bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polymeric smart coatings containing modified capped halloysite nanotubes for corrosion protection of carbon steel
Authors: Habib Sehrish , Khan Adnan , Ismail Salman M. , Shakoor R. A. , Kahraman Ramazan , Ahmed Elsadig Mahdi
Published: April 2023

A newly designed smart self-healing epoxy coating system comprised of modified halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) having capping is proposed for corrosion protection of steel. In the first step, HNTs were loaded with 8-hydroxyquinoline (8HQ), used as a corrosion inhibitor. Then the HNTs were sealed/capped using cobalt (II), aiming for an efficient and controlled release of the loaded inhibitor. The smart coatings were developed by reinforcing loaded HNTs into the epoxy matrix. The structural, thermal, mechanical, and electrochemical properties of capped modified HNTs and smart coatings were studied using various techniques. UV–Vis analysis depicted that the capping of the metal-inhibitor complex was decomposed at acidic pH resulting in a controlled release of the loaded inhibitor into HNTs. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopic (EIS) analysis of blank and smart coatings demonstrated that the low-frequency impedance modulus of smart coatings is 109 Ω.cm2 for 20 days compared to blank coatings (105 Ω.cm2), reflecting their excellent corrosion inhibition performance. The superior corrosion protection properties of these smart coatings can be ascribed to the controlled and efficient release of the loaded inhibitor from the capped HNTs. Finally, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis of the steel substrate after the corrosion analysis revealed the adsorption of 8HQ on the steel surface, confirming the formation of iron complex due to the release of loaded inhibitor. This work demonstrated the adeptness of 8HQ in mitigating the corrosion due to the controlled and effective release of the inhibitor from capped HNTs because of dissociation of the metal-inhibitor complex (Co-8HQ).

Graphical abstract
Oyster shell-derived nano-hydroxyapatite and proanthocyanidin pretreatment on dentinal tubule occlusion and permeability before and after acid challenge—an in vitro study
Authors: Bhavan Ram Udatha , Sujatha Venkatappan , Vidhya Sampath , Jayasree Raghavan , Mahalaxmi Sekar
Published: April 2023

This in vitro study evaluated the dentinal tubule occlusion (TO), depth of penetration (DoP), and dentin permeability (DP) of oyster shell-derived nanohydroxyapatite (os-nHAp) with and without 15% proanthocyanidin (PA) pretreatment. os-nHAp was synthesized via the precipitation method and it was characterized. The morphology and particle size of os-nHAp were analyzed using a high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). Cytotoxicity of os-nHAp, PA/os-nHAp, and casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) was assessed by (3-(4,5-dimethythiazol-2-yl) 2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay using human osteosarcoma (MG-63) cell line. One hundred and ninety-seven dentin discs of 3 mm thickness were prepared from the crown portion of extracted human teeth. The dentinal surfaces of the discs were etched for 2 min with 6% citric acid to simulate dentin hypersensitivity. Five discs were randomly selected and the patency of dentinal tubules was confirmed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The remaining 192 discs were divided into four groups (n = 48) depending on the type of remineralization as follows: group 1: os-nHAp, group 2: PA/os-nHAp, group 3: CPP-ACP, and group 4: no treatment. The remineralization protocol was followed for 21 days. Out of the 48 dentin discs in each group, 32 discs were used to evaluate dentinal tubule occlusion (TO) and depth of penetration (DoP) using SEM. The remaining 16 discs were subjected to an assessment of dentin permeability (DP) using a hydraulic conductance model. TO, DoP and DP were evaluated after remineralization and acid challenge. Characterization studies confirmed the presence of pure phase apatite. HRTEM confirmed the nanometric particle size of os-nHAp. MTT assay results showed that all the tested materials exhibited >80% cell viability when tested up to a concentration of 100 µg/mL. The results demonstrated a significantly higher mean percentage of TO, DoP, and lesser mean DP after remineralization in groups 1, 2, and 3 (p < 0.05). After the acid challenge, group 3 showed a significant reduction in TO and DoP, and increased DP (p < 0.05). However, no such changes were observed in groups 1 and 2. Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that os-nHAp and PA/os-nHAp could serve as potential and durable therapeutic agents in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity.

Graphical Abstract
Design and Development of Inexpensive Paper-Based Chemosensors for Detection of Divalent Copper
Authors: Geetha Mithra , Sadasivuni Kishor Kumar , Al-Ejji Maryam , Sivadas Nandagopal , Bhattacharyya Bagmita , Musthafa Farzana N. , Alfarwati Sarya , Promi Tamanna Jannat , Ahmad Sumayya Ali , Alabed Sara , Hijazi Dima Anwar , Alsaedi Fatimatulzahraa , Al-Shaibah Faozia Nasser
Published: April 2023

Simple, portable, and low-cost paper-based sensors are alternative devices that have the potential to replace high-cost sensing technologies. The compatibility of the paper base biosensors for both chemical and biochemical accentuates its feasibility for application in clinical diagnosis, environmental monitoring, and food quality monitoring. High concentration of copper in blood serum and urine is associated with diseases like liver diseases, carcinomas, acute and chronic infections, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. Detection of copper concentration can give an early sign of Alzheimer disease. Apart from that genetic Wilson's disease can be detected by evaluating the concentration of copper in the urine. In view of the above advantages, a novel and the highly sensitive paper-based sensor has been designed for the selective detection of Cu2+ ions. The fast and highly sensitive chemiresistive multi-dye system sensor can detect Cu2+ ions selectively in as low as 2.23 ppm concentration. Least interference has been observed for counter ion in the detection of Cu2+. Copper chloride, nitrate, and acetate were used to validate the detection process. This assay provides a very high selectivity of Cu2+ ion over other metal cations such as Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+, etc. The easy preparation and high stability of dye solutions, easy functionalization of the paper-based sensors, high selectivity over other cations, low interference of counter anion, and significantly low detection limit of 2.23 ppm make it an effective Cu2+ ion sensor for real-time application in near future.

Graphical Abstract
Equity in Economic Evaluations of Early Childhood Development Interventions in Low-and Middle-Income Countries: Scoping Review
Authors: Baek Yeji , Ademi Zanfina , Fisher Jane , Tran Thach , Owen Alice
Published: April 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to examine how equity is integrated into economic evaluations of early childhood development interventions in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), and to narratively synthesize the study characteristics and findings.

Methods

We conducted a scoping review by searching three electronic databases with terms including equity, early childhood development intervention, economic evaluation, and LMICs. Interventions that aimed to improve child cognitive, physical, language, motor, or social and emotional development through health, nutrition, security and safety, responsive caregiving, and early learning interventions between conception and age 8 years were considered. Studies published in English peer-reviewed journals in the year 2000 and later were included.

Results

The review included 24 cost-effectiveness studies out of 1460 identified articles based on eligibility criteria. The included studies addressed health, nutrition, social protection, and water, sanitation and hygiene interventions for child development. The common type of intervention was immunization. Mostly, equity was measured using household wealth or geographic areas, and the study findings were presented through subgroup analyses. The study settings were LMICs, but most studies were conducted by research teams from high-income countries. Overall, 63% of included studies reported that early childhood development interventions improved equity with greater intervention benefits observed in disadvantaged groups.

Conclusions

Consideration of equity in evaluations of early childhood interventions provides a more complete picture of cost-effectiveness, and can improve equity. Greater focus on promoting equity consideration, multi-sectoral interventions, and researchers in LMICs would support evidence-based interventions and policies to achieve equity in child development.
Activation of Ca2+ transport in cardiac microsomes enriches functional sets of ER and SR proteins
Authors: Cala Steven E. , Carruthers Nicholas J. , Stemmer Paul M. , Chen Zhenhui , Chen Xuequn
Published: April 2023

The importance of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+-handling in heart has led to detailed understanding of Ca2+-release and re-uptake protein complexes, while less is known about other endoplasmic reticulum (ER) functions in the heart. To more fully understand cardiac SR and ER functions, we analyzed cardiac microsomes based on their increased density through the actions of the SR Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) and the ryanodine receptor that are highly active in cardiomyocytes. Crude cardiac microsomal vesicles loaded with Ca oxalate produced two higher density subfractions, MedSR and HighSR. Proteins from 20.0 μg of MV, MedSR, and HighSR protein were fractionated using SDS-PAGE, then trypsinized from 20 separate gel pieces, and analyzed by LC–MS/MS to determine protein content. From 62,000 individual peptide spectra obtained, we identified 1105 different proteins, of which 354 were enriched ≥ 2.0-fold in SR fractions compared to the crude membrane preparation. Previously studied SR proteins were all enriched, as were proteins associated with canonical ER functions. Contractile, mitochondrial, and sarcolemmal proteins were not enriched. Comparing the levels of SERCA-positive SR proteins in MedSR versus HighSR vesicles produced a range of SR subfraction enrichments signifying differing levels of Ca2+ leak co-localized in the same membrane patch. All known junctional SR proteins were more enriched in MedSR, while canonical ER proteins were more enriched in HighSR membrane. Proteins constituting other putative ER/SR subdomains also exhibited average Esub enrichment values (mean ± S.D.) that spanned the range of possible Esub values, suggesting that functional sets of proteins are localized to the same areas of the ER/SR membrane. We conclude that active Ca2+ loading of cardiac microsomes, reflecting the combined activities of Ca2+ uptake by SERCA, and Ca2+ leak by RyR, permits evaluation of multiple functional ER/SR subdomains. Sets of proteins from these subdomains exhibited similar enrichment patterns across membrane subfractions, reflecting the relative levels of SERCA and RyR present within individual patches of cardiac ER and SR.
Postpartum quality of life and associated factors: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Al Rehaili Bushra O. , Al-Raddadi Rajaa , ALEnezi Nadiyah Karim , ALYami Ala H.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

To determine factors associated with postpartum quality of life (QOL).

Methods

An analytic cross-sectional design was used in this study, and data was collected from December 2019 to March 2020. Participants were 252 postpartum women visiting eight governmental primary healthcare centers in Madinah city, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment-BREF, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Sleep problems were assessed using an item from the Prime-MD Patient Health Questionnaire.

Results

Maternal age between 26 and 35 years had a significant independent association with the physical health domain of QOL (p < .01). Postpartum depression was significantly associated with lower QOL in all dimensions (p < .01). In addition, sleep problems were associated with three out of the four QOL domains (p < .05). The significant other subscale of the MSPSS was significantly associated with higher QOL scores in all dimensions (p < .01); additionally, family and friends subscales of the MSPSS were significantly associated with the social domain of QOL (p < .01).

Conclusions

Maternal QOL, during the postpartum period, showed negative associations with age, postpartum depression, and sleep disturbances. Ultimately, social support appeared to be an essential factor in mothers’ ability to cope with the physical and psychological problems experienced during this period.
Scaffolding self-regulated learning from causal-relations texts: Diagramming and self-assessment to improve metacomprehension accuracy?
Authors: Pijeira-Díaz Héctor J. , van de Pol Janneke , Channa Faisal , de Bruin Anique
Published: April 2023

The accuracy of students’ relative comprehension judgments when reading texts is typically rather low. This has been ascribed to students grounding their comprehension judgments on cues that are not diagnostic of their actual comprehension level. Asking students to complete causal diagrams—a diagramming scaffold—before judging comprehension has proved effective in providing them with more diagnostic cues and thereby fostered metacomprehension accuracy and self-regulated learning. However, there is still room for improvement. We investigated experimentally whether adding the instruction to students to self-assess their causal diagrams: (1) would lead to more accurate judgments than comprehension judgments, (2) would boost their utilization of diagnostic diagram cues by increasing the saliency of those cues, and (3) would enhance metacomprehension accuracy. Participants (N = 427 secondary students in The Netherlands) were randomly assigned to one of three conditions, namely (1) only diagram completion, (2) diagram completion plus diagram self-assessment, or a (3) filler task after reading (control). Self-assessments were more accurate than comprehension judgments, while both correlated strongly. However, no significant differences were found between diagramming conditions concerning diagram cue utilization and metacomprehension accuracy. Apparently, students self-assess their diagrams even without instruction to do so. Nonetheless, the effect of the diagramming scaffold for improving relative metacomprehension accuracy was replicated and extended to absolute metacomprehension accuracy.
The application of complex network theory for resilience improvement of knowledge-intensive supply chains
Authors: Chen Jiakuan , Wen Haoyu
Published: April 2023

With frequent political conflicts and public health emergencies, global supply chains are constantly under risk interference, significantly reducing supply chain resilience (SCR), especially for the knowledge-intensive supply chains (KISCs). To assess and improve the resilience of KISC, this paper uses complex network theory to construct a directed weighted network model suitable for KISC and expresses the SCR as a comprehensive capability that can resist risk and recover from it. Using quantitative indicators plus qualitative assessment to quantify the resilience index and identify the network key nodes. Two resilience improvement paths are proposed for KISCs, improving firms’ development capacity and industrial backup. In the case study, the resilience of the integrated circuit (IC) supply chain is assessed and improved according to real data from the global IC industry. The findings show that (i) The resilience assessment based on the directed weighted network aligns with industrial reality. (ii) Improving firms’ development capability and industrial backup can improve SCR. (iii) Effective improvement of resilience requires targeting key nodes in the supply chain network (SCN). Moreover, the degree of firms’ development capability improvement and industrial backup intensity should be within a specific range.
Psidium or Myrcia? — The problematic lectotypification of Mitranthes O.Berg (Myrteae, Myrtaceae)
Authors: Proença Carolyn E. B. , Lucas Eve J.
Published: April 2023

The genus Mitranthes (Myrteae, Myrtaceae) was described with five species, but no indication of a generic type. These five species are now known to belong to the independent generic lineages Psidium and Myrcia of the tribe Myrteae. This paper traces the taxonomic and nomenclatural history of Mitranthes, showing that the most appropriate type species is currently accepted in Psidium. As a result, Mitranthes should correctly be treated as a synonym of Psidium and its recent synonymisation in Myrcia must be discounted.
Coincidence of plasma cell leukemia and COVID-19: a diagnostic pitfall
Authors: Egger Margot , Black Anne , Robier Christoph
Published: April 2023

We report the case of a 66-year-old man with a known history of IgD multiple myeloma (MM) which was admitted to hospital because of acute renal failure. Routine PCR testing on admission yielded a positive result for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Examination of the peripheral blood (PB) smear revealed 17% lymphoplasmacytoid cells and a few small plasma cells mimicking morphological changes frequently seen in viral diseases. However, flow cytometric examination showed 20% clonal lambda-restricted plasma cells being consistent with a diagnosis of secondary plasma cell leukemia. Circulating plasma cells as well as similar appearing lymphocyte subtypes such as plasmacytoid lymphocytes are frequently observed in infectious disorders such as COVID-19, so that the lymphocyte morphology in our patient’s case could have been easily misinterpreted as typical COVID-19-induced changes. Our observation highlights the importance of incorporating clinical, morphological, and flow-cytometric data in distinguishing between reactive and neoplastic lymphocyte changes because misinterpretation may affect disease classification and, beyond that, clinical decision-making, which may have serious consequences for patients.
Choose what suits you best: reproductive patterns and livestock management in the Iron Age Iberian Peninsula (3rd c. BC)
Authors: Messana Chiara , Tornero Carlos , Colominas Lídia
Published: April 2023

Isotopic analyses have proven to be an essential tool for obtaining more comprehensive and precise knowledge about past livestock strategies. Nevertheless, biogeochemical data for the Iron Age and, in particular, for the Iberian Peninsula are still very scarce. This study aims to provide a first and pivotal glimpse of sheep reproductive strategies adopted by north-eastern Iberian societies during the Middle and Late Iron Age, a period in which a process of urbanisation and agricultural expansion took place. Birth seasonality and the duration of the lambing period are here investigated through sequential oxygen isotope analyses performed on sheep’s second and third lower molars from four relevant Catalan sites (Mas Castellar de Pontós, Tossal de Baltarga, Sant Esteve d’Olius, Turó de la Rovira). These are contemporary (third century BC) and are located in different ecological and cultural areas. Results display diversified sheep reproductive patterns and distinct demographical management in the four settlements, with manipulations both on the season and on the duration of the lambing period. Thus, we propose that herd management and exploitation were determined by specific economic demands and the social organisation and environmental conditions of each area. Therefore, through this biogeochemical approach, we have been able to demonstrate that the resources, knowledge and time involved in the organisation of sheep husbandry were much more complex and planned than classical zooarchaeological studies have so far documented, highlighting the importance of livestock farming as a key activity in the economy of the Iron Age Iberian communities.
How tiny species can be overlooked: the finding of Eudendrium capillaroides (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa) in the Strait of Gibraltar
Authors: González-Duarte Manuel M. , Megina Cesar , López-González Pablo J.
Published: April 2023

Eudendrium capillaroidesSchuchert, 2008 has not been reported since its original description. The new and abundant material found in Ceuta, southern coast of the Strait of Gibraltar, allows us to refine the morphological diagnosis of this species.Eudendrium capillaroidesis characterized by small monosiphonic colonies, a dense ring at the base of the hydranth, and it seems to have a preference for growing on other hydroids. Male gonophores on atrophied polyps, two-chambered (occasionally one chamber), and female gonophores on reduced polyps in the initial stages of development but hydrants later completely atrophied. Nematocysts are heterotrichous microbasic euryteles of two size classes, a larger size densely distributed in a band on the hydrant body basally and a smaller size abundant mainly on the tentacles. Furthermore, we carried out molecular analyses to assess the status ofE. capillaroidesand its most similar congenerE. capillarewithin the genusEudendrium. The use of few morphological characters or incomplete descriptions may thus lead to an incorrect wide distribution of a nominal species that actually represents a species complex. This can particularly be the case in less conspicuous species, such as many hydroids, where the degree of diversity might be underestimated. The accurate description of tiny, inconspicuous and/or cryptic species is important in order to better estimate global marine diversity as well as to understand marine communities and the relationships between their components.
Uniting Contemplative Theory and Scientific Investigation: Toward a Comprehensive Model of the Mind
Authors: Wright Malcolm J. , Sanguinetti Joseph L. , Young Shinzen , Sacchet Matthew D.
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Research into meditation-related emergent phenomenology is advancing, yet progress is hampered by significant incongruities between meditator self-reports and objective measurements (e.g., of brain states). We address these incongruities by developing and demonstrating the potential of contemplative theory to support scientific investigation.

Method

Our approach is to translate key theories from Buddhist contemplative traditions into scientific terms, and then systematize these translations as a functionalist model of the mind—the Thin Model—able to inform scientific inquiry.

Results

Buddhist doctrine is shown to be consistent with objective descriptions of mental function, and the Thin Model derived from these translations demonstrates immediate explanatory power. The nested nature of the model allows explanations to be restricted to the specific problem being studied. The model enables connection of complex higher-level phenomena, such as self-reports of mental states, to complex lower-level phenomena, such as empirically measured brain states. This connection does not require simplistic assumptions to be made. A detailed demonstration illustrates how the model can convert subjective accounts of the ecstatic meditative states known as jhānas into testable neuroscientific hypotheses.

Conclusions

We provide an account of contemplative theory that is amenable to scientific investigation. Our approach, exemplified in the Thin Model, offers immediate explanatory power, allows meaningful dialogue between different research traditions, and provides an organizing principle for explanations of mental phenomena. The Thin Model may also be relevant to other fields concerned with autonomous entities or the nature and operation of the mind.
Consolidation Effect on the Behavior of Micropiled Rafts Under Combined Loading: Case Study
Authors: Elsawwaf Ahmed , El Sawwaf Mostafa , Nazir Ashraf , Azzam Waseim , Farouk Ahmed , Etman Emad
Published: April 2023

This paper used finite element modeling to evaluate the consolidation effect on the performance of existing rafts underpinned with micropiles under combined vertical and lateral loads. For this purpose, a real-life case study was discussed, in which micropile underpinning was used to stop the continuous tilt of a 13-floor residential building supported by a surface raft. It was found that the building tilted towards the northeast direction because of the consolidation of a deep soft clay layer under the northeast building corner. After discussing the as-built micropiling system, a 3D numerical model, developed using the PLAXIS software, was used to conduct the numerical research. The time-dependent behavior of the raft with and without the consideration of micropiles was assessed. Moreover, the variation of load-sharing ratios with time was investigated. The numerical results emphasize that the underpinning process was effective and reduced the final raft rotation and maximum settlement by 79.9% and 73.9%, respectively, compared to the case of the absence of micropiles. The consolidation process under a steady level of vertical loads enhanced the performance of the micropiled and unmicropiled rafts against upcoming lateral loads. The vertical load-sharing ratio increased during a life span of 20 years by 10.4% due to the consolidation process, but the increase was at a decreasing rate. Comparing all the four directions in which the lateral load was applied, the micropiles carried (57.4–76.6%) of the lateral load.
Solid Additive-Assisted Layer-by-Layer Processing for 19% Efficiency Binary Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Ding Guanyu , Chen Tianyi , Wang Mengting , Xia Xinxin , He Chengliang , Zheng Xiangjun , Li Yaokai , Zhou Di , Lu Xinhui , Zuo Lijian , Xu Zhikang , Chen Hongzheng
Published: April 2023

Morphology is of great significance to the performance of organic solar cells (OSCs), since appropriate morphology could not only promote the exciton dissociation, but also reduce the charge recombination. In this work, we have developed a solid additive-assisted layer-by-layer (SAA-LBL) processing to fabricate high-efficiency OSCs. By adding the solid additive of fatty acid (FA) into polymer donor PM6 solution, controllable pre-phase separation forms between PM6 and FA. This intermixed morphology facilitates the diffusion of acceptor Y6 into the donor PM6 during the LBL processing, due to the good miscibility and fast-solvation of the FA with chloroform solution dripping. Interestingly, this results in the desired morphology with refined phase-separated domain and vertical phase-separation structure to better balance the charge transport /collection and exciton dissociation. Consequently, the binary single junction OSCs based on PM6:Y6 blend reach champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.16% with SAA-LBL processing, which can be generally applicable to diverse systems, e.g., the PM6:L8-BO-based devices and thick-film devices. The efficacy of SAA-LBL is confirmed in binary OSCs based on PM6:L8-BO, where record PCEs of 19.02% and 16.44% are realized for devices with 100 and 250 nm active layers, respectively. The work provides a simple but effective way to control the morphology for high-efficiency OSCs and demonstrates the SAA-LBL processing a promising methodology for boosting the industrial manufacturing of OSCs.
Self-Supporting Nanoporous Copper Film with High Porosity and Broadband Light Absorption for Efficient Solar Steam Generation
Authors: Yu Bin , Wang Yan , Zhang Ying , Zhang Zhonghua
Published: April 2023

Solar steam generation (SSG) is a potential technology for freshwater production, which is expected to address the global water shortage problem. Some noble metals with good photothermal conversion performance have received wide concerns in SSG, while high cost limits their practical applications for water purification. Herein, a self-supporting nanoporous copper (NP-Cu) film was fabricated by one-step dealloying of a specially designed Al98Cu2 precursor with a dilute solid solution structure. In-situ and ex-situ characterizations were performed to reveal the phase and microstructure evolutions during dealloying. The NP-Cu film shows a unique three-dimensional bicontinuous ligament-channel structure with high porosity (94.8%), multi scale-channels and nanoscale ligaments (24.2 ± 4.4 nm), leading to its strong broadband absorption over the 200–2500 nm wavelength More importantly, the NP-Cu film exhibits excellent SSG performance with high evaporation rate, superior efficiency and good stability. The strong desalination ability of NP-Cu also manifests its potential applications in seawater desalination. The related mechanism has been rationalized based upon the nanoporous network, localized surface plasmon resonance effect and hydrophilicity.
Nanocellulose-Assisted Construction of Multifunctional MXene-Based Aerogels with Engineering Biomimetic Texture for Pressure Sensor and Compressible Electrode
Authors: Xu Ting , Song Qun , Liu Kun , Liu Huayu , Pan Junjie , Liu Wei , Dai Lin , Zhang Meng , Wang Yaxuan , Si Chuanling , Du Haishun , Zhang Kai
Published: April 2023

Multifunctional architecture with intriguing structural design is highly desired for realizing the promising performances in wearable sensors and flexible energy storage devices. Cellulose nanofiber (CNF) is employed for assisting in building conductive, hyperelastic, and ultralight Ti3C2Tx MXene hybrid aerogels with oriented tracheid-like texture. The biomimetic hybrid aerogels are constructed by a facile bidirectional freezing strategy with CNF, carbon nanotube (CNT), and MXene based on synergistic electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bonding. Entangled CNF and CNT “mortars” bonded with MXene “bricks” of the tracheid structure produce good interfacial binding, and superior mechanical strength (up to 80% compressibility and extraordinary fatigue resistance of 1000 cycles at 50% strain). Benefiting from the biomimetic texture, CNF/CNT/MXene aerogel shows ultralow density of 7.48 mg cm−3 and excellent electrical conductivity (~ 2400 S m−1). Used as pressure sensors, such aerogels exhibit appealing sensitivity performance with the linear sensitivity up to 817.3 kPa−1, which affords their application in monitoring body surface information and detecting human motion. Furthermore, the aerogels can also act as electrode materials of compressive solid-state supercapacitors that reveal satisfactory electrochemical performance (849.2 mF cm−2 at 0.8 mA cm−2) and superior long cycle compression performance (88% after 10,000 cycles at a compressive strain of 30%).
Recent Progress in and Perspectives on Emerging Halide Superionic Conductors for All-Solid-State Batteries
Authors: Tuo Kaiyong , Sun Chunwen , Liu Shuqin
Published: April 2023

Rechargeable all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) are considered to be the next generation of devices for electrochemical energy storage. The development of solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) is one of the most crucial subjects in the field of energy storage chemistry. The newly emerging halide SSEs have recently been intensively studied for application in ASSBs due to their favorable combination of high ionic conductivity, exceptional chemical and electrochemical stability, and superior mechanical deformability. In this review, a critical overview of the development, synthesis, chemical stability and remaining challenges of halide SSEs is given. The design strategies for optimizing the ionic conductivity of halide SSEs, such as element substitution and crystal structure design, are summarized in detail. Moreover, the associated chemical stability issues in terms of solvent compatibility, humid air stability and corresponding degradation mechanisms are discussed. In particular, advanced in situ/operando characterization techniques applied to halide-based ASSBs are highlighted. In addition, a comprehensive understanding of the interface issues, cost issues, and scalable processing challenges faced by halide-based ASSBs for practical application is provided. Finally, future perspectives on how to design high-performance electrode/electrolyte materials are given, which are instructive for guiding the development of halide-based ASSBs for energy conversion and storage.

Graphical Abstract

In this review, a critical overview is given on the development, synthesis, chemical stability and remaining challenges facing for halide SSEs. The design strategies for optimizing ionic conductivity of halide SSEs like elements substitution, crystal structures design are summarized in detail. Future perspectives are given on how to design high-performance electrode/electrolyte materials.
Interventions That Failed: Factors Associated with the Continuation of Bullying After a Targeted Intervention
Authors: Johander Eerika , Turunen Tiina , Garandeau Claire F. , Salmivalli Christina
Published: April 2023

We examined how often teachers’ targeted interventions fail in stopping bullying and to what extent this varies between schools vs. between students involved. In addition, we investigated which student-level factors were associated with intervention failure. Data were collected annually in 2011–2016 via online questionnaires and included responses from students in 2107 Finnish primary and secondary schools implementing the KiVa antibullying program. During the years of the study, 27% of the 57,835 students who were victims in the cases of bullying addressed by adults reported no improvement in their situation. Among the 44,918 bullying perpetrators who were targeted by an intervention, 21% said they did not bully less as a result. Intervention failures were mostly due to differences between individuals: only 3–12% of the total variance in continued victimization and bullying was due to between-school differences. According to two-level logistic regression results, victim-perceived failure was more likely when the victimized student was in higher grades, had been victimized more frequently and, for a longer time, had been victimized also online, had bullied others, and had fewer friends in the class. Bully-perceived failure was more likely when the bullying student was in higher grades, bullied more frequently, and was victimized. Finally, the bullying students’ antibullying attitudes and their perception of teacher’s and parents’ antibullying attitudes were negatively associated with failure of the intervention.
Valuable pigments from microalgae: phycobiliproteins, primary carotenoids, and fucoxanthin
Authors: Chini Zittelli Graziella , Lauceri Rosaria , Faraloni Cecilia , Silva Benavides Ana Margarita , Torzillo Giuseppe
Published: April 2023

Phycobiliproteins, carotenoids and fucoxanthin are photosynthetic pigments extracted from microalgae and cyanobacteria with great potential biotechnological applications, as healthy food colorants and cosmetics. Phycocyanin possesses a brilliant blue color, with fluorescent properties making it useful as a reagent for immunological essays. The most important source of phycocyanin is the cyanobacterium Arthrospiraplatensis, however, recently, the Rhodophyta Galdieriasulphuraria has also been identified as such. The main obstacle to the commercialization of phycocyanin is represented by its chemical instability, strongly reducing its shelf-life. Moreover, the high level of purity needed for pharmaceutical applications requires several steps which increase both the production time and cost. Microalgae (Chlorella, Dunaliella, Nannochloropsis, Scenedesmus) produce several light harvesting carotenoids, and are able to manage with oxidative stress, due to their free radical scavenging properties, which makes them suitable for use as source of natural antioxidants. Many studies focused on the selection of the most promising strains producing valuable carotenoids and on their extraction and purification. Among carotenoids produced by marine microalgae, fucoxanthin is the most abundant, representing more than 10% of total carotenoids. Despite the abundance and diversity of fucoxanthin producing microalgae only a few species have been studied for commercial production, the most relevant being Phaeodactylumtricornutum. Due to its antioxidant activity, fucoxanthin can bring various potential benefits to the prevention and treatment of lifestyle-related diseases. In this review, we update the main results achieved in the production, extraction, purification, and commercialization of these important pigments, motivating the cultivation of microalgae as a source of natural pigments.

Graphical abstract
Insights into the phototautomerism of free-base 5, 10, 15, 20-tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl) porphyrin
Authors: Ciuti Susanna , Carella Angelo , Lucotti Andrea , Tommasini Matteo , Barbon Antonio , Di Valentin Marilena
Published: April 2023

Phototautomerism in the excited states of free-base 5, 10, 15, 20-tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl) porphyrin (H2TPPS4−) has been investigated combining, for the first time, advanced Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) with fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy. Triplet EPR spectroscopy, performed in protic and deuterated solvents and in the presence of photoselection, confirms the occurrence of phototautomerization and additionally suggests the formation of the cis tautomer as a minor component. The zero-field splitting parameters and triplet sublevel populations indicate that the process is slow in the triplet state. The results obtained by EPR combined with photoselection and fluorescence anisotropy have been interpreted within a model which accounts for a fast trans–trans tautomerization promoted by a spin-vibronic coupling mechanism for intersystem crossing, with an even distribution of the two trans tautomers at liquid nitrogen temperatures for H2TPPS4−.

Graphical abstract
Using an Accelerated Undergraduate Needs Finding Course to Build Skills, Inspire Confidence, and Promote Interest in Health Technology Innovation
Authors: Denend Lyn , Spielman Susie , Venook Ross , Pamnani Ravinder D. , Camarillo David , Wall James , Towles Joseph
Published: April 2023

Many undergraduate educational experiences in biomedical design lack clinical immersion-based needs finding training for students. Convinced of the merits of this type of training for undergraduates, but unable to offer a quarter-long course due to faculty and administrative constraints, we developed an accelerated block-plan course, during which students were dedicated solely to our class for 3 weeks. The course focused on the earliest stages of the health technology innovation process—conducting effective clinical observations and performing comprehensive need research and screening. We grounded the course in experiential learning theory (with hands-on, collaborative, and immersive experiences) and constructivist learning theory (where students integrated prior knowledge with new material on need-driven innovation). This paper describes the design of this intensive block-plan course and the teaching methods intended to support the achievement of five learning objectives. We used pre- and post-course surveys to gather self-reported data about the effect of the course on student learning. Despite the accelerated format, we saw statistically significant gains for all but one sub-measure across the learning objectives. Our experience supports key benefits of the block-plan model, and the results indicate that specific course design choices were effective in achieving positive learning outcomes. These design decisions include (1) opportunities for students to practice observations before entering the clinical setting; (2) a framework for the curriculum that reinforced important concepts iteratively throughout the program; (3) balanced coverage of preparation, clinical immersion, and need research; (4) extensive faculty and peer coaching; and (5) providing hands-on prototyping opportunities while staying focused on need characterization rather than solution development. Based on our experience, we expect that this model is replicable across institutions with limited bandwidth to support clinical immersion opportunities.
Acclimation of Phytoplankton Fe:C Ratios Dampens the Biogeochemical Response to Varying Atmospheric Deposition of Soluble Iron
Authors: Wiseman N. A. , Moore J. K. , Twining B. S. , Hamilton D. S. , Mahowald N. M.
Published: April 2023

Dissolved iron (dFe) plays an important role in regulating marine productivity. In high nutrient, low chlorophyll regions (>33% of the global ocean), iron is the primary growth limiting nutrient, and elsewhere iron can regulate nitrogen fixation by diazotrophs. The link between iron availability and carbon export is strongly dependent on the phytoplankton iron quotas or cellular Fe:C ratios. This ratio varies by more than an order of magnitude in the open ocean and is positively correlated with ambient dFe concentrations in field observations. Representing Fe:C ratios within models is necessary to investigate how ocean carbon cycling will interact with perturbations to iron cycling in a changing climate. The Community Earth System Model ocean component was modified to simulate dynamic, group‐specific, phytoplankton Fe:C that varies as a function of ambient iron concentration. The simulated Fe:C ratios improve the representation of the spatial trends in the observed Fe:C ratios. The acclimation of phytoplankton Fe:C ratios dampens the biogeochemical response to varying atmospheric deposition of soluble iron, compared to a fixed Fe:C ratio. However, varying atmospheric soluble iron supply has first order impacts on global carbon and nitrogen fluxes and on nutrient limitation spatial patterns. Our results suggest that pyrogenic Fe is a significant dFe source that rivals mineral dust inputs in some regions. Changes in dust flux and iron combustion sources (anthropogenic and wildfires) will modify atmospheric Fe inputs in the future. Accounting for dynamic phytoplankton iron quotas is critical for understanding ocean biogeochemistry and projecting its response to variations in atmospheric deposition.
Review of Quantitative Applications of the Concept of the Water Planetary Boundary at Different Spatial Scales
Authors: Han Siqi , Leng Guoyong , Yu Linfei
Published: April 2023

The water planetary boundary (PB) quantifies a safe operating space for human water consumption and is understood as a control‐variable set at a safe distance from a selected threshold (or dangerous level) based on precautionary principles. The water PB is useful for guiding sustainable development, and various multiscale quantitative assessments of water PB have been conducted. To improve our understanding and guide future applications, we conduct a comprehensive review of all studies published since the concept's introduction. We identify a total of 288 relevant papers in the literature and perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis of 28 papers providing 488 data records at various spatial scales. The analyses mainly involve the relevant quantification indicators, quantification methods, comparisons of the water PB with the current state of water consumption at different scales, and the identification of associated problems. Finally, we propose 10 outlooks for important future research. This review indicates that the theoretical water‐PB framework, as an early‐stage research area, has gradually developed, despite the few, imperfect available methods. To address the limitations of previous studies, we propose two improvement frameworks for guiding future research: the further improvement of traditional popular approaches to quantifying the multiscale water PB within a consistent scientific framework and an improved framework for quantifying the water PB at various scales to obtain better‐fitting results for different research purposes and study areas. Based on this review, we point out some important issues that have received little attention, including the quantification of safe distances and the linkages between multiscale water PBs.
Relaxed Eddy Accumulation Outperforms Monin‐Obukhov Flux Models Under Non‐Ideal Conditions
Authors: Zahn Einara , Bou‐Zeid Elie , Dias Nelson Luís
Published: April 2023

The Monin‐Obukhov Similarity Theory (MOST) links turbulent statistics to surface fluxes through universal functions. Here, we investigate its performance over a large lake, where none of its assumptions (flat homogeneous surface) are obviously violated. We probe the connection between the variance budget terms and departure from the nondimensional flux‐variance function for CO2, water vapor, and temperature. Our results indicate that both the variance storage and its vertical transport affect MOST, and these terms are most significant when small fluxes and near neutral conditions were prevalent. Such conditions are common over lakes and oceans, especially for CO2, underlining the limitation of using any MOST‐based methods to compute small fluxes. We further show that the relaxed eddy accumulation (REA) method is more robust and less sensitive to storage and transport, adequately reproducing the eddy‐covariance fluxes even for the smallest flux magnitudes. Therefore, we recommend REA over MOST methods for trace‐gas flux estimation.
Stratification of Heterogeneity in the Lithosphere of Mars From Envelope Modeling of Event S1222a and Near Impacts: Interpretation and Implications for Very‐High‐Frequency Events
Authors: Menina S. , Margerin L. , Kawamura T. , Heller G. , Drilleau M. , Xu Z. , Calvet M. , Garcia R. F. , Knapmeyer‐Endrun B. , Carrasco S. , Onodera K. , Lognonné P. , Stott A. , Banerdt W. B.
Published: April 2023

We have modeled the high‐frequency seismogram envelopes of the large event S1222a and four recently identified near impacts recorded by the InSight mission by introducing a stratification of velocity and attenuation into a multiple‐scattering approach. We show that a simple conceptual model composed of a strongly diffusive, weakly attenuating layer overlying a transparent medium captures the essential features of the observed envelopes. The attenuation profiles reveal that the minimal extension of heterogeneities at depth is of the order of 20 km in the vicinity of InSight and 60 km on the path to S1222a. We interpret this result as an indication that the Martian crust as a whole is at the origin of the strong scattering. Our heterogeneity model suggests that the sources of a number of distant Very‐high‐Frequency seismic events are shallow and located to the south or in close vicinity of the Martian dichotomy.
Optogenetic stimulation of mouse Hoxb8 microglia in specific regions of the brain induces anxiety, grooming, or both
Authors: Nagarajan Naveen , Capecchi Mario R.
Published: April 2023

Previously, we have shown that either disruption of the Hoxb8 gene or ablation of a microglial subpopulation, Hoxb8 microglia, results in mice exhibiting both chronic anxiety and OCSD-like behavior, compulsive pathological hair pulling (trichotillomania), to the point of showing lesions at the sites of overgrooming. Herein we show, that optogenetic stimulation of Hoxb8 microglia in specific regions of the brain induces elevated anxiety, grooming or both. Optogenetic stimulation of Hoxb8 microglia within the dorsomedial striatum (DMS) or the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) induces grooming, whereas stimulation of Hoxb8 microglia in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) or central amygdala (CeA) produces elevated anxiety. Optogenetic stimulation of Hoxb8 microglia in the ventral CA1 region of the hippocampus (vCA1) induces both behaviors as well as freezing. In vitro we directly demonstrate that optogenetic stimulation of Hoxb8 microglia in specific regions of the brain activate neighboring neural activity through the induction of the c-fos-immediate early response. These experiments connect outputs from optogenetically stimulated Hoxb8 microglia, within specific regions of the brain, to the activation of neurons and neural circuits that in turn enable induction of these behaviors. These experiments suggest that Hoxb8 microglia are likely to be among, or the main, first responders to signals that evoke these behaviors. The same regions of the brain (DMS, mPFC, BLA, CeA and vCA1) have previously been defined at the neuronal level, by optogenetics, to control anxiety in mice. Intriguingly, the optogenetic experiments in microglia suggest that the two populations of microglia, canonical non-Hoxb8 and Hoxb8 microglia, function in opposition rather than in parallel to each other, providing a biological reason for the presence of two microglial subpopulations in mice.