bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Twenty-five years post-treatment conifer responses to silviculture on aKalmia-dominated site in eastern Canada
Authors: Thiffault Nelson , Titus Brian D. , English Basil
Published: July 2017

Research has demonstrated the potential of soil scarification, fertilization, and herbicide application to improve conifer seedling establishment and early growth. However, tree responses to and interactions among silvicultural treatments vary, making it difficult to predict mid- and long-term impacts of silviculture on stand productivity. We thus evaluated the 25-year effects of scarification and herbicide–fertilization combinations on black spruce (Picea mariana), jack pine (Pinus banksiana) and tamarack (Larix laricina) planted on a Kalmia angustifolia-dominated site. Our results show that the effects of scarification and herbicide–fertilization combinations diverged among species. Black spruce was the most responsive species to scarification for height and diameter at breast height. The combination of herbicide and fertilization treatments still had significantly positive effects on the long-term height and diameter growth of all species. Silvicultural treatments resulted in significant reductions in rotation length (based on height) when compared to height in nontreated-plots, depending on the species; reductions in years to attain a given height were greater for black spruce than for the other species. Our results illustrate the need to take species autecology into account when predicting productivity gains associated with early silviculture, and to provide managers with specific guidelines for the reforestation of ericaceous-dominated sites in Canadian boreal ecosystems.
LEI DE IMPROBIDADE ADMINISTRATIVA BRASILEIRA: MECANISMO PREVENTIVO À BOA ADMINISTRAÇÃO PÚBLICA?
Authors: Camargo Patrícia Maria Seger de , Oliveira Celmar Corrêa de
Published: July 2017

A pesquisa versa sobre a Lei 8.429/92 e analisa sua efetividade na prevenção de atos de improbidade. Pretende verificar se a Lei de Improbidade Administrativa contribui para a construção de agentes orientados a práticas administrativas sob o enfoque ético-moral, aspecto fundamental à boa Administração Pública. Analisa-se a moralidade administrativa, ética pública e probidade, aspectos delineadores do sistema jurídico de proteção à probidade administrativa, instaurado a partir da Constituição Federal de 1988. Mediante a análise da sistemática de funcionamento da Lei 8.429/92, verifica-se o alcance do que seja improbidade administrativa e a possibilidade de a Lei configurar mais que um mecanismo de repressão. O método de pesquisa adotado é o qualitativo, cujos dados são indiretos. Os resultados mostraram que a CF/1988 tratou do tema de forma inovadora, ensejando um código de condutas que atua na prevenção de práticas ímprobas.
REFLEXÕES TEÓRICAS SOBRE JUSTIÇA INTERNACIONAL: REVISITANDO HEDLEY BULL
Authors: Tostes Ana Paula , Valença Marcelo Mello
Published: July 2017

O artigo tem o objetivo de apresentar uma reflexão sobre a influência do racionalismo grociano no debate sobre justiça internacional. O desafio da realização de uma justiça comum entre atores estatais soberanos perpassa debates clássicos da história e da teoria da constituição da sociedade internacional no período pós-guerra. Trata-se de uma pesquisa teórica que visa aprofundar o debate sobre justiça e apresentar um diálogo entre autores de diferentes campos de estudo que não têm sido confrontados em um ambiente interdisciplinar que permita o aprofundamento de conceitos de justiça para pesquisadores de temas jurídicos e políticos internacionais. O argumento do artigo é que a contribuição teórica de Hedley Bull, ao enfrentar as possíveis contradições entre os valores da ordem e da justiça no contexto da anarquia internacional, corrobora com o debate sobre os conceitos e limites de uma justiça internacional. O artigo está dividido em três partes. A primeira parte foca no enquadramento da reflexão de Bull em relação aos debates sobre teoria da justiça. A segunda parte traz a reflexão sobre a subjetividade da justiça internacional. A terceira parte apresenta os problemas conceituais de justiça sob o prisma do argumento da relatividade das prioridades e metas a serem alcançadas. A conclusão orienta a reflexão final sobre a relevância da contribuição de uma perspectiva racional que busca conciliar a prevalência da igualdade jurídica e soberania dos atores estatais com a possível ameaça da ordem. Ficando inconclusa a exploração do tema, pela sua própria natureza, o artigo busca contribuir para uma visão interdisciplinar sobre a combinação das características de sociedade e de anarquia da ordem internacional, ao mesmo tempo, e as vantagens de uma ordem mínima, sob o ponto de vista racional.
Sepsis epidemiology and outcome in the paediatric intensive care unit of Vilnius University Children’s Hospital
Authors: Bobelytė Odeta , Gailiūtė Ieva , Zubka Vytautas , Žilinskaitė Virginija
Published: July 2017

Research was carried out at the paediatric intensive care unit (paediatric ICU) of the  Children’s Hospital, affiliate of Vilnius University Hospital Santariškių klinikos.
Background. Being the most common cause of children’s death, sepsis is a challenge for most physicians. In order to improve the outcomes, it is important to know the aetiology and peculiarities of sepsis in a particular region and hospital. The aim of this study was to analyse the outcomes of sepsis in a paediatric intensive care unit and their relation with patients’ characteristics and causative microorganisms.
Materials and Methods. A retrospective analysis of the Sepsis Registration System in Vilnius University Children’s hospital was started in 2012. From 2012 to 2015, we found 529 sepsis cases in our hospital, 203 of which were found to be fulfilling all of the inclusion criteria (patient’s age >28 days on admission, taken blood culture/positive PCR test, need for paediatric ICU hospitalization) and were included in the final analysis.
Abbreviations:
ICD – international disease classification
PCR – polymerase chain reaction
Results. Sepsis made 4% of all patients of the paediatric ICU in the period from 2012 to 2015 and caused 32% of deaths in the unit. Paediatric mortality reached 14% of all sepsis cases in our analysis, the majority of them due to hospital-acquired sepsis that occurred in patients suffering from oncologic or hematologic diseases. Another significant part of the patients that did not survive were previously healthy with no co-morbidities. The  most common microorganism in lethal community-acquired cases was N. meningitidis and in hospital-acquired sepsis – Staphylococcus spp. Multi-drug resistance was observed, especially in the cases of hospital-acquired sepsis.
Conclusions. A large percentage of lethal outcomes that occur in the paediatric ICU are due to sepsis. The majority of lethal cases of sepsis occur in patients suffering from chronic co-morbidities, such as oncologic, hematologic, neurologic, and others.
Les effets d’une recherche-action sur la collaboration entre acteurs du sanitaire et du social
Authors: ENRICO Vincent
Published: July 2017

Cet article a pour objet une étude concernant les savoirs en jeu dans la collaboration sanitaire et sociale dans une société de location de matériel médical à domicile (ADL). L’
étude prend la forme d
’une recherche-action avec les personnels techniques, sociaux et médicaux de la structure. La mission d’ADL suppose une coopération interprofessionnelle, car au-delà de du traitement médico-technique, la société a choisi d’
étendre son domaine d
’action avec un traitement social du patient. Pour mieux comprendre la nature du lien entre le domaine social et les autres domaines de travail, l’objet de la recherche-action est de savoir dans quelles conditions les salariés signalent des patients au service social. Au-delà de l’enjeu pour le malade et pour l’entreprise, la réflexion engagée sur la non-observance du traitement par le patient, provoque des glissements dans les postures des professionnels. La mise à jour de l’organisation telle qu’elle est vécue par chacun conduit à une réflexivité dans le sens d’une capacité de chacun à réfléchir à son rapport à la recherche en cours puis à son rapport aux autres domaines d’activité de la société. Cela a conduit à réfléchir à la construction d’un outil d’
évaluation des besoins sociaux du patient posant la question de l
’
élargissement des prérogatives du domaine
technique ou du domaine social.
L’intérêt et l’engagement syndical des travailleuses de l’industrie de la construction
Authors: LEDUC Caroline , HOULFORT Nathalie , LAURENT François-Albert
Published: July 2017

La participation syndicale des femmes demeure un enjeu important, malgré la présence accrue de celles-ci au sein de différentes instances syndicales. Il est soulevé que l’intérêt des femmes pour le syndicalisme accuse un certain retard, comparativement à celui que lui accordent les hommes, et que ce retard est particulièrement marqué dans le milieu de la construction. Le présent article vise à tester un modèle théorique des facteurs expliquant l’intérêt des travailleuses de la construction pour l’engagement syndical. Une étude corrélationnelle a été réalisée auprès de 230 travailleuses de la construction au Québec afin de déterminer le rôle de facteurs organisationnels, interpersonnels et individuels dans le fait qu’elles sont intéressées à s'engager syndicalement. Les résultats suggèrent que l’intérêt des travailleuses de la construction pour l’implication syndicale est multifactoriel. Entre autres, il semble que l’implication actuelle, les connaissances syndicales et le sentiment d’efficacité personnelle de la travailleuse jouent un rôle important dans son désir de s’impliquer. Les résultats obtenus permettent de dégager des pistes d’action que les organisations syndicales pourraient mettre sur pied afin d’inciter plus de femmes à s’impliquer dans leur syndicat.
HHS OIG: Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and physicians limit access to MOUD
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: October 2024

Patients with insurance coverage under Medicare — in particular, Medicare Advantage — or Medicaid are less likely to receive medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) because providers are just unwilling to treat them, according to a report released last month by the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG). The report repeatedly refers to “behavioral health,” so in this article, we do too.
NIDA director cautions against power of money
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: October 2024

Putting profits over public health is not endorsed by Nora Volkow, M.D., director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). She had some choice words for commercial interests involved in the addiction field in a brave Sept. 26 blog. Preying on the vulnerable — with drugs, social media, gambling, processed food and other addictive products — is something she knows how to zone in on as an evil.
The Cribellate Nanofibrils of the Southern House Spider: Extremely Thin Natural Silks with Outstanding Extensibility
Authors: Silliman Jacob , Koebley Sean R. , Schniepp Hannes C.
Published: October 2024

Cribellate silks, produced by ancient spiders, are fascinating because they feature a highly sophisticated, 3D hierarchical structure consisting of filaments with different diameters and shapes. Here, the smallest and thinnest constituents of the cribellate silk are investigated: nanofibrils that form a dense mesh that is supported by larger fibers. Analysis of their structure via atomic force and transmission electron microscopies shows that they are flattened fibrils, only ≈5 nm thick — thinner than any other natural spider silk fibrils previously reported. In this work, the first mechanical tensile testing experiments on these fibrils are carried out, which reveals that the fibrils show an outstanding extensibility of at least 1100%, almost twice as much as the most stretchable spider silk previously reported. Based on these extraordinary findings, this work significantly expands the parameter space of materials properties attainable by spider silks and provides further insights into their nanomechanics.
Magnetoelectric Phase Control at Domain‐Wall‐Like Epitaxial Oxide Multilayers
Authors: Gradauskaite Elzbieta , Yang Chia‐Jung , Efe Ipek , Pal Shovon , Fiebig Manfred , Trassin Morgan
Published: October 2024

Ferroelectric domain walls are nanoscale objects that can be created, positioned, and erased on demand. They often embody functional properties that are distinct from the surrounding bulk material. Enhanced conductivity, for instance, is observed at charged ferroelectric domain walls. Regrettably, domain walls of this type are scarce because of the energetically unfavorable electrostatics. This hinders the current technological development of domain‐wall nanoelectronics. Here this constraint is overcome by creating robust domain‐wall‐like objects in epitaxial oxide heterostructures. Charged head‐to‐head (HH) and tail‐to‐tail (TT) junctions are designed with two ferroelectric layers (BaTiO3 and BiFeO3) that have opposing out‐of‐plane polarization. To test domain‐wall‐like functionalities, an ultrathin ferromagnetic La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 layer is inserted into the junctions. The interfacial electron or hole accumulation at the interfaces, set by the HH and TT polarization configurations, respectively, controls the LSMO conductivity and magnetization. Thus it is proposed that trilayers reminiscent of artificial domain walls provide magnetoelectric functionality and may constitute an important building block in the design of oxide‐based electronic devices.
Potassium 3‐Thiophenetrifluoroborate Based Preferential Redox toward Highly Efficient Bilateral Protection for Full Li–S Batteries
Authors: Liu Fuyong , Xu Dexiang , Liu Zifeng , Wang Lu , Chen Miao , Zhou Dan , Xiao Zhubing
Published: October 2024

Electrolyte additives have been promising strategies aimed at lithium metal dendrite growth and active materials loss of sulfur cathode those have troubled the development of Li‐S batteries (LSBs), while current interface modulations of electrodes are still challenged by low protection efficiency and high N/P ratio. Herein, potassium 3‐thiophenetrifluoroborate (KPTB) is adopted as an additive to construct versatile interface for both lithium metal anode (LMA) and sulfur cathode. The preferentially electrochemical reduction and oxidation of PTB (3‐thiophenetrifluoroborate) moiety, as well as electrostatic shielding exerted by K+ ion, enable F‐rich solid electrolyte interphase for LMA and construct polythiophene based protection layers on the two electrodes, facilitating fast and uniform ion/electron transfer across the interface, suppressing polysulfide outflow and maintaining integrity of electrodes. Electrochemical measurements indicate that optimized dosage of KPTB in electrolyte remarkably enhances reversibility and cyclic stability of the two electrodes, and endows LSBs with excellent performances over wide temperature range (−25–50 °C). Remarkably, the Li‐S full cells using a 75 µm of LMA can deliver a capacity of 6.0 mAh cm−2 and excellent cyclic performances for 350 cycles, at a N/P ratio as low as 1.4. This work can provide new reliable solution for electrolyte additive based interface protections in LSBs.
Tailoring Physicochemical Properties of Photothermal Hydrogels Toward Intrinsically Regenerative Therapies
Authors: Xiao Tong , Dai Hongliang , Wu Yang , Liu Zhou , Yeow Jonothan , Xing Xinhui , Geng Hongya
Published: October 2024

Photothermal hydrogels (PTHs) are considered next‐generation biomaterials as they offer remotely defined biophysical information of the extracellular milieu. PTHs allow precise and non‐genetic control for the regeneration of native tissues, which is the ultimate goal of tissue engineering (TE). Molecular and physical properties of PTHs, such as components, structural configurations, and mechanical characteristics, collectively serve as determinants for understanding the dynamic tissue response and clinical translation. PTHs have entered a period of fruition due to the development of numerous manufacturing technologies and polymeric matrices. Herein, this review comprehensively and meticulously elucidates the mechanisms of regenerative therapeutics underlying the design and fabrication of PTHs. Recent advances in the photothermal principles and various categories of photothermal agents (PTAs) have been extensively discussed. Vital components and structures of PTHs are summarized to enable efficacious and precise therapeutic energy delivery. Emerging applications of PTHs in TE are also demonstrated, which expand the strategies for the intrinsic regeneration of injured tissues. Then deliberate the structural and chemical engineering of PTHs to enhance prognosis while highlighting the challenges associated with clinical translation. In this review, we aim to provide guidance and prospects for exploration and innovation of PTHs in the field of TE.
Anion‐Mediated Rapid and Direct Synthesis of FeNiOOH for Robust Water Oxidation
Authors: Nie Jianhang , Shi Jinghui , Li Lei , Xie Meng‐Yuan , Ouyang Zhen‐Yang , Xian Ming‐Hua , Huang Gui‐Fang , Wan Hui , Hu Wangyu , Huang Wei‐Qing
Published: October 2024

FeNiOOH is regarded as the most stable active species in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), but the high oxidation energy of NiOOH poses a challenge to directly synthesize FeNiOOH as a real OER catalyst. Herein, an anion‐mediated kinetically controlled strategy is proposed, coupled with cation‐induced geometric topology modulation, to directly synthesis FeNiOOH with ultra‐thin, densely packed nanosheet architectures. Specifically, the Cl−‐mediated in situ generation of hypochlorous acid promotes the direct formation of NiFeOOH. Concurrently, high‐valence competitive Ru3+ mitigate electrostatic repulsion, fostering a compact and densely packed assembly of Ru/FeNiOOH nanosheet branches. Furthermore, the intrinsic electron‐capturing ability of FeOOH, in synergy with the stabilizing effect of doped Ru atoms, further promote the formation and stabilization high‐valence NiOOH. Consequently, the hierarchical Ru/FeNiOOH@NiPOx nanoarray catalyst displays exceptional OER performance, with an overpotential of 172 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and outstanding stability. This study provides a novel strategy to directly construct a real catalyst.
Double Enzyme Active Hydrogel Program Regulates the Microenvironment of Staphylococcus aureus‐Infected Pressure Ulcers
Authors: Xie Hailin , Qian Yuna , Ding Jiayi , Zhao Rui , Huang Linwei , Shen Jianliang , Zhou Zhihua
Published: October 2024

The treatment of infected pressure ulcers (IUPs) requires addressing diverse microenvironments. A pressing challenge is to effectively enhance the regenerative microenvironment at different stages of the healing process, tailoring interventions as needed. Here, a dual enzyme mimetic and bacterial responsive self‐activating antimicrobial hydrogel designed to enhance IPUs healing is introduced. This hydrogel incorporates pH‐responsive dual enzyme‐active nanoplatforms (HNTs‐Fe‐Ag) encapsulated within a methacrylate‐modified silk fibroin (SFMA) and dopamine methacrylamide (DMA) matrix. This composite hydrogel exhibits adaptive microenvironment regulation capabilities. Under the low pH microenvironment of bacterial infection, it has excellent antimicrobial activity by self‐activating the •OH generation in conjunction with photothermal effects. Under the neutral and alkaline microenvironment of chronic inflammation, it catalyzes the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to produce oxygen (O2), thereby alleviating hypoxia and scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), which in turn remodulates the phenotype of macrophages. The composite hydrogel demonstrates on‐demand therapeutic effects in the microenvironment of infected wounds, significantly enhancing the regenerative microenvironment of IUPs by promoting wound closure, inflammation regulation, and collagen deposition through self‐activated antimicrobial action during infection and adaptive hypoxia relief during recovery. This approach offers a novel strategy for developing smart wound dressings.
Beyond Flexible: Unveiling the Next Era of Flexible Electronic Systems
Authors: Kim Min Sung , Almuslem Amani S. , Babatain Wedyan , Bahabry Rabab R. , Das Uttam K. , El‐Atab Nazek , Ghoneim Mohamed , Hussain Aftab M. , Kutbee Arwa T. , Nassar Joanna , Qaiser Nadeem , Rojas Jhonathan P. , Shaikh Sohail F. , Torres Sevilla Galo A. , Hussain Muhammad M.
Published: October 2024

Flexible electronics are integral in numerous domains such as wearables, healthcare, physiological monitoring, human–machine interface, and environmental sensing, owing to their inherent flexibility, stretchability, lightweight construction, and low profile. These systems seamlessly conform to curvilinear surfaces, including skin, organs, plants, robots, and marine species, facilitating optimal contact. This capability enables flexible electronic systems to enhance or even supplant the utilization of cumbersome instrumentation across a broad range of monitoring and actuation tasks. Consequently, significant progress has been realized in the development of flexible electronic systems. This study begins by examining the key components of standalone flexible electronic systems–sensors, front‐end circuitry, data management, power management and actuators. The next section explores different integration strategies for flexible electronic systems as well as their recent advancements. Flexible hybrid electronics, which is currently the most widely used strategy, is first reviewed to assess their characteristics and applications. Subsequently, transformational electronics, which achieves compact and high‐density system integration by leveraging heterogeneous integration of bare‐die components, is highlighted as the next era of flexible electronic systems. Finally, the study concludes by suggesting future research directions and outlining critical considerations and challenges for developing and miniaturizing fully integrated standalone flexible electronic systems.
Imaging Locally Inhomogeneous Properties of Metal Halide Perovskites
Authors: Kosar Sofiia , De Wolf Stefaan
Published: October 2024

Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) are a perfect example of state‐of‐the‐art photovoltaic materials whose compositional and structural diversity, coupled with utilization of low‐temperature processing, can undesirably result in spatially inhomogeneous properties that locally vary within the material. This complexity of MHPs requires sensitive imaging characterization methods at the microscopic level to gauge the impact of such inhomogeneities on device performance and to formulate mitigation strategies. This review consolidates properties of MHPs that are susceptible to local variations and highlights appropriate imaging techniques that can be employed to map them. Inhomogeneities in morphology, emission, electrical response, and chemical composition of MHP thin films are specifically considered, and possible microscopic techniques for their visualization are reviewed. For each type of microscopy, a short discussion about spatial resolution, sample requirements, advantages, and limitations is provided, thus leaving the reader with a guide of available imaging characterization tools to evaluate inhomogeneities of their MHPs.
Intense Circular Dichroism and Spin Selectivity in AgBiS2 Nanocrystals by Chiral Ligand Exchange
Authors: Ding Pengbo , Chen Dezhang , Tamtaji Mohsen , Hu Sile , Qammar Memoona , Ko Pui Kei , Sergeev Aleksandr A. , Zou Bosen , Tang Bing , Wong Kam Sing , Guo Liang , Chen Guanhua , Rogach Andrey L. , Halpert Jonathan E.
Published: October 2024

Chiral semiconducting nanomaterials offer many potential applications in photodetection, light emission, quantum information, and so on. However, it is difficult to achieve a strong circular dichroism (CD) signal in semiconducting nanocrystals (NCs) due to the complexity of chiral ligand surface engineering and multiple, uncertain mechanisms of chiroptical behavior. Here, a chiral ligand exchange strategy with cysteine on the ternary metal chalcogenide AgBiS2 NCs is developed, and a strong, long‐lasting CD signal in the near‐UV region is achieved. By carefully optimizing the ligand concentration, the CD peaks are observed at 260 and 320 nm, respectively, giving insight into the different ligand binding mechanisms influencing the CD signal of AgBiS2 NCs. Using density‐functional theory, a large degree of crystal distortion by the bidentate mode of ligand chelation, and efficient ligand‐NC electron transfer, synergistically resulting in the strongest CD signal (g‐factor over 10−2) observed in chiral ligand‐exchanged semiconductor NCs to date, is demonstrated. To demonstrate the effective chiral properties of these AgBiS2 NCs, a spin‐filter device with over 86% efficiency is fabricated. This work represents a considerable leap in the field of chiral semiconductor NCs and points toward their future applications.
Polyoxometalate Reinforced Perovskite Phase for High‐Performance Perovskite Photovoltaics
Authors: Huang Xiaofeng , Bi Leyu , Yao Zefan , Fu Qiang , Fan Baobing , Wu Shengfan , Su Zhenhuang , Feng Qifan , Wang Jiarong , Hong Yuhao , Liu Ming , An Yidan , Chen Mingqian , Jen Alex K.‐Y.
Published: October 2024

Ionic hybrid perovskites face challenges in maintaining their structural stability against non‐equilibrium phase degradation, therefore, it is essential to develop effective ways to reinforce their corner‐shared [PbI6]4− octahedral units. To strengthen structural stability, redox‐active functional polyoxometalates (POMs) are developed and incorporated into perovskite solar cells (PSCs) to form a robust polyoxometalates/perovskite interlayer for stabilizing the perovskite phase. This approach offers several advantages: 1) promotes the formation of an interfacial connecting layer to passivate interfacial defects in addition to stabilize the [PbI6]4− units through exchanged ammonium cations in POMs with perovskites; 2) facilitates continuous structural repairing of Pb0‐ and I0‐rich defects in the [PbI6]4− unit through redox electron shuttling of the electroactive metal ions in POMs; 3) provides guidance for selecting suitable redox mediators based on the kinetic studies of POM's effectiveness in reacting with targeted defects. The POM‐reinforced device maintains 97.2% of its initial PCE after 1500 h of shelf‐life test at 65 °C, while also enhancing the long‐term operational stability. Additionally, this approach can be generally applicable across scalable sizes and various bandgap perovskites in devices, showing the promise of using functional POMs to enhance perovskite photovoltaic performance.
Methodology to Control the Regioselective Installation of a Carboxylic Acid for the Synthesis of 2,3‐Diarylpropionic Acids
Authors: Hamilton Mason D. , Perrone Trina M. , Popp Brian V.
Published: October 2024

A stepwise copper‐catalyzed boracarboxylation then palladium‐catalyzed Suzuki‐Miyaura cross‐coupling methodology was developed to access 2,3‐diarylpropionic acid derivatives regioselectively by pre‐setting the position of the carboxylic acid in the boracarboxylation reaction. This method provides access to a wide range of aryl and heteroaryl products in up to 80% isolated yield. Pharmaceutical potential was demonstrated by synthesizing a glucagon receptor antagonist drug in three steps (31% overall yield) from commercially available 4‐tert‐butylstyrene.
Recent Advances in the Cascade Cyclization of Alkyne Units for the Construction of Benzofluorenes
Authors: Jiang Shimin , Yang Ruchun , Song Xian‐Rong , Xiao Qiang
Published: October 2024

Benzofluorenes are an important class of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are widely used in materials science for light‐sensitive electronic components. In addition, the benzofluorene skeleton also serves as a key structural unit in various natural products. Therefore, the development of synthetic strategies for the construction of benzofluorenes has been a prominent research topic in synthetic chemistry. Over the past few decades, numerous efforts have been made for the construction of benzofluorenes via cascade cyclization of alkyne units. This review aims to summarize recent advances in the cascade cyclization of alkyne units for the construction of Based on the different reaction mechanisms underlying these transformations, this review can be divided into four categories: (1) thermal‐induced cascade cyclization of alkyne units for the construction of benzofluorenes, (2) metal‐catalyzed cascade cyclization of alkyne units for the construction of benzofluorenes, (3) acid‐promoted/catalyzed cyclization of alkyne units for the construction of benzofluorenes, and (4) base‐promoted cascade cyclization of alkyne units for the construction of benzofluorenes.
CRISPR/Cas13 sgRNA‐Mediated RNA–RNA Interaction Mapping in Live Cells with APOBEC RNA Editing
Authors: Diao Li‐Ting , Xie Shu‐Juan , Xu Wan‐Yi , Zhang Hai‐Hui , Hou Ya‐Rui , Hu Yan‐Xia , Liang Xin‐Xiang , Liang Jun‐Bin , Zhang Qi , Xiao Zhen‐Dong
Published: October 2024

Current research on long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) has predominantly focused on identifying their protein partners and genomic binding sites, leaving their RNA partners largely unknown. To address this gap, the study has developed a method called sarID (sgRNA scaffold assisted RNA‐RNA interaction detection), which integrates Cas13‐based RNA targeting, sgRNA engineering, and proximity RNA editing to investigate lncRNA‐RNA interactomes. By applying sarID to the lncRNA NEAT1, over one thousand previously unidentified binding transcripts are discovered. sarID is further expanded to investigate binders of XIST, MALAT1, NBR2, and DANCR, demonstrating its broad applicability in identifying lncRNA‐RNA interactions. The findings suggest that lncRNAs may regulate gene expression by interacting with mRNAs, expanding their roles beyond known functions as protein scaffolds, miRNA sponges, or guides for epigenetic modulators. sarID has the potential to be adapted for studying other specific RNAs, providing a novel immunoprecipitation‐free method for uncovering RNA partners and facilitating the exploration of the RNA‐RNA interactome.
Rhodium‐Alloyed Beta Gallium Oxide Materials: New Type Ternary Ultra‐Wide Bandgap Semiconductors
Authors: Zha Xian‐Hu , Wan Yu‐Xi , Li Shuang , Zhang Dao Hua
Published: October 2024

Beta gallium oxide (β‐Ga2O3) is an ultra‐wide‐bandgap semiconductor with advantages for high‐power electronics. However, the power resistance of β‐Ga2O3‐based devices is still much lower than its material limit due to its flat band dispersion at its valence band maximum (VBM) and the difficulty for p‐type doping. Here, β‐Ga2O3‐based new type ternary ultra‐wide bandgap semiconductors: β‐(RhxGa1‐x)2O3’s alloys are reported with x up to 0.5. The energy and band‐dispersion curvature of β‐Ga2O3’s VBM are significantly enhanced via Rh‐alloying. Compared to that in β‐Ga2O3, the β‐(RhxGa1‐x)2O3’s VBMs increase more than 1.35 eV. The hole mass of β‐(Rh0.25Ga0.75)2O3 is only 52.3% of that in β‐Ga2O3. The decreased hole mass is correlated with the equal Rh─O bond along the b‐axis. Thanks to the simultaneous rise of conduction band minimums, the bandgaps of β‐(RhxGa1‐x)2O3 are still much larger than that in commercial silicon carbide. Moreover, the alloys show direct bandgaps in a wide range of x, and a direct and ultra‐wide bandgap of 4.10 eV is determined in β‐(Rh0.3125Ga0.6875)2O3. Combined with the enhanced valence energy, reduced hole mass, and ultra‐wide bandgap, the β‐(RhxGa1‐x)2O3 can be candidate semiconductors for a new generation of power electronics, ultraviolet optoelectronics, and complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS) technologies.
From Plant Oils to High‐Performance Supercapacitor Electrode: Poly(guaiazulene) via Photopolymerization
Authors: Ermis Sena , Altinisik Sinem , Catoglu Fahri , Yagci Yusuf , Sari Erdem , Jockusch Steffen , Koyuncu Sermet , Kaya Kerem
Published: October 2024

Due to the increasing global demand for electrical energy, the fabrication of advanced energy storage devices, such as supercapacitors (SCs), with outstanding performance is of paramount importance. Herein, the facile light‐induced synthesis of a conjugated conductive polymer, namely, poly(guaiazulene) (PGz) is reported on, using a naturally available, low‐cost monomer, guaiazulene (Gz). PGz and PGz_rGO (obtained by combining PGz with reduced graphene oxide (rGO)) exhibited high‐performance supercapacitor (SC) electrode properties, including remarkable specific capacitance (52.75 F g−1 at 0.24 A g−1 and 258.6 F g−1 at 5.00 A g−1, respectively), excellent cycling stability (97.1% and 94.0% stability after 5000 cycles), high power density (95.5 and 2118.8 W kg−1), and, most importantly, high energy density (5.81 and 30.57 Wh kg−1). These superior features are attributed to the hierarchical porous nature and high electrical/ionic conductivities of the photochemically obtained PGz. Contrary to previous techniques that require harsh reaction conditions, such as carbonization and coupling reactions, the reported photopolymerization involves solely the irradiation of an ethyl acetate solution of a Gz‐organic photoinitiator (2‐bromoacetophenone) mixture. The photochemical synthesis described here provides a powerful method to produce a sustainable and high‐performance SC electrode material, offering a great alternative to commercial SCs.
A High‐capacity Benzoquinone Derivative Anode for All‐organic Long‐cycle Aqueous Proton Batteries
Authors: Wu Sicheng , Taylor Mackenzie , Guo Haocheng , Wang Shuhao , Han Chen , Vongsvivut Jitraporn , Meyer Quentin , Sun Qian , Ho Junming , Zhao Chuan
Published: October 2024

Quinone compounds, with the ability to uptake protons, are promising electrodes for aqueous batteries. However, their applications are limited by the mediocre working potential range and inferior rate performance. Herein, we examined quinones bearing different substituents, and for the first time introduce tetraamino‐1,4‐benzoquinone (TABQ) as anode material for proton batteries. The strong electron‐donating amino groups can effectively narrow the band gap and lower the redox potentials of quinone materials. The protonation of amino groups and the amorphization of structure result in the formation of an intermolecular hydrogen‐bond network, supporting Grotthuss‐type proton conduction in the electrode with a low activation energy of 192.7 meV. The energy storage mechanism revealed by operando FT‐IR and ex situ XPS features a reversible quinone‐hydroquinone conversion during cycling. TABQ demonstrates a remarkable specific capacity of 307 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1, which is one of the highest among organic proton electrodes. An all‐organic proton battery of TABQ//TCBQ has also been developed, achieving exceptional stability of 3500 cycles at room temperature and excellent performance at sub‐zero temperature.
Why Mg2IrH6 Is Predicted to Be a High‐Temperature Superconductor, But Ca2IrH6 Is Not
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Pickett Warren E. , Hutcheon Michael , Prasankumar Rohit P. , Zurek Eva
Published: October 2024

The X2MH6 family, consisting of an electropositive cation Xn+ and a main group metal M octahedrally coordinated by hydrogen, have been identified as promising templates for high‐temperature conventional superconductivity. Herein, we analyze the electronic structure of two members of this family, Mg2IrH6 and Ca2IrH6, showing why the former may possess superconducting properties rivaling those of the cuprates, whereas the latter does not. Within Mg2IrH6 the vibrations of the anions IrH64− anions are key for the superconducting mechanism, and they induce coupling in the
set of orbitals, which are antibonding between the H 1s and the Ir
or
orbitals. Because calcium possesses low‐lying d‐orbitals,
→Ca d back‐donation is preferred, quenching the superconductivity. Our analysis explains why high critical temperatures were only predicted for second or third row X metal atoms, and may provide rules for identifying likely high‐temperature superconductors in other systems where the antibonding anionic states are filled.
High internal phase water‐in‐oil emulsions: Trends and challenges on production and stabilization
Authors: Fonseca Larissa Ribas , Santos Matheus Augusto Silva , Silva Thaís Jordânia , Santos Tatiana Porto , Cunha Rosiane Lopes
Published: October 2024

The replacement of saturated fats is a current trend in the food industry, leading to the search for new strategies that still allow keeping the technological properties of the products. In this view, high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) have been an attractive alternative for this replacement, especially water‐in‐oil (W/O) emulsions, as they reduce the total amount of fats, while at the same time maintain high viscosity and texture similar to saturated fats. However, the formation of W/O HIPEs presents several challenges regarding their formation and stability. Herein, we discuss challenges and opportunities regarding the use of W/O HIPEs. By exploring the factors that affect the properties of these systems, we can provide better strategies to stabilize and optimize the structural and rheological properties of W/O HIPEs. Such factors include, for instance, the effect of different compounds with different particular physical properties (i.e., structuring and emulsifying), such as waxes, monoacylglycerols, diacylglycerols, lecithin and polyglycerol polyricinoleate. Therewith, this review aims to provide in‐depth insights into the production and stabilization of W/O HIPEs, focusing especially on different compounds, ultimately enhancing emulsion techno‐functionality.
Investigation of anti‐ozone effects of phenolic natural antiozonants in cis‐1,4‐polybutadiene rubber composites via molecular simulation and experimental validation
Authors: Zhao Caiwei , Luan Yajie , Han Changfeng , Wu Sizhu , Wu Youping
Published: October 2024

The large number of unsaturated double bonds contained in the cis‐1,4‐polybutadiene rubber (BR) makes it susceptible to the problem of ozone aging. At this point in the industry, adding a synthetic antiozonant, like N‐(1,3‐dimethylbutyl)‐N′‐phenyl‐p‐phenylenediamine (6PPD), is the most popular way to delay the rubber ozone aging process. However, several recent studies have shown that 6PPD is hazardous to biological health. In order to find less toxic and environmentally friendly antiozonants, natural antiozonants are considered as rubber additions. Due to some limitations of traditional experimental methods, the structure–property relationship during ozone aging is not studied thoroughly enough from the mechanistic aspect. Therefore, this study will use a combination of molecular simulation and experimental methods to investigate the anti‐ozone effect of three phenolic natural antiozonants in BR. The experimental results show that the anti‐ozone effects were: pterostilbene > flavonol > ferulic acid, which is consistent with the simulation prediction. This study may provide candidates for screening natural antiozonants in the direction of anti‐aging in rubber composites.
Effect of expanded perlite as an environmentally friendly flame‐retardant in semi‐rigid polyurethane foam
Authors: Guliyev Royal , Tekin Nalan , Bora Mustafa Özgür , Yağcı Yavuz Emre
Published: October 2024

The objective of the present study is to synthesize semi‐rigid polyurethane foam/expanded perlite (SrPUF/EP) composites using different amounts of EP, a natural and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional halogen‐containing flame‐retardants in a one‐step process. This study investigates the mechanical, physical, thermal, and morphological properties, as well as the flame‐retardant and smoke release behaviors of composites. The cone calorimetry test results indicated that the amounts of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide released during combustion process decreased by 43% and 37%, respectively, in the 8% EP‐added SrPUF/EP composite (4SrPUF). The amount of char residue formed after complete combustion of 4SrPUF composite was found to be 2.7 times higher than that of pure SrPUF. In the UL‐94 test, it was observed that when 4% or more EP was added to SrPUF, the liquid dripping during combustion ceased entirely, and after complete combustion, the main structure remained in the form of char without disintegration. The flexural strength of 1SrPUF, 2SrPUF, and 3SrPUF exhibited increases of 62%, 69%, and 121%, respectively, in comparison to SrPUF (47.15 kPa). The results of this study indicate that EP has the potential to serve as an environmentally friendly and cost‐effective flame‐retardant, thereby enhancing the fire resistance properties of SrPUF.
Tailored Nanoarchitectures: MoS₂/Graphene and MoS2/Graphene Oxide Thin Films via Liquid‐Liquid Interfacial Route
Authors: Schmidt Ariane , Pereira Amanda F. , Zarbin Aldo J. G.
Published: October 2024

The nanostructured assembly of different two‐dimensional (2D) materials in specific organization is crucial for developing materials with synergistic properties. In this study, we present a general methodology to prepare thin, transparent and self‐assembled films of 2D/2D composites based on molybdenum sulfide (MoS2)/graphene oxide (GO) or MoS2/reduced graphene oxide (rGO), through the liquid/liquid interfacial route. Different nanoarchitectures are obtained by changing simple experimental parameters during the thin film preparation steps. The films were characterized by UV‐Vis and Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and cyclic voltammetry, evidencing that the experimental route used plays a role in the organization and properties of the assembled nanoarchitectures. Likewise, nanostructures of MoS2/GO and MoS2/rGO prepared through the same route have different organizations due to the different interactions between the materials. This showcases the potential of the technique to prepare tailored nanoarchitectures with specific properties for various applications, paving the way for innovative nanotechnology and materials science applications.
Active fault‐tolerant control of multi‐unmanned aerial vehicle system with time‐varying topology
Authors: Dong Lijing , Xie Ying , Han Chongchong , Du Shengli
Published: October 2024

This paper studies an active fault‐tolerant control problem for multi‐UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) system with time‐varying topology subject to actuator failures. A polytopic model is used to construct the time‐varying topological structure. Based on the quantitative estimation method of actuator faults' upper limit, an adaptive fault‐tolerant tracking control strategy is established by an active adjusting control parameters to compensate for unknown actuator faults, so as to obtain consensus tracking under time‐varying topology. Furthermore, the comparison simulations with the traditional control algorithm are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the obtained results. The tracking control strategy in this paper has better fault tolerance performance with short tracking time and superior robustness.
Effizienz und Behaglichkeit von Wärmeenergie und Potenziale akkubetriebener Wärmekleidung in Innenräumen
Authors: Möller Eberhard , Ruszynski Ralf , Schweiker Marcel
Published: October 2024

Allein für das Heizen von Gebäuden nutzt Deutschland im Winter mehr als 50 % des gesamten Endenergieverbrauchs. Damit gehen entsprechende klimaverändernde Nebenwirkungen einher. Allerdings erreicht nur ein minimaler Bruchteil des Aufwands die Menschen. Die Effizienz in Bezug auf den unmittelbaren menschlichen Nutzen ist entsprechend gering. Akkubetriebene Wärmekleidung hingegen wirkt direkt und kann die Behaglichkeit fördern. Ein Experiment der Firma SMA Solar Technology AG zeigt das große Potenzial des Ansatzes aktiver Wärmekleidung in Verbindung mit reduzierter Raumtemperatur. Ein Paradigmenwechsel weg vom indirekten Heizen hin zum unmittelbaren Wärmen von Menschen wird zwar eine herausfordernde Entwicklung für die Gesellschaft darstellen, kann aber wesentlich zu einer sinnvollen Balance zwischen Verbrauch und Gewinnung regenerativer Energie beitragen.
Acetaminophen production in the edible, filamentous cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis
Authors: Hilzinger Jacob M. , Friedline Skyler , Sivanandan Divya , Cheng Ya‐Fang , Yamazaki Shunsuke , Clark Douglas S. , Skerker Jeffrey M. , Arkin Adam P.
Published: October 2024

Spirulina is the common name for the edible, nonheterocystous, filamentous cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis that is grown industrially as a food supplement, animal feedstock, and pigment source. Although there are many applications for engineering this organism, until recently no genetic tools or reproducible transformation methods have been published. While recent work showed the production of a diversity of proteins in A. platensis, including single‐domain antibodies for oral delivery, there remains a need for a modular, characterized genetic toolkit. Here, we independently establish a reproducible method for the transformation of A. platensis and engineer this bacterium to produce acetaminophen as proof‐of‐concept for small molecule production in an edible host. This work opens A. platensis to the wider scientific community for future engineering as a functional food for nutritional enhancement, modification of organoleptic traits, and production of pharmaceuticals for oral delivery.
Huangqi‐Guizhi‐Wuwutang protects against oligospermia in mice by promoting the proliferation of spermatogenic stem cells: A comprehensive study using HPLC‐Q‐TOF/MS and experimental pharmacology
Authors: Zhao Yuan , Wu Jinru , Li Xiangbin , Zheng Lin , Chen Qiugu , Zhang Shangbin , Chen Jianping
Published: October 2024

The classical traditional Chinese medicine formula Huangqi‐Guizhi‐Wuwutang (HGW) has been shown to enhance sperm production. However, the bioactive components and comprehensive mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects remain unclear. The present study investigates the potential active ingredients and underlying mechanisms of HGW against spermatogenesis dysfunction. The chemical components of HGW were analyzed by mass spectrometry. And then the “components‐targets‐pathway‐disease” network was constructed using network pharmacology research methods, which aimed to identify the key active components and potential targets of HGW in treating oligospermia. Experimental validation was finally conducted in animal model. The male‐specific pathogen‐free Kunming mice were divided into five groups: Sham group, Model group, and HGW groups (8, 16, and 32 g/kg of HGW by gavage for 35 days). Chemical profile and network pharmacology results revealed that potential bioactive compounds were dihydrocinnacasside, isomucronulatol, and 6‐gingerol, and the mechanism of which was enriched in regulating spermatogenic stem cells (SSCs), endocrine function, and apoptosis. The administration of HGW significantly improved oligospermia in mice. HGW significantly upregulated the expression of marker proteins in SSCs and the potential targets within the testis simultaneously. Our data indicates that HGW enhances the proliferation of SSCs, and HGW can be a promising therapeutic candidate for oligospermia.
Top management team stability and ESG greenwashing: Evidence from China
Authors: Deng Bofu , Peng Zhenge , Albitar Khaldoon , Ji Li
Published: October 2024

This study examines the relationship between top management team stability (STMT) and ESG greenwashing. Using a sample of Chinese listed companies for the period 2009–2022, we find that top management team stability has a negative effect on ESG greenwashing. Mechanism tests provide evidence that top management team stability reduces greenwashing by decreasing agency costs and improving the quality of information disclosure. Additional analysis reveals that this relationship is more pronounced for firms audited by non‐Big Four firms, non‐state‐owned enterprises, and firms with high executive shareholding. The study combines the characteristics of internal human capital with the efficiency of market information, offering a new perspective in the literature on ESG greenwashing.