bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Photocatalytic Epoxy Paint Based on TiO2 for the Decontamination of Water under Visible LED and Sunlight Irradiation
Authors: Chawraba Khaled , Medlej Hussein , Noun Adel , Sakr Mohamad , Toufaily Joumana , Lalevee Jacques , Hamieh Tayssir 
Published: January 2024

AbstractSemiconductor oxides such as titanium dioxide (TiO2) have been used as photocatalysts for removing contaminants. In addition, TiO2 nanoparticles in suspension form are difficult to recover and recycle, and they are expensive. In our work, titanium dioxide has been immobilized on a commercially available, thermally stable, chemically stable, and cheap polymer. The nanocomposite is synthesized with varying percentages of TiO2, 0.25, 0.5, and 1 weight percent. The obtained nanocomposites were characterized, and the effect of the process parameter (i. e., initial concentration of MB, amount of catalyst, light wavelength, and power of light) was investigated. Also, the results show good photodegradation of MB by the TiO2‐epoxy nanocomposite. The decomposition of 10 ppm methylene blue (MB) during 200 min under 25 W visible LED irradiation can reach 95 %. This value is higher than that obtained with pristine TiO2, which does not have photocatalytic activity under LED light. The antibacterial activity of nanocomposites concerning Escherichia coli and Stephalocous aureus was studied, and an inhibition zone of 2 cm and 3.5 cm was obtained, respectively. Therefore, the TiO2‐epoxy nanocomposite was applied to a glass jar and tested after four months for the degradation of methylene blue (5 ppm) and methyl orange (8 ppm) under sunlight. The paint demonstrated good photocatalytic efficiency of 41 % and 72 % within 310 min, respectively.
Synthesis of Pure and Bi‐Doped Lead Oxides via Microwave‐Assisted Solvothermal Methodology and their Electrochemical Characterization
Authors: Danish Muhammad , Mehmood Arslan , Sandhu Zeshan Ali , Asam Raza Muhammad , Sajid Samavia , Ali Furqan 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIn this study, we have reported the synthesis of both pure and bismuth‐doped lead oxide nanoparticles using solvothermal method. The synthesized nanomaterials were analyzed to assess their structure, crystallinity, phase, maximum absorption and band gap. The electrical characteristics of the fabricated nanostructures were evaluated using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electron impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The maximum specific capacitance and energy density, 349.96 F/g and 95.27 Wh/g respectively, were attained at a scan rate of 200 mV/s in pure lead oxide. The synthesized pure lead oxide has displayed remarkable cyclic stability, retaining approximately 83 % of its performance even after undergoing 2000 cycles. The addition of bismuth to the lead oxide appeared to inhibit the electrochemical properties of lead oxide due to bismuth ion adsorption. This effect is directly concerned with the amount of dopant which predicted the increase in bismuth contents potentially suppressed the performance of the lead oxide. Our study provides insights into the possible uses of lead oxides in energy storage and conversion devices by revealing a previously unexplored method for optimizing their electrochemical characteristics. The understanding of oxide‐based materials in materials science and electrochemistry is expected to advance with the use of this novel technology.
Enhancing Li‐ion Battery Performance through the Integration of Si@TiO2 Core‐Shell Nanoparticles with Natural Graphite
Authors: Vats Bhavya Nidhi , Gupta Raghvendra , Gupta Amit , Fatima S. , Kumar Deepak 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIn this study, Si@TiO2 core‐shell nanoparticles are synthesized using the peptization technique, resulting in a thin and uniform TiO2 coating layer over silicon nanoparticles. This coating layer serves the purpose of controlling the structural degradation of the silicon nanoparticles. These core‐shell nanoparticles are then reinforced into the natural graphite with the potential to be used as a composite anode material (Graphite/Si@TiO2) for Li‐ion batteries. The developed composite material exhibits an initial specific capacity of ≈675 mAh/g at 0.5 A/g, and after 100 cycles it retains the capacity of 75 %. Compared with Graphite/Si composite anode, the developed composite anode material shows improved cyclic stability. The pre‐and post‐cycling morphological analysis of Graphite/Si and Graphite/Si@TiO2 composite anode reveals the degradation behavior. It is assumed that the TiO2 coating provides a protective shield for the silicon particles, preventing their interaction with the electrolyte and causing less material to deposit over the anode surface. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) analysis supports these findings, with the Graphite/Si composite anode exhibiting higher resistance than the Graphite/Si@TiO2 anode. In conclusion, the study demonstrates the potential of using Si@TiO2 core‐shell nanoparticles as a reinforcing agent for natural graphite to develop high‐performance composite anode material for Li‐ion batteries.
Research Progress of Iron Catalysts with N,N,N‐tridentate Ligands for Ethylene Polymerization
Authors: Hu Suling , Zhao Qing , Luo Mingjian , Xin Shixuan , Mao Guoliang 
Published: January 2024

AbstractSome iron complexes are found to be effective catalysts of ethylene polymerization and have become a research hotspot due to their advantages of high activity, good thermal stability, and mild reaction conditions. Compared with other systems, iron catalysts bearing N,N,N‐tridentate ligand have good comprehensive performance in catalyzing ethylene polymerization. This review article focuses on changes in the framework of bis(imino)pyridyl ligand and the effect of different substituents on the catalytic performance of ethylene polymerization (activity, molecular weight, thermal stability, etc.) since 2019. Despite significant achievements, many opportunities and possibilities are yet to be fully addressed, and a brief outlook on the future of issues should be focused on is provided.
Sulfonimidamide as Directing Group for Pd‐mediated ortho‐C−H Chlorination of Arenes
Authors: Ravindra S. , Jesin C. P. Irfana , Hariprasad R. , Natarajan K. , Priya V. R. Padma , Nandi Ganesh Chandra 
Published: January 2024

AbstractHerein, sulfonimidamide (SIA) has been used as directing group for ortho‐chlorination of arene of N‐aroyl part of SIA. The Pd‐mediated protocol uses N‐chlorosuccinimide (NCS) as oxidant/chlorine source, and acetic acid as solvent. The products are obtained in moderate to good yields.
Modulation of Potential‐Limiting Steps in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries by Catalyst Synergy
Authors: Liu Liqi , Zheng Yichun , Sun Yang , Pan Huilin 
Published: January 2024

AbstractElectrocatalysis is considered to be an effective method to solve the sluggish kinetics of lithium–sulfur batteries. However, a single catalyst cannot simultaneously catalyze multi‐step sulfur reductions. And once the catalyst surface is covered by the initially deposited solid products, the subsequent catalytic activity will significantly deteriorate. Here, microporous ZIF‐67 and its derivative nano‐metallic Co0 are used as dual‐catalyst aiming to address these drawbacks. The dual catalytic center effectively cooperates the adsorption and electron transfer for multi‐steps of sulfur reductions, transforming the potential‐limited step (Li2S4→Li2S2/Li2S) into a thermodynamic spontaneous reaction. ZIF‐67 first adsorbs soluble Li2S4 to form a coordination structure of ZIF‐Li2S4. Then nano‐metallic Co0 attracts uncoordinated S atoms in ZIF‐Li2S4 and facilitates the breaking of S–S bonds to form transient reductive ZIF‐Li2S2 and Co‐S2 via. spontaneous electron transfer. These intermediates facilitate continuous conversion to Li2S with reduced formation energy, which is beneficial to the regeneration of the catalyst. As a result, the cathode with ZIF@CNTs/Co@CNFs synergetic catalyst achieves initial areal capacity of 4.7 mAh cm−2 and maintains 3.5 mAh cm−2 at low electrolyte/sulfur ratio (E/S) of 5 µL mg−1. This study provides valuable guidance for improving the electrochemical performance of lithium–sulfur batteries through catalyst synergistic strategies for multi‐step reactions.
Manual shaking exfoliation of large‐size two‐dimensional LiInP2S6 nanosheets with exponential change in ionic conductivity for water detection
Authors: Liang Jianing , Sun Zongdong , Zhu Chaoqi , Wang Shuhao , Zeng Cheng , Zeng Dawen , Zhai Tianyou , Li Huiqiao 
Published: January 2024

AbstractLarge‐sized and atomically thin two‐dimensional metal thiophosphate materials have been widely exploited in detectors due to their rich physical/chemical properties of high surface area and massive adjustable sites. However, existing production methods are limited in terms of meeting the demanding challenges in achieving the scalable fabrication of high‐quality nanomaterials under mild conditions. Here, we develop a facile intercalation–exfoliation method that can fabricate large lateral size (>23 μm) and few‐layer LiInP2S6 nanosheets with high crystalline quality fast. Due to the advantage of hydrophilicity of lithium, swelled interlayer spacing can be obtained, which enables the rapid exfoliation by only slight manual shaking within tens of seconds. Concomitantly, the inorganic LiInP2S6 film manufactured by nanosheets has inter‐connected ionic channels, which can be adjusted on the basis of the water content, enabling tunable ionic conductivity. As a result, ionic conductor films using ions as charge carriers can achieve high water response with good repeatability and excellent long‐term stability in a wide moisture range. Moreover, the as‐prepared detector has excellent capability in real‐time noncontact human–machine interfacing. This study, not only is a powerful strategy for the fabrication of large‐sized and high‐quality nanosheets presented but also proof for the promising development of iontronic devices in new applications.
High‐power microbial‐fuel‐based hybrid cells with three‐dimensional graphene‐coated iron foam as an anode control Fe3+ release
Authors: Wu Zijie , Ni Zhengyang , Qin Mengmeng , Zhang Baocai , Liu Qijing , Zhao Fulai , Liu Gejun , Long Peng , Li Feng , Yu Huitao , Song Hao , Feng Yiyu , Feng Wei 
Published: January 2024

AbstractMicrobial fuel cells (MFCs) benefit from the introduction of iron in the anode, as its multiple valence states and high electron‐catalytic activity led to improved power densities in MFCs. However, the effect of long‐term Fe3+ release into the electrolyte on the power density of MFCs is often overlooked. Herein, an anode consisting of a three‐dimensional iron foam uniformly coated by reduced graphene oxide (rGO/IF) with a suitable loading density (8 g/m2) and a large specific surface area (0.05 m2/g) for high‐density bacterial loading was prepared. The hybrid cells based on the rGO/IF anode exhibit a maximum power density of 5330 ± 76 mW/m2 contributed by MFCs and galvanic cells. The rGO/IF anode enables continuous Fe3+ release for high electron‐catalytic activity in the electrolyte during the discharging of the galvanic cells. As a result, the hybrid cells showed a power density of 2107 ± 64 mW/m2 after four cycles, facilitated through reversible conversion between Fe3+ and Fe2+ in the electrolyte to accelerate electron transfer efficiency. The results indicate that the rGO/IF anode can be used for designing and fabricating high‐power MFCs by optimizing the rate of release of Fe3+ in the electrolyte.
Enhanced Anti/De‐Icing Performance on Rough Surfaces Based on The Synergistic Effect of Fluorinated Resin and Embedded Graphene
Authors: Zhang Rui , Ding Zhengmao , Wang Kaiqiang , Zhang Hanli , Li Jinjin 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIcing negatively impacts various industrial sectors and daily life, often leading to severe safety problems and substantial economic losses. In this work, a fluorinated resin coating with embedded graphene nanoflakes is prepared using a spin‐coating curing process. The results shows that the ice adhesion strength is reduced by ≈97.0% compared to the mirrored aluminum plate, and the icing time is delayed by a factor of 46.3 under simulated solar radiation power of 96 mW cm−2 (1 sun) at an ambient temperature of −15 °C. The superior anti/de‐icing properties of the coating are mainly attributed to the synergistic effect of the fluorinated resin with a low surface energy, the rough structure of the sandblasted aluminum plate, which reduces the contact area, and the embedded graphene nanoflakes with a superior photothermal effect. Furthermore, the hydrogen bonding competition effect between the exposed‐edge oxygen‐containing functional groups of the embedded graphene nanoflakes and water molecules further improves the anti‐icing properties. This work proposes a facile preparation method to prepare coatings with excellent anti/de‐icing properties, offering significant potential for large‐scale engineering applications.
Subcutaneous leiomyosarcoma in a cynomolgus macaque (Macaca fascicularis)
Authors: Lee Dong‐Ho , Mo Jun Won , Yoon Seung‐Bin , Kwon Jeongwoo , Jo Yu‐Jin , Lee Sang Il , Kwon Taeho , Kwon Jungkee , Kim Ji‐Su 
Published: January 2024

AbstractLeiomyosarcoma, a malignant tumour originating from smooth muscle cells, has rarely been documented in non‐human primates. In this case study, a 7‐year‐old female cynomolgus macaque (Macaca fascicularis) presented with a rapidly growing mass overlying the left elbow joint. Radiographs indicated the presence of a soft tissue neoplasm without any associated bone involvement. The mass was surgically resected. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses revealed spindle‐shaped cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm that resembled smooth muscle cells, exhibiting positive immunoreactions for vimentin, desmin and smooth muscle actin and a negative reaction for pan‐cytokeratin. This is the first reported case of subcutaneous leiomyosarcoma in a cynomolgus macaque and provides important insights into the incidence and characteristics of this condition in this species.
Effect of an Escherichia coli–derived phytase and a carbohydrase–protease cocktail derived from Bacillus spp. on performance, digestibility, bone mineralization and gut morphology in broilers fed different nutrient density diets
Authors: Ahmadi Mostafa , Ghasemi Hossein Ali , Hajkhodadadi Iman , Khaligh Farhad 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundEnzyme combinations, particularly phytase (PHY) with various carbohydrases and proteases, are utilized in commercial broiler production to enhance nutrient and energy bioavailability.ObjectiveA feeding study was undertaken to determine whether the efficiency of an Escherichia coli–derived PHY and a feed enzyme complex (FEC) derived from Bacillus spp. containing carbohydrase and protease as main activities in broiler chickens is dependent on diet quality. A total of 900 male one‐day‐old broiler chickens (Ross 308) were assigned to a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of the treatments with 2 different nutrient density diets, standard nutrient diet (SN diet) and a low‐nutrient diet (LN diet; −100 kcal/kg for AMEn and −5% for crude protein [CP] and limiting amino acids), and 3 enzyme treatments (control [no enzymes], PHY and PHY + FEC). Each treatment group was composed of 6 replicates of 25 birds each.ResultsThe LN diet caused a decrease in performance index, tibia length and diameter, tibia calcium content and jejunal villus surface area (VSA). The interaction effects between diet and enzyme supplementation were observed (p < 0.05) on overall average daily gain (ADG), performance index, tibia ash content and jejunal villus height (VH) and VSA, with the favourable benefits of PHY + FEC treatment being more pronounced in the LN diets. Regardless of dietary nutrient density, supplementation with PHY alone or combined with FEC enhanced (p < 0.05) final body weight, overall ADG and jejunal villus height (VH)/crypt depth, with the highest values observed in the PHY + FEC group. The PHY + FEC treatment also improved (p < 0.05) overall feed conversion ratio, apparent ileal digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, CP, and energy, and tibia phosphorus content compared to the control treatment.ConclusionsThe results indicate that the simultaneous addition of PHY and FEC to the LN diets improved the growth rate, bone mineralization and gut morphology.
Genetic variants in the TAC1 transcriptional regulatory region affect on trainability and excitability levels in Belgian Malinois dogs
Authors: Fallahi Mohammad , Masoudi Ali Akbar , Torshizi Rasoul Vaez 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundTrainability in dogs is affected by learning aptitude and memory capacity. While this trait has a heritable basis in canines, the specific genetic loci responsible for it remain unknown. Our previous results suggested that the BDNF, CCK and TAC1 genes are associated with learning and memory in canines. Experimental validation is crucial to confirm the effects of these candidate genes on trainability. Understanding the genetic foundation of this trait would offer insight into the inheritance pattern of complex behavioural characteristics.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the genetic variations within candidate genes and explore their potential associations with behavioural phenotypes in dogs.MethodsThe behavioural characteristics of 123 male Belgian Malinois dogs were assessed using a customised questionnaire. Target regions of candidate genes were screened for genetic variation by single‐strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP). Following that, SSCP banding patterns were sequenced, and putative transcription factor binding sites were predicted using bioinformatics tools. Quantitative association analysis between identified genetic variants and behavioural trait scores was performed using the general linear model (GLM).ResultsSequencing the coding and flanking regions revealed three mutations (c.‐89C>T, c.‐162G>C and c.*33T>A) in the dog TAC1 gene. Bioinformatics analysis predicted two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were located within the putative TAC1 promoter and could disrupt transcription factor binding sites. Statistical tests revealed that the c.‐89C>T was significantly associated with excitability (p < 0.01), while the c.‐162G>C was significantly associated with trainability level (p < 0.05).ConclusionIn summary, we identified two regulatory SNPs in the 5'‐UTR promoter region of the TAC1 gene that are associated with excitability and trainability in Belgian Malinois dogs. These genetic variations have the potential to alter the binding sites of transcription factors NRF1 and OTX1, consequently influencing TAC1 expression and related behavioural characteristics. Our findings implicate TAC1 polymorphisms as candidates influencing breed‐specific behavioural characteristics in canines. Further studies on diverse breeds of dogs are necessary to validate these SNPs' effects.
Natural halloysite nanotubes decorated with organophosphorous for highly flame‐resistant epoxy composites
Authors: Ruan Li , Hu Dechao , Ma Wenshi 
Published: January 2024

AbstractHighly flame‐resistant epoxy composites have important application value in many industrial fields. Unfortunately, epoxy resins (EPs) are inherently flammable materials and exhibit great fire hazard. In this study, the commercially available 9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxide (DOPO) was chemically immobilized on the surface of natural halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) via the linkage of vinyltrimethoxysilane to obtain a novel flame‐retardant VD@HNTs containing P/Si/Al elements. It was found that the flame‐retardant VD@HNTs can effectively improve the thermal stability and flame resistance of epoxy composites. Typically, when 10% of VD@HNTs is added in EP, the limiting oxygen index of as‐prepared VD@HNTs/EP composites reaches 30.3%, and it also successfully reaches V‐0 classification in the UL‐94 test. Besides, the ignition time of VD@HNTs/EP composites was enhanced from 42 s for pure EP to 60 s, and the maximum heat release rate was reduced from 1221 to 758 kW∙m−2. These great findings promise an innovative and efficient strategy for improving the fire safety of EP products and may also offer valuable insight toward fabricating various novel organic–inorganic flame retardants as well as highly flame‐resistant polymer composites.Highlights
A novel flame‐retardant VD@HNTs containing P/Si/Al elements was prepared by the chemical decoration of HNTs with organophosphorous.
The VD@HNT can effectively improve the thermal stability and flame resistance of epoxy composites.
Synergistic flame‐retardant mechanism of phosphorus‐based flame retardants and natural HNTs was classified.
Ascomycetes yeasts: The hidden part of human microbiome
Authors: Nenciarini Stefano , Renzi Sonia , di Paola Monica , Meriggi Niccolò , Cavalieri Duccio 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe fungal component of the microbiota, the mycobiota, has been neglected for a long time due to its poor richness compared to bacteria. Limitations in fungal detection and taxonomic identification arise from using metagenomic approaches, often borrowed from bacteriome analyses. However, the relatively recent discoveries of the ability of fungi to modulate the host immune response and their involvement in human diseases have made mycobiota a fundamental component of the microbial communities inhabiting the human host, deserving some consideration in host–microbe interaction studies and in metagenomics. Here, we reviewed recent data on the identification of yeasts of the Ascomycota phylum across human body districts, focusing on the most representative genera, that is, Saccharomyces and Candida. Then, we explored the key factors involved in shaping the human mycobiota across the lifespan, ranging from host genetics to environment, diet, and lifestyle habits. Finally, we discussed the strengths and weaknesses of culture‐dependent and independent methods for mycobiota characterization. Overall, there is still room for some improvements, especially regarding fungal‐specific methodological approaches and bioinformatics challenges, which are still critical steps in mycobiota analysis, and to advance our knowledge on the role of the gut mycobiota in human health and disease.This article is categorized under:
Immune System Diseases > Genetics/Genomics/Epigenetics
Immune System Diseases > Environmental Factors
Infectious Diseases > Environmental Factors
Condensation and evaporation of boson stars
Authors: Chan James Hung-Hsu , Sibiryakov Sergey , Xue Wei 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Axion-like particles, including the QCD axion, are well-motivated dark matter candidates. Numerical simulations have revealed coherent soliton configurations, also known as boson stars, in the centers of axion halos. We study evolution of axion solitons immersed into a gas of axion waves with Maxwellian velocity distribution. Combining analytical approach with controlled numerical simulations we find that heavy solitons grow by condensation of axions from the gas, while light solitons evaporate. We deduce the parametric dependence of the soliton growth/evaporation rate and show that it is proportional to the rate of the kinetic relaxation in the gas. The proportionality coefficient is controlled by the product of the soliton radius and the typical gas momentum or, equivalently, the ratio of the gas and soliton virial temperatures. We discuss the asymptotics of the rate when this parameter is large or small.