bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhance the Properties of BiI3‐Based Resistive Switching Devices via Mixing Ag and Au Electrodes
Authors: Li Chia‐Shuo , Wu Yu‐Tien , Lin Po‐Feng , Chen Bo‐You , Fu Fang‐Yu , Cheng Ju‐Feng , Chang Yu‐Song , Ni I‐Chih , Hsu Yu‐Kuei , Pai Yi‐Hao , Chen Mei‐Hsin
Published: February 2023

The correlation between the electrodes and the properties of the BiI3 device is systematically investigated. The X‐ray and UV photoemission spectroscopies are carried out to study the chemical state and electronic structure of the metal/BiI3 interfaces formed by the in‐situ deposition of BiI3 on the metal. This revealed the upward diffusion of Ag and the self‐formation of a conductive filament; the latter is further confirmed via tunneling electron microscopy. By coating the Au substrate with Ag layers of various thicknesses as a buffer layer, the morphology, surface roughness, chemical states, and quantity of the filament in the BiI3 layer can be manipulated. The device with the structure of Au/10 nm Ag/BiI3/Au demonstrated an ultrahigh on/off ratio of 109, good retention of 104 s, and multistate data storage. This study provides not only a fundamental insight into the interaction of BiI3 with metal, which will be helpful to design resistive switching devices and optoelectronics based on BiI3 material, but also a facile method to control the quantity of conductive filament in the BiI3 layer.
Tumor Cell Derived Lnc‐FSD2‐31:1 Contributes to Cancer‐Associated Fibroblasts Activation in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Progression through Extracellular Vesicles Cargo MiR‐4736
Authors: Geng Xinglong , Li Le , Luo Yan , Yang Wenbo , Hu Jisheng , Zhao Zhongjie , Cheng Chundong , Zhang Tao , Zhang Yangyang , Liu Liwei , Xie Yu , Li Guanqun , Liu Danxi , Bai Rui , Bai Xuewei , Wang Gang , Chen Hua , Wang Yongwei , Chen Hongze , Sun Bei
Published: February 2023

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) presents with high mortality and short overall survival. Cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) act as refuge for cancer cells in PDAC. Mechanisms of intracelluar communication between CAFs and cancer cells need to be explored. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in the modulation of oncogenesis and tumor progression of PDAC; however, specific lncRNAs and their mechanism of action have not been clarified clearly in tumoral microenvironment. This work aims to identify novel lncRNAs involved in cellular interaction between cancer cells and CAFs in PDAC. To this end, differentially expressed lncRNAs between long‐term and short‐term survival PDAC patients are screened. Lnc‐FSD2‐31:1 is found to be significantly increased in long‐term survival patients. This work then discovers that tumor‐derived lnc‐FSD2‐31:1 restrains CAFs activation via miR‐4736 transported by extracellular vesicles (EVs) in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, EVs‐derived miR‐4736 suppresses autophagy and contributes to CAFs activation by targeting ATG7. Furthermore, blocking miR‐4736 suppresses tumor growth in genetically engineered KPC (LSL‐KrasG12D/+, LSL‐Trp53R172H/+, and Pdx‐1‐Cre) mouse model of PDAC. This study demonstrates that intratumoral lnc‐FSD2‐31:1 modulates autophagy in CAFs resulting in their activation through EVs‐derived miR‐4736. Targeting miR‐4736 may be a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for PDAC.
Stretchable and Skin‐Attachable Electronic Device for Remotely Controlled Wearable Cancer Therapy
Authors: Ma Xiaohui , Wu Xiaotong , Cao Shitai , Zhao Yinfeng , Lin Yong , Xu Yurui , Ning Xinghai , Kong Desheng
Published: February 2023

Surgery represents a primary clinical treatment of solid tumors. The high risk of local relapse typically requires frequent hospital visits for postoperative adjuvant therapy. Here, device designs and system integration of a stretchable electronic device for wearable cancer treatment are presented. The soft electronic patch harnesses compliant materials to achieve conformal and stable attachment to the surgical wound. A composite nanotextile dressing is laminated to the electronic patch to allow the on‐demand release of anticancer drugs under electro‐thermal actuation. An additional flexible circuit and a compact battery complete an untethered wearable system to execute remote therapeutic commands from a smartphone. The successful implementation of combined chemothermotherapy to inhibit tumor recurrence demonstrates the promising potential of stretchable electronics for advanced wearable therapies without interfering with daily activities.
CRISPR‐Enhanced Hydrogel Microparticles for Multiplexed Detection of Nucleic Acids
Authors: Roh Yoon Ho , Lee Chang Yeol , Lee Sujin , Kim Hyunho , Ly Amy , Castro Cesar M. , Cheon Jinwoo , Lee Jae‐Hyun , Lee Hakho
Published: February 2023

CRISPR/Cas systems offer a powerful sensing mechanism to transduce sequence‐specific information into amplified analytical signals. However, performing multiplexed CRISPR/Cas assays remains challenging and often requires complex approaches for multiplexed assays. Here, a hydrogel‐based CRISPR/Cas12 system termed CLAMP (Cas‐Loaded Annotated Micro‐Particles) is described. The approach compartmentalizes the CRISPR/Cas reaction in spatially‐encoded hydrogel microparticles (HMPs). Each HMP is identifiable by its face code and becomes fluorescent when target DNA is present. The assay is further streamlined by capturing HMPs inside a microfluidic device; the captured particles are then automatically recognized by a machine‐learning algorithm. The CLAMP assay is fast, highly sensitive (attomolar detection limits with preamplification), and capable of multiplexing in a single‐pot assay. As a proof‐of‐concept clinical application, CLAMP is applied to detect nucleic acid targets of human papillomavirus in cervical brushing samples.
Influence of potassium fertilization on alfalfa leaf and stem yield, forage quality, nutrient removal, and plant health
Authors: Heuschele Deborah Jo , Gamble Joshua , Vetsch Jeffrey A. , Shaeffer Craig C. , Coulter Jeffery A. , Kaiser Daniel E. , Lamb John A. , Lamb Jo Ann F. S. , Samac Deborah A.
Published: February 2023

Potassium (K) is an essential nutrient for plant growth. In K‐deficient soils, fertilization has been shown to increase herbage yield of alfalfa. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of K fertilization on alfalfa leaf and stem yield, forage quality, nutrient removal, and plant health of a nonlodging experimental germplasm. Five alfalfa rotations had K fertilizer applied at three rates (0, 186, and 372 kg K ha−1) to soils already containing sufficient soil test K (223 mg kg−1). No overall yield differences were found related to K application rates, though K removal in total herbage increased by 30–58% with K fertilization, depending on alfalfa stand age. Leaf:stem ratios were not impacted by K fertilization. The concentrations of B, Ca, and Na decreased with K fertilization, while K concentrations increased, which may have resulted in B deficiencies. Leaf in vitro digestibility decreased significantly with the application of K. There was no benefit to crown rot disease resistance with increased K fertilization. This study supports that the addition of K to already sufficient soils does not lead to any additional economic benefits and may reduce productivity due to the reduction of B uptake and in vitro digestibility.
Impacts of winter wheat and cover crops on soil microbial diversity in a corn–soybean no‐till cropping system in Quebec (Canada)
Authors: Giusti Blandine , Hogue Richard , Jeanne Thomas , Lucotte Marc
Published: February 2023

Intensive agriculture based on repeatedly plowing a monoculture is known to degrade the structural, chemical, and biological properties of soils. Conservation agriculture is gaining popularity worldwide with practices including reduced tillage, increased plant diversity, and implementation cover crops. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of crop rotation and cover crops on soil microbial communities. The hypothesis was that enhanced plant diversity would boost the diversity of the soil microbiome. Two rotation were tested by adding a cereal (corn [Zea mays L.]–soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and corn–soybean–wheat [Triticum aestivum L.]), as well as the implementation of cover crops. The enhanced plant diversity had no impact on total molecular biomass. The bacteria/fungi ratio varied across the plots but was not clearly linked to the enhanced plant diversity. Bacterial richness was not influenced by the treatments, whereas eukaryotic richness decreased in the presence of cover crops in one of the sites. Microbial composition was the most sensitive indicator to enhanced plant diversity. Differential relative abundance (log2 fold changes) identified proteobacterial amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) specifically related to each crop rotation system and to the presence of cover crops. There was more ASV of Actinobacteria associated with the three‐crop rotation system and less ASV of Acidobacteria associated with the cover crops system compared to the two‐ and three‐crop rotation systems, respectively. As for eukaryotes, the number of ASVs belonging to Ascomycota and Cercozoa phyla and associated with the three‐crop rotation system is less important than for the two‐crop rotation system. This study shows that conservation agricultural practices can influence soil microbial communities. The variations in some ASVs could have functional implications on organic matter decomposition or plant growth and in terms of soil ecosystem services and field crop sustainability.
Optimizing sowing date and plant density improve peanut yield by mitigating heat and chilling stress
Authors: Liu Chunyan , Xu Yi , Zhao Jie , Nie Jiangwen , Jiang Yao , Shang Mengjie , Zang Huadong , Yang Yadong , Brown Robert W. , Zeng Zhaohai
Published: February 2023

Peanut (Arachis hypogea L.) yield is dramatically declined by extreme weather stresses under climate change. Adjusting the sowing date and plant density are effective strategies to mitigate these stresses and improve peanut yield. However, a mechanistic understanding of the influence of environmental drivers and an optimized strategy have yet to be developed. Here, a 3‐year field experiment was conducted to evaluate the sowing date (April 25, early sowing; May 5, middle sowing; May 15, late sowing) and plant density (24, 30, and 36 plants m−2 as low, medium, and high) of peanut in the North China Plain. We found that higher pod yield was observed in the middle sowing (∼4492.4 kg ha−1) compared with the early and late sowing (∼3317.2 and 4088.1 kg ha−1, respectively). Meanwhile, the pod yield in high density (∼4162.5 kg ha−1) was 10.6% and 4.7% higher than low and medium density, respectively, mainly due to higher leaf area index. The relative peanut pod yield was positively correlated with the average minimum temperature 5 days before and after the flowering pegging stage, whilst it was negatively correlated with average maximum temperature 5 days before and after pod filling stage. Therefore, optimizing temperature conditions to improve the peanut yield can be achieved by adjusting the sowing date. In conclusion, sowing date and plant density manipulation constitute a useful method to mitigate heat and chilling stress and improve peanut yield.
Severe left kidney laceration after minor fall in a patient with lumbar spine scoliosis
Authors: Sugimoto Takashi , Ono Yuko , Ueshima Eisuke , Matsushiro Keigo , Yamada Isamu , Kotani Joji
Published: February 2023

Background

The kidneys are one of the organs most commonly affected by blunt trauma; however, the anatomical variations that predispose kidney injury are poorly understood.

Case Presentation

An 80‐year‐old Japanese woman with lumber scoliosis was brought to our hospital because of severe flank pain after a minor fall at home. Contrast‐enhanced computed tomography showed a severe left kidney laceration at the level of an acute angle in the vertebral column caused by scoliosis. Extravasation of contrast medium from the left renal artery branches was also noted. Selective arterial embolization achieved hemostasis. The patient was transferred to a rehabilitation facility without sequelae.

Conclusion

Patients with scoliosis could be at higher risk of severe kidney laceration because of intrusion of the vertebral column into the retroperitoneal space. Therefore, even after low‐impact trauma, active exploration for kidney injury could be warranted in patients with spinal curvature disorders.
Stacking Cyclophanes into Chiral Microvessels
Authors: Hassan Zahid , Bräse Stefan
Published: February 2023

Engineering novel micro‐/nanoscale systems and devices based on supramolecular assembly has tremendous potential from diverse applications perspective. However, controlling the size, shape, spatial arrangements, and hierarchical transcription by a dimensional organizing principle (1D–3D arrangement) without the help of templates remains a challenging task. In this vein, a recent study by Oki and colleagues reporting the stacking of chiral cyclophanes via intermolecular non‐covalent interactions for crafting synchronous microcrystalline 3D chiral vessels with controlled conformational arrangements represents a truly remarkable illustration of molecular engineering. The microvessels bear stereocontrolled skeletal morphology, recognize stereoisomers and serve as containers to accommodate microcrystals, polymer particles, and fluorescent dyes. The full application scope of this fascinating research is far beyond non‐covalent interactions, supramolecular self‐assembly, and crystal engineering.
Exceptionally Stable Dimers and Trimers of Au25 Clusters Linked with a Bidentate Dithiol: Synthesis, Structure and Chirality Study
Authors: Swierczewski Michal , Cousin Fabrice , Banach Ewa , Rosspeintner Arnulf , Lawson Daku Latevi Max , Ziarati Abolfazl , Kazan Rania , Jeschke Gunnar , Azoulay Raymond , Lee Lay‐Theng , Bürgi Thomas
Published: February 2023

A bidentate chiral dithiol (diBINAS) is utilised to bridge Au25 nanoclusters to form oligomers. Separation by size allows the isolation of fractions that are stable thanks to the bidentate nature of the linker. The structure of the products is elucidated by small‐angle X‐ray scattering and calculated using density functional theory. Additional structural details are studied by diffusion‐ordered nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry. Significant changes in the optical properties are analysed by UV/Vis and fluorescence spectroscopies, with the latter demonstrating a strong emission enhancement. Furthermore, the emergent chiral characteristics are studied by circular dichroism. Due to the geometry constraints of the nanocluster assemblies, diBINAS can be regarded as a templating molecule, taking a step towards the directed self‐assembly of metal clusters.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Arylation of Cyclobutenone Ketals
Authors: Egea‐Arrebola David , Goetzke F. Wieland , Fletcher Stephen P.
Published: February 2023

Complex cyclobutanes are important motifs in both bioactive molecules and natural products, yet their enantioselective preparation has not been widely explored. In this work, we describe rhodium‐catalyzed enantioselective additions of aryl and vinyl boronic acids to cyclobutenone ketals. This transformation involves enantioselective carbometalation to give cyclobutyl‐rhodium intermediates, followed by β‐oxygen elimination to afford enantioenriched enol ethers. Overall, this addition serves as a surrogate for Rh‐catalyzed 1,4‐additions to cyclobutenone.
Evolution of Stabilized 1T‐MoS2 by Atomic‐Interface Engineering of 2H‐MoS2/Fe−Nx towards Enhanced Sodium Ion Storage
Authors: Xia Huicong , Zan Lingxing , Yuan Pengfei , Qu Gan , Dong Hongliang , Wei Yifan , Yu Yue , Wei Zeyu , Yan Wenfu , Hu Jin‐Song , Deng Dehui , Zhang Jia‐Nan
Published: February 2023

Metallic conductive 1T phase molybdenum sulfide (MoS2) has been identified as promising anode for sodium ion (Na+) batteries, but its metastable feature makes it difficult to obtain and its restacking during the charge/discharge processing result in part capacity reversibility. Herein, a synergetic effect of atomic‐interface engineering is employed for constructing 2H‐MoS2 layers assembled on single atomically dispersed Fe−N−C (SA Fe−N−C) anode material that boosts its reversible capacity. The work‐function‐driven‐electron transfer occurs from SA Fe−N−C to 2H‐MoS2 via the Fe−S bonds, which enhances the adsorption of Na+ by 2H‐MoS2, and lays the foundation for the sodiation process. A phase transfer from 2H to 1T/2H MoS2 with the ferromagnetic spin‐polarization of SA Fe−N−C occurs during the sodiation/desodiation process, which significantly enhances the Na+ storage kinetics, and thus the 1T/2H MoS2/SA Fe−N−C display a high electronic conductivity and a fast Na+ diffusion rate.
Enabled Efficient Ammonia Synthesis and Energy Supply in a Zinc–Nitrate Battery System by Separating Nitrate Reduction Process into Two Stages
Authors: Jiang Haifeng , Chen Gao‐Feng , Savateev Oleksandr , Xue Jian , Ding Liang‐Xin , Liang Zhenxing , Antonietti Markus , Wang Haihui
Published: February 2023

The aqueous electrocatalytic reduction of NO3−into NH3(NitrRR) presents a sustainable route applicable to NH3production and potentially energy storage. However, the NitrRR involves a directly eight‐electron transfer process generally required a large overpotential (<−0.2 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (vs. RHE)) to reach optimal efficiency. Here, inspired by biological nitrate respiration, the NitrRR was separated into two stages along a [2+6]‐electron pathway to alleviate the kinetic barrier. The system employed a Cu nanowire catalyst produces NO2−and NH3with current efficiencies of 91.5 % and 100 %, respectively at lower overpotentials (>+0.1vs. RHE). The high efficiency for such a reduction process was further explored in a zinc‐nitrate battery. This battery could be specified by a high output voltage of 0.70 V, an average energy density of 566.7 Wh L−1at 10 mA cm−2and a power density of 14.1 mW cm−2, which is well beyond all previously reported similar concepts.
Micro‐nano structure constructed AA7055 superhydrophobic surface with long service life and high corrosion resistance
Authors: Guo Fuqiang , Duan Shuwei , Wu Dongting , Matsuda Kenji , Wang Tao , Zou Yong
Published: February 2023

In this article, a high corrosion‐resistant and environmentally stable superhydrophobic layer was fabricated on the surface of 7055 aluminum alloy using surface silanization and constructing a secondary micro‐nano structure with polytetrafluoroethylene and SiO2 nanoparticles on the polydimethylsiloxane surface. The sprayed nanoparticles on the low‐energy surface layer can form a micro‐nano secondary structure, resulting in a superhydrophobic layer with excellent hydrophobic properties and long‐lasting stability. The superhydrophobic layer not only has good hydrophobicity, but also has good corrosion resistance, wear resistance and antiicing performance, the corresponding mechanisms were discussed.
Efficient Low Temperature Performance of All Solid‐State Zinc‐Air Batteries with MnCo2O4/Carbon Fiber Bifunctional Electrocatalyst and Poly(Acrylic Acid) (PAA) Gel Polymer Electrolyte
Authors: Abedi Zahra , Cui Jiayao , Chen Weixing , Ivey Douglas G.
Published: February 2023

Spinel type MnCo2O4 coated on asphaltene based carbon fibers (MnCo2O4/CF) was used as the electrode material/electrocatalyst for air electrodes for zinc‐air batteries (ZABs). The batteries were assembled using an alkaline poly(acrylic acid) hydrogel electrolyte. The low temperature battery performance of the prepared ZAB cells was studied in terms of charge/discharge voltage and efficiency at different current densities, cycle life, power density, and cell voltage at temperatures between −45 °C and 21 °C. At all temperatures, the ZABs successfully completed 200 cycles of charge/discharge (100 h) at 2 mA cm−2 which is double the current density reported in the recent literature. The maximum power densities at 0 and −45 °C were 75 and 12 mW cm−2, respectively. The good performance is attributed to the porous design of the air electrode and the use of an efficient electrocatalyst and an optimized gel polymer electrolyte.
Creating shared value through open innovation approaches: Opportunities and challenges for corporate sustainability
Authors: Camilleri Mark Anthony , Troise Ciro , Strazzullo Serena , Bresciani Stefano
Published: February 2023

To date, few researchers have linked open innovation approaches with triple bottom line corporate sustainability objectives in terms of economic, social, and environmental performance. A systematic review suggests that the businesses' collaborative relationships with external consultants or organizations can increase their competitive advantage, as external stakeholders could assist them in the development of sustainable innovations, diversification into different markets, and in the generation of new revenue streams. At the same time, they can support them in addressing numerous deficits in society. On the other hand, this contribution implies that an organizational culture that promotes open innovation approaches could expose practitioners to risks and uncertainties, like revealing sensitive information to outsiders, among others. In reality, it may prove difficult for the businesses to trust new partners, as they are not subject to their organizations' codes of conduct, rules, and regulations.
Matching‐adjusted indirect comparison of isatuximab plus carfilzomib and dexamethasone with daratumumab plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone in relapsed multiple myeloma
Authors: Richter Joshua , Lin Peggy L. , Garcia‐Horton Viviana , Guyot Patricia , Singh Erin , Zhou Zheng‐Yi , Sievert Mark , Taiji Riley
Published: February 2023

Backgound

Lenalidomide‐based regimens are commonly used for early relapse in patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) receiving at least one prior line of therapy. In the absence of head‐to‐head comparison, matching‐adjusted indirect comparison (MAIC) was conducted to demonstrate efficacy and safety of isatuximab+carfilzomib+dexamethasone (Isa‐Kd) versus daratumumab + lenalidomide + dexamethasone (Dara‐Rd) in RRMM.

Methods

Patient‐level data from IKEMA trial (Isa‐Kd, n = 179) were matched to aggregate data from POLLUX (Dara‐Rd, n = 286). Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were generated by weighted Cox proportional hazard models. Odds ratios (OR), 95% CI, and p‐value were calculated for ≥very good partial response (≥VGPR) and treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs).

Results

After matching, no significant differences were observed between Isa‐Kd and Dara‐Rd in baseline characteristics except for patients with >3 prior lines (0.0% vs. 4.9%). Isa‐Kd showed significantly better PFS (HR [95% CI]: 0.46 [0.24–0.86]; p = 0.0155), statistically non‐significant improvement favoring Isa‐Kd in OS (0.47 [0.20–1.09]; 0.0798), and ≥VGPR (OR [95% CI]: 1.53 [0.89–2.64]; p = 0.1252) than Dara‐Rd. Odds of occurrence were significantly lower for some all‐grade and grade 3/4 TEAEs with Isa‐Kd than Dara‐Rd.

Conclusion

These results support Isa‐Kd as an efficacious treatment for early relapse in non‐lenalidomide refractory patients.
Investigation of Botanical Origin, Phenolic Compounds, Carotenoids, and Antioxidant Properties of Monofloral and Multifloral Bee Bread
Authors: Çobanoğlu Duygu Nur , Şeker Mehmet Emin , Temizer İlginç Kizilpinar , Erdoğan Ayşegül
Published: February 2023

Bee bread is a unique natural product made by bees and good for human health. It has many bioactive molecules that can treat or prevent diseases. In this study, melissopalynological methods were used to examine five bee bread samples. Major plant sources found in bee bread were Lotus spp., Trifolium spp., and Xeranthemum spp., which are from the Fabaceae and Asteraceae families. Then, the amount of phenolic compounds and major carotenoids in bee bread (BB) samples were quantified. Gallic acid, caffeic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol were found in all BB samples, with β‐carotene being the most abundant carotenoid in all but BB1. In addition, the total phenolic/flavonoid content and antioxidant activities of all BB samples were determined. Total flavonoid, total phenolic, DPPH⋅, and ABTS⋅+ values were varied between 5.6–10.00 mg GAE/g DW, 1.2–4.3 mg QE/g DW, 1.2–5.5 mg TEAC/g DW, and 2.6–15.4 mg TEAC/g DW, respectively.
An Efficient and Eco‐Friendly Synthesis of Protoberberine and 13‐Me Protoberberine Alkaloids via Electrochemical Acceptorless Dehydrogenation
Authors: Li Weijian , Huang Shiqi , Jiang Meifen , Chen Yu , Yang Zhi , Tang Pei , Chen Fener
Published: February 2023

A practicable and environmentally benign process for the synthesis of protoberberine (PB) and 13‐methylprotoberberine (13‐MePB) alkaloids is reported. In contrast to previous dehydrogenation of saturated C ring utilizing a stoichiometric oxidant, the electrocatalytic approach through I2‐mediated electrochemical acceptorless dehydrogenation (ECAD) can eco‐efficiently construct aromatized C ring of PBs and 13‐MePBs in last‐stage. This new method to the aromatization of tetracyclic framework has been applied to divergent syntheses of ten PBs and eight 13‐MePBs in high yields. Importantly, this I2‐ECAD protocol can be conducted on a gram scale and applied in a continuous‐flow microreactor successfully. Given such practicability and efficiency, the developed synthetic strategy meets many salient features of green chemistry, and would be greatly beneficial to the synthesis of important isoquinoline fine chemicals and relevant natural products.
Poly‐(Imidazolium‐Methylene) Chloride Mediated Self‐Assembly Strategy to Modulate Electronic Structure of Carbon Nitride for Enhanced Visible‐Light Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Zhang Xue , Yu Weiwei W. , Wang Guanchao C. , Zhao Zhongkui K.
Published: February 2023

As an attractive metal‐free conjugated polymer, graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) has attracted extensive attention in the field of solar energy conversion and storage as a visible light responsive hydrogen evolution. However, the photocatalytic efficiency of g‐C3N4 still has great room for improvement. Herein, a highly efficient visible‐light‐driven okra‐like tubular g‐C3N4photocatalyst (TCNMCA‐PImM) was synthesized via pyrolysis of a poly‐(imidazolium‐methylene) chloride (PImM)‐mediated molecular assembly prepared by a hydrothermal process of a solution containing PImM, melamine, and KOH, in which PImM acts as an electronic structure regulator owing to its strong hydrogen bond, π‐π interaction, and van der Waals force. On the basis of maintaining tri‐s‐triazine structure, the increase of graphitic N promotes the separation and transfer efficiency of photogenerated electrons and holes through the electron structure adjustment. The photocatalyst displays the notably promoted photocatalytic performance for H2 generation under visible‐light illumination. The optimized photocatalyst shows 1902 μmol h−1 g−1 of hydrogen evolution rate, which is 25.7 times higher than that of bulk g‐C3N4. The developed polymeric carbon nitride with unique geometric structure and electronic properties can be extended to other applications like CO2 capture for carbon neutralization strategy.
Genetic diversity and population structure of snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) from China revealed by microsatellite markers
Authors: Hao Junjie , Song Fengjing , Cui Xiao , Hua Zeke , Zhu TongDan , Wu Zhuobin , Wang Junwei , Chen Mingli , Zhang Xiaoyan
Published: February 2023

Snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is the vegetable form of common bean, and regarded as one of the most important and commonly consumed products in the world. In this study, 221 snap bean core accessions mostly from China were characterized the genetic diversity, gene pool identity, and relationships using 30 microsatellite markers, and concurrently evaluated for phenotype traits and phaseolin patterns. A total of 140 alleles were detected with an average of 4.67 per locus. The polymorphic information content ranged from 0.215 to 0.823, with an average of 0.488. Nei's genetic distances between accessions ranged from 0 to 0.9999, with an average of 0.6143. In those Chinese snap beans, structure analysis proved the existence of a high proportion of hybrid accessions except for identification of Andean and Mesoamerican gene pools. Neighbor‐joining clustering and principal coordinate analysis based microsatellite markers were similar in explaining the extent of diversity with both revealed Andean and Mesoamerican gene pools, which were divided into seven subgroups. Four of those subgroups, including one arising from introgression, were identified as belonging to the Andean gene pool, which likely represented Nueva Granada and Peru races. Other three subgroups were identified as belonging to the Mesoamerican gene pool, which likely represented the Mesoamerican race, owing to their close association with the control genotype. The diversity index of the qualitative traits was 0.80 to 1.88, with the average value of 1.20, while the diversity of the quantitative traits was ranked as 100‐seed weight (H′ = 1.98) > pod length (H′ = 1.90). Six principal components explained 69.13% of the total variation. Eight phaseolin patterns were identified in the 221 accessions. This study demonstrated the gene pool, as well as geographical, diversity of snap bean germplasms in China. The substantial diversity level is important for the utilization and conservation of snap bean, as well as future breeding programs.
Systematic design and prototyping of a low‐cost passive UHF‐RFID transponder
Authors: Kommey Benjamin , Addo Ernest Ofosu , Tamakloe Elvis
Published: February 2023

This paper presents a methodical design and prototyping of a passive European ultra‐high frequency (UHF) band radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder. The transponder has a 70 × 17 × 0.3 mm3 copper antenna whose design is based on the folded dipole architecture and utilizes techniques such as meandering and end loading to match a Texas Instruments (TI) UHF‐RFID chip through a T‐match feeding network. The tag's simulated and measured performances indicate good coverage of the entire UHF band with a return loss better than 10 dB. The transponder was then fabricated using inexpensive off‐the‐shelf materials and its performance was tested. The proposed tag achieved good gain, read range, and cost efficiency when compared with current folded dipole antennas and can be easily adapted for various applications such as supply chain, access or security, and vehicle identification.
What is the effect of a brief intervention to promote physical activity when delivered in a health care setting? A systematic review
Authors: Green Emily T. , Cox Narelle S. , Arden Clare M. , Warren Cathy J. , Holland Anne E.
Published: February 2023

Issue Addressed

What are the effects of a brief intervention to promote physical activity (PA) delivered in a health care setting other than primary care?

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsycINFO were used to identify randomised controlled trials which evaluated the effect of brief interventions to increase PA, delivered in a health care setting. Review outcomes included subjectively or objectively measured PA, adherence to prescribed interventions, adverse events, health‐related quality of life, self‐efficacy and stage of change in relation to PA. Where possible, clinically homogenous studies were combined in a meta‐analysis.

Results

Twenty‐five eligible papers were included. Brief counselling interventions were associated with increased PA compared to control, for both self‐reported PA (mean difference 34 minutes/week, 95% confidence intervals [95% CI] 9‐60 minutes), and pedometer (MD 1541 steps/day, 95% CI 433‐2649) at medium term follow up.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that some brief interventions to increase PA, delivered in the health care setting, are effective at increasing PA in the medium term. There is limited evidence for the long‐term efficacy of such interventions. The wide variation in types of interventions makes it difficult to determine which intervention features optimize outcomes.

So What?

Brief counselling interventions delivered in a health care setting may support improved PA. Clinicians working in health care settings should consider the implementation of brief interventions to increase PA in vulnerable patient groups, including older adults and those with chronic illness.
Automated knee osteoarthritis severity classification using three‐stage preprocessing method andVGG16architecture
Authors: Saini Deepak , Khosla Ashima , Chand Trilok , Chouhan Devendra K. , Prakash Mahesh
Published: February 2023

As a nutshell, an early diagnosis of Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA) enhances the likelihood of an individual receiving treatment at its onset and prevents joint replacement surgery. Computer‐Aided‐Diagnosis (CAD) from the radiograph images have gained a wide‐spread attention in automated grading of KOA severity. But radiograph images have certain limitations, such as presence of too much noise and uneven contrast distribution across the image that impacts the accuracy and reliability of CAD systems. Therefore, a novel three‐stage pre‐processing method has been proposed using a combination of different techniques applied at sequential stages such as noise‐reduction using gaussian‐filter, normalization using pixel‐centering method, and balanced contrast enhancement technique. A transfer‐learning based VGG16 architecture has been used for severity classification. Our classification framework outperforms the existing state‐of‐the‐art methods achieving an excellent accuracy of 89.95\%. Therefore, our system can be used by the radiologists and physicians as a decision‐support tool in their daily diagnosis procedure.
Advances in thermal‐related analysis techniques for solid‐state lithium batteries
Authors: Wang Jianan , Yang Kai , Sun Shiyi , Ma Qianyue , Yi Gong , Chen Xin , Wang Ze , Yan Wei , Liu Xinhua , Cai Qiong , Zhao Yunlong
Published: February 2023

Solid‐state lithium batteries (SSLBs) have been broadly accepted as a promising candidate for the next generation lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) with high energy density, long duration, and high safety. The intrinsic non‐flammable nature and electrochemical/thermal/mechanical stability of solid electrolytes are expected to fundamentally solve the safety problems of conventional LIBs. However, thermal degradation and thermal runaway could also happen in SSLBs. For example, the large interfacial resistance between solid electrolytes and electrodes could aggravate the joule heat generation; the anisotropic thermal diffusion could trigger the uneven temperature distribution and formation of hotspots further leading to lithium dendrite growth. Considerable research efforts have been devoted to exploring solid electrolytes with outstanding performance and harmonizing interfacial incompatibility in the past decades. There have been fewer comprehensive reports investigating the thermal reaction process, thermal degradation, and thermal runaway of SSLBs. This review seeks to highlight advanced thermal‐related analysis techniques for SSLBs, by focusing particularly on multiscale and multidimensional thermal‐related characterization, thermal monitoring techniques such as sensors, thermal experimental techniques imitating the abuse operating condition, and thermal‐related advanced simulations. Insightful perspectives are proposed to bridge fundamental studies to technological relevance for better understanding and performance optimization of SSLBs.

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Fluorescent polymer markers photoconvertible with a 532 nm laser for individual cell labeling
Authors: Demina P. A. , Sindeeva O. A. , Abramova A. M. , Saveleva M. S. , Sukhorukov G. B. , Goryacheva I. Y.
Published: February 2023

Fluorescent photoconvertible materials and molecules have been successfully exploited as bioimaging markers and cell trackers. Recently, the novel fluorescent photoconvertible polymer markers have been developed that allow the long‐term tracking of individual labeled cells. However, it is still necessary to study the functionality of this type of fluorescent labels for various operating conditions, in particular for commonly used discrete wavelength lasers. In this article, the photoconversion of fluorescent polymer labels with both pulsed and continuous‐wave lasers with 532 nm‐irradiation wavelength, and under different laser power densities were studied. The photoconversion process was described and its possible mechanism was proposed. The peculiarities of fluorescent polymer capsules performance as an aqueous suspension and as a single capsule were described. We performed the successful nondestructivity marker photoconversion inside RAW 264.7 monocyte/macrophage cells under continuous‐wave laser with 532 nm‐irradiation wavelength, showing prospects of these fluorescent markers for long‐term live cell labeling.
Longitudinal change of serum inter‐alpha‐trypsin inhibitor heavy chain H4, and its correlation with inflammation, multiorgan injury, and death risk in sepsis
Authors: Zhao Xiangwang , Guo Yong , Li Lingyu , Li Yusheng
Published: February 2023

Background

Inter‐alpha‐trypsin inhibitor heavy chain H4 (ITIH4) inhibits infection‐induced inflammation and multiorgan injury through several methods. The present study aimed to estimate the association of serum ITIH4 with inflammatory cytokines, multiorgan injury, and death risk in sepsis patients.

Methods

Serum samples were collected to detect ITIH4 by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in 127 sepsis patients at admission (baseline), day (D)1, D3, and D7 after admission, as well as in 30 healthy controls (HCs). Additionally, 28‐day mortality was recorded in sepsis patients.

Results

ITIH4 was reduced in sepsis patients versus HCs (median [interquartile range]: 147.9 [78.2–208.8] vs. 318.8 [237.2–511.4] ng/ml) (p < 0.001). In sepsis patients, ITIH4 was associated with the absence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease history (p = 0.021). Additionally, ITIH4 was negatively correlated with tumor necrosis factor‐α (p < 0.001), interleukin (IL)‐1β (p < 0.001), IL‐6 (p = 0.019), IL‐17A (p = 0.002), and C‐reactive protein (p = 0.001), but positively related to IL‐10 (p = 0.007). Moreover, ITIH4 was also inversely associated with Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score (p = 0.002), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score (p < 0.001), SOFA‐respiratory system score (p = 0.023), and SOFA‐renal system score (p = 0.007). Interestingly, ITIH4 gradually increased from baseline to D7 (p < 0.001); besides, ITIH4 at baseline (p = 0.009), D1 (p = 0.002), D3 (p < 0.001), and D7 (p = 0.015) were all decreased in sepsis deaths versus sepsis survivors.

Conclusion

Serum ITIH4 is raised from baseline to D7 after disease onset, and it reflects the reduction of systemic inflammation, disease severity, and 28‐day mortality for sepsis. However, further verification is required.
Gender and discouraged borrowers: Evidence from India
Authors: Ghosh Saibal
Published: February 2023

Using cross‐section data on small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the paper examines the importance of gender on discouraged borrowers in India. We distinguish the role of women across various capacities, such as owner, manager and owner‐manager. Controlling for potential endogeneity, the findings indicate that firms with women managers and those where women perform dual roles are more likely to be discouraged from borrowing. Furthermore, we show that interest rates and procedural complexities to be the key reasons that inhibit borrowing. Robustness tests lend credence to these findings.
Discovery of Isojacareubin as a covalent inhibitor of SARS‐CoV‐2 main protease using structural and experimental approaches
Authors: Khan Abbas , Heng Wang , Imran Kashif , Zhu Guanghao , Ji Jun , Zhang Yani , Guan Xiaoqing , Ge Guangbo , Wei Dong‐Qing
Published: February 2023

The ongoing pandemic with the emergence of immune evasion potential and, particularly, the current omicron subvariants intensified the situation further. Although vaccines are available, the immune evasion capabilities of the recent variants demand further efficient therapeutic choices to control the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) pandemic. Hence, considering the necessity of the small molecule inhibitor, we target the main protease (3CLpro), which is an appealing target for the development of antiviral drugs against SARS‐CoV‐2. High‐throughput molecular in silico screening of South African natural compounds database reported Isojacareubin and Glabranin as the potential inhibitors for the main protease. The calculated docking scores were reported to be −8.47 and −8.03 kcal/mol, respectively. Moreover, the structural dynamic assessment reported that Isojacareubin in complex with 3CLpro exhibit a more stable dynamic behavior than Glabranin. Inhibition assay indicated that Isojacareubin could inhibit SARS‐CoV‐2 3CLpro in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner, with half maximal inhibitory concentration values of 16.00 ± 1.35 μM (60 min incubation). Next, the covalent binding sites of Isojacareubin on SARS‐CoV‐2 3CLpro was identified by biomass spectrometry, which reported that Isojacareubin can covalently bind to thiols or Cysteine through Michael addition. To evaluate the inactivation potency of Isojacareubin, the inactivation kinetics was further investigated. The inactivation kinetic curves were plotted according to various concentrations with gradient‐ascending incubation times. The KI value of Isojacareubin was determined as 30.71 μM, whereas the Kinact value was calculated as 0.054 min−1. These results suggest that Isojacareubin is a covalent inhibitor of SARS‐CoV‐2 3CLpro.
RIMeta: An R shiny tool for estimating the reference interval from a meta‐analysis
Authors: Jiang Ziren , Cao Wenhao , Chu Haitao , Bazerbachi Fateh , Siegel Lianne
Published: February 2023

A reference interval, or an interval in which a prespecified proportion of measurements from a healthy population are expected to fall, is used to determine whether a person's measurement is typical of a healthy individual. For a specific biomarker, multiple published studies may provide data collected from healthy participants. A reference interval estimated by combining the data across these studies is typically more generalizable than a reference interval based on a single study. Methods for estimating reference intervals from random effects meta‐analysis and fixed‐effects meta‐analysis have been recently proposed and implemented using R software. We present an R Shiny tool, RIMeta, implementing these methods, which allows users not proficient in R to estimate a reference interval from a meta‐analysis using aggregate data (mean, standard deviation, and sample size) from each study. RIMeta (https://cers.shinyapps.io/RIMeta/) provides users a convenient way to estimate a reference interval from a meta‐analysis and to generate the reference interval plot to visualize the results. The use of this web‐based R Shiny tool does not require the installation of R or any background knowledge of programming. We explain all functions of the R Shiny tool and illustrate how to use it with a real data example.
Differences in pharyngeal swallow event timing: Healthy aging, Parkinson disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Gandhi Pooja , Plowman Emily K. , Steele Catriona M.
Published: February 2023

Objective

The pharyngeal phase of swallowing involves a coordinated sequence of events. Event durations may be prolonged in people with Parkinson disease (PwPD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (PwALS); however, the cumulative effect of these changes is unexplored. We compared event latencies relative to hyoid burst (HYB) (time zero) to understand differences in deglutatory event timing. We hypothesized PwPD and PwALS would display similarly prolonged cumulative pharyngeal phase durations compared to healthy controls, with greater prolongations with increasing bolus viscosity.

Method

We retrospectively evaluated videofluoroscopic data of healthy adults (n = 78), PwPD (n = 17), and PwALS (n = 20). Participants swallowed 15 boluses of 20% (w/v) barium across five liquid consistencies. Paired raters evaluated nine deglutitive events using the ASPEKT method. Latencies were plotted by consistency relative to HYB and compared across cohorts using Mann–Whitney U tests (p ≤ .05). Cohen's d was calculated for all statistically significant results to determine effect size.

Results

In PwPD, significantly prolonged latencies were observed on thin liquid boluses compared to healthy controls. Latencies to all post‐HYB events were significantly prolonged except for maximum upper esophageal sphincter distension. In PwALS, significantly prolonged latencies for events preceding and following HYB were noted on all consistencies compared to healthy controls and PwPD.

Conclusion

In PwPD, event latencies for multiple components of the swallowing sequence were prolonged culminating in overall prolongation of the pharyngeal phase on thin liquid. A similar pattern, but with significantly greater prolongation, was seen in the PwALS, and extended to swallows of all liquid consistencies.
Patterns in sources and forms of nitrogen in a large eutrophic lake during a cyanobacterial harmful algal bloom
Authors: Kharbush Jenan J. , Robinson Rebecca S. , Carter Susan J.
Published: February 2023

Western Lake Erie experiences an annual, toxic cyanobacterial harmful algal bloom (cyanoHAB), primarily caused by excess anthropogenic inputs of nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P). Because the non‐N fixing cyanobacteria species Microcystis dominates these blooms, N availability is hypothesized to play a central role in cyanoHAB progression, as well as production of the N‐rich toxin microcystin. Many previous studies focused on nitrate because it is the most abundant N substrate during bloom initiation. However, recent work implicated reduced N substrates like ammonium and dissolved organic N (DON) in promoting greater bloom biomass and longevity. To examine the relative importance of oxidized and reduced N substrates to phytoplankton during different bloom stages, we measured concentrations and natural abundance δ15N isotope values of dissolved N substrates and phytoplankton biomass throughout the entirety of the 2020 cyanoHAB in Western Lake Erie. The results provide the first data on DON dynamics and composition in Western Lake Erie, and suggest that phytoplankton, including Microcystis, likely relied on N regenerated from the DON pool in later bloom stages. In addition, the stable isotope data confirm the importance of nitrate delivered via the Maumee River to cyanobacterial growth and toxin production.
Relationship (breakup) reminders drive online advertising effectiveness
Authors: Tan Ser Zian , Bandyopadhyay Argho , Septianto Felix
Published: February 2023

This research investigates the effect of using relationship (breakup) reminders in advertising on click‐through rates. While previous research has found that relationship reminders may backfire when consumers lack or no longer have certain social relationships (e.g., close friends, family, or a romantic partner), the authors propose that ad messages encouraging consumers after a relationship breakup, as compared with simply reminding them of a current relationship, will increase consumer perceptions of social support from a brand. This is because consumers may find readily available social support from a brand when coping with a relationship breakup. This, in turn, will pique their interest in the brand and prompt them to seek more information. Across two experimental studies, the results show that consumers who are exposed to ad messages encouraging them after a relationship breakup (vs. reminding them of a current relationship) feel greater social support, leading to higher click‐through rates. Furthermore, this effect is moderated by destiny beliefs. These findings contribute to the implicit theories of relationships and the consumer–brand relationship literature by demonstrating how destiny beliefs are important to understanding consumer responses to advertisements utilizing relationship (breakup) messages. Furthermore, the findings can benefit marketers when designing relationship reminders in online advertising.