bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep ocean warming-induced El Niño changes
Authors: Kim Geon-Il , Oh Ji-Hoon , Shin Na-Yeon , An Soon-Il , Yeh Sang-Wook , Shin Jongsoo , Kug Jong-Seong
Published: July 2024

The deep ocean, a vast thermal reservoir, absorbs excess heat under greenhouse warming, which ultimately regulates the Earth’s surface climate. Even if CO2 emissions are successfully reduced, the stored heat will gradually be released, resulting in a particular pattern of ocean warming. Here, we show that deep ocean warming will lead to El Niño-like ocean warming and resultant increased precipitation in the tropical eastern Pacific with southward shift of the intertropical convergence zone. Consequently, the El Niño-Southern Oscillation shifts eastward, intensifying Eastern Pacific El Niño events. In particular, the deep ocean warming could increase convective extreme El Niño events by 40 to 80% relative to the current climate. Our findings suggest that anthropogenic greenhouse warming will have a prolonged impact on El Niño variability through delayed deep ocean warming, even if CO2 stabilization is achieved.
Multimodal deep learning using on-chip diffractive optics with in situ training capability
Authors: Cheng Junwei , Huang Chaoran , Zhang Jialong , Wu Bo , Zhang Wenkai , Liu Xinyu , Zhang Jiahui , Tang Yiyi , Zhou Hailong , Zhang Qiming , Gu Min , Dong Jianji , Zhang Xinliang
Published: July 2024

Multimodal deep learning plays a pivotal role in supporting the processing and learning of diverse data types within the realm of artificial intelligence generated content (AIGC). However, most photonic neuromorphic processors for deep learning can only handle a single data modality (either vision or audio) due to the lack of abundant parameter training in optical domain. Here, we propose and demonstrate a trainable diffractive optical neural network (TDONN) chip based on on-chip diffractive optics with massive tunable elements to address these constraints. The TDONN chip includes one input layer, five hidden layers, and one output layer, and only one forward propagation is required to obtain the inference results without frequent optical-electrical conversion. The customized stochastic gradient descent algorithm and the drop-out mechanism are developed for photonic neurons to realize in situ training and fast convergence in the optical domain. The TDONN chip achieves a potential throughput of 217.6 tera-operations per second (TOPS) with high computing density (447.7 TOPS/mm2), high system-level energy efficiency (7.28 TOPS/W), and low optical latency (30.2 ps). The TDONN chip has successfully implemented four-class classification in different modalities (vision, audio, and touch) and achieve 85.7% accuracy on multimodal test sets. Our work opens up a new avenue for multimodal deep learning with integrated photonic processors, providing a potential solution for low-power AI large models using photonic technology.
Expiration analysis of the International Space Station formulary for exploration mission planning
Authors: Diaz Thomas E. , Ives Emma C. , Lazare Diana I. , Buckland Daniel M.
Published: July 2024

Effective medications will be required to maintain human health for long-duration space operations. Previous studies have explored the stability and potency of several of the medications used on the International Space Station (ISS). This study is a comprehensive analysis of the expected terrestrial shelf-lives of the entire 2023 ISS formulary using 4 international registries. Of the 106 medications in the ISS formulary, shelf-life data was found in at least 1 of the registries for 91 (86%) medications. Of these 91 medications, 54 have an estimated terrestrial shelf-life of ≤36 months when stored in their original packaging. 14 will expire in less than 24 months. The results of this study provide operational insight to supplying a pharmacy for an exploration mission, optimize therapeutic outcomes, and prevent diseases associated with extended spaceflight operations. Ultimately, those responsible for the health of spaceflight crews will have to find ways to extend the expiration of medications to the complete mission duration or accept the elevated risk associated with administration of an expired medication.
High-depth whole-genome sequencing identifies structure variants, copy number variants and short tandem repeats associated with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Wang Chaodong , Liu Hankui , Li Xu-Ying , Ma Jinghong , Gu Zhuqin , Feng Xiuli , Xie Shu , Tang Bei-Sha , Chen Shengdi , Wang Wei , Wang Jian , Zhang Jianguo , Chan Piu
Published: July 2024

While numerous single nucleotide variants and small indels have been identified in Parkinson’s disease (PD), the contribution of structural variants (SVs), copy number variants (CNVs), and short tandem repeats (STRs) remains poorly understood. Here we investigated the association using the high-depth whole-genome sequencing data from 466 Chinese PD patients and 513 controls. Totally, we identified 29,561 SVs, 32,153 CNVs, and 174,905 STRs, and found that CNV deletions were significantly enriched in the end-proportion of autosomal chromosomes in PD. After genome-wide association analysis and replication in an external cohort of 352 cases and 547 controls, we validated that the 1.6 kb-deletion neighboring MUC19, 12.4kb-deletion near RXFP1 and GGGAAA repeats in SLC2A13 were significantly associated with PD. Moreover, the MUC19 deletion and the SLC2A13 5-copy repeat reduced the penetrance of the LRRK2 G2385R variant. Moreover, genes with these variants were dosage-sensitive. These data provided novel insights into the genetic architecture of PD.
Understanding mechanisms of generalization following locomotor adaptation
Authors: Rossi Cristina , Roemmich Ryan T. , Bastian Amy J.
Published: July 2024

Our nervous system has the remarkable ability to adapt our gait to accommodate changes in our body or surroundings. However, our adapted walking patterns often generalize only partially (or not at all) between different contexts. Here, we sought to understand how the nervous system generalizes adapted gait patterns from one context to another. Through a series of split-belt treadmill walking experiments, we evaluated different mechanistic hypotheses to explain the partial generalization of adapted gait patterns from split-belt treadmill to overground walking. In support of the credit assignment hypothesis, our experiments revealed the central finding that adaptation involves recalibration of two distinct forward models. Recalibration of the first model generalizes to overground walking, suggesting that the model represents the general movement dynamics of our body. On the other hand, recalibration of the second model does not generalize to overground walking, suggesting the model represents dynamics specific to treadmill walking. These findings reveal that there is a predefined portion of forward model recalibration that generalizes across context, leading to overall partial generalization of walking adaptation.
Unravelling the UV/H2O2 process using bioelectrochemically synthesized H2O2 to reuse waste nutrient solution
Authors: Nam Joo-Youn , Eom Hyunji , Han Uijeong , Jwa Eunjin , Kim Hyojeon , Han SeungYeob , Kang Seoktae , Cho Si-Kyung
Published: July 2024

In this study, waste nutrient solution (WNS) was used as a catholyte in a bioelectrochemical cell to directly produce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), after which the H2O2- containing WNS was integrated with the downstream UV oxidation process to meet quality standards for reuse. The generated current in the bioelectrochemical cell was successfully utilized at the cathode to produce H2O2 in WNS using a two-electron oxygen reduction reaction with different reaction times. The cathodic reaction time with the highest H2O2 production (504 ± 5.2 mg l−1) was 48 h, followed by that obtained from 24 h (368 ± 4.1 mg l−1), 12 h (158.8 ± 2.4 mg l−1), and 6 h (121.1 ± 4.1 mg l−1) reaction times. During H2O2 generation, calcium, magnesium, and phosphate in the WNS were recovered in the form of precipitates under alkaline conditions. The H2O2-containing WNS was further treated with different UV doses. After UV/H2O2 treatment, excitation-emission matrix and molecular weight distribution analyses demonstrated that aromatic compounds were reduced. Moreover, the gene expressions of sul1 (up to 95.65%), tetG (up to 93.88%), and aadA (up to 95.32%) were clearly downregulated compared with those of a control sample. Finally, a high disinfection efficiency was achieved with higher UV doses, resulting in successful seed germination. Thus, our results indicate that the developed method can be a promising process for reusing WNS in hydroponic systems.
Single-position oblique lumbar interbody fusion with navigation: improved efficiency and screw accuracy compared to dual-position with fluoroscopy
Authors: Park Hangeul , Son Hui , Kim Jun-Hoe , Kim Sum , Kim Young-Rak , Lee Chang-Hyun , Chung Chun Kee , Kim Chi Heon
Published: July 2024

Dual-position oblique lumbar interbody fusion with fluoroscopy (D-OLIF) requires repositioning the patient to a prone position for pedicle screw insertion. Recently, single-position surgery with navigation has been introduced. However, there are concerns regarding pedicle screw accuracy and achieving appropriate sagittal balance in single-position OLIF with navigation (S-OLIF). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of S-OLIF compared to D-OLIF. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 102 patients who underwent single-level OLIF at a single institution. The patients were divided into two groups: 55 in the S-OLIF group and 47 in the D-OLIF group. The numeric rating scale for back and leg, Oswestry disability index, and walking distance improvements showed no significant difference. However, the EuroQol 5-dimension 5-level index showed higher improvement in the S-OLIF (P = 0.029). The segmental lordosis, lumbar lordosis, and C7 sagittal vertical axis showed no significant difference. S-OLIF had significantly fewer cases of pedicle screw malposition (P = 0.045). Additionally, the surgery time was shorter in the S-OLIF (P = 0.002). In conclusion, S-OLIF exhibited clinical and radiological outcomes comparable to D-OLIF, with the added advantages of reduced surgery time and enhanced accuracy in pedicle screw placement.
Multi-kernel support vector regression with improved moth-flame optimization algorithm for software effort estimation
Authors: Li Jing , Sun Shengxiang , Xie Li , Zhu Chen , He Dubo
Published: July 2024

In this paper, a novel Moth-Flame Optimization (MFO) algorithm, namely MFO algorithm enhanced by Multiple Improvement Strategies (MISMFO) is proposed for solving parameter optimization in Multi-Kernel Support Vector Regressor (MKSVR), and the MISMFO-MKSVR model is further employed to deal with the software effort estimation problems. In MISMFO, the logistic chaotic mapping is applied to increase initial population diversity, while the mutation and flame number phased reduction mechanisms are carried out to improve the search efficiency, as well the adaptive weight adjustment mechanism is used to accelerate convergence and balance exploration and exploitation. The MISMFO model is verified on fifteen benchmark functions and CEC 2020 test set. The results show that the MISMFO has advantages over other meta-heuristic algorithms and MFO variants in terms of convergence speed and accuracy. Additionally, the MISMFO-MKSVR model is tested by simulations on five software effort datasets and the results demonstrate that the proposed model has better performance in software effort estimation problem. The Matlab code of MISMFO can be found athttps://github.com/loadstar1997/MISMFO.
A non-toxic equinatoxin-II reveals the dynamics and distribution of sphingomyelin in the cytosolic leaflet of the plasma membrane
Authors: Mori Toshiki , Niki Takahiro , Uchida Yasunori , Mukai Kojiro , Kuchitsu Yoshihiko , Kishimoto Takuma , Sakai Shota , Makino Asami , Kobayashi Toshihide , Arai Hiroyuki , Yokota Yasunari , Taguchi Tomohiko , Suzuki Kenichi G. N.
Published: July 2024

Sphingomyelin (SM) is a major sphingolipid in mammalian cells. SM is enriched in the extracellular leaflet of the plasma membrane (PM). Besides this localization, recent electron microscopic and biochemical studies suggest the presence of SM in the cytosolic leaflet of the PM. In the present study, we generated a non-toxic SM-binding variant (NT-EqtII) based on equinatoxin-II (EqtII) from the sea anemone Actinia equina, and examined the dynamics of SM in the cytosolic leaflet of living cell PMs. NT-EqtII with two point mutations (Leu26Ala and Pro81Ala) had essentially the same specificity and affinity to SM as wild-type EqtII. NT-EqtII expressed in the cytosol was recruited to the PM in various cell lines. Super-resolution microscopic observation revealed that NT-EqtII formed tiny domains that were significantly colocalized with cholesterol and N-terminal Lyn. Meanwhile, single molecule observation at high resolutions down to 1 ms revealed that all the examined lipid probes including NT-EqtII underwent apparent fast simple Brownian diffusion, exhibiting that SM and other lipids in the cytosolic leaflet rapidly moved in and out of domains. Thus, the novel SM-binding probe demonstrated the presence of the raft-like domain in the cytosolic leaflet of living cell PMs.
Multi-omics analysis unveils immunosuppressive microenvironment in the occurrence and development of multiple pulmonary lung cancers
Authors: Zhang Jiatao , Zhou Wenhao , Li Na , Li Huaming , Luo Haitao , Jiang Benyuan
Published: July 2024

Multiple pulmonary lung cancers (MPLCs) are frequently encountered on computed tomography (CT) scanning of chest, yet their intrinsic characteristics associated with genomic features and radiological or pathological textures that may lead to distinct clinical outcomes remain largely unexplored. A total of 27 pulmonary nodules covering different radiological or pathological textures as well as matched adjacent normal tissues and blood samples were collected from patients diagnosed with MPLCs. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) and whole-transcriptome sequencing were performed. The molecular and immune features of MPLCs associated with distinct radiological or pathological textures were comprehensively investigated. Genomics analysis unveiled the distinct branches of pulmonary nodules originating independently within the same individual. EGFR and KRAS mutations were found to be prevalent in MPLCs, exhibiting mutual exclusivity. The group with KRAS mutations exhibited stronger immune signatures compared to the group with EGFR mutations. Additionally, MPLCs exhibited a pronounced immunosuppressive microenvironment, which was particularly distinct when compared with normal tissues. The expression of the FDSCP gene was specifically observed in MPLCs. When categorizing MPLCs based on radiological or pathological characteristics, a progressive increase in mutation accumulation was observed, accompanied by heightened chromatin-level instability as ground-glass opacity component declined or invasive progression occurred. A close association with the immunosuppressive microenvironment was also observed during the progression of pulmonary nodules. Notably, the upregulation of B cell and regulatory T cell marker genes occurred progressively. Immune cell abundance analysis further demonstrated a marked increase in exhausted cells and regulatory T cells during the progression of pulmonary nodules. These results were further validated by independent datasets including nCounter RNA profiling, single-cell RNA sequencing, and spatial transcriptomic datasets. Our study provided a comprehensive representation of the diverse landscape of MPLCs originating within the same individual and emphasized the significant influence of the immunosuppressive microenvironment in the occurrence and development of pulmonary nodules. These findings hold great potential for enhancing the clinical diagnosis and treatment strategies for MPLCs.
Vitamin B5 metabolism is essential for vacuolar and mitochondrial functions and drug detoxification in fungi
Authors: Choi Jae-Yeon , Gihaz Shalev , Munshi Muhammad , Singh Pallavi , Vydyam Pratap , Hamel Patrice , Adams Emily M. , Sun Xinghui , Khalimonchuk Oleh , Fuller Kevin , Ben Mamoun Choukri
Published: July 2024

Fungal infections, a leading cause of mortality among eukaryotic pathogens, pose a growing global health threat due to the rise of drug-resistant strains. New therapeutic strategies are urgently needed to combat this challenge. The PCA pathway for biosynthesis of Co-enzyme A (CoA) and Acetyl-CoA (AcCoA) from vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) has been validated as an excellent target for the development of new antimicrobials against fungi and protozoa. The pathway regulates key cellular processes including metabolism of fatty acids, amino acids, sterols, and heme. In this study, we provide genetic evidence that disruption of the PCA pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae results in a significant alteration in the susceptibility of fungi to a wide range of xenobiotics, including clinically approved antifungal drugs through alteration of vacuolar morphology and drug detoxification. The drug potentiation mediated by genetic regulation of genes in the PCA pathway could be recapitulated using the pantazine analog PZ-2891 as well as the celecoxib derivative, AR-12 through inhibition of fungal AcCoA synthase activity. Collectively, the data validate the PCA pathway as a suitable target for enhancing the efficacy and safety of current antifungal therapies.
Synthesis of a highly thermostable insulin by phenylalanine conjugation at B29 Lysine
Authors: Sen Shantanu , Ali Rafat , Onkar Akanksha , Verma Shivani , Ahmad Quazi Taushif , Bhadauriya Pratibha , Sinha Pradip , Nair Nisanth N. , Ganesh Subramaniam , Verma Sandeep
Published: July 2024

Globally, millions of diabetic patients require daily life-saving insulin injections. Insulin heat-lability and fibrillation pose significant challenges, especially in parts of the world without ready access to uninterrupted refrigeration. Here, we have synthesized four human insulin analogs by conjugating ε-amine of B29 lysine of insulin with acetic acid, phenylacetic acid, alanine, and phenylalanine residues. Of these, phenylalanine-conjugated insulin, termed FHI, was the most stable under high temperature (65 °C), elevated salt stress (25 mM NaCl), and varying pH levels (ranging from highly acidic pH 1.6 to physiological pH 7.4). It resists fibrillation for a significantly longer duration with sustained biological activity in in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo and displays prolonged stability over its native counterpart. We further unravel the critical interactions, such as additional aromatic π-π interactions and hydrogen bonding in FHI, that are notably absent in native insulin. These interactions confer enhanced structural stability of FHI and offer a promising solution to the challenges associated with insulin heat sensitivity.
Stabilization of P2 layered oxide electrodes in sodium-ion batteries through sodium evaporation
Authors: Zarrabeitia Maider , Salazar Iñigo , Acebedo Begoña , Muñoz-Márquez Miguel Ángel
Published: July 2024

Sodium-ion batteries are well positioned to become, in the near future, the energy storage system for stationary applications and light electromobility. However, two main drawbacks feed their underperformance, namely the irreversible sodium consumption during solid electrolyte interphase formation and the low sodiation degree of one of the most promising cathode materials: the P2-type layered oxides. Here, we show a scalable and low-cost sodiation process based on sodium thermal evaporation. This method tackles the poor sodiation degree of P2-type sodium layered oxides, thus overcoming the first irreversible capacity as demonstrated by manufacturing and testing all solid-state Na doped-Na~1Mn0.8Fe0.1Ti0.1O2 ǀǀ PEO-based polymer electrolyte ǀǀ Na full cells. The proposed sodium physical vapor deposition method opens the door for an easily scalable and low-cost strategy to incorporate any metal deficiency in the battery materials, further pushing the battery development.
Lead-sheathed telecom cables and historic leaded gasoline emissions substantially raise environmental lead levels in Portland, Oregon
Authors: Shiel Alyssa E. , Jovan Sarah , Murphy Christina J.
Published: July 2024

We conducted a high-resolution study of lead in an urban moss, Orthotrichum lyellii, to better understand lead distributions and sources in Portland, Oregon (United States). The outdoor lead landscape is found to be heterogenous, with lead concentrations varying with age of neighborhood: on average 8.3× and 19× the rural background in newer (≥1948) and older neighborhoods (≤1915), respectively. This study finds leaded gasoline to be a pervasive and persistent lead source, decades after the complete phase out of leaded gasoline use by on-road vehicles. The highest lead levels, up to 590× the rural background, are found in older residential neighborhoods where relic lead-sheathed telecommunication cables were identified. Leaching of lead from these cables is thought to be responsible for elevated lead in older residential neighborhoods in cities across the country. Targeted research is needed to quantify the impact of these cables on lead exposures in affected communities.
Distinct sources of uncertainty in simulations of the ocean biological carbon pump at different depths
Authors: Wang Bin , Fennel Katja
Published: July 2024

Model uncertainty in simulating the biological carbon pump was quantified and partitioned using 14 models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6. Uncertainty increases with depth. On the global scale, uncertainty in carbon export dominates above 900 m and uncertainty in transfer efficiency below. Reducing model uncertainty in carbon export and transfer efficiency offers similar benefits for understanding century-scale carbon sequestration and climate. These models produce three different qualitative patterns in transfer efficiency: one where it is globally homogenous and two opposite latitudinal patterns due to different model structures and parameters. The exponent b of the Martin curve, which has long been used to compare different representations of transfer efficiency, is shown here to underestimate uncertainty in transfer efficiency. This highlights the importance of using vertical profiles of carbon flux rather than the single exponent b in model validation and intercomparison exercises.
Connexin43 promotes exocytosis of damaged lysosomes through actin remodelling
Authors: Domingues Neuza , Catarino Steve , Cristóvão Beatriz , Rodrigues Lisa , Carvalho Filomena A , Sarmento Maria João , Zuzarte Mónica , Almeida Jani , Ribeiro-Rodrigues Teresa , Correia-Rodrigues Ânia , Fernandes Fábio , Rodrigues-Santos Paulo , Aasen Trond , Santos Nuno C , Korolchuk Viktor I , Gonçalves Teresa , Milosevic Ira , Raimundo Nuno , Girão Henrique
Published: July 2024

A robust and efficient cellular response to lysosomal membrane damage prevents leakage from the lysosome lumen into the cytoplasm. This response is understood to happen through either lysosomal membrane repair or lysophagy. Here we report exocytosis as a third response mechanism to lysosomal damage, which is further potentiated when membrane repair or lysosomal degradation mechanisms are impaired. We show that Connexin43 (Cx43), a protein canonically associated with gap junctions, is recruited from the plasma membrane to damaged lysosomes, promoting their secretion and accelerating cell recovery. The effects of Cx43 on lysosome exocytosis are mediated by a reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton that increases plasma membrane fluidity and decreases cell stiffness. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Cx43 interacts with the actin nucleator Arp2, the activity of which was shown to be necessary for Cx43-mediated actin rearrangement and lysosomal exocytosis following damage. These results define a novel mechanism of lysosomal quality control whereby Cx43-mediated actin remodelling potentiates the secretion of damaged lysosomes.
3D-printed microrobots for biomedical applications
Authors: Wei Kun , Tang Chenlong , Ma Hui , Fang Xingmiao , Yang Runhuai
Published: July 2024

The 3D printing technologies, structures and materials suitable for microrobots are elaborately discussed. The current progress, challenges and potential solutions of 3D printing microrobots in biomedical applications are discussed.
Recent advances in photonic crystal-based chemical sensors
Authors: Yang Yi , Yu Licheng , Jiang Xiaowen , Li Yijun , He Xiwen , Chen Langxing , Zhang Yukui
Published: July 2024

This feature article presents an overview of the recent advances in photonic crystal-based chemical sensors, including their composite fabrication, surface functionalities, sensing applications, and future challenges.
Apparently improved energy barrier of Dy(iii) SMMs by adopting the bridging bipyrimidine ligand
Authors: Hu Peng , Ding Manman , Gao Xinpeng , Zhu Aixin , Xiao Fengping , Cao Jiangfei , Zhang Yiquan
Published: July 2024

By strategically selecting appropriate ligands, we have designed mononuclear and dimeric DyIII complexes in order to gain valuable insights into the impact of magnetic coupling on the magnetic properties of single-molecule magnets (SMMs).
Unveiling the photophysical and excited state properties of multi-resonant OLED emitters using combined DFT and CCSD method
Authors: Sivasakthi Pandiyan , Samanta Pralok K.
Published: July 2024

Multi-resonance thermally-activated delayed fluorescence is predominantly observed in organoboron heteroatom-embedded molecules, featuring enhanced performance in organic light-emitting diodes.
Structural and spectroscopic studies of lithium tetraborate glass co-doped with Sm and Cu
Authors: Padlyak B. V. , Kindrat I. I. , Adamiv V. T. , Drzewiecki A. , Cieniek B. , Stefaniuk I.
Published: July 2024

Borate glass with the basic composition Li2B4O7 (Li2O–2B2O3) co-doped with Sm and Cu has been obtained and studied in detail using XRD, EPR, optical absorption and photoluminescence (excitation, emission, and decay kinetics) techniques.
Analysis of bonding motifs in unusual molecules I: planar hexacoordinated carbon atoms
Authors: Del Angel Cruz Daniel , Ferreras Katherine N. , Harville Taylor , Schoendorff George , Gordon Mark S.
Published: July 2024

The bonding structures of CO3Li3+ and CS3Li3+ are studied by means of oriented quasi-atomic orbitals (QUAOs) to assess the possibility of these molecules being planar hexacoordinated carbon (phC) systems.
The temperature variation of the CH+ + H reaction rate coefficients: a puzzle finally understood?
Authors: Jara-Toro Rafael A. , Roncero Octavio , Lique François
Published: July 2024

H + CH+ reactive collisions are found to be not very efficient at the low temperatures that characterised the interstellar medium.
Electrostatic modulation of multiple binding events between loquacious-PD and double-stranded RNA
Authors: Moonitz Sasha A. , Do Nhat T. , Noriega Rodrigo
Published: July 2024

Electrostatics alter the RNA-binding properties of loquacious-PD, a protein that displays structure selectivity without sequence specificity.
EPR spectroscopic characterisation of native CuII-binding sites in human serum albumin
Authors: Ackermann Katrin , Wu Dongmei , Stewart Alan J. , Bode Bela E.
Published: July 2024

Using a suite of electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy techniques to investigate single-histidine knockout mutants of human serum albumin, a set of three histidine residues can be determined as primary and secondary copper ion binding sites.
Tuning the spin-crossover properties of [Fe2] metal–organic cages
Authors: Navarro Laia , Garcia-Duran Arnau , Cirera Jordi
Published: July 2024

Electronic structure calculations on dinuclear Fe(ii) spin-crossover systems unravel the effects that guest molecules have on tuning the transition temperature and the single or two-step behavior transition in such systems.
Synergy of experimental and computational chemistry: structure and biological activity of Zn(ii) hydrazone complexes
Authors: Savić Milica , Pevec Andrej , Stevanović Nevena , Novaković Irena , Matić Ivana Z. , Petrović Nina , Stanojković Tatjana , Milčić Karla , Zlatar Matija , Turel Iztok , Čobeljić Božidar , Milčić Miloš , Gruden Maja
Published: July 2024

Zn(ii) hydrazone complexes: combining computational chemistry and biological activity.
Analysis of antiproliferative activity of new half-sandwich arene Ru(ii) thiophene based aroylhydrazone complexes
Authors: Prabaharan Ramya , Arunachalam Abirami , Rengan Ramesh
Published: July 2024

A set of arene Ru(ii) hydrazone complexes (1–3) were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated for cytotoxicity against human cancer cells. Further, apoptotic induction was assessed by various staining methods and flow cytometry analyses.
Self-assembly construction of a homojunction of Sn–Pb perovskite using an antioxidant for all-perovskite tandem solar cells with improved efficiency and stability
Authors: Lin Zhuojia , Chen Jianwei , Duan Chenghao , Fan Kezhou , Li Jiong , Zou Shibing , Zou Feilin , Yuan Ligang , Zhang Zheng , Zhang Kaicheng , Lam Man Yu , Aleksandr Sergeev A. , Qiu Jianhang , Wong Kam Sing , Yan He , Yan Keyou
Published: July 2024

Self-assembly construction of a homojunction with antioxidant encapsulation for efficient and stable narrow bandgap perovskite solar cells and all-perovskite tandem solar cells.
Prospects of single atom catalysts for dendrite-free alkali metal batteries
Authors: Li Huihua , Wang Jian , Zhang Jing , Jia Lujie , Qu Hongxu , Guan Qinghua , Zhang Huang , Lin Hongzhen
Published: July 2024

This work provides a comprehensive understanding of single atom catalysis and its mechanisms towards advanced and sustainable alkali metal batteries.
Hydrophobic cyclodextrin dimer-assisted self-healing elastomer: movable crosslinks of pseudo-rotaxane with recyclable and separable functionality
Authors: Kawano Shintaro , Ichiwara Kaito , Taneichi Haruto , Hamada Shieri , Fujino Yuki , Shimomura Osamu , Shizuma Motohiro
Published: July 2024

A movable cross-linked elastomer derived from a pseudo-rotaxane by utilizing a dimer structure exhibits facile healing and good stretching.
Conductive MXene nanosheets infused in protein fiber hydrogels for bioprinting and thin film electrodes
Authors: Arenas García Mario Alfonso , Hidouri Slah , Little Joshua M. , Modafferi Daniel , Hao Xinxin , Chen Po-Yen , Dorval Courchesne Noémie-Manuelle
Published: July 2024

Conductive hydrogels were fabricated by loading MXene nanosheets into proteinaceous curli fiber hydrogels. The nanocomposites synergistically combine the properties of MXene and curli, forming mechanically and electrically tunable soft electronics.
A synergistic radical concentration increase in eumelanin–PEDOT:PSS blends: mammalian pigment-based doping for thermopower improvement
Authors: Ferraiuolo Raffaella , Carandente Coscia Carlo , Maglione Maria Grazia , Tassini Paolo , Esposito Rodolfo , Vitiello Giuseppe , D'Errico Gerardino , Pezzella Alessandro
Published: July 2024

The impact of eumelanin integration into PEDOT:PSS is explored here by means of in-depth electron paramagnetic resonance measurements to shed light on the possible contribution of the mammalian pigment to thermopower improvement of PEDOT:PSS.
The effect of mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles incorporating various metallic ions (Cu, Zn, Mn, Te) on wound healing
Authors: Pourshahrestani Sara , Zeimaran Ehsan , Janko Christina , Alexiou Christoph , Kerpes Andrea , Würz Adrian , Fischer Marcus , Kaňková Hana , Hartmann Martin , Boccaccini Aldo R.
Published: July 2024

At appropriate concentrations, therapeutic metallic ions can impart efficient biological properties to mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles to promote wound healing.
Intravesical cascade delivery of active monoterpene coumarin for bladder cancer therapy
Authors: Lai Yanwei , Deng Dashi , Yuan Simin , Liu Xiaocen , Lei Qifang , Li Guangzhi
Published: July 2024

Albumin nanocarriers encapsulate the active monoterpene coumarin UM-15 and assemble with fluorinated chitosan (FCS) to form UM-15@BSA/FCS nanoparticles.
Advanced lightweight lightning strike protection composites based on super-aligned carbon nanotube films and thermal-resistant zirconia fibers
Authors: Zhu Mingquan , Zhang Peng , Gao Feng , Bai Yunxiang , Zhang Hui , Zu Min , Liu Luqi , Zhang Zhong
Published: July 2024

We fabricated a composite laminate consisting of 1000 layers of SA-CNTFs and 1 layer of zirconia fiber, effectively shielding CFRP from 100 kA lightning strikes. Furthermore, the lightning strike protection mechanism was thoroughly investigated.
Correction: Supramolecular nanocapsules as two-fold stabilizers of outer-cavity sub-nanometric Ru NPs and inner-cavity ultra-small Ru clusters
Authors: Ubasart Ernest , Mustieles Marin Irene , Asensio Juan Manuel , Mencia Gabriel , López-Vinasco Ángela M. , García-Simón Cristina , del Rosal Iker , Poteau Romuald , Chaudret Bruno , Ribas Xavi
Published: July 2024

Correction for ‘Supramolecular nanocapsules as two-fold stabilizers of outer-cavity sub-nanometric Ru NPs and inner-cavity ultra-small Ru clusters’ by Ernest Ubasart et al., Nanoscale Horiz., 2022, 7, 607–615, https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NH00677K.
Calcium-catalysed ring-opening copolymerisation of epoxides and cyclic anhydrides
Authors: Francés-Poveda Enrique , Martínez de Sarasa Buchaca Marc , Moya-López Carmen , Vitorica-Yrezabal Iñigo J. , López-Solera Isabel , Castro-Osma José A. , la Cruz-Martínez Felipe de , Lara-Sánchez Agustín
Published: July 2024

Novel dinuclear calcium complexes have been employed as bifunctional catalysts for the ring-opening copolymerisation reaction of epoxides and cyclic anhydrides.
Aerial carbon dioxide conversion to carbonate mediated by a lead(ii) complex with tridentate bipyridine containing a hydrazide ligand under electrochemical conditions yielding single-component white-light-emitting phosphors
Authors: Mahmoudi Ghodrat , Garcia-Santos Isabel , Labisbal Elena , Castiñeiras Alfonso , Alizadeh Vali , Gomila Rosa M. , Frontera Antonio , Safin Damir A.
Published: July 2024

A novel tetranuclear complex [Pb4L4(CO3)2]·4H2O (1·4H2O) is reported, which is obtained through electrochemical oxidation of a lead anode under an ambient atmosphere in a CH3CN : MeOH solution.
Extraction of turbulent flame structures and dynamic modes with corrected OH-PLIF images for a hydrogen micromix burner
Authors: Qiu Penghua , Lu Cheng , Zhang Linyao , Xing Chang , Cao Zhen , Liu Li , Peng Jiangbo , Yu Xin
Published: July 2024

Diluted micromix combustion technology is an effective way to realize stable H2 flames with low NOx emission, and the turbulent flame structures of a micromix burner are experimentally revealed in this work with corrected OH-PLIF images.
Unveiling the charge storage mechanism of a supercapacitor constructed from an ortho-quinone-derived covalent organic framework on electrophoretically exfoliated graphene
Authors: Jaryal Ritika , Upreti Bharat Bhushan , Kumar Parteek , Sutradhar Sanjeeb , Khullar Sadhika , Dey Ramendra Sundar , Kumar Rakesh
Published: July 2024

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) exhibit crystalline structures, high chemical and thermal stability, and pseudocapacitive behavior, making them promising candidates for electrochemical energy storage (EES) devices.
Construction of parallel-structured composites based on a theoretical model to achieve an ultra-high dielectric constant
Authors: Han Ruolin , Ren Jiafei , Quan Hui , Wang Xuehe , Qi Wenning , Gao Dali , Zhou Zheng , Li Qifang , Chen Guang-Xin
Published: July 2024

In this work, parallel-structured BaTiO3/epoxy composites were prepared and excellent dielectric properties were obtained. The composite with 59 vol% content has an ultra-high dielectric constant (2017) and shows low loss (<0.02) at 1 kHz.
Efficient interfacial charge transfer: establishing a B–Co electron bridge and heterojunction synergistic enhancement of hydrogen evolution activity between borophene and Co9S8
Authors: Shang Yan , Xu Jing
Published: July 2024

Schematic representation of the photocatalytic mechanism.
Study of transient absorption spectroscopy of a D–π–A structure aggregation-induced emission luminogen and its photodynamic therapy application
Authors: Zhang Siwei , Wang Junqiao , Wang Zaiyu , Shao Ming , Zhang Chen , Chen Xinmeng , Sun Jianwei , Kwok Ryan Tsz Kin , Lam Jacky Wing Yip , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: July 2024

Transient absorption spectroscopy has revealed that AIEgens exhibit a more rapid and facile excited-state molecular motion in the solution state compared to the aggregate state, implying the predominance of nonradiative decay in the solution state.
Synthesis, dual mode luminescence and down-conversion based thermometric properties of novel Y2−x−yLaCaGa3ZrO12:xEr3+, yYb3+ phosphors
Authors: Mo Zhurong , Wen Hongli , Gao Xin , Ta Chonge , Mu Zhongfei , Dawi E. A. , Hakeem Deshmukh Abdul
Published: July 2024

Y2−x−yLaCaGa3ZrO12:xEr3+, yYb3+ phosphors exhibit down conversion-based luminescence temperature sensing in the range of 200–525 K with superior absolute/relative sensitivities.
Rapid Response Mode observations of GRB 160203A: Looking for fine-structure line variability at z = 3.52
Authors: Pugliese G. , Saccardi A. , D’Elia V. , Vergani S. D. , Heintz K. E. , Savaglio S. , Kaper L. , de Ugarte Postigo A. , Hartmann D. H. , De Cia A. , Vejlgaard S. , Fynbo J. P. U. , Christensen L. , Campana S. , van Rest D. , Selsing J. , Wiersema K. , Malesani D. B. , Covino S. , Burgarella D. , De Pasquale M. , Jakobsson P. , Japelj J. , Kann D. A. , Kouveliotou C. , Rossi A. , Tanvir N. R. , Thöne C. C. , Xu D.
Published: July 2024

Context. Gamma-ray bursts are the most energetic known explosions. Although they fade rapidly, they give us the opportunity to measure redshift and important properties of their host galaxies. We report the photometric and spectroscopic study of the Swift GRB 160203A at z = 3.518, and its host galaxy. Fine-structure absorption lines, detected in the afterglow at different epochs, allow us to investigate variability due to the strong fading background source.

Aims. We obtained two optical to near-infrared spectra of the GRB afterglow with X-shooter on ESO/VLT, 18 minutes and 5.7 hours after the burst, allowing us to investigate temporal changes of fine-structure absorption lines.

Methods. We measured H I column density log N(HI/cm–2) = 21.75 ± 0.10, and several heavy-element ions along the GRB sightline in the host galaxy, among which Si II, Al II, Al III, C II, Ni II, Si IV, C IV, Zn II and Fe II, and Fe II∗ and Si II∗ fine-structure transitions from energetic levels excited by the afterglow, at the common redshift z = 3.518. We measured [M/H]TOT = –0.78 ± 0.13 and a [Zn/Fe]FIT = 0.69 ± 0.15, representing the total (dust corrected) metallicity and dust depletion, respectively. We detected additional intervening systems along the line of sight at ɀ = 1.03, ɀ = 1.26, ɀ = 1.98, ɀ = 1.99, ɀ = 2.20, and ɀ = 2.83. We could not measure significant variability in the strength of the fine-structure lines throughout all the observations and determined an upper limit for the GRB distance from the absorber of d < 300 pc, adopting the canonical UV pumping scenario. However, we note that the quality of our data is not sufficient to conclusively rule out collisions as an alternative mechanism.

Results. GRB 160203A belongs to a growing sample of GRBs with medium resolution spectroscopy, provided by the Swift/X-shooter legacy programme, which enables a detailed investigation of the interstellar medium in high-redshift GRB host galaxies. In particular, this host galaxy shows relatively high metal enrichment and dust depletion already in place when the universe was only 1.8 Gyr old.
Very high energy afterglow of structured jets: GW 170817 and prospects for future detections
Authors: Pellouin Clément , Daigne Frédéric
Published: July 2024

We present a complete numerical model of the afterglow of a laterally structured relativistic ejecta from the radio to very high energies (VHE). This includes a self-consistent calculation of the synchrotron radiation, with its maximum frequency, and of synchrotron self-Compton (SSC) scattering that takes the Klein-Nishina regime into account. Attenuation due to pair production is also included. This model is computationally efficient and allows multi-wavelength data fitting. As a validation test, the radiative model was used to fit the broad-band spectrum of GRB 190114C at 90 s up to the TeV range. The full model was then used to fit the afterglow of GW 170817 and predict its VHE emission. We find that the SSC flux at the peak was much dimmer than the upper limit from H.E.S.S. observations. However, we show that either a smaller viewing angle or a higher external density would make similar off-axis events detectable in the future at VHE, even above 100 Mpc with the sensitivity of the Cherenkov telescope array. High external densities are expected in the case of fast mergers, but the existence of a formation channel for these binary neutron stars is still uncertain. We highlight that VHE afterglow detections would help to efficiently probe systems like this.
Unraveling the birthplaces of NGC 2070’s massive stars, tracked with MUSE and revealed with JWST
Authors: Castro N.
Published: July 2024

The formation of massive O-type stars cannot be simply explained as a scaled-up version of the accretion mechanisms observed in lower-mass stars. Understanding these processes necessitates systematic studies of their early stages, which are challenging to identify. Forming massive stars remain embedded in their dense nursery clouds, and IR instruments with high spatial resolution capabilities are needed to better observe them. Despite these challenges, MUSE optical observations of the massive cluster NGC 2070 successfully detected potential star-forming regions through spatially resolved electron density maps. To further explore these regions, theJames WebbSpace Telescope (JWST) utilized its NIRCam and MIRI instruments to penetrate optically obscured areas. This study examines two specific regions in the southeast part of the NGC 2070 MUSE density map, where tracks of highly dense point sources were identified. NIRCam, partially overlapped with MIRI, resolved these MUSE findings, revealing a procession of stellar point sources in the projected images. The detections are associated with elongated clouds, suggesting greater proper motions compared to the surrounding interstellar medium. These findings may indicate the presence of runaway candidates in the early stages of their evolution that are following common escape routes. This would support the notion that dynamical ejection is an efficient mechanism for the formation of massive runaway stars during early stages and likely plays a significant role in the origin of O-type field stars. However, additional data are required to confirm this scenario and rule out other ionizing feedback mechanisms, such as those observed in the formation of pillar-like structures around HII regions in the Milky Way. MUSE electron density mapping effectively captures the complexity of NGC 2070’s interstellar medium and highlights targets for subsequent spectroscopic follow-ups, as demonstrated by the JWST data in the two fields studied.
The host of GRB 171205A in 3D
Authors: Thöne C. C. , de Ugarte Postigo A. , Izzo L. , Michalowski M. J. , Levan A. J. , Leung J. K. , Agüí Fernández J. F. , Géron T. , Friesen R. , Christensen L. , Covino S. , D’Elia V. , Hartmann D. H. , Jakobsson P. , De Pasquale M. , Pugliese G. , Rossi A. , Schady P. , Wiersema K. , Zafar T.
Published: July 2024

Long GRB hosts at z < 1 are usually low-mass, low-metallicity star-forming galaxies. Here we present the most detailed, spatially resolved study of the host of GRB 171205A so far, a grand-design barred spiral galaxy at z = 0.036. Our analysis includes MUSE integral field spectroscopy complemented with high-spatial-resolution UV/VIS HST imaging and CO(1−0) and H I 21 cm data. The GRB is located in a small star-forming region in a spiral arm of the galaxy at a deprojected distance of ∼8 kpc from the center. The galaxy shows a smooth negative metallicity gradient and the metallicity at the GRB site is half solar, slightly below the mean metallicity at the corresponding distance from the center. Star formation in this galaxy is concentrated in a few H II regions between 5 and 7 kpc from the center and at the end of the bar, inwards from the GRB region; however the H II region hosting the GRB is in the top 10% of the regions with the highest specific star-formation rate. The stellar population at the GRB site has a very young component (< 5 Myr) that contributes a significant part of the light. Ionized and molecular gas show only minor deviations at the end of the bar. A parallel study found an asymmetric H I distribution and some additional gas near the position of the GRB, which might explain the star-forming region of the GRB site. Our study shows that long GRBs can occur in many types of star-forming galaxies; however the actual GRB sites have consistently low metallicity, high star formation rates, and a young population. Furthermore, gas inflow or interactions triggering the star formation producing the GRB progenitor might not be evident in ionized or even molecular gas but only in H I.
Dissecting a miniature universe: A multi-wavelength view of galaxy quenching in the Shapley supercluster
Authors: Aghanim N. , Tuominen T. , Bonjean V. , Gouin C. , Bonnaire T. , Einasto M.
Published: July 2024

Multiple cluster systems, that is superclusters, contain large numbers of galaxies assembled in clusters interconnected by multi-scale filamentary networks. As such, superclusters are a smaller version of the cosmic web and can hence be considered as miniature universes. In addition to the galaxies, superclusters also contain gas, which is hot in the clusters and warmer in the filaments. Therefore, they are ideal laboratories to study the interplay between the galaxies and the gas. In this context, the Shapley supercluster (SSC) stands out since it hosts the highest number of galaxies in the local Universe with clusters interconnected by filaments. In addition, it is detected both in X-rays and via the thermal Sunyaev-Zel’dovich (tSZ) effect, making it ideal for a multi-wavelength study of the gas and galaxies. Applying for the first time a filament-finder based on graphs, T-REx, on a spectroscopic galaxy catalogue, we uncovered the 3D filamentary network in and around SSC. Simultaneously, we used a large sample of photometric galaxies with information on their star formation rates (SFRs) in order to investigate the quenching of star formation in the SSC environment which we define as a function of the gas distribution in the Planck tSZ map and the ROSAT X-ray map. With T-REx, we confirm filaments already observed in the distribution of galaxies of the SSC, and we detect new ones. We observe the quenching of star formation as a function of the gas contained in the SSC. We show a general trend of decreasing SFR where the tSZ and X-ray signals are the highest, within the high density environments of the SSC. Within these regions, we also observe a rapid decline in the number of star-forming galaxies, coinciding with an increasing number of transitioning and passive galaxies. Within the SSC filaments, the fraction of passive galaxies is larger than outside filaments, irrespective of the gas pressure. Our results suggest that the zone of influence of the SSC in which galaxies are pre-processed and quenched is well defined by the tSZ signal that combines the density and temperature of the environments.