bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thin Coatings of Polymer of Intrinsic Microporosity (PIM‐1) Enhance Nickel Electrodeposition and Nickel‐Catalyzed Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Isopi Jacopo , McKeown Neil B. , Carta Mariolino , Tuci Giulia , Giambastiani Giuliano , Marcaccio Massimo , Marken Frank 
Published: April 2024

AbstractNickel nanoparticle electrodeposition is studied on flat glassy carbon (GC) or on nitrogen‐doped reduced graphene oxide (rGO‐N) substrates. The effects of a very thin (nominally 16 nm) layer polymer of intrinsic microporosity (PIM‐1) are investigated (i) on enhancing nickel nanoparticle nucleation and growth during electrodeposition and (ii) on enhancing hydrogen evolution electrocatalysis. Beneficial effects are tentatively assigned to PIM‐1 suppressing blocking effects from interfacial hydrogen bubble formation. Exploratory data suggest that in aqueous 0.5 M NaCl solution (artificial seawater) nickel nanoparticles grown into a thin film of PIM‐1 could be a viable electrocatalyst with an onset of hydrogen evolution only slightly negative compared to that observed for platinum nanoparticles.
Application of Mono and Trinuclear Cyclometalated Iridium (III) Complexes in Differential Bacterial Imaging and Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Das Bishnu , Biswas Prakash , Mallick Amirul Islam , Gupta Parna 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe application of transition metal complexes for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as an attractive alternative in mitigating a broad range of bacterial pathogens, including multidrug‐resistant pathogens. In view of their photostability, long excited‐state lifetimes, and tunable emission properties, transition metal complexes also contribute as bioimaging agents. In the present work, we designed mono and trinuclear cyclometalated iridium (III) complexes to explore their imaging application and antibacterial potential. For this, we used Methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA), the most prevalent of community‐associated (CA) multidrug‐resistant (MDR) bacteria (CA MDR) and Lactococcus lactis (L. lactis) as Gram‐positive while Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) and E. coli as Gram‐negative bacteria. In addition to differential bioimaging of these bacteria, we assessed the antibacterial effects of both mono and trinuclear Ir(III) complexes under exposure to 427 nm LED light. The data presented herein strongly suggest better efficacy of trinuclear Ir(III) complex over the mononuclear complex in imparting photoinduced cell death of MRSA. Based on the safety profile of these complexes, we propose that trinuclear cyclometalated iridium(III) complex holds great promise for selective recognition and targeting MDR bacteria with minimal off‐target effect.
Efficient Synthetic Access to Stable Isotope Labelled Pseudouridine Phosphoramidites for RNA NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Glänzer David , Pfeiffer Martin , Ribar Andrej , Zeindl Ricarda , Tollinger Martin , Nidetzky Bernd , Kreutz Christoph 
Published: April 2024

AbstractHere we report the efficient synthetic access to 13C/15N‐labelled pseudouridine phosphoramidites, which were incorporated into a binary H/ACA box guide RNA/product complex comprising 77 nucleotides (nts) in total and into a 75 nt E. coli tRNAGly. The stable isotope (SI) labelled pseudouridines were produced via a highly efficient chemo‐enzymatic synthesis. 13C/15N labelled uracils were produced via chemical synthesis and enzymatically converted to pseudouridine 5′‐monophosphate (ΨMP) by using YeiN, a Ψ‐5′‐monophosphate C‐glycosidase. Removal of the 5′‐phosphate group yielded the desired pseudouridine nucleoside (Ψ), which was transformed into a phosphoramidite building suitable for RNA solid phase synthesis. A Ψ ‐building block carrying both a 13C and a 15N label was incorporated into a product RNA and the complex formation with a 63 nt H/ACA box RNA could be observed via NMR. Furthermore, the SI labelled pseudouridine building block was used to determine imino proton bulk water exchange rates of a 75 nt E. coli tRNAGly CCmnm5U, identifying the TΨC‐loop 5‐methyluridine as a modifier of the exchange rates. The efficient synthetic access to SI‐labelled Ψ building blocks will allow the solution and solid‐state NMR spectroscopic studies of Ψ containing RNAs and will facilitate the mass spectrometric analysis of Ψ‐modified nucleic acids.
CFD investigation of flow hydrodynamics and optimization in an industrial‐scale annular lance with swirl flow
Authors: Wan Zhanghao , Yang Shiliang , Tang Duzuo , Yuan Haibin , Xu Wanli , Wang Hua 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSwirling flow has been applied in various fields due to its ability to enhance mass, heat, and momentum transfer performance. However, the generation of swirling flow occurs at the price of augmenting the pressure drop, and enhancing the friction and shear intensity of the jet with respect to the reactor wall. In the present work, the impact of geometrical configurations of the swirler on the hydrodynamics of the fluid in an industrial‐scale annular lance is investigated via the computational fluid dynamics method, with the discussion of the friction coefficient of the lance walls. It shows that the axial flow injected from the central lance is transformed into a weak swirl flow upon the introduction of swirl flow generated in the casing pipe. Within the mixing region, the interaction between axial and swirl flows results in elevated turbulent kinetic energy. Notably, under varying geometrical configuration conditions, the pressure drop between the inlet of the central pipe and the outlet is maximized. Additionally, the highest friction factor appears at a height of 1.35 m along the middle shell, with a value of 96.67.
Regioselective oxidation of recycled cellulosic fibres for enhancement in the mechanical strength of resulting papers
Authors: Satapathy Mitra , Patankar Saurabh C. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe worldwide recycling rate for paper is about 60% and there are ongoing efforts to enhance the recycling rates to 80%. The low strength of recycled paper primarily due to the contaminants in it fetches lower value to the recycled paper in the market and also limits its recyclability. The ways to circumvent the problem of contamination of paper have been addressed by adding additives. However, the use of additives increases the cost of the final recycled paper. Oxidation has been explored as an alternative to enhance the tensile strength of paper in this work as it can be used in existing paper recycling facilities without any modifications. Pulp fibres were collected from an active paper recycling mill and subjected to oxidation at various oxidation levels from 0.25 up to 1.5 mmol/g. It was found that the tensile strength of the paper increased by up to 89% with an increase in oxidation level up to 1 mmol/g and later decreased with a further increase in the oxidation level up to 1.5 mmol/g. The brightness of the paper increased by up to 3% with an increase in oxidation level up to 0.85 mmol/g and then a decrease with further enhancement in the oxidation level. The oxidized samples were also studied with infrared spectroscopy, x‐ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and optical properties to study the behaviour of the resulting material. A ring crush test and corrugating medium test were also performed on the oxidized pulp samples to establish the feasibility of the material for packaging applications.
Metallurgical slag used for efficient growth of Chlorella pyrenoidosa to achieve CO2 conversion to biodiesel
Authors: Guo Hua‐Wei , Wang Ya‐Jun , Liu Huan , Zeng Ya‐Nan , Wang Wei‐Jie , Liu Tian‐Ji , Kang Le‐Le , Ji Rui , Wang Yi‐Tong , Li Jun‐Guo , Fang Zhen 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMetallurgical slag such as solid waste generated in the steel industry carries environmental pollution risks, but it is rich in nutrients required by microalgae. Metallurgical slag used for carbon capture and biomass energy conversion has multiple benefits: (i) reduction and harmless treatment of metallurgical solid waste, (ii) assisting in carbon neutrality by efficient carbon fixation, and (iii) production of biodiesel from CO2. In this study, AOD, BOF, BFS, HVS, and VTS slag were applied to culture Chlorella pyrenoidosa (C. pyrenoidosa) with the regulation of growth, carbon fixation, and lipid synthesis. An excellent fixed amount of CO2 with 94.59 mg is obtained from C. pyrenoidosa biomass at BOF slag added (mass ratio of CO2 captured/microalgae/slag with 1.99/1.00/10.53) since high Ca/Mg mass ratio of 419 (8.38 mg/L Ca and 0.02 mg/L Mg), no Cr and low concentration of Al (0.04 mg/L) contribute to regulating antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD and POD) to resist ROS and improving PEPC activity to reduce carbon flux toward lipid to promote biomass synthesis. Both metal concentrations from Ca (5.86 mg/L), Mg (0.05 mg/L), Al (0.42 mg/L), and Cr (0.006 mg/L) and suitable pH (10.53) in AOD leaching solution at solid/liquid ratio of 0.5 g/L change carbon flow toward efficient lipid synthesis (47.07 wt%) by continuously providing raw materials and energy by regulating ACC, ME, and PEPC activities. High value‐added biodiesel with high concentrations of C16 and C18 methyl esters from lipid of C. pyrenoidosa is achieved, following other ecological and economic benefits including 197 mg CO2 captured and 2198 mg AOD applied with harmless. In this study, C. pyrenoidosa is cultured with elements from metallurgical slag solid waste, which promotes C. pyrenoidosa efficient carbon fixation to assist in carbon neutrality, and provides guidance for CO2 conversion to high‐value‐added products with low cost.
Nonflammable in situ PDOL‐based gel polymer electrolyte for high‐energy‐density and high safety lithium metal batteries
Authors: Tang Wenhao , Zhou Taotao , Duan Yang , Zhou Miaomiao , Li Zhenchao , Liu Ruiping 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDue to its high energy density and low interface impedance, in situ polymerized gel electrolytes were considered as a promising electrolyte candidate for lithium metal batteries (LMBs). In this work, a new flame‐retardant gel electrolyte was prepared via in situ ring‐opening polymerization of DOL and TEP. The PDOL–TEP electrolyte exhibits excellent room temperature ionic conductivity (0.38 mS cm−1), wide electrochemical window (4.4 V), high Li+ transference number (0.57), and enhanced safety. Thus, the NCM811||Li cells with PDOL–TEP electrolyte exhibit excellent cycle stability (82.7% of capacity retention rate after 300 cycles at 0.5 C) and rate performance (156 and 119 mAh g−1 at 0.5 and 1 C). Furthermore, phosphorus radicals decomposed from TEP can combine with hydrogen radicals to block the combustion reaction. This work provides an effective method for the preparation of solid‐state LMBs with high voltage, high energy density, and high safety.
Preparation of Light‐responsive Unnatural RNA Bases via a Chromogenic Morita‐Baylis‐Hillman Adduct Path
Authors: Lami Matteo , Barneschi Leonardo , Saletti Mario , Olivucci Massimo , Cappelli Andrea , Paolino Marco 
Published: April 2024

AbstractRNA‐based tools for biological and pharmacological research are raising an increasing interest. Among these, RNA aptamers whose biological activity can be controlled via illumination with specific wavelengths represent an important target. Here, we report on a proof‐of‐principle study supporting the viability of a systematic use of Morita‐Baylis‐Hillman adducts (MBHAs) for the synthesis of light‐responsive RNA building blocks. Accordingly, a specific acetylated MBHA derivative was employed in the functionalization of the four natural RNA bases as well as two unnatural bases (5‐aminomethyl uracil and 5‐methylaminomethyl uracil). The results reveal a highly selective functionalization for both unnatural bases. The conjugation products were then investigated spectroscopically, photochemically and computationally. It is shown that when a single light‐responsive unit is present (i. e. when using 5‐methylaminomethyl uracil), the generated unnatural uracil behaves like a cinnamic‐framework‐based photochemical switch that isomerizes upon illumination through a biomimetic light‐induced intramolecular charge transfer mechanism driving a barrierless and, therefore, ultrafast reaction path.
Molecular markers and candidate genes of plant height traits in upland cotton identified by single‐locus and multi‐locus genome‐wide association study
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Wang Xingyi , Guan Jiaxin , Zhang Dongmei , Li Zhao , Zhang Meng , Ke Huifeng , Gu Qishen , Yang Jun , Zhang Yan , Wu Liqiang , Ma Zhiying , Wang Xingfen , Sun Zhengwen 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWith the increasing demands for crop yield and production mechanization, improvement of plant architecture is getting more imperative in cotton. In the present study, we investigated the plant height (PH) and the node of first fruiting branch (NFFB) of 719 upland cotton accessions in six different environments. We used the 10,511 high‐quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to perform single‐locus and multi‐locus genome‐wide association study (GWAS). As many as 278 associated SNPs were identified, 142 by the mixed linear model (MLM) in the single‐locus model and 192 by six multi‐locus models. A total of 42 SNPs were identified in at least four environment‐traits or methods, of which 28 SNPs were significantly associated with PH, 22 were significantly associated with NFFB, and eight were co‐associated with the two traits. Notably, most of loci were novel besides i33922Gh located in the reported QTL for PH. Furthermore, we identified nine promising candidate genes, among which the three genes Gh_D03G0738, Gh_D10G2028, and Gh_D05G3600 contained non‐synonymous SNP mutation. The accessions with alleles of the mutations resulted in significant phenotypic differences. The expression of these genes showed significant differences between short‐PH and high‐PH varieties. Moreover, overexpression of Gh_D03G0738 led to reduction of PH in Arabidopsis. These results provided insights into genetic basis of plant architecture in cotton.
Feeding adaptation of François' langurs (Trachypithecus francoisi) to the fragmented limestone habitats in Southwest China
Authors: Yao Wei , Huang Cheng‐Ming , Zhao Jia‐Xin , Huang Rong , Li Wen‐Hua , Fan Peng‐Lai , Zhou Qi‐Hai 
Published: April 2024

AbstractLimestone forests are an unusual habitat for primates, especially fragmented limestone habitats. However, while some research has been conducted on François' langurs (Trachypithecus francois) in these habitats, there is still a need to improve the understanding of their behavioral adaptations to the fragmented limestone habitat. We collected data on the diet of François' langurs in a fragmented limestone habitat in Encheng National Nature Reserve, southwestern Guangxi, China using instantaneous scanning sampling, and their feeding adaptations to the fragmented forest were examined. The results indicated that a total of 101 species of plants were consumed by the langurs. They also fed on two non‐plant components, including cliff minerals and at least one species of insect. The langurs ate a higher number of food species in Encheng when compared with the other geographic populations, and they maintained a high level of food diversity and ate more vines. Moreover, they were highly selective in their use of vegetation in their home range, and fewer plants provided a high‐quality food source. During the season when food resources were scarce, the consumption of fruits and young leaves decreased as their availability decreased. This led to the use of other food components, such as mature leaves and seeds. The findings support that François' langurs adjust their feeding behavior to cope with seasonal and micro‐variations in their dietary requirements and to adapt to their particular environment.
Sensing in the dark: Constructive evolution of the lateral line system in blind populations of Astyanax mexicanus
Authors: Rodríguez‐Morales Roberto 
Published: April 2024

AbstractCave‐adapted animals evolve a suite of regressive and constructive traits that allow survival in the dark. Most studies aiming at understanding cave animal evolution have focused on the genetics and environmental underpinnings of regressive traits, with special emphasis on vision loss. Possibly as a result of vision loss, other non‐visual sensory systems have expanded and compensated in cave species. For instance, in many cave‐dwelling fish species, including the blind cavefish of the Mexican tetra, Astyanax mexicanus, a major non‐visual mechanosensory system called the lateral line, compensated for vision loss through morphological expansions. While substantial work has shed light on constructive adaptation of this system, there are still many open questions regarding its developmental origin, synaptic plasticity, and overall adaptive value. This review provides a snapshot of the current state of knowledge of lateral line adaption in A. mexicanus, with an emphasis on anatomy, synaptic plasticity, and behavior. Multiple open avenues for future research in this system, and how these can be leveraged as tools for both evolutionary biology and evolutionary medicine, are discussed.
Apixaban in bridge to transplant and destination LVAD ‐ rationale and study design: the ApixiVAD trial
Authors: Schnegg Bruno , Deveza Ricardo , Hayward Christopher 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAimsUse of novel anticoagulation in mechanical circulatory support is controversial. We report the rationale and design of the ApixiVad pilot trial, a pilot study testing the safety of apixaban as an anticoagulant in patients bridged to transplant (BTT) or for destination (DT) with Heartmate 3 (HM3) left ventricular assist device (LVAD).Methods and resultsApixaban has been used in small non‐randomized cohorts in LVAD patients and shown to be effective in ex vivo studies. The ApixiVAD study examines apixaban use in a multicentre, international, open‐label, randomized, controlled trial aiming to include 50 BTT or DT HM3 patients with a 1:1 randomization ratio. This event‐driven study has a maximum follow‐up period of 24 months with interim analysis at 6 months. The primary outcome is death, thromboembolic events and major bleeding, including operative bleeding and immediate transplant outcomes. The secondary outcome focuses on patients' quality of life related to anticoagulation. This investigator‐driven pilot study is not powered to determine the non‐inferiority of apixaban. An increase in primary outcome in the apixaban group of 20% will be considered a signal of harm.ConclusionsA positive outcome in the ApixiVAD study would provide the basis for future, larger, pivotal anticoagulation trials in LVAD patients.
Synthesis of 2‐Trifluoromethyl Pyridines through Multicomponent Kröhnke Reaction
Authors: Hong Biqiong , Teng Yun , Fang Zheng , Wu Wei , Weng Zhiqiang 
Published: April 2024

AbstractA multicomponent Kröhnke reaction route toward 2‐trifluoromethyl pyridines from reaction of chalcones with easily available and stable 1‐(3,3,3‐trifluoro‐2‐oxopropyl)pyridin‐1‐ium bromide and ammonium acetate is reported. The reaction is found to be general with a range of substituted chalcones, and the applicability of the methodology in gram scale is demonstrated. Preliminary results suggest that this transformation is initiated by 1,4‐Michael addition, followed by inter‐ and intramolecular nucleophilic addition, and elimination.
A follow‐up study on respiratory outcomes, quality of life and performance perception of SARS‐CoV‐2 primary and reinfection in elite athletes: A 9‐month prospective study
Authors: Karaduman Emre , Bostancı Özgür , Bilgiç Sait 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe prolonged consequences of SARS‐CoV‐2 on young elite athletes recovering from primary and reinfection are unclear. This study aimed to assess inspiratory/expiratory muscle strength and respiratory function at the time of spontaneous recovery at 3, 6, and 9 months after SARS‐CoV‐2 primary and reinfection in elite athletes. The study enrolled 25 elite male judoists, including 11 primary infection cases, five reinfection cases, and nine controls from the Türkiye Olympic Preparation Center. Inspiratory/expiratory muscle strength and respiratory function were measured, including maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC, and peak expiratory flow (PEF) before and up to 9 months after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in the early pre‐competition preparation phases. The most common symptoms reported by reinfection cases were fatigue (80%), dyspnea (60%), and muscle/joint pain (60%), while primary infection cases reported fatigue (73%), muscle/joint pain (45%), and headache (45%). MIP decreased by −14% and MEP decreased by −13% following the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in reinfection cases. Likewise, FEV1 and FVC decreased by −5% and −8%, respectively; consequently, FEV1/FVC increased by 3%. Inspiratory/expiratory muscle strength and respiratory function improved rapidly after 9 months of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in primary cases, whereas dysfunction persisted in reinfection cases. PEF was unaffected throughout the 9‐month follow‐up period. Reinfection may lead to further alterations in respiratory system relative to the primary infection, with a suspected restrictive pattern that remains dysfunctional in the third month; however, it improves significantly during a 9‐month follow‐up period.
Bioactive peptides of marine organisms: Roles in the reduction and control of cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Du Jia , Xiao Miao , Sudo Naomi , Liu Qinghua 
Published: April 2024

AbstractCardiovascular diseases (CVDs) affect the quality of life or are fatal in the worst cases, resulting in a significant economic and social burden. Therefore, there is an urgent need to invent functional products or drugs for improving patient health and alleviating and controlling these diseases. Marine bioactive peptides reduce and control CVDs. Many of the predisposing factors triggering CVDs can be alleviated by consuming functional foods containing marine biopeptides. Therefore, improving CVD incidence through the use of effective biopeptide foods from marine sources has attracted increasing interest and attention. This review reports information on bioactive peptides derived from various marine organisms, focusing on the process of the separation, purification, and identification of biological peptides, biological characteristics, and functional food for promoting cardiovascular health. Increasing evidence shows that the bioactivity and safety of marine peptides significantly impact their storage, purification, and processing. It is feasible to develop further strategies involving functional foods to treat CVDs through effective safety testing methods. Future work should focus on producing high‐quality marine peptides and applying them in the food and drug industry.