bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Intelligent Synthetic Bacterium for Chronological Toxicant Detection, Biodegradation, and Its Subsequent Suicide
Authors: Liu Huan , Zhang Lige , Wang Weiwei , Hu Haiyang , Ouyang Xingyu , Xu Ping , Tang Hongzhi 
Published: September 2023

AbstractModules, toolboxes, and synthetic biology systems may be designed to address environmental bioremediation. However, weak and decentralized functional modules require complex control. To address this issue, an integrated system for toxicant detection and biodegradation, and subsequent suicide in chronological order without exogenous inducers is constructed. Salicylic acid, a typical pollutant in industrial wastewater, is selected as an example to demonstrate this design. Biosensors are optimized by regulating the expression of receptors and reporters to get 2‐fold sensitivity and 6‐fold maximum output. Several stationary phase promoters are compared, and promoter Pfic is chosen to express the degradation enzyme. Two concepts for suicide circuits are developed, with the toxin/antitoxin circuit showing potent lethality. The three modules are coupled in a stepwise manner. Detection and biodegradation, and suicide are sequentially completed with partial attenuation compared to pre‐integration, except for biodegradation, being improved by the replacements of ribosome binding site. Finally, a long‐term stability test reveals that the engineered strain maintained its function for ten generations. The study provides a novel concept for integrating and controlling functional modules that can accelerate the transition of synthetic biology from conceptual to practical applications.
Asymmetric Additive‐Assisted Organic Solar Cells with Much Better Energy Harvesting and Wireless Communication Performance
Authors: Lei Wen , Wang Yufei , Liang Zezhou , Feng Junyi , Zhang Wei , Fang Junbin , Chen Zhe , Hou Lintao 
Published: September 2023

AbstractOrganic solar cells (OSCs), exhibiting better sensitivity to different light intensities and higher power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) under indoor illumination, have great potential to be simultaneously used for solar energy harvesting and optical communication. However, the poor intrinsic molecular stacking and phase separation in active layers significantly hinder the charge transport and extraction in OSCs for achieving this aim. Here, an effective heterohalogen‐substitution asymmetric additive strategy is proposed to fine‐tune the non‐covalent interaction with nonfullerene molecules and optimize the morphology of active layer, which greatly boosts both the OSC photovoltaic performance with the PCEs of up to 18.30% and 29.52% under AM 1.5G and indoor light illumination respectively, and the ‒3 dB communication bandwidths of 4.11, 3.14, and 3.04 MHz at red, green, and blue (RGB) wavelengths respectively. Of particular note, combining the wavelength division multiplexing and adaptive bit‐loading technologies, the visible light communication system comprised of the RGB light sources and additive‐treated OSCs delivers more remarkable data throughput of 302.7 Mb s−1 and higher harvesting power of 7.38 mW simultaneously, presenting an excellent self‐powered capability for enhanced endurance. This work demonstrates that high‐performance OSCs with excellent energy harvesting and wireless communication capacity can be perfectly achieved by a heterohalogen‐substitution asymmetric additive strategy.
Origin of Enhanced Overall Water Splitting Efficiency in Aluminum‐Doped SrTiO3 Photocatalyst
Authors: Murthy Dharmapura H. K. , Nandal Vikas , Furube Akihiro , Seki Kazuhiko , Katoh Ryuzi , Lyu Hao , Hisatomi Takashi , Domen Kazunari , Matsuzaki Hiroyuki 
Published: September 2023

AbstractWith near unity quantum efficiency and operational stability surpassing 250 days in outdoor conditions, aluminum‐doped SrTiO3 (Al:SrTiO3) with tailored cocatalysts is one of the promising photocatalysts for scalable solar H2 production. Nevertheless, mechanistic insights behind Al‐doping and Rh cocatalyst‐induced enhanced overall water splitting (OWS) efficiency are not well elucidated. Herein, detailed charge carrier dynamics from sub‐picosecond to milliseconds are unveiled for Al:SrTiO3 by transient (optical and microwave probe) spectroscopy measurements. The obtained transients are rationalized using a theoretical model considering bimolecular recombination, trapping and detrapping processes. Due to a decrease in an n‐type doping density, Al doping of SrTiO3 significantly prolongs bulk carrier lifetime from 50 ns to 12.5 µs (consistent with the previous report). The crucial electron extraction process by the Rh cocatalyst located on the surface from Al:SrTiO3 occurs well before the decay of charge carriers. In contrast, µs‐long electron extraction time observed in SrTiO3 is significantly slower than tens of ns bulk carrier lifetime, thus reducing the photocatalytic OWS reaction. Complementary analysis in conjunction with in situ charge carrier dynamics in water interface addresses the mechanistic insight into Al‐doping‐induced enhancement of OWS activity. Correlating material properties, carrier dynamics and photocatalytic activity is expected to help design next‐generation photocatalysts via dopant and/or defects engineering for efficient solar‐fuel production.
An Aqueous Electrolyte Regulator for Highly Stable Zinc Anode Under −35 to 65 °C
Authors: Wang Rui , Ma Quanwei , Zhang Longhai , Liu Zixiang , Wan Jiandong , Mao Jianfeng , Li Hongbao , Zhang Shilin , Hao Junnan , Zhang Lin , Zhang Chaofeng 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe reversibility and long‐term cycling stability of aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) in a wide temperature range have rarely been explored. Herein, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether (DG) is introduced as an electrolyte additive to enhance Zn performance within a wide temperature range of −35 to 65 °C. Operando synchrotron Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis combined with molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the introduction of DG disrupts the initial hydrogen bonding network of the aqueous electrolyte, restructuring the solvation structure surrounding Zn2+ ions and mitigating water‐induced parasitic reactions. Adding DG reduces the freezing point of the aqueous electrolyte without compromising its incombustibility. Moreover, operando electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (EQCM‐D) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy demonstrated that the coordinated DG and OTF− undergo reductive decomposition, forming a self‐healing solid electrolyte interphase comprising an inorganic/organic ZnF2‐ZnS, which can effectively suppress the notorious side reactions and guide the uniform Zn deposition. Consequently, the symmetric Zn/Zn cells demonstrate excellent cycling stability for 3500 h under 1 mA cm−2 at 25 °C, and for 1000 h under 1 mA cm−2 at both −35 and 65 °C. Full batteries with a DG‐containing electrolyte exhibit a long lifespan of 5000 cycles at 2 A g−1.
Determination of moisture content and contaminated blank dried figs (Ficus carica L.) using dielectric property and artificial neural network
Authors: Shojaeyan Mina , Banakar Ahmad , Hashjin Teymour Tavakoli , Shafiee Sahameh 
Published: September 2023

AbstractDried figs are a garden produce that must be graded after harvesting. Moisture levels and contaminated blank are two of the most critical effective elements on the marketability of dried figs, and they are highly related to fig quality. In the present research, an intelligent system was employed to classify dried figs based on moisture content levels and infected blank fruits. Capacitance characteristics, average diameter, and fruit area were all taken into account in this study. The dried fig dielectric constant was measured at six different frequency levels: 12, 22, 32, 42, 52, and 62 MHz. The best frequency was then chosen using the improved distance evaluation feature selection approach. Image processing was also used to determine the average diameter and area of the figures. Following that, the dielectric constant of the most effective frequency, the average diameter, and the area of the fruit were used as input parameters in the artificial neural network classification model to classify and describe the moisture and porosity level of the dried fig. The most essential dielectric constant information relating to moisture and porosity level was at frequencies of 22 and 52 MHz, respectively. Finally, classification accuracy of 95.7% for moisture and 91.3% for porosity level was attained. The results demonstrated the excellent performance and capabilities of the proposed approach for rating the internal quality of dried figs.
Nucleic Acid‐to‐Small Molecule Converter through Amplified Hairpin DNA Circuits
Authors: Morihiro Kunihiko , Tomida Yasuhiro , Fukui Daisuke , Hasegawa Manami , Okamoto Akimitsu 
Published: September 2023

AbstractMany microRNAs (miRNAs) are characteristically found in cancer cells, making miRNAs promising marker biomolecules for cancer diagnosis and therapeutics. However, it is challenging to use miRNA as a cancer signature because it is difficult to convert the nucleic acid sequence information into molecular functionality. To address this challenge, we realize nucleic acid‐to‐small molecule converters using hairpin DNA circuits. Harnessing a Staudinger reduction as a trigger for the conversion, we constructed hybridization chain reaction (HCR) and catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) circuits that respond to oncogenic miR‐21. Fluorophore and dye molecules were released in response to miR‐21 through the HCR, providing fluorogenic and chromogenic readouts. Selective cytotoxicity in miR‐21‐abundant cells was realized by the CHA to release the anticancer drug SN‐38. This would be the first example of selective activation of a small‐molecule prodrug triggered by oncogenic miRNA in human living cells.
Synthesis and properties of multi‐armed polycarboxylate superplasticizer modified by β‐cyclodextrin
Authors: Yuan Hang , Yuan Hua 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe polycarboxylate superplasticizer with a multi‐armed structure (multi‐armed‐PCE) was synthesized via RAFT polymerization of pentaerythritol triacrylate, acrylic acid, macro‐monomer polyethylene glycol ether (GPEG) and a certain amount of β‐cyclodextrin esterified by maleic anhydride (MA‐β‐CD). The precise structure of the multi‐armed‐PCE was characterized by NMR, FTIR, and GPC. Benefitting from the stronger steric hindrance effect provided by the multi‐armed topology and MA‐β‐CD side chains, the polymer exhibited efficient dispersion and fluidity retention properties. As a result, the water reduction rate of the polymer multi‐armed‐PCE can reach 32.5% under the condition of 0.28% dosage. Compared with comb‐like PCE‐B, the cement paste containing multi‐armed‐PCE exhibited better fluidity retention of 2 hours. Moreover, the multi‐armed‐PCE can significantly increase the mechanical strength of cement hydration products, which can provide potential prospect for the design of high‐strength concrete products.
Comparison of metabolizable energy values of wheat, paddy, and brown rice in roosters determined by free‐feeding and tube‐feeding methods
Authors: Li Kai , Bai Guosong , Liu Zhengqun , Zhao Yuqing , Zhong Ruqing , Liu Lei , Yan Honglin , Zhou Jianchuan , Chen Liang , Zhang Hongfu 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the determination methods (free feeding [FF] and tube feeding [TF]) on the available energy of ingredients (wheat, paddy, and brown rice). A total of 101 adult Hy‐Line Brown roosters (35 weeks old) with an initial body weight of 2.72 ± 0.21 kg were used, in which 96 roosters were randomly assigned to the FF group and TF group, and the remaining five birds were selected to determine the endogenous energy loss. Each group consisted of 12 dietary treatments. In the FF group, each diet treatment comprised 2 replicates with 2 birds per replicate and 4 replicates with 1 bird per replicate for each diet in the TF group. The 12 dietary treatments included a basal diet (BD) and 11 test diets, in which wheat, paddy, and brown rice replaced 30% corn, soybean meal, and wheat bran in the BD. The experiment was performed three times. There was a significant effect of source on apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and true metabolizable energy (TME) in paddy (p < 0.05). Results showed that AME in wheat, paddy, and brown rice measured by the FF method were greater than those values gained by the TF method (p < 0.05). The average AME and TME values were 3537, 3140, and 3893 kcal/kg dry matter (DM) and 3555, 3163, and 3933 kcal/kg DM for wheat, paddy, and brown rice, respectively, measured by the FF method. The means of AME and TME evaluated by the TF method were 3270, 2988, and 3764 kcal/kg DM and 3642, 3357, and 4135 kcal/kg DM for wheat, paddy, and brown rice, respectively. In conclusion, the determination method has a considerable effect on available energy, and the TF method underestimates the AME of ingredients.
A Platinum(II) Boron‐dipyrromethene Complex for Cellular Imaging and Mitochondria‐targeted Photodynamic Therapy in Red Light
Authors: Upadhyay Aarti , Nepalia Amrita , Bera Arpan , Saini Deepak Kumar , Chakravarty Akhil R. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractCisplatin‐derived platinum(II) complexes [Pt(NH3)2(pacac)](NO3) (1, DPP‐Pt) and [Pt(NH3)2(Acac‐RB)](NO3) (2, Acacplatin‐RB), where Hpacac is 1,3‐diphenyl‐1,3‐propanedione and HAcac‐RB is a red‐light active distyryl‐BODIPY‐appended acetylacetone ligand, are prepared, characterized and their photodynamic therapy (PDT) activity studied (RB abbreviated for red‐light BODIPY). Complex 2 displayed an intense absorption band at λ=652 nm (ϵ=7.3×104 M−1 cm−1) and 601 nm (ϵ=3.1×104 M−1 cm−1) in 1 : 1 DMSO‐DPBS (Dulbecco's Phosphate Buffered Saline). Its emission profile includes a broad maximum at ~673 nm (λex=630 nm). The fluorescence quantum yield (ΦF) of HAcac‐RB and 2 are 0.19 and 0.07, respectively. Dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate and 1,3‐diphenylisobenzofuran assay of complex 2 indicated photogeneration of singlet oxygen (ΦΔ: 0.36) as reactive oxygen species (ROS). Light irradiation caused only minor extent of ligand release forming chemo‐active cisplatin analogue. The complex showed ~70–100 fold enhancement in cytotoxicity on light exposure in A549 lung cancer cells and MDA‐MB‐231 multidrug resistant breast cancer cells, giving half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.9–1.8 μM. Confocal imaging showed its mitochondrial localization and complex 2 exhibited anti‐metastasis properties. Immunostaining of β‐tubulin and Annexin V‐FITC/propidium iodide staining displayed complex 2 induced photo‐selective microtubule rupture and cellular apoptosis, respectively.
Ambient‐Temperature, Metal‐Free, CDI‐Mediated Ex‐Situ Conversion of Acids to Amides: A Useful Late‐Stage Strategy
Authors: Patel Manisha A. , Kapdi Anant R. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAn efficient ex‐situ method for the amidation of carboxylic acids mediated by CDI has been disclosed herewith. This metal‐free strategy is performed at ambient temperature and can be applied effectively for late‐stage modification of amino acids and APIs.
Catalytic conversion of bioethanol over cobalt and nickel‐doped HZSM‐5 zeolite catalysts
Authors: Anekwe Ifeanyi Michael Smarte , Oboirien Bilainu , Isa Yusuf Makarfi 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis study focuses on the use of H‐ZSM‐5 catalyst modified with transition metals for the conversion of ethanol into liquid fuel hydrocarbons. The HZSM‐5 catalyst was synthesized hydrothermally, and the transition metal (0.5 wt%) was incorporated by the incipient wetness impregnation method. The synthesized catalysts were tested in a fixed‐bed reactor at varying weight hourly space velocities (WHSVs) and temperatures to investigate their effects on the selectivity of the liquid hydrocarbon product. The pure and metal‐doped catalysts were characterized using XRD, FTIR, SEM–EDX, PSD, BET, N2 adsorption–desorption, and NH3‐TPD. The metal species were evenly dispersed on the catalyst support without affecting the porous framework significantly. The modification did not alter the morphology of the catalyst; however, the particle size was altered slightly. The pore distribution plot confirms the hierarchical porous framework of the catalyst. This unique feature facilitates internal diffusion and accelerates mass transfer, improving the selectivity and distribution of the liquid product. The catalytic evaluation showed ethanol conversion of more than 97% for all catalysts tested. A low space velocity (5 h−1) favored gaseous (C1‐C4) hydrocarbons, but more liquid products (C5+) were generated at 12 h−1 (at 350 and 400 °C), with metal‐doped catalysts showing higher selectivity (> 79%). In comparison with the unmodified catalysts, the metal‐doped catalysts enhanced the production of aromatics (benzene), with Ni/HZSM‐5 showing higher selectivity (> 4%). This study showed that the synthesized catalysts are active in the selective production of liquid hydrocarbon and improve the transformation of ethanol to fuel‐range hydrocarbons.
The effectiveness of function‐based interventions to treat sleep problems, including unwanted co‐sleeping, in children with autism
Authors: McLay Laurie K. , France Karyn G. , Knight Jacqueline , Blampied Neville M. , Hastie Brent 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis study investigated the effectiveness of functional behavioral assessment (FBA)—informed interventions for sleep problems, particularly co‐sleeping, in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Seven children, who exhibited multiple sleep problems including unwanted co‐sleeping, participated. FBA, based on information derived from interviews and parent‐recorded sleep diaries, was used to develop individualized case formulations upon which multicomponent, parent‐implemented interventions were based. These were evaluated using a single‐case, non‐concurrent multiple‐baseline‐across‐participants design. Improvements were observed across all sleep problems, including the elimination of co‐sleeping. Gains were maintained at follow‐up for five out of seven children, though two children did not complete intervention. Parents reported high levels of satisfaction with the program. FBA‐based interventions for sleep problems in children with ASD and their clinical implications are further discussed.
In situ formation of alginic acid‐gold nanohybrids for application in cancer photothermal therapy
Authors: Figueiredo André Q. , Rodrigues Carolina F. , Fernandes Natanael , Correia Ilídio J. , Moreira André F. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractGold‐based nanoparticles present excellent optical properties that propelled their widespread application in biomedicine, from bioimaging to photothermal applications. Nevertheless, commonly employed manufacturing methods for gold‐based nanoparticles require long periods and laborious protocols that reduce cost‐effectiveness and scalability. Herein, a novel methodology was used for producing gold‐alginic acid nanohybrids (Au‐Alg‐NH) with photothermal capabilities. This was accomplished by promoting the in situ reduction and nucleation of gold ions throughout a matrix of alginic acid by using ascorbic acid. The results obtained reveal that the Au‐Alg‐NHs present a uniform size distribution and a spike‐like shape. Moreover, the nanomaterials were capable to mediate a temperature increase of ≈11°C in response to the irradiation with a near‐infrared region (NIR) laser (808 nm, 1.7 W cm−2). The in vitro assays showed that Au‐Alg‐NHs were able to perform a NIR light‐triggered ablation of cancer cells (MCF‐7), being observed a reduction in the cell viability to ≈27%. Therefore, the results demonstrate that this novel methodology holds the potential for producing Au‐Alg‐NH with photothermal capacity and higher translatability to the clinical practice, namely for cancer therapy.
Financial management practices, competitive advantage and loan performance of selected microfinance institutions (MFIs) in Ghana
Authors: Saeed Musah Mohammed 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis study examines how financial management practices and competitive advantage affect loan performance of microfinance institutions (MFIs) in Ghana's Ashanti Region. The research employs a cross‐sectional design with a sample of 85 Ashanti Region MFIs, following Krejcie and Morgan's guidelines for sample selection. Employing a positivist approach with quantitative analysis, primary data comes from closed‐ended questionnaires given to Credit Directors, Credit Department, and Risk Managers, selected randomly from staff lists. Results reveal financial management practices significantly impact loan performance and competitive advantage. However, competitive advantage, under controlled conditions, does not significantly predict loan performance. This highlights financial management's crucial role in shaping loan performance and competitive advantage in MFIs. The study suggests that sustaining growth requires Ghana's Central Bank to enforce adherence to standards for liquidity management. This research adds a fresh perspective to understanding financial management practices, competitive advantage, and loan performance in Sub‐Saharan Africa's MFIs.
Breast/ovarian cancer genetic counseling: Do anxiety, depression, and health care‐related fears influence cancer worry and risk perception?
Authors: Caruso Anita , Maggi Gabriella , Vigna Cristina , Savarese Antonella , Gallo Laura , Guariglia Lara , Casu Giulia , Gremigni Paola 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe impact of family and personal cancer history and emotional factors, such as depression and anxiety, on disease representation has received limited attention in studies investigating the development of cancer‐related worry and risk perception within the context of genetic counseling. The current study endeavors to fill this gap by exploring the extent to which depression and anxiety influence cancer worry and risk perception, and the role of health care‐related fear as potential mediator in this relationship.MethodsA sample of 178 women who underwent their first genetic counseling for breast/ovarian cancer, 52% of whom had previous cancer diagnoses, completed questionnaires assessing sociodemographic and clinical information, emotional distress in terms of anxiety and depression, cancer‐related worry, risk perception, and health care‐related fears.ResultsResults of mediation analyses showed that cancer‐related worry and risk perception increased with rising levels of depression and anxiety, with health care‐related fears acting as a mediator in the relationship of depression and anxiety with cancer worry and risk perception. Covariate analysis revealed that previous cancer diagnosis increases cancer‐related worry but not risk perception, while the number of family members affected by cancer increases both outcomes.ConclusionThese findings emphasize the need for a holistic approach in genetic counseling and have implications for the clinical practice.