bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Versatile Molten‐Salt Induction Strategy to Achieve Efficient CsPbI3 Perovskite Solar Cells with a High Open‐Circuit Voltage >1.2 V
Authors: Cui Yuqi , Shi Jiangjian , Meng Fanqi , Yu Bingcheng , Tan Shan , He Shan , Tan Chengyu , Li Yiming , Wu Huijue , Luo Yanhong , Li Dongmei , Meng Qingbo
Published: September 2022

All‐inorganic CsPbI3 perovskite has emerged as an important photovoltaic material due to its high thermal stability and suitable bandgap for tandem devices. Currently, the cell performance of CsPbI3 solar cells is mainly subject to a large open‐circuit voltage (VOC) deficit. Herein, a multifunctional room‐temperature molten salt, dimethylamine acetate (DMAAc) is demonstrated, which not only directly acts as a solvent for precursor solutions, but also regulates the phase conversion process of the CsPbI3 film for high‐efficiency photovoltaics. DMAAc can stabilize the DMAPbI3 structure and eliminate the Cs4PbI6 intermediate phase, which is easily spatially segregated. Meanwhile, a new homogeneous intermediate phase DMAPb(I,Ac)3 is formed, which finally affords high‐quality CsPbI3 films. With this approach, the charge capture activity of defects in the CsPbI3 film is significantly suppressed. Consequently, a VOC of 1.25 V and >21% power conversion efficiency are achieved, which is the record highest reported thus far. This intermediate phase‐regulation strategy is believed to be applicable to other perovskite material systems.
Vertical Organic Ferroelectric Synaptic Transistor for Temporal Information Processing
Authors: Sun Yanmei , Wang Yufei , Yuan Qi , He Nian , Wen Dianzhong
Published: September 2022

Neuromorphic technology is the next stage in the evolution of high‐performance computing, with its ability to dramatically improve data processing and learning. Hence, the exploration of synaptic electronic devices with multiple excitation modes is the main area of concern. In this work, a vertical organic ferroelectric synaptic transistor (VOFST) capable of achieving the synaptic plasticity is demonstrated, profit by its nanoscale channel length and unique working principle, which exhibits excellent gate modulation capability and good synaptic properties. Based on the excellent tunability of VOFST in various excitation modes, a “Morse code” decoding scheme and the application of the signal identification of over‐threshold are proposed. Most importantly, the internal carrier dynamics modulated by VOFST's ferroelectric polarization induction enables the transistor to directly process the temporal information for image recognition tasks. This work guides the development of synaptic devices and provides a platform to realize the neuromorphic functions in electronic field.
Recent Advances on Molecule‐Based Micro/Nanocrystal Heterojunctions for Optical Applications
Authors: Qi Zhenhong , Zhou Bo , Yan Dongpeng
Published: September 2022

Molecule‐based micro/nanocrystal heterojunctions (MMHs) have attracted much attention in the fields of information security, optical sensors, photonic communications, crystal laser media, and miniaturized white‐light device. Although several types of MMHs materials are designed and synthesized, some challenges still need to be recognized and solved, such as in‐depth understanding on the formation–growth mechanisms of low‐dimensional micro/nanostructures and the realization of their practical applications. In this review, recent development of MMHs materials, including basic concepts (i.e., binding force, lattice match, nucleation rate, and crystal interfacial energy), materials classification (from single‐component to multicomponent heterojunctions), preparation methods, together with representative photonic applications, is systematically summarized. This review not only introduces state‐of‐the‐art advances of MMHs systems, but also presents their current issues and future trends, which are favorable to provide new ideas and guidance for expanding the understanding and promoting the evolution of MMHs for advanced optical applications.
Methylamine‐Assisted Preparation of Ruddlesden‐Popper Perovskites for Stable Detection and Imaging of X‐Rays
Authors: Zhang Min , Xin Deyu , Dong Siyin , Zhao Wei , Tie Shujie , Cai Bing , Ma Qingshan , Chen Qi , Zhang Wen‐Hua , Zheng Xiaojia
Published: September 2022

Sensitive and stable X‐ray detectors are essential for medical diagnostics, nondestructive industrial inspection, and security inspection. Halide perovskite X‐ray detectors are promising for direct X‐ray detection because of their high sensitivity and low limit of detection (LoD). However, their high and unstable dark current, caused by notorious ion migration in hybrid perovskites, limits their performance and long‐term operation stability. Moreover, it is still challenging to prepare high‐quality perovskite with millimeter‐thickness at a large‐scale. In this paper, solid–liquid transition of two‐dimensional (2D) Ruddlesden‐Popper (RP) perovskites enabled by methylamine gas (CH3NH2) is first reported. Based on this novel approach, dense RP perovskite films with tunable ion migration and superior electronic features are produced using a lamination process. The tradeoff between stability and detection performance of perovskite X‐ray detectors is successfully solved by tuning the quantum well width of RP perovskites. X‐ray detectors with a sensitivity of 5362.3 µC Gyair−1 cm−2, LoD of 8.1 nGyair s−1 and highly working stability are achieved simultaneously. Furthermore, single gamma photon detection is realized in the RP perovskite detectors, which further confirms their capability for detecting radiation at ultralow dose rates. This study paves the way for adopting polycrystalline RP perovskites in stable X‐ray detectors.
Improving Topological Confinement Using Asymmetric Elements
Authors: Jin Xin , Razzari Luca , Bianucci Pablo
Published: September 2022

Photonic topological systems are enticing alternatives to realize multifunctional optical circuits with minimum distortions due to their unique insulating features. Among them, expanded honeycomb structures give rise to topological phases without involving any external field or gyromagnetic materials. Unlike atoms in crystals, the morphology of the repeating element in photonic systems can be tailored, allowing to tune the different interelement couplings. In this regard, traditional circular rods are replaced in honeycomb lattices with teardrop‐shaped pillars to push the “center of mass” outward, thus heightening the intercell interaction. This teardrop honeycomb lattice can provide a broader nontrivial bandgap and better edge‐state confinement compared with a circular rod lattice with the same material‐to‐void filling factor. The approach proposes a novel method to tailor the performance of topological systems by engineering the individual pillars and results in better‐confining waveguides that can be building blocks for designing more compact optical circuits under the same platform.
An Approach to Developing Cyanines with Upconverted Photosensitive Efficiency Enhancement for Highly Efficient NIR Tumor Phototheranostics
Authors: Zhao Xueze , He Shan , Chi Weijie , Liu Xiaogang , Chen Pengzhong , Sun Wen , Du Jianjun , Fan Jiangli , Peng Xiaojun
Published: September 2022

Upconverted reactive oxygen species (ROS) photosensitization with one‐photon excitation mode is a promising tactic to elongate the excitation wavelengths of photosensitive dyes to near‐infrared (NIR) light region without the requirement of coherent high‐intensity light sources. However, the photosensitization efficiencies are still finite by the unilateral improvement of excited‐state intersystem crossing (ISC) via heavy‐atom‐effect, since the upconverted efficiency also plays a decisive role in upconverted photosensitization. Herein, a NIR light initiated one‐photon upconversion heavy‐atom‐free small molecule system is reported. The meso‐rotatable anthracene in pentamethine cyanine (Cy5) is demonstrated to enrich the populations in high vibrational–rotational energy levels and subsequently improve the hot‐band absorption (HBA) efficiency. Moreover, the spin–orbit charge transfer intersystem crossing (SOCT‐ISC) caused by electron donated anthracene can further amplify the triplet yield. Benefiting from the above two aspects, the 1O2 generation significantly increases with over 2‐fold improved performance compared with heavy‐atom‐modified method under upconverted light excitation, which obtains efficient in vivo phototheranostic results and provides new opportunities for other applications such as photocatalysis and fine chemical synthesis.
Structural Color Medical Patch with Surface Dual‐Properties of Wet Bioadhesion and Slipperiness
Authors: Kong Bin , Liu Rui , Cheng Yi , Shang Yixuan , Zhang Dagan , Gu Hongcheng , Zhao Yuanjin , Xu Wei
Published: September 2022

Developing a self‐reporting bioadhesive patch that has strong adhesion to the wet tissues and meanwhile can avoid adhering to the adjacent tissues is a current research difficulty and challenge. In this paper, inspired by the wet adhesion of spider web, slippery surface of Nepenthes, and structural color phenomena of chameleons, a novel structural color medical patch with surface dual‐properties of wet bioadhesion and slipperiness for internal tissue repair based on inverse opal scaffold is presented. The adhesive surface made by poly(acrylic acid)–polyethylene glycol–N‐hydroxysuccinimide ester and gelatin hydrogel can attain tough adhesion to internal wet tissues by absorbing tissue interfacial water and the covalent cross‐linking between the hydrogel and tissue. Besides, the slippery surface made by liquid paraffin infused inverse opal scaffold can avoid adhesion to the adjacent tissues. It is demonstrated that the designed patch can adhere tightly to the defect tissue and improve the tissue repair without adjacent adhesion when applied in a rat model with full‐thickness perforation of the stomach wall. In addition, the responsive structural color can supply a color‐sensing monitoring to evaluate the adhesive and repair process. These features impart the bioinspired patch with great scientific significance and broad clinical application prospects.
Shape‐Dependent Multi‐Weight Magnetic Artificial Synapses for Neuromorphic Computing
Authors: Leonard Thomas , Liu Samuel , Alamdar Mahshid , Jin Harrison , Cui Can , Akinola Otitoaleke G. , Xue Lin , Xiao T. Patrick , Friedman Joseph S. , Marinella Matthew J. , Bennett Christopher H. , Incorvia Jean Anne C.
Published: September 2022

In neuromorphic computing, artificial synapses provide a multi‐weight (MW) conductance state that is set based on inputs from neurons, analogous to the brain. Herein, artificial synapses based on magnetic materials that use a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) and a magnetic domain wall (DW) are explored. By fabricating lithographic notches in a DW track underneath a single MTJ, 3–5 stable resistance states that can be repeatably controlled electrically using spin‐orbit torque are achieved. The effect of geometry on the synapse behavior is explored, showing that a trapezoidal device has asymmetric weight updates with high controllability, while a rectangular device has higher stochasticity, but with stable resistance levels. The device data is input into neuromorphic computing simulators to show the usefulness of application‐specific synaptic functions. Implementing an artificial neural network (NN) applied to streamed Fashion‐MNIST data, the trapezoidal magnetic synapse can be used as a metaplastic function for efficient online learning. Implementing a convolutional NN for CIFAR‐100 image recognition, the rectangular magnetic synapse achieves near‐ideal inference accuracy, due to the stability of its resistance levels. This work shows MW magnetic synapses are a feasible technology for neuromorphic computing and provides design guidelines for emerging artificial synapse technologies.
Desymmetrization of Viologen Anolytes Empowering Energy Dense, Ultra Stable Flow Batteries toward Long‐Duration Energy Storage
Authors: Hu Maowei , Wu Wenda , Luo Jian , Liu T. Leo
Published: September 2022

Aqueous organic redox flow batteries (AORFBs) have been recognized as a promising technology for large‐scale, long‐duration energy storage of renewables (e.g., solar and wind) by overcoming their intermittence and fluctuation. However, simultaneous demonstration of high energy densities and stable cycling are still challenging for AORFBs. Herein, asymmetrically substituted sulfonate viologen molecular designs, e.g. (1‐[3‐sulfonatopropyl]‐1′‐[4‐sulfonatobutane]‐4,4′‐bipyridinium (3,4‐S2V), as capacity dense, chemically stable anolytes for cation exchange AORFBs are presented. The robust cycling performance of 3,4‐S2V is confirmed using half‐cell and full‐cell flow battery studies at pH neutral conditions. The 3,4‐S2V based AORFB is demonstrated with a discharge capacity of 23.2 Ah L−1 for 1700 cycles or 100 days without observing chemical degradation. Furthermore, a 3,4‐S2V/(NH4)4[Fe(CN)6] AORFB with a discharge capacity of 259.9 mAh is demonstrated for 50 days of authentic energy storage for the first time with a total capacity retention of 97.77% or a temporal capacity retention rate of 99.955% per day, representing the most stable, longest cycled AORFB to date.
Incompletely Decomposed In4SnSe4 Leads to High‐Ranged Thermoelectric Performance in n‐Type PbTe
Authors: Shi Haonan , Qin Yongxin , Qin Bingchao , Su Lizhong , Wang Yuping , Chen Yongjin , Gao Xiang , Liang Hao , Ge Zhen‐Hua , Hong Tao , Zhao Li‐Dong
Published: September 2022

Additives in thermoelectric materials are conventionally considered as either extrinsic defects or second phases regardless of their dynamic processes. Herein, In4SnSe4, with inherent low thermal conductivity, is introduced into n‐type PbTe. It is revealed that In4SnSe4 decomposes incompletely at high temperatures, in which around 80% of In4SnSe4 dissolves into InSe and Sn, while 20% forms as nano‐precipitates. Benefiting from the incomplete decomposition, PbTe‐0.1%In4SnSe4 presents superior thermoelectric performance compared to the stepwise and compositionally identical PbTe‐0.4%InSe‐0.1%Sn. The residual In4SnSe4 along with Sn and InSe jointly contribute to the synergetic optimization of carrier mobility and lattice thermal conductivity in PbTe‐0.1%In4SnSe4. As a result, the room‐temperature dimensionless figure of merit (ZT) of ≈0.4 and the ZTave of ≈0.83 at 300–573 K are obtained, and an experimental maximum thermoelectric conversion efficiency (η) of ≈2.5% (ΔT ≈ 400 K) is obtained, demonstrating significant research progress in n‐type PbTe. This work indicates that the In4SnSe4 incomplete decomposition effectively decouples the electron and phonon transports in n‐type PbTe and the strategy of utilizing the unstable additives is proven feasible. Additionally, more dynamic behaviors of additives are worth expecting and may promote more achievements for other thermoelectric systems.
An alternative size variable for allometric investigations in subadults
Authors: Chu Elaine Y. , Stull Kyra E. , Sylvester Adam D.
Published: September 2022

OBJECTIVES

Effective allometry research relies on appropriate size variables; however, two of the largest obstacles in subadult (ontogenetic) allometry research is small sample sizes and unknown dimensions. This study overcomes a barrier of ontogenetic allometry research by proposing alternative size variables that do not require additional calculations for use in subadult allometry research and retain general patterns among long bones when stature is used for size.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Diaphyseal measurements, stature, and age were collected from computed tomography (CT) and full‐body radiographic images for a sample of subadults between birth and 13 years from the United States (U.S.,n = 308) and South Africa (Z.A.,n = 25). Nineteen alternative size variables were evaluated using reduced‐major‐axis regression to identify the closest one‐to‐one relationship to stature. The applicability across samples was then evaluated using the selected alternative size variables.

RESULTS

Radius midshaft breadth (RMSB), femur midshaft breadth (FMSB), and the geometric mean of midshaft breadths (GM midshaft) yielded the closest isometric relationships to stature. Allometric relationships among long bones are maintained when using stature, FMSB, and GM midshaft as size variables for both the U.S. and Z.A. samples.

DISCUSSION

A large, modern dataset facilitated an investigation into alternative size variables that can be used for single‐bone ontogenetic allometry. Generalizability of the model suggests FMSB and GM midshaft are persistent across populations. This methodology identifies alternative size variables appropriate for other allometry research and offers a robust approach even when historically relied upon size variables are unknown.
Bidirectional Optical Non‐Reciprocity in a Multi‐Mode Cavity Optomechanical System
Authors: Ullah Muhib , Yang Xihua , Wang Li‐Gang
Published: September 2022

Optical non‐reciprocity that allows unidirectional flow of optical field is pivoted on time reversal symmetry breaking, which originates from radiation pressure because of light–matter interaction in cavity optomechanical systems. Here, the non‐reciprocal transport of optical signals across two ports via three optical modes optomechanically coupled to the mechanical excitations of two nanomechanical resonators (NMRs) is studied under the influence of strong classical drive fields and weak probe fields. It is found that there exists the conversion of reciprocal to non‐reciprocal signal transmission via tuning the drive fields and perfect non‐reciprocal transmission of output fields is realized when the effective cavity detuning parameters are near resonant to the NMRs' frequencies. The unidirectional non‐reciprocal transport is robust to the optomechanical couplings around resonance conditions. Moreover, the loss rates of cavities play an inevitable role in the unidirectional flow of signal across the two ports. Bidirectional transmission can also be controlled by the phase changes associated with the probe and drive fields along with their relative phase. This scheme may provide a foundation for the compact non‐reciprocal communication and quantum information processing, thus enabling novel devices that route photons in unconventional ways such as all‐optical diodes, optical transistors, and optical switches.
Chemoproteomik‐basierte Identifikation von 4‐Oxo‐β‐lactamen als Inhibitoren der Dipeptidylpeptidasen 8 und 9
Authors: Carvalho Luís A. R. , Ross Breyan , Fehr Lorenz , Bolgi Oguz , Wöhrle Svenja , Lum Kenneth M. , Podlesainski David , Vieira Andreia C. , Kiefersauer Reiner , Félix Rita , Rodrigues Tiago , Lucas Susana D. , Groß Olaf , Geiss‐Friedlander Ruth , Cravatt Benjamin F. , Huber Robert , Kaiser Markus , Moreira Rui
Published: September 2022

Die Dipeptidylpeptidasen 8 und 9 (DPP8/9) sind aufgrund ihrer wichtigen Rolle in biologischen Prozessen wie der Immunität und Tumorgenese in den letzten Jahren in den Fokus der Wirkstoffforschung gerückt. Der individuelle Beitrag der jeweiligen Protease innerhalb dieser Prozesse ist bisher jedoch meistens noch unbekannt. Die Untersuchung ihrer individuellen Funktion kann dabei von der Verfügbarkeit Protease‐selektiver und chemisch‐diverser Hemmstoffe profitieren. In dieser Arbeit stellen wir die durch Anwendung von Aktivitäts‐basiertem Protein‐Profiling (ABPP) entdeckten 4‐Oxo‐β‐lactame als potente, nicht‐Substrat‐abgeleitete, nanomolare DPP8/9‐Inhibitoren vor. Röntgenkristallographische Untersuchungen von Liganden‐DPP‐Komplexen offenbarten dabei unterschiedliche Ligandenbindungsmodi für DPP8 und DPP9, einschließlich einer neuartigen Adressierung einer erweiterten S2′ (eS2′)‐Bindetasche in DPP8. Zusätzliche Assays bestätigten ihre Hemmwirkung sowohl auf biochemischer als auch auf zellulärer Ebene. Zusammenfassend führte unser kombinierter Ansatz aus chemischer Proteomik und strukturbasiertem Design somit zu der Entwicklung neuartiger DPP8/9‐Inhibitoren mit einem alternativem molekularen Hemmmechanismus und einem bisher nicht erreichten Selektivitätsindex.
Chemoproteomics‐Enabled Identification of 4‐Oxo‐β‐Lactams as Inhibitors of Dipeptidyl Peptidases 8 and 9
Authors: Carvalho Luís A. R. , Ross Breyan , Fehr Lorenz , Bolgi Oguz , Wöhrle Svenja , Lum Kenneth M. , Podlesainski David , Vieira Andreia C. , Kiefersauer Reiner , Félix Rita , Rodrigues Tiago , Lucas Susana D. , Groß Olaf , Geiss‐Friedlander Ruth , Cravatt Benjamin F. , Huber Robert , Kaiser Markus , Moreira Rui
Published: September 2022

Dipeptidyl peptidases 8 and 9 (DPP8/9) have gathered interest as drug targets due to their important roles in biological processes like immunity and tumorigenesis. Elucidation of their distinct individual functions remains an ongoing task and could benefit from the availability of novel, chemically diverse and selective chemical tools. Here, we report the activity‐based protein profiling (ABPP)‐mediated discovery of 4‐oxo‐β‐lactams as potent, non‐substrate‐like nanomolar DPP8/9 inhibitors. X‐ray crystallographic structures revealed different ligand binding modes for DPP8 and DPP9, including an unprecedented targeting of an extended S2′ (eS2′) subsite in DPP8. Biological assays confirmed inhibition at both target and cellular levels. Altogether, our integrated chemical proteomics and structure‐guided small molecule design approach led to novel DPP8/9 inhibitors with alternative molecular inhibition mechanisms, delivering the highest selectivity index reported to date.
Novel Schiff base transition metal complexes for imparting UV protecting and antibacterial cellulose fabric: Experimental and computational investigations
Authors: El‐Sayed Saeed Saeed , Al‐Harbi Tahani M. , Abdel‐Mottaleb Mohamed S. A. , Al‐Hakimi Ahmed N. , Albadria Abuzar E. A. E. , Abd El‐Hady Marwa M.
Published: September 2022

In the search for ultraviolet radiation exposure protective textile to minimize risk factors for skin cancer, we synthesized a Schiff base ligand from the condensation reaction 2,4‐dihyroxybenzaldehyde with p‐amino aniline. Also, the Schiff base complexes with Fe (III), Mn (II), and Cr (III) were synthesized. The ligand and the complexes were characterized by ultraviolet (UV)‐visible, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 1H 13C NMR, X‐ray diffraction, and elemental analysis. We treated cotton fabric (CF) with the complexes to achieve the conventional fabric materials with highly efficient and durable UV protection properties. The modified CF is also characterized via different techniques. UV protection properties of coated fabrics are investigated by measuring UV protection factor values. Excellent UV protection even after 10 washing cycles can be used in protective textiles. In contrast to fungal activity, modified CF demonstrated strong antibacterial activity. We used the density functional theory to compute the reactivity indices and the binding energy of the complexes with the cellulosic fiber. The theoretical results favor binding the Fe (III) complex with the cellulose fiber. Also, Fe (III) metal complexes gave the highest antibacterial and UV protection. The modified fabrics' antibacterial and excellent UV protection make the studied complexes potential candidates for applying UV protective (ultraviolet protection factor) textiles.
A long‐term shift in the summer distribution of Hector’s dolphins is correlated with an increase in cruise ship tourism
Authors: Carome William , Slooten Elisabeth , Rayment William , Webster Trudi , Wickman Lindsay , Brough Tom , Dawson Stephen M.
Published: September 2022

Before the 2020 COVID‐19 pandemic, cruise ship tourism had been one of the fastest growing segments of global tourism, presenting a range of potential impacts. At Akaroa Harbour, Aotearoa New Zealand, the number of annual cruise ship visits more than quadrupled following earthquake damage to Ōtautahi Christchurch's Lyttelton Port in 2011. Akaroa Harbour is an area of core use for endangered and endemic Hector’s dolphins (Cephalorhynchus hectori). Dolphins here are exposed to some of the highest levels of cetacean tourism in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Relationships were examined between growth in cruise ship visits, as well as tours focused specifically on dolphins, and long‐term trends in summer distribution of Hector’s dolphins at Akaroa Harbour, from 2000 to 2020. Core use areas for Hector’s dolphins within the harbour were quantified via kernel density estimation using data from 2,335 sightings from over 8,000 km of standardized survey effort. Data were allocated into four periods based on varying levels of tourism.

Dolphin habitat preference varied over time, with the greatest change occurring between 2005–2011 and 2012–2015. When comparing these periods, the spatial overlap of core habitat was less than 24%. Dolphin distribution shifted towards the outer harbour after 2011 and has remained relatively consistent since.

The observed shift in distribution coincided with the more than fourfold increase in annual cruise ship visits to Akaroa Harbour. Several pressures related to cruise ship tourism are likely to have influenced habitat preferences of dolphins. Further investigation into causal factors of the observed shift is warranted.

In the wake of the COVID‐19 pandemic, the future of cruise ship and wildlife tourism is in flux. Our findings suggest that the future re‐development of this industry should follow a precautionary approach, with the onus on industry to provide evidence of sustainability before proceeding.
Upper‐level midlatitude troughs in boreal winter have an amplified low‐latitude linkage over Africa
Authors: Ward Neil , Fink Andreas H. , Keane Richard J. , Parker Douglas J.
Published: September 2022

In boreal winter, strong upper‐level midlatitude troughs across the Atlantic–Africa–southwestern Asia sector generate substantial tropical–extratropical interaction and have become recognized as important factors in some extreme weather events. As such, they represent important dynamic features to understand and capture in weather forecasts, as well as in climate models for projections on longer timescales. Here, we empirically study the 20% of winter days with strongest trough signatures during 1982–2020 at each longitude across the sector, and show that the trough impact over northern Africa, most notably in central parts, is particularly strong in magnitude, low‐latitude extent and persistence, leading to the characterization of a northern Africa mode of several‐days weather fluctuation. Weather conditions that follow strong troughs from the eastern Atlantic to the Central Mediterranean include: (i) a warming tendency across much of northern Africa, generally of several Celsius magnitude ahead of the trough, and >1°C even extending to the south of 10° N in central parts and continuing eastward until the Ethiopian Highlands; (ii) precipitation development further north than normal across northern tropical Africa, especially strong over longitudes corresponding to a northward extension of the main Congo rain belt. The intertropical discontinuity and low‐level heat low are also shifted significantly north, with the complex of anomalies persisting for several days, beyond the timescale of the trough. For context, at all other trough longitudes across the sector, a warming signal does emerge (statistically significant), but with much shorter persistence (2–3 days), smaller magnitude and extending southward clearly only to 15–20° N. Mid‐level tropical plumes of moisture are also typically present for strong troughs from the eastern Atlantic to southwestern Asia, and these alone can lead to weather extremes. However, low‐level warming and mid‐level moistening are uniquely juxtaposed at low latitudes over central Africa, where a near‐equatorial signature develops.
COVID‐19 vaccine‐associated myositis – a case report
Authors: Bose Ponnu , Goenka Usha , Moitra Saibal , Majumdar Sanjib , Goenka Mahesh Kumar , Sen Srijita Ghosh
Published: September 2022

Myositis is one of the uncommon adverse events following COVID‐19 vaccination, and its mechanism is still unclear. A strong clinical suspicion and further evaluation are important not only for early diagnosis and management but also for better understanding of the unprecedented effects of this novel vaccine. We present a case of myositis following the first dose of the ChAdOx1 nCoV‐19 Corona Virus Vaccine, evidenced by serology and MRI.
Surgical management of a solitary metastatic ovarian adenocarcinoma with colonic origin presenting as gigantic bilateral ovarian masses
Authors: Ahmadi Tafti Seyed Mohsen , Behboudi Behnam , Nili Fatemeh , Hadizadeh Alireza
Published: September 2022

Metastatic ovarian tumors with a gastrointestinal origin have always been a challenge in surgery; in many cases, the primary tumor is diagnosed after the metastasis. This case was presented with bilateral abdominal masses, which were adenocarcinomas originating from gastrointestinal tract. Following colonoscopy and finding a mass, total colectomy was performed.
Noble Metal‐Free CoSx/NiSx Heterojunction for Photo‐Assisted Methanol Electrooxidation
Authors: Wang Feng , Wu Lisha , Qian Lei , Li Guanfeng , Sun Yonghua , Zeng Ying
Published: September 2022

Designing noble metal‐free anode catalysts for photo‐assisted direct methanol fuels cells still remains a significant challenge. In this report, CoSx/NiSx heterojunction was prepared by a two‐step method containing room temperature coordination reaction and calcination using L‐cysteine as both organic ligands and sulfur sources. The as‐prepared CoSx/NiSx heterojunction displayed a significant enhancement in the methanol electrocatalytic oxidation activity under the light irradiation by combining their electrocatalytic and photocatalytic properties. The photocatalytic process was discussed in detail to explore the photo‐assisted enhancement mechanism. The electrochemical and photochemical results indicated that, the synergistic effect of electro‐ and photocatalytic reaction contributes to the enhanced catalytic performance. This work provides a new paradigm to improve the methanol electrocatalytic activity of noble metal‐free semiconductor catalyst. Our proposed noble metal‐free CoSx/NiSx heterojunction will have potential use in photo‐assisted direct methanol fuel cells.
On a black hole effect in bilinear curve resolution based on least squares
Authors: Vitale Raffaele , Ruckebusch Cyril
Published: September 2022

Least squares‐based estimations lay behind most chemometric methodologies. Their properties, though, have been extensively studied mainly in the domain of regression, in relation to which the effect of well‐known deleterious factors (like object leverage or data distributions deviating from ideal conditions) on the accuracy of the prediction of an external response variable has been thoroughly assessed. Conversely, much less attention has been paid to what these factors might yield in alternative scenarios, where least squares approaches are still utilised, yet the objectives of data modelling may be very different. As an example, one can think of multivariate curve resolution (MCR) problems which are usually addressed by means of multivariate curve resolution‐alternating least squares (MCR‐ALS). In this respect, this article wants to offer a perspective on the basic principles of MCR‐ALS from the regression point of view. In particular, the following critical aspects will be highlighted: (i) in the presence of minor components, if the number of analysed data points is too large, the leverage of those that may be essential for a MCR‐ALS resolution might become too low for guaranteeing its correctness, and (ii) in order to overcome this black hole effect and improve the accuracy of the MCR‐ALS output, data pruning can be exploited. More in detail, this communication will provide a practical illustration of such aspects in the field of hyperspectral imaging where even single experimental runs may lead to the generation of massive amounts of spectral recordings.
Urea Production on Metal‐Free Dual Silicon Doped C9N4 Nanosheet Under Ambient Conditions by Electrocatalysis: A First Principles Study
Authors: Dutta Supriti , Pati Swapan K.
Published: September 2022

The development of cheap, eco‐friendly electrocatalysts for urea synthesis which avoids the traditional nitrogen reduction to form ammonia, is very important to meet our growing demand for urea. Herein, based on density functional theory, we propose a novel electrocatalyst (dual Si doped C9N4 nanosheet) composed of totally environmentally benign non‐metal earth abundant elements, which is able to adsorb N2 and CO2 together. Reduction of CO2 to CO happens, which is then inserted into activated N−N bond, and it produces *N(CO)N intermediate, which is the crucial step for urea formation. Eventually following several proton coupled electron transfer processes, urea is formed under ambient conditions. The limiting potential value for urea formation is found to be lower than that of NH3 formation and HER (hydrogen evolution reaction). Moreover, the faradaic efficiency of our proposed catalyst system is 100 % for urea formation, which suggests greater selectivity of urea formation over other competitive reactions.
Facile Synthesis of Triazoles using Electrospray‐Deposited Copper Nanomaterials to Catalyze Azide‐Alkyne Cycloaddition (AAC) Click Reactions
Authors: Ghosh Jyotirmoy , Cooks R. Graham
Published: September 2022

Electrospray deposition of copper salt‐containing microdroplets onto the liquid surface of an electrically grounded reaction mixture leads to the formation of Cu nanoclusters, which then catalyze the azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (AAC) reaction to form triazoles. This method of in situ nanocatalyst preparation provided 17 times higher catalytic activity compared to that in the conventional catalytic reaction. The gentle landing of the Cu‐containing droplets onto the liquid surface forms a thin film of catalyst which promotes the heterogeneous AAC reaction while showing diffusion‐controlled kinetics. UV‐vis spectral characterization confirms that the catalyst is comprised of Cu nanoclusters. This unique catalytic strategy was validated using several substrates and the corresponding products were confirmed by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) analysis.
Corporate social responsibility and the alignment of CEO and shareholders wealth: Does a strong alignment induce or restrain CSR?
Authors: Kim Hyeong Joon , Mun Seongjae , Han Seung Hun
Published: September 2022

We examine whether a strong alignment of the chief executive officer (CEO) and shareholders wealth induces or restrains the firm's corporate social responsibility (CSR) engagement. CSR can enhance shareholders wealth consistent with stakeholder theory. However, CEOs maximizing their own utilities have an incentive to overinvest corporate resources for CSR engagement at shareholders' expense. Therefore, the strong alignment of the CEO and shareholders wealth is expected to lead the CEO to engage less in some CSR activities, particularly those are questionable to enhance shareholders wealth or those are only good for the CEO's private benefit. Empirically, we find that firms with strongly aligned CEOs are less likely to strengthen CSR activities for external stakeholders such as the environment, community, and human rights. This suggests that strengthening CSR for external stakeholders appears to be the consequence of agency problem rather than stakeholder theory. Overall, we argue that CEO‐shareholders wealth alignment has a non‐monotonic impact on CSR activities, and it can effectively mitigate the agency problem by restraining overinvestment in some CSR activities that may harm shareholders wealth.
Disentangling the effects of species interactions and environmental factors on the spatial pattern and coexistence of two congenericPinusspecies in a transitional climatic zone
Authors: Yang Zhichun , Luo Ying , Ye Nan , Yang Lishunan , Yin Qiulong , Jia Shihong , He Chunmei , Yuan Zuoqiang , Hao Zhanqing , Ali Arshad
Published: September 2022

Congeneric species are critical for understanding the underlying ecological mechanisms of biodiversity maintenance. Ecological mechanisms such as conspecific negative density dependence, species differences in life‐history stages related to habitat preference, and limiting similarity are known to influence plant fitness, thereby influencing species coexistence and biodiversity. However, our understanding of these phenomena as they apply to coexistence among coniferous species is limited. We studied two congenericPinusspecies,Pinus armandii(PA) andPinus tabulaeformis(PT), both of which are common pioneer species typically succeeded by oaks (Quercus), in a 25‐ha warm temperate deciduous broad‐leaved forest. Here, we addressed the following questions: (1) How do population structures and distributions patterns of these twoPinusspecies vary with respect to different life‐history stages? (2) Does intra‐ and interspecific competition vary with respect to three life‐history stages? And (3) What are the relative contributions of topographic and soil variables to the spatial distributions of the species across the three life‐history stages? In addressing these questions, we utilized the pair‐correlation function g(r), redundancy analysis (RDA), variance partitioning (VP), and hierarchical partitioning (HP) to identify habitat preferences and conspecific negative density dependence at different life‐history stages from small to large trees. The results revealed that in bothPinusspecies, individuals in different life‐history stages were subject to significant habitat heterogeneity, with a tendency for small trees to be distributed at higher latitudes that may be represents climate‐change‐driven migration in both species. In addition, the effects of conspecific negative density dependence on PT were stronger than those on PA due to limited dispersal in PT. Furthermore, we found that interspecific competition was weak due to the species differences in resource utilization and preference for key habitats. Our study shows that congenericPinusspecies avoids competition by exploiting distinct habitats and provides insight into forest community structure.
Exploring the thermal limits of malaria transmission in the western Himalaya
Authors: Mozaffer Farhina , Menon Gautam I. , Ishtiaq Farah
Published: September 2022

Environmental temperature is a key driver of malaria transmission dynamics. Using detailed temperature records from four sites: low elevation (1800), mid elevation (2200 m), and high elevation (2600–3200 m) in the western Himalaya, we model how temperature regulates parasite development rate (the inverse of the extrinsic incubation period, EIP) in the wild. Using a Briére parametrization of the EIP, combined with Bayesian parameter inference, we study the thermal limits of transmission for avian (Plasmodium relictum) and human Plasmodium parasites (P. vivax and P. falciparum) as well as for two malaria‐like avian parasites, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon. We demonstrate that temperature conditions can substantially alter the incubation period of parasites at high elevation sites (2600–3200 m) leading to restricted parasite development or long transmission windows. The thermal limits (optimal temperature) for Plasmodium parasites were 15.62–34.92°C (30.04°C) for P. falciparum, 13.51–34.08°C (29.02°C) for P. vivax, 12.56–34.46°C (29.16°C) for P. relictum and for two malaria‐like parasites, 12.01–29.48°C (25.16°C) for Haemoproteus spp. and 11.92–29.95°C (25.51°C) for Leucocytozoon spp. We then compare estimates of EIP based on measures of mean temperature versus hourly temperatures to show that EIP days vary in cold versus warm environments. We found that human Plasmodium parasites experience a limited transmission window at 2600 m. In contrast, for avian Plasmodium transmission was not possible between September and March at 2600 m. In addition, temperature conditions suitable for both Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon transmission were obtained from June to August and in April, at 2600 m. Finally, we use temperature projections from a suite of climate models to predict that by 2040, high elevation sites (~2600 m) will have a temperature range conducive for malaria transmission, albeit with a limited transmission window. Our study highlights the importance of accounting for fine‐scale thermal effects in the expansion of the range of the malaria parasite with global climate change.
Locational strategy: Understanding location in economic geography and corporate strategy
Authors: Florida Richard , Adler Patrick
Published: September 2022

Research Summary

Drawing on key concepts from management theory, corporate strategy, and economic geography, we argue that the time has come for “Locational Strategy.” Locational strategy is a framework for understanding how the locational decisions of organizations fit into broader corporate strategy. Locational strategy is particularly relevant given rise of knowledge and talent as key factors of productions and the fact that these inputs are so clustered in space. We lay out several principles to guide further work in this area, and briefly anticipate the role for locational strategy in the post‐pandemic economy. Such an approach is well suited to the study of the sprawling modern firm, the footloose geography of talent, and the hyper‐competitive field of regional economic policy.

Managerial Summary

Management needs to consider locational strategy as a key element of broader corporate strategy. This is because location and firm location decisions are ever more central to firm strategy. We review key ideas from the academic literature that bear on how managers can get the best access to talent, knowledge, and customers. Access to talent and embeddedness in complex knowledge systems is a defining feature of Locational strategy over and above simple input cost concerns. Furthermore, firms need to consider the actions and reactions of jurisdictions as they decide how to locate and deploy resources across in places across the world. Management training typically does not feature the geographic considerations of location strategy. The authors have refined their approach while teaching students in their course on The City and Business in the MBA program at the University of Toronto's Rotman School.
Team characteristics associated with weight loss in a First Nations community intervention: An observational study
Authors: Bohn‐Goldbaum Erika , Cashmore Aaron , Bauman Adrian , Sullivan Anna , Fonua Lose (Rose) , Milat Andrew , Reid Kate , Grunseit Anne
Published: September 2022

Issue addressed

Group‐based weight‐loss programs can be effective in addressing high rates of overweight and obesity among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. The purpose was to determine associations between demographic and baseline weight‐related variables and team weight loss in a community‐based intervention as no previous studies have analysed this at a team level.

Methods

Binomial models tested associations between team‐level age, proportion female and baseline weight and classification as higher weight‐loss team (HWT) (>50% persons losing 2.5% of initial weight) vs lower weight‐loss team (LWT). Linear regressions compared HWT and LWT on diet and physical activity (PA) outcomes adjusted for age and gender.

Results

For each 1 kg increment in mean baseline weight, a team's likelihood of higher weight loss was increased by 4% (APR: 1.04, 95%CI: 1.00, 1.08). HWTs increased vigorous PA by 0.32 sessions more than LWTs (P = .02). Fruit and vegetable intakes were not associated with team weight loss classification.

Conclusions

Only baseline weight and vigorous PA distinguished HWT and LWT. Promoting PA components in team‐based weight‐loss approaches may be beneficial as these lend themselves to group participation.

So what?

Demographic and baseline weight‐related variables are largely not predictive of weight loss success in group programs. Identifying other characteristics shared by HWT may help teams achieve weight loss.
Morning chronotype and digestive tract cancers: Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Yuan Shuai , Mason Amy M. , Titova Olga E. , Vithayathil Mathew , Kar Siddhartha , Chen Jie , Li Xue , Burgess Stephen , Larsson Susanna C.
Published: September 2022

Morning chronotype has been associated with a reduced risk of prostate and breast cancer. However, few studies have examined whether chronotype is associated with digestive tract cancer risk. We conducted a Mendelian randomization (MR) study to assess the associations of chronotype with major digestive tract cancers. A total of 317 independent genetic variants associated with chronotype at the genome‐wide significance level (P < 5 × 10−8) were used as instrumental variables from a genome‐wide meta‐analysis of 449 734 individuals. Summary‐level data on overall and six digestive tract cancers, including esophageal, stomach, liver, biliary tract, pancreatic and colorectal cancers, were obtained from the UK Biobank (11 952 cases) and FinnGen (7638 cases) study. Genetic liability to morning chronotype was associated with reduced risk of overall digestive tract cancer and cancers of stomach, biliary tract and colorectum in UK Biobank. The associations for the overall digestive tract, stomach and colorectal cancers were directionally replicated in FinnGen. In the meta‐analysis of the two sources, genetic liability to morning chronotype was associated with a decreased risk of overall digestive tract cancer (odds ratio [OR] 0.94, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.90‐0.98), stomach cancer (OR 0.84, 95% CI: 0.73‐0.97) and colorectal cancer (OR 0.92, 95% CI: 0.87‐0.98), but not with the other studied cancers. The associations were consistent in multivariable MR analysis with adjustment for genetically predicted sleep duration, short sleep, insomnia and body mass index. The study provided MR evidence of inverse associations of morning chronotype with digestive tract cancer, particularly stomach and colorectal cancers.
Assessing the risk of cervical neoplasia in the post‐HPV vaccination era
Authors: Lehtinen Matti , Pimenoff Ville N. , Nedjai Belinda , Louvanto Karolina , Verhoef Lisanne , Heideman Daniëlle A. M. , El‐Zein Mariam , Widschwendter Martin , Dillner Joakim
Published: September 2022

This review is based on the recent EUROGIN scientific session: “Assessing risk of cervical cancer in the post‐vaccination era,” which addressed the demands of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)/squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) triage now that the prevalence of vaccine‐targeted oncogenic high‐risk (hr) human papillomaviruses (HPVs) is decreasing. Change in the prevalence distribution of oncogenic HPV types that follows national HPV vaccination programs is setting the stage for loss of positive predictive value of conventional but possibly also new triage modalities. Understanding the contribution of the latter, most notably hypermethylation of cellular and viral genes in a new setting where most oncogenic HPV types are no longer present, requires studies on their performance in vaccinated women with CIN/SIL that are associated with nonvaccine HPV types. Lessons learned from this research may highlight the potential of cervical cells for risk prediction of all women's cancers.