bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aggregation of the amyloid-β peptide (Aβ40) within condensates generated through liquid–liquid phase separation
Authors: Morris Owen M. , Toprakcioglu Zenon , Röntgen Alexander , Cali Mariana , Knowles Tuomas P. J. , Vendruscolo Michele
Published: September 2024

The deposition of the amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide into amyloid fibrils is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. Recently, it has been reported that some proteins can aggregate and form amyloids through an intermediate pathway involving a liquid-like condensed phase. These observations prompted us to investigate the phase space of Aβ. We thus explored the ability of Aβ to undergo liquid–liquid phase separation, and the subsequent liquid-to-solid transition that takes place within the resulting condensates. Through the use of microfluidic approaches, we observed that the 40-residue form of Αβ (Αβ40) can undergo liquid–liquid phase separation, and that accessing a liquid-like intermediate state enables Αβ40 to self-assemble and aggregate into amyloid fibrils through this pathway. These results prompt further studies to investigate the possible role of Αβ liquid–liquid phase separation and its subsequent aggregation in the context of Alzheimer’s disease and more generally on neurodegenerative processes.
Investigating the potential of triclinic ABSe3 (A = Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs; B = Si, Ge, Sn) perovskites as a new class of lead-free photovoltaic materials
Authors: Mahmoud Eman Khalafalla , El-dek S. I. , Farghali Ahmed A. , Taha Mohamed
Published: September 2024

In recent years, chalcogenide perovskites have emerged as promising candidates with favorable structural, electrical, and optical properties for photovoltaic applications. This paper explores the structural, electronic, and optical characteristics of ABSe3 perovskites (where A = Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs; B = Si, Ge, Sn) in their triclinic crystallographic phases using density functional theory. The stability of these materials is ensured by calculating formation energies, tolerance factors (Tf), and phonon dispersion. The Eform values of all ABSe3 are negative, suggesting favorable thermodynamic stability. The Tf values range between 0.82 and 1.1, which is consistent with stable perovskites. The phonon dispersion analysis of the chalcogenide perovskites revealed no imaginary frequencies in any of the vibrational modes, confirming their stability. The electronic band structures and corresponding density of states are computed to unveil the semiconducting nature of the studied compounds. These perovskites are promising for high-performance solar cells due to their indirect bandgaps (Eg, 1.10–2.33 eV) and a small difference between these indirect and direct gaps (0.149–0.493 eV). The Eg values increase as the ionic radii of A-site elements increase (Li < Na < K < Rb < Cs). At the B-site, Si-based chalcogenides have the largest Eg values, followed by Sn-based and then Ge-based materials. Furthermore, optical properties such as the real part and imaginary part of the dielectric function, refractive index extinction coefficient, optical conductivity, absorption coefficient, reflectivity, and energy loss are predicted within the energy range of 0–50 eV. Several ABSe3 materials, particularly LiGeSe3 and NaGeSe3, demonstrated optical properties comparable to both traditional and emerging materials, suggesting their potential for effective use in solar cells.
NIR-ViS-UV broadband absorption in ultrathin electrochemically-grown, graded index nanoporous platinum films
Authors: Stanca Sarmiza-Elena , Rayapati Venkata R. , Chakraborty Abhik , Dellith Jan , Fritzsche Wolfgang , Zieger Gabriel , Schmidt Heidemarie
Published: September 2024

Nanoporous platinum broadband absorber has attracted interest in thermosensorics and IR photodetection due to its unique properties. In this work we report the physical mechanism underlying broadband absorption in electrochemically-grown, nanoporous Pt films by analyzing NIR-ViS-UV spectral ellipsometry data of nanoporous Pt films in dependence on the Pt film thickness (27, 35, 38, 48 nm). For the two thinner films a single layer model with a graded optical index Pt surface layer was used. For the two thicker films a two-layer optical model with a constant optical index Pt substrate layer and a graded optical index Pt surface layer was used. The graded optical index of the Pt surface layer reduces surface reflectivity and the constant optical index Pt substrate layer supports multiple reflections in the Pt film. Finally, we relate the thickness dependent optical index with the nanostructure of the nanoporous Pt film, which can be controlled in the electrochemical growth process. We observed that while in the transverse plane the multilayer exhibits graded refractive index, in the top horizontal planes the multilayer assembly exhibits discontinuous refractive index values due to the distribution of platinum crystal islands in air, which allows a metamaterial behavior of the whole system.
Talking about diseases; developing a model of patient and public-prioritised disease phenotypes
Authors: Slater Karin , Schofield Paul N. , Wright James , Clift Paul , Irani Anushka , Bradlow William , Aziz Furqan , Gkoutos Georgios V.
Published: September 2024

Deep phenotyping describes the use of standardised terminologies to create comprehensive phenotypic descriptions of biomedical phenomena. These characterisations facilitate secondary analysis, evidence synthesis, and practitioner awareness, thereby guiding patient care. The vast majority of this knowledge is derived from sources that describe an academic understanding of disease, including academic literature and experimental databases. Previous work indicates a gulf between the priorities, perspectives, and perceptions held by different healthcare stakeholders. Using social media data, we develop a phenotype model that represents a public perspective on disease and compare this with a model derived from a combination of existing academic phenotype databases. We identified 52,198 positive disease-phenotype associations from social media across 311 diseases. We further identified 24,618 novel phenotype associations not shared by the biomedical and literature-derived phenotype model across 304 diseases, of which we considered 14,531 significant. Manifestations of disease affecting quality of life, and concerning endocrine, digestive, and reproductive diseases were over-represented in the social media phenotype model. An expert clinical review found that social media-derived associations were considered similarly well-established to those derived from literature, and were seen significantly more in patient clinical encounters. The phenotype model recovered from social media presents a significantly different perspective than existing resources derived from biomedical databases and literature, providing a large number of associations novel to the latter dataset. We propose that the integration and interrogation of these public perspectives on the disease can inform clinical awareness, improve secondary analysis, and bridge understanding and priorities across healthcare stakeholders.
Graft survival of major histocompatibility complex deficient stem cell-derived retinal cells
Authors: Ishida Masaaki , Masuda Tomohiro , Sakai Noriko , Nakai-Futatsugi Yoko , Kamao Hiroyuki , Shiina Takashi , Takahashi Masayo , Sugita Sunao
Published: September 2024

Background

Gene editing of immunomodulating molecules is a potential transplantation strategy to control immune rejection. As we noticed the successful transplantation of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) derived from embryonic stem cells of a cynomolgus monkey that accidentally lacked MHC class II (MHC-II) molecules, we hypothesized immune rejection could be evaded by suppressing MHC-II.

Methods

Gene editing by the Crispr/Cas9 system was performed in induced pluripotent stem cells derived from a cynomolgus monkey (miPSCs) for targeted deletion of the gene coding class II MHC trans-activator (CIITA). Then the CIITA-knocked out miPSCs were differentiated into RPE cells to generate miPSC-derived MHC-II knockout RPE. The MHC-II knockout or wild-type RPEs were transplanted into the eyes of healthy cynomolgus monkeys. All monkeys used in this study were male.

Results

Here we show when MHC-II knockout RPE are transplanted into monkey eyes, they show suppressed immunogenicity with no infiltration of inflammatory cells, leading to successful engraftment.

Conclusions

Our results reasonably evidence the efficacy of MHC-II knockout iPSC-RPE transplants for clinical application.
Recent Developments in the Structural Mechanism of Protein Methyltransferase Inhibition
Authors: Leung Rachel , Schapira Matthieu
Published: September 2024

Protein methyltransferases are a therapeutic target class recently validated in the clinic. While medicinal chemistry strategies were originally focused on targeting the sites occupied by the methyl-accepting substrate or the methyl-donating cofactor, novel and equally promising modes of action and modalities have emerged in recent years. These include allosteric inhibitors exploiting the structural plasticity of the catalytic domain or targeting non-catalytic subunits of protein methyltransferase complexes. Methyl-lysine binding domains distal to the site of methyl transfer and involved in chromatin engagement or in the recruitment of activating peptides were also successfully exploited by PROTACs inducing the degradation of some of these enzymes. We focus here on inhibitors reported in the past four years to illustrate the latest developments in the structural chemistry of protein methyltransferase inhibition.
Histone Deacetylases
Authors: Zheng Shunsheng , Barczak Wojciech , Liu Geng , Thangue Nicholas La
Published: September 2024

Histone deacetylases (HDAC) are enzymes that regulate biological activity through removal of acetyl groups from histones and non-histone proteins. A few HDAC inhibitors have been approved for use as anti-cancer agents, but their clinical uptake so far has been limited, presumably due to their adverse effect profiles. Consequently, a new generation of HDAC inhibitors has emerged with improved chemistry and pharmacological properties, optimised through mechanism of action and precision medicine strategies. In this chapter, we provide a brief history of HDAC biology and showcase a few notable HDAC inhibitors which have shown clinical promise in cancer and non-cancer indications. While interest in HDAC inhibitors has had its peaks and troughs, recent scientific discoveries intersecting epigenetics and immuno-oncology give us reason to believe that the therapeutic potential of HDAC inhibitors has yet to be fully realised. As the field advances, these next-generation HDAC inhibitors, coupled with their immunotherapy combinations, could very well become indispensable instruments in the fight against cancer and other diseases.
Targeting the Acetylation Reader Family: Bromodomain Proteins
Authors: Schwalm Martin P. , Babaahmadi Atoosa Karimi , Ackloo Suzanne , Knapp Stefan
Published: September 2024

The development of chemical probes for the bromodomain (BRD) and extra terminal (BET) family of BRD-containing proteins has demonstrated that acetylation reader domains are druggable protein interaction domains and major regulators of tissue and disease specific transcription of genes implicated in many diseases. The extraordinary success of BET inhibitors in preclinical models has led to many clinical studies but it has also spurred the development of BRD inhibitors for non-BET family members as well as other structurally diverse acetylation readers such as YEATS (Yaf9, ENL, AF9, Taf14, Sas5) domains. This review summarizes the recent developments in BRD ligands and chemical probes and their potential therapeutic uses.
Discovery and Development of Tazemetostat
Authors: Ho Peter T. C. , Copeland Robert A.
Published: September 2024

EZH2 (enhancer of zeste homolog 2) is the catalytic subunit of the protein lysine methyltransferase (PKMT) polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), a multi-protein complex that uniquely catalyzes the mono-, di- and tri-methylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27). Hyper-tri-methylation of H3K27, by various mechanisms, has been identified as a driver of tumorigenesis for multiple human cancers. In particular, gain-of-function mutations in EZH2 result in elevated H3K27me3 in germinal center non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas and a synthetic lethal relationship with loss-of-function mutations of the opposing chromatin modifier SWI/SNF, results in an essential dependency on EZH2 activity among several soft tissue sarcomas, such as malignant rhabdoid tumor and epithelioid sarcoma (ES). In this chapter, we describe the discovery and clinical development of tazemetostat, a potent and selective EHZ2 inhibitor that represents the first PKMT inhibitor to be approved for use in treating human cancers, specifically ES and follicular lymphoma (FL).
Discovery of MTA-cooperative PRMT5 Inhibitors
Authors: Maxwell J. , Cottrell K. , Briggs K.
Published: September 2024

PRMT5 (protein arginine methyltransferase 5) plays an important role in the regulation of diverse cellular processes via symmetric dimethylation of target proteins involved in splicing regulation, cell cycle progression, apoptosis, the DNA-damage response, and other functions. Due to its involvement in these critical functions, PRMT5 is considered an essential gene. Approximately 10–15% of all human cancers have loss of methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP) resulting in the accumulation of methylthioadenosine (MTA). Small molecules that leverage this accumulation of cellular MTA and inhibit PRMT5 in an MTA-cooperative manner can exploit the synthetic lethal relationship between PRMT5 and MTAP deletion and are now being studied in human clinical trials. This chapter reviews the basics of PRMT5 biology and the three different hit finding approaches that resulted in the current clinical MTA-cooperative PRMT5 inhibitors.
Recent advances in the CRISPR/Cas system-based visual detection method
Authors: Chen Jinrong , Su Hang , Kim June Hyun , Liu Lishang , Liu Rui
Published: September 2024

Reviews the development of visual detection methods in recent years based on different Cas and analyzes their advantages and disadvantages as well as the challenges of future research.
Characterization of the Baeyer–Villiger monooxygenase in the pathway of the bacterial pyrrolizidine alkaloids, legonmycins
Authors: Wang Shan , Maglangit Fleurdeliz , Fang Qing , Kyeremeh Kwaku , Deng Hai
Published: September 2024

The Baeyer–Villiger monooxygenase (BVMO), LgnC, plays a crucial role in the biosynthesis of bacterial pyrrolizidine alkaloids, legonmycins.
Redox-mediated photocatalysis towards separate hydrogen production and sulfide oxidation
Authors: Li Rui , Lv Fei , Jin Xiaodan , Wang Pengfei , Chen Yubin
Published: September 2024

A redox-mediated approach involving photocatalytic and galvanic cells was proposed to achieve spatially separated hydrogen production and sulfide oxidation.
Probing the reactivity of a transient Al(i) species with substituted arenes
Authors: Squire Imogen , Tritto Michelangelo , Morell Juliana , Bakewell Clare
Published: September 2024

A series of rare dialumene-arene adducts have been isolated and their ‘masked’ reactivity as a source of Al(i) probed.
Machine learning-assisted analysis of dry and lubricated tribological properties of Al–Co–Cr–Fe–Ni high entropy alloy
Authors: Vashistha Saurabh , Mahanta Bashista Kumar , Singh Vivek Kumar , Sharma Neha , Ray Anjan , Dixit Saurabh , Singh Shailesh Kumar
Published: September 2024

This study marks a notable advancement in tribology by thoroughly investigating the tribological properties of a high-entropy alloy under both lubricated and dry conditions.
Specific vegetable types are associated with lower long-term risk for late-life dementia: the Perth Longitudinal Study of Aging Women
Authors: Ghasemifard Negar , Radavelli-Bagatini Simone , Laws Simon M. , Macpherson Helen , Stevenson Emma , Hodgson Jonathan M. , Prince Richard L. , Lewis Joshua R. , Sim Marc
Published: September 2024

This study found an association between total vegetable intake as well as specific types of vegetables including yellow/orange/red, green leafy, and allium vegetables with lower long-term risk for late-life dementia in older women.
From non-aqueous liquid to solid-state Li–S batteries: design protocols, challenges and solutions
Authors: Zhang Yuxuan , Qin Fei , Baek Jinwook , Lee Dong Hun , Kim Minyoung , Song Han-Wook , Lee Sunghwan
Published: September 2024

This work demonstrates the design protocols for high-energy-density solid-state Li–S batteries (SSLSBs). Also, it highlights the challenging issues for achieving practical SSLSBs towards the application in next-level electric transportation.
Simultaneous formation of helical and sheet-like assemblies from short azapeptides enables spontaneous resolution
Authors: Yan Xiaosheng , Weng Peimin , Cao Jinlian , Lin Kexin , Qi Yuanwei , Wu Xin , Jiang Yun-Bao
Published: September 2024

Bioinspired 1D helical and 2D sheet-like assemblies are combined to form a 3D homochiral assembly that allows spontaneous resolution.
Chemical activation of atom-precise Pd3 nanoclusters on γ-Al2O3 supports for transfer hydrogenation reactions
Authors: Singh Siddhant , Wi Dami , Salem Kholoud E. , Higgins Drew , Scott Robert W. J.
Published: September 2024

Pd3 nanoclusters on Al2O3 supports were activated by reducing agents. The activity and selectivity of the catalysts for the transfer hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde was a function of both the identity and loading of the reducing agent used.
Hydrogen-bonded polymeric materials with high mechanical properties and high self-healing capacity
Authors: Li Jianglong , Du Xiaoyu , Zhang Aofei , Wen Jianlong , Shuai Lang , Li Sumin , Zhu Maiyong , Nie Yijing
Published: September 2024

The methods for synergistically improving mechanical performance and self-healing ability of polymers based on hydrogen bonds were introduced and discussed.
Cutting-edge biomaterials for advanced biomedical uses: self-gelation of l-arginine-loaded chitosan/PVA/vanillin hydrogel for accelerating topical wound healing and skin regeneration
Authors: Ibrahim Rabab M. , Kamoun Elbadawy A. , Badawi Noha M. , EL-Moslamy Shahira H. , kh. Mahmoud , Salim Samar A.
Published: September 2024

The self-gelation utilizes natural vanillin as a primary component of vanilla bean extract, and as a crosslinking agent for entangling chitosan–PVA hydrogels.
Eco-synthesis of green silver nanoparticles using natural extracts and its application as co-catalyst in photocatalytic hydrogen production
Authors: Nguyen Phuong N. , Tran Thao Quynh Ngan , Le Khoa Hai , Khong Diem T. , Pham Hoai Phuong , Dang Quang V. , Tran Quang-Hieu , Nguyen Tuan M. , Nguyen Dang Nam
Published: September 2024

Applying green AgNPs as co-catalysts in low-intensity-visible-light driven photocatalytic hydrogen production offers a solution for green energy sources and independence from fossil fuels.
Effect of impregnation strategy on structural characteristics of Ce–Mn/Al2O3 and its catalytic ozonation of benzoic acid
Authors: Shao Shengjuan , Cheng Ting , Cheng Yifan , Chen Bingxin
Published: September 2024

Ce–Mn binary oxides supported on Al2O3 (Ce–Mn/Al2O3), with enhanced activity and stability for catalytic ozonation of benzoic acid, were synthesized using a facile impregnation method.
Expression of concern: Schiff base Mn(iii) and Co(ii) complexes coated on Co nanoparticles: an efficient and recyclable magnetic nanocatalyst for H2O2 oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides
Authors: Saremi Shokoufeh Ghahri , Keypour Hassan , Noroozi Mohammad , Veisi Hojat
Published: September 2024

Expression of concern for ‘Schiff base Mn(iii) and Co(ii) complexes coated on Co nanoparticles: an efficient and recyclable magnetic nanocatalyst for H2O2 oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides’ by Shokoufeh Ghahri Saremi et al., RSC Adv., 2018, 8, 3889–3898, https://doi.org/10.1039/C7RA11225D.
Expression of concern: Palladium nanoparticles supported on 1,3-dicyclohexylguanidine functionalized mesoporous silica SBA-15 as highly active and reusable catalyst for the Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reaction
Authors: Veisi Hojat , Amini Manesh Abbas , Eivazi Neda , Faraji Ali Reza
Published: September 2024

Expression of concern for ‘Palladium nanoparticles supported on 1,3-dicyclohexylguanidine functionalized mesoporous silica SBA-15 as highly active and reusable catalyst for the Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reaction’ by Hojat Veisi et al., RSC Adv., 2015, 5, 20098–20107, https://doi.org/10.1039/C4RA14668A.
Identification of the GABARAP binding determinant in PI4K2A
Authors: Chen Yan , Barylko Barbara , Eichorst John P. , Mueller Joachim D. , Albanesi Joseph P.
Published: September 2024

GABARAP is a member of the ATG8 family of ubiquitin-like autophagy related proteins. It was initially discovered as a facilitator of GABA-A receptor translocation to the plasma membrane and has since been shown to promote the intracellular transport of a variety of other proteins under non-autophagic conditions. We and others have shown that GABARAP interacts with the Type II phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase, PI4K2A, and that this interaction is important for autophagosome-lysosome fusion. Here, we identify a 7-amino acid segment within the PI4K2A catalytic domain that contains the GABARAP interaction motif (GIM). This segment resides in an exposed loop that is not conserved in the other mammalian Type II PI 4-kinase, PI4K2B, explaining the specificity of GABARAP binding to the PI4K2A isoform. Mutation of the PI4K2A GIM inhibits GABARAP binding and PI4K2A-mediated recruitment of cytosolic GABARAP to subcellular organelles. We further show that GABARAP binds to mono-phosphorylated phosphoinositides, PI3P, PI4P, and PI5P, raising the possibility that these lipids contribute to the binding energies that drive GABARAP–protein interactions on membranes.
Favourable HDL composition in endurance athletes is not associated with changes in HDL in vitro antioxidant and endothelial anti-inflammatory function
Authors: Beazer Jack David , Sillars Anne , Beck Sally , Christoffersen Christina , Ferraz Maria J. , Mulder Monique T. , Graham Delyth , Karlsson Helen , Ljunggren Stefan , Gill Jason , Freeman Dilys J.
Published: September 2024

Given the failure of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) raising therapies to reduce cardiovascular disease risk, attention has turned towards HDL composition and vascular protective functions. In individuals with insulin resistance, exercise interventions recover HDL function. However, the effect of exercise on HDL in otherwise healthy individuals is unknown. This cross-sectional study aimed to measure HDL composition and antioxidant/endothelial anti-inflammatory function in insulin sensitive endurance athlete and healthy control men. HDL was isolated using density gradient ultracentrifugation. HDL composition was measured using microplate assays for apolipoprotein A-I, total cholesterol content and apolipoprotein M. HDL protein composition was measured using nano-liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. HDL subclass distribution was measured by native gel electrophoresis. HDL in vitro antioxidant function was measured by paraoxonase-1 activity assay and anti-inflammatory function assessed in endothelial cells. Compared with controls, endurance athlete HDL had higher apolipoprotein A-1 (1.65 ± 0.62 mg/ml vs 1.21 ± 0.34 mg/ml, P=0.028) and higher total cholesterol content (2.09 ± 0.44 mmol/L vs 1.54 ± 0.33 mmol/L, P<0.001). Proteomics revealed higher apolipoprotein A-II, A-IV and D and transthyretin in endurance athlete HDL versus controls. There was no difference observed in in vitro HDL antioxidant or anti-inflammatory functions between controls and endurance athletes. Despite a more favourable composition, endurance athlete HDL did not have higher in vitro antioxidant or anti-inflammatory function. It is possible that HDL has a ceiling of function, i.e. that healthy HDL function cannot be enhanced by endurance exercise.
Evaluation of Hearing Conservation In-Processing Procedures at a U.S. Marine Corps Accession Point
Authors: Kulinski Devon , Murphy Sara , Mancini Jolene , Brungart Douglas S.
Published: September 2024

Purpose:

Recent Department of Defense policy changes for hearing conservation programs mandate hearing protector fit testing (HPFT) for many noise-exposed populations. However, the implementation of this requirement across various clinical scenarios is not yet defined. This Quality Improvement (QI) study evaluated the efficacy of current educational procedures at a U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) accession point by performing HPFT before and after small-group training.

Method:

The QI study employed a pre- and postgroup design to evaluate the effectiveness of training. HPFT was conducted on 122 USMC recruits before and after small-group instruction during hearing conservation in-processing. A field microphone-in-real-ear system was used to calculate the personal attenuation rating for each participant. Additionally, 48 recruits returned for a 1-month follow-up to repeat the fit test procedure.

Results:

Small-group HPD training resulted in a mean personal attenuation rating improvement of 14.6 dB among a cohort of USMC recruits. One month after training, a decrease in PAR was observed, yet outcomes remained notably higher than baseline, indicating sustained training effectiveness.

Conclusions:

This study highlights the utility of small-group HPD training in improving immediate fit-test outcomes. Implementing these procedures at large-scale in-processing events, such as military accession points, should be considered a viable option. Future research should focus on long-term maintenance strategies, as sustaining these outcomes over time remains a challenge.
Ubiquitous radio emission in quasars: Predominant AGN origin and a connection to jets, dust, and winds
Authors: Calistro Rivera G. , Alexander D. M. , Harrison C. M. , Fawcett V. A. , Best P. N. , Williams W. L. , Hardcastle M. J. , Rosario D. J. , Smith D. J. B. , Arnaudova M. I. , Escott E. , Gürkan G. , Kondapally R. , Miley G. , Morabito L. K. , Petley J. , Prandoni I. , Röttgering H. J. A. , Yue B.-H.
Published: September 2024

We present a comprehensive study of the physical origin of radio emission in optical quasars at redshifts z < 2.5. We focus particularly on the associations between compact radio emission, dust reddening, and outflows identified in our earlier work. Leveraging the deepest low-frequency radio data available to date (LoTSS Deep DR1), we achieve radio detection fractions of up to 94%, demonstrating the virtual ubiquity of radio emission in quasars, and a continuous distribution in radio loudness. Through our analysis of radio properties, combined with spectral energy distribution modelling of deep multiwavelength photometry, we establish that the primary source of radio emission in quasars is the active galactic nucleus (AGN), rather than star formation. Modelling the dust reddening of the accretion disc emission shows a continuous increase in radio detection in quasars as a function of the reddening parameter E(B − V), suggesting a causal link between radio emission and dust reddening. Confirming previous findings, we observe that the radio excess in red quasars is most pronounced for sources with compact radio morphologies and intermediate radio loudness. We find a significant increase in [O III] and C IV outflow velocities for red quasars not seen in our control sample, with particularly powerful [O III] winds in those around the threshold from radio-quiet to radio-loud. Based on the combined characterisation of radio, reddening, and outflow properties in our sample, we favour a model in which the compact radio emission observed in quasars originates in compact radio jets and their interaction with a dusty, circumnuclear environment. In particular, our results align with the theory that jet-induced winds and shocks resulting from this interaction are the origin of the enhanced radio emission in red quasars. Further investigation of this model is crucial for advancing our understanding of quasar feedback mechanisms and their role in galaxy evolution.
A binary supernova OB-runaway candidate inside Berkeley 97
Authors: Dinçel B. , Sheth S. , Specht L. , Hellmund S. , Eberle L. J. , Mugrauer M. , Neuhäuser R. , Michel K.-U.
Published: September 2024

Aims. OB-runaway stars ejected by the binary supernova mechanism can be found near young open star clusters. In this paper, we present an OB-runaway candidate as a pre-SN binary companion to the progenitor of the pulsar PSR J2238+5903 inside the young open star cluster Berkeley 97.

Methods. We tried to find a kinematic outlier based on Gaia DR3 proper motions and parallaxes to be the pre-supernova binary companion to the progenitor of the pulsar. We took the spectra of two bright early B-type stars of the cluster, determined their effective temperature and surface gravity, and updated the parameters of the cluster. Through isochrone fitting of the color-magnitude diagram of the star cluster, we identified the members and determined the stellar parameters of the runaway star.

Results. Two bright members of the cluster, HD 240015 and HD 240016, are massive stars with spectral types of B0.5II and B1.5II and effective temperatures of Teff = 21 000 ± 1000 K and Teff = 24 000 ± 2000 K, respectively, as well as surface gravities of log(g[cm/s2]) = 3.0 ± 0.2. We find that Berkeley 97 is a star cluster with an age of log(age[yr]) = 7.1, an uncertainty of < 0.1 dex, and an interstellar extinction of AV = 3.1 ± 0.1 mag. The runaway star has an effective temperature of Teff = 12 250 ± 1750 K with a surface gravity of log(g[cm/s2]) = 4.38 ± 0.2 (B8V type star). By tracing back the proper motion of the runaway star, the explosion center was found for different possible pulsar ages of 10, 20, and 26.6 kyr. The pulsar moving out from the 20 kyr position must have a space velocity of ∼340 km s−1, which is consistent with the general pulsar velocity distribution. This supports the idea that the pulsar originated from the cluster as a result of a binary supernova. Despite its young age, τ < 26.6 kyr, the supernova remnant is not visible.
Polarization of active galactic nuclei with significant VLBI-Gaia displacements
Authors: Blinov Dmitry , Arshinova Arina
Published: September 2024

Context. Numerous studies have reported significant displacements in the coordinates of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) between measurements using the very-long-baseline-interferometry (VLBI) technique and those obtained by the Gaia space observatory. There is consensus that these discrepancies do indeed manifest astrometrically resolved sub-components of AGNs rather than random measurement noise. Among other evidence, it has been reported that AGNs with VLBI-to-Gaia displacements (VGDs) pointing downstream of their parsec-scale radio jets exhibit higher optical polarization compared to sources with the opposite (upstream) VGD orientation.

Aims. We aim to verify the previously reported connection between optical polarization and a VGD-jet angle using a larger dataset of polarimetric measurements and updated Gaia DR3 positions. We also seek further evidence supporting the disk-jet dichotomy as an explanation of such a connection by using millimeter-wave polarization and multiband optical polarization measurements.

Methods. We performed optical polarimetric observations of 152 AGNs using three telescopes. These data are complemented by other publicly available polarimetric measurements of AGNs. We cross-matched public astrometric data from VLBI and Gaia experiments, obtained corresponding positional displacements, and combined this catalog with the polarimetric and jet direction data.

Results. Active galactic nuclei with downstream VGDs are confirmed to have significantly higher optical fractional polarization than the upstream sample. At the same time, the millimeter-wavelength polarization of the two samples shows very similar distributions.

Conclusions. Our results support the hypothesis that the VGDs pointing down the radio jet are likely caused by a component in the jet emitting highly polarized synchrotron radiation and dominating in the overall optical emission. The upstream-oriented VGDs are likely to be produced by the low-polarization emission of the central engine’s subcomponents, which dominate in the optical.
A millisecond pulsar position determined to 0.2 mas precision with VLBI
Authors: Ding Hao , Deller Adam T. , Freire Paulo C. C. , Petrov Leonid
Published: September 2024

Context. Precise millisecond pulsar (MSP) positions determined with very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) hold the key to building the connection between the kinematic and dynamic reference frames respectively used for VLBI and pulsar timing. A frame connection would provide an important pathway to examining the planetary ephemerides used in pulsar timing, and would potentially enhance the sensitivities of the pulsar timing arrays used to detect stochastic gravitational-wave background in the nano-Hz regime.

Aims. We aim to significantly improve the precision of the VLBI-based MSP position (from >1 mas at present) by reducing the two dominant components in the positional uncertainty – the propagation-related uncertainty and the uncertainty resulting from the frequency-dependent core shifts of the reference sources.

Methods. We introduce a new differential astrometry strategy called PINPT (Phase-screen Interpolation plus frequeNcy-dePendent core shifT correction; pronounced “pinpoint”), which entails the use of multiple calibrators observed at several widely separated frequencies. The strategy allows determination of the core shift and mitigates the impact of residual delay in the atmosphere. We implemented the strategy on PSR J2222-0137, an MSP that is well constrained astrometrically with VLBI and pulsar timing.

Results. Using the PINPT strategy, we determined core shifts for four AGNs around PSR J2222-0137, and derived a VLBI-based pulsar position with uncertainties of 0.17 mas and 0.32 mas in Right Ascension and Declination, respectively, approaching the uncertainty level of the best-determined timing-based MSP positions. Additionally, incorporating the new observations into historical ones, we refined the pulsar proper motion and the parallax-based distance to the <10 µas yr-1 level and the subparsec level, respectively.

Conclusions. The realization of the PINPT strategy promises a factor-of-five positional precision enhancement (over conventional VLBI astrometry) for all kinds of compact radio sources observed at <2 GHz, including most fast radio bursts.
A second view on the X-ray polarization of NGC 4151 with IXPE
Authors: Gianolli V. E. , Bianchi S. , Kammoun E. , Gnarini A. , Marinucci A. , Ursini F. , Parra M. , Tortosa A. , De Rosa A. , Kim D. E. , Marin F. , Matt G. , Serafinelli R. , Soffitta P. , Tagliacozzo D. , Di Gesu L. , Done C. , Marshall H. L. , Middei R. , Mikusincova R. , Petrucci P-O. , Ravi S. , Svoboda J. , Tombesi F.
Published: September 2024

We report on the second observing program of the active galactic nucleus NGC 4151 with simultaneous Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE; 750 ks), NuSTAR (∼60 ks), XMM-Newton (∼75 ks), and NICER (∼65 ks) pointings. NGC 4151 is the first Type-1 radio-quiet Seyfert galaxy with constrained polarization properties for the X-ray corona. Despite the lower flux state in which the source was re-observed and the resulting higher contribution of the constant reflection component in the IXPE energy band, our results are in agreement with the first detection. From polarimetric analysis, a polarization degree Π = 4.7 ± 1.3% and polarization angle Ψ = 77° ± 8° east of north (68% c.l.) were derived in the 2.0–8.0 keV energy range. Combining the two observations leads to polarization properties that are more constrained than those of the individual detections, showing Π = 4.5 ± 0.9% and Ψ = 81° ± 6° (with a detection significance of ∼4.6σ). The observed polarization angle aligns very well with the radio emission in this source, supporting, together with the significant polarization degree, a slab or wedge geometry for the X-ray corona. However, a switch in the polarization angle at low energies (37° ±7° in the 2–3.5 keV bin) suggests the presence of another component. When it is included in the spectro-polarimetric fit, a high polarization degree disfavors an interpretation in terms of a leakage through the absorbers, instead pointing to scattering from some kind of mirror.
SOFIA/upGREAT far-infrared spectroscopy of bright rimmed pillars in IC 1848
Authors: Lis Dariusz C. , Güsten Rolf , Goldsmith Paul F. , Okada Yoko , Seo Youngmin , Wiesemeyer Helmut , Mertens Marc
Published: September 2024

Using the upGREAT instrument on SOFIA, we imaged the [C II] 158 µm fine structure line emission in bright-rimmed pillars located at the southern edge of the IC 1848 H II region, and carried out pointed observations of the [O I] 63 and 145 µm fine structure lines toward selected positions. The observations are used to characterize the morphology, velocity field, and the physical conditions in the G1–G3 filaments. The velocity-resolved [C II] spectra show evidence of a velocity shift at the head of the brightest G1 filament, possibly caused by radiation pressure from the impinging UV photons or the rocket effect of the evaporating gas. Archival Herschel PACS and SPIRE observations imply H2 column densities in the range 1021 –1022 cm−2 , corresponding to maximum visual extinction AV ≃ 10 mag, and average H2 volume density of ≃4500 cm−3 in the filaments. The [C II] emission traces ∼17% of the total H2 column density, as derived from dust SED fits. Photon-dominated region models are unable to explain the observed line intensities of the two [O I] fine structure lines in IC 1848, with the observed [O I] 145 µm line being too strong compared to the model predictions. The [O I] lines in IC 1848 are overall weak and the signal-to-noise ratio is limited. However, our observations suggest that the [O I] 63/145 µm intensity ratio is a sensitive probe of the physical conditions in photon-dominated regions such as IC 1848. These lines are thus excellent targets for future high-altitude balloon instruments, less affected by telluric absorption.
Research on Improvement of Light to Moderate Salinization and Alkalinization Farmland in Northeast China
Authors: Liu Hu , Zhou Hui , Wang Donggang , Li Hongfang
Published: September 2024

The soil barrier factors currently present in Tuquan County, Northeast China, such as drought, waterlogging, stickiness, salt, alkalinity, and barrenness. This study chose to build a core demonstration area of 50 mu in Xinglongshan Village, Tuquan County. Seven improvement measures were adopted for soil improvement, including straw returning, alkaline amendment, desulfurization gypsum, organic fertilizer, deep tillage and deep loosening, furfural residue, and salt alkali tolerant variety screening. After adopting the above measures, the average soil pH value decreased by 0.4-0.9, the total salt content decreased by more than 10%, and the organic matter increased by more than 0.2 percentage points. The physical and chemical properties of the soil in the experimental area were significantly improved. These measures not only significantly improve the soil fertility of saline alkali farmland and increase the average grain yield by more than 15 percentage points, but also play a role in protecting farmland, thus forming a virtuous cycle.
Current Status and Prospects of Mineral Sorting Technology Research at Home and Abroad
Authors: Qin Guanglin , Sun Lianxi , Liu Yunzhi , Zhang Xiaoguang , Jing Xiaolei , Ji Qiang
Published: September 2024

With the continuous exploitation of mining resources, the grade of selected ores gradually decreases, and the cost of crushing, grinding, and beneficiation gradually increases. The pre selection and waste disposal of crushed products can improve the utilization rate of resources and the grade of ore entering the mill, reduce the amount of ore entering the mill, improve the economic benefits of enterprises, improve environmental conditions, and extend the service life of tailings ponds in mining enterprises. This article focuses on the development and application research status of color sorting machines, X-ray sorting machines, and artificial intelligence sorting machines, and looks forward to the development direction of intelligent sorting machines.
Development and application of power head for CBM vehicle mounted drilling rig
Authors: Liu Qi
Published: September 2024

In order to meet the construction needs of surface coalbed methane extraction holes, cable holes, and mine surface rescue holes, a multifunctional power head suitable for coalbed methane vehicle mounted drilling rigs has been developed. The power head adopts a dual speed hydraulic motor to drive the spindle rotation through a first gear reduction, with a compact structure, high transmission efficiency, large spindle diameter, wide range of speed and torque adjustment, and spindle braking function. It can be applied to various drilling processes such as air down the hole hammer, air lift reverse circulation, and directional drilling. On site tests have shown that the power head has high capacity, efficiency, comprehensive functions, and is easy to operate, providing equipment support for efficient and safe drilling construction.
Evaluation and treatment of casing pressure in injection/production wells of SQ underground gas storage
Authors: Wei Siqi , Rong Wei , Yang Xiaoping , Pan Zhong , Liu Liangwen , Yang Kang , Zhang Yi , Li Huayan
Published: September 2024

The evaluation and management of sustaining casing pressure (SCP) in injection/production wells of underground gas storage(UGS) is an important part of the wellbore integrity. SQ underground gas storage has experienced ten complete injection/production cycles, which puts forward high requirements on management of well integrity. At present, there are different degrees of SCP of injection/production wells of SQ UGS, which seriously threatens the safety of the UGS. This paper analyzes casing pressure in different injection/ production stages and working conditions of injection/production wells, combined with API RP 90-2, NORSOK, ISO/TS 16530-2, SY/T5724-2008 standards. We established an SCP evaluation process and a static and dynamic SCP risk evaluation system, and then proposed a four-level risk control mode for UGS injection/production wells. We formulated a production management method for wells with SCP, constantly improved the operating environment of UGS wells. We managed the injection /production wells with SCP higher than the MAWOP, especially the annular leak problem of well S7. The SCP treatment achieves effective plugging, guarantees the integrity of the injection /production wells, and achieves good repair effect, which has certain guiding significance for the evaluation of the integrity of the injection/production wells of the UGS and the management of the SCP.
Research on the Integrated Development of Nuclear Energy and Aviation Industry under the Background of 'Dual Carbon' Goals
Authors: Song Zhilin , Zhao Jingxiong
Published: September 2024

The aviation sector, which is predominantly reliant on fossil fuels, confronts a monumental challenge in striving for net-zero CO2 emissions by the year 2050. Within the spectrum of decarbonization initiatives for the aviation industry, Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) are recognized as the most viable carbon emission mitigation strategy. This study systematically reviews the technological trajectories of SAF and posits that Electrofuels, derived from the power-to-liquid (PtL) conversion process, will serve as a pivotal nexus for the synergistic development of nuclear energy and aviation. This integration is poised to facilitate the decarbonization of the conventional aviation sector. This paper introduces a conceptual framework for Nuclear-Derived Sustainable Aviation Fuel (ND-SAF).
Environmental Regulation, Green Technology Innovation and Environmental Performance: An Empirical Study Based on Microdata of Heavy Polluting Enterprises
Authors: Wei Zhiyu
Published: September 2024

This paper first systematically reviews and analyzes the relevant literature, theories, and concepts, and then proposes research hypotheses. The study empirically investigates the relationship and mechanisms between environmental regulation and environmental performance. Finally, the paper draws conclusions and provides policy recommendations for both the government and enterprises. The study finds that environmental regulation improve environmental performance in heavily polluting enterprises. Mechanism tests show that environmental regulation optimizes corporate environmental performance and enhances environmental performance by compelling enterprises to engage in green technological innovation. The impact is more significant in non-state-owned, high-tech, central and western region enterprises and enterprises under high environmental regulatory presure. The research conclusions contribute to the the "dual carbon" goals.
Airport energy conservation and runway configuration
Authors: Li Xiong , Chen Xiaoqing
Published: September 2024

Efficient ground operation of aircraft directly impacts airport's courses of energy conservation and green operation. Typical runway configurations used in large airport were classified and analyzed. Combining with flight ground operation, 2 methods of comparison and selection of carbon emission were proposed, which were based on taxiing distance and simulation respectively. In addition, above 2 methods were applied in large-sized airport runways configuration selection and taxiways optimization. Application results show that the method based on taxiing distance suits for rough estimation in the early stage of airport planning, the method based on simulation considering both ground taxiing and delay time suits for a more detailed study on airport planning.
Be greedy and learn: efficient and certified algorithms for parametrized optimal control problems
Authors: Kleikamp Hendrik , Lazar Martin , Molinari Cesare
Published: September 2024

We consider parametrized linear-quadratic optimal control problems and provide their online-efficient solutions by combining greedy reduced basis methods and machine learning algorithms. To this end, we first extend the greedy control algorithm, which builds a reduced basis for the manifold of optimal final time adjoint states, to the setting where the objective functional consists of a penalty term measuring the deviation from a desired state and a term describing the control energy. Afterwards, we apply machine learning surrogates to accelerate the online evaluation of the reduced model. The error estimates proven for the greedy procedure are further transferred to the machine learning models and thus allow for efficient a posteriori error certification. We discuss the computational costs of all considered methods in detail and show by means of two numerical examples the tremendous potential of the proposed methodology.
200 years of solar electricity
Authors: Suchet Daniel , Guillemoles Jean-François
Published: September 2024

Two hundred years after Edmond Becquerel discovered the photovoltaic effect, solar panels have become an everyday technology, to be found on the roofs of houses or alongside railway lines. However, this apparent familiarity conceals the rapid and on going development of the industry: the panels installed today are very different from those installed just a few years ago, in terms of design, cost and the challenges to be met. Photovoltaics has now established itself as a key player in the global energy landscape, and its dynamism means that we need to keep a close eye on developments.

The purpose of this article is to take stock of the current state of the industry, presenting typical orders of magnitude, the dynamics of the sector and future prospects. It can be supplemented by questions and answers prepared by researchers in the field and available at https://solairepv.fr/.