bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prodrug Self‐Assemblies Based on Plant Volatile Aldehydes with Improved Stability and Antimicrobial Activity Against Plant Pathogens
Authors: Hu Gaohua , Zhou Zhiyuan , Tang Gang , Liu Yulu , Zhang Xiaohong , Huang Yuqi , Yan Guangyao , Xiao Jianhua , Yan Weiyao , Li Jianqiang , Cao Yongsong 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPlant volatile aldehydes (PVAs) such as cinnamaldehyde (Cin), citral (Cit), citronellal (Citr), and perillaldehyde (Per) have broad‐spectrum antimicrobial activity and show great potential in agricultural sustainable production. However, most PVAs not only have very high volatility but also are easily degradable in environment, which seriously restricts their wide application. To address the inherent problems with PVAs, four prodrugs based on PVAs are fabricated by conjugating individually Cin, Cit, Citr, and Per to sodium bisulfite (Sod) through a simple addition reaction and subsequently self‐assembled into nanoparticles (prodrug self‐assemblies) in aqueous solutions. The results showed that pH of 7 and temperature of 35 °C are the optimal conditions for the formation of the prodrug self‐assemblies with the highest self‐assembly rates. The prepared prodrug self‐assemblies are spherical nanoparticles with average particle sizes of 100–200 nm, almost no volatilization, and high surface activity and stability, and can respond to acidic and redox microenvironments to release PVAs. The prodrug self‐assemblies showed synergistic antimicrobial activities against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Penicillium digitatum, and good biological safety to plants. Therefore, these findings have important implications for the efficient utilization of PVAs in agriculture, ensuring the safety of the ecological environment and realizing the sustainable development of agriculture.
Regulating Carbon Vacancies and Undercoordinated Mo Sites in Mo2C Catalysts Toward Photo‐Thermal Catalytic Conversion of Biomass Into H2 Fuel
Authors: Chen Yan , Cheng Miao , Ma Chi , Wang Zi‐Yi , Tang Ji‐Ping , Li Naixu , Guan Jie , Yuan Yong‐Jun 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe conversion of biomass into chemical fuels is exciting but quite challenging in the development of an effective conversion strategy to generate easily‐separated products without energy consumption. Herein, a lignocellulosic biomass‐to‐H2 conversion system via photo‐thermal catalysis over Mo2C hierarchical nanotube catalysts in an acidic solution, in which the lignocellulose is hydrolyzed to small organic molecules (such as glucose, etc) by dilute H2SO4, and then the resulting glucose is oxidized by Mo2C catalyst to generate H2 are reported. During the photo‐thermal catalytic processes, the carbon vacancy in Mo2C catalysts results in the generation of undercoordinated Mo sites, which act as active sites for both biomass oxidation and H2 generation reactions. Thus, the successful photo‐thermal catalytic conversion of common agricultural and forestry biomass including polar wood chip, bamboo, wheat straw, rice straw, corncob, and rice hull into H2 fuel is realized, and the highest H2 generation rate achieves 30 µmol g−1 h−1 in the wheat straw system. Outwork affords efficient noble‐metal‐free catalysts with adjustable active sites for photo‐thermal catalytic conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into H2.
Nanomaterials‐Enabled Sensors for Detecting and Monitoring Chemical Warfare Agents
Authors: Kilani Mohamed , Mao Guangzhao 
Published: December 2024

AbstractDespite their restrictions under international treaties, many chemical warfare agents (CWAs) and their toxic analogues are still used in various industrial sectors such as agriculture and chemical manufacturing. Thus, the need for sensitive and selective CWA detection remains critical. Commercially available detection methods, while accurate, are often bulky, expensive, and require specialized personnel. Sensors incorporating nanomaterials present a promising alternative, offering rapid, portable, and cost‐effective detection due to their unique properties, such as high surface area and tunable reactivity. This review covers the four main CWA categories: nerve agents, blister agents, blood agents, and choking agents, highlighting recent progress in nanosensor development for each category. It discusses various sensing mechanisms employed, including fluorescence, colorimetry, chemiresistivity, electrochemistry, and Raman spectroscopy. Despite these advancements, challenges remain, particularly regarding the scalability, stability, and selectivity of nanomaterials‐based sensors in complex environments. The review concludes by emphasizing the need to address these challenges and explore novel nanomaterials, the development of scalable nanomanufacturing techniques, and the integration of artificial intelligence to fully unlock the potential of nanomaterials in CWA sensing for homeland security and personal safety.
Enhancing Stability and 6C Fast Charging in µSi||LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 Lithium‐Ion Batteries Using Conductive Binders With Multiple Hydrogen Bonds
Authors: Chen Jiaxin , Hu Kangjia , Wang Zhangci , Xu Henghui , Huang Yunhui , Hu Xianluo 
Published: December 2024

AbstractMicro‐sized silicon (µSi) anodes are an attractive alternative to graphite for high‐energy lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) due to their low cost and high specific capacity. However, they suffer from severe volume expansion during lithiation, leading to fast capacity decay and poor rate capability. Herein, a new hybrid binder featuring a cross‐linked conductive network and multiple hydrogen bonds for µSi anodes with high areal capacity is reported. This binder demonstrates multi‐scale synergistic effects, including robust binder‐derived solid electrolyte interphase, multiple networks to mitigate electrode pulverization and efficient ion/electron transfer pathways. As a result, the µSi anodes exhibit long‐term cyclability and exceptional rate performance, achieving a high specific capacity of 1481.3 mAh g−1 at 12 A g−1 and maintaining 960.5 mAh g−1 at 20 A g−1. When paired with the LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811) cathode, the µSi||NCM811 full cell delivers an impressive capacity of 145.8 mAh g−1 under fast 6C charging conditions, along with high Coulombic efficiency during cycling. This research presents an effective strategy for enabling fast charging and stable cycling in high‐energy µSi‐based LIBs.
Making Accessible and Attractive Porosities in Block Copolymer Nanofibers for Highly Permeable and Durable Air Filtration
Authors: Ji Xuzheng , Bian Ye , Zhang Chencheng , Zhong Zhaoxiang , Wang Yong 
Published: December 2024

AbstractSubmicron particulate matter (PM) can penetrate deeply into human tissue, posing a serious threat to human health. However, the electrostatic charge of commercial respirators is easily dissipated, making it difficult to maintain long‐term filtration. Herein, a hierarchically porous filter based on nanofibers with accessible porosity and particulate‐attractive surfaces, achieving significant filtration performance is developed through polarity‐driven interactions. This is achieved by selective swelling of electrospun nanofibers of the block copolymer of polysulfone and poly(ethylene glycol) (PSF‐b‐PEG), in which the originally solid nanofibers are 3D perforated with the PEG chains lined along the pore walls. Thus‐produces nanofiber filters exhibit a long‐term continuous filtration with an efficiency of over 95% for PM0.3 and a low pressure drop of only 40 Pa. In particular, it maintains superior filtration performance even under high particle concentrations and high humidity conditions. Additionally, the filter exhibits high air permeability (10814 m3 m−2 h−1 kPa−1) and water vapor transmission rate (3707 g m−2 d−1). This work provides new strategies and understandings on the development of porous structures simultaneously exhibiting high gas permeability and efficient particulate rejection.
In Silico Detection and Conveyance Feasibility of Antifungal Prodrug Flucytosine on the Surface of Pristine and Germanium‐Doped SiC Nanosheet
Authors: Krishna Anjaly Baiju , Suvilal Arjun , Vamadevan Rakhesh , Babu Jeetu Satheesh 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe work describes a novel sensing and transportation feasibility of the well‐established antifungal drug Flucytosine (5‐FC) using a 2D Silicon carbide (SiC) and Germanium‐doped Silicon carbide (Ge@SiC) nanosheet via PBE level of Density functional theory. The computational study revealed that the drug molecules adhere to SiC and Ge@SiC sheets, maintaining their structural properties through physisorption on SiC and chemisorption on Ge@SiC. The charge transfer process associated with the adsorption is observed by Lowdin charge analysis and both the SiC and Ge@SiC sheets are identified as a feasible oxidation‐based nanosensor for the drug. The results of electronic property calculation revealed a reduction in bandgap by 48.2% and 44.8% on SiC and Ge@SiC sheets respectively on adsorption of the drug, highlighting SiC nanosheet to be used as a bandgap‐based sensing device. Sensing response at room temperature and human body temperature suggested that, the SiC sheet has an excellent selectivity to Flucytosine drug. The drug's desorption efficiency from the carrier is analyzed using recovery time analysis at different temperatures and frequencies, suggesting the SiC nanosheet to be a better candidate. Together, the study highlights the potential sensing ability of SiC nanosheet for Flucytosine in contrast to the existing 0‐D nanostructures.
Microalgae for Sustainable Biofuel Generation: Innovations, Bottlenecks, and Future Directions
Authors: Stephy G. Mary , Surendarnath S. , Flora G. , Amesho Kassian T. T. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTMicroalgae, with their rapid growth rates, high intracellular lipid accumulation, and ability to utilize wastewater, emerge as a promising feedstock for high‐quality biodiesel production. Recent contributions in algal fuel research include breakthroughs in genetic engineering to boost lipid yields, such as CRISPR‐modified strains optimized for biofuel production. Innovative bioreactor designs are enhancing scalability and energy efficiency, while integration with waste‐to‐energy systems enables resource recovery and cost savings. Additionally, advancements in techno‐economic models are making large‐scale algal biofuel production more feasible, aided by supportive government policies and subsidies. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of recent advancements in microalgal growth techniques and biofuel production methodologies. This study aims to identify key research gaps and contribute to the optimization of biofuel production processes and the development of sustainable bioenergy solutions.
Urinary protein‐to‐creatinine ratio in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus): Reference range and the effect of age and sex
Authors: Kovarikova Simona , Blahova Jana , Truhlarova Alena , Baslerova Sona , Krepinska Iva , Jekl Vladimir 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundThere are currently few reports on the normal urinary protein‐to‐creatinine (UPC) ratio of guinea pigs, and there is little information on the effects of age and sex on this parameter.MethodsUrinary protein and creatinine concentrations were measured in a total of 161 clinically healthy guinea pigs, and the UPC ratio was subsequently calculated. The effect of age and sex on these parameters was assessed using Mann‐Whitney U tests. Using these data, UPC ratio reference ranges were established.ResultsGuinea pig pups younger than 6 months had a significantly higher UPC ratio than adult animals (median UPCs of 1.48 and 0.56, respectively). There was no effect of sex on this parameter. The reference range for the UPC ratio in adult guinea pigs was set at 0.12–2.21. For guinea pigs younger than 6 months, the reference range for the UPC ratio was set at 0.4–3.1.LimitationsThis study was limited by the lack of blood analysis, which could reveal a subclinical health problem that could affect renal function and the extent of proteinuria.ConclusionIn guinea pigs, the UPC ratio is influenced by age but not by sex. Therefore, the reference range established for adult guinea pigs cannot be used for pups younger than 6 months.
Oil removal from seawater using sorbent plant matter before desalination plants
Authors: Eldoma Mubarak A. , Zouli Nasser , Kuku Mohammed , Maslamani Nujud , Alomar Mohammad S. , Bakather Omer Y. , Hassan Mohamed 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAlfalfa leaf leftovers, a biomass waste from agriculture, were evaluated in this work as sorbent plant matter for oil elimination from seawater before desalination units. At 2 min and a 0.25 g biomass dosage, the exothermic (∆H: −51.55 kJ.mol−1) system's maximal oil removal was 90%, and an adsorption capacity of 1.76 g/g was attained. The oil uptake was formfitting using the pseudo‐first‐order kinetic (R2 = 0.9955) model and Langmuir (R2 = 0.93292) with Hill (R2 = 0.98216) isotherms, according to the results of kinetic and isotherm investigations conducted on the oil sorption outcomes. Also, the economic recycling of Alfalfa leaf leftovers decreased to less than 50% after two adsorption–desorption cycles. Leftover alfalfa leaves have good oil‐adsorbing properties that make them suitable as adsorbent material for cleaning up oil spills and used in systems that purify water and oil.
Family planning, pregnancy, and parenthood during surgical training: Experiences and perspectives from trainees and early career surgeons in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Xu Jennifer , Basto Marnique , Dowling Caroline , Ischia Joseph , Bolton Damien , Woon Dixon 
Published: December 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo identify and address areas for improvement within the current surgical training model in Australia and New Zealand relating to family planning and inflexible training as top barriers to gender equity in surgery.MethodsA cross‐sectional study of accredited surgical trainees and early career surgeons in Australia and New Zealand was conducted between September and October 2023. Participants were recruited by the RACS Fax Mentis, the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand (USANZ) e‐newsletter, and medical social media networks. Qualitative and quantitative data were collated by the electronic survey and thematically analyzed.ResultsThere was a total of 146 participants. Approximately two‐thirds of respondents identified as mothers and one‐third as fathers, with representation from all surgical specialties. We identified four key themes including the disruptive impact of poor work‐life balance on family planning, an absence of workplace systemic supports, a need for structured support program upon return‐to‐work from parental leave, and challenges in balancing professional and parental identities and responsibilities.ConclusionTo promote a culture of equity, inclusivity, and acceptance, restructuring of surgical training programs are necessary to support trainees as they navigate family planning and parenthood. Promotion of flexible training options and recruitment of additional clinical supports around parental leave period may reduce negative biases toward trainees simultaneously balancing family and work. Systemic change is required to lower barriers to entry and achieve gender equality in surgery.
Time Between Diagnosis and Completion of Treatment for Locally Advanced Cervical Carcinoma
Authors: Nunes Ravine Sales , Oliveira Marco Aurélio Pinho de , Soares Leila Cristina 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTChemoradiotherapy combined with brachytherapy is the standard treatment for locally advanced cervical cancer. Guidelines recommend initiating treatment within 8 weeks of diagnosis and completing it within 8 weeks of initiation. This study aimed to analyze the duration between diagnosis and the completion of treatment for women attending a gynecological oncology clinic. We retrospectively evaluated the waiting times and treatment durations for 57 women diagnosed with cervical cancer attended at a tertiary hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, who received radiotherapy between January 2016 and December 2023. Out of 57 medical records, 23 were excluded due to incomplete data, leaving 34 records for analysis. Radiotherapy treatment initiation was delayed beyond 8 weeks in 73.5% of women, with 47% experiencing delays exceeding 16 weeks. Throughout the study period, no significant temporal trends were observed in the time to initiate treatment (z = −0.99741, p = 0.31), the interval between radiotherapy and brachytherapy (z = 0, p = 1), the treatment duration (z = 0, p = 1), or the total treatment time (z = −0.24935, p = 0.8). The waiting time to initiate treatment and the interval between radiotherapy and brachytherapy exceeded the recommended duration. The main delay was attributed to the waiting period for brachytherapy. Expanding service availability and integrating the scheduling of radiotherapy and brachytherapy could help reduce delays and improve treatment efficiency.
Exploring bioconvective heat transfer dynamics on curved surfaces: Insights into non‐Newtonian behavior and multifaceted influencing factors
Authors: Khan Muhammad Riaz , Li Mingxia , Mao Shipeng 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThis research article investigates the bioconvective flow of a second‐grade fluid along a curved surface, considering non‐Newtonian behavior and diverse influencing factors such as heat generation, chemical reactions, slip, Lorentz force, and viscous dissipation. By employing MATLAB's bvp4c tool and the similarity transformations, the nondimensional partial differential equations are solved. We discover that the stable and unstable solutions differ significantly from one another, which has significant consequences for industries including microfluidic devices and curved surface manufacturing. The study also examines the effects of homogenous and heterogenous reaction parameters on reactant concentrations, revealing that higher values reduce concentration, particularly for the second solution. Designing effective heat exchangers and chemical reactors requires consideration of the sensitivity of skin friction coefficient and Nusselt number to curvature, slip, and heat generation, as demonstrated by this work. The findings may guide future experimental study and yield important insights for optimization of bioconvective systems.
Accelerating Climate Innovation in Cities
Authors: Ossola Alessandro , Lin Brenda 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe rate at which climate action is currently achieved is often outpaced by the increasing speed of climate impacts in many urbanised regions globally. Actions related to coping with climate extremes, improving adaptive responses, and ultimately transforming cities for climate resilience have had variable success and have often failed to be implemented at scale. Climate stresses and impacts are accelerating; current climate action is not, at least not fast enough.Here we propose a novel conceptual framework based on the concept of ‘climate innovation’: the pervasive, strategic application of new and yet-to-be-born ideas, knowledge, and technology that can significantly accelerate the mitigation of climate change impacts and realise climate adaptation in human societies.We identify a typology of climate innovations—incremental, sustaining, radical, and disruptive—highlighting possible foci and examples of innovations. We further discuss how climate innovation and adoption curves, as well as innovation series, could be idealised and implemented to fast-track climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies at multiple scales.This framework can hopefully help societies and decision-makers to better contextualise how meaningful climate action can be envisioned, prioritised, and implemented—and discontinued when it fails to accelerate climate innovations and meet climate goals in increasingly accelerated timeframes.
Coupled antimony and sulfur isotopic composition of stibnite as a window to the origin of Sb mineralization in epithermal systems (examples from the Kremnica and Zlatá Baňa deposits, Slovakia)
Authors: Koděra Peter , Mathur Ryan , Zhai Degao , Milovský Rastislav , Bačo Pavel , Majzlan Juraj 
Published: December 2024

AbstractStibnite is a relatively common mineral in epithermal deposits, with little known about Sb transport and efficient stibnite precipitation. The famous Kremnica Au-Ag low-sulfidation deposit and Zlatá Baňa intermediate-sulfidation Pb-Zn-Cu-Au-Ag-Sb deposit are hosted in two different Neogene volcanic fields in Western Carpathians, Slovakia. In both deposits, stibnite-rich veins occur outside of major vein structures, accompanied by illite, illite/smectite, and kaolinite alteration, and affiliated to late-stage fluids (< 2 wt% NaCl eq., < 150 °C). Sulfur isotopic composition of stibnite and sulfides is different at both deposits, likely due to a different magmatic-hydrothermal evolution of the parental magmatic chambers in the Central and Eastern Slovak Volcanic Fields. The Sb isotopes (δ123Sb), however, show similar values and trends of gradual simultaneous increase with δ34S values, explained by a progressive precipitation of stibnite and its fractionation with the fluid. The data were modeled by two coupled Rayleigh fractionation models, (for Sb and for S), assuming a predominant Sb transport in HSb2S4– with a variable amount of S species. Higher molality ratio mS/mSb of fluids was found in Kremnica (~ 3–4) than in Zlatá Baňa (~ 2). At both deposits, the heaviest δ123Sb values are accompanied by a decrease in the δ34S values probably due to the commencement of pyrite/marcasite precipitation. According to thermodynamic models of solubility of Sb(III) complexes and observations from active geothermal fields, stibnite precipitation was triggered by temperature decrease accompanied by mixing with a mildly acidic fluid (pH 4–5) of a steam-heated CO2-rich condensate on margins and in the final stages of epithermal systems. The proposed model for the origin of stibnite-bearing veins in epithermal systems can be used for their better targeting and efficient mineral exploration.