bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STEM Education in the University of Bamenda: A Possible Panacea to Dyscalculia
Authors: Nkepah Beyoh Dieudone , Atanga Napthalin A.
Published: December 2022

The study set out to determine if STEM Education in The University of Bamenda could be a possible panacea to the dyscalculia of students. The study design was partly a longitudinal developmental design, and partly a quasi-experimental research design. The population of the study was made up of all the 13 students admitted into the STEM education programme of the University of Bamenda in the 2019/2020 academic year and 15 other students from the faculty of education. Data was collected using a self-designed questionnaire. The questionnaire was vetted using three experts in the field of mathematics education. A pilot test with ten students from different departments in the Faculty of Education in UBa, yielded a Cronbach alpha reliability of 0.83. Means were used to answer the research questions while the one sample t-test and the independent samples t-test were used to test the hypotheses at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that the STEM Education programme in the University of Bamenda significantly reduces the dyscalculia of STEM students. Furthermore, the dyscalculia of male STEM students decreases significantly compared to that of their female counterparts after their STEM Education studies in the University of Bamenda. It was recommended that practicing teachers, especially those at the Basic Education level and arts teachers, should be encouraged to apply and go through the STEM education programme in UBa as this study has revealed that the programme has great potentials in reducing their dyscalculia. It was also recommended that some cores courses in the STEM programme should me made compulsory to all Faculty of Education (FED) students as this study also revealed that the other programmes in FED did not reduce the dyscalculia of students like the STEM programme did.
Soil Protection and Mobile Apps Created with App Inventor® - A Multidisciplinary Symbiosis?
Authors: Cioruța Bogdan-Vasile , Coman Mirela
Published: December 2022

This paper aims to highlight the My Soil Protection App's adaptability and compatibility with the demands of the current digital consumer society by starting with a definition, descriptive characterization, and synthetic analysis of the MIT App Inventor® platform (following users' perceptions over the previous 10-12 years). In this sense, concurrent with the examination of how the platform may be utilized in soil protection plans and strategies, the establishment and creation of a digital field agenda (My Soil Protection App) are carried out. My Soil Protection App, an application we developed, requires the MIT App Inventor® platform functionalities to be coupled with data specifically related to soil resource protection (local environmental characteristics, climate variables, land usage typology, etc). In the Office of Informatics, between October 2020 and December 2021, we conducted an assessment that included identifying and grading the platform's components that would be used to create specialist soil protection apps. The analytical technique covered the fundamental components of mobile devices (including sensors) that might be used in the collection and management of field data. As a result, it was discovered (through implementation, testing and validation of functionalities) during the application's development that modern soil preservation procedures may make good use of the  App Inventor®. We suggest using MIT App Inventor® (via the user interface, media, and sensor components) if you feel the urge to create an application because it promises a computer-soil science stronger fusion.
Antimicrobial Capacity, Antioxidant and Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Extract from the Leaf of Erigeron floribundus
Authors: Bola O. Ojo , Ajimojuowo F. B. , Oyekale O. T.
Published: December 2022

Fresh leaves of Erigeron floribundus were obtained, and its ethanolic extract was assessed for antimicrobial, antioxidant-free radical scavenging activity as well as phytochemical constituents. Hemolytic activities were also screened to know whether the extract will lyse the blood agar. Six pathogenic bacteria; the gram-positive, Bacillus cereus, Clostridium species, Staphylococcus aureus, and the gram-negative: Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli, were screened for susceptibilities to the antimicrobial activity of the leaf extract. Five fungi, Yeast, Penicillium sp, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus fumigatus, were also screened for antifungal properties of the extract. The result indicated that the plant extract showed antimicrobial action but to a varying degree. The extract was screened for its antioxidant property and free radical scavenging capacity. The result indicated that it has high activity in reducing iron chloride solution and high activity in (DPPH) radicals scavenging test. The phytochemical screening of the extracts showed some bioactive ingredient of pharmacological importance like Tannin, Cardiaglycosides, and Saponin. Hemolytic assay of the extract showed that it could lyse blood cells.
Identidade, futebol e territorialidades
Authors: Campos Fernando Rossetto Gallego
Published: December 2022

Partindo do pressuposto de que a Copa do Mundo é uma das maiores expressões da sociedade do espetáculo e, portanto, vetor de construção e manifestações das mais diversas identidades, este artigo tem como objetivo discutir, a partir de acontecimentos ligados à Copa do Mundo 2018, como o futebol participa na construção de estruturações identitárias globais. Utilizando o arcabouço teórico, foram analisados alguns episódios e seus desdobramentos a partir de notícias. Percebe-se, no futebol, a crescente manifestação de globalismo, multiculturalismo e identidades híbridas e fluidas, mas estas ainda mantêm relação com identidades nacionais. Conclui se que a Geografia pode e deve contribuir para a discussão desta temática, bem como de outras ligadas ao futebol como fenômeno espacial.
História de um desastre natural
Authors: Girardi Guilherme Luiz , Aguiar Marciele de , Binda Andrey Luis
Published: December 2022

A presente pesquisa tem como objetivo analisar o evento meteorológico extremo ocorrido no fim do mês de junho e início de julho de 2020. Amplamente divulgado nos meios de comunicação como “ciclone bomba”, a ciclogênese explosiva desencadeadora desse evento causou impactos nos três estados da região sul do Brasil. Porém, uma dúvida emerge: foi de fato a passagem do ciclone bomba sobre a área atingida o causador das intensas rajadas de vento? Para responder a esse questionamento, recorreu-se à cartografia dos municípios atingidos, bem como, da dinâmica atmosférica. Dados horários de pressão atmosférica e rajada máxima de vento de 12 estações meteorológicas automáticas foram usados para avaliar as respostas nas variáveis meteorológicas. Os resultados expressam, de fato, uma ciclogênese explosiva relacionada ao evento, mas cujas rajadas estiveram associadas ao deslocamento das diferentes partes componentes do ciclone extratropical. A área atingida pelas rajadas de vento no dia 30 de junho, por exemplo, não corresponde ao setor de passagem do centro ciclônico, mas antes do sistema frontal frio a ele acoplado.
Reflexões sobre modernidade e experiência
Authors: Vaz Caroline Bulhões Nunes
Published: December 2022

O artigo discute aspectos teóricos acerca da dimensão espacial da experiência debruçando-se sobre as ideias de Walter Benjamin e Martin Heidegger, ponderando a modernidade como esteio temporal de compreensão de suas transmutações. Evidencia-se a importância do entendimento da experiência através da dialética entre dois pares: experiência e vivência, por meio das ideias de Benjamin, que podem enriquecer e atualizar as análises geográficas sobre o tema; e autenticidade e inautenticidade, considerando as contribuições de Martin Heidegger. Destaca-se ainda a importância das ideias desse autor para o desabrochar da geografia humanista, especialmente através de sua influência na obra de Eric Dardel, apontada como um marco de reflexão sobre a dimensão espacial da experiência que repercute ainda hoje nas pesquisas geográficas.
Representation of Gender and Postgraduate Experience Among Professional Medical Society Boards in Japan
Authors: Watari Takashi , Gupta Ashwin , Kataoka Hitomi
Published: December 2022

This cross-sectional study investigates the gender ratio and postgraduate years of experience of Japanese professional medical society boards of directors.
Functional Impairment in Individuals With Prodromal or Unrecognized Parkinson Disease
Authors: Miller-Patterson Cameron , Hsu Jesse Y. , Willis Allison W. , Hamedani Ali G.
Published: December 2022

Importance

Daily functioning in individuals with prodromal Parkinson disease requires more detailed description.

Objective

To evaluate whether functional limitations exist in individuals with Parkinson disease prior to diagnosis compared with the general population.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This case-control study used Medicare-linked data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), a longitudinal survey in the US, for a random subsample of Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years or older, with Black and older individuals oversampled by design. Patients with incident Parkinson disease were defined as having 2 or more Medicare diagnoses from January 2011 to December 2017, with Medicare eligibility 2 or more consecutive years prior to the first diagnosis. Controls were defined as individuals with Medicare eligibility at a baseline year and 2 or more years prior, with no Parkinson disease diagnosis. Analyses were conducted from November 2021 to June 2022.

Exposures

Responses to survey questions addressing dexterity, eating, mobility, mood, pain, sleep, speech, strength, and vision.

Main Outcome and Measures

Associations between survey responses and Parkinson disease diagnosis in the first year of diagnosis (baseline) and up to 3 years prior to diagnosis (ie, during the prodromal phase) were examined using logistic regression.

Results

A total of 6674 participants were included. The participant numbers and case prevalence each year varied from 3492 to 5049 and from 700 to 1180 per 100 000 population, respectively. The median age groups were 75 to 79 years and 80 to 84 years, and the percentage of females varied from 48.21% (27 of 56 cases) to 59.98% (2079 of 3466 controls) across all years, with similar proportions among cases and controls. Individuals with prodromal Parkinson disease were less likely to report being able to walk 6 blocks (odds ratio [OR], 0.34; 95% CI, 0.15-0.82), stand independently from a kneeling position (OR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.11-0.85), or lift a heavy object above one’s head (OR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.15-0.87) and were more likely to report imbalance (OR, 2.77; 95% CI, 1.24-6.20) 3 years prior to diagnosis.

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings suggest that individuals with prodromal or unrecognized Parkinson disease may have greater impairment in activities involving mobility and strength up to 3 years prior to diagnosis compared with the general population. Identification of prodromal disease may facilitate earlier intervention to improve function.
Origin and Regulation of Self‐Discharge in MXene Supercapacitors
Authors: Pu Shi , Wang Zixing , Xie Yanting , Fan Jintao , Xu Zhong , Wang Yihan , He Hanyu , Zhang Xiong , Yang Weiqing , Zhang Haitao
Published: December 2022

MXene‐based supercapacitors are promising electrochemical energy‐storage devices due to their ultrahigh volumetric capacitance, high‐power characteristics, and excellent cyclability. However, they suffer from severe self‐discharging behavior while the underlying self‐discharging mechanism is still unclear. Here, the self‐discharge behavior of MXene‐based supercapacitors from surface electronic structure of MXenes is disclosed, and a novel method to mitigate it is proposed. A superficial engineering strategy based on bio‐thermal treatment is developed to effectively tailor surface electronic structure of Ti3C2Tx MXenes by eliminating hydroxyl terminations. With the evolution of surface electronic structure, as revealed by Kelvin probe force microscope and synchrotron radiation X‐ray absorption fine structure analysis, MXene‐based supercapacitors with common aqueous electrolytes show >20% decline in self‐discharge rate. This decline mechanism originates from the increased work function that induces higher zero‐charge potential after the removal of hydroxyl groups in MXenes. Meanwhile, the strengthened surface dipole leads to higher surface free energy between MXene and electrolytes. These two positive effects endow MXenes with weaker self‐discharge kinetics. Specifically, the activation‐controlled self‐discharge process is greatly suppressed. Illuminating the relevance between electronic structure and self‐discharge accompanying superficial engineering suppression strategy can guide to development of high‐performance energy storage devices.
Nanoparticle‐Based Strain Gauges: Anisotropic Response Characteristics, Multidirectional Strain Sensing, and Novel Approaches to Healthcare Applications
Authors: Ketelsen Bendix , Schlicke Hendrik , Schulze Verena R. , Bittinger Sophia C. , Wu Shin‐Da , Hsu Shan‐hui , Vossmeyer Tobias
Published: December 2022

Directional strain sensing is essential for advanced sensor applications in the field of human‐machine interfaces and healthcare. Here, the angle dependent anisotropic strain sensitivity caused by charge carriers percolating through cross‐linked gold nanoparticle (GNP) networks is studied and these versatile materials are used for the fabrication of wearable triaxial pulse and gesture sensors. More specifically, the anisotropic response of 1,9‐nonanedithiol cross‐linked GNP films is separated into geometric and piezoresistive contributions by fitting the measured data with an analytic model. Hereby, piezoresistive coefficients of g11 ∼ 32 and g12 ∼ 21 are extracted, indicating a slightly anisotropic response behavior of the GNP‐based material. To use the material for healthcare applications, arrangements of three GNP transducers are patterned lithographically and fully embedded into a highly flexible silicone polymer (Dragon Skin 30). The new encapsulation method ensures good and robust electrical contacts and enables facile handling and protection from external influences. A facile read‐out with wireless data transmission using off‐the‐shelf electrical components underlines the great potential of these devices for applications as skin‐wearable healthcare sensors.
Recyclable Nacre‐Like Aramid‐Mica Nanopapers with Enhanced Mechanical and Electrical Insulating Properties
Authors: Pan Xiao‐Feng , Bao Zhiwei , Xu WenLong , Gao Huai‐Ling , Wu Bao , Zhu YinBo , Yu Guan‐Hua , Chen Jungen , Zhang Si‐Chao , Li Liangbin , Wu Heng‐An , Li Xiaoguang , Yu Shu‐Hong
Published: December 2022

The emerging aramid‐mica nanopapers, composed of aramid nanofibers (ANFs) and mica nanosheets (Mica), exhibit superiority in the field of electrical insulation compared with commercial aramid‐mica micropapers. Unfortunately, their mechanical and electrical insulating properties are still less than ideal due to insufficient control of their microstructures. Herein, it is presented that by integrating ANFs and Mica into nacre‐like aramid‐mica nanopapers with improved structural orderliness, densification, and interlayer interaction, simultaneously improved mechanical and electrical insulating properties are achieved. Their maximum tensile strength and breakdown strength reach ≈292 MPa and ≈176 kV mm−1, respectively, which are superior to those of the state‐of‐the‐art ANFs‐based nanopapers. Particularly, the aramid‐mica nanopapers show high resistance to high‐temperature (250–300 °C) and oil‐bath (100 °C) environments commonly involved in practical applications, and can be recycled many times, demonstrating their great potential as high‐performance sustainable electrical insulating papers to be applied in advanced electrical equipment.
Customizing Component Regulated Dense Heterointerfaces for Crafting Robust Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Zhao Mincai , Tan Pengcheng , Cai Daoping , Liu Yangjie , Zhang Chaoqi , Fei Ban , Sa Baisheng , Chen Qidi , Zhan Hongbing
Published: December 2022

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries hold great promise for the next‐generation energy storage system. However, their commercial applications are severely hindered by myriads of drawbacks such as poor electrical conductivity of sulfur, sluggish redox reaction kinetics of sulfur species, “shuttling effect” of soluble lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) and uncontrollable dendritic Li growth. Herein, it is conceptually demonstrated that sluggish conversion kinetics of LiPSs is markedly stimulated by exquisite heterointerface modulation at nanoscale level over transition metal carbides and nitrides. In this scenario, N‐doped carbon coupled with molybdenum nitride/carbide (Mo2N‐MoC/NC) hybrid nanocomposites are designed through a one‐step carbonization‐nitridation process, wherein component regulation induced dense heterointerfaces are in situ produced. Benefiting from high electrical conductivity, strong chemical adsorption, and superior catalytic activity afforded by dense heterointerfaces, the Mo2N‐MoC/NC modified separators significantly restrict the soluble LiPSs shuttling and simultaneously suppress the Li dendrite generation. The assembled Li–S batteries with Mo2N‐MoC/NC modified separators exhibit remarkable electrochemical performance. Integrated experimental and theoretical results substantiate the boosted chemisorption and catalytic conversion of LiPSs endowed by such dense heterointerfaces. The work will open a new vista for rationally constructing multifarious heterostructured materials for the communities of Li‐S batteries.
Stabilization of the Polar Structure and Giant Second‐Order Nonlinear Response of Single Crystal γ‐NaAs0.95Sb0.05Se2
Authors: Iyer Abishek K. , He Jingyang , Xie Hongyao , Goodling Devin , Chung Duck‐Young , Gopalan Venkatraman , Kanatzidis Mercouri G.
Published: December 2022

The dearth of suitable materials significantly restricts the practical development of infrared (IR) laser systems with highly efficient and broadband tuning. Recently, γ‐NaAsSe2 is reported, and it exhibits a large nonlinear second‐harmonic generation (SHG) coefficient of 590 pm V−1 at 2 µm. However, the crystal growth of γ‐NaAsSe2 is challenging because it undergoes a phase transition to centrosymmetric δ‐NaAsSe2. Herein, the stabilization of non‐centrosymmetric γ‐NaAsSe2 by doping the As site with Sb, which results in γ‐NaAs0.95Sb0.05Se2 is reported. The congruent melting behavior is confirmed by differential thermal analysis with a melting temperature of 450 °C and crystallization temperature of 415 °C. Single crystals with dimensions of 3 mm × 2 mm are successfully obtained via zone refining and the Bridgman method. The purification of the material plays a significant role in crystal growth and results in a bandgap of 1.78 eV and thermal conductivity of 0.79 Wm−1 K−1. The single‐crystal SHG coefficient of γ‐NaAs0.95Sb0.05Se2 exhibits an enormous value of |d11| = 648 ± 74 pm V−1, which is comparable to that of γ‐NaAsSe2 and ≈20× larger than that of AgGaSe2. The bandgap of γ‐NaAs0.95Sb0.05Se2 (1.78 eV) is similar to that of AgGaSe2, thus rendering it highly attractive as a high‐performing nonlinear optical material.
Self‐powered In‐Phase Sensing and Regulating Mechanical System Enabled by Nanogenerator and Electrorheological Fluid
Authors: Sun Jianfeng , Zhang Lingjun , Hui Xindan , Huang Yingzhou , Chen Jie , Hu Chenguo , Guo Hengyu , Qi Song , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: December 2022

Mechanical system with adjustable stiffness and damping (ASAD) shows great potential in vibration suppression of aircraft, vehicle, precise instrument, etc. However, current ASAD systems consist of power, sensing, and controlling components, which bring huge challenges of system reliability and integrability, and critically limit its application diversity. Herein, we proposed the first strategy for regulating ASAD system that is system simplification, self‐powered and no‐delay by deeply coupling triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) and electrorheological fluid (ERF). Under the time‐varying mechanical triggering, the local and time correlated output of TENG instantaneously applied on the ERF regulates the entire mechanical system dynamically and “in‐phase”. As an illustration, the resonance of a cantilever system is effectively suppressed naturally without complicated controlling strategy, and the vibration isolating efficiency reaches up to 85.2%. Finally, a mechanical transmission system is demonstrated utilizing a rotary TENG and ERF, excellent soft‐start performance is enabled by this self‐regulating ASAD strategy. This work may provide the opening arsenal of methodologies used in self‐powered and self‐regulating mechanical systems.
Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles‐Based Nanoplatforms: Basic Construction, Current State, and Emerging Applications in Anticancer Therapeutics
Authors: Feng Yi , Liao Zhen , Li Mengyue , Zhang Hanxi , Li Tingting , Qin Xiang , Li Shun , Wu Chunhui , You Fengming , Liao Xiaoling , Cai Lulu , Yang Hong , Liu Yiyao
Published: December 2022

In recent years, researchers are developing novel nanoparticles for diagnostic applications using imaging techniques and for therapeutic purposes through drug delivery techniques. The unique physical and chemical properties of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) make it possible to integrate a variety of commonly used therapeutic and imaging agents to construct a multimodal synergistic anticancer drug delivery system. Herein, recent advances in MSNs synthesis for drug delivery and smart response applications are reviewed. First, synthetic strategies for the fabrication of ordered MSNs, hollow MSNs, core–shell structured MSNs, dendritic MSNs, and biodegradable MSNs are outlined. Then, the recent research progress in designing functional MSN materials with various controlled release mechanisms in anticancer therapy is discussed, and new properties are introduced to suggest the latest design requirements as drug delivery materials. The review also highlights significant achievements in bioimaging using MSNs and their multifunctional counterparts as delivery vehicles. Finally, personal views on key directions for future work in this area are presented.
Near‐Infrared Windows I and II Phosphors for Theranostic Applications: Spectroscopy, Bioimaging, and Light‐Emitting Diode Photobiomodulation
Authors: Huang Wen‐Tse , Rajendran Veeramani , Chan Ming‐Hsien , Hsiao Michael , Chang Ho , Liu Ru‐Shi
Published: December 2022

The importance and practicality of near‐infrared (NIR) light for the biomedical field has attached importance to the academe and industry with the development of technology. Luminescent materials with different doping strategies are promising candidates for covering near‐infrared biological windows from 700 nm to 1 700 nm. The relationship between NIR light, nanophosphors, and biological tissue towards the function of diagnostic and therapy in different NIR windows is explored clearly, which corresponds to diffuse reflection spectroscopy with bioimaging and light‐emitting diode (LED) photobiomodulation. The diseases can be monitored with specific chromophore absorption under the NIR light source, which also can be traced to the dynamic change of the biological environment by luminescent materials. Especially in brain diseases, cytochrome c oxidase in mitochondria as the crucial photoreceptor can be activated under NIR irradiation to achieve the non‐invasive treatment of neuron protection and recovery. NIR light attributed to LED or nanophosphors show the potential of theranostic approaches in biomedical technology. Cr3+‐ and Ni2+‐activated phosphors covering NIR windows I and II are presented with optical properties to explore the feasibility and practicability of non‐invasive precise medical treatment in the future.
Multifunctional Fluorescent Materials with Reversible Mechanochromism and Distinct Photochromism
Authors: Luo Weihua , Tang Yiyuan , Zhang Xin , Wu Zhen , Wang Guojie
Published: December 2022

It is extremely significant and desirable to integrate the fascinating mechanochromism and photochromism in one simple molecule. Herein, two intriguing cyanostilbene‐containing triphenylamine (TPA)/tetraphenylethylene (TPE) derivatives (Z‐TPA‐MB and Z‐TPE‐MB) are elaborately designed, which not only display excellent aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) properties with high solid‐state fluorescence quantum yields (60.9% and 63.8%) but also exhibit reversible and high contrast mechanochromism and distinct photochromism. The powders of Z‐TPA‐MB and Z‐TPE‐MB both exhibit large red‐shift under mechanical stimulation based on the highly twisted conformation and the resulting loose packing mode, accompanied by significant changes in apparent and fluorescent colors. Meanwhile, their solid‐state fluorescence can be reversibly switched between crystalline and amorphous structures through alternating grinding and solvent fuming, exhibiting good fatigue resistance. In addition, the molecules also exhibit distinct dual‐mode photochromic behaviors owing to the presence of cyanostilbene moieties: under 420/365 nm light irradiation, the fluorescence of which decreases in solution owing to the photo‐isomerization, while decreases and blue‐shifts in the aggregated state owing to the photodimerization reactions. The reversible, tractable, and high‐contrast mechanochromism and distinct photochromism of the cyanostilbene‐containing molecules endow them with excellent application prospects in the field of rewritable papers and photo‐patterning.
Highly Efficient Blue Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Emitters with a Triphenylamine‐Based Macrocyclic Donor
Authors: Lin Chun‐Yen , Lu Chen‐Han , Kuo Kai‐Hua , Wang Miaosheng , Tang Yipeng , Dou Yixuan , Hu Bin , Wu Chung‐Chih , Wong Ken‐Tsung
Published: December 2022

This work reports the incorporation of a triphenylamine‐based macrocyclic donor to design new donor‐π‐acceptor‐configured blue thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters. The X‐ray structure analyses manifest the degree of twisted conformations that can be modulated by methyl substituents of the π‐bridge and macrocyclic donor, leading to well‐separated highest occupied natural transition orbital and lowest unoccupied natural transition orbital frontier orbitals, thus sufficiently small singlet–triplet energy difference (ΔEST) for TADF. The theoretical analyses elucidate the structure–property relationship and reveal the beneficial effect of macrocyclic donor on increasing reverse intersystem crossing (RISC) process that can contribute to improved triplet‐upconversion efficiency. The blue device employing c‐NN‐TRZ as emitter gave a maximum external quantum efficiecny (EQEmax) of 26.3% as compared to that (19.1%) of the device using the model compound DPA‐MeTRZ without the macrocyclic donor, suggesting the contribution of macrocyclic donor to enhance device performance. Benefiting from the combined advantages of macrocyclic donor and methyl substituents, the device incorporating c‐NN‐MeTRZ as emitter achieves an outstanding EQEmax of 32.2%, which is attributed to the more horizontally oriented emission dipoles as well as the significantly accelerated RISC rate constant (kRISC) resulting from reduced ΔEST. This work represents a new strategy of designing twisted TADF emitter incorporating macrocyclic donor to achieve highly efficient blue device.
Synthesis of AgI and AuI Complexes from Tetra(thiophene‐NHC)‐Substituted Ethylene and Their Tunable Fluorescence Properties
Authors: Sun Li‐Ying , Liao Qiu‐Ping , Li Yang , Hahn F. Ekkehardt , Han Ying‐Feng
Published: December 2022

Dinuclear silver(I) and gold(I) complexes have been prepared from (NHC‐thiophene)‐substituted ethylene (NHC = N‐heterocyclic carbene). Both the 1,2,3,4‐tetrathienylethene (TTE)‐bridged tetrakisazolium salts (H4‐L1(PF6)4 and H4‐L2(PF6)4) and the 2,2′‐(diphenylethene‐1,1‐diyl)dithiophene (DPDT)‐bridged bisimidazolium ligand precursors H4‐L3(PF6)2 have been prepared and are treated with Ag2O to give dinuclear tetracarbene complexes [Ag2L](PF6)2 (L = L1, L2) and [Ag2(L3)2](PF6)2, respectively. The silver(I) complexes undergo a transmetalation reaction with [AuCl(THT)] (THT = tetrahydrothiophene) to furnish gold(I) NHC complexes with retention of the original structures. All complexes have been characterized by multi‐nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and high‐resolution electrospray ionization (HR‐ESI) mass spectrometry, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. The thiophene‐containing NHC complexes exhibit aggregation‐induced emission behavior in acetonitrile/water solutions and temperature‐dependent fluorescence properties.
Sustained Inhibition of Maize Seed‐Borne Fusarium Using a Bacillus‐Dominated Rhizospheric Stable Core Microbiota with Unique Cooperative Patterns
Authors: Xun Weibing , Ren Yi , Yan He , Ma Aiyuan , Liu Zihao , Wang Lingling , Zhang Nan , Xu Zhihui , Miao Youzhi , Feng Haichao , Shen Qirong , Zhang Ruifu
Published: December 2022

Seed‐borne pathogens can inhabit the rhizosphere and infect the plant after germination. The rhizosphere microbiome plays critical roles in defending against seed‐borne pathogens. However, the assembly of a core rhizosphere microbiome to suppress seed‐borne pathogens is unknown. Here, the root‐associated microbiome is infested with seed‐borne Fusarium in sterile environment, while the root‐associated microbiome is not infested when it interacts with the native soil microbiome across maize cultivars, suggesting that a core rhizosphere microbiome assembles to suppress seed‐borne Fusarium. Two strategies of progressive dilution and rhizodepositional attraction are applied to identify the core rhizobacteria. A synthetic microbiota (SynM) is constructed using the isolates of the core rhizobacteria and optimized according to superior community stability and Fusarium‐suppression capability, which surpasses the single strain and randomly formed microbiota. The optimized SynM (OptSynM) presents a distinctive cooperative pattern in which a key strain harbors the Fusarium suppression function by synthesizing the antagonistic substance fengycin, while other members intensify the functional performance by promoting the growth and the expression of the antagonistic and plant‐growth‐promoting related genes of the key strain. This study demonstrates innovative approaches to construct stable and minimal microbiota for sustainable agriculture and proposes a unique cooperative pattern to sustain community stability and functionality.
Halogen‐Free π$\upi$‐Conjugated Polymers Based on Thienobenzobisthiazole for Efficient Nonfullerene Organic Solar Cells: Rational Design for Achieving High Backbone Order and High Solubility
Authors: Nakao Naoya , Saito Masahiko , Mikie Tsubasa , Ishikawa Takumi , Jeon Jihun , Kim Hyung Do , Ohkita Hideo , Saeki Akinori , Osaka Itaru
Published: December 2022

In ‐conjugated polymers, a highly ordered backbone structure and solubility are always in a trade‐off relationship that must be overcome to realize highly efficient and solution‐processable organic photovoltaics (OPVs). Here, it is shown that a ‐conjugated polymer based on a novel thiazole‐fused ring, thieno[2′,3′:5,6]benzo[1,2‐d:4,3‐d′]bisthiazole (TBTz) achieves both high backbone order and high solubility due to the structural feature of TBTz such as the noncovalent interlocking of the thiazole moiety, the rigid and bent‐shaped structure, and the fused alkylthiophene ring. Furthermore, based on the electron‐deficient nature of these thiazole‐fused rings, the polymer exhibits deep HOMO energy levels, which lead to high open‐circuit voltages (VOCs) in OPV cells, even without halogen substituents that are commonly introduced into high‐performance polymers. As a result, when the polymer is combined with a typical nonfullerene acceptor Y6, power conversion efficiencies of reaching 16% and VOCs of more than 0.84 V are observed, both of which are among the top values reported so far for “halogen‐free” polymers. This study will serve as an important reference for designing ‐conjugated polymers to achieve highly efficient and solution‐processable OPVs.
In Situ Grown Hierarchical Electrospun Nanofiber Skeletons with Embedded Vanadium Nitride Nanograins for Ultra‐Fast and Super‐Long Cycle Life Aqueous Zn‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Yingmeng , Jiang Shengyang , Li Yongliang , Ren Xiangzhong , Zhang Peixin , Sun Lingna , Yang Hui Ying
Published: December 2022

The issues of inadequate cycle stability and energy density for aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) can be partly addressed by controlling cathode dissolution and structural deterioration and improving electronic conductivity and reaction kinetics. Herein, vanadium nitride embedded nitrogen‐doped carbon nanofiber (VN/N‐CNFs) composites with 3D self‐supported skeletons and hierarchical structures are developed by an electrospinning technique and thermal treatments. The introduction of vanadium‐based metal organic frameworks (V‐MOFs) contributes to in situ hierarchical growth of whisker‐like secondary structures and homogeneous distribution of 0D active VN nanograins into both trunk nanofibers and branched nano‐whiskers. The protective and conductive carbon matrix derived from functional V‐MOFs and electrospun nanofibers not only prevents the self‐aggregation of highly‐active 0D nanograins, but also provides encapsulating shells to suppress the vanadium dissolution by controlling the direct contact with aqueous electrolytes. Furthermore, the flexible and free‐standing 3D electrospun VN/N‐CNFs skeletons contribute high structural integrity for the aqueous ZIBs, exhibiting an ultra‐long cycle lifespan with reversible capacity of 482 mAh g−1 after cycling at 50 A g−1 for 30,000 cycles and a super‐high rate capability with discharge capacity of 297 mAh g−1 at high rate of 100 A g−1. This research sheds light upon a pathway toward designing superior ZIBs.
Enhanced Electrolyte Transport and Kinetics Mitigate Graphite Exfoliation and Li Plating in Fast‐Charging Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Gao Hongpeng , Yan Qizhang , Holoubek John , Yin Yijie , Bao Wurigumula , Liu Haodong , Baskin Artem , Li Mingqian , Cai Guorui , Li Weikang , Tran Duc , Liu Ping , Luo Jian , Meng Ying Shirley , Chen Zheng
Published: December 2022

Despite significant progress in energy retention, lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) face untenable reductions in cycle life under extreme fast‐charging (XFC) conditions, which primarily originate from a variety of kinetic limitations between the graphite anode and the electrolyte. Through quantitative Li+ loss accounting and comprehensive materials analyses, it is directly observed that the operation of LIB pouch cells at 4 C||C/3 (charging||discharging) results in Li plating, disadvantageous solid‐electrolyte‐interphase formation, and solvent co‐intercalation leading to interstitial decomposition within graphite layers. It is found that these failure modes originate from the insufficient properties of conventional electrolytes, where employing a designed ester‐based electrolyte improved the capacity retention of these cells from 55.9% to 88.2% after 500 cycles when operated at the aforementioned conditions. These metrics are the result of effective mitigation of the aforementioned failure modes due to superior Li+ transport and desolvation characteristics demonstrated through both experimental and computational characterization. This work reveals the vital nature of electrolyte design to XFC performance.
Cancer incidence and surveillance strategies in individuals withRASopathies
Authors: Ney Gina , Gross Andrea , Livinski Alicia , Kratz Christian P. , Stewart Douglas R.
Published: December 2022

RASopathies are a set of clinical syndromes that have molecular and clinical overlap. Genetically, these syndromes are defined by germline pathogenic variants in RAS/MAPK pathway genes resulting in activation of this pathway. Clinically, their common molecular signature leads to comparable phenotypes, including cardiac anomalies, neurologic disorders and notably, elevated cancer risk. Cancer risk in individuals with RASopathies has been estimated from retrospective reviews and cohort studies. For example, in Costello syndrome, cancer incidence is significantly elevated over the general population, largely due to solid tumors. In some forms of Noonan syndrome, cancer risk is also elevated over the general population and is enriched for hematologic malignancies. Thus, cancer surveillance guidelines have been developed to monitor for the occurrence of such cancers in individuals with some RASopathies. These include abdominal ultrasound and urinalyses for individuals with Costello syndrome, while complete blood counts and splenic examination are recommended in Noonan syndrome. Improved cancer risk estimates and refinement of surveillance recommendations will improve the care of individuals with RASopathies.
Direct Aldimine Oxidative Reaction: A General Approach toward Amides
Authors: Liu Qing‐Peng , Chen Lian‐Mei , Zhou Chuang , Guo Xiao‐Qiang , Kang Tai‐Ran
Published: December 2022

The first procedure to directly access amides from stable aldimine under potassium peroxymonosulfate (Oxone)/DMF system was reported. It involved a nucleophilic addition of imine with Oxone, a similar Baeyer‐Villiger rearrangement and a tautomerization process to afford amides in excellent yield. The present work opens up an efficient method to amides under mild conditions.
Predictive significance of computed tomography in bilateral sinonasal respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartoma
Authors: Yu Longgang , Zhang Zengxiao , Wei Zhaoxia , Jiang Jiaxin , Yan Xudong , Jiang Liwei , Chen Min , Wang Lin , Jiang Yan
Published: December 2022

Key points

Respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartoma (REAH) is easily confused with nasal polyps (NP).

The typical manifestation of REAH on CT is the enlargement of bilateral olfactory clefts (OCs).

The widening of the OCs in the CT scan is a biomarker for diagnosing REAH associated with NP.
Magnetic selenium and nitrogen dual‐doped mesoporous carbon for immobilization of Pd nanoparticles: The utilitarian heterogeneous catalyst in Heck‐cross coupling reaction
Authors: Samandi Atena , Nemati Firouzeh , Mirhosseyni Marzie Sadat , Sabaqian Samaneh
Published: December 2022

Pd nanoparticle (Pd NP) immobilized on the magnetic Se and N dual‐doped carbon support was easily fabricated through thermal pyrolysis of glucose, selenium dioxide (SeO2), ammonium chloride (NH4Cl), and Fe3O4 hybridization and followed by chemical reductive reaction. After the successful characterization of prepared Se‐mCN/Fe3O4/Pd by using the various physicochemical techniques, it was used as the heterogeneous magnetic catalyst in the Heck‐cross coupling reaction. The utilization of cost‐effective biomass, high specific surface area, high product conversion, generality in diverse derivative conversion, simple separation process, and four runs reusability are some of the Se‐mCN/Fe3O4/Pd benefits.
A highly efficient melamine/red phosphorus flame retardant for polyurethane‐based foams
Authors: Lu Wei , Zeng Zhipeng , He Zhenglong , Liang Yuntao , Sun Yong , Song Shuanglin , Wang Lili , Liu Ruling
Published: December 2022

A highly dispersed melamine/red phosphorus (MA/RP) composite flame retardant was prepared by means of simple mechanical grinding. After co‐thermal pretreatment with polyether polyol (PPG‐2000) at 135°C, organic–inorganic hybrid foams (MA/RP/HF) containing MA/RP flame retardant were prepared by the one‐step method using main raw materials such as polyisocyanate and sodium silicate. When 0.5 wt% MA/RP with the mass ratio of 1:5 is added, MA can realize the uniform dispersion of RP in the substrate and enhance its flame retardancy, and the obtained MA/RP/HF presents uniform and closed pores and excellent basic properties. The TG results reveal that MA/RP/HF shows good thermal stability and the corresponding char residual rate reaches 37.9% at 800°C. The flame retardant test results prove that MA/RP/HF is capable of passing the V‐0 grade, with the LOI value being 26.8%. According to the cone calorimeter analysis, its peak heat release rate and total heat release decrease by 30.1% and 51.7% compared with those of rigid polyurethane‐based foam and by 40.1% and 30.0% compared with those of pure HF, respectively. Finally, the synergistic flame retardancy mechanism of MA and RP on polyurethane‐based foam was discussed.
Acoustic detection of bottlenose dolphin depredation on nets and implications for conservation
Authors: La Manna G. , Arrostuto N. , Campisi S. S. , Manghi M. , Fois N. , Ceccherelli G.
Published: December 2022

Understanding the depredation process is pivotal to the management of conflicts between wildlife and human activities. Depredation by marine mammals on fisheries occurs when animals ‘steal’ fish from the fishing gear, causing catch loss and damage to gear and catches. The common bottlenose dolphin is a vulnerable species and is the main depredator of coastal static net fisheries in the Mediterranean Sea.

The nature and extent of the phenomenon is still poorly understood since evidence is often incomplete or inconsistent mostly due to the different methods used to measure depredation.

Here, passive acoustic monitoring devices were used to estimate the consistency between dolphin acoustic detection in proximity to the net and direct dolphin observations and catch measurements at different sites in Sardinia (north‐western Mediterranean Sea). Further, some factors influencing depredation (fishing duration and fishing net length) and changes in catch amount and composition were evaluated.

The frequency of dolphin detection based on direct dolphin observations was significantly lower than that based on acoustic monitoring; the latter was related to the amount of catch. Thus, the measurement of catch was more realistically related to depredation than direct dolphin observations. Further, dolphin depredation was related to the duration of the fishing operation.

The measure of depredation and catch loss provided here can be used to realistically estimate the damage suffered by fishers and provide preliminary insights to guide the development of an approach for sustainable coexistence between dolphins and fisheries.
NLRP3 Attenuates Intraocular Inflammation by Inhibiting AIM2‐Mediated Pyroptosis Through the Phosphorylated Salt‐Inducible Kinase 1/Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Transcription Factor 1 Pathway
Authors: Meng Jiayu , Li Na , Liu Xianyang , Qiao Shengjun , Zhou Qian , Tan Jun , Zhang Ting , Dong Zhifang , Qi Xiaopeng , Kijlstra Aize , Mao Liming , Yang Peizeng , Hou Shengping
Published: December 2022

Objective

The NLRP3 inflammasome has been shown to be involved in the development of uveitis, but the exact mechanism remains elusive. This study was undertaken to explore the role of NLRP3 in the development of uveitis.

Methods

First, Nlrp3‐deficient mice were used to study the role of NLRP3 in experimental autoimmune diseases, such as experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Next, the gathering of ASC, activation of caspase 1 and gasdermin D, and secretion of lactate dehydrogenase and interleukin‐1β were detected to confirm macrophage pyroptosis and AIM2 activation in the Nlrp3−/− mice. Additionally, RNA sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation–polymerase chain reaction were used to investigate the phosphorylated salt‐inducible kinase 1 (p‐SIK1)/sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1 (SREBF1) pathway, which regulates the transcription of Aim2. Finally, overexpression of Nlrp3 was applied to treat EAU.

Results

Surprisingly, our findings show that NLRP3 plays an antiinflammatory role in 2 models of EAU and EAE. Additionally, macrophages show an increased M1 activation and pyroptosis in Nlrp3−/− mice. Further experiments indicate that this pyroptosis of macrophages was mediated by the up‐regulated transcription of Aim2 as a result of Nlrp3 deficiency. In mechanistic studies, Nlrp3 deficiency was implicated in the down‐regulation of p‐SIK1 and subsequently the up‐regulation of SREBF1, which binds to Aim2 and then promotes the latter's transcription. Finally, Aim2 deficiency, RNA silencing of Aim2 or Srebf1, and overexpression of Nlrp3 resulted in attenuated inflammation of EAU.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrate that NLRP3 inhibits AIM2 inflammasome–mediated EAU by regulating the p‐SIK1/SREBF1 pathway, highlighting the therapeutic potential of targeting Nlrp3.

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Knee Alignment Correction by High Tibial Osteotomy Reduces Symptoms and Synovial Inflammation in Knee Osteoarthritis Accompanied by Macrophage Phenotypic Change From M1 to M2
Authors: Yoshida Shigeo , Nishitani Kohei , Yoshitomi Hiroyuki , Kuriyama Shinichi , Nakamura Shinichiro , Fujii Takayuki , Saito Motoo , Kobori Yu , Murakami Akinori , Murata Koichi , Ito Hiromu , Ueno Hideki , Matsuda Shuichi
Published: December 2022

Objective

This study aimed to determine whether alignment correction by high tibial osteotomy (HTO) can change the biologic intraarticular microenvironment of osteoarthritic (OA) knees.

Methods

Synovial tissue (ST) and fluid (SF) were collected from the affected knees of 31 OA patients during initial HTO and plate removal surgeries. Changes in gene expression in ST were investigated by microarray and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). ST specimens were also evaluated histologically using synovitis scores and immunofluorescence staining to determine macrophage polarity. Cytokines and chemokines in SF were analyzed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. The mechanism of macrophage polarization was investigated in human peripheral blood mononuclear cell–derived macrophages and fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS) stimulated with cartilage fragments. We also evaluated Spearman correlations between Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome scores (KOOS) and macrophage‐related gene expression.

Results

The microarray results indicated down‐regulated inflammatory genes and pathways. Real‐time PCR determined that genes expressing proinflammatory IL1B and IL6 were down‐regulated and M2 macrophage–related IL1RA, IL10, CCL18, and CD206 were up‐regulated. Histologic findings revealed attenuated synovitis scores and a shift from M1 to M2 macrophages. Interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) concentrations in SF decreased after HTO. Cartilage fragments were responsible for M1 macrophage polarization and proinflammatory gene and protein expression in macrophages, whereas cartilage fragments up‐regulated only IL‐6 protein in FLS. Postoperative KOOS positively correlated with the expression of the M2‐related genes CCL18 and CD206.

Conclusion

Correction of lower limb alignment with HTO attenuated synovial inflammation and changed macrophage polarization from M1 to M2, suggesting an improved intraarticular environment in knee OA.
The cap epitranscriptome: Early directions to a complex life as mRNA
Authors: Anreiter Ina , Tian Yuan W. , Soller Matthias
Published: December 2022

Animal, protist and viral messenger RNAs (mRNAs) are most prominently modified at the beginning by methylation of cap‐adjacent nucleotides at the 2′‐O‐position of the ribose (cOMe) by dedicated cap methyltransferases (CMTrs). If the first nucleotide of an mRNA is an adenosine, PCIF1 can methylate at the N6‐position (m6A), while internally the Mettl3/14 writer complex can methylate. These modifications are introduced co‐transcriptionally to affect many aspects of gene expression including localisation to synapses and local translation. Of particular interest, transcription start sites of many genes are heterogeneous leading to sequence diversity at the beginning of mRNAs, which together with cOMe and m6Am could constitute an extensive novel layer of gene expression control. Given the role of cOMe and m6A in local gene expression at synapses and higher brain functions including learning and memory, such code could be implemented at the transcriptional level for lasting memories through local gene expression at synapses.