bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growing public debt as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Western Balkans region: The case of North Macedonia and Serbia
Authors: Kisin Jovana , Mašović Azemina , Ignjatović Jelena
Published: August 2022

Just before the start of the pandemic, the public debt of the Western Balkan countries averaged over 50% of GDP, with large fluctuations between countries, which narrowed the fiscal space for resolving the consequences of the COVID-19 crisis. Despite that, although partially stable to pandemic turbulence, the needs for borrowing in the countries of the Western Balkans are growing sharply, as a result of which future interest payments are increasing in the conditions of increased public debt. It is estimated that all countries in the region will record an increase in public debt, while Montenegro will have the highest level of growth. That is why the countries of the Western Balkans need to implement successful fiscal consolidation and more prudent fiscal management at the national level, but also to pay attention to higher government borrowing and increased public investment in pandemic conditions. The aim of this paper is to analyze the movement of public debt of the countries in the region in the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, with special emphasis on the case of North Macedonia and the Republic of Serbia. The paper consists of three parts. After the introduction, the first part of the paper presents an analysis of public debt in the Western Balkans region. The second part analyzes the public debt in the case of the Republic of Serbia, while the third part deals with the analysis of the public debt in the case of North Macedonia. Finally, concluding remarks are given.
The Effect of Breastfeeding Duration and Parental Attitudes on Academic Success
Authors: Kılıç Mahmut , Ozan Tuğba Uçak
Published: August 2022

This study aims to reveal the relationship between the academic success of the students and the duration of breastfeeding, parental attitude, and other variables.

This cross-sectional study was conducted among 9th-grade high school students in 2019. A total of 501 students and their families participated in the research.

Academic success in order of importance in multivariable linear regression analysis, the increase in the education level of the father, the preparation for the exam, the increase in the protective and democratic parental attitude, the shortening of the first walking age, and the increase in the maternal age increase the high school exam score. Breastfeeding duration and authoritarian parental attitudes were not found to be statistically significant.

The protective and democratic attitude of the parents, the high level of father education, and early walking positively affect academic success, while the breastfeeding duration is insignificant.
Sociodemographic Determinants of Nutritional Status in Children with Sickle Cell Anaemia in Benin City Edo State, Nigeria
Authors: Odunvbun Magdalene E. , Atimati Anthony O. , Osueni Gold I.
Published: August 2022

Background: Nigeria has the highest burden of sickle cell anaemia (SCA) in Africa. Patients with SCA present with life-long complications in addition to growth failure. With comprehensive care, patients with SCA have improved survival and well-being, with some studies reporting overnutrition. This study aims to assess nutritional status and sociodemographic determinants in children with SCA.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among children aged 1-16years attending the paediatric SCA clinics and their sex and age-matched controls. Anthropometric measurements were carried out to determine their nutritional status, and the data obtained were analyzed using SPSS software. The sociodemographic and relevant clinical information was obtained using a semi-structured questionnaire.

Results: The majority (86%) of the children with SCA had normal height and weight, but the mean weight, weight for age z-score (WAZ), body mass index z-score (BMIZ) and height for age z-score (HAZ) were significantly lower than the HbAA controls. The mean WAZ was significantly higher in children from high socioeconomic class (SEC) and those whose mothers had tertiary education than those from lower educational statuses. Similarly, the mean HAZ was significantly higher in children from high SEC, tertiary maternal education and younger children.

Conclusion: Most children with SCA have normal nutritional status despite significantly lower nutritional indicators compared to children with HbAA genotype. Higher educational status of mothers and SEC were associated with a significantly higher nutritional status among the subjects.
Source rock potential of the Miocene sedimentary rocks in the Carpathian Foredeep of the Czech Republic
Authors: Geršlová Eva , Medvecká Lujza , Jirman Petr , Nehyba Slavomír , Opletal Vladimír
Published: August 2022

We determine the organic matter content, its thermal maturity, genetic type, and source rock potential of the Miocene sedimentary rocks in the Czech Carpathian Foredeep. In the Czech Republic the Carpathian Foredeep represents a peripheral foreland basin formed due to the tectonic emplacement and loading of the Alpine-Carpathian Thrust Wedge onto the passive margin of the Bohemian Massif. Random vitrinite/huminite reflectance measurements and maceral analyses were performed on 25 samples from the Carpathian Foredeep succession. Additionally, results of 135 TOC content measurements, 141 Rock-Eval pyrolysis analyses and 27 vitrinite reflectance measurements were used to evaluate the regional distribution and depth trends for the entire Carpathian Foredeep. The thermal maturity of organic matter is between the immature part and peak of the oil window (Tmax = 413–448°C). Beneath the Western Carpathian Thrust Belt, the thermal maturity reaches higher values (Rr = 0.43–0.58%, Tmax = 429–448°C). The hydrocarbon generation potential is poor or fair, even if the total organic carbon values indicate good or even very good source rock potential. This is mainly due to the prevailing gas-prone Type III kerogen. The best source rocks were observed in the Miocene strata of the southern and central segments of the area discussed.
Somatization symptoms—prevalence and risk, stress and resilience factors among medical and dental students at a mid-sized German university
Authors: Feussner Oskar , Rehnisch Carolin , Rabkow Nadja , Watzke Stefan
Published: August 2022

Objective

Previous studies have shown that an increased prevalence of mental illness can be found among medical and dental students. Among these, somatization symptoms are severely understudied. The present study examined the prevalence of somatization symptoms in a subpopulation of medical and dental students and aimed at finding associated risk and resilience factors.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a self-reporting questionnaire, including the SOMS-2, the Becks-Depression-Inventory-II (BDI-II), the NEO-Five-Factor-Inventory, and a questionnaire on socio-demographics for possible risk and resilience factors. A total of 271 medical and dental students of a mid-sized German university completed the questionnaire.

Results

The Somatization index yielded a mean of 9.12 symptoms for the total sample, which is 1.2 SD higher than the reported norm. A total of 50.7% of the medical students and 63.6% of the dental students transcend a critical somatization score. Significant positive associations for eight general risk factors, four university related stress factors, and a significant negative association for seven resilience factors were found.

Conclusion

Medical and even more dental students at the studied university showed a high burden of somatoform complaints. Also, factors were found that could be of etiological relevance and others that could be used to enhance resilience. Both could present an opportunity for the prevention of somatization disorders but prospective and multicenter studies with an aged-matched comparison group are needed to obtain a more accurate overview.
Assessing Genetic Variability, Correlation, Direct and Indirect Effects of Yield Contributing Characters on Seed Yield in Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn)
Authors: Giddaluri Chandana , Lal G. M. , Supriya Pigilam
Published: August 2022

A field experiment was conducted aiming to study the Assessing genetic variability, correlation, direct and indirect effects of yield contributing characters on seed yield in 20 Finger millet lines in kharif season 2021 in Randomized Block Design (RBD) at Field Experimentation Station, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding. Phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation was found highest in ear head length (25.37& 21.16) and lowest in plant height (3.49 & 1.76), heritability (%) in broad sense for 13 characters were range from (25.30%) to (78.70%). A perusal of genetic advance revealed that it was high for ear head length (40.43) and low for number of fingers (0.45). Phenotypic correlation coefficient analysis revealed that seed yield/plant showed highly significant and positive association with seed yield/plant (0.930) and plant height (0.769) and for genotypic correlation coefficient showed significant and positive association with harvest index (0.930) and plant height (0.769). The phenotypic path analysis showed positive and direct effects on grain yield was exhibited by biological yield and for genotypic path analysis positive and direct effects on grain yield was exhibited by plant height and biological yield.
Fanya juu Terraces Improve Maize (Zea mays L.) and Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L) Grain Yields on Hardsetting Soils of Semi-arid Eastern Kenya
Authors: N. Njiru Emerita , K. Gachene Charles , W. Baaru Mary
Published: August 2022

Aims: Fanya juu terraces are constructed by digging a ditch and throwing the soil up-slope with the sole purpose of maintaining an embankment to slow down runoff flow. The effect of the terraces on crop yields along the slope varies with the soil type. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Fanya juu terraces on maize (Zea mays L.) and bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) yields and how these yields differ with slope positions and depth of the ditches.

Study Design:  Split-split plot design with four replications.

Place and Duration of Study: The trial was established on Luvisols in Mua location, Machakos County in Eastern Kenya at 37o15’E 1o29’S and 37o15’E 1o29’S during both long rain (LR) and short rain (SR) seasons of 2014 and 2015 (February 2014 to March 2015).

Methodology: Treatments consisted of three ditch depths (60 cm, 30 cm and 0 cm (control)) in the main plots and three cropping systems (maize/bean intercrop, sole maize and sole bean) in the sub plots. Grain yields were compared across the seasons at the upper, middle and lower slope positions of the terraces using analysis of variance and means separated using least significant difference at P≤0.05.

Results: There were significant differences in maize grain yields in the interactions of ditch depth and slope position (P=0.004) and ditch depth and season (P<0.001). Higher maize yields were realized when ditches were constructed than in the control. Yields increased from the lower to the upper slope position of the terraces with 30 cm ditch by 49.8% and in the 60 cm by 41.6%. Average yields from treatments with 30 cm ditch were significantly higher than from the control but non-significant from those in the 60 cm ditch. Significant differences (P=0.037) in bean grain yields were observed in interactions of ditch depth and slope position. Higher yields were obtained from the lower position of the 30 cm ditch than the middle and upper positions. Significant differences (P=0.033) were also found in interactions of ditch depths, cropping systems and seasons.

Conclusion: The results indicate that Fanya juu terraces had a significant effect on crop yields on hardsetting soils. The study recommends construction of Fanya juu terraces with a ditch depth of 30 cm and intensive management of the lower slope position for improved maize and bean production on hardsetting soils in marginal areas.
PELATIHAN SCREEN PRINTING PADA PEMUDA KARANG TARUNA DESA WIDARAPAYUNG WETAN KECAMATAN BINANGUN KABUPATEN CILACAP GUNA MENDUKUNG SEKTOR PEREKONOMIAN DAN PARIWISATA
Authors: . Mardiyana , Handayani Murni , Dwityaningsih Rosita , Rahayu Theresia E. P. S
Published: August 2022

Desa Widarapayung Wetan merupakan salah satu desa yang memiliki potensi wisata pantai tetapi masih belum berkembang dengan optimal sehingga masyarakat sekitar Desa Widarapayung Wetan masih belum mendapatkan keuntungan dari potensi wilayahnya tersebut. Keadaan ini disebabkan potensi sumber daya manusia yang belum dapat memaksimalkan potensi wilayahnya. Karang taruna merupakan bagian dari masyarakat yang perlu ditingkatkan ketrampilannya terutama ketrampilan yang dapat mendukung sektor ekonomi dan wisata desa. Salah satu jenis pelatihan guna meningkatkan ketrampilan khusus para karang taruna yang dapat mendukung pengembangan sektor pariwisata dan perekonomian adalah pelatihan screen printing. Tujuan dari kegiatan pelatihan screen printing ini yaitu adanya peningkatan pemahaman dan ketrampilan pada para pemuda karang taruna yang ada di Desa Widara Payung Wetan. Kegiatan pelatihan dibagi menjadi 3 sesi yaitu sesi ceramah seputar teori screen printing, demonstrasi teknik screen printing sekaligus praktik langsung bagi peserta dan ceramah seputar usaha screen printing dapat mendukung perekonomian dan pariwisata desa. Berdasarkan hasil pelaksanaan pelatihan maka dapat diambil kesimpulan bahwa para pemuda yang ada di Desa Widarapayung wetan sudah dapat melakukan teknik screen printing dan dapat menghasilkan satu buah produk berupa kaos bergambar hasil screen printing. Ketrampilan yang telah dimiliki oleh pemuda ini diharapkan dapat dijadikan modal awal untuk berwirausaha dalam bidang screen printing.
SOSIALISASI PEMELIHARAAN PREVENTIF PERANGKAT KOMUNIKASI AUDIO SEBAGAI UPAYA MENGOPTIMALKAN FUNGSI PERALATAN DAN EFISIENSI DI SMP IP YAKIN CENGKARENG-JAKARTA BARAT
Authors: Rahmawati Yosy , Simanjuntak Imelda Uli Vistalina
Published: August 2022

Untuk mengakomodasi kegiatan pembelajaran siswa/i di sekolah, pengelola instansi menyediakan fasilitas yang menunjang dan memperlancar kegiatan belajar mengajar, seperti perangkat komunikasi suara dengan tujuan sebagai media penyebaran informasi kepada siswa di ruang kelas dan lingkungan sekolah. SMP IP YAKIN merupakan satuan pendidikan formal jenjang SMP di wilayah Cengkareng Jakarta Barat di bawah naungan Kementrian Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan dan didirikan oleh Institut Pendidikan Yayasan Kenang Indonesia dengan 362 siswa aktif. Menurut informasi yang diberikan oleh manajemen SMP IP YAKIN, sejauh ini sudah ada sekitar 14 kelas yang sudah terpasang speaker pasif. Namun, sudah berhenti berfungsi dalam waktu sekitar delapan tahun yang lalu, sehingga perlu diaktifkan kembali perangkat komunikasi audio beserta prosedur perawatannya untuk mengoptimalkan fungsi dan efisiensi peralatan. Selain itu, diutamakan kepada divisi logistik yang bertanggung jawab atas pengadaan atau pemeliharaan sarana dan prasarana sekolah, perlu melakukan pemeliharaan preventif secara berkala untuk memastikan kehandalan peralatan dan menghilangkan potensi gagal pengoperasian. Teknis pemeliharaan preventif adalah inspeksi, perencanaan dan penjadwalan, pencatatan, serta analisis. Oleh karena itu, melalui kegiatan Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat (PKM) dilakukan Sosialisasi Pemeliharaan Preventif Perangkat Komunikasi Audio Sebagai Upaya Mengoptimalkan Fungsi Peralatan dan Efisiensi. Materi yang dibahas dalam sosialisasi yaitu jenis dan bentuk-bentuk pemeliharaan, kartu laporan gangguan, pekerjaan dasar pemeliharaan preventif, manfaat pemeliharaan preventif dan tips merawat speaker pasif. Berdasarkan hasil rangkuman lembaran evaluasi kegiatan, ditemukan bahwa sosialisasi ini dirasakan sangat bermanfaat bagi peserta mengingat antusiasme dari para guru yang melihat secara langsung praktek pemeliharaan yang diperagakan oleh tim pelaksana kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat. Kegiatan sosialisasi menyadarkan para peserta akan pentingnya pemeliharaan secara preventif terhadap perangkat komunikasi audio di lingkungan sekolah dan peserta juga dapat mengetahui tujuan dan manfaat dari pemeliharaan preventif sebagai upaya mengoptimalkan fungsi peralatan dan efisiensi, khususnya di lingkungan SMP IP Yakin Cengkareng Jakarta Barat.
Binder Jet 3D Printing of 316L Stainless Steel: Orthogonal Printing and Sintering Process Optimization
Authors: Chen Ling , Chen Weiping , Fu Zhiqiang , Ding Guangxin , Chen Zhiping , Zhu Dezhi
Published: August 2022

Binder jet 3D printing (BJ3DP) is an additive manufacturing technique that uses a liquid binder to selectively deposit powder layer by layer to fabricate 3D parts followed by sintering. Herein, the printing parameters, sintering temperature, and holding time of 316L stainless steel (SS) materials produced by BJ3DP technique are systematically investigated. Based on the L9 orthogonal experimental design, the green parts can achieve the highest relative density of ≈55.9%, when the layer thickness, binder saturation, and roller traverse speed are 150 μm, 35%, and 100 mm s−1, respectively. Five green parts printed using the optimal parameters are subsequently sintered under different temperatures and holding time. All the as‐sintered samples consist of a primary γ‐Fe phase and a small amount of δ‐ferrite phase. After sintering at 1435 °C for 7.5 h, the as‐sintered samples obtain the highest relative density of ≈92.1% along with the most excellent mechanical properties, displaying ultimate tensile strength of ≈558 MPa and an elongation of ≈41%. The mechanical properties of these samples sintered at 1435 °C for 7.5 h are also superior to those of the annealed 316L SS in ASTM A276/A276M‐17.
High‐Entropy Alloy‐Induced Metallic Glass Transformation: Challenges Posed by in situ Alloying via Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Hadibeik Sepide , Spieckermann Florian , Nosko Martin , Khodabakhshi Farzad , Heydarzadeh Sohi Mahmoud , Eckert Jürgen
Published: August 2022

In situ alloying and fabricating glassy structures through a layer‐by‐layer fashion approach are challenging but have high potential to develop novel‐graded materials. For the first time, this cost‐effective approach is applied to additive manufacturing (AM) of a Zr‐based bulk metallic glass (BMG) from high‐entropy alloys (HEAs). A newly developed composition of Zr40Al20Cu20Ti20 is fabricated through laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). Process parameters are optimized within a wide range of laser power (50–200 W) as well as scanning speed (50–800 mm s−1). In all printed samples, microscopic and compositional examinations reveal no glass formation, but very fine grains and CuTi and AlTi nanocrystals. Some glassy transitions at the interfaces may be encouraged to occur with proper melting and mixing. However, the main reason for not obtaining a glassy matrix is the substantial proportion of unmelted Zr raw powder throughout the structure as spherical particles. Consequently, glass formation can be hindered by a considerable amount of compositional deviation. During LPBF, in situ alloying poses significant challenges to developing BMGs. Hence, the various stages of the process, including raw material specifications, laser settings, and process parameters, should be investigated further.
Revealing the Adverse Effects of Trace Amount Broad‐Spectrum Antimicrobial: a Direct and Sensitive Visualization Method Based on Carbon Nanoprobe
Authors: Geng Xin , Guo Yifei , Wang Ying , Zhai Yongxin , Xu Beining , Qu Lingbo , Li Zhaohui
Published: August 2022

The widespread use of broad‐spectrum antimicrobials has accelerated their entry into aquatic environment, which in turn can adversely affect aquatic organisms and humans, especially in the COVID‐19 outbreak and the post‐pandemic era. For early detection and intervention of adverse effects, this study develops a new carbon nanoprobe (CNP) that can reveal the adverse effects of trace amount triclosan (TCS), a commonly used broad‐spectrum antimicrobial (BSA), through a direct visualization method. CNP has excellent fluorescent properties and strong positive charges, which can be applied as fluorescent indicator and trapped in mitochondria by electrostatic attraction. The highly sensitive responsiveness of CNP to mitochondrial membrane potential ensures the visualization method can be used for monitoring the adverse effects of TCS. The trace amount TCS monitoring is achieved according to the decrease of fluorescence signal in mitochondria and the change of mitochondrial morphological structure from lines to dots. Moreover, monitoring TCS level in aquatic organisms of zebrafish is further realized. Compared with the morphological toxicity test, this visualizing strategy reveals the adverse effects in organisms under low‐dose TCS exposure more sensitively. This developed highly sensitive nanoprobe is cruical for direct BSA monitoring and thus prevents the harm of BSA to aquatic organisms and humans.
Prospects for Simultaneously Capturing Carbon Dioxide and Harvesting Water from Air
Authors: Dods Matthew N. , Weston Simon C. , Long Jeffrey R.
Published: August 2022

Mitigation of anthropogenic climate change is expected to require large‐scale deployment of carbon dioxide removal strategies. Prominent among these strategies is direct air capture with sequestration (DACS), which encompasses the removal and long‐term storage of atmospheric CO2 by purely engineered means. Because it does not require arable land or copious amounts of freshwater, DACS is already attractive in the context of sustainable development, but opportunities to improve its sustainability still exist. Leveraging differences in the chemistry of CO2 and water adsorption within porous solids, here, the prospect of simultaneously removing water alongside CO2 in direct air capture operations is investigated. In many cases, the co‐adsorbed water can be desorbed separately from chemisorbed CO2 molecules, enabling efficient harvesting of water from air. Depending upon the material employed and process conditions, the desorbed water can be of sufficiently high purity for industrial, agricultural, or potable use and can thus improve regional water security. Additionally, the recovered water can offset a portion of the costs associated with DACS. In this Perspective, molecular‐ and process‐level insights are combined to identify routes toward realizing this nascent yet enticing concept.
Rational Molecular Engineering of Organic Semiconducting Nanoplatforms for Advancing NIR‐II Fluorescence Theranostics
Authors: Hu Xiaoming , Chen Zejing , Ao Haiyong , Fan Quli , Yang Zhen , Huang Wei
Published: August 2022

Second near‐infrared window (NIR‐II, 1000−1700 nm) fluorescence imaging (FI) in phototheranostics benefits from deep tissue penetration, negligible body spontaneous fluorescence, exceptional spatiotemporal resolution, and diversified imaging agents. Inorganic and metal nanomaterials with NIR‐II emission are widely explored for NIR‐II FI, however, the concern about their intrinsic long‐term toxicity hampers further clinic applications. By contrast, whole organic NIR‐II FI agents, in particular, organic semiconducting molecules derived from large π‐conjugated molecular architectures and biologically amicable ingredients, owning inert photophysical potencies, tunable optical properties, and favorable biocompatibility, have the potential to be degraded and excreted from the body in molecular level. In this review, the development of NIR‐II fluorescence‐emitting organic semiconducting nanoplatforms, with a focus on their theranostic applications in biomedicine is discussed. The recent advances in the molecular design of semiconducting NIR‐II emitting agents for improving the properties of NIR‐II photonics (e.g., emission intensity, quantum yield, emission wavelength, and activatable emission) and optimizing disease phototheranostics (the synergistic combination of NIR‐II FI‐based diagnosis and photo‐related therapeutic methods) are highlighted. Finally, the challenges and perspectives to building high‐powered new‐generation organic semiconducting nanoplatforms for NIR‐II phototheranostics of a variety of diseases are discussed.
Indazolones Directed Rh(III)‐Catalyzed C−H Amidation of Arenes
Authors: Chen Shao‐Yong , Zheng Yi‐Chuan , Liu Xu‐Ge , Song Jia‐Lin , Shu Bing , Zheng Tao , Xiao Lin , Zhang Shang‐Shi , Cao Hua
Published: August 2022

The Cp*Rh(III)‐catalyzed indazolone‐directed C−H bond amidation of arenes has been realized by employing sulfonyl azide agents and dioxazolones as nitrogen source. This protocol displays mild conditions, broad substrate scope and high functional group compatibility. What’ more, the late‐stage modifications of structure complicated drugs, such as Gemfibrozil, Oxaprozin, Probenecid and Naproxen, has been demonstrated. Furthermore, preliminary mechanistic investigation and an exploratory reaction mechanism were also proposed.

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Linear‐Selective Allylation of Aldehydes with Simple Alkenes Mediated by Quadruple Hybrid Catalysis
Authors: Irie Yu , Chen Hongyu , Fuse Hiromu , Mitsunuma Harunobu , Kanai Motomu
Published: August 2022

In this study, we developed a linear‐selective allylation reaction of aldehydes using simple alkenes as starting materials by using a quadruple hybrid catalyst system. The reaction proceeded under mild conditions such as room temperature under visible light irradiation and was applicable to asymmetric reactions. The key for this reaction is the addition of Ni(BF4)2 ⋅ 6H2O catalyst to the previously reported ternary catalyst system, accelerating the allylic transfer process from branch products to thermodynamically stable linear products by increasing the Brønsted acidity of thiophosphoric imide (TPI) catalyst.

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A Tumor‐Organoid‐Based Precision Medicine Platform for the Prediction of Drug Sensitivity of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Wang Xingyue , Lu Xiaohuan , Cai Bo , Li Xiaoqiong , Zou Danyi , Lei Shijun , Xu Luming , Wang Guobin , Wang Lin , Wang Zheng
Published: August 2022

Investigation of clinical actionable targets is crucial for the individual treatment of patients with advanced colorectal cancer (CRC). A complete platform integrating the molecular profiling and prediction of drug reactivity is currently scarce. An integrated precision medicine approach which combines high‐throughput sequencing platform with microfluidic organoid drug testing system is established. Capture sequencing identifies 6 drug targetable genes and 13 candidate drugs for a stage III colorectal cancer patient. The drug sensitivity is confirmed by using patient‐derived organoids (PDOs) model and microfluidic drug testing system. With this integrated precision medicine approach, the optimal drugs including Afatinib, Dacomitinib, and Osimertinib are successfully identified. The platform provides a practical method to guide the clinical therapies for colorectal cancer patients.
Formation and Control of Zero‐Field Antiskyrmions in Confining Geometries
Authors: Peng Licong , Iakoubovskii Konstantin V. , Karube Kosuke , Taguchi Yasujiro , Tokura Yoshinori , Yu Xiuzhen
Published: August 2022

Magnetic skyrmions and antiskyrmions have attracted much interest owing to their topological features and spintronic functionalities. In contrast to skyrmions, the generation of antiskyrmions relies on tunning both the magnitude and direction of the external magnetic field. Here, it is reported that antiskyrmions can be efficiently created via quenching and robustly persist at zero field in the Fe1.9Ni0.9Pd0.2P magnet with the S4‐symmetry. It is demonstrated that well‐ordered antiskyrmions form in a square lattice in a confining micrometer‐scale square geometry, while the antiskyrmion lattice distorts in triangular, circular, or rotated‐square geometry; the distortion depends on the relative configuration between sample edges and the two q‐vectors arising from the anisotropic Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction, in good agreement with micromagnetic simulations. It is also characterized transformations from antiskyrmions to skyrmions and nontopological bubbles at different directions and values of external field. These results demonstrate a roadmap for generating and controlling antiskyrmions in a confining geometry.
Ultra‐Low Concentration Electrolyte Enabling LiF‐Rich SEI and Dense Plating/Stripping Processes for Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Chen Ting , You Jinhai , Li Rong , Li Haoyu , Wang Yuan , Wu Chen , Sun Yan , Yang Liu , Ye Zhengcheng , Zhong Benhe , Wu Zhenguo , Guo Xiaodong
Published: August 2022

The interface structure of the electrode is closely related to the electrochemical performance of lithium‐metal batteries (LMBs). In particular, a high‐quality solid electrode interface (SEI) and uniform, dense lithium plating/stripping processes play a key role in achieving stable LMBs. Herein, a LiF‐rich SEI and a uniform and dense plating/stripping process of the electrolyte by reducing the electrolyte concentration without changing the solvation structure, thereby avoiding the high cost and poor wetting properties of high‐concentration electrolytes are achieved. The ultra‐low concentration electrolyte with an unchanged Li+ solvation structure can restrain the inhomogeneous diffusion flux of Li+, thereby achieving more uniform lithium deposition and stripping processes while maintaining a LiF‐rich SEI. The LiIICu battery with this electrolyte exhibits enhanced cycling stability for 1000 cycles with a coulombic efficiency of 99% at 1 mA cm–2 and 1 mAh cm–2. For the LiIILiFePO4 pouch cell, the capacity retention values at 0.5 and 1 C are 98.6% and 91.4%, respectively. This study offers a new perspective for the commercial application of low‐cost electrolytes with ultra‐low concentrations and high concentration effects.
Targeted Catalysis of the Sulfur Evolution Reaction for High‐Performance Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Qu Wenjia , Lu Ziyang , Geng Chuannan , Wang Li , Guo Yong , Zhang Yibo , Wang Weichao , Lv Wei , Yang Quan‐Hong
Published: August 2022

The sluggish kinetics of the sulfur evolution reaction (SER) that occur because of the high oxidation barrier of Li2S causes low sulfur utilization and the poor rate performance of lithium–sulfur batteries. However, the design of the catalysts to solve this problem is still hard to achieve because it is difficult to precisely correlate the catalytic oxidation ability with the electronic structure. Here, a layer transition metal oxide, NaxTi0.5Co0.5O2, is used as a model catalyst to probe such a correlation because it has a tunable electronic structure and good stability in the working potential window of Li–S batteries. By removing Na+, a partial phase change gradually increases the concentration of Co active sites while decreasing the work function with an upshift of the Fermi level, accelerating charge transfer on the catalyst surface and therefore improving its catalytic oxidation activity of Li2S. In particular, Na0.7Ti0.5Co0.5O2 with two‐phases coexisting effectively lowers the activation potential of Li2S, leading to minimum polarization and excellent rate performance, and even at 5.0 C, the assembled cell has a high capacity of 615 mAh g−1. This study indicates a way to optimize the electronic structure to enhance the SER, which is important for promoting the practical use of Li–S batteries.
Restoring ecological function to saline–sodic soils in South Dakota with perennial grass mixtures
Authors: Clay Sharon A. , Fiedler Douglas , Reese Cheryl , Clay David E.
Published: August 2022

Revegetation of saline–sodic soils is challenging. Over 10 million saline–sodic hectares are intertwined with highly productive soils in the Northern Great Plains, with 3.4 million ha in South Dakota. Establishing salt‐tolerant perennial plants provides soil cover and remediates barren areas. Two perennial salt‐tolerant grass mixes [Mix 1: slender wheatgrass (Elymus trachycaulus [Link] Gould ex Shinners) + beardless wildrye (Leymus triticoides [Buckley] Pilg.); Mix 2: slender wheatgrass + creeping foxtail (Alopercurus arundinaceus Poir.) + western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii [Rydb.] Á. Löve) + ‘AC Saltlander’ green wheatgrass (Elymus hoffmannii K.B. Jensen & K.H. Asay)] were dormant‐planted in 2018 and 2019 along a soil catena with high [electrical conductivity (EC1:1) = 0.39 dS m–l; 72 mg kg–1 Na+], moderate (EC1:1 = 1.64 dS m–l; 343 mg kg–1 Na+), and low (EC1:1 = 3.87 dS m–l; 1,680 mg kg–1 Na+) productivity zones. Vegetative biomass was measured after seeding (2018, 2019) and during growth (2020, 2021), and compared with areas seeded to maize (Zea mays L.) and a nonplanted area. Biomass varied with year and productivity zone. Except in 2018, grasses had greater biomass in the moderate and low productivity zones than maize. The sodium content of grass biomass in 2020 and 2021 was 10× greater in the low than in the high and moderate productive zones (0.25 vs. 0.02%, respectively) but could be suitable for livestock feed. By 2021, grass biomass was similar for both mixes in all zones, and the grasses spread into nonplanted areas.
Maize–soybean intercropping: A bibliometric analysis of 30 years of research publications
Authors: Feng Liang , Tang Haiying , Pu Tian , Chen Guopeng , Liang Bing , Yang Wenyu , Wang Xiaochun
Published: August 2022

Maize (Zea may L.)–soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] intercropping is popular in many countries because of its high productivity. However, no studies have explored maize–soybean intercropping via bibliometric methods. Taking the Web of Science database, the visualization applications of CiteSpace and VOSviewer were used to visually analyze the literature related to research in the field of maize–soybean intercropping, with the aim of studying keyword hotspots and evolving trends, and analyzing the future research directions. The results showed that the annual number of publications on maize–soybean intercropping showed rapid growth from 2010 to 2021. The top three publishing countries were China, the United States, and India, and the top three institutions were Sichuan Agricultural University, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, and China Agricultural University. Th three most popular journals were Field Crops Research, Agronomy Journal, and Indian Journal of Agronomy. Agronomy, multidisciplinary agriculture and plant science were the most popular research categories. A keyword analysis indicated that “maize” was the most popular study area. Crop root coupling processes, biological nitrogen fixation, efficient utilization of resources, carbon sequestration and emission reduction, microbial communities, and interspecific relationships are the current hot research topics. This study review and analyzed the current research hotspots and future research trends to provide an important reference for scientists to better respond to food security issues.
Mitigating catalyst deactivation in selective hydrogenation by enhancing dispersion and utilizing reaction heat effect
Authors: Liu Yanan , Weng Shaoxia , McCue Alan J. , Fu Baoai , Yu He , He Yufei , Feng Junting , Li Dianqing , Duan Xue
Published: August 2022

Pd catalysts with different particle size were investigated in a strongly exothermic acetylene hydrogenation by changing space velocity. It was found that larger Pd nanoparticles provoked the significant amounts of oligomers and accumulated reaction heat although space velocity had been greatly improved. When Pd particle size was reduced, the number of active sites increased, which contributed to a decrease in heat produced on a single active site, thereby hindered formation of hot spots over catalyst leading to lesser deactivation. Furthermore, by utilizing the features of highly dispersed catalyst without instantaneous heat accumulation, the target acetylene hydrogenation (exothermic) was coupled with acetylene dissociation (endothermic) by sharing reaction heat to construct supported Pd carbide catalysts. Modification of subsurface carbon inhibited the generation of green oil and thus further enhanced selectivity and stability. This work provides an alternative and counter‐intuitive concept where more highly dispersed metal nanoparticles may in fact be more stable.
A control‐switching approach for cyberattack detection in process systems with minimal false alarms
Authors: Narasimhan Shilpa , El‐Farra Nael H. , Ellis Matthew J.
Published: August 2022

The frequency of cyberattacks against process control systems has increased in recent years. This work considers multiplicative false‐data injection attacks involving the multiplication of the data communicated over the sensor‐controller communication link by a factor. An active detection method utilizing switching between two control modes is developed to balance the trade‐off between closed‐loop performance and attack detectability. Under the first mode, the control parameters are selected using traditional control design criteria. Under the second mode, the control parameters are selected to enhance the attack detection capability. A switching condition is imposed to prevent false alarms that could be triggered by the transient response induced by control mode switching. This condition is incorporated into the active detection method to minimize false alarms. The active detection method is applied to illustrative process examples to demonstrate its ability to detect attacks and minimize false alarms.
Direct‐acting antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C among incarcerated people who inject drugs
Authors: Mao Yuan‐Chih , Chen I‐I , Mo Lein‐Ray
Published: August 2022

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is an important public health problem, causing significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. The prevalence of HCV infections is especially high among people who inject drugs (PWID). The efficacy of direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) therapy was evaluated herein. During 2019‐2021, a total of 321 cases who received a full course of DAA therapy and completed a 12‐week follow‐up observation were studied. The most frequent genotype (GT) was GT6 (34.9%), followed by GT1a (23.4%), GT1b (14.6%), GT2 (12.1%), and GT3 (11.8%). Increase was observed in GT6 (from 29.8% in 2019 to 44.9% in 2021) and GT3 (from 9.9% in 2019 to 16.3% in 2021) over the study years. GT2 was more likely found in patients >50 years old, while GT3 was more in younger patients (both P < .05). GT3 was also more frequently associated with moderate scores of fibrosis‐4 index (FIB‐4) (1.45 ≤ FIB‐4 ≤ 3.25, 13/38 vs 49/283; P < .05). High viral loads (>1 500 000 IU/mL) were found in 65.7% of the patients, including 21.5% showing a very high level (>6 000 000 IU/mL). Compared to other genotypes, viral loads were significantly higher in GT6 (P < .005) and lower in GT1b (P < .01). The end of treatment virologic response rate and the sustained virologic response rate at 12 weeks (SVR12) post‐treatment were both 100%. Two recurrent infections with GT6 and GT2 were noted at 16‐month and 3‐month, respectively, after achieving SVR12. The present report provides a solid evidence for the effectiveness of DAA therapy in the treatment of hepatitis C among incarcerated PWID. We believe that appropriate DAA therapy, when incorporated with active universal screening, can achieve micro‐elimination of chronic hepatitis C in incarcerated persons. Hence, the strategies should be applied to all custodial settings, especially for PWID, as an important step to eliminate hepatitis C by 2025, a goal set by the Taiwan government.
An adult choledochocele case presenting with unexplained biliary colic: Awareness of endoscopic feature is important
Authors: Chen Yi‐Peng , Liao Yi‐Jun , Peng Yen‐Chun , Tung Chun‐Fang , Chen Chia‐Chang
Published: August 2022

Type III choledochal cyst (choledochocele) is a rare disease. Therefore, some endoscopists are not familiar with the clinical feature of choledochocele. We present a choledochocele case that was difficult to diagnosed until endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was performed. A 46‐year‐old Taiwanese gentleman had unexplained biliary colic pain with negative findings of physical examination and normal laboratory tests. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic ultrasonography showed dilation of common bile duct (CBD) about 1.8 cm without choledocholithiasis and a cystic lesion at distal CBD about 0.9 cm. The endoscopy showed a cystic‐like bulging structure above the ampullary orifice. Cholangiography showed cystic enlargement of the intramural bile duct superior to the ampullary orifice after contrast injection. Choledochocele was proved. We performed papillotomy and biopsy of the papilla. Awareness of the endoscopic feature and management strategy of choledochoele is important, which is illustrated in this case report.
A Long‐Circulating Vector for Aptamers Based upon Polyphosphodiester‐Backboned Molecular Brushes
Authors: Wang Yuyan , Wang Dali , Lin Jiachen , Lyu Zidi , Chen Peiru , Sun Tingyu , Xue Chenyang , Mojtabavi Mehrnaz , Vedadghavami Armin , Zhang Zheyu , Wang Ruimeng , Zhang Lei , Park Christopher , Heo Gyu Seong , Liu Yongjian , Dong Sijia S. , Zhang Ke
Published: August 2022

Aptamers face challenges for use outside the ideal conditions in which they are developed. These difficulties are most palpable in vivo due to nuclease activities, rapid clearance, and off‐target binding. Herein, we demonstrate that a polyphosphodiester‐backboned molecular brush can suppress enzymatic digestion, reduce non‐specific cell uptake, enable long blood circulation, and rescue the bioactivity of a conjugated aptamer in vivo. The backbone along with the aptamer is assembled via solid‐phase synthesis, followed by installation of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) side chains using a two‐step process with near‐quantitative efficiency. The synthesis allows for precise control over polymer size and architecture. Consisting entirely of building blocks that are generally recognized as safe for therapeutics, this novel molecular brush is expected to provide a highly translatable route for aptamer‐based therapeutics.
Halogen Atom Participation in Guiding the Stereochemical Outcomes of Acetal Substitution Reactions
Authors: Demkiw Krystyna M. , Remmerswaal Wouter A. , Hansen Thomas , van der Marel Gijsbert A. , Codée Jeroen D. C. , Woerpel K. A.
Published: August 2022

Acetal substitution reactions of α‐halogenated five‐ and six‐membered rings can be highly stereoselective. Erosion of stereoselectivity occurs as nucleophilicity increases, which is consistent with additions to a halogen‐stabilized oxocarbenium ion, not a three‐membered‐ring halonium ion. Computational investigations confirmed that the open‐form oxocarbenium ions are the reactive intermediates involved. Kinetic studies suggest that hyperconjugative effects and through‐space electrostatic interactions can both contribute to the stabilization of halogen‐substituted oxocarbenium ions.
Self‐Assembled Aza‐Boron‐Dipyrromethene for Ferroptosis‐Boosted Sonodynamic Therapy
Authors: You Changwen , Li Xingguang , Wang Dongqiong , Chen Hongzhong , Liang Lei , Chen Yu , Zhao Yanli , Xiang Huijing
Published: August 2022

The presence of apoptosis inhibition proteins renders the cancer cells resistant to apoptosis, severely compromising the antitumor efficacy of sonodynamic therapy (SDT). Here, an intelligent anticancer nanoplatform based on an Aza‐boron‐dipyrromethene dye (denoted as Aza‐BDY) is elaborately established for ferroptosis augmented SDT through cysteine (Cys) starvation. After endocytosis by tumor cells, Aza‐BDY serves as both a ferroptosis inducing agent and a sonosensitizer for tumor treatment. The specific Cys response facilitates the disruption of redox homeostasis and initiation of cellular ferroptosis. Meanwhile, the released sonosensitizer causes efficient SDT and augments ferroptosis under ultrasound irradiation. Detailed in vitro and in vivo investigations demonstrate that the synergistic effect of Cys depletion and singlet oxygen (1O2) generation significantly induces cancer‐cell death and suppresses tumor proliferation with a high inhibition rate of 97.5 %.
In‐Situ‐Analyse Anionischer Koordinationspolymerisationen durch Elektrosprayionisations‐Massenspektrometrie
Authors: Kreyenschmidt Friedrich , Eisele Niklas F. , Hevelke Valentin , Rahrt Rene , Kreyenschmidt Anne‐Kathrin , Koszinowski Konrad
Published: August 2022

Anionische Koordinationspolymerisationen verlaufen über hochreaktive Zwischenstufen, deren in situ‐Analyse schwierig bleibt. Hier zeigen wir, dass Elektrosprayionisations‐Massenspektrometrie eine vielversprechende Methode ist, um detaillierte Informationen über den Polymerisationsprozess zu erhalten. Für die durch CoCl2/RLi (R=Me, nBu, tBu, Ph) initiierte Polymerisation von 1,3‐Dienen initiiert beobachten wir die wachsenden Ketten direkt und charakterisieren die aktiven Cobalt‐Zentren durch Fragmentierungsexperimente in der Gasphase. Darauf basierend schlagen wir einen möglichen Mechanismus für die Polymerisation vor. Die ESI‐Massenspektren erlauben zudem die Bestimmung der Molmassenverteilung, welche mit denen aus NMR‐Messungen und MALDI‐Massenspektrometrie gut übereinstimmen, und liefern eine Vielzahl an kinetischen Daten.
Crystalline Porous Organic Salt for Ultrarapid Adsorption/Desorption‐Based Atmospheric Water Harvesting by Dual Hydrogen Bond System
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Fu Jingru , Das Saikat , Ye Kaiqi , Zhu Weidong , Ben Teng
Published: August 2022

In recent years, the porous sorbent‐assisted atmospheric water harvesting (AWH) method has emerged as an effective approach for solving water crises without geographical restrictions. However, there is a limited array of porous adsorbent materials that can be used for AWH, which are inadequate to meet the needs under different climatic conditions. In light of this, herein, we synthesize a new crystalline porous organic salt (CPOS; denoted as CPOS‐6) possessing a dual hydrogen bond system and verify its applicability toward AWH for the first time. Unlike other reported CPOSs, CPOS‐6 displays an S‐shaped water sorption isotherm owing to the presence of the dual hydrogen bond system. Under simulated drought conditions in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, CPOS‐6 exhibits long‐term water adsorption‐desorption cycling stability, low water desorption temperature, and ultrarapid adsorption‐desorption kinetics. The results confirm that CPOS‐6 is an effective sorbent material for AWH.
In‐Situ Analysis of Anionic Coordination Polymerizations by Electrospray‐Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Kreyenschmidt Friedrich , Eisele Niklas F. , Hevelke Valentin , Rahrt Rene , Kreyenschmidt Anne‐Kathrin , Koszinowski Konrad
Published: August 2022

Anionic coordination polymerizations proceed via highly reactive intermediates, whose in situ analysis has remained difficult. Here, we show that electrospray‐ionization mass spectrometry is a promising method to obtain detailed information on the polymerization process. Focusing on polymerization reactions of 1,3‐dienes initiated by CoCl2/RLi (R=Me, nBu, tBu, Ph), we directly observe the growing polymer chains and characterize the active anionic cobalt centers by gas‐phase fragmentation experiments. On the basis of these results, we suggest a plausible mechanism for the polymerization reaction. Moreover, the ESI mass spectra permit the determination of molecular weight distributions, which are in good agreement with those derived from NMR‐spectroscopic as well as MALDI mass‐spectrometric measurements, and afford a wealth of kinetic data.