bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Child Pragmatic Development
Authors: Cekaite Asta
Published: June 2023

Child pragmatic development involves children's acquisition of communicative competences, that is, learning how to use language, in order to understand and communicate with others appropriately in an expanding range of social contexts. The aim of this entry is to describe the main research perspectives on child pragmatic development, introduce the areas and methods of their inquiry, and review their findings. The entry discusses research on children's speech acts, conversational skills, politeness and social parameters of language use, and extended discourse genres such as narratives, explanations, arguments, and conflict talk.
Interviews in Qualitative Research
Authors: Roulston Kathryn
Published: June 2023

Qualitative interviews are widely used in qualitative and mixed methods research designs in applied linguistics, including case studies, ethnographies, interview studies, and narrative research. This entry discusses commonly used forms of interviews and provides examples to show how researchers use interview accounts to generate knowledge about topics in applied linguistics. Steps in the design of qualitative studies using interviews include formulating research questions that can be examined using interviews, considering sampling and selection criteria, developing an interview guide, submitting proposals for ethical review, and recruiting participants. Examples of interview questions and innovations in interview methods are discussed, including dialogic forms of interviews, online interviewing, approaches to elicitation, and mobile methods. Theorizations of interviews discussed in applied linguistics are reviewed along with issues related to the transcription, translation, and analysis of interview data. The entry concludes by discussing the assessment of quality and the future of interview research.
Researching Phonology: Mixed Methods Research
Authors: Isaacs Talia
Published: June 2023

This entry reports on two mixed method studies in phonological research showing how the use of both quantitative and qualitative methods was essential for better understanding the complex constructs of intelligibility and comprehensibility, broadly defined as listeners' perceptions of how easily they understand second language (L2) English speech. Study 1 examined whether intelligibility is an adequate goal and appropriate criterion for assessing L2 pronunciation proficiency in the academic domain. Speech samples of international graduate students from different language backgrounds were elicited using tasks from a standardized test often used to screen international teaching assistants at North American universities. Results of a fine‐grained analysis of the speech combined with undergraduate students' intelligibility ratings suggested that intelligibility, though an adequate assessment criterion, is a necessary but insufficient condition for graduate students to instruct undergraduate courses as teaching assistants. Study 2 was grounded in the need to better understand which linguistic aspects underlie comprehensibility, given the shortcomings of modeling this construct in rating scales (e.g., vague descriptors). The research deliverables—preliminary L2 English comprehensibility rating scale guidelines—were informed by both raters' perspectives of the most salient influences on their L2 comprehensibility ratings and the linguistic measures that most efficiently distinguished between low, intermediate, and high L2 comprehensibility levels. The studies differ in the timing of data collection, with the first study representing a concurrent mixed methods design, and the second typifying a sequential mixed methods design. Both studies are enriched and their results strengthened through the use of different but complementary sources of evidence.
Poststructuralism
Authors: Norton Bonny , Morgan Brian
Published: June 2023

Drawing on two critical incidents in classroom contexts, Norton and Morgan make the case that poststructuralism is relevant to applied linguistics because of three central characteristics: First, poststructuralism constitutes a set of theoretical stances that serve to critique prevailing assumptions regarding the sources and nature of identity and the rational, humanist subject of the Enlightenment, particularly with respect to the construct of investment. Second, poststructuralism critiques the conditions and foundations of knowledge, particularly with reference to its apparent objectivity and universal applicability. Third, poststructuralism critiques the representational capacities of language and texts, foregrounding their intertextuality, multivocality, and indeterminacy. Through an analysis of the two critical incidents, Norton and Morgan highlight how meaning is constructed across time and space, how identities and investments are implicated in meaning‐making, and how knowledge and power are inextricably linked.
Pragmatic Routines
Authors: Bardovi‐Harlig Kathleen
Published: June 2023

Pragmatic routines, a general term for formulaic language in pragmatics, cover bothconventional expressionsthat are linked to specific linguistic and nonlinguistic contexts andpragmatic routines, used narrowly in the literature to describe expressions that are associated with speech acts. Conventional expressions includeNice to meet you, in response to an introduction, andThanks, you too!as a reciprocal wish in response toHave a good day!or other good wishes; examples of pragmatic routines (in a narrow sense) includeThat's right, That's true,andYou're rightandI agree, among others, for agreements. Pragmatic routines (in the broad sense) are a pragmalinguistic resource and generally convey the illocutionary force of the utterance, meaning that they tell the listener what speech act the speaker is performing. Pragmatic routines are shared by speech communities and vary regionally. This entry considers how researchers identify pragmatic routines using observation, elicited production, and corpus searches and discusses the importance of establishing community‐wide use of formulaic language in pragmatics, whether for research or teaching purposes. The entry then reviews research on pragmatic routines in second language acquisition research, discussing the lexical, grammatical, and pragmatic dimensions of pragmatic routines, and ends by considering research on the influence of proficiency, learning context, and instruction.
Tense and Aspect
Authors: Bardovi‐Harlig Kathleen
Published: June 2023

The study of “tense and aspect” includes three distinct but related concepts,tense,grammatical aspect, andlexical aspect. In nonspecialist and pedagogical literature, they are often conflated under the termtense.Tenselocates an event or situation on the time line.Grammatical aspectprovides a means of expressing one's view of a situation or event. Bothtenseandgrammatical aspectrefer to categories of verbal morphology. In contrast,lexical aspectdeals with the semantics of a predicate. For example, a predicate may express a state or an action (compareJohn seems happyandJohn swims) or an action with duration (John changed the tire) or without duration (John recognized Mary). This entry presents the general characteristics of the acquisition of second language tense–aspect systems and then considers the aspect hypothesis that links tense, grammatical aspect, and lexical aspect in three predictions concerning the emergence and spread of perfective past, imperfective past, and morphological progressive across lexical aspectual categories as well as in narrative foreground and background. The four main variables investigated with regard to the aspect hypothesis—proficiency, language transfer, input, and task effects—are also reviewed.
Pragmatics and Discourse Analysis
Authors: Vásquez Camilla , Kreis Ramona
Published: June 2023

Pragmatics and discourse analysis are two distinct, yet interrelated, fields of study that both encompass a wide range of research approaches and perspectives. While pragmatics began as a domain of formal linguistics concerned with meaning at the utterance level, over the past three decades, the scope of pragmatics research has shifted to focus on meaning in larger stretches of discourse. Moreover, the scope of context considered in the interpretation of situated meanings has expanded in contemporary discursive pragmatics research, with much of this socially oriented scholarship absorbing influences from adjacent disciplines. Currently, multimodal approaches to discourse analysis (MDA) are growing in influence in pragmatics research because of their potential to account for meaning‐making systems that extend beyond the linguistic. This entry provides a brief historical overview outlining the relationship between pragmatics and discourse analysis, discusses several of the dominant theoretical influences on discursive approaches to pragmatics, and presents some of the major characteristics of empirical work on discursive pragmatics.
Task‐Based Pragmatics Teaching
Authors: Gonzalez‐Lloret Marta
Published: June 2023

Although not always present in language learning curriculums, the teaching of pragmatics is essential for learners to function in a new language with not just fluency and accuracy but also in an appropriate manner that is recognized as such by the speakers of that community. In order to do this, language learners need to understand the sociocultural norms of the target language (the sociopragmatics) and they need to be able to choose the suitable language to realize those norms (the pragmalinguistics). Although this can be accomplished without instruction, we now have enough aggregated research that suggests that pragmatic instruction helps. This entry proposes that using tasks within a well‐developed methodology such as task‐based language teaching is an ideal manner to introduce pragmatics in the foreign/second language classroom.
Digital Games and Pragmatics Learning
Authors: Tang Xiaofei
Published: June 2023

As a type of computer‐assisted learning program, digital games have been shown as a promising platform for second language learning. Researchers have advocated for the potential benefits of games for pragmatics learning because games can immerse learners in a variety of social contexts. Although small in volume, emerging research has examined the use of digital games and gamelike virtual environments in facilitating second language pragmatics learning. This entry presents an overview of the usability, benefits, and challenges of using digital games in second language pragmatics learning based on findings from empirical research.
Bilingualism and Executive Functioning
Authors: de Bruin Angela
Published: June 2023

Speaking two or more languages requires a bilingual to choose the contextually appropriate language(s), select words in that language, and avoid interference from the language that is not currently in use. This is known as language control. Language‐control mechanisms may overlap with domain‐general control mechanisms that are also used for other, nonlanguage purposes such as not being distracted by irrelevant information or multitasking. Research has examined whether this may lead to better cognitive functioning in bilinguals as compared to monolinguals, for example, on tasks tapping into inhibition, switching, or attention. The results of this body of research are very mixed, with some finding that bilinguals are better at inhibiting irrelevant information or at switching between tasks. However, other studies find no differences between bi‐ and monolinguals. Recent meta‐analyses suggest that differences might be small at best and potentially limited to specific bilinguals or tasks. Ongoing research in this area has therefore shifted to better understanding the relationship between language control and executive control
within
bilinguals, with a focus on individual differences in how bilinguals use and switch between languages.
Pragmatics as a Pedagogical Target
Authors: Bardovi‐Harlig Kathleen
Published: June 2023

Pragmatics is the study of language use. It encompasses how speakers say what to whom in a given speech community. The teaching of pragmatics involves helping language learners learn what to say in situations (sociopragmatics) and how to say it (pragmalinguistics) as well as what not to say. Different languages, cultures, and speech communities often have different pragmatics, which creates the need to learn pragmatics along with other aspects of language. Research into the effect of instruction on pragmatics shows that instruction is effective across a range of learner and contextual variables including proficiency, instructional context, types of instruction, pragmatic targets, and ways in which development is measured. Although pragmatics researchers have demonstrated that the effects of instruction on pragmatics are very robust, the teaching of pragmatics in language classrooms lags behind more traditional areas of teaching, such as grammar and pronunciation. This entry discusses what pragmatics is, what makes it an important target of instruction and how it is different from traditional areas of teaching, the relation of pragmatics to existing approaches to teaching, and pedagogical proposals for teaching pragmatics. It then reviews the major findings of instructional effect studies and what challenges have to be met in order to see curriculum‐level integration of pragmatics and what possible solutions might be. The entry ends by considering possible future directions for the teaching of pragmatics.
Corpus Linguistics as a Pedagogical Tool
Authors: Tracy‐Ventura Nicole , Braidi Susan M.
Published: June 2023

This entry describes how corpus linguistics and corpora have been utilized in language teaching, both in direct and indirect ways. First, we explain the many ways that corpora can support learning, in particular with data‐driven learning and corpus‐based reference works. Next, we describe how corpora can support teaching, highlighting how corpora provide empirically based evidence about the frequency of different words and phrases across registers, how concordancing programs can help us explore the meanings of words and phrases in context, and how corpora provide a source of authentic language that can be especially important in foreign language contexts in which access to naturalistic language is limited. We conclude the entry by discussing challenges to utilizing corpora in language teaching (e.g., limited teacher training), and highlighting some areas for future research.
Improvement of Freeze‐Thaw Resistance of Concrete by Polyvinyl Alcohol Membrane and Silane
Authors: Kang Shun , Wu Haikuan , Lu Huijun , Li Ning , Liu Changwu , Shu Zhile
Published: June 2023

The surface protection can improve the waterproofness of concrete, thus reducing the saturation inside and improving the freeze‐thaw resistance (FT). Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) membranes with different thicknesses and silane with varying impregnation depths are selected to improve the FT resistance of concrete as surface protection. The damage morphology, mass variation, ultrasonic pulse velocity, and mechanical characteristics of concrete after 125 FT times are analyzed according to the slow freezing method, and the damage mechanism is studied by scanning electron microscope in different depths of concrete. The results show that PVA membrane can improve the FT resistance of concrete and do better than silane because the silane can only keep dry inside the concrete but the surface still spalls off. And, the protection effect of PVA is a negative correlation with membrane thickness because the thicker the PVA membrane the better the air tightness and the membrane is easier damaged. On a microscopic level, the damage of PVA‐protected concrete is gradually weakened from the surface of concrete to inside, and there is an obvious boundary between the damaged and undamaged zone of silane‐protected concrete. This article provides a new idea for FT protection of concrete.
Atomic‐Scale Configuration Enables Fast Hydrogen Migration for Electrocatalysis of Acidic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Wang Yaobin , Lu Qian , Li Feng , Guan Daqin , Bu Yunfei
Published: June 2023

The efficiency of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysts under acidic conditions is largely determined by the equilibrium of hydrogen adsorption/desorption on the catalyst surface. A promising strategy for enhancing the performance of multimetal‐supported HER electrocatalysts is the utilization of hydrogen spillover. However, current heterostructured catalysts often present challenges such as high interfacial transport barriers, extended reaction paths, and intricate synthesis processes. Addressing these limitations, a novel orthorhombic SrHf1−xRuxO3−δ perovskite oxide is proposed as an exemplary model for an atomic‐level configuration design strategy. This material exhibits a unique synergistic effect of multiple atomic‐level catalytic sites between Hf/Ru pairs, overcoming the aforementioned challenges. This study presents a new cooperative mechanism for HER, consisting of three steps: proton adsorption on the Hf site, hydrogen migration via a strong O‐bridge site, and H2 detachment from the Ru active site. The high conductivity and unusual charge redistribution within the Hf‐O‐Ru structure further enhance the specific acidic HER activity of SrHf1−xRuxO3−δ. This research paves the way for designing high‐performance HER catalysts for acidic media, leveraging hydrogen spillover and atomic‐scale configurations. The findings have significant implications for the development of efficient, cost‐effective, and environmentally friendly hydrogen production technologies.
Multifunctional Electrolyte Additives for Better Metal Batteries
Authors: Zhu Yuxuan , Ge Mengya , Ma Fengcan , Wang Qinghong , Huang Peng , Lai Chao
Published: June 2023

The high energy density of rechargeable metal (Li, Na, and Zn) batteries has garnered a lot of interest. However, the poor cycle stability and low Coulomb efficiency(CE), which are mostly brought on by side reactions and dendrite development on the metal anode, place a cap on commercialization. The rational design of electrolytes via incorporating a small dose of additives is a simple, yet effect strategy to address the above issues. The majority of additives govern uniform metal deposition and significantly improve the cycling performance of metal anodes. However, the battery is a complex system and the electrolyte affects both the anode and cathode. Complex reactions during discharge/charge process put forward higher requirements for the functionality of electrolytes, such as improving the stability of the cathode and flame retardant. Thus, multifunctional additives are necessary and have more advantages in building high‐performance metal batteries. The recent developments in multifunctional additives for stable and dendrite‐free Li/Na/Zn anodes are the major focus of this review. Breakthrough research on multifunctional additives toward the durable cathode and high‐compatible electrolytes is also highlighted. Finally, the critical challenges and new perspectives on the optimization of electrolyte formulation via multifunctional additives are emphasized. This review will provide important insight to develop more effective electrolytes for high‐performance rechargeable metal batteries.
Organic Diamine‐Regulated Vanadium Oxides as Cathode Materials for High‐Performance Sodium Ion Batteries
Authors: Han Xu , Qiu Tianyu , Li Meiwei , Du Jing , Tang Wensi , Cheng Sihang , Yao Ruiqi , Li Yingqi , Tan Huaqiao , Wang Yonghui , Li Yangguang
Published: June 2023

Pre‐intercalating ions between VO layers is considered to be an effective strategy to modulate the interlayer spacing of 2D vanadium oxides. However, the rigid pre‐intercalated ions hardly keep stable during repeated charging/discharging process and their sizes limit the extent of interlayer spacing expansion, which inevitably lead to poor rate capability and cycle stability. In this work, aliphatic diamines are adopted as pre‐intercalated guests to elastically modulate the interlayer spacing of VO layers by tuning the chain length of the organic diamine molecules. Benefiting from the strong interaction between the terminal doubly protonated amine and the polar negative oxygen bridge of the VO layers, the aliphatic diamine molecules can act as a structural stabilizer between the layers and boost fast Na ion diffusion (10−8 to 10−10 cm2 s−1). The sodium ion battery based on the first synthesized 1,6‐hexanediamine pre‐intercalated vanadium oxide supported on nickel foam hybrid cathode achieves a large specific capacity of 597 mAh g−1 at 0.09 A g−1, as well as superior rate performance and cycling stability. This work provides a strategy to elastically modulate 2D layered materials with tunable interlayer spacing for batteries based on large‐size‐ions.
Directional Reconstruction of Iron Oxides to Active Sites for Superior Water Oxidation
Authors: Liu Hai‐Jun , Zhang Shuo , Yang Wen‐Yu , Yu Ning , Liu Chun‐Ying , Chai Yong‐Ming , Dong Bin
Published: June 2023

Rationally constructing and manipulating the in situ formed catalytically active surface of catalysts remains a tremendous challenge for a highly efficient water electrolysis. Herein, an anion and cation co‐induced strategy is presented to modulate in situ catalyst dissolution‐redeposition and to achieve the directional reconstruction of Zn and S co‐doped Fe2O3 and Fe3O4 on iron foams (Zn,S‐Fe2O3‐Fe3O4/IF), for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Benefiting from Zn, S co‐doping and the presence of Fe3O4, a directionally reconstructed surface is obtained. The Fe2O3 in the Zn,S‐Fe2O3‐Fe3O4/IF is directionally reconstructed into FeOOH (Zn,S‐Fe3O4‐FeOOH/IF), in which the S leaching promotes the Fe dissolution and the Zn co‐deposition regulates the activity of the obtained FeOOH. Moreover, the presence of Fe3O4 provides a stable site for FeOOH deposition, and thus causes more FeOOH active components to be formed. Directionally reconstructed Zn,S‐Fe3O4‐FeOOH/IF outperformes many state‐of‐the‐art OER catalysts and demonstrates a remarkable stability. The experimental and density functional theory (DFT) calculation results show that the introduction of Zn‐doped FeOOH with abundant oxygen vacancies through directional reconstruction has activated lattice O atoms, facilitating the OER process on the heterojunction surface following the lattice oxygen mechanism (LOM) pathway. This work makes a stride in co‐induced strategy modulating directional reconstruction.
Redox Homeostasis Disruptors Based on Metal‐Phenolic Network Nanoparticles for Chemo/Chemodynamic Synergistic Tumor Therapy through Activating Apoptosis and Cuproptosis
Authors: Zhao Fan , Yu Hongyan , Liang Liying , Wang Chen , Shi Dier , Zhang Xiangyu , Ying Yao , Cai Wei , Li Wangchang , Li Juan , Zheng Jingwu , Qiao Liang , Che Shenglei , Yu Jing
Published: June 2023

The combination of chemo/chemodynamic therapy is a promising strategy for improving antitumor efficacy. Herein, metal‐phenolic network nanoparticles (NPs) self‐assembled from copper ions and gallic acid (Cu‐GA) are developed to evoke apoptosis and cuproptosis for synergistic chemo/chemodynamic therapy. The Cu‐GA NPs are biodegraded in response to the highly expressed glutathione (GSH) in tumor cells, resulting in the simultaneous release of Cu+ and GA. The intracellular GSH content is dramatically reduced by the released GA, rendering the tumor cells incapable of scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and more susceptible to cuproptosis. Meanwhile, ROS levels within the tumor cells are significantly increased by the Fenton‐like reaction of released Cu+, which disrupts redox homeostasis and achieves apoptosis‐related chemodynamic therapy. Moreover, massive accumulation of Cu+ in the tumor cells further induces aggregation of lipoylated dihydrolipoamide S‐acetyltransferase and downregulation of iron‐sulfur cluster protein, activating cuproptosis to enhance the antitumor efficacy of Cu‐GA NPs. The experiments in vivo further demonstrate that Cu‐GA NPs exhibited the excellent biosafety and superior antitumor capacity, which can efficiently inhibit the growth of tumors due to the activation by the tumor specific GSH and hydrogen peroxide. These Cu‐based metal‐phenolic network NPs provide a potential strategy to build up efficient and safe cancer therapy.
Coplanar Conformational Structure of π‐Conjugated Polymers for Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: Xu Man , Wei Chuanxin , Zhang Yunlong , Chen Jiefeng , Li Hao , Zhang Jingrui , Sun Lili , Liu Bin , Lin Jinyi , Yu Mengna , Xie Linghai , Huang Wei
Published: June 2023

Hierarchical structure of conjugated polymers is critical to dominating their optoelectronic properties and applications. Compared to nonplanar conformational segments, coplanar conformational segments of conjugated polymers (CPs) demonstrate favorable properties for applications as a semiconductor. Herein, recent developments in the coplanar conformational structure of CPs for optoelectronic devices are summarized. First, this review comprehensively summarizes the unique properties of planar conformational structures. Second, the characteristics of the coplanar conformation in terms of optoelectrical properties and other polymer physics characteristics are emphasized. Five primary characterization methods for investigating the complanate backbone structures are illustrated, providing a systematical toolbox for studying this specific conformation. Third, internal and external conditions for inducing the coplanar conformational structure are presented, offering guidelines for designing this conformation. Fourth, the optoelectronic applications of this segment, such as light‐emitting diodes, solar cells, and field‐effect transistors, are briefly summarized. Finally, a conclusion and outlook for the coplanar conformational segment regarding molecular design and applications are provided.
Defect‐Hydrogen Interactions in Top‐Anode Oxide Semiconductor Schottky Barrier Diode
Authors: Liu Fayang , Pan Wengao , Zheng Dawei , Cai Zeyu , Zhang Shengdong , Li Guijun , Tseng Man‐Chun , Yeung Fion Sze Yan , Lu Lei
Published: June 2023

As amorphous oxide semiconductors (AOSs) are hotly pursued for advanced displays, flexible electronics, optoelectronics, and neuromorphic systems, the AOS Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) have been tried only using the mainstream amorphous InGaZnO (a‐IGZO) and the conservative bottom‐anode structure. To deepen the study on AOS SBDs, the more challenging top‐anode SBD is developed in this work using a versatile but vulnerable AOS, amorphous InZnO (a‐IZO). Unsurprisingly, the Schottky interface defects are seriously increased by the top‐anode process and the defective a‐IZO, which cannot be effectively passivated using the incumbent oxidizing treatments. The hydrogenation is proposed to considerably suppress these annoying interface defects and thus correspondingly reduces the large leakage current, while the hydrogen doping easily deteriorates a‐IGZO SBD. The underlying mechanism of such distinction is revealed to be the tricky interactions between defect and hydrogen in AOSs. Based on the sophisticated utilization of such defect‐hydrogen interplay, the a‐IZO/a‐IGZO stack is hydrogenated together to simultaneously realize a high‐conductivity bulk and low‐defect interface, noticeably enhancing the performance metrics. Such top‐anode SBD based on hydrogenated multilayer AOSs successfully blazes a novel evolution path for AOS SBDs.
Highly Efficient and Spectrum‐Tunable Hybrid Tandem White Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes Achieved by Strategic Exciton Management based on Ultrathin Emitting Layer Structures
Authors: Sun Weidong , Jiao Shujie , Li Shuaibing , Zhang Danyang , Xia Xiaoyang , Zhou Liang
Published: June 2023

Highly efficient hybrid white organic light‐emitting diodes (WOLEDs) featuring a tunable spectrum are constructed based on a tandem structure composed of a blue thermally activated delayed fluorescent (TADF) unit and a bluish‐green TADF/red phosphorescent unit (inserting red ultrathin light‐emitting layer (EML) into bluish‐green EML). The direct carriers’ trapping and multi‐channels energy transfer onto red phosphorescent molecules help to enhance red light preferentially, thus realizing re‐adjustment of the spectrum with increasing driving voltage. Finally, the corresponding WOLED exhibits the maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 44.26%, along with the shift of correlated color temperature (CCT) from 8945 K at 1000 cd m−2 to 5836 K at 5000 cd m−2, and thus to 5078 K at 10 000 cd m−2, achieving efficient spectrum‐tunable cool WOLED. Moreover, by introducing an ultrathin red TADF EML, the obtained WOLED (EQE of 35.67%) achieves obvious variations in chromaticity coordinates and CCT from (0.292, 0.296) and 8469 K at 1000 cd m−2 to (0.352, 0.355) and 4744 K at 5000 cd m−2, and thus to (0.389, 0.397) and 3930 K at 10 000 cd m−2, exhibiting abroad color shift from cool to warm white.
Single‐Solvent‐Based Electrolyte Enabling a High‐Voltage Lithium‐Metal Battery with Long Cycle Life
Authors: Li Yuanqin , Liu Mingzhu , Wang Kang , Li Chengfeng , Lu Ying , Choudhary Aditya , Ottley Taylor , Bedrov Dmitry , Xing Lidan , Li Weishan
Published: June 2023

The application of Li‐metal‐anodes (LMA) can significantly improve the energy density of state‐of‐the‐art lithium ion batteries. Lots of new electrolyte systems have been developed to form a stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) films, thereby achieving long‐term cycle stability of LMA. Unfortunately, the common problem faced by these electrolytes is poor oxidation stability, which rarely supports the cycling of high‐voltage Li‐metal batteries (LMBs). In this work, a new single‐component solvent dimethoxy(methyl)(3,3,3‐trifluoropropyl) silane is proposed. The electrolyte composed of this solvent and 3 m LiFSI salt successfully supports the long‐term cycle stability of limited‐Li (50 µm)||high loading LiCoO2 (≈20 mg cm−2) cell at 4.6 V. Experiments and theoretical research results show that the outstanding performance of the electrolyte in high‐voltage LMBs is mainly attributed to its unique solvation structures and its great ability to build a highly stable and robust interphase on the surface of LMA and high‐voltage cathodes. Interestingly, this proposed electrolyte system builds a stable SEI film rich in LiF and Li3N on the surface of LMA by improving the two‐electron reduction activity of FSI− without adding LiNO3, the well‐known additive used for LMBs. The design idea of the proposed electrolyte can guide the development of high‐voltage LMBs.
From inequity to access: Evidence‐based institutional practices to enhance care for individuals with disabilities
Authors: Rotoli Jason , Poffenberger Cori , Backster Anika , Sapp Richard , Modi Payal , Stehman Christine R. , Mirus Carl , Johnson Luke , Siegelman Jeffrey N. , Coates Wendy C.
Published: June 2023

People with disabilities experience barriers to care in all facets of health care, from engaging with the provider in a clinical setting (attitudinal and communication barriers) to navigating a large institution in a complex health care environment (organizational and environmental barriers), culminating in significant health care disparities. Institutional policy, culture, and physical layout may be inadvertently fostering ableism, which can perpetuate health care inaccessibility and health disparities in the disability community. Here, we present evidence‐based interventions at the provider and institutional levels to accommodate patients with hearing, vision, and intellectual disabilities. Institutional barriers can be met with strategies of universal design (i.e., accessible exam rooms and emergency alerts), maximizing electronic medical record accessibility/visibility, and institutional policy development to recognize and reduce discrimination. Barriers at the provider level can be met with dedicated training on care of patients with disabilities and implicit bias training specific to the surrounding patient demographics. Such efforts are crucial to ensuring equitable access to quality care for these patients.
Energetic costs of testosterone in two subsistence populations
Authors: Trumble Benjamin C. , Pontzer Herman , Stieglitz Jonathan , Cummings Daniel K. , Wood Brian , Emery Thompson Melissa , Raichlen David , Beheim Bret , Yetish Gandhi , Kaplan Hillard , Gurven Michael
Published: June 2023

Objective

Testosterone plays a role in mediating energetic trade‐offs between growth, maintenance, and reproduction. Investments in a high testosterone phenotype trade‐off against other functions, particularly survival‐enhancing immune function and cellular repair; thus only individuals in good condition can maintain both a high testosterone phenotype and somatic maintenance. While these effects are observed in experimental manipulations, they are difficult to demonstrate in free‐living animals, particularly in humans. We hypothesize that individuals with higher testosterone will have higher energetic expenditures than those with lower testosterone.

Methods

Total energetic expenditure (TEE) was quantified using doubly labeled water in n = 40 Tsimane forager‐horticulturalists (50% male, 18–87 years) and n = 11 Hadza hunter‐gatherers (100% male, 18–65 years), two populations living subsistence lifestyles, high levels of physical activity, and high infectious burden. Urinary testosterone, TEE, body composition, and physical activity were measured to assess potential physical and behavioral costs associated with a high testosterone phenotype.

Results

Endogenous male testosterone was significantly associated with energetic expenditure, controlling for fat free mass; a one standard deviation increase in testosterone is associated with the expenditure of an additional 96–240 calories per day.

Discussion

These results suggest that a high testosterone phenotype, while beneficial for male reproduction, is also energetically expensive and likely only possible to maintain in healthy males in robust condition.
Risk Factors associated with Recurrent Acute Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Behnke John , Asadi Zayd Al , Lombardo Dominic , Cui Ruifeng , Ramadan Hassan H. , Makary Chadi A.
Published: June 2023

Key points

Few studies have evaluated the association of recurrent acute rhinosinusitis (RARS) with other comorbidities.

Allergic rhinitis, asthma, primary antibody deficiency, and autoimmune disorders are associated with RARS.

Evaluation for these comorbidities should be considered when treating patients with RARS.
Hippocampal sclerosis of aging at post‐mortem is evident on MRI more than a decade prior
Authors: Ortega‐Cruz Diana , Iglesias Juan Eugenio , Rabano Alberto , Strange Bryan A.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Hippocampal sclerosis of aging (HS) is an important component of combined dementia neuropathology. However, the temporal evolution of its histologically‐defined features is unknown. We investigated pre‐mortem longitudinal hippocampal atrophy associated with HS, as well as with other dementia‐associated pathologies.

Methods

We analyzed hippocampal volumes from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) segmentations in 64 dementia patients with longitudinal MRI follow‐up and post‐mortem neuropathological evaluation, including HS assessment in the hippocampal head and body.

Results

Significant HS‐associated hippocampal volume changes were observed throughout the evaluated timespan, up to 11.75 years before death. These changes were independent of age and Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathology and were driven specifically by CA1 and subiculum atrophy. AD pathology, but not HS, was associated significantly with the rate of hippocampal atrophy.

Discussion

HS‐associated volume changes are detectable on MRI earlier than 10 years before death. Based on these findings, volumetric cutoffs could be derived for in vivo differentiation between HS and AD.

HIGHLIGHTS

Hippocampal atrophy was found in HS+ patients earlier than 10 years before death.

These early pre‐mortem changes were driven by reduced CA1 and subiculum volumes.

Rates of hippocampus and subfield volume decline were independent of HS.

In contrast, steeper atrophy rates were associated with AD pathology burden.

Differentiation between AD and HS could be facilitated based on these MRI findings.
Hierarchical LTL Zeolite as an Efficient and Sustainable Solid Acid Catalyst for Replacing HCl in the Production of Polyurethane Intermediates
Authors: Lee Susung , Park Younghwan , Baik Yaejun , Kim Jeong‐Chul , Lee Yongjin , Choi Minkee
Published: June 2023

In many industrially important reactions, caustic mineral acid catalysts have been successfully replaced with green solid acids such as zeolites. In this context, extensive efforts have been devoted to replacing HCl to produce methylenedianiline (MDA), a key intermediate in polyurethane production. Unfortunately, limited success has been achieved thus far due to low activity, selectivity towards the desired 4,4′‐MDA, and rapid catalyst deactivation. Here we report that meso‐/microporous hierarchical LTL zeolite exhibits unprecedentedly high activity, selectivity, and stability. The one‐dimensional cage‐like micropores of LTL promote the bimolecular reaction between two para‐aminobenzylaniline intermediates to selectively produce 4,4′‐MDA and inhibit the formation of undesired isomers and heavy oligomers. Meanwhile, the secondary mesopores alleviate mass transfer limitations, resulting in a 7.8‐fold higher MDA formation rate compared to solely microporous LTL zeolite. Due to suppressed oligomer formation and fast mass transfer, the catalyst exhibits inappreciable deactivation in an industrially relevant continuous flow reactor.
ATP Drives the Formation of a Catalytic Hydrazone through an Energy Ratchet Mechanism
Authors: Marchetti Tommaso , Frezzato Diego , Gabrielli Luca , Prins Leonard J.
Published: June 2023

An energy ratchet mechanism is exploited for the synthesis of a molecule. In the presence of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), hydrazone‐bond formation between an aldehyde and hydrazide is accelerated and the composition at thermodynamic equilibrium is shifted towards the hydrazone. Enzymatic hydrolysis of ATP installs a kinetically stable state, at which hydrazone is present at a higher concentration compared to the composition at thermodynamic equilibrium in the presence of the degradation products of ATP. It is shown that the kinetic state has an enhanced catalytic activity in the hydrolysis of an RNA‐model compound.
Dual‐Site Activation Coupling with a Schottky Junction Boosts the Electrochemiluminescence of Carbon Nitride
Authors: Wu Zhichao , Wen Jing , Qin Ying , Ling Ling , Jiao Lei , Zhang Ruizhong , Luo Zhen , Xi Mengzhen , Hu Liuyong , Gu Wenling , Zhu Chengzhou
Published: June 2023

Robust electrochemiluminescence (ECL) of carbon nitride (CN) requires efficient electron‐hole recombination and the suppression of electrode passivation. In this work, Au nanoparticles and single atoms (AuSA+NP) loaded on CN serve as dual active sites that significantly accelerate charge transfer and activate peroxydisulfate. Meanwhile, the well‐established Schottky junctions between Au NPs and CN act as electron sinks, effectively trapping over‐injected electrons to prevent electrode passivation. As a result, the porous CN modified with AuSA+NP exhibits an enhanced and stable ECL emission, with a minimal relative standard deviation of 0.24 %. Furthermore, the designed ECL biosensor based on AuSA+NP‐CN shows a remarkable performance in detecting organophosphorus pesticides. This innovative strategy has the potential to offer new insights into strong and stable ECL emission for practical applications.
Production, health implications and applications of oleogels as fat replacer in food system: A review
Authors: Tan Tzyi Horng , Chan Eng‐Seng , Manja Maslia , Tang Teck‐Kim , Phuah Eng‐Tong , Lee Yee‐Ying
Published: June 2023

Various food formulations widely utilized solid fats to provide specific textural properties and sensory attributes. Partially hydrogenated oil was commonly used as solid fat before being banned by FDA recently because of the existence of trans fats. Oleogels, semi‐solid gel typically prepared from liquid vegetable oil and food‐grade oleogelators, is developed as an alternative for solid fats that is free of trans fat and low in saturated fats. Oleogels are prepared via indirect or direct oleogelation technology by which the liquid oil is entrapped in a three‐dimensional network with the aid of low molecular weight oleogelators (LMOGs) and high molecular weight oleogelators (HMOGs). Oleogels received tremendous attention from food scientists to be used in various food applications, particularly high‐fat products such as comminuted meat, chocolates, ice cream, shortening and margarine and even as a deep‐frying medium. They satisfy not only the current trends of consumers for healthy food products (free of trans fat and low in saturated fat) but also provide viscoelastic solid‐ and gel‐ like properties to structure high fat food products. More importantly, recent studies showed that oleogels tend to be metabolized differently from conventional fats and oils giving them an additional advantage in improving the nutritional value of high‐fat foods. Therefore, this review aims to provide an overview that captures the latest studies on oleogels from their production via direct dispersion and indirect dispersion methods, processing conditions that influence the physical properties, metabolism and health attributes as well as recent application in food products.
Conformation changes in stiff‐chain poly‐n‐butyl isocyanate. The dilute regime
Authors: Romo‐Uribe Angel , Rodriguez‐Talavera Rogelio , Hernandez‐Morales Maria Guadalupe
Published: June 2023

A change of conformation of the rod‐like poly‐n‐butyl isocyanate (PBIC), in the dilute regime, was induced by temperature and observed via an abrupt change of index of refraction increment, Δn, and of viscosity, η. PBIC was dissolved in carbon tetrachloride where it exhibits its most extended conformation, with persistence length of 15 nm. The index of refraction increment Δn and viscosity η were measured as a function of temperature in the dilute regime, that is, the concentration range below the threshold concentration c* where intermolecular interactions are negligible. Strikingly, increasing the temperature an abrupt change of Δn was observed, at a given solution concentration. The change of Δn is associated to a change in macromolecular size per the Clausius‐Mossotti relation. At the same solution concentration and temperature range, the shear viscosity also exhibited an abrupt increase Δη. This investigation showed that the conformation transition temperature Ttr is independent of the wavelength utilized to measure Δn, and it is an increasing function of the solution concentration and of PBIC molecular weight. Static light scattering confirmed that the sudden changes of Δn and η are not associated to macromolecular aggregation. Finally, the magnitude of the change of Δn and Δη was gradually reduced when increasing the solution concentration c, that is, when c > c*, therefore suggesting that the conformation transition was screened by intermolecular interactions.
Evaluation of the viscoelastic behavior, thermal transitions, and self‐healing efficiency of microcapsules‐based composites with and without a catalyst using dynamic mechanical analysis technique
Authors: Ahmed Abdalla , Ali Alamry , Alzahrani Bandar , Sanada Kazuaki
Published: June 2023

This comprehensive study investigates the viscoelastic behavior, thermal transitions, and self‐healing efficiency of microcapsule‐based composites with and without a catalyst. The composites consist of urea‐formaldehyde/dicyclopentadiene microcapsules embedded in an epoxy matrix, with the addition of Grubbs' catalyst. Our research examines the impact of repetitive dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) testing and the presence of Grubbs' catalyst on the composites' self‐healing efficiency and dynamic mechanical properties. Using laser microscopy, optical microscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis, we employ various characterization techniques to enhance our understanding of the composite behavior. The findings emphasize the importance of evaluating self‐healing efficiency through DMA, which is a reliable, expeditious, and non‐destructive method. The results show that incorporating Grubbs' catalyst significantly enhances the self‐healing performance of the composites, effectively mitigating the degradation of mechanical properties due to aging. Furthermore, the inclusion of catalyst particles improves stiffness, rigidity, and energy dissipation characteristics, facilitating the self‐healing process. However, careful consideration is necessary to balance mechanical properties and the glass transition temperature when designing self‐healing composites. This study demonstrates a promising self‐healing efficiency of approximately 73% and 44% in the second and third DMA tests, respectively, for composites containing microcapsules and Grubbs' catalyst.
Solvent‐Induced Modulation in the Optical Properties of Copper Nanoclusters and Revealing the Isomeric Effect of Templates
Authors: Mahato Paritosh , Thomas Amar S , Yadav Rahul , Rai Saurabh , Shekhar Shashi , Mukherjee Saptarshi
Published: June 2023

The solvent plays an influential role in controlling the nucleation process of metal nanoclusters (MNCs) and thereby significantly modulates their optical signatures. Herein, we have demonstrated the solvent‐induced modulation in the optical properties of copper nanoclusters (CuNCs), primarily governed by the solvent polarity. During the preparation of para‐mercaptobenzoic acid (p‐MBA)‐templated CuNCs, the simultaneous formation of blue‐emitting CuNCs (B‐CuNCs) and red‐emitting CuNCs (R‐CuNCs) were observed up to 7 h of reaction time, reflected from the systematic increment in the photoluminescence (PL) intensity at 420 nm and 615 nm, respectively. However, after 7 h of reaction time, the exclusive formation of B‐CuNCs was observed. Such simultaneous growth and depletion dynamics of CuNCs result in a significant modulation in their optical properties. The variation of the solvent from water to less polar solvents such as DMSO and DMF restricts this inter‐cluster dynamics by stabilizing both the CuNCs (B‐CuNCs and R‐CuNCs). Thereby, a single‐component White Light Emission (WLE) was realized in DMSO with CIE coordinates (0.37, 0.36). The isomeric effect of the templates has also been investigated which extensively controls the optical and catalytic properties of the CuNCs.
Design and Synthesis of Far‐Red to Near‐Infrared Chromophores with Pyrazine‐Based Boron Complexes
Authors: Takahashi Hiromasa , Watanabe Hiroyuki , Ito Shunichiro , Tanaka Kazuo , Chujo Yoshiki
Published: June 2023

We synthesized new binuclear boron complexes based on pyrazine with ortho and para substitution patterns. It was demonstrated that the para‐linked complexes possess a significantly narrow energy gap between highest occupied and lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (HOMO and LUMO), leading to their far‐red to near‐infrared emission properties. Meanwhile, the ortho‐substituted complex showed orange emission. Considering the HOMO and LUMO distributions of pyrazine, the boron complexation to the nitrogen atoms would stabilize its LUMO more efficiently than its HOMO because a nodal plane in the HOMO passes through the two nitrogen atoms. The theoretical study suggests that the para‐substitution would not significantly perturb such a characteristic HOMO distribution originating from pyrazine in stark contrast to the ortho‐substituted one. As a result, the HOMO‐LUMO gap of the para‐linked complex is dramatically narrower than that of the ortho‐linked one.