bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Missing‐linker Defects in Covalent Organic Framework Membranes for Efficient CO2 Separation
Authors: Guo Zheyuan , Wu Hong , Chen Yu , Zhu Shiyi , Jiang Haifei , Song Shuqing , Ren Yanxiong , Wang Yuhan , Liang Xu , He Guangwei , Li Yonghong , Jiang Zhongyi
Published: August 2022

Covalent organic framework (COF) membranes with tunable ordered channels and free organic groups hold great promise in molecular separations owing to the synergy of physical and chemical microenvironments. Herein, we develop a defect engineering strategy to fabricate COF membranes for efficient CO2 separation. Abundant amino groups are in situ generated on the COF nanosheets arising from the missing‐linker defects during the reactive assembly of amine monomer and mixed aldehyde monomers. The COF nanosheets are assembled to fabricate COF membranes. Amino groups, as the CO2 facilitated transport carriers, along with ordered channels endow COF membrane with high CO2 permeances exceeding 300 GPU and excellent separation selectivity of 80 for CO2/N2, and 54 for CO2/CH4 mixed gas under humidified state. Our defect engineering strategy offers a facile approach to generating free organic functional groups in COF membranes and other organic framework membranes for diverse chemical separations.
Closed Aromatic Tubes—Capsularenes
Authors: Pavlović Radoslav Z. , Zhiquan Lei , Finnegan Tyler J. , Waudby Christopher A. , Wang Xiuze , Gunawardana Vageesha W. Liyana , Zhu Xingrong , Wong Curt M. , Hamby Taylor , Moore Curtis E. , Hoefer Nicole , McComb David W. , Sevov Christo S. , Badjić Jovica D.
Published: August 2022

In this study, we describe a synthetic method for incorporating arenes into closed tubes that we name capsularenes. First, we prepared vase‐shaped molecular baskets 4–7. The baskets comprise a benzene base fused to three bicycle[2.2.1]heptane rings that extend into phthalimide (4), naphthalimide (6), and anthraceneimide sides (7), each carrying a dimethoxyethane acetal group. In the presence of catalytic trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), the acetals at top of 4, 6 and 7 change into aliphatic aldehydes followed by their intramolecular cyclization into 1,3,5‐trioxane (1H NMR spectroscopy). Such ring closure is nearly a quantitative process that furnishes differently sized capsularenes 1 (0.7×0.9 nm), 8 (0.7×1.1 nm;) and 9 (0.7×1.4 nm;) characterized by X‐Ray crystallography, microcrystal electron diffraction, UV/Vis, fluorescence, cyclic voltammetry, and thermogravimetry. With exceptional rigidity, unique topology, great thermal stability, and perhaps tuneable optoelectronic characteristics, capsularenes hold promise for the construction of novel organic electronic devices.
Dynamic Grafting of Carboxylates onto Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Polymers for Supramolecularly‐Crosslinked Hydrogel Formation
Authors: Wong Joey Hui Min , Ting Tan Rebekah Pei , Chang Jun Jie , Ow Valerie , Yew Pek Yin Michelle , Chee Pei Lin , Kai Dan , Loh Xian Jun , Xue Kun
Published: August 2022

Supramolecular hydrogels have attracted considerable interest due to their unique stimuli‐responsive and self‐healing properties. However, these hydrogel systems are usually achieved by covalent grafting of supramolecular units onto the polymer backbone, which in turn limits their reprocessability. Herein, we prepared a supramolecular hydrogel system by forming dynamic covalent crosslinks between 4‐carboxyphenylboronic acid (CPBA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The system was then further crosslinked with either calcium ions or branched polyethylenimine (PEI) to generate hydrogels with distinctly different properties. Incorporation of calcium ions resulted in the formation of hydrogels with higher storage modulus of 7290 Pa but without self‐healing properties. On the other hand, PEI‐crosslinked hydrogel (PVA‐CPBA‐PEI) exhibited >2000% critical strain value, demonstrated high stability over 52 days and showed sustained antibacterial effect. A combination of supramolecular interactions and dynamic covalent crosslinks can be an alternate strategy to fabricate next‐generation hydrogel materials.
Microenvironment Modulation in Carbon‐Supported Single‐Atom Catalysts for Efficient Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Authors: Song Pengyu , Zhu Pan , Su Xiaoran , Hou Mengyun , Zhao Di , Zhang Jiatao
Published: August 2022

The electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (ECRR) becomes an effective way to reduce excess CO2 in the air and a promising strategy to maintain carbon balance. Carbon‐supported single‐atom catalysts (C‐SACs) is a kind of cost savings and most promising catalysts for ECRR. For C‐SACs, the key to achieving efficient ECRR performance is to adjusting the electronic structure of the central metal atoms by modulating their microenvironment of the catalysts. Not only the coordination numbers and hetero‐atom coordination, but also the regulation of diatomic sites have a great influence on the performance of C‐SACs. This review mainly focuses on recent studies for the microenvironment modulation in C‐SACs for efficient ECRR. We hope that this review can contribute readers a comprehensive insight in the current research status of C‐SACs for ECRR, as well as provide help for the rational design of C‐SACs with better ECRR performance.
Hierarchical optimal designs and modeling for engineering: A case‐study in the rail sector
Authors: Berni Rossella , Cantone Luciano , Magrini Alessandro , Nikiforova Nedka D.
Published: August 2022

Complex engineering and technological processes typically generate data with a non‐trivial hierarchical structure. To this end, in this article we propose a full procedure for optimizing such processes through optimal experimental designs and modeling. In order to study a hierarchical structure, several types of experimental factors may arise, making the building of the experimental design challenging. Starting from the analysis of a preliminary dataset and a pilot design including nested, branching, and shared experimental factors, as well as a new type of experimental factor called composite‐form‐factor, we build a hierarchical D‐optimal experimental design using genetic algorithms. We apply our proposal to a real case‐study in the rail sector aimed at optimizing the payload distribution of freight trains. In this case‐study we also achieve the best train configuration by minimizing the in‐train forces. The results are very satisfactory and confirm that our full procedure represents a valid method to be successfully applied for solving similar technological problems.
Grain‐Boundary‐Free Glassy Solid Electrolytes based on Sulfide Materials: Effects of Oxygen and Nitrogen Doping on Electrochemical Performance
Authors: Zhao Ran , Hu Guantai , Kmiec Steven , Wheaton Jacob , Torres Victor M. , Martin Steve W.
Published: August 2022

While much of the current research on glassy solid electrolytes (GSEs) has focused on the binary Li2S+P2S5 system, compositions with Si are of interest because Si promotes stronger glass formation and allows low‐cost melt‐quenching (MQ) synthesis under ambient pressure. Another advantage is that they can be formed in homogeneous and continuous glass forms, as a result they are free of grain boundaries. In this work, we have examined the structures and electrochemical properties of bulk glass pieces of sulfide and oxy‐sulfide GSE compositions and have also expanded the study by using LiPON glass as a dopant to produce an entirely new class of nitrogen doped mixed oxy‐sulfide nitride (MOSN) GSEs. Upon doping with oxygen and nitrogen, the solid electrolyte interface (SEI) is stabilized and the doped MOSN GSE exhibits a critical current density (CCD) of 1.8 mA cm−2 at 100 °C. We also report on improving the glass quality, the SEI engineering and its limitations, and future plans of improving the electrochemical performance of these homogeneous MQ MOSN GSEs. These fundamental results can help to understand the structures and doping effects of the bulk GSEs, and as such can provide a guide to design improved homogeneous grain‐boundary‐free GSEs.
Maternal micronutrient deficiency and congenital heart disease risk: A systematic review of observational studies
Authors: Mires Stuart , Caputo Massimo , Overton Timothy , Skerritt Clare
Published: August 2022

Background

Congenital anomalies affect over 2% of pregnancies, with congenital heart disease (CHD) the most common. Understanding of causal factors is limited. Micronutrients are essential trace elements with key roles in growth and development. We aimed to investigate whether maternal micronutrient deficiencies increase the risk of fetal CHD through systematic review of published literature.

Method

We performed a systematic review registered at PROSPERO as CRD42021276699. Ovid‐MEDLINE, Ovid‐EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched from their inception until September 7, 2021. Case control trials were included with a population of biological mothers of fetuses with and without CHD. The exposure was maternal micronutrient level measured in pregnancy or the postpartum period. Data extraction was performed by one author and checked by a second. Risk of bias assessment was performed according to the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network guidance. We performed a narrative synthesis for analysis.

Results

726 articles were identified of which 8 met our inclusion criteria. Final analysis incorporated data from 2,427 pregnancies, 1,199 of which were complicated by fetal CHD assessing 8 maternal micronutrients: vitamin D, vitamin B12, folate, vitamin A, zinc, copper, selenium, and ferritin. Studies were heterogenous with limited sample sizes and differing methods and timing of maternal micronutrient sampling. Definitions of deficiency varied and differed from published literature. Published results were contradictory.

Conclusion

There is not enough evidence to confidently conclude if maternal micronutrient deficiencies increase the risk of fetal CHD. Further large‐scale prospective study is required to answer this question.
Studies toward the total synthesis of (+)‐neopeltolide using N‐heterocyclic carbene‐catalyzed oxo‐acyloxylation/reductive oxa‐Michael addition strategy
Authors: Reddi Rambabu N. , Sudalai Arumugam , Jo Changbum
Published: August 2022

This article describes a concise synthesis of two important fragments (tetrahydropyran [THP] and ketone moieties) of the cytotoxic macrolide (+)‐neopeltolide in 10 long linear steps in enantiomerically pure form. Asymmetric Keck allylation to install the required C11 and C13 stereocenters, N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC)‐catalyzed oxoacyloxylation to functionalize alkenes, and reductive oxa‐Michael addition to construct 2,6‐difunctionalized THP unit intramolecularly are the important steps in synthetic efforts. Finally, Keck asymmetric allylation and Lewis acid‐catalyzed diastereoselective allylation of the aldehyde were sequentially employed to establish the stereocenters at C11 and C13 positions, respectively.
Is a Catalyst Always Needed? The Case of the Knoevenagel Reaction with Malononitrile
Authors: Campisciano Vincenzo , Giacalone Francesco , Gruttadauria Michelangelo
Published: August 2022

The aim of this Perspective is to start a discussion about the real usefulness of more or less sophisticated catalytic systems for the Knoevenagel reaction with malononitrile, a reaction that can take place under mild conditions without the need of a catalyst. From a sustainable viewpoint the questions are: Is it useful to increase the rate of a reaction that already occurs under mild conditions? Is it useful to spend resources and time in designing, characterizing and realizing complex catalytic systems for such reaction? Does it make sense to carry out the reaction under conditions such as to have a slower reaction rate and therefore to find a catalyst that is able to increase it?
Sequential Formation of Heteroternary Cucurbit[10]uril (CB[10]) Complexes
Authors: Li Chunyang , Manick Anne‐Doriane , Zhao Yuxi , Liu Fengbo , Chatelet Bastien , Rosas Roselyne , Siri Didier , Gigmes Didier , Monnier Valerie , Charles Laurence , Broggi Julie , Liu Simin , Martinez Alexandre , Kermagoret Anthony , Bardelang David
Published: August 2022

The globular and monocationic guest molecule trimethyl‐azaphosphatrane (AZAP, a protonated Verkade superbase) was shown to form a host:guest 1 : 1 complex with the cucurbit[10]uril (CB[10]) macrocycle in water. Molecular dynamics calculations showed that CB[10] adopts an 8‐shape with AZAP occupying the majority of the internal space, CB[10] contracting around AZAP and leaving a significant part of the cavity unoccupied. This residual space was used to co‐include planar and monocationic co‐guest (CG) molecules, affording heteroternary CB[10]⋅AZAP⋅CG complexes potentially opening new perspectives in supramolecular chemistry.
Metal‐Based Aerogels Catalysts for Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Authors: Wang Guangtao , Li Xiang , Yang Xiaohan , Liu Li‐Xia , Cai Yanming , Wu Yajun , Wang Shengyan , Li Huan , Zhou Yuanzhen , Wang Yuanyuan , Zhou Yang
Published: August 2022

General strategies for metal aerogel synthesis, including single‐metal, transition‐metal doped, multi‐metal‐doped, and nano‐metal‐doped carbon aerogel are described. In addition, the latest applications of several of the above‐mentioned metal aerogels in electrocatalytic CO2 reduction are discussed. Finally, considering the possibility of future applications of electrocatalytic CO2 reduction technology, a vision for industrialization and directions that can be optimized are proposed.
Asymmetric Organocatalytic Homologation: Access to Diverse Chiral Trifluoromethyl Organoboron Species
Authors: Jayarajan Ramasamy , Kireilis Tautvydas , Eriksson Lars , Szabó Kálmán J.
Published: August 2022

A broad range of aliphatic, aromatic, and heterocyclic boronic acids were successfully homologated using trifluorodiazoethane in the presence of BINOL derivatives to provide the corresponding chiral trifluoromethyl containing boronic acid derivatives in high yields and excellent enantioselectivity. The in situ conversion of the chiral transient boronic acids to the corresponding alcohols or β‐CF3 carboxylates are also demonstrated.
Electrical‐Conductive/Insulating Bi‐Functional Layers for Stable Zn Metal Anode
Authors: Wang Lang , Wang Xinyu , Wang Zhe , Song Binxin , Wan Fang , Ma Xiangkun
Published: August 2022

Zinc‐ion batteries are regarded as an extremely promising candidate for large‐scale energy storage equipment due to the inexpensive ingredients and high safety. However, dendrite growth and side reactions occur in the Zn anode, which lead to exceedingly low coulombic efficiency (CE) and poor cycling stability. In this work, we propose a strategy of a conductive/insulating bi‐functional coating layer (CIBL) for stable Zn metal anodes. Porous Ag nanowires (NWs) coating as a conductive layer effectively reduces the nuclear barrier and contains Zn2+ deposition in a certain space. Polyimide (PI) coatings as insulating layer implement a shunting effect on Zn2+, which could reduce the differential concentration on the Zn surface and induce uniform deposition of Zn2+. Therefore, the CIBL−Zn//CIBL−Zn battery achieves stable plating/stripping of over 1300 h at 1 mA cm−2. The CE of CIBL−Zn//CIBL−Zn battery maintains at 99.2 % even after 1000 cycles. Moreover, the CIBL−Zn//V2O5 battery exhibits a capacity of nearly 289.2 mA h g−1 at 5 A g−1 after 3000 cycles and no sign of capacity degradation is found, which further demonstrate the feasibility of this strategy in practical application.
E‐selective Semi‐hydrogenation of Alkynes under Mild Conditions by a Diruthenium Hydride Complex
Authors: van Beek Cody B. , Killian Lars , Lutz Martin , Weingarth Markus , Asundi Arun S. , Sarangi Ritimukta , Klein Gebbink Robertus J. M. , Broere Daniël L. J.
Published: August 2022

The synthesis, characterization and catalytic activity of a new class of diruthenium hydrido carbonyl complexes bound to thetBuPNNPexpanded pincer ligand is described. ReactingtBuPNNPwith two equiv of RuHCl(PPh3)3(CO) at 140 °C produces an insoluble air‐stable complex, which was structurally characterized as [Ru2(tBuPNNP)H(μ‐H)Cl(μ‐Cl)(CO)2] (1) using solid‐state NMR, IR and X‐ray absorption spectroscopies and follow‐up reactivity. A reaction with KOtBu results in deprotonation of a methylene linker to produce [Ru2(tBuPNNP*)H(μ‐H)(μ‐OtBu)(CO)2] (3) featuring a partially dearomatized naphthyridine core. This enables metal‐ligand cooperative activation of H2analogous to the mononuclear analogue, [Ru(tBuPNP*)H(CO)]. In contrast to the mononuclear system, the bimetallic analogue3catalyzes theE‐selective semi‐hydrogenation of alkynes at ambient temperature and atmospheric H2pressure with good functional group tolerance. Monitoring the semi‐hydrogenation of diphenylacetylene by1H NMR spectroscopy shows the intermediacy ofZ‐stilbene, which is subsequently isomerized to theE‐isomer. Initial findings into the mode of action of this system are provided, including the spectroscopic characterization of a polyhydride intermediate and the isolation of a deactivated species with a partially hydrogenated naphthyridine backbone.
Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, and Binding Mode of a New Class of Oncogenic K‐Ras4b Inhibitors
Authors: Jeuken Stephan , Shkura Oleksandr , Röger Marc , Brickau Victoria , Choidas Axel , Degenhart Carsten , Gülden Daniel , Klebl Bert , Koch Uwe , Stoll Raphael , Scherkenbeck Jürgen
Published: August 2022

Ras proteins are implicated in some of the most common life‐threatening cancers. Despite intense research during the past three decades, progress towards small‐molecule inhibitors of mutant Ras proteins still has been limited. Only recently has significant progress been made, in particular with ligands for binding sites located in the switch II and between the switch I and switch II region of K‐Ras4B. However, the structural diversity of inhibitors identified for those sites to date is narrow. Herein, we show that hydrazones and oxime ethers of specific bis(het)aryl ketones represent structurally variable chemotypes for new GDP/GTP‐exchange inhibitors with significant cellular activity.
Research on dual‐frequency modulation strategy of wireless power transfer system
Authors: Tang Yu , Wang Hongchang , Shi Zhe , Guo Yingjun , Sun Hexu
Published: August 2022

Compared with traditional wired power transmission, wireless power transfer(WPT) has fully exhibited its key advantages of better safety and convenience, stronger reliability and electrical isolation, and less maintenance. Although the phase‐shift modulation strategy has been widely used in various WPT applications, it has certain limitations in terms of high‐frequency hard‐switching, which increases the power loss of the WPT system during voltage regulation. To achieve efficient operation over a wide range of load power, this paper proposes a dual‐frequency modulation strategy for the WPT system. The advantages of the dual‐frequency modulation strategy are the simple modulation logic and the lower switching loss. It maintains the optimal load impedance during constant voltage output and improves the overall efficiency of the system. For validation, we designed the control circuit and wrote the control program and built the experimental prototype of the WPT system to carry out the phase‐shift modulation experiment and the dual‐frequency modulation experiment, respectively. The experimental results show that the soft switching range and efficiency of the WPT system under the dual‐frequency modulation strategy are better. At the rated output power, the efficiency of the WPT system under dual‐frequency modulation strategy is 89.75%. The feasibility of the dual‐frequency modulation strategy has been confirmed.
N6‐methyladenosine demethylase ALKBH5 suppresses colorectal cancer progression potentially by decreasing PHF20 mRNA methylation
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Wang Ling , Zhao Long , Wang Quan , Yang Changjiang , Zhang Mengmeng , Wang Bo , Jiang Kewei , Ye Yingjiang , Wang Shan , Shen Zhanlong
Published: August 2022

Background

As the most widespread mRNAs modification, N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) is dynamically and reversibly modulated by methyltransferases and demethylases. ALKBH5 is a major demethylase, and plays vital roles in the progression of cancers. However, the role and mechanisms of ALKBH5 in colorectal cancer (CRC) is unclear.

Results

Herein, we discovered that in CRC, downregulated ALKBH5 was closely related to poor prognosis of CRC patients. Functionally, our results demonstrated that knockdown of ALKBH5 enhanced the proliferation, migration and invasion of LOVO and RKO in vitro, while overexpression of ALKBH5 inhibited the functions of these cells. The results also demonstrated that knockdown of ALKBH5 promoted subcutaneous tumorigenesis of LOVO in vivo, while overexpression of ALKBH5 suppressed this ability. Mechanistically, results from joint analyses of MeRIP‐seq and RNA‐seq indicated that PHF20 mRNA was a key molecule that was regulated by ALKBH5‐mediated m6A modification. Further experiments indicated that ALKBH5 may inhibit stability of PHF20 mRNA by removing the m6A modification of PHF20 mRNA 3′UTR.

Conclusions

ALKBH5 suppresses CRC progression by decreasing PHF20 mRNA methylation. ALKBH5‐mediated m6A modification of PHF20 mRNA can serve as a hopeful strategy for the intervention and treatment of CRC.
Earlier spring snowmelt drives arrowleaf balsamroot phenology in montane meadows
Authors: Durney J. Simone , Engel Arden , Debinski Diane M. , Burkle Laura A.
Published: August 2022

Climate change is shifting phenology globally, altering when and how species respond to environmental cues such as temperature and the timing of snowmelt. These shifts may result in phenological mismatches among interacting species, creating cascading effects on community and ecosystem dynamics. Using passive warming structures and snow removal, we examined how experimentally increased temperatures, earlier spring snowmelt, and the poorly understood interaction between warming and earlier spring snowmelt affected flower onset, flowering duration, and maximum floral display of the spring‐flowering montane species, arrowleaf balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittata), over a 7‐year period. Additionally, potential cumulative effects of treatments were evaluated over the study duration. The combination of heating with snow removal led to earlier flower onset, extended flowering duration, and increased maximum floral display. While there was year‐to‐year variation in floral phenology, the effect of heating with snow removal on earlier onset and maximum floral display strengthened over time. This suggests that short‐term studies likely underestimate the potential for climate change to influence phenological plant traits. Overall, this research indicates that B. sagittata's flowering onset responded more strongly to snow removal than to heating, but the combination of heating with snow removal allowed plants to bloom earlier, longer, and more profusely, providing more pollinator resources in spring. If warming and early snowmelt cause similar responses in other plant species, these patterns could mitigate phenological mismatches with pollinators by providing a wider window of time for interaction and resiliency in the face of change. This example demonstrates that a detailed understanding of how spring‐flowering plants respond to specific aspects of predicted climatic scenarios will improve our understanding of the effects of climate change on native plant–pollinator interactions in montane ecosystems. Studies like this help elucidate the long‐term physiological effects of climate‐induced stressors on plant phenology in long‐lived forbs.
Dietary diversity of multiple shorebird species in an Asian subtropical wetland unveiled by DNA metabarcoding
Authors: Huang Pei‐Yu , Poon Emily Shui Kei , Chan Lai Ying , Chan David Tsz Chung , Huynh Stella , So Ivy Wai Yan , Sung Yik‐Hei , Sin Simon Yung Wa
Published: August 2022

Global declines in shorebird populations resulting from foraging habitat loss have been recently reported, and the situation within the East Asian‐Australasian Flyway (EAAF) is particularly concerning. Despite previous studies that analyzed the foraging niches of shorebirds worldwide, the dietary niche dynamics of shorebirds coexisting in Asia are very poorly understood. This study is therefore among the early few that aim to unveil the trophic organization of shorebirds in a subtropical wetland within the EAAF which is vital for species conservation. Our study first determined the dietary spectra of more than 10 shorebird species, such as Calidris ferruginea (near threatened), Charadrius leschenaultii, and Pluvialis squatarola, by applying DNA metabarcoding with 18S and COI markers to fecal DNA. The diet of Tringa stagnatilis was also characterized, which was previously undescribed. Shorebirds that occurred in the wetland consumed a variety of food items, primarily a high abundance of malacostracans, mollusks, annelids, insects, and some arachnids. Different proportions of plant materials were also detected in many shorebird species. Using the data, we then revealed clear patterns of inter‐ and intraspecific variations between these shorebirds. Importantly, we specifically compared the similarities of the spring diets among seven sympatric shorebird species. We found that the dietary compositions of the seven species have segregated from each other to varying levels, but the many similar taxa we identified in the diets among these shorebirds imply that these populations of shorebirds could be competing at different levels. Thus, any reductions in the abundance and diversity of these important food resources would likely intensify their inter‐ and intraspecific competition, and simultaneously threaten the survival of multiple species. With these findings, conservation measures must be taken to protect and monitor the vital food resources for these energy‐deprived shorebirds during migration.
Prelithiation Enhances Cycling Life of Lithium‐Ion Batteries: A Mini Review
Authors: Liu Xiaomei , Wu Ze , Xie Leqiong , Sheng Li , Liu Jianhong , Wang Li , Wu Kai , He Xiangming
Published: August 2022

During the last decade, the rapid development of lithium‐ion battery (LIB) energy storage systems has provided significant support for the efficient operation of renewable energy stations. In the coming years, the service life demand of energy storage systems will be further increased to 30 years from the current 20 years on the basis of the equivalent service life of renewable energy stations. However, the life of the present LIB is far from meeting such high demand. Therefore, research on the next‐generation LIB with ultra‐long service life is imminent. Prelithiation technology has been widely studied as an important means to compensate for the initial coulombic efficiency loss and improve the service life of LIBs. This review systematically summarized the different prelithiation methods from anode and cathode electrodes. Moreover, the large‐scale industrialization challenge and the possibility of the existing prelithiation technology are analyzed, based on three key parameters: industry compatibility, prelithiation efficiency, and energy density. Finally, the future trends of improvement in LIB performance by other overlithiated cathode materials are presented, which gives a reference for subsequent research.
Photophysical Properties and Single‐Molecule Magnet Behavior in Heterobimetallic 3d4 f Schiff Base Complexes
Authors: Chiboub Fellah Fatima Zohra , Pointillart Fabrice , Guizouarn Thierry , Roisnel Thierry , Dege Necmi , Chiboub Fellah Abdelghani , Hassaine Ridha
Published: August 2022

Three new heterobimetallic Schiff base complexes of formula [(LZnCl)2Gd(H2O)](ZnCl4)0.5 (2), [(LZn(OH))(LZnCl)Sm(H2O)](ZnCl4)0.5 (3) and [(LZnCl0.5(OH)0.5)(LZnCl)Dy(H2O)](ZnCl4)0.5 (4) were designed from the reaction of the metallo‐ligand ZnL (1) (H2L=N, N′‐bis(3‐methoxysalicylaldiimine)‐1,3‐propylene‐2‐ol) and lanthanide salt in a ratio 1 to 1. The crystallographic structures of 2–4 were resolved by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. Light irradiation allowed the observation of a broad emission centered on the organic ligand which is exalted upon Zn(II) coordination. 1 is able to act as a metallo‐organic chromophore for the sensitization of the Sm(III) luminescence. Finally the Dy(III) derivative displayed Single‐Molecule Magnet (SMM) behavior with an opening of the hysteresis loop up to 5 K and a magnetic relaxation operating through Orbach, Raman and Quantum Tunneling of the Magnetization (QTM) at 0 Oe while under an applied magnetic field the QTM is efficiently cancelled.
Political parties' framing of farm animal welfare: A fragmented picture
Authors: Hårstad Renate M. B. , Vik Jostein
Published: August 2022

In this article, we draw from qualitative interviews with political parties' representatives and a content analysis of party programs to identify how political parties frame animal welfare policies in Norway. In analyzing the framing of animal welfare and its significance for understanding agricultural post‐exceptionalism, we found that though they frame animal welfare issues in conflicting ways, most see Norwegian animal welfare as reasonably good but perceive potential for improvement. They also generally understand societal claims as lacking or having an unclear factual basis, which has legitimized their nonaction as political parties. Even so, because of active new actors such as animal welfare organizations and retailers, the parties do not believe that public pressure will wane. Although introducing new farm animal welfare policies can represent a move towards post‐exceptionalism in Europe's agri‐food sector, the discourse on animal welfare policies amongst political parties implies that such is not the case in Norway.
The silent crisis of child abuse in the COVID‐19 pandemic: A scoping review
Authors: Karbasi Zahra , Safdari Reza , Eslami Parisa
Published: August 2022

Background and Aims

The global outbreak of COVID‐19 has become an international concern. The lives of children are severely affected by COVID‐19 pandemic. There is evidence of a pandemic impact on violence against children. This scoping review study aimed to investigate the effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on child abuse.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases to retrieve related studies. Regarding the recent incident of COVID‐19, the articles were reviewed from 2019 to June 1, 2021. The terms Child abuse and COVID‐19 were used in the precise search technique of each database. The search techniques were created to work with any scientific database that used the keywords given.

Results

In the initial search of scientific databases, 568 articles were retrieved. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria during the screening process, 16 papers were included in the scoping review. Twelve articles have mentioned the increase of physical, psychological, and neglect types of abuse. However, sexual violence has not been reported in any of the articles. Four articles reported a reduction in the incidence of child abuse.

Conclusion

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, a crisis occurred in the form of an upsurge in violence toward children, since limits made to diminish the virus, in general, increased the danger to children. Numerous factors such as stress, poverty, financial situation, history of violence, school closures, and lack of contact with support organizations contribute to this phenomenon. Social action and support needed is the right of every child in need in this critical situation.
Stem cell genes in atheromatosis: The role of Klotho, HIF1α, OCT4, and BMP4
Authors: Mylonas Konstantinos S. , Karangelis Dimos , Androutsopoulou Vasiliki , Chalikias George , Tziakas Dimitrios , Mikroulis Dimitrios , Iliopoulos Dimitrios C. , Nikiteas Nikolaos , Schizas Dimitrios
Published: August 2022

During fetal development, shear stress regulates several aspects of vascular development. Alterations in signaling pathways due to disturbed flow in atheroprone regions closely mirror phenomena seen during embryogenesis. This flow‐dependent dysregulation of developmental genes appears to promote atherogenesis by mediating inflammatory phenomena, cell cycle progression, apoptosis, cell migration, and oxidative stress. Indeed, several stem cell genes have been implicated in vascular health and atheromatosis. Klotho is key in maintaining endothelial integrity, reducing oxidative stress, and sustaining endothelial nitric oxide production. In atherosclerotic lesions, OCT4 mediates the conversion of vascular smooth muscle cells from contractile to a de‐dedifferentiated proliferative phenotype with phagocytic ability. HIF1α drives atherosclerotic plaque progression by promoting intraplaque angiogenesis. BMP4 promotes osteochondrogenic development and arterial calcification. Strategic extracellular matrix changes are also seen during the various phases of atherosclerosis. The aforementioned conceptual framework explains how proatherogenic inflammation develops in response to low shear stress. In the present review, we explored the effect of cardinal atheroprotective (Klotho, OCT4) and proatherogenic (HIF1α, BMP4) genes in mediating proatherogenic inflammation.
Impact of solid lipid nanoparticles on 3T3 fibroblasts viability and lipid profile: The effect of curcumin and resveratrol loading
Authors: Rosa Antonella , Nieddu Mariella , Pitzanti Giulia , Pireddu Rosa , Lai Francesco , Cardia Maria Cristina
Published: August 2022

This study focused on the impact in 3T3 fibroblasts of several types of empty and curcumin‐ and resveratrol‐loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) on cell viability and lipid metabolism in relation to their lipid content and encapsulated drug. SLN, prepared by hot homogenization/ultrasonication, were characterized with respect to size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential. Compritol® 888 ATO at different concentrations (4%, 5%, and 6% wt/wt) was chosen as lipid matrix while Poloxamer 188 (from 2.2% to 3.3% wt/wt) and Transcutol (TRC; 2% or 4%) were added as nanoparticle excipients. Prepared SLN were able to encapsulate high drug amount (encapsulation efficiency percentage of about 97–99%). All empty SLN did not show cytotoxicity (by MTT assay, at 24 h of incubation) in 3T3 cells independently of the lipid and TRC amount, while a viability reduction in the range 5–11% and 12–27% was observed in 3T3 cells treated with curcumin‐loaded and resveratrol‐loaded SLN, respectively. SLN without TRC did not affect cell lipid metabolism, independently from the lipid content. Empty and loaded SLN formulated with 4% of Compritol and 4% of TRC significantly affected, after 24 h of incubation at the dose of 5 μl/ml, cell polar lipids (phospholipids and free cholesterol) and fatty acid profile, with respect to control cells. Loaded compounds significantly modulated the impact of the corresponding empty formulation on cell lipids. Therefore, the combined impact on lipid metabolism of SLN and loaded drug should be taken in consideration in the evaluation of the toxicity, potential application, and therapeutic effects of new formulations.
River metabolic fingerprints and regimes reveal ecosystem responses to enhanced wastewater treatment
Authors: Jarvie Helen P. , Macrae Merrin L. , Anderson Mark , Celmer‐Repin Dominika , Plach Janina , King Stephen M.
Published: August 2022

Although many studies have examined how improvements in wastewater treatment impact river nutrient concentrations and loads, there has been much less focus on measuring river metabolism to evaluate the wider aquatic ecosystem benefits of reducing nutrient inputs to rivers. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of enhanced wastewater treatment (nitrification) on river metabolism in the Grand River, Canada's largest river draining into Lake Erie. Metabolic fingerprints and regimes (calculated from high‐frequency dissolved oxygen [DO] measurements) were used to visualize whole‐river ecosystem functional responses to these wastewater treatment upgrades. There was a 60% reduction in ecosystem respiration during summer, in response to reductions in effluent total ammonia inputs, causing a shift from net heterotrophy to net autotrophy, and contraction of river metabolic fingerprints. This resulted in major improvements in summer DO concentrations, with reductions in the percentage of days during summer that DO minima fell below water‐quality guidelines for protection of aquatic early life stages, from 88% to ≤16%. The results also point to potential cascading impacts on coupled phosphorus and nitrogen cycles, which may generate further improvements in river water quality. During the summer, high rates of river metabolism and nutrient retention may result in measured water‐column nutrient concentrations potentially underestimating nutrient pressures. This study also demonstrates the value of combining river metabolism with nutrient monitoring for a more holistic understanding of the role of nutrients in river ecosystem health and function.
Genetic variants with discordant classifications: An assessment of genetic counselor attitudes and practices
Authors: Lahiri Sayoni , Reys Brian , Wunder Julia , Pirzadeh‐Miller Sara
Published: August 2022

Discordant variant classifications (DVCs) can impact patient care and pose challenges for clinicians. A survey‐based study was conducted to examine genetic counselor (GC) attitudes and practices related to DVCs. Most GCs (202/229, 88%) in the study provide direct patient care across clinical specialties; review patients' genetic test results to determine if reported genetic variants have DVCs (176/202, 88%); and inform patients of known DVCs that impact medical management (165/202, 82%). DVC review, which takes 41 min (range: 5–240) on average per week, is typically prompted by the identification of a variant of uncertain significance (VUS) (160/176, 90%) and is primarily conducted using public databases (176/176, 100%). While most GCs felt it would not be ethical to knowingly provide different medical management recommendations to patients with the same genetic variant (152/229, 66%), they also stated they would rely on the variant classification on the test report (141/229, 61%) and/or the patient's personal/family history (188/229, 82%) to determine which classification to follow if a DVC is identified. Both factors are patient‐specific and, inherently, could lead to differing recommendations. When posed with a hypothetical scenario in which two patients have the same genetic variant, but test reports show a DVC (pathogenic vs VUS), most GCs (179/229, 78.2%) stated they would make the same recommendation for both patients regardless of management guidelines. One‐third (52/179, 29.1%) cited patient‐specific factors, such as personal/family history, would impact their recommendations. Disagreements about whether the pathogenic or VUS classification should be used to make medical management recommendations were noted. Differing practices and opinions on how to manage patients with DVCs, as well as the fact that most GCs (209/229, 91.3%) have consulted with colleagues on this matter, highlight the need for more professional guidance to ensure equitable patient care.
Strengthened surveillance revealed a rapid disappearance of the poliovirus serotype 2 vaccine strain in Madagascar after its removal from the oral polio vaccine
Authors: Razafindratsimandresy Richter , Joffret Marie‐Line , Raharinantoanina Jonhson , Polston Patsy , Andriamamonjy Nelson S. , Razanajatovo Iony Manitra , Diop Ousmane M. , Delpeyroux Francis , Héraud Jean‐Michel , Bessaud Maël
Published: August 2022

To assess circulation of the Sabin 2 poliovirus vaccine strain in Madagascar after its withdrawal from the oral polio vaccine in April 2016, a reinforced poliovirus surveillance was implemented in three regions of Madagascar from January 2016 to December 2017. Environmental samples and stool specimens from healthy children were screened using the Global Polio Laboratory Network algorithm to detect the presence of polioviruses. Detected polioviruses were molecularly typed and their genomes fully sequenced. Polioviruses were detected during all but 4 months of the study period. All isolates were related to the vaccine strains and no wild poliovirus was detected. The majority of isolates belong to the serotype 3. The last detection of Sabin 2 occurred in July 2016, 3 months after its withdrawal. No vaccine‐derived poliovirus of any serotype was observed during the study. Only few poliovirus isolates contained sequences from non‐polio origin. The genetic characterization of all the poliovirus isolates did not identify isolates that were highly divergent compared to the vaccine strains. This observation is in favor of a good vaccine coverage that efficiently prevented long‐lasting transmission chains between unvaccinated persons. This study underlines that high commitment in the fight against polioviruses can succeed in stopping their circulation even in countries where poor sanitation remains a hurdle.
Climatology of heatwaves in South America identified through ERA5 reanalysis data
Authors: de Araújo Glícia Ruth Garcia , Frassoni Ariane , Sapucci Luiz Fernando , Bitencourt Daniel , de Brito Neto Francisco Agustinho
Published: August 2022

The rise in the Earth's global average surface temperature and the increase of extreme weather events have been the focus of scientific discussion in the last decades. Extreme heat combined with other environmental extremes, like high concentrations of air pollution, may induce health problems—especially in socioeconomically vulnerable populations. Spring in South America requires particular attention due to its association with hot, dry weather and air pollution in most parts of the continent. This paper intends to better comprehend the behaviour of heatwaves during the austral winter–spring transition. We propose identifying the spatial coverage, frequency and intensity of heatwaves in homogeneous areas of maximum air temperature near the surface (Tmax). We employed cluster analyses during the period between July and October for 41 years (1979–2019) through the ERA5 reanalysis. Homogeneous Tmax areas in South America were defined by cluster analyses that indicated three homogeneous Tmax regions, as follows: a larger area of the continent including the tropical region (Area 1), eastern and southeastern South America (Area 2) and southernmost and steep areas in the Andes (Area 3). The heatwave events identified via ERA5 reanalysis were classified according to their intensity (intense, moderate and weak events). Spatial frequency and trend analyses were also performed regarding the intensity and persistence of heatwave episodes. These methods allowed the identification of the behavioural aspect of heatwaves spanning the last four decades. The Mann–Kendall statistical test (MK) was applied in order to analyse the heatwave trend with a statistical significance level of 5%. A total of 191 heatwave episodes were identified. Of this total, 47.12, 35.60 and 17.28% of episodes occurred in Areas 2, 3 and 1, respectively. The hotter area extending from northeast to southwest in central South America stood out by its largest frequencies of intense heatwave episodes. Across the continent there was a significant increase in the intensity and persistence of heatwaves over the period of 1979 through to 2019.
Better living through chemistry? A randomized, double‐blind controlled study evaluating the efficacy of plaque control and gingival health impacts of a novel stannous fluoride‐containing gel
Authors: Takesh Thair , Goshtasbi Arezou , Lin Kairong , Yang Susan Meishan , Wink Cherie , Geisinger Maria L. , Wilder‐Smith Petra
Published: August 2022

Background

Gingivitis is a nonspecific inflammatory lesion in response to the accumulation of oral biofilm and is a necessary precursor to periodontitis. Enhanced oral hygiene practices are necessary to reverse gingivitis and a dentifrice that could provide significant clinical reductions in plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation would be desirable to treat gingivitis and potentially prevent progression to periodontitis. This clinical study aimed to investigate the effect of a novel stannous fluoride‐containing dentifrice with 2.6% ethylenediamine tetra‐acetic acid (EDTA) as an antitartar agent to reduce Plaque Index (PI) and Gingival Index over a 3‐month study period.

Methods

This double‐blind, randomized controlled clinical study evaluated plaque, gingival inflammation, and sulcular bleeding in patients using either a novel dental gel containing 0.454% stannous fluoride and 2.6% EDTA or a dentifrice with 0.24% sodium fluoride. Sixty subjects participated over a 3‐month period. Co‐primary endpoints were improvements in PI and Modified Gingival Index (mGI) from baseline values. No professional cleaning was performed during the study period.

Results

All subjects in the study demonstrated statistically significant improvements in all measures of oral hygiene over the 3‐month study period. Subjects using the novel dental gel showed statistically significantly greater reductions in PI (ΔPI) [(−1.43 ± 0.34; −0.49 ± 0.13) (p < 0.00001)], mGI (ΔmGI) [(−1.11 ± 0.22; −0.16 ± 0.12) (p < 0.00001)], and modified sulcular bleeding index (ΔmSBI) [(−1.15 ± 0.18; −0.20 ± 0.07) (p < 0.00001)].

Conclusions

The novel dental gel demonstrated significant improvements in clinical parameters associated with gingivitis compared to a commercially available sodium fluoride dentifrice.
Late Pleistocene montane forest fire return interval estimates from Mount Kenya
Authors: Courtney Mustaphi Colin J. , Rucina Stephen M. , Marchant Rob
Published: August 2022

Past forest fire events and fire frequencies are reconstructed with sediment–charcoal records at lake catchment spatial scales. Few quantitative palaeofire analyses exist in tropical montane forests, where fire return intervals are long (decadal and centennial scales) because of the infrequency of fire weather and fuel conditions. Fire return intervals are a key characteristic of fire regimes and changing fire frequencies rapidly alter land cover compositions and vegetation structure. Charcoal records from small lakes with relatively small catchments covered with dense forest provide an opportunity to reconstruct low‐frequency, high‐severity fires through a time series decomposition approach to identify charcoal peaks above a varying background rate as a proxy for palaeofire events. The sediment core from Rumuiku wetland on Mount Kenya, equatorial eastern Africa, accumulated a nearly linear age–depth model and provided a high temporal resolution (10 years cm–1) sieved charcoal count record (>125 µm). Pollen analysis showed a significant change in montane forest assemblage occurred at 21 200 cal abpfrom a montane forest with abundantPodocarpusandJuniperusto a forest with more abundantHagenia. This change in forest altered the vegetation composition and structure with concomitant changes to the fire regime. Forest biomass in theHageniaforests decreased and it is likely that fire activity qualitatively changed toward lower intensity and lower severity fires. The quantitative fire event reconstruction focuses on the interval from 27 000 to 16 500 cal a bp and the older montane forest that experienced higher severity fires from 27 000 to 21 200 cal abp,which reconstructed a temporally heterogeneous fire regime with fire return intervals that ranged from 30–430 years and a mean of 120 years (median 160 years) in the catchment. These are the first estimates of fire return intervals of mountain forests in eastern Africa. We then explore the potential for further comparative research and incremental research contributions to improve quantitative and qualitative palaeofire research in tropical forest ecosystems. We discuss the potential to use these types of data for characterizing variables of fire regimes prior to ostensibly significant modification by anthropogenic activity as well as during the recent past as human land use pressures increased within Afromontane forests.