bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Multidentate Ligands Derived from Ethyl 1,2,4‐triazine‐3‐carboxylate Building Blocks as Potential An(III)‐Selective Extractants for Nuclear Reprocessing
Authors: Zaytsev Andrey V. , Distler Petr , John Jan , Wilden Andreas , Modolo Giuseppe , Sims Mark , Lewis Frank W. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBis‐1,2,4‐triazine ligands are amongst the most promising soft N‐donor ligands for the partitioning of trivalent actinides from trivalent lanthanides; a key separation proposed in the future reprocessing of spent nuclear fuels. In an effort to improve the extraction properties of these benchmark ligands, we propose herein a general ligand design approach that is inspired by the field of drug discovery, and we apply it to a new class of ligands in which the bidentate 3‐(2‐pyridyl)‐1,2,4‐triazine unit of the benchmark ligands is replaced by a bidentate 1,2,4‐triazine‐3‐carboxamide unit. A series of nine novel ligands were synthesized by reactions of readily available ethyl 1,2,4‐triazine‐3‐carboxylate building blocks with different polyamine cores and evaluated for their ability to extract and separate Am(III) and Cm(III) from Eu(III). One of the reported ligands can co‐extract Am(III) and Eu(III) from nitric acid into cyclohexanone, albeit with no selectivity between the metal ions. NMR titration experiments suggested that ligand 23 b formed a chiral 1 : 1 complex species with La(III) but not Lu(III) or Y(III), suggesting the coordination cavity of the ligand is sensitive to the size of the metal ion. The structures and thermodynamic parameters for the proposed complexes were further supported by DFT calculations.
Hotspots in peril: Misalignment of conservation efforts and ecological values in a shallow coastal sea
Authors: Meijer Kasper J. , Franken Oscar , Witte Sterre , Holthuijsen Sander J. , van der Heide Tjisse , Govers Laura L. , Olff Han 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Misalignment between the location of marine protected areas (MPAs) and ecologically valuable areas, here defined as low conservation conformity, may arise due to conflicting socioeconomic and ecological demands, diminishing MPA effectiveness. Such conflicts are especially found in coastal areas with high human population density and high natural productivity. Here, we aim to provide a framework to quantitatively and qualitatively assess conservation conformity using multiple indicators to identify hotspots of ecological quality.

We use the subtidal Dutch Wadden Sea as a case study due to its unique natural, cultural, and economic values and the availability of high‐resolution spatial data. We focus on macrozoobenthic communities (larger animals living in and on the seafloor), a vital group experiencing significant ecological degradation due to a long history of human activity. A complex set of restrictions has been implemented to prevent further macrozoobenthos degradation and to stimulate recovery. We first spatially overlay and translate the different protection measures to international standards. We then determine hotspots of ecological quality based on nationally and internationally used indicators of biodiversity and seafloor status and map their overlap with protected areas.

We found that in 2024, 37% of the 134,466 ha subtidal Dutch Wadden Sea has some level of protection. However, due to the poor spatial overlap of implemented measures, the IUCN‐based guidelines would classify only 10% as an MPA, while only 2% of the subtidal is truly free of human bottom‐disturbing activities. Of this total subtidal area, 19% was classified as an ecological hotspot based on multiple indicators. However, the protection measures in place overlapped very poorly with these ecological hotspots. Overall, only in 2% of the total subtidal area, IUCN‐classified MPAs overlapped with locations identified as ecological hotspots for at least six indicators, indicating poor overlap of MPAs with ecological hotspots.

Because the whole Wadden Sea is subject to several international protection schemes (e.g. Natura 2000, OSPAR convention, Ramsar Convention, and UNESCO World Heritage), these results call for substantial adjustment of the current conservation layout. We thus emphasise the importance of quantitatively evaluating potential misalignment between protected areas and ecologically valuable areas in coastal zones.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Quantum Gates with Different Robust Merits
Authors: Sun Chunfang , Wang Yimin , Wang Gangcheng , Wu Chunfeng 
Published: November 2024

AbstractA protocol for implementing a universal set of quantum gates, which are safeguarded from noise through geometric, dephasing‐free, and dynamical‐decoupling approaches is proposed. With properly designed Hamiltonians, the desired interactions are realized directly within the Schrödinger picture rather than relying on the interaction picture. This design confers two advantages. One is that the system's evolution remains continuously protected by the noise‐mitigation strategies at every stage, eliminating the need to revert to the Schrödinger picture. The other one is that the dynamical decoupling technique effectively averages out small residual free terms in the system's Hamiltonian, thus reducing the stringent requirements for precise control of system parameters to avoid errors. Furthermore, numerical results are presented to support our protocol by finding gate fidelities in the absence (presence) of noises or errors, without or with dynamical decoupling technique.
Conductive Porous Solid Framework Mechanically Stabilized Si Anode
Authors: Gu Run , Shen Shiji , Li Xinran , Xiang Wenyi , Kong Xiangkun , Hu Jixiang , Liu Xiaoye , Jin Zongzi , Li Cui , Ma Xu , Bao Yinhua , Wang Chengwei 
Published: November 2024

AbstractMicron‐sized Si anodes garner renewed attention due to their advantages of low cost, small specific surface area, and high energy density. However, micron‐sized Si anodes undergo significant volume changes during lithiation/delithiation, leading to particle cracking and pulverization. This study employs the tape casting method and ultrafast high‐temperature sintering technology to construct a porous sheet, within which a solid framework constrains the Si particles. In rate performance tests, when the current density rises to 1 A g−1, the micron‐sized Si in the porous sheet demonstrates a delithiation capacity of 2145 mAh g−1, compared to 113 mAh g−1 for the pristine Si, showing efficient ion and electron conductive pathways in the framework. When cycled at 0.3 A g−1, the delithiation capacity of the ball‐milled micron‐sized Si in the porous sheet is 1496 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles, in contrast to 95 mAh g−1 for the pristine Si. The enhanced cycling stability of Si in the porous sheet results from the strong mechanical constraint imposed by the solid framework, which suppresses volume changes, inhibits particle cracking, and reduces solid electrolyte interphase growth. This strategy of constructing porous sheets and utilizing solid‐solid bonding to constrain Si particles represents a novel approach for Si anode modification.
Modulating the Iron Microenvironment for a Cooperative Interplay Between Fe‐N‐C Single Atoms and Fe3C Nanoclusters on the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Dessalle Anthony , Quílez‐Bermejo Javier , Hounfodji Jean Wilfried , Badawi Michael , Zitolo Andrea , Emo Mélanie , Izquierdo María T. , Xu Feina , Fierro Vanessa , Celzard Alain 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe coexistence of single atoms and nanoparticles is shown to increase the oxygen reduction performance in Fe‐N‐C electrocatalysts, but the mechanisms underlying this synergistic effect remain elusive. In this study, model Fe‐N‐C electrocatalysts with controlled ratios of FeN4 sites and Fe3C nanoclusters is systematically designed and synthesized. Experiments and density functional theory (DFT) computations reveal that Fe3C nanoclusters near FeN4 sites modulate the electron density of the Fe single‐atom microenvironment through an electron withdrawing effect. This substantially alters the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) mechanisms and boosts the catalytic performance of FeN4 sites. This study provides fundamental insights into the dynamic catalytic impact of single atoms and nanoparticle coexistence in advanced Fe‐N‐C electrocatalysts for the ORR, paving the way for further refinement through various combinations.
Cryptotanshinone Suppresses the STAT3/BCL‐2 Pathway to Provoke Human Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma Cell Death
Authors: Tung Min‐Che , Chang Ge‐Man , Dai Wen‐Chyi , Hsu Chen‐Hsuan , Chang Hsiang‐Chun , Yang Wei‐Ting , Ho Yann‐Jen , Lu Chien‐Hsing , Chen Yi‐Hsin , Chang Chia‐Che 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBladder cancer is one of the most common human malignancies worldwide. Aberrant activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is crucial to driving malignant progression and predicting poor prognosis of multiple human cancers, including bladder cancer, making STAT3 a promising target of cancer therapeutics. Cryptotanshinone (CTS) is an anticancer ingredient of Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza), a top‐graded Chinese medicinal herb. However, whether CTS targets STAT3 to exert its cytotoxic effect on human bladder cancer remains unknown. Herein, we demonstrated that CTS is cytotoxic to multiple human urinary bladder transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) cell lines while sparing normal human urothelial cells. CTS provoked apoptosis‐dependent bladder TCC cytotoxicity, as apoptosis blockage by z‐VAD‐fmk markedly rescued the clonogenicity of CTS‐treated cells. Besides, CTS was found to suppress constitutive and interleukin 6‐inducible activation of STAT3, evidenced by the downregulation of STAT3 tyrosine 705 phosphorylation and BCL2, a recognized STAT3 transcriptional target. Notably, ectopic expression of a dominant‐active STAT3 mutant (STAT3‐C) or BCL‐2 alleviated CTS‐induced apoptosis and clonogenicity inhibition, thus confirming STAT3 blockade as a pivotal mechanism of CTS's cytotoxic action on bladder TCC cells. Lastly, immunoblotting revealed that CTS lowered the levels of active JAK2, an upstream kinase that mediates STAT3 tyrosine 705 phosphorylation. Altogether, we conclude that the blockade of the JAK2/STAT3/BCL‐2 antiapoptotic signaling axis is a vital mechanism whereby CTS provokes bladder cancer cytotoxicity. The current evidence implicates CTS's potential to be translated into a bladder cancer therapeutic agent.
Identification of resistance sources and genomic regions regulating Septoria tritici blotch resistance in South Asian bread wheat germplasm
Authors: Kumar Manjeet , He Xinyao , Navathe Sudhir , Kamble Umesh , Patial Madhu , Singh Pawan Kumar 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe Septoria tritici blotch (STB) [Zymoseptoria tritici (Desm.)] of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is characterized by its polycyclic and hemibiotrophic nature. It is one of the most dangerous diseases affecting wheat production worldwide. Durable resistance is largely decided by the combined effect of several quantitative trait loci (QTLs) having a minor effect. Currently, STB is not important in South Asia. However, STB expanding and wider adaptability, changing climatic conditions, and agronomic practices can create a situation of concern. Therefore, dissection of the genetic architecture of adult‐plant resistance with genome‐wide association mapping and selection of resistant sources for adult plant STB resistance were carried out on a panel of South Asian germplasm. We discovered the 91 quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) associated with STB resistance; 23 QTNs were repetitive across the different years and models. Many of these QTNs could differentiate the mapping panel into resistant versus susceptible groups and were linked to candidate genes related to disease resistance functions within linkage disequilibrium blocks. The repetitive QTNs, namely, Q.CIM.stb.2DL.2, Q.CIM.stb_dh.2DL.3, Q.CIM.stb.2AL.5, and Q.CIM.stb.7BL.1, may be novel due to the absence of co‐localization of previously reported QTLs, meta‐quantitative trait loci, and STB genes. There was a perfect negative correlation between the stacking of favorable alleles and STB susceptibility, and STB resistance response was improved by ∼50% with the stacking of ≥60% favorable alleles. The genotypes, namely, CIM20, CIM56, CIM57, CIM18, CIM44, WK2395, and K1317, could be used as resistant sources in wheat breeding programs. Therefore, this study could aid in designing the breeding programs for STB resistance before the onset of the alarming situation of STB in South Asia.
Bovine Trypanosomosis: Seasonal Prevalence and Vector Density in Dara District, Sidama Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Jiso Tafese , Hailegebreal Gizachew , Shiferaw Dessie 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTIn sub‐Saharan Africa, animal trypanosomosis is a wasting disease that reduces livestock's health and productivity. A recurrent cross‐sectional investigation was carried out in the Dara district of the Sidama region in dry and wet seasons to estimate the apparent density of Glossina spp. and the seasonal prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis. Study animals were selected by systematic random sampling, and a total of 388 blood samples were analysed using Giemsa‐stained thin blood smear and Buffy coat methods in both the wet and dry seasons. To conduct a study on tsetse and biting flies, 80 odour‐baited NGU traps were placed near the grazing and watering locations. The overall prevalence of trypanosomosis was 4.4% (95% CI = 2.7–7.0), of which 1.5% and 7.2% accounted for dry and wet seasons, respectively. The prevalence of Trpanosoma congolense, Trypanosoma vivax and mixed infection (T. congolense and T. vivax) was 1.6% (95% CI = 0.3–2.8), 1.3% (95% CI = 0.2–2.4) and 1.6% (95% CI = 0.3–2.8), respectively. The prevalence of trypanosomosis was significantly higher in the wet season than dry season (OR = 5, p < 0.05) and in black coat colour animals than in the other coat colour animals (OR = 6.6, p < 0.05). The mean PCV of parasitaemic animals (21.2 ± 0.5) was significantly lower than that of aparasitaemic animals (27.7 ± 0.2). A total of 931 flies were caught, of which 154 (16%) were tsetse flies, while 148 (16%) were Tabanids and 136 (15%) were Stomoxys. In the research area, Glossina pallidipes was the only spp. identified. The overall mean apparent density of G. pallidipes was 0.96 F/T/D. G. pallidipes were caught in comparatively greater numbers during the wet season than during the dry season. Overall, the results of this study demonstrated that the region's cattle production is threatened by Glossina spp. and trypanosomosis. Therefore, a sustainable community‐based tsetse and trypanosomosis control program should be put into place to lessen the impacts of trypanosomosis and Glossina activity.
Tunning the omnidirectional bandgap of nanoporous silicon using a semi-sinusoidal refractive index profile
Authors: Salem Mohamed Shaker , Abdelaleem Asmaa Mohamed , Nasr Gamal Madboly , Amin Mohamed 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
We report the theoretical comparison of the omnidirectional bandgap in a 1-D photonic crystal using sinusoidal and semi-sinusoidal refractive index profiles. It is found that the omnidirectional bandgap of the semi-sinusoidal profile widens and shifts to a higher wavelength range as a function of the asymmetric ratio of the profile. The asymmetric ratio plays an essential role in tunning the width of the omnidirectional bandgap due to the changed average refractive index and optical thickness. The semi-sinusoidal refractive index is experimentally achieved by changing the current waveform. Novel omnidirectional nanoporous silicon mirrors with an omnidirectional bandgap covering optical communication wavelength (1550 nm) were fabricated using a semi-sinusoidal current waveform. The experimental analogy was carried out by building up the multilayered dielectric structures of omnidirectional mirrors by anodic etching using a semi-sinusoidal current waveform. The experimental results were compared with the theoretical results investigated by the transfer matrix method. It was shown that the distorted current profile impacts the quality of the omnidirectional bandgap although it does not affect the porous size range.
Mechanical circulatory support reduces renal sympathetic nerve activity in an ovine model of acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Warnakulasuriya Tania , George Bindu , Lever Nigel , Ramchandra Rohit 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The use of circulatory assist devices has been shown to improve glomerular filtration rate and reduce the incidence of acute kidney injury in patients following acute cardiac pathology. However, the mechanisms of improvement in kidney function are not clear. We tested the hypothesis that mechanical circulatory support would result in a decrease in directly recorded renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) and mediate the improvement in renal blood flow (RBF) in a setting of acute myocardial infarction (AMI)-induced left ventricular systolic dysfunction.

Methods
An anaesthetized ovine model was used to induce AMI (n = 8) using injections of microspheres into the left coronary artery in one group. The second group did not undergo embolization (n = 6). The effects of mechanical circulatory support using the Impella CP on directly recorded renal sympathetic nerve activity were examined in these two groups of animals.

Results
Injection of microspheres resulted in a drop in mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 21 ± 4 mmHg compared to baseline values (p < 0.05; n = 8). This was associated with a 67% increase in renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA; from 16 ± 5 to 21 ± 5 spikes/s; p < 0.05; n = 7). Impella CP support significantly increased MAP by 13 ± 1.5 mmHg at pump level 8 (p < 0.05) in the AMI group. Incremental pump support resulted in a significant decrease in RSNA (p < 0.05) in both groups. At pump level P8 in the AMI group, RSNA was decreased by 21 ± 5.5% compared to pump level P0 when the pump was not on.

Conclusion
Our data indicate that the improvement in kidney function following mechanical circulatory support may be mediated in part by renal sympathoinhibition.
Microfluidic technologies: buffer exchange in bioprocessing, a mini review
Authors: Carvell Tom , Burgoyne Paul , Fraser Alasdair R. , Bridle Helen 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBuffer exchange is a common process in manufacturing protocols for a wide range of bioprocessing applications, with a variety of technologies available to manipulate biological materials for culture medium exchange, cell washing and buffer removal. Microfluidics is an emerging field for buffer exchange and has shown promising results with both prototype research and commercialised devices which are inexpensive, highly customisable and often have the capacity for scalability to substantially increase throughput. Microfluidic devices are capable of processing biological materials and exchanging solutions without the need for conventional processing techniques like centrifugation, which are time-consuming, unsuitable for large volumes and may be damaging to cells. The use of microfluidic separation devices for cell therapy manufacturing has been under-explored despite some device designs successfully being used for diagnostic enrichment of rare circulating tumour cells from peripheral blood. This mini-review aims to review the current state of microfluidic devices for buffer exchange, provide an insight into the advantages microfluidics offers for buffer exchange and identify future developments key to exploiting the technology for this application.
Development and characterization of PLA food packaging composite
Authors: Moldovan Andrei , Sarosi Ioan , Cuc Stanca , Prodan Doina , Taut Adrian Catalin , Petean Ioan , Bombos Dorin , Doukeh Rami , Nemes Ovidiu , Man Sorin Claudiu 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThis study focuses on the development of bioactive packaging materials by incorporating grape pomace and copper particles into polylactic acid (PLA) composites. The goal is to increase the shelf life of packaged foods while benefiting the health of consumers through the use of these active materials. 6 recipes of composite materials based on polylactic acid and Proviplast 2624 plasticizer were obtained. The additives added were: grape pomace, added at 0.5%, 1% and 1.5%, and copper particles, formed using PEG 600 + CuSO₄, added at 2%, 5% and 8%. Material characterization techniques: FTIR Spectroscopy, used to study the chemical structure. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC): examined thermal transitions such as glass transition and melting temperatures. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermogravimetry (DTG): evaluated thermal stability and degradation temperatures. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM): analyzed the surface morphology and structure. Mechanical tests: evaluated tensile strength, elongation at break and flexibility.Thermal property analyzes revealed that the additives acted as plasticizers, reducing the intermolecular forces between PLA chains, which decreased the glass transition temperature (Tg), cold crystallization temperature (Tcc) and melting temperature (Tm). The addition of grape pomace and copper particles decreased the degradation temperature of PLA composites, indicating a slight reduction in thermal stability. The transformation temperatures changed and the nature of the thermal transitions (exothermic or endothermic) varied with additive concentrations. Mechanical properties indicated a reduction in tensile strength with increasing additive concentration. Elongation at break and longitudinal modulus of elasticity increased significantly, especially with grape pomace, improving the flexibility of PLA. These changes indicate that the material can absorb more energy before breaking, making it more ductile and more suitable for flexible packaging applications. Increased flexibility and improved thermal resistance ensure that these materials can withstand the demands of packaging, handling and shipping. The combination of improved flexibility, thermal resistance and moderate tensile strength makes these PLA-based composites incorporated with grape pomace or copper particles, enhance the aspect of sustainability by recycling agricultural waste, making the material both ecological and functional, making it a viable option for active food packaging.
Ruijsenaars wavefunctions as modular group matrix coefficients
Authors: Di Francesco Philippe , Kedem Rinat , Khoroshkin Sergey , Schrader Gus , Shapiro Alexander 
Published: November 2024

AbstractWe give a description of the Hallnäs–Ruijsenaars eigenfunctions of the 2-particle hyperbolic Ruijsenaars system as matrix coefficients for the order 4 element $$S\in SL(2,{\mathbb {Z}})$$

S
∈
S
L
(
2
,
Z
)

acting on the Hilbert space of GL(2) quantum Teichmüller theory on the punctured torus. The GL(2) Macdonald polynomials are then obtained as special values of the analytic continuation of these matrix coefficients. The main tool used in the proof is the cluster structure on the moduli space of framed GL(2)-local systems on the punctured torus, and an $$SL(2,{\mathbb {Z}})$$

S
L
(
2
,
Z
)

-equivariant embedding of the GL(2) spherical DAHA into the quantized coordinate ring of the corresponding cluster Poisson variety.