bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Marketing Efficiency in the Sheep-fattening Business Supply Chain Scheme in Langkat District
Authors: Marisa Julia , Wibowo Fachrina , Kurniawan Ridho
Published: May 2023

Aims: Analyze the economic efficiency of production and describe the supply chain scheme for the fattening sheep business in Sei Bingai District, Langkat Regency.

Study Design: This type of research is quantitative descriptive research.

Place and Duration of Study: The research was conducted from November 2022-January 2023 in Sei Bingai District, Langkat Regency.

Methodology: Data collection techniques include several techniques, namely using questionnaires through Focus Group Discussions (FGD), in-depth interviews with respondents, document analysis, informal discussions, and direct observation. The data analysis method used is Economic Efficiency Analysis and System Supply Chain.

Results: The results showed that 1) The marketing of fattening sheep in Sei Bingai District, Langkat Regency, has been efficient. This is proven by the results of efficiency calculations which show the efficiency of the three supply chain schemes is below 50%. Compared to the other two channels, scheme two is said to be the most efficient because the efficiency value is only 13.2%. In comparison, the highest efficiency value is in scheme three, followed by the first channel scheme. 2) The supply chain scheme for fattening sheep in Sei Bingai District, Langkat Regency, consists of producer breeders, agents, regional market intermediaries, and consumers.

Conclusion: Improvements in performance indicators provide good performance results for the sheep-fattening supply chain. Efforts to improve the indicators of order fulfillment and compliance with standards are carried out by having good cooperation with suppliers. Companies must be more involved in handling the quality and quantity of fattening sheep.
Human Reactions to Public Health Interventions—Implications for Evaluation and Well-being
Authors: Glied Sherry
Published: May 2023

This JAMA Forum discusses the public health community’s reaction to a recent Cochrane Collaboration review on whether face masks and other physical public health interventions reduced the spread of the COVID-19 and provides counterarguments to the review’s findings that these interventions did not help.
Multicenter External Validation of the Deep Pelvic Endometriosis Index Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score
Authors: Thomassin-Naggara Isabelle , Monroc Michele , Chauveau Benoit , Fauconnier Arnaud , Verpillat Pauline , Dabi Yohann , Gavrel Marie , Bolze Pierre-Adrien , Darai Emile , Touboul Cyril , Lamrabet Samia , Collinet Pierre , Zareski Elise , Bourdel Nicolas , Roman Horace , Rousset Pascal
Published: May 2023

Importance

Preoperative mapping of deep pelvic endometriosis (DPE) is crucial as surgery can be complex and the quality of preoperative information is key.

Objective

To evaluate the Deep Pelvic Endometriosis Index (dPEI) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) score in a multicenter cohort.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this cohort study, the surgical databases of 7 French referral centers were retrospectively queried for women who underwent surgery and preoperative MRI for DPE between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2020. Data were analyzed in October 2022.

Intervention

Magnetic resonance imaging scans were reviewed using a dedicated lexicon and classified according to the dPEI score.

Main outcomes and measures

Operating time, hospital stay, Clavien-Dindo–graded postoperative complications, and presence of de novo voiding dysfunction.

Results

The final cohort consisted of 605 women (mean age, 33.3; 95% CI, 32.7-33.8 years). A mild dPEI score was reported in 61.2% (370) of the women, moderate in 25.8% (156), and severe in 13.1% (79). Central endometriosis was described in 93.2% (564) of the women and lateral endometriosis in 31.2% (189). Lateral endometriosis was more frequent in severe (98.7%) vs moderate (48.7%) disease and in moderate vs mild (6.7%) disease according to the dPEI (P < .001). Median operating time (211 minutes) and hospital stay (6 days) were longer in severe DPE than in moderate DPE (operating time, 150 minutes; hospital stay 4 days; P < .001), and in moderate than in mild DPE (operating time; 110 minutes; hospital stay, 3 days; P < .001). Patients with severe disease were 3.6 times more likely to experience severe complications than patients with mild or moderate disease (odds ratio [OR], 3.6; 95% CI, 1.4-8.9; P = .004). They were also more likely to experience postoperative voiding dysfunction (OR, 3.5; 95% CI, 1.6-7.6; P = .001). Interobserver agreement between senior and junior readers was good (κ = 0.76; 95% CI, 0.65-0.86).

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this study suggest the ability of the dPEI to predict operating time, hospital stay, postoperative complications, and de novo postoperative voiding dysfunction in a multicenter cohort. The dPEI may help clinicians to better anticipate the extent of DPE and improve clinical management and patient counseling.
Association of Staphylococcus aureus Colonization With Severity of Acute Radiation Dermatitis in Patients With Breast or Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Kost Yana , Rzepecki Alexandra K. , Deutsch Alana , Birnbaum Mathew R. , Ohri Nitin , Hosgood H. Dean , Lin Juan , Daily Johanna P. , Shinoda Kosaku , McLellan Beth N.
Published: May 2023

Importance

Pathogenesis of acute radiation dermatitis (ARD) is not completely understood. Pro-inflammatory cutaneous bacteria may contribute to cutaneous inflammation after radiation therapy.

Objective

To evaluate whether nasal colonization with Staphylococcus aureus (SA) before radiation therapy is associated with ARD severity in patients with breast or head and neck cancer.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This prospective cohort study with observers blinded to colonization status was conducted from July 2017 to May 2018 at an urban academic cancer center. Patients aged 18 years or older with breast or head and neck cancer and plans for fractionated radiation therapy (≥15 fractions) with curative intent were enrolled via convenience sampling. Data were analyzed from September to October 2018.

Exposures

Staphylococcus aureus colonization status before radiation therapy (baseline).

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was ARD grade using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Event Reporting, version 4.03.

Results

Among 76 patients analyzed, mean (SD) age was 58.5 (12.6) years and 56 (73.7%) were female. All 76 patients developed ARD: 47 (61.8%) with grade 1, 22 (28.9%) with grade 2, and 7 (9.2%) with grade 3. The prevalence of baseline nasal SA colonization was higher among patients who developed grade 2 or higher ARD compared with those who developed grade 1 ARD (10 of 29 [34.5%] vs 6 of 47 [12.8%]; P = .02, by χ2 test).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, baseline nasal SA colonization was associated with development of grade 2 or higher ARD in patients with breast or head and neck cancer. The findings suggest that SA colonization may play a role in the pathogenesis of ARD.
A 72-Year-Old Kidney Transplant Recipient With Visual Changes
Authors: Bhatti M. Tariq , Gilbert Aubrey L. , Hwang Thomas N.
Published: May 2023

A 72-year-old woman with a history of kidney transplant was referred for an eye examination because of visual changes in the left eye. Both optic discs were anomalous in appearance, with central excavation in the left eye greater than the right eye. What would you do next?
A comparative study of deep learning‐based knowledge‐based planning methods for 3D dose distribution prediction of head and neck
Authors: Osman Alexander F. I. , Tamam Nissren M. , Yousif Yousif A. M.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

In this paper, we compare four novel knowledge‐based planning (KBP) algorithms using deep learning to predict three‐dimensional (3D) dose distributions of head and neck plans using the same patients’ dataset and quantitative assessment metrics.

Methods

A dataset of 340 oropharyngeal cancer patients treated with intensity‐modulated radiation therapy was used in this study, which represents the AAPM OpenKBP – 2020 Grand Challenge dataset. Four 3D convolutional neural network architectures were built. The models were trained on 64% of the data set and validated on 16% for voxel‐wise dose predictions: U‐Net, attention U‐Net, residual U‐Net (Res U‐Net), and attention Res U‐Net. The trained models were then evaluated for their performance on a test data set (20% of the data) by comparing the predicted dose distributions against the ground‐truth using dose statistics and dose‐volume indices.

Results

The four KBP dose prediction models exhibited promising performance with an averaged mean absolute dose error within the body contour <3 Gy on 68 plans in the test set. The average difference in predicting the D99 index for all targets was 0.92 Gy (p = 0.51) for attention Res U‐Net, 0.94 Gy (p = 0.40) for Res U‐Net, 2.94 Gy (p = 0.09) for attention U‐Net, and 3.51 Gy (p = 0.08) for U‐Net. For the OARs, the values for the and indices were 2.72 Gy (p < 0.01) for attention Res U‐Net, 2.94 Gy (p < 0.01) for Res U‐Net, 1.10 Gy (p < 0.01) for attention U‐Net, 0.84 Gy (p < 0.29) for U‐Net.

Conclusion

All models demonstrated almost comparable performance for voxel‐wise dose prediction. KBP models that employ 3D U‐Net architecture as a base could be deployed for clinical use to improve cancer patient treatment by creating plans with consistent quality and making the radiotherapy workflow more efficient.
Strategies for Achieving Strength–Ductility Synergy in Face‐Centered Cubic High‐ and Medium‐Entropy Alloys
Authors: Han Dong , Cai Shaoxin , Sun Wenhai , Yang Baijun , Wang Jianqiang
Published: May 2023

High‐ and medium‐entropy alloys (HEAs/MEAs), also called as multicomponent alloys, are a new class of materials that break through the traditional alloy design concept based on single principal element. However, they do not break away from the magic spell of strength–ductility trade‐off. Therefore, designing HEAs/MEAs with both high strength and high ductility still remains a great challenge nowadays. This article provides a review on the recent progress in mechanical properties of face‐centered cubic (FCC) HEAs/MEAs. First, several traditional strengthening strategies are briefly reviewed, focusing on the strengthening mechanisms and the optimized mechanical properties. Subsequently, various novel strategies for achieving strength–ductility synergy in HEAs/MEAs are summarized, which include lowering the stacking fault energy, regulating the short‐range order, promoting transformation‐induced plasticity, and constructing heterogeneous microstructures. The basic ideas and related underlying mechanisms from these strategies are discussed. Finally, the current challenges and the future outlooks are emphasized and addressed systematically. In brief, the present review is expected to provide a useful guide for the design of HEAs/MEAs with superior mechanical properties.
V Doping in NASICON‐Structured Na3MnTi(PO4)3 Enables High‐Energy and Stable Sodium Storage
Authors: Hu Ping , Cai Congcong , Li Xinyuan , Wei Zihe , Wang Mengyao , Chen Changliang , Zhu Ting , Mai Liqiang , Zhou Liang
Published: May 2023

NASICON‐structured Na3MnTi(PO4)3 represents an appealing cathode for sodium storage. However, the low potential from Ti3+/4+ redox pair (≈2.1 V versus Na+/Na), undesirable rate capability, and unfavorable cyclability have inhibited its practical application. Herein, this study designs a Na3.1MnTi0.9V0.1(PO4)3 (NMTVP) cathode material by doping V into the Na3MnTi(PO4)3. The V substitution not only increases the medium discharge voltage, but also increases the capacity. The as‐prepared NMTVP demonstrates a four‐step redox reaction from the redox couples of V5+/4+ (≈4.1 V), Mn4+/3+ (≈4.0 V), Mn3+/2+ (≈3.6 V), and V4+/3+ (3.4 V). The NMTVP delivers a high capacity (118.5 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C), a high medium discharge voltage (3.53 V), a decent energy density (422 Wh kg−1), and an ideal cyclability (86% retention after 4500 cycles at 5 C). In situ X‐ray diffraction (XRD) uncovers the reversible structural evolution between Na3.1MnTi0.9V0.1(PO4)3 and Na0.9MnTi0.9V0.1(PO4)3 phases. The assembled NMTVP//hard carbon (HC) full cell also delivers a high capacity, a high operating voltage, and a good cyclability. This contribution offers new insights into the design of high‐energy NASICON‐structured cathode materials.
3D‐Printed Hollow Microneedle‐Lateral Flow Devices for Rapid Blood‐Free Detection of C‐Reactive Protein and Procalcitonin
Authors: Turner Joseph G. , Lay Emily , Jungwirth Ute , Varenko Valentyna , Gill Harinderjit S. , Estrela Pedro , Leese Hannah S.
Published: May 2023

Hollow microneedle devices as a technology for interstitial fluid extraction show promise for the minimally invasive point‐of‐care detection of analytes. Despite increasing efforts toward on‐patch diagnostics, the use of hollow microneedles has been limited due to the complexity caused by integrating hollow microneedles with established point‐of‐care diagnostic techniques. Herein, a 3D printing method is utilized, to provide low‐cost manufacturing of custom‐designed hollow microneedle devices, allowing for easy integration with lateral flow assays for rapid and blood‐free diagnostics. Microneedle surface modification through PEGylation results in prolonged and enhanced hydrophilicity, enabling passive uptake of small volume samples (≈22.5 µL) and an enhanced shelf life. The hollow microneedle devices are deemed non‐cytotoxic to cell types found within the skin following short‐term and prolonged exposure in accordance with ISO10993. Furthermore, the devices demonstrate high mechanical strength and successfully penetrate porcine skin grafts without damaging the surrounding skin morphology. This work also demonstrates for the first time the use of hollow microneedles for the simultaneous detection, at clinically relevant concentrations, of C‐reactive protein (LoD = 10 µg mL−1) and procalcitonin (LoD = 1 ng mL−1), through porcine skin, ultimately demonstrating the beneficial use of manufactured 3D‐printed hollow microneedles towards low‐cost blood‐free diagnostics of inflammation markers.
Phase‐Purified Ruddlesden–Popper Perovskites Vertically Oriented in Block Copolymer Nanostructures for Environmentally Stable Light Conversion and Charge Trapping
Authors: Kim Sohee , Lee Hyeokjung , Han Hyowon , Park Youjin , Lee Kyuho , Kim Yeeun , Zan Guangtao , Lee Jiyeon , Kim Dongjun , Kim Jiwon , Jeong Beomjin , Kim Ji‐Hee , Park Cheolmin
Published: May 2023

2D Ruddlesden–Popper perovskites (RPPs) with 2D layer‐tunable optoelectronic properties suffer from randomly oriented multiple phases. Herein, an efficient method for developing RPP films with controlled phase purity and crystal orientation via a one‐step synthesis of RPPs in a self‐assembled block copolymer (BCP) film is demonstrated. RPP crystals with a target phase  are preferentially embedded in the poly(ethylene oxide) domains of a polystyrene‐block‐poly(ethylene oxide) nanostructured film. Interestingly, rapid self‐assembly with the BCP results in phase‐purified n = 2 and 3 targeted RPPs with a target phase percentage two and four times higher, respectively, than that of pristine RPP. Furthermore, RPP crystals synthesized within BCP are preferentially oriented with their b‐axis parallel to the surface normal. The photoluminescence of the composite film is significantly enhanced, allowing environmentally stable ultraviolet‐to‐blue color conversion. Moreover, semiconducting RPP crystals nanopatterned in the BCP are successfully used as charge‐trapping floating nanogates, resulting in a non‐volatile field‐effect transistor memory.
A Base‐Free, Low Temperature Click and Release Reaction for the In Situ Generation of Diazomethane
Authors: Schembri Luke S. , Olaniran Esther , Söderström Marcus , Skillinghaug Bobo , Odell Luke R.
Published: May 2023

Diazomethane is a powerful reagent for numerous chemical reactions such as esterifications and the homologation of carboxylic acids. Unfortunately, the synthetic utility of diazomethane is severely limited by its toxicity and highly explosive nature. Diazald® is typically used for ex situ synthesis, however it requires cumbersome and hazardous transfer of diazomethane from a caustic aqueous phase to the reaction medium. Herein, we present a low temperature and base‐free in situ synthesis of diazomethane via a “click and release” reaction between an enamine and sulfonyl azide. Its utility is exemplified by the synthesis of diverse methyl esters in yields of up to 93%. Moreover, diazoketone synthesis from in situ generated diazomethane and acid chlorides was demonstrated for the first time. Finally, trideuteromethylation was achieved using acetone‐d6 as the deuterium source. We anticipate that this method will enable the safer use of diazomethane in organic synthesis and drug discovery programs.
Mesoporous Amorphous Bulk Material Electrodes for Ultrahigh Volumetric Capacity Electrochemical Capacitors
Authors: Li Lun , Guo Changjin , Wang Shuangbao , Hu Wanbiao
Published: May 2023

Retaining satisfactory electrochemical performances under high‐mass electrode‐active‐matter loadings is important for energy storage. However, the performance decreases with increasing mass loadings due to a reduction in the ion/electron transport. In this study, a novel mesoporous amorphous bulk (MAB) material strategy is proposed. Co‐based hydroxide KCo1.3(OH)3.6 is directly electro‐deposited on the Ni foam for cathode. Comprehensive structural characterizations confirm the mesoporous, amorphous, and bulk features for KCo1.3(OH)3.6. The fabricated whole MAB‐KCo1.3(OH)3.6@Ni electrode exhibits an ultrahigh full volumetric capacity (123.7 mAh cm−3) with high KCo1.3(OH)3.6 mass loading (11.7 mg cm−2) and excellent cycling stability. Along with the MAB‐KCo1.3(OH)3.6, the mesoporous amorphous features enable fast ion diffusion and provide sufficient electroactive sites for redox reactions. In addition, the bulk nature not only facilitates the electron mobility but also guarantees structural and chemical stability. Therefore, the proposed MAB strategy and explored KCo1.3(OH)3.6 material demonstrate considerable prospects for designing electrode materials and practical applications.
Photomultiplication Enabling High‐Performance Narrowband Near‐Infrared Organic Photodetectors
Authors: Winkler Louis Conrad , Kublitski Jonas , Benduhn Johannes , Leo Karl
Published: May 2023

Continuous monitoring of food quality, blood oxygen, or industrial processes require high‐throughput near‐infrared photodetectors. Due to excellent properties like low‐cost fabrication, flexibility and narrowband response, organic photodetectors (OPDs) have a huge market potential for such applications. An organic donor–acceptor blend with a low‐energy and broad charge transfer (CT) feature is utilized, circumventing the difficulties of obtaining organic materials with significant absorption beyond 1000 nm. The increasing recombination of such low‐energy gap materials that is detrimental for the quantum efficiency is overcome by applying two photocurrent multiplication (PM) mechanisms to the donor–acceptor blend. Combined with an optical micro‐cavity, this OPD achieves a spectral response (SR) of 15 A W−1 at 1092 nm. With its spectrally narrow response of only 18 nm, this OPD technology can be used for highly resolved measurements. Contrary to OPDs working in the photovoltaic mode, this detector is optimized for operation under reverse bias. With its high spectral response, low‐cost readout circuitry like CMOS can be used for signal detection.
The Weyl Semimetals MIrTe4 (M = Nb, Ta) as Efficient Catalysts for Dye‐Sensitized Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Samanta Manisha , Tan Hengxin , Laha Sourav , Vignolo‐González Hugo Alejandro , Grunenberg Lars , Bette Sebastian , Duppel Viola , Schützendübe Peter , Gouder Andreas , Yan Binghai , Lotsch Bettina V.
Published: May 2023

The prevalent global energy crisis calls for searching viable pathways for generating green hydrogen as an alternative energy resource. Dye‐sensitized photocatalytic water splitting is a feasible solution to produce green hydrogen. However, identifying suitable catalysts has been one of the bottlenecks in driving dye‐sensitized photocatalysis efficiently. In this work, a new class of electrocatalysts is reported based on the layered Weyl semimetals MIrTe4 (M = Nb, Ta) for the Eosin Y (EY)‐sensitized hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). NbIrTe4 and TaIrTe4 exhibit HER activities of ≈18 000 and 14 000 µmol g−1 respectively, after 10 h of irradiation with visible light. Time‐dependent UV‐Vis spectroscopy and high‐pressure liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry analysis shed light on the reaction dynamics and enable a deeper understanding of the observed trend in hydrogen evolution rates for MIrTe4. MIrTe4 semimetals outperform transition metal‐based Weyl semimetals in terms of catalytic HER activity using EY as photosensitizer and triethanolamine as the sacrificial agent. It is hypothesized that the topology‐related band inversion in MIrTe4 Weyl semimetals promotes a high density of M d‐states near the Fermi level, driving their high catalytic performance. This study introduces a new class of layered Weyl semimetals as efficient catalysts, and provides perspectives for designing topology‐enhanced catalysts.
A New Chromone‐based Sequential Functioning Colorimetric Chemosensor for Cu2+ and Cysteine in Near‐perfect Aqueous Media
Authors: Jung Sumin , Gil Dongkyun , Kim Cheal
Published: May 2023

A selective chromone‐containing colorimetric chemosensor DOCC ((E)‐N,N‐dimethyl‐2‐((4‐oxo‐4H‐chromen‐3‐yl)methylene)hydr azine‐1‐carbothioamide) was designed for the sequential probing of Cu2+ and cysteine. DOCC exhibited a marked color variation from colorless to pale yellow and had the lowest limit of detection (0.30 μM) among the chromone‐based colorimetric sensors for Cu2+ in near‐perfect aqueous media. DOCC could work to probe and quantify Cu2+ in real water samples with great recovery (98‐102%). DOCC could discriminate Cu2+ using the test kit down to 10 μM. On the other hand, Cu2+‐2⋅DOCC could selectively detect cysteine (Cys) in a sequential step through the demetallation reaction. Cu2+‐2⋅DOCC showed that its color returned from pale yellow to colorless only in the presence of Cys and its limit of detection was calculated to be 6.62 μM. The practical applications for Cys were successfully achieved in water samples with perfect recovery (99–100%) and pH tests at 7–9. FT‐IR, Job plot, ESI‐MS, and DFT calculations were applied to explain the sensing mechanisms of Cu2+ by DOCC and Cys by Cu2+‐2⋅DOCC.
Gas‐Mediated Tumor Energy Remodeling for Sensitizing Mild Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Cheng Junjie , Zhu Yang , Dai Yi , Li Li , Zhang Miya , Jin Duo , Liu Manman , Yu Jiaji , Yu Wenxin , Su Dan , Zou Jianhua , Chen Xiaoyuan , Liu Yangzhong
Published: May 2023

The metabolic reprogramming of tumors requires high levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to maintain therapeutic resistance, posing a major challenge for photothermal therapy (PTT). Although raising the temperature helps in tumor ablation, it frequently leads to severe side effects. Therefore, improving the therapeutic response and promoting healing are critical considerations in the development of PTT. Here, we proposed a gas‐mediated energy remodeling strategy to improve mild PTT efficacy while minimizing side effects. In the proof‐of‐concept study, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved drug‐based hydrogen sulfide (H2S) donor was developed to provide a sustained supply of H2S to tumor sites, serving as an adjuvant to PTT. This approach proved to be highly effective in disrupting the mitochondrial respiratory chain, inhibiting ATP generation, and reducing the overexpression of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), which ultimately amplified the therapeutic outcome. With the ability to reverse tumor thermotolerance, this strategy delivered a greatly potent antitumor response, achieving complete tumor ablation in a single treatment while minimizing harm to healthy tissues. Thus, it holds great promise to be a universal solution for overcoming the limitations of PTT and may serve as a valuable paradigm for the future clinical translation of photothermal nanoagents.
Solar Hydrocarbons: Single‐Step, Atmospheric‐Pressure Synthesis of C2−C4 Alkanes and Alkenes from CO2
Authors: Song Rui , Li Zhao , Guo Jiuli , Duchesne Paul N. , Qiu Chenyue , Mao Chengliang , Jia Jia , Tang Sanli , Xu Yang‐Fan , Zhou Wenzhe , Wang Lu , Sun Wei , Yan Xiaoliang , Guo Liejin , Jing Dengwei , Ozin Geoffrey A.
Published: May 2023

Cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) spinel has been found to produce C2−C4 hydrocarbons in a single‐step, ambient‐pressure, photocatalytic hydrogenation of CO2 with a rate of 1.1 mmol g−1 h−1, selectivity of 29.8 % and conversion yield of 12.9 %. On stream the CoFe2O4 reconstructs to a CoFe−CoFe2O4 alloy‐spinel nanocomposite which facilitates the light‐assisted transformation of CO2 to CO and hydrogenation of the CO to C2−C4 hydrocarbons. Promising results obtained from a laboratory demonstrator bode well for the development of a solar hydrocarbon pilot refinery.
Anode‐Free Lithium Metal Batteries Based on an Ultrathin and Respirable Interphase Layer
Authors: Wang Yan , Qu Zongtao , Geng Shitao , Liao Meng , Ye Lei , Shadike Zulipiya , Zhao Xiaoju , Wang Shuo , Xu Qiuchen , Yuan Bin , Zhang Xiao , Gao Xiaxin , Jiang Xuesong , Peng Huisheng , Sun Hao
Published: May 2023

Anode‐free lithium (Li) metal batteries are desirable candidates in pursuit of high‐energy‐density batteries. However, their poor cycling performances originated from the unsatisfactory reversibility of Li plating/stripping remains a grand challenge. Here we show a facile and scalable approach to produce high‐performing anode‐free Li metal batteries using a bioinspired and ultrathin (250 nm) interphase layer comprised of triethylamine germanate. The derived tertiary amine and LixGe alloy showed enhanced adsorption energy that significantly promoted Li‐ion adsorption, nucleation and deposition, contributing to a reversible expansion/shrinkage process upon Li plating/stripping. Impressive Li plating/stripping Coulombic efficiencies (CEs) of ≈99.3 % were achieved for 250 cycles in Li/Cu cells. In addition, the anode‐free LiFePO4 full batteries demonstrated maximal energy and power densities of 527 Wh kg−1 and 1554 W kg−1, respectively, and remarkable cycling stability (over 250 cycles with an average CE of 99.4 %) at a practical areal capacity of ≈3 mAh cm−2, the highest among state‐of‐the‐art anode‐free LiFePO4 batteries. Our ultrathin and respirable interphase layer presents a promising way to fully unlock large‐scale production of anode‐free batteries.
Enantioselective Synthesis of N−N Biaryl Atropisomers through Iridium(I)‐Catalyzed C−H Alkylation with Acrylates
Authors: Yin Si‐Yong , Zhou Qiansujia , Liu Chen‐Xu , Gu Qing , You Shu‐Li
Published: May 2023

Enantioselective synthesis of N−N biaryl atropisomers is an emerging area but remains underexplored. The development of efficient synthesis of N−N biaryl atropisomers is in great demand. Herein, the construction of N−N biaryl atropisomers through iridium‐catalyzed asymmetric C−H alkylation is reported for the first time. In the presence of readily available Ir precursor and Xyl‐BINAP, a variety of axially chiral molecules based on indole‐pyrrole skeleton were obtained in good yields (up to 98 %) with excellent enantioselectivity (up to 99 % ee). In addition, N−N bispyrrole atropisomers could also be synthesized in excellent yields and enantioselectivity. This method features perfect atom economy, wide substrate scope, and multifunctionalized products allowing diverse transformations.
Building Blocks and COFs Formed in Concert—Three‐Component Synthesis of Pyrene‐Fused Azaacene Covalent Organic Framework in the Bulk and as Films
Authors: Frey Laura , Oliveira Orlando , Sharma Ashish , Guntermann Roman , Fernandes Soraia P. S. , Cid‐Seara Krystal M. , Abbay Hosanna , Thornes Henry , Rocha João , Döblinger Markus , Kowalczyk Tim , Rao Akshay , Salonen Laura M. , Medina Dana D.
Published: May 2023

A three‐component synthesis methodology is described for the formation of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) containing extended aromatics. Notably, this approach enables synthesis of the building blocks and COF along parallel reaction landscapes, on a similar timeframe. The use of fragmental building block components, namely pyrene dione diboronic acid as aggregation‐inducing COF precursor and the diamines o‐phenylenediamine (Ph), 2,3‐diaminonaphthalene (Naph), or (1R,2R)‐(+)‐1,2‐diphenylethylenediamine (2Ph) as extending functionalization units in conjunction with 2,3,6,7,10,11‐hexahydroxytriphenylene, resulted in the formation of the corresponding pyrene‐fused azaacene, i.e., Aza‐COF series with full conversion of the dione moiety, long‐range order, and high surface area. In addition, the novel three‐component synthesis was successfully applied to produce highly crystalline, oriented thin films of the Aza‐COFs with nanostructured surfaces on various substrates. The Aza‐COFs exhibit light absorption maxima in the blue spectral region, and each Aza‐COF presents a distinct photoluminescence profile. Transient absorption measurements of Aza‐Ph‐ and Aza‐Naph‐COFs suggest ultrafast relaxation dynamics of excited‐states within these COFs.
Regulation of Atomic Fe‐Spin State by Crystal Field and Magnetic Field for Enhanced Oxygen Electrocatalysis in Rechargeable Zinc‐Air Batteries
Authors: Wang Yibo , Meng Pengyu , Yang Zhaohui , Jiang Min , Yang Jian , Li Huanxin , Zhang Jiao , Sun Baode , Fu Chaopeng
Published: May 2023

Highly‐active and low‐cost bifunctional electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction and evolution are essential in rechargeable metal‐air batteries, and single atom catalysts with Fe−N−C are promising candidates. However, the activity still needs to be boosted, and the origination of spin‐related oxygen catalytic performance is still uncertain. Herein, an effective strategy to regulate local spin state of Fe−N−C through manipulating crystal field and magnetic field is proposed. The spin state of atomic Fe can be regulated from low spin to intermediate spin and to high spin. The cavitation of dxz and dyz orbitals of high spin FeIII can optimize the O2 adsorption and promote the rate‐determining step (*O2 to *OOH). Benefiting from these merits, the high spin Fe−N−C electrocatalyst displays the highest oxygen electrocatalytic activities. Furthermore, the high spin Fe−N−C‐based rechargeable zinc‐air battery displays a high power density of 170 mW cm−2 and good stability.
Dual‐Atom Catalysts Derived from a Preorganized Covalent Organic Framework for Enhanced Electrochemical Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Zhang Wen‐Da , Zhou Lang , Shi Ya‐Xiang , Liu Yong , Xu Hanwen , Yan Xiaodong , Zhao Yan , Jiang Yuqin , Zhang Jiangwei , Gu Zhi‐Guo
Published: May 2023

Dual‐atom catalysts (DAC) are deemed as promising electrocatalysts due to the abundant active sites and adjustable electronic structure, but the fabrication of well‐defined DAC is still full of challenges. Herein, bonded Fe dual‐atom catalysts (Fe2DAC) with Fe2N6C8O2 configuration were developed through one‐step carbonization of a preorganized covalent organic framework with bimetallic Fe chelation sites (Fe2COF). The transition from Fe2COF to Fe2DAC involved the dissociation of the nanoparticles and the capture of atoms by carbon defects. Benefitting from the optimized d‐band center and enhanced adsorption of OOH* intermediates, Fe2DAC exhibited outstanding oxygen reduction activity with a half‐wave potential of 0.898 V vs. RHE. This work will guide more fabrication of dual‐atom and even cluster catalysts from preorganized COF in the future.
Regulating Cation Interactions for Zero‐Strain and High‐Voltage P2‐type Na2/3Li1/6Co1/6Mn2/3O2 Layered Oxide Cathodes of Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zou Peichao , Yao Libing , Wang Chunyang , Lee Sang Jun , Li Tianyi , Xin Huolin L.
Published: May 2023

Deep sodium extraction/insertion of sodium cathodes usually causes undesired Jahn–Teller distortion and phase transition, both of which will reduce structural stability and lead to poor long‐cycle reliability. Here we report a zero‐strain P2‐ Na2/3Li1/6Co1/6Mn2/3O2 cathode, in which the lithium/cobalt substitution contributes to reinforcing the host structure by reducing the Mn3+/Mn4+ redox, mitigating the Jahn–Teller distortion, and minimizing the lattice change. 94.5 % of Na+ in the unit structure can be reversibly cycled with a charge cut‐off voltage of 4.5 V (vs. Na+/Na). Impressively, a solid‐solution reaction without phase transitions is realized upon deep sodium (de)intercalation, which poses a minimal volume deviation of 0.53 %. It attains a high discharge capacity of 178 mAh g−1, a high energy density of 534 Wh kg−1, and excellent capacity retention of 95.8 % at 1 C after 250 cycles.
An output formation consensus control for leader–follower networked multi‐agent systems under communication constraints and switching topologies
Authors: Cao Lei , Zhang Da‐Wei , Mihaela Ionescu Clara , Liu Guo‐Ping
Published: May 2023

In this paper, the formation consensus problem for a class of leader–follower networked multi‐agent systems under communication constraints and switching topologies is investigated. A networked predictive control scheme is proposed to achieve stability and output formation consensus with the switching topology, capable of compensating for data loss and time delays in the network. By equating the whole closed‐loop networked multi‐agent system with the proposed control scheme to the corresponding switched system, the sufficient and necessary condition of output formation consensus and stability for agents is given. Finally, using three‐degree‐of‐freedom air‐bearing spacecraft simulators as the control objects, the proposed scheme is demonstrated to be able to actively compensate for the communication constraints through numerical simulations, and it is also verified to have a good control performance by further realizing the formation task of the simulators through practical experiments.
Reactive oxygen species produced by myeloid cells in psoriasis as a potential biofactor contributing to the development of vascular inflammation
Authors: Schaller Theresa , Ringen Julia , Fischer Berenice , Bieler Tabea , Perius Katharina , Knopp Tanja , Kommoss Katharina S. , Korn Thomas , Heikenwälder Mathias , Oelze Matthias , Daiber Andreas , Münzel Thomas , Kramer Daniela , Wenzel Philip , Wild Johannes , Karbach Susanne , Waisman Ari
Published: May 2023

Psoriasis is an immune‐mediated inflammatory skin disease driven by interleukin‐17A (IL‐17A) and associated with cardiovascular dysfunction. We used a severe psoriasis mouse model of keratinocyte IL‐17A overexpression (K14‐IL‐17Aind/+, IL‐17Aind/+ control mice) to investigate the activity of neutrophils and a potential cellular interconnection between skin and vasculature. Levels of dermal reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their release by neutrophils were measured by lucigenin‐/luminol‐based assays, respectively. Quantitative RT‐PCR determined neutrophilic activity and inflammation‐related markers in skin and aorta. To track skin‐derived immune cells, we used PhAM‐K14‐IL‐17Aind/+ mice allowing us to mark all cells in the skin by photoconversion of a fluorescent protein to analyze their migration into spleen, aorta, and lymph nodes by flow cytometry. Compared to controls, K14‐IL‐17Aind/+ mice exhibited elevated ROS levels in the skin and a higher neutrophilic oxidative burst accompanied by the upregulation of several activation markers. In line with these results psoriatic mice displayed elevated expression of genes involved in neutrophil migration (e.g., Cxcl2 and S100a9) in skin and aorta. However, no direct immune cell migration from the psoriatic skin into the aortic vessel wall was observed. Neutrophils of psoriatic mice showed an activated phenotype, but no direct cellular migration from the skin to the vasculature was observed. This suggests that highly active vasculature‐invading neutrophils must originate directly from the bone marrow. Hence, the skin‐vasculature crosstalk in psoriasis is most likely based on the systemic effects of the autoimmune skin disease, emphasizing the importance of a systemic therapeutic approach for psoriasis patients.
On the Role of N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Salts in Alkyl Radical Generation from Alkyl Alcohols: A Computational Study
Authors: Sanosa Nil , Ambrosi Diego , Ruiz‐Campos Pedro , Sampedro Diego , Funes‐Ardoiz Ignacio
Published: May 2023

Formation of carbon‐carbon bonds through cross‐coupling reactions using readily available substrates, like alcohols, is crucial for modern organic chemistry. Recently, direct alkyl alcohol functionalization has been achieved by the use of N‐Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC) salts via in situ formation of an alcohol‐NHC adduct and its activation by a photoredox catalyst to generate carbon‐centered alkyl radicals. Experimentally, only electron deficient NHC activators work but the reasons of this behavior remain underexplored. Herein, a DFT computational study of the mechanism of alcohol activation using up to seven NHC salts is performed to shed light into the influence of their electronic properties in the alkyl radical formation. This study demonstrates that four reaction steps are involved in the transformation and characterizes how the electronic properties of the NHC salt affect each step. A fine balance of the NHC electron‐richness is proved to be determinant for this transformation.
Breaking free of the research silo: A growing case for multidisciplinary work
Authors: Nelson Bryn , Faquin William
Published: May 2023

This news section is written by a medical journalist and offers Cancer Cytopathology readers timely information on events, issues, and personalities of interest to the subspecialty. In this issue, rigid ideas about lineage and the inheritance of genetic variants have, over time, created research silos, but there are ways to break through and work across disciplines to offer patients better cancer diagnoses and treatments.
Comparative analysis of structural modifications induced by monocular retinal inactivation and monocular deprivation in the developing cat lateral geniculate nucleus
Authors: Duffy Kevin R. , Crowder Nathan A. , Heynen Arnold J. , Bear Mark F.
Published: May 2023

During a critical period of postnatal life, monocular deprivation (MD) by eyelid closure reduces the size of neurons in layers of the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) connected to the deprived eye and shifts cortical ocular dominance in favor of the non‐deprived eye. Temporary inactivation of the non‐deprived eye can promote superior recovery from the effects of long‐term MD compared to conventional occlusion therapy. In the current study, we assessed the modification of neuron size in the dLGN as a means of measuring the impact of a brief period of monocular inactivation (MI) imposed at different postnatal ages. The biggest impact of MI was observed when it occurred at the peak of the critical period. Unlike the effect of MD, structural plasticity following MI was observed in both the binocular and monocular segments of the dLGN. With increasing age, the capacity for inactivation to alter postsynaptic cell size diminished but was still significant beyond the critical period. In comparison to MD, inactivation produced effects that were about double in magnitude and exhibited efficacy at older ages. Notwithstanding the large neural alterations precipitated by MI, its effects were remediated with a short period of binocular experience, and vision through the previously inactivated eye fully recovered. These results demonstrate that MI is a potent means of modifying the visual pathway and does so at ages when occlusion is ineffective. The efficacy and longevity of inactivation to elicit plasticity highlight its potential to ameliorate disorders of the visual system such as amblyopia.
Multifunctional materials with controllable superwettability for oil–water separation and removal of pollutants: Design, emerging applications, and challenges
Authors: Wang Yiwen , Wang Wenbo
Published: May 2023

The water pollution problem caused by large‐scale industrial activity is becoming increasingly serious, which not only poses a major threat to the ecosystem and human health but also seriously impedes the green and sustainable development of modern society. It is urgent to efficiently purify stubborn wastewater containing oils and other pollutants to eliminate their harm to human and environment. Therefore, it is desirable to develop multifunctional materials that can simultaneously remove oil and various pollutants or microorganisms by filtration or absorption methods to meet the practical demand for highly effective purification of wastewater with complex components. This paper summarizes the latest research progress on the “oil removal” and “water removal” materials capable of purifying complex oily wastewater and their applications in adsorption, photocatalytic degradation, antibacterial, magnetic recovery, and others. The producing routes of multifunctional materials by constructing variable wettability surfaces and introducing functional components were summarized, and the mechanism of multifunctional materials in removing oil and various pollutants was discussed. On the basis of summarizing the types, compositions, and conventional separation technologies of oil‐bearing wastewater, the preparation methods and applications of the widely concerned convertible materials with complex wettability are also introduced, and the challenges and future development trends of efficient multifunctional oil–water separation and pollutant purification materials are proposed. It is expected to provide a reference for the development of more high‐performance multifunctional purification materials.
The Effect of Constant Potential on the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Activity of M2CO2 and M2NO2 MXenes
Authors: Wan Pifang , Tang Qing
Published: May 2023

Two‐dimensional transition metal carbides and nitrides (MXenes) have been widely explored as electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, current theoretical understanding of the MXene activity mainly relies on the charge neutral method, which neglects the charge effect from the electrode potential. In this work, using hydrogen adsorption as the testing probe, we compared the HER activity of M2CO2 and M2NO2 MXenes via the constant potential method (CPM) and charge neutral method (CNM) computations. The results indicate that the CNM overestimates the H adsorption strength on most MXenes, and the difference in H adsorption free energy between CNM and CPM enlarges with the increase of potential. The
difference is mainly caused by the potential induced charge effects, which affect the chemical reactivity and become more evident at the higher potential. Particularly, the Mo2CO2 is HER more active than Ti2CO2 under CPM computations, which contrasts with the CNM results but shows good agreement with the experiment. We introduced a descriptor φ related to the Fermi‐level and geometric properties of MXenes, which is highly correlated with the adsorption strength of H and can be applied as an effective activity descriptor. Our work advances the understanding of the effect of potential on HER and can be extended to other electrochemical reactions in MXene.
Nitrogen Uptake Efficiency: A Measurement for Improving Nutrient Management in Wheat
Authors: Esser Aaron
Published: May 2023

Nutrient management, and more specifically nitrogen management, is important for the bottom line and is an integral part of soil health. Conducting a post‐harvest assessment of yield, grain protein levels, and nutrient uptake efficiency is a vital part of an effective nutrient management plan. This article demonstrates the use of a tool to do this. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Nutrient Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.
Circulating cardiac MicroRNAs safeguard against dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Cheng Xiaolei , Jian Dongdong , Xing Junyue , Liu Cihang , Liu Yong , Cui Cunying , Li Zhen , Wang Shixing , Li Ran , Ma Xiaohan , Wang Yingying , Gu Xiaoping , Ge Zhenwei , Tang Hao , Liu Lin
Published: May 2023

Background

Cardiac‐resident or ‐enriched microRNAs (miRNAs) could be released into the bloodstream becoming circulating cardiac miRNAs, which are increasingly recognized as non‐invasive and accessible biomarkers of multiple heart diseases. However, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)‐associated circulating miRNAs (DACMs) and their roles in DCM pathogenesis remain largely unexplored.

Methods

Two human cohorts, consisting of healthy individuals and DCM patients, were enrolled for serum miRNA sequencing (10 vs. 10) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction validation (46 vs. 54), respectively. Rigorous screening strategy was enacted to define DACMs and their potentials for diagnosis. DCM mouse model, different sources of cardiomyocytes, adeno‐associated virus 9 (AAV9), gene knockout, RNAscope miRNA in situ hybridization, mRFP‐GFP‐LC3B reporter, echocardiography and transmission electron microscopy were adopted for mechanistic explorations.

Results

Serum miRNA sequencing revealed a unique expression pattern for DCM circulating miRNAs. DACMs miR‐26a‐5p, miR‐30c‐5p, miR‐126‐5p and miR‐126‐3p were found to be depleted in DCM circulation as well as heart tissues. Their expressions in circulation and heart tissues were proven to be correlated significantly, and a combination of these miRNAs was suggested potential values for DCM diagnosis. FOXO3, a predicted common target, was experimentally demonstrated to be co‐repressed within cardiomyocytes by these DACMs except miR‐26a‐5p. Delivery of a combination of miR‐30c‐5p, miR‐126‐5p and miR‐126‐3p into the murine myocardium via AAV9 carrying an expression cassette driven by cTnT promoter, or cardiac‐specific knockout of FOXO3 (Myh6‐CreERT2, FOXO3 flox+/+) dramatically attenuated cardiac apoptosis and autophagy involved in DCM progression. Moreover, competitively disrupting the interplay between DACMs and FOXO3 mRNA by specifically introducing their interacting regions into murine myocardium crippled the cardioprotection of DACMs against DCM.

Conclusions

Circulating cardiac miRNA‐FOXO3 axis plays a pivotal role in safeguarding against myocardial apoptosis and excessive autophagy in DCM development, which may provide serological cues for DCM non‐invasive diagnosis and shed light on DCM pathogenesis and therapeutic targets.