bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental comparison of solar air heater based on single and double‐ends open evacuated tube collector
Authors: Tiwari Abhishek , Kumar Amit 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe hot air has a lot of applications like drying, space heating, desiccant air conditioning and desalination, which attracts the attention of researchers towards the system used for producing the hot air. In the present work, two different solar air heaters that is, double‐ends open evacuated tube based solar air heater (system 1) and single‐end open evacuated tube based solar air heater (system 2) are proposed and compared experimentally. The aperture area of each system is 4.687 m2 and operated under same weather conditions. The experiments are performed at three different mass flow rates of the process air that is, 153.21, 207.94, and 246.24 kg/h. The highest mean air temperature difference is 62.91 and 48.8°C for system 1 and system 2 respectively at mass flow rate of 153.21 kg/h. The highest mean energy and exergy efficiency obtained by the system 1 and system 2 are 81.55%, 6.80%, and 65.45% and 4.25% respectively. The present work is also compared with the work presented in literature and it is observed that double‐end open evacuated tube collector has significantly high energy and exergy efficiency with higher hot air temperature.
Forecasting VaR and ES in emerging markets: The role of time‐varying higher moments
Authors: Le Trung H. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis paper aims at the role of accounting for time‐varying higher moments in conditional volatility models in emerging markets. In particular, we perform a comprehensive analysis of out‐of‐sample value at risk (VaR) and expected shortfall (ES) forecasts of eight generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) models with alternative distributions for 10 leading emerging markets. To evaluate the forecast accuracy, we employ a battery of absolute performance backtests and two alternative loss functions in the relative performance exercises. We find that the asymmetric GARCH models with time‐varying skewness and kurtosis significantly outperform traditional GARCH‐based forecasts across quantiles across quantile levels. In particular, we explore that the superior performance of the GARCH models with improved distributions is mainly driven by their performance during crisis periods, where the traditional GARCH specifications often underestimate the tail risk in the markets.
A case of robot‐assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy during pregnancy
Authors: Tsutsui Kenji , Miki Airi , Wakita Teppei , Horibe Yuki , Tani Masaru , Kakuta Yoichi , Tsutahara Koichi , Takao Tetsuya 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionMalignancy during pregnancy requires consideration of both the mother and fetus. We report a patient with renal cell carcinoma during pregnancy who was treated with robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy.Case presentationThe patient was incidentally found to have a renal mass on abdominal ultrasonography. Definitive diagnosis of cT1aN0M0 RCC was made by enhanced computed tomography. Subsequently, pregnancy was discovered. RAPN was performed without complications. Pathologic examination revealed clear cell RCC. There were no postoperative complications, and the baby was born safely.ConclusionRAPN can be safe and effective even during pregnancy. Every pregnant patient requires individualized treatment involving the timing of surgery, the procedure used, and management based on the condition of the mother and fetus, tumor stage, and the experience of the surgical team.
Preparation of astaxanthin‐loaded composite micelles with coaxial electrospray technology for enhanced oral bioavailability and improved antioxidation capability
Authors: Liao Youwu , Wang Haiqiao , Li Shuang , Xue Yuanyuan , Chen Yunqiu , Adu‐Frimpong Michael , Xu Ying , Yu Jiangnan , Xu Ximing , Smyth Hugh D.C. , Zhu Yuan 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDAstaxanthin (AST) is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a safe dietary supplement for humans. As a potent lipid‐soluble keto‐carotenoid, it is widely used in food, cosmetics, and the pharmaceutical industry. However, its low solubility limits its powerful biological activity and its application in these fields. This study aims to develop a delivery system to address the low solubility and bioavailability of AST and to enhance its antioxidant capacity.RESULTSAstaxanthin‐loaded composite micelles were successfully prepared via coaxial electrospray technology. Astaxanthin existed in the amorphous state in the electro‐sprayed formulation with an approximate particle size of 186.28 nm and with a polydispersity index of 0.243. In this delivery system, Soluplus and copovidone (PVPVA 64) were the main polymeric matrix for AST, which then released the drug upon contact with aqueous media, resulting in an overall increase in drug solubility and a release rate of 94.08%. Meanwhile, lecithin, and Polyethylene glycol‐grafted Chitosan (PEG‐g‐CS) could support the absorption of AST in the gastrointestinal tract, assisting transmembrane transport. The relative bioavailability reached about 308.33% and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging efficiency of the formulation was 44.10%, which was 1.57 times higher than that of free astaxanthin (28.10%) when both were at the same concentration level based on astaxanthin.CONCLUSIONCoaxial electrospray could be applied to prepare a composite micelles system for the delivery of poorly water‐soluble active ingredients in functional food, cosmetics, and medicine. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Curing Behavior of Reprocessable Epoxy Vitrimers: Thermal Analysis and Kinetics Modeling
Authors: Brondi Cosimo , Marotta Angela , Filippone Giovanni , Mensitieri Giuseppe , Salzano de Luna Martina , Ambrogi Veronica 
Published: October 2023

AbstractVitrimers are a class of polymers that combine the chemical and mechanical properties of traditional thermosets with the reshaping and reprocessing features of thermoplastics. Their reshaping ability is given by the presence of reversible bonds within their structure. While the nature of bonds that can ensure a dynamic behavior to the crosslinked network is well established, the challenge remains open to assess and control the reactivity of the system to rationally develop materials with desirable features in terms of processability and recyclability. In this work, a “free‐model” analysis of the curing reaction of an epoxy/anhydride resin in presence of zinc acetylacetonate as catalyst for both the curing reaction and transesterification is performed. Isothermal and non‐isothermal tests are conducted, and the data obtained are analyzed by means of isoconversional methods. The goal is to get an in‐depth insight into the reaction mechanism and the structure deriving from the crosslinked network formation, which can ultimately determine the material properties and eventually its actual reprocessability.
Advances in injectable hydrogel: Design, functional regulation, and biomedical applications
Authors: Karmakar Puja Das , Velu Karthick , Vineeth Kumar C. M. , Pal Aniruddha 
Published: October 2023

AbstractRecently, injectable hydrogels have been considered smart materials and have been widely researched for their use as scaffolds. They resemble the extracellular matrix of native tissue and have the capability for homogeneous mixing with therapeutic agents. It can be implanted into living bodies with minimal invasiveness and usability for irregularly shaped sites. Such unique features make the injectable hydrogels as promising materials in tissue engineering, drug delivery system, and gene/protein delivery. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the different mechanisms employed in the preparation of injectable hydrogel, as well as a detailed exploration of its applications in the biomedical field. Furthermore, the article highlights the critical importance of developing injectable hydrogels as market‐viable products, highlighting their potential impact in the field of regenerative medicine.
Environment friendly biomass composite aerogel with reinforced mechanical properties for thermal insulation and flame retardancy application
Authors: Deng Tao , Li Hanxin , Li Yufeng , Jiang Chongwen , He Yu , Yang Tao , Zhu Lin , Xie Le 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBiomass aerogels have attracted wide attention due to their excellent thermal insulation properties, but their low mechanical strength and high susceptibility to combustion limit their application. To address these limitations, a novel composite aerogel was prepared by combining chitosan aerogel (CS) and hydroxyapatite nanowires (HAP) via phytic acid (PA) cross‐linking and freeze‐drying. It was found that the maximum compressive strength and modulus of CS/HAP aerogel were 1.13 and 0.67 MPa, respectively. The minimum thermal conductivity of CS/HAP(0.5) composite aerogel was 0.03921 W m−1 K−1, indicating its good thermal insulating property. Moreover, the CS/HAP composite aerogel also showed excellent flame‐retardant properties. The heat release rate (HRR) and total heat release from combustion (THR) were significantly lower than those of the CS aerogel, with values of 35.2 kW m−2 and 3.7 MJ m−2, respectively, compared to 169.6 kW m−2 and 5.4 MJ m−2. The total smoke release (TSR) was also at a low level, reaches 0.4 m2 m−2.Highlights
Propose a novel chitosan aerogel composited with inorganic nano‐reinforced HAP.
High mechanical strength of CS/HAP composite aerogel are illustrated.
Exhibit excellent thermal insulation performance of CS/HAP aerogel.
HAP and PA largely improves the flame retardancy of the chitosan aerogel.
Characterization of the inner membrane cytochrome ImcH from Geobacter reveals its importance for extracellular electron transfer and energy conservation
Authors: Pimenta Andreia I. , Paquete Catarina M. , Morgado Leonor , Edwards Marcus J. , Clarke Thomas A. , Salgueiro Carlos A. , Pereira Inês A. C. , Duarte Américo G. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractElectroactive bacteria combine the oxidation of carbon substrates with an extracellular electron transfer (EET) process that discharges electrons to an electron acceptor outside the cell. This process involves electron transfer through consecutive redox proteins that efficiently connect the inner membrane to the cell exterior. In this study, we isolated and characterized the quinone‐interacting membrane cytochrome c ImcH from Geobacter sulfurreducens, which is involved in the EET process to high redox potential acceptors. Spectroscopic and electrochemical studies show that ImcH hemes have low midpoint redox potentials, ranging from −150 to −358 mV, and connect the oxidation of the quinol‐pool to EET, transferring electrons to the highly abundant periplasmic cytochrome PpcA with higher affinity than to its homologues. Despite the larger number of hemes and transmembrane helices, the ImcH structural model has similarities with the NapC/NirT/NrfH superfamily, namely the presence of a quinone‐binding site on the P‐side of the membrane. In addition, the first heme, likely involved on the quinol oxidation, has apparently an unusual His/Gln coordination. Our work suggests that ImcH is electroneutral and transfers electrons and protons to the same side of the membrane, contributing to the maintenance of a proton motive force and playing a central role in recycling the menaquinone pool.
The essential role of arginine biosynthetic genes in lunate conidia formation, conidiation, mycelial growth, and virulence of nematophagous fungus, Esteya vermicolaCBS115803
Authors: Chen Chi , Hu Zhijuan , Zheng Xinyao , Yuan Jingjie , Zou Run , Wang Yilan , Peng Xuan , Xie Chengjian 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe pinewood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) causes severe damage to pine trees. The nematophagous fungus, Esteya vermicola, exhibits considerable promise in the biological control of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus due to its infectivity. Notably, the lunate conidia produced by E. vermicola can infect Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. In the study, we aim to investigate the genes involved in the formation of the lunate conidia of E. vermicola CBS115803.RESULTSEsteya vermicola CBS115803 yielded 95% lunate conidia on the complete medium (CM) and 86% bacilloid conidia on the minimal medium (MM). Transcriptomic analysis of conidia from both media revealed a significant enrichment of differentially expressed genes in the pathway related to ‘cellular amino acid biosynthesis and metabolism’. Functional assessment showed that the knockout of two arginine biosynthesis genes (EV232 and EV289) resulted in defects in conidia germination, mycelial growth, lunate conidia formation, and virulence of E. vermicola CBS115803 in Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. Remarkably, the addition of arginine to the MM improved mycelial growth, conidiation and lunate conidia formation in the mutants and notably increased conidia yield and the lunate conidia ratio in the wild‐type E. vermicola CBS115803.CONCLUSIONThis investigation confirms the essential role of two arginine biosynthesis genes in lunate conidia formation in E. vermicola CBS115803. The findings also suggest that the supplementation of arginine to the culture medium can enhance the lunate conidia yield. These insights contribute significantly to the application of E. vermicola CBS115803 in managing Bursaphelenchus xylophilus infections. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Photo(electro)catalytic Performance of ZnO‐Based Nanopowders Prepared through Pulse Alternating Current Electrosynthesis in Alkaline Earth Chloride Electrolytes
Authors: Ulyankina Anna , Tsarenko Anastasia , Yatsenko Aleksey , Gorshenkov Mikhail , Smirnova Nina 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPhoto(electro)catalysis is a technology that allows abundant and clean solar energy to be harvested as an essential step to achieving sustainable development goals. However, controllable and economically viable synthesis of nanocatalysts is one of the key challenges that hinder the practical application of many important energy‐related photo(electro)catalytic reactions. In this study insights into the electrosynthesis of ZnO‐based materials using pulse alternating current as a green oxidant and the alkaline earth metal chloride aqueous solutions as electrolytes were provided. The effect of electrolyte on composition and structure of final products was demonstrated. ZnO photocatalyst prepared in BaCl2 exhibited different activity tendency in photoelectrocatalytic and photocatalytic systems showing the highest photocurrent (0.18 mA cm−2) for ZnO photoelectrode annealed at 300 °C and maximum rate constant for methylene blue dye photodegradation in the presence of ZnO particles annealed at 500 °C. Optimized ZnO nanopowder was further employed for the degradation of 2,4‐dinitrophenol pollutant in a custom‐designed flow photoreactor operating under low‐power UV. 2,4‐dinitrophenol was degraded to 90.1 % at ZnO dosage of 0.2 mg L−1 within 280 min of illumination. Overall, the optimization of pulse alternating current electrosynthesis and post‐annealing might be promising and sustainable approach to ZnO‐based nanopowders for environmental photo(electro)catalytic applications.
Hollow Mesoporous DOX@TiO2@PDA@HA for Collaborative Chemotherapy and Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Wu Nian , Song Fang Xiang , Liu Bing , Chen Meng Lan , Cai Xiao Qin , Luo Hong Huan , Li Yan 
Published: October 2023

AbstractCombination therapy was an effective strategy to overcome the limitations of many monotherapies. Here, hollow mesoporous titanium dioxide nanomaterials (TiO2) were synthesized by silica‐protected calcination‐alkali etching for loading adriamycin (DOX) with polydopamine (PDA) coating and then hyaluronic acid (HA) modification. The nanomaterials allowed for drug‐targeted delivery and the combination of photothermal therapy and chemotherapy. The hollow mesoporous titanium dioxide provided a high drug loading capacity, and the photothermal agent PDA layer exhibited good photothermal conversion capabilities. Moreover, the ability to target through hyaluronic acid‐mediated target allowed the nanomaterials targeted to human breast cancer cells (MCF‐7). Cytotoxicity and apoptosis tests showed that the prepared DOX@TiO2@PDA@HA showed potential as a drug delivery system for combined chemotherapy and photothermal therapy to improve anti‐tumor efficiency.
Versatile Therapeutic Values of N‐Containing Heterocycles Benzimidazole, Piperazine and Piperidine Hybrids
Authors: Zala Ajayrajsinh R. , Kumari Premlata 
Published: October 2023

AbstractNitrogen‐containing benzimidazole, piperazine, and piperidine are significant pharmacophores in medicinal chemistry and drug development. Many medications, lead compounds, and various reagents have these N‐containing scaffolds. This review concentrated on the development of novel therapeutic agents as well as the broad range of pharmacological actions demonstrated by benzimidazole, piperazine, and piperidine hybrids. The review emphasizes these hybrids′ potential, range, and medical significance. The review also discusses the structural criteria for benzimidazole, piperazine, and piperidine hybrids created by diverse chemists to be physiologically effective against a variety of disorders.
Debenzylation or Demethylation in Methyl Ester of O‐Alkyl Nitrophenols with Stannous Chloride Dihydrate
Authors: Karmakar Sintu , Patel Karma , Shah Syed Kabir Hussain , Chauhan Payal , Prabhakaran Panchami 
Published: October 2023

AbstractStannous chloride dihydrate (SnCl2.2H2O) is an inexpensive and commonly used reagent for nitro group reduction. We observed partial O‐demethylation or O‐debenzylation of O‐alkylated nitrobenzene derivatives when subjected to the nitro reduction with the reagent in ethyl acetate at heating, a generally employed reaction condition. A neat reaction at 80 °C afforded the debenzylated product. Reactions at room temperature yielded corresponding O‐alkylated anilines only. The results show the effect of electron‐withdrawing groups on dealkylation; when at the ortho or para position to the alkoxy group, they enhanced the possibility of dealkylation, and no dealkylation was observed in meta‐oriented substrates. The systematic study may help researchers to choose the proper conditions to prevent undesired products.
A New Catalytic Method for the Synthesis of Cyclic Azaperoxides with High Cytotoxic Activity
Authors: Makhmudiyarova Nataliya N. , Ishmukhametova Irina R. , Dzhemileva Lilya U. , D'yakonov Vladimir A. , Terent'ev Alexander O. , Dzhemilev Usein M. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAn efficient method has been developed for the synthesis of N‐aryl‐1,2,4‐dioxazolidines, N‐aryl‐tetraoxaspiroalkanes, and N‐aryl‐hexaoxadispiroalkanes by cycloaminomethylation of OH acids (hydrogen peroxide, gem‐bis‐hydroperoxides, and 1,1′‐peroxybis(1‐hydroperoxycycloalkanes)) with 1,3,5‐triaryl‐1,3,5‐triazinanes in the presence of lanthanide catalysts. The eight‐membered azadiperoxides were shown to exhibit a high cytotoxic activity against Jurkat, K562, and U937 tumor cells and Hek296 immortalized normal cells. The cytotoxic activity of Fe(II)‐treated azadiperoxides against Jurkat tumor cells was studied; these compounds were shown to in Keywords: Catalysis; Cycloaminomethylation; Hydrogen peroxide; Gem‐bis‐hydroperoxides; 1,1′‐Peroxy‐bis(1‐hydroperoxycycloalkanes); Azaperoxides; Cytotoxic activity initiate cell autophagy.
Identification of Potent Antitubercular Secondary Metabolites from Kigelia africana: An In‐Silico Investigation
Authors: Darra Wadhwani Barkha , Nunia Vandana , Joshi Kavita , Mali Deepak , Vyas Pooja , Kumar Tarun , Nair Rashmy , Khandelwal Poonam 
Published: October 2023

AbstractEthyl‐acetate extract of heartwood of Kigelia africana Lam. affords tecomaquinone‐I (1), lapachol (2), dehydro‐α‐lapachone (3), cluytyl ferulate (4), kigelinone (5), D‐sesamin (6), paulownin (7), wodeshiol (8) and cycloolivil (9). Isolation of cycloolivil from this plant is being reported for the first time. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by advanced spectroscopic methods (1H, 13C NMR, IR & Mass spectrometry). Structure of cycloolivil (9) was confirmed by X‐ray crystallographic analysis. In order to study the anti‐tubercular activity and to develop new drugs from natural sources, molecular docking studies of isolated phytochemicals were performed for potential inhibitory action towards Type I polyketide synthase 13 (Pks13). For this purpose, isoniazid, and a co‐crystallized PDB ligand were used as reference drug. Tecomaquinone‐I exhibited best docking score (−12.4 kcal/mol) among all the tested compounds. Molecular simulation and QSAR study of tecomaquinone‐I favoured docking results. Hence, the present study suggests that tecomaquinone‐I exhibits potent anti‐tubercular activity.
Vitamin C as an Effective Organocatalyst for Three and Four‐Component Synthesis of 1,2,4,5‐tetrasubstituted Imidazoles
Authors: Bhattacharjee Saptadwipa , Basak Puja , Roy Sayani , Saha Kousik , Basu Ananya , Ghosh Pranab 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAn efficient multi‐component synthesis of a wide range of pharmaceutically promising tetrasubstituted imidazoles has been reported using inexpensive and safe organocatalyst, ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). Imidazoles display a broad spectrum of activities in biological and pharmaceutical chemistry. Ascorbic acid, an highly effective H‐bond donor organocatalyst successfully accessed one‐pot imidazole synthesis via both three‐component and four‐component strategy. The core advantages of this approach include environmentally benign synthesis, good to excellent yield, high atom economy, use of easily available starting materials, operational simplicity.
N‐Acylated Benzylic Amines via Photocatalytic Hydroarylation of Enamides
Authors: Dickson Jalen L. , Friestad Gregory K. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPhotocatalytic conditions are reported for hydroarylation of enamides, a reaction that provides benzylic amine structures of importance in synthetic and medicinal chemistry. Hydroarylation of enamides occurs under catalysis by Ru(bpy)3(PF6)2 with blue LED light; versatility is demonstrated by successful hydroarylations with substituents connected via the alkene and amide linkages of the enamide. Electron‐rich arenes and heteroarenes including 1,3,5‐trimethoxybenzene, 2‐naphthol, 2‐methylfuran, pyrrole, and substituted indoles are accommodated.
Analysing the rationality of the Gaia hypothesis
Authors: Xie Jianhua 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe Gaia hypothesis is often used as the basis for demonstrating environmental integrity in current arguments within the field of ecological philosophy. However, when citing the Gaia hypothesis, people are often vague when defining its connotations and extensions. By analysing the controversies surrounding the Gaia hypothesis, we can achieve an appropriate conception of its ontology, including the blindness of the strong theoretical approach and the rationality of the weak one. Gaia's naturalistic epistemology, holistic methodology and systematic values can thus be discriminated. Gaia has strong significance for allowing human beings to understand the Earth's ecological environment and is an effective ecological holistic theory.