bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on Macro-propagation of Banana cv. Nanjangud Rasabale (AAB) Using Growth Media
Authors: Vedashri L. , Rao Venkat , Mangala K. P.
Published: March 2023

Banana is a major food crop globally grown and consumed in more than 100 countries throughout the tropics and subtropics. Banana (Musa paradisiaca.) is the world’s fourth most important food crop after rice, wheat and maize. Banana is usually propagated vegetatively, since sexual reproduction is difficult due to its vegetative parthenocarpic nature. Traditionally, it is been propagated using suckers, as these are easy to obtain. But the factors limiting the adoption of this method are the lower regeneration capacity of sucker, lack of year round availability of mother sucker, fear of transmission of pests and diseases to the succeeding generation. To overcome these issues and to enable the production of a feasible amount of planting material, macro-propagation technology came into existence. Macro-propagation through the use of growth media has accounted lower cost and higher net returns, on an average cost of production of a single plantlet was only Rs. 6.58/-. From the present study, it is inferred that, a feasible amount of healthy and quality planting materials can be produced with minimum expenditure, harnessing good profitability within shorter time span.
Influence of Silicon and Phosphorus on Yield and Nutrient Content of Wheat in Loamy Sand Soils of Sadarkrushinagar, Banaskantha, Gujarat, India
Authors: Sureka K. , Kamalakannan P. , Malav J. K.
Published: March 2023

To investigate the influence of silicon and phosphorus application on yield and nutrient content of wheat, a field experiment was carried out at Agronomy Instructional Farm, Chimanbhai Patel College of Agriculture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar during Rabi season of 2020-2021. Experimental soil was loamy sand in texture with pH 7.01 and electrical conductivity 0.19 dSm-1. The soil was low in organic carbon (0.39%) and medium in available phosphorus (38.10 kg ha-1) and potassium (191.25 kg ha-1). Available silicon in soils was 60.75 mg kg-1. The experiment was dispersed as four levels of phosphorus (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg P2O5 ha-1) and four levels of silicon (0, 100, 200 and 300 kg Si ha-1) laid in randomized block design with factorial concept and replicated thrice. All the plots received a uniform recommended dose of nitrogen at 120 kg ha-1. Yield and nutrient content viz., nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and silicon of grain and straw were noted. The results of experiment clearly indicated that the individual application of 60 kg ha-1 phosphorus and 100 kg ha-1 silicon recorded the significantly highest grain yield of 3808 and 3619 kg ha-1, respectively. With respect to phosphorus and silicon content in grain (0.36 and 1.64%) and straw ( 0.32 and 1.67%), individual application 60 and 90 kg P2O5 ha-1 and 100 kg Si ha-1 and 300 kg Si ha-1recorded maximum, respectively. As of interaction effect, significantly highest grain yield (4304 kg ha-1), and phosphorus content in grain (0.39%) was found with interaction effect of 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 with Si level at 100 kg ha-1. Whereas the significantly highest straw yield (6201 kg ha-1), silicon content in grain (1.82%) and straw (4.21%) was found with interaction of 90 kg P2O5 ha-1 with Si level at 100 kg ha-1and 90 kg P2O5 ha-1 with Si level at 200 kg ha-1. From the results of experimentation, it is clear that application of 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 along with 100 kg Si ha-1 could be better for increasing yield and nutrient content in wheat in loamy sand soils under North Gujarat Agro-climatic conditions.
The Effect of Objective Knowledge on Consumer Acceptance towards GM Foods in Ghana
Authors: Owusu-Gyan Lilian , Achiaa Amoateng Priscilla , Chrislie Kinzonzi Ngongo Nevie
Published: March 2023

Since the middle of the 1990s, when GM food was first developed, genetically modified (GM) foods have been the subject of much discussion. This biotechnology invention enables farmers in various nations to boost output. In this study, we aim to explore the effect of consumer knowledge on attitudes towards GM foods in Ghana. We investigate the association between consumers' attitudes toward GM foods and their level of trust and objective knowledge. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 509 people in Ghana to look into this connection. Participants were required to respond to a questionnaire that evaluated their general attitude toward GM foods, perceived risk, perceived benefit, trust and objective knowledge of GM foods, with an age range from (20-50 years and higher), and different levels of educational level. Results indicated that PHD consumers had a higher level of objective knowledge, (93%) to be precise, followed by High School Students with a percentage of (87%). We employed multiple regression analysis to investigate the link between the independent and dependent variables. Data were analyzed through IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows 22.0 and AMOS 18. The structural equation model (SEM) was used in this study to examine the impact of objective knowledge and trust on consumers' attitudes toward genetically modified (GM) foods in Ghana. Results for the model indicated that Knowledge had a stronger correlation with attitude, with a standard regression weight of (.252), but trust had a weaker correlation on attitude amongst Ghanaian consumers. It had a standard regression weight of (-.612). The P-Value for the model indicated that the estimated path coefficients are highly statistically significant, with an extremely low probability of the observed results occurring by chance. Suggesting that the model fits the data well and the estimated coefficients are reliable and robust.  The effect of the two constructs on the willingness to accept GM foods was statistically significant.
Overall, the level of education somewhat impacts the level of objective knowledge. Knowledge positively impacted consumers’ willingness to accept GM food, whiles trust negatively impacted consumer willingness to accept GM foods.
Investigating the Challenges of Engineering Project Managers in achieving Sustainability in the UK Construction Industry
Authors: Uzoigwe Stella Awele Asoya , Atoofi Maryam , Lewis Hollie , Onyedikachukwu Ndekwu, Benneth
Published: March 2023

Aim: The essential purpose of the current research was to identify the challenges faced by project engineering managers in the UK construction industry while seeking to achieve sustainability.

Study Design: The current study was built upon six important subjects in order to accomplish this goal. In the current study, the researcher opted to do both qualitative and quantitative analysis. The quantitative analysis comprised frequency analysis, correlation analysis, and regression analysis and was based on data collected through questionnaires.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in Bristol United Kingdom for an investigative period of six (6) Months including the research question distribution and collection time as well as the interview and interaction sections with the Construction Project Engineering Managers. 

Methodology: In light of the nature of the current research, the researcher selected the mixed research design. Mixed research design is the method used to collect data and analyze it using both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.

Results: The major threats in handling the challenges of Project Engineering Management are; A probability of impact of 59.28% and a level of impact of 40.2% for General Project Management(GPM) and Establishing a Climate of trust (ECT) factors both ranked Cost Class 1,  Providing a suitable context for development work (PSCDW) factor was ranked as Cost Class 2 having the percentage of occurrence (51.29%) and level of impact (36.67%) , Providing support within the team (PSWT) factor and Taking Responsibility and ownership (TRO) factor were ranked as Cost Class 4 having percentage of occurrence (40.22% and 36.78%) and level of impact (45.75% and 53%) respectively, it was noted, that GPM and ECT can cause a great threat if ignored during engineering project management procedures.

Conclusion: The study resolved that policies should be put in place to guarantee that advancement in the building sector follows economic integration. It was revealed from the findings of the study that construction is heavily dependent on conventional methods in most rising economies, including the UK, which makes the adoption of novel techniques more challenging and stressful. An important barrier to attaining sustainable construction is clients' and other stakeholders' lack of support for innovative construction techniques.

The findings further revealed that the implementation of eco-friendly building practices by the construction sector has the tendency to reduce an asset's overall environmental impact and promote sustainable economic growth.
Study of Aflatoxin Content and Bacteriological Assay of Garri Collected From Ado–Ekiti in Ekiti State
Authors: Omodara T. R. , Fajilade O. T.
Published: March 2023

Introduction: The majority of people in Nigeria consume Garri, as it is known there. It can be consumed by mixing it with cold water, sugar, or milk to make a snack, or by reconstituting it with hot water to make a thick paste that can be eaten with soup or stew. However, the lack of standardization in production and handling procedures has led to a product with a range of quality and safety indices.

Aims: This study examined the level of microbiological contamination, the presence of aflatoxin, and its dispersion in Garri procured in Ado-Ekiti.

Methodology: Altogether 14 samples were collected into sterile ziplock bags. The isolation of fungi was carried out using the direct plating method.

Results: The result showed six (6) genera of fungi viz: Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., Rhizopus spp., Fusarium spp., Mucor spp., and Yeast. The bacteria isolated and identified from the samples include; Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumonia, Bacillus spp., and Pseudomonas spp. The presence of these organisms pose risk to both Human and Animals. These were analyzed for aflatoxin content using standard procedures. Aflatoxins B1 (AFB1) was detected in varying concentrations ranging from 13ppm-259ppm while the concentration of aflatoxin B2 (AFB2) was between 3ppm-16ppm. The concentration of Aflatoxin G1 and G2 were zero.

Conclusion: High levels of aflatoxins pose a great risk to human health. It is hereby recommended to implement steps like prioritizing sanitation in the state to protect the lives of the populace. Also, handlers/vendors should be educated on proper handling of food.
Psychotherapy training in a therapeutic community
Authors: Speirs Ann
Published: March 2023

This paper outlines the formal aspects, academic and clinical, of a three year training in psychotherapy offered in a psychiatric hospital which functions as a therapeutic community. The trainee's adjustment to the community is described, with reference to the overlap and intersection with the patient's experience in the community. Consideration is given to individual and group processes within the entire community. Erikson's concept of developmental stages is used, as well as a paper by Baird Brightman,to examine how crises in the training experience are managed by the trainee.
Martha
Authors: Buchanan Sandra
Published: March 2023

This article developed from the therapeutic case study that I wrote for NZAP membership in 2006. It follows my work with Martha, an adult woman, over the course of four years of individual therapy. Issues of loss and bereavement permeated the therapy, most obviously for the client but also for me. I struggled with times when the client's life experience, as spoken in session, was very close to my own; so close that I felt my ability to remain separate and able to think was in danger of being compromised. It seems to me these are issues that all of us must struggle with at times, and merit further discussion.
Imagining the Other
Authors: Dillon Grant
Published: March 2023

I sit opposite my client, a 25-year-old Māori woman. It is our second session. Just in front of her face, as if projected on a screen, is the face of a middle-aged Māori man. I blink; I rub my eyes. The face of the man remains. Is this a projection of mine, a construction of who I imagine her to be? Or is it a communication from her? Or might it be a deceased relative, who needs to be prayed for and asked to leave, as my cultural advisor suggests? 
It is inevitable that Pākehā psychotherapists will translate Māori concepts into a western psychotherapeutic reading; for example, to interpret the last suggestion above as a metaphor for internal object relations. But as with any translation, something is lost, and our apparent understanding masks what we do not know. In fact, our dependence on familiar ways of understanding has many psychotherapeutic, cultural and political implications.
RHBDF2 is correlated with immune infiltrates in hepatocellular carcinoma and may have potential as a biomarker
Authors: Gong Hanjuan , Xie Hailun , Huangfu Zhimin , Zhang Shuxian , Tang Yi , Xiao Ming , Li Ming , Wang Yalan
Published: March 2023

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have been approved for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, immunotherapy requires the identification of suitable biomarkers to guide treatment. The gene for rhomboid 5 homolog 2 (IRHom2), which encodes the rhombus protease iRhom2, activates the MAP3K7‐dependent pathway and promotes hepatic steatosis. Thus, we hypothesized an involvement of this gene in HCC. We report that RHBDF2 expression is dramatically upregulated in HCC. RHBDF2 upregulation is associated with tumor stage, lymph node metastasis, tumor protein P53 mutation, and worse prognoses in HCC patients. Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and gene set enrichment analysis enrichment analysis indicated that RHBDF2 was involved in immune signal pathways. Moreover, RHBDF2 expression was positively related not only to immune infiltration, but also to immune cell markers. Examination of several types of HCC infiltrated by immune cells revealed that the group with high expression of RHBDF2 showed the worst outcomes. Therefore, RHBDF2 may have potential as a novel biomarker for predicting prognosis and is related to immune infiltrates in HCC.
Robotic Locomotion and Piezo1 Activity Controlled with Novel Liquid Marble‐based Soft Actuators
Authors: Gomez Jasmine C. , Vishnosky Nicholas S. , Kim Spencer T. , Dinca Steluta A. , Finkelstein Eric B. , Steinhardt Rachel C.
Published: March 2023

A novel soft actuator is designed, fabricated, and optimized for applied use in soft robotics and biomedical applications. The soft actuator is powered by the expansion and contraction of a graphene‐containing and encased liquid marble using the photothermal effect. Unfortunately, conventional liquid marbles are found to be too fragile and prone to cracking and failure for such applications. After experimentation, it is possible to remedy this problem by synthesizing liquid marbles encased with polymeric shells–polymerized in situ–for added mechanical strength and robustness. These marbles are shown to have intrinsic photothermal activity. They are then situated in bimorph‐type soft actuators where one side of the actuator has a dramatically different Young's modulus than the other, leading to directional actuation which is successfully demonstrated in multistep walking soft robots. The soft actuators are shown to successfully activate the mechanosensitive Piezo protein in a transfected human cell line with high effectiveness and no toxicity. Overall, the liquid marble‐powered soft actuators described here represent a new soft actuation methodology and a novel tool for mechanobiological studies, such as stem cell fate and organoid differentiation.
Homopolymeric Protein Phosphors: Overpassing the Stability Frontier of Deep‐Red Bio‐Hybrid Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Ferrara Sara , Fernandéz‐Blázquez Juan P. , Fuenzalida Werner Juan Pablo , Costa Rubén D.
Published: March 2023

Although protein‐polymer phosphors are an emerging photon‐management filter concept for hybrid light‐emitting diodes, deep‐red‐emitting devices based on archetypal fluorescent proteins (FPs; mCherry) are still poorly performing with lifetimes <50 h under high photon‐flux excitation and ambient conditions. Here, the challenge is two‐fold: i) understanding the deactivation mechanism of red‐emitting FP‐polymer coatings and, in turn, ii) identifying the best polymer design for highly stable devices. This study first provides comprehensive photophysical/thermal/structural studies and device degradation (ambient/inert) analysis, revealing the presence of photo‐induced cis–trans isomerization and the effect of oxygen and water on the deactivation of mCherry in reference polymer coatings. Based on these findings, a new bio‐phosphor configuration using polyvinyl alcohol derivatives, in which crystallinity and amount of trapped water (stiffness and oxygen/moisture barriers) are easily controlled by the hydroxylation degree, is successfully achieved. Compared to the prior art, these devices significantly outperform the reference stability (>50‐fold enhancement), showing a brightness loss of <5% over the first 2000 h and a final device lifetime of 2600 h. Hence, this study describes a unique rationale toward designing polymers to stabilize FPs for lighting, overpassing stability frontiers in deep‐red hybrid light‐emitting diodes (HLEDs) going from hours to months.
A Bioinspired Gelatin–Amorphous Calcium Phosphate Coating on Titanium Implant for Bone Regeneration
Authors: Feng Yanhuizhi , Wu Di , Knaus Jennifer , Keßler Sascha , Ni Bing , Chen ZongKun , Avaro Johnathan , Xiong Rui , Cölfen Helmut , Wang Zuolin
Published: March 2023

Biocompatible and bio‐active coatings can enhance and accelerate osseointegration via chemical binding onto substrates. Amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) has been shown as a precursor to achieve mineralization in vertebrates and invertebrates under the control of biological macromolecules. This work presents a simple bioinspired Gelatin‐CaPO4 (Gel‐CaP) composite coating on titanium surfaces to improve osseointegration. The covalently bound Gel‐CaP composite is characterized as an ACP‐Gel compound via SEM, FT‐IR, XRD, and HR‐TEM. The amorphous compound coating exhibits a nanometer range thickness and improved elastic modulus, good wettability, and nanometric roughness. The amount of grafted carboxyl groups and theoretical thickness of the coatings are also investigated. More importantly, MC3T3 cells, an osteoblast cell line, show excellent cell proliferation and adhesion on the Gel‐CaP coating. The level of osteogenic genes is considerably upregulated on Ti with Gel‐CaP coatings compared to uncoated Ti, demonstrating that Gel‐CaP coatings possess a unique osteogenic ability. To conclude, this work offers a new perspective on functional, bioactive titanium coatings, and Gel‐CaP composites can be a low‐cost and promising candidate in bone regeneration.
Ti3C2Tx MXene van der Waals Gate Contact for GaN High Electron Mobility Transistors
Authors: Wang Chuanju , Xu Xiangming , Tyagi Shubham , Rout Paresh C. , Schwingenschlögl Udo , Sarkar Biplab , Khandelwal Vishal , Liu Xinke , Gao Linfei , Hedhili Mohamed Nejib , Alshareef Husam N. , Li Xiaohang
Published: March 2023

Gate controllability is a key factor that determines the performance of GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs). However, at the traditional metal‐GaN interface, direct chemical interaction between metal and GaN can result in fixed charges and traps, which can significantly deteriorate the gate controllability. In this study, Ti3C2Tx MXene films are integrated into GaN HEMTs as the gate contact, wherein van der Waals heterojunctions are formed between MXene films and GaN without direct chemical bonding. The GaN HEMTs with enhanced gate controllability exhibit an extremely low off‐state current (IOFF) of 10−7 mA mm−1, a record high ION/IOFF current ratio of ≈1013 (which is six orders of magnitude higher than conventional Ni/Au contact), a high off‐state drain breakdown voltage of 1085 V, and a near‐ideal subthreshold swing of 61 mV dec−1. This work shows the great potential of MXene films as gate electrodes in wide‐bandgap semiconductor devices.
Tailoring Molecular‐Scale Contact at the Perovskite/Polymeric Hole‐Transporting Material Interface for Efficient Solar Cells
Authors: Sun Jiaonan , Ma Ke , Lin Zih‐Yu , Tang Yuanhao , Varadharajan Dharini , Chen Alexander X. , Atapattu Harindi R. , Lee Yoon Ho , Chen Ke , Boudouris Bryan W. , Graham Kenneth R. , Lipomi Darren J. , Mei Jianguo , Savoie Brett M. , Dou Letian
Published: March 2023

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have delivered a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of more than 25% and incorporating polymers as hole‐transporting layers (HTLs) can further enhance the stability of devices toward the goal of commercialization. Among the various polymeric hole‐transporting materials, poly(triaryl amine) (PTAA) is one of the promising HTL candidates with good stability; however, the hydrophobicity of PTAA causes problematic interfacial contact with the perovskite, limiting the device performance. Using molecular side‐chain engineering, a uniform 2D perovskite interlayer with conjugated ligands, between 3D perovskites and PTAA is successfully constructed. Further, employing conjugated ligands as cohesive elements, perovskite/PTAA interfacial adhesion is significantly improved. As a result, the thin and lateral extended 2D/3D heterostructure enables as‐fabricated PTAA‐based PSCs to achieve a PCE of 23.7%, improved from the 18% of reference devices. Owing to the increased ion‐migration energy barrier and conformal 2D coating, unencapsulated devices with the new ligands exhibit both superior thermal stability under 60 °C heating and moisture stability in ambient conditions.
Bifunctional Ultrathin RhRu0.5‐Alloy Nanowire Electrocatalysts for Hydrazine‐Assisted Water Splitting
Authors: Fu Xiaoyang , Cheng Dongfang , Wan Chengzhang , Kumari Simran , Zhang Hongtu , Zhang Ao , Huyan Huaixun , Zhou Jingxuan , Ren Huaying , Wang Sibo , Zhao Zipeng , Zhao Xun , Chen Jun , Pan Xiaoqing , Sautet Philippe , Huang Yu , Duan Xiangfeng
Published: March 2023

Hydrazine‐assisted water electrolysis offers a feasible path for low‐voltage green hydrogen production. Herein, the design and synthesis of ultrathin RhRu0.5‐alloy wavy nanowires as bifunctional electrocatalysts for both the anodic hydrazine oxidation reaction (HzOR) and the cathodic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is reported. It is shown that the RhRu0.5‐alloy wavy nanowires can achieve complete electrooxidation of hydrazine with a low overpotential and high mass activity, as well as improved performance for the HER. The resulting RhRu0.5 bifunctional electrocatalysts enable, high performance hydrazine‐assisted water electrolysis delivering a current density of 100 mA cm−2 at an ultralow cell voltage of 54 mV and a high current density of 853 mA cm−2 at a cell voltage of 0.6 V. The RhRu0.5 electrocatalysts further demonstrate a stable operation at a high current density of 100 mA cm−2 for 80 hours of testing period with little irreversible degradation. The overall performance greatly exceeds that of the previously reported hydrazine‐assisted water electrolyzers, offering a pathway for efficiently converting hazardous hydrazine into molecular hydrogen.
The PRMT6/PARP1/CRL4B Complex Regulates the Circadian Clock and Promotes Breast Tumorigenesis
Authors: Yang Tianshu , Huang Wei , Ma Tianyu , Yin Xin , Zhang Jingyao , Huo Miaomiao , Hu Ting , Gao Tianyang , Liu Wei , Zhang Die , Yu Hefen , Teng Xu , Zhang Min , Qin Hao , Yang Yunkai , Yuan Baowen , Wang Yan
Published: March 2023

Circadian rhythms, as physiological systems with self‐regulatory functions in living organisms, are controlled by core clock genes and are involved in tumor development. The protein arginine methyltransferase 6 (PRMT6) serves as an oncogene in a myriad of solid tumors, including breast cancer. Hence, the primary aim of the current study is to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which the PRMT6 complex promotes breast cancer progression. The results show that PRMT6, poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1), and the cullin 4 B (CUL4B)‐Ring E3 ligase (CRL4B) complex interact to form a transcription‐repressive complex that co‐occupies the core clock gene PER3 promoter. Moreover, genome‐wide analysis of PRMT6/PARP1/CUL4B targets identifies a cohort of genes that is principally involved in circadian rhythms. This transcriptional‐repression complex promotes the proliferation and metastasis of breast cancer by interfering with circadian rhythm oscillation. Meanwhile, the PARP1 inhibitor Olaparib enhances clock gene expression, thus, reducing breast carcinogenesis, indicating that PARP1 inhibitors have potential antitumor effects in high‐PRMT6 expression breast cancer.
Confronting Sulfur Electrode Passivation and Li Metal Electrode Degradation in Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries Using Thiocyanate Anion
Authors: Jung Jinkwan , Chu Hyunwon , Kim Ilju , Lee Dong Hyun , Doo Gisu , Kwon Hyeokjin , Jo Wonhee , Kim Sejin , Cho Hyenah , Kim Hee‐Tak
Published: March 2023

Salt anions with a high donor number (DN) enable high sulfur utilization in lithium‐sulfur (Li‐S) batteries by inducing three‐dimensional (3D) Li2S growth. However, their insufficient compatibility with Li metal electrodes limits their cycling stability. Herein, a new class of salt anion, thiocyanate (SCN−), is presented, which features a Janus character of electron donor and acceptor. Due to a strong Li+coordination by SCN−and the direct interaction of SCN−with polysulfide anions, the LiSCN electrolyte has a remarkably high lithium polysulfide solubility. This electrolyte induces 3D Li2S formation and ameliorates cathode passivation, even more than Br−, a typical high DN anion. Moreover, SCN−forms a Li3N‐enriched stable SEI layer at the surface of the Li metal electrode, enhancing cycling stability. A Li‐S battery with the LiSCN electrolyte shows high current density operation (2.54 mA cm⁻2) with high discharge capacity (1133 mAh g⁻1) and prolonged cycle life (100 cycles). This work demonstrates that the cathode and anode performance in a Li‐S battery can be simply and concurrently enhanced by the single salt anion.
A Janus Separator based on Cation Exchange Resin and Fe Nanoparticles‐decorated Single‐wall Carbon Nanotubes with Triply Synergistic Effects for High‐areal Capacity Zn−I2 Batteries
Authors: Kang Yuanhong , Chen Guanhong , Hua Haiming , Zhang Minghao , Yang Jin , Lin Pengxiang , Yang Huiya , Lv Zeheng , Wu Qilong , Zhao Jinbao , Yang Yang
Published: March 2023

Zn−I2 batteries stand out in the family of aqueous Zn‐metal batteries (AZMBs) due to their low‐cost and immanent safety. However, Zn dendrite growth, polyiodide shuttle effect and sluggish I2 redox kinetics result in dramatically capacity decay of Zn−I2 batteries. Herein, a Janus separator composed of functional layers on anode/cathode sides is designed to resolve these issues simultaneously. The cathode layer of Fe nanoparticles‐decorated single‐wall carbon nanotubes can effectively anchor polyiodide and catalyze the redox kinetics of iodine species, while the anode layer of cation exchange resin rich in −SO3− groups is beneficial to attract Zn2+ ions and repel detrimental SO42−/polyiodide, improving the stability of cathode/anode interfaces synergistically. Consequently, the Janus separator endows outstanding cycling stability of symmetrical cells and high‐areal‐capacity Zn−I2 batteries with a lifespan over 2500 h and a high‐areal capacity of 3.6 mAh cm−2.
A Universal Formation Mechanism of Hollow Multi‐Shelled Structures Dominated by Concentration Waves
Authors: Wei Yanze , Cheng Yiping , Zhao Decai , Feng Yuan , Wei Peng , Wang Jiangyan , Ge Wei , Wang Dan
Published: March 2023

Hollow multi‐shelled structures (HoMS), a new family of hierarchical nano/micro‐structured materials, have evoked intensive studies to discover their unique temporal‐spatial ordering features. The theoretical understanding of the general synthetic methods of HoMS, i.e. the sequential templating approach (STA), makes it possible to understand, predict, and control the shell formation process. Herein, a mathematical model is established based on the experiment results, which reveal the appearance of concentration waves in the STA. The numerical simulation results not only correspond well to the experimental observations but also explain the regulation methods. Whereby, the underlying physical essence of STA is elucidated, suggesting that HoMS is the concrete representation of the concentration waves. Thereafter the formation of HoMS is not limited to the solid‐gas reactions through high‐temperature calcination, but could be extended to solution systems under low‐temperature conditions.
Phosphine‐Manipulated p‐π and π‐π Synergy Enables Efficient Ultralong Organic Room‐Temperature Phosphorescence
Authors: Song Xiaoqing , Lu Guang , Man Yi , Zhang Jing , Chen Shuo , Han Chunmiao , Xu Hui
Published: March 2023

Organic room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) attracts extensive attentions, but still faces the challenge of achieving both high RTP efficiencies (ηRTP) and long lifetimes (τRTP), due to the intrinsic contradiction between triplet radiation and stabilization. In this work, we developed three carbazole‐triphenylphosphine hybrids named xCzTPP, in which phosphine groups provide nonbonding electrons and steric hindrance to modulate intermolecular p‐π and π‐π interactions. With the rational orientations and spatial positions of functional groups, para‐substituted pCzTPP achieves high ηRTP over 10 % and more than twofold increased τRTP (>600 ms), compared to ortho‐ and meta‐ isomers. Theoretical simulation and photophysical investigation indicate that the strongest intermolecular p‐π and π‐π electronic interplays of pCzTPP harmonize high transition probability of 3pπ state and triplet stability of 3ππ state, reflecting the p‐π and π‐π synergy in RTP process.
C−H Functionalization and Allylic Amination for Post‐Polymerization Modification of Polynorbornenes
Authors: Gitter Sean R. , Teh Wei Pin , Yang Xuejin , Dohoda Alexander F. , Michael Forrest E. , Boydston Andrew J.
Published: March 2023

Post‐polymerization modification (PPM) via direct C−H functionalization is a powerful synthetic strategy to convert polymer feed‐stocks into value‐added products. We found that a metal‐free, Se‐catalyzed allylic C−H amination provided an efficient method for PPM of polynorbornenes (PNBs) produced via ring‐opening metathesis polymerization. Inherent to the mechanism of the allylic amination, PPM on PNBs preserved the alkene functional groups along the polymer backbone, while also avoiding transposition of the double bonds. Amination using a series of aryl sulfonamides led to good control over the degree of functionalization, access to a range of functionalities, and tunable thermal properties from the resulting polymers.
Singlet Oxygen Induced Site‐Specific Etching Boosts Nitrogen‐Carbon Sites for High‐Efficiency Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Ye Guanying , Liu Suqin , Zhao Kuangmin , He Zhen
Published: March 2023

Targeted construction of carbon defects near the N dopants is an intriguing but challenging way to boost the electrocatalytic activity of N‐doped carbon toward oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Here, we report a novel site‐specific etching strategy that features targeted anchoring of singlet oxygen (1O2) on the N‐adjacent atoms to directionally construct topological carbon defects neighboring the N dopants in N‐doped carbon (1O2−N/C). This 1O2−N/C exhibits the highest ORR half‐wave potential of 0.915 VRHE among all the reported metal‐free carbon catalysts. Pyridinic‐N bonded with a carbon pentagon of the neighboring topological carbon defects is identified as the primary active configuration, rendering enhanced adsorption of O2, optimized adsorption energy of the ORR intermediates, and a significantly decreased total energy barrier for ORR. This 1O2‐induced site‐specific etching strategy is also applicable to different precursors, showing a tremendous potential for targeted construction of high‐efficiency active sites in carbon‐based materials.
Tracking the effects of the long‐term changes on the coastal archaeological sites of the Mediterranean using remote sensing data: The case study from the northern shoreline of Nile Delta of Egypt
Authors: Elfadaly Abdelaziz , Abutaleb Khaled , Naguib Doaa M. , Mostafa Wael , Abouarab Mohamed A. R. , Ashmawy Aiman , Wilson Penelope , Lasaponara Rosa
Published: March 2023

Climate change effects along with anthropogenic activities present the main factors that threaten the existence of heritage sites across the north Nile Delta of Egypt close to the coastline of the Mediterranean Sea. Observing the changes in the landscape close to the archaeological sites is an important issue for decision‐makers in terms of reducing the negative impact of natural events and human activities. The coastal heritage sites are becoming strongly threatened by the rising sea level phenomena that will happen due to global warming. Focusing on the distribution of the archaeological sites, this study aims to detect the areas at risk of shoreline erosion or accretion in the northern shoreline of the Nile Delta. In this study, the changes in the northern shoreline of the Nile Delta were observed and calculated during the last hundred years based on the integration between the old topographic maps from surveys in 1900, 1925 and 1945, optical satellite images captured by Landsat in 1972, 1986 and 2000; Sentinel2 2021; and the Radar SRTM data. The results of this study showed that the changes were enormous with a great shoreline erosion process over the last 121 years recorded along the shoreline in the periods between 1900–1925, 1925–1945, 1945–1972, 1972–1986, 1986–2000 and 2000–2021. The areas eroded were about 5.3, 4.7, 5.6, 8.9, 2.5 and 5.4 km2, respectively. Such negative movements caused the loss of two heritage sites, and the expected changes will lead to the loss of additional heritage sites in the next 500 years. Furthermore, a model was suggested for protecting the coastal heritage sites threatened by the risk of submergence. This study can help the decision‐makers to detect the coastal archaeological sites at risk and create innovative solutions for protecting these irreplaceable heritage sites.
Extracting the evolutionary backbone of scientific domains: The semantic main path network analysis approach based on citation context analysis
Authors: Jiang Xiaorui , Liu Junjun
Published: March 2023

Main path analysis is a popular method for extracting the scientific backbone from the citation network of a research domain. Existing approaches ignored the semantic relationships between the citing and cited publications, resulting in several adverse issues, in terms of coherence of main paths and coverage of significant studies. This paper advocated the semantic main path network analysis approach to alleviate these issues based on citation function analysis. A wide variety of SciBERT‐based deep learning models were designed for identifying citation functions. Semantic citation networks were built by either including important citations, for example, extension, motivation, usage and similarity, or excluding incidental citations like background and future work. Semantic main path network was built by merging the top‐K main paths extracted from various time slices of semantic citation network. In addition, a three‐way framework was proposed for the quantitative evaluation of main path analysis results. Both qualitative and quantitative analysis on three research areas of computational linguistics demonstrated that, compared to semantics‐agnostic counterparts, different types of semantic main path networks provide complementary views of scientific knowledge flows. Combining them together, we obtained a more precise and comprehensive picture of domain evolution and uncover more coherent development pathways between scientific ideas.
Maternal dietary caffeine consumption and risk of birth defects in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, 1997–2011
Authors: Williford Eva M. , Howley Meredith M. , Fisher Sarah C. , Conway Kristin M. , Romitti Paul A. , Reeder Matthew R. , Olshan Andrew F. , Reefhuis Jennita , Browne Marilyn L. ,   The National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Published: March 2023

Background

Caffeine consumption is common during pregnancy, but published associations with birth defects are mixed. We updated estimates of associations between prepregnancy caffeine consumption and 48 specific birth defects from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS) for deliveries from 1997 to 2011.

Methods

NBDPS was a large population‐based case–control study conducted in 10 U.S. states. We categorized self‐reported total dietary caffeine consumption (mg/day) from coffee, tea, soda, and chocolate as: <10, 10 to <100, 100 to <200, 200 to <300, and ≥ 300. We used logistic regression to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs [95% confidence intervals]). Analyses for defects with ≥5 exposed case children were adjusted for maternal race/ethnicity, age at delivery, body mass index, early pregnancy cigarette smoking and alcohol use, and study site.

Results

Our analysis included 30,285 case and 11,502 control children, with mothers of 52% and 54%, respectively, reporting consuming <100 mg caffeine, and 11% of mothers of both cases and controls reported consuming ≥300 mg per day. Low (10 to <100 mg/day) levels of prepregnancy caffeine consumption were associated with statistically significant increases in aORs (1.2–1.7) for 10 defects. Associations with high (≥300 mg/day) levels of caffeine were generally weaker, except for craniosynostosis and aortic stenosis (aORs = 1.3 [1.1–1.6], 1.6 [1.1–2.3]).

Conclusions

Given the large number of estimates generated, some of the statistically significant results may be due to chance and thus the weakly increased aORs should be interpreted cautiously. This study supports previous observations suggesting lack of evidence for meaningful associations between caffeine consumption and the studied birth defects.
Lack of evidence for longitudinal dissociation of the atrioventricular conduction axis
Authors: De Almeida M. C. , Anderson R. H. , Sanchez‐Quintana D. , Macias Y.
Published: March 2023

Longitudinal dissociation of the aggregated specialized cardiomyocytes within the non‐branching portion of atrioventricular conduction axis has proved a controversial topic for both morphologists and electrophysiologists. We have now used morphological methods, including three‐dimensional assessment, to revisit, in human, canine, and bovine hearts, the presence or absence of interconnections between the aggregated cardiomyocytes making up the non‐branching bundle. We analyzed three datasets from human and canine hearts, and two from bovine hearts, using longitudinal and orthogonal serial histological sections. In addition, we assessed three hearts using translucent India ink injected specimens, permitting assessment of the three‐dimensional arrangement of the cardiomyocytes. Using the longitudinal sections, we found numerous oblique interconnections between the groups of specialized cardiomyocytes. When assessing orthogonal sections, we noted marked variation in the grouping of the cardiomyocytes. We interpreted this finding as evidence of bifurcation and convergence of the groups seen in the longitudinal sections. The three‐dimensional assessment of the bovine material confirmed the presence of the numerous interconnections. The presence of multiple connections between the cardiomyocytes in the non‐branching bundle rules out the potential for longitudinal dissociation.
Chamomile Essential Oil: Chemical Constituents and Antitumor Activity in MDA‐MB‐231 Cells through PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway
Authors: An Zhonghua , Feng Xuelin , Sun Mengjia , Wang Yifan , Wang Hongbo , Gong Yanling
Published: March 2023

Chamomile essential oil (CEO) is extracted from chamomile and mainly used in aromatherapy. The chemical constituents and its antitumor activity on Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) was explored in the present study. Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was employed to analyze the chemical constituents of CEO. The cell viability, migration and invasion of TNBC cell MDA‐MB‐231 were measured using MTT, wound scratch and Transwell assay, respectively. The protein expression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway was determined by Western blot. CEO is rich in terpenoids (63.51 %), among which the identified terpenoids and their derivatives are mainly Caryophyllene (29.57 %), d‐Cadinene (12.81 %), Caryophyllene oxide (14.51 %), etc. Three concentration of CEO (1, 1.5, 2 μg/mL) significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of MDA‐MB‐231 cells with a dose dependent manner. Moreover, the phosphorylation of PI3K, Akt and mTOR was inhibited by CEO. The results revealed that there was abundant terpenoids in the CEO which account for 63.51 %. CEO significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of MDA‐MB‐231 cells, exhibiting antitumor effect on TNBC. The antitumor effect of CEO might attribute to its inhibition on PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. However, further study should be conducted in more TNBC cell lines and animal models to provide further evidence for TNBC treatment by CEO.
Biomimetic S‐Adenosylmethionine Regeneration Starting from Multiple Byproducts Enables Biocatalytic Alkylation with Radical SAM Enzymes**
Authors: Gericke Lukas , Mhaindarkar Dipali , Karst Lukas C. , Jahn Sören , Kuge Marco , Mohr Michael K. F. , Gagsteiger Jana , Cornelissen Nicolas V. , Wen Xiaojin , Mordhorst Silja , Jessen Henning J. , Rentmeister Andrea , Seebeck Florian P. , Layer Gunhild , Loenarz Christoph , Andexer Jennifer N.
Published: March 2023

S‐Adenosylmethionine (SAM) is an enzyme cofactor involved in methylation, aminopropyl transfer, and radical reactions. This versatility renders SAM‐dependent enzymes of great interest in biocatalysis. The usage of SAM analogues adds to this diversity. However, high cost and instability of the cofactor impedes the investigation and usage of these enzymes. While SAM regeneration protocols from the methyltransferase (MT) byproduct S‐adenosylhomocysteine are available, aminopropyl transferases and radical SAM enzymes are not covered. Here, we report a set of efficient one‐pot systems to supply or regenerate SAM and SAM analogues for all three enzyme classes. The systems’ flexibility is showcased by the transfer of an ethyl group with a cobalamin‐dependent radical SAM MT using S‐adenosylethionine as a cofactor. This shows the potential of SAM (analogue) supply and regeneration for the application of diverse chemistry, as well as for mechanistic studies using cofactor analogues.
Hydrosilylation of Carbonyl Compounds Catalyzed by Iridium(I) Complexes with (−)‐Menthol‐Based Phosphorus(III) Ligands
Authors: Stęsik Konrad , Franczyk Adrian , Czapik Agnieszka , Kownacki Ireneusz , Walkowiak Jędrzej
Published: March 2023

Iridium(I) complexes with phosphorus(III) ligands possessing naturally occurring menthol unit(s) [IrCl(COD){PPhn(OMenth)3‐n}], n=0,1,2 (C1‐C3) were synthesized and fully characterized by 1H, 13C, 31P NMR, FT‐IR spectroscopic techniques and elemental and X‐ray diffraction analysis. C1‐C3 were successfully applied in the hydrosilylation of several carbonyl compounds: aldehydes, ketones, esters, enals, and ynals. They exhibited very good activity and high tolerance to various functional groups providing silyl ethers with excellent yields. Subsequently, hydrolysis of the obtained product was carried out, furnishing us with diverse alcohols and aldehydes as attractive compounds in organic synthesis.
Electrocatalytic Water Oxidation by Hydrolytically Stable Metal‐Organic Frameworks at Both Neutral and Alkaline Medium: Inverse Relation of Dimensionality with Catalytic Activity
Authors: Kumar Dubey Soumen , Behera Snehanjali , Patra Maxcimilan , Mondal Biswajit , Bhattacharjee Subham , Saha Rajat
Published: March 2023

Catalyst development for water splitting to afford hydrogen as a green source of energy is one of the major areas of research in the pursuit of sustainable energy technology solution. Herein, the electrocatalytic water oxidation behaviour of two different Co‐pdc (H2pdc=pyridine‐2,5‐dicarboxylic acid) based metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) of different dimensionalities (2D and 1D) is reported. 2D‐MOF {[Co(pdc)(H2O)2] ⋅ H2O}n acts as the mother which transforms into daughter 1D‐MOF {[Co(pdc)(H2O)2] ⋅ 7H2O}n via consecutive dehydration and rehydration. Within 2D‐MOF, the Co2+ shows six coordinated octahedral geometry with two coordinated water molecules and for the 1D‐MOF, Co2+ shows five coordinated square pyramidal geometry having two coordinated water molecules and one open metal site. Both the MOFs show excellent stability over a pH range of 3 to 11 even after 24 hours and show OER activity from neutral to alkaline medium. The MOFs retain their crystalline structure even after OER at neutral pH but eventually gets decomposed; but they are converted into their (oxy)hydroxides at pH 14. Interestingly, 1D MOF shows superior activity in both neutral and alkaline medium over the 2D framework for OER due to presence of open metal sites, better electrical conductivity and larger electrochemically active surface area.
Strategies for reducing inputs and emissions in turfgrass systems
Authors: Braun Ross C. , Straw Chase M. , Soldat Douglas J. , Bekken Michael A. H. , Patton Aaron J. , Lonsdorf Eric V. , Horgan Brian P.
Published: March 2023

Turfgrass systems (e.g., home lawns, commercial properties, golf courses, athletic fields, roadsides, sod farms, parks, and other green spaces) in the US employ 820,000 individuals, have a $60 billion economic impact, and cover nearly 2% (∼63,250 mi2; 163,800 km2) of the US. Turfgrass systems provide ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, oxygen production, water and air purification, improved soil health, pollinator habitat, and evaporative cooling. Associated disservices with turfgrass systems include nutrient and pesticide leaching, greenhouse gas and particulate matter emissions, low plant diversity, and site‐specific, high water consumption. The goal of recent research efforts is to maximize the services and minimize the disservices by focusing on sustainability initiatives to develop best management practices such reducing management inputs (e.g., mowing, irrigation, fertilizer, and pesticides), incorporating pollinator‐friendly spaces, adopting new technologies, quantitatively assessing ecosystem services provided, minimizing energy inputs and greenhouse gas emissions, and increasing carbon sequestration. This part‐review, part‐management guide summarizes these efforts, identifies knowledge gaps, and outlines how turfgrass systems can adapt to and mitigate climate change.