bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolated cobalt–nitrogen sites on high-curvature carbon achieving industrial-level current density and pH-universal CO2 electroreduction
Authors: Wang Jun , Chen Xifan , Yang Zhengkun , Xiao Juan-Ding , Qin Chenchen , Yan Zhenhua , Wang Zhiyuan , Yang Jia , Wang Junzhong
Published: March 2024

Curved cobalt single atom catalysts could realize highly efficient CO2 electroreduction, exhibiting industrial-level current density and high faradaic efficiency in pH-universal electrolytes.
Modulation of active surface sites on Ni–Fe–S by the dynamic hydrogen bubble template method for energy-saving hydrogen production
Authors: Fathollahi Amirreza , Shahrabi Taghi , Darband Ghasem Barati
Published: March 2024

A porous structure was electrosynthesized via a DHBT with interconnected nanosheets. The fabricated electrode demonstrated great activity for the UOR and HER.
Giant Stark effect assisted radio frequency energy harvesting using atomically thin earth-abundant iron sulphide (FeS2)
Authors: R. Karthik , Singh Appu Kumar , Das Shreyasi , Sarkar Suman , Kundu Tarun Kumar , Kar Swastik , Sreeram P. R. , Tiwary Chandra Sekhar
Published: March 2024

2D FeS2 has the potential to convert ambient radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation signals into usable energy, which can be utilized to power portable and wearable electronic devices.
Metal–organic framework-based adsorbents for blood purification: progress, challenges, and prospects
Authors: Wang Jiemin , Cheng Chong , Sun Shudong , Zhao Weifeng , Zhao Changsheng
Published: March 2024

This review for the first time summarizes the structure–function relationship between MOFs and toxin adsorption, as well as the biocompatibility and practicality for HD, HP, and ECMO. It is anticipated that this review will expand the interest of researchers for more impact in this area.
Effects of stresses on the thermoelectric properties of In4Se3
Authors: Xu Weiguo , Liu Quan , Zhou Xin , Lin Jianfeng , Lin Shiquan , Lu Mi , Lin Jianping
Published: March 2024

Compressive stresses reduce the band gap of In4Se3, thereby influencing both the Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity. This, in turn, enhances the power factor through the synergistic impact of these two factors.
Rational design of hybridized local and charge transfer emitters towards deep blue emission by incorporating extra cyano-based acceptor moieties
Authors: Wang Xinjian , Zhao Guimin , Gao Tao , Zhang Guanghao , Chen Haowen , Zhou Tao , Zhang Zhengmao , Tian Wenwen , Jiang Wei , Sun Yueming
Published: March 2024

The molecular excited-state manipulation from LE state to HLCT state via introducing cyano groups resulted in a PLQY of 100% in solution and augmented the radiative transition rate, and achieved an EQE of 4.43% and an emission peak at 438 nm.
Effect of coordinated anions on ferromagnetically coupled Dy2 zero-field single-molecule magnets
Authors: Liu Cai-Ming , Hao Xiang , Zhu Dong-Mei , Zhang Yi-Quan
Published: March 2024

Two Dy2 complexes based on a new hydrazone Schiff base ligand and different anions were constructed, showing zero-field single-molecule magnet properties.
Seamless integration of a nickel-based metal–organic framework with three-dimensional substrates for nonenzymatic glucose sensing
Authors: Ren Haonan , Yang Fan , Cao Meng , Shan Bin , Chen Rong
Published: March 2024

A seamless integrated structure was devised by immobilizing nickel-based metal–organic frameworks onto three-dimensional substrates through in situ conversion from nickel oxide for highly sensitive and durable glucose sensing.
Dual-ion conductors: from liquid to solid
Authors: Yu Tao , Ning Wenjie , Li Haoyu , Guo Shaohua , Zhou Haoshen
Published: March 2024

This focus article primarily discusses solid dual-ion conductors, summarizes the design principles for building solid dual-ion conductors, and anticipates several potential applications based on their functional characteristics.
A Ni0(cod)(dq) (COD: 1,5-cycloctadiene; DQ: duroquinone) complex as a catalyst precursor for oligothiophene and polythiophene synthesis
Authors: Noda Naoki , Yamaoka Seiha , Ogi Ukyo , Horie Masaki , Okano Kentaro , Mori Atsunori
Published: March 2024

Ni(cod)(dq) effectively serves as a catalyst precursor for the preparation of well-defined oligothiophenes and polythiophenes.
Electron-deficient Co modulated by the construction of heterojunctions Co@NC boosts the electroreduction of nitrate to ammonia
Authors: Zhang Bo , Yu Fengshou , Hong Yaohua , Zhou Yuzhuo , Wang Yaheng , Zhang Shaobo , Zhang Lu-Hua
Published: March 2024

Formation of electron-deficient Co by the construction of heterojunctions to promote the electroreduction of nitrate to ammonia.
Selenium doping induced phase transformation and interlayer expansion boost the zinc storage performance of molybdenum disulfide
Authors: Niu Mengfan , Xin Wenli , Zhang Lei , Yang Min , Geng Yaheng , Xiao Xilin , Zhang Hui , Zhu Zhiqiang
Published: March 2024

This work synthesized Se-doped MoS2 nanosheets as a cathode for aqueous zinc-ion batteries, and they exhibited largely improved electrochemical performance owing to their high content of the 1T phase (64%) and expanded interlayer spacing (0.65 nm).
3D printing in microfluidics: experimental optimization of droplet size and generation time through flow focusing, phase, and geometry variation
Authors: Britel Adam , Tomagra Giulia , Aprà Pietro , Varzi Veronica , Sturari Sofia , Amine Nour-Hanne , Olivero Paolo , Picollo Federico
Published: March 2024

Optimizing droplet size and timing in microfluidics using phase, and geometrical adjustments using desktop 3D printer.
Enhancing enzymatic digestibility of bamboo residues using a combined low severity steam explosion and green liquor-sulfite pretreatment
Authors: Xing Yang , Jin Yushen , Li Hui , Jiang Jianxin , Shao Bing
Published: March 2024

Bamboo is pretreated by a combination of steam explosion (SE) and green liquor-sulfite (GL-S). Enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency is improved by SE–GL-S pretreatment.
Artemisinin: a novel chiral electrochemiluminescence luminophore-assisted enantiospecific recognition and mechanism identification
Authors: Wang Jiangyan , Han Zhengang , Shang Tianrui , Feng Yanjun , Liu Ruirui , Lu Xiaoquan
Published: March 2024

The study demonstrates a new character of ART in ECL investigation and achieves the development of ART for the enantioselective recognition and sensitive detection of chiral substances.
Unveiling the ligand-mediated phase engineering mechanism in two-dimensional transition metal chalcogenides through coordination geometry control
Authors: Jun Sungju , Lee Joo-Won , Kim Sung-Chul , Oh Soong Ju , Jeong Sohee
Published: March 2024

Spectroscopic investigation of tungsten dichalcogenide nanosheets is reported, where the differentiated metal–ligand coordination geometry influenced by the choice of appropriate ligands is a pivotal factor for the phase-selective formation.
Electrospun organic/inorganic hybrid nanofibers for accelerating wound healing: a review
Authors: Yan Sai , Qian Yuqi , Haghayegh Marjan , Xia Yuhan , Yang Shengyuan , Cao Ran , Zhu Meifang
Published: March 2024

This review summarizes fabrication strategies and manifold applications of electrospun organic/inorganic hybrid nanofibers in promoting the wound healing process.
Improving the hole mobility of conjugated semiconducting polymer films by fast backbone aggregation during the film formation process
Authors: Jin Tianya , Li Jichen , Li Hongxiang , Liu Xinyu , Li Junhang , Zhang Qiang , Yu Xinhong , Duan Xiaozheng , Han Yanchun
Published: March 2024

Forming high-performance IDTBT film with large aggregations with tight π–π stacking via fast aggregation between backbones during film formation by adjusting the solubility difference Ra (b–s) of the backbone and side chain in the solvent.
Pb2Ga3F6(SeO3)2X3·2H2O (X = Cl, Br): two new HTO-type members exhibiting large NLO effects mediated by ionic mixing and substitution strategies
Authors: Liu Lili , Wang Junbo , Xiao Bingchen , Li Xunchi , Chu Yaoqing , Sun Tongqing , Halasyamani P. Shiv
Published: March 2024

Pb2Ga3F6(SeO3)2X3·2H2O achieve a better balance between the large SHG effect and wide band gap in the current HTO family.
Feedback and ionized gas outflows in four low-radio power AGN at z ∼ 0.15
Authors: Ulivi L. , Venturi G. , Cresci G. , Marconi A. , Marconcini C. , Amiri A. , Belfiore F. , Bertola E. , Carniani S. , D’Amato Q. , Di Teodoro E. , Ginolfi M. , Girdhar A. , Harrison C. , Maiolino R. , Mannucci F. , Mingozzi M. , Perna M. , Scialpi M. , Tomicic N. , Tozzi G. , Treister E.
Published: March 2024

An increasing number of observations and simulations suggests that low-power (< 1044 erg s−1) jets may be a significant channel of feedback produced by active galactic nuclei (AGN), but little is known about their actual effect on their host galaxies from the observational point of view. We targeted four luminous type 2 AGN hosting moderately powerful radio emission (∼1044 erg s−1), two of which and possibly a third are associated with jets, with optical integral field spectroscopy observations from the Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) at the Very Large Telescope (VLT) to analyze the properties of their ionized gas as well as the properties and effects of ionized outflows. We combined these observations with Very Large Array (VLA) and e-MERLIN data to investigate the relations and interactions between the radio jets and host galaxies. We detected ionized outflows as traced by the fast bulk motion of the gas. The outflows extended over kiloparsec scales in the direction of the jet, when present. In the two sources with resolved radio jets, we detected a strong enhancement in the emission-line velocity dispersion (up to 1000 km s−1) perpendicular to the direction of the radio jets. We also found a correlation between the mass and the energetics of this high-velocity dispersion gas and the radio power, which supports the idea that the radio emission may cause the enhanced turbulence. This phenomenon, which is now being observed in an increasing number of objects, might represent an important channel for AGN feedback on galaxies
Feasibility study on retrieving exoplanetary cloud cover distributions using polarimetry
Authors: Winning S. , Lietzow-Sinjen M. , Wolf S.
Published: March 2024

Context. As a new growing field, exocartography aims to map the surface features of exoplanets that are beyond the resolution of traditional observing techniques. While photometric approaches have been discussed extensively, polarimetry has received less attention despite its promising prospects.

Aims. We demonstrate that the limb polarization of an exoplanetary atmosphere offers valuable insights into its cloud cover distribution. Specifically, we determine an upper limit for the polarimetric precision, which is required to extract information about the latitudinal cloud cover of temperate Jovian planets for scenarios of observations with and without host stars.

Methods. To compute the scattered stellar radiation of an exoplanetary atmosphere and to study the polarization at various planetary phase angles, we used the three-dimensional Monte Carlo radiative transfer code POLARIS.

Results. When the planetary signal can be measured separately from the stellar radiation, information about the latitudinal cloud cover for polar cap models is accessible at polarimetric sensitivities of 0.1%. In contrast, a precision of about 10−3 ppm is required when the stellar flux is included to gain this information.
Numerical simulation of basic oxygen furnace rotating tapping
Authors: Liu Zhao , Cheng Shusen , Liu Pengbo , Sun Yonglin
Published: March 2024

The rotation speed of the basic oxygen furnace (BOF) and the shape of the tapping hole have an important influence on the amount of slag carryover during the tapping process. The CFD fluid simulation software Fluent is used to analyze the flow field of the 210 t BOF rotation tapping process. The results revealed that the amount of slag carryover in the early stage is the largest when the tapping hole inclination angle is 0° and the rotation speed is 1.0 r/min. The flow field analysis shows that this is caused by the fluctuation of molten steel and slag, which makes the slag flow into the tapping hole again. The case of a rotation speed of 1.2 r/min shows the least amount of slag carryover. By comparing the three kinds of tapping holes, it can be known that a reduction in the tapping hole diameter brought a decrease in yield loss and a decrease in amount of slag carryover. As the height of molten steel decreases, the shear stress on the tapping hole decreases. The increase in the diameter of the tapping hole increases the shear stress, which in turn increases the wear of the refractory material.
The effects of Nd, La, and Ca addition on the corrosion properties of as-cast and as-rolled ZM21 Mg alloys
Authors: Ünal Mehmet , Gören Halil Ahmet
Published: March 2024

In this study, the effects of Nd, La, and Ca elements added to ZM21 alloy was investigated in terms of parameters such as microscopic, mechanical, and corrosion properties. The content of each of the elemental constituents was 0.5% by weight. The microstructural and mechanical behaviours of the investigated alloys were examined by XRD, EDX, SEM, OM, hardness surveys, tensile tests, and corrosion experiments. According to the XRD results, Ca5Zn3, Ca2Mg6Zn3, LaZn2, LaMg3, Mg41Nd5, and Mg12Nd phases emerged on the investigated alloys. The grain sizes of the alloys were refined by element addition and rolling process, thus increasing their mechanical properties. Ca increased the hardness of the ZM21 alloys, but this had a negative effect on the rolled specimens. The tensile value of ZM21 alloy as cast decreased by 39.702%, 48.080%, 45.678% with the addition of (0.5% La+0.5% Nd), (0.5% La+0.5% Ca), (0.5% La+0.5% Nd+0.5% Ca), respectively. The tensile value of ZM21 alloy with (0.5% La+0.5% Nd) addition increased by 58.302% as rolled. Tensile test could not be performed because the rolled alloys with 0.5% Ca addition were fragmented during rolling. Ca contributed positively to the corrosion behaviour of the casting ZM21 alloy, but it worsened it in the rolled alloys. White oxide areas on the surface of the rolled alloys indicated an increased degree of corrosion formation.
Thermal hazard evaluation and risk assessment of 1-allyl-3-methylimidazole nitrate ionic liquid
Authors: Zhang Jie , Qian Demeng , Zhang Han , Jiang Juncheng , Zhang Xu , He Tao , Wang Jianye , Liu Shang-Hao
Published: March 2024

Imidazole ionic liquids (ILs) have broad application prospects in batteries and other fields. Researching the thermal decomposition features of ILs holds paramount importance for the application in battery electrolyte. 1-allyl-3-methylimidazole nitrate ionic liquid (IL) as a new functional IL, and its related thermal decomposition properties are unknown. In this paper, the thermal decomposition peculiarities of 1-allyl-3-methylimidazole nitrate IL were systematically analyzed by thermogravimetric analyzer, differential scanning calorimetry, and accelerating rate calorimeter techniques, and the relevant thermodynamic parameters and thermal decomposition models were derived. In addition, 1-allyl-3-methylimidazole nitrate IL possesses strong thermal runaway characteristics and the risk of thermal runaway is also evaluated. The main gaseous products formed by the pyrolysis of 1-allyl-3-methylimidazole nitrate IL was detected and analyzed by thermogravimetry-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric-photoionization mass spectrometry techniques. The results showed that flammable gas, toxic gas, and asphyxiating gas are formed during the pyrolysis of 1-allyl-3-methylimidazole nitrate IL. This study lays a theoretical foundation for the safe application and the formulation of corresponding safety protection measures of 1-allyl-3-methylimidazole nitrate IL.
The dielectric properties of silicone-multiwall carbon nanotubes nanocomposite in the frequency range from 0.5 to 20 GHz
Authors: Altarawneh Moaz M.
Published: March 2024

Integrating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into a polymer matrix can significantly modify its physical properties, providing that the challenges associated with CNT dispersion are successfully resolved. In this work, we investigate the enhancement of the dielectric properties of silicone when multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are introduced to its polymer matrix as a filler in the frequency range from 0.5 to 20 GHz. An optimized procedure is used to prepare nanocomposites with MWCNTs concentrations by weight of 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0%. The investigated dielectric properties for the prepared nanocomposites are the real dielectric constant ɛ′, the imaginary dielectric constant ɛ″, the loss tangent tan δ, and the AC conductivity σAC. The dispersion of the MWCNTs in the silicone matrix is confirmed using the Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and the scanning electron microscope. This study shows that the dielectric properties of the nanocomposite are enhanced as the MWCNT’s concentration is increased over the entire frequency range. For example, the enhancement in ɛ′ value was from 3.2 up to 21.6 at 0.5 GHz and from 2.5 to 10.6 at 20 GHz as the concentration increased from 0% to 2.0%. For the ɛ″ value, the enhancement was from less than 0.1 to 8.6 at 0.5 GHz and to 2.0 at 20 GHz, respectively. Based on the obtained tanδ values, the nanocomposites with MWCNTs of 0.5% and 1.0% can be classified as low-loss dielectrics, while the other nanocomposites with MWCNTs of 1.5% and 2.0% are classified as lossy dielectrics.
Enhanced physical properties of stable lead-free oxide double perovskite Ba2TbBiO6 for photovoltaics: Effects of Sb doping
Authors: Saha Samiron Kumar , Khan Mithun , Hasan Zahid , Chandra Roy Dayal , Ali Md Lokman
Published: March 2024

The effect of Sb-doping in the Bi-based double perovskite Ba2TbBi1-xSbxO6(x = 0.0, 0.5) on providing a structural and electronic framework for understanding numerous physical aspects at an atomistic level. We study in detail the undoped and Sb-doped Ba2TbBiO6 double perovskite’s structural, elastic, mechanical, electronic, and thermodynamic properties for both cubic and monoclinic phases. Doping alters the spatial group structure and lattice constant of Ba2TbBi1−xSbxO6, causing a change in the Brillouin zone, which alters the band structure and bandgap value. The elastic constants confirmed the ductility of the solids and ensured mechanical stability in both phases. This study reveals that both phases of Ba2TbBi1−xSbxO6 are more mechanically stable, ductile, and machinable than Ba2TbBiO6. The Sb-doped monoclinic phase had greater anisotropy than the cubic phase, despite the fact that both phases were anisotropic. Vickers hardness shows that the monoclinic Ba2TbBi1−xSbxO6(x = 0.0, 0.5) phase is harder than the cubic Ba2TbBi1−xSbxO6(x = 0.0, 0.5) phases. The cubic and monoclinic phases of Ba2TbBi0.5Sb0.5O6 have Debye temperatures of 248.48 and 240.75 K, respectively. After doping, the cubic phase’s melting temperature (1529.21 K) grows higher than that of the monoclinic phase (1386.87 K). Doping can make a material more stable by lowering its thermal expansion coefficient. Both doped phases can be used as thermal barrier coatings (TBCs).
Myrtaceae anther glands: morphology, anatomy and variation in glandular contents
Authors: Ladd P. G.
Published: March 2024

Context Most tissues of Myrtaceae plants have oil glands. The anthers of many species have an oil-containing apical gland that is larger than those in other tissues of the plant. Aims Representative species in the family were examined for the diversity of gland form and their oil contents. Methods Representative anthers were sectioned for light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy study and anthers from selected species were analysed for oil content. Key results The most common gland form is globular and narrowly attached to the apex of the connective, but in members of certain tribes, the gland is completely enclosed in the connective. The greatest morphological diversity is in the Chamelaucieae. Anther glands vary from plesiomorphic globular forms to glands that are larger than the anther thecae and almost completely fill the connective. Conclusions There are three possible functions for the glands, including the following: (1) protecting the anthers from herbivores, (2) mixing with the pollen to aid adhesion to stylar hairs on many Chamelaucineae, and (3) rewarding pollinators that use the oil–pollen mixture as food. Implications It is generally considered that the oils in various tissues of the Myrtaceae deter herbivores. In Myrtaceae with abundant anthers, the glands could deter flower visitors from consuming the anthers. Gland oil of the Eucalyptus and Leptospermum species examined contained α pinene as did the leaves of all species examined. The gland oil composition in Chamelaucium uncinatum and Verticordia grandis that have pollen presenters was different from that in the leaves and also different from that in the anthers of the two Verticordia species where bees collect the pollen–oil mixture for food.
OSGN-1 is a conserved flavin-containing monooxygenase required to stabilize the intercellular bridge in late cytokinesis
Authors: Goupil Eugénie , Lacroix Léa , Brière Jonathan , Guga Sandra , Saba-El-Leil Marc K. , Meloche Sylvain , Labbé Jean-Claude
Published: March 2024

Cytokinesis is the last step of cell division and is regulated by the small GTPase RhoA. RhoA activity is required for all steps of cytokinesis, including prior to abscission when daughter cells are ultimately physically separated. Like germ cells in all animals, the
Caenorhabditis elegans
embryonic germline founder cell initiates cytokinesis but does not complete abscission, leaving a stable intercellular bridge between the two daughter cells. Here, we identify and characterize
C. elegans
OSGN-1 as a cytokinetic regulator that promotes RhoA activity during late cytokinesis. Sequence analyses and biochemical reconstitutions reveal that OSGN-1 is a flavin-containing monooxygenase (MO). Genetic analyses indicate that the MO activity of OSGN-1 is required to maintain active RhoA at the end of cytokinesis in the germline founder cell and to stabilize the intercellular bridge. Deletion of
OSGIN1
in human cells results in an increase in binucleation as a result of cytokinetic furrow regression, and this phenotype can be rescued by expressing a catalytically active form of
C. elegans
OSGN-1, indicating that OSGN-1 and OSGIN1 are functional orthologs. We propose that OSGN-1 and OSGIN1 are conserved MO enzymes required to maintain RhoA activity at the intercellular bridge during late cytokinesis and thus favor its stability, enabling proper abscission in human cells and bridge stabilization in
C. elegans
germ cells.
Immiscible Rayleigh–Taylor turbulence: Implications for bacterial degradation in oil spills
Authors: Brizzolara Stefano , Naudascher Robert , Rosti Marco Edoardo , Stocker Roman , Boffetta Guido , Mazzino Andrea , Holzner Markus
Published: March 2024

An unstable density stratification between two fluids mixes spontaneously under the effect of gravity, a phenomenon known as Rayleigh–Taylor (RT) turbulence. If the two fluids are immiscible, for example, oil and water, surface tension prevents intermixing at the molecular level. However, turbulence fragments one fluid into the other, generating an emulsion in which the typical droplet size decreases over time as a result of the competition between the rising kinetic energy and the surface energy density. Even though the first phenomenological theory describing this emulsification process was derived many years ago, it has remained elusive to experimental verification, hampering our ability to predict the fate of oil in applications such as deep-water spills. Here, we provide the first experimental and numerical verification of the immiscible RT turbulence theory, unveiling a unique turbulent state that originates at the oil–water interface due to the interaction of multiple capillary waves. We show that a single, non-dimensional, and time-independent parameter controls the range of validity of the theory. Our findings have wide-ranging implications for the understanding of the mixing of immiscible fluids. This includes in particular oil spills, where our work enables the prediction of the oil–water interface dynamics that ultimately determine the rate of oil biodegradation by marine bacteria.
In situ formed depot of elastin-like polypeptide-hirudin fusion protein for long-acting antithrombotic therapy
Authors: Tian Xue , Feng Mingxing , Wei Xinwei , Cheng Cheng , He Kaixin , Jiang Tianyue , He Bingfang , Gu Zhen
Published: March 2024

Thrombosis, induced by abnormal coagulation or fibrinolytic systems, is the most common pathology associated with many life-threatening cardio-cerebrovascular diseases. However, first-line anticoagulant drugs suffer from rapid drug elimination and risk of hemorrhagic complications. Here, we developed an in situ formed depot of elastin-like polypeptide (ELP)-hirudin fusion protein with a prodrug-like feature for long-term antithrombotic therapy. Highly secretory expression of the fusion protein was achieved with the assistance of the Ffu312 tag. Integration of hirudin, ELP, and responsive moiety can customize fusion proteins with properties of adjustable in vivo retention and controllable recovery of drug bioactivity. After subcutaneous injection, the fusion protein can form a reservoir through temperature-induced coacervation of ELP and slowly diffuse into the blood circulation. The biological activity of hirudin is shielded due to the N-terminal modification, while the activated key proteases upon thrombus occurrence trigger the cleavage of fusion protein together with the release of hirudin, which has antithrombotic activity to counteract thrombosis. We substantiated that the optimized fusion protein produced long-term antithrombotic effects without the risk of bleeding in multiple animal thrombosis models.
Engineered mRNA–ribosome fusions for facile biosynthesis of selenoproteins
Authors: Thaenert Anna , Sevostyanova Anastasia , Chung Christina Z. , Vargas-Rodriguez Oscar , Melnikov Sergey V. , Söll Dieter
Published: March 2024

Ribosomes are often used in synthetic biology as a tool to produce desired proteins with enhanced properties or entirely new functions. However, repurposing ribosomes for producing designer proteins is challenging due to the limited number of engineering solutions available to alter the natural activity of these enzymes. In this study, we advance ribosome engineering by describing a novel strategy based on functional fusions of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) with messenger RNA (mRNA). Specifically, we create an mRNA–ribosome fusion called RiboU, where the 16S rRNA is covalently attached to selenocysteine insertion sequence (SECIS), a regulatory RNA element found in mRNAs encoding selenoproteins. When SECIS sequences are present in natural mRNAs, they instruct ribosomes to decode UGA codons as selenocysteine (Sec, U) codons instead of interpreting them as stop codons. This enables ribosomes to insert Sec into the growing polypeptide chain at the appropriate site. Our work demonstrates that the SECIS sequence maintains its functionality even when inserted into the ribosome structure. As a result, the engineered ribosomes RiboU interpret UAG codons as Sec codons, allowing easy and site-specific insertion of Sec in a protein of interest with no further modification to the natural machinery of protein synthesis. To validate this approach, we use RiboU ribosomes to produce three functional target selenoproteins in
Escherichia coli
by site-specifically inserting Sec into the proteins’ active sites. Overall, our work demonstrates the feasibility of creating functional mRNA–rRNA fusions as a strategy for ribosome engineering, providing a novel tool for producing Sec-containing proteins in live bacterial cells.
Tailoring the aluminum nanocrystal surface oxide for all-aluminum-based antenna-reactor plasmonic photocatalysts
Authors: Bayles Aaron , Fabiano Catherine J. , Shi Chuqiao , Yuan Lin , Yuan Yigao , Craft Nolan , Jacobson Christian R. , Dhindsa Parmeet , Ogundare Adebola , Mendez Camacho Yelsin , Chen Banghao , Robatjazi Hossein , Han Yimo , Strouse Geoffrey F. , Nordlander Peter , Everitt Henry O. , Halas Naomi J.
Published: March 2024

Aluminum nanocrystals (AlNCs) are of increasing interest as sustainable, earth-abundant nanoparticles for visible wavelength plasmonics and as versatile nanoantennas for energy-efficient plasmonic photocatalysis. Here, we show that annealing AlNCs under various gases and thermal conditions induces substantial, systematic changes in their surface oxide, modifying crystalline phase, surface morphology, density, and defect type and concentration. Tailoring the surface oxide properties enables AlNCs to function as all-aluminum-based antenna-reactor plasmonic photocatalysts, with the modified surface oxides providing varying reactivities and selectivities for several chemical reactions.
Filipino non-native English-speaking teachers and the contradictions in their own backyard
Authors: Perry Simon
Published: March 2024

This paper uses content analysis to analyse a set of websites of English language teaching companies in the Philippines and highlights the contradictions between the language ideologies espoused, advertised language policies, and recruitment of local non-native English-speaking teachers. The study highlights trends in recruitment that contrast with language ideologies, thus demonstrating a bias against local teachers, whilst supporting notions of native speakerism and discounted nativeness. The augmentation of non-native English-speaking teachers in ELT institutions in Asia is reflected in the Philippines, which has become a prominent centre of English language teaching in the region. It would be an encouraging development in attitudes and policy within ELT private schools if the increase in NNEST employment was related to a recognition of how the English language landscape in the 21st century is evolving, yet it seems apparent that economic factors are the motivating force as native speakerism maintains its prominence.
Is this War?
Authors: Breeze Ruth , Novoa-Jaso María Fernanda
Published: March 2024

Media discourse around particular subjects comes to shape people’s understanding of that topic. In particular, the
words used to describe situations of violence and conflict may colour public perceptions. This paper identifies the main words
used to describe the Russia-Ukraine conflict by three international media outlets, Al Jazeera, Euronews and
CGTN, from February to May 2022. Following the methodology of corpus-assisted discourse studies, it analyses
the nouns used and their most frequent collocates, showing how these reveal the different ways the war was represented in these
three media. The results are discussed in the light of differing theories concerning Chinese and Western stances to the conflict,
illustrating media roles in the shaping and reproduction of dominant discourses.
Reactions to interruptions in Finnish, French and German parliamentary debates
Authors: Isosävi Johanna , Baldauf-Quilliatre Heike , Gagne Christophe , Voutilainen Eero
Published: March 2024

This paper analyses unauthorised turns – namely, interruptions – in parliamentary debates, by focusing on their
lesser-studied interactional characteristics, that is, reactions. Drawing upon cross-cultural pragmatics, we compare reactions in Finnish
(Eduskunta of Finland), French (Assemblée nationale of France) and German (Bundestag of
Germany) parliamentary debates. In doing so, we applied conversation analysis in the sequential analysis of reactions to interruptions while
considering restrictions related to written transcriptions. While most interruptions passed without reaction in all three languages, the
reactions came from different sources: from unauthorised speakers in French, from authorised speakers in German and from both in Finnish.
Our study demonstrates that interruptions serve as resources for micro-interactions within official speaking turns in parliamentary debates,
revealing cross-cultural differences in speech styles.
Dark phase transition from WIMP: complementary tests from gravitational waves and colliders
Authors: Kanemura Shinya , Li Shao-Ping
Published: March 2024

A dark sector is an interesting place where a strong first-order phase transition, observable gravitational waves and/or a dark matter candidate could arise. However, the experimental tests for such a dark sector could be ambiguous due to the dark content, largely unconstrained parameter space and the connection to the visible world.
We consider a minimal dark scalar-vector boson plasma to realize the three mentioned phenomena, with a unique connection to the Standard Model via the Higgs portal coupling. We discuss the important features of the Higgs portal in such a minimal dark sector, namely the dark thermalization, collider tests, and direct detection of dark matter. We perform numerical analyses of the dark phase transition associated with stochastic gravitational waves and dark matter, discussing the complementarity of collider detection, dark matter direct detection and space-based/terrestrial interferometers as a promising avenue to hear and see the minimal dark sector.
Trusts, Trust, and Trust: Hernan Diaz’s Liberal Pedagogy
Authors: Kelly Adam
Published: March 2024

This article reads Hernan Diaz’s Trust as a contemporary commentary on, and reimagining of, literature’s entanglements with capitalism, liberalism, finance, and law. Beginning with an outline of the history of legal and corporate trusts and connecting that history to the rise of the modern novel, the article spotlights the complex role played by the notion of trust in Diaz’s metafictional text. Trust tells the story of a Wall Street financier, his philanthropist wife, and the ghostwriter of his memoir through a four-part structure, moving from a realist novel called Bonds through two memoirs and ending with a diary titled Futures. This structure serves the aim, reaffirmed in Diaz’s interviews, of teaching his novel’s reader about the ideological implications of literary forms and about the kinds of power—financial and patriarchal—involved in turning reality into fiction. The article explores Trust’s revision of these forms and the ways in which its aesthetics forge an alignment among modernism, feminism, and financial expertise. Reflecting on the novel’s metacommentary on its own values and operations, the article concludes by asking whether Trust’s liberal pedagogy offers a persuasive alternative to the narrative forms it sets out to critique.
Heat exposure as a cause of injury and illness in mine industry workers
Authors: Taggart Sarah M , Girard Olivier , Landers Grant J , Wallman Karen E
Published: March 2024

The objective of this study was to explore the association between ambient temperature and injuries and illnesses experienced by mine industry workers. Eleven years of de-identified data from a mine industry company in Australia was explored in regards to injuries and illnesses occurring due to outdoor exposure. Each case was filtered for reported symptoms, and meteorological data to match the location of the mine site and date reported were sourced. Of the 18 931 injuries and illnesses observed over the 11-year period, 151 cases of heat-related illness due to outdoor exposure were reported. Twenty-five conditions/symptoms of heat-illness were found, with the most prevalent being dehydration (n = 81), followed by heat rash (n = 40), dizziness (n = 24), and headache (n = 23). The mean number of symptoms reported by each worker was 2 ± 1. There was a positive correlation between ambient temperature and injuries/illnesses (r2 = 0.89, P < 0.001), where, as temperature increased so did the number of reported heat-related illnesses. Underreporting of heat-related illness and injury in the mining industry is likely, which is a risk to the health and wellbeing of employees. Workers require industry specific training about the severity of heat stress and the associated prevention strategies.
Crop-to-wild gene flow in wild coffee species: the case of Coffea canephora in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Verleysen Lauren , Depecker Jonas , Bollen Robrecht , Asimonyio Justin , Hatangi Yves , Kambale Jean-Léon , Mwanga Mwanga Ithe , Ebele Thsimi , Dhed'a Benoit , Stoffelen Piet , Ruttink Tom , Vandelook Filip , Honnay Olivier
Published: March 2024

Background and Aims

Plant breeders are increasingly turning to crop wild relatives (CWRs) to ensure food security in a rapidly changing environment. However, CWR populations are confronted with various human-induced threats, including hybridization with their nearby cultivated crops. This might be a particular problem for wild coffee species, which often occur near coffee cultivation areas. Here, we briefly review the evidence for wild Coffea arabica (cultivated as Arabica coffee) and Coffea canephora (cultivated as Robusta coffee) and then focused on C. canephora in the Yangambi region in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. There, we examined the geographical distribution of cultivated C. canephora and the incidence of hybridization between cultivated and wild individuals within the rainforest.

Methods

We collected 71 C. canephora individuals from home gardens and 12 C. canephora individuals from the tropical rainforest in the Yangambi region and genotyped them using genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS). We compared the fingerprints with existing GBS data from 388 C. canephora individuals from natural tropical rainforests and the INERA Coffee Collection, a Robusta coffee field gene bank and the most probable source of cultivated genotypes in the area. We then established robust diagnostic fingerprints that genetically differentiate cultivated from wild coffee, identified cultivated–wild hybrids and mapped their geographical position in the rainforest.

Key Results

We identified cultivated genotypes and cultivated–wild hybrids in zones with clear anthropogenic activity, and where cultivated C. canephora in home gardens may serve as a source for crop-to-wild gene flow. We found relatively few hybrids and backcrosses in the rainforests.

Conclusions

The cultivation of C. canephora in close proximity to its wild gene pool has led to cultivated genotypes and cultivated–wild hybrids appearing within the natural habitats of C. canephora. Yet, given the high genetic similarity between the cultivated and wild gene pool, together with the relatively low incidence of hybridization, our results indicate that the overall impact in terms of risk of introgression remains limited so far.
Deubiquitylase ubiquitin-specific protease 7 plays a crucial role in the lineage differentiation of preimplantation blastocysts
Authors: Yu Tong , Zhao Xinyi , Tang Yujie , Zhang Yingbing , Ji Bozhen , Song Weijia , Su Jianmin
Published: March 2024

Preimplantation embryos undergo a series of important biological events, including epigenetic reprogramming and lineage differentiation, and the key genes and specific mechanisms that regulate these events are critical to reproductive success. Ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7) is a deubiquitinase involved in the regulation of a variety of cellular functions, yet its precise function and mechanism in preimplantation embryonic development remain unknown. Our results showed that RNAi-mediated silencing of USP7 in mouse embryos or treatment with P5091, a small molecule inhibitor of USP7, significantly reduced blastocyst rate and blastocyst quality, and decreased total and trophectoderm cell numbers per blastocyst, as well as destroyed normal lineage differentiation. The results of single-cell RNA-seq, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and immunofluorescence staining indicated that interference with USP7 caused failure of the morula-to-blastocyst transition and was accompanied by abnormal expression of key genes (Cdx2, Oct4, Nanog, Sox2) for lineage differentiation, decreased transcript levels, increased global DNA methylation, elevated repressive histone marks (H3K27me3), and decreased active histone marks (H3K4me3 and H3K27ac). Notably, USP7 may regulate the transition from the morula to blastocyst by stabilizing the target protein YAP through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. In conclusion, our results suggest that USP7 may play a crucial role in preimplantation embryonic development by regulating lineage differentiation and key epigenetic modifications.
Common garden experiments and SNP genotyping at the extremes of a steep precipitation gradient suggest local adaptation in a Patagonian conifer
Authors: Fasanella Mariana , Souto Cintia P , Kitzberger Thomas , Premoli Andrea C
Published: March 2024

Plants inhabiting contrasting physical conditions might develop local adaptations overriding the homogenizing effects of gene flow. Hypotheses of local adaptation on phenotypic, genomic, and environmental variation under extreme precipitation regimes were tested in the Patagonian conifer Austrocedrus chilensis. Common garden experiments on progeny and genotype-to-environment association analysis on adults were conducted. Samples consisting of seeds and leaves from adult trees were collected from contrasting dry (DF) and humid (HF) forests along a steep but short precipitation gradient. Seeds were germinated and seedlings were grown under common garden conditions for 24 months. DNA was extracted from 75 randomly selected trees from DF and HF, and genotyped by sequencing to obtain single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Seedlings from HF outgrew DF ones suggesting genetically based differences. Twenty-four outlier SNP loci differed between DF and HF, whereas neutral genes (3242) showed high levels of admixture. Eight out of the 24 outlier SNPs aligned with transcripts, half of them related to drought stress responses, and principal component analysis identified four precipitation-related marker–climate associations. Quantitative and genomic traits suggested that natural selection maintains divergence under contrasting climatic conditions regardless high gene flow. This underscores the importance of dry forests as reservoirs of drought-tolerant variants to cope with forecasted climate change.
Once in NEET, always in NEET? Childhood and adolescent risk factors for different NEET patterns
Authors: Veldman Karin , van Zon Sander K R , Bültmann Ute
Published: March 2024

Background

Young adults in Neither in Employment, Education nor Training (NEET) are at risk of adverse labour market outcomes. Earlier studies often measured NEET status at one time point or compared persistent NEETs with non-NEETs, neglecting other patterns of NEET status. Evidence on early life factors associated with NEET patterns is lacking. This study aims to (i) identify patterns of NEET status over time and (ii) examine whether factors in childhood and adolescence are associated with these patterns.

Methods

Data were used from 1499 participants of the TRacking Adolescents’ Individual Lives Survey (TRAILS), a Dutch prospective cohort study with 15-year follow-up. NEET status was assessed at ages 19, 22 and 26. Socioeconomic status of parents (SES), intelligence and negative life events were measured at age 11, educational attainment at age 26 and mental health problems at ages 11, 13.5 and 16. Data were analyzed using multinomial logistic regression analysis.

Results

Four NEET patterns were identified: (i) non-NEETs (85.2%), (ii) early NEETs (4.5%), (iii) late NEETs (5.7%) and (iv) persistent NEETs (4.5%). Reporting internalizing problems at age 11 was a risk factor for early and late NEETs [odds ratio (OR) 2.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.16–6.62; OR 5.00, 95% CI 2.22–11.3, respectively]. Low parental SES, lower intelligence scores and negative life events (≥3) were risk factors for persistent NEETs (OR 4.45, 95% CI 2.00–9.91; OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94–0.98; OR 4.42, 95% CI 1.62–12.08, respectively).

Conclusions

The results highlight the importance of timing and duration of NEET status and emphasize the need for tailored interventions to prevent specific NEET patterns.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Breastfeeding: A Narrative Review
Authors: Hoxha Tedi , Youssef Michael , Huang Vivian , Tandon Parul
Published: March 2024

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) frequently affects women of childbearing age who may consider breastfeeding. Although breastfeeding has numerous benefits, there remain concerns regarding the safety of breastfeeding among women with IBD. Breastfeeding is important in developing the immune system of infants and has been shown to protect against the development of IBD. The risk of developing an increase in disease activity postpartum is the same regardless of breastfeeding status. Most IBD medications are also considered safe in breastfeeding and have no major risks to infants. Despite this, breastfeeding rates remain low among women with IBD, mostly due to concerns about the safety of IBD therapy with breastfeeding. Many women self-discontinue their IBD medications to breastfeed, and there is often uncertainty among health professionals to make recommendations about therapy. Dedicated IBD clinics can greatly support mothers during pregnancy and breastfeeding periods to enhance their knowledge, optimize their medication adherence, and improve their postpartum outcomes. This review aims to provide the most recent evidence-based literature regarding the safety of breastfeeding in women with IBD and the current recommendations about medical therapies with breastfeeding.
Linear modeling analysis of the heat balance of the transmission line in high frequency critical ice melting state
Authors: Tan Lei , Liu Yin , Yuan Zonghui , Li Rong
Published: March 2024

The icing of transmission lines can cause many problems such as increased line load, unbalanced tension, and galloping, posing a serious threat to the reliable operation of the power system. Therefore, linear modeling analysis of the heat balance under a high-frequency critical ice melting state of transmission lines is studied. The thermal conduction states of melting, heating, twisting, rotating melting, and ice layer detachment of ice melting conductors are analyzed. Based on the heat conduction process of thermal melting of ice on transmission lines, a simplified calculation formula for thermal melting ice time is derived to calculate times for heating, ice layer torsion, and air gap increase. At the same time, based on the law of conservation of energy, thermodynamic boundary conditions for iced conductors were established and corresponding physical models were constructed. Based on this model, we conduct a linear modeling of the heat balance in the melting state in order to provide a more accurate prediction of temperature distribution. The experimental results show that there is a negative correlation between environmental temperature and critical melting current, and the melting time decreases with the increase of environmental temperature.