bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive Analysis of the NOAA National Water Model: A Call for Heterogeneous Formulations and Diagnostic Model Selection
Authors: Johnson J. Michael , Fang Shiqi , Sankarasubramanian Arumugam , Rad Arash Modaresi , Kindl da Cunha Luciana , Jennings Keith S. , Clarke Keith C. , Mazrooei Amir , Yeghiazarian Lilit
Published: December 2023

With an increasing number of continental‐scale hydrologic models, the ability to evaluate performance is key to understanding uncertainty and making improvements to the model(s). We hypothesize that any model, running a single set of physics, cannot be “properly” calibrated for the range of hydroclimatic diversity as seen in the contenintal United States. Here, we evaluate the NOAA National Water Model (NWM) version 2.0 historical streamflow record in over 4,200 natural and controlled basins using the Nash‐Sutcliffe Efficiency metric decomposed into relative performance, and conditional, and unconditional bias. Each of these is evaluated in the contexts of meteorologic, landscape, and anthropogenic characteristics to better understand where the model does poorly, what potentially causes the poor performance, and what similarities systemically poor performing areas share. The primary objective is to pinpoint traits in places with good/bad performance and low/high bias. NWM relative performance is higher when there is high precipitation, snow coverage (depth and fraction), and barren area. Low relative skill is associated with high potential evapotranspiration, aridity, moisture‐and‐energy phase correlation, and forest, shrubland, grassland, and imperviousness area. We see less bias in locations with high precipitation, moisture‐and‐energy phase correlation, barren, and grassland areas and more bias in areas with high aridity, snow coverage/fraction, and urbanization. The insights gained can help identify key hydrological factors underpinning NWM predictive skill; enforce the need for regionalized parameterization and modeling; and help inform heterogenous modeling systems, like the NOAA Next Generation Water Resource Modeling Framework, to enhance ongoing development and evaluation.
Biophysical Drivers of Coastal Treeline Elevation
Authors: Molino G. D. , Carr J. A. , Ganju N. K. , Kirwan M. L.
Published: December 2023

Sea level rise is leading to the rapid migration of marshes into coastal forests and other terrestrial ecosystems. Although complex biophysical interactions likely govern these ecosystem transitions, projections of sea level driven land conversion commonly rely on a simplified “threshold elevation” that represents the elevation of the marsh‐upland boundary based on tidal datums alone. To determine the influence of biophysical drivers on threshold elevations, and their implication for land conversion, we examined almost 100,000 high‐resolution marsh‐forest boundary elevation points, determined independently from tidal datums, alongside hydrologic, ecologic, and geomorphic data in the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the U.S. located along the mid‐Atlantic coast. We find five‐fold variations in threshold elevation across the entire estuary, driven not only by tidal range, but also salinity and slope. However, more than half of the variability is unexplained by these variables, which we attribute largely to uncaptured local factors including groundwater discharge, microtopography, and anthropogenic impacts. In the Chesapeake Bay, observed threshold elevations deviate from predicted elevations used to determine sea level driven land conversion by as much as the amount of projected regional sea level rise by 2050. These results suggest that local drivers strongly mediate coastal ecosystem transitions, and that predictions based on elevation and tidal datums alone may misrepresent future land conversion.
Role of Mantle Drag on the Tectonics of Subduction Zones: Insights From Laboratory Models
Authors: Geffroy T. , Guillaume B. , Simoes M. , Replumaz A. , Lacassin R. , Husson L. , Kermarrec J. J.
Published: December 2023

Along convergent boundaries, the role played by mantle drag remains poorly understood despite its potential impact on subduction dynamics and in turn on the deformation regime of the overriding plate. In this study, we present 11 three‐dimensional analog models of subduction including an overriding plate, in which mantle drag at the base of the lower or upper plate results from an imposed unidirectional horizontal mantle flow perpendicular to the trench, and in which the plate opposite to the flow is fixed. We varied the direction and the velocity of the imposed horizontal mantle flow between 0 and 10 cm/yr to quantify its impact on horizontal and vertical upper plate deformation, velocities of plates and subduction, and slab geometry. In our experiments, we show that a mantle flow lower than 5 cm/yr tends to laterally translate the slab rather than to generate internal deformation, resulting in limited differences in slab geometries between models. We also show that plate velocity correlates linearly with the imposed mantle flow velocity and associated mantle drag. The upper plate most often deforms by trench‐orthogonal shortening, with shortening rates increasing linearly with mantle flow. Shortening rates are higher when mantle flow is directed toward the fixed upper plate and when the slab has not yet reached the upper‐lower mantle discontinuity. Minimum trench‐orthogonal shortening rates of 2.5 × 10−15 s−1 are required to thicken upper plates. This study suggests that mantle drag can exert first‐order controls on the dynamics of subduction zones and associated tectonics.
Adjustable Robust Optimization for Water Distribution System Operation Under Uncertainty
Authors: Perelman Gal , Ostfeld Avi
Published: December 2023

The optimal operation of water distribution systems (WDS) is a paramount objective for water utilities due to the substantial energy consumption associated with pumping. A major challenge in optimizing WDS operation is addressing uncertainties such as those related to consumer demands. Real‐time operation under uncertainty necessitates a dynamic approach that can utilize the newly observed information and adjust the operational policy accordingly. This study presents an adjustable robust optimization (ARO) approach to tackle this challenge. Unlike static optimization methods, ARO generates a decision rule policy that is dynamically adjusted as new data becomes available and the operational horizon evolves, thereby ensuring adaptability to changing conditions. Furthermore, the study includes a quantitative analysis of typical demand uncertainty that supports the formulation of the ARO model. The proposed method is evaluated through two case studies and compared with traditional folding horizon approaches. The results indicate that the ARO method is competitive with traditional methods in terms of objective value and surpasses them in terms of robustness. An additional advantage of the method is its offline operation capability which enables it to produce decision rules independent of real‐time programs. This feature facilitates various practical applications such as what‐if analyses, maintenance work planning, and preparation for other special events.
Super-enhancers and the super-enhancer reader BRD4: tumorigenic factors and therapeutic targets
Authors: Qian Haihong , Zhu Min , Tan Xinyu , Zhang Yixing , Liu Xiangning , Yang Li
Published: December 2023

Transcriptional super-enhancers and the BET bromodomain protein BRD4 are emerging as critical drivers of tumorigenesis and therapeutic targets. Characterized by substantial accumulation of histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac) signals at the loci of cell identity genes and critical oncogenes, super-enhancers are recognized, bound and activated by BRD4, resulting in considerable oncogene over-expression, malignant transformation, cancer cell proliferation, survival, tumor initiation and progression. Small molecule compound BRD4 BD1 and BD2 bromodomain inhibitors block BRD4 binding to super-enhancers, suppress oncogene transcription and expression, reduce cancer cell proliferation and survival, and repress tumor progression in a variety of cancer types. Like other targeted therapy agents, BRD4 inhibitors show moderate anticancer effects on their own, and exert synergistic anticancer effects in vitro and in preclinical models, when combined with other anticancer agents including CDK7 inhibitors, CBP/p300 inhibitors and histone deacetylase inhibitors. More recently, BRD4 BD2 bromodomain selective inhibitors, proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) BRD4 protein degraders, and dual BRD4 and CBP/p300 bromodomain co-inhibitors have been developed and shown better anticancer efficacy and/or safety profile. Importantly, more than a dozen BRD4 inhibitors have entered clinical trials in patients with cancer of various organ origins. In summary, super-enhancers and their reader BRD4 are critical tumorigenic drivers, and BRD4 BD1 and BD2 bromodomain inhibitors, BRD4 BD2 bromodomain selective inhibitors, PROTAC BRD4 protein degraders, and dual BRD4 and CBP/p300 bromodomain co-inhibitors are promising novel anticancer agents for clinical translation.
Transition to the Haldane phase driven by electron-electron correlations
Authors: Jażdżewska A. , Mierzejewski M. , Środa M. , Nocera A. , Alvarez G. , Dagotto E. , Herbrych J.
Published: December 2023

One of the most famous quantum systems with topological properties, the spin $${{{{{{{\mathcal{S}}}}}}}}=1$$
S
=
1
antiferromagnetic Heisenberg chain, is well-known to display exotic $${{{{{{{\mathcal{S}}}}}}}}=1/2$$
S
=
1
/
2
edge states. However, this spin model has not been analyzed from the more general perspective of strongly correlated systems varying the electron-electron interaction strength. Here, we report the investigation of the emergence of the Haldane edge in a system of interacting electrons – the two-orbital Hubbard model—with increasing repulsion strength U and Hund interaction JH. We show that interactions not only form the magnetic moments but also form a topologically nontrivial fermionic many-body ground-state with zero-energy edge states. Specifically, upon increasing the strength of the Hubbard repulsion and Hund exchange, we identify a sharp transition point separating topologically trivial and nontrivial ground-states. Surprisingly, such a behaviour appears already at rather small values of the interaction, in a regime where the magnetic moments are barely developed.
Epithelial SIRT6 governs IL-17A pathogenicity and drives allergic airway inflammation and remodeling
Authors: Quan Jingyun , Wen Xiaoxia , Su Guomei , Zhong Yu , Huang Tong , Xiong Zhilin , Huang Jiewen , Lv Yingying , Li Shihai , Luo Shuhua , Luo Chaole , Cai Xin , Lai Xianwen , Xiang Yuanyuan , Zheng Song Guo , Shao Yiming , Lin Haitao , Gao Xiao , Tang Jing , Lai Tianwen
Published: December 2023

Dysregulation of IL-17A is closely associated with airway inflammation and remodeling in severe asthma. However, the molecular mechanisms by which IL-17A is regulated remain unclear. Here we identify epithelial sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) as an epigenetic regulator that governs IL-17A pathogenicity in severe asthma. Mice with airway epithelial cell-specific deletion of Sirt6 are protected against allergen-induced airway inflammation and remodeling via inhibiting IL-17A-mediated inflammatory chemokines and mesenchymal reprogramming. Mechanistically, SIRT6 directly interacts with RORγt and mediates RORγt deacetylation at lysine 192 via its PPXY motifs. SIRT6 promotes RORγt recruitment to the IL-17A gene promoter and enhances its transcription. In severe asthma patients, high expression of SIRT6 positively correlates with airway remodeling and disease severity. SIRT6 inhibitor (OSS_128167) treatment significantly attenuates airway inflammation and remodeling in mice. Collectively, these results uncover a function for SIRT6 in regulating IL-17A pathogenicity in severe asthma, implicating SIRT6 as a potential therapeutic target for severe asthma.
mRNA-based VP8* nanoparticle vaccines against rotavirus are highly immunogenic in rodents
Authors: Roier Sandro , Mangala Prasad Vidya , McNeal Monica M. , Lee Kelly K. , Petsch Benjamin , Rauch Susanne
Published: December 2023

Despite the availability of live-attenuated oral vaccines, rotavirus remains a major cause of severe childhood diarrhea worldwide. Due to the growing demand for parenteral rotavirus vaccines, we developed mRNA-based vaccine candidates targeting the viral spike protein VP8*. Our monomeric P2 (universal T cell epitope)-VP8* mRNA design is equivalent to a protein vaccine currently in clinical development, while LS (lumazine synthase)-P2-VP8* was designed to form nanoparticles. Cyro-electron microscopy and western blotting-based data presented here suggest that proteins derived from LS-P2-VP8* mRNA are secreted in vitro and self-assemble into 60-mer nanoparticles displaying VP8*. mRNA encoded VP8* was immunogenic in rodents and introduced both humoral and cellular responses. LS-P2-VP8* induced superior humoral responses to P2-VP8* in guinea pigs, both as monovalent and trivalent vaccines, with encouraging responses detected against the most prevalent P genotypes. Overall, our data provide evidence that trivalent LS-P2-VP8* represents a promising mRNA-based next-generation rotavirus vaccine candidate.
The dual activity of CaONPs as a cancer treatment substance and at the same time resistance to harmful microbes
Authors: Awaad Amr , Olama Zakia A. , El-Subruiti Gehan M. , Ali Safaa M.
Published: December 2023

Nanotechnology holds significant promise for the development of novel and necessary products that enhance human health. Pharmacology and nanotechnology have contributed to developing advanced and highly effective drugs for cancer treatment and combating microbial infections. The microbiological effectiveness against the variety of examined microorganisms was assessed using the time killer curve, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), MIC techniques, and the agar well diffusion method. SEM was utilized to enhance the analysis of the mechanisms underlying the bio-interface interaction and intracellular localization of calcium oxide nanoparticles (CaONPs). The MTT test was used to examine the cytotoxicity of CaONP anticancer activity in various cancer cells, including colon, breast, and hepatic cells. The efficacy of CaONPs as an anticancer medication was elucidated by analyzing the gene expression of both treated and untreated cancer cells. MIC and MBC of CaONPs againstEscherichia coliandStaphylococcus epidermidiswere 150, 150, 150, and 200 µg/ml, respectively. The MIC and MFC of CaONPs againstCandida albicanswere 200 µg/ml and 250 µg/ml, respectively. The IC50 values of various CaONPs vary depending on the type of cancer cells. The gene expression analysis of breast cancer cells undergoing treatment revealed the identification of several cancer-controlling genes, namely BAX, BCL2, P53, TERT, KRAS1, KRAS2, and RB1. The study demonstrated the notable antibacterial efficacy of CaONPs, highlighting their potential as cancer therapies.
The investigation on shale mechanical characteristics and brittleness evaluation
Authors: Lei Wei , Liu Xiangjun , Ding Yi , Xiong Jian , Liang Lixi
Published: December 2023

Rock mechanical property is significant for shale gas development and exploitation. Shale compressive strength, tensile strength, elastic deformation and so on, are necessary parameters for drilling, completion and fracturing work in shale formation. Among all these shale mechanical parameters, brittleness is a tricky and significant rock property, which has been widely used to hydraulic fracturing design. Currently, although so many works have been conducted to investigate shale brittleness, there is no precise definition of brittleness. In particular, there is no consensus on which method is the most reliable for shale brittleness evaluation. It is vital to figure out how to evaluate shale brittleness in a reliable method. Thus, this paper presents an experimental study on shale mechanical properties, analyzing mechanical features in stress strain curve, relation between mineral content and strength, mechanical parameters at varying confined stress. Based on shale mechanical characteristics and its brittle exhibition, stress strain curve from triaxial compression test is divided into 3 stages, namely, elastic stage, plastic stage and post peak stage. In combined with brittle characteristics in 3 stages of axial and radial stress–strain curves, a new brittleness index has been established for assessing shale brittleness. In order to prove the applicability of new brittleness index, its result is compared with shale failure sample after triaxial test and existing brittleness indexes based on mineral content, elastic deformation, energy, stress and strain, showing a good consistency and proving its practicability. Based on this brittleness index, influence factors of shale brittleness have been discussed. It is shown that elastic module is the most important factor of shale brittleness. Bedding plane makes shale brittleness have strong anisotropy. Brittleness is not only relied on its structure and mineral (like bedding plane, silicate and clay mineral content), but is also highly affected by external stress. Large confined pressure is able to impair shale brittleness. Outcome in this study can offer theoretical guidance for shale exploitation.
Home range overlap between small Indian mongooses and free roaming domestic dogs in Puerto Rico: implications for rabies management
Authors: Sauvé Caroline C. , Berentsen Are R. , Llanos Steven F. , Gilbert Amy T. , Leighton Patrick A.
Published: December 2023

The small Indian mongoose (Urva auropunctata) is the primary terrestrial wildlife rabies reservoir on at least four Caribbean islands, including Puerto Rico. In Puerto Rico, mongooses represent a risk to public health, based on direct human exposure and indirectly through the transmission of rabies virus to domestic animals. To date, the fundamental ecological relationships of space use among mongooses and between mongooses and domestic animals remain poorly understood. This study is the first to report mongoose home range estimates based on GPS telemetry, as well as concurrent space use among mongooses and free roaming domestic dogs (FRDD; Canis lupus familiaris). Mean (± SE) home range estimates from 19 mongooses in this study (145 ± 21 ha and 60 ± 14 ha for males and females, respectively) were greater than those reported in prior radiotelemetry studies in Puerto Rico. At the scale of their home range, mongooses preferentially used dry forest and shrubland areas, but tended to avoid brackish water vegetation, salt marshes, barren lands and developed areas. Home ranges from five FRDDs were highly variable in size (range 13–285 ha) and may be influenced by availability of reliable anthropogenic resources. Mongooses displayed high home range overlap (general overlap index, GOI = 82%). Home range overlap among mongooses and FRDDs was intermediate (GOI = 50%) and greater than home range overlap by FRDDs (GOI = 10%). Our results provide evidence that space use by both species presents opportunities for interspecific interaction and contact and suggests that human provisioning of dogs may play a role in limiting interactions between stray dogs and mongooses.
Rapid non-invasive prenatal screening test for trisomy 21 based on digital droplet PCR
Authors: Laššáková Soňa , Šenkyřík Pavel , Pazourková Eva , Hořínek Aleš , Calda Pavel , Břešťák Miroslav , Světnicová Kamila , Neužil Pavel , Korabečná Marie
Published: December 2023

Non-invasive prenatal tests for the detection of fetal aneuploidies are predominantly based on the analysis of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from the plasma of pregnant women by next-generation sequencing. The development of alternative tests for routine genetic laboratories is therefore desirable. Multiplex digital droplet PCR was used to detect 16 amplicons from chromosome 21 and 16 amplicons from chromosome 18 as the reference. Two fluorescently labeled lock nucleic acid probes were used for the detection of reaction products. The required accuracy was achieved by examining 12 chips from each patient using Stilla technology. The plasma cfDNA of 26 pregnant women with euploid pregnancies and 16 plasma samples from pregnancies with trisomy 21 were analyzed to determine the cutoff value for sample classification. The test was validated in a blind study on 30 plasma samples from pregnant patients with a risk for trisomy 21 ranging from 1:4 to 1:801. The results were in complete agreement with the results of the invasive diagnostic procedure (sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 100%). Low cost, and speed of analysis make it a potential screening method for implementation into the clinical workflow to support the combined biochemical and ultrasound results indicating a high risk for trisomy 21.
The influence of season, hunting mode, and habitat specialization on riparian spiders as key predators in the aquatic-terrestrial linkage
Authors: Bollinger Eric , Zubrod Jochen P. , Englert Dominic , Graf Nadin , Weisner Oliver , Kolb Sebastian , Schäfer Ralf B. , Entling Martin H. , Schulz Ralf
Published: December 2023

Freshwater ecosystems subsidize riparian zones with high-quality nutrients via the emergence of aquatic insects. Spiders are dominant consumers of these insect subsidies. However, little is known about the variation of aquatic insect consumption across spiders of different hunting modes, habitat specializations, seasons, and systems. To explore this, we assembled a large stable isotope dataset (n > 1000) of aquatic versus terrestrial sources and six spider species over four points in time adjacent to a lotic and a lentic system. The spiders represent three hunting modes each consisting of a wetland specialist and a habitat generalist. We expected that specialists would feed more on aquatic prey than their generalist counterparts. Mixing models showed that spiders’ diet consisted of 17–99% of aquatic sources, with no clear effect of habitat specialization. Averaged over the whole study period, web builders (WB) showed the highest proportions (78%) followed by ground hunters (GH, 42%) and vegetation hunters (VH, 31%). Consumption of aquatic prey was highest in June and August, which is most pronounced in GH and WBs, with the latter feeding almost entirely on aquatic sources during this period. Additionally, the elevated importance of high-quality lipids from aquatic origin during fall is indicated by elemental analyses pointing to an accumulation of lipids in October, which represent critical energy reserves during winter. Consequently, this study underlines the importance of aquatic prey irrespective of the habitat specialization of spiders. Furthermore, it suggests that energy flows vary substantially between spider hunting modes and seasons.
Prediction and characterization of prophages of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia reveals a remarkable phylogenetic diversity of prophages
Authors: Fang Zheng , Xu Man , Shen Shan , Sun Weiwei , Yu Qing , Wu Qingshan , Xiang Lan , Weng Qingbei
Published: December 2023

Prophages, which enables bacterial hosts to acquire novel traits, and increase genetic variation and evolutionary innovation, are considered to be one of the greatest drivers of bacterial diversity and evolution. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is widely distributed and one of the most important multidrug resistant bacteria in hospitals. However, the distribution and genetic diversity of S. maltophilia prophages have not been elucidated. In this study, putative prophages were predicted in S. maltophilia genomes by using virus prediction tools, and the genetic diversity and phylogeny of S. maltophilia and the prophages they harbor were further analyzed. A total of 356 prophage regions were predicted from 88 S. maltophilia genomes. Among them, 144 were intact prophages, but 77.09% of the intact prophages did not match any known phage sequences in the public database. The number of prophage carried by S. maltophilia is related to its host habitat and is an important factor affecting the size of the host genome, but it is not related to the genetic diversity of the prophage. The prediction of auxiliary genes encoded by prophage showed that antibiotic resistance genes was not predicted for any of the prophages except for one questionable prophage, while 53 virulence genes and 169 carbohydrate active enzymes were predicted from 11.24 and 44.1% prophages, respectively. Most of the prophages (72.29%) mediated horizontal gene transfer of S. maltophilia genome, but only involved in 6.25% of the horizontal gene transfer events. In addition, CRISPR prediction indicated 97.75% S. maltophilia strains contained the CRISPR-Cas system containing 818 spacer sequences. However, these spacer sequences did not match any known S. maltophilia phages, and only a few S. maltophilia prophages. Comparative genomic analysis revealed a highly conserved and syntenic organization with genomic rearrangement between the prophages and the known related S. maltophilia phages. Our results indicate a high prevalence and genetic diversity of prophages in the genome of S. maltophilia, as well as the presence of a large number of uncharacterized phages. It provides an important complement to understanding the diversity and biological characteristics of phages, as well as the interactions and evolution between bacteria and phages.
Non-isocyanate Polyurethane from Vegetable and Microalgal Oils
Authors: Dong Tao , Schutter Skylar , Zhang Cheng , Kruger Jacob
Published: December 2023

In this chapter, vegetable oil, heterotrophic algal oil and phototrophic algal oil were used for NIPU development. NIPU properties were evaluated, and its promising performance was demonstrated, indicating that vegetable oils and algal oils with high functionalities are promising precursors for NIPU polymers.
A Novel Application of Chemically Modified Eleostearic Acid Methyl Ester (EAME) for Improving Diesel Lubricity
Authors: Liu Zengshe , Li Jing , Knothe Gerhard , Sharma Brajendra K. , Jiang Jiangchung
Published: December 2023

Ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuels require addition of higher concentrations of additives or blending with another material of enough lubricity, thereby increasing the cost. Herein, a tung oil-based fatty acid methyl ester (eleostearic acid methyl ester, EAME) and a maleation compound (EAME/MA) were synthesized by reacting with maleic anhydride (MA) via the Diels–Alder reaction. EAME/MA further reacts with short chain alcohols by opening cyclic anhydride to form esters such as methanol and butanol, i.e., EAME/MA/ME and EAME/MA/BU. The EAMA/MA/ME and EAME/MA/BU compounds effectively enhanced the lubricity of ULSD. For example, the lubricity of ULSD at low additive levels (500–1000 ppm) resulted in great improvement in the high-frequency reciprocating rig (HFRR) lubricity tests. By adding a low additive level of 500 ppm to the ULSD fuel, the wear scar and friction of ULSD were reduced by 40% and 46–47%, respectively. The additive concentrations were 20 and 40 times lower than blending biodiesel at 1–2%. Also, by blending EAME/MA/BU at a level of 1000 ppm into petrodiesels, such as 0150H GP1 and Durasyn 166 PAO base oils, wear scar values were reduced by 25% and 26%, respectively.
Sustainable Lubricant Formulations from Natural Oils: A Short Review
Authors: Sharma Brajendra K. , Karmakar Gobinda , Shah Raj , Ghosh Pranab , Sarker Majher I. , Erhan Sevim Z.
Published: December 2023

Biolubricant formulation from vegetable oils and other natural resources is the most emerging area of research in the lubricant industry at the present moment. Vegetable oils and other natural oils (e.g., microalgae, liquids obtained from pyrolysis of wood biomass) can be used as feedstocks for making lubricant base oils and additives for biolubricants. Although plant-based oils have advantages such as a high viscosity index, high flash points, good antifriction/antiwear properties, biodegradability, etc., there are some challenges such as poor oxidative stability, low temperature fluidity, and poor hydrolytic stability that need to be overcome. Chemical modification is the way to address these challenges. In this chapter, we have discussed various chemical routes to synthesize base oils as well as biobased additives for the formulation of a sustainable lubricant.
Genetic and Process Engineering for Select Glycolipid Biosynthesis from Plant/Algal Oils or Their Derivatives
Authors: Msanne Joseph , Ashby Richard D.
Published: December 2023

Microbial glycolipids, composed of fatty acid(s) linked to a carbohydrate moiety, are amphipathic surface-active molecules with numerous applications in the food, textile, and cosmetic industries, as well as in the medical and pharmaceutical industries. Glycolipids play important in vivo structural roles as components of the microbial cell surface or they may be secreted extracellularly into the growth medium. Several microorganisms are emerging as suitable sources for the renewable production of these compounds. In addition, glycolipids can be produced in abundance using inexpensive substrates and low-value agricultural feedstocks, making their commercialization prospects more appealing. However, rational improvement to strain productivity of several glycolipid-producing microbes is limited by the scant knowledge of cellular metabolism, gene regulatory mechanisms, and the environmental factors influencing glycolipid accumulation. In this chapter, known genetic and metabolic regulations involved in the biosynthesis of low molecular weight glycolipids including rhamnolipid, sophorolipid, mannosylerythritol lipid, cellobiose lipid, and trehalose lipid produced by a variety of bacteria and yeasts are discussed. In addition, knowledge available on the metabolic engineering strategies to enhance the quantity and quality of glycolipids produced from relevant microbial strains is outlined.
A facile fluorescence Eu MOF sensor for ascorbic acid and ascorbate oxidase detection
Authors: Dong Xin-Xin , Chen Tao-Li , Kong Xiang-Juan , Wu Shuang , Kong Fang-Fang , Xiao Qiang
Published: December 2023

The illustration of an Eu MOF sensor for fluorescence detection of ascorbic acid and ascorbate oxidase.
Open-cage fullerenes as ligands for metals
Authors: Balch Alan L.
Published: December 2023

The reactions of open-cage fullerenes with various metal complexes show a remarkable range of unanticipated behaviors, which are compared to the corresponding reactions with intact fullerenes.
The essence of the effect of strain rate on the mechanical behavior of the Fe14.6Ni (at%) elastocaloric refrigeration alloy: a molecular dynamics study
Authors: Li Xianfa , An Junyu , Chen Shuisheng , Chen Guoqiang , Liu Yi , Shi Yongjun , Zhou Long
Published: December 2023

In this research, a molecular dynamics (MD) model was adopted to investigate the essence of the effect of strain rate on the mechanical behavior of the Fe14.6Ni (at%) elastocaloric refrigeration alloy.
Probing spin waves in Co3O4 nanoparticles for magnonics applications
Authors: Feygenson Mikhail , Huang Zhongyuan , Xiao Yinguo , Teng Xiaowei , Lohstroh Wiebke , Nandakumaran Nileena , Neuefeind Jörg C. , Everett Michelle , Podlesnyak Andrey A. , Salazar-Alvarez Germán , Ulusoy Seda , Valvo Mario , Su Yixi , Ehlert Sascha , Qdemat Asma , Ganeva Marina , Zhang Lihua , Aronson Meigan C.
Published: December 2023

The magnetic properties of spinel nanoparticles can be controlled by synthesizing particles of a specific shape and size.
Modification of an oxyhalide solid-solution photocatalyst with an efficient O2-evolving cocatalyst and electron mediator for two-step photoexcitation overall water splitting
Authors: Sun Wenzheng , Luo Ying , Xu Jun , Guo Qiaoqi , Deng Lidan , Wang Zheng , He Hong
Published: December 2023

The decoration of high-crystallinity Bi4TaO8Cl0.9Br0.1 solid solution with CoOx cocatalyst and reduced graphene oxide promoted O2 generation and electron transfer, thus boosting active two-step excitation water splitting under visible light.
Voltage-controlled magnetic anisotropy gradient-driven skyrmion-based half-adder and full-adder
Authors: Sara Sarwath , Murapaka Chandrasekhar , Haldar Arabinda
Published: December 2023

A novel skyrmion-based device architecture for the realization of full adder and half adder logic via VCMA gradient.
Cooperativity in luminescent heterobimetallic diphosphine-β-diketiminate complexes
Authors: Krätschmer Frederic , Sun Xiaofei , Frick David , Zovko Christina , Klopper Wim , Roesky Peter W.
Published: December 2023

A PNNP ligand was used for the synthesis of luminescent bimetallic complexes, featuring the combination of group 11 and 12 metals. The cooperativity of the metal ions in close spatial proximity led to drastic changes in the photophysical properties.
A metal-free strategy to construct fluoroalkyl–olefin linkages using fluoroalkanes
Authors: Chakrabarti Kaushik , Wade Wolfe Michael M. , Guo Shuo , Tucker Joseph W. , Lee Jisun , Szymczak Nathaniel K.
Published: December 2023

We report a metal-free strategy to access fluoroalkyl–olefin linkages from RCF2H (R = aryl, H, F and fluoroalkyl) precursors and vinyl-pinacol boronic ester (BPin) reagents.
Technological trends in medical robotic sensing with soft electronic skin
Authors: Zhou Yiru , Tang Yao , Yu You
Published: December 2023

Medical robotic sensing is a developing field that combines mechanical technology with medical engineering.
The fabrication and application of a triphasic reaction interface based on superwettability for improved reaction efficiency
Authors: Li Mengwei , Wang Fengyi , Guo Zhiguang
Published: December 2023

This review concentrates on recent developments in the application of triphasic systems based on superwettability in photocatalysis, electrochemistry, and bioelectronics.
Advances in the optical and electronic properties and applications of bismuth-based semiconductor materials
Authors: Xia Peng , Song Yuan-Jun , Liu Yu-Ze , Long Mei-Xuan , Yang Cheng , Zhang Xiao-Yang , Zhang Tong
Published: December 2023

In recent years, bismuth-based semiconductors have become a research hotspot in the new semiconductor field due to their unique optical and electronic properties.
Topological analysis and control of post-synthetic metalation sites in Zr-based metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Gimeno-Fonquernie Pol , Albalad Jorge , Price Jason R. , Bloch Witold M. , Evans Jack D. , Doonan Christian J. , Sumby Christopher J.
Published: December 2023

MOFs formed from 8-connecting nodes and 4-connecting linkers can have the flu, scu and csq topologies. Here we show design criteria for making the rare sqc topology and how topology can be used to generate distinct post-synthetic metalation sites.
Evaluation of Li2SnO3:Cr3+, Mn4+ as a dual-emitter luminescence sensor for cryogenic temperatures
Authors: Mykhaylyk V. , Zhydachevskyy Y. , Kraus H. , Stasiv V. , Leniec G. , Hreb V. , Vasylechko L. , Sydorchuk V. , Suchocki A.
Published: December 2023

The sensitivity of luminescence properties in materials doped with transition metal (TM) ions to changes of temperature makes them particularly promising for thermometric applications.
IRR‐Net: A Joint Learning Framework for Image Reconstruction and Recognition of Photoacoustic Tomography
Authors: Sun Zheng , Ai Bing , Sun Meichen , Hou Yingsa
Published: December 2023

In photoacoustic tomography (PAT), object identification and classification are usually performed as postprocessing processes after image reconstruction. Since useful information about the target implied in the raw signal can be lost during image reconstruction, this two‐step scheme can reduce the accuracy of tissue characterization. For learning‐based methods, it is time consuming to train the network of each subtask separately. In this paper, we report on an end‐to‐end joint learning framework for simultaneous image reconstruction and object recognition, named IRR‐Net. It establishes direct mapping of raw photoacoustic signals to high‐quality images with recognized targets. The network consists of an image reconstruction module, an optimization module, and a recognition module, which achieved signal‐to‐image, image‐to‐image, and image‐to‐class conversion, respectively. We built simulation, phantom and in vivo data sets to train and test IRR‐Net. The results show that the proposed method successfully yields concurrent improvements in both the quality of the reconstructed images and the accuracy of target recognition at a lower time cost compared to the separately trained networks.
Off‐policy correction algorithm for double Q network based on deep reinforcement learning
Authors: Zhang Qingbo , Liu Manlu , Wang Heng , Qian Weimin , Zhang Xinglang
Published: December 2023

A deep reinforcement learning (DRL) method based on the deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) algorithm is proposed to address the problems of a mismatch between the needed training samples and the actual training samples during the training of intelligence, the overestimation and underestimation of the existence of Q‐values, and the insufficient dynamism of the intelligence policy exploration. This method introduces the Actor‐Critic Off‐Policy Correction (AC‐Off‐POC) reinforcement learning framework and an improved double Q‐value learning method, which enables the value function network in the target task to provide a more accurate evaluation of the policy network and converge to the optimal policy more quickly and stably to obtain higher value returns. The method is applied to multiple MuJoCo tasks on the Open AI Gym simulation platform. The experimental results show that it is better than the DDPG algorithm based solely on the different policy correction framework (AC‐Off‐POC) and the conventional DRL algorithm. The value of returns and stability of the double‐Q‐network off‐policy correction algorithm for the deep deterministic policy gradient (DCAOP‐DDPG) proposed by the authors are significantly higher than those of other DRL algorithms.
Power quality disturbance signal segmentation and classification based on modified BI‐LSTM with double attention mechanism
Authors: Khetarpal Poras , Nagpal Neelu , Siano Pierluigi , Al‐Numay Mohammed
Published: December 2023

This paper proposes a recurrent neural network based model to segment and classify multiple combined multiple power quality disturbances (PQDs) from the PQD voltage signal. A modified bi‐directional long short‐term memory (BI‐LSTM) model with two different types of attention mechanisms is developed. Firstly, an attention gate is added to the basic LSTM cell to reduce the training time and focus the memory on important PQD signal part. Secondly, an attention layer is added to the BI‐LSTM to obtain the more important part of the voltage signal by assigning weightage to the output of the BI‐LSTM model. This attention gate applied in the LSTM cells improves effective and decisive key information extraction from future and past states of the PQD signal and the addition of attention layer improves the overall decision capability of the model, saving computation time, and increasing PQD classification accuracy. Finally, a SoftMax classifier is applied to classify the combined PQD signal in 96 different combinations. The proposed BI‐LSTM model with attention gate and attention layer mechanism is compared to different baseline models based on recurrent neural network and convolution neural network (CNN). From the simulation study, it is inferred that with the proposed method, the multiple combined PQD signals are easily segmented from the voltage signal which makes the process of PQD classification more accurate with less computation complexity and in less time as compared to popular signal processing based approaches for which classification of multiple PQDs is computationally difficult.
CAVOA: A chaotic optimization algorithm for optimal power flow with facts devices and stochastic wind power generation
Authors: Mohamed Amal Amin , Kamel Salah , Hassan Mohamed H. , Zeinoddini‐Meymand Hamed
Published: December 2023

The study proposes a modified version of African Vultures Optimization Algorithm (AVOA) to address the optimal power flow (OPF) issue. The developed optimizer is called Chaotic AVOA (CAVOA). Prior to applying CAVOA to the problem at hand, its accuracy is evaluated using 23 benchmark functions. The production powers of WTs that are interrupted are predicted using Weibull probability density functions (PDFs). Two additional costs, namely penalty cost and reserve cost, are incorporated into the goal function of the OPF. The simulation results of CAVOA are compared with those of the original AVOA to solve the OPF. The proposed OPF technique and its solution methodology are verified on the IEEE 30‐bus test system, taking into account the flexible alternating current transmission systems (FACTS) devices, which have several benefits such as reducing active power transmission loss, regulating power flow, and improving voltage stability/profile. The research's simulation results demonstrate that CAVOA is more effective in identifying the OPF's optimal solution by reducing the overall power cost and power losses. The results indicate that the CAVOA algorithm outperforms AVOA as a metaheuristic optimization algorithm due to its superior capability in addressing challenging OPF problems with a minimal convergence rate. For example, when comparing the two algorithms, CAVOA achieved a significant improvement. It successfully reduced the cost function by approximately 0.023% in Case I and 0.035% in Case II, while also decreasing power loss by 2.57% in Case II and 0.57% in Case I. Additionally, CAVOA exhibited a remarkable reduction of 5.36% in voltage deviation compared to AVOA in Case I. Furthermore, in Case III, CAVOA demonstrated a decrease of 0.64% in gross cost when compared to AVOA.
Detection and mitigation of false data injection attack in DC–DC synchronous boost converter: A real‐time implementation using shallow neural network model
Authors: Machina Venkata Siva Prasad , Madichetty Sreedhar , Koduru Sriranga Suprabhath , Banda Mohan Krishna , Mishra Sukumar
Published: December 2023

With implementing cyber‐physical systems, modern power systems are at continuous risk of cyber‐attacks. Sensor data that is communicated through the communication links is the most vulnerable entity. The attacker breaches the confidentiality of the data and affects the controller's performance, destabilizing the system. This article proposes a neural network‐based cyber‐attack detection and mitigation scheme to detect and mitigate false data injection attacks on the sensors. Neural networks are used to predict duty; a combination of a data sampler and binary attack detector detects the presence of an attack. Attack mitigation is performed in the final step by analysing the outputs of prediction and detection networks. The designed control scheme is demonstrated at the DC–DC converter level by considering the synchronous boost converter as a plant with an input voltage sensor, output voltage sensor, input current sensor, and output current sensor. The shallow neural network model is trained with appropriate hyperparameters to obtain a root mean square error of 0.003. The control scheme is designed and implemented in MATLAB Simulink platform and realized in real‐time hardware setup by deploying the neural network into the microcontroller and its results are explored.
Analysis and small‐signal modelling technique for support bus DC‐link of front‐end coupling inductance high step‐up single switch boost converter in low voltage renewable source
Authors: Bilsalam Anusak , Ketprapajun Nattakorn , Insri Puntarika , Sawachan Hatta , Guilbert Damien , Thounthong Phatiphat
Published: December 2023

This study proposes a non‐isolated DC converter, which is connected in series with an inverter, with a high output voltage conversion ratio for application in electricity generation systems to upgrade low‐voltage to high‐voltage DC. The topology of the proposed converter is based on a boost converter, which has the limitation of a low voltage conversion ratio. The converter is developed and connected using a coupling inductance technique by adding a second winding L2 coupled with the prototype winding and diode D2. This technique increases the voltage ratio via the ratio operator (N) of both the induction coils by operating a single switch at a constant frequency of 60 kHz. The working principle of the proposed converter is based on pulse width modulation with a duty cycle ≤40%. When the converter receives a low voltage DC input of 36 V, it converts the input to a high output voltage of 325 V at an output power 125 W, showing a circuit efficiency of 92.48% at full load. The synthesis and design of the controller include a linear approach to represent the parameters using the small signal methodology, which is employed to establish a transfer function. Furthermore, the proposed converter is capable of effectively regulating the output voltage, even when subjected to variations in the output load by employing a proportional–integral control mechanism. The close loop results obtained from simulations and practical implementation verified the proposed circuit design, as both results agreed with the theoretical analysis.
Radio emission as a stellar activity indicator
Authors: Yiu T. W. H. , Vedantham H. K. , Callingham J. R. , Günther M. N.
Published: December 2023

Radio observations of stars trace the plasma conditions and magnetic field properties of stellar magnetospheres and coronae. Depending on the plasma conditions at the emitter site, radio emission in the metre- and decimetre-wave bands is generated via different mechanisms, such as gyrosynchrotron, electron cyclotron maser instability, and plasma radiation processes. The ongoing LOFAR Two-metre Sky Survey (LoTSS) and VLA Sky Survey (VLASS) are currently the most sensitive wide-field radio sky surveys ever conducted. Because these surveys are untargeted, they provide an opportunity to study the statistical properties of the radio-emitting stellar population in an unbiased manner. Here we perform an untargeted search for stellar radio sources down to sub-mJy level using these radio surveys. We find that the population of radio-emitting stellar systems is mainly composed of two distinct categories: chromospherically active stellar (CAS) systems and M dwarfs. We also seek to identify signatures of a gradual transition within the M-dwarf population, from chromospheric or coronal acceleration close to the stellar surface similar to that observed on the Sun to magnetospheric acceleration occurring far from the stellar surface similar to that observed on Jupiter. We determine that radio detectability evolves with spectral type, and we identify a transition in radio detectability around spectral type M4, where stars become fully convective. Furthermore, we compare the radio detectability versus spectra type with X-ray and optical flare (observed by TESS) incidence statistics. We find that the radio efficiency of X-ray and optical flares, which is the fraction of flare energy channelled into radio-emitting charges, increases with spectral type. These results motivate us to conjecture that the emergence of large-scale magnetic fields in CAS systems and later M dwarfs leads to an increase in radio efficiency.