bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Heterotaxy Gene CCDC11 Is Important for Cytokinesis via RhoA Regulation
Authors: Kulkarni Saurabh S. , Stephenson Rachel E. , Amalraj Sarah , Arrigo Angelo , Betleja Ewelina , Moresco James J. , Yates John R. , Mahjoub Moe R. , Miller Ann L. , Khokha Mustafa K. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTMutations in CCDC11 (cfap53) have been identified in multiple patients with heterotaxy (Htx), a disorder of left–right (LR) patterning of the internal organs. In Xenopus, depletion of Ccdc11 causes defects in LR patterning, recapitulating the patient phenotype. Upon Ccdc11 depletion, monociliated cells of the Left–Right Organizer (LRO) exhibit multiple cilia per cell. Unexpectedly, we found that Ccdc11 is necessary for successful cytokinesis, explaining the multiciliation phenotype observed in Ccdc11‐depleted cells. The small GTPase RhoA is critical for cytokinesis, and our Ccdc11 depletion phenotypes are reminiscent of RhoA loss of function. Here, we demonstrate that during cytokinesis CCDC11 is localized to the cytokinetic contractile ring overlapping with RhoA, and CCDC11 regulates total RhoA protein levels. Our results connect CCDC11 to cytokinesis and LR patterning via RhoA regulation, providing a potential mechanism for heterotaxy disease pathogenesis.
Temperature‐Dependent Kinetics of Plasma‐Based CO2 Conversion: Interplay of Electron‐Driven and Thermal‐Driven Chemistry
Authors: Mohanan Aswath , Snoeckx Ramses , Cha Min Suk 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe transformation of CO2 into chemical building blocks for various industries is considered a key technology in a net‐zero energy future. To realize this, plasma discharges are one of the most promising approaches thanks to their electron‐driven reactions and high operational flexibility. Most studies focused on room‐temperature and vibrationally‐excited discharges, however, lately, the importance of thermal reactions is considered. Therefore, we developed a temperature‐dependent plasma‐chemical reaction mechanism to investigate the temperature dependence of plasma‐based CO2 conversion. Here, we present the various effects of thermally‐driven reactions on the CO2 conversion as a function of the gas temperature and specific energy input. Our analysis pinpointed the key reactions controlling the plasma‐based CO2 conversion, shifting from an electron‐driven to a thermal‐driven regime. Additionally, we used the mechanism to verify the theoretical upper boundary of the process’ energy efficiency, and discussed how our findings could lead to the further development and optimization of plasma discharges for efficient CO2 conversion in the future.
Medulla Tetrapanacis water extract ameliorates mastitis by suppressing bacterial internalization and inflammation via MAPKs signaling in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Kwok Carsten Tsun‐Ka , Hu Yuanhao , Tsoi Bun , Wong Fiona , Hau Pak‐Ting , Tam Emily Wan‐Ting , Mok Daniel Kam‐Wah , Kwan Yiu‐Wa , Leung George Pak‐Heng , Lee Simon Ming‐Yuen , Li Jing‐Jing , Chow Franklin Wang‐Ngai , Seto Sai‐Wang 
Published: October 2024

AbstractMedulla Tetrapanacis (MT) is a commonly used herbal ingredient in soup to promote lactation and management of mastitis among lactating mothers worldwide, particularly in Asian countries. However, scientific evidence to support its usage in the management of mastitis is limited. This study aimed to investigate the effects of MT water extract and its underlying mechanisms in Staphylococcus aureus (SA)–induced mastitis in human mammary epithelial cells (HuMEC) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)–induced mastitis in lactating Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats. The anti‐inflammatory and antibacterial effects of MT water extract were examined in SA‐infected HuMEC by ELISA and plate counting, respectively. The effects of MT water extract on blood‐milk barrier and the underlying mechanism of action of the MT water extract were also investigated by transendothelial electrical resistance assay and western blot. The effects and mechanisms of MT water extract on alleviating mastitis on SD rats were evaluated using LPS‐induced mastitis rat model. Our results showed that MT water extract could suppress SA‐induced mastitis by reducing SA internalization and growth, protecting blood‐milk barrier integrity, and attenuating release of cytokines (interleukin 6 [IL‐6] and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha [TNF‐α]) in HuEMC. Furthermore, the antibacterial effect might be related to the increase of antimicrobial peptides transcription, and the anti‐inflammatory effect is at least partly mediated by inactivation of p38 and JNK signaling pathways. Finally, our in vivo results showed that MT water extract ameliorated LPS‐induced mastitis in SD rats via suppressing inflammatory cytokine release (TNF‐α, IL‐6, and interleukin‐1 beta), myeloperoxidase, and alleviating pathohistological damage by downregulation of JNK signaling pathway.
How laser material processing can benefit from OCT technology
Authors: Seiler Michael , Frank Samson , Thelemann Dennis , Elies Oliver , Teymori Pouria , Bliedtner Jens 
Published: October 2024

AbstractUltrashort‐pulse (USP) laser ablation enables the creation of freeform shapes that are challenging to produce with conventional optics manufacturing techniques. To maintain the industrial standards of many branches, it is crucial to not only consider material removal rates but also the surface quality and subsurface damage (SSD). This study investigates the SSD patterns generated in fused silica and quantifies key parameters such as the SSD depth by applying optical coherence tomography (OCT).
EPSPS gene amplification in a glyphosate‐resistant population of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) from Oregon
Authors: Ribeiro Victor HV , Berry Pete , Creed Tim B , Barroso Judit , Mallory‐Smith Carol A , Gallagher Joseph P 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDLolium multiflorum Lam. (Italian ryegrass, annual ryegrass) is both a weed and a crop in Oregon. Because it is commonly managed using chemical controls, herbicide‐resistant populations have evolved within the seed production region. A glyphosate‐resistant population was identified in Yamhill County, Oregon, in a fallow field previously cropped with perennial ryegrass.RESULTSDose–response studies showed that the glyphosate‐resistant population, OR12, was nine‐fold more resistant to glyphosate than the susceptible population. No EPSPS amino acid substitutions known to confer glyphosate resistance were observed via gene sequencing. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) of genomic DNA revealed a mean 30‐fold increase in EPSPS gene copies in the OR12 population. Biomass after glyphosate treatment was correlated with EPSPS gene copy number of individual plants.CONCLUSIONThis is the first known report of glyphosate resistance associated with EPSPS gene amplification to arise in L. multiflorum populations in Oregon. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Identification and characterization of alkaline hydrolytic degradation products of ivacaftor by UPLC‐PDA and UPLC‐ESI‐QTOF‐MS techniques
Authors: Bishnoi Aastha , Bali Alka , Kumar Akshay 
Published: October 2024

RationaleThe study of inherent stability characteristics of drugs has been advocated to be important by various regulatory agencies like the ICH, USFDA, and others. The current work was envisaged to investigate the forced degradation profile of the drug ivacaftor under ICH‐prescribed stress conditions, identification of its potential degradants, and postulation of the degradation routes for their generation.MethodsThe stress degradation studies were performed on the drug as per the ICH guideline Q1A(R2). A UPLC‐photodiode array‐based chromatographic method was developed to satisfactorily resolve the drug from its degradation products, validated in accordance with various ICH prescribed parameters, and assessed for its BAGI practicality index. The degradation products were identified and characterized by UPLC‐ESI‐QTOF‐MS studies.ResultsThe drug was found to significantly degrade under conditions of alkaline hydrolytic stress and it was found to be stable under all other stressor environments including acid/neutral hydrolytic, photolytic, thermal, and oxidative stress. Four alkaline hydrolytic degradation products (I‐IV) were revealed by UPLC‐QTOF‐MS studies which were well‐resolved from the drug over a C18 UPLC column by the developed UPLC‐PDA method. The detection wavelength was selected as 310 nm. Characterization of the four degradation products (I–IV) was carried out by their mass spectral data and their respective degradation routes were elucidated.ConclusionsA UPLC‐PDA method was developed and validated for ivacaftor and its practicality BAGI index was computed. Four alkaline hydrolytic degradation products of ivacaftor were revealed through UPLC‐ESI‐QTOF‐MS studies and corresponding degradation routes were elucidated.
Calcination‐Controlled Synthesis of Carbon Dots@MgF2 Composites with Yellow, White, and Ultraviolet‐Blue Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence for Multilevel Information Encryption
Authors: Xin Mingyu , Chen Xipao , Zhang Longyue , Yang Hailiang , Guo Dongying , Hu Yaoping 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIt is attractive but challenging to develop carbon dot (CD) based materials with tunable thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF), especially in the long wavelength region. Here, by simply calcinating the mixture of m‐phenylenediamine and MgF2 at 300–500 °C, a series of CDs@MgF2 composites exhibiting yellow, white, and ultraviolet‐blue TADF with high photoluminescence quantum yields of up to 37.6% are prepared. Photophysical studies reveal that the yellow TADF with long lifetimes of 810–1106 ms originates from the surface emission centers of CDs, while the ultraviolet‐blue TADF with short lifetimes of 266–379 ms is related to the carbon core emission centers. The combination of yellow and ultraviolet‐blue TADF in a single material triggers dynamic afterglow with time‐dependent colors from white to yellow. The MgF2 matrix offers multiple confinement of CDs through a rigid network, strong space constraint, and robust covalent/hydrogen bonding, thus preventing the triplet excitations from non‐radiative transitions. The electron‐withdrawing fluorine atoms induce substantial spin‐orbit coupling and reduce the singlet‐triplet energy gap, consequently facilitating the reverse intersystem crossing to enhance TADF efficiency. Importantly, the CDs@MgF2 composites possess outstanding optical stability against water, organic solvents, strong acids, bases, and oxidants. The fascinating TADF features enable the successful demonstration of multilevel information encryption using CDs@MgF2.
Wafer‐Scale Semitransparent MoS2/WS2 Heterojunction Catalyst on a Silicon Photocathode for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Lee Jae Yoon , Jun Sang Eon , Shim Jae Hyung , Kang Hee Seong , Kim Changyeon , Kim Kitae , An Jin Yong , Choi Seokhoon , Yun Jeonghun , Kang Junghoon , Lee Seok Woo , Park Soohyung , Lee Hyunbok , Yi Yeonjin , Jang Ho Won , Lee Chul‐Ho 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe development of catalysts that are optically transparent, electrically charge‐transferable, and capable of protecting underlying photoactive semiconductors is crucial for efficient photoelectrochemical (PEC) hydrogen production. However, meeting all these requirements simultaneously poses significant challenges. In this study, the fabrication of a wafer‐scale transparent bilayer MoS2/WS2 catalyst is presented with a staggered heterojunction, optimized for photon absorption, extraction of photogenerated charge carriers, and surface passivation of p‐Si photocathode. The MoS2 and WS2 monolayers are grown via metal‐organic chemical vapor deposition, followed by sequential transfer and stacking onto the p‐Si photocathode. The resulting type‐II heterojunction film establishes a strong built‐in electric field for rapid charge carrier transport and effectively protects the Si surface from oxidation and corrosion. The fabricated MoS2/WS2/p‐Si photocathode demonstrates outstanding PEC performance, achieving a high photocurrent density of −25 mA cm−2 at 0 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode, along with enhanced stability compared to monolayer MoS2/p‐Si. This work provides promising strategies for developing optically transparent, electrically active, and protective catalysts for practical PEC energy conversion systems.
Ultra‐Fast Degradation of Mustard Gas Simulant by Titanium Dioxide‐Phosphomolybdic Acid Sub‐1 nm Nanobelts
Authors: Wang Yi Ting , Chen Gui Hua , Wang Qi , Zang Hao , Wang Qiang , Li Yuan Fang , Zou Hong Yan , Zhan Lei , Xie Jian Wei , Huang Cheng Zhi , Zhen Shu Jun 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe development of novel catalysts for the rapid detoxification of sulfur mustard holds paramount importance in the field of military defense. In this work, titanium dioxide‐phosphomolybdic acid sub‐1 nm nanobelts (TiO2/PMA SNBs) are employed as effective catalysts for the ultra‐fast degradation of mustard gas simulants (2‐chloroethyl ethyl sulfide, CEES) with 100% selectivity and a half‐life (t1/2, time required for 50% conversion) as short as 12 s, which is the fastest time to the best of the knowledge. Even in dark conditions, this material can still achieve over 90% conversion within 5 min. A mechanism study reveals that the rapid generation rate of 1O2 and O2•− in the presence of TiO2/PMA SNBs and H2O2 plays a crucial role in facilitating the efficient oxidation of CEES. A filter layer of a gas mask loaded with TiO2/PMA SNBs and H2O2/polyvinylpyrrolidone cross‐linked complex (PHP) is constructed, which demonstrates remarkable stability and exhibits exceptional efficacy in the detoxification of CEES in the presence of a small amount of water. This innovation offers great potential for enhancing personal protective equipment in practical applications.
Effect of Ca Addition on Inclusions, Microstructures, and Impact Toughness of Coarse‐Grained Heat‐Affected Zone After High‐Heat Input Welding in Mg‐Deoxidized Shipbuilding Steel Plates
Authors: Wang Liang , Yang Jian , Zhang Yuqi , Zhang Yinhui , Li Tingting , Chen Yanli 
Published: October 2024

Effect of Ca addition on inclusions, microstructures, and impact toughness of coarse‐grained heat‐affected zone (CGHAZ) in Mg‐deoxidized shipbuilding steel plates after high‐heat input welding (HHIW) of 400 kJ cm−1 are investigated. Characteristics of inclusions and their effect on microstructures and impact toughness are elucidated. With the addition of Ca, number density of inclusions decreases from 384 to 273 mm−2, but average size increases from 1.23 to 1.32 μm. Number densities of inclusions such as MgAl2O4, MgAl2O4 + MnS, Mg–Al–Ti–O + MnS, MgO + MnS, and TiN + MnS, which are observed to induce intragranular acicular ferrites (IAFs) formation, decrease from 3.0, 15.3, 18.8, 16.5, and 18.1 to 0.2, 1.2, 4.4, 3.0, and 6.3 mm−2, respectively. Observed Ca‐containing inclusions of diameter over 2.5 μm in Mg–Ca steel cannot serve as the effective nucleation sites for IAFs formation. Contents of IAFs and polygonal ferrites decrease from 73.20% and 19.96% to 54.34% and 5.63%, respectively. Frequency of high‐angle grain boundaries decreases from 70.5% to 51.3%. The CGHAZ fracture morphology changes from ductile fracture to brittle fracture with the area proportion of the fibrous zone decreasing from 56.5% to 0%. Hence, the impact toughness of CGHAZ decreases significantly from 175 to 23 J at −20 °C after HHIW.
Crisis of Democracy and Multilateralism: Effects of Bolsonaro’s Far-Right Government on EU-LAC Relations
Authors: Herz Monica , Ribeiro Hoffmann Andrea 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe crises of democracy and of multilateralism are crucial phenomena to understand international relations, as well as relations between the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) and the European Union (EU) at this point of history. The rise of the far-right and authoritarian movements and leaders is a central process in the era of ‘permacrisis’ that we discuss in this edited volume. This chapter analyses the crises of democracy and multilateralism and its effects on EU-LAC relations, focusing on the case of Brazil under the government of Bolsonaro.
Introduction: China–Africa Science, Technology, Innovation Collaboration for Their Win–Win Enduring Shared Future Relations
Authors: Muchie Mammo , Baskaran Angathevar , Tang Mingfeng 
Published: October 2024

AbstractWhat has been truly extraordinary today is that China has gone through the long history of the difficult journey and now finally has attained a development status that has to be recognized and appreciated. Millions of Chinese have now come out of poverty. Unemployment is decreasing and inequality will decrease in the course of time by managing it with appropriate policy. What Africa should learn is how China achieved this status and managed how to deal with and respond to the global economy. The best gift China can give to Africa is to share frankly and honestly how the Chinese managed the difficult journey and achieved such a globally renowned success, especially building science, technology and innovation capabilities. The other important lesson from China is to relate with Africa entirely driven by the principle of mutual benefit. The gains and losses in the relationship must be fully transparent, open, tangible, explicit, measurable and fully known. What China can try to do is assist Africans to engage in an economic and political marathon race to be fully de-colonized now. The assistance that Africa has from China by promoting the win-win mutually beneficial relationship should be a role model and an example. China’s engagement in Africa has attracted a lot of interest around the globe. China is accused of stacking up debt in Africa. There is a need to do serious research to bring out the evidence-based standard yardstick anchored side in the relationship and not rely on media and opinion to distract us to know what we must know. In this context, this book aims to present research studies from across Africa shedding light on various interdisciplinary aspects of China-Africa collaborations in science, technology, and innovation.
Africa–China Higher Education and Research Collaboration in Minerals, Transport and Agriculture
Authors: Ramontja Thibedi , Zhao Baojin , Wang Yuchen , Jia Yinsuo , Ren Junping 
Published: October 2024

AbstractSignificant growth has been achieved in higher education and research collaborations between African countries and the People’s Republic of China in the last half-century after the People’s Republic of China’s reforms and open policy were introduced in 1978. This chapter presents a review of higher education and research programmes in the following sectors: (1) Minerals sector, which includes the fields of geosciences, mining, mineral processing and metallurgy; (2) Transport and related fields, focusing on the establishment of transport universities in Africa; (3) Agricultural sector, specifically on the development of dwarf maize, high-yield crops, soil remediation and water-saving; and (4) Other collaborative programmes including BRICS’ joint research programme.
Innovative Technology of the Smart Transport and Smart Cities for Sustainable Infrastructure to Support Resilient Economic System in China and Africa
Authors: Wang Yuchen , Zhou Mi , Yang Baorong 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe United Nations (UN) has driven the sustainable transport and infrastructure development in the world via the first and the second global sustainable transport conferences during the last decade. The establishment of the Global Innovation and Knowledge Centre for Sustainable Transport in China is committed to knowledge-sharing and capacity building in developing countries on sustainable transport under the UN. Smart transport and smart cities have been considered as the key drivers for supporting the national and local economic development of China over the last decade. The Beijing Statement of the 2nd UN Global Sustainable Transport Conference indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the central role of sustainable transport in the modern world. Recovery from the pandemic will be a chance for all actors to rethink passenger and freight transport and implement integrated solutions which can support the achievement of the objectives of the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement for sustainable economic development. This chapter introduces the case study from Shenzhen, Southern China which can provide some lessons for Africa, as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and Africa at large are still at the infant stage in the desire to establish smart transport and cities in line with development in the global domain. Much can be learned from advancements in China, to excel in infrastructure development and in the development of appropriate smart transport and cities technologies.
The Path of China–Africa Higher Education Cooperation in Training Talents for Africa
Authors: Tang Mingfeng , Wang Jue , Yang Yajie , Baskaran Angathevar 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAmong diverse cooperation between China and Africa, China–Africa higher education cooperation is the most direct way to train talents for Africa. The cultivation of talents plays an important role in eliminating poverty, promoting the development of local society and achieving access to quality higher education. The China–Africa higher education cooperation can be traced back to the 1950s. After the decades of cooperation, China–Africa higher education cooperation has evolved from China's free large-scale provision of educational materials such as books and materials, teaching instruments and school facilities to Africa, exchange of students, scholars and delegations to enlarging the mobility of students, laboratory establishment support, collaborative research projects, professional curriculum design, teaching and inter-university cooperation between Chinese and African universities, deepening and optimizing the existing cooperation and exchange as well as developing new ways for further knowledge and technology transfer between China and Africa (e.g. Confucius Institute, Lupin Workshops and cooperative schooling). China has worked with Africa to organize vocational education workshops, establish Luban workshops and branches of Chinese vocational education institutions, launch the “20 + 20 Cooperation Programme between Chinese and African Universities”, offer thousands of scholarships to African students, dispatch of Chinese higher education teachers to train technical and professional talents in new energy, mechatronics, railway operations, Chinese medicine and machinery manufacturing and other domains, transferring vocational skills, knowledge and technology to young Africans. China–Africa higher education cooperation is based on mutual trust and long-term goal to build a China–Africa community with a shared future.
Current Enrolment and Training Situation of African Students in China: Case Study of Sino-Africa Joint Research Centre
Authors: Shao Xu , Liu Huaibo , Zhang Xiao 
Published: October 2024

AbstractChina has a long history of educational cooperation and exchanges with African countries. With the continuous development of China–Africa relationship, China–Africa educational cooperation has stepped into a new era. Through reviewing the history and development of China–Africa educational cooperation, combined with the talent education practice of Sino-Africa Joint Research Centre, Chinese Academy of Sciences, this chapter introduces the status of China–Africa education in the new period, reveals the opportunities and challenges faced by current higher education of African Students in China. We hope to provide reference for China–Africa educational cooperation and exchanges in the future.