bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring tubular steady‐state laminar flow reactors with orthogonal collocation
Authors: Soares André Von‐Held , de Sousa Santos Lizandro , Binous Housam , Shaikh Abdullah A. , Bellagi Ahmed 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe laminar flow reactor (LFR) is one of the most comprehensive problems in chemical reaction engineering, as its modeling involves mass, heat, and momentum conservation equations coupled with chemical reaction rate equations. It is relatively easy to grasp its basic operation, but the solution of the problem is far from trivial. Although there are analytical solutions that simplify the problem, students and tutors must use efficient numerical strategies to appropriately solve some LFR problems. In the present investigation, we solve several different cases of two‐dimensional cylindrical LFR, beginning with the isothermal case, as a benchmark. Calculations were performed using the Chebyshev orthogonal collocation technique by custom scripts in Scilab, Mathematica©, and Matlab®, and were compared with solutions available from the ECRE Version of COMSOL®, which was used as the reference, as well as available analytical solutions in the literature. After analyzing the case of the isothermal LFR with Newtonian fluid, we explored non‐Newtonian fluids, including Carreau and Bingham fluids, whose LFR results are not available in the preceding literature. For Newtonian fluids, besides (a) the isothermal case, we also explore other three nonisothermal design cases: (b) cooling jacket with a fixed heat exchange coefficient at the wall, (c) adiabatic operation, (d) nonisothermal LFR with isothermal wall. Through a performance criterion, the different operation models are compared and we show that nonisothermal design cases perform better than the isothermal case. Computation times, for different scenarios, are quite short and taking 25 nodal points or more suffice for an accurate and timely solution of the more complex problem Case (b). The numerical modeling approach is useful from a pedagogical standpoint, as one can compare numerical results with classical assumptions, and progress from a more restrictive conceptual model (segregated flow) to an array of different kinds of operation with the LFR in which one needs to consider diffusion and temperature distribution.
Chemical Constituents from the Whole Plants of Limonium sinense and Their In Vitro Anti‐Inflammatory Activity
Authors: Qi Shi‐Zhou , Qin Gao‐Feng , Miao Shuang , Lv Wen‐Yuan , Ren Si‐Qi , Gong Kai‐Kai , Zhang Yong‐Qing , Du Jing 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe Yellow River Delta possesses lots of characteristic medicinal plants due to its high salinity and high alkaline environment and Limonium sinense is an iconic plant. However, there are very few studies on L. sinense and its chemical constituents have not been investigated in recent ten years. In the present study, the chemical constituents and bioactivities of L. sinense were fully studied for the first time. UPLC‐MS/MS method combined with database comparison identified 109 compounds mainly including flavonoids, alkaloids and polyphenols. In addition, the potential bioactivities of L. sinense were considerated as anti‐inflammatory, anti‐oxidative, anti‐tumor, hepatoprotective and hpyerglycemic activities based on these identified compounds and their related literature. Furthermore, four derivatives of 12‐oxo‐phytodienoic acid and butenolide including two new ones (1 and 2) were isolated from the whole plants of L. sinense. Their structures, including the absolute configurations, were determined by the analysis of comprehensive spectroscopic data. All isolates were evaluated for their anti‐inflammatory activity. Compound 1 exhibited moderate anti‐inflammatory activity with IC50 value of 37.5±1.2 μM on NO production level.
Valsartan Rescues Suppressed Mitochondrial Metabolism during Insulin Resistance in C2C12 Myotubes
Authors: Wyatt Emily C. , VanDerStad Lindsey R. , Cook Norah E. , McGovern Macey R. , Zaman Toheed , Lundin Pamela M. , Vaughan Roger A. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTElevated circulating branched‐chain amino acids (BCAA) have been linked with the severity of insulin resistance across numerous populations, implicating heightened BCAA metabolism as a potential therapy for insulin resistance. Recently, the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) inhibitor Valsartan (VAL) was identified as a potent inhibitor of branched‐chain alpha‐keto acid dehydrogenase kinase (BCKDK), a negative regulator of BCAA metabolism. This work investigated the effect of VAL on myotube metabolism and insulin sensitivity under both insulin sensitive and insulin resistant conditions. C2C12 myotubes were treated with or without VAL at 8 µM for 24 h, both with and without hyperinsulinemic‐induced insulin resistance. Oxygen consumption and extracellular acidification were used to measure mitochondrial and glycolytic metabolism, respectively. Gene expression was assessed via qRT‐PCR, and insulin sensitivity was assessed via Western blot. Insulin resistance significantly reduced both basal and peak mitochondrial function which were rescued to control levels by concurrent VAL. Changes in mitochondrial function occurred without substantial changes in mitochondrial content or related gene expression. Insulin sensitivity and glycolytic metabolism were unaffected by VAL, as was lipogenic signaling and lipid content. Additionally, both VAL and insulin resistance depressed Bckdha expression. Interestingly, an interaction effect was observed for extracellular isoleucine, valine, and total BCAA (but not leucine), suggesting VAL may alter BCAA utilization in an insulin sensitivity‐dependent manner. Insulin resistance appears to suppress mitochondrial function in a myotube model which can be rescued by VAL. Further research will be required to explore the implications of these findings in more complex models.
The Impact of Secondary Structure on the Base‐Filling of N‐Methoxy‐1,3‐Oxazinane (MOANA) and N‐Methoxy‐1,3‐Oxazolidine Glycol Nucleic Acid (MOGNA) Oligonucleotides
Authors: Afari Mark N. K. , Heikinmäki Ninna , Virta Pasi , Lönnberg Tuomas 
Published: September 2024

AbstractVarious single‐stranded and hairpin‐forming DNA and 2'‐O‐methyl‐RNA oligonucleotides bearing a single (2R,3S)‐4‐(methoxyamino)butane‐1,2,3‐triol residue esterified from either O1 and O2 or O1 and O3 were synthesized. Incubation of these oligonucleotides with equimolar mixtures of formylmethyl derivatives of the canonical nucleobases and 2‐methylbenzimidazole under mildly acidic conditions revealed base‐filling of the modified site to be strongly favored by base stacking of a double‐helix, especially an A‐type one. In 2'‐O‐methyl‐RNA hairpin oligonucleotides, base‐filling of the (2R,3S)‐4‐(methoxyamino)butane‐1,2,3‐triol residue with nucleobase aldehydes followed the rules of Watson–Crick base pairing, thymine being the only exception. In single‐stranded oligonucleotides or the Hoogsteen strand of triple helices, both the yield and selectivity of base‐filling were much more modest.
Solvent‐Controlled Divergent Cyclization of 3‐Ylideneoxindoles with Ethyl 2‐Diazoacetate: Access to Spirocyclopropyl and Spiropyrazolines Oxindoles
Authors: Xie Ding‐Xiong , Huang Yue‐Mei , Lin Xiao‐Ming , Kang Zheng‐Hui , Ni Chen‐Chen , Fu Yao‐Tong , Ren Zhi , Liu Yun‐Lin 
Published: September 2024

AbstractHerein a catalyst‐free solvent‐controlled method for the divergent synthesis of spirocyclopropyl and spiropyrazoline oxindoles from 3‐ylideneoxindoles and ethyl diazoacetate was developed. With ClCH2CH2Cl as the solvent, spirocyclopropyl oxindoles were obtained in moderate to excellent yields, whereas the use of MeOH as solvent afforded spiropyrazoline oxindoles in moderate to good yields. The readily available substrates, simple operation and various product transformations further highlighted the utility of this method.
Redox Activity of Co Species in the Active Sites of CoNx/CoOx Facilitates Oxygen Electrocatalysis for Zn‐Air Batteries
Authors: Yang Huimin , Wang Hao , Cheng Haorong , Xu Xinyuan , Li Jing , He Xiaoyan , Tian Lin , Li Zhao 
Published: September 2024

AbstractDeveloping efficient bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts is crucial for enhancing the performance of rechargeable Zn‐air batteries (ZABs). In this study, cobalt/cobalt oxides embedded in N‐doped carbon nanofibers (Co/CoOx/NCNFs) were synthesized through a combination of electrospinning and annealing processes. The resulting Co/CoOx/NCNFs catalysts feature abundant CoNx and CoOx active species, leveraging the large specific surface area of nanofibers to facilitate oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The optimized Co/CoOx/NCNFs‐0.1 achieved a half‐wave potential (vs. RHE) of 0.82 V and required only 429 mV to reach 10 mA cm−2 in a typical three‐electrode system with 0.1 M KOH using an electrochemical workstation equipped with a pine instruments rotator, outperforming the Pt/C+RuO2. The assembled ZABs exhibited high specific capacity (771 mAh gZn−1), substantial power density (981.6 mWh gZn−1), and long‐term stability (>325 h). In situ Raman spectroscopy confirmed that the electrocatalytic processes involve the redox activity of Co (II and III) species derived from abundant CoNx and CoOx, elaborating the origin of the catalysts’ exceptional oxygen electrocatalysis performance. This work not only presents a straightforward and effective approach for producing bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts in ZABs but also sheds light on the catalytic mechanisms underlying ORR and OER for CoNx/CoOx‐based oxygen electrocatalysts.
Evaluation of Mean Plasma Glucose Levels Using HbA1C in Patients With Severe Eating Disorders
Authors: Puckett Leah , Stein Amy , Kelley Marina , Mehler Philip S. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveHypoglycemia causes significant morbidity and mortality in patients with severe eating disorders. We measured average glycemic levels using hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) in patients hospitalized for extreme anorexia nervosa (AN) and avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID).MethodsThis was a prospective, single‐center cohort study conducted in an inpatient medical stabilization unit. Clinical outcomes were compared using paired t‐tests. Additional analysis comparing clinical variables between undetectable and detectable HbA1c used two‐sample t‐tests.ResultsThe study cohort consisted of 148 individuals, 90% female, average age of 31 years, average admit body mass index of 12.5 kg/m2, and mean percentage ideal body weight of 60.1%. Diagnoses included AN‐restricting (54%), AN‐binge purge (39%), and ARFID (7%). HbA1C and fructosamine levels decreased from admission to discharge. Serum glucose levels increased significantly from admission to discharge. Mean HbA1C was 4.7% on admission and 4.3% on discharge.DiscussionThis study evaluated mean blood glucose levels using HbA1C in patients with extreme forms of AN and ARFID. Given the concern for morbidity and mortality from hypoglycemia in this population, which can be overlooked on a single point‐of‐care glucose measurement, HbA1C is a valuable laboratory measure of glycemic status in patients with extreme forms of eating disorders.
Machine learning‐based model for worsening heart failure risk in Chinese chronic heart failure patients
Authors: Sun Ziyi , Wang Zihan , Yun Zhangjun , Sun Xiaoning , Lin Jianguo , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Wang Qingqing , Duan Jinlong , Huang Li , Li Lin , Yao Kuiwu 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAimsThis study aims to develop and validate an optimal model for predicting worsening heart failure (WHF). Multiple machine learning (ML) algorithms were compared, and the results were interpreted using SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP). A clinical risk calculation tool was subsequently developed based on these findings.Methods and resultsThis nested case–control study included 200 patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) from the China‐Japan Friendship Hospital (September 2019 to December 2022). Sixty‐five variables were collected, including basic information, physical and chemical examinations, and quality of life assessments. WHF occurrence within a 3‐month follow‐up was the outcome event. Variables were screened using LASSO regression, univariate analysis, and comparison of key variables in multiple ML models. Eighty per cent of the data was used for training and 20% for testing. The best models were identified by integrating nine ML algorithms and interpreted using SHAP, and to develop a final risk calculation tool. Among participants, 68 (34.0%) were female, with a mean age (standard deviation, SD) of 68.57 (12.80) years. During the follow‐up, 60 participants (30%) developed WHF. N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP), creatinine (Cr), uric acid (UA), haemoglobin (Hb), and emotional area score on the Minnesota Heart Failure Quality of Life Questionnaire were critical predictors of WHF occurrence. The random forest (RF) model was the best model to predict WHF with an area under the curve (AUC) (95% confidence interval, CI) of 0.842 (0.675–1.000), accuracy of 0.775, sensitivity of 0.900, specificity of 0.833, negative predictive value of 0.800, and positive predictive value of 0.600 for the test set. SHAP analysis highlighted NT‐proBNP, UA, and Cr as significant predictors. An online risk predictor based on the RF model was developed for personalized WHF risk assessment.ConclusionsThis study identifies NT‐proBNP, Cr, UA, Hb, and emotional area scores as crucial predictors of WHF in CHF patients. Among the nine ML algorithms assessed, the RF model showed the highest predictive accuracy. SHAP analysis further emphasized NT‐proBNP, UA, and Cr as the most significant predictors. An online risk prediction tool based on the RF model was subsequently developed to enhance early and personalized WHF risk assessment in clinical settings.
Biomass‐Derived Porous Carbon Modified with Black Phosphorus Nanosheets as Effective Sulfur Host for Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Yang Zhe , Liang Xinyuan , Xiao Chengzhuo , Ma Jicheng 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe shuttle effect and slow oxidation‐reduction reactions of the cathode in lithium‐sulfur batteries limit its practical application and development. Herein, porous carbon derived from pollen modified by black phosphorus nanosheets (BP/N−C) have been synthesized and utilized as a sulfur host in Li−S batteries. From the compositional outlook, the biomass‐derived carbon forms a unique three‐dimensional skeleton structure, exhibiting excellent properties, such as high porosity and high conductivity. Upon modified with black phosphorus, the BP/N−C composite materials demonstrate enhanced adsorption ability and catalytic activity toward lithium polysulfides (LiPSs). The BP/N−C/S cathode electrode presents a high initial specific discharge capacity of 1009.6 mAh g−1 and a low capacity decay rate of 0.08% per cycle during 150 cycles at 0.2 C rate. Besides, the BP/N C/S cathode electrode exhibits the superior rate performance (508 mAh g−1 at 5 C).
Mio‐Pliocene paleo‐course of Indus River in Upper Sutlej‐Zhada basin: Implication of tectonic uplift on river piracy and drainage reorganization in SW Tibet and NW Himalaya
Authors: Kashyap Abhishek , Pandey Anand Kumar , Behera Mukunda Dev 
Published: September 2024

AbstractWe analysed the elevated low‐relief relict landscapes in the transient Upper Satluj‐Zhada basin and the adjoining region in the tectonically active north‐western (NW) Himalaya–south‐western (SW) Tibetan orogen to understand the evolution of the regional landscape and drainage system under the influence of the Karakoram Fault‐Leo‐Pargil Horst system. This elevated low relief landscape represents the Mio‐Pliocene establishment of a new river network, which testimonies the present Sutlej River, which has been experiencing a transient surface uplift‐incision regime since (~4–1 Ma) with a local base level at the confluence of the Sutlej and Spiti River. The Miocene exhumation of the Ayilari Range and Leo‐Pargil Horst across the Karakoram fault (KF) system led to headward erosion, which abandoned the Paleo‐Sutlej‐Indus drainage system, which in turn caused drainage reversal along Qusum detachment (QD) and produced southward migration of the Paleo‐Sutlej River towards the mountain front. Our results indicate that the Upper Indus River has significantly lower χ‐ranges at higher elevations as compared with the adjacent Upper Sutlej River at lower elevations, which corresponds with a river piracy model that incorporates area gain‐loss feedback. The Upper Sutlej River in the Zhada basin is characterized by a comparable series of coplanar slope‐break knickpoints at ~4000–4500 m elevation, and their adjoining divides are in a state of disequilibrium as a consequence of the very high rapid incision across the Leo Pargil Horst, which drives the regional gradation process. The headward‐eroding Upper Indus River captured the proto‐Sutlej due to a base‐level change of >~1500 m, which significantly impacted the regional growth pattern and tectonics. The Mio‐Pliocene sedimentation pattern of the Upper Sutlej‐Zhada basin in the SW Tibet–NW Himalaya reflects this regional drainage capture, tectonic uplift and paleo‐drainage reorganization. The present finding has wider implications for the Mio‐Pliocene reorganization of drainage systems and the possible linkage of the Upper Indus River with the Paleo‐Sutlej over the Zhada basin.
Response surface method‐based hydraulic performance optimization of a single‐stage centrifugal pump
Authors: Yadav Durvesh , Singh Raj Kumar , Manjunath K. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIn this article, the response surface approach was employed to enhance the hydraulic performance of the pump at the rated point. Specifically, an approximate link between the design head and efficiency of the single‐stage centrifugal pump and the parameters of the impeller's design was established. The first step in creating a one‐factor experimental design involved selecting significant geometric variables as factors. Decision variables such as the number of blades, flow rate, and rotation were chosen due to their significant impact on hydraulic performance, while head and efficiency were considered as responses. Subsequently, the best‐optimized values for each level of the parameters were identified using response surface analysis and a central composite design. The impeller schemes of the Design‐Expert software were evaluated for head and efficiency using Computational fluid dynamics, and a total of 20 experiments were conducted. The simulated results were then validated with experimental data. Through the analysis of the individual parameters and the approximation model, the ideal parameter combination that increased head and efficiency by 7.90% and 2.06%, respectively, at the rated value was discovered. It is worth noting that in cases of a high rate of flow, the inner flow was also enhanced.
Bimetallic ions modified 2‐methylimidazolium functionalized polypyrrole/graphene oxide for the improved supercapacitor
Authors: Mao Hui , Zhang Shuai , Liu Jinchi , Wu Shuyao , Liu Daliang , Li Hui , Zhang Lei , Zhang Yusheng , Wu Qiong , Ma Tianyi 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThin films with two‐dimensional (2D) nanostructures possess good environmental stability, thinner thickness and large surface area, which are widely used as a promising modified electrode material in the field of energy storage, supercapacitors, electrochemical sensors and biosensors. Herein, unique bimetallic ions modified polypyrrole/graphene oxide (PPy/GO) nanosheets, including Co2+‐Zr4+/(2‐MeIm)x@PPy/GO and Co2+‐Run+/(2‐MeIm)x@PPy/GO (n = 0, 4), are prepared by using 2‐methylimidazolium (2‐MeIm) as the linkers between PPy/GO and metal ions. The obtained electrodes constructed by Co2+‐Run+/(2‐MeIm)x@PPy/GO (n = 0, 4) and Co2+‐Zr4+/(2‐MeIm)x@PPy/GO exhibit improved capacitor electrochemical properties due to the reversible redox reaction, the large specific surface area and the high theoretical specific capacitance value of the metal ions compared to the unmodified PPy/GO. Especially, the specific capacitance value of Co2+‐Run+/(2‐MeIm)x@PPy/GO (n = 0, 4) electrode reaches 321.78 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1 and the capacitance retention rate is achieved to 100% in the long cycle charge/discharge test after 10 000 cycles (10 A g−1). It will provide a practical experience for the design and preparation of supercapacitors based on bimetallic ions modified PPy/GO.
Electrowetland Pilot of 50 m2: Operation and Characterization Under Real Conditions for 1 Year
Authors: Bosch‐Jimenez Pau , Corbella Clara , Gaudes Ainhoa , Sanchis Sonia , Lopez Pau , Molognoni Daniele , Villazán Cabero Alicia , de Cuenca Jose María , Borràs Eduard 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTTraditional wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) consume a significant amount of energy to clean wastewater. However, for medium‐ and small‐scale WWTPs, it is crucial to have an energetically self‐sustained treatment. In this regard, novel low‐energy demand treatment systems, such as nature‐based solutions (NBS), are highly suitable alternatives. Constructed wetlands coupled with microbial fuel cells (MFC), referred to as electrowetlands (EWs), are NBS able to treat wastewater while recovering electricity. In this study, initially, various granular carbon materials were tested as anode materials in laboratory‐scale MFCs, and anthracite was selected due to its higher electrochemical activity. Then, pre‐pilot scale tests were conducted, evaluating different EW configurations. The one consisting in a horizontal anode yielded the best wastewater treatment efficiencies (chemical oxygen demand [COD] degradation greater than 90%) and electricity production (11 mW m−2; 260 mWh day−1 m−2). Finally, a 50 m2 pilot was constructed in Valladolid, studying its performance under real conditions for 1 year. The pilot showed robust and stable performance, achieving high wastewater treatment efficiencies (COD degradation >85%, outflow COD of 100 ppm) and generating 115 Wh in 1 year (power density of 0.4 mW m−2).
BLACK HOLE CINEMA: APPLICATION OF SYSTEMS ENGINEERING METHODS TO EXPAND AND ENHANCE AN EARTH‐SIZED TELESCOPE
Authors: Fitzpatrick Garret , Chaves Ryan 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) is an array of radio telescopes around the world that uses the technique of Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) to create a virtual Earth‐sized telescope. Using this technique, the EHT released the first image of a black hole on April 10, 2019, accelerating black hole science and creating enormous public impact. Now, a team of scientists and engineers is looking ahead to the next horizon: movies of black holes. In this paper, we give an overview of how the next‐generation EHT (ngEHT) Project has adopted a systems engineering approach to the design of future improvements to the EHT array, developing clear traceability from community‐defined key science goals. Scheduling, operations, site selection, observing bandwidth, data transport, and data management are some of the many factors that require careful consideration and balance and therefore benefit from intentional systems engineering methods underpinned by a “single source of truth” system model.