bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacts of packed bed polydispersity and deformation on fine particle transport
Authors: Vyas Dhairya R. , Gao Song , Umbanhowar Paul B. , Ottino Julio M. , Lueptow Richard M.
Published: June 2024

Static granular packings play a central role in numerous industrial applications and natural settings. In these situations, fluid or fine particle flow through a bed of static particles is heavily influenced by the narrowest passage connecting the pores of the packing, commonly referred to as pore throats, or constrictions. Existing studies predominantly assume monodisperse rigid particles, but this is an oversimplification of the problem. In this work, we illustrate the connection between pore throat size, polydispersity, and particle deformation in a packed bed of spherical particles. Simple analytical expressions are provided to link these properties of the packing, followed by examples from Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulations of fine particle percolation demonstrating the impact of polydispersity and particle deformation. Our intent is to emphasize the substantial impact of polydispersity and particle deformation on constriction size, underscoring the importance of accounting for these effects in particle transport in granular packings.
Effect of vigorous‐intensity physical activity on incident cognitive impairment in high‐risk hypertension
Authors: Kazibwe Richard , Schaich Christopher L. , Muhammad Ahmad Imtiaz , Epiu Isabella , Namutebi Juliana H. , Chevli Parag A. , Kazibwe Joseph , Hughes Timothy , Rikhi Rishi R. , Shapiro Michael D. , Yeboah Joseph
Published: June 2024

INTRODUCTION

We investigated the effect vigorous physical activity (VPA) on the risk of incident mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and probable dementia among individuals with high‐risk hypertension.

METHODS

Baseline self‐reported frequency of VPA was categorized into low VPA (<1 session/week), and high VPA (≥1 session/week). We used multivariate Cox regression analysis to examine the association of VPA categories with incident MCI and probable dementia events.

RESULTS

Participants in the high VPA category, compared with low VPA, experienced lower events rates (per 1000 person‐years) of MCI (13.9 vs 19.7), probable dementia (6.3 vs 9.0), and MCI/probable dementia (18.5 vs 25.8). In the multivariate Cox regression model, high VPA, compared with low VPA, was associated with lower risk of MCI, probable dementia, and MCI/probable dementia (HR [95% CI]: 0.81 [0.68–0.97], 0.80 [0.63–1.03], and 0.82 [0.70–0.96]), respectively.

DISCUSSION

This study provides evidence that VPA may preserve cognitive function in high‐risk patients with hypertension.

Highlights

Hypertension is associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment

Physical activity (PA) is associated with a lower risk of decline in cognition

The effect of ≥1 sessions of vigorous‐intensity PA (VPA) per week was assessed

This analysis included SPRINT MIND trial participants with high‐risk hypertension

≥1 VPA sessions/week was associated with lower risk of future cognitive impairment
Kinetics of Strand Displacement Reaction with Acyclic Artificial Nucleic Acids
Authors: Makino Koki , Sugiyama Itsumi , Asanuma Hiroyuki , Kashida Hiromu
Published: June 2024

Toehold‐mediated strand displacement (TMSD) reaction, one of the DNA nanotechnologies, has great potential as s biological programmable platform in the cellular environment. Various artificial nucleic acids have been developed to improve stability and affinity for biological applications. However, the lack of understanding of the kinetics of TMSD reaction among artificial nucleic acids has limited their applications. We herein systematically characterized the kinetics of TMSD reactions with acyclic xeno nucleic acids (XNAs): serinol nucleic acid (SNA), acyclic D‐threoninol nucleic acid (D‐aTNA), and acyclic L‐threoninol nucleic acid (L‐aTNA). We found that the strand displacement reactions by D‐aTNA and by L‐aTNA were highly dependent on temperature. D‐aTNA and L‐aTNA systems were orthogonal to each other, and chirality of the input can be switched by using SNA as an interface. We also applied TMSD reactions of XNAs to a seesaw gate amplification system which utilizes the orthogonality. This work will contribute to the developments of thermoresponsive and bioorthogonal nucleic acid circuits.
Highly Selective CO2 Electroreduction to C2H4 Using a Dual‐Sites Cu(II) Porphyrin Framework Coupled with Cu2O Nanoparticles via a Synergetic‐Tandem Strategy
Authors: He Qizhe , Li Hongwei , Hu Zhuofeng , Lei Lei , Wang Degao , Li Ting‐Ting
Published: June 2024

Low *CO coverage on the active sites is a major hurdle in the tandem electrocatalysis, resulting in unsatisfied C2H4 production efficiencies. In this work, we developed a synergetic‐tandem strategy to construct a copper‐based composite catalyst for the electroreduction of CO2 to C2H4, which was constructed via the template‐directed polymerization of ultrathin Cu(II) porphyrin organic framework incorporating atomically isolated Cu(II) porphyrin and Cu(II) bipyridine sites on a carbon nanotube (CNT) scaffold, and then Cu2O nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed on the CNT scaffold. The presence of dual active sites within the Cu(II) porphyrin organic framework create a synergetic effect, leading to an increase in local *CO availability to enhance the C−C coupling step implemented on the adjacent Cu2O nanoparticles for further C2H4 production. Accordingly, the resultant catalyst affords an exceptional CO2‐to‐C2H4 Faradaic efficiency (FEC2H4) of 71.0 % at −1.1 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), making it one of the most effective copper‐based tandem catalysts reported to date. The superior performance of the catalyst is further confirmed through operando infrared spectroscopy and theoretic calculations.
Anisotropic Dual S‐Scheme Heterojunctions Mimic Natural Photosynthetic System for Boosting Photoelectric Response
Authors: Liu Mingwang , Yang Wenhong , Xiao Runshi , Qin Ying , Tan Rong , Chen Yuanxing , Gu Wenling , Hu Liuyong , Lin Yuehe , Zhu Chengzhou
Published: June 2024

The design of heterojunctions that mimic natural photosynthetic systems holds great promise for enhancing photoelectric response. However, the limited interfacial space charge layer (SCL) often fails to provide sufficient driving force for the directional migration of inner charge carriers. Drawing inspiration from the electron transport chain (ETC) in natural photosynthesis system, we developed a novel anisotropic dual S‐scheme heterojunction artificial photosynthetic system composed of Bi2O3−BiOBr−AgI for the first time, with Bi2O3 and AgI selectively distributed along the bicrystal facets of BiOBr. Compared to traditional semiconductors, the anisotropic carrier migration in BiOBr overcomes the recombination resulting from thermodynamic diffusion, thereby establishing a potential ETC for the directional migration of inner charge carriers. Importantly, this pioneering bioinspired design overcomes the limitations imposed by the limited distribution of SCL in heterojunctions, resulting in a remarkable 55‐fold enhancement in photoelectric performance. Leveraging the etching of thiols on Ag‐based materials, this dual S‐scheme heterojunction is further employed in the construction of photoelectrochemical sensors for the detection of acetylcholinesterase and organophosphorus pesticides.
Radical‐Induced Changes in Transition Metal Interfacial Magnetic Properties: A Blatter Derivative on Polycrystalline Cobalt
Authors: Nowik‐Boltyk Ewa Malgorzata , Junghoefer Tobias , Giangrisostomi Erika , Ovsyannikov Ruslan , Shu Chan , Rajca Andrzej , Droghetti Andrea , Casu M. Benedetta
Published: June 2024

In this work, we study the interface obtained by depositing a monolayer of a Blatter radical derivative on polycrystalline cobalt. By examining the occupied and unoccupied states at the interface, using soft X‐ray techniques, combined with electronic structure calculations, we could simultaneously determine the electronic structure of both the molecular and ferromagnetic sides of the interface, thus obtaining a full understanding of the interfacial magnetic properties. We found that the molecule is strongly hybridized with the surface. Changes in the core level spectra reflect the modification of the molecule and the cobalt electronic structures inducing a decrease in the magnetic moment of the cobalt atoms bonded to the molecules which, in turn, lose their radical character. Our method allowed us to screen, beforehand, organic/ferromagnetic interfaces given their potential applications in spintronics.
High‐Voltage Catholyte for High‐Energy‐Density Nonaqueous Redox Flow Battery
Authors: McGrath Jack , Gautam Rajeev K. , Wang Xiao , Jiang Jianbing Jimmy
Published: June 2024

Redox flow batteries (RFBs) with high energy densities are essential for efficient and sustainable long‐term energy storage on a grid scale. To advance the development of nonaqueous RFBs with high energy densities, a new organic RFB system employing a molecularly engineered tetrathiafulvalene derivative ((PEG3/PerF)‐TTF) as a high energy density catholyte was developed. A synergistic approach to the molecular design of tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) was applied, with the incorporation of polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains, which enhance its solubility in organic carbonate electrolytes, and a perfluoro (PerF) group to increase its redox potential. When paired with a lithium metal anode, the two‐electron‐active (PEG3/PerF)‐TTF catholyte produced a cell voltage of 3.56 V for the first redox process and 3.92 V for the second redox process. In cyclic voltammetry and flow cell tests, the redox chemistry exhibited excellent cycling stability. The Li|(PEG3/PerF)‐TTF batteries, with concentrations of 0.1 M and 0.5 M, demonstrated capacity retention rates of ~94 % (99.87 % per cycle, 97.52 % per day) and 90 % (99.93 % per cycle, 99.16 % per day), and the average Coulombic efficiencies of 99.38 % and 98.35 %, respectively. The flow cell achieved a high power density of 129 mW/cm2. Furthermore, owing to the high redox potential and solubility of (PEG3/PerF)‐TTF, the flow cell attained a high operational energy density of 72 Wh/L (100 Wh/L theoretical). A 0.75 M flow cell exhibited an even higher operational energy density of 96 Wh/L (150 Wh/L theoretical).
Ultra‐Fast‐Healing Glassy Hyperbranched Plastics Capable of Restoring 26.4 MPa Tensile Strength within One Minute at Room Temperature
Authors: Li Weihang , Wu Haitao , Huang Yue , Yao Yihang , Hou Yujia , Teng Qiancheng , Cai Minjie , Wu Jinrong
Published: June 2024

The growing concern regarding widespread plastic pollution has propelled the development of sustainable self‐healing plastics. Although considerable efforts have been dedicated to fabricating self‐healing plastics, achieving rapid healing at room temperature is extremely challenging. Herein, we have developed an ultra‐fast‐healing glassy polyurethane (UGPU) by designing a hyperbranched molecular structure with a high density of multiple hydrogen bonds (H‐bonds) on compliant acyclic heterochains and introducing trace water to form water bridge across the fractured surfaces. The compliant acyclic heterochains allow the dense multiple hydrogen bonds to form a frozen network, enabling tensile strength of up to 70 MPa and storage modulus of 2.5 GPa. The hyperbranched structure can drive the reorganization of the H‐bonding network through the high mobility of the branched chains and terminals, thereby leading to self‐healing ability at room temperature. Intriguingly, the presence of trace water vapor facilitates the formation of activated layers and the rearrangement of networks across the fractured UGPU sections, thereby enabling ultra‐fast self‐healing at room temperature. Consequently, the restored tensile strength after healing for 1 minute achieves a historic‐record of 26.4 MPa. Furthermore, the high transparency (>90 %) and ultra‐fast healing property of UGPU make it an excellent candidate for advanced optical and structural materials.
Updating the psychological case for reparations to African Americans
Authors: Nichols Bryan K.
Published: June 2024

In 2019, Medria Connolly and I wrote an article that we consider to be the theoretical foundation of our reparations activism. Since that time, a world‐wide pandemic and unprecedented protests following the extra‐judicial killing of George Floyd dramatically changed the psycho‐social landscape surrounding the reparations debate. Evidence of the third spontaneously erupted across the world and was instantaneously televised into the homes of an audience held captive by pandemic restrictions. However, a fierce and sophisticated backlash that historically follows Black advancement also materialized. Group and individual psychological strategies are offered that may help sustain the reparations movement in the face of these powerful counter forces.
Impaired inhibitory control when processing real but not cartoon emotional faces in autistic children: Evidence from an event‐related potential study
Authors: Lee Hyun Kyung , Tong Shelley Xiuli
Published: June 2024

Impaired socioemotional functioning characterizes autistic children, but does weak inhibition control underlie their socioemotional difficulty? This study addressed this question by examining whether and, if so, how inhibition control is affected by face realism and emotional valence in school‐age autistic and neurotypical children. Fifty‐two autistic and 52 age‐matched neurotypical controls aged 10–12 years completed real and cartoon emotional face Go/Nogo tasks while event‐related potentials (ERPs) were recorded. The analyses of inhibition–emotion components (i.e., N2, P3, and LPP) and a face‐specific N170 revealed that autistic children elicited greater N2 while inhibiting Nogo trials and greater P3/LPP and late LPP for real but not cartoon emotional faces. Moreover, autistic children exhibited a reduced N170 to real face emotions only. Furthermore, correlation results showed that better behavioral inhibition and emotion recognition in autistic children were associated with a reduced N170. These findings suggest that neural mechanisms of inhibitory control in autistic children are less efficient and more disrupted during real face processing, which may affect their age‐appropriate socio‐emotional development.
Investigation of the behavior of tinnitus patients under varying listening conditions with simultaneous electroencephalography and pupillometry
Authors: Sendesen Eser , Turkyilmaz Didem
Published: June 2024

Objective

This study aims to control all hearing thresholds, including extended high frequencies (EHFs), presents stimuli of varying difficulty levels, and measures electroencephalography (EEG) and pupillometry responses to determine whether listening difficulty in tinnitus patients is effort or fatigue‐related.

Methods

Twenty‐one chronic tinnitus patients and 26 matched healthy controls having normal pure‐tone averages with symmetrical hearing thresholds were included. Subjects were evaluated with 0.125−20 kHz pure‐tone audiometry, Montreal Cognitive Assessment Test (MoCA), Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), EEG, and pupillometry.

Results

Pupil dilatation and EEG alpha power during the “encoding” phase of the presented sentence in tinnitus patients were less in all listening conditions (p < .05). Also, there was no statistically significant relationship between EEG and pupillometry components for all listening conditions and THI or MoCA (p > .05).

Conclusion

EEG and pupillometry results under various listening conditions indicate potential listening effort in tinnitus patients even if all frequencies, including EHFs, are controlled. Also, we suggest that pupillometry should be interpreted with caution in autonomic nervous system‐related conditions such as tinnitus.
A multimodal pedagogical approach to teaching electromagnetics
Authors: Sheikh Waseem
Published: June 2024

Electromagnetics is a core course in the undergraduate electrical engineering curriculum that entails the study of electric and magnetic fields. Students, usually, perceive it as a challenging course since it requires them to build mental models of the spatial and time‐varying electric and magnetic fields that cannot be seen by the naked eye. Moreover, the mathematics used in this subject is quite complex and abstract and can further compound the students' difficulties in connecting abstract math with real‐life industry applications. To address these challenges, the author designed an undergraduate electromagentics course, which utilized certain pedagogical techniques to enhance the learning experience of the students. These pedagogies include extensive usage of MATLAB simulations, animations, and videos during the course that helps students visualize and conceptualize abstract concepts, usage of a comprehensive course‐wide equation sheet, and highlighting the connection of the theory with real‐life applications and industry jobs. This paper presents some of the simulations designed by the author as part of this course. Moreover, the equation sheet is also reproduced and access to its source is provided for the benefit of other instructors and students. The paper also presents results from the end‐of‐semester students' survey to measure the efficacy of these pedagogical techniques.
Physicochemical Characteristics, Phenolic Components, and Antioxidant Capacities of Lavender Honey (Lavandula Spp.) from Isparta Region of Türkiye
Authors: Kolayli Sevgi , Can Zehra , Kara Yakup , Ozkok Aslı , Ozmert Ergin Sema , Kemal Mehmet , Demir Kanbur Esra
Published: June 2024

Lavender honey is one of the most desirable blossom honeys for its unique taste and aromatic qualities and can vary significantly from one region to another. In this study, melissopalynological, physicochemical and antioxidant properties of lavender honey from the Isparta region of Türkiye were investigated. The ration of the Lavandula spp. pollen were identified ranging from 9 % to 76 % in the thirteen samples. The average pH, conductivity, moisture, Hunter Lab* and proline values were 3.72, 0.22 mS/cm, 17.17 %, L*: 66.56, a*: 66.32, b*:18.41 and 576.92 mg/kg, respectively. The average F+G and F/G were 67.66 % and 1.02, respectively. The average of total phenolic (TP) and flavonoid (TF) substance were found to be 39.40 mg GAE/100 g and 3.23 mg QUE/100 g, respectively. The average total antioxidant capacity (FRAP) and DPPH radical scavenging activity values were found to be 178.28 μmol FeSO4 ⋅ 7H2O/100 g and 53.09 mg/mL, respectively. In the phenolic component analysis performed with HPLC‐PDA, p‐OH‐benzoic acid, p‐coumaric acid, chrysin and pinocembrin were detected as common polyphenols in the samples. Conclusively, despite considerable variability in their monofloral characteristics, no significant differences were observed in the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of lavender honeys.
Routine postdilation after 23 mm Sapien 3 Ultra implantation in the aortic position
Authors: Leone Pier Pasquale , Sturla Matteo , Spring Alexander M. , Echarte‐Morales Julio , Scotti Andrea , Ludwig Sebastian , Coisne Augustin , Slipczuk Leandro , Assafin Manaf , Chau Mei , Ho Edwin C. , Granada Juan F. , Latib Azeem
Published: June 2024

Background

Residual transprosthetic gradient (TG) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with balloon‐expandable valves (BEV) may be due to suboptimal valve expansion.

Aims

To compare hemodynamics after TAVR with small BEV according to postdilation strategy.

Methods

This observational, retrospective cohort study included 184 consecutive patients from a single center treated with 23 mm Sapien 3 Ultra (Edwards Lifesciences) BEV implantation in the aortic position and enrolled between January 2020 and April 2023. Patients treated with routine postdilation (RP, n = 73) were compared to patients treated according to local standard practice (SP, n = 111). Primary endpoint was 30‐day mean TG. Secondary endpoints were incidence of 30‐day prosthesis‐patient mismatch (PPM), technical success and device success.

Results

Thirty‐day mean TG was lower in RP versus SP (12.3 ± 4.6 mmHg vs. 14.1 ± 5.7 mmHg, p = 0.031), and incidence of PPM was less common with RP versus SP (47.3% vs. 71.0%, p = 0.006). Technical success (98.6% vs. 99.1%, p = 0.637) and device success (93.1% vs. 90.1%, p = 0.330) did not differ between groups. Differences in 30‐day mean TG were driven by patients at normal flow (12.1 ± 4.0 mmHg vs. 15.0 ± 5.5 mmHg, p = 0.014), while no differences were evident among patients at low flow (12.5 ± 5.5 mmHg vs. 11.7 ± 5.5 mmHg, p = 0.644). RP decreased height and increased width of BEV, and a linear regression established that final BEV width could predict 30‐day mean TG (r = −0.6654, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

RP after TAVR with small BEV was associated with more favorable forward‐flow hemodynamics than SP.
Benzo‐Crown‐Ether Functionalized O‐BODIPY Probes for Cations – A Selective Fluorescent Probe for Ba2+
Authors: Sprenger Tobias , Schwarze Thomas , Holdt Hans‐Jürgen , Hentsch Axel , Nazaré Marc
Published: June 2024

Herein, we report the synthesis and sensing characteristics of 4,4′‐methoxy‐substituted BODIPY fluorescent probes (O‐BODIPYs) 3, 4 and 5 equipped with differently sized benzo‐crown ethers (cf. Scheme 1, 3 (benzo‐15‐crown‐5), 4 (benzo‐18‐crown‐6) and 5 (benzo‐21‐crown7)). O‐BODIPYs 3, 4 and 5 exhibited in comparison to their known F‐BODIPY analogues 3a, 4a and 5a (cf. Scheme 1) an improved solubility in aqueous medium and higher fluorescence quantum yields. Fluorometric study in aqueous solutions of 3, 4 and 5 in the presence of different cations show cation induced fluorescence enhancements (FE). Compared to the benzo‐crown ether substituted F‐BODIPY analogues 3a, 4a and 5a, we found for the free O‐BODIPYs 3, 4 and 5 higher fluorescence quantum yields (φf) but lower cation induced FEs. We show that in aqueous medium the fluorescence quenching process (OFF switching), a photoinduced electron transfer, in O‐BODIPYs 3, 4 and 5 is less effective and consequently sensitive and selective ON switching of the fluorescence by cations, too. Albeit these observations the novel benzo‐21‐crown‐7 equipped fluorescent probe 5 exhibits a good fluorometric Ba2+ selectivity and Ba2+ sensitivity in conjunction to their aqueous solubility.
Highly Efficient Quenching of Singlet Oxygen by DNA Origami Nanostructures
Authors: Andres Garcia‐Diosa Jaime , Grundmeier Guido , Keller Adrian
Published: June 2024

DNA origami nanostructures (DONs) are able to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their scavenging efficiency toward ROS radicals was shown to be comparable to that of genomic DNA. Herein, we demonstrate that DONs are highly efficient singlet oxygen quenchers outperforming double‐stranded (ds) DNA by several orders of magnitude. To this end, a ROS mixture rich in singlet oxygen is generated by light irradiation of the photosensitizer methylene blue and its cytotoxic effect on Escherichia coli cells is quantified in the presence and absence of DONs. DONs are found to be vastly superior to dsDNA in protecting the bacteria from ROS‐induced damage and even surpass established ROS scavengers. At a concentration of 15 nM, DONs are about 50 000 times more efficient ROS scavengers than dsDNA at an equivalent concentration. This is attributed to the dominant role of singlet oxygen, which has a long diffusion length and reacts specifically with guanine. The dense packing of the available guanines into the small volume of the DON increases the overall quenching probability compared to a linear dsDNA with the same number of base pairs. DONs thus have great potential to alleviate oxidative stress caused by singlet oxygen in diverse therapeutic settings.
Platinum‐Iridium Alloy Nanoparticle Coatings Produced by Electrophoretic Deposition Reduce Impedance in 3D Neural Electrodes
Authors: Ramesh Vaijayanthi , Johny Jacob , Jakobi Jurij , Stuckert Robert , Rehbock Christoph , Barcikowski Stephan
Published: June 2024

Platinum‐based neural electrodes, frequently alloyed with Ir or W, are routinely used to treat neurological disorders. However, their performance is impaired by an increase in impedance that compromises long‐term implant functionality. Though there are multiple coating techniques available to address this issue, electrode, and base material often exhibit a compositional mismatch, which impairs mechanical stability and may lead to toxicological side effects. In this work, we coated Pt wire electrodes with ligand‐free electrostatically stabilized colloidal Pt90Ir10, Pt90W10, and Pt50W50 alloy nanoparticles (NPs) matching electrode compositions using electrophoretic deposition (EPD) with direct‐current (DC) and pulsed‐DC fields in aqueous medium. The generated alloy NPs exhibit a solid solution structure as evidenced by HR‐TEM‐EDX and XRD, though additional WOx phases were identified in the Pt50W50 samples. Consequently, coating efficiency was also impaired in the presence of high W mass fractions in the alloy NPs. Characterization of the NP coatings by cyclic voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy yielded a significant reduction of the impedance in the Pt90Ir10 sample in comparison to the control coated with Pt NPs. The electrochemical surface area (ECSA) of the PtW alloy coatings, on the other hand, was significantly reduced.
Medications and Acute Hemolysis in G6PD‐Deficient Patients – A Real‐World Study
Authors: Gronich Naomi , Rosh Bar , Stein Nili , Saliba Walid
Published: June 2024

Many drug labels contain precautions of use in G6PD‐deficient patients due to hemolytic concerns, but much of this is based on scarce clinical, epidemiological, or structural data. In this real‐world study, we aimed to examine if the administration of presumably risky medications for G6PD‐deficient patients was followed by hemolysis. The study is based on data from Clalit Health Services database that provides inclusive health care for more than half of the Israeli population (~ 4.7 million). Within the database, we identified all G6PD‐deficient patients by G6PD <6 U/g Hb. Within the G6PD‐deficient cohort, we identified all hospitalizations with a discharge diagnosis of hemolysis (January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2022), validated the cases, and identified the culprit event. For the rest of the G6PD‐deficient patients with no‐hemolysis, we recorded filled prescriptions of medications listed as presumably risky. We identified 31,962 G6PD‐deficient patients. Within the cohort, there were 71 cases of major hemolysis requiring hospitalization (0.2% of the cohort), of whom 51 (71.8%) had been caused by ingestion of fava beans, six (8.5%) were associated with an infection, and three (4.2%) suggested to be associated with medications (nitrofurantoin, phenazopyridine, and a “pain killer”). Within the 31,875 patients with no major hemolysis, nitrofurantoin has been prescribed safely to 1,366 G6PD‐deficient males and females; hundreds/thousands of G6PD‐deficient patients had been prescribed safely ciprofloxacin, glibenclamide, ofloxacin, phenazopyridine, sulfamethoxazole/cotrimoxazole, sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine, glimepiride, mesalazine, and sulfacetamide. In this real‐world study, we are showing that a list of medications, suspected previously as carrying risks for hemolysis in G6PD‐deficient patients, have been prescribed safely to G6PD‐deficient patients, providing reassurance to patients, prescribers, and regulators.
Cultivating success: Bridging the gaps in plant breeding training in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand
Authors: Egan Lucy M. , Hofmann Rainer W. , Stiller Warwick N. , Hoyos‐Villegas Valerio
Published: June 2024

Plant breeding is a multidisciplinary applied science that is crucial for enhancing food, fodder, fuel, and fiber production globally. Using detailed surveys in three Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development countries, this study investigated the current state of the plant breeding sector across tertiary, government, and industry levels. The findings highlight increasing concerns about the shortage of trained plant breeders, especially in the private sector, impacting food security and the economy. The need for a coordinated approach between the public and private sectors is emphasized. Suggestions for improvements include the establishment of dedicated training facilities, national funds for graduate fellowships, and increased private sector involvement in plant breeding education. The importance of adapting plant breeding courses to emerging scientific and technological advancements is highlighted, along with industry‐relevant training and improved promotion of the sector. The study raises awareness of the global shortage of trained plant breeders and provides valuable insights for decision makers toward strategic planning to address global food and fiber production challenges.
Chemical and Electrochemical Characterization of Hot‐Pressed Li6PS5Cl Solid State Electrolyte: Operating Pressure‐Invariant High Ionic Conductivity
Authors: Wang Yang , Lim Ryan , Larson Karl , Knab Aidan , Fontecha Daniela , Caverly Spencer , Song Juhye , Park Chanhwi , Albertus Paul , Rubloff Gary W. , Lee Sang Bok , Kozen Alexander C.
Published: June 2024

Sulfide solid state electrolytes (SSE) are among the most promising materials in the effort to replace liquid electrolytes, largely due to their comparable ionic conductivities. Among the sulfide SSEs, Argyrodites (Li6PS5X, X=Cl, Br, I) further stand out due to their high theoretical ionic conductivity (~1×10−2 S cm−1) and interfacial stability against reactive metal anodes such as lithium. Generally, solid state electrolyte pellets are pressed from powder feedstock at room temperature, however, pellets fabricated by cold pressing consistently result in low bulk density and high porosity, facilitating interfacial degradation reactions and allowing dendrites to propagate through the pores and grain boundaries. Here, we demonstrate the mechanical and electrochemical implications of hot‐pressing standalone LPSCl SSE pellets with near‐theoretical ionic conductivity, superior cycling performance, and enhanced mechanical stability. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and x‐ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD) analysis reveal no chemical changes to the Argyrodite surface after hot pressing up to 250 °C. Moreover, we use electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to understand mechanical stability of Argyrodite SSE pellets as a function of externally applied pressure, demonstrating for the first time pressed standalone Argyrodite pellets with near‐theoretical conductivities at external pressures below 14 MPa.
DC fault analysis of solid‐state transformer using circuit equivalent
Authors: Kamble Saurabh , Chaturvedi Pradyumn , Borghate V. B. , Chen Ching‐Jan
Published: June 2024

The use of power converters in modern power systems is making the system more active. To enhance the future power grid's reliability, efficiency, interactivity, and security, digital controllers and power electronic circuits are being employed. One critical component of the power system is the 50‐Hz transformer, which is currently robust. However, there is growing interest in solid‐state transformers (SSTs) or power electronic transformers (PETs) as potential alternatives to conventional transformers. These alternatives are particularly relevant for the future grid, which will have a high penetration of renewable energy sources, electric vehicles, and nonlinear loads. To analyze the impact of faults in the power network, it is necessary to establish an accurate circuit model for SSTs, which has not been adequately addressed in the existing literature. This research paper proposes an averaged representation of SSTs and compares the results of switched and averaged models under varying load conditions for the designed SST. Additionally, an equivalent circuit model is developed for DC fault analysis using transformation techniques and a transformer analogy to shift parameters to the DC fault location. The proposed circuit equivalent model is compared with the switched model, offering accurate and efficient results for a pole‐to‐pole and pole‐to‐ground DC fault.
Optimization of handoff for joint uplink base station association and power control with max‐min fairness in NOMA small‐cell networks
Authors: Pirnia Sina , Bakhshi Hamidreza , Dosaranian‐Moghadam Mohamad , Khosravi Ramin
Published: June 2024

The handoff rate and load balancing are two important issues that have a great impact on the spectrum and energy efficiency in the small‐cell networks (SCN). This paper investigates the handoff optimization in SCN with power‐domain non‐orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) that uses successive interference cancelation (SIC), considering the fairness among base stations (BSs). We study the joint base station association and power control problem by considering the motion of mobile users (MUs) and load balancing in the SCNs. Under the maximum allowable transmit power and minimum average‐rate constraints, two optimization problems are formulated using the number of associated MUs, the number of handoffs, and the transmit power of all MUs. The total power consumption minimization and the system‐wide and handoff utility maximization problems are combined into a single‐stage optimization problem through the weighted‐sum method. We solve the formulated problem using a game theory‐based algorithm and primal decomposition theory. The simulation results show that our proposed algorithm can significantly reduce the frequent handoffs and bring a fair power‐controlled BS association in SCN.
Microfacies and geochemistry of Kimmeridgian limestone strata in the Eastern Pontides (North‐East Turkey): Palaeoclimate and palaeoenvironmental influence on organic matter enrichment
Authors: Özyurt Merve , Kırmacı M. Ziya
Published: June 2024

Kimmeridgian limestone (KL) strata are one of the best examples of peritidal carbonates that record palaeogeographical and palaeoclimate conditions in the Eastern Pontides, Eastern Black Sea region. These Kimmeridgian limestone strata consist of well‐preserved dark grey lime‐mudstones that serve as essential archives for various geochemical proxies. This study presents new data on trace elements, rare earth elements and stable isotopes (δ18O, δ13C) to enhance our understanding of the palaeoclimate, weathering patterns, salinity, redox conditions and productivity during the deposition of these strata. Furthermore, organic chemistry data, including total organic carbon, Rock‐Eval (S1, S2, S3, HI, OI) and production index, are presented to discuss their hydrocarbon potential. The Kimmeridgian limestone strata exhibit relatively high total organic carbon content (0.16–0.22%) with an average of 0.19%, δ18O values ranging from −2.12 to −0.69‰, and δ13C values ranging from 1.42 to 2.09‰. Additionally, they display distinct rare earth element characteristics such as low La/YbN (0.64–1.00) ratios, varying Gd*/Gd (0.54–1.16) ratios, high Eu/Eu* (1.19–1.84) ratios and Ce/Ce* (0.91–1.16) ratios. The Kimmeridgian limestone strata also exhibit chondritic Y/Ho (30.48) and Zr/Hf (40.35) ratios, relatively high redox‐sensitive element values, low Ga/Rb (0.10–1.10; an average of 0.29) ratios and high K2O/Al2O3 ratios (0.2–0.40; an average of 0.27). According to the geochemical results of this study that are integrated with published stratigraphy and palaeontological data, the Kimmeridgian limestone strata are interpreted as having been deposited in a shallow subtidal lagoon environment or a partly protected interior ramp setting. Although sea‐level fluctuations influenced the palaeoenvironmental changes, ocean circulation along the inner platform supplied nutrients to the basin. The possible occurrence of low‐temperature water/rock interaction under reduced oxygen conditions contributed to additional element flux. Palaeoclimate indices suggest the existence of an aridification event, wherein arid climate played an important role in low weathering input, organic matter source, productivity, evaporation and salinity enhancement. The climate, accompanied by sedimentary factors, facilitated enhanced productivity, a balanced sedimentation rate and the preservation of organic matter under reducing conditions. Contrary to the anticipated outcome, considering the high productivity and anoxic depositional conditions suggested by microfacies and inorganic geochemical results, the over‐maturation processes have resulted in a notable decline in the organic matter content and hydrocarbon potential of the samples.
Shortened food chain length in a fished versus unfished coral reef
Authors: Young Hillary S. , McCauley Finn O. , Micheli Fiorenza , Dunbar Robert B. , McCauley Douglas J.
Published: June 2024

Direct exploitation through fishing is driving dramatic declines of wildlife populations in ocean environments, particularly for predatory and large‐bodied taxa. Despite wide recognition of this pattern and well‐established consequences of such trophic downgrading on ecosystem function, there have been few empirical studies examining the effects of fishing on whole system trophic architecture. Understanding these kinds of structural impacts is especially important in coral reef ecosystems—often heavily fished and facing multiple stressors. Given the often high dietary flexibility and numerous functional redundancies in diverse ecosystems such as coral reefs, it is important to establish whether web architecture is strongly impacted by fishing pressure or whether it might be resilient, at least to moderate‐intensity pressure. To examine this question, we used a combination of bulk and compound‐specific stable isotope analyses measured across a range of predatory and low‐trophic‐level consumers between two coral reef ecosystems that differed with respect to fishing pressure but otherwise remained largely similar. We found that even in a high‐diversity system with relatively modest fishing pressure, there were strong reductions in the trophic position (TP) of the three highest TP consumers examined in the fished system but no effects on the TP of lower‐level consumers. We saw no evidence that this shortening of the affected food webs was being driven by changes in basal resource consumption, for example, through changes in the spatial location of foraging by consumers. Instead, this likely reflected internal changes in food web architecture, suggesting that even in diverse systems and with relatively modest pressure, human harvest causes significant compressions in food chain length. This observed shortening of these food webs may have many important emergent ecological consequences for the functioning of ecosystems impacted by fishing or hunting. Such important structural shifts may be widespread but unnoticed by traditional surveys. This insight may also be useful for applied ecosystem managers grappling with choices about the relative importance of protection for remote and pristine areas and the value of strict no‐take areas to protect not just the raw constituents of systems affected by fishing and hunting but also the health and functionality of whole systems.
Lattice battery solar cells: Exceeding Shockley–Queisser limit
Authors: Ghasemi Mehri , Jia Baohua , Wen Xiaoming
Published: June 2024

A revolutionary concept of lattice battery solar cell (LBSC) is proposed to leap the conversion efficiency by inherently eliminating two major energy losses of conventional solar cells, namely hot carriers and non‐absorption of the substantial near infrared (NIR) emission. In an LBSC, hot phonon emission will be saved into lattice energy reservoir (LER) through electron–lattice coupling; NIR solar emission is harvested by an NIR‐perovskite composition. The NIR‐generated carriers are upconverted to the conduction band of perovskites driven by LER. The theoretical efficiency of LBSCs is estimated to be over 70%, significantly exceeding the Shockley–Queisser limit. In addition, LBSCs have lower operational temperature, resulting in much improved stability due to the elimination of heating sources from hot carriers. Different from the existing multijunction solar cells, LBSCs will keep the single layer structure with low‐cost fabrication. Therefore, LBSCs could perfectly satisfy the golden triangle of solar cell performance, which prospects great competitive advantage for further commercialization.
Reduction of Exfoliated MoS2 Nanosheets Yields the Semi‐Conducting 2H‐polymorph Rather Than the Metallic 1T‐polymorph
Authors: Krajewska Aleksandra M. , Paiva Aislan Esmeraldo , Morris Michael , McDonald Aidan R.
Published: June 2024

Delaminated two‐dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalchogenides (TMDs) have attracted significant attention due to their potential application in electronics, catalysis, and biomedical devices. Chemical derivation of TMDs often relies on the generation of a metallic polymorph (1T) which is unsuitable for such applications. We explored the reactivity of the semi‐conducting polymorph (2H) of pre‐exfoliated MoS2 nanosheets (as a model TMD). Pristine liquid exfoliated 2H‐MoS2 was reacted with NaBH4. A novel reduced two‐dimensional TMD, r‐2H‐MoS2, was identified as evidenced by electronic absorption, XPS, photoluminescence, DRIFT, and Raman spectroscopies, and cyclic voltammetry. The material demonstrated a full preservation of the semi‐conducting phase rather than conversion to the metallic 1T‐nanomaterial that is commonly observed in the chemical derivation/exfoliation of TMDs.
Radical Cascade Annulation of Biphenyl Acrylamides to Dibenzo‐azepinones: Experimental and DFT Studies
Authors: Dupud Raju , Thushara Ramakrishnan , Merugu Karthik Kumar , Suresh Cherumuttathu H. , Ramesh Remya
Published: June 2024

An efficient method for the conversion of biphenyl acrylamides to dibenzoazepinones with −SCF3 incorporation is described. This operationally simple radical cascade reaction employs CAN as an oxidant and exhibits good functional group tolerance. Substrates featuring −OCH3, −CH3, −Br or −Cl at the para‐position of the aromatic ring exhibits a preference for an ipso‐cyclization due to the intervention of DMSO in the reaction. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations provide valuable insights into the reaction's energetics and product selectivity.
All‐solid‐state Li‐ion battery: A study on the charge/discharge mechanism of an LMO‐BCD‐MgC system
Authors: Wu Po‐Ting , Zhao Jun‐Ren , Hung Fei‐Yi , Kuan Hsin
Published: June 2024

This study presents the fabrication of an all‐solid‐state lithium‐ion battery using lithium manganese oxide (LiMn2O4; LMO) as the cathode, graphite (C), and carbon‐coated magnesium (MgC) as the anode, along with a silicate‐based solid electrolyte. To assess the charge/discharge mechanism, three polymeric membranes with varying weight percentages (5%, 30%, and 50%) of magnesium silicate are produced through battery‐cloth deposition (BCD) for use as the solid electrolyte. The findings reveal that enhancing the magnesium silicate content in the solid electrolyte (particularly at 50%) results in an increased specific capacity of the battery. The MgC anode exhibits a peak capacity of approximately 780 mAh/g during the third cycle, maintaining capacity retention of 100% over 26 cycles, addressing the issues of low specific capacity and self‐discharge in the solid‐state Li‐ion battery. Nevertheless, prolonged charge/discharge testing leads to an escalation in the surface roughness and porosity of the carbon coating on the MgC anode, resulting in a decline in capacity. These results demonstrate that the LMO‐BCD‐MgC battery system proposed in this study is a secure, eco‐friendly, and cost‐effective option with potential applications in energy storage.
Advancing Equity in Utility Programs Through Community Engagement
Authors: Liebovitz Leah , Baranek Kasia
Published: June 2024

Electric, natural gas, and water utilities, as well as infrastructure stakeholders across the United States are navigating an evolving landscape of federal, state, and regulatory initiatives where the term “equity” is a core principle prioritized in decision‐making and project planning. The current regulatory environment, including key initiatives like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) alongside federal and state programs such as the Justice40 Initiative and California's Equity and Access Grant Program, is driving an equity‐centered evolution for utilities.1 Within these frameworks, utilities are redefining and expanding their relationships with customers and the communities they serve.
Colonial and Neocolonial Barriers to Companion Digital Humans in Africa
Authors: Cordeiro‐Rodrigues Luís
Published: June 2024

This letter responds to the essay “Digital Humans to Combat Loneliness and Social Isolation: Ethics Concerns and Policy Recommendation,” by Nancy S. Jecker, Robert Sparrow, Zohar Lederman, and Anita Ho, in the January‐February 2024 issue of the Hastings Center Report.
Immunization against dengue virus infection is coercive: A timely call
Authors: Ahmed Iftekhar , Ahamed Rayhan , Nahar Shamsun , Bari Lazima F. , Dewan Syed M. R.
Published: June 2024

Background

In context, the dengue virus causes dengue fever, which is spread by mosquito bites. About 22,000 people every year lose their lives as a direct result of it. Dengue fever has been on the rise recently, and its spread has alarmed health officials throughout the world.

Discussion

Vaccination is essential for the prevention and management of dengue cases because there is currently no particular cure against dengue virus. The current dengue epidemic calls for urgent action in the form of immunization. However, there are serious drawbacks to using existing vaccines like Dengvaxia. Besides, the Qdenga vaccine has not yet been approved by the FDA in the United States. On the other hand, positive results from a phase II randomized and controlled clinical study of the TV005 tetravalent live‐attenuated dengue vaccine were recently reported in Bangladesh. Only an effective vaccination can drastically lower dengue infection and mortality rates.

Conclusion

The development of safe and effective vaccination, as well as their correct dissemination, is an essential requirement for the people of Bangladesh and the rest of the globe, and we concentrated on this critical problem in this article.