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1. The Effect of Dicarboxylic Acid Catalyst Structure on Hydrolysis of CelluloseModel Compound D-Cellobiose in Water

   https://doi.org/10.2174/2213337208666211129090444  

   Fernando, Harshica; Amarasekara, Ananda S. (June 2022, Current Organocatalysis)

   Background:Polycarboxylic acids are of interest as simple mimics for cellulase enzyme catalyzed depolymerization of cellulose. In this study, DFT calculations were used to investigate the effect of structure on dicarboxylic acid organo-catalyzed hydrolysis of cellulose model compound D-cellobiose to D-glucose. Methods:Binding energy of the complex formed between D-cellobiose and acid (Ebind), as well as glycosidic oxygen to dicarboxylic acid closest acidic H distance were studied as key parameters affecting the turn over frequency of hydrolysis in water. Result:α-D-cellobiose - dicarboxylic acid catalyst down face approach showed high Ebind values for five of the six acids studied; indicating the favorability of down face approach. Maleic, cis-1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylic, and phthalic acids with the highest catalytic activities showed glycosidic oxygen to dicarboxylic acid acidic H distances 3.5-3.6 Å in the preferred configuration. Conclusion:The high catalytic activities of these acids may be due to the rigid structure, where acid groups are held in a fixed geometry. 

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2. Future research directions of the model marine tubeworm Hydroides elegans and synthesis of developmental staging of the complete life cycle

   https://doi.org/10.1002/dvdy.628  

   Nesbit, Katherine_T; Shikuma, Nicholas_J (May 2023, Developmental Dynamics)

   Abstract BackgroundThe biofouling marine tube worm,Hydroides elegans, is an indirect developing polychaete with significance as a model organism for questions in developmental biology and the evolution of host‐microbe interactions. However, a complete description of the life cycle from fertilization through sexual maturity remains scattered in the literature, and lacks standardization. Results and discussionHere, we present a unified staging scheme synthesizing the major morphological changes that occur during the entire life cycle of the animal. These data represent a complete record of the life cycle, and serve as a foundation for connecting molecular changes with morphology. ConclusionsThe present synthesis and associated staging scheme are especially timely as this system gains traction within research communities. Characterizing theHydroideslife cycle is essential for investigating the molecular mechanisms that drive major developmental transitions, like metamorphosis, in response to bacteria. 

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3. The untapped potential of early career researchers in academic publishing: Lessons learned from the Journal of Emerging Investigators model

   https://doi.org/10.1002/leap.1470  

   Otero, Claire E.; Osinski, Victoria; Mattison, Kari A. (July 2022, Learned Publishing)

   Key points The lack of formal training in peer review can be detrimental to the publishing activities of early career researchers, including graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.Lack of recognition of the work of early career researchers (ECRs) in review means that journals cannot easily identify them as potential reviewers in the future.Participation as peer‐reviewers increases understanding in early career researchers of their own writing and review process.ECRs can be highly motivated to volunteer for journal editorial work—Journal of Emerging Investigatorsencourages this by offering many different roles.Publishers that utilize and train early career researchers as peer‐reviewers can prevent poor reviewer practices. 

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4. Mechanochemistry of cyclobutanes

   https://doi.org/10.1007/s11426-024-2344-0  

   Obregon, Roberto; Wang, Junpeng (November 2024, Science China Chemistry)

   Abstract The field of polymer mechanochemistry has been revolutionized by implementing force-responsive functional groups—mechanophores. The rational design of mechanophores enables the controlled use of force to achieve constructive molecular reactivity and material responses. While a variety of mechanophores have been developed, this Mini Review focuses on cyclobutane, which has brought valuable insights into molecular reactivity and dynamics as well as innovations in materials. We discuss its reactivity and mechanism, dynamics and stereoselectivity, as well as impacts on material properties. 

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5. Accurate bidiagonal decompositions of Cauchy–Vandermonde matrices of any rank

   https://doi.org/10.1002/nla.2579  

   Delgado, Jorge; Koev, Plamen; Marco, Ana; Martínez, José‐Javier; Peña, Juan_Manuel; Persson, Per‐Olof; Spasov, Steven (August 2024, Numerical Linear Algebra with Applications)

   Abstract We present a new decomposition of a Cauchy–Vandermonde matrix as a product of bidiagonal matrices which, unlike its existing bidiagonal decompositions, is now valid for a matrix of any rank. The new decompositions are insusceptible to the phenomenon known as subtractive cancellation in floating point arithmetic and are thus computable to high relative accuracy. In turn, other accurate matrix computations are also possible with these matrices, such as eigenvalue computation amongst others. 

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