bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of polysaccharide-coated layered double hydroxide nanocomposites for enhanced oral insulin delivery
Authors: Pang Huiwen , Wu Youzhi , Chen Yang , Chen Chen , Nie Xuqiang , Li Peng , Huang Guojun , Xu Zhi Ping , Han Felicity Y.
Published: January 2024

Oral insulin (INS) is predicted to have the most therapeutic advantages in treating diabetes to repress hepatic glucose production through its potential to mimic the endogenous insulin pathway. Many oral insulin delivery systems have been investigated. Layered double hydroxide (LDH) as an inorganic material has been widely used in drug delivery thanks to its appealing features such as good biocompatibility, low toxicity, and excellent loading capability. However, when used in oral drug delivery, the effectiveness of LDH is limited due to the acidic degradation in the stomach. In this study, to overcome these challenges, chitosan (Chi) and alginate (Alg) dual-coated LDH nanocomposites with the loading of insulin (Alg-Chi-LDH@INS) were developed by the layered-by-layered method for oral insulin delivery with dynamic size of ~ 350.8 nm, negative charge of ~  − 13.0 mV, and dispersity index 0.228. The insulin release profile was evaluated by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. The drug release profiles evidenced that alginate and chitosan coating partially protect insulin release from a burst release in acidic conditions. The analysis using flow cytometry showed that chitosan coating significantly enhanced the uptake of LDH@INS by Caco-2 cells compared to unmodified LDH and free insulin. Further in the in vivo study in streptozocin-induced diabetic mice, a significant hypoglycemic effect was maintained following oral administration with great biocompatibility (~ 50% blood glucose level reduction at 4 h). This research has thus provided a potential nanocomposite system for oral delivery of insulin.

Graphical Abstract
Stable graphene oxide-based lyotropic liquid crystals for interfacial lubrication
Authors: Guo Yumei , Li Hanglin , Li Jiusheng , Zeng Xiangqiong
Published: January 2024

Lyotropic liquid crystals have lubricating properties due to their ordered assembly and fluidity, whose mesogens are often characterized by amphiphilic properties. Despite the attention that graphene oxide (GO) has been studied as a novel amphiphilic lyotropic mesogen this decade, and GO applied as a lubrication additive has been demonstrated in both oil and water-based systems, little research reveals the interfacial lubrication of GO liquid crystals yet. This work reports that GO aqueous dispersion can form lyotropic liquid crystals above a specific critical concentration of 5.00 mg/mL, providing a form of stable water-based lubricant, which can keep stable for several months and can reduce friction by 37.3% and wear by 25.24%. The liquid crystal phase was verified by polarizing microscope and synchrotron radiation small-angle X-ray scattering, and its rheological properties and viscoelasticity were studied by interfacial rheometer. The formation of lyotropic liquid crystals can enhance the stability of GO aqueous dispersions at high density, simultaneously ensuring friction decrease and anti-wear effect. It is attributed to the stable nematic network by the ordered GO sheets. The ordered assembly structure bears vertical shear force, therefore, reducing the wear. It is also assumed that the wide lateral size of graphene oxide promotes the nematic phase thus smoothes the graphene oxide film composed spontaneously under the coincidence of lamellar liquid crystal and 2D layered material. Through this work, the interlayer lubrication of GO was optimized, and the problem of GO dispersion sedimentation was solved by self-assembly. The range of interfacial lubrication of GO aqueous dispersion has been expanded and the synergistic effect is conducive to the environmentally friendly lubricants.
Polarizable Additive with Intermediate Chelation Strength for Stable Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries
Authors: Xia Yuting , Tong Rongao , Zhang Jingxi , Xu Mingjie , Shao Gang , Wang Hailong , Dong Yanhao , Wang Chang-An
Published: January 2024

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries are promising due to inherent safety, low cost, low toxicity, and high volumetric capacity. However, issues of dendrites and side reactions between zinc metal anode and the electrolyte need to be solved for extended storage and cycle life. Here, we proposed that an electrolyte additive with an intermediate chelation strength of zinc ion—strong enough to exclude water molecules from the zinc metal-electrolyte interface and not too strong to cause a significant energy barrier for zinc ion dissociation—can benefit the electrochemical stability by suppressing hydrogen evolution reaction, overpotential growth, and dendrite formation. Penta-sodium diethylene-triaminepentaacetic acid salt was selected for such a purpose. It has a suitable chelating ability in aqueous solutions to adjust solvation sheath and can be readily polarized under electrical loading conditions to further improve the passivation. Zn||Zn symmetric cells can be stably operated over 3500 h at 1 mA cm−2. Zn||NH4V4O10 full cells with the additive show great cycling stability with 84.6% capacity retention after 500 cycles at 1 A g−1. Since the additive not only reduces H2 evolution and corrosion but also modifies Zn2+ diffusion and deposition, highlyreversible Zn electrodes can be achieved as verified by the experimental results. Our work offers a practical approach to the logical design of reliable electrolytes for high-performance aqueous batteries.
Macro-determinants of current account balance performance in selected African countries
Authors: Abille Adamu Braimah , Meçik Oytun
Published: January 2024

Most African countries are open to international trade as shown by their signatories to various trade agreements such as the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the EU, and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). However, these countries face persistent current account deficits and institutional underdevelopment. The existing literature investigates the underlying factors at country-specific levels while ignoring the role of institutions. Meanwhile, African countries are also rapidly transitioning towards economic integration with the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AFCFTA) to deepen intra-Africa trade. Therefore, for unionized policy proposition, this study controls for the effects of institutions and investigates the macro-determinants of the current account balance (CAB) performance using panel data from 2002 to 2020 for 20 African countries. To account for cross-country correlation and country-level heteroscedasticity, the study employed panel-corrected standard errors (PCSE) and feasible generalized least squares (FGLS) techniques for the governance indicators-related step-wise estimations. The results show that after controlling for the effects of institutions, income, trade openness, the price level, the interplay between manufacturing and financial sector development, and the money supply are the significant macro-determinants of the CAB performance in Africa. Further, the marginal info-graphics show that the predictive effects of value addition and financial development on the CAB increase positively with good governance and that improved governance could reverse any negative effects of trade openness on the CAB performance. Based on the findings, the study recommends inter alia that African countries pursue value-addition-oriented trade, zero Central Bank budgetary financing, and institutional quality improvement to enhance the performance of their CABs.
A Local Explainability Technique for Graph Neural Topic Models
Authors: Rajendran Bharathwajan , Vidya Chandran G. , Sanil J. , Asharaf S.
Published: January 2024

Topic modelling is a Natural Language Processing (NLP) technique that has gained popularity in the recent past. It identifies word co-occurrence patterns inside a document corpus to reveal hidden topics. Graph Neural Topic Model (GNTM) is a topic modelling technique that uses Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) to learn document representations effectively. It provides high-precision documents-topics and topics-words probability distributions. Such models find immense application in many sectors, including healthcare, financial services, and safety-critical systems like autonomous cars. This model is not explainable. As a matter of fact, the user cannot comprehend the underlying decision-making process. The paper introduces a technique to explain the documents-topics probability distributions output of GNTM. The explanation is achieved by building a local explainable model such as a probabilistic Naïve Bayes classifier. The experimental results using various benchmark NLP datasets show a fidelity of 88.39% between the predictions of GNTM and the local explainable model. This similarity implies that the proposed technique can effectively explain the documents-topics probability distribution output of GNTM.
Using whole genome sequencing to characterize Clostridioides difficile isolates at a tertiary center in Melbourne, Australia
Authors: Liu Alice , Chan Eddie , Madigan Victoria , Leung Vivian , Dosvaldo Lucille , Sherry Norelle , Howden Benjamin , Bond Katherine , Marshall Caroline
Published: January 2024

Objective:

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is the commonest cause of healthcare-associated diarrhea and undergoes standardized surveillance and mandatory reporting in most Australian states and territories. Historically attributed to nosocomial spread, local and international whole genome sequencing (WGS) data suggest varied sources of acquisition. This study describes C. difficile genotypes isolated at a tertiary center in Melbourne, Australia, their likely source of acquisition, and common risk factors.

Design:

Retrospective observational study.

Setting:

The Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH), a 570-bed tertiary center in Victoria, Australia.

Methods:

Short-read whole genome sequencing was performed on 75 out of 137 C. difficile isolates obtained from 1/5/2021 to 28/2/2022 and compared to previous data from 8/11/2015 to 1/11/2016. Existing data from infection control surveillance and electronic medical records were used for epidemiological and risk factor analysis.

Results:

Eighty-five (62.1%) of the 137 cases were defined as healthcare-associated from epidemiological data. On genome sequencing, 33 different multi-locus sequence type (MLST) subtypes were identified, with changes in population structure compared to the 2015–16 period. Risk factors for CDI were present in 130 (94.9%) cases, including 108 (78.8%) on antibiotics, 86 (62.8%) on acid suppression therapy, and 25 (18.2) on chemotherapy.

Conclusion:

In both study periods, most C. difficile isolates were not closely related, suggesting varied sources of acquisition and that spread of C. difficile within the hospital was unlikely. Current infection control precautions may therefore warrant review. Underlying risk factors for CDI were common and may contribute to the proportion of healthcare-associated infections in the absence of proven hospital transmission.
Cultivating space for contemporary resistance in Brazil’s Amazon and Cerrado
Authors: Garvey Brian , Mendonça Maria Luisa , Torres Maurício , Stefano Daniela , Pitta Fábio
Published: January 2024

This paper investigates how contemporary labour-capital conflicts in the Cerrado and Amazon biomes of Brazil are centred on the expansion of value from land via dispossession and land titling, and the extraction of value through financial mechanisms that enhance the current and future rent from landholdings. Understanding the consequent territorial struggles between traditional collective ownership on the one hand, and private individual and corporate value capture on the other requires a departure from incumbent capital-(salaried) labour analyses in value chain studies. Resistance to further land capture for speculation reveals inter-and intra-class class tensions, and the facilitative role of the state in validating illicitly grabbed resources. Despite the adverse political conditions in Brazil, there are modest, but significant gains by autonomous land occupations and demarcations in confronting capital expansion. In the face of intensified land grabbing, violent threats, and the laundering of illicit resource extraction, the two cases presented open up new dimensions of, and possibilities for, capital-labour struggles linked to commodity expansion and extraction on resource-rich frontiers.
The drag on a rising sphere along the axis in a short rotating cylinder of fluid: revisiting the data and theory
Authors: Ungarish M.
Published: January 2024

We revisit the problem of a solid sphere rising slowly in a rotating short container filled with a slightly viscous fluid, with emphasis on the drag force. The data of the classical experiments of Maxworthy (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 31, 1968, pp. 643–655) and recent experiments of Kozlov et al. (Fluids, vol. 8 (2), 2023, paper 49), and the available geostrophic and quasi-geostrophic theories, are subjected to a novel scrutiny by combined reprocessing and comparisons. The measured drag is, consistently, about 20 % lower than the geostrophic prediction (assuming that flow is dominated by the Ekman layers, while in the inviscid cores the Coriolis acceleration is supported by the pressure gradient). The major objective is the interpretation and improvement of the gap between data and predictions. We show that the data cover a small range of relevant parameters (in particular the Taylor number

$T$

and the height ratio

$H$

of cylinder to particle diameter) that precludes a thorough and reliable assessment of the theories. However, some useful insights and improvements can be derived. The hypothesis that the discrepancy between data and the geostrophic prediction is due to inertial effects (not sufficiently small Rossby number

$Ro$

in the experiments) is dismissed. We show that the major reason for the discrepancy is the presence of relatively thick Stewartson layers about the cylinder (Taylor column) attached to the sphere. The

$1/3$

layer displaces the boundary condition of the angular velocity (

$\omega = 0$

) outside the radius of the particle. This observation suggests a semi-empirical correction to the theoretical quasi-geostrophic predictions (which takes into account the Ekman layers and the

$1/4$

Stewartson layers); the corrected drag is in fair agreement with the data. We demonstrate that the inertial terms are negligible for

$Ro\,T^{1/2} <0.4$

. We consider curve-fit approximations, and point out some persistent gaps of knowledge that require further experiments and simulations.
Cooperation Between Colleges and Companies: Vocational Education, Skill Mismatches and China's Turnover Problem
Authors: Müller Armin
Published: January 2024

The Chinese government promotes cooperation between colleges and companies in vocational education to improve the supply of skilled workers and increase labour productivity. This study employs the concept of positive coordination – negotiations concurrently addressing productive and distributive questions – to analyse the advantages and limitations of voluntary cooperation embedded in networks. In terms of production, many projects focus on updating, narrowing and deepening curricula to lower the costs of initial training borne by companies and the risk of labour turnover. In terms of distribution, however, the deep and narrow curricula are at odds with students’ preference for general and transferable skills; and the mutual commitments of both companies and students are uncertain. The solutions provided by cooperation are partial and unstable. Overall, they reduce skill mismatches but cannot control turnover or overcome market failure, which undermines tertiary vocational education's contribution to labour productivity.
Rheological Structure and Lithospheric Stress Interaction in the Alaska Subduction Zone Gleaned From the 2018 Mw 7.9 Oceanic Crustal Earthquake
Authors: Zhang Jian , Hu Yan , Wang Kai , Yang Siyuan
Published: January 2024

Postseismic deformation at convergent margins is controlled mainly by continuous slip on the fault (afterslip) and relaxation of the earthquake‐induced stress in the viscoelastic upper mantle (viscoelastic relaxation). Study of these deformation processes provides insight into the rheological properties of upper mantle and slip behavior of the fault. We have constructed a three‐dimensional finite element model to investigate the postseismic deformation of the 2018 Mw 7.9 Kodiak earthquake. We derived the first 2‐year postseismic Global Positioning System observations to constrain afterslip and upper mantle rheology in the south‐central Alaska. The upper mantle is separated into the mantle wedge and oceanic upper mantle topped by an 80‐km thick asthenosphere layer by the subducting slab. Results show that afterslip generally occurred in areas adjacent to the rupture zone and has a small magnitude of a few tens of millimeters. The viscosities of the asthenosphere and mantle wedge are determined to be in a range of 1–4 × 1018 and 0.5–5 × 1019 Pa s with an optimal value of 2 × 1018 and 2 × 1019 Pa s, respectively. Model results reveal a localized weak mantle wedge of ∼1018 Pa s beneath Lower Cook Inlet that may be due to the fluids dehydrated from the slab. Coulomb stress changes show that the earthquake enhanced coseismic and postseismic stress loading of up to 0.9 and 0.1 bar, respectively, on the shallow subduction interface near Kodiak Island, but there is no obvious triggered seismicity, probably due to the low stress status already released by the 1964 Mw 9.2 Alaska earthquake.
Epigenetic addition of m5C to HBV transcripts promotes viral replication and evasion of innate antiviral responses
Authors: Ding Shuang , Liu Haibin , Liu Lijuan , Ma Li , Chen Zhen , Zhu Miao , Liu Lishi , Zhang Xueyan , Hao Haojie , Zuo Li , Yang Jingwen , Wu Xiulin , Zhou Ping , Huang Fang , Zhu Fan , Guan Wuxiang
Published: January 2024

Eukaryotic five-methylcytosine (m5C) is an important regulator of viral RNA splicing, stability, and translation. However, its role in HBV replication remains largely unknown. In this study, functional m5C sites are identified in hepatitis B virus (HBV) mRNA. The m5C modification at nt 1291 is not only indispensable for Aly/REF export factor (ALYREF) recognition to promote viral mRNA export and HBx translation but also for the inhibition of RIG-I binding to suppress interferon-β (IFN-β) production. Moreover, NOP2/Sun RNA methyltransferase 2 (NSUN2) catalyzes the addition of m5C to HBV mRNA and is transcriptionally downregulated by the viral protein HBx, which suppresses the binding of EGR1 to the NSUN2 promoter. Additionally, NSUN2 expression correlates with m5C modification of type I IFN mRNA in host cells, thus, positively regulating IFN expression. Hence, the delicate regulation of NSUN2 expression induces m5C modification of HBV mRNA while decreasing the levels of m5C in host IFN mRNA, making it a vital component of the HBV life cycle. These findings provide new molecular insights into the mechanism of HBV-mediated IFN inhibition and may inform the development of new IFN-α based therapies.
Single-cell multi-omic analysis of the vestibular schwannoma ecosystem uncovers a nerve injury-like state
Authors: Barrett Thomas F. , Patel Bhuvic , Khan Saad M. , Mullins Riley D. Z. , Yim Aldrin K. Y. , Pugazenthi Sangami , Mahlokozera Tatenda , Zipfel Gregory J. , Herzog Jacques A. , Chicoine Michael R. , Wick Cameron C. , Durakovic Nedim , Osbun Joshua W. , Shew Matthew , Sweeney Alex D. , Patel Akash J. , Buchman Craig A. , Petti Allegra A. , Puram Sidharth V. , Kim Albert H.
Published: January 2024

Vestibular schwannomas (VS) are benign tumors that lead to significant neurologic and otologic morbidity. How VS heterogeneity and the tumor microenvironment (TME) contribute to VS pathogenesis remains poorly understood. In this study, we perform scRNA-seq on 15 VS, with paired scATAC-seq (n = 6) and exome sequencing (n = 12). We identify diverse Schwann cell (SC), stromal, and immune populations in the VS TME and find that repair-like and MHC-II antigen-presenting SCs are associated with myeloid cell infiltrate, implicating a nerve injury-like process. Deconvolution analysis of RNA-expression data from 175 tumors reveals Injury-like tumors are associated with larger tumor size, and scATAC-seq identifies transcription factors associated with nerve repair SCs from Injury-like tumors. Ligand-receptor analysis and in vitro experiments suggest that Injury-like VS-SCs recruit myeloid cells via CSF1 signaling. Our study indicates that Injury-like SCs may cause tumor growth via myeloid cell recruitment and identifies molecular pathways that may be therapeutically targeted.
Massively parallel profiling of RNA-targeting CRISPR-Cas13d
Authors: Kuo Hung-Che , Prupes Joshua , Chou Chia-Wei , Finkelstein Ilya J.
Published: January 2024

CRISPR-Cas13d cleaves RNA and is used in vivo and for diagnostics. However, a systematic understanding of its RNA binding and cleavage specificity is lacking. Here, we describe an RNA Chip-Hybridized Association-Mapping Platform (RNA-CHAMP) for measuring the binding affinity for > 10,000 RNAs containing structural perturbations and other alterations relative to the CRISPR RNA (crRNA). Deep profiling of Cas13d reveals that it does not require a protospacer flanking sequence but is exquisitely sensitive to secondary structure within the target RNA. Cas13d binding is penalized by mismatches in the distal crRNA-target RNA region, while alterations in the proximal region inhibit nuclease activity. A biophysical model built from these data reveals that target recognition initiates in the distal end of the target RNA. Using this model, we design crRNAs that can differentiate between SARS-CoV-2 variants by modulating nuclease activation. This work describes the key determinants of RNA targeting by a type VI CRISPR enzyme.
Cholesterol biosynthetic pathway induces cellular senescence through ERRα
Authors: Ziegler Dorian V. , Czarnecka-Herok Joanna , Vernier Mathieu , Scholtes Charlotte , Camprubi Clara , Huna Anda , Massemin Amélie , Griveau Audrey , Machon Christelle , Guitton Jérôme , Rieusset Jennifer , Vigneron Arnaud M. , Giguère Vincent , Martin Nadine , Bernard David
Published: January 2024

Cellular senescence is a cell program induced by various stresses that leads to a stable proliferation arrest and to a senescence-associated secretory phenotype. Accumulation of senescent cells during age-related diseases participates in these pathologies and regulates healthy lifespan. Recent evidences point out a global dysregulated intracellular metabolism associated to senescence phenotype. Nonetheless, the functional contribution of metabolic homeostasis in regulating senescence is barely understood. In this work, we describe how the mevalonate pathway, an anabolic pathway leading to the endogenous biosynthesis of poly-isoprenoids, such as cholesterol, acts as a positive regulator of cellular senescence in normal human cells. Mechanistically, this mevalonate pathway-induced senescence is partly mediated by the downstream cholesterol biosynthetic pathway. This pathway promotes the transcriptional activity of ERRα that could lead to dysfunctional mitochondria, ROS production, DNA damage and a p53-dependent senescence. Supporting the relevance of these observations, increase of senescence in liver due to a high-fat diet regimen is abrogated in ERRα knockout mouse. Overall, this work unravels the role of cholesterol biosynthesis or level in the induction of an ERRα-dependent mitochondrial program leading to cellular senescence and related pathological alterations.
Delineation of endorheic drainage basins in the MERIT-Plus dataset for 5 and 15 minute upscaled river networks
Authors: Prusevich Alexander A. , Lammers Richard B. , Glidden Stanley J.
Published: January 2024

The MERIT-Hydro networks re-gridded by the Iterative Hydrography Upscaling (IHU) algorithm do not retain exo- or endorheic basin attributes from the original data. Here we developed methods to assign such attributes to those and any other digital river networks. The motivation is that endorheic inland drainage basins are essential for hydrologic modelling of global and regional water balances, land surface water storage, gravity anomalies, sea level rise, etc. First, we create basin attributes that explicitly label endorheic and exorheic catchments by the criteria of direct or hidden connectivity to the ocean without changing their flow direction grid. In the second step we alter the delineation of endorheic basins by the merging algorithm that eliminates small inland watersheds to the adjacent host basins. The resulting datasets have a significantly reduced number of endorheic basins while preserving the total land portion and topology of the inland basins. The data was validated using the Water Balance Model by comparing volume of endorheic inland depressions with modelled water accumulation in their inland lakes.
Controlling the motion of gravitational spinners and waves in chiral waveguides
Authors: Kandiah A. , Jones I. S. , Movchan N. V. , Movchan A. B.
Published: January 2024

In this paper we present a mathematical modelling framework for chiral phenomena associated with rotational motions, highlighting the combination of gyroscopic action with gravity. We discuss new ideas of controlling gravity-induced waves by a cluster of gyroscopic spinners. For an elementary gravitational spinner, the transient oscillations are accompanied by a full classification and examples, linked to natural phenomena observed in planetary motion. Applications are presented in the theory of chiral metamaterials, and of the dynamic response of such materials to external loads.
Magnetic Fe3O4@SiO2 study on adsorption of methyl orange on nanoparticles
Authors: Li Heng , Jin Huanhuan , Li Ranran , Hua Junpeng , Zhang Zhen , Li Ruixin
Published: January 2024

Magnetic core–shell Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized by sol–gel method. Based on the characterization and experimental results, the adsorbent was found to have an average particle size of approximately 120 nm, a pore size range of 2–5 nm and superparamagnetic properties. It exhibited electrostatic and hydrogen bonding interactions during adsorption of methyl orange (MO). The adsorption of MO on the magnetic Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles exhibited pseudo-second-order kinetics, the adsorption process is a spontaneous endothermic adsorption process, which conforms to the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. he maximum amount of MO was adsorbed at pH = 2, T = 45 °C and t = 30 min, and the highest adsorption capacity was 182.503 mg/g; The unit adsorption capacity of the Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles still reached 83% of the original capacity after 5 cycles, so the material was reusable and met the requirements of environmental protection. This study reveals the great potential of magnetic mesoporous nanoparticles for removal of dyes from wastewater.
Conformational diversity and protein–protein interfaces in drug repurposing in Ras signaling pathway
Authors: Sayin Ahenk Zeynep , Abali Zeynep , Senyuz Simge , Cankara Fatma , Gursoy Attila , Keskin Ozlem
Published: January 2024

We focus on drug repurposing in the Ras signaling pathway, considering structural similarities of protein–protein interfaces. The interfaces formed by physically interacting proteins are found from PDB if available and via PRISM (PRotein Interaction by Structural Matching) otherwise. The structural coverage of these interactions has been increased from 21 to 92% using PRISM. Multiple conformations of each protein are used to include protein dynamics and diversity. Next, we find FDA-approved drugs bound to structurally similar protein–protein interfaces. The results suggest that HIV protease inhibitors tipranavir, indinavir, and saquinavir may bind to EGFR and ERBB3/HER3 interface. Tipranavir and indinavir may also bind to EGFR and ERBB2/HER2 interface. Additionally, a drug used in Alzheimer's disease can bind to RAF1 and BRAF interface. Hence, we propose a methodology to find drugs to be potentially used for cancer using a dataset of structurally similar protein–protein interface clusters rather than pockets in a systematic way.
Synthesis of causal and surrogate models by non-equilibrium thermodynamics in biological systems
Authors: Sakurada Kazuhiro , Ishikawa Tetsuo
Published: January 2024

We developed a model to represent the time evolution phenomena of life through physics constraints. To do this, we took into account that living organisms are open systems that exchange messages through intracellular communication, intercellular communication and sensory systems, and introduced the concept of a message force field. As a result, we showed that the maximum entropy generation principle is valid in time evolution. Then, in order to explain life phenomena based on this principle, we modelled the living system as a nonlinear oscillator coupled by a message and derived the governing equations. The governing equations consist of two laws: one states that the systems are synchronized when the variation of the natural frequencies between them is small or the coupling strength through the message is sufficiently large, and the other states that the synchronization is broken by the proliferation of biological systems. Next, to simulate the phenomena using data obtained from observations of the temporal evolution of life, we developed an inference model that combines physics constraints and a discrete surrogate model using category theory, and simulated the phenomenon of early embryogenesis using this inference model. The results show that symmetry creation and breaking based on message force fields can be widely used to model life phenomena.
Dynamic response of different types of gut microbiota to fructooligosaccharides and inulin
Authors: Yin Pingping , Yi Shanrong , Du Ting , Zhang Chengcheng , Yu Leilei , Tian Fengwei , Zhao Jianxin , Chen Wei , Zhai Qixiao
Published: January 2024

This is the first study to examine the differences in dynamic responses to FOS and inulin in two populations with different Bacteroides/Bifidobacterium (Ba/Bi) ratios, and it showed that subjects with high Ba/Bi ratios were more likely to benefit from prebiotics.
Synergy between activated carbon and ZnO: a powerful combination for selective adsorption and photocatalytic degradation
Authors: Salah Wided , Djeridi Wahid , Houas Ammar , Elsellami Leila
Published: January 2024

Doping activated carbon with ZnO offers a compelling water treatment solution.
Reticular synthesis of two-dimensional ionic covalent organic networks as metal-free bifunctional electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction and evolution reactions
Authors: Jhariat Pampa , Warrier Arjun , Sasmal Ananta , Das Subhadip , Sarfudeen Shafeeq , Kumari Priyanka , Nayak Arpan Kumar , Panda Tamas
Published: January 2024

Four redox active viologen-based ionic covalent organic networks (vCONs) were synthesized by the solvothermal-assisted Zincke reaction which are directly used as metal-free bifunctional electrocatalysts for ORR and OER applications.
Cr doping and heterostructure-accelerated NiFe LDH reaction kinetics assist the MoS2 oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Tang Jun , Huang Jinzhao , Zhang Sixuan , Liu Zehui , Xiao Jing
Published: January 2024

The MoS2/NiFeCr LDH is fabricated by hydrothermal method. Utilizing the mutual coupling of interbonded structure and interfacial coupling effect between the catalyst interface, the intrinsic activity was significantly improved.
Access to α-all-carbon quaternary amides through the hydroamidation of allenes using DIBAL-H and isocyanates
Authors: Lee Kyeongmin , Cho Soohong , Lim Seeun , Lee Yunmi
Published: January 2024

A regio- and stereoselective hydroamidation of allenes using diisobutylaluminum hydride and isocyanates is described, resulting in the formation of α-quaternary amides.
Salophen chromium(iii) complexes functionalized with pyridinium salts as catalysts for carbon dioxide cycloaddition to epoxides
Authors: Bester Karol , Bukowska Agnieszka , Kawka Aleksandra , Pytel Maciej , Bukowski Wiktor
Published: January 2024

Novel multifunctional one-component catalysts for the cycloaddition of CO2 to epoxides. The selective and effective conversion of substrates to cyclic carbonates possible using 0.01 mol% catalyst and a low CO2 pressure.
An un-forgotten classic: the nitro-Mannich reaction between nitrones and silyl nitronates catalysed by B(C6F5)3
Authors: Guerzoni Michael G. , van Ingen Yara , Babaahmadi Rasool , Wirth Thomas , Richards Emma , Melen Rebecca L.
Published: January 2024

Herein we report the B(C6F5)3-catalysed nitro-Mannich reaction between nitrones and silyl nitronates, affording silyl-protected α-nitro hydroxylamines with yields up to 99% and diastereoselectivities up to 99 : 1.
SARS-CoV-2 recombinase polymerase amplification assay with lateral flow readout and duplexed full process internal control
Authors: Martin Coleman D. , Bender Andrew T. , Sullivan Benjamin P. , Lillis Lorraine , Boyle David S. , Posner Jonathan D.
Published: January 2024

Here we report on a SARS-CoV-2 RPA assay for lateral flow strip detection format that incorporates a full process internal control that indicates the successful lysis, reverse transcription, and amplification of each viral sample.
Introduction to sustainable composites
Authors: Hamerton Ian , Hobson Lois Jane , Wagner Jonathan
Published: January 2024

Professor Ian Hamerton, Dr Lois Jane Hobson & Dr Jonathan Wagner introduce the Royal Society of Chemistry cross-journal themed collection on sustainable composites.
A Meta‐Model Architecture and Elimination Method for Uncertainty Modeling
Authors: Shi Haoran , Liu Shijun , Pan Li
Published: January 2024

Uncertainty exists widely in various fields, especially in industrial manufacturing. From traditional manufacturing to intelligent manufacturing, uncertainty always exists in the manufacturing process. With the integration of rapidly developing intelligent technology, the complexity of manufacturing scenarios is increasing, and the postdecision method cannot fully meet the needs of the high reliability of the process. It is necessary to research the pre‐elimination of uncertainty to ensure the reliability of process execution. Here, we analyze the sources and characteristics of uncertainty in manufacturing scenarios and propose a meta‐model architecture and uncertainty quantification (UQ) framework for uncertainty modeling. On the one hand, our approach involves the creation of a meta‐model structure that incorporates various strategies for uncertainty elimination (UE). On the other hand, we develop a comprehensive UQ framework that utilizes quantified metrics and outcomes to bolster the UE process. Finally, a deterministic model is constructed to guide and drive the process execution, which can achieve the purpose of controlling the uncertainty in advance and ensuring the reliability of the process. In addition, two typical manufacturing process scenarios are modeled, and quantitative experiments are conducted on a simulated production line and open‐source data sets, respectively, to illustrate the idea and feasibility of the proposed approach. The proposed UE approach, which innovatively combines the domain modeling from the software engineering field and the probability‐based UQ method, can be used as a general tool to guide the reliable execution of the process.
Micro‐motion signal time‐frequency results inversion of rotor targets under low signal‐to‐noise ratios
Authors: Long Ming , Yang Jun , Lv Mingjiu , Chen Wenfeng , Xia Saiqiang
Published: January 2024

A signal time‐frequency results inversion method is proposed for extracting micro‐motion features of rotor targets under low signal‐to‐noise ratios (SNRs). In the case of low SNRs, the echo's energy of rotor targets is mainly concentrated in the flash's echo component. Conventional micro‐motion feature extraction of rotor targets primarily utilises the sinusoidal modulation feature in time‐frequency results, whose energy is much lower than the flash. Under low SNRs, the sinusoidal modulation in the echo's time‐frequency results will be submerged in the noise, making feature extraction challenging. A deep learning network is used to inverse the time‐frequency results containing sinusoidal modulation based on the flash's features in the time‐frequency results. Based on the inversion time‐frequency results, the GS‐IRadon algorithm is used to extract micro‐motion features, which can significantly reduce the times of IRadon transformations and improve feature extraction speed and accuracy. Through simulation and analysis, a novel method using a deep learning network like UNet can effectively inverse time‐frequency results under low SNRs, providing a new technical approach for micro‐motion feature extraction. Time‐frequency results inversion is a novelty method used to achieve micro‐motion feature extraction of rotor targets.
Effects of planetary day-night temperature gradients on He 1083 nm transit spectra
Authors: Nail F. , Oklopčić A. , MacLeod M.
Published: January 2024

A notable fraction of helium observations probing the evaporating atmospheres of short-period gas giants at 1083 nm exhibit a blueshift during transit, which might be indicative of a day-to-night side flow. In this study, we explore the gas dynamic effects of day-to-night temperature contrasts on the escaping atmosphere of a tidally locked planet. Using a combination of 3D hydrodynamic simulations and radiative transfer post-processing, we modeled the transmission spectra of the metastable helium triplet. Our key findings are as follows: (1) Increasing the day-night anisotropy leads to a narrowing of the helium line and an increase in the blueshift of the line centroid of a few km s−1. (2) The velocity shift of the line depends on the line-forming altitude, with higher planetary mass-loss rates causing the line to form at higher altitudes, resulting in a more pronounced velocity shift. (3) A critical point of day-night anisotropy comes about when the blueshift saturates, due to turbulent flows generated by outflow material falling back onto the planet’s night side. (4) A strong stellar wind and the presence of turbulent flows may induce time variations in the velocity shift. Assuming that the day-night temperature gradient is the main cause of the observed blueshifts in the He-1083 nm triplet, the correlation between the velocity shift and day-night anisotropy provides an opportunity to constrain the temperature gradient of the line-forming region.
Development on Mathematical Models of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) in Individuals with A Genetic History
Authors: Maghfirah Afiatun , Ramli Marwan , Gani Basri A. , Ikhwan Muhammad
Published: January 2024

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) type 2 is one type of DM that is suffered by many DM sufferers. Type 2 DM can pass on to its offspring so it is necessary to prevent the emergence of type 2 DM. Prevention can be done such as exercise, weight loss, and dietary regulation. This study is a development of previous research with a primary focus on individuals who have a genetic history of having suffered from type 2 DM and it is recommended to choose one of the three prevention parameters involved. The next model development is to find the free equilibrium point values of DM type 2 and DM type 2 and the model will be analyzed for stability at the equilibrium point. The analysis of the basic reproduction number (R0) using the next generation matrix yielded the following values for each assumption: 0.1599; 0.1586; 0.1590; and 0.1582. Weight loss factors were discovered to play a significant influence in preventing type 2 diabetes among the three parameters studied.
Dynamic Analysis of a Mathematical Model of the Anti-Tumor Immune Response
Authors: Pagalay Usman , Juhari  , Ayuna Hustani Sindi
Published: January 2024

This study discusses the dynamic analysis, the Hopf bifurcation, and numerical simulations. The mathematical model of the anti-tumor immune response consists of three compartments namely Immature T Lymphocytes (L1), Mature T Lymphocytes (L2) and Tumor Cells (T). This research was conducted to represent the behavior between immune cells and tumor cells in the body with five γ conditions. Where γ is the intrinsic growth rate of mature T lymphocytes. This study produces R0 > 1 in conditions 1 to 4 while in condition 5 produces R0 < 1. The disease-free equilibrium point is stable only in condition 5, while the endemic equilibrium point is stable only in conditions 2 and 4. Hopf bifurcation occurs at the endemic equilibrium point. Numerical simulation graph in condition 1 shows that tumor cells will increase uncontrollably. In condition 2 the graph show that the endemic equilibrium point for large tumors is stable. In condition 3 the graph show that there will be a bifurcation from the endemic equilibrium point by the disturbance of the parameter value γ. In condition 4 the graph show the small tumor endemic equilibrium point is stable. Finally, in condition 5, the graph show a stable disease-free equilibrium point.
Topology And Tradition: The Knot Polynomials of Ketupat Nabi
Authors: Ja’faruddin  , When Haw Chen
Published: January 2024

This study explores the intersection of mathematics and culinary traditions, focusing on “Ketupat Nabi,” a dish from South Sulawesi’s Bugis community. By applying knot theory, it seeks to understand the mathematical properties of the dish’s knot diagrams. The research began with selecting traditional foods characterized by knots or ties, essential for framing the study’s focus. Photographs and cultural histories of these foods were then collected to provide context. The analysis involved comparing these culinary knots with established knot theory literature, leading to the creation of graphical knot diagrams. These diagrams underwent mathematical analysis using the Alexander polynomial, a key tool in knot theory. The ketupat’s knot diagram, featuring 24 crossing points and incapable of 3-colorability, was a primary focus. Remarkably, this study identified a unique Alexander polynomial for the Ketupat Nabi’s knot diagram, a significant addition to the knowledge of polynomials associated with 24-crossing-point knots. The identified polynomial for the ketupat Nabi’s knot diagram is:

Δ𝐾(𝑡)=−𝑡10+7𝑡9−21𝑡8+35𝑡7−35𝑡6+26𝑡5−26𝑡4+30𝑡3−37𝑡2+61𝑡1−79+61𝑡−1−37𝑡−2+30𝑡−3−26𝑡−4+26𝑡−5−35𝑡−6+35𝑡−7−21𝑡−8+7𝑡−9−𝑡−10

These findings accentuate the value of interdisciplinary approaches in elucidating the multifaceted relationship between cultural and mathematical paradigms. Moreover, the research illuminates the untapped scholarly potential of traditional foods as avenues for mathematical exploration.
Implementation of Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge in Efforts to Improve Mathematical Abilities
Authors: Zuhaerah Thalhah Sitti , Irma T.
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this research is to determine: the implementation of Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) learning design in efforts to improve students’ mathematical abilities. The research method used is Classroom Action Research (CAR) with the Jhon Eliot model conducted in three cycles. The research sample consisted of 22 students in class IVA. The results obtained from the research are as follows: The mathematical abilities results in cycles I, II, and III show that the percentage of students who obtained grades A and A-is 18.18%, 54.55%, and 77.27%. Therefore, based on the research results, it can be concluded that the implementation of TPACK learning design can improve students’ mathematical abilities
Efforts To Improve The Mathematics Learning Outcomes Of Class VII Students At The Wusto Level By Applying The Snowball Thrawing Learning Model At The Imam An-Nasai Islamic Boarding School, Gowa Regency
Authors: Aisyah Nur , Anwar Azwan , Nurwakia  , Nursyamsi  , Suriani M. , Jannah Miftahul , Hukma  , Rezky Ramadhan Nur , Haeruddin
Published: January 2024

This research is a classroom action research (CAR) conducted at PPTQ Imam An Nasai Gowa Regency which aims to improve mathematics learning outcomes using the snowball thrawing method. The subjects of this study were students of class VII with a total of 27 students. Data collection was carried out using a learning achievement test sheet. The collected data were analyzed using quantitative and qualitative analysis. The results showed that the average score of student learning outcomes in the first cycle reached an average of 77.96 and in the second cycle reached an average of 89.85. The standard deviation in cycle I was 10.353 and in cycle II it was 5.29. Based on the completeness category of learning outcomes used, the score obtained for students’ mathematics learning outcomes which were categorized as complete in cycle I was 74.7% and in cycle II it increased to 92.59%. From these results it can be concluded that there is an increase in learning outcomes in mathematics using the snowball method thrawing
Development of Mathematics Teaching Material based on Experiential Learning Model to Improve Students’ Mathematical Literacy Skills
Authors: Desy Andi , Nursalam  , Suharti  , Andi Mattoliang Lisnasari , Baharuddin
Published: January 2024

This study aims to determine the development of the process of mathematics teaching materials based on the Experiential Learning model to improve mathematical literacy skills in two-variable linear equation system materials as well as the level of validity, practicality, and effectiveness. This type of research is Research and Development regarding the ADDIE development model, which consists of several stages: Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation. The product developed as teaching materials is a module based on the Experiential Learning model on the material of a two-variable linear equation system. The test subjects in this study were grade VIIIA students of SMPN 45 Makassar, totaling 28 students. The instruments used in this study were expert validation sheets, student response questionnaires, teacher response questionnaires, observation sheets of teacher ability in managing learning, observation sheets of student activities, and learning outcome tests. The results showed that in the limited trial stage, teaching materials based on experiential learning on two-variable linear equation system material had met the criteria of validity, practicality, and effectiveness.
The conceptual framework of blended learning integrated soft skills in mathematics
Authors: Mulbar Usman , Ismiyati Nur , Rusli
Published: January 2024

This study aims to produce a conceptual framework of blended learning integrated soft skills in mathematics learning as a reference for lecturers in designing learning. This research uses a logical, rational and theoretical approach. The conceptual framework is theoretically supported by literature review, relevant research, and preliminary research by conducting a level 1 needs analysis, namely an assessment of knowledge and skills against knowledge and skills gaps in designing blended learning integrated soft skills. The results obtained are a conceptual framework of blended learning integrated soft skills consisting of 5 procedures, namely: (1) formulating learning outcomes; (2) map and organize learning materials; (3) designing synchronous and asynchronous learning activities; (4) formulate the steps of learning activities with the framework of community of inquiry integrated soft skills; and (5) designing assessment strategies.