bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerology, China
Authors: Hon Tze‐Ki
Published: December 2021

Like other aspects in ancient Chinese thought, numerology was closely linked to cosmology, political legitimacy, and moral cultivation. Drawing from Confucianism and Daoism, ancient Chinese believed that the cosmos is an organismic process without beginning or end. They also believed that political authority and human morality are reflections of the constant unfolding of the universe. As representations of the great flow of the universe, numbers were symbols of the movement and interchanges of the yin and yang forces. They were also the building block upon which a code of behavior could be developed to maintain political stability and social harmony. Hence, in ancient China, numerology was imbued with political and social meanings. Its goal was not to develop an abstract logic based on numbers and equations; nor was it to promote a rational thinking founded on numerological symbols. Instead, it was to decipher “the mandate of heaven” (
tianming
) and to match the human world with the natural world. In this entry, I discuss the number system of the Han dynasty (206
bce
–220
ce
) that was based on the
Yijing
(Book of Changes).
Yin‐Yang and Five Agents
Authors: Sabattini Elisa Levi
Published: December 2021

This entry focuses on the early usages of the ideas of “yin‐yang” and the “five agents” in Chinese tradition. Social stability and ethical issues were connected to the natural order of the cosmos through the principles of “yin‐yang” and “five agents.” In time, from the imperial period on, these principles became part of the political rhetoric of ministers and thinkers.
Magic, China – Intellectual History
Authors: Kory Stephan N.
Published: December 2021

Today, magic is often distinguished from science as its ancestor and as an infallible and untestable activity (i.e., failed science). It is also often distinguished from religion as an immediate ancestor of it and as an attempt to control spiritual power for immediate personal ends rather than an attempt to access or avoid this power for protracted communal ends. Magic is also frequently approached as a heterodox activity reliant on occult knowledge rather than an orthodox activity reliant on canonical knowledge. Attempts to control spiritual power for specific and immediate ends are well attested in ancient China, but most are sanctioned attempts described from the perspective of the royal or imperial state. While descriptions of unsanctioned or deviant attempts are not well documented until the late Zhou, they rapidly increase through subsequent periods and the development of new canon‐based religious traditions like Daoism and Chinese Buddhism at the end of and after the Eastern Han gave rise to a plethora of new institutional religious perspectives on licit and illicit attempts to control spiritual (including demonic) power.
Spring and Autumn Annals
Authors: Tashima Pauli K.
Published: December 2021

The
Spring and Autumn Annals
(
Chunqiu
春秋, hereafter the
Annals
) is a historical chronicle that represents one of two major ancient Chinese traditions of historiography: one presents information in the form of the official annals; the other, in the form of narrative or exposition. Belonging to the former tradition, the
Annals
records mainly political events that occurred from 722 to 479
bce
. Despite or perhaps because of the extremely compressed style of language used in the
Annals
, written exegesis has been generated since the formation of the text to explicate the significance of the restricted word choices employed. Associated with the
Annals
, three major exegetical traditions have survived today as written texts, the
Zuo Tradition
左傳 (compiled ca. fourth century
bce
),
Gongyang Tradition
公羊傳 (compiled ca. fourth–second century
bce
), and
Guliang Tradition
穀梁傳 (compiled ca. third–first century
bce
). All of these traditions approach the
Annals
with the assumption that certain implicit scribal rules governed the original composition of the text, norms that determined the types of information, honorific titles, vocabulary, and even word order that ought to be employed by the scribe making the records. But whereas the direct commentary in the
Zuo Tradition
focuses on explicating these rules in terms of ritual, rank, and hierarchy, the
Gongyang
and
Guliang
traditions ascribe weighty moral judgments to terminology in the
Annals
that appear to exegetes to have departed from the expected scribal rules.
Burning of the Books
Authors: Foster Christopher J.
Published: December 2021

The phrase “burning of the books” refers to a policy adopted by the First Emperor of Qin in 213
bce
that proscribed certain texts deemed politically threatening to the Qin dynasty. This policy was based on a proposal by Chancellor Li Si, which argued for the destruction of the “
shi”
(odes)
,
“
shu”
(documents), and “
baijia zhi yu”
(sayings of the hundred persons) in private collections, along with all non‐Qin historical records. This event – often mentioned alongside the “burying of the scholars” – has played a central role in Chinese historiography, and particularly in Confucian apologetics. Modern scholarship, however, has critiqued traditional portrayals of the Qin biblioclasm and its impact.
Mandate of Heaven
Authors: Grundmann Joern P.
Published: December 2021

The Mandate of Heaven (tianming天命) is perhaps the most prominent feature in early Chinese intellectual history. Initially associated with a rhetorical claim to legitimize the Zhou conquest over the Shang, the idea soon developed into a moral theory of history, retrospectively explaining the in part mythological change of ruling houses from Xia, Shang to Zhou in terms of a shift of Heaven's Mandate, caused by ritual excess and moral failures in those who lost it and by moral excellence paired with ritual restraint in those who were about to receive it. Moreover, with its pronounced decoupling of the notion of a high god from the exclusive, quasi‐genealogical access of one particular ruling lineage and its ancestral spirits, the idea of a universal, incorruptible theopolitical mandate heralded the distinction between transcendence and world‐immanence in early Chinese thought. Whereas the concept was combined with ideas of cosmic cycles, heavenly decreed fate, and even human nature in subsequent centuries after the end of the Western Zhou period, the originally moral notion of the Heavenly Mandate continued to constitute the chief ideological context for the legitimation of dynastic change and royal authority throughout pre‐imperial and imperial times.
Xin
(Heart‐Mind)
Authors: Grundmann Joern P.
Published: December 2021

In the early Chinese system of ideas, the organ of the heart (
xin
) was associated with human sentiments, intentions, and dispositions, but also with cognitive and evaluative activities, hence the alternative English rendering as “heart‐mind.” Judging from extant epigraphic sources, the heart was initially regarded as the seat of personal loyalty and political responsibility in the context of political bonds forged between the Zhou king and his vassals at the beginning of the first millennium
bce
. In this particular function it remained a crucial factor throughout the period of interstate and interlineage covenants after 771
bce
. With the decline of the covenant‐based aristocratic society around 450
bce
, the heart began to play a major role again in the development of Confucian moral and political philosophy. Ruist models of sociopolitical order worked on the premise that the evaluative and controlling functions of the heart potentially enabled each person to become an accountable social being. The parameters of well‐ordered social coexistence, it was believed, were either rooted in, or could be conceived with and approved of by, the heart. On the contrary, the early Daoist tradition advocated a decoupling of the heart from the realm of sociopolitical order and moral evaluative activity, which it regarded as ephemeral and obstructive for humans to arrive at a stage where they could discover the true Way (
dao
) within themselves and comprehend their place, not only in human society, but in the cosmos as a whole.
Highly Stretchable, Conductive and Long‐Term Stable PEDOT:PSS Fibers with Surface Arrays for Wearable Sensors
Authors: Gao Qiang , Wang Yuhang , Wang Peng , Shen Ming , Li Tangsuo , Gao Chunxia , Zhu Jiadeng
Published: December 2021

Substantial progress has been made in exploring the novel structures and sensing mechanisms for wearable sensors, where high sensitivity plays an essential role. For fiber‐based wearable sensors, the sensitivity mainly depends on the electroconductivity and surface microstructure of fibers. However, preparing highly conductive fibers along with excellent stretchability and long‐term stability via facile and effective approaches is still challenging. Therefore, in this work, wet‐spun poly (3, 4–ethylenedioxythiophene):poly (styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) fibers with a superior conductivity of 105 S cm−1 and exceptional stretchability of 132% have been successfully achieved by adding urea and soluble copper salts into a coagulation bath. With the additional copper ions, the formation of a copper complex with fluff‐like arrays morphology occurs spontaneously on the surface of fibers, while the existence of urea not only enhances their electroconductivity and stretchability, but also endows both with long‐term stability. Meanwhile, the obtained fibers reveal fast response time and ultra‐low detection limit to the external stimuli, and braided fabrics decorated with such fibers own potential applications for wearable electronic textiles. More importantly, this work explores the significance of durability for PEDOT:PSS fiber‐based devices, inspiring a unique path for novel fiber design.
Bone‐on‐a‐Chip: A Microscale 3D Biomimetic Model to Study Bone Regeneration
Authors: Galván-Chacón Víctor Pablo , Zampouka Athanasia , Hesse Bernhard , Bohner Marc , Habibovic Pamela , Barata David
Published: December 2021

Organ‐on‐chip models, developed using microengineering and microfluidic technologies, aim to recreate physiological‐like microenvironments of organs or tissues as a tool to study (patho)physiological processes in vitro. On‐chip models of bone are relevant for the study of bone physiology, diseases and regenerative processes. While a few bone‐on‐a‐chip models exist, recapitulating the cellular components of bone, these models do not incorporate the chemical and structural characteristics of bone tissue. Herein, the development of a bone‐on‐a‐chip platform is reported that comprises a 3D structural model of bone. To build the platform, first, a 3D model of bone is produced in a polymer using two‐photon polymerization (2PP) from a 3D nano‐computed tomography scan of trabecular bone. This 3D model is then coated with a layer of bone mineral‐like calcium phosphate. Finally, the 3D bone model is integrated inside a microfluidic device suitable for cell culture. Human mesenchymal stromal cells, cultured inside the platform for up to 21 days, show high viability and extensive production of extracellular matrix, rich in collagen. This biomimetic bone‐on‐a‐chip platform can contribute to a better understanding of the processes related to bone formation and remodeling, which in turn can be used for the development of bone regeneration strategies.
Organic Synaptic Diodes Based on Polymeric Mixed Ionic‐Electronic Conductors
Authors: Gärisch Fabian , Ligorio Giovanni , Klein Patrick , Forster Michael , Scherf Ullrich , List‐Kratochvil Emil J. W.
Published: December 2021

Neuromorphic devices are likely to be the next evolution of computing, allowing to implement machine learning within hardware components. In biological neural systems, learning and signal processing are achieved by communication between neurons through time‐dependent ion flux in the synapses. Integrating such ion‐mediated operating principles in neuromorphic devices can deliver an energy efficient and powerful technology. Here a device known as a light‐emitting electrochemical cell is revisited and modified, exploiting its ability to modulate current through ion accumulation/depletion at the electrodes and turn it into an organic synaptic diode. This two‐terminal device is based on an organic mixed ionic‐electronic conducting polymer that serves as active layer for conduction of lithium ions as well as charge carriers. The ionic conduction properties are modified by cryptand molecules, able to reversibly capture ions. The device can be reliably switched between states for at least 100 cycles and displays state retention for multiple minutes. The applicability for neuromorphic applications is further demonstrated by exploring frequency‐dependent plasticity and paired‐pulse facilitation behavior in the millisecond range. The polymeric nature, combined with the simple two‐terminal architecture of the presented neuromorphic device, opens up a range of possibilities regarding the fabrication of artificial neural networks.
Reliability Issues of Thin Film Transistors Subject to Electrostatic Discharge Stresses: An Overview
Authors: Yan Yan , Lan Wenrui , Chen Yuankang , Yang Dongbu , Zhou Ye , Zhu Zhihua , Liou Juin J
Published: December 2021

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is one of the most prevalent threats to the reliability of electronic components, which can result in a very high current passing through the device or microchip within a very short period of time, and cause serious irreversible damage. Thin film transistors (TFTs) are widely used in flat panel display, sensor, memristor, radio frequency identification, and other fields. But unlike the CMOS technology, TFTs can be fabricated in several various processes including amorphous Si, polycrystalline Si, metal oxide, organics, etc. As such, TFTs are prone to different types of reliability issues, and a unified overview on the subject would be beneficial to the electron devices community. The topic of the reliability issues of TFTs in different processes subject to ESD stresses has gained increasing attentions, but the reports and results are scattered. In the review, the existing articles on this topic are summarized. The characterization of TFTs under ESD stress is introduced and the failure mechanisms of various semiconductor based TFTs are compared and analyzed. Optimization methods to improve ESD robustness are presented. Finally, a conclusion and a perspective in the field of research on ESD reliability of TFTs are summarized.
Highly Sensitive MXene Helical Yarn/Fabric Tactile Sensors Enabling Full Scale Movement Detection of Human Motions
Authors: Li Han , Cao Jiqiang , Chen Junli , Liu Xiao , Shao Yawen , Du Zhaoqun
Published: December 2021

Textile‐based wearable electronics combined with nanomaterials are ideal devices that have good electrical and thermal conductivity, and flexibility. With a metal conductivity and metalloid flexibility, 2D titanium carbide MXene is excellent enough for producing intelligent textiles. Here, a wrapping forming method is provided to fabricate MXene textile strain (MTS) sensors with high gauge factor (GF) of 715.94 as high as strain of 200%. Periodic cycling indicated that the MTS wrapped yarn is stable, which can track changes of facial expressions precisely as the small deformation. Weaving MTS yarns into fabric as glove and sensing belt can recognize sign language and record middle and large motions of human body, respectively. On the other hand, walking postures and electric heating are accurately detected by coating MXene dispersions on elastic and breathable spacer fabric as piezoresistive insoles, which is especially beneficial to the elderly and patients with foot diseases. Therefore, a unique strategy is proposed for full scale human motions monitoring by fabricating MXene helical yarns served as sensitive strain sensors, weft rib fabric that detected the in‐plane deformations and spacer fabric piezoresistive insole behaved as pressure sensors to monitor the step patterns so that suiting for wearable versatile sensing system.
One‐Pot Synthesis of Deep Blue Hydrophobic Carbon Dots with Room Temperature Phosphorescence, White Light Emission, and Explosive Sensor
Authors: Pagidi Sudhakar , Sadhanala Hari Krishna , Sharma Kusha , Gedanken Aharon
Published: December 2021

Bright luminescent hydrophobic carbon dots receive significant attention on account of their potential utility in bio‐imaging, sensors, and creating a full range of colors in displays. Herein, the solvothermal one‐pot synthesis of nitrogen and sulfur‐doped hydrophobic carbon dots (HCDs) from a single precursor, is reported. These HCDs exhibit good dispersibility in different organic solvents and show blue fluorescence in solid and solution states. Notably, HCDs show green color room temperature phosphorescence emission centered at 515 nm with a long average lifetime of 1.1 ms and an ultralong lifetime of 334 ms at 77 K. An intense white light with Commission international de d'Eclairage chromaticity coordinate of (0.32, 0.34) is generated by a simple mixing of HCDs with rhodamine 6G in the solution state. Furthermore, these HCDs are explored for the rapid detection of extremely hazardous and strong explosive picric acid in a non‐aqueous solution with a limit of detection of 3.2 µm and good selectivity.
High‐Entropy Carbonitride MAX Phases and Their Derivative MXenes
Authors: Du Zhiguo , Wu Cheng , Chen Yuchuan , Zhu Qi , Cui Yanglansen , Wang Haiyang , Zhang Yongzheng , Chen Xiao , Shang Jiaxiang , Li Bin , Chen Weihua , Liu Chuntai , Yang Shubin
Published: December 2021

Although high‐entropy layered transition metal carbonitride MAX phases and their derivative MXenes have been proposed to exhibit unique physicochemical features for widespread applications, it is still challenging to synthesize them owing to the easy formation of separated phases during the traditional synthetic process. Here, a new high‐entropy carbonitride MAX phase (HE CN‐MAX, (Ti1/3V1/6Zr1/6Nb1/6Ta1/6)2AlCxN1–x) is synthesized on the basis of metallurgically treating medium‐entropy MAX (ME‐MAX) (Zr1/3Nb1/3Ta1/3)2AlC and other MAX phases (Ti4AlN3 and V2AlC). During the metallurgical process, the unique usage of a medium‐entropy MAX phase effectively solves the phase separation issue for the formation of a high‐entropy MAX phase owing to their low entropy difference. After selective extraction of an A species, a high‐entropy carbonitride MXene (HE CN‐MXene) with high mechanical strains and five types of metal‐nitrogen bonds is achieved, which shows good adsorption and catalytic activities for lithium polysulfides. As a result, a lithium–sulfur battery with HE CN‐MXene delivers a high‐rate capability (702 mAh g−1 at 4 C) and good cycling stability.
Morphology Selection Kinetics of Li Sphere via Interface Regulation at High Current Density for Pragmatic Li Metal Batteries
Authors: Luo Yang , Li Tianyu , Yang Xiaofei , Zhang Hongzhang , Jia Ziyang , Yan Jingwang , Li Xianfeng
Published: December 2021

Uncontrollable lithium dendrite growth and severe Li/electrolyte side reactions under high operating current densities seriously hinder the development of high‐performance Li metal batteries (LMBs). To address the aforementioned critical issues, spherical Li nuclei are designed via an “all‐in‐one” nitrocellulose (NC)/LiFSI electrolyte to achieve high‐energy/power‐density and long‐cycle LMBs. First, the synergistic effect of LiFSI induced LiF‐rich interface and the nitro group in the NC scaffold promote uniform Li nucleation, resulting in spherical nuclei morphology instead of dendritic even under high current densities. Moreover, NC exhibits strong adsorption energy on the electrode surface, which facilitates the formation of an organic protection layer to suppress side reactions, which enables highly reversible Li cycling, even in a lean‐electrolyte environment. With the assistance of the unique interphase, the Li|Li symmetric cells using NC/LiFSI electrolyte can stably run at a high current density of 10 mA cm‐2. Moreover, the assembled Li|LiFePO4 pouch cell achieves excellent cycling stability of 210 cycles with 100% capacity retention. This finding provides a new strategy relying on electrolyte engineering to achieve high‐energy/power‐density and long‐cycling‐life LMBs.
Interconnectivity Explains High Canalicular Network Robustness between Neighboring Osteocyte Lacunae in Human Bone
Authors: Bortel Emely , Grover Liam M , Eisenstein Neil , Seim Christian , Suhonen Heikki , Pacureanu Alexandra , Westenberger Peter , Raum Kay , Langer Max , Peyrin Francoise , Addison Owen , Hesse Bernhard
Published: December 2021

Osteocytes are the most frequent bone cells connected with each other through cell processes within tiny tubular‐shaped canaliculi. The so‐called osteocyte lacunar‐canalicular network (LCN) plays a crucial role in bone remodeling and mineral homeostasis. Given the critical nature of these functions, it is herein hypothesized that the LCN must be structurally “overengineered” to provide network resilience. This hypothesis is tested by characterizing canalicular networks in human bone at the fundamental “building‐block” level of LCN formed by two adjacent osteocytes. As the hierarchical micro‐ and macroscale structure of bone is influenced by anatomical location, subjected loads, and growth rate, three distinct tissue types are studied. These include femur, jaw, and heterotopic ossification (HO), a rapidly forming mineralized tissue found in soft tissue compartments following severe trauma. It is found that the LCNs at the fundamental level are composed of hundreds of canalicular segments but of only few separated groups of linked canaliculi (canalicular clusters), resulting in a strongly pronounced interconnectivity. Fluid permeability simulations on intact and artificially altered LCN suggest that the function of the LCN is not only to optimize rapid and efficient access to bone mineral, but also to maintain high permeability when inevitable local interruption of canaliculi occurs.
Ferroptosis‐Enhanced Cancer Immunity by a Ferrocene‐Appended Iridium(III) Diphosphine Complex
Authors: Wang Wen‐Jin , Ling Yu‐Yi , Zhong Yan‐Mei , Li Zhi‐Yuan , Tan Cai‐Ping , Mao Zong‐Wan
Published: December 2021

Ferroptosis is a programmed cell death pathway discovered in recent years, and ferroptosis‐inducing agents have great potential as new antitumor candidates. Here, we report a IrIII complex (Ir1) containing a ferrocene‐modified diphosphine ligand that localizes in lysosomes. Under the acidic environments of lysosomes, Ir1 can effectively catalyze Fenton‐like reaction, produce hydroxyl radicals, induce lipid peroxidation, down‐regulate glutathione peroxidase 4, and result in ferroptosis. RNA sequencing analysis shows that Ir1 can significantly affect pathways related to ferroptosis and cancer immunity. Accordingly, Ir1 can induce immunogenic cells death and suppress tumor growth in vitro, regulate T cell activity and immune microenvironments in vivo. In conclusion, we show the potential of small molecules with ferroptosis‐inducing capabilities for effective cancer immunotherapy.
Thermal Dynamic Self‐Healing Supramolecular Dopant Towards Efficient and Stable Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Ge Chengda , Liu Xiaoting , Yang Ziqi , Li Hanming , Niu Wenwen , Liu Xiaokong , Dong Qingfeng
Published: December 2021

Flexible perovskite solar cells (FPSCs) have attracted great attention due to their advantageous traits such as low cost, portability, light‐weight, etc. However, mechanical stability is still the weak point in their practical application. Herein, we prepared efficient FPSCs with remarkable mechanical stability by a dynamic thermal self‐healing effect, which can be realized by the usage of a supramolecular adhesive. The supramolecular adhesive, which was obtained by random copolymerization of acrylamide and n‐butyl acrylate, is amphiphilic, has a proper glass transition temperature and a high density of hydrogen‐bond donors and receptors, providing the possibility of thermal dynamic repair of mechanical damage in FPSCs. The adhesive also greatly improves the leveling property of the precursor solution on the hydrophobic poly[bis(4‐phenyl)(2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl)]amine (PTAA) surface. PSCs containing this adhesive achieve more than a 20 % power conversion efficiency (PCE) on flexible substrates and a 21.99 % PCE on rigid substrates (certified PCE of 21.27 %), with improved electron mobility and reduced defect concentration.
Carbonylative Polymerization of Epoxides Mediated by Tri‐metallic Complexes: A Dual Catalysis Strategy for Synthesis of Biodegradable Polyhydroxyalkanoates
Authors: Yang Jin‐Chuang , Yang Jun , Li Wen‐Bing , Lu Xiao‐Bing , Liu Ye
Published: December 2021

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are a unique class of commercially manufactured biodegradable polyesters with properties suitable for partially substituting petroleum‐based plastics. However, high costs and low volumes of production have restricted their application as commodity materials. In this study, tri‐metallic complexes were developed for carbonylative polymerization via a dual catalysis strategy, and 17 products of novel PHAs with up to 38.2 kg mol−1 Mn values were discovered. The polymerization proceeds in a sequential fashion, which entails the carbonylative ring expansion of epoxide to β‐lactone and its subsequent ring‐opening polymerization that occurs selectively at the O‐alkyl bond via carboxylate species. The wide availability and structural diversity of epoxide monomers provide PHAs with various structures, excellent functionalities, and tunable properties. This study represents a rare example of the preparation of PHAs using epoxides and carbon monoxide as raw materials.
Biomass Hyaluronic Acid to Construct High‐Loading Electrode with Fast Na+ Transport Structure for Na3V2(PO4)3 Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Yuyao , Zhu Xiaoying , Kai Dan , Chen Baoliang
Published: December 2021

Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) are considered a promising candidate in green energy storage due to their considerable abundance. The low mass loading (less than 2.0 mg cm−2) of SIBs‐based cathodes cannot meet the energy density on the practical device level, which is mainly restricted by sluggish Na+ transport. To the end, a facile and compatible strategy was demonstrated by utilizing hyaluronic acid (HA) binder to achieve fast ion transport and targeted energy density for Na3V2(PO4)3 (NVP) cathodes. As a novel functional aqueous binder, HA allowed cathodic materials to organize the unique conductive network. The network‐like electrode structure could buffer volume changes during sodiation/desodiation process and provide bi‐continuous charge transport channels for both Na+ and electrons at the interface. HA promoted the formation of the stable solid permeable interface films, protecting the electrochemical stability of the cathode and ensuring its good cycle performance. These functions of HA binder enabled that NVP delivered a reversible discharge capacity of 107.3 mAh g−1 at 0.5 C (1 C=117 mA g−1), which showed no sacrifice of electrochemical performances with mass loading increasing from 1.1 to 4.4 mg cm−2. Even at a high rate of 20 C, NVP‐HA (loading 4.0 mg cm−2) could reserve a good capacity of 76.8 mAh g−1 with the retention of 99.3 % after 2000 cycles. This study provides a novel strategy to achieve high energy density for SIBs in large‐scale energy storage.
Development of effervescence‐assisted switchable polarity solvent homogeneous liquid‐phase microextraction for the determination of permethrin and deltamethrin in water samples prior to gas chromatography–flame ionization detection
Authors: Asadi Tayebeh , Rahimi Kakavandi Nader , Nili Ahmadabadi Amir , Heshmati Ali , Ranjbar Akram , Abdi Khosrou , Ezoddin Maryam
Published: December 2021

An effervescent tablet‐assisted switchable polarity solvent–based homogeneous liquid‐phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography with flame ionization detection has been conducted for the separation, preconcentration, and detection of permethrin and deltamethrin in the river water specimens. Triethylamine (TEA) was utilized as the switchable polarity solvent in this method. The switching process was carried out by the dissolution of an effervescent tablet including an effervescency agent (sodium carbonate) and a proton donor agent (citric acid). Changing the pH of the specimen solution enhanced the conversion of TEA into protonated triethylamine carbonate through the tablet that generated carbon dioxide bubbles in situ. Finally, the addition of sodium hydroxide changed the ionization state of TEA and separated the two phases. Influential factors in the extraction were investigated. According to optimal situations, the limit of detection and the limit of quantification were 0.16 and 0.5 μg L−1 for permethrin and 0.03 and 0.1 μg L−1 for deltamethrin, respectively. The preconcentration factor was 194 in river water samples and inter‐ and intra‐day precision (relative standard deviation %; n = 5) was <5%. The extraction recovery was obtained in the range of 93.0%–97% for permethrin and deltamethrin in water samples.
Long term therapeutic effects of icariin‐loaded PLGA microspheres in an experimental model of optic nerve ischemia via modulation of CEBP‐β/G‐CSF/noncanonical NF‐κB axis
Authors: Desai Tushar Dnyaneshwar , Wen Yao‐Tseng , Daddam Jayasimha Rayalu , Cheng Felice , Chen Chia‐Ching , Pan Chien‐Lin , Lin Keh‐Liang , Tsai Rong‐Kung
Published: December 2021

An ischemic insult at optic nerve (ON) is followed by detrimental neuroinflammation that results in progressive and long‐lasting retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death and vision loss. Icariin was reported to be a safe and effective natural anti‐inflammatory drug. Herein, we evaluated the long‐term therapeutic effects of a single intravitreal injection of poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) PLGA–icariin in a rat model of anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (rAION). Treatment with PLGA microspheres of icariin preserved the visual function and RGC density for 1 month in the rAION model. In addition, ON edema and macrophage infiltration were inhibited by treating PLGA microspheres of icariin. We found that the binding complex of icariin and CCAAT enhancer binding protein beta (CEBP‐β) significantly induced endogenous granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) expression to activate noncanonical nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) signaling pathway by promoting an alternative phosphorylation reaction of IKK‐β. Activation of noncanonical NF‐κB signaling pathway promoted the M2 microglia/macrophage polarization and AKT1 activation, which prevented neuroinflammation and RGC apoptosis after ON infarct. This study concluded that protective mechanism of icariin is a CEBP‐β/G‐CSF axis‐induced noncanonical NF‐κB activation, which provides the long‐term neuroprotective effects via anti‐inflammatory and antiapoptotic actions after ON ischemia.
Impact of the shared decision‐making process on lung cancer screening decisions
Authors: Tan Naomi Q. P. , Nishi Shawn P. E. , Lowenstein Lisa M. , Mendoza Tito R. , Lopez‐Olivo Maria A. , Crocker Laura C. , Sepucha Karen R. , Volk Robert J.
Published: December 2021

Background

Professional organizations recommend the use of shared decision‐making (SDM) in supporting patients’ decisions about lung cancer screening (LCS). The objective of this study was to assess the impact of the SDM process on patient knowledge about LCS, decisional conflict, intentions to adhere to screening recommendations, and its role in how the patient made the final decision.

Methods

This study surveyed patients screened for lung cancer within 12 months of the survey, recruited from two academic tertiary care centers in the South Central Region of the U.S. (May to July 2018).

Results

Two hundred and sixty‐four patients completed the survey (87.9% White, 52% male, and mean age of 64.81). Higher SDM process scores (which indicates a better SDM process reported by patients) were significantly associated with greater knowledge of LCS (b = 0.17p < 0.01). Higher SDM process scores were associated with less decisional conflict about their screening choice (b = 0.45,p < 0.001), greater intentions to make the same decision again (OR = 1.42, 95% CI = [1.06–1.89]), and greater intentions to undergo LCS again (OR = 1.32, 95% CI = [1.08–1.62]). The SDM process score was not associated with patients’ report of whether or not they shared the final decision with the healthcare provider (OR = 1.07, 95% CI = [0.85–1.35]).

Conclusion(s)

This study found that a better SDM process was associated with better affective‐cognitive outcomes among patients screened for lung cancer.
Single‐cell transcriptome atlas of human mesenchymal stem cells exploring cellular heterogeneity
Authors: Wang Zheng , Chai Chengyan , Wang Rui , Feng Yimei , Huang Lei , Zhang Yiming , Xiao Xia , Yang Shijie , Zhang Yunfang , Zhang Xi
Published: December 2021

Background

The heterogeneity of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is poorly understood, thus limiting clinical application and basic research reproducibility. Advanced single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) is a robust tool used to analyse for dissecting cellular heterogeneity. However, the comprehensive single‐cell atlas for human MSCs has not been achieved.

Methods

This study used massive parallel multiplexing scRNA‐seq to construct an atlas of > 130 000 single‐MSC transcriptomes across multiple tissues and donors to assess their heterogeneity. The most widely clinically utilised tissue resources for MSCs were collected, including normal bone marrow (n = 3), adipose (n = 3), umbilical cord (n = 2), and dermis (n = 3).

Results

Seven tissue‐specific and five conserved MSC subpopulations with distinct gene‐expression signatures were identified from multiple tissue origins based on the high‐quality data, which has not been achieved previously. This study showed that extracellular matrix (ECM) highly contributes to MSC heterogeneity. Notably, tissue‐specific MSC subpopulations were substantially heterogeneous on ECM‐associated immune regulation, antigen processing/presentation, and senescence, thus promoting inter‐donor and intra‐tissue heterogeneity. The variable dynamics of ECM‐associated genes had discrete trajectory patterns across multiple tissues. Additionally, the conserved and tissue‐specific transcriptomic‐regulons and protein‐protein interactions were identified, potentially representing common or tissue‐specific MSC functional roles. Furthermore, the umbilical‐cord‐specific subpopulation possessed advantages in immunosuppressive properties.

Conclusion

In summary, this work provides timely and great insights into MSC heterogeneity at multiple levels. This MSC atlas taxonomy also provides a comprehensive understanding of cellular heterogeneity, thus revealing the potential improvements in MSC‐based therapeutic efficacy.
Effectiveness of a chatbot for eating disorders prevention: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Fitzsimmons‐Craft Ellen E. , Chan William W. , Smith Arielle C. , Firebaugh Marie‐Laure , Fowler Lauren A. , Topooco Naira , DePietro Bianca , Wilfley Denise E. , Taylor C. Barr , Jacobson Nicholas C.
Published: December 2021

Objective

Prevention of eating disorders (EDs) is of high importance. However, digital programs with human moderation are unlikely to be disseminated widely. The aim of this study was to test whether a chatbot (i.e., computer program simulating human conversation) would significantly reduce ED risk factors (i.e., weight/shape concerns, thin‐ideal internalization) in women at high risk for an ED, compared to waitlist control, as well as whether it would significantly reduce overall ED psychopathology, depression, and anxiety and prevent ED onset.

Method

Women who screened as high risk for an ED were randomized (N = 700) to (1) chatbot based on the StudentBodies© program; or (2) waitlist control. Participants were followed for 6 months.

Results

For weight/shape concerns, there was a significantly greater reduction in intervention versus control at 3‐ (d = −0.20; p = .03) and 6‐m‐follow‐up (d = −0.19; p = .04). There were no differences in change in thin‐ideal internalization. The intervention was associated with significantly greater reductions than control in overall ED psychopathology at 3‐ (d = −0.29; p = .003) but not 6‐month follow‐up. There were no differences in change in depression or anxiety. The odds of remaining nonclinical for EDs were significantly higher in intervention versus control at both 3‐ (OR = 2.37, 95% CI [1.37, 4.11]) and 6‐month follow‐ups (OR = 2.13, 95% CI [1.26, 3.59]).

Discussion

Findings provide support for the use of a chatbot‐based EDs prevention program in reducing weight/shape concerns through 6‐month follow‐up, as well as in reducing overall ED psychopathology, at least in the shorter‐term. Results also suggest the intervention may reduce ED onset.

Public Significance

We found that a chatbot, or a computer program simulating human conversation, based on an established, cognitive‐behavioral therapy‐based eating disorders prevention program, was successful in reducing women's concerns about weight and shape through 6‐month follow‐up and that it may actually reduce eating disorder onset. These findings are important because this intervention, which uses a rather simple text‐based approach, can easily be disseminated in order to prevent these deadly illnesses.

Trial registration: OSF Registries; https://osf.io/7zmbv
Gallium (III) Complexes in Cancer Chemotherapy
Authors: Peng Xin‐Xin , Gao Song , Zhang Jun‐Long
Published: December 2021

Gallium, the group 13 metal, has been found to be potentially useful in fighting against cancers since last century. The trivalent Ga(III) shares most chemical properties except redox activity with Fe(III), so that it acts as a competitive inhibitor of Fe(III) in vitro and in vivo, which contributes to its antineoplastic activity. As an Fe(III) mimic, Ga(III) can be uptaken into cells through transferrin and be stored in ferritin. Furthermore, it disrupts Fe‐dependent processes, for example, by inhibiting the activity of ribonucleotide reductase and Fe‐containing proteins in the respiratory chain. To solve the problems of complex Ga(III) speciation in the circulatory system, a large number of ligands were applied to form Ga(III) complexes, supplying multiple functions. In this review, we summarized the anticancer mechanisms of Ga(III) and introduce numerous Ga(III) complexes with great antineoplastic potential.
Binding and Transport Properties of a Benzo[b]thiophene‐Based Mono‐(thio)urea Library
Authors: Moiteiro Cristina , Marques Igor , Ryder William G. , Cachatra Vasco , Carvalho Sílvia , Chen Li‐Jun , Goodfellow Brian J. , Gale Philip A. , Félix Vítor
Published: December 2021

Using the chemical versatility of the benzo[b]thiophene motif, an extensive library of 24 (thio)urea receptors, with different binding properties and lipophilicities, was prepared and included α,α‐, α,β‐, β,β‐, β,γ‐, α,γ‐, and γ,γ‐benzo[b]thiophene positional isomers, as well as β‐ or γ‐benzo[b]thiophene‐based molecules decorated with aliphatic chains or aryl moieties with different fluorination degrees. 1H NMR titrations, X‐ray crystallographic studies, and DFT calculations were used to study the chloride binding affinities between receptors and substrates. Experimental efflux studies suggested that the anion transmembrane transport activity is dependent on the receptors′ lipophilicity and hydrogen bonding ability. Moreover, LUV based assays indicated that anion efflux occurs mainly through an uniport mechanism. Further MD simulations showed that anion transport is highly dependent on the orientation and interactions of the receptors at the water/lipid interface.
Impact of climate change on wheat security through an alternate host of stripe rust
Authors: Zhang Nannan , Liao Ziyan , Wu Shuang , Nobis Michael Peter , Wang Jinniu , Wu Ning
Published: December 2021

In the 21st century, stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is still the most devastating disease of wheat globally. Despite the critical roles of the alternate host plants, the Berberis species, in the sexual reproduction and spread of Pst, the climate change impacts on the redistribution of Berberis plants, and their potential risk of incurring wheat stripe rust are scarcely discussed in the literature. This study evaluated the potential risk of Pst in wheat cultivation in Sichuan Province, China, for the first time, by analyzing the dynamics of Berberis plants and the change in Pst oversummering range under climate change scenarios. Ensembles of small models (ESMs) in combination with four algorithms were used to project the future (i.e., 2041–2060, 2061–2080, and 2081–2100) distributions of 54 Berberis species in Sichuan Province based on two shared socioeconomic pathways (SSP) scenarios. The species richness of Berberis was predicted to increase in northwestern Sichuan but decreased in southern and eastern Sichuan under both SSP245 and SSP585 scenarios. The mean temperature of the driest quarter was found to be the determinant of the distributional shifts for the majority of Berberis plants. Our overlapping assessments indicated that the risk of wheat stripe rust would be reduced in southwestern Sichuan. In contrast, it would be aggravated in the northwest due to the predicted shifts of Berberis plants northwards and stronger shrinkage of Pst oversummering range occurring in the south than in the north. In the “hotspots” of the stripe rust pathogen, risk assessment in advance could provide a scientific basis for decision‐makers and local communities in effectively controlling wheat stripe rust, thus further sustaining food security through adapting to future climate change.
Key parameter optimization using multivariable linear model for the evaluation of the in vitro estrogenic activity assay in T47D cell lines (CXCL‐test)
Authors: Linhartova Lucie , Costet Nathalie , Pakdel Farzad , Cajthaml Tomas , Habauzit Denis
Published: December 2021

In comparison with analytical tools, bioassays provide higher sensitivity and more complex evaluation of environmental samples and are indispensable tools for monitoring increasing in anthropogenic pollution. Nevertheless, the disadvantage in cellular assays stems from the material variability used within the assays, and an interlaboratory adaptation does not usually lead to satisfactory test sensitivities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of material variability on CXCL12 secretion by T47D cells, the outcome of the CXCL‐test (estrogenic activity assay). For this purpose, the cell line sources, sera suppliers, experimental and seeding media, and the amount of cell/well were tested. The multivariable linear model (MLM), employed as an innovative approach in this field for parameter evaluation, identified that all the tested parameters had significant effects. Knowledge of the contributions of each parameter has permitted step‐by‐step optimization. The most beneficial approach was seeding 20,000 cells/well directly in treatment medium and using DMEM for the treatment. Great differences in both basal and maximal cytokine secretions among the three tested cell lines and different impacts of each serum were also observed. Altogether, both these biologically based and highly variable inputs were additionally assessed by MLM and a subsequent two‐step evaluation, which revealed a lower variability and satisfactory reproducibility of the test. This analysis showed that not only parameter and procedure optimization but also the evaluation methodology must be considered from the perspective of interlaboratory method adaptation. This overall methodology could be applied to all bioanalytical methods for fast multiparameter and accurate analysis.
Nanosized calcium deficient hydroxyapatites for tooth enamel protection
Authors: Zalite Vita , Lungevics Janis , Vecstaudza Jana , Stipniece Liga , Locs Janis
Published: December 2021

Calcium phosphates (CaP) are extensively studied as additives to dental care products for tooth enamel protection against caries. However, it is not clear yet whether substituted CaP could provide better enamel protection. In this study we produced, characterized and tested in vitro substituted and co‐substituted calcium deficient hydroxyapatite (CDHAp) with Sr2+ and F− ions. X‐ray powder diffractometry, Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller were used to characterize synthesized powders and also cytotoxicity was evaluated. pH = f(t) test was performed to estimate, weather synthesized CDHAp suspensions are able to increase pH of experimental media after acid addition. Synthesis products were incorporated into paste to perform in vitro remineralization on the bovine enamel. In addition to mentioned instrumental methods, profilometry was used for evaluation of remineralised enamel samples. The obtained results confirmed formation of CDHAp substituted with 1.5–1.6 wt% of fluoride and 7.4–7.8 wt% of strontium. pH = f(t) experiment pointed out that pH increased by approximately 0.3 within 10 min after acid addition for all CDHAp suspensions. A new layer of the corresponding CDHAp was formed on the enamel. Its thickness increased by 0.8 ± 0.1 μm per day and reached up to 5.8 μm after 7 days. Additionally, octa calcium phosphates were detected on the surface of control samples. In conclusion, we can assume that CDHAp substituted with Sr2+ and/or F− could be used as an effective additive to dental care products promoting formation of protecting layer on the enamel, but there was no significant difference among sample groups.
Mixed‐matrix membranes based on Li1.6Mn1.6O4 (LMO) ultrathin nanosheet for high‐performance CO2 separation
Authors: Liu Fu , Zhu Weifang , Gou Minmin , Cao Hengheng , Guo Ruili
Published: December 2021

Two‐dimensional flake Li1.6Mn1.6O4 (LMO) was added to the Pebax®MH 1657 (Pebax) matrix to prepare mixed‐matrix membranes (MMMs) for CO2/CH4 mixed gas separation. The average pore diameter of the LMO nanosheet was about 10.79 nm: a fast CO2 transport channel could be established in the membrane. In addition, the Li and oxygen defect site (Oδ−) in the LMO had an affinity for CO2, which improved the permeability of the membrane and the selectivity for CO2 separation. Furthermore, the ultrathin structure of LMO with large aspect ratio was also conducive to gas separation. When the LMO filling amount was 2.0 wt%, the permeation rate of pure CO2 gas of Pebax/LMO‐2.0 membrane was 117.9 Barrer, and the CO2/CH4 ideal selectivity was 18.74, which were 119.7 and 35.8% higher than Pebax membrane, respectively. The CO2/CH4 mixed gas separation results of Pebax/LMO‐2.0 membrane showed that the CO2 permeability and CO2/CH4 selectivity were 158.54 Barrer and 33.41, respectively, and were increased by 83.24 and 23.15%, compared with Pebax membrane.
Quasimagic rectangles
Authors: Froncek D. , Paramasivam K. , Prajeesh A. V.
Published: December 2021

A quasimagic rectangle is an array with odd and even whose entries are , each appearing exactly once, such that the sum of every row is equal to a constant and the sum of every column is equal to a constant . In this article, we prove the existence of for all possible values of and , when . In addition, if , we prove that the condition is necessary and sufficient for the existence of .