bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organocatalytic Atroposelective Dynamic Kinetic Resolution Involving Ring Manipulations
Authors: Shi Qin , Fang Fang , Cheng Dao‐Juan
Published: January 2024

Axially chiral architectures exist widely in natural products, biologically relevant molecules, chiral ligands and catalysts as well as functional materials. Therefore, catalytic asymmetric synthesis of atropisomers has become one of the most fast‐growing fields in the community of chemistry and rapid advances have occurred. Among different methods reported, the organocatalytic atroposelective dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) involving ring manipulations stands out as a cutting‐edge technology to construct axial chirality from the point of atom/step economy. In this DKR strategy, the configurational lability of starting materials originates from chirally‐labile ring structure of cyclic substrates/intermediates or transient ring formation through noncovalent interactions from acyclic substrates. The two atropisomers of starting material are in equilibrium in the reaction medium, ensuring the constant transformation of the less reactive atropisomer into the more reactive one, and then to a single enantiopure product in the presence of an appropriate organocatalyst. This review summarizes recent advancements on this topic, including their scopes, limitations, mechanisms, applications and provides some insights into further developments.
Effect of Radical‐Mediated Cross‐Linking on Partially Fluorinated Aromatic Anion Exchange Membranes and their Applications in Alkaline Water Electrolysis Cells
Authors: Mahmoud Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed , Miyatake Kenji , Liu Fanghua , Yadav Vikrant , Guo Lin , Wong Chun Yik , Iwataki Toshio , Kakinuma Katsuyoshi , Uchida Makoto
Published: January 2024

To investigate the effect of cross‐linking on partially fluorinated anion exchange membranes tethered with trimethylpropyl side chains (QPAF‐C3), styrene‐based cross‐linker is introduced into the precursor copolymers and then cross‐linked via free radical reaction. The one‐pot cross‐linking and quaternization reactions are successful as confirmed through nuclear magnetic resonance spectra. By solution casting, the resulting polymers provide flexible membranes (xQPAF‐C3‐VB) with 9.1–36.0% degree of cross‐linking. The cross‐linking results in smaller hydrophilic/hydrophobic phase‐separated morphology as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy images. The cross‐linking effect on the membrane properties is observed in the suppressed water uptake and decreased hydroxide ion conductivity. Among the cross‐linked membranes, xQPAF‐C3‐VB membranes with 17.4% degree of cross‐linking and 1.16 meq g−1 of ion exchange capacity exhibit the highest hydroxide ion conductivity (56 mS cm−1 at 30 °C) that is comparable to that of the pristine membrane (54 mS cm−1). The cross‐linking contributes to improving the thermomechanical properties with higher glass transition temperature. The cross‐linked xQPAF‐C3‐VB is applied to alkaline water electrolyzer to achieve high efficiency (74%) and reasonable performance (1.67 V at 1.0 A cm−2).
Clustering of the chemical properties of small‐scale farm soils to develop fertilizer blend ratios
Authors: Mugo James N. , Karanja Nancy N. , Gachene Charles K. , Dittert Klaus , Schulte‐Geldermann Elmar
Published: January 2024

Crop management through site‐specific fertility methods is crucial for both economic and environmental benefits. Potato‐specific fertilizer has not been fully established in Kenya, and the current fertilizer recommendation has been in place for a long time. A study was designed through soil sampling from small‐scale farms to make a soil‐based fertilizer recommendation for potato production. Inverse distance weighting interpolation was used to study spatial distribution of pH and major nutrients. Cluster analysis was used to group sampled farms into similar fertility clusters for easier fertilizer recommendations. Spatial distribution maps were identified for the project area. Three and four clusters were established in Meru and Nyandarua counties, respectively, among which three had adequate nutrients for potato production. At least 150 kg N ha−1 is recommended in most of the farms and 160 kg P ha−1 in Nyandarua, while 285 kg K ha−1 was recommended in one of the clusters (nitrogen, phosporus, potassium [NPK] 1:1:1.5). Cluster analysis can be used to enhance fertilizer recommendations. The assumption that K is adequate in tropical soil should not be generalized. Fertilizers in the market with formulations close to the recommended ones should be evaluated for field performances and adjustment of the final potato fertilizer.
Near‐infrared aggregation‐induced emission materials: Bibliometric analysis and their application in biomedical field
Authors: He Qian , Wang Meiyiming , Zhao Li , Xu Bin , Tian Wenjing , Zhang Liyun
Published: January 2024

Aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) is an intriguing photophysical phenomenon, where specific materials exhibit a remarkable surge in luminescence when brought together in non‐ideal solvents or within a solid matrix. Since the concept of AIE was first introduced in 2001, numerous advanced applications have been gradually explored across various domains, including optics, electronics, energy, and the life sciences. Of particular note is the growing interest in the application of AIE systems with near‐infrared (NIR) emissive feature in the field of biomedicine, encompassing detection, imaging, and therapeutic interventions. Notably, bibliometric analysis serves as a valuable tool to provide researchers with a comprehensive understanding of research achievements and developmental trends in specific fields, which is crucial for academic research. Herein, we present a general bibliometric overview spanning two decades of NIR‐AIE development. With the assistance of core scientific databases and various bibliometric software tools, we conducted a systematic analysis of annual publications and citations, the most influential countries/regions, leading authors, journals, and institutions, as well as the hot topics related to NIR applications and forward‐looking predictions. Furthermore, the application of AIE with NIR properties in the biomedical field is also systematically reviewed.
Impact of dementia and socioeconomic disadvantage on days at home after traumatic brain injury among older Medicare beneficiaries: A cohort study
Authors: Albrecht Jennifer S. , Scherf Ana , Ryan Kathleen A. , Falvey Jason R.
Published: January 2024

INTRODUCTION

Time spent at home may aid in understanding recovery following traumatic brain injury (TBI) among older adults, including those with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). We examined the impact of ADRD on recovery following TBI and determined whether socioeconomic disadvantages moderated the impact of ADRD.

METHODS

We analyzed Medicare beneficiaries aged ≥65 years diagnosed with TBI in 2010–2018. Home time was calculated by subtracting days spent in a care environment or deceased from total follow‐up, and dual eligibility for Medicaid was a proxy for socioeconomic disadvantage.

RESULTS

A total of 2463 of 20,350 participants (12.1%) had both a diagnosis of ADRD and were Medicaid dual‐eligible. Beneficiaries with ADRD and Medicaid spent markedly fewer days at home following TBI compared to beneficiaries without either condition (rate ratio 0.66; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.64, 0.69).

DISCUSSION

TBI resulted in a significant loss of home time over the year following injury among older adults with ADRD, particularly for those who were economically vulnerable.

Highlights

Remaining at home after serious injuries such as fall‐related traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an important goal for older adults.

No prior research has evaluated how ADRD impacts time spent at home after TBI.

Older TBI survivors with ADRD may be especially vulnerable to loss of home time if socioeconomically disadvantaged.

We assessed the impact of ADRD and poverty on a novel DAH measure after TBI.

ADRD‐related disparities in DAH were significantly magnified among those living with socioeconomic disadvantage, suggesting a need for more tailored care approaches.
Mapping morbidity 10 years prior to a diagnosis of young onset Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Damsgaard Line , Janbek Janet , Laursen Thomas M. , Høgh Peter , Vestergaard Karsten , Gottrup Hanne , Jensen‐Dahm Christina , Waldemar Gunhild
Published: January 2024

INTRODUCTION

Early symptoms in young onset Alzheimer's disease (YOAD) may be misinterpreted, causing delayed diagnosis. This population‐based study aimed to map morbidity prior to YOAD diagnosis.

METHODS

In a register‐based incidence density matched nested case‐control study, we examined hospital‐diagnosed morbidity for people diagnosed with YOAD in Danish memory clinics during 2016‐2020 compared to controls in a 10‐year period. Conditional logistic regression produced incidence rate ratios (IRRs).

RESULTS

The study included 1745 cases and 5235 controls. YOAD patients had a higher morbidity burden in the year immediately before dementia diagnosis, for certain disorders up to 10 years before. This was especially evident for psychiatric morbidity with the highest increased IRRs throughout the entire period and IRR 1.43 (95% confidence interval 1.14–1.79) in the 5–10‐years before dementia diagnosis.

DISCUSSION

YOAD patients display a different pattern of morbidity up to 10 years prior to diagnosis. Awareness of specific alterations in morbidity may improve efforts toward a timely diagnosis.

Highlights

Retrospective, nested case‐control study of young onset Alzheimer's disease (YOAD).

YOAD cases had a higher morbidity burden than controls.

YOAD cases had a higher psychiatric morbidity burden up to 10 years before diagnosis.

Altered morbidity patterns could serve as an early warning sign of YOAD.
Mehrfache Postmodifizierung von Makrozyklen und Käfigen durch Isocyanat‐induzierte Azadefluorierungszyklisierung
Authors: Pausch Tobias , David Tim , Fleck‐Kunde Tom , Pols Hendrik , Gurke Johannes , Schmidt Bernd M.
Published: January 2024

Wir präsentieren eine Methode zur mehrfachen postsynthetischen Modifizierung von organischen Makrozyklen und Käfigen. Hierbei werden funktionelle Gruppen in zweidimensionale und dreidimensionale supramolekulare Strukturen, welche Fluorsubstituenten tragen, eingeführt. Dies eröffnet neue Perspektiven in der mehrstufigen supramolekularen Chemie, da leicht verfügbare Isocyanate genutzt werden. Der Mechanismus der Reaktion wurden mittels DFT‐Berechnungen untersucht, dabei findet nach der Isocyanat‐Addition an das Benzylamin‐Motiv eine Azadefluorierungszyklisierung (ADFC) als finaler Schritt statt. Es wurde eine Reihe von aromatischen Isocyanaten mit unterschiedlichen elektronischen Eigenschaften getestet. Die resultierenden Verbindungen zeichnen sich durch hervorragende chemische Stabilität aus, wurden umfassend charakterisiert und eignen sich auch für nachfolgende Kreuzkupplungsreaktionen. Die vorgestellte Reaktion kann auch bei Verwendung von ditopischen Isocyanaten ebenso direkt zur Erzeugung vernetzter Membranen aus Makrozyklen oder Käfigen eingesetzt werden. Einkristall‐Röntgenstrukturanalyse (SC‐XRD) bestätigt die Bildung der substituierten Hetereozyklen. Dies wird durch die mittels Berechnungen vorhergesagte Konnektivität und den beobachteten 19F NMR ‐Verschiebungen weiter unterstützt. Diese Ergebnisse ermöglichen die nachträgliche Funktionalisierung von selbstorganisierten Makrozyklen und Käfigen durch ADFC.
Bacterial cellulose: A comprehensive review
Authors: Girard Vincent‐Daniel , Chaussé Jérémie , Vermette Patrick
Published: January 2024

This review article provides a comprehensive overview of bacterial cellulose (BC), focusing on its physicochemical properties, production methods, purification techniques, and applications. It aims at providing a nuanced understanding of the current state of knowledge in those fields and bridging the gap between academic research and industrial applications. The physicochemical properties of BC, including its chemical structure, morphology, thermal properties, mechanical properties (such as tensile and compression properties), specific surface area, cytotoxicity, and biocompatibility, are discussed. Production methods of BC, including microorganism comparison, culture conditions, and vessel types, are thoroughly explored. Purification methods and sterilization techniques for BC are also addressed. Furthermore, the review highlights industries and applications that have shown interest in BC along with commercially available products, including medical, cosmetic, textile, food ingredients, and scaffolds in cell culture. A conclusion summarizes key findings and potential future directions in BC research and development.
Exploring the use of a digital anatomy learning platform in a second‐year medical student cohort
Authors: Foiret Jaudon Ron , Volschenk Mariette
Published: January 2024

Digital anatomy learning platforms hold potential academic benefits, yet there is currently no universally accepted pedagogical framework guiding their utilization. This study applied the lens of Laurillard's conversational framework to explore second‐year medical students' experiences with a digital anatomy learning platform at a South African university. An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was employed. Phase 1 used whole population (N = 280) sampling to survey students' usage of, and access to, the digital anatomy learning platform. The survey response rate was 29%, with 47% of respondents reporting usage of the platform. Internet and device limitations were minimal, with 74% and 87% respectively reporting no hindrance. While 39% found Primal Pictures easy to use and helpful to their learning, a disconnect emerged between perceived value and actual usage, with only 5% of participants exhibiting high usage. Phase 2 used purposive sampling (n = 13) based on students' usage of digital anatomy learning platforms. Two focus groups and two individual interviews explored students' use of the learning platform. Qualitative data were both deductively and inductively analyzed. Two themes were identified: types of learning and influencers of learning. Findings from the deductive analysis indicated that students engaged mainly in acquisition‐based learning. Inductive analysis showed students encountered various factors that influenced their learning behavior. Affective domain development emerged as a key factor in students' engagement with their anatomy studies and the digital learning platform, suggesting a potential gap in the conversational framework. Digital anatomy learning platforms may strengthen approaches to learning anatomy if implemented systematically, together with pre‐training.
High‐Coulombic‐Efficiency Hard Carbon Anode Material for Practical Potassium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Tan Lulu , Chen Jiale , Wang Linlin , Li Nan , Yang Yusi , Chen Yifan , Guo Lin , Ji Xiao , Zhu Yujie
Published: January 2024

Biomass‐derived hard carbon (HC) has emerged as a promising candidate for anode materials of potassium‐ion batteries because of low cost and abundant raw materials. Whereas, the large specific surface area and high porosity of this type of HC often lead to inferior initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) and unsatisfactory cycling stability. Herein, we report a coconut shell‐derived HC (CS‐HC) featuring an expanded interlayer spacing and small specific surface area. The CS‐HC delivers a reversible specific capacity of 280 mAh g−1 and an impressive ICE of 87.32 % at 50 mA g−1. In addition, it exhibits stable cycling performance (92.8 % capacity retention after 100 cycles at 50 mA g−1) and fast rate capability (∼280 mAh g−1 at 300 mA g−1). The ex situ Raman spectra characterization combined with cyclic voltammetry tests elucidate that the storage of potassium ions in the present HC is mainly achieved by (pseudo)capacitive behavior at the disordered defect sites along with minor contribution from the interlayer intercalation process. Finally, a full‐cell constructed with unprecycled CS‐HC anode and high‐voltage K2Mn[Fe(CN)]6 cathode demonstrates exceptional electrochemical stability and retains 90.6 % capacity after 100 cycles. This work reports a high‐performance HC anode material derived from low‐cost and sustainable biomass for practical potassium‐ion batteries.
Mycotoxin detection in selected medicinal plants using chromatographic techniques
Authors: Haq Ihsan ul , Taj Raheela , Nafees Muhammad , Hussain Arshad
Published: January 2024

Mycotoxins are toxic mycological products that when consumed, absorbed or inhaled cause sickness or even the death of humans. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the contamination levels of mycotoxins (aflatoxins, AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2, and ochratoxin A, OTA) in selected medicinal herbs and shrubs using thin‐layer chromatography (TLC) and high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A total of 15 samples of medicinal herbs and shrubs were selected. Among them, four samples were aflatoxin contaminated while two samples were ochratoxin A contaminated. The highest level of aflatoxin was detected in Justicia adhathoda (4,704.94 ppb) through HPLC (153.4 ppb) and through TLC, while the lowest level of aflatoxin was detected in Pegnum harmala (205.1 ppb) through HPLC. Similarly, the highest level of OTA was detected in Dodonia viscosa (0.53 ppb) through HPLC (0.5 ppb) and through TLC, while the lowest level was detected in J. adhathoda (O.11 ppb) through HPLC (0.4 ppb) and through TLC. The OTA concentration was very low, being negligible and below permissible limits. The present study concludes that there is a potential risk for the consumption of herbal decoctions. Therefore, regular monitoring and proper management of mycotoxins, including aflatoxins and OTA, in herbal medicines are needed to ensure the safety of herbal drugs to protect consumers.
Harmony in flux: Unraveling the green innovation with organizational forgetting, absorptive capacity, and the jazz of organizational improvisation
Authors: Shahzad Mohsin , Zafar Abaid Ullah , Ye Maoran , Ding Xiangan
Published: January 2024

Organizations are advised to consistently seek and assimilate novel information from external sources to enhance their adsorptive capacity and better understand and address environmental challenges. Despite the evident influence of external knowledge on absorptive capacity and green innovation performance (GIP), there is a notable dearth of discussion on the internal mechanisms facilitating this transformation, potentially leading to adverse consequences for GIP. In response to this gap, our research intends to explore the direct impact of organizational forgetting (OF) on GIP, both independently and through potential absorptive capacity (PAC) and realized absorptive capacity (RAC). Further, this investigation incorporates the moderating role of organizational improvisation (OI) to provide a comprehensive understanding of an encompassing model. Utilizing structural equation modeling (SEM) on data from 321 respondents from Chinese manufacturing firms, our findings reveal that OF significantly contributes to GIP, PAC, and RAC. Moreover, this association is partially mediated by both PAC and RAC. Further, OI expressively moderated the targeted relationships in confounding ways. Importance–performance map analysis also highlights the pivotal role of PAC with a notable performance value (68.812), while OF takes precedence in importance with a substantial value (0.572) compared to all exogenous variables. These insights contribute to an enriched understanding of the vital role OF plays in enhancing PAC, RAC, OI, and GIP—an aspect that has yielded inconsistent results in prior studies. Consequently, our findings advocate for increased investment by managers and policymakers in cultivating the capacity to absorb new knowledge as a strategic imperative for fostering innovation and GIP within industries.
A multifamily group for adolescents with emotion regulation difficulties: Adolescent, parent and clinician experiences
Authors: Cleary Ruth , Houghton Sharon , O’Driscoll Lawrie Claire , Dowling Clodagh , O'Hanrahan Kevin , Devoy Susan
Published: January 2024

Background

Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) has been successfully adapted for use with adolescents experiencing difficulties associated with the maladaptive undercontrol of emotion. However, clinical observation and research findings suggest that adolescents may exhibit traits of both undercontrol and overcontrol—where over‐regulation of emotion predominates. In the adult population, distinct groups of individuals with under‐ and overcontrolled regulation styles can be identified, and treatments such as Group Radical Openness (GRO) have shown promise in treating difficulties associated with the latter. However, there are difficulties identifying distinct groups of under‐ and overcontrolled adolescents.

Aims

The present study therefore sought to qualitatively explore the experiences of participants (adolescents and parents) and facilitators of an intervention integrating DBT for adolescents’ skills training with GRO.

Method

Six adolescents, seven parents and six clinicians completed semi‐structured interviews. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Nine themes and six subthemes were generated.

Findings

Findings suggested that an intervention of this type may have particular utility for adolescents with emotion regulation difficulties in the context of both overcontrol and undercontrol. Participants described improvements in symptoms and relational functioning, which they attributed to the development of a shared language for communicating about emotion and the multifamily group context within which the intervention was delivered. Findings also emphasised the utility of rolling groups.

Discussion

Further research investigating the efficacy of this intervention is warranted. Strengths, limitations, future directions and implications for practice are discussed.
miR‐142‐3p/5p role in cancer: From epigenetic regulation to immunomodulation
Authors: Zareifar Parisa , Ahmed Hani Moslem , Ghaderi Pouya , Farahmand Yalda , Rahnama Negin , Esbati Romina , Moradi Ali , Yazdani Omid , Sadeghipour Yasin
Published: January 2024

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play critical roles in cancer pathobiology, acting as regulators of gene expression and pivotal drivers of tumorigenesis. It is believed that miRNAs act through canonical mechanisms, involving the binding of mature miRNAs to target messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and subsequent repression of protein translation or degradation of target mRNAs. miR‐142‐3p/5p has been extensively studied and established as a key regulator in various malignancies. Recent discoveries have revealed miR‐142‐3p/5p serve as either oncogene or tumor suppressor in cancer. By targeting epigenetic factor and cancer‐related signaling pathway, miR‐142‐3p/5p can regulate wide range of downstream genes. The immune modulatory role of miR‐142‐3p/5p has been shown in various cancers, which provides significant insight into immunosuppression and tumor escape from the immune response. Exosomes with miR‐142‐3p/5p facilitate cell communication and can affect cancer cell behavior, offering potential therapeutic, and diagnosis applications in cancer therapy. In this review, for the first time, we comprehensively summarize the current knowledge regarding mentioned functions of miR‐142‐3p/5p in cancer pathobiology.
The connection between epigenetics and gut microbiota‐current perspective
Authors: Yuan Xingxing , Tan Yurong , Bajinka Ousman , Jammeh Modou L. , Dukureh Abubakarr , Obiegbusi Chidera N. , Abdelhalim Khalid A. , Mohanad Mahmoud
Published: January 2024

Both the epigenetic changes and gut microbiota (GM) have attracted a growing interest in establishing effective diagnostics and potential therapeutic strategies for a number of diseases. These disorders include metabolic, central nervous system‐related diseases, autoimmune, and gastrointestinal infections (GI). Despite the number of studies, there is no extensive review that connects the epigenetics modifications and GM as biomarkers that could confer effective diagnostics and confer treatment options. To this end, this review hopes to give detailed information on connecting the modifications in epigenetic and GM. An updated and detailed information on the connection between the epigenetics factors and GM that influence diseases are given. In addition, the review showed some associations between the epigenetics to the maternal GM and offspring health. Finally, the limitations of the concept and prospects into this new emerging discipline were also looked into. Although this review elucidated on the maternal diet and response to offspring health with respect to GM and epigenetic modifications, there still exist various limitations to this newly emerging discipline. In addition to integrating complementary multi‐omics data, longitudinal sampling will aid with the identification of functional mechanisms that may serve as therapeutic targets. To this end, this review gave a detailed perspective into harnessing disease diagnostics, prevention and treatment options through epigenetics and GM.
Aminic Organoselenium Compounds as Glutathione Peroxidase Mimics and Inhibitors of Ferroptosis
Authors: Chhillar Babli , Kadian Rajni , Kumar Manish , Yadav Manisha , Sodhi Nikhil , Xavier da Silva Thamara Nishida , Friedmann Angeli Jose Pedro , Singh Vijay P.
Published: January 2024

The synthesis of diarylamine‐based organoselenium compounds via the nucleophilic substitution reactions has been described. Symmetrical monoselenides and diselenides were conveniently synthesized by the reduction of their corresponding selenocyanates using sodium borohydride. Selenocyanates were obtained from 2‐chloro acetamides by the nucleophilic displacement with potassium selenocyanate. Selenides were synthesized by treating the 2‐chloro acetamides with in situ generated sodium butyl selenolate as nucleophile. Further, the newly synthesized organoselenium compounds were evaluated for their glutathione peroxidase (GPx)‐like activity in thiophenol assay. This study revealed that the methoxy‐substituted organoselenium compounds showed significant effect on the GPx‐like activity. The catalytic parameters for the most efficient catalysts were also determined. The anti‐ferroptotic activity for all GPx‐mimics evaluated in a 4−OH‐tamoxifen (TAM) inducible GPx4 knockout cell line using liproxstatin as standard.
Numerical Performance Investigation of a Side‐outlet Cyclone for Particulate Matter and Polymer Powder Separation
Authors: Duran Jeffrey Z. , Gabon Rommel Thompson G. , Licdan Maurice O. , Caldona Eugene B.
Published: January 2024

The side‐outlet cyclone, featuring a novel geometric design with a lateral gas outlet, proves advantageous in space‐constrained environments compared to traditional cyclones with top gas outlets. Herein, a cyclone separator with a side‐outlet configuration was numerically investigated using the renormalization group k‐ε model and pressure drop and separation efficiency as the performance parameters. Simulation results revealed that the side‐outlet cyclone operates at a low to moderate pressure drop of 80.8412 Pa, with a removal efficiency of 45.48 %. The operating pressure drop was found to be only one‐third of the computed pressure drop from mathematical modeling, with a removal efficiency 15 % lower than the experimental value. With varying cyclone design modifications, suitable experimental procedures and measuring approaches are desirable to further accurately corroborate these results.
Regulating solid electrolyte interphase film on fluorine‐doped hard carbon anode for sodium‐ion battery
Authors: Yang Cuiyun , Zhong Wentao , Liu Yuqiao , Deng Qiang , Cheng Qian , Liu Xiaozhao , Yang Chenghao
Published: January 2024

For the performance optimization strategies of hard carbon, heteroatom doping is an effective way to enhance the intrinsic transfer properties of sodium ions and electrons for accelerating the reaction kinetics. However, the previous work focuses mainly on the intrinsic physicochemical property changes of the material, but little attention has been paid to the resulting interfacial regulation of the electrode surface, namely the formation of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) film. In this work, element F, which has the highest electronegativity, was chosen as the doping source to, more effectively, tune the electronic structure of the hard carbon. The effect of F‐doping on the physicochemical properties of hard carbon was not only systematically analyzed but also investigated with spectroscopy, optics, and in situ characterization techniques to further verify that appropriate F‐doping plays a positive role in constructing a homogenous and inorganic‐rich SEI film. The experimentally demonstrated link between the electronic structure of the electrode and the SEI film properties can reframe the doping optimization strategy as well as provide a new idea for the design of electrode materials with low reduction kinetics to the electrolyte. As a result, the optimized sample with the appropriate F‐doping content exhibits the best electrochemical performance with high capacity (434.53 mA h g−1 at 20 mA g−1) and excellent rate capability (141 mA h g−1 at 400 mA g−1).
Light Triggered Reversible Aggregation/Dispersion of Hydroxy Azo‐benzenes During Photo Switching: Solvent, Ions Assisted Dispersion, and Induced Quenching Emission
Authors: Patel Samridhi , Das Binayak , Mishra Puneet , Chandra Girish
Published: January 2024

Hydroxy azo‐benzenes are very well known for their rapid trans⇆cis photoisomerization under polar solvents. In contrast, we synthesized two hydroxymethylated‐ hydroxyazobenzene derivatives and investigated their light‐triggered photoisomerization and stability under polar solvents. The result showed just opposite behavior and very slow trans⇆cis isomerization was observed (minutes‐days). Thus, the UV‐vis spectrum revealed a very low decrease in the absorbance of π–π* transition. Surprisingly, the isomerization process became faster with the addition of ionic species. Here, we attempted to understand the underlying cause of the unusual photo‐switching behavior. The presence of hydroxymethyl and fluorine substituents was found to have a significant effect on the stability of the trans and photo‐isomerized cis products. Here, it was confirmed with NMR and DLS studies that the unusual photostability of trans compounds was caused by polar solvent‐assisted aggregation (hydrodynamic radius, RH 5660–1720 nm) which underwent dispersion (RH, 220–68 nm) and formed a significant stable solvated photoproduct under photoirradiation. Furthermore, this aggregation‐dispersion was found to be very slowly reversible. Further, the fluorescence emission demonstrated a characteristic dispersion‐induced quenching. Regular photoswitching was observed under non‐polar conditions in benzene where an expected blue shift of π–π* transition and an increase in the intensity of n–π* transitions.
Comparative study on the effects of different polishing methods on tooth surface microstructure and roughness following initial periodontal treatment
Authors: Gong Jingjue , Huang Xin , Yuan Shuang
Published: January 2024

Objective

To investigate the effects of different polishing methods on the surface microstructure and roughness of teeth following initial periodontal treatment.

Methods

Teeth were divided into three groups (silica onegloss, polishing disc, and polishing strip) in vitro. Tooth surface microstructure was characterized via scanning electron microscopy. Roughness was measured by profilometry and laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM). According to the in vitro results, one group was chosen for further clinical trials. Effects of the chosen polishing method on patient plaque control and satisfaction were assessed via plaque staining and visual analog scale (VAS).

Results

Electron microscopy results revealed that the polishing disc group had smoother roots and crowns than did the other two groups. Roughness analysis revealed that the crown roughness with the polishing disc and silica onegloss was lower, and the root roughness with the polishing disc was the lowest (p < .05) The LSCM results showed that the pigment deposition depth with the polishing disc and silicon onegloss in the crowns and roots were significantly lower than those with the other two methods (p = .000). The polishing effect of the polishing disc was best among the three groups. Clinical trials were performed to verify the polishing disc effects. Plaque staining results showed that the decrease in plaque in the polishing disc group was greater than that of the rubber cup group (p = .020), which was similar to the results of LSCM. The VAS results showed that the polishing disc made teeth feel smoother, similar to the results of the roughness detection, and the procedure was more comfortable (p < .05). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding foreign body sensation during pronunciation (p = .178).

Conclusion

Combining in vitro and in vivo evaluations, the use of a polishing disc following periodontal treatment yielded superior polishing effects on teeth and was better accepted by patients.
An improved resource scheduling strategy through concatenated deep learning model for edge computing IoT networks
Authors: Vijayasekaran Gunasekaran , Duraipandian Mariappan
Published: January 2024

With increasing challenges and research in edge‐assisted IoT models, an improved resource scheduling approach exploiting deep learning concepts is proposed in this research work. Improvement in performance in the proposed work is achieved primarily by addressing the response time and waiting time. This could be achieved if the optimal resources are scheduled without any delay. The presented concatenated deep learning technique considers the time series IoT network source requirements and allocates optimal resources from the resource pool, considering resource availability, workload, and computation time. Two deep learning techniques, namely, CNN and GRU, are utilized for the concatenation process, while resource characteristics are considered as features that are extracted and classified to schedule optimal resources. Novelty in the proposed work is exhibited in the form of the concatenation process proposed. The proposed resource scheduling performance metrics are compared with the performance of the existing scheduling model through simulation analysis for better validation. The proposed model selects the optimal resources from the resource pool using concatenated features and schedules for respective requests with minimum delay and waiting time, which increases the overall efficiency of the edge computing IoT networks.
Does restoring apex predators to food webs restore ecosystems? Large carnivores in Yellowstone as a model system
Authors: Hobbs N. Thompson , Johnston Danielle B. , Marshall Kristin N. , Wolf Evan C. , Cooper David J.
Published: January 2024

Modification of food webs is a frequent cause of shifts in ecosystem states that resist reversal when the food web is restored to its original condition. We used the restoration of the large carnivore guild including gray wolves (Canis lupis), cougars (Felis concolor), and grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) to the northern range of Yellowstone National Park as a model system to understand how ecosystems might resist reconfiguration after the restoration of apex predators to the food web. The absence of wolves, cougars, and grizzly bears for nearly a century from the northern range was the primary cause of dramatic changes in riparian plant communities. Willows (Salix spp.) were suppressed in height by intense browsing by the dominant herbivore, elk (Cervus canadensis). The loss of activity by beavers (Castor canadensis) coincided with the loss of tall willows. We hypothesized that intense elk browsing interrupted the mutualism between willow and beavers: ecosystem engineering by beavers was a critical component of willow habitat and tall willows were a critical component of habitat for beavers. This interruption made riparian communities resilient to the disturbance caused by the restoration of apex predators. We hypothesized further that reductions in elk browsing attributable to reductions in elk population size were not sufficient to prevent the suppression of willow growth. To test these hypotheses, we conducted a 20‐year, factorial experiment that crossed simulated beaver dams with the exclusion of browsing. We found that willows grew to heights expected for restored communities only in the presence of dams and reduced browsing. Willows experiencing ambient conditions remained well below this expectation. We found no difference in heights or growth rates of willows in experimental controls and willows in 21 randomly chosen sites, confirming that the results of the experiment were representative of range‐wide conditions. A reorganized community of large herbivores was implicated in the suppression of willow growth. We conclude that the restoration of large carnivores to the food web failed to restore riparian plant communities on Yellowstone's northern range, supporting the hypothesis that this ecosystem is in an alternative stable state caused primarily by the extirpation of apex predators during the early 20th century.
Mo Doping and Electrochemical Activation Co‐Induced Vanadium Composite as High‐Rate and Long‐Life Anode for Ca‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Pan Hongchen , Wang Chunfang , Qiu Minling , Wang Yaxin , Han Cuiping , Nan Ding
Published: January 2024

Calcium‐ion batteries have been considered attractive candidates for large‐scale energy storage applications due to their natural abundance and low redox potential of Ca2+/Ca. However, current calcium ion technology is still hampered by the lack of high‐capacity and long‐life electrode materials to accommodate the large Ca2+ (1.00 Å). Herein, an amorphous vanadium structure induced by Mo doping and in‐situ electrochemical activation is reported as a high‐rate anode material for calcium ion batteries. The doping of Mo could destroy the lattice stability of VS4 material, enhancing the flexibility of the structure. The following electrochemical activation further converted the material into sulfide and oxides co‐dominated composite (defined as MoVSO), which serves as an active material for the storage of Ca2+ during cycling. Consequently, this amorphous vanadium structure exhibits excellent rate capability, achieving discharge capacities of 306.7 and 149.2 mAh g−1 at 5 and 50 A g−1 and an ultra‐long cycle life of 2000 cycles with 91.2% capacity retention. These values represent the highest level to date reported for calcium ion batteries. The mechanism studies show that the material undergoes a partial phase transition process to derive MoVSO. This work unveiled the calcium storage mechanism of vanadium sulfide in aqueous electrolytes and accelerated the development of high‐performance aqueous calcium ion batteries.
Progress in the Synthesis of Cyclobutenones
Authors: Qian Yi‐Sen , Xu Yun‐He
Published: January 2024

In recent years, significant progress has been made in the synthesis of cyclobutenones. The unique structural features and reactivity of cyclobutenones, making them of great values in organic synthesis. Therefore, the development of new strategies for synthesizing the cyclobutenones has been a major focus of organic chemists. This review summarizes the synthetic methods for the cyclobutenones in the past several decades and provides an overview of the characteristics and advantages of these strategies. The aim of this review is to provide valuable insights for the synthesis of cyclobutenones.
Multidisciplinary management of persistent pain in primary care—A systematic review
Authors: Huttunen Merja H. , Paananen Markus , Miettunen Jouko , Kalso Eija , Marttinen Maiju K.
Published: January 2024

Background and Objective

A multidisciplinary approach is the gold standard in the management of persistent pain and is current practice in tertiary pain clinics. However, such approaches seem to be a rarity in primary care, although pain is the most common reason for visiting a primary care physician. A comprehensive systematic review was conducted to explore whether studies on multidisciplinary management programs for persistent pain exist in primary care.

Databases and Data Treatment

PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Scopus, CINAHL, and PsychINFO were searched from inception to October 2022, and supplementary research was conducted in June 2023. Screening, data extraction, and quality assessment were independently carried out by two researchers. The inclusion criteria were (1) adult patients (age >18 years); (2) non‐cancer pain, persisting over 3 months; (3) multidisciplinary intervention (treatment included ≥3 heathcare professionals); (4) intervention conducted in a primary care setting; and (5) reports published in English.

Results

Of the 1250 initially identified studies, 17 were selected for final analysis. Only studies reporting empirical data were included (cohort, case–control, randomized controlled trial, and observational). The study settings and intervention characteristics showed great heterogeneity. The primary care practices also varied across different countries and cultures. Overall, the quality of the studies was rather low and sample sizes were relatively small.

Conclusions

The review revealed that studies about such treatment interventions for persistent pain patients are scarce. The existing studies were heterogeneous in terms of intervention characteristics, population, outcome variables, and study methodology. Future studies are urgently needed.

Significance

Persistent pain is a growing challenge to the health care system, and most patients are treated in primary care. The biopsychosocial concept is the basis for the multidisciplinary management of pain. The review revealed that studies about treatment interventions for persistent pain patients are scarce. Existing studies were heterogeneous in terms of intervention characteristics, population, outcome variables, and study methodology. There is an urgent need for further studies on systematic multidisciplinary treatment protocols for managing persistent pain in primary care.
Beyond activity patterns: The complex process of activity management among individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain after an orthopaedic trauma
Authors: Mbarga J. , Favre C. , Ribeiro C. , Pichonnaz C. , Ancey C. , Foley R.‐A. , Leger B. , Luthi F.
Published: January 2024

Context

Individuals must change the way they perform activities in response to chronic pain. In the literature, three activity patterns are commonly described: avoidance, pacing, and persistence. Many studies have explored these activity patterns. However, little research has delved into the factors that lead people to adopt a particular activity behaviour. This study aimed to explore the relationship that people with chronic musculoskeletal pain have with activity and highlight the factors underlying their practices.

Methods

The qualitative study was conducted by researchers in the social sciences, physiotherapy, psychology, and rehabilitation medicine. Observations of vocational workshops and semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 33 persons undergoing rehabilitation for chronic musculoskeletal pain after an accident.

Results

Patients' declarations and actions show that any one patient will alternate between activity patterns: the same person may adopt a strategy of avoidance, pacing or persistence depending on the context, the importance of the activity, personal objectives, and representations of self, pain, and activity. The decision to engage in a particular behaviour is based on a process of self‐negotiation weighted by the circumstances, the nature of the activity, the importance attached to it, and the individual's perceived ability.

Conclusion

Our study emphasized the complexity of physical, social, and contextual factors that intervene in the relationship toward activity. Rather than favouring pacing, the therapist's role in rehabilitation might be to reinforce the reflexive process and the patient's adaptability in approaching the activity, to foster the capacity to find flexible solutions.

Significance

Patients choose an activity pattern (avoidance, pacing, persistence) according to the challenges they face in their daily lives. Context, representations of self and activity, as well as goals sought influence these choices. Some patients report having learned to adapt their activity management strategies. Therefore, therapeutic approaches in the rehabilitation context could focus on these adaptive capacities to offer patients optimal pain and activity management and develop their ability to use different strategies according to the circumstance.
Ostracizers’ mark of disgrace: Social exclusion increases the actor–observer difference
Authors: Albath Elianne A. , Stephan Elena , Greifeneder Rainer
Published: January 2024

The actor–observer difference describes the tendency to explain own actions with variable and external aspects, but others’ actions with stable and internal characteristics. We test two opposing predictions of how changes in attribution vary as a function of being ignored and excluded. On the one hand, individuals may cope by psychologically distancing themselves from sources of exclusion, potentially producing stable and internal representations of them. On the other hand, excluded individuals are particularly sensitive to social cues, which may foster a more variable and externally motivated representation of sources’ behaviours. Consistent with the first prediction, excluded (vs. included) individuals (total N = 1,052 in four studies) perceived causes for negative hypothetical outcomes as more internal and, to a somewhat lesser extent, more stable for others involved in the interaction. The use of different methodological approaches across studies attests to this conclusion's robustness and addresses alternative explanations.
Towards next generation power grid transformer for renewables: Technology review
Authors: Agarwala Amrita , Tahsin Toki , Ali Md. Firoj , Sarker Subrata K. , Abhi Sarafat Hussain , Das Sajal K. , Das Prangon , Hasan Md. Mehedi , Tasneem Zinat , Islam Md. Manirul , Islam Md. Robiul , Badal Md. Faisal R. , Ahamed Md. Hafiz
Published: January 2024

This paper develops a technical framework for the next‐generation power grid transformer (NGPGT) for grid renewables. This framework is structured to overcome the environmental challenges produced by the explosive use of nonrenewable base energy generation sources. The use of these sources cannot meet the required electricity for the world's growing community due to their availability, cost, and lack of flexibility. However, modern energy systems focus on the use of renewable energy sources, where the grid transformer's interaction plays an essential role in their generation, transmission, and distribution. The lack of centralization, local monitoring, interoperability, authenticity, and precise bi‐directional flow may limit the application of current framework power grid transformers in grid renewables. In this paper, a new technical framework, called NGPGT, is developed by introducing some extended features for addressing the challenges shown in current‐generation transformers. This is structured by enabling some advanced technical features with the existing framework, which includes automatic condition monitoring, intelligent inverters, edge computing, automatic controlling, and intelligent management. This paper also illustrates the benefits and scope of the NGPGT compared to the existing transformer by assembling essential requirements and obligatory components. Additionally, this paper highlights a few difficulties of implementing NGPGT in terms of operational, communication, energy management, and economic points of view, which may enable further research scopes for the researchers.