bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of action of pseudopteroxazole and pseudopterosin G: Diterpenes from marine origin
Authors: Janzing Niklas B. M. , Senges Christoph H. R. , Dietze Pascal , Haltli Bradley , Marchbank Douglas H. , Kerr Russell G. , Bandow Julia E. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPseudopteroxazole (Ptx) and the pseudopterosins are marine natural products with promising antibacterial potential. While Ptx has attracted interest for its antimycobacterial activity, pseudopterosins are active against several clinically relevant pathogens. Both compound classes exhibit low cytotoxicity and accessibility to targeted synthesis, yet their antibacterial mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, we investigated the modes of action of Ptx and pseudopterosin G (PsG) in Bacillus subtilis employing an unbiased approach that combines gel‐based proteomics with a mathematical similarity analysis of response profiles. Proteomic responses to sublethal concentrations of Ptx and PsG were compared to a library of antibiotic stress response profiles revealing that both induce a stress response characteristic for agents targeting the bacterial cell envelope by interfering with membrane‐bound steps of cell wall biosynthesis. Microscopy‐based assays confirmed that both compounds compromise the integrity of the bacterial cell wall without disrupting the membrane potential. Furthermore, LC‐MSE analysis showed that the greater potency of PsG against B. subtilis, reflected in a lower MIC and a more pronounced proteomic response, may be rooted in a more effective association with and penetration of B. subtilis cells. We conclude that Ptx and PsG target the integrity of the gram‐positive cell wall.
Rigid diols bearing two adamantane‐like components: Synthesis from naturally occurring myo‐inositol and application to the synthesis of high‐Tg polyurethanes
Authors: Sudo Atsushi , Morihiro Akane , Ochi Haruka 
Published: December 2023

Abstractmyo‐inositol, a naturally occurring cyclic hexaol, was converted into conformationally constrained diols 4 bearing two adamantane‐like components in the molecule. For the synthesis of 4, an orthoester derivative of myo‐inositol bearing an adamantane‐like rigid structure on which three hydroxyl groups were attached was used as the precursor. Two molecules of the orthoester were tethered via acetalization using two axially oriented hydroxyl groups, successfully constructing the core structure of 4. Polyaddition of 4 with diisocyanate was performed to obtain the corresponding polyurethanes, with glass transition temperatures (Tg) ranging from 150 to 210°C.
Experimental nibble for computational chemists: On the construction and CO2 capture by different zeolite imidazole ester framework‐8 and ionic
Authors: Yang Jiaxi , Gao Dan , Pan Yong , Cao Yuanyuan , Zhang Heng , Chen Yating 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe combination of zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8) and ionic liquids (ILs) to create porous ionic liquids (PILs) is highly significant for efficient carbon dioxide (CO2) capture and the advancement of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies. To further investigate the CO2 capture characteristics of different PILs, two different‐sized ZIF‐8 structures and two functionalized ILs were prepared. Additionally, the enhancement factor of the reaction process was calculated using the dual‐film theory and mass transfer coefficient. The results demonstrated that the original [PMIm]Cl had low CO2 absorption capacity at ambient temperature and pressure, whereas the functionalized ILs had a maximum CO2 capture capacity of approximately .31 mol/mol, with the 20 wt% concentration of tetraethylene pentamine‐2‐methylimidazole ([TEP][MIm]) exhibiting the highest CO2 capture capacity of around 1.93 mol/mol. The synthesized PILs demonstrated a maximum CO2 capture capacity of approximately 2.22 and 2.16 mol/mol at 20 and 10 wt% ionic concentrations, respectively, with a porous ionic liquid addition of 1.0/100 g. The corresponding enhancement factors were 1.53 and 1.59, respectively. These findings have significant implications for CCUS technology.
1H,4H‐1,4‐diborabuckminsterfullerene with pyridine molecules and ytterbium endo‐atom
Authors: Semenov Sergey G. , Bedrina Marina E. , Klemeshev Vladimir A. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe competition between the ytterbium endo‐atom and the pyridine exo‐molecules as nucleophiles interacting with the electron‐deficient 1H,4H‐1,4‐diborabuckminsterfullerene was studied using the quantum chemical DFT PBE0 method. The equilibrium structural parameters, dipole moments, IR spectra, and exothermic effects of the formation of the C58B2•Py2 adduct and the endohedral Yb@C58B2•Py2 complex were determined. The concept of the state of oxidation/reduction of an atom in a chemical compound has been clarified. The localization of the ytterbium(II) under a pair of equivalent carbon atoms bonded to boron(III) atoms is predicted. The introduction of ytterbium(II) into the adduct cavity weakens exo‐bonds with pyridine molecules without changing the oxidation state of boron(III). Each nitrogen atom retains a lone electron pair, coordinated by a boron(III). The ytterbium(II) endo‐atom retains 14 electrons in f states.
Safety and efficacy of COVID‐19 vaccines: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of controlled and randomized clinical trials
Authors: Beladiya Jayesh , Kumar Anup , Vasava Yogesh , Parmar Krupanshu , Patel Dipanshi , Patel Sandip , Dholakia Sandip , Sheth Devang , Boddu Sai H. S. , Patel Chirag 
Published: December 2023

AbstractVaccines against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) have been discovered within a very small duration of time as compared to the traditional way for the development of vaccines, which raised the question about the safety and efficacy of the approved vaccines. The purpose of this study is to look at the effectiveness and safety of vaccine platforms against the incidence of COVID‐19. The literature search was performed on PubMed/Medline, Cochrane, and clinical trials.gov databases for studies published between 1 January 2020 and 19 February 2022. Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic Review and Meta‐Analysis Statement guidelines were followed. Among 284 articles received by keywords, a total of 11 studies were eligible according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria (studies in special populations, e.g., pregnant women, paediatric patients, editorials, case reports, review articles, preclinical and in vitro studies) of the study. A total of 247,186 participants were considered for randomisation at baseline, among them, 129,572 (52.42%) were provided with vaccine (Intervention group) and 117,614 (47.58%) with the placebo (Control group). A pooled fold change estimation of 0.19 (95% CI: 0.12–0.31, p < 0.0001) showed significant protection against the incidence of COVID‐19 in the vaccines received group versus the placebo group. mRNA based, inactivated vaccines and non‐replicating viral vector‐based vaccines showed significantly protection against the incidence of COVID‐19 compared to placebo with pooled fold change estimation was 0.08 (95% CI: 0.06–0.10), 0.20 (95% CI: 0.14–0.29) and 0.36 (95% CI: 0.28–0.46), respectively. Injection site discomfort and fatigue were the most common side effect observed in mRNA, non‐replicating viral vector, inactivated, and protein subunit‐based vaccines. All the approved vaccines were found safe and efficacious but mRNA‐based vaccines were found to be more efficacious against SARS‐CoV‐2 than other platforms.
Extended dissipative synchronization for discrete complex dynamical networks with random successive coupling delays through PID control
Authors: Pallavi S. , Sakthivel N. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis work investigates the synchronization problem for a kind of discrete complex dynamical networks (CDNs) including nonlinearities, exogenous disturbance, and successive time‐varying random coupling delays. Also, the stochastic variable obeying Bernoulli distribution is exploited to describe the randomness of the coupling delays. The main target of this work is to devise a novel PID controller ensuring that the proposed network is asymptotically synchronized in mean‐square and also meets a specified extended dissipative performance. With the aid of Kronecker product properties, Lyapunov stability theory and free weighting matrix technique, less conservative sufficient criteria is obtained in the form of Linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) to affirm the synchronization of the considered network. At last, the efficacy and potency of the designed control protocol are verified through two examples including the Chen system.
Boosting diversity in regression ensembles
Authors: Bourel Mathias , Cugliari Jairo , Goude Yannig , Poggi Jean‐Michel 
Published: December 2023

AbstractEnsemble methods, such as Bagging, Boosting, or Random Forests, often enhance the prediction performance of single learners on both classification and regression tasks. In the context of regression, we propose a gradient boosting‐based algorithm incorporating a diversity term with the aim of constructing different learners that enrich the ensemble while achieving a trade‐off of some individual optimality for global enhancement. Verifying the hypotheses of Biau and Cadre's theorem (2021, Advances in contemporary statistics and econometrics—Festschrift in honour of Christine Thomas‐Agnan, Springer), we present a convergence result ensuring that the associated optimization strategy reaches the global optimum. In the experiments, we consider a variety of different base learners with increasing complexity: stumps, regression trees, Purely Random Forests, and Breiman's Random Forests. Finally, we consider simulated and benchmark datasets and a real‐world electricity demand dataset to show, by means of numerical experiments, the suitability of our procedure by examining the behavior not only of the final or the aggregated predictor but also of the whole generated sequence.
Coplanar MoS2–MoTe2 Heterojunction With the Same Crystal Orientation
Authors: Wang Qi , Song Yiwen , Ran Yuqia , Li Yanping , Pan Yu , Ye Yu 
Published: December 2023

AbstractTwo‐dimensional (2D) coplanar heterostructure enables high‐performance optoelectronic devices, such as p–n heterojunctions. However, realizing site‐controllable and shape‐specific 2D coplanar heterojunctions composed of two semiconductors with the same crystal orientation still requires the development of new growth methods. Here, a route to fabricate MoS2–MoTe2 coplanar heterojunctions with the same crystal orientation is reported by exploiting the properties of phase transition and atomic rearrangement during the growth of 2H‐MoTe2. Raman spectroscopy and electron microscopy techniques reveal the chemical composition and lattice structure of the heterostructure. Both MoS2 and MoTe2 in the heterojunction are single crystals and have the same lattice orientation, and their shapes can be arbitrarily defined by electron beam lithography. Electrical measurements show that the MoS2 and MoTe2 channels exhibit n‐type and p‐type transfer characteristics, respectively. The coplanar epitaxy technology can be used to prepare more coplanar heterostructures with novel device functions.
3D Flower‐like Nanospheres Constructed by Transition Metal Telluride Nanosheets as Sulfur Immobilizers for High‐Performance Room‐Temperature Na‐S Batteries
Authors: Gao Wanjie , Song Bingyan , Zhang Qianyu , He Jiarui , Wu Yuping 
Published: December 2023

AbstractRoom‐temperature sodium‐sulfur (RT Na‐S) batteries hold immense promise as next‐generation energy storage systems, owing to their exceptionally high theoretical capacity, abundant resources, eco‐friendliness, and affordability. Nevertheless, their practical application is impeded by the shuttling effect of sodium polysulfides (NaPSs) and sluggish sulfur redox kinetics. In this study, an advanced strategy by designing 3D flower‐like molybdenum telluride (MoTe2) as an efficient catalyst to promote sulfur redox for RT Na‐S batteries is presented. The unique 3D flower‐like MoTe2 effectively prevents NaPS shuttling and simultaneously offers abundant active catalytic sites facilitating polysulfide redox. Consequently, the obtained MoTe2/S cathode delivers an outstanding initial reversible capacity of 1015 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C, along with robust cycling stability of retaining 498 mAh g−1 at 1 C after 500 cycles. In addition, pouch cells are fabricated with the MoTe2 additive to deliver an ultrahigh initial discharge capacity of 890 mAh g−1 and remain stable over 40 cycles under practically necessary conditions, demonstrating the potential application in the commercialization of RT Na‐S batteries.
Properties of steel fiber reinforced mortar‐plastic columns with the cross‐section in a form of a Cesaro fractal
Authors: Katzer Jacek , Skoratko Aneta , Seitl Stanislav 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn this paper, the concept of steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC)‐plastic columns was explored and discussed. Plastic served as a 3D printed formwork that remained in place. Five different column cross‐section shapes, based on Cesaro fractal iterations, were created and filled with steel fiber reinforced mortar. After curing, the specimens were loaded and load‐strain characteristics were recorded, with a focus on destruction characteristics and energy dissipated up to 6.0% strain. The results showed that columns with fractal‐based cross‐sections had smooth destruction with significant formwork deformation. All columns exhibited highly quasi‐plastic behavior. The results demonstrate the feasibility of replacing traditional formwork and concrete with a more automated 3D printed plastic and SFRC solution. Future research should focus on large‐scale columns and other structural elements.
Effects of bacterial consortium enhanced recycled coarse aggregates on self‐healing concrete immobilized with Bacillus megaterium MTCC 1684 and Bacillus subtilis NCIM 2193
Authors: Bakr Mohd Abu , Hussain Ahmed , Singh Paritosh Kumar , Singh Birendra Kumar , Prajakti  
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe strength and durability properties of the recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) have been affected by the cracks and the weak interfacial transition zone (ITZ) of the recycled coarse aggregates (RCA). However, the mechanical and physical features of RCA can be improved by microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP). Therefore, immobilization techniques were used to protect and maintain the high efficiency of Bacillus bacteria for the formation and precipitation of calcium carbonates in self‐healing concrete over a period of time. The objective of the present study was to show the viability of the immobilized bacterial consortium‐enhanced RCA to form self‐healing cracks. Further, the self‐healing capability of enhanced RCA was investigated along with two other immobilization methods, that is, RCA and hydrated lime and brick powder (HBr)‐immobilized bacteria. The experimental results show that the increase in the bio‐deposition time improved the physical and mechanical properties of the RCA. Further, subsequently 56 days of the healing incubation period, the immobilized consortium‐enhanced RCA concrete specimens completely healed the cracks of width 0.58 mm. However, the equivalent cracks of width 0.56 mm were also recovered by the HBr immobilized bacterial cultures. Furthermore, the field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that the existence of precipitation at the crack surface was calcium carbonate with a regular cubic‐shaped and lamellar layer morphology. The outcomes of the current study show that consortium‐enhanced RCA has promising potential to develop self‐healing concrete with self‐repaired and improved durability properties in the concrete construction field.
Fluorescent Probes Based on Charge and Proton Transfer for Probing Biomolecular Environment
Authors: Pivovarenko Vasyl G. , Klymchenko Andrey S. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractFluorescent probes for sensing fundamental properties of biomolecular environment, such as polarity and hydration, help to study assembly of lipids into biomembranes, sensing interactions of biomolecules and imaging physiological state of the cells. Here, we summarize major efforts in the development of probes based on two photophysical mechanisms: (i) an excited‐state intramolecular charge transfer (ICT), which is represented by fluorescent solvatochromic dyes that shift their emission band maximum as a function of environment polarity and hydration; (ii) excited‐state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT), with particular focus on 5‐membered cyclic systems, represented by 3‐hydroxyflavones, because they exhibit dual emission sensitive to the environment. For both ICT and ESIPT dyes, the design of the probes and their biological applications are summarized. Thus, dyes bearing amphiphilic anchors target lipid membranes and report their lipid organization, while targeting ligands direct them to specific organelles for sensing their local environment. The labels, amino acid and nucleic acid analogues inserted into biomolecules enable monitoring their interactions with membranes, proteins and nucleic acids. While ICT probes are relatively simple and robust environment‐sensitive probes, ESIPT probes feature high information content due their dual emission. They constitute a powerful toolbox for addressing multitude of biological questions.
Dynamic interplay of intratumoral microbiota within the colorectal cancer microenvironment
Authors: Wu Yuanyuan , Wang Pingping , Zhao Xinyu , Liu Ti , Situ Bo , Zheng Lei 
Published: December 2023

AbstractColorectal cancer (CRC) is a complex malignancy, influenced not only by cancer cells but also by the tumor microenvironment (TME). Within the TME, emerging evidence highlights the presence and functional roles of diverse microbial entities, referred to as intratumoral microbiota. The distribution of these microbiota exhibits significant heterogeneity and engages in dynamic interactions with tumor cells, forming a unique ecosystem. Certain bacterial strains distinctly influence the TME of CRC, affecting the characteristics and progression of the tumor. This review summarizes the intricate roles of intratumoral microbiota within CRC's TME, emphasizing their importance in the disease's development and progression, and discuss the opportunities and challenges in the field.
Gender Equality, Equity, and Equal Opportunities
Authors: Nanni Giulia 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe history of equality is part of our existence and one of the fundamental pillars of democracy. However, it is not a natural entity, but a concept that needs to be specified in order to acquire meaning: between whom and in what aspect does equality operate? In this work, we address the issue of equality between men and women in the six areas of life identified by the European Institute for Gender Equality (Work, Money, Time, Power, Knowledge, Health) plus that of Violence. This is because what we know for sure is that no country in the world can yet claim to have achieved gender equality. In this chapter, we therefore define the evolution of the concept of equality and gender equality, as well as the relevance of the latter in the international arena and the countless barriers to its achievement.
The Complexity of Social Phenomena and the Construction of Indicators
Authors: Alaimo Leonardo Salvatore 
Published: December 2023

AbstractFor many years, indicators have been considered niche topics in the literature. In recent decades, this issue has become central to the scientific debate and has been discussed in any conference or workshop on the measurement and analysis of socioeconomic phenomena. Indicators are not a specific and exclusive topic of the natural or social sciences, but are used and constructed everywhere, and their functions in contemporary societies are widespread (Maggino et al., 2021). This Chapter adresses the issue of indicators as tools for measuring the complexity of reality. The different steps for constructing a system of indicators and for its synthesis are analysed, focusing on the composite indicators.
From a 350th Anniversary to a Global Movement: United by Science for a Better Tomorrow
Authors: Betz Ulrich A. K. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractWhen Merck celebrated its 350th anniversary as the world’s oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company back in 2018, the establishment of the Curious—Future Insight Conference was a major milestone. Along with the inauguration of the annual upto one million euro Merck Future Insight Prize, it underlined the company’s commitment and ambition to help advance science and technology for the benefit of humanity.
Introduction to the Volume
Authors: van de Vall Renée , van Saaze Vivian 
Published: December 2023

AbstractFor several decades, the conservation of contemporary art has constituted a dynamic field of research and reflection. At first, in the 1990s, this research field consisted primarily of conservation professionals working in or with museums and other heritage organizations. In those years, the condition of many experimental artworks dating from the 1960s and 1970s in museum collections became a concern, while conservators were often at a loss as to what to do with them. Organic materials used in sculptures or installations, like fat, chocolate or wax, were prone to decay; plastics became brittle or discoloured; media devices which grew technologically outdated would soon prove difficult to repair. Conservation of these works often meant intervening in the original materials to a degree that was difficult to justify in terms of prevalent conservation ethics. Conceptual, site specific and performance artworks complicated the focus of conservation efforts on the preservation of a material object in various ways. As a result, practical conservation problems called for technical and theoretical research and reflection, while, in turn, technical and theoretical research and reflection made it possible to frame practical problems of conservation in new ways.
The Increasing Role of Artists’ Estates in the Preservation of Contemporary Art
Authors: Schäffler Anna 
Published: December 2023

AbstractToday’s challenges in dealing with the legacy of contemporary artists require new structural models for conservation and preservation and are leading to a radical shift of our western memory culture. The growing importance and discussion of artist estates in recent years is one of the results of this development. Based on my experience of working for the estate of German conceptual artist Anna Oppermann (1943–1992), I argue not only that artist estates become important sites of knowledge for the preservation and contextualization of contemporary art, but also that this major change and dissolution can be understood as a decentralized memory organization in which both private actors and civil society become significant stakeholders for contemporary art. In elevating preservation to a condition of contemporary art, the instituent potential of contemporary art preservation becomes apparent through these emerging so-called “networks of care.”