bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in the response of neutrophils to endotoxin priming following major abdominal surgery
Authors: Moriwaki Yoshihiro , Sugiyama Mitsugi , Ozawa Yukihiro , Mochizuki Yasuhisa , Kunisaki Chikara , Kamiya Noriyuki , Yamazaki Yasunobu , Suda Takashi
Published: October 2002

Endotoxin (ETX) primes polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) for the subsequent release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in response to various stimulants such as phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). Although PMNs contribute to oxidative stress after stimulation by standard stimulants and after priming by many humoral factors, it is unknown whether the PMNs from patients at different postoperative times exhibit the same response to the same standard stimulant. We examined the response of PMA—induced production of ROS from PMNs at various intervals after major abdominal surgery in response to ETX priming. This study was a prospective clinical and laboratory study conducted over a 7‐day period that involved 25 patients who were referred for elective major abdominal surgery (8 for gastric cancer, 9 for colonic cancer, 8 for rectal cancer). Blood was sampled on the day before operation and on postoperative days (PODs) 1, 3, and 7. For each sample we measured luminol‐dependent chemiluminescence (CL), the time to peak counts (Tmax) of PMNs stimulated by PMA, and the serum ETX level. We studied the correlation between CL and ETX in samples from PODs 1 and 3. We also studied the CL of PMNs on PODs 1 and 3 preincubated (primed) with various concentrations of ETX (0, 20, 40, 60, and 100 pg/ml). We found that CL decreased on POD 1 compared with the preoperative level (p<0.05) because of the decreased Tmax. The level of CL per 1 µl of whole blood, however, was higher on PODs 1 and 3 than preoperatively. During this time, leukocytosis should compensate for the impaired production of ROS by an individual PMN. The serum ETX level was increased on POD 1 (p<0.05). There was a negative correlation between CL and ETX on POD 1 (correlation coefficient −0.62, p<0.01) and a positive correlation on POD 3 (0.61, p<0.01). CL on POD 3 was accelerated by ETX priming, but the CL on POD 1 was depressed by the priming using a low concentration of ETX. The mode of the response of PMNs to ETX priming differed between PODs 1 and 3. On POD 1 the responses of PMNs to environmental stimulants is suppressed, but by POD 3 these responses had increased.
Results of long‐term follow‐up after curative resection of Dukes a colorectal cancer
Authors: Wichmann Matthias W. , Müller Christian , Hornung Hans M. , Lau‐Werner Ulla , Schildberg Friedrich‐Wilhelm ,   the Colorectal Cancer Study Group
Published: October 2002

Patients with Dukes A (UICC I) colorectal cancer have a good prognosis after curative resection. It is not known, however, if the outcome is significantly different for UICC la and lb patients or if patients with reduced risks of recurrences can be identified early after surgery. This is of interest, as it would permit a more cost‐effective, patient‐oriented, and tumor stage‐oriented follow‐up program. To study these questions, a prospective follow‐up database, including 1375 patients after curative resection of colorectal cancer, was analyzed. A total of 296 patients with Dukes A colorectal cancer with a median follow‐up of 44 months were studied. Perioperative and follow‐up mortality rates were 3% and 14%, respectively. Recurrent disease developed in 10% of Dukes A patients after a disease‐free interval of 16 months. Significantly more patients suffering from pT2 (UICC Ib) cancer had recurrent disease than patients with pT1 (UICC Ia) cancer (13% vs. 4%; p<0.05). Preoperative CEA levels in patients with recurrent disease were significantly higher than in long‐term disease‐free patients (5.3±1.8 vs. 3.5±0.6 ng/ml; p<0.05). Curative resection of recurrent disease was achieved in 38% of the patients with recurrences (4% of all patients). Survival analysis showed significantly better survival in patients with Dukes A cancer than in those at higher tumor stages (log rank,<0.0001), and only 39% of all Dukes A patients who died during follow‐up had recurrent disease. Dukes A (UICC Ia and Ib) colorectal cancer was diagnosed in 22% of our patients treated for cure, and long‐term survival was 86%. There were significantly fewer cases of recurrent disease after curative resection of UICC Ia (pT1N0M0) cancer, so we propose a novel, less intensive follow‐up regimen for these patients, leading to a more cost‐effective, patient‐oriented, and tumor stage‐oriented follow‐up program.
Sahlins, Marshall (1930–2021)
Authors: Golub Alex
Published: January 2024

Marshall Sahlins (1930–2021) was an American cultural anthropologist and one of the most influential anthropologists of the second half of the twentieth century. Sahlins was an expert on Pacific Island cultures, especially Hawaiʻi and Fiji. Theoretically, he championed the explanatory potential of the culture concept.
Radio
Authors: O'Connor Alan
Published: January 2024

Anthropologists in the 1920s and 1930s tended to see radio as a distraction from the core mission of studying “traditional” cultures. They ignored or disparaged the radio sets that they encountered in their fieldwork. Meanwhile in Europe at this time there was a lively debate among philosophers and other commentators about radio. Radio broadcasting played an important role in World War II. After the war, policy scientists in the United States considered it a valuable tool for national development in Africa, the Middle East, and India. Radio had been used in European colonies for administration and propaganda. It was equally suited for anticolonial struggles and movements for fundamental social change.
Heritage and Religion
Authors: Giovine Michael A. Di
Published: January 2024

This entry identifies the interrelationships between heritage and religion. Although often conceived as oppositional categories—one refers to the secular while the other the sacred—they are overlapping discourses and processes that are frequently used to define one another. Both identify processes of identity formation in a community. After presenting definitions of each term, whose usages both emerged in the colonial era to make sense of non‐Western culture through material and immaterial artifacts, the entry explores ways in which religion and its associated cultural artifacts are utilized in local, national, and supranational heritage designations and preservation through tourism and in museums. Likewise, it identifies how religious communities utilize heritage discourse and practices. It also identifies problems associated with these overlaps, particularly in the representation of indigenous communities and popular religiosity.
Urban Anthropology: Britain
Authors: Anyadike‐Danes Chima Michael
Published: January 2024

Social anthropologists have studied Britain's urban environs since the 1930s. In that time, they have described considerable changes in both cities and the lives of their inhabitants. Most recently, social anthropologists have been very attentive to the reformation of the British welfare state that has occurred since the 1980s, related to the emergence of new ideologies calling for a diminished role for the state. The material anthropologists have produced documenting such social changes is quite heterogeneous; it is reflective of the lack of a unified vision for the subfield. However, among the most common subjects of inquiry are the role of class in British cities, global majorities' lives in urban environs, and practices of urban governance.
Digital Privacy
Authors: González Roberto J.
Published: January 2024

This entry summarizes anthropological perspectives on digital privacy and digital surveillance. It begins with a brief history of digital privacy, from electronic eavesdropping in the late 1800s, to wiretapping in the 1900s, to internet hacking in the present era. It then considers how the loss of digital privacy often occurs when users either willingly or unwittingly provide information to tech firms that profit from its commercialization. The entry concludes with a discussion of possible futures, including organized efforts to protect data privacy by fighting against digital surveillance.
Paleodemography of the Upper Paleolithic in Europe, Latest Perspectives on
Authors: French Jennifer. C.
Published: January 2024

Recent research on the paleodemography of the European Upper Paleolithic reveals the dynamic population history of the first
Homo sapiens
on the continent. Between ∼45,000 and 12,000 years ago, both the size and the distribution of the European metapopulation fluctuated, often in direct response to climatic and environmental shifts. Absolute estimates of population size throughout this period vary widely, although it is clear that more people inhabited Europe during the Upper Paleolithic than at any previous time. While our knowledge of Upper Paleolithic fertility, mortality, and migration—the variables that underpin these wider population trends—remains limited, advances in the study of ancient DNA provide some tantalizing demographic insights.
Acidihalobacter
Authors: Khaleque Himel N. , Vergara Eva , Holmes David , Watkin Elizabeth
Published: January 2024

A.ci.di.ha.lo.bac'ter. L. neut. adj.
acidum
, an acid; from L. masc. adj.
acidus
, sour; Gr. masc. n.
hals
, sea, salt; N.L. masc. n.
bacter
, rod; N.L. masc. n.
Acidihalobacter
, an acid‐loving, salt‐loving rod.

Pseudomonadota / Gammaproteobacteria / Chromatiales / Ectothiorhodospiraceae / Acidihalobacter

The genus
Acidihalobacter
comprises acidophilic, halotolerant, and chemolithoautotrophic bacteria that are able to oxidize ferrous iron and sulfur sources. Cells of these species are Gram‐stain‐negative, aerobic, and motile rods that can appear curved when under salt stress. Cells possess a single polar flagellum and can contain ferric granules. All members of the genus
Acidihalobacter
have been shown to grow on the sulfidic ores pyrite, chalcopyrite, and pentlandite.

Grow to greater cell densities on sulfur sources than on ferrous iron. They are generally mesophilic and require minimum 0.04 M chloride ion for growth. Some species can fix atmospheric nitrogen. The known habitats are marine sediments in hydrothermal areas and acidic saline drains.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 59.9–64.5.

Type species
:
Acidihalobacter prosperus
Cárdenas et al. 2015
VP
(synonym: “
Thiobacillus prosperus
” Huber and Stetter 1989.
Hansschlegelia
Authors: Agafonova Nadezhda V. , Kaparullina Elena N. , Doronina Nina V.
Published: January 2024

Hans.schle.ge'li.a. N.L. fem. n.
Hansschlegelia
, of Hans Schlegel, named after the famous German microbiologist, Professor Hans G. Schlegel, known for his classic studies on autotrophic bacteria.

Pseudomonadota / Alphaproteobacteria / Rhizobiales / Methylopilaceae / Hansschlegelia

The genus
Hansschlegelia
is represented by Gram‐negative, nonsporulating, colorless, and nonmotile or motile short rod‐shaped bacteria that occur singly or in pairs. Colonies are white to light pink, translucent, convex, round, and up to 2 mm in diameter. Obligate aerobes, having a strict respiratory type of metabolism with oxygen as the terminal electron acceptor. Reduce nitrates to nitrites. Restricted facultative methylotrophs. Assimilate C
1
compounds via the isocitrate lyase‐negative serine pathway. Utilize only several polycarbon substrates. Growth occurs on a mineral salt medium with methanol, formate, and glycerol; some strains can utilize methylamine. Growth factors are not required. Nitrogen sources include methylamine, amino acids, ammonium salts, and nitrates. Methyl red‐ and Voges–Proskauer‐negative. Urease‐, catalase‐, and oxidase‐positive. Able to form indole from
l
‐tryptophan on mineral medium with methanol and KNO
3
. Neutrophilic and mesophilic. Growth at pH 5.0–9.0 and within a temperature range between 10 and 40°C. No growth in the presence of 2% NaCl (w/v). The major ubiquinone is Q‐10. The dominant phospholipids are phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, and diphosphatidylglycerol. The prevailing cellular fatty acids are C
18:1
ω7
c
, C
16:0
, and C
19:0
cyclo acids. The genome sizes range between 3.58 and 4.62 Mb. According to Genome Taxonomy Database (GTDB), the genus
Hansschlegelia
belongs to the phylum
Pseudomonadota
, class
Alphaproteobacteria
, order
Rhizobiales
, and family
Methylopilaceae
.

The type species is
Hansschlegelia plantiphila
. Representatives of this genus inhabit phyllosphere and rhizosphere of various plants and rhizospheric and polluted farmland soils.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 67.0–69.4 (genome sequence).

Type species
:
Hansschlegelia plantiphila
Ivanova et al. 2007, VL133.
Geoalkalibacter
Authors: Zavarzina Daria G. , Merkel Alexander Y.
Published: January 2024

Ge.o.al.ka.li.bac.ter. Gr. fem. n.
gê
, earth; Arabic article
al
, the; Arabic masc. n.
qaly
, ashes of saltwort; N.L. neut. n.
alkali
, alkali (indeclinable); N.L. masc. n.
bacter
, rod; N.L. masc. n.
Geoalkalibacter
, a rod from alkaline earth.

Desulfobacterota / Desulfuromonadia / Desulfuromonadales / Geoalkalibacteraceae / Geoalkalibacter

The genus
Geoalkalibacter
is represented by Gram‐negative non‐spore‐forming rods. Cells of most species of the genus are motile by means of laterally or polarly located flagella. Members of the genus are strictly anaerobic, alkalitolerant or obligately alkaliphilic, and halotolerant or moderately halophilic mesophiles. They grow by anaerobic respiration with Fe(III), Mn(IV), or sulfur compounds as an electron acceptor. Molecular hydrogen, organic acids, alcohols, peptides, and Fe(II)‐containing minerals can serve as electron donors. All members of the genus are electroactive microorganisms that use extracellular electron transfer (EET) to achieve respiratory processes with insoluble electron acceptors. Some of these bacteria are capable of atmospheric nitrogen fixation. The known habitats are haloalkaline soda lakes and subsurface oil reservoirs. The genus
Geoalkalibacter
contains two species with validly published names and belongs to the phylum
Desulfobacterota
, class
Desulfuromonadia,
order
Desulfuromonadales
, and family
Geoalkalibacteraceae
.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 57.05–60.57 (genome analysis).

Type species
:
Geoalkalibacter ferrihydriticus
Zavarzina et al. 2006, VL115.
Aristides “the Just” (Aristeides)
Authors: Zaccarini Matteo
Published: January 2024

Aristides was one of the leading Athenian politicians between the Persian wars and the early years of the naval alliance. He is mostly known from the tradition as “the Just” due to his reputation for honesty and integrity, but this – disputed – fame seems to have been developed and settled long after his lifetime. Therefore, Aristides remains an archetypical and yet obscure symbol of Athenian imperialism.
Lygdamis of Halikarnassos
Authors: Fabiani Roberta
Published: January 2024

Lygdamis of Halikarnassos, grandson of Artemisia, was tyrant of Halikarnassos around the middle of the fifth centurybce. He is known from the biographical tradition on Herodotus and from a law inscribed on stone. He exercised a formally recognized authority along with the city institutions; his power was thus to a certain degree institutionalised.
Academy
Authors: Spinelli Emidio
Published: January 2024

The Platonic Academy, founded with the aim of providing training in politics, took the form of a community of researchers in philosophical, scientific, and ethical fields. This inclination toward philosophical discussion is reflected by the different interpretations of the founder's doctrine developed over the centuries: while with Speusippos and Xenokrates there was a mathematizing philosophy, with Arcesilaus’ skeptical turn a phase began based on the importance of suspending judgment. An effort to return to dogmatism was made by Antiochos by integrating Peripatetic and Stoic positions into the Old‐Academic doctrinal core. The Academy ended as an institution with the sack of Athens.
Harim
Authors: Manley Bill
Published: January 2024

Harim (harem) is the modern word conventionally used to translate several Ancient Egyptian terms associated with the royal family or to describe buildings apparently used by royal women. This is far from satisfactory: partly because the words are not obviously synonyms; partly because they do not correspond straightforwardly to specific buildings; and partly because the word “harim” brings unjustifiable connotations about the status and activities of women within the royal palace community, which in some instances were organised on an industrial basis.
Leptiminus/Leptis Minor
Authors: Stirling Lea , Stone David L.
Published: January 2024

Founded ca. 500
bce
, Leptiminus (Lamta, Tunisia) was a harbor town that lasted through the Roman and Byzantine periods until ca. 700
ce
. Archaeologically, the site has Punic tombs, Roman urban remains, and a site museum.
Aeternitas
Authors: Dowling Melissa Barden
Published: January 2024

Aeternitas
, “Eternal Time,” appeared in Roman Republican literature and increased in popularity through Late Antiquity. In an age of intense interest in astrology, cosmology, and temporality,
Aeternitas
embodied changeless, endless, indivisible eternity, in contrast to other ancient conceptions of cyclical, divisible time. The personification of
Aeternitas
appeared as a draped woman holding the sun and the moon or a phoenix perched on a globe (alluding to the rebirth of an endless golden age). In the third century
ce
, winged male figures representing cosmic eternity appeared and the imagery of
Aeternitas
merged with that of Helios, Sol, and Aion.
Harpokrates
Authors: Dowling Melissa Barden
Published: January 2024

Harpokrates was the Greek name for Horus the Child, son of Isis and Osiris, the manifestation of the sun at dawn, an integral part of the cycle of Osiris’ death and rebirth as Horus. He appeared as a baby nursing at Isis’ breast, as a chubby boy with a finger pressed to his lips to signal silence, or as a crowned youth. Harpokrates was often depicted standing on a crocodile or hippopotamus (Seth) or curled on a lotus. Enormous numbers of coins, gems, lamps, and votives representing Harpokrates exist across the ancient world.
Sarapis
Authors: Dowling Melissa Barden
Published: January 2024

Sarapis (Serapis in Latin), a god of creation, eternal life, secret knowledge, and healing, combined the cults of Osiris and Apis (Oserapis). The new cult emerged during the Egyptian Late Period and, with the cults of his wife Isis, son Horus, and other Egyptian gods, spread across the Greco‐Roman world. Sarapis was assimilated with Dionysos, Zeus, Helios, and Asklepios, and usually was represented in Greek form as a bearded man wearing a
kalanthos
, seated on a throne, and accompanied by Cerberus. Ancient literature, inscriptions, offerings, and sanctuaries in Saqqara, Alexandria, Rome, Delos, and Carthage, provide evidence for the cult.
Supramolecular Aza Crown Ether Modulator for Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Chen Xia , Deng Chunyan , Wu Jihuai , Chen Qi , Du Yitian , Xu Yuan , Li Ruoshui , Tan Lina , Wei Yuelin , Huang Yunfang , Lan Zhang
Published: January 2024

Molecular modulators have been demonstrated to be an effectual strategy for reducing the defect at the interface and in bulk of perovskite and ameliorating the performance and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, 1‐aza‐15‐crown 5‐ether (A15C5), with a unique nitrogen heterocyclic structure as a molecular modulator is introduced at the interface between perovskite layer and hole transport layer of PSCs. Multiple supramolecular synergistic interaction between A15C5 and perovskite dramatically suppress and passivate defects, resulting in a 38% decrease in electron trap‐state density in perovskite. The formation of two‐dimensional/th3D perovskite heterojunctions induced by planar A15C5 releases residual strain of perovskite film, optimizes the match of energy level array and boosts the stability of devices. Consequently, A15C5‐modulated PSC achieves an impressing efficiency of 24.13% along with excellent humidity, light and thermal stability. This work provides a typical strategy to utilize supramolecular crown ether in PSCs.
Thermo‐Responsive Trilayered Fibrous Dressing with Liquid Gate for Dynamical Exudate Regulation and Wound Moisture Balance
Authors: Qiu Zhiye , Gao Yujie , Qi Dongming , Wu Minghua , Mao Zhengwei , Wu Jindan
Published: January 2024

Exudate plays a crucial role in wound healing, but an excessive amount can lead to over‐hydration of tissue and aggravating the infection and the injury. On the other hand, inadequate exudate can cause scarring and hinder healing. Traditional wound dressings are unable to regulate exudate levels based on the specific needs of the wound. To address this issue, a liquid‐gated trilayered fibrous wound dressing capable of pumping fluid in a temperature‐dependent manner is developed. This dressing comprises a hydrophilic cotton layer, a thermo‐sensitive (TPPU) layer, and a hydrophobic layer of polyurethane (PU) nanofibers. The TPPU layer is constituted by nanofibers that are composed of an upper critical solution temperature (UCST)‐type polymer, PU, and silver nanoparticles. The intermediate TPPU layer exhibits changes in its wettability upon heating, adjusting the thickness of the hydrophobic layer and ultimately achieving the appropriate structure for guiding spontaneous fluid transport. The positive effect of this novel dressing on diabetic wounds is observed, as it enhanced epithelialization and collagen synthesis while reducing inflammation, ultimately accelerating the wound healing process. This dressing has the potential to provide a groundbreaking solution for managing exudate, achieving moisture balance and promoting wound healing in clinical settings.
Amplified and Specific Staining of Protein Dimerization on Cell Membrane Catalyzed by Responsively Installed DNA Nanomachines for Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Wang Zhenqiang , Xie Xiyue , Jin Kaifei , Xia Daqing , Zhu Jing , Zhang Jixi
Published: January 2024

In situ staining of protein dimerization on cell membrane has an important significance in accurate diagnosis during perioperative period, yet facile integration of specific recognition function and local signal conversion/amplification abilities on membrane surface remains a great challenge. Herein, a two‐stage catalytic strategy is developed by installing DNA nanomachines and employing. Specifically, dual‐aptamer‐assisted DNA scaffold perform a “bispecific recognition‐then‐computing” operation and the output signal initiate a membrane‐anchored biocatalysis for self‐assembly of DNA catalytic converters, that is, G‐quadruplex nanowire/hemin DNAzyme. Then, localized‐deposition of chromogenic polydopamine is chemically catalyzed by horseradish peroxidase‐mimicking DNAzyme and guided by supramolecular interactions between conjugate rigid plane of G‐tetrad and polydopamine oligomer. The catalytic products exhibit nanofiber morphology with a diameter of 80–120 nm and a length of 1–10 µm, and one‐to‐one localize on DNA scaffold for amplified and specific staining of protein dimers. The bispecific staining leads to a higher (≈3.4‐fold) signal intensity than traditional immunohistochemistry, which is beneficial for direct visualization. Moreover, an efficient discrimination ability of the bispecific staining strategy is observed in co‐culture model staining. This study provides a novel catalytic method for controlling deposition of chromogens and paves a new avenue to sensitively stain of protein‐protein interactions in disease diagnosis.
Redox Gating for Colossal Carrier Modulation and Unique Phase Control
Authors: Zhang Le , Liu Changjiang , Cao Hui , Erwin Andrew J. , Fong Dillon D. , Bhattacharya Anand , Yu Luping , Stan Liliana , Zou Chongwen , Tirrell Matthew V. , Zhou Hua , Chen Wei
Published: January 2024

Redox gating, a novel approach distinct from conventional electrolyte gating, combines reversible redox functionalities with common ionic electrolyte moieties to engineer charge transport, enabling power‐efficient electronic phase control. This study achieves a colossal sheet carrier density modulation beyond 1016 cm−2, sustainable over thousands of cycles, all within the sub‐volt regime for functional oxide thin films. The key advantage of this method lies in the controlled injection of a large quantity of carriers from the electrolyte into the channel material without the deleterious effects associated with traditional electrolyte gating processes such as the production of ionic defects or intercalated species. The redox gating approach offers a simple and practical means of decoupling electrical and structural phase transitions, enabling the isostructural metal‐insulator transition and improved device endurance. The versatility of redox gating extends across multiple materials, irrespective of their crystallinity, crystallographic orientation, or carrier type (n‐ or p‐type). This inclusivity encompasses functional heterostructures and low‐dimensional quantum materials composed of sustainable elements, highlighting the broad applicability and potential of the technique in electronic devices.
3D Tiled Auxetic Metamaterial: A New Family of Mechanical Metamaterial with High Resilience and Mechanical Hysteresis
Authors: Li Tiantian , Li Yaning
Published: January 2024

For artificial materials, desired properties often conflict. For example, engineering materials often achieve high energy dissipation by sacrificing resilience and vice versa, or desired auxeticity by losing their isotropy, which limits their performance and applications. To solve these conflicts, a strategy is proposed to create novel mechanical metamaterial via 3D space filling tiles with engaging key‐channel pairs, exemplified via auxetic 3D keyed‐octahedron–cuboctahedron metamaterials. This metamaterial shows high resilience while achieving large mechanical hysteresis synergistically under large compressive strain. Especially, this metamaterial exhibits ideal isotropy approaching the theoretical limit of isotropic Poisson's ratio, ‐1, as rarely seen in existing 3D mechanical metamaterials. In addition, the new class of metamaterials provides wide tunability on mechanical properties and behaviors, including an unusual coupled auxeticity and twisting behavior under normal compression. The designing methodology is illustrated by the integral of numerical modeling, theoretical analysis, and experimental characterization. The new mechanical metamaterials have broad applications in actuators and dampers, soft robotics, biomedical materials, and engineering materials/systems for energy dissipation.
A Tough Monolithic‐Integrated Triboelectric Bioplastic Enabled by Dynamic Covalent Chemistry
Authors: Shao Yuzheng , Du Guoli , Luo Bin , Liu Tao , Zhao Jiamin , Zhang Song , Wang Jinlong , Chi Mingchao , Cai Chenchen , Liu Yanhua , Meng Xiangjiang , Liu Zhaomeng , Wang Shuangfei , Nie Shuangxi
Published: January 2024

Electronic waste is a growing threat to the global environment and human health, raising particular concerns. Triboelectric devices synthesized from sustainable and degradable materials are a promising electronic alternative, but the mechanical mismatch at the interface between the polymer substrate and the electrodes remains unresolved in practical applications. This study uses the sulfhydryl silanization reaction and the chemical selectivity and site specificity of the thiol–disulfide exchange reaction in dynamic covalent chemistry to prepare a tough monolithic‐integrated triboelectric bioplastic. The stress is dissipated by covalent bond adaptation to the interface interaction, which makes the polymer dielectric layer to the conductive layer have a good interface adhesion effect (220.55 kPa). The interfacial interlocking of the polymer substrate with the conductive layer gives the triboelectric bioplastic excellent tensile strength (87.4 MPa) and fracture toughness (33.3 MJ m−3). Even when subjected to a tension force of 10 000 times its weight, it still maintains a stable triboelectric output with no visible cracks. This study provides new insights into the design of reliable and environmentally friendly self‐powered devices, which is significant for the development of flexible wearable electronics.
Perovskite‐Derived Layered Crystal Structure in SrCo0.26Fe0.74O3‐δ Thin Films
Authors: Cho Eunsoo , Kumar Abinash , Ning Shuai , LeBeau James M. , Ross Caroline A.
Published: January 2024

Oxygen coordination and vacancy ordering play an important role in dictating the functionality of complex oxides. In this work, an unconventional layering of oxygen ions in a mixed conductor SrCo1‐xFexO3‐δ (SCFO) thin film grown epitaxially on SrTiO3 (STO) is reported. Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) reveals alternating layers of oxygen deficiency along the growth direction, with the oxygen‐rich layer correlated with the neighboring Co,Fe‐site intensity, and contraction of the Sr–Sr distance. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and STEM image simulations support the emergence of periodic (Co,Fe)O6 and (Co,Fe)O4/(Co,Fe)O5 layers, an ordering that is also sensitive to the Co:Fe ratio.
Effect of Anthraquinone‐Substituted Graphdiyne Analog on the Growth of Lithium Dendrites
Authors: He Jingyi , Hu Guilin , Chen Jing , Li Yongjun
Published: January 2024

Enhancing the cycling efficiency and controlling lithium dendrite growth through a stable and heterogeneous lithium‐electrolyte interface are crucial steps for the practical application of lithium metal batteries. In this study, a carbon network composed of graphdiyne modified with redox‐active anthraquinone units (AN‐GDY) is developed to optimize the performance of the battery separator (PE film) also lithium anode. The AN‐GDY films are integrated with the conventional commercial battery separator (PE film) to create a double‐separator system, aimed at enhancing the interior characteristics of the battery. Electrochemical tests confirme that lithium symmetric batteries with AN‐GDY/PE double‐separator system can deliver high areal capacities of 1, 2, and 5 mAh cm−2 and ultra‐high current densities of 1, 2, and 5 mA cm−2 stable Li plating/stripping for over 800 h. Furthermore, lithium batteries employing AN‐GDY as the lithium anode preserve a capacity of 100 mAh g−1 and exhibite a Coulombic efficiency exceeding 98% after 5000 cycles, even at a high current rate of 500 mA g−1.
Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity of O‐deficient Modified CuAl2O4/MoS2 Composite Photocatalysts in Wastewater Treatment Applications
Authors: Han Mengjun , Wang Shifa , Yu Xinmiao , Zhang Yuanyuan , Li Maoyuan , Yi Zao , Gao Huajing , Yang Hua , Fang Leiming , Syed Asad
Published: January 2024

The O‐deficient modified CuAl2O4/MoS2 composite photocatalysts (ODMCAOMSCP) are fabricated by a wet chemical route and low‐temperature treatment for the degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TC). The fine particles dotted on the large sheet are revealed to be comprised of large sheets with rich oxygen defects and nanoparticles, which endows it with a high optical absorption coefficient, available reactive species, excellent charge carrier separation, and high photocatalytic activity. The finely designed ODMCAOMSCP achieve a TC degradation first‐order rate constant of 0.01436 min−1, which is 3.99 and 2.70 times higher than that of MoS2 and CuAl2O4, respectively. Response surface analysis reveals that multiple environmental factors including initial TC concentration, catalyst content, and initial pH affect the photocatalytic activity of the catalyst on the basis of backpropagation (BP) neural network optimized by genetic algorithm and Box‐Behnken design. The degradation intermediates and degradation pathways are determined by a liquid chromatograph‐mass spectrometer (LC‐MS). The toxicity of TC over ‐ ODMCAOMSCP is studied by the toxicity analysis software and the cultivation of mung bean. Mechanism investigation demonstrates that the major active species of ODMCAOMSCP for the degradation TC are attributed to oxygen vacancy, hydroxyl radical (∙OH), and superoxide radical (∙O2−).
Applied Voltage‐Activated Fe─N─C Catalysts for Pem Fuel Cells
Authors: Wang Qiheng , Zhang Jin , Wang Xingdong , Liu Qingtao , Liu Jingjun , Zhuang Zhongbin , Shui Jianglan
Published: January 2024

The practical application of non‐precious Fe─N─C catalysts in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) continues to remain one of the major challenges due to their relatively poor oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) performance in acid. In this work, a fast and facilely performance enhancement strategy is first proposed for various Fe─N─C catalysts by supplying different direct‐current voltages to achieve a rapid solid‐state activation at room temperature. The voltage‐activated state‐of‐the‐art Fe─N─C catalyst has demonstrated a peak power density of 1.1 W cm−2 for PEMFC and remarkably increased long‐term durability for ORR. The substantially improved performance can be attributed to the formation of highly active ketone‐decorated (edge‐hosted) FeN4 sites and substantially boosts coupled proton−electron transfer (CPET) by improving the conductivity of the as‐synthesized Fe─N─C with an interpenetrating network structure. The interconnected micro‐nodes within the interpenetrating network are the main active regions for the ORR, evidenced by an optimized structural model based on the above typical morphology. Therefore, this finding provides an innovative and facile idea for solving the activity and stability deficiency for promising Fe─N─C for commercial PEMFC.
Light, Heat, and Force‐Responsive Polyolefins
Authors: Qu Weicheng , Bi Zhengxing , Zou Chen , Chen Changle
Published: January 2024

Stimuli‐responsive polymers have found applications as shape‐memory materials, optical switches, and sensors, but the installation of these responsive properties in non‐polar and inert polyolefins is challenging. In this contribution, a series of spiropyran (SP)‐based comonomers are synthesized and copolymerized with ethylene or ethylene/cyclic monomers. In addition to great mechanical and surface properties, these functionalized polyolefins responded to light, heat, and force, which induced changes in the polymer structure to transmit color or mechanical signals. These interesting responsive properties are also installed in a series of commercial polyolefin materials through reactive extrusion, making the scalable production of these materials possible.
NaNbO3‐Based Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors with Ultrahigh Energy Storage Performance
Authors: Lv Zhongqian , Lu Teng , Liu Zhen , Hu Tengfei , Hong Zhichao , Guo Shaobo , Xu Zequan , Song Yunxiong , Chen Yonghong , Zhao Xiangyong , Lin Zhisheng , Yu Dehong , Liu Yun , Wang Genshui
Published: January 2024

With the gradual promotion of new energy technologies, there is a growing demand for capacitors with high energy storage density, high operating temperature, high operating voltage, and good temperature stability. In recent years, researchers have been devoted to improving the energy storage properties of lead‐based, titanium‐based, and iron‐based multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs). However, limited research has been conducted into MLCC development using NaNbO3 (NN)‐based materials. In this paper, the successful achievement of excellent overall energy storage performance in a novel NaNbO3–(Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3–Bi(Mg0.5Hf0.5)O3 lead‐free MLCCs is presented. The disordered tilting around the cp axis, disrupts Na and Bi ions' long‐range displacements and induces PNRs and strong relaxor behavior, which ensures a superior energy storage performance, together with the multilayer ceramic design strategy. As a result, the NN‐based MLCC device presents an ultra‐high Wrec = 12.65 J cm−3 and η = 88.5%, simultaneously showing superior temperature stability (Wrec varies <±1% and η varies <±6% from −50 to 125 °C) and fatigue resistance (Wrec and η vary <±1% over 107 cycles). This study highlights the advanced energy storage potential of NaNbO3‐based MLCCs for various applications, and ushers in a new era for designing high‐performance lead‐free capacitors that can operate in harsh environments.
Survey based assessment of sustainable agricultural practices: Evidence from Indian plots
Authors: Itin‐Shwartz Beata
Published: January 2024

In recent years concerns have been raised regarding the environmental consequences of over‐use of nitrogen fertilizers on a global level. However, the balance between sustainability and agricultural productivity, a central concern for policy makers in developing countries, has not been sufficiently addressed. In this paper, I evaluate farmers’ fertilization practices and their effect on yield using unique plot level data from India. I estimate quadratic crop response functions for different crops and cropping systems. To address endogenous input choices, I use input prices and cost shifters from the fertilizer industry as instrumental variables for the fertilization practice. I find that a large share of Indian cultivators overuse nitrogen relative to the other two nutrients, and could benefit from simply reducing the amount of nitrogen used while keeping the other nutrients fixed. This suggests a potential win‐win situation where both productivity and sustainability can be improved by changing fertilizer application. The widespread “nitrogen‐only” fertilization pattern is rejected as optimal in most cases. [EconLit Citations: Q12, Q15, Q16, E23, C26, C14].
Risk of Alzheimer's disease is associated with longitudinal changes in plasma biomarkers in the multi‐ethnic Washington Heights–Hamilton Heights–Inwood Columbia Aging Project (WHICAP) cohort
Authors: Gu Yian , Honig Lawrence S. , Kang Min Suk , Bahl Aanya , Sanchez Danurys , Reyes‐Dumeyer Dolly , Manly Jennifer J. , Dage Jeffrey L. , Lantigua Rafael A. , Brickman Adam M. , Vardarajan Badri N. , Mayeux Richard
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers can help differentiate cognitively unimpaired (CU) individuals from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. The role of AD biomarkers in predicting cognitive impairment and AD needs examination.

METHODS

In 628 CU individuals from a multi‐ethnic cohort, amyloid beta (Aβ)42, Aβ40, phosphorylated tau‐181 (p‐tau181), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and neurofilament light chain (NfL) were measured in plasma.

RESULTS

Higher baseline levels of p‐tau181/Aβ42 ratio were associated with an increased risk of incident dementia. A biomarker pattern (with elevated Aβ42/Aβ40 but low p‐tau181/Aβ42) was associated with decreased dementia risk. Compared to CU, participants who developed MCI or dementia had a rapid decrease in this protective biomarker pattern reflecting AD‐specific pathological change.

DISCUSSION

Elevated levels of AD biomarker p‐tau181/Aβ42, by itself or combined with a low Aβ42/Aβ40 level, predicts clinically diagnosed AD. Individuals with a rapid change in these biomarkers may need close monitoring for the potential downward trajectory of cognition.

Highlights

We discuss a multi‐ethnic, urban community study of elderly individuals.

The study consisted of a longitudinal assessment over 6 years with repeated clinical assessments.

The study used blood‐based biomarkers as predictors of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.
Organocatalyst Supported by a Single‐Atom Support Accelerates both Electrodes used in the Chlor‐Alkali Industry via Modification of Non‐Covalent Interactions
Authors: Yang Jiarui , Zhu Chenxi , Li Wen‐Hao , Zheng Xusheng , Wang Dingsheng
Published: January 2024

Consuming one of the largest amount of electricity, the chlor‐alkali industry supplies basic chemicals for society, which mainly consists of two reactions, hydrogen evolution (HER) and chlorine evolution reaction (CER). Till now, the state‐of‐the‐art catalyst applied in this field is still the dimensional stable anode (DSA), which consumes a large amount of noble metal of Ru and Ir. It is thus necessary to develop new types of catalysts. In this study, an organocatalyst anchored on the single‐atom support (SAS) is put forward. It exhibits high catalytic efficiency towards both HER and CER with an overpotential of 21 mV and 20 mV at 10 mA cm−2. With this catalyst on both electrodes, the energy consumption is cut down by 1.2 % compared with the commercial system under industrial conditions. Based on this novel catalyst and the high activity, the mechanism of modifying non‐covalent interaction is demonstrated to be reliable for the catalyst's design. This work not only provides efficient catalysts for the chlor‐alkali industry but also points out that the SACs can also act as support, providing new twists for the development of SACs and organic molecules in the next step.
Polyethylene Upgrading to Liquid Fuels Boosted by Atomic Ce Promoters
Authors: Wu Xueting , Wang Xiao , Zhang Lingling , Wang Xiaomei , Song Shuyan , Zhang Hongjie
Published: January 2024

Hydrocracking catalysis is a key route to plastic waste upgrading, but the acid site‐driven C−C cleavage step is relatively sluggish in conventional bifunctional catalysts, dramatically effecting the overall efficiency. We demonstrate here a facile and efficient way to boost the reactivity of acid sites by introducing Ce promoters into Pt/HY catalysts, thus achieving a better metal‐acid balance. Remarkably, 100 % of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) can be converted with 80.9 % selectivity of liquid fuels over the obtained Pt/5Ce‐HY catalysts at 300 °C in 2 h. For comparison, Pt/HY only gives 38.8 % of LDPE conversion with 21.3 % selectivity of liquid fuels. Through multiple experimental studies on the structure‐performance relationship, the Ce species occupied in the supercage are identified as the actual active sites, which possess remarkably‐improved adsorption capability towards short‐chain intermediates.
An alarming tendency towards freshwater mussel misidentification in scientific works may bias endangered and invasive species management
Authors: Bolotov Ivan N. , Konopleva Ekaterina S. , Vikhrev Ilya V. , Kondakov Alexander V.
Published: January 2024

Freshwater mussels (order Unionida) are a popular group for a wide array of non‐taxonomic research driven by questions related to their functions in ecosystems, to relationships among species, to biogeochemical and morphometric patterns of certain species and others. Valid taxonomy and correct species identification are key requirements for all of these aspects. However, species‐level identification of representatives from this group is a rather complicated task and should be based on an integrative approach, combining DNA sequences, morphological and anatomical investigation and biogeographical estimates.

This article reconsiders a selection of non‐taxonomic scientific works (N = 25), containing misidentified occurrences of freshwater mussel species. The dataset contains records of the endangeredMargaritifera margaritifera(endemic to eastern North America and Europe) from the Philippines and West Africa, as well as occurrences of the NearcticGonidea angulatafrom West Africa and the Middle East. Several Palearctic and Nearctic unionid species were erroneously reported from the Indus River, Pakistan. Subfossil shells of the nativeSimpsonellasp. from a prehistoric site in the Philippines were misidentified as the invasiveSinanodonta woodianathat was introduced to the islands in the 20th century. Samples of the tropical lineage ofS. woodianafrom Indonesia were mistaken for the nativePilsbryoconcha exilis, and vice versa. Salinity tolerance and morphometric characteristics of the estuarine clamGeloinasp. (Cyrenidae) from Sumatra were examined, but these data were published as belonging to the strictly freshwaterS. woodiana.

It is clear that this information, being reused by researchers, conservationists and stakeholders, will lead to incorrect conclusions on the range, status, biogeochemistry, morphometry and ecological tolerance of certain freshwater mussel taxa, including invasive and endangered species (the so‐called ‘error cascades’ in biological sciences caused by ‘bad taxonomy’).

To reduce the growing body of literature containing misidentifications of the Unionida taxa, practical recommendations are proposed for researchers, who include freshwater mussels in non‐taxonomic surveys, as well as for journal editors dealing with articles that focus on these animals.
Innervation and osteoclast distribution in the inferior pharyngeal jaw of the cichlid Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Imura Kosuke , Takeda Akihito , Endo Masato , Funakoshi Kengo
Published: January 2024

In addition to an oral jaw, cichlids have a pharyngeal jaw, which is used for crushing and processing captured prey. The teeth and morphology of the pharyngeal jaw bones adapt to changes in prey in response to changes in the growing environment. This study aimed to explore the possible involvement of the peripheral nervous system in remodeling the cichlid pharyngeal jaw by examining the innervation of the inferior pharyngeal jaw in the Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Vagal innervation was identified in the Nile tilapia inferior pharyngeal jaw. Double staining with tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase and immunostaining with the neuronal markers, protein gene product 9.5, and acetylated tubulin, revealed that osteoclasts, which play an important role in remodeling, were distributed in the vicinity of the nerves and were in apposition with the nerve terminals. This contact between peripheral nerves and osteoclasts suggests that the peripheral nervous system may play a role in remodeling the inferior pharyngeal jaw in cichlids.
Rapid and Practical Synthesis of gem‐Dibromoalkanes from Aldehydes by Tribromide Reagent
Authors: Ren Bowen , Xu Jianeng , Liu Chao
Published: January 2024

gem‐Dibromoalkanes are important synthetic building block in organic chemistry, but their preparation is still troublesome. Herein, we have developed a simple and practical protocol for the synthesis of gem‐dibromoalkanes from aldehydes using tetrabutylammonium tribromide and triphenyl phosphite. A variety of alkyl and aromatic aldehydes can be transformed into the corresponding products within 10 minutes. This protocol is also applicable to alcohols, and the configuration of chiral alcohol is inverted during the process with excellent enantiopurity.
One third of physicians discuss exit strategies with patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Results from nationwide surveys among German and Polish neurologists
Authors: Barć Krzysztof , Finsel Julia , Helczyk Olga , Baader Susanne , Aho‐Özhan Helena , Ludolph Albert C. , Lulé Dorothée , Kuźma‐Kozakiewicz Magdalena
Published: January 2024

Objective

This paper examines neurologists’ approaches to exit strategies (ESs), such as euthanasia and physician‐assisted suicide, in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (PALS) in two European countries.

Methods

In a nationwide anonymous survey, we collected responses from 237 Polish and 228 German neurologists, focusing on their practices and beliefs about ESs, as well as their viewpoints on life‐sustaining measures (LSMs) (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, non‐invasive, and invasive ventilation). To analyze the data, we employed statistical methods, including Mann–Whitney U, Kruskal–Wallis, chi‐square tests, Spearman's rank correlation, and multiple regression analysis.

Results

One third of the neurologists initiated the discussion about ESs with PALS. Half were ready to have this conversation upon patient's request. Age, gender, religiousness, and nationality were closely associated with this approach. One in 9 neurologists received a request to terminate an LSM, whereas 1 in 10 to implement an ES. German neurologists and palliative care trainees acquired both demands more commonly. Neurologists quoted a low quality of life, decreased mood, and being a burden to the family/closest ones as primary reasons for a wish to hasten death among PALS. Although the majority expressed a willingness to terminate an LSM at a request of the patient, most opposed the legalization of euthanasia. Younger and less religious individuals were more likely to favor accepting euthanasia.

Conclusion

Neurologists vary significantly in their approaches to terminal care. Complex relationships exist among personal indices, shared beliefs, and current practices.