bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Wet torrefaction of shea nut chaff to improve its fuel properties
Authors: Ibrahim Mustapha Danladi , Teoh Rui Hong , Abakr Yousif Abdalla , Lee Lai Yee , Gan Suyin , Thangalazhy‐Gopakumar Suchithra 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBiomass is a renewable alternative energy source with almost zero‐carbon footprint. This work focused on the physicochemical analysis and wet torrefaction of shea nut chaff (SNC) biomass. The SNC is a semi‐solid waste generated during the production process of shea nut butter and is least studied for its bioenergy potential. Wet torrefaction or hydrothermal carbonization studies of sun‐dried SNC were conducted at different temperatures (180–260°C), residence times (15–30 min) and water‐to‐biomass (W/B) ratios (5–15:1). Characterization studies of the torrefied biomass for different temperatures were conducted using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analyses. The best‐fit analysis of variance (ANOVA) model for wet torrefaction mass yield was 2FI, with p‐values of <0.05, and a regression coefficient (R2) of 0.9443. The yield of torrefied SNC attained at 260°C, 45 bar, W/B ratio of 5, and 10‐min residence time was 55.5 wt.%, and the corresponding energy yield was 89.5%. Both temperature and W/B ratio had significant effect on torrefaction yield. There was a significant improvement in the volatile matter, fixed carbon, moisture, and heating value reduction in the torrefied SNC compared to the raw SNC making it a potential bioenergy source. However, high ash content is a major concern even after torrefaction.
Optical transparency of electrospun nanofibrous membranes: A study on influencing parameters
Authors: Zheng Jiawen , Li Yifu , Liu Jingxian , Tan Zhongchao 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThis paper studies the effects of five parameters, including fiber diameter, crystallinity, thickness, packing density, and surface roughness, on the transparency of electrospun polymethyl methacrylate/polydimethylsiloxane (PMMA/PDMS) nanofibrous membranes after heat treatment. The PMMA/PDMS membranes produced at an electrospinning voltage of 20 kV reaches 54.85% transparency with the diameter 0.759 μm, crystallinity 14.81%, thickness 9.2 μm, roughness 0.659 μm, and packing density α 0.0081% after the heat treatment from 80 to 200°C. In general, the PMMA/PDMS membranes present higher transparency with the decrease of diameter, crystallinity, thickness, roughness, and packing density. The influencing parameters on transparency are first quantified by multiple nonlinear regressions with a R2 of the model equals 0.869. A composite scaled sensitivity (CSSj) analysis shows that the most influential factor is the nanofibrous membrane thickness with a CSSj value of 1, followed by fiber diameter with a CSSj value of 0.515. The CSSj values for packing density, membrane roughness and crystallinity are 0.385, 0.361, and 0.173, respectively. Finally, the nanofibrous membrane transparency is a function of nanofiber material density, fiber diameter, and nanofibrous membrane thickness based on the Chandrasekhar radiative transfer equation and the Rayleigh's Scattering Theory.
Non‐covalent interactions between ionic liquid and graphene nanoplatelets as a tool to fine tune the properties of styrene butadiene rubber nanocomposites
Authors: Joseph Subin , Francis Bejoy 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAchieving a robust interfacial interaction between the filler and polymer matrix is crucial for the production of polymer nanocomposites with superior performance. 1‐butyl‐3‐methyl imidazolium bromide (BMIB) was used to fine‐tune the surface properties of graphene nanoplatelets (GnP) in the preparation of ionic liquid (IL)‐functionalized styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR) nanocomposites. The combined results of Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, x‐ray diffraction (XRD), x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) confirmed multiple non‐covalent interactions between BMIB molecules and GnP in modified graphene (IMG). FTIR and XRD studies confirmed the role of IL as an efficient surface modifier for the uniform dispersion of GnP in the SBR matrix via secondary interactions. And the TEM micrographs revealed an even dispersion of IMG in the SBR matrix. TGA and DTG studies showed significant improvements in the thermal stability of SBR nanocomposites with IMG loading. The Cole‐Cole plot showed imperfect semicircles for all the filled systems, indicating heterogeneity. The novel SBR nanocomposites showed an improvement of 271% in tensile strength with 10‐phr IMG loading
Recent Advances in Direct Optical Patterning of Inorganic Materials and Devices
Authors: Baek Seongheon , Son Jae Sung 
Published: August 2023

AbstractDirect patterning technology holds significant promise owing to its ability to streamline complex patterning processes, fostering affordable design and production of various devices. Direct optical lithographic techniques have recently been applied to diverse ranges of functional inorganic nanomaterials, providing a viable alternative to conventional photolithography. These techniques facilitate the fabrication of diverse thin‐film devices and enable 3D printability for inorganic microarchitectures. This review discusses the recent progress in the direct patterning of inorganic materials and associated device fabrication. The chemical design of inorganic building blocks is delved into, which entails the photochemistry of surface ligands or additives that respond to external stimuli and the different patterning methodologies predicated on these external stimuli. Moreover, device fabrication is introduced through direct patterning methods, highlighting examples from optoelectronic, electronic, and energy devices. Last, the prospects of this field are presented, focusing on materials and processes.
Functional morphology of the Triassic apex predator Saurosuchus galilei (Pseudosuchia: Loricata) and convergence with a post‐Triassic theropod dinosaur
Authors: Fawcett Molly J. , Lautenschlager Stephan , Bestwick Jordan , Butler Richard J. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractPseudosuchian archosaurs, reptiles more closely related to crocodylians than to birds, exhibited high morphological diversity during the Triassic and are thus associated with hypotheses of high ecological diversity during this time. One example involves basal loricatans which are non‐crocodylomorph pseudosuchians traditionally known as “rauisuchians.” Their large size (5–8+ m long) and morphological similarities to post‐Triassic theropod dinosaurs, including dorsoventrally deep skulls and serrated dentitions, suggest basal loricatans were apex predators. However, this hypothesis does not consider functional behaviors that can influence more refined roles of predators in their environment, for example, degree of carcass utilization. Here, we apply finite element analysis to a juvenile but three‐dimensionally well‐preserved cranium of the basal loricatan Saurosuchus galilei to investigate its functional morphology and to compare with stress distributions from the theropod Allosaurus fragilis to assess degrees of functional convergence between Triassic and post‐Triassic carnivores. We find similar stress distributions and magnitudes between the two study taxa under the same functional simulations, indicating that Saurosuchus had a somewhat strong skull and thus exhibited some degree of functional convergence with theropods. However, Saurosuchus also had a weak bite for an animal of its size (1015–1885 N) that is broadly equivalent to the bite force of modern gharials (Gavialis gangeticus). We infer that Saurosuchus potentially avoided tooth–bone interactions and consumed the softer parts of carcasses, unlike theropods and other basal loricatans. This deduced feeding mode for Saurosuchus increases the known functional diversity of basal loricatans and highlights functional differences between Triassic and post‐Triassic apex predators.
H‐representation to stochastic observability conservation by output feedback and Gramian bounds
Authors: Zhang Liangquan , Zhang Weihai 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIn this paper, we are concerned with uniform complete observability of linear stochastic time‐varying systems conserved by output feedback and Gramian bounds via so called
‐representation method. We obtain the lower and upper bounds for the Gramian of output feedback stochastic system from the original system and vice versa. A numerical example is constructed to verify the effectiveness of our main result. The uniform complete observability is useful for the analysis and synthesis of the Kalman filter.
The mean‐field linear quadratic optimal control problem for stochastic systems controlled by impulses
Authors: Dragan Vasile , Aberkane Samir 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIn the present note, we state and solve the linear quadratic (LQ) control problem for a class of McKean–Vlasov stochastic differential equations for which the control actions are of impulsive nature. After reformulating the original optimization problem using an orthogonal decomposition of the state variables, we introduce an adequately defined system of two coupled matrix Lyapunov‐type differential equations with jumps. Such equations are central for the definition of the optimal feedback gains corresponding to the closed‐loop representation of the optimal LQ control.
Big data in autism research: Methodological challenges and solutions
Authors: Lee Brian K. , Schendel Diana E. , Shea Lindsay L. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractWhile the concept of big data has emerged over the past decade as a hot topic in nearly all areas of scientific inquiry, it has rarely been discussed in the context of autism research. In this commentary we describe aspects of big data that are relevant to autism research and methodological issues such as confounding and data error that can hamper scientific investigation. Although big data studies can have transformative impact, bigger is not always better, and big data require the same methodological considerations and interdisciplinary collaboration as “small data” to extract useful scientific insight.
Crack Suppression by Downsizing Sulfide‐Electrolyte Particles for High‐Current‐Density Operation of Metal/Alloy Anodes
Authors: Kim Han‐Seul , Watanabe Kenta , Matsui Naoki , Suzuki Kota , Kanno Ryoji , Hirayama Masaaki 
Published: August 2023

AbstractStable physical contact between lithium metal/alloy anodes and the solid electrolyte layer is crucial for the durable operation of all‐solid‐state batteries. Herein, we have attempted to control the mechanical properties of a Li10.35Ge1.35P1.65S12 (LGPS) solid electrolyte layer by the grain size and examined the mechanical strength against stresses originating from volumetric changes of an In‐Li anode layer. The submicron‐sized LGPS electrolyte (d50: 0.51 μm) with a uniform particle size distribution was successfully fabricated by a wet‐milling process. The crystallinity of LGPS negligibly changes on pulverization. In‐Li symmetric cells with the wet‐milled LGPS exhibit higher cycle stability than those constructed with micro‐sized LGPS (d50: 1.32 μm), not well‐controlled by particle size, owing to greater suppression of overvoltage generation and growth. Microstructural analyses have revealed that the small and uniform LGPS particles are less prone to physical degradation (cracking) owing to volume changes of In‐Li. Downsizing of solid electrolytes is a good strategy for developing physically stable electrode/solid electrolyte interfaces even at high current density operation.
Enzyme selection, optimization, and production toward biodegradation of post‐consumer poly(ethylene terephthalate) at scale
Authors: Soong Ya‐Hue Valerie , Abid Umer , Chang Allen C. , Ayafor Christian , Patel Akanksha , Qin Jiansong , Xu Jin , Lawton Carl , Wong Hsi‐Wu , Sobkowicz Margaret J. , Xie Dongming 
Published: August 2023

AbstractPoly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is one of the world's most widely used polyester plastics. Due to its chemical stability, PET is extremely difficult to hydrolyze in a natural environment. Recent discoveries in new polyester hydrolases and breakthroughs in enzyme engineering strategies have inspired enormous research on biorecycling of PET. This study summarizes our research efforts toward large‐scale, efficient, and economical biodegradation of post‐consumer waste PET, including PET hydrolase selection and optimization, high‐yield enzyme production, and high‐capacity enzymatic degradation of post‐consumer waste PET. First, genes encoding PETase and MHETase from Ideonella sakaiensis and the ICCG variant of leaf‐branch compost cutinase (LCCICCG) were codon‐optimized and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) for high‐yield production. To further lower the enzyme production cost, a pelB leader sequence was fused to LCCICCG so that the enzyme can be secreted into the medium to facilitate recovery. To help bind the enzyme on the hydrophobic surface of PET, a substrate‐binding module in a polyhydroxyalkanoate depolymerase from Alcaligenes faecalis (PBM) was fused to the C‐terminus of LCCICCG. The resulting four different LCCICCG variants (LCC, PelB‐LCC, LCC‐PBM, and PelB‐LCC‐PBM), together with PETase and MHETase, were compared for PET degradation efficiency. A fed‐batch fermentation process was developed to produce the target enzymes up to 1.2 g L−1. Finally, the best enzyme, PelB‐LCC, was selected and used for the efficient degradation of 200 g L−1 recycled PET in a well‐controlled, stirred‐tank reactor. The results will help develop an economical and scalable biorecycling process toward a circular PET economy.
Enhancing the accumulation of lipid and docosahexaenoic acid in Schizochytrium sp. by co‐overexpression of phosphopantetheinyl transferase and ω‐3 fatty acid desaturase
Authors: Li Jin , Zheng Yi , Yang Wen‐Qian , Wei Zhi‐Yun , Xu Ying‐Shuang , Zhang Zi‐Xu , Ma Wang , Sun Xiao‐Man 
Published: August 2023

AbstractDocosahexaenoic acid (DHA) as one of ω‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), plays a key role in brain development, and is widely used in food additives and the pharmaceutical industry. Schizochytrium sp. is often considered as a satisfactory strain for DHA industrialization. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of phosphopantetheinyl transferase (PPTase) and ω‐3 fatty acid desaturase (FAD) for regulating DHA content in Schizochytrium sp. PPTase is essential to activate the polyketide‐like synthase (PKS) pathway, which can transfer apo‐acyl‐carrier protein (apo‐ACP) into holo‐ACP, and plays a key role in DHA synthesis. Moreover, DHA and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) are synthesized by the PKS pathway simultaneously, so high DPA synthesis limits the increase of DHA content. In addition, the detailed mechanisms of PKS pathway have not been fully elucidated, so it is difficult to improve DHA content by modifying PKS. However, ω‐3 FAD can convert DPA into DHA, and it is the most direct and effective way to increase DHA content and reduce DPA content. Based on this, PPTase was overexpressed to enhance the synthesis of DHA by the PKS pathway, overexpressed ω‐3 FAD to convert the co‐product of the PKS pathway into DHA, and co‐overexpressed PPTase and ω‐3 FAD. With these strategies, compared with wild type, the final lipid, and DHA titer were 92.5 and 51.5 g L−1, which increased by 46.4% and 78.1%, respectively. This study established an efficient DHA production strain, and provided some feasible strategies for industrial DHA production in Schizochytrium sp.
Development of a novel purification method for AAV vectors using tangential flow filtration
Authors: Miyaoka Rimi , Tsunekawa Yuji , Kurosawa Yae , Sasaki Takako , Onodera Azusa , Sakamoto Kenji , Kakiuchi Yuko , Wada Mikako , Nitahara‐Kasahara Yuko , Hayashita‐Kinoh Hiromi , Okada Takashi 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAdeno‐associated virus (AAV) vector can efficiently transduce therapeutic genes in various tissue types with less side effects; however, owing to complex multistep processes during manufacture, there have been surges in the pricing of recently approved AAV vector‐based gene therapy products. This study aimed to develop a simple and efficient method for high‐quality purification of AAV vector via tangential flow filtration (TFF), which is commonly used for concentration and diafiltration of solutions during AAV vector purification. We established a novel purification method using TFF and surfactants. Treatment with two classes of surfactants (anionic and zwitterionic) successfully inhibited the aggregation of residual proteins separated from the AAV vector in the crude product by TFF, obtaining a clearance of 99.5% residual proteins. Infectivity of the AAV vector purified using the new method was confirmed both in vitro and in vivo, and no remarkable inflammation or tissue damage was observed in mouse skeletal muscle after local administration. Overall, our proposed method could be used to establish a platform for the purification of AAV vector.
Characterization of a quail suspension cell line for production of a fusogenic oncolytic virus
Authors: Göbel Sven , Jaén Karim E. , Fernandes Rita P. , Reiter Manfred , Altomonte Jennifer , Reichl Udo , Genzel Yvonne 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe development of efficient processes for the production of oncolytic viruses (OV) plays a crucial role regarding the clinical success of virotherapy. Although many different OV platforms are currently under investigation, manufacturing of such viruses still mainly relies on static adherent cell cultures, which bear many challenges, particularly for fusogenic OVs. Availability of GMP‐compliant continuous cell lines is limited, further complicating the development of commercially viable products. BHK21, AGE1. CR and HEK293 cells were previously identified as possible cell substrates for the recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (rVSV)‐based fusogenic OV, rVSV‐NDV. Now, another promising cell substrate was identified, the CCX.E10 cell line, developed by Nuvonis Technologies. This suspension cell line is considered non‐GMO as no foreign genes or viral sequences were used for its development. The CCX.E10 cells were thus thoroughly investigated as a potential candidate for OV production. Cell growth in the chemically defined medium in suspension resulted in concentrations up to 8.9 × 106 cells/mL with a doubling time of 26.6 h in batch mode. Cultivation and production of rVSV‐NDV, was demonstrated successfully for various cultivation systems (ambr15, shake flask, stirred tank reactor, and orbitally shaken bioreactor) at vessel scales ranging from 15 mL to 10 L. High infectious virus titers of up to 4.2 × 108 TCID50/mL were reached in orbitally shaken bioreactors and stirred tank reactors in batch mode, respectively. Our results suggest that CCX.E10 cells are a very promising option for industrial production of OVs, particularly for fusogenic VSV‐based constructs.
Integrative teaching of metabolic modeling and flux analysis with interactive python modules
Authors: Kaste Joshua A. M. , Green Antwan , Shachar‐Hill Yair 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe modeling of rates of biochemical reactions—fluxes—in metabolic networks is widely used for both basic biological research and biotechnological applications. A number of different modeling methods have been developed to estimate and predict fluxes, including kinetic and constraint‐based (Metabolic Flux Analysis and flux balance analysis) approaches. Although different resources exist for teaching these methods individually, to‐date no resources have been developed to teach these approaches in an integrative way that equips learners with an understanding of each modeling paradigm, how they relate to one another, and the information that can be gleaned from each. We have developed a series of modeling simulations in Python to teach kinetic modeling, metabolic control analysis, 13C‐metabolic flux analysis, and flux balance analysis. These simulations are presented in a series of interactive notebooks with guided lesson plans and associated lecture notes. Learners assimilate key principles using models of simple metabolic networks by running simulations, generating and using data, and making and validating predictions about the effects of modifying model parameters. We used these simulations as the hands‐on computer laboratory component of a four‐day metabolic modeling workshop and participant survey results showed improvements in learners' self‐assessed competence and confidence in understanding and applying metabolic modeling techniques after having attended the workshop. The resources provided can be incorporated in their entirety or individually into courses and workshops on bioengineering and metabolic modeling at the undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate level.
Metabolomics study of the hepatoprotective effect of total flavonoids of Mallotus apelta leaf in carbon tetrachloride‐induced liver fibrosis in rats
Authors: Ye Yong , Zhang Bo , Mai Wanting , Tan Yanjun , Feng Zhongwen , Huang Qiujie 
Published: August 2023

AbstractMallotus apelta leaf, recorded in the quality standard of Yao Medicinal Material in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, is commonly used in the treatment of liver diseases. Total flavonoids of M. apelta leaf (TFM) had good anti‐fibrosis activity, but the anti‐fibrosis mechanism of TFM is still unclear. Nuclear magnetic resonance technology was used to study the dynamic changes of urine metabolites in CCl4‐induced liver fibrosis before and after TFM treatment. Ingenuity Path Analysis (IPA) was used to find potential target genes for TFM to improve liver fibrosis and verify the expression of target genes by real‐time fluorescent quantitative PCR and Western blotting. TFM can significantly reduce serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels, improve liver steatosis and reduce inflammation; in urine metabolomics, a total of seven potential biomarkers were found, mainly involving two metabolic pathways; IPA analysis showed that TNF may be a potential target for TFM to improve liver fibrosis induced by CCl4 in rats. This study found that TNF may be a potential target gene for TFM treatment of liver fibrosis, and shows that the anti‐fibrosis mechanism of TFM could improve liver fibrosis by regulating the tricarboxylic acid cycle and subtaurine metabolism.
Development and validation of an HPLC–MS/MS method to quantify the KRAS inhibitor adagrasib in mouse plasma and tissue‐related matrices
Authors: Retmana Irene A. , Loos Nancy H. C. , Schinkel Alfred H. , Beijnen Jos H. , Sparidans Rolf W. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractWe developed and validated an assay utilizing a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry technique to quantify the KRAS inhibitor adagrasib in mouse plasma and seven tissue‐related matrices. The straightforward protein precipitation technique was selected to extract adagrasib and the internal standard salinomycin from the matrices. Gradient elution of acetonitrile and water modified with 0.5% (v/v) ammonium hydroxide and 0.02% (v/v) acetic acid on a C18 column at a flow rate of 0.6 ml/min was applied to separate the analytes. Both adagrasib and salinomycin were detected with a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer with positive electrospray ionization in a selected reaction monitoring mode. A linear calibration range of 2–2,000 ng/ml of adagrasib was demonstrated during the validation. In addition, the reported precision values (intra‐ and inter‐day) were between 3.5 and 14.9%, while the accuracy values were 85.5–111.0% for all tested levels in all investigated matrices. Adagrasib in mouse plasma was reported to have good stability at room temperature, while adagrasib in tissue‐related matrices was stable on ice for up to 4 h (matrix dependent). Finally, this method was successfully applied to determine the pharmacokinetic profile and tissue distribution of adagrasib in wild‐type mice.