Browse Articles

Structural design, accuracy analysis, and mechanical calibration of a small two-component docking mechanism for large loads in space

Erratum: “Collective molecular-scale carbonation path in aqueous solutions with sufficient structural sampling: From CO2 to CaCO3” [J. Chem. Phys. 161, 184502 (2024)]

Stability analysis of three-dimensional slope reinforced by natural fiber include wheat straw and bamboo

The role of model crowders in the salt resistance of complex coacervates

Complex coacervation is the phase separation of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes, resulting in a polymer-dense coacervate phase and a polymer-depleted supernatant phase. Coacervation is crucial for many biological processes and novel synthetic materials, where the environment is often filled with other neutral molecules (crowders). Yet, the complex role of crowders in complex coacervation has not been studied systematically under controlled conditions. We performed coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations of coacervation in the presence of polymeric crowders of varying concentrations and chain lengths. While short crowders do not have any significant effect on coacervation, larger crowders stabilize the coacervate against added salt, increasing its critical salt concentration. The change in critical salt concentration saturates for long crowders at a value determined by the crowder concentration. Rescaling all phase diagrams by their critical salt concentration leads to a collapse of the data, which demonstrates a universal phase behavior. Our simulation indicates that the inability of crowder chains to mix with the polyelectrolytes is the driving force behind crowding effects. These testable predictions provide a first step toward a comprehensive understanding of crowding effects in complex coacervation.

Adaptive fuzzy command filtered control for uncertain fractional order nonlinear systems with full state constraints

Transforming end-of-life SWRO desalination membranes into nanofiltration membranes for the treatment of brackish water and wastewater

Association between TyG related parameters and metabolic dysfunction associated fatty liver disease among nondiabetic individuals

Leveraging LLMs and wearables to provide personalized recommendations for enhancing student well-being and academic performance through a proof of concept

Comparison of saliva and blood derived cell free RNAs for detecting oral squamous cell carcinoma

Increased observation of predictable visual stimuli in children with potential autism spectrum disorder

Electrochemically reduced graphene oxide integrated with carboxylated-8-carboxamidoquinoline: A platform for highly sensitive voltammetric detection of Zn(II) ion by screen-printed carbon electrode

Zinc has been demonstrated to boost immune response during SAR-CoV-2 infection, where it prevents coronavirus multiplication. Clinical investigations have testified to its beneficial effects on respiratory health and its deficiency may reduce immune function. A highly sensitive detection of Zn(II) ion via differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) utilizing an environmentally friendly modified screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) of electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (ErGO) embedded with carboxylated-8-carboxamidoquinoline (CACQ) as Zn(II) chelating ligand. The green CACQ/ErGO-modified SPCE was characterized by spectroscopy techniques, such as Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and field-emission scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray (FESEM-EDX). The modified electrode-solution interface was studied by electrochemical cyclic voltammetry (CV) and DPV methods. The CACQ-modified wrinkled ErGO electrode conferred a large surface-to-volume ratio with multiple binding sites resulting in greater opportunity for multiple dative covalent binding events with Zn(II) via coordination chemistry, and considerably accelerated the electron transfer rate at the electrode surface. The green Zn(II) sensor demonstrated a quick response time (60 s), broad linear range [1 pM-1 μM Zn(II) ion], a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.53 pM, 35 days of storage period (≥80% of its initial response retained), good reproducibility [relative standard deviation (RSD) = 3.4%], and repeatability (RSD = 4.4%). The developed electrode was applied to determine Zn(II) ion concentration in dietary supplement samples, and the results were in good agreement with those obtained from inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).

Effects of seasonal variations of the physio-chemical properties of municipal solid waste on effective materials and resources recovery

Comparative analysis of selected methods of carbapenemase determination among clinical Klebsiella pneumoniae

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a typical opportunistic pathogen that exhibits multiple virulence factors and antibiotic resistance conditioning mechanisms. Carbapenemases are enzymes that help bacteria to exhibit the strongest resistance against antibiotics. Therefore, in routine microbiological diagnoses, it is crucial to confirm antibiotic-resistant strains, including carbapenemase-producing bacteria strains, isolated from patients. Two types of tests play an important role here: phenotypicand molecular diagnostic methods. The latter complement phenotypic tests and a mandatory procedure to confirm the detection of carbapenemases. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness and effectiveness of tests and methods used to identify and confirm the ability of clinical K. pneumoniae strains to produce carbapenemases. The production of carbapenemases was assessed using phenotypic and genetic methods. The strains tested showed complete resistance to most beta-lactams and varying sensitivity to drugs from the quinolone carbapenem group and aminoglycosides. Among the most commonly produced carbapenemases were the metallo-beta-lactamase (NDM) family. The most accurate phenotypic method for detecting carbapenemases was the NG CARBA-5 assay, and the PCR method confirmed these results. Notably, a few inconclusive results were obtained for NDM-positive and VIM-positive strains when the disk diffusion method and CIM test were used. Further, the Carba tube assay and the RAPIDEC CARBA NP assay produced questionable results for the OXA-48 strain group. This group also generated false-negative results on Carba’s CHROM ID medium.

Longitudinal characterization reveals behavioral impairments in aged APP knock in mouse models

Abstract APP knock-in (KI) mice serve as an exciting new model system to understand amyloid beta (Aβ) pathology, overcoming many of the limitations of previous overexpression-based model systems. The APPSAA mouse model (containing the humanized APP with three familial Alzheimer’s disease mutations) and the APPWT control (containing wildtype humanized APP) are the first commercially available APP KI mice within the United States. While APPSAA mice have been shown to develop progressive Aβ pathology and neuroinflammation, the age at which behavioral and cognitive impairments begin to develop has yet to be described. Therefore, we performed an in-depth longitudinal study over 16 months, assessing cognition in these two strains, as well as assessments of motor function. While no cognitive deficits are observed in either genotype throughout the first year of life, 16-month-old APPSAA, but not APPWT mice show initial signs of spatial memory decline. In addition, both genotypes display impaired motor function at the same age. Together, this data identifies a timeframe where behavioral deficits appear, providing an essential foundation for future studies using these model systems.

How do inside directors affect corporate R&D investment? The moderating role of CEO equity incentives

This study aims to reveal whether non-CEO inside directors can promote corporate research and development (R&D) investment. Using a panel data of 3,002 Chinese manufacturing listed firms from 2011 to 2021, we find that inside directors can significantly promote corporate R&D investment. We also find that when the CEO has equity incentives to alleviate agency conflicts, the role of inside directors in promoting R&D investment is significantly weakened. Additional analysis show that the promotive effect of inside directors on R&D investment is significant only in samples of non-state-owned enterprises (non-SOEs), male CEOs, older CEOs, and small boards, but not for the samples of state-owned enterprises (SOEs), female CEOs, younger CEOs, and large boards. These findings extend the scope of research on the economic consequences of inside directors and have important implications for the optimization and adjustment of corporate governance policies.

The influence of emotional states induced by emotion-related auditory stimulus on ankle proprioception performance in healthy individuals

Coupling coordination of digital village construction and high-quality agricultural development in China

This study aims to investigate the coupling coordination relationship between digital village construction and high-quality agricultural development in China, along with influencing factors, in order to provide policy recommendations for fostering the concurrent advancement of these two domains. Utilizing coupling coordination degree model, spatial econometric model and other methods, this paper analyzes the panel data of 31 provinces (municipalities and autonomous regions) in China spanning from 2011 to 2022. The key findings indicate the following: Firstly, there has been an overall enhancement in the levels of digital village construction and high-quality agricultural development across all Chinese provinces, with the eastern region exhibiting a higher developmental status compared to the central and western regions. Secondly, the coupling coordination degree has shown a collective improvement, albeit with variations in coordination levels among different regions; however, the regional disparities are gradually narrowing. Thirdly, the level of economic development and agricultural financial expenditure emerges as significant factors influencing the degree of coupling coordination, demonstrating not only direct positive effects but also positive spatial spillover effects. Finally, this study proposes recommendations to promote sustainable agricultural development, such as setting up agricultural technology innovation platforms, establishing digital agricultural production bases, and training farmers in digital skills in order to mitigate regional disparities and foster mutual advancement across all regions.

Results of novel theoretical approaches show a possible underestimation of building materials contribution to indoor radon levels

Dynamics of multiple sustainable agricultural intensification practices adoption: Application of the intertemporal multivariate probit model

Applying an intertemporal multivariate probit model, we reveal complex complementarity and substitution effects as well as new insights on the drivers of adopting input-intensive and natural resource management (NRM) practices in rural Ethiopia. First, the latent factor that drives each practice is positively and significantly correlated across time, suggesting persistency in adoption decisions. Second, the significant synergies and tradeoffs between the input-intensive and NRM practices underscore that these practices are highly compatible and, hence the importance of promoting technology packages. Third, the covariates that drive adoption significantly differ between practices, reflecting the heterogeneity in farmer behavior. Farm size was associated with the adoption of several input-intensive and NRM practices while off-farm income has the reverse effect. These findings have significant implications for food security policy in sub-Saharan Africa.

Contrary trends of grout consumption and water absorption at Sardasht

Abstract A new interpretation of contrary trends of water absorption rate and cement mix consumption in rock grouting is presented. The classical interpretation is either a higher consumption due to fracturing or a higher absorption due to thin fractures that cannot be grouted. Higher grout consumption will depend on the distribution of fractures, their openings and extensions. This is proven by a time simulation of grouting data recorded at Sardasht dam. The simulation is made considering analytic tools and a spreadsheet with computation capabilities. The first step is to prove that the rock has been permeated and the second step is to differentiate the causes of consumption. The minimal flow criterion is integrated to the investigation and is necessary to define a frame for the comparison. Over consumption happens when ignoring the relation between the target and closure.