bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of CuxO/Ag nanoparticles on exfoliated graphene: application for enhanced electrochemical detection of H2O2 in milk
Authors: Song Jie , Wan Yating , Yang Chen , Deng Qiuju , Cui Yingde , Yan Zhihong , Liu Yi
Published: April 2023

In this paper, a novel composite is constructed as a non-enzymatic hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) sensor by liquid-phase exfoliation method, which is composed of copper oxide, cuprous oxide and silver nanoparticles doped few-layer-graphene (CuxO/Ag@FLG). Its surface morphology and composition were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photo spectroscopy (XPS), and its H2O2 sensing performances include catalytic reduction and quantitative detection were studied with electrochemical methods. Our sensor had a high sensitivity of 174.5 μA mM−1 cm−2 (R2 = 0.9978) in an extremely wide range of concentrations from 10 μM to 100 mM, a fast response (about 5 s) and a low limit of detection (S/N = 3) of 2.13 μM. The sensor exhibits outstanding selectivity in the presence of various biological interference, such as dopamine, ascorbic acid, uric acid, citric acid, etc. In addition, the constructed sensor continued 95% current responsiveness after 1 month of storage further points to its long-term stability. Last but not least, it has a good recovery rate (90.12–102.00%) in milk sold on the open market, indicating that it has broad application possibilities in the food industry and biological medicine.
A pilot study comparing the efficacy of autologous cultured fibroblast injections with hyaluronic acid fillers for treating nasolabial folds
Authors: Wanitphakdeedecha Rungsima , Ng Janice Natasha C. , Phumariyapong Phumithep , Nokdhes Ya-Nin , Patthamalai Poramin , Tantrapornpong Ploypailin , Suphatsathienkul Panittra , Apinuntham Chalermkwan , Yan Chadakan , Nanchaipruek Yanisorn , Thongjaroensirikul Panwadee , Maneeprasopchoke Pitchaya , Techapichetvanich Thanya , Eimpunth Sasima , Manuskiatti Woraphong , Thanachaipiwat Saowalak , Panich Uraiwan
Published: April 2023

Autologous cultured fibroblast injections for soft tissue augmentation are a potential alternative to other filler materials. No studies have compared autologous fibroblast injections and hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers for treating nasolabial folds (NLFs). To compare the efficacies and safeties of autologous cultured fibroblast injections and HA fillers for treating NLFs. This prospective, evaluator-blinded, pilot study enrolled 60 Thai female adult patients diagnosed with moderate to severe NLFs. They were randomized to receive either 3 treatments of autologous fibroblasts at 2-week intervals or 1 treatment with HA fillers. The primary outcome was the clinical improvement of the NLFs graded by 2 blinded dermatologists immediately after injection and at 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups. Objective measurement of the NLF volume was evaluated. Patient self-assessment scores, pain scores, and adverse reactions were recorded. Of the 60 patients, 55 (91.7%) completed the study protocol. The NLF volumes improved significantly in the autologous fibroblast group at all follow-ups relative to baseline (P = 0.000, 0.004, 0.000, 0.000, and 0.003). The patients in the autologous fibroblast group rated more noticeable NLF improvements than those in the HA filler group (3-month follow-up, 58.41% vs. 54.67%; 6-month follow-up, 52.50% vs. 46%; 12-month follow-up, 44.55% vs. 31.33%). No serious adverse reactions were recorded. Autologous fibroblast injections are safe and effective for treating NLFs. These injections also promise sustained growth of living cells, possibly leading to a greater persistence than shown by other fillers.
Modeling, dynamical analysis and numerical simulation of a new 3D cubic Lorenz-like system
Authors: Wang Haijun , Ke Guiyao , Pan Jun , Su Qifang
Published: April 2023

Little seems to be considered about the globally exponentially asymptotical stability of parabolic type equilibria and the existence of heteroclinic orbits in the Lorenz-like system with high-order nonlinear terms. To achieve this target, by adding the nonlinear termsyzand$$x^{2}y$$x2yto the second equation of the system, this paper introduces the new 3D cubic Lorenz-like system:$$\dot{x}=a(y - x)$$x˙=a(y-x),$$\dot{y}=b_{1}y+b_{2}yz+b_{3}xz+b_{4}x^{2}y$$y˙=b1y+b2yz+b3xz+b4x2y,$$\dot{z}= -cz + y^{2}$$z˙=-cz+y2, which does not belong to the generalized Lorenz systems family. In addition to giving rise to generic and degenerate pitchfork bifurcation, Hopf bifurcation, hidden Lorenz-like attractors, singularly degenerate heteroclinic cycles with nearby chaotic attractors, etc., one still rigorously proves that not only the parabolic type equilibria$$S_{x} = \{(x, x, \frac{x^{2}}{c})|x\in \mathbb {R}, c\ne 0\}$$Sx={(x,x,x2c)|x∈R,c≠0}are globally exponentially asymptotically stable, but also there exists a pair of symmetrical heteroclinic orbits with respect to thez-axis, as most other Lorenz-like systems. This study may offer new insights into revealing some other novel dynamic characteristics of the Lorenz-like system family.
Diagnostic accuracy of a deep learning model using YOLOv5 for detecting developmental dysplasia of the hip on radiography images
Authors: Den Hiroki , Ito Junichi , Kokaze Akatsuki
Published: April 2023

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a cluster of hip development disorders and one of the most common hip diseases in infants. Hip radiography is a convenient diagnostic tool for DDH, but its diagnostic accuracy is dependent on the interpreter’s level of experience. The aim of this study was to develop a deep learning model for detecting DDH. Patients younger than 12 months who underwent hip radiography between June 2009 and November 2021 were selected. Using their radiography images, transfer learning was performed to develop a deep learning model using the “You Only Look Once” v5 (YOLOv5) and single shot multi-box detector (SSD). A total of 305 anteroposterior hip radiography images (205 normal and 100 DDH hip images) were collected. Of these, 30 normal and 17 DDH hip images were used as the test dataset. The sensitivity and the specificity of our best YOLOv5 model (YOLOv5l) were 0.94 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.73–1.00) and 0.96 (95% CI 0.89–0.99), respectively. This model also outperformed the SSD model. This is the first study to establish a model for detecting DDH using YOLOv5. Our deep learning model provides good diagnostic performance for DDH. We believe our model is a useful diagnostic assistant tool.
Deep transfer learning strategy for efficient domain generalisation in machine fault diagnosis
Authors: Asutkar Supriya , Tallur Siddharth
Published: April 2023

Automated fault diagnosis algorithms based on vibration sensor recordings play an important role in determining the state of health of the machines. Data-driven approaches demand a large amount of labelled data to build reliable models. The performance of such lab-trained models degrades when deployed in practical use cases in the presence of distinct distribution target domain datasets. In this work, we present a novel deep transfer learning strategy that fine-tunes the trainable parameters of the lower (convolutional) layers with respect to the changing target domain datasets and transfers the parameters of the deeper (dense) layers from the source domain for efficient domain generalisation and fault classification. The performance of this strategy is evaluated by considering two different target domain datasets and studying the sensitivity of fine-tuning individual layers in the networks using time-frequency representations of the vibration signals (scalograms) as inputs. We observe that the proposed transfer learning strategy yields near-perfect accuracy, even for use cases where low-precision sensors are used for data collection and unlabelled run-to-failure data with a limited number of training samples.
The mechanism of whey protein and blueberry juice mixed system fermented with Lactobacillus inhibiting Escherichia coli during storage
Authors: Qian Yu , Gui-bing Lu , Wen-qiong Wang , Cong-Cong Tang , Ruixia Gu
Published: April 2023

The aim of this study was to identify the antimicrobial effect and mechanism of whey protein and blueberry juice mixed systems fermented with Lactobacillus against Escherichia coli during storage. The whey protein and blueberry juice mixed systems were fermented with L. casei M54, L. plantarum 67, S. thermophiles 99 and L. bulgaricus 134 and had different antibacterial activities against E. coli during storage. The antimicrobial activity of the mixed whey protein and blueberry juice mixture systems was the highest, with an inhibition zone diameter of approximately 230 mm, compared with the whey protein or blueberry juice systems alone. There were no viable E. coli cells 7 h after treatment with of the whey protein and blueberry juice mixed systems as determined by survival curve analysis. Analysis of the inhibitory mechanism showed that the release of alkaline phosphatase, electrical conductivity, protein and pyruvic acid contents, and aspartic acid transaminase and alanine aminotransferase activity in E. coli increased. These results demonstrated that these mixed systems fermented with Lactobacillus, especially those containing blueberries, could inhibit the growth of E. coli and even cause cell death by destroying the cell membrane and cell wall.
Characterization of the m6A regulator-mediated methylation modification patterns in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Pan Lu , She He , Wang Keyi , Xia Wenhui , Tang Haonan , Fan Yuan , Ye Jinhai
Published: April 2023

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a form of posttranscriptional modification that plays important roles in cancer including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Most studies to date have focused on a limited number of regulators and oncogenic pathways, thus failing to provide comprehensive insight into the dynamic effects of m6A modification. In addition, the role of m6A modification in shaping immune cell infiltration in OSCC has yet to be clarified. This study was designed to assess m6A modification dynamics in OSCC and to understand how such modifications influence clinical immunotherapeutic treatment outcomes. m6A modification patterns linked with 23 m6A regulators were analyzed in 437 OSCC patients from TCGA and GEO cohorts. These patterns were then quantified through m6A score based on algorithms derived from a principal component analysis (PCA) approach. The m6A modification patterns of OSCC samples were grouped into two clusters based on the m6A regulators expression, and immune cell infiltration was linked with the 5-year survival outcomes of patients in these clusters. 1575 genes associated with OSCC patient prognosis were identified and used to re-cluster these samples into two groups. Patients in clusters exhibiting higher levels of m6A regulator expression exhibited poorer overall survival (OS), whereas patients with high m6A scores survived for longer (p < 0.001). The overall mortality rates in the groups of patients with low and high m6A scores were 55% and 40%, respectively, and the m6A score distributions in clusters of patients grouped by m6A modification patterns and gene expression further supported the link between a high m6A score and better prognostic outcomes. Immunophenoscore (IPS) values for patients in different m6A score groups suggested that the use of PD-1-specific antibodies or CTLA-4 inhibitors alone or in combination would yield superior treatment outcomes in patients in the high-m6A score group relative to the low-m6A score group. m6A modification patterns are relevant to heterogeneity in OSCC. Detailed analyses of m6A modification patterns may thus offer novel insight regarding immune cell infiltration within the OSCC tumor microenvironment, guiding novel efforts to provide patients with more effective immunotherapeutic interventions.
Probiotic potential of Saccharomyces cerevisiae GILA with alleviating intestinal inflammation in a dextran sulfate sodium induced colitis mouse model
Authors: Kil Bum Ju , Pyung Young Jin , Park Hyunjoon , Kang Jun-Won , Yun Cheol-Heui , Huh Chul Sung
Published: April 2023

Recently, several probiotic products have been developed; however, most probiotic applications focused on prokaryotic bacteria whereas eukaryotic probiotics have received little attention. Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast strains are eukaryotes notable for their fermentation and functional food applications. The present study investigated the novel yeast strains isolated from Korean fermented beverages and examined their potential probiotic characteristics. We investigated seven strains among 100 isolates with probiotic characteristics further. The strains have capabilities such as auto-aggregation tendency, co-aggregation with a pathogen, hydrophobicity with n-hexadecane,1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl scavenging effect, survival in simulated gastrointestinal tract conditions and the adhesion ability of the strains to the Caco-2 cells. Furthermore, all the strains contained high cell wall glucan content, a polysaccharide with immunological effects. Internal transcribed spacer sequencing identified the Saccharomyces strains selected in the present study as probiotics. To examine the effects of alleviating inflammation in cells, nitric oxide generation in raw 264.7 cells with S. cerevisiae showed that S. cerevisiae GILA could be a potential probiotic strain able to alleviate inflammation. Three probiotics of S. cerevisiae GILA strains were chosen by in vivo screening with a dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis murine model. In particular, GILA 118 down-regulates neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio and myeloperoxidase in mice treated with DSS. The expression levels of genes encoding tight junction proteins in the colon were upregulated, cytokine interleukin-10 was significantly increased, and tumor necrosis factor-α was reduced in the serum.
A human iPSC-derived hepatocyte screen identifies compounds that inhibit production of Apolipoprotein B
Authors: Liu Jui-Tung , Doueiry Caren , Jiang Yu-lin , Blaszkiewicz Josef , Lamprecht Mary Paige , Heslop James A. , Peterson Yuri K. , Carten Juliana Debrito , Traktman Paula , Yuan Yang , Khetani Salman R. , Twal Waleed O. , Duncan Stephen A.
Published: April 2023

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) patients suffer from excessively high levels of Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C), which can cause severe cardiovascular disease. Statins, bile acid sequestrants, PCSK9 inhibitors, and cholesterol absorption inhibitors are all inefficient at treating FH patients with homozygous LDLR gene mutations (hoFH). Drugs approved for hoFH treatment control lipoprotein production by regulating steady-state Apolipoprotein B (apoB) levels. Unfortunately, these drugs have side effects including accumulation of liver triglycerides, hepatic steatosis, and elevated liver enzyme levels. To identify safer compounds, we used an iPSC-derived hepatocyte platform to screen a structurally representative set of 10,000 small molecules from a proprietary library of 130,000 compounds. The screen revealed molecules that could reduce the secretion of apoB from cultured hepatocytes and from humanized livers in mice. These small molecules are highly effective, do not cause abnormal lipid accumulation, and share a chemical structure that is distinct from any known cholesterol lowering drug.
RT-IVT method allows multiplex real-time quantification of in vitro transcriptional mRNA production
Authors: Zhang Fengyu , Wang Yipeng , Wang Xiaomeng , Dong Hongjie , Chen Min , Du Ning , Wang Hongwei , Hu Wei , Zhang Kundi , Gu Lichuan
Published: April 2023

For the past 30 years, in vitro transcription (IVT) technology has been extensively used for RNA production or for basic transcriptional mechanism research. However, methods for mRNA quantification still need to be improved. In this study, we designed a RT-IVT method using binary fluorescence quencher (BFQ) probes and the PBCV-1 DNA ligase to quantify mRNA production in real-time by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) and RNA-splinted DNA ligation. Compared with existing methods, the RT-IVT method is inexpensive and non-radioactive, and can detect mRNA production in unpurified systems in real-time and shows high sensitivity and selectivity. The activity of T7 RNA polymerase and Escherichia coli RNA polymerase holoenzyme was then characterized with this method. We then multiplexed the real-time mRNA quantification for three T7 promoters on a RT-PCR thermocycler by using BFQ probes with different colored fluorophores that were specific for each target. Ultimately, we created an inexpensive multiplexed method to quantify mRNA production in real-time, and future research could use these methods to measure the affinity of transcriptional repressors to their target DNA sequence.
Multivariate information theory uncovers synergistic subsystems of the human cerebral cortex
Authors: Varley Thomas F. , Pope Maria , Faskowitz Joshua , Sporns Olaf
Published: April 2023

One of the most well-established tools for modeling the brain is the functional connectivity network, which is constructed from pairs of interacting brain regions. While powerful, the network model is limited by the restriction that only pairwise dependencies are considered and potentially higher-order structures are missed. Here, we explore how multivariate information theory reveals higher-order dependencies in the human brain. We begin with a mathematical analysis of the O-information, showing analytically and numerically how it is related to previously established information theoretic measures of complexity. We then apply the O-information to brain data, showing that synergistic subsystems are widespread in the human brain. Highly synergistic subsystems typically sit between canonical functional networks, and may serve an integrative role. We then use simulated annealing to find maximally synergistic subsystems, finding that such systems typically comprise ≈10 brain regions, recruited from multiple canonical brain systems. Though ubiquitous, highly synergistic subsystems are invisible when considering pairwise functional connectivity, suggesting that higher-order dependencies form a kind of shadow structure that has been unrecognized by established network-based analyses. We assert that higher-order interactions in the brain represent an under-explored space that, accessible with tools of multivariate information theory, may offer novel scientific insights.
Phytoplankton abundance in the Barents Sea is predictable up to five years in advance
Authors: Fransner Filippa , Olsen Are , Årthun Marius , Counillon François , Tjiputra Jerry , Samuelsen Annette , Keenlyside Noel
Published: April 2023

The Barents Sea is a highly biologically productive Arctic shelf sea with several commercially important fish stocks. Interannual-to-decadal predictions of its ecosystem would therefore be valuable for marine resource management. Here, we demonstrate that the abundance of phytoplankton, the base of the marine food web, can be predicted up to five years in advance in the Barents Sea with the Norwegian Climate Prediction Model. We identify two different mechanisms giving rise to this predictability; 1) in the southern ice-free Atlantic Domain, skillful prediction is a result of the advection of waters with anomalous nitrate concentrations from the Subpolar North Atlantic; 2) in the northern Polar Domain, phytoplankton predictability is a result of the skillful prediction of the summer ice concentration, which influences the light availability. The skillful prediction of the phytoplankton abundance is an important step forward in the development of numerical ecosystem predictions of the Barents Sea.
Studies on anticancer properties with varying co-ligands in a Ru(ii) arene benzimidazole system
Authors: Pragti  , Nayek Sreshtha , Singh Satyam , Sonawane Avinash , Grabchev Ivo , Ganguly Rakesh , Mukhopadhyay Suman
Published: April 2023

Ru(ii)-arene complexes incorporated with a benzimidazole-based ligand modulate the cell redox balance to provide a significant chemotherapeutic direction.
Carbon dioxide sequestration by mineral carbonation via iron complexation using bipyridine chelating ligands
Authors: Reynes Javier F. , Mercier Guy , Blais Jean-François , Pasquier Louis-César
Published: April 2023

An innovative mineral carbonation method was developed to synthesize iron(ii) carbonate (FeCO3) by cation complexation using 2,2′-bipyridine as ligand.
The significance of mitigating crosstalk in lithium-ion batteries: a review
Authors: Song Youzhi , Wang Li , Sheng Li , Ren Dongsheng , Liang Hongmei , Li Yiding , Wang Aiping , Zhang Hao , Xu Hong , He Xiangming
Published: April 2023

Crosstalk phenomenon between the cathode and anode, that is, the diffusion of parasitic products across separator to counter electrode, is receiving intensive attention because of its significant effect on high-energy battery life and safety.
Comparative study of solvothermal and catalytic solvothermal carbonization of rice husk for Fe(iii), Zn(ii), Cu(ii), Pb(ii) and Mn(ii) adsorption, kinetics, surface chemistry and reaction mechanism
Authors: Hossain Nazia , Nizamuddin Sabzoi , Shah Kalpit
Published: April 2023

Schematic diagram of solvochars/catalytic solvochar production and application for multi-heavy metal ion adsorption.
Lactobacillus paracaseiinfluences the gut-microbiota-targeted metabolic modulation of the immune status of diarrheal mice
Authors: Ren Shunan , Wang Chunjie , Chen Aorigele , Bai Zhaoxing , Tian Yanping , Lv Wenting
Published: April 2023

Lactobacillus paracaseifrom koumiss can enhance the integrity of intestinal mucosal barrier by changing intestinal flora and metabolites.
Identification and analysis of small molecule inhibitors of FosB from Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Travis Skye , Green Keith D. , Thamban Chandrika Nishad , Pang Allan H. , Frantom Patrick A. , Tsodikov Oleg V. , Garneau-Tsodikova Sylvie , Thompson Matthew K.
Published: April 2023

High-throughput virtual screening has identified several new inhibitors of FosB from methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
Regio- and diastereoselective construction of conjugate oxindole derivatives enabled by delayed acyl transfer of pyridinium ylides
Authors: Zhang Mengchu , Liu Gengxin , Zhang Tianyuan , Hong Kemiao , Yang Xiangji , Qiu Huang , Hu Wenhao
Published: April 2023

Herein, we design and develop a one-pot cascade strategy for the assembly of multi-substituted conjugate oxindole derivatives. This approach represents a new reaction mode for carbene gem-difunctionalization by delayed acyl transfer instead of delayed proton transfer.
The supercapattery designed with a binary composite of niobium silver sulfide (NbAg2S) and activated carbon for enhanced electrochemical performance
Authors: Rafique Hirra , Iqbal Muhammad Waqas , Wabaidur Saikh Mohammad , Hassan Haseeb ul , Afzal Amir Muhammad , Abbas Tasawar , Habila Mohamed A. , Elahi Ehsan
Published: April 2023

A supercapattery is a hybrid device that is a combination of a battery and a capacitor.
Unveiling the unprecedented catalytic capability of micro-sized Co-ZIF-L for the thermal decomposition of RDX by 2D-structure-induced mechanism reversal
Authors: Ren Jia-Tong , Wei Ding , Tan Bo-Jun , Hu Rui , Gao Yu-Chen , Wang Xiao-Hong , Yang Wei-Tao
Published: April 2023

The unprecedented catalytic performance of micro-sized Co-ZIF-L for the decomposition of RDX was deeply explored and reveals its 2D-structure-induced ability to reverse the commonly advantageous N–N fission pathway in the low-temperature stage.
A new class of anti-proliferative activity and apoptotic inducer with molecular docking studies for a novel of 1,3-dithiolo[4,5-b]quinoxaline derivatives hybrid with a sulfonamide moiety
Authors: Ismail Mostafa A. , Abusaif Moustafa S. , El-Gaby Mohamed S. A. , Ammar Yousry A. , Ragab Ahmed
Published: April 2023

1,3-Dithiolo[4,5-b]quinoxaline derivatives as EGFRWt, EGFRL858R, and VEGFR-2 inhibitors.
Molybdenum carbonyl assisted reductive tetramerization of CO by activated magnesium(i) compounds: squarate dianion vs. metallo-ketene formation
Authors: Yuvaraj K. , Mullins Jeremy C. , Rajeshkumar Thayalan , Douair Iskander , Maron Laurent , Jones Cameron
Published: April 2023

The reductive tetramerisation of CO by Lewis base activated dimagnesium(i) compounds, in the presence of Mo(CO)6, led to the competitive formation of magnesium squarate and metallo-ketene complexes (see picture).
A nickel-based metal–organic framework as a new cathode for chloride ion batteries with superior cycling stability
Authors: Yin Qing , Song Zhihao , Yang Shuhan , Wang Gang-Ding , Sui Yanwei , Qi Jiqiu , Zhao Danyang , Hou Lei , Li Yong-Zhi
Published: April 2023

A Ni-MOF material [Ni(dpip)] with double 1D tubular channels was demonstrated as a new family of cathode materials for chloride ion batteries (CIBs), which exhibited an extremely low capacity decay of 0.026% per cycle over 500 cycles.
Zinc-ion hybrid supercapacitor-batteries with a leaf-like ZIF-L/MgNiO2 micro-sphere composite and a Zn2+/sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) gel
Authors: Naskar Ishita , Ghosal Partha , Deepa Melepurath
Published: April 2023

A long-lasting, low cost, eco-friendly, air-processable ZIF-L/MgNiO2//Zn2+/SPEEK//ZnμPs-AC based zinc-ion hybrid supercapacitor battery (ZHSB) with an optimal balance between high power density (0.8–8 kW kg−1) and high energy density (157–89 W h kg−1), a capacity of 197 mA h g−1 (at 1 A g−1) and an ultra-long cycle life of ∼10 000 cycles is presented.
CoFe2O4/g-C3N4 intercalated Ti3C2 MXene for efficient electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Mathew Sandra , R. Madhushree , K. R. Sunaja Devi
Published: April 2023

Identifying and developing electrocatalysts that are highly efficient and stable for the enhanced electrocatalytic water splitting.
Structural modulation of low-valent iron in LDH-derived Ni3Se4nanosheets: a breakthrough electrocatalyst for the overall water splitting reaction
Authors: Karmakar Arun , Krishnan Abhirami V. , Jayan Rahul , Madhu Ragunath , Islam Md Mahbubul , Kundu Subrata
Published: April 2023

Here an LDH-derived microporous Fe@Ni3Se4with enriched redox active Fe2+ion is reported. The same has acquired 10 mA cm−2current density with 185 and 33 mV of overpotential value in alkaline condition with high specific activity and durability.
Transforming NiFe layered double hydroxide into NiFePx for efficient alkaline water splitting
Authors: Zhao Jia , Liao Nan , Luo Jingshan
Published: April 2023

In situ Raman was used to monitoring the change of NiFePx during the OER process. As the potential increased, the peak for PO2− disappeared and the Ni2+–O transformed into oxyhydroxides. The results demonstrate that P species are unstable under OER conditions.
Enzyme/inorganic nanoparticle dual-loaded animal protein/plant protein composite nanospheres and their synergistic effect in cancer therapy
Authors: Chen Qiaolin , Wu Mi , Yao Jinrong , Shao Zhengzhong , Chen Xin
Published: April 2023

Glucose oxidase and Fe3O4 nanoparticles were successfully loaded inside regenerated silk fibroin/zein nanospheres to obtain composite nanospheres, which have significant potential for combining starvation and chemodynamic therapy.
A cyanoacrylate/triethyl citrate/nanosilica-based closure glue with wet-adhesion capability for treatment of superficial varicose veins
Authors: Wang Jia , Tian Xia , Zhang Wei , Dong Xiao , Wang Zhanguang , Wang Shiyuan , Liang Yonghan , Wang Wei , Xu Liang , Li Yunlan
Published: April 2023

FAL-006 is suitable for treatment of Varicose veins in legs which are common in clinics.
A new pulsar timing model for scalar-tensor gravity with applications to PSR J2222-0137 and pulsar-black hole binaries
Authors: Batrakov A. , Hu H. , Wex N. , Freire P. C. C. , Venkatraman Krishnan V. , Kramer M. , Guo Y. J. , Guillemot L. , McKee J. W. , Cognard I. , Theureau G.
Published: April 2023

Context. Scalar-tensor gravity (STG) theories are well-motivated alternatives to general relativity (GR). One class of STG theories, Damour–Esposito–Farèse (DEF) gravity, has a massless scalar field with two arbitrary coupling parameters. We are interested in this theory because, despite its simplicity, it predicts a wealth of different phenomena, such as dipolar gravitational wave emission and spontaneous scalarisation of neutron stars (NSs). These phenomena of DEF gravity can be tested by timing binary radio pulsars. In the methods used so far, intermediate phenomenological post-Keplerian (PK) parameters are measured by fitting the corresponding timing model to the timing data whose values are then compared to the predictions from the alternative theory being tested. However, this approach loses information between intermediate steps and does not account for possible correlations between PK parameters.

Aims. We aim to develop a new binary pulsar timing model ‘DDSTG’ (called after Damour, Deruelle and STG) to enable more precise tests of STG theories based on a minimal set of binary parameters. The expressions for PK parameters in DEF gravity are self-consistently incorporated into the model. PK parameters depend on two masses which are now directly fitted to the data without intermediate steps. The new technique takes into account all possible correlations between PK parameters naturally.

Methods. Grids of physical parameters of NSs were calculated in the framework of DEF gravity for a set of 11 equations of state. Automatic differentiation (AutoDiff) technique was employed, which aids in the calculation of gravitational form factors of NSs with a higher precision than in previous works. The pulsar timing program TEMPO was selected as a framework for the realisation of the DDSTG model. The implemented model is applicable to any type of pulsar companions. We also simulated realistic future radio-timing datasets for a number of large radio observatories for the binary pulsar PSR J2222-0137 and three generic pulsar-black hole (PSR-BH) systems.

Results. We applied the DDSTG model to the most recently published observational data for PSR J2222-0137. The obtained limits on DEF gravity parameters for this system confirm and improve previous results. New limits are also the most reliable because DEF gravity is directly fitted to the data. We argue that future observations of PSR J2222-0137 can significantly improve the limits and that PSR-BH systems have the potential to place the tightest limits in certain areas of the DEF gravity parameter space.
Retrieving planet formation parameters of WASP-77Ab using SimAb
Authors: Khorshid N. , Min M. , Désert J. M.
Published: April 2023

Context. The atmospheric compositions of planets offer a unique view into their respective formation processes. State-of-the-art observatories and techniques are finally able to provide high-precision data on atmospheric composition that can be used to constrain planet formation.

Aims. In this context, we focus on the formation of WASP-77Ab based on previous observations of its atmosphere, which have provided precise C/O and metallicity measurements.

Methods. We use the SimAb planet formation simulation to model the formation of WASP-77Ab. We assume two compositions for the disk WASP-77Ab was formed within: one of a solar composition and one that represents the composition of WASP-77A. In addition, we consider two different scenarios regarding the migration of the planet and we study the possible planet formation paths that reproduce the composition of WASP-77Ab.

Results. This work shows that the planet is expected to have formed in a disk where not many planetesimals could be accreted. Moreover, we demonstrate that the most likely migration scenario is disk-free migration, whereby the planet initiates its Type II migration within the CO ice line and ends it beyond the water ice line.
A Unified Two Independent Stress Variable Approach to Moisture-Change-Induced Unsaturated Soil Volume Change
Authors: Houston Sandra , Zhang Xiong
Published: April 2023

In 1968, Matyas and Radhakrishna introduced the concept of the state surface, demonstrating that unsaturated soil volume change is dependent on two independent stress state variables, net total stress and suction. For decades the basic theory of unsaturated soils has been known, and a holistic view of the elastoplastic response of unsaturated soils, based on a modified state surface approach (MSSA), makes it clear that a method accounting for independent roles of net total stress and suction is required to quantify volume change of unsaturated soils. Still, reliance on pre-unsaturated-soil-mechanics-era methods persists, particularly within the geotechnical practice community. Unsaturated soil theory forms the basis for compelling arguments for discarding long-held efforts to classify unsaturated soils as exclusively expansive or exclusively collapsible with respect to volume change response. A more fundamental and unified approach to thinking about volume change of unsaturated soils supports the use of a consistent Stress Path Method to practice-based volume change analyses. Implications of geotechnical engineers’ continued reliance on expansive and collapsible soil classifications, often based on index-based correlations and non-stress-path appropriate laboratory testing, are explored. Recommendations for laboratory testing and modeling for moisture-change induced unsaturated soil volume change are made.
Capillary collapse of unsaturated granular soils: experimental investigation and microscale insights
Authors: Hüsener Nicole , Grabe Jürgen
Published: April 2023

The capillary collapse is an irreversible volume reduction of partially saturated soils caused by the provision of water at essentially unchanging total vertical stress. Despite extensive research, the processes involved are still not fully understood. Therefore, with the help of a newly developed experimental set-up for CT-based miniature tests presented in this paper, further insights at the micro scale will be gained.
Effect of the optimum and residual moisture content on the strength characteristics of unsaturated sands
Authors: Ahmad Waqar , Taro Uchimura , Muhammad Umar
Published: April 2023

Soil exists mainly in unsaturated conditions. Therefore, accurate prediction of the soil shear strength for unsaturated conditions also becomes equally important for the geotechnical design of earth structures. This study primarily investigates the effect of the moisture content of unsaturated soil on its shear strength. The strength characteristics of silica sands with different grain sizes were studied using the modified triaxial apparatus and analytical methods. For this purpose, four series of triaxial compression tests on silica sands were performed by varying the moisture content of the test sample at compaction and shearing as optimum or residual moisture content. The test results showed that the test sample sheared at optimum and residual moisture content exhibited higher shear strength when the sample was initially compacted at residual and optimum moisture content, respectively. The moisture content at compaction and the soil grain size considerably influence the shear strength of unsaturated sandy soils. Furthermore, the analytical method used in this study for unsaturated soil shear strength prediction does not account for the effect of initial moisture content in predicting unsaturated soil shear strength.
An evaluation of the effect of matric suction on the dynamic strain-dependent parameters of an unsaturated silt
Authors: Haeri S. Mohsen , Sadollahzadeh Behnam , Zahed Vahid
Published: April 2023

This research investigates the influence of matric suction on the variation of shear modulus and damping ratio of a silty soil in very small to medium shear strain levels. A set of laboratory experiments including three bender elements tests in addition to three resonant column-torsional shear tests have been carried out on unsaturated Firuzkuh silt specimens. In this regard, an unsaturated triaxial cell equipped with a set of bender elements and a resonant column-torsional shear device that can apply and control matric suction have been used. All specimens had an initial void ratio of 0.7 and were tested in various matric suctions under a net mean stress of 50 kPa. For this purpose, the axis translation technique has been implemented for applying matric suction, and High Air Entry Value (HAEV) ceramic discs have been used for air-water control of unsaturated silt specimens. According to the results, a significant variation of shear modulus and damping ratio has been observed with changes in matric suction and shear strain level. The output data indicate that shear modulus increases with increasing matric suction while the damping ratio decreases with an increase in matric suction. In addition, shear modulus and damping ratio decrease and increase with increasing shear strain, respectively.
The combination of splitting tensile strength and unconfined compression tests on unsaturated soils to measure the evolution of unsaturated shear strength
Authors: Bardanis Michael , Grifiza Sofia , Kokoviadis Dimitrios , Feuillas Marianna
Published: April 2023

The paper presents experimental results from unconfined compression and splitting tensile tests used in combination in order to estimate the cohesion intercept of unsaturated soils. Samples of different soils in the form of slurry were subjected to various suction values using the axis translation technique in a pressure plate extractor and then these samples were removed and subjected to unconfined compression and splitting tensile tests. Mohr’ circles for the two loading conditions were drawn and the tangents plotted in order to obtain the cohesion intercept for each soil and each suction. Cohesion intercept was then plotted against suction for each soil and the angle of shear strength increase due to suction increase was estimated and compared to the value of the angle of shearing resistance of the fully saturated soil. The method allowed insight into the evolution of unsaturated soil shear strength of slurried fine-grained soils, and seems to be an interesting low-cost alternative compared to established controlled suction methods to estimate unsaturated shear strength, yet it is based on two assumptions: first that the failure envelope is linear in the range between zero vertical stress and the stress corresponding to unconfined compression loading, and second that the suction applied to the samples does not change significantly from the moment a sample is removed from the pressure plate extractor until it is subjected to loading. The former assumption seems a fair one given the range of stress involved; the latter was investigated by conducting an unconfined compression test with suction measurement during loading. This test indicated that the latter assumption is a fair one too. Furthermore, results of the angle of strength increase relative to suction φbwere normalised by the angle of shearing resistance of each soil indicating that a reasonable relation for the evolution of φbseems valid.
Influence of water content on the electrical resistivity of biocemented soils investigated through the shape of the water retention curve and considering chemical effects
Authors: Fernández Rodríguez Román , Cardoso Rafaela
Published: April 2023

Non-destructive tests, such as geophysical electrical resistivity tests, can be useful to determine how Biocementation treatment in soils is distributed in volume. However, electrical resistivity is affected not only by void ratio but also by water content and the chemical nature of the pore fluid. This paper presents an experimental investigation performed to analyse the changes on the electrical resistivity of a sandy soil after biocementation treatment using enzymes, considering changes on water content. Electrical resistivity measurements were carried out using Wenner method and the water retention curves of the untreated and treated sands were measured using a Water Dewpoint Potentiometer (WP4). The water retention curves for the wetting paths were similar for both the treated and untreated soils, but suction measured during drying in the soil with biocement was higher than that of the untreated soil because of the chemical elements in the pore fluid and the presence of the biocement clogging soil pores. Electrical resistivity measurements do not allow to conclude to what extent the presence of biocement affects the conductivity of electricity through the soil, however electrical resistivity and soil suction are related even in the presence of the pore fluid ions due to the treatment. Detailed study of these parameters could help to understand if this non-destructive technique can be used to monitor biocementation progress in the volume of the treated soil.
Bearing capacity of shallow footing on an unsaturated embankment upon infiltration
Authors: Showkat Rakshanda , Babu G.L. Sivakumar
Published: April 2023

Due to rapid urbanization and population growth, construction activities have been increased on slopes of unsaturated hilly regions. Thus, constructing shallow footings on these slopes is a common method for supporting infrastructure construction. The main factor causing instability of these unsaturated slopes is the loss of suction upon infiltration resulting in footing failures. Thus, in this study, a shallow footing restingon an unsaturated embankment modelled using Barcelona basic model (BBM) has been numerically analysed to investigate the influence of various factors affecting the bearing capacity upon infiltration. The influence of various critical design parameters, like the distance from the crest of the slope and water table positions, slope angle, and infiltration rate, has been studied comprehensively. As the footing distance increases from the crest (setback distance), soil provides higher bearing capacity upon infiltration due to the confinement. Moreover, it is noticed that the bearing capacity reduces monotonically as the water table rises above the toe, thus depicting the Prandtl-type of failure. Further, as the slope angle increases, bearing capacity decreases at various footing distances upon infiltration. The effect of infiltration rate on bearing capacity of footings depends on the air entry value of the soil. As the air-entry value increases, bearing capacity reduces drastically upon infiltration. This approach helps the design engineers consider these factors while constructing footings on unsaturated slopes.
A simple model for the water retention curve of compressible biocemented sands using MIP results
Authors: Cardoso Rafaela , Vieira Joana , Calheiros Filipa , Borges Inês
Published: April 2023

Biocementation treatment consists in using bacteria or other biological agents to promote the precipitation of calcium carbonate (biocement) in the soil pores. When used in slopes for protection against surface erosion, this treatment creates a stiff and strong pervious cover, allowing infiltration necessary to reduce water runoff. The knowledge of the water retention properties of biocemented soils is fundamental knowledge for modelling infiltration but it may not be easy. In this paper the water retention curves of two different treated sands were estimated using a simple model obtained from pores size distribution measured using mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) tests. The model proposed considers volume changes of the soil during the MIP test due to the compression of air trapped in the voids. The WRC derived from the MIP tests fits well the points measured using a water dewpoint psychrometer, however it is not possible to check curve fitting below the residual water content due to lack of experimental data.
Centrifuge modelling of unsaturated slopes subjected to the integrated effect of groundwater and rainfall infiltration
Authors: Jayakody S.H.S. , Uzuoka Ryosuke , Ueda Kyohei
Published: April 2023

The stability of unsaturated soil slopes is comprehensively discussed with the rainfall characteristics. However, pre-existing groundwater table is also common in many tropical mountainous regions. Additionally, perched water table could be generated due to antecedent rainfall conditions on the soil-bedrock interface. The complex hydrological response process of slopes subjected to the integrated effect of groundwater and rainfall infiltration has not yet been entirely realized. Therefore, the current studyaimed at investigating the influence of initial groundwater table on initiation of landslides in slopes exposed to rainfall infiltration. The centrifuge modelling technique is utilized in this study. A centrifuge container was newly designed to reproduce the rainfall and groundwater table effects. Identical soil slopes made from silty sand were tested under 50g conditions. The unsaturated slopes behaviour was evaluated under two cases during the analysis: 01) rainfall only and 02) rainfall on a pre-existing groundwater table. The results demonstrated that the failure happened in case (02) was quicker, larger in volume and faster to respond to rainfall infiltration. The factor of safety calculated using the infinite slope equations portrayed a slight mismatch of failure timing compared to the experimental results. These results suggested i) a higher risk ofslope failure under pre-existing groundwater flow and ii) acceleration of the progression of landside due to a potential surcharge flow.
Wetting-induced instabilities: triggering mechanism and predisposing factors
Authors: Rotisciani Giada M. , Desideri Augusto , Amorosi Angelo
Published: April 2023

This paper addresses the topic of unsaturated soil stability focusing on wetting-induced instability mechanisms occurring before the attainment of the classical shear failure. The study was conducted by simulating a series of imbibition tests on elementary soil volumes by controlling water contentand net stresses. The behaviour of an ideal coarse-grained soil was described by combining the WR2-Unsat model for the solid skeleton and the Van Genuchten relationship for the definition of the water retention curve. The model reproduces the soil response upon wetting, modelling the activation mechanism of the volumetric instability and identifying the factors that most contribute to its triggering.
Numerical implementation of BBM in FE package for solving unsaturated soil boundary value problems
Authors: Prajapati Vikas , Das Arghya
Published: April 2023

Unsaturated soil mechanics is of keen relevance when dealing with soil above the water table orcompacted soils. Barcelona Basic Model (BBM) is one of the most widely used constitutive models for describing unsaturated soil behaviour and is available as a soil model in software like PLAXIS and CODE_BRIGHT (developed by UPC). The present study demonstrates a numerical framework to implement BBM within the ABAQUS package as a user-defined soil model using a user subroutine called UMAT (User Material). The backward Euler integration scheme coupled with Newton Raphson iterative algorithm is used to construct the model. A convergence test is conducted to check the accuracy and stability of the integration. UMAT's inability to manage pore pressure led to proxy diffusion to depict suction variation. The heat equation is used as a proxy for diffusion in three-dimensional space and time. Anoedometer test is simulated in which the soil is allowed to consolidate and then set to saturate at constant vertical stress, which leads to wetting collapse. The results demonstrate a reasonable behaviour of wettinginduced compression of soil subjected to loading with varying saturation level.