bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Electrochemical Properties of Walnut Shell Activated Carbon with Embedded MnO Clusters for Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Esteban Daniel Arenas , Chamocho Elena García , Carretero González Javier , Urones Garrote Esteban , Otero Díaz Luis Carlos , Brande David Ávila 
Published: March 2024

AbstractActivated carbon (AC) materials from renewable sources are widely used in electrochemical applications due to their well‐known high surface area. However, their application as electrode material in double‐layer electrochemical devices may be limited due to their relatively low electrical conductivity and lightweight. To overcome these limitations, the incorporation of pseudocapacitance metal oxide nanoparticles is an optimum approach. These nanoparticles can provide a second energy storage mechanism to the composite, mitigating the loss of surface area associated with their incorporation. As a result, the composite material is endowed with increased conductivity and higher density, making it more suitable for practical implementation in real devices. In this study, we have incorporated a fine dispersion of 1 % of MnO clusters into a highly porous activated carbon synthesized from walnut shells (WAC). The high‐resolution electron microscopy studies, combined with their related analytical techniques, allow us to determine the presence of the cluster within the matrix carbon precisely. The resulting MnO@WAC composite demonstrated significantly improved capacitive behavior compared with the WAC material, with increased volumetric capacitance and higher charge retention at higher current densities. The composite‘s electrochemical performance suggests its potential as a promising electrode material for supercapacitors, addressing drawbacks associated with traditional AC materials.
Bioburden detection on surface and water samples in a rapid, ultra‐sensitive and high‐throughput manner
Authors: Hasan Md Sadique , Sundberg Chad , Gilotte Elias , Ge Xudong , Kostov Yordan , Rao Govind 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBioburden detection is crucial for food, water, and biopharmaceutical applications as it can directly impact public health. The objective of this study is to develop and validate an assay and protocol for detecting bioburden on solid surfaces, as well as in water, with high sensitivity and accuracy in a rapid manner. Henceforth, a resazurin‐based assay optimized for detecting bioburden has been integrated with a previously developed portable multichannel fluorometer. The microbes were isolated from solid surfaces in different laboratory settings by swabbing technique, and stream water was collected for contamination analysis. Based on the results, the assay and protocol can successfully detect bioburden as low as 20 CFU/cm2 and 10 CFU/mL present in both surface and water samples, respectively.
Yinxieling decoction ameliorates psoriasis by regulating the differentiation and functions of Langerhans cells via the TGF‐β1/PU.1/IL‐23 signal axis
Authors: Li Ning , Ke Jiagu , Yu Qihua , Li Xiong , Tang Lipeng , Zhang Miaomiao , Chai Xiaoshu , Wu Qiaoling , Lu Chuanjian , Wu Dinghong 
Published: March 2024

AbstractLangerhans cells (LCs) play a critical role in skin immune responses and the development of psoriasis. Yinxieling (YXL) is a representative Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of psoriasis in South China. It was found to improve psoriasis without obvious side effects in the clinic. Here we attempted to clarify whether and how YXL regulates the differentiation and functions of LCs in Imiquimod (IMQ)‐induced psoriasis in vivo and induced LCs in vitro. The Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) score was used to evaluate the efficacy of YXL for IMQ‐induced psoriasis‐like mice. Flow cytometry was utilized to analyze the effects of YXL, to regulate the differentiation, migration, maturation, and antigen presentation of LCs. The results show that YXL significantly alleviated skin inflammation, as reduced in PASI score and classic psoriasis characteristics in pathological sections. Although there was no effect on the proportion of total DCs in the skin‐draining lymph nodes, the expression of epidermal LCs and its transcription factor PU.1 were both markedly inhibited. LCs were also prevented from migrating from epidermal to skin‐draining lymph nodes and mature. In addition, the number of LCs carrying antigens in the epidermis increased, which suggested that YXL could effectively prevent LCs from presenting antigens. In vitro, YXL had a significant impact on inhibiting the differentiation of LCs. Further data showed that YXL decreased the relative expression of transforming growth factor‐β (TGFβ) messenger RNA (mRNA) and interleukin‐23 (IL‐23) mRNAs. Thus, YXL alleviates psoriasis by regulating differentiation, migration, maturation, and antigen presentation via the TGFβ/PU.1/IL‐23 signal axis.
The regulatory role of autophagy between TAMs and tumor cells
Authors: Hu Min , Fan Jiao‐Xiu , He Zi‐Yue , Zeng Jun 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCancer has become a global public health problem and its harmful effects have received widespread attention. Conventional treatments such as surgical resection, radiotherapy and other techniques are applicable to clinical practice, but new drugs are constantly being developed and other therapeutic approaches, such as immunotherapy are being applied. In addition to studying the effects on individual tumor cells, it is important to explore the role of tumor microenvironment on tumor cell development since tumor cells do not exist alone but in the tumor microenvironment. In the tumor microenvironment, tumor cells are interconnected with other stromal cells and influence each other, among which tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) are the most numerous immune cells. At the same time, it was found that cancer cells have different levels of autophagy from normal cells. In cancer therapy, the occurrence of autophagy plays an important role in promoting tumor cell death or inhibiting tumor cell death, and is closely related to the environment. Therefore, elucidating the regulatory role of autophagy between TAMs and tumor cells may be an important breakthrough, providing new perspectives for further research on antitumor immune mechanisms and improving the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy.
Does ejection fraction matter in choosing between percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary artery bypass surgery?
Authors: Seto Arnold H. , Yau Persephone 
Published: March 2024

Key points
Left ventricular systolic dysfunction has traditionally been used as a risk factor favoring coronary artery bypass surgery over percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), but recent data have challenged this.
Retrospective data from the BIOFLOW trials show no difference between normal and moderately abnormal LVEF (30%–50%) in acute complications or target vessel failure.
Abnormal LVEF may be a marker for comorbidities but no longer a relative contraindication to PCI.
Ring–Opening Mechanism of O‐heterocycles into α,ω‐Diols over Ni−La(OH)3: C−O Bond Hydrogenolysis of THFA to 1,5‐Pentanediol as a Case Study
Authors: Al‐Yusufi Mohammed , Michalik Dirk , Kubis Christoph , Murayama Toru , Ishida Tamao , Abdel‐Mageed Ali M. , Köckritz Angela 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe elucidation of the ring–opening reaction mechanism is a critical step towards improving the catalytic performance for the conversion of biomass into value–added chemicals. Herein, we focused on the stepwise C−O bond hydrogenolysis mechanism of oxygen–containing heterocycles (O‐heterocycles) into α,ω‐diols, in particular THFA to 1,5‐PeD, over selective Ni−La(OH)3 in hydrogen–donor isopropanol. A mechanistic study was carried out on a structurally well–defined Ni−La(OH)3, where the mechanism was elucidated using a combination of kinetic and 13C NMR isotope labeling experiments. It was suggested that both Ni nanoparticles and La(OH)3 support play a critical role in the reaction mechanism, where basic hydroxide species of the support initially deprotonate the CH2OH and −OH modified furan, tetrahydrofuran and tetrahydropyran rings, adsorbing them chemically on the catalyst surface. This step is followed by a direct hydride attack on the second carbon atom of these rings, which is proposed to be the key step for ring cleavage, as indicated by the increased deuteration at this position. In addition to the direct hydrogenolysis using gaseous H2, it is assumed that a catalytic transfer hydrogenolysis reaction (CTH) reaction of THFA is proposed to proceed via the dehydrogenation of isopropanol over isolated Ni species, forming hydrogen species that can be adsorbed on the Ni surface or desorb as H2 molecules.
Influence of Acid‐Base Characteristics of Different Structural‐Type Zeolites (FER, MFI, FAU, BEA) on Their Activity and Selectivity in Isobutanol Dehydration
Authors: Zikrata Oksana V. , Larina Olga V. , Balakin Dmytro Yu. , Nychiporuk Yurii M. , Khalakhan Ivan , Švegovec Marija , Volavšek Janez , Yaremov Pavlo S. , Soloviev Sergiy O. , Orlyk Svitlana M. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe different structural‐type zeolites (FER, MFI, FAU, BEA) are investigated as catalysts in (bio)isobutanol conversion into linear butenes. The zeolites’ structure and morphology are confirmed by XRD, N2 (77 K) ad(de)sorption, SEM, EDX, XPS, and 27Al, 29Si, 1H MAS NMR, 1H‐29Si CP MAS NMR. The nature and strength of acid‐base sites are determined by FTIR spectroscopy of adsorbed pyridine, potentiometric titration, and TPD of NH3/CO2/H2O with MS control. The acid‐base properties of the zeolites′ surfaces influence their catalytic properties in the target process. The higher selectivity towards linear butene isomers achieved over FER and MFI can be explained by the high strength and density of Brønsted acid sites (over 90 % of the total surface acidity). MFI might be regarded as a potential material for the creation of novel catalysts for isobutanol conversion into linear butenes at moderate temperatures (448–473 K) since it offers greater operating stability throughout the process.
Electrowetting of Carbon‐based Materials for Advanced Electrochemical Technologies
Authors: Papaderakis Athanasios A. , Leketas Mantas , Wei Zixuan , Hwang Imgon , Carbone Paola , Juel Anne , Dryfe Robert A. W. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWetting phenomena underpin a plethora of key processes occurring in nature and artificial systems. Subtle control over wetting can boost the performance of devices with applications in diverse technologies, spanning electrochemical energy conversion, storage, and capacitive deionization to variable micro‐/nano‐fluidics platforms and electro(nano)tribology. A common characteristic of these systems is their operation under application of an electric field that induces a series of electrochemical processes that can impact wetting. The dependence of wetting on the applied potential bias is referred to as electrowetting. Carbon‐based materials hold a central role as both active electrodes and additives in such systems due to their distinct physicochemical properties and versatile characteristics. Deciphering the mechanisms of electrowetting on carbon in contact with electrolytes of varied types and compositions requires the fundamental understanding of the underlying processes taking place at the carbon/electrolyte interface. Simultaneously, a systematic investigation of electrowetting can often provide significant insights into the properties of the interface. In this concept article, we discuss the latest advances in the area along with the current challenges and future directions of this recently revived research topic.
A new pressure control scheme on steam‐assisted gravity drainage for heavy oil production
Authors: Jia Xinfeng , Wang Kangkang , Xiong Jian , Jiao Binhai , Liu Dong , Chen Zhangxin , Jiang Liangliang , Pang Zhanxi 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAs one the most important recovery mechanisms of steam‐assisted gravity drainage (SAGD), gravity drainage is largely dependent on the inclination angle of the steam chamber edge. The existence of solution‐gas causes an ellipsoid‐shaped chamber that has small inclination angle at the bottom, which leads to inefficient gravity drainage and slows down oil production. To address this problem, this study proposes a new scheme, variable‐pressure SAGD (VP‐SAGD). It is basically a SAGD process, at certain stages of which pressure surge is induced by controlling the operating conditions so that the shape of steam chamber can be altered. This leads to a larger slip angle in the steam chamber at the bottom and more efficient heat transport between hot steam and crude oil. Results show that VP‐SAGD is able to increase oil recovery by up to 20% and decrease cumulative steam–oil ratio (cSOR) by up to 7%. Its special oil extraction mechanisms include swabbing effect, enlarged inclination angle of steam chamber boundary at the bottom, and enhanced heat transfer. Particularly, the inclination angle is increased by up to 40%. In addition, a lower producer bottom‐hole pressure (BHP) during pressure drawdown leads to a better production incremental in later stages. The optimal timing for pressure surge is the middle stage of steam chamber growth. The lower the producer BHP decrease, the better the yield increase. Moreover, The VP‐SAGD strategy works better in heavy oil reservoirs with a permeability of k = 0.5–10 Darcy or solution gas content of greater than 2%.
Historical analysis of accidents in the Saudi Arabian chemical industry
Authors: Palacios Adriana , Palacios‐Rosas Erika , Abdul‐Aziz‐Al‐Mughanam Tawfiq 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe chemical industry oversees the transformation of raw materials into products through unit operations that require appropriate organization to avoid accidents. Hence, it is important to do analyses to identify any possible mistakes, substances involved, or common sources of accidents in the industry to avoid such errors and design better safety measures to create a safer space for the chemical industry, which is hugely important and boasts a worldwide presence. This document presents an analysis of chemical industry‐related accidents in Saudi Arabia, namely fires, explosions, and toxic clouds which occurred in the chemical and petrochemical industries and while transporting hazardous materials in the last 46 years. Three databases—one for each type of accident—were created with information collected from articles, newspapers, videos, and papers. ‘Explosion’, ‘fire’, and ‘toxic clouds’ were the key words used for the research, focusing on accident taking place in Saudi Arabia. Once the information had been collected, the accidents were filtered, checked, and moved to a fourth general database. It is shown that 54.0% of all related accidents were fires, 25.4% toxic clouds, and 20.6% were explosions. The provinces with the most registered accidents were Riyadh (15), Jeddah (10), and Jubail (6).
Concentration‐Gradient Structural LiFe0.5Mn0.5PO4/C Prepared via Co‐precipitation Reaction for Advanced Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Jiang Xiaoyan , Li Lanyan , Wang Xianyou , Luo Zhigao 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe intrinsically low electronic conductivity and slow ion diffusion kinetics limit further development of olivine LiFexMn1‐xPO4 cathode materials. In this paper, with the aim of improving the performance of such materials and alleviating the Jahn‐Taller effect of Mn3+ ion, a bimetallic oxalate precursor with gradient distribution of elemental concentration followed with an efficient process is applied to synthesize LiFe0.5Mn0.5PO4 nanocomposite. The results shown that with certain structural modulation of the precursor, the discharge capacity of synthesized LiFe0.5Mn0.5PO4 increased from 149 mAh g−1 to 156 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C, the cycling capacity was also remarkably improved. the Fe0.5Mn0.5C2O4 ⋅ 2H2O‐1 precursor with gradient distribution of elemental concentration effectively restricts the reaction between electrode material and electrolyte, thereby alleviates the dissolution of Mn3+ ion, reduces the decay of capacity and improves the stability of the material.
Variation in stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope compositions along antlers of Qamanirjuaq caribou (Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus)
Authors: Brenning Matthew , Longstaffe Fred J. , Fraser Danielle 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAnnual antler growth begins in the spring and is completed by late summer for male caribou (Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus) from the Qamanirjuaq herd (Nunavut, Canada), aligned with both the spring migration and a seasonal dietary shift. Antlers may provide a non‐lethal means of studying short‐ and long‐term changes in caribou ecology through incorporated isotopes of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N). We sampled the antlers of 12 male caribou from the Qamanirjuaq herd culled in September 1967. We predicted that serial sampling of antlers would reflect the known seasonal dietary change from lichen to grass‐like and shrub diet based on rumen contents from individuals culled during the same period. The δ13C and δ15N were analyzed in food sources and every 3 cm along each antler's length. The carbon isotope compositions of collagen (δ13Ccol) varied by ~0.5‰ among individuals and within antlers, while the carbon isotope compositions of antler bioapatite (δ13CCO3) increased by 1–1.5‰ from pedicle to tip. Values of δ15Ncol increased within antlers by 1–3‰ from pedicle to tip and varied by 3‰ among the individuals sampled. Antler collagen was lower in δ15Ncol by ~1‰ relative to bone collagen. Bayesian mixing models were conducted to test for changes in dietary proportions from antler isotope compositions. Mixing models did not indicate significant dietary shifts for any individual during antler formation, showing consistently mixed diets of fungi, horsetail, lichen, and woody plants. Increases in δ15Ncol in antler tissue could, therefore, correspond to subtle seasonal dietary changes and/or the physiological stress of antler tissue development.
Analysing biological colour patterns from digital images: An introduction to the current toolbox
Authors: Hemingson Christopher R. , Cowman Peter F. , Bellwood David R. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractUnderstanding the numerous roles that colouration serves in the natural world has remained a central focus in many evolutionary and ecological studies. However, to accurately characterise and then compare colours or patterns among individuals or species has been historically challenging. In recent years, there have been a myriad of new resources developed that allow researchers to characterise biological colours and patterns, specifically from digital imagery. However, each resource has its own strengths and weaknesses, answers a specific question and requires a detailed understanding of how it functions to be used properly. These nuances can make navigating this emerging field rather difficult. Herein, we evaluate several new techniques for analysing biological colouration, with a specific focus on digital images. First, we introduce fundamental background knowledge about light and perception to be considered when designing and implementing a study of colouration. We then show how numerous modifications can be made to images to ensure consistent formatting prior to analysis. After, we describe many of the new image analysis approaches and their respective functions, highlighting the type of research questions that they can address. We demonstrate how these various techniques can be brought together to examine novel research questions and test specific hypotheses. Finally, we outline potential future directions in colour pattern studies. Our goal is to provide a starting point and pathway for researchers wanting to study biological colour patterns from digital imagery.
The future of endemic and threatened birds of the Amazon in the face of global climate change
Authors: de Moraes Kauê Felippe , Lima Marcela Guimarães Moreira , Gonçalves Gabriela Silva Ribeiro , Cerqueira Pablo Vieira , Santos Marcos Pérsio Dantas 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe anthropogenic impacts on the environment, including deforestation and the escalating emissions of greenhouse gases, have significantly contributed to global climate change that can lead to alterations in ecosystems. In this context, protected areas (PAs) are pillars for biodiversity conservation by being able, for example, to maintain the viability of populations of endangered species. On the other hand, the species range shifts do not follow the limits of PAs, jeopardizing the conservation of these species. Furthermore, the effectiveness of PAs is consistently undermined by impacts stemming from land use, hunting activities, and illegal exploitation, both within the designated areas and in their adjacent zones. The objectives of this study are to quantify the impacts of climate change on the distribution of threatened and endemic birds of the Amazon biome, evaluate the effectiveness of PAs in protecting the richness of threatened birds, and analyze the representativeness of species within PAs. We found with our results that climate suitability loss is above 80 for 65% of taxa in the optimistic scenario and above 93% in the pessimistic scenario. The results show that PAs are not effective in protecting the richness of Amazonian birds, just as they are ineffective in protecting most of the taxa studied when analyzed individually Although some taxa are presented as “Protected,” in future scenarios these taxa may suffer major shrinkages in their distributions and consequently present population unviability. The loss of climatically suitable areas and the effectiveness of PAs can directly influence the loss of ecosystem services, fundamental to maintaining the balance of biodiversity. Therefore, our study paves the way for conservation actions aimed at these taxa so that they can mitigate current and future extinctions due to climate change.