bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterisation of Position‐Dependant Ripening Dynamics of Nectarines Using Near‐Infrared Spectroscopy and ASCA
Authors: Ezenarro Jokin , Schorn‐García Daniel , Palou Anna , Mestres Montserrat , Aceña Laura , Abadias Maribel , Aguiló‐Aguayo Ingrid , Busto Olga , Boqué Ricard 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTNectarines, a popular pit fruit closely related to peaches, are renowned for their nutritional value and associated health benefits. However, challenges arise in maintaining optimal organoleptic properties during harvest and handling, eventually leading to production waste and heterogeneous quality in the fruit that arrives to the consumer. This study investigates the impact of nectarine position on trees during the whole ripening process using non‐destructive near‐infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. Nectarines exposed to more sunlight mature faster and this influences sugar content and acidity, emphasising the significance of considering height, prominence and orientation in ripening dynamics of the fruit. Different data unfolding strategies were compared, using ANOVA‐Simultaneous Component Analysis (ASCA) to reveal the significance of in‐tree position factors at different ripening stages, and observing high significance at harvest. This underscores the necessity for growers and handlers to consider these factors for reducing waste. NIR spectroscopy, with adequate data analysis, is a valuable tool for the holistic analysis of fruit ripening, providing crucial insights for maintaining optimal fruit organoleptic properties from harvest to consumer.
Crystal to Hydrogel Transformation in S‐Benzyl‐L‐Cysteine‐Containing Cyclic Dipeptides ‐ Nanostructure Elucidation and Applications
Authors: Ghosh Saswati , Sepay Nayim , Banerji Biswadip 
Published: June 2024

AbstractCyclic dipeptides (CDPs) are crucial building blocks for a range of functional nanomaterials due to their simple chemical structure and high molecular stability. In this investigation, we synthesized a set of S‐benzyl‐L‐cysteine‐based CDPs (designated as P1‐P6) and thoroughly examined their self‐assembly behavior in a methanol‐water solvent to elucidate the relationship between their structure and gelation properties. The hydrophobicity of the amino acids within the CDPs was gradually increased. The present study employed a comprehensive array of analytical techniques, including NMR, FT‐IR, AFM, thioflavin‐T, congo‐red CD, X‐ray crystallography, and biophysical calculations like Hirshfield Surface analysis and DFT analysis. These methods revealed that in addition to hydrogen bonding, the hydrophobic nature of the amino acid side chain significantly influences the propensity of CDPs to form hydrogels. Each CDP yielded distinct nanofibrillar networks rich in β‐sheet structures, showcasing unique morphological features. Moreover, we explored the practical application of these CDP‐based hydrogels in water purification by utilizing them to remove harmful organic dyes from contaminated water. This application underscores the potential of CDPs in addressing environmental challenges, offering a promising avenue for the future development of these materials in water treatment technologies.
Hypervalent Chalcogen Bonds Catalysis on the Intramolecular Aza‐Michael Reaction of Aminochalcone: Catalytic Performance and Chalcogen Bond Properties
Authors: Wang Zhuo , Shi Bo , Zhao Chang , Zeng Yanli 
Published: June 2024

AbstractChalcogen bond (ChB) catalysis, as a new type in the field of non‐covalent bond catalysis, has become a hot research topic in the field of organocatalysis in recent years. In the present work, we investigated the catalytic performance of a series of hypervalent ChB catalysis based on the intramolecular Aza‐Michael reaction of aminochalcone. The reaction includes the carbon‐nitrogen bond coupling step (key step) and the proton transfer step. The catalytic performance of mono‐dentate pentafluorophenyl chalcogen bond donor ChB1 was comparable to that of bis‐dentate chalcogen bond donor ChB4, and stronger than that of mono‐dentate chalcogen bond donors ChB2 and ChB3. The formation of the chalcogen bond between the catalyst and the carbonyl oxygen atom of the reactant, causing the charge rearrangement of the reactant and C(1) charge of the −C−Ph group to become more positive, thereby the ChB catalysis promoted the nucleophile reaction. The electron density of the chalcogen bond of the pre‐complex, the most positive electrostatic potentials of the catalyst, and the NPA charge of the key atom are proportional to the Gibbs energy barrier of the C−N bond coupling process, which provides an idea to predict the catalytic activity of the ChB catalysis.
A Comparative Study of Electrochemical Reduction of Levulinic Acid on Various Electrodes in Organic Solvents
Authors: Burmakina Galina V. , Zimonin Dmitry V. , Verpekin Victor V. , Sychev Valentin V. , Rubaylo Anatoly I. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractStudies on the electrochemical hydrogenation (ECH) of levulinic acid (LA) to valeric acid (VA) or γ‐valerolactone (GVL) have mainly focused on the electrochemical reduction of LA in acidic aqueous solutions. However, the narrow range of applied potentials has hindered understanding of some mechanistic aspects of LA electrochemical conversion. Earlier, we discovered that employing proton‐deficient non‐aqueous reaction media provides more comprehensive insights into the mechanism of LA electrochemical reduction. Here, we conducted further investigations into the LA electroreduction process using cyclic voltammetry in various organic solvents on a Pt electrode and on various electrode materials in acetonitrile, both with and without the addition of proton donors. The products of the ECH processes were identified using HPLC. The solvent nature, the presence of proton donors, the electrode material, and the applied potential strongly influence the LA electroreduction process. This study reveals that LA, in the presence proton donors, can undergo electrochemical reduction through different pathways, depending on the difference (ΔE1/2) between the reduction half‐wave potential of protons and LA on a certain electrode. When the difference is large, the LA reduction is incomplete and the formation of GVL is observed. Under the close reduction potentials of protons and LA, LA can be completely reduced to VA.
Rare‐Earth Metallocenes for Polymerization of Olefins and Conjugated Dienes: From Fundamental Studies to Olefin Block Copolymers
Authors: Desgranges Ariane , D'Agosto Franck , Boisson Christophe 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe various steps in the mechanism of olefin polymerizations mediated by neutral rare‐earth metallocene complexes are discussed. The complexes are either trivalent hydride and alkyl rare‐earth compounds or divalent metallocenes that are activated by the monomer via an oxidation step. The stereospecific polymerizations of conjugated dienes based on the association of a cationic metallocene complex and an alkylaluminum and the polymerization mechanism based on monomer insertion into an aluminum‐carbon bond are also discussed. The exploitation of metallocene complexes for the copolymerization of olefins with conjugated dienes is the subject of a third part of this review. The synthesis of new elastomers called ethylene butadiene rubber (EBR) is highlighted. Finally, the use of rare‐earth metallocenes in macromolecular engineering is detailed. This includes the synthesis of functional polyolefins and block copolymers including thermoplastic elastomers.
Catalytic Upgrading of Acetaldehyde to Acetoin Using a Supported N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Catalyst
Authors: Belleflamme Maurice , Hommes Jerome , Dervisoglu Riza , Bartalucci Ettore , Wiegand Thomas , Beine Anna Katharina , Leitner Walter , Vorholt Andreas J. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractWe report the catalytic synthesis of 3‐hydroxy‐2‐butanon (acetoin) from acetaldehyde as a key step in the synthesis of C4‐molecules from ethanol. Facile C−C bond formation at the α‐carbon of the C2 building block is achieved using an N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalyst. The immobilization of the catalyst on a Merrifield’s peptide resin and its spectroscopic characterisation using solid‐state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) is described herein. The immobilization of the NHC catalyst allows for process intensification steps and the reported catalytic system was subjected to batch recycling as well as continuous flow experiments. The robustness of the catalytic system was shown over a maximum of 10 h time‐on‐stream. Overall, high selectivity S>90 % was observed. The observed deactivation of the catalyst with increasing time‐on‐stream is explained by ex‐situ 1H solution‐state, as well as 13C and 15N solid‐state NMR spectra allowing us to develop a deeper understanding of the underlying decomposition mechanism of the catalyst.
A method for detecting gene doping in horse sports without DNA extraction
Authors: Furukawa Risako , Tozaki Teruaki , Kikuchi Mio , Ishige Taichiro , Takahashi Yuji , Fukui Emiko , Kakoi Hironaga 
Published: June 2024

AbstractGene doping is prohibited in horse sports and can involve the administration of exogenous genes, called transgenes, to postnatal animals. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) methods have been developed to detect gene doping; however, these generally require DNA extraction from the plasma prior to qPCR. In this study, we developed two methods, direct droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) and nested ddPCR, to detect the equine erythropoietin (EPO) transgene without DNA extraction. Direct ddPCR used pretreated plasma and PCR to detect the EPO transgene spiked at 10 copies/μL. Nested ddPCR utilised pre‐amplification using nontreated plasma, purification of PCR products and PCR to detect the EPO transgene spiked at 1 copy/μL in plasma. These methods successfully detected the EPO transgene after intramuscular injection into horses. Since each method has different detection sensitivity, the combined use of direct ddPCR for screening and nested ddPCR for confirmation may complement each other and prevent the occurrence of false positives, allowing the reliable detection of gene‐doped substances. One advantage of these methods is the small amount of sample required, approximately 2.2–5.0 μl, owing to the lack of a DNA extraction step. Therefore, these tests could be applied to small volume samples as an alternative to conventional gene doping tests.
Characterizing low‐lying coastal upland forests to predict future landward marsh expansion
Authors: Powell Elisabeth , Dubayah Ralph , Stovall Atticus E. L. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractSea level rise (SLR) is causing vegetation regime shifts on both the seaward and landward sides of many coastal ecosystems, with the eastern coast of North America experiencing accelerated impacts due to land subsidence and the weakening of the Gulf Stream. Tidal wetland ecosystems, known for their significant carbon storage capacity, are crucial but vulnerable blue carbon habitats. Recent observations suggest that SLR rates may exceed the threshold for elevation gain primarily through vertical accretion in many coastal regions. Therefore, research has focused on mapping the upslope migration of marshes into suitable adjacent lands, as this landward gain may be the most salient process for estimating future wetland resiliency to accelerated rates of SLR. However, our understanding of coastal vegetation characteristics and dynamics in response to SLR is limited due to a lack of in situ data and effective mapping strategies for delineating the boundaries, or ecotones, of these complex coastal ecosystems. In order to effectively study these transitioning ecosystems, it is necessary to employ reliable and scalable landscape metrics that can differentiate between marsh and coastal forests. As such, integrating vegetation structure metrics from light detection and ranging (lidar) could enhance traditional mapping strategies compared to using optical data alone. Here, we used terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) to measure changes in forest structure along elevation gradients that may be indicative of degradation associated with increased inundation in the Delaware Bay estuary. We analyzed a set of TLS‐derived forest structure metrics to investigate their relationships with elevation, specifically seeking those that showed consistent change from the forest edge to the interior. Our findings revealed a consistent pattern between elevation and the plant area index (PAI), a metric that holds potential for enhancing the delineation of complex coastal ecosystem boundaries, particularly in relation to landward marsh migration. This work provides support for utilizing lidar‐derived forest structural metrics to enable a more accurate assessment of future marsh landscapes and the overall coastal carbon sink under accelerated SLR conditions.
An updated review of composition, health benefits, and applications of phenolic compounds in Ficus Carica L.
Authors: Zhang Qinqiu , Peng Yue , Li Fan , Xu Yi , Zhang Qing , Wu Dingtao , Chen Mingrui , Lin Shang , Qin Wen 
Published: June 2024

AbstractFicus carica L. (FC) is rich in phenolic compounds such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. Phenolic compounds in FC show remarkable health benefits and applications. The composition of phenolic compounds in FC can vary with some factors, such as variety, ripeness, geographical location, extraction methods and processing methods. New techniques such as supercritical fluid extraction, subcritical water extraction and ionic liquid extraction should be further developed and combined with traditional techniques to obtain higher quality sources of phenolic compounds. Numerous in vivo and in vitro studies reported healthy benefits of phenolic compounds in FC, such as anti‐oxidant, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐diabetic, anti‐obesity, anti‐cancer and anti‐Alzheimer's. Further works are required to reveal mechanisms and structure‐activity relationships, such as targeted metabolomics and pharmacological studies. In terms of applications, phenolic compounds in FC as prebiotics on the intestinal flora need to be further studied to expand their applicability in food fermentation. In a word, this review highlights the remarkable health benefits and application value of phenolic compounds in FC.
Left atrial low voltage areas and heart failure in patients with atrial fibrillation: Implication of the atrial myopathy
Authors: Masuda Masaharu , Uematsu Hiroyuki , Matsuda Yasuhiro , Sugino Ayako , Ooka Hirotaka , Kudo Satoshi , Fujii Subaru , Okamoto Shin , Ishihara Takayuki , Nanto Kiyonori , Tsujimura Takuya , Hata Yosuke , Nakao Sho , Mano Toshiaki 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAimsAtrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) affect each other and are often co‐morbid. The fact that HF development is not uncommon even after ablation suggests that we need a deeper understanding of the pathology of these conditions. Atrial myocardial degeneration is an underlying factor in AF patients and may be associated with HF development after ablation. This study aimed to investigate the impact of low‐voltage areas (LVAs) on HF prognosis after AF ablation.Methods and resultsThis observational study included 1481 consecutive patients undergoing initial ablation for AF. Left atrial LVAs were defined as regions with a bipolar peak‐to‐peak voltage of <0.50 mV. Patients were divided into three groups: no LVA (LVA size indexed to body surface area <3 cm2/m2, n = 1129), small LVA (3–10 cm2/m2, n = 217), and extensive LVA (≥10 cm2/m2, n = 135). A composite endpoint of HF hospitalization or death occurred more frequently in patients with larger LVAs (3.3% vs. 6.5% vs. 13.3%, P < 0.0001) during the 3‐year follow up period. The extent of LVAs was independently related to the risk of the composite endpoint with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.55 (95% confidence interval, 1.16–2.10) for each additional step of LVA classification (P = 0.003).ConclusionsLVA presence and its extent were associated with frequent HF hospitalization and death. Underlying atrial myopathy appears to define a poor HF prognosis after AF ablation.
‘Hunger happens elsewhere, here malnutrition results from lack of proper care’: Social representations of malnutrition and processes of Othering in the Nepalese press
Authors: Caillaud Sabine , Payotte Sofia 
Published: June 2024

AbstractMalnutrition gives rise to stigmatisation worldwide and is a pressing societal issue. Drawing on social representation theory and on the process of othering, a lexicometric analysis of Nepalese press articles (N = 440) was conducted to explore if, and how, Othering of the malnourished is at play and how articles (re)construct the threat of malnutrition. The results indicate that Othering takes different forms depending on the threat the malnourished represent: (a) the malnourished in foreign countries are perceived as suffering from hunger due to a lack of social development and democracy whereas (b) the malnourished in Nepal are perceived as being afflicted because they hold traditional beliefs. However, (c) when the threat can be attributed to natural disasters, no negative attributes were associated with the malnourished in Nepal. This suggests that Othering is neither systematic nor monolithic. These findings illustrate how social psychology can address urgent societal questions while equally offering an opportunity for new theoretical developments.
Achievable secrecy rate analysis of OFDM‐based multi‐user untrusted relay networks with imperfect CSI
Authors: Özduran Volkan , Nomikos Nikolaos , Ansari Imran Shafique 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis study investigates the impact of imperfect channel state information (CSI), caused by channel estimation errors and feedback delays, on the physical‐layer security performance of multi‐user relay networks. More specifically, a multi‐user untrusted half/full‐duplex (HD/FD) uni/bi‐directional wireless amplify‐and‐forward (AF) relay network is studied, adopting orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM). In order to minimize the information leakage, it is considered that a limited number of friendly jammers affect the untrusted relay. In this context, the achievable secrecy rate of the relay network is theoretically analyzed and optimization problems are formulated and solved for the untrusted relay's location and power allocation. Monte Carlo simulations are conducted to validate the theoretical findings, revealing that channel estimation errors cause coding gain losses for low signal‐to noise ratio (SNR) while their impact becomes negligible for high SNR. Also, a large number of user‐pairs achieves higher secrecy rate while FD relaying further improves the secrecy performance. Finally, bi‐directional relaying provides higher achievable secrecy rate over uni‐directional relaying.
A 3D surface coil with deep learning‐based noise reduction for parotid gland imaging at 7T
Authors: Gokyar Sayim , Zhao Chenyang , Gunamony Shajan , Tang Liyang , West Jonathan , Kokot Niels , Wang Danny J. J. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundBackground: Parotid gland neoplasms occur near the facial nerve. Hence, it is crucial to determine whether the malignant neoplasms involve the facial nerve and whether sacrifice of the nerve in surgery is necessary. Furthermore, while 20% of all neoplasms are malignant, the most common benign neoplasm, pleomorphic adenoma, has a risk for malignant transformation, making early detection and treatment essential. 7T magnetic resonance imaging offers increased signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and sensitivity.AimIn this work, we address imaging the parotid gland since it remains challenging at 7T because of its spatial location.Materials and MethodsHere, we present a novel three‐dimensional surface coil (3D Coil) architecture that offers increased depth penetration and SNR compared to the single channel surface coil. We further developed a deep learning (DL)‐based noise reduction method that receives inputs from three elements of the 3D Coil.ResultsThe 3D coil with DL‐based denoising method offers twice the SNR compared to the single channel surface coil for parotid gland imaging at 7T.Discussion and ConclusionThe proposed 3D Coil and DL‐based noise reduction method offers a promising way of achieving higher SNR for parotid salivary gland imaging at 7T, paving the road for clinical applications.
Degradation of Anthraquinone dye wastewater by sodium percarbonate with CoO heterogeneous activation
Authors: Fan Haoyu , Xia Yanzhao , Sun Cuizhen , Liu Rupeng , Chen Feiyong , Li Meng , Zhu Weichen , Yang Xinpeng , Zhang Zhen 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDAnthraquinone dyes have an anthraquinone structure as their nucleus, with one or more substituents forming different organic dyes. Anthraquinone dyes have a complex structure that allows them to exist stably in water environment, but also makes them more toxic than azo dyes. This results in varying degrees of harm to both humans and the environment as a result of residual dyes in the water or on the material’ surface. Sodium percarbonate (SPC) is a highly promising oxidant due to its green end product. Therefore, in this study, the catalytic performance and kinetic study of cobalt oxide (CoO) on SPC under different conditions were systematically investigated using RB19 as the target pollutant. The Box–Behnken Design (BBD) model was used to model the degradation of RB19 by CoO/SPC system, which gives the basis for practical application. The types of reactive oxygen species that effectively degrade RB19 and the potential degradation mechanism of the CoO/SPC system were revealed. At the same time, the CoO/SPC system was evaluated in terms of its practicality.RESULTSIn this work, the activation of SPC using CoO towards reactive blue 19 (RB19) degradation was explored. Experimental results showed that nearly 93.8% of RB19 could be removed within 30 min using 1 mmol L−1 SPC and 30 mg L−1 CoO. The three‐factor interaction effects of SPC concentration, CoO dosage and initial pH were investigated. The BBD model was set up to obtain the optimum working conditions of 1.039 mmol L−1 SPC, 33.35 mg L−1 CoO and the initial pH of 7.82, which gave a degradation rate of 95.372%. Additionally, it was confirmed that the solubility of Co2+ is consistently <150 μg L−1, meeting the emission standard (1 ppm). The presence of Cl−, NO3–, and HA had a similar profile, with a slight promoting effect in small amounts and an inhibitory effect when introduced in excess. The introduction of SO42– had a negligible effect on RB19 degradation, whereas the presence of HCO3− produced a slight inhibitory effect. Furthermore, the presence of PO43– showed a strong inhibitory effect. The CoO/SPC system is suitable for other organic dyes (32.7%–100%) and antibiotics (97.1–100%). Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis and quenching experiments confirmed the presence and relative contribution of free radicals in the CoO/SPC system as CO3•‐ (88.12%) >O2•‐ (51.11%) >1O2 (37.21%) >•OH (5.27%) > SPC (3.33%) >CoO (0.09%). It has been confirmed that CoO activates SPC through electron transfer.CONCLUSIONThe present study describes a less time‐consuming, and more efficient method of treating anthraquinone dye wastewater that requires less oxidizer and catalyst, making it more economical. This proposes a straightforward, cost‐effective and efficient technique using SPC triggered by transition metal oxides. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).