bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ionic liquid modification reshapes the substrate pockets of lipase to boost its stability and activity in vitamin E succinate synthesis
Authors: Ma Guangzheng , Zhang Zihan , Chen Mei , Zhang Yifei , Nian Binbin , Hu Yi 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe relative low stability, reusability and activity of enzymes made the industrial production of vitamin E succinate (VES) can only be performed with complex processes and high cost using chemical methods. To address these issues, in the present study, an ionic liquids (ILs) modification strategy was developed to improve the activity and stability of lipases in VES synthesis.RESULTSThe results showed that the [1‐butyl‐3‐methyl imidazole] [N‐acetyl‐l‐proline] ILs modified Candida rugosa lipase (CRL) has the highest modification degree (48.28%), activity (774 U g−1), thermostability and solvent tolerance in three selected modifiers. Additionally, after reaction condition optimization, the highest yield of VES can be improved to 95.18% at 45 °C for 15 h, which was significantly improved compared to some previous studies.CONCLUSIONIn the present study, a high‐efficiency VES synthesis strategy was successfully developed via modification of lipase. Moreover, the mechanism by which ILs modification can enhance the activity and stability of lipase was investigated via both experimental and computational‐aided methods. Molecular dynamics simulation suggested that ILs modification changed the geometry of Phe344 from flat to upright, which significantly reshaped and enhanced the size of substrate binding pocket of CRL. It is also agreement with our circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy results, which suggested that the modification changed the secondary structure of CRL to a certain extent. The larger pocket also endowed the suitable binding pose of succinate, which made the hydrogen bonds between succinate and active site Ser209 become stronger, and thus improving the yield of VES. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Optimization of cold plasma combined treatment process and its effect on the quality of Asian sea bass (Lates calcarifer) during refrigerated storage
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Sang Xiaohan , Cai Zhicheng , Zeng Lixian , Deng Wentao , Zhang Jianhao , Jiang Zhumao , Wang Jiamei 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDCold plasma exhibits broad applicability in the realm of fish sterilization and preservation. The combination process of plasma‐activated water and dielectric barrier discharge (PAW‐DBD) was optimized, and its disinfection effects on bass fillets were studied.RESULTSThe best conditions for disinfection of PAW‐DBD were as follows. Bass fillets were soaked in PAW for 150 s, and then treated by DBD system at 160 kV for 180 s. The total viable count (TVC) reduced by 1.68 log CFU g−1. On the 15th day of refrigerated storage, TVC of PAW‐DBD group was 7.01 log CFU g−1, while the PAW and DBD group exhibited a TVC of 7.02 and 7.01 log CFU g−1 on day 12; the TVC of the control group was 7.13 log CFU g−1 on day 6. The sensory score, water‐holding capacity, and 2‐thiobarbituric acid reactive substance values of the PAW‐DBD group were significantly higher than those of PAW and DBD group (P < 0.05), whereas the TVC, Pseudomonas spp. count, and pH of the group were significantly lower (P < 0.05) during refrigerated storage.CONCLUSIONPAW‐DBD treatment can enhance the disinfection effect, maintain good quality, and extend the storage period of bass fillets. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Single Component Polymers, Polymer Blends, and Polymer Composites for Interventional Endovascular Embolization of Intracranial Aneurysms
Authors: Karadeli Hasan Hüseyin , Kuram Emel 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIntracranial aneurysm is the abnormal focal dilation in brain arteries. When untreated, it can enlarge to rupture points and account for subarachnoid hemorrhage cases. Intracranial aneurysms can be treated by blocking the flow of blood to the aneurysm sac with clipping of the aneurysm neck or endovascular embolization with embolics to promote the formation of the thrombus. Coils or an embolic device are inserted endovascularly into the aneurysm via a micro‐catheter to fill the aneurysm. Many embolization materials have been developed. An embolization coil made of soft and thin platinum wire called the “Guglielmi detachable coil” (GDC) enables safer treatment for brain aneurysms. However, patients may experience aneurysm recurrence because of incomplete coil filling or compaction over time. Unsatisfactory recanalization rates and incomplete occlusion are the drawbacks of endovascular embolization. So, the fabrication of new medical devices with less invasive surgical techniques is mandatory to enhance the long‐term therapeutic performance of existing endovascular procedures. For this aim, the current article reviews polymeric materials including blends and composites employed for embolization of intracranial aneurysms. Polymeric materials used in embolic agents, their advantages and challenges, results of the strategies used to overcome treatment, and results of clinical experiences are summarized and discussed.
Goat Milk Improves Glucose Metabolism in Type 2 Diabetic Mice and Protects Pancreatic β‐Cell Functions
Authors: Chen Xiaoying , Zhang Zhifei , Niu Huiming , Tian Xinmiao , Tian Huibin , Yao Weiwei , He Huanshan , Shi Huaiping , Li Cong , Luo Jun 
Published: November 2023

ScopeConsuming goat milk is known to benefit high‐fat diet‐fed and streptozocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic rats, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. This study is conducted to investigate the metabolic effects of a goat milk diet (a form of goat milk powder) on glucose homeostasis and pancreatic conditions in a mouse model of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) induced by STZ.Methods and resultsT2DM mice are fed with a goat‐milk‐based diet containing 10.3% w/w goat milk powder for 10 weeks for investigating the in vivo effects; a β‐cell line MIN6 cells are used to test the in vitro effects of digested goat milk (DGM). Goat milk diet improves the deleterious effects of STZ on fasting glucose levels and glucose tolerance, accelerates pancreatic structure recovery, and alters blood metabolites in mice. Based on the significant differences observed in metabolites, the key pathways, metabolite regulatory enzymes, metabolite molecular modules, and biochemical reactions are identified as critical integrated pathways. DGM promotes the cell activity, glucose transportation, and AKT activation in cultured STZ‐treated MIN6 cells in vitro.ConclusionsGoat milk diet improves glucose homeostasis and pancreatic conditions of T2DM mice, in association with improved blood metabolite profiles and activation of pancreatic AKT pathway.
MPMICE: A hybrid MPM‐CFD model for simulating coupled problems in porous media. Application to earthquake‐induced submarine landslides
Authors: Tran Quoc Anh , Grimstad Gustav , Ghoreishian Amiri Seyed Ali 
Published: November 2023

SummaryIn this paper, we describe a soil‐fluid‐structure interaction model that combines soil mechanics (saturated sediments), fluid mechanics (seawater or air), and solid mechanics (structures). The formulation combines the Material Point Method, which models large deformation of the porous media and the structure, with the Implicit Continuous‐fluid Eulerian, which models complex fluid flows. We validate the model and simulate the whole process of earthquake‐induced submarine landslides. We show that this model captures complex interactions between saturated sediment, seawater, and structure, so we can use the model to estimate the impact of potential submarine landslides on offshore structures.
Distributed optimization of high‐order nonlinear multi‐agent systems with disturbance under switching topologies
Authors: Zhu Wenbo , Wang Qingling 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThis article investigates distributed optimization of high‐order nonlinear multi‐agent systems (MASs) with disturbance under switching topologies. First, we propose a class of new distributed control algorithms for high‐order MASs under switching topologies, such that all agents asymptotically reach consensus at the unique minimizer of the sum of cost functions. Then, by constructing disturbance observer, the proposed algorithms are extended to address distributed optimization problems for high‐order nonlinear MASs with disturbance under switching topologies. In particular, both of new presented methods do not require optimal reference signal generator, which can save the computational resources of systems. In final, simulations are conducted to validate the theoretical results.
Analysis of fabrics obtained during the archeological excavation sites in Israel
Authors: Kumar Awanish , Lamberti Yifat , Lewis Rafael Y. , Marco Eyal , Domb Abraham J. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe aim of this work is to determine the type of material in the given unknown fabric which was excavated from the various archeological sites in Israel using advanced material technology. The four fabrics that were obtained appeared as fragmentary and very degraded textiles. Therefore, we established the treatment method for these fabrics that would be most suitable to deal with the analysis and identification of the material they are made. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), energy dispersive x‐ray analysis (EDX), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) analysis were used to confirm the material in the fabric samples. Upon detailed analysis it was concluded that all the fabrics are composed either of the synthetic materials such as nylon 6, polyester, and polyacrylonitrile (PAN). The developed method and analysis present herein has the advantages of being rapid and effective for identification of the fabrics and can be applied to varieties of archeological fabrics.
A unified approach for evaluating mechanical compression tests for polymer bead foams
Authors: Albuquerque Rodrigo Q. , Meuchelböck Johannes , Ruckdäschel Holger 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn the realm of material characterization, the mechanical properties of polymer foams play a pivotal role in shaping their applicability across diverse industries. In this pursuit, we present a novel approach to standardize and automate the assessment of key mechanical parameters for Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) foams using a self‐developed Python script, made freely available for the scientific community. We precisely determine the compression modulus, plateau onset, and onset of densification strain for EPP foams across various densities. The script's effectiveness is demonstrated through comparisons with manual evaluations and established standards, highlighting its superiority, consistency, and suitability for a wide range of materials and conditions. Moreover, the script enables the analysis of energy absorption, shedding light on the intricate relationship between density and energy dissipation. Finally, our approach was extended to other foams to provide insight on their mechanical properties. The automated methodology ensures accuracy, reproducibility, and efficiency, thereby advancing the understanding of foam materials and facilitating informed design decisions. This research contributes to laying a foundation for the standardized assessment of foam mechanical properties, which could potentially facilitate their effective use in other applications.
Comparable performance of antigen‐detecting rapid test by healthcare worker‐collected and self‐collected swabs for SARS‐CoV‐2 diagnostic: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kurniawan Samuel Johnson , Kaisar Maria Mardalena Martini , Kristin Helen , Ali Soegianto 
Published: November 2023

AbstractUsage of self‐screening tests has become increasingly relevant in public health perspective for early detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in the transitioning era of the COVID‐19 pandemic into an endemic. This study was designed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of self‐conducted and health professional‐conducted SARS‐CoV‐2 rapid antigen tests (Ag‐RDTs) and whether the sample was taken from anterior nasal or nasal mid‐turbinate. Eligible comparative Ag‐RDTs accuracy studies were retrieved from electronic databases systematically, in accordance with PRISMA. Selected studies were assessed for risk of bias using QUADAS‐2 and QUADAS‐C. In total, we selected five out of 1952 studies retrieved using the keywords. The overall sensitivity for the self‐collected nasal swab method and healthcare worker‐collected nasopharyngeal swab method was 79% (95% CI 68–87; I2 = 62%) and 83% (95% CI 75–89; I2 = 32%), respectively, which was not statistically different (p = 0.499). Nasal mid‐turbinate swabs have a significantly higher sensitivity compared to anterior nasal swabs (p < 0.01). Both sampling methods represent high and comparable specificity values of 98% (95% CI 97–99; I2 = 0%) and 99% (95% CI 98–99; I2 = 0%). Positive predictive value (range 90%–99%) and negative predictive value (range 87%–98%) were equivalent for both methods. Our findings indicated the accuracy of self‐collected Ag‐RDT on nasal swabs was comparable to those performed by healthcare worker‐collected on nasopharyngeal swabs. Self‐collected Ag‐RDT could be considered as a transmission prevention method in the transition of COVID‐19 pandemic.
Comparison of the Electrocatalytic Performances of Fe‐Doped NiCo‐Layered Double Hydroxide (LDH) and a NiCo‐LDH/Fe3O4 Nanocomposite in the Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Poormirzaei Vida , Rezvani Zolfaghar 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBecause of its important role in water splitting, electrocatalysts of water oxidation reaction (oxygen evolution reaction; OER) attracted much attention. Recently, many catalysts based on Layered Double Hydroxides (LDHs) have been introduced for this purpose. As a result, one of the main topics of the present study on renewable energies is the development of efficient and economical catalysts for OER reactions. So, in this paper, NiCo‐layered double hydroxide (with [Ni2+]/[Co3+]=3 : 1 molar ratio), NiCoFe‐LDH (with [Ni2+]/[Co3++Fe3+]=3 : 1 molar ratio, and different percentages of iron doping (0.25, 0.5, and 0.75), and NiCo‐LDH/Fe3O4 nanocomposite were synthesized by the coprecipitation method at pH=10. The prepared materials were characterized by FT‐IR, XRD, XPS, and TGA. The morphological aspects of samples were investigated by FESEM and TEM techniques. Pore size distribution, surface area, and total pore volume of materials were determined by using BET surface analysis. Finally, the performance of the synthesized samples was investigated as an electrocatalyst for the water oxidation reaction.
Establishing an Ion‐Sieving Separator by Depositing Oxygen‐Deficient SiOx Layer for Stabilized Zinc Metal Anode
Authors: Wang Zhen , Wang Kehua , Tao Xiao , Feng Pan , Xu Hui , Zhu Xiao , Zhang Xiyu , Chen Jian 
Published: November 2023

AbstractStable plating/stripping of Zn metal anode remains a great challenge owing to uncontrollable dendrite growth and side reactions. Ion‐sieving separators is a unique and promising solution, that possess Zn2+ permeability and promote Zn2+ transport, can effectively alleviate the abovementioned problems. Ion‐sieving on glass fiber separator by deposition of oxygen‐deficient SiOx layer via active screen plasma technology is achieved. While having chemical composition similar to the glass fiber, the SiOx nanoparticles contain oxygen‐rich vacancies that promoted dissociation of the adsorbed water and generation of the hydroxyl groups. The negatively‐charged hydroxylated SiOx layer can repel SO42− and attract Zn2+, which can alleviate the side reactions. The strong interplay between hydroxyl groups and Zn2+ can boost Zn affinity and yield fast Zn2+ transport. Consequently, the SiOx‐deposited GF separator enabled dendrite‐free Zn deposition morphology, which displays lower overpotential of 18 mV and longer cycling life over 2000 h for Zn symmetric cell. Such a separator can also be easily scaled up to prepare the high‐performance large‐area (4 × 6 cm2) pouch Zn‐based devices, showing remarkable flexibility and practicality.
Unique Perovskitizer N─Pb Bond Switching Induced Polar Photovoltaic Effect in Trilayered Hybrid Perovskite
Authors: Li Ruiqing , Zhu Tingting , Zhu Zeng‐kui , Wu Jianbo , Geng Yaru , Luo Junhua 
Published: November 2023

AbstractPolar photovoltaic effect (PPE) has attracted great attention in regulating desired optoelectronic properties, which can be driven by order–disorder and displacive phase transitions. Bond‐switching is also a feasible method to induce PPE, but such investigation is very rare. Lead‐halide hybrid perovskite (LHHP) is an outstanding photodetection material; lead atoms possess rich coordination modes to provide possibilities to construct switchable bonds. Here, a unique perovskitizer N─Pb bond‐switching is disclosed to induce polar photovoltage in the emerging LHHP, PA2MHy2Pb3Br10 (1, PA = n‐propylamine, MHy = methylhydrazine). Interestingly, the perovskitizer MHy+ provides 2s2 lone pair while the Pb atom affords empty d orbitals, which coordinate with each other to generate a flexible N─Pb bond. Further, the introduction of N─Pb bonds results in a high distortion of the PbBr6 octahedron to form local polarity and further orientation to induce spontaneous polarization. More importantly, such a flexible N─Pb bond switching mechanism drives a notable PPE and controllable polarized photo‐response, a polarization ratio up to 9.7 at the polar phase in striking contrast with the non‐polar phase (1.03). The work provides the first demonstration of bond‐switching to induce polar phase transition and polar photovoltage in the photoconductive hybrid perovskites for photoelectric applications.
Microsphere‐Enabled Modular Formation of Miniaturized In Vitro Breast Cancer Models
Authors: Wang Weiwei , Zhang Li , O'Dell Robert , Yin Zhuozhuo , Yu Dou , Chen Hexin , Liu JinPing , Wang Hongjun 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn search of effective therapeutics for breast cancers, establishing physiologically relevant in vitro models is of great benefit to facilitate the clinical translation. Despite extensive progresses, it remains to develop the tumor models maximally recapturing the key pathophysiological attributes of their native counterparts. Therefore, the current study aimed to develop a microsphere‐enabled modular approach toward the formation of in vitro breast tumor models with the capability of incorporating various selected cells while retaining spatial organization. Poly (lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) microspheres (150‐200 mm) with tailorable pore size and surface topography are fabricated and used as carriers to respectively lade with breast tumor‐associated cells. Culture of cell‐laden microspheres assembled within a customized microfluidic chamber allowed to form 3D tumor models with spatially controlled cell distribution. The introduction of endothelial cell‐laden microspheres into cancer‐cell laden microspheres at different ratios would induce angiogenesis within the culture to yield vascularized tumor. Evaluation of anticancer drugs such as doxorubicin and Cediranib on the tumor models do demonstrate corresponding physiological responses. Clearly, with the ability to modulate microsphere morphology, cell composition and spatial distribution, microsphere‐enabled 3D tumor tissue formation offers a high flexibility to satisfy the needs for pathophysiological study, anticancer drug screening or design of personalized treatment.
Dendrite‐Free Dual‐Phase Li‐Ba Alloy Anode Enabled by Ordered Array of Built‐in Mixed Conducting Microchannels
Authors: Jia Weishang , Chen Junxian , Wang Zihao , Zhou Aijun , Hu Yong‐Sheng , Li Jingze 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe development and application of lithium (Li) anode is hindered by volumetric variation, dendritic Li growth, and parasitic reactions. Herein, a dual‐phase Li‐barium (Ba) alloy with self‐assembled microchannels array is synthesized through a one‐step thermal fusion method to investigate the inhibition effect of lithiophilic composite porous array on Li dendrites. The Li‐rich Li‐Ba alloy (BaLi24) as composite Li electrode exhibits an ordered porous structure of BaLi4 intermetallic compound after delithiation, which acts as a built‐in 3D current collector during Li plating/striping process. Furthermore, the lithiophilic BaLi4 alloy scaffold is a mixed conductor, featuring with Li+ ions diffusion capability, which can efficiently transport the reduced Li to the interior of the electrode structure. This unique top‐down growth mode can effectively prohibit Li dendrites growth and improve the space utilization of 3D electrode structure. The spin‐polarized density functional theory (DFT) calculations suggest that the absorption capability of BaLi4 benefits the deposition of Li metal. As a result, the cell performance with the dual‐phase Li‐Ba alloy anode is significantly improved.
Breaking the Solubility Limit of LiNO3 in Carbonate Electrolyte Assisted by BF3 to Construct a Stable SEI Film for Dendrite‐Free Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Zhong Jing , Wang Zhixing , Yi Xiaoli , Li Xinhai , Guo Huajun , Peng Wenjie , Wang Jiexi , Yan Guochun 
Published: November 2023

AbstractLithium (Li) metal is regarded as a potential candidate for the next generation of lithium secondary batteries, but it has poor cycling stability with the broadly used carbonate‐based electrolytes due to the uncontrollable dendritic growth and low Coulombic efficiency (CE). LiNO3 is an effective additive and its limited solubility (<800 ppm) in carbonate‐based electrolytes is still a challenge, as reported. Herein, using BF3 (Lewis acid) is proposed to enhance the solubility of LiNO3 in carbonate‐based electrolytes. The dissolved NO3− can be involved in the first solvation shell of Li+, reducing the coordination number of PF6− and EC (ethylene carbonate). In addition, the NO3− is proved to be preferentially reduced on Li metal by differential electrochemical mass spectrometry so that the decomposition of PF6− and EC is suppressed. Therefore, a SEI layer containing Li3N can be obtained, which exhibits high lithium‐ion conductivity, achieving even and dense Li deposits. Consequently, the CE of Li||Cu cell with BF3/LiNO3 can be increased to 98.07%. Moreover, the capacity retention of Li||LiFePO4 with a low N/P ratio (3:1) is as high as 90% after 300 cycles (≈1500 h). This work paved a new way for incorporating LiNO3 into carbonate‐based electrolytes and high‐performance lithium metal batteries.
A High‐Performance N2‐Selective MXene Membrane with Double Selectivity Mechanism for N2/CH4 Separation
Authors: Xing Guangyu , Cong Shenzhen , Wang Bo , Qiao Zhihua , Li Qinghua , Cong Chang , Yuan Ye , Sheng Menglong , Zhou Yunqi , Shi Fei , Ma Jun , Pan Yurui , Liu Xinlei , Zhao Song , Wang Jixiao , Wang Zhi 
Published: November 2023

AbstractMembrane‐based separation process for unconventional natural gas purification (mainly N2/CH4 separation) has attracted more attention due to its considerable economic benefits. However, the majority of separation membranes at this stage, particularly N2‐selective membranes, achieve the desired separation target by mainly relying on the diffusivity‐selectivity mechanism. To overcome the limitation of a single mechanism, 2D lamellar MXene membranes with a double selectivity mechanism are prepared to enhance N2 permeance and N2/CH4 selectivity via introducing unsaturated metal sites into MXene, which can form specific interactions with N2 molecules and enhance N2 permeation. The resulting membranes exhibit an inspiring N2/CH4 separation performance with an N2 permeance of 344 GPU and N2/CH4 selectivity of 13.76. The collaboration of the double selectivity mechanism provides a new idea for the development of a novel N2‐selective membrane for N2 removal and CH4 purification, which further broadens the application prospects of membrane separation technology in the field of unconventional natural gas purification.