bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Educational trails of the Racławka Valley Nature Reserve and their potential for geoeducation
Authors: Szreter Anna , Skoczylas-Śniaz Sylwia , Wierzba Katarzyna , Czoch Paulina , Bolek Szymon , Kowal-Kasprzyk Justyna
Published: September 2023

The Racławka Valley is located west of Krakow, in the Krakow-Częstochowa Upland. This is a place of high bio- and geodiversity, where various rocks of different ages outcrop in vast excavation pits, narrow gorges or form characteristic monadnocks. The richness of various morphological forms and special habitats led to the constitution of a nature reserve, covering most of the Racławka Valley and adjacent, southern parts of the Szklarka Valley. Three educational trails lead through the reserve, connecting a number of geosites. The Geotourism Students’ Scientific Club (GSSC) from AGH University of Science and Technology examined the usability of these trails for geoeducation. After completing geotourism valorisation, adequate teaching materials were prepared, and different age groups were guided around the trails. Their comprehension has been verified by quizzes and opinions gathered through questionnaires. On the bases of these, the three educational trails were widely described and assessed in respect for their terrain difficulty, accessibility, and infrastructure. Each trail has a leitmotif and a specific theme, however geosites from different trails can be combined together to get a route of a chosen theme. The GSSC also released three new geotourism guidebooks, one for each trail, as a result of AGH rector's grant projects in the years 2018–2020.
Utility of Phlebotomy Tourniquet as a Cost-effective Adjuvant in Diabetic Wound Closure: A Case Report
Authors: Shinde Pravin , Gajjar Aarsh , Karvande Rajiv
Published: September 2023

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is associated with numerous complications, including cardiovascular diseases, blindness, renal failure, and foot ulcers, which can result in morbidity, amputation, and increased mortality rates. Present case is of a 50-year-old patient with a Diabetic Foot Ulcer (DFU) who underwent amputation of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th toes of the right foot and was managed on an outpatient basis. A phlebotomy tourniquet was tied across the wound and gradually tightened to approximate the wound edges, facilitating wound contraction. After 45 days of treatment, the wound had fully healed. This case suggests that using a phlebotomy tourniquet can effectively close wounds when other techniques, such as skin grafting, are not feasible.
An Audit of the Length of Bone Marrow Trephine Biopsy in Adult Patients: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Bhatti Vandana , . Ashima , Deval Gagandeep , Isaacs Roma
Published: September 2023

Introduction: A bone marrow trephine biopsy is a minor surgical procedure used to diagnose various haematological and non haematological diseases, such as leukaemia, multiple myeloma, and parasitic disorders like histoplasmosis and leishmaniasis. It is often performed alongside bone marrow aspiration to gather additional information about cellularity, the arrangement of marrow components, and the presence of focal diseases. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the recommended minimum adequate length for a trephine biopsy is ≥1.5 cm (before processing). Aim: To conduct an audit of trephine biopsy lengths and assess their diagnostic utility among adult patients. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study analysed all bone marrow biopsies from adult patients received at the Department of Pathology, Christian Medical College and Hospital in Ludhiana, Punjab, India, over a three-year period (January 2019 to December 2021). The biopsies were categorised into three groups based on their length at the time of grossing: Group A (≥1.5 cm), Group B (1-1.4 cm), and Group C (0.5-0.9 cm). The length of each trephine biopsy was recorded and its diagnostic usefulness was evaluated. Results: The study included 1,155 trephine biopsies performed over the three-year period. Out of these, 1042, 97, and 16 biopsies were allocated to Groups A, B, and C, respectively. Biopsies meeting the recommended length (>1.5 cm) accounted for 90.2% of the cases. Longer biopsies were associated with a higher rate of conclusive diagnosis compared to shorter biopsies (p-value=0.02). However, when comparing Groups A and B individually, no significant difference was observed in terms of the conclusive diagnosis (p-value=0.9). Conclusion: Trephine biopsy is a vital tool for diagnosing haematological disorders, particularly focal lesions. Obtaining longer trephine biopsies should be emphasised, as they contribute to a more definitive diagnosis.
Effect of Giving Purple Sweet Potato (Ipomea batatas L.) Extract in Feed to Increase the Color and Growth of Koi Fish (Cyprinus carpio)
Authors: Gagas Widya , Junaidi Muhammad , Setyono Bagus Dwi Hari
Published: September 2023

Purple sweet potato has the potential as a feed mixture ingredient to improve the color of ornamental fish, but it is not known how much the dose of purple sweet potato test extract in feed can increase the color of koi fish. Therefore, a study was carried out with the aim of knowing the effect of giving purple sweet potato extract in feed on color quality, total carotenoids, growth and survival of koi fish. This study used a completely randomized design consisting of five treatments and three replications, with the treatment of purple sweet potato extract in the feed. Giving purple sweet potato extract in commercial feed consisting of P0 (control) = without giving purple sweet potato extract, P1 = purple sweet potato extract 100 ml kg-1, P2 = purple sweet potato extract 150 ml kg-1, P3 = sweet potato extract purple 200 ml kg-1, and P4 = purple sweet potato extract 250 ml kg-1. The parameters measured in this study were color quality, growth and survival. The results showed that the feeding of purple sweet potato extract had a significant (p<.05) effect on the parameters of color quality, growth and survival, and not significant (p>.05) on the total carotenoids of koi fish. Thus, to improve the quality of color, growth and survival of koi fish, it is better to use feed with purple sweet potato extract of 250 mg kg-1 of feed.
Yield Performance of Two Drought Tolerant Rice Mutants in Boro Season at Two Semi Drought Prone Areas of Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Md. Mohimenul , Haque Md. Shamiul , Khanam Sakina , Begum Shamima , Hoque Md. Muzammal , Shams-Al-Mahmud
Published: September 2023

Climate change is the biggest challenge for sustainable crop production all over the world, where drought is one of the outrageous factors. Two experiments were conducted to examine the suitability and productivity of drought tolerant two rice mutants cultivating in Boro season. The experiments were consisted of two mutants, derived from NERICA rice variety namely, RM-16(N)-8-1, RM-16(N)-10-1 and one Boro variety BRRI dhan58 and they were conducted at the farmer’s field of two semi drought prone areas as Mymensingh and Jamalpur districts of Bangladesh from December, 2021 to May, 2022. The experiments were laid out in Randomized Complete              Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Higher yield (7.01 tha-1) was recorded in the mutant RM-16(N)-10-1 compared to the variety BRRI dhan58 (6.46 tha-1). Higher days to maturity was found in BRRI dhan58 (151.50 days) compared to the mutants RM-16(N)-10-1 (150.50 days) and RM-16(N)-8-1 (148 days). The highest effective tiller hill-1 (25.10) and number of filled grain panicle-1 (142.50) were recorded in the mutant RM-16(N)-10-1 where in RM-16(N)-8-1, effective tiller hill-1 and number of filled grain panicle-1 were 22.88 and 138.92 respectively, and in BRRI dhan58 effective tiller hill-1 was 21.56 and number of filled grain panicle-1 was 142.46. Higher 1000 seed wt. (23.53 g) was found for RM-16(N)-10-1 compared to other two genotypes. And the maximum yield potential (7.01 tha-1) was recorded in the mutant RM-16(N)-10-1. Furthermore, it will be useful for Bangladesh to choose drought tolerant genotypes with high yield potential and future breeding stock.
Isolated Pulmonary Valve Endocarditis on an Undiagnosed Congenital Heart Disease in a Young Adult: A Rare Clinical Entity
Authors: Njie M. , Mulendele P. M. , Selmaoui M. , Jiddou M. , Assklou A. , Haboub M. , Drighil A. , Habbal R.
Published: September 2023

Background: Isolated pulmonary valve endocarditis (PVE) is a rare condition that accounts for 1.5–2% of all reported cases of endocarditis. Herein, we describe a rare case of isolated pulmonary valve endocarditis with a fortuitous discover of a congenital heart disease in a young adult subject. Unlike other cases of right sided endocarditis, we treated our patient both medically and surgically.

Case Presentation: The patient was diagnosed with an isolated pulmonary valve endocarditis after blood cultures confirming the presence of Abiotrophia defectiva, a germ difficult to cultivate whilst the echocardiographic revealed a vegetation mass measuring 8mm long alongside with the discovery of a severe pulmonary valve stenosis and a large atrial septal defect (ASD) of 39mm wide. Septic pulmonary emboli were the first clinical manifestation in our patient. Both medical and surgical treatment was indicated based on dual antibiotics, removal of the vegetation, valvulotomy and closure of the ASD.

Conclusion: Both medical and early surgery therapy should be considered in   patient with right sided endocarditis associated with congenital heart disease for better clinical outcome.
Genotype x Environment Interaction and Yield-Stability Analysis of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Grown in Salt Affected Soil
Authors: Chaudhary Birendra Kumar , Verma O. P. , Singh Pankaj Kumar , Patel Arvind , Riju
Published: September 2023

This study was conducted during Kharif, 2019 At the Students Instructional Farm, MES and Agronomy Farm of A.N.D.U.A.T., Kumarganj, Ayodhya, the trials were set up in RBD with three replications. The experimental material comprised of 25 genotypes of rice were evaluated for 11 quantitative traits under three different environmental locations. High significant mean squares were found for all eleven research characteristics in the environment-specific analysis of variance and the pooled analysis of variance for three environments encompassing one crop season. T-3, Kavery Sampoorna, NDRK-11-27, Moti Gold, and NDRK-11-29 under irrigated circumstances were the genotypes demonstrating high mean performance for grain yield per plant and some of its significant components when considering the mean performance of genotypes under various environmental situations. Out of 25 genotypes tested in three conditions, T-3, Kavery Sampoorna, and NDRK-11-27 had the maximum grain yield per plant.In path coefficient analysis highest positive direct effects on grain yield per plant was exerted by L/B ratio (0.281), followed by panicle length (0.167), number of fertile spikelet per plant (0.092) and days to 50% flowering (0.037). On the other hand, negative direct effects on grain yield per plant was exerted by plant height (-0.255), leaf area index (-0.195), spikelet fertility (-0.187), biological yield per plant and harvest index (-0.126) and productive tillers / plant (-0.049). Positive indirect effects on spikelet fertility was recorded via biological yield per plant (0.040) followed by panicle length via biological yield per plant (0.264), productive tiller per plant biological yield per plant (0.021) and plant height via biological yield per plant (0.011).

Considering the mean performance and stability parameters, three high yielding genotypes T-3, Kavery Sampoorna and NDRK-11-27 merit due consideration for recommending their exploitation as cultivars or varieties for commercial cultivation and/or as donor for hybridization programme for wide range of environments pertaining especially to different environments. In addition to these genotypes, several other genotypes exhibiting high or average mean performance, desirable non- linear response and stable nature for different characters may also be useful for exploitation as parents in hybridization programme as donors for characters for which they showed superiority even if they had average or low grain yield per plant.
Soil Fertility and Yield of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L.) as Influenced by Phosphorus Management Practices in Sandy Loam Soils
Authors: Kejiya P. , Vajantha B. , Naidu M. V. S. , Nagavani A. V.
Published: September 2023

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) is an important small millet crop grown in India and has the pride of place in having highest productivity among millets. However, the productivity comes down in low available soil phosphorus areas where finger millet is grown. A field experiment was carried out at Agricultural Research Station, Perumalapalle, Tirupati, Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University, Andhra Pradesh, India during kharif, 2018 on sandy loam soil to study the effect of phosphorus fertilizer, PSB and VAM on soil fertility status and yield of finger millet. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with nine treatments consists of combination of phosphorus fertilizer, PSB and VAM and replicated thrice. Soil samples were collected at initial and after harvest and analyzed for physico-chemical, chemical properties and grain yield was recorded after harvest. The results revealed that application of PSB, VAM along with phosphorus fertilizer exerted significant effect on available N, P2O5, K2O, S and DTPA extractable micronutrients. Significantly  the highest  available N (150 kg ha-1), P2O5 (42.34 kg ha-1 ),  K2O (227 kg ha-1 ), S (9.57 mg kg-1 ),  DTPA extractable Manganese (38.67 mg kg-1) was registered with application of 100 %  RDP + PSB @ 750 ml ha-1 + VAM @ 12.5 kg ha-1 (T6). Moreover, this treatment led to the highest recorded grain yield of finger millet, achieving 4328 kg ha-1. Physico-chemical properties (pH, EC and OC) was non significant with phosphorus management practices. In conclusion, the results underscore the positive impact of the combined application of PSB, VAM, and phosphorus fertilizer on both soil fertility parameters and finger millet yield. This research provides valuable insights for enhancing agricultural practices in regions characterized by sandy loam soils and low phosphorus availability, contributing to the sustainable productivity of finger millet crops in India.
Effect of Zinc and Thiourea Fertilizer at Different Stages for Growth and Yield of Green Gram
Authors: Gowtham Gollapalli , Mehera Biswarup , Kumar Prateek
Published: September 2023

The field experiment titled “Effect of zinc and thiourea fertilizer at different stages for growth and yield of green gram” was conducted during Zaid - 2023 at the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology And Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P.) India. To study the Response of zinc and thiourea fertilizer at different stages for growth and yield of green gram. The soil of experimental plot was sandy loamy in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.8), low in organic carbon (0.35%). The treatments consist of three levels of Zinc – 2.5 kg/ha, Zinc – 4.0 kg/ha, Zinc – 5.5 kg/ha. Three levels of Thiourea, Thiourea (500 ppm), Thiourea (500 ppm)- 30 DAS, Thiourea (500 ppm)- 45 DAS. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with ten treatments each replicated thrice. Results revealed that the higher plant height (38.32 cm), higher number of nodules (23.55), higher plant dry weight (9.93 g/plant), higher crop growth rate (9.17 g/m2/day) higher number of pods/plant (22.88), higher number of seeds/pod (10.06), higher test weight (34.23 gm), higher seed yield (1222.69 kg/ha) and higher stover yield (2006.02 kg/ha) were significantly influenced with application of Zinc 5.5 kg/ha+ Thiourea (500 ppm) – 45 DAS. Higher gross return (94758.22 INR/ha), higher net return (65643.22 INR/ha) and higher B:C ratio (2.25) were also recorded in treatment-9 Zinc 5.5 kg/ha + Thiourea (500 ppm) – 45 DAS.
Engineering of Local Coordination Microenvironment in Single‐Atom Catalysts Enabling Sustainable Conversion of Biomass into a Broad Range of Amines
Authors: Liu Wu‐Jun , Zhou Xiao , Min Yuan , Huang Jia‐Wei , Chen Jie‐Jie , Wu Yuen , Yu Han‐Qing
Published: September 2023

Utilizing renewable biomass as a substitute for fossil resources to produce high‐value chemicals with a low carbon footprint is an effective strategy for achieving a carbon‐neutral society. Production of chemicals via single‐atom catalysis is an attractive proposition due to its remarkable selectivity and high atomic efficiency. In this work, a supramolecular‐controlled pyrolysis strategy is employed to fabricate a palladium single‐atom (Pd1/BNC) catalyst with B‐doped Pd‐Nx atomic configuration. Owing to the meticulously tailored local coordination microenvironment, the as‐synthesized Pd1/BNC catalyst exhibits remarkable conversion capability for a wide range of biomass‐derived aldehydes/ketones. Thorough characterizations and density functional theory calculations reveal that the highly polar metal‐N‐B site, formed between the central Pd single atom and its adjacent N and B atoms, promotes hydrogen activation from the donor (reductants) and hydrogen transfer to the acceptor (C═O group), consequently leading to exceptional selectivity. This system can be further extended to directly synthesize various aromatic and furonic amines from renewable lignocellulosic biomass, with their greenhouse gas emission potentials being negative in comparison to those of fossil‐fuel resource‐based amines. This research presents a highly effective and sustainable methodology for constructing C─N bonds, enabling the production of a diverse array of amines from carbon‐neutral biomass resources.
Drug‐Primed Self‐Assembly of Platinum‐Single‐Atom Nanozyme to Regulate Cellular Redox Homeostasis Against Cancer
Authors: Zhang Li , Dong Qian , Hao Yumin , Wang Zihan , Dong Wenjuan , Liu Yang , Dong Yueping , Wu Hongpeng , Shuang Shaomin , Dong Chuan , Chen Zhuo , Gong Xiaojuan
Published: September 2023

Single‐atom nanozymes (SAzymes) with high catalytic activity exhibit the potential to disequilibrate the reactive oxygen metabolic balance in the tumor microenvironment (TME), which contains several endogenous reductive substances such as glutathione (GSH). Herein, a novel nano‐assembly (CDs@Pt SAs/NCs@DOX) is first constructed using drug‐primed platinum (Pt) single‐atom or nanocluster nanozymes with a Pt loading of 34.8%, which exhibits prominent dual enzymatic activities to mimic peroxidase (POD) and glutathione oxidase (GSHOx). The unique GSHOx‐like activity can efficiently scavenge GSH with a relatively low Km (1.04 mm) and high Vmax (7.46 × 10−6 m s−1), thus avoiding single oxygen (1O2) depletion. CDs@Pt SAs/NCs@DOX simultaneously demonstrates low‐temperature photothermal therapy and TME‐ or laser‐controlled disassembly and drug release, which can effectively regulate cellular redox homeostasis and achieve high tumor growth inhibition. These outcomes may provide promising strategies for the preparation of Pt SAzymes with multiple activities and variable‐sized nano‐assemblies, allowing for broader applications of SAzymes and nano‐assemblies in the biomedical field.
Installing hydrogen bonds as a general strategy to control viscosity sensitivity of molecular rotor fluorophores
Authors: Shen Baoxing , Liu Lihua , Huang Yubo , Wu Jichun , Feng Huan , Liu Yu , Huang He , Zhang Xin
Published: September 2023

Molecular rotor‐based fluorophores (RBFs) activate fluorescence upon increase of micro‐viscosity, thus bearing a broad application promise in many fields. However, it remains a challenge to control how fluorescence of RBFs responds to viscosity changes. Herein, we demonstrate that the formation and regulation of intramolecular hydrogen bonds in the excited state of RBFs could modulate their rotational barrier, leading to a rational control of how their fluorescence can be activated by micro‐viscosity. Based on this strategy, a series of RBFs were developed based on 4‐hydroxybenzylidene‐imidazolinone (HBI) that span a wide range of viscosity sensitivity. Combined with the AggTag method that we previously reported, the varying viscosity sensitivity and emission spectra of these probes enabled a dual‐color imaging strategy that detects both protein oligomers and aggregates during the multistep aggregation process of proteins in live cells. In summary, our work indicates that installing intracellular excited state hydrogen bonds to RBFs allows for a rational control of rotational barrier, thus allow for a fine tune of their viscosity sensitivity. Beyond RBFs, we envision similar strategies can be applied to control the fluorogenic behavior of a large group of fluorophores whose emission is dependent on excited state rotational motion, including aggregation‐induced emission fluorophores.
Ferric Single‐Site Catalyst Confined in a Zeolite Framework for Propane Dehydrogenation
Authors: Xu Guangyue , Zhang Xiang , Dong Zhuoya , Liang Wanying , Xiao Tianci , Chen Huiyong , Ma Yanhang , Pan Yang , Fu Yao
Published: September 2023

Non‐oxidative dehydrogenation of propane is a highly efficient approach for industrial preparation of propene that is commonly catalyzed by noble Pt or toxic Cr catalysts and suffers from coking. In this work, ferric catalyst confined in a zeolite framework was synthesized by a hydrothermal procedure. The isolated Fe in the framework formed distorted tetrahedra, which were beneficial for the selective dehydrogenation of propane and reached over 95 % propene selectivity and over 99 % total olefins selectivity. This catalyst had a silanol‐free structure and was oxygen tolerant, hydrothermally stable, and coke free, with a deactivation constant of 0.01 h−1. This study provided guidance for the synthesis of structural heteroatomic zeolite and efficient propane non‐oxidative dehydrogenation over early transition metals.
Catalyst‐Oriented Design Based on Elementary Reactions (CODER) for Triarylamine Synthesis
Authors: Liu Hua‐Wei , He Peng , Li Wen‐Tao , Sun Wei , Shi Kai , Wang You‐Qin , Mo Qian‐Kun , Zhang Xin‐Yu , Zhu Shou‐Fei
Published: September 2023

Recently, the application of computational tools to the rational design of catalysts has received considerable attention, but progress has been limited by the reliance on databases and because mechanistic data have been almost neglected. Herein, we report a new strategy for catalyst design, designated catalyst‐oriented design based on elementary reactions (CODER), which fully utilizes mechanistic data, combines the strengths of computational tools and researcher experience. CODER enabled the development of extremely efficient Pd catalysts for C−N coupling, which markedly improved the efficiency of the synthesis of widely used triarylamine optoelectronic materials by enhancing the turnover numbers (up to 340000) to 1–3 orders of magnitude towards literature values.
Wetting vs Droplet Aggregation: A Broadband Rotational Spectroscopic Study of 3‐Methylcatechol⋅⋅⋅Water Clusters
Authors: Hazrah Arsh S. , Insausti Aran , Ma Jiarui , Al‐Jabiri Mohamad H. , Jäger Wolfgang , Xu Yunjie
Published: September 2023

Two competing solvation pathways of 3‐methylcatechol (MC), an atmospherically relevant aromatic molecule, with up to five water molecules were explored in detail by using a combination of broadband rotational spectroscopy and computational chemistry. Theoretically, two different pathways of solvation emerge: the commonly observed droplet pathway which involves preferential binding among the water molecules while the solute serves as an anchor point for the formation of a water cluster, and an unexpected wetting pathway which involves interactions between the water molecules and the aromatic face of MC, i.e., a wetting of the π‐surface. Conclusive identification of the MC hydrate structures, and therefore the wetting pathway, was facilitated by rotational spectra of the parent MC hydrates and several H218O and 13C isotopologues which exhibit splittings associated with methyl internal rotation and/or water tunneling motions. Theoretical modelling and analyses offer insights into the tunneling and conversion barriers associated with the observed hydrate conformers and the nature of the non‐covalent interactions involved in choosing the unusual wetting pathway.
Ligand‐induced Assembly of Copper Nanoclusters with Enhanced Electrochemical Excitation and Radiative Transition for Electrochemiluminescence**
Authors: Sun Qian , Ning Zhenqiang , Yang Erli , Yin Fei , Wu Guoqiu , Zhang Yuanjian , Shen Yanfei
Published: September 2023

Copper nanoclusters (CuNCs) are emerging electrochemiluminescence (ECL) emitters with unique molecule‐like electronic structures, high abundance, and low cost. However, the synthesis of CuNCs with high ECL efficiency and stability in a scalable manner remains challenging. Here, we report a facile gram‐scale approach for preparing self‐assembled CuNCs (CuNCsAssy) induced by ligands with exceptionally boosted anodic ECL and stability. Compared to the disordered aggregates that are inactive in ECL, the CuNCsAssy shows a record anodic ECL efficiency for CuNCs (10 %, wavelength‐corrected, relative to Ru(bpy)3Cl2/tripropylamine). Mechanism studies revealed the unusual dual functions of ligands in simultaneously facilitating electrochemical excitation and radiative transition. Moreover, the assembly addressed the limitation of poor stability of conventional CuNCs. As a proof of concept, an ECL biosensor for alkaline phosphatase detection was successfully constructed with an ultralow limit of detection of 8.1×10−6 U/L.
Organo‐Mediator Enabled Electrochemical Deuteration of Styrenes
Authors: Yang Keming , Feng Tian , Qiu Youai
Published: September 2023

Despite widespread use of the deuterium isotope effect, selective deuterium labeling of chemical molecules remains a major challenge. Herein, a facile and general electrochemically driven, organic mediator enabled deuteration of styrenes with deuterium oxide (D2O) as the economical deuterium source was reported. Importantly, this transformation could be suitable for various electron rich styrenes mediated by triphenylphosphine (TPP). The reaction proceeded under mild conditions without transition‐metal catalysts, affording the desired products in good yields with excellent D‐incorporation (D‐inc, up to >99 %). Mechanistic investigations by means of isotope labeling experiments and cyclic voltammetry tests provided sufficient support for this transformation. Notably, this method proved to be a powerful tool for late‐stage deuteration of biorelevant compounds.
Interphasial Pre‐lithiation and Reinforcement of Micro‐Si Anode through Fluorine‐free Electrolytes
Authors: Li Qin , Ruan Jiafeng , Weng Suting , Zhang Xiao , Hu Jiaming , Li Huan , Sun Dalin , Wang Xuefeng , Fang Fang , Wang Fei
Published: September 2023

Micro‐sized silicon (mSi) anodes offer advantages in cost and tap density over nanosized counterparts. However, its practical application still suffers from poor cyclability and low initial and later‐cycle coulombic efficiency (CE), caused by the unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and irreversible lithiation of the surface oxide layer. Herein, a bifunctional fluorine (F)‐free electrolyte was designed for the mSi anode to stabilize the interphase and improve the CE. A combined analysis revealed that this electrolyte can chemically pre‐lithiate the native oxide layer by the reductive LiBH4, and relieve SEI formation and accumulation to preserve the internal conductive network. The significance of this F‐free electrolyte brings unprecedented F‐free interphase that also enables the high‐performance mSi electrode (80 wt % mSi), including high specific capacity of 2900 mAh/g, high initial CE of 94.7 % and excellent cyclability capacity retention of 94.3 % after 100 cycles at 0.2 C. This work confirms the feasibility of F‐free interphase, thus opening up a new avenue toward cost‐advantaged and environmentally friendly electrolytes for more emerging battery systems.
Gemini surfactant‐stabilized Pd nanoparticles: Synthesis, characterization, and catalytic application in the reduction and reductive acetylation in the water solvent
Authors: Gupta Pranshu K. , Srivastava Ankur , V.S. Ranganath Kalluri
Published: September 2023

A series of Gemini surfactants (GSs) were prepared by reacting alkyl bromides with N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethyl ethylenediamine. Various alkyl bromides used in for the preparation of GSs are 1,3‐dibromo ethane, 1,3‐dibromoethane, 1‐Bromohexane, 1‐Bromooctane, 1‐Bromooctadecane and 1‐Bromooctadodecane. Different solvents and temperatures were investigated for the formation of gels of prepared GSs. Among all, 1‐Bromooctane, 1‐Bromooctadecane‐derived GSs formed organogels. Thus, synthesized long‐chain organogels have been used to stabilize Pd NPs. The Pd NPs formation initially confirmed through Ultraviolet‐visible, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and Atomic Force Micrograph studies. Later Fourier Tansform Infra Red, Thermo Gravimetric Analysis, and Zeta potential studies were also carried out to understand their properties extensively. The Pd NPs stabilized by GSs have been identified as a potential catalyst in the reductive N‐acetylation of nitroaromatics at room temperature. The N‐acetylated products were obtained in good yields in an aqueous medium. In addition, the potentiality of our catalyst has been also evaluated in the reduction of nitroaromatics in an aqueous medium, which is a green protocol. Further, the semi‐empirical geometry optimizations of active GS gel confirmed the dihedral angle of 59° in between the two octyl moieties calculated from computational studies. The rheological properties such as amplitude sweeping, viscosity shear profile of the gel have also been studied.
Spatially resolved detection of small molecules from press‐dried plant tissue using MALDI imaging
Authors: Long Zane G. , Le Jonathan V. , Katz Benjamin B. , Lopez Belen G. , Tenenbaum Emily D. , Semmling Bonnie , Schmidt Ryan J. , Grün Felix , Butts Carter T. , Martin Rachel W.
Published: September 2023

Premise

Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI‐MSI) is a chemical imaging method that can visualize spatial distributions of particular molecules. Plant tissue imaging has so far mostly used cryosectioning, which can be impractical for the preparation of large‐area imaging samples, such as full flower petals. Imaging unsectioned plant tissue presents its own difficulties in extracting metabolites to the surface due to the waxy cuticle.

Methods

We address this by using established delipidation techniques combined with a solvent vapor extraction prior to applying the matrix with many low‐concentration sprays.

Results

Using this procedure, we imaged tissue from three different plant species (two flowers and one carnivorous plant leaf). Material factorization analysis of the resulting data reveals a wide range of plant‐specific small molecules with varying degrees of localization to specific portions of the tissue samples, while facilitating detection and removal of signal from background sources.

Conclusions

This work demonstrates applicability of MALDI‐MSI to press‐dried plant samples without freezing or cryosectioning, setting the stage for spatially resolved molecule identification. Increased mass resolution and inclusion of tandem mass spectrometry are necessary next steps to allow more specific and reliable compound identification.
Update on immune‐based therapy strategies targeting cancer stem cells
Authors: Izadpanah Amirhossein , Mohammadkhani Niloufar , Masoudnia Mina , Ghasemzad Mahsa , Saeedian Arefeh , Mehdizadeh Hamid , Poorebrahim Mansour , Ebrahimi Marzieh
Published: September 2023

Accumulating data reveals that tumors possess a specialized subset of cancer cells named cancer stem cells (CSCs), responsible for metastasis and recurrence of malignancies, with various properties such as self‐renewal, heterogenicity, and capacity for drug resistance. Some signaling pathways or processes like Notch, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), Hedgehog (Hh), and Wnt, as well as CSCs' surface markers such as CD44, CD123, CD133, and epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) have pivotal roles in acquiring CSCs properties. Therefore, targeting CSC‐related signaling pathways and surface markers might effectively eradicate tumors and pave the way for cancer survival. Since current treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy cannot eradicate all of the CSCs and tumor relapse may happen following temporary recovery, improving novel and more efficient therapeutic options to combine with current treatments is required. Immunotherapy strategies are the new therapeutic modalities with promising results in targeting CSCs. Here, we review the targeting of CSCs by immunotherapy strategies such as dendritic cell (DC) vaccines, chimeric antigen receptors (CAR)‐engineered immune cells, natural killer‐cell (NK‐cell) therapy, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), checkpoint inhibitors, and the use of oncolytic viruses (OVs) in pre‐clinical and clinical studies. This review will mainly focus on blood malignancies but also describe solid cancers.
A novel jigsaw game with eye‐tracking: A multimodel interaction based on psycholinguistics for ADHD therapeutic
Authors: Xinru Wu
Published: September 2023

Attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) causes impulsive or hyperactive behaviors and emotional outbursts or trouble focusing. Simple psychotherapy has difficulty achieving desired therapeutic effects, and ADHD diagnoses in adults and children are increasing. However, e‐health games may mitigate the limitations of traditional methods by providing an ecologically relevant experience. In this paper, inspired by psycholinguistics, multimodal interaction, and he Pupil‐CR method, we have developed a narrative game therapy with eye‐tracking to enhance dyslexia and attention deficit manifestations. Using the situated discourses in the game's interactive narration, ADHD patients can concentrate and reduce anxiety and impulsivity. To evaluate the efficacy in improving attention a controlled trial (N = 48) randomly assigned volunteers in 1:1:1 to an eye‐tracking jigsaw game or two control groups. The principal measure was the average difference in attention comparison score (ACS) of the test of variables of attention (TOVA) preintervention and post‐intervention periods. Based on significant differences observed between the groups, we concluded the eye‐tracking jigsaw game could serve as a viable ADHD intervention for children.
Clove Buds Volatile Compounds: Inhibitory Activity on Mycobacterium Growth and Molecular Docking on Mmr Efflux Pump Drug Resistance
Authors: El Ghallab Yassine , Eddine Jamal Jamal , Aainouss Achraf , El Messaoudi My Driss , Dakir Mohamed , Derfoufi Sanae
Published: September 2023

Syzygium aromaticum is used in traditional and modern medicine for its various and outstanding pharmacological properties. Here, we studied the chemical composition of hexane extract and non‐polar fractions (NPF) obtained from the maceration and fractionation of clove buds, in order to evaluate their in vitro antimycobacterial activity, as well as their contribution against efflux pump (EP) resistance through molecular docking experiments. The gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis of the volatile profiles revealed the presence of eugenol, followed by eugenyl acetate, and β‐caryophyllene as common major compounds. According to Resazurin microtiter assay (REMA), Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv strain was sensitive to all volatile samples at concentration range between 10 and 100 μg/mL. The NPF of ethanol extract was the best inhibitor with a MIC=10 μg/mL. The in silico study revealed a strong binding affinity between eugenol and Mmr EP protein (−8.1 Kcal/mol), involving two binding modes of hydrogen bond and π‐alkyl interactions. The non‐polarity character of clove volatile constituents, and their potential additive or synergistic effects could be responsible for the antimycobacterial activity. In addition, these findings suggest the benefic effect of eugenol in the management of mycobacterium drug resistance, whether as potential inhibitor of Mmr drug EP, or modulator during combination therapy.
Black discoloration of the knee articular cartilage in a patient with pigmented villonodular synovitis: A case report
Authors: Firoozabadi Mohammad Ayati , Mortazavi S. M. Javad , Toofan Hesam , Khalili Marzieh , Shariyate Mohammad Javad
Published: September 2023

Key Clinical Message

In this case report, total knee arthroplasty was performed in a patient with pigmented villonodular synovitis. During surgery, severe black discoloration of the articular cartilage and menisci was observed in the patient. According to literatures, this is the first case report of severe articular cartilage pigmentation in a patient with pigmented villonodular synovitis.
Investigations into the yield‐controlled tightening method for steel constructions
Authors: Stranghöner Natalie , Paluska Denis , Jungbluth Dominik , Schaumann Peter , Schierl Christopher
Published: September 2023

The yield‐controlled tightening of bolting assemblies is established in mechanical engineering but has not yet been normatively regulated in steel construction due to a lack of fundamental investigations under practical steel construction conditions. A transferability of the yield‐controlled tightening from mechanical engineering to steel construction is not possible without further investigations due to different safety concepts and unresolved issues such as the reliability of the method in combination with e.g. HV bolting assemblies according to EN 14399‐4/‐6 and DASt‐Guideline 021.

The purpose of this contribution is to provide an insight into experimental investigations carried out in the frame of the German IGF research project 20838 N, where the suitability of the yield‐controlled tightening process is evaluated on HV bolting assemblies M12 to M72. First results for diameters M12 and M24 are presented within this contribution. Herein, an evaluation of the application of the yield‐controlled tightening is provided based on the tests already carried out. The results of the yield‐controlled tightening are compared to test results achieved for the modified torque method according to DASt‐Guideline 024 and 021 and the combined method according to EN 1090‐2 and DASt‐Guideline 024.
Numerical study on behaviour of T‐stubs with bolts in tapped holes
Authors: Ptiček Marko , Skejić Davor , Latour Massimo , Rizzano Gianvittorio
Published: September 2023

Bolts in tapped holes (BTH) use threads on the bolt hole wall as an anchorage instead of nuts used in standard bolt assemblies. Requirements for BTH application are given in the draft version of new Eurocode prEN 1993‐1‐8, including the definition of minimum thread engagement lengths. BTH connected T‐stubs under tension were investigated in analytical parametric study to determine the influence of thread engagement length requirements on general applicability of BTH. FE models of BTH connected T‐stubs in tension were created and validated with experimental results. Analytical and FEM parametric studies were conducted in order to clearly investigate the difference between thread engagement length requirements, with the aim of possibly alleviating the minimum thread engagement requirements and enabling better applicability of BTH in structural steel joints.
Experimental investigation of influence parameters on cartridge fired pin resistance
Authors: Gluhović Nina , Dobrić Jelena , Spremić Milan , Marković Zlatko
Published: September 2023

Cartridge fired pins, also known as powder actuated fasteners, have a wide application in different construction industry fields, mostly for joints of cold‐formed structural elements and profiled steel sheeting, or for installation of shear connectors in composite steel‐concrete structures. Installation of cartridge fired pins is mostly governed by high energy introduction from installation device and mechanical fastener to the steel base material, without initial predrilling of holes. Therefore, large plastic deformations of base material are developed through installation procedure, together with various anchorage mechanisms between fastener and base material. This paper presents experimental investigation of most important influence parameters on behaviour and resistance of cartridge fired pins, such as adjusted installation power level on installation device and steel base material strength. Experimental investigation involved X‐ENP‐21 HVB cartridge fired pins through double‐sided shear tests, tension tests with fasteners installed over X‐HVB shear connector with two different steel grades (S275 and S355) and two installation power levels (2 and 3.5), and tension tests with fasteners installed over two thicknesses of profiled steel sheeting (0.8 mm and 1.0 mm). Cartridge fired pin resistances together with corresponding failure mechanisms were experimentally quantified and presented in this paper.
Investigations on the material behaviour of weld seams for the use in finite element analyses
Authors: Kuntsche Ina , Lange Jörg
Published: September 2023

The design of complex structural steel connections by finite element analysis is common practice nowadays. However, for welded joints there are no normative regulations for the static finite‐element‐analysis. To analyse the specific material behaviour in the weld area and derive a geometry and material model for the finite element analysis, tensile tests on specimens with different weld geometries are made at the Technical University of Darmstadt. During the tests an optical measuring method, called Digital Image Correlation, is used. It records the deformations on the surface of the specimen and assigns the recorded analogue test load to the images. By this way, the load‐deformation‐behaviour in all areas of the weld can be determined. In addition to the tensile tests, microsection examinations are carried out. The applied colour etching makes the microstructure of the weld zones visible so they can be geometrically superimposed with the strain images of the tensile tests. In welded connections the stress state is very complex. Therefore, numerical investigation must be performed to derive the final stress‐strain‐curves of the weld area. These curves can then be implemented as a material model for the finite element analysis of welded connections.
Stability behaviour of sinusoidal corrugated web girders under fire conditions
Authors: Kollár Dénes
Published: September 2023

Sinusoidal corrugated web girders, which are in the focus of the current paper, have been increasingly used in the past years in civil engineering applications due to economical design. Recently, a number of experiments dealing with the particular behaviour of this girder type have been carried out at room temperature, while the structural behaviour at elevated temperature has not been widely analysed and requires further investigation and clarification. The current paper deals with the improved geometrically and materially nonlinear analysis with imperfections (GMNIA) of sinusoidal corrugated web girders under fire conditions. The developed finite element model, which is validated based on previous measurements during fire tests found in the international literature, is capable of modelling the specialties, e.g., the so‐called ‘accordion effect’, of corrugated web girders. The applicability of design formulae is also illustrated in the paper while an extensive numerical parametric study is also carried out to demonstrate the impact of different parameters on the stability behaviour and failure mode of corrugated web girders at elevated temperature.
Buckling Check of Structures Being Lifted
Authors: de Macedo Luiz Francisco Scudelari , de Macedo Rafael Scudelari
Published: September 2023

The stability evaluation of structures being lifted by cranes poses a challenger for the analysts from the inherent hypostaticity that the problem presents. Usual buckling evaluation for standard structures supported by foundations are not possible and alternative modelling strategies are required. Two strategies can be defined for buckling evaluation: The Linearized Buckling Check and The Direct Analysis Method. This paper states the problem and describes both strategies along with the presentation of modelling good practices and a clear framework of codes and standards which bring light into aspects such as load factors; weight contingency; Center of Gravity imprecision, etc. A comparative study for the results obtained from both methods for a typical truss being lifted is presented.
Economic and environmental assessment of high‐strength steel grades
Authors: Saufnay Loris , Demonceau Jean‐François
Published: September 2023

Environmental impact awareness in civil engineering is nowadays an important concern. The last message from the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) was clear: significant actions are mandatory and urgent to achieve the objective to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The building sector is one of the most polluting industrial sectors for which economically viable solutions must be found to cut the emissions. The development of new production technologies can contribute to this aim by creating innovative and more sustainable materials. Amongst the new materials that appear on the steel market, high strength steels are a nice example as they offer higher strength to weight ratio of structural steel elements, resulting in material savings, lighter foundations, easier transportation, and erection. These multiple advantages explain why the use of high strength steels could lead to both significant carbon emission and cost savings. However, the production of such steels uses more alloying elements and sometimes they require more production energy than for regular grades. The aim of this paper is to estimate the relative prices and relative carbon emissions of high strength steels to evaluate whether they constitute sustainable materials. This paper demonstrates that, in many cases, the increase of relative prices and carbon emissions as function of yield strength can be negligible by contrast to the weight savings induced by using high strength steels.
Experimental Investigation on Buckling Behavior of soil‐embedded Piles
Authors: Balscheit Hagen , Victor Albrecht , Thiele Marc , Cuellar Pablo , Baeßler Matthias , Lüddecke Falk
Published: September 2023

Monopiles are currently the predominant foundation type for offshore wind turbines in Europe. Due to the increasing dimensions of the turbines, pile diameters beyond 10m become necessary. A design‐relevant failure mode of monopiles is the local buckling of the pile wall in the embedded sections. Relevant buckling guidelines do not consider the soil‐structure interaction specifically, although the embedment may allow for a reduction of wall thickness. However, Eurocode‐based design concepts require a validation with comparative buckling cases for validation, either in terms of buckling curve parameters for both the algebraic stress‐based and semi‐numerical LBA/MNA design concept or as a calibration factor kGMNIA for fully numerical GMNIA calculations. These parameters are not yet available for embedded shells. To close this gap, we have conducted experiments on piles embedded in sand to investigate local buckling under soil‐structure‐interaction. The results will be used to calibrate numerical models. This research was carried out as part of the VERBATIM research project, funded by PTJ/BMWK and supported by the Carbon Trust's Offshore Wind Accelerator consortium.