , Shan Guogang , Gao Ying , Zeng Qunying , Li Fushan , Su Zhongmin
Published: December 2022

A simple and feasible di-nuclearization strategy of organometallic iridium(iii) complex used to achieve high-efficiency and long-lasting flexible light-emitting electrochemical cells concurrently is demonstrated.
Crystallinity-modulated hollow CeO2−x nanorods as free radical scavengers for long-term photostability in organic photovoltaics
Authors: Yoon Seongwon , Kwon Taehyun , Kim Sohyun , Park So Hyun , Lim Youngjoon , Kim Jihun , Kim Jun , An Kwangjin , Park Sungmin , Kim Jin Young , Son Hae Jung
Published: December 2022

Single-crystalline CeO2−x hollow nanorods possess more Ce3+ states and wider surface area than other types of cerium oxide nanostructures and those enable the resultant organic photovoltaic cells to have improved photostability.
Dossier : « Patrimoines, savoirs, pouvoirs » – De la fabrique à la valorisation de la mémoire collective des Moken, nomades marins de l’archipel Mergui. Réflexions croisées entre anthropologie et muséologie
Authors: Boutry Maxime , Galangau-Quérat Fabienne , Ivanoff Jacques
Published: December 2022

La perspective d’un développement touristique imminent pour l’archipel Mergui (Birmanie) a engendré divers processus de valorisation culturelle et de patrimonialisation de l’environnement et de la culture moken, passant de l’implication de ces nomades marins dans les aires marines protégées à la production d’artisanat pour l’industrie touristique. Les premiers essais de marchandisation de leur culture font écho aux enjeux et attentes des différents acteurs impliqués dans l’arène du développement de l’archipel (pêcheurs birmans, entrepreneurs touristiques, ONG, gouvernement). Dans ce contexte, et à la demande des Moken, les auteurs ont développé un projet participatif de Cartographie de leur espace social (CartES) permettant d’explorer les savoirs collectifs (construits et transmis via la littérature orale) relatifs à l’anthropisation du territoire. Cette CartES a pour objectif de construire une représentation identitaire avec et pour les Moken dont la transposition muséale reflétera la complexité des interrelations matérielles et idéelles entre la société et son environnement naturel. À la croisée de l’anthropologie et de la muséologie, le présent article explore la portée et les limites de cette démarche en s’attardant sur l’analyse des dynamiques d’expression, d’adhésion et de conflits à l’égard de la production d’un patrimoine moken et les dynamiques identitaires qu’elle soulève.
Effect of speech therapy on quality of life in patients with spinocerebelar ataxia type 3
Authors: Diaféria Giovana , Bommarito Silvana , Braga Neto Pedro , Park Sung Woo , Padovani Marina , Haddad Fernanda , Haddad Leonardo , Voos Mariana Callil , Chien Hsin Fen , Pedroso José Luiz , Barsottini Orlando
Published: December 2022

Background Individuals with spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) present communication and swallowing disorders, and consequent deterioration in quality of life (QOL).

Objective To evaluate the impact of a speech therapy rehabilitation program on the QOL of patients with SCA3.

Methods All participants were randomly assigned to two groups, an intervention group receiving speech therapy (STG) and a control group (CG). The International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale scores were 32.4 ± 20.2, and the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia scores were 11.8 ± 8.0. The intervention consisted of a 12-session speech therapy rehabilitation program with oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal strengthening exercises—the so-called ATAXIA–Myofunctional Orofacial and Vocal Therapy (A-MOVT). They all were submitted to pre- and postintervention evaluations using the World Health Organization's Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) assessment, as well as the Living with Dysarthria (LwD), Quality of Life in Swallowing Disorders (SWAL-QOL), and Food Assessment Tool (EAT-10).

Results The study sample consisted of 48 patients with SCA3 (STG = 25; CG = 23), mean age was 47.1 ± 11.4 years; mean age at symptom onset was 36.9 ± 11.3 years; disease duration was 11.9 ± 13.3 years. After the 3-month intervention, there were significant changes in the QOL in the STG compared with the CG, when assessed by the LwD (179.12 ± 62.55 vs. 129.88 ± 51.42, p < 0.001), SWAL-QOL (869.43 ± 153.63 vs. 911.60 ± 130.90, p = 0.010), and EAT-10 (5.16 ± 7.55 vs. 2.08 ± 3.85, p = 0.018).

Conclusions Patients with SCA3 should receive continuous speech therapy as part of the A-MOVT program, because therapy helps to improve difficulty swallowing and dysarthria.
Artificial Hawking radiation, weak pseudo-Hermiticity, and Weyl semimetal blackhole analogy
Authors: Bagchi Bijan , Sen Sauvik
Published: December 2022

We examine the possibility of artificial Hawking radiation by proposing a non-PT-symmetric weakly pseudo-Hermitian two-band model containing a tilting parameter by pursuing Weyl semimetal blackhole analogy. We determine the tunneling probability using such a Hamiltonian through the event horizon that acts as a classically forbidden barrier.
A combinatorial view of stochastic processes: White noise
Authors: Diaz-Ruelas Alvaro
Published: December 2022

White noise is a fundamental and fairly well understood stochastic process that conforms to the conceptual basis for many other processes, as well as for the modeling of time series. Here, we push a fresh perspective toward white noise that, grounded on combinatorial considerations, contributes to giving new interesting insights both for modeling and theoretical purposes. To this aim, we incorporate the ordinal pattern analysis approach, which allows us to abstract a time series as a sequence of patterns and their associated permutations, and introduce a simple functional over permutations that partitions them into classes encoding their level of asymmetry. We compute the exact probability mass function (p.m.f.) of this functional over the symmetric group of degree n, thus providing the description for the case of an infinite white noise realization. This p.m.f. can be conveniently approximated by a continuous probability density from an exponential family, the Gaussian, hence providing natural sufficient statistics that render a convenient and simple statistical analysis through ordinal patterns. Such analysis is exemplified on experimental data for the spatial increments from tracks of gold nanoparticles in 3D diffusion.
An analytical treatment of electron spectral saturation for dynamic nuclear polarization NMR of rotating solids
Authors: Gan Zhehong
Published: December 2022

Saturation of electron magnetization by microwave irradiation under magic-angle spinning (MAS) is studied theoretically. The saturation is essential for dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) enhancement of nuclear magnetic resonance signals. For a spin with a large g-anisotropy and a long T1 relative to the rotor period, the sample rotation distributes saturation to the whole powder sample spectrum. Analytical expressions for the saturation and frequency profiles are obtained. For a pair of coupled electrons such as those in bis-nitroxides, which are commonly used for MAS DNP, an el–er model (where el and er stand for electrons on the left and the right, respectively, in their spectral positions) is introduced to simplify the analysis of a coupled two-spin system under MAS. For such a system, strong electron couplings exchange magnetization during dipolar/J rotor events when the two electron frequencies cross each other. The exchange is equivalent to a swap of the el and er electrons. This allows for the treatment of a coupled spin pair as two independent spins such that an analytical solution can be obtained for the steady-state magnetization and the difference between the two electrons. The theoretical study with its analytical result provides a simple physical picture of electron saturation under MAS and of how radical properties and experimental parameters affect cross-effect DNP. The effects of depolarization and the extension to more coupled electron spins are also discussed using this approach.
Stochastic fluctuation and transport of tokamak edge plasmas with the resonant magnetic perturbation field
Authors: Choi Minjun J. , Kwon Jae-Min , Kim Juhyung , Rhee Tongnyeol , Bak Jun-Gyo , Shin Giwook , Kim Hyun-Seok , Jhang Hogun , Kim Kimin , Yun Gunsu S. , Kim Minwoo , Kim SangKyeun , Kaang Helen H. , Park Jong-Kyu , Lee Hyung Ho , In Yongkyoon , Lee Jaehyun , Kim Minho , Park Byoung-Ho , Park Hyeon K.
Published: December 2022

We present that a statistical method known as the complexity–entropy analysis is useful to characterize a state of plasma turbulence and flux in the resonant magnetic perturbation (RMP) edge localized mode (ELM) control experiment. The stochastic pedestal top temperature fluctuation in the RMP ELM suppression phase is distinguished from the chaotic fluctuation in the natural ELM-free phase. It is discussed that the stochastic temperature fluctuation can be originated from the narrow layer of the field penetration on the pedestal top. The forced magnetic island can emit the resonant drift wave of comparable sizes (relatively low-k) in the RMP ELM suppression phase, and it can result in the generation of stochastic higher wavenumber fluctuations coupled to tangled fields around the island. The analysis of the ion saturation current measurement around the major outer striking point on the divertor shows that it also becomes more stochastic as the stronger plasma response to the RMP field is expected.
Active tuning of the vibration and wave propagation properties in electromechanical metamaterial beam
Authors: Xining Zhao , Yongwang Zhang , Bo Li , Chuangshi Shen , Zewei Li , Bo Zhou
Published: December 2022

Locally resonant metamaterial beams made from flexible substrates with piezoelectric layers can exhibit bandgap and vibration attenuation properties. However, the bandgap properties of the electromechanical metamaterials are limited by the electromechanical coupling coefficient. In order to effectively overcome this limitation of the locally resonant bandgaps, a locally resonant electromechanical metamaterial beam with piezoelectric actuators and sensors is presented, and the piezoelectric shunting technique and negative proportional feedback control strategy are combined. In this design, both negative capacitance (NC) and inductance (L) are incorporated into the shunt circuits. Then, the classical root locus method is employed to obtain single/multiple bandgaps and particular structural response by arranging the poles and zeros. Finally, the influences of the feedback control gain, the shunt circuit type, and the damping ratio on the bandgap properties and wave propagation behaviors are analyzed. Numerical results demonstrate that the single/multiple bandgaps can be obviously broadened by properly increasing the control gain. Specifically, adding negative capacitance in series to pure inductive circuit can generate wider absolute bandgaps at lower frequencies. The comparison of the frequency response and the bandgap characteristics reveals a very good agreement. Summarily speaking, combining the piezoelectric shunting technique and negative proportional feedback control strategy can effectively tune the vibration and wave propagation behavior.
An optical method based auto-collimation for measuring five degrees of freedom error motions of rotary axis
Authors: Zhao Huining , Ding Wenjing , Fan Mengyao , Xia Haojie , Yu Liandong
Published: December 2022

The paper presents an optical method based on auto-collimation to simultaneously measure five degrees of freedom error motions of the rotary axis. The proposed method consists of the collimated lasers, beam splitters, focusing lens, quadrant photodiode detectors, a high-precision steel ball, and a special mirror fixed to the rotary axis. The mathematical model is established byoptical ray tracing, and the corresponding optical path is also simulated by OpticStudio. Meanwhile, an adjusting mechanism for X–Y micro-displacement, based on the elastic deformation of the material, is designed to adjust the installation eccentricity error of the high-precision steel ball. The calibration results of the proposed system demonstrate that the displacement errors are ±0.25 µm within the measuring range of ±10 µm, and the tilt angle errors are ±0.6 arcsec within the measuring range of ±25 arcsec. Taking a direct drive (DD) motor as the test object, the radial error motions of the rotary axis range from −3.2 to 4.1 µm, the axial error motions range from −4.9 to 4.7 µm, and the tilt error motions around the X and Y axes range from −2.8 to 1.8 arcsec and −2.6 to 2.0 arcsec, respectively.
How are mobility and friction related in viscoelastic fluids?
Authors: Caspers Juliana , Ditz Nikolas , Krishna Kumar Karthika , Ginot Félix , Bechinger Clemens , Fuchs Matthias , Krüger Matthias
Published: December 2022

The motion of a colloidal probe in a viscoelastic fluid is described by friction or mobility, depending on whether the probe is moving with a velocity or feeling a force. While the Einstein relation describes an inverse relationship valid for Newtonian solvents, both concepts are generalized to time-dependent memory kernels in viscoelastic fluids. We theoretically and experimentally investigate their relation by considering two observables: the recoil after releasing a probe that was moved through the fluid and the equilibrium mean squared displacement (MSD). Applying concepts of linear response theory, we generalize Einstein’s relation and, thereby, relate recoil and MSD, which both provide access to the mobility kernel. With increasing concentration, however, MSD and recoil show distinct behaviors, rooted in different behaviors of the two kernels. Using two theoretical models, a linear two-bath particle model, and hard spheres treated by mode coupling theory, we find a Volterra relation between the two kernels, explaining differing timescales in friction and mobility kernels under variation of concentration.