bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proteins: The Ingenious Workhorse Molecules
Authors: Hart Josiah , Ezeah Ikechukwu , Onyenaucheya Chidi , Onwugbufor Ugochukwu
Published: February 2025

Proteins are the most common macromolecules in humans. Proteins are formed from amino acid units following the template of the genetic code in the protein coding regions of the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). It has protean structure and function throughout the human body.
The amino acid sequence of a protein constitutes its fundamental or (primary) structure. Proteins' secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures are determined by their basic structure, which represents non-covalent protein folds containing domains and motifs. Protein post-translational modification adds chemical groups to one or more amino acid units, diversifying protein structure and activities. These dictate protein characteristics and activities. Protein structure is studied via x-ray crystallography and magnetic resonance imaging. There are various bioinformatics websites and online databases that focus on proteins, protein domains, motifs, and folds, as well as their identification, annotation, classification, and structural alignment. This paper presents amino acid composition, structure, classification, physicochemical properties, domains and folds and motifs of proteins. It also explains the synthesis, post translational modification and other related characteristics of proteins. Research into proteins has aided the understanding of the etiology, diagnosis and treatment of diseases in humans such as cancer, neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases. It has also led to the discovery of drug targets and disease biomarkers. This overview aims to increase these readers' understanding of proteins by deconstructing some of the most common protein-related subjects and titles. It has provided both classical and contemporary knowledge on the subject. This shall be of immense benefits to early career researchers and both undergraduate and post graduate students of molecular biology, biochemistry other life sciences and even non-life science disciplines.
Costs and Returns Analysis of Cassava Production in Ijebu-North Local Government Area, Ogun-State, Nigeria
Authors: M. O. Oniah, , M. O. Aregbesola,
Published: February 2025

The study on Costs and Returns of Cassava production was carried out in Ijebu-North local government area of Ogun state in Nigeria in 2023. Given the importance of cassava in the lives of the farmers and the general public in Ijebu-North LGA, there is need to examine the current trend whether the farmers make profit or not by engaging in cassava production per hectare in the area. This gap will help to encourage farmers to cultivate cassava as a means of improving family living standards. The study described the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers and determined the farm profit per hectare of the cassava farmers. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select one hundred and twenty (120) cassava farmers as respondents. The tools used for data collection were questionnaire and interview schedule. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and profitability analysis. The results showed that 75.8% of the cassava farmers are male, 79.2% of the cassava farmers are married, 50.8% are within the age bracket of 51 years and above, 99.2% of the respondents are educated i.e. they have obtained at least a First school leaving certificate, 50% have an household size of 6-10 persons per family, 65.8% of the respondents have a farming experience of 11 years and above, 47.5% of the respondents have a farm size of 4ha and above and 100% of the respondents have personal savings as their major source of capital. The Profitability analysis revealed that the total variable cost (TVC) of producing cassava per hectare was N185,500 and the total fixed cost (TFC) of producing cassava per hectare was N72,015 giving a total cost (TC) per hectare of N257,515. The total revenue generated per hectare was N368,000 with a gross margin of N182,500. The finding further revealed that a profit of N110,485 with N1.43k made on every naira invested into the business. On cassava production constraints, the farmers ranked Lack of Credit/loan facilities, Poor extension facilities and Lack of improved cassava varieties as the three top major constraints. The study recommends that youths should be encouraged to engage themselves in cassava production on a large-scale basis in the study area.
Influence of Fermentation Period on Nutritional Composition and Sensory Attributes of Cassava-Orange Flesh Sweet Potato Pupuru
Authors: Oladimeji. Temitope Esther, , Otunola Ezekiel Tejumola , Adejuyitan Johnson Akinwumi
Published: February 2025

Pupuru, a cassava-derived food product, has gained significant popularity globally, with its demand steadily increasing. However, one of the major defects of pupuru is its lack of essential nutrients, particularly beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A. The study explored the benefits of OFSP supplementation in cassava products to address regional dietary needs and boost nutritional content.Co-fermentation was carried out on blends of four cassava and orange fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) in the (ratio) of 75:25%, 25:75%, 50:50% and 0:100% (cas: ofsp) respectively. The products obtained were evaluated for proximate composition, anti-nutritional factors, and sensory properties using standard analytical methods. The result obtained for moisture, protein and fat for blends of (cas:ofsp) ranged for 75:25%  (6.71- 9.93%), (4.45-5.11) and (0.17 - 0.82%) 50:50% blends (6.28 - 10.3%), (5.35– 5.46%) and (0.20-0.82%), 25:75% blends (6.59-9.85-%), (5.17-5.29%) and (0.60-0.84%), 0:100% blends (7.60-10.7%%), (4.50-4.99%) and (0.14-0.82%)  from 0 to 96 hour. A reduction in total carbohydrate content was observed in all pupuru blends.The beta carotene content from the blended sample recorded 2.14mg/100g, 2.20mg/100g, 2.56mg/100g and 3.11mg/100g for the blended ratio. The result obtained for the phytate ranged {(2.51- 4.32) (2.23- 4.02) (2.23-3.45) (2.20-3.05) mg/100g} and oxalate {(38.8-80.63) (37.1-80.1) (37.5-80.8) (39.0-87.5) mg/100g} for 75:25%, 50:50%, 25:75% and 0:100% blends respectively. The sensory score indicated that 75:25% (cas:ofsp) at 72 h was the most acceptable when compared with the control samples and showed no significant differences (p>0.05). Aroma and colour were rated high for 75:25% (72 h) and 50:50% (96 hrs) (cas:ofsp) samples of pupuru analogue produced when compared with pupuru from 100 % cassava were  preferred most. The analogue pupuru produced offers a promising solution to addressing micronutrient deficiencies, especially vitamin A deficiency, in regions where cassava is a staple food.
Morphological and Molecular Diversity Analysis in Fennel
Authors: P Akshatha , Vishwanath Y C , Narayanapur Vijayakumar B. , Cholin Sarvamangala S , Hadlageri Ramangouda , Patil Bapurayagowda Bagavantagouda
Published: February 2025

A study was conducted to assess the morphological and molecular diversity of fennel using 20 genotypes. Multivariate analysis based on morphological traits grouped all genotypes into five major clusters. Cluster II was having nine genotypes, cluster I was having seven genotypes and cluster III was having 2 genotypes out of total genotypes used in this study. The other clusters were mono-genotypic. The highest inter-cluster distance was found between Clusters III and IV. Moreover, cluster IV was superior based on the cluster means for maximum yield-related traits. For the molecular analysis, 11 of the 20 SSR markers were found to be polymorphic. PIC values varied from 0.322 to 0.740. Molecular characterization revealed three major clusters comprising one, eight, and eleven genotypes. The genotypes that were grouped together showed high similarity while the genotypes which are far away are considered to be divergent. The results indicated from the present study can be helpful in selection, marker assisted selection (MAS) and crop improvement of fennel genotypes.
Scalable Anomaly Detection with Machine Learning: Techniques for Managing High-Dimensional Data Streams
Authors: Nayak Saugat
Published: February 2025

The increase in big data values from industries, especially in Analytics, Risk, and Management Information systems, offers a great catchment and, at the same time, books with a lot of potential hurdles. This paper provides the conceptual basis for combining unsupervised and deep learning for real-time anomaly detection in high feature-space trajectories and offers practical applications for several industries. Autoencoders, Isolation Forests, and RNNs are tested for their performance and compared with the PCA in finance, manufacturing, healthcare, and cybersecurity applications. Other benefits are measured in specifics, such as cutting fraud detection mistakes by 25% and increasing the effectiveness of predictive maintenance. Further, the examined study focuses on problems like big data, real-time streaming data, distributed computing, edge computing, and incremental learning. Some key contributions are the scalable methods for IoT system-driven scenarios and the possibility of quickly recognizing anomalies with low latency. The paper also outlines emerging aspects of data quality, model interpretability, data privacy, and possible strategies such as Explainable AI and data masking. Examples from fraud detection and equipment failure prediction further explain the various opportunities these models offer for making decisions more effectively in complex and evolving environments.
AI Developers Should Understand the Risks of Deploying Their Clinical Tools, MIT Expert Says
Authors: Anderer Samantha , Hswen Yulin
Published: February 2024

This Medical News article is an interview with Marzyeh Ghassemi, a machine learning expert at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology who focuses on health care applications, and JAMA Editor in Chief Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo.
The protein tyrosine phosphatase PPH‐7 is required for fertility and embryonic development in C. elegans at elevated temperatures
Authors: Franziscus Curdin A. , Ritz Danilo , Kappel N. Constantin , Solinger Jachen A. , Schmidt Alexander , Spang Anne
Published: February 2024

Post‐translational modifications are key in the regulation of activity, structure, localization, and stability of most proteins in eukaryotes. Phosphorylation is potentially the most studied post‐translational modification, also due to its reversibility and thereby the regulatory role this modification often plays. While most research attention was focused on kinases in the past, phosphatases remain understudied, most probably because the addition and presence of the modification is more easily studied than its removal and absence. Here, we report the identification of an uncharacterized protein tyrosine phosphatase PPH‐7 in C. elegans, a member of the evolutionary conserved PTPN family of phosphatases. Lack of PPH‐7 function led to reduction of fertility and embryonic lethality at elevated temperatures. Proteomics revealed changes in the regulation of targets of the von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) E3 ligase, suggesting a potential role for PPH‐7 in the regulation of VHL.
Synergistic Effect of 3D Elastomer/Super‐Ionic Conductor Hybrid Fiber Networks Enables Zinc Anode Protection for Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Zhimin , Zhou Ding , Zhou Zili , Gong Wenbin , Zhao Song , Ling Ying , Liu Fan , Guo Jiabin , Zhao Kaitian , Wu Jiajun , Xue Pan , Li Chunsheng , Sun Yan , Luo Jie , Wang Zhanyong , Xu Jiayue , Wei Lei , Zhang Qichong
Published: February 2024

Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) with the merits of superior security, natural abundance, and inexpensive Zn hold great promises for next‐generation energy storage. Nevertheless, the instabilities of the Zn anodes arising from the unsatisfactory dendrite growth and parasitic reactions have seriously restricted their practical application. Herein, an interfacial protection engineering approach is proposed for stabilizing Zn anode via in‐situ constructing 3D hybrid fiber networks within high elastic polyether‐type polyurethane (TPEU) and super‐ionic conductor NaTi2(PO4)3 (NTP). This 3D NTP@TPEU fiber framework demonstrates synergistic effects of enhancing Zn2+ immigration kinetics and improving the desolvation process. Subsequently, such a superior protected interface induces a highly reversible Zn (002) deposition/stripping with a dendrites‐free feature. Moreover, the NTP@TPEU/Zn displays an ultralong lifespan of over 2000 cycles with an average Coulombic efficiency (CE) of 99.5% in the half‐cell configuration. To highlight, a full battery matched with Ca‐doped VO2 on carbon cloth cathode acquires an enhanced CE as high as 99.8% and delivers good cycling stability with a capacity retention of 81.6% at 2 A g−1 over 3000 cycles. These excellent outcomes provide a distinctive perspective of designing a highly stable zinc anode for the practical application of AZIBs.
Biomimetics‐Inspired Architecture Enables the Strength–Toughness of Ultrahigh‐Loading Silicon Electrode
Authors: Sun Baoyu , Wang Shuai , Zhou Shijie , Liu Jiangning , Mao Caiwang , Liu Kefang , Fan Hao , Xie Jingying , Song Jiangxuan
Published: February 2024

Silicon (Si), as one of the most promising anode candidates, is expected to improve the energy density of Li−ion batteries due to its high specific capacity (≈4200 mAh g−1). However, the cyclic performance of Si anode is unsatisfactory for practical usage due to its inadequate toughness when exceeding the mass loading beyond 2 mg cm−2, which triggers unceasing electrode breakage. Here, a biomimetic Si electrode is created by interconnecting vertically aligned graphene oxide sheets with conductive carbon nanotubes (AGO−Si/C). Unlike reported structures, the AGO−Si/C electrode exhibits superior interlaminar toughness owing to its unique crumpling architecture of reversible interlayer slipping. The elastic structure releases the accumulative lithiation stress of Si nanoparticles to address the degraded inactivation. Thus, the AGO−Si/C electrode shows long−lived cycles by toughening the structure, allowing the fabrication of very thick loading (4.1 mg cm−2) with an impressive areal capacity of 10.0 mAh cm−2. This discovery offers an easily scalable method for graphite/Si anode with high areal capacity that exceeds the commercial−level of 5 mAh cm−2.
Donor‐Site‐Acceptor Covalent Organic Frameworks Enable Spontaneous Nitrogen Dissociation for Boosted Photoelectrochemical Ammonia Synthesis
Authors: He Yanzheng , Wang Mengfan , Zhang Lifang , Cheng Qiyang , Liu Sisi , Sun Xing , Jiang Yuzhuo , Qian Tao , Yan Chenglin
Published: February 2024

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) technology offers new opportunities for pushing the renewable energy‐driven ammonia synthesis toward a practical level, while still facing unsatisfactory efficiency due to the obstacle of dissociating inert nitrogen triple‐bonds. Herein, a novel donor‐site‐acceptor system is constructed in covalent organic frameworks to tackle this challenge for highly efficient PEC ammonia synthesis. Highly active boron site is elaborately embedded between the donor and acceptor units, which can be effectively activated with continuous electron flow upon photoexcitation. With the assistance of solar irradiation, the stubborn nitrogen dissociation is successfully changed from a passive endothermic reaction to a spontaneous exothermic process, completely eliminating the energy barrier of the rate‐determining step and facilitating the overall reaction kinetics. The proof‐of‐concept system achieved an excellent PEC NRR performance with a remarkable Faradaic efficiency of 91.6%, reaching the target set by the U.S. Department of Energy (90%).
Intra‐Articular Injectable Biomaterials for Cartilage Repair and Regeneration
Authors: Kalairaj Manivannan Sivaperuman , Pradhan Ridhi , Saleem Waqas , Smith Morgan M. , Gaharwar Akhilesh K.
Published: February 2024

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by cartilage deterioration and subsequent inflammatory changes in the underlying bone. Injectable hydrogels have emerged as a promising approach for controlled drug delivery in cartilage therapies. This review focuses on the latest developments in utilizing injectable hydrogels as vehicles for targeted drug delivery to promote cartilage repair and regeneration. The pathogenesis of osteoarthritis is discussed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the disease progression. Subsequently, the various types of injectable hydrogels used for intra‐articular delivery are discussed. Specifically, physically and chemically crosslinked injectable hydrogels are critically analyzed, with an emphasis on their fabrication strategies and their capacity to encapsulate and release therapeutic agents in a controlled manner. Furthermore, the potential of incorporating growth factors, anti‐inflammatory drugs, and cells within these injectable hydrogels are discussed. Overall, this review offers a comprehensive guide to navigating the landscape of hydrogel‐based therapeutics in osteoarthritis.
2D Lateral Heterojunction Arrays with Tailored Interface Band Bending
Authors: Huang Xiaochun , Xiong Rui , Hao Chunxue , Beck Philip , Sa Baisheng , Wiebe Jens , Wiesendanger Roland
Published: February 2024

Two‐dimensional (2D) lateral heterojunction arrays, characterized by well‐defined electronic interfaces, hold significant promise for advancing next‐generation electronic devices. Despite this potential, the efficient synthesis of high‐density lateral heterojunctions with tunable interfacial band alignment remains a challenging. Here, a novel strategy is reported for the fabrication of lateral heterojunction arrays between monolayer Si2Te2 grown on Sb2Te3 (ML‐Si2Te2@Sb2Te3) and one‐quintuple‐layer Sb2Te3 grown on monolayer Si2Te2 (1QL‐Sb2Te3@ML‐Si2Te2) on a p‐doped Sb2Te3 substrate. The site‐specific formation of numerous periodically arranged 2D ML‐Si2Te2@Sb2Te3/1QL‐Sb2Te3@ML‐Si2Te2 lateral heterojunctions is realized solely through three epitaxial growth steps of thick‐Sb2Te3, ML‐Si2Te2, and 1QL‐Sb2Te3 films, sequentially. More importantly, the precisely engineering of the interfacial band alignment is realized, by manipulating the substrate's p‐doping effect with lateral spatial dependency, on each ML‐Si2Te2@Sb2Te3/1QL‐Sb2Te3@ML‐Si2Te2 junction. Atomically sharp interfaces of the junctions with continuous lattices are observed by scanning tunneling microscopy. Scanning tunneling spectroscopy measurements directly reveal the tailored type‐II band bending at the interface. This reported strategy opens avenues for advancing lateral epitaxy technology, facilitating practical applications of 2D in‐plane heterojunctions.
Regenerated Graphite Electrodes with Reconstructed Solid Electrolyte Interface and Enclosed Active Lithium Toward >100% Initial Coulombic Efficiency
Authors: Ji Yongsheng , Zhang Hao , Yang Dan , Pan Yujun , Zhu Zhenglu , Qi Xiaoqun , Pi Xinpeng , Du Weichen , Cheng Zhiheng , Yao Yonggang , Qie Long , Huang Yunhui
Published: February 2024

Solid electrolyte interface (SEI) is arguably the most important concern in graphite anodes, which determines their achievable Coulombic efficiency (CE) and cycling stability. In spent graphite anodes, there are already‐formed (yet loose and/or broken) SEIs and some residual active lithium, which, if can be inherited in the regenerated electrodes, are highly desired to compensate for the lithium loss due to SEI formation. However, current graphite regenerated approaches easily destroy the thin SEIs and residue active lithium, making their reuse impossible. Herein, this work reports a fast‐heating strategy (e.g., 1900 K for ≈150 ms) to upcycle degraded graphite via instantly converting the loose original SEI layer (≈100 nm thick) to a compact and mostly inorganic one (≈10–30 nm thick with a 26X higher Young's Modulus) and still retaining the activity of residual lithium. Thanks to the robust SEI and enclosed active lithium, the regenerated graphite exhibited 104.7% initial CE for half‐cell and gifted the full cells with LiFePO4 significantly improved initial CE (98.8% versus 83.2%) and energy density (309.4 versus 281.4 Wh kg−1), as compared with commercial graphite. The as‐proposed upcycling strategy turns the “waste” graphite into high‐value prelithiated ones, along with significant economic and environmental benefits.
Laser‐Induced Shockwaves as a Rapid and Non‐Contact Technique for 2D Patterning of Colloidal Monolayer Crystals
Authors: Nguyen Dien Kha Tu , Park Joonwoo , Park Gyeongmin , Lee Jaejun
Published: February 2024

A novel approach is reported that harnesses laser‐induced shockwave spallation technique to selectively remove clusters of polystyrene (PS) microspheres from close‐packed monolayers for the creation of 2D colloidal micropatterns. The strategic design of the layer structure by incorporating a thin layer of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) on top of the PS monolayer enables the complete delamination of PS particle clusters. Its use is demonstrated for creating different sizes of circular microscale spallation patterns by regulating the tensile force of the shockwave with laser fluence adjustments. To further control the diameter of the spallation pattern, various shadow masks are utilized to tune the shockwave generation region. The finding reveals that both PVA thickness and spallation force play key roles in adjusting cluster spallation size with complete removal. The study highlights the potential of laser spallation techniques as a rapid and non‐contact method for 2D colloidal crystal patterning by leveraging spatially regulated shockwave spallation forces.
Energy Gain and Loss Processes in OLEDs with Spacer‐Separated Electron–Hole Pairs Investigated by Magnetic Field Effects
Authors: Liu Chenghao , Chen Zhen , Du Huitian , Yu Yuan , Ren Junfeng , Fan Jihui , Han Shenghao , Pang Zhiyong
Published: February 2024

Interfacial or diluted exciplex organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) with spacer‐separated electron–hole pairs have emerged as a promising approach for precise tuning the energy level of charge‐transfer (CT) excitons and the improvement in device performance. However, their microscopic energy gain and loss mechanisms are not well understood. In this study, magnetic field effects (MFEs) including magneto‐electroluminescence (MEL), magneto‐conductance (MC), and magneto‐efficiency (Mη) in two series of donor‐spacer‐acceptor type exciplex‐based OLEDs, which exhibited opposite distance‐dependent device performances, are studied to explore the microscopic dynamics of spacer‐separated electron–hole pairs. Intersystem crossing (ISC) between CT excitons and between polaron‐pairs, reverse intersystem crossing (RISC) between CT excitons, triplet–triplet annihilation (TTA), scattering and dissociation channels of triplet‐charge annihilation (TQA), and additional Dexter energy transfer (DET) processes are identified. The decreased external quantum efficiency (EQE) and MEL with increasing thickness of space layer in Configuration II devices are attributed to an activation of the potential DET process from the lowest triplet of spacer‐separated CT excitons to the lowest triplet of Bphen caused by their smaller energy gaps. The study offers in‐depth insights into the exciton utilization and energy loss, which may allow better design and optimization of space‐modulated OLEDs.
An Access to Chiral Phthalides: Enantioselective Synthesis of Escitalopram
Authors: Schettini Rosaria , Dentoni Litta Antonella , Sinibaldi Arianna , D'Amato Assunta , Araszczuk Alicja M. , Sicignano Marina , Pagliarulo Letizia , Naddeo Simone , Pierri Giovanni , De Riccardis Francesco , Izzo Irene , Della Sala Giorgio
Published: February 2024

A method for the asymmetric synthesis of phthalides containing a stereogenic γ‐carbon has been described. The protocol, based on the arylogous Michael addition to chiral alkenoyl oxazolidinones catalyzed by a crown ether under phase‐transfer conditions does not require anhydrous conditions and uses commercially available materials. A complete syn‐stereocontrol is achieved and facial diastereoselectivities are moderate to excellent (62:38 to 99:1 dr). Purification of the major diastereomer by chromatography and selective cleavage of the chiral auxiliary affords enantiopure Michael products. The protocol has been applied to the formal synthesis of escitalopram.
Conduction Modulation of Solution‐Processed 2D Materials
Authors: Liu Songwei , Fan Xiaoyue , Wen Yingyi , Liu Pengyu , Liu Yang , Pei Jingfang , Yang Wenchen , Song Lekai , Pan Danmei , Zhang Panpan , Ma Teng , Lin Yue , Wang Gang , Hu Guohua
Published: February 2024

Solution‐processed 2D materials hold promise for their scalable applications. However, the random, fragmented nature of the solution‐processed nanoflakes and the poor percolative conduction through their discrete networks limit the performance of the enabled devices. To overcome the problem, conduction modulation of the solution‐processed 2D materials is reported via Stark effect. Using liquid‐phase exfoliated molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) as an example, nonlinear conduction switching with a ratio of >105 is demonstrated by the local fields from the interfacial ferroelectric P(VDF‐TrFE). Through density‐functional theory calculations and in situ Raman scattering and photoluminescence spectroscopic analysis, the modulation is understood to arise from a charge redistribution in the solution‐processed MoS2. Beyond MoS2, the modulation may be shown effective for the other solution‐processed 2D materials and low‐dimensional materials. The modulation can open their electronic device applications, for instance, thin‐film nonlinear electronics and non‐volatile memories.
Dark‐Bright Exciton Splitting Dominates Low‐Temperature Diffusion in Halide Perovskite Nanocrystal Assemblies
Authors: Bornschlegl Andreas J. , Lichtenegger Michael F. , Luber Leo , Lampe Carola , Bodnarchuk Maryna I. , Kovalenko Maksym V. , Urban Alexander S.
Published: February 2024

Semiconductor nanocrystals can replace conventional bulk materials completely in displays and light‐emitting diodes. Exciton transport dominates over charge carrier transport for materials with high exciton binding energies and long ligands, such as halide perovskite nanocrystal films. Here, how beneficial superlattices – nearly perfect 3D assemblies of nanocrystals ‐ are to exciton transport is investigated. Surprisingly, the high degree of order is not as crucial as the individual nanocrystal size, which strongly influences the splitting of the excitonic manifold into bright and dark states. At very low temperatures, the energetic splitting is larger for the smallest nanocrystals, and dark levels with low oscillator strength effectively trap excitons inside individual nanocrystals, suppressing diffusion. The effect is reversed at elevated temperatures, and the larger nanocrystal size becomes detrimental to exciton transport due to enhanced exciton trapping and dissociation. The results reveal that the nanocrystal size must be strongly accounted for in design strategies of future optoelectronic applications.
Recent Advances and Challenges of Hydrogen Production Technologies via Renewable Energy Sources
Authors: Worku Ababay Ketema , Ayele Delele Worku , Deepak Deva Brinda , Gebreyohannes Abaynesh Yihdego , Agegnehu Segenet Dagmawi , Kolhe Mohan Lal
Published: February 2024

Currently, fossil fuels play a major role in meeting the world's energy demand. Fossil fuels, in contrast, threaten the planet's ecosystems and biological processes, contribute to global warming, and result in unfavorable climatic shifts. These energy sources are also finite and will eventually deplete. Thus, energy transition, which is the key from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, is regarded as an essential course of action for decarbonizing the global economy and reducing the catastrophic and irreversible effects of climate change. Thereby using/consuming green hydrogen energy is a vital solution to meet the world's challenges. Subsequently, the pros and cons of several hydrogen generation methods, such as the conversion of fossil fuels, biomass, water electrolysis, microbial fermentation, and photocatalysis, are then compared and outlined in terms of their technologies, economies, consumption of energy, environmental aspects, and costs. Currently, the chemical industry uses green hydrogen (H2) primarily to produce green emerging fuels methanol and ammonia (NH3), which are regarded as alternate sources of energy. Finally, the current state of energy demands, recent developments in renewable energy sources, and the potential of hydrogen as a future fuel are outlined. Moreover, the discussion concludes with predicted opportunities and challenges.
Utilization of Machine Learning Techniques in Hot‐Film Based Airflow Rate Sensors for Improving Flow Measurement
Authors: Shin Sanghun , Baek Keuntae , Choi Yeongu , So Hongyun
Published: February 2024

This article presents a novel airflow rate sensing method based on the principle of a hot‐film flow sensing device with data‐driven machine learning (ML) models. In addition, to combine the two signals of the sensor (the resistance changes of the heaters) and predict the output (airflow rate), three different ML multivariate regression models, i.e., multiple linear regression (MLR), k‐nearest neighbor (KNN), and deep neural network (DNN) models, are trained and compared using 8400 experimentally obtained data. Using sensor fusion techniques, the average mean absolute error (MAE) and mean squared error (MSE) of the KNN model are determined to be 0.01522 and 0.00132, respectively, in the range of 0–5.07 standard liters per minute. Compared with the average results obtained using only a single input, those obtained using a dual input indicate a significant decrease in the MAE and MSE by 85.69% and 96.68%, respectively. Furthermore, a transient analysis of the ML‐based flow sensor is conducted to investigate the response time and transient characteristics of the MLR, KNN, and DNN models. The results of this study contribute to the advancement of airflow management systems for various industrial applications, such as building ventilation, gas leakage detection, and energy systems.
Intracellular Chemical Reaction‐Induced Self‐Assembly for the Construction of Artificial Architecture and Its Functions
Authors: Kim Sangpil , Park Gaeun , Kim Dohyun , Hasan Md. Sajid , Lim Chaelyeong , Seu Min‐Seok , Ryu Ja‐Hyoung
Published: February 2024

Intracellular assemblies play vital roles in maintaining cellular functions through structural recognition‐mediated interactions. The introduction of artificial structures has garnered substantial interest in modulating cellular functions via activation/inhibition interactions with biomacromolecules. However, the cellular uptake of these high‐molecular‐weight structures may limit their performance. Recently, intracellular chemical‐reaction‐induced self‐assembly has emerged as a promising strategy for generating in situ nanostructures with biofunctionalities for interacting with biomacromolecules. This approach addresses the challenge of synthetic reactions occurring in complex intracellular environments by utilizing diverse chemical reactions that respond to endogenous and exogenous stimuli. This review provides an overview of the latest advancements in intracellular chemical‐reaction‐induced self‐assembly techniques. It focuses on their responsiveness to specific endogenous conditions, such as redox environments and overexpressed enzymes. Additionally, the initiation of chemical reactions through exogenous stimuli, including chemical reagents and irradiation is explored. Polymerization‐induced hydrophobicity is highlighted, leading to self‐assembly into micro‐/nanostructures. These processes contribute to the in situ construction of synthetic materials with diverse morphologies, offering versatile functionalities for biological applications.
Stereochemistry‐Dependent Labeling of Organelles with a Near‐Infrared‐Emissive Phosphorus‐Bridged Rhodamine Dye in Live‐Cell Imaging
Authors: Wu Qian , Taki Masayasu , Tanaka Yoshiki , Kesherwani Manish , Phung Quan Manh , Enoki Sawako , Okada Yasushi , Tama Florence , Yamaguchi Shigehiro
Published: February 2024

The development of near‐infrared (NIR) fluorophores that have both excellent chemical stability and photostability, as well as efficient cell permeability, is highly demanded. In this study, we present phospha‐rhodamine (POR) dyes which display significantly improved performance for protein labeling. This is achieved by incorporating a 2‐carboxy‐3‐benzothiophenyl group at the 9‐position of the xanthene scaffold. The resulting cis and trans isomers were successfully isolated and structurally characterized using X‐ray diffraction. The HaloTag ligand conjugates of the two isomers exhibited different staining abilities in live cells. While the cis isomer showed non‐specific accumulation on the organelle membranes, the trans isomer selectively labeled the HaloTag‐fused proteins, enabling the long‐term imaging of cell division and the 5‐color imaging of cell organelles. Molecular dynamics simulations of the HaloTag ligand conjugates within the lipid membrane suggested that the cis isomer is more prone to forming oligomers in the membrane. In contrast, the oligomerization of the trans isomer is effectively suppressed by its interaction with the lipid molecules. By taking advantage of the superior labeling performance of the trans isomer and its NIR‐emissive properties, multi‐color time‐lapse super‐resolution 3D imaging, namely super‐resolution 5D‐imaging, of the interconnected network between the endoplasmic reticulum and microtubules was achieved in living cells.
Evaluation on thermal pyrolysis of biomass straw waste: Focusing aspects of products yields, syngas emissions and solid products characterization
Authors: Yao Xiwen , Zhou Haodong , Qi Pengyuan , Xu Kaili
Published: February 2024

In this study, a systematic and quantitative investigation of the pyrolysis characteristics of biomass was conducted in a fixed‐bed tubular reactor, and the influence of pyrolysis temperature on product yields, gas emission characteristics, and syngas compositions as well as physicochemical characterization of resulting solids (i.e., char/ash morphologies, mineral transformations, and elemental compositions) was explored in detail. The pyrolysis experiments were performed under N2, and the resulting solid characterization was detected by XRD, SEM, and EDX. The results indicated that with increasing the pyrolysis temperature from 400 to 800°C, the gaseous product yields increased from 54.9% to 66.7%, while the solid product yield showed a reverse trend, varying within 27.7%–40.5%. Meanwhile, the volume fraction of H2 in syngas increased from 7% to 33%, while the CO2 presented an opposite trend, suggesting that high temperature favored H2 formation and inhibited CO2 formation. On the whole, the CO and CO2 emissions were prior to CH4, H2, and CnHm in sequence. A large amount of sylvite (KCl), quartz (SiO2), dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2), and pyroxene (CaMgSi2O6) in the resulting solids were identified in crystal phases. Higher pyrolysis temperature had a significant influence on solid microstructures, resulting in a relatively higher slagging tendency due to low melting eutectics containing K‐rich and Ca‐rich minerals.
Influence of optimal alkali treated Areca catechu L. peduncle fiber for light weight polymer composites applications
Authors: Mansingh Bright Brailson , Bharathiraja Govindarajan , Binoj Joseph Selvi , Natarajan Manikandan , Suryanto Heru , Siengchin Suchart , Sanjay Mavinkere Rangappa
Published: February 2024

The chemical, physico‐mechanical, morphological, and thermal characteristics of alkali treated natural cellulosic sustainable eco‐friendly fiber from peduncle of Areca Catechu tree were investigated. Areca Catechu fruit peduncle fiber (ACFPF) treated with 5% (w/v) NaOH solution for 60 min is found as optimally alkali treated ACFPF (OAACFPF) witnessed an increase in cellulose content by 17%. Single fiber tensile test perceived that OAACFPF enhanced tensile strength by 12.9% and x‐ray diffraction analysis depicts crystallinity index of OAACFPF improved by 14.2% compared with ACFPF. Also, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis endorsed partial removal of amorphous contents from fibers due to alkali treatment. In addition, alkali treatment has enhanced thermal stability of OAACFPF from 226°C to 235°C verified through Thermogravimetric analysis. Likewise, Differential scanning calorimetry analysis confirmed improvement in thermal degradation temperature of OAACFPF after alkali treatment. Moreover, the rougher surface of OAACFPF confirmed through scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscopy is due to partial removal of amorphous contents thus ensuing in good interfacial bonding characteristics with the matrix during reinforcement for bio‐composite fabrication. The above findings validated OAACFPF as a worthy substitute to harmful synthetic fibers for development of eco‐friendly and sustainable bio‐composites.
Historical specimens and photographs reveal long‐term changes in Smalltooth Sawfish (Pristis pectinata) age class distribution and average size during U.S. population decline
Authors: Smith Kelcee L. , Fearing Annmarie , Phillips Nicole M. , Kroetz Andrea M. , Wiley Tonya R. , Carlson John K. , Taylor Sabrina S.
Published: February 2024

Population‐level, historical studies can provide insights on the distribution, abundance and demographic characteristics of imperiled species prior to human exploitation, habitat modification or climate change. These studies provide a baseline for contemporary data, which often shape successful management and recovery.

The smalltooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata) occupies ~20% of its historical range due to declines driven primarily by mortalities in fisheries and coastal habitat loss over the last century. As a result, they are listed as Critically Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species and as Endangered federally in the United States (U.S.).

Because P. pectinata grow to a large size and have a toothed rostrum, many historical photographs and specimens are archived in natural history collections. Metadata and morphometric data were collected and analysed from P. pectinata photographs (n = 84) and specimens (n = 429) to evaluate temporal changes in average size and historical distribution of five age classes in U.S. waters.

Historically, smaller age classes were well‐distributed throughout the northern Gulf of Mexico, while only larger age classes were recorded on the U.S. east coast, north of Florida. All age classes were found in both Florida and Texas historically, but records from Texas decline after the 1980s and remain persistent in Florida, indicative of a strong‐hold for the U.S. population. Regardless of origin, individuals in three of the five age classes were larger on average historically than those observed today.

Understanding which age classes used previously occupied areas will help direct habitat restoration efforts and support recovery, especially in the face of climate change. Non‐traditional data sources, such as those used here, may often be the only means of providing historical context to modern research on imperiled species, ultimately guiding restoration and conservation efforts.
Interparticle Hydrogen Spillover in Enhanced Catalytic Reactions
Authors: Motokura Ken
Published: February 2024

Interparticle hydrogen spillover is the phenomenon of H migration over different catalyst particles, which should be a physical mixture of at least two solid catalysts. In this review, we analyze examples of enhanced catalysis based on interparticle (reverse) hydrogen spillover. Simple physical mixtures of powdered catalysts containing metal catalysts of H2 dissociation/recombination and solid catalysts with active sites for substrate activation significantly enhance catalytic reactions. These reactions include aromatic hydrogenation, CO2 methanation, and the deoxydehydration of polyols, aromatization of lower paraffins, and direct coupling of benzene and alkanes. The acceleration effect and proposed reaction pathway of each example involving interparticle (reverse) hydrogen spillover are summarized. Simple reaction systems comprising physical mixtures of at least two powdery solid catalysts should enable unique catalysis in the future with the aid of interparticle (reverse) hydrogen spillover.
Synthesis, Optical, Dielectric, SHG, Magnetic and Visible Light Driven Catalytic Studies on Compounds Belonging to the Swedenborgite Structure
Authors: Gurusamy Sivakumar , Banerjee Souvik , Sundaresan Athinarayanan , Liang Mingli , Shiv Halasyamani P. , Natarajan Srinivasan
Published: February 2024

A new compound, InBaZn3GaO7, with swedenborgite structure along with transition metal (TM) substituted variants have also been prepared. The structure contains layers of tetrahedral ions (Zn2+/Ga3+) connected by octahedrally coordinated In3+ ion forming the three‐dimensional structure with voids where the Ba2+ ions occupy. The TM substituted compounds form with new colors. The origin of the color was understood based on the ligand‐field transitions. The near IR reflectivity studies indicate that the Ni – substituted compounds exhibit good near – IR reflectivity behavior, making them possible candidates for ‘cool pigments’. The temperature dependent dielectric studies indicate that the InBaZn3GaO7 compound undergoes a phase transition at ~360 °C. The compounds are active towards second harmonic generation (SHG). Magnetic studies show the compounds, InBaZn2CoFeO7 and InBaZn2CuFeO7 to be anti‐ferromagnetic in nature. The copper containing compounds were found to be good catalysts, under visible light, for the oxidation of aromatic alkenes. The many properties observed in the swedenborgite structure‐based compounds suggests that the mineral structure offers a fertile ground to investigate newer compounds and properties.
Is camouflaging unique for autism? A comparison of camouflaging between adults with autism and ADHD
Authors: van der Putten W. J. , Mol A. J. J. , Groenman A. P. , Radhoe T. A. , Torenvliet C. , van Rentergem J. A. Agelink , Geurts H. M.
Published: February 2024

Camouflaging (using (un)conscious strategies to appear as non‐autistic) is thought to be an important reason for late autism diagnoses and mental health difficulties. However, it is unclear whether only autistic people camouflage or whether people with other neurodevelopmental or mental health conditions also use similar camouflaging strategies. Therefore, in this preregistered study (AsPredicted: #41811) study, we investigated if adults with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity‐disorder (ADHD) also camouflage. Adults aged 30–90 years filled in the Dutch Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT‐Q‐NL), the ADHD Self‐Report (ADHD‐SR) and the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ). We investigated differences in camouflaging between adults with ADHD, autism, and a comparison group in an age and sex‐matched subsample (N = 105 per group). We explored if autism and ADHD traits explained camouflaging levels in adults with an autism and/or ADHD diagnosis (N = 477). Adults with ADHD scored higher on total camouflaging and assimilation subscale compared to the comparison group. However, adults with ADHD scored lower on total camouflaging, and subscales compensation and assimilation than autistic adults. Autism traits, but not ADHD traits, were a significant predictor of camouflaging, independent of diagnosis. Thus, camouflaging does not seem to be unique to autistic adults, since adults with ADHD also show camouflaging behavior, even though not as much as autistic adults. However, as the CAT‐Q‐NL specifically measures camouflaging of autistic traits it is important to develop more general measures of camouflaging, to compare camouflaging more reliably in people with different mental health conditions. Furthermore, focusing on camouflaging in adults with ADHD, including potential consequences for late diagnoses and mental health seems a promising future research avenue.
HPLC purification of antioxidant and antibacterial peptides from a lichen “Parmotrema perlatum (Huds.) M. Choisy”: Identification by LC‐MS/MS peptide mass fingerprinting
Authors: Radhakrishnan Dwarakanath P. , Kanakaraja Abinaya , Krishnan Nagasathiya , Sakthivelu Meenakumari , Gopinath Subash C. B. , Pachaiappan Raman
Published: February 2024

Parmotrema perlatum, a lichen belonging to the family Parmeliaceae, is well known for its culinary benefits and aroma used as a condiment in Indian homes is also known as the “black stone flower” or “kalpasi” in India. This research intends to analyze the antioxidant power of the crude extracts using four pH‐based buffers solubilized proteins/peptides and RP‐HPLC fractions of P. perlatum obtained by purification. The proteins that were extracted from the four different buffers were examined using LC‐MS/MS‐based peptide mass fingerprinting. When compared to the other buffers, the 0.1 M of Tris‐HCl buffer pH 8.0 solubilized proteins/peptides had the strongest antioxidant capacity. The sequential purification of the peptide was carried out by using a 3‐kDa cut‐off membrane filter and semipreparative RP‐HPLC. Additionally, the purified fractions of the peptide's antioxidant activity were assessed, and effects were compared with those of the crude and 3 kDa cut‐‐off membrane filtrates. The peptide fractions were sequenced by LC‐MS/MS, which reveals that fraction 2 from RP‐HPLC with the sequence LSWFMVVAP has shown the highest antioxidant potential in comparison with other fractions which can serve as the potential natural antioxidant drug. Further, fraction 2 also showed antibacterial activity against the selected microorganisms.
Aggression modulator: Understanding the multifaceted role of the dorsal raphe nucleus
Authors: Mitsui Koshiro , Takahashi Aki
Published: February 2024

Aggressive behavior is instinctively driven behavior that helps animals to survive and reproduce and is closely related to multiple behavioral and physiological processes. The dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) is an evolutionarily conserved midbrain structure that regulates aggressive behavior by integrating diverse brain inputs. The DRN consists predominantly of serotonergic (5‐HT:5‐hydroxytryptamine) neurons and decreased 5‐HT activity was classically thought to increase aggression. However, recent studies challenge this 5‐HT deficiency model, revealing a more complex role for the DRN 5‐HT system in aggression. Furthermore, emerging evidence has shown that non‐5‐HT populations in the DRN and specific neural circuits contribute to the escalation of aggressive behavior. This review argues that the DRN serves as a multifaceted modulator of aggression, acting not only via 5‐HT but also via other neurotransmitters and neural pathways, as well as different subsets of 5‐HT neurons. In addition, we discuss the contribution of DRN neurons in the behavioral and physiological aspects implicated in aggressive behavior, such as arousal, reward, and impulsivity, to further our understanding of DRN‐mediated aggression modulation.