bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of the direction of Kinesio taping on sensation and postural control before and after muscle fatigue in healthy athletes
Authors: Hung Min-Hao , Chen Hui-Ya , Chang Yun-Chi , Chiu Chun-Wen , Chang Hsiao-Yun
Published: January 2023

In this study, Kinesio tape (KT) was applied in two different directions to the gastrocnemius muscle, the most important muscle in stance stability, to investigate the effect of different taping directions on overall balance and sensation systems before versus after muscle fatigue. The participants, comprising 45 healthy athletes, were randomly divided into three groups: the placebo taping group (PTG), the facilitation KT group (FKTG), and the inhibition KT group (IKTG). The tests involved in this study were a balance test, a superficial sensory function test, and a combined cortical sensation test. The data from these tests were collected before taping, after taping and a 10-min rest, and immediately after continuous heel raises were performed to fatigue. The results of the balance tests showed no significant group × time interaction, whether subjects stood barefoot on one foot or stood on a soft mat with eyes open or closed (p > 0.05). Only the sway distance and sway velocity of the center of pressure (COP) when subjects stood barefoot on one foot with eyes open were significantly higher in the inhibition taping group than in the placebo taping group (p < 0.05). In addition, significant differences were noted in the sway area and sway distance of the COP before taping, after taping, and after exercise to fatigue when the participants stood on the soft mat with their eyes open (p < 0.05). When the participants stood on the soft mat on one foot with their eyes closed, no significant differences were noted among the groups. When subjects stood on a soft mat on one foot with eyes open, significant improvements were noted after fatiguing exercise versus before taping for all three groups (p < 0.05). The results of the superficial sensory test showed no significant group × time interaction and no difference among the three taping conditions or before/after taping and after fatiguing exercise. Only in the two-point discrimination test was a sensory difference observed, with the facilitation taping group having a significantly shorter discrimination distance than the placebo taping and inhibition taping groups (p < 0.05). The present study showed that KT application for a simple balance task (e.g., barefoot on a hard floor with eyes open) may slightly influence postural control, especially when the inhibition method is used. However, more difficult balance tasks (e.g., barefoot on a soft mat with eyes closed) show no effect of KT application—either the facilitation method or the inhibition method—on posture control.
Owner-rated hyperactivity/impulsivity is associated with sleep efficiency in family dogs: a non-invasive EEG study
Authors: Carreiro Cecília , Reicher Vivien , Kis Anna , Gácsi Márta
Published: January 2023

Subjective sleep disturbances are reported by humans with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, no consistent objective findings related to sleep disturbances led to the removal of sleep problems from ADHD diagnostic criteria. Dogs have been used as a model for human ADHD with questionnaires validated for this purpose. Also, their sleep physiology can be measured by non-invasive methods similarly to humans. In the current study, we recorded spontaneous sleep EEG in family dogs during a laboratory session. We analyzed the association of sleep macrostructure and deep sleep (NREM) slow-wave activity (SWA) with a validated owner-rated ADHD questionnaire, assessing inattention (IA), hyperactivity/impulsivity (H/I) and total (T) scores. Higher H/I and T were associated with lower sleep efficiency and longer time awake after initial drowsiness and NREM. IA showed no associations with sleep variables. Further, no association was found between ADHD scores and SWA. Our results are in line with human studies in which poor sleep quality reported by ADHD subjects is associated with some objective EEG macrostructural parameters. This suggests that natural variation in dogs’ H/I is useful to gain a deeper insight of ADHD neural mechanisms.
Heart failure decouples the precuneus in interaction with social cognition and executive functions
Authors: Schroeter Matthias L. , Godulla Jannis , Thiel Friederike , Taskin Birol , Beutner Frank , Dubovoy Vladimir K. , Teren Andrej , Camilleri Julia , Eickhoff Simon , Villringer Arno , Mueller Karsten
Published: January 2023

Aging increases the risk to develop Alzheimer’s disease. Cardiovascular diseases might accelerate this process. Our study aimed at investigating the impact of heart failure on brain connectivity using functional magnetic resonance imaging at resting state. Here we show brain connectivity alterations related to heart failure and cognitive performance. Heart failure decreases brain connectivity in the precuneus. Precuneus dysconnectivity was associated with biomarkers of heart failure—left ventricular ejection fraction and N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide—and cognitive performance, predominantly executive function. Meta-analytical data-mining approaches—conducted in the BrainMap and Neurosynth databases—revealed that social and executive cognitive functions are mainly associated with those neural networks. Remarkably, the precuneus, as identified in our study in a mid-life cohort, represents one central functional hub affected by Alzheimer’s disease. A long-term follow-up investigation in our cohort after approximately nine years revealed more severe cognitive impairment in the group with heart failure than controls, where social cognition was the cognitive domain mainly affected, and not memory such as in Alzheimer’s disease. In sum, our results indicate consistently an association between heart failure and decoupling of the precuneus from other brain regions being associated with social and executive functions. Further longitudinal studies are warranted elucidating etiopathological mechanisms.
Developmental changes in the extent of drug binding to rat plasma proteins
Authors: Qiu Fiona , Dziegielewska Katarzyna M. , Huang Yifan , Habgood Mark D. , Fitzpatrick Georgia , Saunders Norman R.
Published: January 2023

Binding of therapeutics to proteins in blood plasma is important in influencing their distribution as it is their free (unbound) form that is able to cross cellular membranes to enter tissues and exert their actions. The concentration and composition of plasma proteins vary during pregnancy and development, resulting in potential changes to drug protein binding. Here, we describe an ultrafiltration method to investigate the extent of protein binding of six drugs (digoxin, paracetamol, olanzapine, ivacaftor, valproate and lamotrigine) and two water soluble inert markers (sucrose and glycerol) to plasma proteins from pregnant and developing rats. Results showed that the free fraction of most drugs was lower in the non-pregnant adult plasma where protein concentration is the highest. However, plasma of equivalent protein concentration to younger pups obtained by diluting adult plasma did not always exhibit the same extent of drug binding, reinforcing the likelihood that both concentration and composition of proteins in plasma influence drug binding. Comparison between protein binding and brain drug accumulation in vivo revealed a correlation for some drugs, but not others. Results suggests that plasma protein concentration should be considered when using medications in pregnant and paediatric patients to minimise potential for fetal and neonatal drug exposure.
Simultaneous bioremediation of phenol and tellurite by Lysinibacillus sp. EBL303 and characterization of biosynthesized Te nanoparticles
Authors: Hosseini Firooz , Lashani Elham , Moghimi Hamid
Published: January 2023

Aromatic compounds and metalloid oxyanions are abundant in the environment due to natural resources and industrial wastes. The high toxicity of phenol and tellurite poses a significant threat to all forms of life. A halotolerant bacterium was isolated and identified asLysinibacillussp. EBL303. The remediation analysis shows that 500 mg/L phenol and 0.5 mM tellurite can be remediated entirely in separate cultures within 74 and 56 h, respectively. In addition, co-remediation of pollutants resulted in the same phenol degradation and 27% less tellurite reduction within 98 h. Since phenol and tellurite exhibited inhibitory behavior, their removal kinetics fitted well with the first-order model. In the characterization of biosynthesized tellurium nanoparticles (TeNPs), transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, FE-SEM, and dispersive X-ray (EDX) showed that the separated intracellular TeNPs were spherical and consisted of only tellurium with 22–148 nm in size. Additionally, investigations using X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy revealed proteins and lipids covering the surface of these amorphous TeNPs. Remarkably, this study is the first report to demonstrate the simultaneous bioremediation of phenol and tellurite and the biosynthesis of TeNPs, indicating the potential ofLysinibacillussp. EBL303 in this matter, which can be applied to environmental remediation and the nanotechnology industry.
Involvement of JNK signaling in Aspergillus fumigatus-induced inflammatory factors release in bronchial epithelial cells
Authors: Cui Xiao , Chen Fangyan , Zhao Jingya , Li Dingchen , Hu Mandong , Chen Xue , Zhang Yulin , Han Li
Published: January 2023

Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) is an important fungal pathogen and its conidia can be inhaled and interact with airway epithelial cells; however, the release of inflammatory factors from bronchial epithelial cells upon A. fumigatus infection and its regulation remained unclear. Here it was demonstrated that the release of IL-27, MCP-1 and TNF-α from BEAS-2B cells were upregulated upon stimulation by conidia, while mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway was activated. Further, the inhibition of JNK, but not p38 and ERK, could inhibit inflammatory factors release and the LC3II formation in BEAS-2B cells induced by A. fumigatus conidia. In addition, an inhibitor of autophagy, bafilomycin A1 was able to significantly down-regulate the release of inflammatory factors in BEAS-2B cells upon A. fumigatus conidia, while rapamycin could reverse the effect of JNK inhibitor on IL-27 and TNF-α release. Taken together, these data demonstrated that JNK signal might play an important role in inflammatory factor release regulated by autophagy in bronchial epithelial cells against A. fumigatus infection.
Neutralization activity of IgG antibody in COVID‑19‑convalescent plasma against SARS-CoV-2 variants
Authors: Tsuchiya Kiyoto , Maeda Kenji , Matsuda Kouki , Takamatsu Yuki , Kinoshita Noriko , Kutsuna Satoshi , Hayashida Tsunefusa , Gatanaga Hiroyuki , Ohmagari Norio , Oka Shinichi , Mitsuya Hiroaki
Published: January 2023

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We evaluated the anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels, anti-spike (S)-immunoglobulin G (IgG) and anti-nucleocapsid (N)-IgG, and the neutralization activity of IgG antibody in COVID‑19‑convalescent plasma against variants of SARS-CoV-2, alpha, beta, gamma, delta, kappa, omicron and R.1 strains. The study included 30 patients with clinically diagnosed COVID-19. The anti-S-IgG and anti-N-IgG levels ranged from 30.0 to 555.1 and from 10.1 to 752.6, respectively. The neutralization activity (50% inhibition concentration: IC50) for the wild-type Wuhan strain ranged from < 6.3 to 81.5 µg/ml. IgG antibodies were > 100 µg/ml in 18 of 30 (60%) subjects infected with the beta variant. The IC50 values for wild-type and beta variants correlated inversely with anti-S-IgG levels (p < 0.05), but no such correlation was noted with anti-N-IgG. IgG antibodies prevented infectivity and cytopathic effects of six different variants of concern in the cell-based assays of wild-type, alpha, gamma, delta, kappa and R.1 strains, but not that of the beta and omicron strains. IgG is considered the main neutralizing activity in the blood, although other factors may be important in other body tissues.
Genomic analysis of an ultrasmall freshwater green alga, Medakamo hakoo
Authors: Kato Shoichi , Misumi Osami , Maruyama Shinichiro , Nozaki Hisayoshi , Tsujimoto-Inui Yayoi , Takusagawa Mari , Suzuki Shigekatsu , Kuwata Keiko , Noda Saki , Ito Nanami , Okabe Yoji , Sakamoto Takuya , Yagisawa Fumi , Matsunaga Tomoko M. , Matsubayashi Yoshikatsu , Yamaguchi Haruyo , Kawachi Masanobu , Kuroiwa Haruko , Kuroiwa Tsuneyoshi , Matsunaga Sachihiro
Published: January 2023

Ultrasmall algae have attracted the attention of biologists investigating the basic mechanisms underlying living systems. Their potential as effective organisms for producing useful substances is also of interest in bioindustry. Although genomic information is indispensable for elucidating metabolism and promoting molecular breeding, many ultrasmall algae remain genetically uncharacterized. Here, we present the nuclear genome sequence of an ultrasmall green alga of freshwater habitats,Medakamo hakoo. Evolutionary analyses suggest that this species belongs to a new genus within the class Trebouxiophyceae. Sequencing analyses revealed that its genome, comprising 15.8 Mbp and 7629 genes, is among the smallest known genomes in the Viridiplantae. Its genome has relatively few genes associated with genetic information processing, basal transcription factors, and RNA transport. Comparative analyses revealed that 1263 orthogroups were shared among 15 ultrasmall algae from distinct phylogenetic lineages. The shared gene sets will enable identification of genes essential for algal metabolism and cellular functions.
Instantaneous Clearing of Biofilm (iCBiofilm): an optical approach to revisit bacterial and fungal biofilm imaging
Authors: Sugimoto Shinya , Kinjo Yuki
Published: January 2023

Whole-biofilm imaging at single-cell resolution is necessary for system-level analysis of cellular heterogeneity, identification of key matrix component functions and response to immune cells and antimicrobials. To this end, we developed a whole-biofilm clearing and imaging method, termed instantaneous clearing of biofilm (iCBiofilm). iCBiofilm is a simple, rapid, and efficient method involving the immersion of biofilm samples in a refractive index-matching medium, enabling instant whole-biofilm imaging with confocal laser scanning microscopy. We also developed non-fixing iCBiofilm, enabling live and dynamic imaging of biofilm development and actions of antimicrobials. iCBiofilm is applicable for multicolor imaging of fluorescent proteins, immunostained matrix components, and fluorescence labeled cells in biofilms with a thickness of several hundred micrometers. iCBiofilm is scalable from bacterial to fungal biofilms and can be used to observe biofilm-neutrophil interactions. iCBiofilm therefore represents an important advance for examining the dynamics and functions of biofilms and revisiting bacterial and fungal biofilm formation.
Direct structure determination of vemurafenib polymorphism from compact spherulites using 3D electron diffraction
Authors: Li Shuting , Lightowler Molly , Ou Xiao , Huang Siyong , Jiang Yifan , Li Xizhen , Zou Xiaodong , Xu Hongyi , Lu Ming
Published: January 2023

The spherulitic morphology is considered to be the most common morphology of crystalline materials and is particularly apparent in melt-crystallized products. Yet, historically, the polycrystalline nature of spherulites has hindered successful crystal structure determination. Here, we report the direct structure determination of a clinical drug, vemurafenib (VMN), in compact spherulite form using 3D electron diffraction (3D ED). VMN has four known polymorphs. We first solved the crystal structures of α-, β-, and γ-VMN from compact spherulites using 3D ED, and the resulting structures were highly consistent with those obtained by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. We then determined the crystal structure of δ-VMN—the least stable polymorph which cannot be cultivated as a single crystal—directly from the compact spherulite sample. We unexpectedly discovered a new polymorph during our studies, denoted as ε-VMN. Single crystals of ε-VMN are extremely thin and not suitable for study by X-ray diffraction. Again, we determined the structure of ε-VMN in a compact spherulite form. This successful structure elucidation of all five VMN polymorphs demonstrates the possibility of directly determining structures from melt-grown compact spherulite samples. Thereby, this discovery will improve the efficiency and broaden the scope of polymorphism research, especially within the field of melt crystallization.
A power-efficient integrated lithium niobate electro-optic comb generator
Authors: Zhang Ke , Sun Wenzhao , Chen Yikun , Feng Hanke , Zhang Yiwen , Chen Zhaoxi , Wang Cheng
Published: January 2023

Integrated electro-optic (EO) frequency combs are essential components for future applications in optical communications, light detection and ranging, optical computation, sensing and spectroscopy. To date, broadband on-chip EO combs are typically generated in high-quality-factor micro-resonators, while the more straightforward and flexible non-resonant method, usually using single or cascaded EO phase modulators, often requires high driving power to realize a reasonably strong modulation index. Here, we show that the phase modulation efficiency of an integrated lithium niobate modulator could be enhanced by passing optical signals through the modulation electrodes for a total of 4 round trips, via multiple low-loss mode multiplexers and a waveguide crossing, reducing electrical power consumption by an experimentally measured factor of 15. Using devices fabricated from a wafer-scale stepper lithography process, we demonstrate a broadband optical frequency comb featuring 47 comb lines at a 25-GHz repetition rate, using a moderate radio frequency (RF) driving power of 28 dBm (0.63 W). Leveraging the tunability in repetition rate and operation wavelength, our power-efficient EO comb generator could serve as a compact low-cost solution for future high-speed data transmission, sensing and spectroscopy, as well as classical and quantum optical computation systems.
Kinetic spectrophotometric assay for the determination of vitamin C in cosmetics following ultrasound-assisted emulsification
Authors: Lavilla Isela , Romero Vanesa , Costas Paula , Bendicho Carlos
Published: January 2023

In this work, a new analytical approach based on ultrasound-assisted emulsification followed by a photoreaction with methylene blue and kinetic analysis by UV-vis spectrophotometry is developed for the determination of l-ascorbic acid in cosmetics.
C2-insertion into a fullerene orifice
Authors: Hashikawa Yoshifumi , Murata Yasujiro
Published: January 2023

The C2-insertion into a fullerene orifice enables an expansion of the inner space while the C2 unit originated from N-phenylmaleimide is merged with the fullerene skeleton possessing an orifice enlarged from an octagon to a decagon.
Dual-plasmon-enhanced nitrophenol hydrogenation over W18O49–Au heterostructures studied at the single-particle level
Authors: Xu Yayang , Yu Shiqiang , Tong Fengxia , Wang Zeyan , Wang Peng , Liu Yuanyuan , Cheng Hefeng , Fan Yuchen , Wei Wei , Dai Ying , Zheng Zhaoke , Huang Baibiao
Published: January 2023

The dual-plasmonic W18O49–Au heterostructure exhibited enhanced catalytic performance in nitrophenol hydrogenation. The HEI process and coupling effect were demonstrated by single-particle spectroscopy and FDTD simulation.
Unified graph neural network force-field for the periodic table: solid state applications
Authors: Choudhary Kamal , DeCost Brian , Major Lily , Butler Keith , Thiyagalingam Jeyan , Tavazza Francesca
Published: January 2023

Classical force fields (FFs) based on machine learning (ML) methods show great potential for large scale simulations of solids.
Current-controlled nickel-catalyzed multi-electrophile electroreductive cross-coupling
Authors: Xie Shentong , Yin Yuqing , Wang Ya , Wang Jiannan , He Xiaoqian , Bai Ruopeng , Shi Renyi
Published: January 2023

The electroreductive cross-electrophile coupling which has emerged as a powerful, green and efficient method for constructing challenging C–C bonds has attracted increasing attention from organic chemists.
Promise and perils of paper-based point-of-care nucleic acid detection for endemic and pandemic pathogens
Authors: Sritong Navaporn , Sala de Medeiros Marina , Basing Laud Anthony , Linnes Jacqueline C.
Published: January 2023

Review work on the challenges of paper-based NAATs covering sample-to-answer procedures along with the three main types of clinical samples as well as broader operational, scale up, and regulatory aspects of device development and implementation.
Cu(ii) coordinated N-bearing heteropolyacid-based poly(ionic liquid)s for allylic oxidation of cyclohexene to 2-cyclohexene-1-one with O2under mild conditions
Authors: Guang Binxiong , Zhang Yiwei , Xiao Yahui , Su Miaojun , Liu Yong
Published: January 2023

N-bearing heteropolyacid-based poly(ionic liquid)s with homogeneous and stable Cu(ii) coordination have superior catalytic performance for cyclohexene oxidation under mild conditions.
Selective oxidation of styrene by H2O2 over novel supported palladium(ii)-based catalysts
Authors: Han Yuchan , Wu Li , Han Qi , Zhang Rongfan , Li Jun
Published: January 2023

The newly constructed bidentate ligand effectively inhibits the formation of palladium black. The bidentate ligand grafted on the solid support effectively promotes the redox cycle of the active component.
Capture of [Bi4]6− and [Bi3]5− anions by [Rh(L)]+ (L = COD) cations in the closo heteroatomic clusters {Bi4[Rh(L)]4}2− and {Bi3[Rh(L)]3}2−
Authors: Liang Zhibing , Lin Lifang , Liang Yuanwei , Wang Yi
Published: January 2023

Two closo hybrid polybismuthides {Bi4[Rh(COD)]4}2− (1) and {Bi3[Rh(COD)]3}2− (2), derived respectively from the unprecedented envelop-like [Bi4]6− and V-type [Bi3]5− anions by the coordination of the [Rh(COD)]+ cation units, were fully characterized.
Control of selectivity in the preparation of 2-substituted benzoazoles by adjusting the surface hydrophobicity in two solid-based sulfonic acid catalysts
Authors: Karimi Babak , Mobaraki Akbar , Mirzaei Hamid M. , Vali Hojatollah
Published: January 2023

Tuning of the surface properties and acidity in sulfonic acid functionalised mesoporous silica or organosilica offers an unprecedented selectivity changeover in the condensation of 2-aminophenol with isothiocyanate to various 2-substituted benzoxazoles.
Construction of 2D covalent organic framework and graphene oxide hybrids as high-performance capacitive materials
Authors: Cui Di , Xie Wei , Zhang Shuran , Xu Yanhong , Su Zhongmin
Published: January 2023

a-GO@COF-Fs were obtained byin situgrowth of COF-F with strong electronegativity on the surface of a-GO.
Quantitative evaluation of the actual hydrogen atom donating activities of O–H bonds in phenols: structure–activity relationship
Authors: Fu Yan-Hua , Zhang Yanwei , Wang Fang , Zhao Ling , Shen Guang-Bin , Zhu Xiao-Qing
Published: January 2023

The H-donating activity of phenol and the H-abstraction activity of phenol radicals have been extensively studied.
Unsupported nanoporous gold catalyst for highly selective hydroamination of alkynes
Authors: Lu Ye , Wang Ying , Li He , Li Peihe , Feng Xiujuan , Yamamoto Yoshinori , Bao Ming , Liu Jinghai
Published: January 2023

Non-toxic, robust, and recyclable unsupported nanoporous gold catalyst was successfully used in the regioselective hydroamination of alkynes and one-pot, two-step synthesis of secondary amines under mild reaction conditions.
Effect of germination pretreatment on the physicochemical properties and lipid concomitants of flaxseed oil
Authors: Zhang Xuping , Zhang Yan , Sun Pengda , Su Weidong , Qu Zhihao , Dong Yaoyao , Du Shuangkui , Yu Xiuzhu
Published: January 2023

Germination pretreatment could significantly increase the lipid concomitants content and enhance the antioxidant capacity of flaxseed oil.
Biodegradable smart materials with self-healing and shape memory function for wound healing
Authors: Sun Siqin , Chen Chaoxian , Zhang Jianghong , Hu Jianshe
Published: January 2023

(A) SMPs suture for the wound; (B) schematic process of the SMPs; (C) illustration picture of the construction of the SMPs ; (D) the network structure of the SMPs; (E) the 1H NMR spectrum of the monomer MBC, initiator, and elastomer P2.
Summerfield scaling model and electrical conductivity study for understanding transport mechanisms of a Cr3+ substituted ZnAl2O4 ceramic
Authors: Elhamdi I. , Mselmi F. , Souissi H. , Kammoun S. , Dhahri E. , Sanguino P. , Costa B. F. O.
Published: January 2023

We have adopted two methods, sol–gel and solid-state synthesis methods to show the effect of grain size and the effect of temperature in the conductivity study.
Boron-catalysed transition-metal-free arylation and alkenylation of allylic alcohols with boronic acids
Authors: Lu Sixian , Chen Xingyu , Chang Xiaoqiang , Zhang Shuaichen , Zhang Dong , Zhao Yifan , Yang Lan , Ma Yue , Sun Peng
Published: January 2023

B(C6F5)3-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction between allylic alcohols and boronic acids with excellent regioselectivity, broad scope and mild conditions.
Oxidative annulation of acetophenones and 2-aminobenzothiazoles catalyzed by reusable nickel-doped LaMnO3 perovskites
Authors: Pham Phuong T. , Nguyen Duyen K. , Phan Nam T. S. , Le Minh-Vien , Nguyen Tung T.
Published: January 2023

The synthesis of imidazol[2,1-b]benzothiazoles catalyzed by perovskites namely Ni-doped LaMnO3 is reported. The conditions are tolerant of many functionalities. The perovskites were recyclable up to 3 times while structure was still remained.
Flavonoids and related privileged scaffolds as potential urease inhibitors: a review
Authors: Al-Rooqi Munirah M. , Mughal Ehsan Ullah , Raja Qandeel Alam , Hussein Essam M. , Naeem Nafeesa , Sadiq Amina , Asghar Basim H. , Moussa Ziad , Ahmed Saleh A.
Published: January 2023

Urease is produced by some bacteria and fungi, and its inhibition has been of interest as a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of certain bacterial infections and urea-related disorders.
Trifluoroacetic acid prompted unexpected visible to NIR switching of ketoenamine-substituted triphenylamines
Authors: Laxman K. , Che Yuxuan , Raj K. Aswani , Perepichka Dmytro F. , Rao M. Rajeswara
Published: January 2023

Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) induces an unexpected NIR absorption of π-extended ketoenamine-substituted triphenylamines due to the formation of radical cation species.
Planetary ball milling induced piezocatalysis for dye degradation using BaTiO3 ceramics
Authors: Gaur Akshay , Chauhan Vishal Singh , Vaish Rahul
Published: January 2023

Planetary ball milling assisted piezocatalysis for water cleaning application.
The role of anionic processes in Li1−xNi0.44Mn1.56O4 studied by resonant inelastic X-ray scattering
Authors: Massel Felix , Aktekin Burak , Liu Yi-Sheng , Guo Jinghua , Sørby Magnus Helgerud , Brandell Daniel , Younesi Reza , Hahlin Maria , Duda Laurent-Claudius
Published: January 2023

We investigated the first lithiation cycle of the positive electrode material Li1−xNi0.44Mn1.56O4 (LNMO) using soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) at the transition metal L- and oxygen K-edges.
Dynamic investigation of zein-based degradable and hemocompatible coatings for drug-eluting stents: a microfluidic approach
Authors: Lenzuni Martina , Bonfadini Silvio , Criante Luigino , Zorzi Filippo , Summa Maria , Bertorelli Rosalia , Suarato Giulia , Athanassiou Athanassia
Published: January 2023

Microfluidic-based dynamic assays for drug-eluting stent coatings.
Continuous unconstrained PSO‐PTS strategy to maximize HPA energy efficiency for FBMC‐OQAM systems
Authors: Lu Yuan , Hu Feng , Jin LiBiao , Liu JianBo , Zhang Guoting
Published: January 2023

In filter bank multi‐carrier (FBMC) with offset quadrature amplitude modulation (OQAM) systems, the major limitation of FBMC‐OQAM signaling is the high peak‐to‐average power ratio (PAPR). High PAPR results in increased hardware complexity and is also prone to non‐linear effects of high‐power amplifiers (HPA). The existing HPA energy‐efficient optimization strategies are constrained severely by the scarcity and heterogeneity of signal distribution in the degree of freedom. This paper theorizes the optimal FBMC‐OQAM signal distribution, which has a global and steady feature and evaluates the maximal HPA efficiency‐suited multi‐carrier modulation (MCM) signal. This paper first proposes that the Binary Particle Swarm Optimization based Partial Transmit Sequence (BPSO‐PTS) with the Input‐Back Off Modulation Error Ratio (IBO‐MER) scheme traces the signal distribution for maximal HPA efficiency to save supply‐side energy. This paper further proposes Continuous‐Unconstrained Particle Swarm Optimization based PTS(CUPSO‐PTS) with IBO‐MER to obtain the theoretical boundaries and drastically accelerate convergence in the continuous‐unconstrained searching space. To decrease the computational complexity of MER calculation, this paper proposes the CUPSO with IBO Signal‐to‐Distortion Ratio (IBO‐SDR), enabling it to meet more practical applications. The simulation results show that the proposed scheme outperforms conventional IBO and HPA efficiency schemes.
Feedback control strategy for state‐of‐charge balancing and power sharing between distributed battery energy storage units in DC microgrid
Authors: Ding Xiao , Wang Wen , Zhou Meina , Yue Yufei , Chen Qinze , Zhang Chaofeng , Tang Xin , Li Jianqi
Published: January 2023

Different line resistances between battery energy storage systems (BESSs) and the bus cause the problem of state‐of‐charge (SOC) unbalance between the batteries. SOC unbalance brings about battery over‐charge or over‐discharge, which reduces the battery life. This paper proposes an SOC feedback control strategy to achieve both output power sharing and SOC equalization between the BESSs. The average SOC of the batteries is set as the reference of each SOC control loop, and the control objectives are achieved by regulating the output voltage of the energy storage converters. The state space model of the proposed control method is established for stability analysis and control parameter design. The parameters are then designed in detail according to the dynamic and steady‐state performance. Simulation and experiment verified that the proposed control strategy can achieve accurate SOC equalization and output power sharing when the line resistances and the battery capacities are different.
Interaction between the turbulent solar wind and a planetary magnetosphere: A 2D comet example
Authors: Behar E. , Henri P.
Published: January 2023

Context. Using the newly developed code Menura, we present the first global picture of the interaction between a turbulent solar wind and a planetary obstacle in our solar system, namely a comet.

Aims. This first publication sheds light on the macroscopic effect of the upstream solar wind turbulence on the induced magnetosphere of a comet.

Methods. Using a hybrid particle-in-cell simulation code, we modelled a medium activity comet using turbulent and laminar solar wind input, for a direct comparison between the two regimes.

Results. We show how the turbulent characteristics of the solar wind lead to a smaller obstacle size. We then present how the upstream turbulent structures, traced by the perpendicular magnetic field fluctuations absent in the laminar case, self-consistently drape and pile up around the denser inner coma, forming intense plasmoids downstream of the nucleus, pulling away dense cometary ion bubbles. This pseudo-periodic erosion phenomenon re-channels the global cometary ion escape; as a result, the innermost coma is found to be on average 45% less dense in the turbulent case than predicted by simulating a laminar upstream flow.
Full non-LTE spectral line formation
Authors: Paletou F. , Sampoorna M. , Peymirat C.
Published: January 2023

In this article we discuss a method for obtaining a numerical solution to the so-called full nonlocal thermodynamic equilibrium (non-LTE) radiation transfer problem. More specifically, the usual numerical iterative methods for non-LTE radiation transfer are coupled with that formalism and new numerical additions are explained in detail. We benchmarked the whole process with the standard non-LTE transfer problem for a two-level atom with Hummer’s RI − A partial frequency redistribution function. Finally, we present new quantities, such as the spatial distribution of the velocity distribution function of excited atoms, which can only be accessed by adopting a more general frame for non-LTE radiation transfer, such as the one we propose here.
Characterising fast-time variations in the hard X-ray time profiles of solar flares using Solar Orbiter’s STIX
Authors: Collier Hannah , Hayes Laura A. , Battaglia Andrea F. , Harra Louise K. , Krucker Säm
Published: January 2023

Aims. The aim of this work is to develop a method to systematically detect and characterise fast-time variations (≳1 s) in the non-thermal hard X-ray (HXR) time profiles of solar flares using high-resolution data from Solar Orbiter’s Spectrometer/Telescope for Imaging X-rays (STIX).

Methods. The HXR time profiles were smoothed using Gaussian Process (GP) regression. The time profiles were then fitted with a linear combination of Gaussians to decompose the time profile. From the Gaussian decomposition, key characteristics such as the periodicity, full width at half maximum, time evolution, and amplitude can be derived.

Results. We present the outcome of applying this method to four M and X GOES-class flares from the first year of Solar Orbiter science operations. The HXR time profiles of these flares were decomposed into individual Gaussians and their periods were derived. The quality of fit is quantified by the standard deviation of the residuals (difference between observed and fitted curve, normalised by the error on the observed data), for which we obtain ≤1.8 for all flares presented. In this work, the first detection of fast-time variations with Solar Orbiter’s STIX instrument has been made on timescales across the range of 4−128 s.

Conclusions. A new method for identifying and characterising fast-time variations in the non-thermal HXR profiles of solar flares has been developed, in which the time profiles are fit with a linear combination of Gaussian bursts. The opportunity to study time variations in flares has greatly improved with the new observations from STIX on Solar Orbiter.
Study of groundwater pollution of irrigated Ain Zohra commune (North-eastern Morocco) by nitrates using GIS. Understanding the Climate–Water–Energy–Food Nexus and the Transition Towards a Circular Economy: The Case of Morocco
Authors: Chahban Mohamed , Akodad Mustapha , Skalli Ali , Alitane Abdennabi , Gueddari Hicham , El Yousfi Yassine , Ait Hmeid Hanane , Benyoussef Said , Riouchi Ouassila , Oujidi Bouchra
Published: January 2023

The contamination of Morocco’s water resources comes from three sources as like agriculture, industry, and urbanization. Within this project’s scope, we investigated groundwater contamination in the suburban community of Ain Zohra (located in the Mediterranean zone, Driouch province, eastern part of Morocco). The Zohra area is limited in east part by the rural municipality of Ain Zohra, in the north part by Driouch city and in the southern and western parts is bounded by the Boubker rural municipality. In July 2021, 21 samples were taken from the field (20 wells and 1 spring). In general, the results of this study showed that some water wells are highly mineralized as the conductivity is far above the drinking water standard. Every well’s pH is basic. Nitrate contamination in two places shows that the permeability of city soil affects the groundwater. The nitrate content might be higher than groundwater, which has 200 mg/l. In certain wells, groundwater contamination has raised organic matter levels above drinking water regulations. The water quality maps of some parameters were obtained based on application of Geographic Information System (GIS) for the study area.
Understanding the Climate–Water–Energy–Food Nexus and the Transition Towards a Circular Economy: The Case of Morocco
Authors: El Ouadi Ihssan
Published: January 2023

The world is currently marked by increasing pressure on natural resources and a big demand for energy, water, and food. Energy, Water, and food are strongly interlinked, and the choices made in one area often have consequences on the others. These interconnections intensify and will be more complex as the demand for resources increases with climate change, population growth, changing consumption patterns, and a linear economy model of ‘take-make-dispose’. however, a circular economy (CE) ensures that economic growth must not necessarily lead to more resource consumption. This paper aims to discuss the circular economy transition with a focus on understanding the interdependencies and complexities of system Climate-Water, Energy, and food security in Morocco. This work first outlines the problem of water resources management in Morocco and determined the areas of intersection between the food-energy-water sectors. It also attempts to explain why water circularity is part of the key factors to accelerate the transition from a linear economy to a circular economy to meet the Sustainable Development Goals, and how circularity can be implemented in the water sector. Finally, it studies two circular alternative solutions (water-saving - drip irrigation, and renewable energy) that Morocco uses to face climate change-induced water scarcity.
Optimization of solid phase microextraction conditions for determination of triazines
Authors: Hadoudi Nouhaila , Mourabit Fouad , Assouik Saida , Amhamdi Hassan , Ahari M’hamed
Published: January 2023

A simple, solvent-free, and field-compatible approach to sample preparation is provided by the basic process known as solid-phase micro extraction (SPME). The aim of this study was to improve the circumstances under which triazines were extracted from aqueous matrices. The complex technique enabled the detection of the analytes in the water at a physiological level. An evaluation of the practicability of the most commercially available fiber coatings has been conducted. The porous materials (Carbowax/DVB and PDMS/DVB) extracted more efficiently than homogeneous ones (PDMS and polyacrylate). Further investigation has been focused on 65 mm PDMS/DVB fiber. Solid phase microextraction is a technique based on the partition equilibrium of analytes between the sample and the fiber. Therefore, 60 minutes were required to reach equilibrium at room temperature. The desorption efficiency at 3 temperature levels had been compared and 270 °C was retained. Experiments were performed with a Finnigan MAT GCQ Model installed with a 30-m x 0.32-mm ID, ZB-5 (0.25-mm film thickness) fused-silica capillary column, and Helium as a carrier gas (at 30 kPa), The ion trap mass spectrometer was operated in the electron ionization (EI) mode. Keywords: Fiber coating, Gaz chromatography, Mass spectrometry, Pesticides, Water matrices, Analysis.
Development of Biofuel for Diesel Engines of the Fishing Vessels from Coconut Oil
Authors: Duc Tuan Ho , Duc Nghia Mai
Published: January 2023

Biofuels are made from vegetable oils and animal fats, which have great potential as an alternative to traditional fuels to reduce environmental pollution. In addition to functioning as an oxygen booster for combustion, biofuels are renewable. Moreover, another advantageous characteristic of biofuels is the ease of mixing them with traditional fuel, without any need for complicated equipment. However, there are many factors affecting the application of biofuel to engines such as the geography of each country or region, its climate, and ingredients to serve human needs for food, while biofuels are developed from many different sources of raw materials. Vietnam is a country located in the tropical monsoon region, thus having great potential in developing raw materials for biofuel production. The main raw material sources, for now, are fish fat, jatropha oil, and coconut oil. Among them, coconut oil is considered one of the abundant raw materials, because the natural and social conditions in Vietnam are suitable and favorable for the growth of coconut trees. In this paper, the development of coconut oil production will be presented, as well as the method of using coconut oil (C10) as fuel for diesel engines of fishing vessels. The experimental research results show that the amount of soot emission from diesel engines using C10 fuel is lower compared to that of engines using traditional fuel (DO).
Noise reduction through periodic serial side branches containing two defects
Authors: El Malki Mohamed , Pereira Nelson , Lanceros-Mendez Senen
Published: January 2023

Noise pollution is a challenging issue requiring the development of acoustic systems that can reduce noise. Besides the environmental impacts of noise pollution, it can cause serious health problems. This work originally discusses noise reduction using a new configuration of side branches grafted in series with different terminations. The combination of two serial resonators shows acoustic coupling effects. This effect is used to increase localized modes of two serial defective resonators located in the middle of the structure. The transmission of acoustic waves can be controlled by the dimensions of the introduced defects as well as their boundary conditions. We also show that defects can totally filter the transmission of the pass-bands. The proposed structure can then play the role of an acoustical filter.
Comparative Pharmacokinetic Investigation on Multiple Active Aminoalcohol-Diterpenoid Alkaloids after Single Oral Administrations of Monomers and Aqueous Extract of Fuzi
(Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata) by UFLC-MS/MS
Authors: Tang Ming-Hai , Peng Fu-Li , Liu Xiu-Xiu , Chao Ruo-Bing
Published: January 2023

To further study the aminoalcohol-diterpenoid alkaloids (ADAs) in Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata), a simple and sensitive UFLC-MS/MS method was established and validated for the
determination of five ADAs, aconine, mesaconine, hypaconine, deoxyaconine and fuziline, in rat plasma to compare the pharmacokinetic characteristics of pure ADAs and Fuzi decoction. After
precipitating protein with methanol, plasma samples were isolated at 0.5 mL/min flow rate on Waters Acquity UPLC BEH C18 column (100 mm × 2.1 mm, 1.7 µm). The mobile phase was
composed of 0.1% formic acid-water and methanol with gradient elution. Mass spectrometric inspection was conducted on a 5500 UFLC-MS/MS system with an electrospray ionization source in
patterns of positive ion and multiple reaction-monitoring (MRM). All calibration curves were proved to have acceptable linearity (r2 > 0.99) in linear ranges. Intra-day and
inter-day precision and the accuracy met the requirements. The matrix effects of all analytes were between 85% and 115% of three concentration levels. This method has been under verification
for comparative pharmacokinetic research after oral administration between aqueous extract of Fuzi and single pure ADAs. The results demonstrated that there are evident pharmacokinetic
discrepancies between them, and administration in the extract form instead of pure form may contribute to higher absorption.
Regio- and Diastereoselective Synthesis of Substituted Triazolo [3,4-b]thiadiazin-6-ols and Triazolo[3,4-b]thiadiazines
Authors: Halimehjani Azim Ziyaei , Mohammadlou Mahsa
Published: January 2023

An efficient, catalyst-free, regio- and diastereoselective approach for the synthesis of novel 7-aryl-3-alkyl(aryl)-6-methyl-6,7-dihydro-5H-[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazin-6-ols has been developed via the reaction of 4-amino-[1,2,4]triazole-3-thiols with nitroepoxides in methanol at room temperature. The products were simply dehydrated in the presence of PTSA in ethanol at 70 °C to afford the corresponding 7-aryl-3-alkyl(aryl)-6-methyl-7H-[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazines in 91–98% yields. In addition, treatment of the product with acidic chloroform afforded the corresponding α-((4-amino-5-methyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)thio)-α-phenylpropan-2-one in quantitative yield.
Recent Developments of Palladium- and Rhodium-Catalyzed β-Carbon Elimination Strategies
Authors: Marchese Austin D. , Mirabi Bijan , Lautens Mark
Published: January 2023

The activation of C–C bonds via transition metal catalysis has become an increasingly popular strategy in organic synthesis. An emerging method to cleave C–C bonds is to facilitate a β-carbon elimination using rhodium or palladium catalysis. This elementary step typically relies on a thermodynamic driving force, such as the relief of ring strain or steric strain. More recently, the use of neopentyl metal species or chelation assistance has enabled this difficult transformation. This review will cover recent synthetic applications of β-carbon eliminations under palladium and rhodium catalysis.

1 Introduction

2 Chelation-Assisted β-Carbon Elimination Reactions

3 β-Carbon Elimination from Neopentyl–Pd Species

4 Pd-Catalyzed Catellani Reactions

5 β-Carbon Elimination Reactions of Cyclopropanes

6 Conclusion
Frailty is the New Age: A Retrospective Study of Modified Frailty Index for Preoperative Risk Assessment in Autologous Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Chow Amanda L. , Karius Alexander K. , Broderick Kristen P. , Cooney Carisa M.
Published: January 2023

Background Age is a poor predictor of postoperative outcomes in breast reconstruction necessitating new methods for risk-stratifying patients preoperatively. The 5-item modified frailty index (mFI-5) is a validated measure of frailty which assesses patients' global health. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of mFI-5 and age as independent predictors of 30-day postoperative complications following autologous breast reconstruction.

Methods Patients who underwent autologous breast reconstruction between 2005 and 2019 were identified from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Patients were stratified based on presence of major, minor, both minor and major, and no complications. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed to determine the predictive power of mFI-5, age, and other preoperative risk factors for development of minor and major 30-day postoperative complications in all patients and stratified by flap type.

Results A total of 25,215 patients were included: 20,366 (80.8%) had no complications, 2,009 (8.0%) had minor complications, 1,531 (6.1%) had major complications, and 1,309 (5.2%) had both minor and major complications. Multivariate regression demonstrated age was not a predictor of minor (odds ratio [OR]: 1.0, p = 0.045), major (OR: 1.0, p = 0.367), or both minor and major (OR: 1.0, p = 0.908) postoperative complications. mFI-5 was a significant predictor of minor complications for mFI-5 scores 1 (OR: 1.3, p < 0.001), 2 (OR: 1.8, p < 0.001), and 3 (OR: 2.8, p = 0.043). For major complications, mFI-5 was a significant predictor for scores 1 (OR: 1.2, p = 0.011) and 2 (OR: 1.3, p = 0.03).

Conclusion Compared with age, mFI-5 scores were better predictors of 30-day postoperative complications following autologous breast reconstruction regardless of flap type. Additionally, higher mFI-5 scores were associated with increased odds of minor and major complications. Our findings indicate that reconstructive breast surgeons should consider using the mFI-5 in lieu of age to risk-stratify patients prior to autologous breast reconstruction surgery.