bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Satellite-based assessment of climate controls on US burned area
Authors: Morton D. C. , Collatz G. J. , Wang D. , Randerson J. T. , Giglio L. , Chen Y.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. Climate regulates fire activity through the buildup and drying of fuels and the conditions for fire ignition and spread. Understanding the dynamics of contemporary climate-fire relationships at national and sub-national scales is critical to assess the likelihood of changes in future fire activity and the potential options for mitigation and adaptation. Here, we conducted the first national assessment of climate controls on US fire activity using two satellite-based estimates of monthly burned area (BA), the Global Fire Emissions Database (GFED, 1997–2010) and Monitoring Trends in Burn Severity (MTBS, 1984–2009) BA products. For each US National Climate Assessment (NCA) region, we analyzed the relationships between monthly BA and potential evaporation (PE) derived from reanalysis climate data at 0.5° resolution. US fire activity increased over the past 25 yr, with statistically significant increases in MTBS BA for entire US and the Southeast and Southwest NCA regions. Monthly PE was strongly correlated with US fire activity, yet the climate driver of PE varied regionally. Fire season temperature and shortwave radiation were the primary controls on PE} and fire activity in the Alaska, while water deficit (precipitation – PE) was strongly correlated with fire activity in the Plains regions and Northwest US. BA and precipitation anomalies were negatively correlated in all regions, although fuel-limited ecosystems in the Southern Plains and Southwest exhibited positive correlations with longer lead times (6–12 months). Fire season PE increased from the 1980s–2000s, enhancing climate-driven fire risk in the southern and western US where PE-BA correlations were strongest. Spatial and temporal patterns of increasing fire season PE and BA during the 1990s–2000s highlight the potential sensitivity of US fire activity to climate change in coming decades. However, climate-fire relationships at the national scale are complex, based on the diversity of fire types, ecosystems, and ignition sources within each NCA region. Changes in the seasonality or magnitude of climate anomalies are therefore unlikely to result in uniform changes in US fire activity.
UNIQUENESS PROPERTIES OF THE INVARIATOR, LEADING TO SIMPLE COMPUTATIONS
Authors: Cruz-Orive Luis Manuel
Published: June 2012

It is shown that, for a three dimensional particle  (namely an arbitrary compact domain with piecewise smooth boundary in R^3) the mean wedge volume defined on a given pivotal section is equal to the average nucleator estimator of the particle volume defined on that section. Further, if the particle is convex and it contains the pivotal point, then the flower area of a given pivotal section equals the average surfactor estimator defined on that section. These results are intended to throw some light on the standing conjecture that the functional defined on a pivotal section according to the invariator has a unique general expression. As a plus, the former result leads to a computational formula for the mean wedge volume of a convex polygon which is much simpler than the one published recently, and it is valid whether the fixed pivotal point is interior or exterior to the particle.
TEC Project Report: National inventory of regional collaboration among water and wastewater utilities
Authors:   AWWA Strategic Management Practices Committee of the Technical & Educational Council
Published: June 2012

A study was conducted to characterize regional collaboration among water and/or wastewater utilities using information gathered from 75 preliminary surveys and 45 subsequent detailed surveys of utilities participating in such collaboratives.
Handling Asbestos–Cement Pipe: A New Approach
Authors: Fullan Eric
Published: June 2012

The mere mention of asbestos can send fear through a population. Many of these fears stem from a misconception that anything made of asbestos is hazardous. This article discusses a program developed by an Oregon utility that dispelled those myths and provides a less cumbersome path to complying with the state's asbestos standard.
Plasma Cortisol and noradrenalin concentrations in pigs: automated sampling of freely moving pigs housed in the PigTurn®versus manually sampled and restrained pigs
Authors: Marchant-Forde JN , Matthews DL , Poletto R , McCain RR , Mann DD , DeGraw RT , Hampsch JM , Peters S , Knipp GT , Kissinger CB
Published: June 2012

Minimising the effects of restraint and human interaction on the endocrine physiology of animals is essential for collection of accurate physiological measurements. Our objective was to compare stress-induced cortisol (CORT) and noradrenalin (NorA) responses in automated vs manual blood sampling in pigs. A total of 16 pigs (30 kg) were assigned to either: (i) automated blood sampling via an indwelling catheter using a novel-penning system called PigTurn®which detects the pig's rotational movement and responds by counter-rotating, allowing free movement while preventing catheter twisting; (ii) automated sampling while exposed to visual and auditory responses of manually sampled pigs; or (iii) manual sampling by jugular venipuncture while pigs were restrained in dorsal recumbency. During sampling of (i), personnel were not permitted in the room; samplings of (ii) and (iii) were performed simultaneously in the same room. Blood samples were collected every 20 min for 120 min and measured for CORT (ng ml−1) using mass spectrometry and NorA (pg ml−1) using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Effects of treatment and time were computed with mixed models adjusted by Tukeypost hoc. CORT and NorA concentrations were lowest in group (i) followed by group (ii), which were not different. However, CORT and NorA levels in manually sampled animals (iii) were highest compared to automated methods (i) and (ii). Plasma concentrations across time were not different for CORT, but NorA concentration at time 0 min was higher than at 120 min. The presence of visual and auditory stimuli evoked by manual sampled animals did not affect non-handled pigs’ responses. Restraint and manual sampling of pigs can be extremely stressful while the automated blood sampling of freely moving pigs, housed in the PigTurn®was significantly less stressful for the animals.
Repeated locomotion scoring of a sow herd to measure lameness: consistency over time, the effect of sow characteristics and inter-observer reliability
Authors: D’Eath RB
Published: June 2012

Investigating variability of scores between different observers, between animals and over time aids the design of valid sampling methodologies for measuring animal welfare. Locomotion scores (0 to 5 scale) were collected: i) from 154 sows in one herd, using three to five observers each time, and scoring sows on up to ten occasions over a 19-month period; and ii) for 123 of these sows, locomotion scoring also took place prior to farrowing and at weaning. The distribution of scores was highly skewed towards low scores (0: 84.8%, 1: 9.5%, 2:4.0%, 3+: 1.7%). Sows showed moderate consistency in their scores over time and later parity sows had higher scores, but there was no effect of stage in the reproductive cycle (days pregnant, pre-farrowing, post-weaning). This suggests that infrequent visits to a farm (eg annual) might provide an accurate estimate of the extent of lameness if a representative range of parities was sampled, although a larger study of more farms would be required to investigate this. The three different types of agreement between observers (absolute differences, matching and association) were assessed as follows: i) analysis of absolute differences between observers showed that the farm manager scored lower than researchers/technicians; ii) exact matching approaches suggested fair or good agreement — agreement was poorest for mild gait abnormalities (score 1 ‘stiff’), and agreement improved if scores were combined into ‘sound’ (0-1) and ‘lame’ (2-5) categories; and iii) measures of association suggested moderate agreement. Inter-observer reliability improved over time until the 5th scoring event. To improve inter-observer agreement, observer training/practice and the use of fewer categories are recommended, and inter-observer agreement should be checked regularly.
Survey of the incidence of post-stun behavioural reflexes in electrically stunned broilers in commercial conditions and the relationship of their incidence with the applied water-bath electrical parameters
Authors: Anastasov MI , Wotton SB
Published: June 2012

Despite recent technological advances, stunning efficiency of broilers in commercial plants is still questionable and a major public concern. The aim of this survey was to assess the electric water-bath parameters used in poultry processing plants, establish practical ways for the assessment of stunning efficiency in these conditions, link their incidence to the applied current and propose methodology for the online evaluation of the effectiveness of electrical water-bath stunning. A total of 5,378 broilers were assessed randomly for signs of post-stun recovery at 4, 8, 13 and 25 s post-water-bath exit (WBE) through corneal reflex, rhythmic breathing, head shake and escape behaviour on three processing lines. The electric water-bath parameters used did not meet the recommended current and frequencies for effective stunning. No rhythmic breathing was detected with any of the birds at 4 s post water-bath exit, while this reflex returned by 8 s in some birds. Broilers that had their necks cut had a significantly lower incidence of breathing compared to those that missed the neck cutter. The electric water-bath stunners that were tested did not abolish the corneal reflex where 38.4% of birds tested positive, at 4 s post WBE. Pulsed DC-stunned birds that missed the knife had a significantly higher incidence of positive corneal reflexes than those that had their necks cut. Head shake was present on 26.7% of the birds when assessed at 25-30 s post WBE. The trends in incidence of behavioural reflexes with time post WBE may be used for the assessment of stunning efficiency, particularly on birds that miss the knife, but none of the assessed indicators could unequivocally demonstrate unconsciousness.
Primary Cytoreduction and Survival for Patients With Less-Common Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Matsuo Koji , Chen Ling , Klar Maximilian , Roman Lynda D. , Sood Anil K. , Gershenson David M. , Wright Jason D.
Published: June 2024

This cohort study examines the association between primary cytoreduction status and survival for patients with less-common, advanced-stage epithelial ovarian carcinoma.
Secure Messaging and Telephone Use for Clinician-to-Clinician Communication
Authors: Lou Sunny S. , Lew Daphne , Baratta Laura R. , Eiden Elise , Sinsky Christine A. , Kannampallil Thomas
Published: June 2024

This cohort study investigates the association of use of text-based secured messaging with telephone use among resident physicians.
Highly Water‐Rich Robust Coating for Separating Immiscible Liquids Mixtures of Wide Range of Surface Tension Differences
Authors: Sarma Hrisikesh , Mandal Subhankar , Borbora Angana , Phukan Anirban , Kumar Saurav , Dhar Manideepa , Sarkar Debasmita , Manna Uttam
Published: June 2024

Developing mechanically robust and chemically tolerant coatings that maintain a high water content remains an extremely challenging task to pursue to date. Here, an optimum reinforcement of a hollow nano‐clay i.e., halloysite in a dual crosslinked and interpenetrating polymeric network is introduced to yield a high (≈95 wt%) water content coating with an ability to improve toughness (9.9 ± 0.6 MJm−3 Vs. 0.5 ± 0.03 MJ m−3) of a deformable fibrous substrate. The association of covalent and physical crosslinking chemistries provides essential tolerance against exposures to diverse severe chemically complex conditions, including extremes of pH, seawater, river water, and organic solvents. High water content in the prepared hydrogel network endows a robust bio‐inspired underwater nonadhesive superoleophobicity with oil contact angle of 160.7 ± 0.2° and force of oil‐droplet adhesion of 8.7 ± 0.3 µN. This approach provides a liquid selective filtrating membrane with ultrahigh crude oil/water separation efficiency (99.7%), superior intrusion pressure (3.5 ± 0.4 kPa), relatively high separation flux (11,162 Lm−2 h−1), and the ability to perform even when the surface tension of aqueous phase is brought down to similar of oily phase. Moreover, a mixture of immiscible, non‐aqueous liquids having differences in surface tension below 2.5 mN m−1 is successfully separated.
Improving Charge Transfer Beyond Conventional Heterojunction Photoelectrodes: Fundamentals, Strategies and Applications
Authors: Miao Jiaming , Yang Yilong , Cui Peng , Ru Changzhou , Zhang Kan
Published: June 2024

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells are regarded as a promising approach to convert sunlight to chemical fuels, whereas the serious photo‐induced charge recombination of the semiconductor photoelectrode hinders its solar conversion efficiency. Over the past few decades, designing and constructing heterojunction photoelectrodes via thermodynamically favorable charge transfer have been proven to be effective in boosting photo‐induced charge separation. However, the conventional heterojunction construction strategy generally introduces incompatible, nonconformal, or defective interfaces, leaving considerable room to improve the thermodynamically favorable charge transfer efficiency in the heterojunction photoelectrodes. To compensate for the unsatisfied charge transfer efficiency, some novel strategies, such as grain boundary engineering, band gap engineering, field‐effected engineering, etc., are adopted to provide additional charge transfer driving force, which significantly improves the charge transfer efficiency. In this review, these novel strategies are discussed beyond the conventional heterojunction construction, and the prospects for the development and applications of heterojunction photoanodes are also proposed.
Boosting Aluminum Adsorption and Deposition on Single‐Atom Catalysts in Aqueous Aluminum‐Ion Battery
Authors: Hu Erhai , Jia Bei‐Er , Nong Wei , Zhang Chenguang , Zhu Bing , Wu Dongshuang , Liu Jiawei , Wu Chao , Xi Shibo , Xia Dong , Zhang Mingsheng , Ng Man‐Fai , Sumboja Afriyanti , Hippalgaonkar Kedar , Yan Qingyu
Published: June 2024

In the quest for sustainable energy storage technologies, lithium‐based batteries, despite their prominence, face limitations such as high costs, safety risks, and supply chain issues. This has propelled the exploration of alternative materials, with aqueous aluminum‐ion batteries (AAIBs) emerging as a promising candidate due to their high energy density, abundance, and cost‐effectiveness. However, the low equilibrium reduction potential of aluminum ions presents significant challenges, including hydrogen evolution and poor cyclability. Addressing these, the study pioneers the application of single‐atom catalysts (SACs) in AAIBs, leveraging their high atom utilization and stability to enhance aluminum deposition and suppress hydrogen evolution. Sn, In, Cu, and Ni SACs are evaluated through density functional theory analysis and experimental validation, with Sn SAC identified as the most effective. Subsequently, the Sn SAC based anode demonstrates enhanced performance, achieving stable cycling over 500 h at 0.5 mA cm−2, significantly improved capacity retention (60 mAh g−1@300 cycles), and rate performance (50 mAh g−1@1 A g−1) in full cell tests. This work underscores the potential of SACs in advancing AAIB technology and opens new pathways for energy storage solutions.
Harmonizing Between Chemical Functionality and Surface Area of Porous Organic Polymeric Nanotraps for Tuning Carbon Dioxide Capture
Authors: Deka Dhruba Jyoti , Biswas Chandan , Paul Ratul , Xu Jiabin , Huang Yining , Dao Duy Quang , Mondal John
Published: June 2024

The energy sector has demonstrated significant enthusiasm for investigating post‐combustion CO2 capture, storage, and separation. However, the practical application of current porous adsorbents is impeded by challenges related to cost competitiveness, stability, and scalability. Intregation of heteroatoms in the porous organic polymers (POPs) dispense it more susceptible for CO2 adsorption to attenuate green house gases. In this regard, two hydroxy rich hypercrosslinked POPs, namely Ph/Tt‐POP have been developed by one‐pot condensation polymerization using a facile synthetic strategy. The high surface areas of both the Ph/Tt‐POP (1057 and 893 m2g−1, respectively), and the heteroatom functionality in the POP framework instigated us to explore our material for CO2 adsorption study. The CO2 uptake capacities in Ph/Tt‐POP are found to be 2.45 and 2.2 mmol g−1, at 273 K respectively. Further, in‐situ static 13C NMR experiment shows that CO2 molecules in Tt‐POP appear to be less mobile than those in Ph‐POP which probably due to the presence of triazine functional groups along with high abundant −OH groups in the Tt‐POP framework. An in‐depth study of the CO2 adsorption mechanism by density functional theory (DFT) calculations also shows that CO2 adsorption at the cages formed by two benzyl rings represents the most stable interaction and CO2 molecule is more favorably adsorbed on the Ph‐POP with the more negative interaction energies values compared to that of Tt‐POP. Further, Non‐covalent interaction (NCI) plot reveals that CO2 molecules adsorb more on the Ph‐POP than Tt‐POP, which can be explain by hydrogen bond formation in case of Tt‐POP repeating units turning aside CO2 molecule to interact with the Ph component. Overall, our present study reflects the comprising effects of surface area of the solid adsorbents as well as their functionality can be beneficial for developing efficient hypercrosslinked porous polymers as solid CO2 adsorbent.
Challenges in XPS Analysis of PEO‐LiTFSI‐based Solid Electrolytes: How to Overcome X‐ray‐Induced Photodecomposition
Authors: Yusim Yuriy , Moryson Yannik , Seipp Kevin , Sann Joachim , Henss Anja
Published: June 2024

The cycle life of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) batteries containing lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) is hindered by interfacial (electro)chemical electrolyte decomposition, a process traditionally examined via X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Our research presents a critical examination of X‐ray induced photodecomposition, commonly misinterpreted as (electro)chemical electrolyte decomposition, in PEO‐LiTFSI systems and those with NCM cathodes. We provide novel insights into this X‐ray induced photodecomposition process and show that it is particularly pronounced when LiTFSI is dissolved and not in its pure state. Most importantly, we reveal that cryogenic measurement conditions can almost completely mitigate this photodecomposition. This insight not only deepens the understanding of photodecomposition within XPS analyses but also provides a transformative approach to the accurate characterization of electrolyte materials in lithium batteries.
Artificial intelligence to unlock real‐world evidence in clinical oncology: A primer on recent advances
Authors: Bryant Alex K. , Zamora‐Resendiz Rafael , Dai Xin , Morrow Destinee , Lin Yuewei , Jungles Kassidy M. , Rae James M. , Tate Akshay , Pearson Ashley N. , Jiang Ralph , Fritsche Lars , Lawrence Theodore S. , Zou Weiping , Schipper Matthew , Ramnath Nithya , Yoo Shinjae , Crivelli Silvia , Green Michael D.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Real world evidence is crucial to understanding the diffusion of new oncologic therapies, monitoring cancer outcomes, and detecting unexpected toxicities. In practice, real world evidence is challenging to collect rapidly and comprehensively, often requiring expensive and time‐consuming manual case‐finding and annotation of clinical text. In this Review, we summarise recent developments in the use of artificial intelligence to collect and analyze real world evidence in oncology.

Methods

We performed a narrative review of the major current trends and recent literature in artificial intelligence applications in oncology.

Results

Artificial intelligence (AI) approaches are increasingly used to efficiently phenotype patients and tumors at large scale. These tools also may provide novel biological insights and improve risk prediction through multimodal integration of radiographic, pathological, and genomic datasets. Custom language processing pipelines and large language models hold great promise for clinical prediction and phenotyping.

Conclusions

Despite rapid advances, continued progress in computation, generalizability, interpretability, and reliability as well as prospective validation are needed to integrate AI approaches into routine clinical care and real‐time monitoring of novel therapies.
The feasibility and acceptability of collecting psychosocial outcome measures embedded within a precision medicine trial for childhood cancer
Authors: Robertson Eden G. , Hetherington Kate , Daly Rebecca , Donoghoe Mark W. , Handelsman Nicholas , Ziegler David S. , Wakefield Claire E.
Published: June 2024

Background

Patient‐reported outcomes measures (PROMs) are increasingly being collected within cancer clinical trials, yet limited literature on the feasibility and acceptability of doing so.

Methods

We collected parent‐proxy and adolescent (≥12 years old) PROMs through a longitudinal, psychosocial sub‐study (‘PRISM‐Impact’) embedded in a precision medicine trial for children with poor prognosis cancer (‘PRISM’). We report on feasibility (response, participation, and attrition rates; follow‐up and responding to elevated distress) and acceptability (parents’ perceived benefit/burden of participation; and impact on decision to participate in PRISM) of PRISM‐Impact.

Results

Over the reporting period, 462 families were eligible for PRISM‐Impact. Family and adolescent response rates were 53% and 45%, respectively. Parents whose child had relapsed were more likely to participate in PRISM‐Impact than parents whose child had not (p < 0.001). Parent and adolescent attrition rates were 30% and 56% respectively. We conducted 478 calls for intake and to follow‐up on missing questionnaires, and 122 calls to respond to elevated distress. Parents reported wanting to participate in PRISM‐Impact for altruistic reasons and because they valued psychosocial research. Parents reported little‐to‐no burden and some benefit from participating in PRISM‐Impact, with little change in ratings overtime. Most parents felt that participating in PRISM‐Impact did not impact their desire to participate in PRISM (72%), with some feeling more eager to participate (19%).

Conclusions

PRISM‐Impact response rates were comparable to other psycho‐oncology studies, despite the poor prognosis population. Integration of PROMs within a paediatric oncology trial is acceptable to parents, and may provide a more comprehensive assessment of the impact of trial participation.
Landscape of potential germline pathogenic variants in select cancer susceptibility genes in patients with adult‐type ovarian granulosa cell tumors
Authors: Summey Rebekah M. , Gornstein Erica , Decker Brennan , Dougherty Kali C. , Rader Janet S. , Hopp Elizabeth
Published: June 2024

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess the frequency of potential germline pathogenic variants that may contribute to risk of development of adult granulosa cell tumors (AGCT) given the paucity of germline testing guidelines for these patients.

Methods

This was a retrospective cross‐sectional study analyzing comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) results of AGCT with the FOXL2 p.C134W mutation submitted to Foundation Medicine between 2012 and 2022. Cases with a potential germline pathogenic variant were identified by filtering single nucleotide variants and short indels by variant allele frequency (VAF) and presence in ClinVar for select cancer susceptibility genes. Odds ratios for AGCT risk were calculated compared to a healthy population.

Results

Prior to analysis, 595 patients were screened and 516 with a somatic FOXL2 p.C134W mutation were included. Potential germline pathogenic variants in a DNA repair‐related gene (ATM, BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, PALB2, PMS2, RAD51C, or RAD51D) were found in 6.6% of FOXL2‐mutated AGCT. Potential germline pathogenic CHEK2 variants were found in 3.5% (18/516) of AGCT patients, a rate that was 2.8‐fold higher than Genome Aggregation Database non‐cancer subjects (95% CI 1.8–4.6, p < 0.001). The founder variants p.I157T (38.9%, 7/18) and p.T367fs*15 (c.1100delC; 27.8%, 5/18) were most commonly observed. CHEK2 VAF indicated frequent loss of the wildtype copy of the gene.

Conclusions

These results support ongoing utilization of genomic tumor profiling and confirmatory germline testing for potential germline pathogenic variants. Further prospective investigation into the biology of germline variants in this population is warranted.
Vinyl 3‐(Dimethylamino)propanoate as an Irreversible Acyl Donor Reagent in a Chromatography‐free Lipase‐Catalyzed Kinetic Resolution of sec‐Alcohols
Authors: Zdun Beata , Borowiecki Paweł
Published: June 2024

The reported chemoenzymatic strategy involves the employment of vinyl 3‐(dimethylamino)propanoate as an irreversible acyl donor in a chromatography‐free lipase‐catalyzed kinetic resolution (KR) of racemic sec‐alcohols. This biotransformation is achieved in a sequential manner using CAL‐B to affect the kinetic resolution, followed by a simple acidic extractive work‐up furnishing both KR products with excellent enantioselectivity (E>200; up to 98 % ee). The elaborated method eliminates a single‐use silica gel chromatographic separation and significantly reduces organic solvent consumption to foster a more environmentally friendly chemical industry.
Readmission after discharge from a medium secure service between 1999 and 2017: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Hill Charlotte , Bagshaw Ruth , Watt Andrew
Published: June 2024

Background

Previous research into outcomes after treatment in medium secure psychiatric hospitals has mostly relied on pre‐millennium data.

Aims

To examine patient and inpatient service‐related factors associated with readmission within 2 years following discharge to the community or open conditions from conditions of medium security.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of 137 patients discharged either to the community or to open conditions from one 64‐bed South Wales Regional Medium Secure Hospital Unit between July 1999 and November 2017 was completed using data from healthcare records to document demographics, diagnosis and nature of index offences together with researcher‐completed ratings of inpatient progress using the Dangerousness Understanding Recovery and Urgency Manual (DUNDRUM) Programme Completion and DUNDRUM Recovery scales. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent associations between inpatient progress according to these measures and readmission.

Results

Forty‐three patients (31%) were readmitted within 2 years of discharge and 23 (17%) in breach of legal conditions on discharge. Most readmitted patients (n = 29, 67%) returned directly to medium secure care. There were significant binary level associations between readmission and severity of the index offences (lower), number of adverse childhood experiences (higher), history of drug misuse (more likely) and number of previous psychiatric admissions (higher). Binary logistic regression confirmed that these relationships were not independent. No inpatient service‐related variables, according to DUNDRUM scale scores, showed an independent association with readmission within 2 years post‐discharge.

Conclusions

The proportion of medium security hospital patients who were readmitted within 2 years of discharge aligns with estimates found in earlier national research using the same follow‐up period. Since levels of inpatient progress bore little if any relationship to longer term outcomes, our findings highlight the need for investigating factors in the discharge environment that are linked to readmission. It is possible that readmission may indicate effective monitoring and responsive care to the changing needs of patients, but a better understanding of this is essential.
Enantioselective Rh‐Catalyzed Hydroboration of Dialkyl Ketone‐Derived Silyl Enol Ethers
Authors: Liu Longqing , Zhao Jinbo , Dong Wenke , Zhao Wanxiang
Published: June 2024

A Rh‐catalyzed asymmetric hydroboration of dialkyl ketone‐derived silyl enol ethers with HBpin has been developed using a commercially available catalyst and ligand ([RhCl (cod)]2 and MeO‐BIBOP). A variety of silyl enol ethers undergo this asymmetric transformation, providing the corresponding products with high enantioselectivity (up to 97 : 3 % er). In addition, the utility of this protocol is demonstrated by the versatile transformation of chiral borylether products to a range of valuable derivatives.
One‐Pot Hydrothermal‐Derived rGO/MXene/Sulfur Composite Aerogels as Free‐Standing Cathodes in Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Liu Jingbin , Lin Shan , Nie Tao , Li Zhuyao , Na Bing , Zou Shufen , Liu Hesheng
Published: June 2024

The confinement and high utilization of sulfur in the cathodes is critical for improved cycling performance of lithium‐sulfur batteries. In this case one‐pot hydrothermal strategy is developed to produce rGO/MXene/sulfur composite aerogels where sulfur is in situ trapped in the 3D rGO/MXene conductive skeleton. The optimized composite aerogels as free‐standing cathodes delivery a specific capacity of 951 mAhg−1 after 100 cycles at 0.2 C with a low fading rate of 0.062 % per cycle. The excellent cycling performance is correlated with highly oxidized MXene and in situ formed sulfate/thiosulfate complex layer in the long‐term cycles.
Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance in Ag‐In‐Te Based Quantum Dots and Core/Shell Nanocrystals
Authors: Bhattacharya Debadrita , Debnath Tushar
Published: June 2024

Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) in plasmonic nanomaterials can concentrate light in the nano‐dimension, leading to an enhancement of the light intensity by order of magnitude. While LSPR is a subject of extensive research in chalcogenide semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs), research on tellurium multinary chalcogenides (MnCs) remains elusive, possibly due to non‐availability of the corresponding quantum dots (QDs). In this report, we show the sequential switching of plasmonic to non‐plasmonic properties during the colloidal synthesis of AgInTe2 QDs. The reaction passes through several intermediates including AgInTe2/AgIn5Te8 core/shell NCs, AgInTe2 microrods (MRs), AgInTe2 QDs, and finally AgInTe2 quantum dot chain (QDC). Here, the AgInTe2/AgIn5Te8 core/shell NCs and AgInTe2 QDs depict strong LSPR absorption in the visible‐NIR region until ~2000 nm. We propose that small‐size quantum confined and cation deficient AgInTe2 particles are responsible for the observation of LSPR modes in both cases due to presence of the free carriers (holes). Our work on developing Te‐based plasmonic MnC QDs may find significant advancement in the nanoscale light‐matter interaction in semiconductor research.
Biomass allocation and carbon storage in the major cereal crops: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Ngidi Asande , Shimelis Hussein , Chaplot Vincent , Shamuyarira Kwame , Figlan Sandiswa
Published: June 2024

Crop biomass is the reservoir of carbon (C), a valuable input to the soil, thus supporting the soil fauna and enhancing soil health. There are limited studies that compared the major cereal crops for C storage for regenerative agriculture and to optimize C sequestration strategies. The objective of this study was to quantify the extent of variation in biomass allocation and C storage between maize (Zea mays L.), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench), and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) for crop production, and C sequestration potential. The study used metadata from 40 global studies that reported on the allocation of plant biomass and C between roots and shoots of the major cereal crops. Key statistics were computed to determine the variability between genotypes for total plant biomass (Pb), shoot biomass (Sb), root biomass (Rb), root‐to‐shoot biomass ratio (Rb/Sb), total plant carbon content, shoot carbon content, root carbon content, total plant carbon stock (PCs), shoot carbon stock, root carbon stock, and root‐to‐shoot carbon stock ratio (RCs/SCs). Maize exhibited the highest variability for Pb (with a coefficient of variation [CV] of 31.2% and a mean of 4.2 ± 1.3 Mg ha−1 year−1), followed by wheat (CV of 24.2% and a mean of 1.5 ± 0.4 Mg ha−1 year−1) and sorghum (CV of 16.8% and a mean of 2.0 ± 0.8 Mg ha−1 year−1), respectively. A similar trend was observed for PCs, with maize (CV of 40.1% and mean of 1.6 ± 0.7 Mg ha−1 year−1) showing the highest total plant C stock variability, followed by wheat (24.4% and 0.2 ± 0.1 Mg ha−1 year−1) and sorghum (16.3% and 0.9 ± 0.3 Mg ha−1 year−1), respectively. Maize (with a CV of 24.4% and mean of 0.1 ± 0.03 Mg ha−1 year−1) exhibited the highest variability for Rb/Sb, while wheat (30.92% and 0.2 ± 0.05 Mg ha−1 year−1) exhibited the highest variability for RCs/SCs. Correlation analysis revealed the following significant associations: Pb and mean annual temperature (MAT) (r = −0.47), and Sb and MAT (r = −0.43), and Pb and mean annual precipitation (MAP) (r = −0.34), and Sb and MAP (r = −0.30). Rb had a strong, significant positive correlation with MAT (r = 0.72) and MAP (r = 0.85). The meta‐analysis revealed that maize and sorghum have the highest variability for Pb and plant carbon stocks, while wheat exhibited the highest variability for the below‐ground biomass and carbon stocks. The data aided in crop selection and suggested that the best cultivars could be developed and identified for production and C sequestration potential for cultivation by farmers, land rehabilitation, and climate change mitigation.
Unlocking High Capacity and Reversible Alkaline Iron Redox Using Silicate‐Sodium Hydroxide Hybrid Electrolytes
Authors: Jagadeesan Sathya Narayanan , Guo Fenghua , Pidathala Ranga Teja , Abeykoon A. M. Milinda , Kwon Gihan , Olds Daniel , Narayanan Badri , Teng Xiaowei
Published: June 2024

Alkaline iron (Fe) batteries are attractive due to the high abundance, low cost, and multiple valent states of Fe but show limited columbic efficiency and storage capacity when forming electrochemically inert Fe3O4 on discharging and parasitic H2 on charging. Herein, sodium silicate is found to promote Fe(OH)2/FeOOH against Fe(OH)2/Fe3O4 conversions. Electrochemical experiments, operando X‐ray characterization, and atomistic simulations reveal that improved Fe(OH)2/FeOOH conversion originates from (i) strong interaction between sodium silicate and iron oxide and (ii) silicate‐induced strengthening of hydrogen‐bond networks in electrolytes that inhibits water transport. Furthermore, the silicate additive suppresses hydrogen evolution by impairing energetics of water dissociation and hydroxyl de‐sorption on iron surfaces. This new silicate‐assisted redox chemistry mitigates H2 and Fe3O4 formation, improving storage capacity (199 mAh g−1 in half‐cells) and coulombic efficiency (94 % after 400 full‐cell cycles), paving a path to realizing green battery systems built from earth‐abundant materials.
Quantitative Analysis and Manipulation of Alkali Metal Cations at the Cathode Surface in Membrane Electrode Assembly Electrolyzers for CO2 Reduction Reactions
Authors: Kato Shintaro , Ito Shotaro , Nakahata Shoko , Kurihara Ryo , Harada Takashi , Nakanishi Shuji , Kamiya Kazuhide
Published: June 2024

The stable operation of the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) in membrane electrode assembly (MEA) electrolyzers is known to be hindered by the accumulation of bicarbonate salt, which are derived from alkali metal cations in anolytes, on the cathode side. In this study, we conducted a quantitative evaluation of the correlation between the CO2RR activity and the transported alkali metal cations in MEA electrolyzers. As a result, although the presence of transported alkali metal cations on the cathode surface significantly contributes to the generation of C2+ compounds, the rate of K+ ion transport did not match the selectivity of C2+, suggesting that a continuous supply of high amount of K+ to the cathode surface is not required for C2+ formation. Based on these findings, we achieved a faradaic efficiency (FE) and a partial current density for C2+ of 77 % and 230 mA cm−2, respectively, even after switching the anode solution from 0.1 M KHCO3 to a dilute K+ solution (<7 mM). These values were almost identical to those when 0.1 M KHCO3 was continuously supplied. Based on this insight, we successfully improved the durability of the system against salt precipitation by intermittently supplying concentrated KHCO3, compared with the continuous supply.
How to map biomes: Quantitative comparison and review of biome‐mapping methods
Authors: Champreux Antoine , Saltré Frédérik , Traylor Wolfgang , Hickler Thomas , Bradshaw Corey J. A.
Published: June 2024

Biomes are large‐scale ecosystems occupying large spaces. The biome concept should theoretically facilitate scientific synthesis of global‐scale studies of the past, present, and future biosphere. However, there is neither a consensus biome map nor universally accepted definition of terrestrial biomes, making joint interpretation and comparison of biome‐related studies difficult. “Desert,” “rainforest,” “tundra,” “grassland,” or “savanna,” while widely used terms in common language, have multiple definitions and no universally accepted spatial distribution. Fit‐for‐purpose classification schemes are necessary, so multiple biome‐mapping methods should for now co‐exist. In this review, we compare biome‐mapping methods, first conceptually, then quantitatively. To facilitate the description of the diversity of approaches, we group the extant diversity of past, present, and future global‐scale biome‐mapping methods into three main families that differ by the feature captured, the mapping technique, and the nature of observation used: (1) compilation biome maps from expert elicitation, (2) functional biome maps from vegetation physiognomy, and (3) simulated biome maps from vegetation modeling. We design a protocol to measure and quantify spatially the pairwise agreement between biome maps. We then illustrate the use of such a protocol with a real‐world application by investigating the potential ecological drivers of disagreement between four broadly used, modern global biome maps. In this example, we quantify that the strongest disagreement among biome maps generally occurs in landscapes altered by human activities and moderately covered by vegetation. Such disagreements are sources of bias when combining several biome classifications. When aiming to produce realistic biome maps, biases could be minimized by promoting schemes using observations rather than predictions, while simultaneously considering the effect of humans and other ecosystem engineers in the definition. Throughout this review, we provide comparison and decision tools to navigate the diversity of approaches to encourage a more effective use of the biome concept.
A quantification and classification framework for water temperature variation features induced by climate change and reservoir construction and operation: Application to the middle Yangtze River
Authors: Wang Xu , Shen Yong‐Ming
Published: June 2024

Riverine water temperature (WT) is a crucial factor affecting habitat quality and ecological effect of aquatic ecosystems. To accurately quantify and classify WT variation features caused by climate change and reservoir construction and operation, a framework was developed that integrates multivariate vine copula model for accurately reconstructing the WT process and general evaluation indicators for comprehensively characterizing of WT variation. In this framework, month‐wise R‐vine copula models were employed to depict the multivariate dependence structure between WT and related hydrometeorological factors, and the change of WT process in the fluctuation range and thermal deviation was analogized as the change of simple harmonic wave in amplitude and phase. A testing‐oriented application of this framework in Yichang section of the Yangtze River highlighted that climate change and the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) dominated or participated in the fluctuation range changing and phase deviation of different monthly WT processes, as the ratios of affected months were 1.08:1 and 1.25:1 during the construction phase, and 1:2 and 1:1.28 during the operation phase. WT process also exhibited diverse monthly variation trends during construction and operation phases of the TGR. Therefore, it is inappropriate to neglect the impact of the TGR construction phase and climate change on WT variation. The proposed framework achieved systematic quantification and attribution analysis of WT variation, thereby providing an enhanced understanding of the variation characteristics of river thermal regimes under the individual and combined effects of climate change and artificial reservoir. Considering the significant influence of WT variation on aquatic organism reproduction, the identification of the sources and categories of monthly WT variation can also serve as a foundation for future targeted thermal and hydrological regime regulation, aiming to protecting aquatic species and preventing biodiversity loss.
The ironic impact of schadenfreude: When the joy of inflicting pain leads to increased prosocial behavior
Authors: Zemack‐Rugar Yael , Boman Laura , Kramer Thomas
Published: June 2024

The present work investigates a commonly used but heretofore unexamined donation appeal: a misfortune‐involving appeal. Misfortune‐involving appeals (e.g., dunk tanks, pie tosses) invite consumers to donate to inflict misfortune on others. The process via which such appeals operate remains unknown and guidelines for their effective design are nonexistent. We propose that misfortune‐involving appeals that invite consumers to inflict mild misfortune on deserving targets enable consumers to deliver interpersonal justice, thus eliciting schadenfreude. In turn, schadenfreude increases donation amounts. Six studies demonstrate such increases, establishing the mediating role of schadenfreude, addressing alternative explanations (e.g., licensing and sadism), and identifying boundary conditions. Theoretically, our work is the first to question a common prior assumption: that schadenfreude only occurs when consumers passively observe misfortune. Instead, we show that schadenfreude also emerges when consumers actively inflict misfortune. This finding refines the distinction between schadenfreude and sadism; we show that this distinction relies not on consumers' active/passive role, but on misfortune severity. Our findings expand the understanding of schadenfreude's role in the marketplace, opening the door for future research.
Narrative therapy and family therapy in genetic counseling: A scoping review
Authors: Dane Aimee , Berkman Jennifer , DeBortoli Emily , Wallingford Courtney K. , Yanes Tatiane , McInerney‐Leo Aideen
Published: June 2024

Genetic counseling facilitates psychological and social adaptation in clients and families. Two psychotherapeutic approaches, narrative and family therapy foster client adaptation to adverse situations and may enhance the genetic counseling process. This scoping review aimed to describe the applications of narrative therapy and family therapy in genetic counseling, and to document the actual and perceived value of these approaches in a genetic counseling setting. Nine original research articles and six commentary articles met the study inclusion criteria. Original articles reported on positive client attitudes when these approaches were applied to hereditary cancer and Huntington disease settings. Five studies applied either approach in group sessions, where safety was key to positive outcomes, including sharing lived experiences and coping strategies. Balanced utilization of structured and open elements in group sessions maximized a sense of control, while also allowing for opportunity to self‐disclose. Narrative therapy interventions were time efficient and were reported to foster connection with others and shape a new adaptive narrative centered around strengths. Family therapy approaches, based on experiential family therapy, the intersystem model, object relations family therapy, and the social ecology model, required a greater time commitment, but promoted disclosure of complex feelings and diffused tension. Family therapy genogram tools were feasible in practice, easy to implement, and effective at identifying communication barriers. Commentary articles highlighted the alignment of both approaches with genetic counseling goals and their potential value in practice. Utilization of psychotherapeutic approaches can improve counselors' ability to shape sessions, enhance insight and optimize efficacy, and flexibility in moving between models can maximize impact. This review highlights the paucity of studies investigating the efficacy of these psychotherapeutic approaches in the genetic counseling context and the need for more outcomes‐based research on the utilization of narrative or family therapy in genetic counseling practice.
Nano‐enhanced epoxy sandwich composites: Investigating mechanical properties for future aircraft construction
Authors: Mani Megavannan , Thiyagu M. , Afriyie Mensah Rhoda , Das Oisik , Shanmugam Vigneshwaran
Published: June 2024

The aviation sector is continually seeking ways to reduce the weight of aircraft structures without compromising their mechanical integrity. Lightweight materials, such as advanced epoxy sandwich composites with hybrid nanostructures, have the potential to significantly contribute to fuel efficiency, thereby addressing environmental concerns and operational costs. This research investigates the mechanical properties of hybrid sandwich polymer composites filled with silica nanoparticles (SNiPs). Epoxy isocyanate (PU) foam sandwich composites were fabricated with kevlar fiber, carbon fiber, and glass fiber, constructed by alternating inclined interply bidirectional fiber and foam layers. SNiPs were introduced into the composite system at varying percentages, such as 0, 2, 4, and 6 wt%. The study employs a systematic approach, incorporating experimental testing, to assess key mechanical parameters, including tensile strength, flexural strength, and shear strength. The test results indicate that the incorporation of SNiPs improved the mechanical properties of the composites, leading to enhanced strength, toughness, and modulus of elasticity. Incorporation of composite laminates with 4 wt% SiNPs resulted in improved three‐point bending, tensile, shear, and torsional strengths, with maximum values of ca. 64, ca. 5, ca. 2 MPa, and ca. 22 Nm, respectively. The findings contribute to the ongoing pursuit of materials that can meet the stringent demands of modern aviation, ultimately paving the way for advancements in aircraft construction and design.