bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do Farmers’ Asset Values Correlate with Land Quality?
Authors: Sonneveld Ben G.J.S. , Bunning Sally , Biancalani Riccardo , Ndiaye D. , Nachtergaele Freddy
Published: January 2016

This paper investigates if farmers’ asset values have a predictive power to asses land quality. A rich sustainable livelihood literature describes small farmers’ biophysical and socio-economic environment through asset values, which closely adheres to the required information for an integrated quality appraisal of the natural resource base. For our analysis we use an in-depth survey held among 50 famers’ households in three rural areas of Senegal. Farmers gave scores for their livelihood assets (human, physical, natural, financial and social) and judgments on the state and trend of the quality of their natural resource base (crop land, rangeland, forest and water resources). As our observational data are dominated by unobserved heterogeneity, we refrain from causal statistical analysis and seek associative patterns between asset values and state and trend of natural resource quality using data visualization techniques and descriptive statistics. We compare categorical data on state and trend of land qualities with asset value classes in a frequency distributions evaluation (Chi-square) and with continuous asset value scores in an analysis of variance (ANOVA). For state of forest we found consistent but counterintuitive differences for various asset values with higher asset values for ‘degraded’ classes and lower values for ‘good’ quality of the forests. There is some evidence that trend of forest quality can be derived from asset value scores which were in agreement with our premise of lower scores for low quality and higher scores for better quality. Yet, overall we have to conclude that asset values do not correlate straightforward and unequivocally with state and trend of natural resource quality. 
Determinants of Domestic Food Price Differentials: Constraints for Intra-Uganda Trade
Authors: Shinyekwa Isaac M. B. , Ijjo Alex Thomas
Published: January 2016

The paper estimates the determinants of price differentials across 79 districts in Uganda. In the framework of the law of one price, we examine the hypothesis that the spatial price differentials are at least partly influenced by transportation and other transaction costs, infrastructural constraints, productivity and commodity output shocks and the purchasing power of households. The study notes the wide range of price differences across the country, which to a large extent can be attributed to the interaction between remoteness and the quality of physical infrastructure. The effect of income per capita on price differentials is relatively uniform across commodities. The findings point towards the importance of strengthening the capacities of farmers and their productivity as a means to improve their livelihoods and foster more efficient markets with faster supply responses to changes in prices. The findings further emphasize the significance of spatial dimension and infrastructure conditions in Uganda, suggesting that infrastructural development must be a core area to reduce price differences in the country.
Approaches to Community Development in Nigeria, Issues and Challenges: A Study of Ebonyi State Community and Social Development Agency (EB-CSDA)
Authors: Udu Larry E. , Onwe Sunday O.
Published: January 2016

The study examined the activities of the Ebonyi State Community Based Social Development Agency (EB-CSDA), particularly on poverty reduction in the rural communities of Ebonyi State. Survey and content Analytical Approach were adopted. Data were extensively drawn from documentary papers, publications, oral interviews, direct observation and the use of structured questionnaire distributed to 400 sampled respondents from rural communities in the 13 LGAs of the State. Findings reveal that despite efforts of successive governments aimed at reducing poverty, the scourge has remained pervasive. EB-CSDA however, is rated high in the provision of micro-projects to the rural communities but its approach is group- targeted rather than on the individual poor. Consequently, the paper recommends among others that adequate background studies should be undertaken to understand the demographic characteristics of the rural communities to enable development agencies target their efforts on the real poor based on sufficient needs assessments of recipients.
A Simple Method for Labeling Human Embryonic Stem Cells Destined to Lose Undifferentiated Potency
Authors: Kumagai Ayako , Suga Mika , Yanagihara Kana , Itoh Yumi , Takemori Hiroshi , Furue Miho K.
Published: January 2016

Mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation is a major source of cellular ATP. Its usage as an energy source varies, not only according to the extracellular environment, but also during development and differentiation, as indicated by the reported changes in the flux ratio of glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation during embryonic stem (ES) cell differentiation. The fluorescent probe JC-1 allows visualization of changes in the mitochondrial membrane potential produced by oxidative phosphorylation. Strong JC-1 signals were localized in the differentiated cells located at the edge of H9 ES colonies that expressed vimentin, an early differentiation maker. The JC-1 signals were further intensified when individual adjacent colonies were in contact with each other. Time-lapse analyses revealed that JC-1-labeled H9 cells under an overconfluent condition were highly differentiated after subculture, suggesting that monitoring oxidative phosphorylation in live cells might facilitate the prediction of induced pluripotent stem cells, as well as ES cells, that are destined to lose their undifferentiated potency.

Significance

Skillful cell manipulation is a major factor in both maintaining and disrupting the undifferentiation potency of human embryonic stem (hES) cells. Staining with JC-1, a mitochondrial membrane potential probe, is a simple monitoring method that can be used to predict embryonic stem cell quality under live conditions, which might help ensure the future use of hES and human induced pluripotent stem cells after subculture.
Inequality Issues in Stem Cell Medicine
Authors: Yap Kiryu K.
Published: January 2016

As stem cell medicine advances, so too does the reality of potentially widening disparities in health care. With the recognition that socioeconomic conditions and their distribution within the population can impact health outcomes, stem cell researchers are urged to aspire to notions of social justice, ensuring research derives from and strives to cater to the genetic and socioeconomic diversity that is inherent in our population.
High-sensitivity pesticide detection using particle-enhanced resonant Raman scattering
Authors: Ranjan Bikas , Saito Yuika , Verma Prabhat
Published: January 2016

The use of pesticides in agriculture has raised concerns, as even a small residual of pesticide on food can be harmful. It is therefore of great importance to develop a robust technique to detect tiny amounts of pesticides. Although Raman spectroscopy is frequently used for chemical identification, it is not suitable for extremely low molecular concentrations. We propose a technique called particle-enhanced resonant Raman spectroscopy to detect extremely low concentrations of pesticides, where gold nanoparticles of desired plasmonic resonance are synthesized to match the resonance in Raman scattering. We successfully demonstrated the detection of extremely low amounts of pesticides on oranges.
Effect of molecular ordering in active layer on organic thin-film transistor performance
Authors: Kano Masataka , Minari Takeo , Marumoto Kazuhiro
Published: January 2016

We investigate the effect of molecular ordering in the semiconductor of inverted staggered-type organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) on device parameters. Molecular ordering is controlled by modifying the gate insulator with self-assembled monolayers and clarified by X-ray diffraction analysis. The reduction in the density of free carriers in a semiconductor with the alkyl-modified surface reduces off-current (I
OFF) and increases contact resistance (R
C). In contrast, I
OFF increases and R
C decreases for a phenyl-modified surface. Ultraviolet photoemission studies revealed that differences in the molecular ordering and the surface dipole moment caused by the insulator surfaces are crucial for device parameters for OTFTs.
Strain energy analysis of screw dislocations in 4H-SiC by molecular dynamics
Authors: Kawamura Takahiro , Mizutani Mitsutoshi , Suzuki Yasuyuki , Kangawa Yoshihiro , Kakimoto Koichi
Published: January 2016

We simulated screw dislocations with the Burgers vector parallel to the [0001] direction in 4H-SiC by a classical molecular dynamics method. A stable structure of an extended dislocation generated by the dissociation of a screw dislocation was identified by calculating the strain energy caused by dislocation cores and stacking faults. As a result, we conclude that the most expected structure of the extended dislocation is made of partial dislocations with the Burgers vector b = 1/2c + 1/2c (c is equal to the thickness of one period in the c-axis direction of 4H-SiC) and the stacking fault that is parallel to the a-plane, and that the distance between the dislocation cores is less than about 44 Å.
Parabolic refractive X-ray lenses made of quartz glass for high-energy X-ray focusing
Authors: Kimura Shigeru , Imai Yasuhiko
Published: January 2016

We have fabricated planar parabolic refractive X-ray lenses made of quartz glass for high-energy X-ray focusing by optical lithography and dry etching techniques. We succeeded in 100-µm-deep etching, realizing highly efficient microfocusing for high-energy X-rays. We measured the size and photon flux of the X-rays focused by two lenses with a crossed geometry at BL13XU of SPring-8. High-flux (more than 2 × 109 photons/s) microbeams with 25 and 30 keV X-rays were successfully obtained.
Improving the outcoupling efficiency of white organic light-emitting devices based on a gradient refractive index substrate
Authors: Chang Chih-Hao , Chang Tzu-Fang , Liang Yi-Hua , Lo Yu-Jhong , Wu Ying-Jie , Chang Hsin-Hua
Published: January 2016

For use in lighting applications, white organic light-emitting devices (WOLEDs) must operate at higher biases to ensure an ample flux. However, stressed operation voltages often result in poor performance and limited device lifetime. This could be addressed by modifying the inherent optical properties of OLEDs. This study proposes a gradient refractive index (GRIN) substrate to adjust the ratio of the light-waveguided modes as well as the radiation mode. An embedded nanocomposite film consisting of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) was inserted between ITO and glass to create an internal light-extraction structure (IES). The high refractive index of TiO2 is essential for increasing the refractive index of the photoresist film and thus diminishing the total internal reflection between the interfaces. In addition, the silicon dioxide NPs mixed poly(dimethylsiloxane) was used to form an external light-extraction structure (EES). The refractive indices of the IES and EES were adjusted to form a GRIN substrate. Compared with a control device, this sophisticated substrate produced a 1.6 fold efficiency improvement. Furthermore, the experiment results indicates that the size of NPs in the nanocomposite layer affects the efficiency enhancement of OLEDs with different emission colors.
Implantable imaging device for brain functional imaging system using flavoprotein fluorescence
Authors: Sunaga Yoshinori , Yamaura Hiroshi , Haruta Makito , Yamaguchi Takahiro , Motoyama Mayumi , Ohta Yasumi , Takehara Hiroaki , Noda Toshihiko , Sasagawa Kiyotaka , Tokuda Takashi , Yoshimura Yumiko , Ohta Jun
Published: January 2016

The autofluorescence of mitochondrial flavoprotein is very useful for functional brain imaging because the fluorescence intensity of flavoprotein changes as per neural activities. In this study, we developed an implantable imaging device for green fluorescence imaging and detected fluorescence changes of flavoprotein associated with visual stimulation using the device. We examined the device performance using anesthetized mice. We set the device on the visual cortex and measured fluorescence changes of flavoprotein in response to visual stimulation. A full-field sinusoidal grating with a vertical orientation was used for applying to activate the visual cortex. We successfully observed visually evoked fluorescence changes in the mouse visual cortex using our implantable device. This result suggests that we can observe the fluorescence changes of flavoprotein associated with visual stimulation in a freely moving mouse by using this technology.
A Bronx Dad’s Tale
Authors: Murray Peter D.
Published: September 2024

In this narrative medicine essay, a neonatologist through the complex forces of intensive care physician, son, and ethicist grapples with the impending loss of his father and ultimately understanding his father’s demand for autonomy in deciding his care.
Revertant Mosaic Skin Punch Grafting in Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa
Authors: Song Ahreum , Hwang Gue-Ho , Kim Song-Ee , Roh Mi Ryung , Hong Sung-Ah , Bae Sangsu , Lee Sang Eun
Published: September 2024

This case report describes a patient with severe generalized recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa who presented with an unhealed ulcer that had persisted for the past 3 years.
Skin Cancer and Other Dermatologic Conditions Among US Veterans
Authors: Rezaei Shawheen J. , Kim Jiyeong , Onyeka Sonia , Swetter Susan M. , Weinstock Martin A. , Asch Steven M. , Linos Eleni
Published: September 2024

Importance

US veterans may be at an increased risk of developing various dermatologic conditions compared with nonveterans.

Objectives

To compare the prevalence and the odds of dermatologic conditions (eg, skin cancers, dermatitis/eczema/rash, psoriasis) between veterans and nonveterans.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This population-based cross-sectional study leveraged nationally representative data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Three questionnaires (demographics, medical conditions, and dermatology) were merged from 1999-2018 for analysis. Participants were nonveterans and veterans from NHANES data. Data were analyzed from August 2023 to April 2024.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The prevalence and odds ratios (ORs) comparing veterans and nonveterans were examined for various dermatologic conditions, including self-reported skin cancer history (any skin cancer, melanoma, nonmelanoma and unknown subtypes), dermatitis/eczema/inflamed rash, and psoriasis.

Results

In a total of 61 307 participants (54 554 nonveterans and 6753 veterans), there was a higher prevalence of any skin cancer history among US veterans compared with nonveterans (9.0% vs 2.9%; P < .001) as well as a higher prevalence of melanoma history (2.2% vs 0.6%; P < .001). Adjusted for demographic factors, veterans had higher odds of any skin cancer history (OR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.23-2.40) and higher odds of a melanoma history (OR, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.17-4.39) compared with nonveterans. Veterans had a higher prevalence of a psoriasis diagnosis compared with nonveterans (4.5% vs 2.9%; P = .002) and a 61% higher odds of a psoriasis diagnosis (OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.05-2.46) compared with nonveterans.

Conclusions and Relevance

This cross-sectional study found that veterans have higher prevalence and odds of various dermatologic conditions compared with nonveterans. Efforts aimed at improving health care quality among veterans must investigate the underlying causes of worsened skin health in this population.
Bringing Imaging Biomarkers Into Clinical Reality in Psychiatry
Authors: Etkin Amit , Mathalon Daniel H.
Published: September 2024

Importance

Advancing precision psychiatry, where treatments are based on an individual’s biology rather than solely their clinical presentation, requires attention to several key attributes for any candidate biomarker. These include test-retest reliability, sensitivity to relevant neurophysiology, cost-effectiveness, and scalability. Unfortunately, these issues have not been systematically addressed by biomarker development efforts that use common neuroimaging tools like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electroencephalography (EEG). Here, the critical barriers that neuroimaging methods will need to overcome to achieve clinical relevance in the near to intermediate term are examined.

Observations

Reliability is often overlooked, which together with sensitivity to key aspects of neurophysiology and replicated predictive utility, favors EEG-based methods. The principal barrier for EEG has been the lack of large-scale data collection among multisite psychiatric consortia. By contrast, despite its high reliability, structural MRI has not demonstrated clinical utility in psychiatry, which may be due to its limited sensitivity to psychiatry-relevant neurophysiology. Given the prevalence of structural MRIs, establishment of a compelling clinical use case remains its principal barrier. By contrast, low reliability and difficulty in standardizing collection are the principal barriers for functional MRI, along with the need for demonstration that its superior spatial resolution over EEG and ability to directly image subcortical regions in fact provide unique clinical value. Often missing, moreover, is consideration of how these various scientific issues can be balanced against practical economic realities of psychiatric health care delivery today, for which embedding economic modeling into biomarker development efforts may help direct research efforts.

Conclusions and Relevance

EEG seems most ripe for near- to intermediate-term clinical impact, especially considering its scalability and cost-effectiveness. Recent efforts to broaden its collection, as well as development of low-cost turnkey systems, suggest a promising pathway by which neuroimaging can impact clinical care. Continued MRI research focused on its key barriers may hold promise for longer-horizon utility.
Comparison of Three Physician Global Assessment Instruments in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Ross Laura , Hansen Dylan , Proudman Susanna , Walker Jennifer , Kumar Kimti , Stevens Wendy , Ferdowsi Nava , Sahhar Joanne , Ngian Gene‐Siew , Apostolopoulos Diane , Host Lauren V. , Morrisroe Kathleen , Major Gabor , Baron Murray , Nikpour Mandana
Published: September 2024

Objective

Physician global assessments (PhyGAs) are variably applied in systemic sclerosis (SSc) clinical trials. The comparability of different PhyGA results is unknown. We sought to assess the comparability of results from three different PhyGA instruments simultaneously applied in the Australian Scleroderma Cohort Study (ASCS).

Methods

Using data from 1,965 ASCS participants, we assessed the correlation between results of three PhyGA assessments: (1) overall health, (2) activity, and (3) damage. We evaluated the concordance of change in each PhyGA between study visits. Ordered logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the clinical associations of each PhyGA.

Results

The absolute scores of each PhyGA were strongly correlated at individual study visits. Concordant changes of the PhyGA scores occurred between 50% of study visits. Only patient‐reported breathlessness was associated with all three PhyGA scores (overall health: odds ratio [OR] 1.67, P < 0.01; activity: OR 1.44, P < 0.01; damage: OR 1.32, P < 0.01). Changes in physician‐assessed activity scores were also associated with patient‐reported worsening skin disease (OR 1.25, P = 0.03) and fecal incontinence (OR 1.23, P = 0.01), whereas damage scores were associated with respiratory disease (pulmonary arterial hypertension: OR 1.25, P = 0.03; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: OR 1.37, P = 0.04), as well as skin scores (OR 1.02, P < 0.01) and fecal incontinence (OR 1.21, P = 0.02).

Conclusion

PhyGAs of overall health, activity, and damage are each associated with different SSc features, and changes in different PhyGA scores are discordant 50% of the time. Our findings suggest results of variably worded PhyGAs are not directly interchangeable and support the development of a standardized PhyGA.
Recipe for Simultaneously Achieving Customizable Sound Absorption and Mechanical Properties in Lattice Structures
Authors: Li Xinwei , Ding Shuwei , Wang Xinxin , Tan Seng Leong Adrian , Zhai Wei
Published: September 2024

Lattice structures with customizable acoustical and mechanical properties show significant promise as practical engineering materials. However, the geometry of traditional lattice structures simultaneously dictates both acoustical and mechanical properties, with alterations in one impacting the other, leaving little room for customization. Herein, leveraging the mechanism of Helmholtz resonators, a general recipe is presented to independently introduce sound absorption and mechanical properties in lattice structures. The sound absorption component is based on a perforated plate, while the mechanical component is based on a truss structure. Through a high‐fidelity analytical acoustics model is developed, and finite element analysis outlines the range of properties achievable through the proposed structures. The design encompasses structures with effective absorption, characterized by a resonance peak with coefficient ≥0.7, across almost every frequency in a broad range from 1000 to 5000 Hz, within a range of lattice thicknesses from 21 to 25.5 mm. Also, diverse range of stiffness and strength, and large‐strain deformation modes, can be achieved through the implementation of different trusses. Finally, the concept is validated experimentally through 3D‐printed samples. This innovative approach allows for the tailored creation of lattice structures that specifically address the acoustical and mechanical requirements in diverse applications.
Fibonacci‐Array Inspired Modular Acoustic Metamaterials for Tunable Low‐Frequency Absorption
Authors: Guo Zichao , Li Zhendong , Zeng Kexin , Ye Jie , Lu Xinying , Lei Ziping , Wang Zhonggang
Published: September 2024

A customized metamaterial tailored for a specific functionality holds significant appeal in practical applications, yet its alteration after the structure is established can be challenging. A novel design for Fibonacci‐array inspired acoustic metamaterials is introduced, which are constructed using metamaterial bricks with unique physical mechanisms. This design aims to achieve multifunctional low‐frequency sound absorption. The Fibonacci sequence arrangement flexibly modulates the coupling between metamaterial bricks, thereby improving energy‐dissipating efficiency. Additionally, the strategic alignment enhances the wave‐absorbing properties of the metamaterial, allowing it to demonstrate remarkable absorption effects across targeted frequency bands. By controlling the resonance effect of metamaterial bricks in intensive and sparse modes, the proposed design exhibited frequency‐selective performance, resulting in three absorption peaks at 323, 687, and 1113 Hz, respectively, across low‐ to high‐frequency ranges. Furthermore, the broadband absorption performance, characterized by strong coupling strength, enables continuous sound absorption over a low‐frequency band from 290 to 440 Hz. This is supported by theoretical analysis, numerical simulations, and experimental results, showcasing the flexible modulation of the propagation characteristics of sound waves. Overall, this functionally actuated design dramatically enhances the tunability of the metamaterials and offers a promising avenue for multifunctional application in noise‐control engineering.
Zosuquidar Promotes Antitumor Immunity by Inducing Autophagic Degradation of PD‐L1
Authors: Ding Ling , Guo Hongjie , Zhang Jie , Zheng Mingming , Zhang Wenjie , Wang Longsheng , Du Qianqian , Zhou Chen , Xu Yanjun , Wu Honghai , He Qiaojun , Yang Bo
Published: September 2024

The intracellular distribution and transportation process are essential for maintaining PD‐L1 (programmed death‐ligand 1) expression, and intervening in this cellular process may provide promising therapeutic strategies. Here, through a cell‐based high content screening, it is found that the ABCB1 (ATP binding cassette subfamily B member 1) modulator zosuquidar dramatically suppresses PD‐L1 expression by triggering its autophagic degradation. Mechanistically, ABCB1 interacts with PD‐L1 and impairs COP II‐mediated PD‐L1 transport from ER (endoplasmic reticulum) to Golgi apparatus. The treatment of zosuquidar enhances ABCB1‐PD‐L1 interaction and leads the ER retention of PD‐L1, which is subsequently degraded in the SQSTM1‐dependent selective autophagy pathway. In CT26 mouse model and a humanized xenograft mouse model, zosuquidar significantly suppresses tumor growth and accompanies by increased infiltration of cytotoxic T cells. In summary, this study indicates that ABCB1 serves as a negative regulator of PD‐L1, and zosuquidar may act as a potential immunotherapy agent by triggering PD‐L1 degradation in the early secretory pathway.
Sleep Deprivation Triggers the Excessive Activation of Ovarian Primordial Follicles via β2 Adrenergic Receptor Signaling
Authors: Weng Lichun , Hong Hanqing , Zhang Qinyu , Xiao Chengqi , Zhang Qiuwan , Wang Qian , Huang Ju , Lai Dongmei
Published: September 2024

Sleep deprivation (SD) is observed to adversely affect the reproductive health of women. However, its precise physiological mechanisms remain largely elusive. In this study, using a mouse model of SD, it is demonstrated that SD induces the depletion of ovarian primordial follicles, a phenomenon not attributed to immune‐mediated attacks or sympathetic nervous system activation. Rather, the excessive secretion of stress hormones, namely norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E), by overactive adrenal glands, has emerged as a key mediator. The communication pathway mediated by the KIT ligand (KITL)‐KIT between granulosa cells and oocytes plays a pivotal role in primordial follicle activation. SD heightened the levels of NE/E that stimulates the activation of the KITL‐KIT/PI3K and mTOR signaling cascade in an β2 adrenergic receptor (ADRB2)‐dependent manner, thereby promoting primordial follicle activation and consequent primordial follicle loss in vivo. In vitro experiments further corroborate these observations, revealing that ADRB2 upregulates KITL expression in granulosa cells via the activation of the downstream cAMP/PKA pathway. Together, these results reveal the significant involvement of ADRB2 signaling in the depletion of ovarian primordial follicles under sleep‐deprived conditions. Additionally, ADRB2 antagonists are proposed for the treatment or prevention of excessive activation of primordial follicles induced by SD.
Optimization of process plant layout using critical risk metrics
Authors: Dasari Abhi Manjunath , Kothari Nisarg Ashish , Reddy Gaurav , Dhinoja Kushal , Roy Sandip
Published: September 2024

An optimal process plant layout needs to ensure that the associated piping and land costs are minimized, while the overall safety is maximized. Although various approaches to optimizing plant layout exists in the literature, none considers the essential need for simultaneous compliance with local risk regulations. Employing mixed‐integer nonlinear programming, this article presents a methodology to enable design of layout of a major hazard plant, while simultaneously achieving conformity with both applicable individual and societal risk acceptance criteria. The algorithm is applied to a model plant which poses hazards of toxic gas releases, fires, and explosions. Additional risks of domino effects due to fires and explosions are also incorporated. The results of the article suggest that the approach can be employed to automate any plant layout optimization exercise while ensuring regulatory compliance concurrently. The proposed approach can help substitute the iterative, manual process that is presently applied in practice.
Catalytic Dearomative Cycloaddition Reactions Enabled by Visible Light
Authors: Saha Debajyoti
Published: September 2024

The synthesis of polycyclic compounds is highly valued due to the ubiquitous presence of these structures in pharmaceuticals and natural substances. Cycloaddition reactions are notable as one of the most important reaction classes in chemical synthesis due to their ability to generate polycyclic compounds in a single step using straightforward and easily accessible starting materials. In recent times, visible‐light‐mediated photocatalysis has emerged as a powerful tool for enabling a wide range of transformations. Significant advancements have been achieved in dearomative cycloaddition reactions induced by visible light over the past several years. This review offers an overview of visible‐light‐induced dearomative cycloaddition reactions categorized according to the method of substrate excitation ‐ a) Visible light induced dearomative photocatalytic cycloaddition by Energy Transfer (EnT); b) Visible light induced dearomative cycloaddition by direct excitation; c) Visible light induced dearomative radical cyclization.
On Regular Negative Mass Black Holes Under Unitary Time and Proper Antichronous Transformations
Authors: Uruena Palomo Manuel
Published: September 2024

A non‐singular black hole solution is briefly presented which violates energy conditions only at its interior by postulating a consistent shift to negative energies and gravitationally repulsive negative masses at the event horizon. This shift is the unitary parity‐time transformation of relativistic quantum mechanics and the proper antichronous transformation of the full Lorentz group. The transformation at the event horizon respects Einstein's equivalence principle, and the considered negative mass interaction does not result in the runaway motion paradox or vacuum instability. The correspondence of these regular black holes with observed ones is studied by proposing another mechanism of black hole growth independent of accretion and merging due to interior increasing entropy, which attempts to solve the unexplained size and formation of high‐redshift supermassive black holes, the intermediate mass gap, and the information paradox.
Unlocking the Anion Effect on Steerable Production of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural
Authors: Liang Jie , Liu Chao , Jiang Jianchun , Wang Kui
Published: September 2024

Homogeneous metal salt catalysts play a pivotal role in industrial production of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). Herein, we first proposed the anion effect on steerable production of HMF using metal salts with different anions as catalyst in a biphasic system of tetrahydrofuran (THF)/NaCl aqueous solution (NaCl aq). Notably, the anions affected the catalytic activity of the metal salts, leading to an order of magnitude difference in the HMF yields, i.e., AlBr3 (74.0 mol %)>AlCl3 (60.8 mol %)>Al2(SO4)3 (35.2 mol %)>Al(NO3)3 (14.9 mol %). The anion effect on steerable production of HMF could be attributed to the proximity effect and electron tension. Anions form close‐range interactions with glucose molecules by proximity effect to promote electron transfer, facilitating the isomerization of glucose to fructose. Besides, anions induce a reduction of the electron cloud density of glucose carbon atoms, generating electron tension that rapidly transforms glucose from the ground state to the transition state, thereby increasing the HMF yield. Based on the revelation of anions effect and evaluation of techno‐economic process, we expect to provides theoretical guidance for high‐throughput screening of metal salt catalysts in industrial biorefinery.
Unveiling Ionized Interfacial Water‐Induced Localized H* Enrichment for Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction
Authors: Zheng Su‐Jun , Dong Xiao‐Yu , Chen Hong , Huang Ren‐Wu , Cai Jinmeng , Zang Shuang‐Quan
Published: September 2024

Electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) is a process that requires the participation of eight electrons and nine protons. The regulation of active hydrogen (H*) supply and a deep understanding of related processes are necessary for improving the ammonia yield rate and Faradaic efficiency (FE). Herein, we synthesized a series of atomically precise copper‐halide clusters Cu2X2(BINAP)2 (X=Cl, Br, I), among which the Cu2Cl2(BINAP)2 cluster shows the optimal ammonia FE of 94.0 % and an ammonia yield rate of 373 μmol h−1 cm−2. In situ experiments and theoretical calculations reveal that halogen atoms, especially Cl in Cu2Cl2(BIANP)2, can significantly affect the distance of alkali metal‐ionized water on the catalyst surface, which can promote the water dissociation to enhance the localized H* enrichment for the continues hydrogenation of nitrate to ammonia. This work explains the role of H* in the hydrogenation process of NO3RR and the importance of localized H* enrichment strategy for improving the FEs.
Cobalt‐Catalyzed Regio‐, Diastereo‐ and Enantioselective Reductive Coupling of 1,3‐Dienes and Aldehydes
Authors: Wang Yu , Wang Danrui , Wang Shilin , Chong Qinglei , Zhang Zhihan , Meng Fanke
Published: September 2024

Catalytic regio‐, diastereo‐ and enantioselective reductive coupling of 1,3‐dienes and aldehydes through regio‐ and enantioselective oxidative cyclization followed by regio‐ and diastereoselective protonation promoted by a chiral phosphine‐cobalt complex is presented. Such processes represent an unprecedented reaction pathway for cobalt catalysis that enable selective transformation of the more substituted alkene in 1,3‐dienes, affording a broad scope of bishomoallylic alcohols without the need of pre‐formation of stoichiometric amounts of sensitive organometallic reagents in up to 98 % yield, >98 : 2 regioselectivity, >98 : 2 dr and 98 : 2 er. Application of this method to construction of axial stereogenicity and deuterated stereogenic center provided a wide range of multifunctional chiral building blocks that are otherwise difficult to access. DFT calculations revealed the origin of regio‐ and stereoselectivity as well as a unique oxidative cyclization mechanism for cobalt catalysis.
Oxygen Reduction Reaction Coupled Electro‐Oxidation for Highly‐Efficient and Sustainable Water Treatment
Authors: Ran Xiaomeng , Qin Hehe , Liu Xiangyun , Chu Chengcheng , Li Qiuju , Zhao Hongying , Mao Shun
Published: September 2024

Electro‐oxidation (EO) technology demonstrates significant potential in wastewater treatment. However, the high energy consumption has become a pivotal constraint hindering its large‐scale implementation. Herein, we design an EO and 4‐electron oxygen reduction reaction coupled system (EO‐4eORR) to replace the traditional EO and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) coupled system (EO‐HER). The theoretical cathodic potential of the electrolytic reactor is tuned from 0 V (vs. RHE) in HER to 1.23 V (vs. RHE) in 4eORR, which greatly decreases the required operation voltage of the reactor. Moreover, we demonstrate that convection can improve the mass transfer of oxygen and organic pollutants in the reaction system, leading to low cathodic polarization and high pollutant removal rate. Compared with traditional EO‐HER system, the energy consumption of the EO‐4eORR system under air aeration for 95 % total organic carbon (TOC) removal is greatly decreased to 2.61 kWh/kgTOC (only consider the electrolyzer energy consumption), which is superior to previously reported EO‐based water treatment systems. The reported results in this study offer a new technical mode for development of highly efficient and sustainable EO‐based treatment systems to remove organic pollutants in waste water.
Selective Photocatalytic C−H Oxidation of 5‐Methylcytosine in DNA
Authors: Yan Tao , Chen Yuqi , Mortishire‐Smith Ben , Simeone Angela , Hofer Alexandre , Balasubramanian Shankar
Published: September 2024

Selective C−H activation on complex biological macromolecules is a key goal in the field of organic chemistry. It requires thermodynamically challenging chemical transformations to be delivered under mild, aqueous conditions. 5‐Methylcytosine (5mC) is a fundamentally important epigenetic modification in DNA that has major implications for biology and has emerged as a vital biomarker. Selective functionalisation of 5mC would enable new chemical approaches to tag, detect and map DNA methylation to enhance the study and exploitation of this epigenetic feature. We demonstrate the first example of direct and selective chemical oxidation of 5mC to 5‐formylcytosine (5fC) in DNA, employing a photocatalytic system. This transformation was used to selectively tag 5mC. We also provide proof‐of‐concept for deploying this chemistry for single‐base resolution sequencing of 5mC and genetic bases adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), thymine (T) in DNA on a next‐generation sequencing system. This work exemplifies how photocatalysis has the potential to transform the analysis of DNA.
Colon‐adhesive poly(maleic anhydride)‐sirolimus conjugate alleviates local colitis inflammation
Authors: Choi Sang‐Hun , Chi Soo‐Hyang , Park Yu‐Seong , Son Sejin , Cho Young‐Eun , Kim Jihoon
Published: September 2024

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, recurring inflammatory condition triggered by immunological imbalances in the digestive tract, leading to weight loss, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and an increased risk of colon cancer. Existing UC treatments encounter significant limitations, such as primary non‐responsiveness, secondary loss of efficacy, and adverse effects. This necessitates the development of drugs and drug formulations to broaden UC treatment options. This study describes the extended retention of poly(maleic anhydride)‐drug conjugates in the large intestine of a DSS‐induced acute colitis mouse model and highlights their potential for treating UC. Anti‐inflammatory sirolimus (Siro) is considered an alternative drug for UC treatment, which however also has side effects due to nonspecific systemic delivery. Accordingly, poly(malic anhydride)‐sirolimus (pSiro) is synthesized by linking Siro, a representative immunosuppressant and anti‐inflammatory drug used in clinical practice, to anhydride groups of poly(maleic anhydride) via ester bonds. In a biodistribution study, poly(maleic anhydride) increases drug retention in the large intestine. Histochemical staining reveals the reduced inflammation degree in the treatment of pSiro, which leads to the decline of systemic inflammatory markers such as plasma TNF‐α, NO, and LPS levels. These results suggest pSiro as a potential therapeutic option for the treatment of UC.
The incorporation of KF‐6017 and LiTFSI benefiting for constructing a transparent, highly conductive polydimethylsiloxane‐based ionogel with high‐ionic liquid content
Authors: Liu Wei , Cai Shilong , Zhang Hefeng , Huang Yifu
Published: September 2024

The presence of well‐conductive polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)‐based ionogel has changed the stereotype of PDMS of being an insulator, owing to continuous ionic liquid (IL) phase with superior ionic conductivity. However, the sacrifice on the transparency of ionogel often occurs if increasing IL content, and to overcome the immiscibility between nonpolar PDMS and polar IL is still regarded as a considerable challenge today. Herein a new strategy to prepare a transparent, highly conductive PDMS‐based ionogel with high IL content is proposed, using a “composite” surfactant of KF‐6017 and LiTFSI. Benefited from unique microphase separation during gel formation, the optimal ionogel of IG70%–1%–1% can possess excellent transparency (>95%, ~200 μm) with IL content of 70%, while owning ionic conductivity of 3.28 mS/cm and tensile property of 100 kPa. A new mechanism on the conductivity of ionogel is proposed by the molecular simulation. The ionogel can be suitable for applying as electrolyte (B) and a polymer binder for active carbon powders (as electrode A). As a result, the assembled electrochemical double‐layer capacitor (A/B/A) can be flexible accompanied with excellent electrochemical performance, which exhibits a promising future for flexible electronics and wearable devices.
Stable and biocompatible multivalent polymer‐grafted gold nanorods for enhanced photothermal antibacterial therapy
Authors: Mei Lin , Liu Zhimin , Shi Yanmei , Zhang Xiangyun
Published: September 2024

Near‐infrared laser‐activated gold nanorods (AuNRs) with excellent photothermal property and tunable surface functionalization are considered as an ideal platform for biomedical applications. However, bare AuNRs have cytotoxicity against normal cells and are prone to agglomeration during laser irradiation. Herein, multivalent polymer‐functionalized AuNRs (AuNRs@pDMAEMA‐C4) was constructed as a highly stable and biocompatible photothermal agent for enhanced antibacterial therapy. The functionalized polymer was synthetized via the reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization and subsequently quaternized. Moreover, positively charged AuNRs@pDMAEMA‐C4 can easily capture the bacterial surface via electrostatic interactions. The integration of photothermal therapy of AuNRs and chemotherapy of functionalized polymer can achieve enhanced antibacterial effects. Under 808 nm laser irradiation, AuNRs@pDMAEMA‐C4 possessed excellent photothermal conversion capability and can kill gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria. Study of the antibacterial mechanism indicated that the antibacterial action of the prepared photothermal antibacterial agent can cause serious damage of the bacterial outer membranes, result in cytoplasm leakage and bacterial death. The nanocomposites combining with near‐infrared laser irradiation can facilitate rapid healing of bacteria‐infected wound by rat model of wound infection and histological analysis of the wound tissues. These results suggest that the surface functionalization can be used as potential strategy to fabricate light‐activated therapeutic agent for biomedical applications.
Tailored design of well‐defined comb‐like copolymer dispersants for enhanced dispersion and stability of cerium oxide nanoparticle suspensions
Authors: Man Jinlin , Guan Xinyue , Huang Guanshao , Zhou Junjie , Miao Han , Li Xinxin
Published: September 2024

The development of effective dispersants for nanoparticle suspensions is crucial for enhancing the performance and stability of various functional materials. In this study, we investigated a series of comb‐like block copolymers with well‐defined structures, including both categories of block copolymers and uniformly composed random copolymers, as dispersants for cerium oxide (CeO2) suspensions. Acrylic acid (AA) units were used for anchoring and electrostatic repulsion, while methoxy polyethylene glycol acrylate (MPEGA) units provided additional steric hindrance and solubility. We explored stabilization mechanisms involving polymer topologies, chain lengths, compositions, and molecular interactions from kinetic and thermodynamic perspectives. The results demonstrate significant improvements in dispersion stability with both categories of well‐controlled copolymers, especially with uniformly composed random copolymers due to their uniformly distributed multi‐point anchoring and balanced electrostatic and steric stabilization. This research not only enhances the fundamental understanding of polymer‐nanoparticle interactions and polymer dispersants, but also provides valuable guidance for the tailored design of dispersants for specific industrial and scientific needs.
Zinc‐Triazolate Metal‐Organic Framework Assisted Synthesis of Germanium Nanoparticles Encapsulated in Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon as Anode Materials for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Zhuo , Bai Xue , Dong Jiabao , Zhang Kexin , Zhao Bin , Dong Xiaoli
Published: September 2024

Germanium (Ge) is demonstrated to be prospective as a lithium‐ion battery anode material, yet the cycling stability is undermined by substantial volume fluctuations, restricting its viability for practical applications. Here, we present a facile Zn‐based metal−organic framework (MOF) engaged route to produce Ge nanoparticles in situ encapsulated in nitrogen‐doped mesoporous carbon (denoted as Ge@N‐C) as an anode material. This method uses a zinc‐triazolate MOF (MET‐6) and commercial GeO2 as the hybrid carbon and Ge precursors. After a heating treatment, the Ge@N‐C composite is readily obtained along with the simultaneous thermal decomposition of MET‐6 and the reduction of GeO2. Benefiting from the mesoporous structure and high electrical conductivity of N−C, along with the strong interaction between Ge and N−C, the obtained Ge@N‐C electrode exhibits a significant reversible charge capacity of 1012.8 mAh g−1 after 150 cycles at 0.1 A g−1, and excellent rate capability. Furthermore, a reversible charge capacity of 521.1 mAh g−1 can be maintained at 5.0 A g−1 after 1000 cycles.
Effects of an online group‐based intervention on effort tolerance in general education
Authors: Kim Ji Young , Fienup Daniel M. , Geiger Hayley M. , Jahromi Laudan B.
Published: September 2024

Effort tolerance refers to a repertoire of selecting a larger reinforcer requiring a higher‐effort response over a smaller reinforcer requiring a lower‐effort response. The current study investigated the effects of an online group‐based effort‐tolerance training on students' effort tolerance. The study adds to the literature because no studies have investigated the effects of a progressive ratio schedule of reinforcement as an intervention that targets effort tolerance for a whole class in an online platform and in general education settings. During the intervention, researchers gradually increased the response requirements (i.e., number of math problems) to access a larger reinforcer and incorporated choice‐making opportunities to promote second‐grade students' selection of a higher‐effort/larger‐reinforcer response. The findings yielded mixed results – the intervention was relatively effective at increasing effort tolerance for students performing on and below grade level for math, but the same effects were not shown in students performing above grade level. Future applications in education and research are discussed.
Analytical quality by design‐based stability‐indicating high performance liquid chromatography method for the estimation of evogliptin tartrate in bulk and tablet dosage form
Authors: Srivastava Shruti , Dhaneshwar Suneela , Kawathekar Neha
Published: September 2024

The present study utilized Analytical Quality by Design (AQbD) approach to develop a stability‐indicating high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for estimating evogliptin tartrate using design expert software. The key parameters were methodically optimized, contours were plotted, and stability was evaluated using various forced degradation conditions. Using an Agilent HPLC system with a photo diode array (PDA) detector along with Fortis C18 column (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) effectively separated the drug from its degradants. The mobile phase used was methanol: water (pH adjusted to 3.0, 76:24; v/v) at 0.8 mL/min flow rate. Evogliptin was eluted at 2.98 min, at a detection wavelength of 267 nm. The proposed method was found to be specific, precise, linear and robust. The drug was sensitive to acidic, basic, oxidative, thermal, and photodegradation resolving six degradation products. Thus, the developed AQbD‐based stability‐indicating HPLC method is applicable in analyzing evogliptin in bulk, tablet dosage form and stability samples.