bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current Detection and Energy Harvesting Integrated Magnetoelectric Sensor with Flexibility and Heat Resistance Based on Polylactide/VB2 Composites and FeCoV
Authors: Yi Na , Ling Xuan , Zhang Qian , Xu Guokai , Hu Xiaoran , Li Bingya , Lin Wei , Xiao Shaoqiu , Xiang Yong
Published: January 2022

The highly miniaturized and integrated electronic devices have demanded contactless current sensors with scale miniaturization, structure flexibility, self‐powering and heat resistance. Herein, a novel magnetoelectric current sensor (MCS) based on polylactide/VB2 composites and FeCoV is prepared using in‐situ coating and poling‐free methods. The use of polylactide/VB2 composite makes the MCS self‐powered and heat resistant, and the use of FeCoV makes the MCS highly flexible. The in‐situ coating and poling‐free methods endow the polylactide/VB2 composite and FeCoV good interfacial coupling. As a result, the MCS possesses good linearity over 0.999 and high sensitivity of 0.64 mV/A to the external current, even at a high temperature of 120 °C. Besides, the MCS presents high durability after 200 000 cycles. The MCS with mini size, self‐powering, heat resistance, high flexibility and durability has great potential in safety monitoring of electronic devices fields.
Reactive Jetting of High Viscosity Nanocomposites for Dielectric Elastomer Actuation
Authors: Malas Asish , Saleh Ehab , Giménez‐López Maria del Carmen , Rance Graham A. , Helps Tim , Taghavi Majid , Rossiter Jonathan M. , Tuck Christopher J. , Ashcroft Ian A. , Goodridge Ruth D.
Published: January 2022

The layer‐by‐layer nature of additive manufacturing is well matched to the layer construction of stacked dielectric actuators, with inkjet printing offering a unique opportunity due to its droplet‐on‐demand capability, suitable for multi‐material processing at high resolution. This paper demonstrates the use of high viscosity, multi‐material jetting to deposit two‐part reactive inks with functionalized nanofillers to digitally manufacture dielectric elastomers for soft robots with high precision, and shape manipulation. Graphene‐based fillers, including graphene oxide (GO) and thermally reduced graphene oxides (TRGOs), have been incorporated into a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix at low loading (below the percolation threshold). Consequently, the dielectric constant of the elastomer dramatically increases (by 97%) compared to neat PDMS, yielding a more than 20‐fold increase in the electric‐field induced electromechanical contraction (from 0.3 to 6.7%). This study shows that the oxygen‐functionalities present in GO and TRGOs, which possess a moderate conductivity, improve the dispersion of those fillers in polymer matrices, thus significantly improving the dielectric constant of the polymer composites. Inkjet printing of high‐performance, soft electroactive composites enables high‐speed, reliable fabrication of monolithic artificial muscles (leading to stronger, cheaper, and more capable soft robotic devices) and provides a vital stepping stone towards fully additively manufactured soft robots.
Directly Evaluating the Optical Anisotropy of Few‐Layered Black Phosphorus during Ambient Oxidization
Authors: Shen Wanfu , Sun Zhaoyang , Huo Shuchun , Hu Chunguang
Published: January 2022

Few‐layered black phosphorus (BP) is known to be oxidized easily in the air which causes property degradation. However, the optical anisotropy of oxidized BP is yet to be well determined. Here, the optical anisotropy of the oxidized BP is revealed by continuous measurement of ambient exposed BP flake over a month using azimuth‐dependent reflectance difference microscopy. The isotropic oxidization process is elucidated by both the disappeared optical anisotropy of oxidized residuals and the unchanged crystalline orientation during BP oxidization. Unlike the severe degradation of electrical conductivity for oxidized BP within hours, the optical anisotropy is rather insensitive to the oxidization. The optical anisotropy of a oxidized BP could remain constant even days because of the isotropic optical properties and low coverage of the oxidized species at initial stage. Furthermore, when the oxidization spots grow, forming an effective layer, the oxidization layer modulates the total optical anisotropy via optical interference, which might result in an increased or decreased optical anisotropy compared with the fresh one. These results shed light on the oxidization impact on optical anisotropy and suggest a new method of manipulating optical anisotropy by controlling the degree of oxidization.
All‐Inorganic Perovskite Nanocrystals with Remarkably Enhanced Optoelectronic Properties Realized by an Alkene‐Free Solvent Strategy and Their Electroluminescence
Authors: Dou Yongjiang , Li Wenqiang , Wang Sheng , Wang Lin , Wu Qianqian , Luo Yun , Li Wei , Zhang Jianfeng , Zhang Jianhua , Yang Xuyong
Published: January 2022

Hot‐injection methods are widely used for the synthesis of colloidal perovskite nanocrystals (PeNCs). However, the long‐chain hydrocarbon solvents with alkene groups, such as octadecene (ODE), cannot be removed completely due to the strong van der Waals force between ODE and surface ligands as well as the large difference in the polarity with ethyl acetate, which hinders the charge transport characteristic of PeNCs and thus reduces the performance of PeNC‐based light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs). Herein, an alkene‐free solvent‐assisted strategy is reported to synthesize high‐quality CsPbBr3 PeNCs in toluene and it is found that the alkene‐free solvent can significantly influence the morphology, composition, and optoelectronic properties of PeNCs. Compared to the traditional ODE solvent with alkene groups, toluene endows the higher solubility of precursors, which reduces the growth rate of PeNCs and allows sufficient time for the perovskite crystallization to suppress the bulk defects. Moreover, the similar polarity between toluene and ethyl acetate avoids long‐chain solvent residual on the PeNCs, thereby improving the charge transport characteristics. Making use of these PeNCs prepared with toluene solvent, the resulting PeLEDs present a peak external quantum efficiency of over 15%, 1.5‐fold higher than that of the device based on PeNCs that are prepared in ODE.
Zr‐Containing UiO‐66 Metal‐Organic Frameworks as Highly Selective Heterogeneous Acid Catalysts for the Direct Ketalization of Levulinic Acid
Authors: Rapeyko Anastasia , Rodenas Miguel , Llabrés i Xamena Francesc X.
Published: January 2022

Zr‐containing UiO‐66 materials are active and reusable heterogeneous catalysts for the selective ketalization of levulinic acid (LA) with 1,2‐propanediol, affording selectivities of up to 91–93% at full LA conversion, with very low levels of ester or ketal–ester byproducts. This allows the preparation of the target ketal directly from LA and avoiding intermediate esterification steps of LA to levulinate esters to minimize the formation of unwanted side products. The catalytic activity of UiO‐66 is found to depend critically on the hydration degree of the solid and the amount of missing linker defects. The most likely active sites for ketalization in (defective) UiO‐66 are Brønsted‐induced acid sites arising from the strong coordination and polarization of H2O molecules onto accessible Zr4+ associated with missing linker defects. A progressive deactivation is observed upon catalytic reuse, which is attributed to adsorbed reaction products poisoning the catalytic sites. These adsorbed products are easily removed by washing the spent catalyst with a dilute 2% HCl ethanolic solution, which completely restores the initial catalytic activity while maintaining the crystallinity of the solid intact.
Extracellular Vesicles Mediate the Intercellular Exchange of Nanoparticles
Authors: Wu Xian , Tang Tang , Wei Yushuang , Cummins Katherine A. , Wood David K. , Pang Hong‐Bo
Published: January 2022

To exert their therapeutic effects, nanoparticles (NPs) often need to travel into the tissues composed of multilayered cells. Accumulative evidence has revealed the crucial role of transcellular transport route (entry into one cell, exocytosis, and re‐entry into another) in this process. While NP endocytosis and subcellular transport are intensively characterized, the exocytosis and re‐entry steps are poorly understood, which becomes a barrier for NP delivery into complex tissues. Here, the authors term the exocytosis and re‐entry steps together as intercellular exchange. A collagen‐based three‐dimension assay is developed to specifically quantify the intercellular exchange of NPs, and distinguish the contributions of several potential mechanisms. The authors show that NPs can be exocytosed freely or enclosed inside extracellular vesicles (EVs) for re‐entry, while direct cell–cell contact is hardly involved. EVs account for a significant fraction of NP intercellular exchange, and its importance in NP transport is demonstrated in vitro and in vivo. While freely released NPs engage with the same receptors for re‐entry, EV‐enclosed ones bypass this dependence. These studies provide an easy and precise system to investigate the intercellular exchange stage of NP delivery, and shed the first light in the importance of EVs in NP transport between cells and into complex tissues.
Irisin Promotes Cardiac Homing of Intravenously Delivered MSCs and Protects against Ischemic Heart Injury
Authors: Yan Wenjun , Chen Youhu , Guo Yongzhen , Xia Yunlong , Li Congye , Du Yunhui , Lin Chen , Xu Xiaoming , Qi Tingting , Fan Miaomiao , Zhang Fuyang , Hu Guangyu , Gao Erhe , Liu Rui , Hai Chunxu , Tao Ling
Published: January 2022

Few intravenously administered mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) engraft to the injured myocardium, thereby limiting their therapeutic efficacy for the treatment of ischemic heart injury. Here, it is found that irisin pretreatment increases the cardiac homing of adipose tissue‐derived MSCs (ADSCs) administered by single and multiple intravenous injections to mice with MI/R by more than fivefold, which subsequently increases their antiapoptotic, proangiogenic, and antifibrotic effects in rats and mice that underwent MI/R. RNA sequencing, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) signaling pathway analysis, and loss‐of‐function studies identified CSF2RB as a cytokine receptor that facilitates the chemotaxis of irisin‐treated ADSCs in the presence of CSF2, a chemokine that is significantly upregulated in the ischemic heart. Cardiac‐specific CSF2 knockdown blocked the cardiac homing and cardioprotection abilities of intravenously injected irisin‐treated ADSCs in mice subjected to MI/R. Moreover, irisin pretreatment reduced the apoptosis of hydrogen peroxide‐induced ADSCs and increased the paracrine proangiogenic effect of ADSCs. ERK1/2‐SOD2, and ERK1/2‐ANGPTL4 are responsible for the antiapoptotic and paracrine angiogenic effects of irisin‐treated ADSCs, respectively. Integrin αV/β5 is identified as the irisin receptor in ADSCs. These results provide compelling evidence that irisin pretreatment can be an effective means to optimize intravenously delivered MSCs as therapy for ischemic heart injury.
PICH Supports Embryonic Hematopoiesis by Suppressing a cGAS‐STING‐Mediated Interferon Response
Authors: Geng Xinwei , Zhang Chao , Li Miao , Wang Jiaqi , Ji Fang , Feng Hanrong , Xing Meichun , Li Fei , Zhang Lingling , Li Wen , Chen Zhihua , Hickson Ian D. , Shen Huahao , Ying Songmin
Published: January 2022

The Plk1‐interacting checkpoint helicase (PICH) protein localizes to ultrafine anaphase DNA bridges in mitosis along with a complex of DNA repair proteins. Previous studies show PICH deficiency‐induced embryonic lethality in mice. However, the function of PICH that is required to suppress embryonic lethality in PICH‐deficient mammals remains to be determined. Previous clinical studies suggest a link between PICH deficiency and the onset of acquired aplastic anemia. Here, using Pich knock‐out (KO) mouse models, the authors provide evidence for a mechanistic link between PICH deficiency and defective hematopoiesis. Fetal livers from Pich‐KO embryos exhibit a significantly elevated number of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs); however, these HSCs display a higher level of apoptosis and a much‐reduced ability to reconstitute a functional hematopoietic system when transplanted into lethally irradiated recipients. Moreover, these HSCs show an elevated cytoplasmic dsDNA expression and an activation of the cGAS‐STING pathway, resulting in excessive production of type I interferons (IFN). Importantly, deletion of Ifnar1 or cGAS reverses the defective hematopoiesis. The authors conclude that loss of PICH results in defective hematopoiesis via cGAS‐STING‐mediated type I IFN production.
Comment on: The m6A Reader IGF2BP2 Regulates Macrophage Phenotypic Activation and Inflammatory Diseases by Stabilizing TSC1 and PPARγ
Authors: Schymik Hanna S. , Dahlem Charlotte , Barghash Ahmad , Kiemer Alexandra K.
Published: January 2022

Recently, first insights into the regulation and the role of the RNA‐binding protein IMP2 in macrophage activation have been published by Wang et al. This study addresses differences in the regulation of IMP2 between the human and murine system. While the expression of IMP2 in anti‐inflammatory macrophages is synchronous in mice and men, IMP2 expression is regulated differently in inflammatory macrophages.
Epitaxy of 2D Materials toward Single Crystals
Authors: Zhang Zhihong , Yang Xiaonan , Liu Kaihui , Wang Rongming
Published: January 2022

Two‐dimensional (2D) materials exhibit unique electronic, optical, magnetic, mechanical, and thermal properties due to their special crystal structure and thus have promising potential in many fields, such as in electronics and optoelectronics. To realize their real applications, especially in integrated devices, the growth of large‐size single crystal is a prerequisite. Up to now, the most feasible way to achieve 2D single crystal growth is the epitaxy: growth of 2D materials of one or more specific orientations with single‐crystal substrate. Only when the 2D domains have the same orientation, they can stitch together seamlessly and single‐crystal 2D films can be obtained. In this view, four different epitaxy modes of 2D materials on various substrates are presented, including van der Waals epitaxy, edge epitaxy, step‐guided epitaxy, and in‐plane epitaxy focusing on the growth of graphene, hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN), and transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC). The lattice symmetry relation and the interaction between 2D materials and the substrate are the key factors determining the epitaxy behaviors and thus are systematically discussed. Finally, the opportunities and challenges about the epitaxy of 2D single crystals in the future are summarized.
Abundance and Metabolism Disruptions of Intratumoral Microbiota by Chemical and Physical Actions Unfreeze Tumor Treatment Resistance
Authors: Kong Fanlei , Fang Chao , Zhang Yan , Duan Lixia , Du Dou , Xu Guang , Li Xiaolong , Li Hongyan , Yin Yifei , Xu Huixiong , Zhang Kun
Published: January 2022

Intratumoral or intestinal microbiota correlates with tumorigenesis and progression, and microbiota regulation for reinforcing various anti‐tumor approaches is of significant importance, which, however, suffers from no precise regulation method and unclear underlying mechanism. Herein, a microbiome metabolism‐engineered phototherapy strategy is established, wherein Nb2C/Au nanocomposite and the corresponding phototherapy are harnessed to realize “chemical” and “physical” bacterial regulations. Flora analysis and mass spectrometry (MS) and metabonomics combined tests demonstrate that the synergistic microbiota regulations can alter the abundance, diversity of intratumoral microbiome, and disrupt metabolic pathways of microbiome and tumor microenvironment, wherein the differential singling pathways and biosynthetic necessities or metabolites that can affect tumor progression are identified. As well, anti‐TNFα is introduced to unite with bacterial regulation to synergistically mitigate bacterial‐induced inflammation, which, along with the metabolism disruptions of intratumoral microbiota and tumor microenvironment, unfreezes tumor resistance and harvests significantly‐intensified phototherapy‐based anti‐tumor outcomes against 4T1 and CT26 tumors. The clear underlying principles of microbiome‐regulated tumorigenesis and the established microbiome metabolism regulation method provide distinctive insights into tumor therapy, and can be also extended to other gut microbiome‐associated lesions interference.
Stacking Engineered Room Temperature Ferroelectricity in Twisted Germanium Sulfide Nanowires
Authors: Chowdhury Tamaghna , Taneja Chetna , Vasdev Aastha , Ghosh Prasenjit , Sheet Goutam , Kumar G.V. Pavan , Rahman Atikur
Published: January 2022

Group‐IV monochalcogenides have emerged with immense potential to be used as ferroelectric materials in recent times. However, in most of them, ferroelectricity is limited by the presence of inversion symmetry in their natural crystal structure. Here, an experimental observation of ferroelectric order at room temperature by introducing Eshelby twist in Germanium sulfide (GeS) nanowires is reported. The twisted nanowires are synthesized by low‐pressure chemical vapor deposition. The existence of room temperature ferroelectricity in a single nanowire is confirmed by electrical measurements, piezoelectric force microscopy, and second harmonic generation spectroscopy. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the twist in the GeS nanowires breaks the inversion symmetry where the inversion symmetry breaking phonon modes get hardened giving rise to ferroelectricity. These results are expected to be useful in making non‐volatile memory devices, flexible electronics, electronic sensors, and neuromorphic computing.
Explainable artificial intelligence and social science: Further insights for qualitative investigation
Authors: Johs Adam J. , Agosto Denise E. , Weber Rosina O.
Published: January 2022

We present a scoping review of user studies in explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) entailing qualitative investigation. We draw on social science corpora to suggest ways for improving the rigor of studies where XAI researchers use observations, interviews, focus groups, and/or questionnaire tasks to collect qualitative data. We contextualize the presentation of the XAI papers included in our review according to the components of rigor discussed in the qualitative research literature: (a) underlying theories or frameworks; (b) methodological approaches; (c) data collection methods; and (d) data analysis processes. The results of our review dovetail with calls made by others in the XAI community advocating for collaboration with experts from social disciplines toward bolstering rigor and effectiveness in user studies.
Picking on Carbonate: Kinetic Selectivity in the Encapsulation of Anions
Authors: Xie Han , Gunawardana Vageesha W. Liyana , Finnegan Tyler J. , Xie William , Badjić Jovica D.
Published: January 2022

Supramolecular hosts bind to inorganic anions at a fast rate and select them in proportion with thermodynamic stability of the corresponding [anion⊂host] complexes, forming in a reversible manner. In this study, we describe the action of hexapodal capsule1and its remarkable ability to select anions based on a large span of rates by which they enter this host. The thermodynamic affinity of1toward eighteen anions extends over eight orders of magnitude (0<Ka<108 M−1;1H NMR spectroscopy). The capsule would retain CO32−(Ka=107 M−1) for hours in the presence of eleven competing anions, including stronger binding SO42−, HAsO42−and HPO42−(Ka=107–108 M−1). The observed selection resulted from1possessing narrow apertures (ca. 3×6 Å) comparable in size to anions (d=3.5–7.1 Å) slowing down the encapsulation to last from seconds to days. The unorthodox mode of action of1sets the stage for creating hosts that pick anions by their ability to access the host.
Three‐Dimensional Crystalline Covalent Triazine Frameworks via a Polycondensation Approach
Authors: Sun Ruixue , Wang Xiaoyan , Wang Xuepeng , Tan Bien
Published: January 2022

The growth of crystalline covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs) is still considered as a great challenge due to the less reversible covalent bonds of triazine linkages. The research studies of crystalline CTFs to date have been limited to two‐dimensional (2D) structures, and the three‐dimensional (3D) crystalline CTFs have never been reported before. Herein we report the design and synthesis of two 3D crystalline CTFs, termed 3D CTF‐TPM and 3D CTF‐TPA through a reversible/irreversible polycondensation approach. The targeted 3D CTFs adopt ctn topology, and show moderate crystallinity, relatively large surface area (ca. 2000 m2 g−1), and high CO2 uptake capacity (23.61 wt.%). Moreover, these 3D CTFs exhibit ultrastability in the presence of boiling water, strong acid (1 M HCl) and strong base (1 M NaOH). This contribution represents the first report of 3D crystalline CTFs, which not only extends their structural diversity but also offers a synthetic strategy and structural basis for expanding practical applications of CTF materials.
Unprecedented and Readily Tunable Photoluminescence from Aliphatic Quaternary Ammonium Salts**
Authors: Tang Saixing , Zhao Zihao , Chen Jinquan , Yang Tianjia , Wang Yunzhong , Chen Xiaohong , Lv Meng , Yuan Wang Zhang
Published: January 2022

Compounds bearing aliphatic amines can be emissive under appropriate conditions. However, their ionized counterparts, namely, quaternary ammonium salts (QASs), which are widely used as phase‐transfer catalysts, ionic liquids, disinfectants, and surfactants, are known as luminescence quenchers and considered nonemissive. Herein, unprecedented intrinsic fluorescence/phosphorescence dual emissions from various QASs are reported, which can be finely regulated by changing the excitation wavelength, alkyl chain length, counterion, and mechanical stimuli. The bright photoluminescence along with distinct afterglow and tunable multicolor emissions enables the application of QAS solids in advanced multimode anticounterfeiting. This finding refreshes the understanding of QASs and may inspire emerging applications based on the utilization of the intrinsic luminescences of QASs. Furthermore, it opens opportunities for the investigation of QAS‐related processes and functions via a photophysical approach and affords strong implications for the fabrication of novel nonconventional luminophores.
Synthesis, characterization, superoxide dismutase, and antimicrobial activities of Co (II) complexes with Schiff base ligand and their hybrid proteins
Authors: Mo Dan , Song Xun , Wu Jiri , Jaiswal Yogini , Guan Yifu , Zhang Yuzhen , Shen Yunjun , Bian Hedong
Published: January 2022

Metal complexes have been reported to possess excellent free radical scavenging and antimicrobial properties. In the present study, seven linear trinuclear complexes were synthesized based on bis Schiff base ligand and complexes 1, 3–7 are reported for the first time. Their structure was characterized by IR spectroscopy and single crystal diffraction. BSA was used as carrier to hybridize the synthesized complexes to construct hybrid proteins. The interaction between metal complex and BSA was studied by UV–Vis spectrophotometry and fluorescence spectroscopy. Static quenching was the main mechanism identified for the interaction between metal complex and BSA. In the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity test, IC50 values of complexes and hybrid proteins range between 2.89 and 26.53 μM, with hybrid proteins demonstrating a stronger activity than the complexes. Among all the complexes studied, complex 5 exhibited the strongest inhibition against Candida albicans (MIC 12.5 μg ml−1) and Cryptococcus neoformans (MIC 6.5 μg ml−1).
Highly active and thermostable camphyl α‐diimine–nickel(II) catalysts for ethylene polymerization: Effects of N‐aryl substituting groups on catalytic properties and branching structures of polyethylene
Authors: Zhang Qiuyue , Liu Ming , Ma Yanping , Ye Zhibin , Liang Tongling , Sun Wen‐Hua
Published: January 2022

A group of nickel bromide complexes containing the rigid bidentate bis(arylimino)camphane ligands (Ar‐BIC) with different N‐aryl substituents, [ArN═C(camphyl)C(camphyl)═NAr]NiBr2 (Aryl = 2,6‐Me2C6H3 [Ni1], 2,4‐Me2C6H3 [Ni2], 2,4,6‐Me3C6H2 [Ni3], 2,6‐Me2‐4‐{(C6H4F)2CH}‐C6H2 [Ni4], 2,4‐Me2‐6‐{(C6H4F)2CH}‐C6H2 [Ni5, with the corresponding ligand as L5], and 2‐Me‐4,6‐{(C6H4F)2CH}2‐C6H2 [Ni6]), has been synthesized and characterized. The molecular structures of L5, Ni1, Ni3, Ni4, and Ni6 were elucidated with single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The nickel centers displayed a four‐coordinate geometry that can be best described as a distorted tetrahedral geometry. Upon treatment with either MMAO or Me2AlCl, Ni1–Ni6 showed moderate to high activities for ethylene polymerization, producing polyethylenes (PEs) with low to high molecular weights (0.02–23.7 × 105 g mol−1) and low polydispersity indices (PDI: 1.6–2.6). In comparison with reference nickel precatalysts ligated by bis(arylimino)acenaphthene (Ar‐BIAN) and bis(arylimino)butane (Ar‐BIB), the title complexes displayed much better thermal stability and higher catalytic activities (up to 11.2 × 106 g PE (mol Ni)−1 h−1 at 70°C), delivering polyethylenes with higher molecular weights. All the resultant polyethylenes are moderately to highly branched with the branching content and type of branching strongly affected by the type of N‐aryl substituting groups. Notably, the polymers produced with ortho‐hydrogen Ni2/Me2AlCl possessed the highest branching density and unique terminal vinyl (CH═CH2) and internal vinylene (CH═CH) structure. On the other hand, ortho‐di(p‐fluorophenyl)methyl‐containing Ni5 and Ni6 just gave 30 and 19 branches per 1000 Cs due to the reduced chain walking capability as a result of the bulkier substituting groups.
Output tracking of stochastic high‐order nonlinear systems perturbed by second‐order moment process
Authors: Wang Ruitao , Li Wuquan
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we study the output tracking problem of stochastic high‐order nonlinear systems perturbed by second‐order moment process. Unlike the existing results that focused on systems with wiener process, we consider a more practical noise, the second‐order moment process in this paper. We propose a new design method where piecewise functions are suitably constructed to deal with coupling terms between nonlinear functions and the noise. The designed controller ensures that the tracking error can be tuned arbitrarily small, the closed‐loop system has a unique solution, and all states are bounded in probability. Finally, a simulation example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of our control scheme.
Drivers of employees' proactiveness for sustainability embeddedness: Examining situation‐related antecedents of information exchange
Authors: Todaro Niccolò Maria , Testa Francesco , Gusmerotti Natalia Marzia
Published: January 2022

Embedding sustainability in day‐to‐day operations necessitates employees' proactiveness beyond compliance with standardised management practices. Exchanging information on safety and environmental issues is acknowledged as a component of workers' proactive behaviours for sustainability embeddedness, which is hardly promoted by codified procedures. Accordingly, identifying leverages to stimulate information exchange is a primary objective for academics and practitioners. The study investigates drivers of information exchange on safety and environmental near misses by examining five situation‐related antecedents: rewards/reinforcements, organisational boundaries, social proactiveness, stakeholder salience and connectedness. The study relies on a mixed method approach, by combining social network analysis and a questionnaire survey conducted among four large Italian companies. The findings partially support the hypothesis of the study, highlighting rewards/reinforcements and connectedness as relevant antecedents of information exchange, while organisational boundaries only partially relate with information exchange. Surprisingly, stakeholder salience and social proactiveness do not emerge as significant drivers of information exchange. The study contributes to the debate on extra‐role pro‐sustainability behaviours and provides implications for managerial practice.
Ru and Fe Alloying on a Two‐Dimensional MXene Support for Enhanced Electrochemical Synthesis of Ammonia
Authors: Liu Anmin , Liang Xingyou , Gao Mengfan , Ren Xuefeng , Gao Liguo , Yang Yanan , Zhu Haiding , Li Guangxin , Ma Tingli
Published: January 2022

Compared with the energy‐intensive Haber‐Bosch process, the electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) is a promising approach for sustainable ammonia production. However, the design and development of electrocatalysts with high activity and selectivity is currently a major challenge. In this work, we successfully constructed RuFe bimetallic nanoparticles on a two‐dimensional MXene support (RuFe@MXene) through a simple liquid phase reduction method. Benefiting from the rich surface chemistry and high electronic conductivity of MXene, as well as the synergistic effect between RuFe bimetals, the composite can efficiently synthesize ammonia under environmental conditions. Specifically, the NH3 yield and Faraday efficiency of the prepared Ru0.3Fe0.7@MXene composite catalyst reaches 40.79 μg h−1 cm−2 and 15.25 % at −0.4 V vs. RHE in 0.1 M KOH, which are significantly higher than that of the previously reported Ru@MXene. Moreover, the Ru0.3Fe0.7@MXene catalyst also exhibits outstanding electrochemical stability. The density of state (DOS) and the partial density of state (PDOS) of MXene, Fe@MXene, Ru@MXene, and RuFe@MXene were calculated by DFT to explore the synergistic effect of RuFe on the nitrogen reduction performance of MXene‐based catalysts. This work guides the design of high‐performance NRR electrocatalysts in the future.
How to Model the Cathode Area in Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries?
Authors: Abdulkadiroglu Busra , Bektas Hilal , Eroglu Damla
Published: January 2022

In this study, a 1‐D electrochemical model was employed to predict the effect of key design parameters, such as carbon‐to‐sulfur (C/S) ratio, electrolyte‐to‐sulfur (E/S) ratio, and sulfur loading on the discharge capacity and voltage profile of a lithium‐sulfur (Li−S) battery. Herein, a novel definition for the electrochemically active area is proposed based on the weight fraction of carbon and a reference porosity in the cathode. The experimental trends of the discharge behavior of a Li−S cell were captured by the model regarding the change in key design parameters. Results were given in comparison with the predictions of two other models that use different active area definitions, and it was concluded that a sensible representation of the electrochemically active area is critical for modeling the effect of cell design on the discharge performance of a Li−S battery.
Synthesis and Electrochemistry of Free‐Base Porphyrins Bearing Trifluoromethyl meso‐Substituents
Authors: Al Shehimy Shaymaa , Frath Denis , Dumont Elise , Chevallier Floris , Bucher Christophe
Published: January 2022

CF3‐substituted porphyrins have attracted increasing interest over the past decade. However, the number of examples reported in the literature remains quite limited and much remains to be done to understand the properties and reactivity of these molecules. We are now reporting on the synthesis of a series of free base porphyrins incorporating one, two and three CF3 substituents, including the 5,10,15‐tris(CF3) substituted porphyrin which has never been described before. We have also carried out detailed electrochemical and spectroscopic analyses aiming at assessing the electron‐withdrawing properties of the CF3 substituents compared to the widely used C6F5. Our studies led us to propose an interpretation of the quite unusual electrochemical signature of these molecules featuring three successive one‐electron reduction waves.
Two‐step thermal decomposition mechanism of phosphogypsum for resource utilization
Authors: Qian Wenmin , Ning Ping , Zhu Haodong , Song Xin
Published: January 2022

In this work, the reduction–oxidation two‐step method was used for investigating the resource utilization of phosphogypsum. The influences of different decomposition conditions were investigated, including the reducing process and oxidizing process. The reductive organic sulphide in lignite reacted with CaSO4 and improved the CaSO4 decomposition rate. High Fe2(SO4)3 content and anhydrous air flow rate promoted the formation of Fe–Ca–Ox, decreasing the CaSO4 decomposition rate. H2O derived from CH4 reacted with lignite to consume the solid reducing agent. In the reducing process, CaSO4 reacted with CH4 and lignite to form CO, CO2, H2O, and CaS. In the oxidizing process, CaS was mainly oxidized into CaO, SO2, and element S. Through a two‐step decomposition process (reduction with CH4 and oxidation with air), the decomposition temperature of phosphogypsum decreases and the decomposition efficiency is improved. Meanwhile, the residual lignite was oxidized into CO and CO2. Therefore, it is meaningful and valuable.
Precipitation of lithium phosphate from lithium solution by using sodium phosphate
Authors: Shin Dong Ju , Joo Sung‐Ho , Lee Dongseok , Shin Shun Myung
Published: January 2022

Lithium was studied to precipitate into Li3PO4 by adding Na3PO4 under various experimental conditions such as initial lithium concentration of the solution, initial pH of the solution, temperature, and the mol equivalent ratio of Na3PO4. The precipitation mechanism of Li3PO4 was investigated with the change of pH value of the solution over time. The precipitation efficiency of Li3PO4 was 95.4% in the condition of the mol equivalent ratio of Na3PO4 of 1, initial Li concentration of 7 g/L, initial pH of 9.5, and at 90°C. When Na3PO4 was added three times, divided in the mol equivalent ratio of 1 via the hydrolysis reaction of PO43−, which inhibits the Li3PO4 precipitation reaction, an excellent precipitation efficiency of 98.4% was obtained. Co‐precipitated Na2HPO4 with Li3PO4 was washed by distilled water in the condition of solid/liquid ratio of 10% and at 90°C. The purity of the final Li3PO4 product was found to be 99.1%.
Allergic patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic—Clinical practical considerations: An European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology survey
Authors: Alvaro‐Lozano Montserrat , Sandoval‐Ruballos Mónica , Giovannini Mattia , Jensen‐Jarolim Erika , Sahiner Umit , Tomic Spiric Vesna , Quecchia Cristina , Chaker Adam , Heffler Enrico , Klimek Ludger , Brough Helen , Sturm Gunter , Untersmayr Eva , Bonini Mateo , Pfaar Oliver
Published: January 2022

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic has affected health care systems unexpectedly. However, data focusing on practical considerations experienced by health care professionals (HCPs) providing care to allergic patients is scarce.

Methods

Under the framework of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI), a panel of experts in the field of immunotherapy developed a 42‐question online survey, to evaluate real‐life consequences of the COVID‐19 pandemic in allergy practice.

Results

The respondents in the survey were 618. About 80% of HCPs indicated being significantly affected in their allergy practice. A face‐to‐face visit reduction was reported by 93% of HCPs and about a quarter completely interrupted diagnostic challenges. Patients with severe uncontrolled asthma (59%) and anaphylaxis (47%) were prioritized for in‐person care. About 81% maintained an unaltered prescription of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in asthmatics. About 90% did not modify intranasal corticosteroids (INCS) in patients with allergic rhinitis. Nearly half of respondents kept biological prescriptions unmodified for asthma. About 50% of respondents kept their allergen immunotherapy (AIT) prescription patterns unchanged for respiratory allergies; 60% for insect venom allergies. Oral immunotherapy (OIT) for food allergies was initiated by 27%. About 20% kept carrying out up‐dosing without modifications and 14% changed to more prolonged intervals. Telemedicine practice was increased.

Conclusions

HCPs providing care to allergic patients were affected during the pandemic in diagnostic, management, and therapeutic approaches, including AIT for respiratory, insect‐venom, and food allergies. Most HCPs maintained controller treatments for both asthma, and allergic rhinitis consistent with international recommendations, as well as biological agents in asthma. Remote tools are valuable in delivering allergy care.
Single‐stage photovoltaic system design based on energy recovery and fuzzy logic control for partial shading condition
Authors: Kandemir Ekrem , Cetin Numan Sabit , Borekci Selim
Published: January 2022

Multiple local maximum power points occur in the power–voltage characteristic curve of the photovoltaic (PV) systems due to use of bypass diodes under partial shading conditions, and this also leads to decrease the maximum power level of the PV system. This paper proposes an energy recovery‐based PV system to enhance maximum power level and working efficiency under partial shading conditions. In this study, a 350‐W PV system design and application, which can operate at maximum power point under partial shading condition, is made using two 175‐W PV panels. The main purpose of the system is to maintain power generation from the shaded PV panel by energy recovery circuit without any damage on the PV panels and also connect PV panels to the grid by single power circuit. To perform the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) task for the PV system, a single input variable used fuzzy logic control (FLC)‐based MPPT method is developed. Therefore, this study investigates and analyzes energy recovery connected and fuzzy logic control‐based MPPT controlled PV system under partial shading conditions. Effectiveness of the proposed system has been verified through simulation and experimental results.
Pollen–insect interaction meta‐networks identify key relationships for conservation in mosaic agricultural landscapes
Authors: Hall Mark A. , Stavert Jamie R. , Saunders Manu E. , Barr Shannon , Haberle Simon G. , Rader Romina
Published: January 2022

Flower visitors use different parts of the landscape through the plants they visit, however these connections vary within and among land uses. Identifying which flower‐visiting insects are carrying pollen, and from where in the landscape, can elucidate key pollen–insect interactions and identify the most important sites for maintaining community‐level interactions across land uses. We developed a bipartite meta‐network, linking pollen–insect interactions with the sites they occur in. We used this to identify which land‐use types at the site‐ and landscape‐scale (within 500 m of a site) are most important for conserving pollen–insect interactions. We compared pollen–insect interactions across four different land uses (remnant native forest, avocado orchard, dairy farm, rotational potato crop) within a mosaic agricultural landscape. We sampled insects using flight intercept traps, identified pollen carried on their bodies and quantified distinct pollen–insect interactions that were highly specialized to both natural and modified land uses. We found that sites in crops and dairy farms had higher richness of pollen–insect interactions and higher interaction strength than small forest patches and orchards. Further, many interactions involved pollinator groups such as flies, wasps, and beetles that are often under‐represented in pollen–insect network studies, but were often connector species in our networks. These insect groups require greater attention to enable wholistic pollinator community conservation. Pollen samples were dominated by grass (Poaceae) pollen, indicating anemophilous plant species may provide important food resources for pollinators, particularly in modified land uses. Field‐scale land use (within 100 m of a site) better predicted pollen–insect interaction richness, uniqueness, and strength than landscape‐scale. Thus, management focused at smaller scales may provide more tractable outcomes for conserving or restoring pollen–insect interactions in modified landscapes. For instance, actions aimed at linking high‐richness sites with those containing unique (i.e., rare) interactions by enhancing floral corridors along field boundaries and between different land uses may best aid interaction diversity and connectance. The ability to map interactions across sites using a meta‐network approach is practical and can inform land‐use planning, whereby conservation efforts can be targeted toward areas that host key interactions between plant and pollinator species.
Reducing eating disorder risk among male athletes: A randomized controlled trial investigating the male athlete body project
Authors: Perelman Hayley , Schwartz Natalie , Yeoward‐Dodson Jennifer , Quiñones Isabel C. , Murray Matthew F. , Dougherty Elizabeth N. , Townsel Raven , Arthur‐Cameselle Jessyca , Haedt‐Matt Alissa A.
Published: January 2022

Objective

No study to date has investigated an intervention program for male athletes that targets eating disorder risk factors. The purpose of this study was to measure the effects of the Male Athlete Body Project (MABP), an adaptation of the Female Athlete Body Project on body dissatisfaction, drive for muscularity, body‐ideal internalization, and muscle dysmorphia.

Method

Participants were 79 male collegiate athletes who were randomized to the MABP (n = 39) or an assessment‐only control condition (n = 40). All participants completed psychometrically validated measures at three time points: baseline, post‐treatment (3 weeks after baseline for the control condition), and 1‐month follow‐up.

Results

Hierarchical Linear Modeling assessed differences between conditions across time. Interaction effects revealed that participation in the MABP improved satisfaction with specific body parts and reduced drive for muscularity and body‐ideal internalization at post‐treatment compared to a control group. Athletes in the MABP also reported increased body areas satisfaction and reductions in drive for muscularity at 1‐month follow‐up. Reductions in supplement use were observed at 1‐month follow‐up only.

Discussion

This study provides preliminary evidence of the efficacy of the MABP in reducing some eating disorder risk factors up to 1 month after the intervention; follow‐up study considerations are discussed.

Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT04077177

Public Significance

This study highlights the importance of eating disorder and body image intervention efforts for male athletes. Findings suggest that male college athletes who attended a 3‐session group intervention based on a well‐established program for college women experienced an increase in satisfaction with specific body areas and a reduction in some eating disorder risk factors (e.g., drive for muscularity, supplement use, and body‐ideal internalization) compared to a control group.
The association between episodes of night eating and levels of depression in the general population
Authors: Kim Woorim , Ju Yeong Jun , Lee Soon Young
Published: January 2022

Objective

Research has suggested that a correlation may exist between depressive mood and episodes of night eating. This study aimed to examine whether having episodes of night eating was associated with increased levels of depression.

Method

This study used data from the 2019 Korea Community Health Survey and the study population consisted of adults aged ≥19 years. Depression levels were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9. We investigated the patients' general characteristics using t‐tests and analysis of variance. The association between depression levels and episodes of night eating was analyzed using a multivariable linear regression analysis. Subgroup analysis was conducted based on daily sleep duration.

Results

We analyzed 34,358 individuals and found higher average depression scores (β: 4.99, p < .001) in those with episodes of night eating than those without. Large effect sizes were found for differences in depression scores between participants with and without episodes of night eating. The magnitude of this increase was particularly pronounced in individuals who reported 9 or more hours of sleep per day.

Discussion

An association was found between levels of depression and episodes of night eating as individuals with episodes of night eating were more likely to have higher depression scores. Our findings suggest the potential need to consider night eating when addressing the mental health of the general population.
Molecular and Electronic Structures of a Series of Dinuclear CoII Complexes Varied by Exogeneous Ligands: Influence of π‐Bonding on Redox Potentials
Authors: Depenbrock Felix , Limpke Thomas , Stammler Anja , Oldengott Jan , Bögge Hartmut , Glaser Thorsten
Published: January 2022

Four dinuclear CoII complexes have been synthesized and structurally characterized with the dinucleating ligand susan (susan=4,7‐dimethyl‐1,1,10,10‐tetra(2‐pyridylmethyl)‐1,4,7,10‐tetraazadecane) varying in the exogeneous ligands: [(susan){CoII(CH3CN)2}2](PF6)4, [(susan){CoIICl}2](ClO4)2, [(susan){CoIIBr}2](ClO4)2, and [(susan){CoII(μ‐OH)CoII}](ClO4)3. The CoII ions are six‐coordinate with CH3CN ligands and five‐coordinate with anionic ligands. The electronic absorption spectra reflect the differences in the electronic structures, not only between the six‐ and five‐coordinate complexes, but also between the five‐coordinate complexes. These variations are also reflected in the magnetic properties with the highest orbital angular momentum contribution in six‐coordinate [(susan){CoII(CH3CN)2}2](PF6)4. The lower symmetry in the five‐coordinate complexes reduces the orbital angular momentum contribution. The hydroxo‐bridged complex [(susan){CoII(μ‐OH)CoII}](ClO4)3 exhibits an additional antiferromagnetic interaction. The electrochemical characterization reveals that the π‐acceptor ligand CH3CN facilitates not only reduction from CoII to CoI but also oxidation to CoIII, while the π‐donor ligands Br−, Cl−, and μ‐OH− impede both reduction to CoI and oxidation to CoIII. [(susan){CoII(CH3CN)2}2](PF6)4 and [(susan){CoIICl}2](ClO4)2 show electrocatalytic proton reduction at a potential of ≈−1.9 V vs Fc+/Fc that is associated with a ligand‐centered reduction.
Electrochemically Surface‐modified Aluminum Electrode Enabling High Performance and Ultra‐long Cycling Life Al‐ion Batteries
Authors: Go Hyungho , Raj Michael Ruby , Tak Yongsug , Lee Gibaek
Published: January 2022

Innovation in electronic devices has created a demand for energy storage systems. Recently, rechargeable Al‐ion batteries (AIBs) have received significant attention owing to their high gravimetric capacity and low cost. In this study, the electrochemical performances of pristine, etched, and electropolished Al negative electrodes via surface modification were investigated to determine their efficiency in AIBs. Herein, pristine, etched, and electropolished Al acted as the negative electrodes (anodes), and pure graphite and aluminum chloride (AlCl3)/1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride ([EMIm]Cl) were used as the positive electrode (cathode) and ionic liquid electrolyte, respectively. This new type of electropolished Al‐based battery cell shows good cyclability and high performance compared to pristine and etched Al electrodes. The electropolished Al electrode stabilized at an average capacity of 50 mAh g−1 over 10,000 cycles at an ultrafast current rate of 5,000 mA g−1.