bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving Electrocatalytic Nitrogen Reduction Selectivity and Yield by Suppressing Hydrogen Evolution Reaction via Electronic Metal–Support Interaction
Authors: Xie Mingsen , Dai Fangfang , Guo Huixia , Du Peiyao , Xu Xinru , Liu Jia , Zhang Zhen , Lu Xiaoquan
Published: April 2023

The electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) has the potential to replace the Haber–Bosch process for ammonia synthesis under ambient conditions. However, the selectivity and yield of the NRR are impractical, owing to the preferential binding of the electrocatalyst to H and the consequential coverage of active sites. In this study, VO2, with N2 strongly adsorbed over H atoms, is used as a support to provide a N2 source to avoid the hydrogen evolution reaction. Mo, with a high NRR activity, is introduced as the active site to promote the NRR. Meanwhile, the electronic metal–support interaction between the support and Mo creates electron‐deficient sites, which weakens H adsorption and lowers the energy barrier of the first step, protonation, thereby kinetically enhancing the NRR activity. The average NH3 yield of Mo/VO2 is 190.1 µgNH3 mgcat.−1 h−1 and the Faradaic efficiency is 32.4% at −0.5 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode, which is 10.8 and 2.8 times greater than that of VO2, respectively.
High‐rate CO2‐to‐CH4 Electrosynthesis by Undercoordinated Cu Sites in Alkaline‐Earth‐Metal Perovskites with Strong Basicity
Authors: Xu Zikai , Peng Chen , Luo Gan , Yang Songtao , Yu Pinger , Yan Shuai , Shakouri Mohsen , Wang Zhiqiang , Sham Tsun‐Kong , Zheng Gengfeng
Published: April 2023

The electrochemical CO2 reduction to CH4 has been extensively demonstrated, but still suffers from relatively poor activity and requires high overpotentials especially at large electrolysis rates. Perovskite oxides (AxByO) are one type of promising electrocatalyst for the CO2 reduction due to their tunable electronic structures. In this work, a Ca2CuO3 perovskite oxide catalyst is developed with alkaline‐earth A‐sites, featuring an inherently strong basic strengthand outstanding capability for CO2 adsorption, as well as the undercoordinated Cu sites generated through partial surface Ca2+ cation leaching. The Ca2CuO3 catalyst exhibitsa high partial current density of 517 ± 23 mA cm−2 for producing CH4 at a low applied potential of −0.30 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode, which further reached to a peak value of 1452 ± 156 mA cm−2. Density functional calculations show that the undercoordinated Cu sites allowed to promote the hydrogenation of *CO and subsequent *CHO intermediates, thus leading to the high CH4 activity. This work suggests an attractive design strategy for tuning the A‐sites in perovskite oxides to realize high‐rate CO2‐to‐CH4 electrosynthesis with low overpotentials.
Decade Advances of NaN3 in Three‐component Reactions
Authors: Wang Zhan‐Yong , Li Jiarong , Wang Nan , Liu Hong , Wang Kai‐Kai
Published: April 2023

Decade advances of sodium azide (2011–2022) have been summarized via mechanisms and target products. Sodium azide is commonly used as a nucleophile (N3−) or radical source (⋅N3) in three‐component reactions. It's reactions with alkenes, alkynes, R−X (X=F, Cl, Br, I, OTs, B(OH)2, BF3K, I+ArO−Tf, N2+O−SO3‐SiO2) and other electrophiles will be discussed.
Attributions for underachievement among students experiencing disadvantage and support for public assistance to them
Authors: Lee Jung‐Sook , Lee Jihyun , Stacey Meghan
Published: April 2023

In this study, we investigated people's perceptions about the causes (i.e. attributions) of underachievement among students experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage and their support for public assistance to those students. Results of an online survey conducted with Australian adults (N = 1999) revealed that people preferred societal attributions to individual attributions for underachievement among those students. The respondents' attributions, particularly societal attributions, significantly predicted their support for public assistance to students and schools in need. There were statistically significant differences between people with conservative and progressive political views in their attributions and support for public assistance. However, after taking people's attributions into account, their political views add little to the prediction of their support for public assistance. These findings have implications for the promotion of equity‐oriented educational policies.
A detection model for cognitive dysfunction based on volatile organic compounds from a large Chinese community cohort
Authors: Jiao Bin , Zhang Sizhe , Bei Yuzhang , Bu Guiwen , Yuan Li , Zhu Yuan , Yang Qijie , Xu Tianyan , Zhou Lu , Liu Qianqian , Ouyang Ziyu , Yang Xuan , Feng Yong , Tang Beisha , Chen Haibin , Shen Lu
Published: April 2023

Introduction

We explored whether volatile organic compound (VOC) detection can serve as a screening tool to distinguish cognitive dysfunction (CD) from cognitively normal (CN) individuals.

Methods

The cognitive function of 1467 participants was assessed and their VOCs were detected. Six machine learning algorithms were conducted and the performance was determined. The plasma neurofilament light chain (NfL) was measured.

Results

Distinguished VOC patterns existed between CD and CN groups. The CD detection model showed good accuracy with an area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.876. In addition, we found that 10 VOC ions showed significant differences between CD and CN individuals (p < 0.05); three VOCs were significantly related to plasma NfL (p < 0.005). Moreover, a combination of VOCs with NfL showed the best discriminating power (AUC = 0.877).

Discussion

Detection of VOCs from exhaled breath samples has the potential to provide a novel solution for the dilemma of CD screening.
Targeted Synthesis of a Highly Stable Aluminium Phosphonate Metal–Organic Framework Showing Reversible HCl Adsorption
Authors: Reichenau Timm M. , Steinke Felix , Wharmby Michael T. , Näther Christian , Engesser Tobias A. , Stock Norbert
Published: April 2023

A concept for obtaining isoreticular compounds with tri‐ instead of tetravalent metal cations using highly acidic reaction conditions was developed and successfully applied in a high throughput study using N,N′‐piperazinebis(methylenephosphonic acid) (H4PMP), that resulted in the discovery of a new porous aluminium phosphonate denoted CAU‐60⋅6 HCl. The high‐throughput study was subsequently extended to other trivalent metal ions. Al‐CAU‐60⋅6 HCl demonstrates reversible desorption of HCl (18.3 wt % loading) with three distinct compositions observed with zero, four or six HCl molecules per formula unit. Structural changes were followed in detail by powder X‐ray diffraction, EDX analysis as well as IR spectroscopy. Rapid desorption of HCl in water within minutes and subsequent adsorption from the gas phase and from aqueous solution are shown. Furthermore, it is possible to adsorb HBr into the guest free Al‐CAU‐60 framework, demonstrating the high stability of this compound.
Induction of Chirality on Nanographenes
Authors: Arimura Saki , Matsumoto Ikuya , Nishitani Shohei , Sekiya Ryo , Haino Takeharu
Published: April 2023

Chirality induction is an important topic in studies of nanographenes (NGs). We report chirality enhancements of NGs through postsynthetic chemical modifications of NGs with pyrene and m‐terphenyl groups. These substituents were installed into N‐(p‐bromophenylethyl)imides on the edges of the NGs with Pd‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions. Circular dichroism (CD) spectra demonstrated that these bulky substituents improved the induced CD signal of the NGs compared to those previously reported and suggested that they induced the opposite chirality. Density functional theory calculations indicated possible edge structures for the NGs and indicated that π/π and CH/π interactions among the neighboring substituents influenced the orientations of the imides. These imides distorted the edges, and the distorted edges eventually generated the chiral environments of the NGs. The interactions among the substituents are, therefore, likely to allow detection of the CD signals in the visible region and induction of the opposite chirality.
Industrial Grade Resin as Reusable Catalyst for Amidoalkylation of γ‐Hydroxy Lactams
Authors: Mishra Jyotiranjan , Pratihar Sanjay , Subramanian Palani S.
Published: April 2023

Herein, we disclose a selective, versatile, accessible, cost‐effective and highly efficient cation‐exchange industrial grade INDION 130 resin as a reusable catalyst for the synthesis of 3‐substituted isoindolinones from various γ‐hydroxy lactams and a variety of C, N, O, and S nucleophiles involving N‐acyliminium ion intermediates under mild reaction conditions. Mechanistic studies suggested the generation of a different kind of kinetically and thermodynamically controlled intermediates/eliminated products, which further converted to their corresponding products depending upon the nucleophile, reaction parameter and nitrogen substitution (benzyl vs. aryl) of the substrate (succinamidals vs. phthalimidals). The easy synthesis, efficient reactivity and selectivity, broad substrate scope with verities of C, N, O, and S nucleophiles, and efficient recycling make the catalyst and the protocol economical and sustainable.
Ultrafast Deposition of NiFe Metal‐organic Framework Catalysts Boosts BiVO4 Photoanode for Efficient Solar Water Splitting
Authors: Yuan Cang , Gao Rui‐Ting , Wang Lei
Published: April 2023

The severe photocorrosion of BiVO4 limits its application in solar energy conversion in the long‐term photoelectrochemical stability test. Herein, we synthesized a Fe@Ni‐MOFs/BiVO4 photoanode by a simple ultrasonic method and ultrafast deposition, which avoids the problems of damaging the surface structure of photoelectrode. The Fe@Ni‐MOFs/BiVO4 shows a photocurrent density of 4.89 mA cm−2 at 1.23 VRHE with an onset potential of 0.25 VRHE under one sun illumination. Importantly, a stability over 30 h at 0.7 VRHE can be obtained, which is so far the best stability character for MOFs‐based cocatalysts decorated on BiVO4. During operation, Fe@Ni‐MOFs transforms into a homogeneous and active hydroxide layer covering the surface, which exposes more active sites for OER reactions. This work demonstrates a simple strategy for MOFs co‐catalysts to obtain fast hole transfer capability and reduce carrier recombination, thereby improving PEC performance.
Paddle‐Wheel Dirhodium Complexes Bearing Bulky Carboxylate Ligands: Synthesis and Catalysis in Carbene Insertion Reactions
Authors: Yamashita Kotaro , Sato Kota , Tanji Yutaka , Hasegawa Jun‐ya , Fujihara Tetsuaki
Published: April 2023

Dirhodium complexes bearing bulky carboxylate ligands are synthesized and characterized. The steric bulk of carboxylate ligands could affect the reaction selectivity in Rh‐catalyzed intramolecular reactions: Rh catalysts with bulky carboxylate ligands provided five‐membered ring products preferentially via the insertion into a carbon–hydrogen bond. Meanwhile, six‐membered ring products were obtained using conventional Rh catalysts via the insertion of a carbon‐carbon double bond.
Uniform Longitudinal Zinc Growth beyond Interface Guided by Anionic Covalent Organic Framework for Dendrite‐Free Aqueous Zinc Batteries
Authors: Wang Xiaoqi , Shao Pengpeng , Bai Shengchi , Yang Rui , Jin Xu , Zhi Chunyi , Wang Bo
Published: April 2023

Aqueous zinc (Zn) batteries hold considerable promise to address safety problems that frequently occur in electric vehicle cells or energy storage applications. However, Zn metal anode suffers seriously from dendrite, corrosion, and interface water decomposition in aqueous electrolytes, especially under large areal capacity or long charging duration. This is mainly because of the uneven longitudinal Zn growth induced by the anisotropic Zn2+ diffusion, which is usually neglected in a laboratory study with low areal capacity. Herein, we report an artificial interface of the anodic covalent organic framework (COF, which can be rapidly synthesized and facilely assembled with Zn anode in a large area) to guide the uniform longitudinal Zn growth for dendrite‐free Zn batteries. In‐situ optical microscope observes that compared with the bare Zn anode, COF interface can promote the formation of the smooth and dendrite‐free surface through spatial‐triggered uniform longitudinal Zn growth. Theoretical calculation uncovers that anodic COF with a negative charge at its N sites could attract Zn2+ to achieve uniform longitudinal Zn2+ diffusion. In addition, this COF interface with superior hydrophobicity could suppress water decomposition and Zn corrosion. Consequently, the COF‐functionalized Zn anode realizes a high coulombic efficiency under severe Zn plating/stripping conditions (10 mAh cm−2), contributing to a long Zn‐I2 full battery life of over 10000 cycles. This work highlights the high‐areal‐capacity Zn anode protection in external space beyond the interface.
Statistical approach for the optimization of levulinic acid production from orange peel as agricultural waste
Authors: Jeong Gwi‐Taek
Published: April 2023

Background

Acid‐catalyzed hydrothermal conversion can be considered one of the most effective methods for converting agricultural wastes into sustainable and renewable fuels and value‐added chemicals. Orange wastes are a potential renewable and sustainable resource for the synthesis of value‐added compounds because of their high organic matter content. In this study, acid‐catalyzed hydrothermal conversion of orange peel was applied to produce levulinic acid (LA) using a statistical experimental approach.

Results

The reaction conditions for LA synthesis by sulfuric acid‐catalyzed hydrothermal conversion of orange peel was optimized at middle‐to‐high temperatures, low catalyst concentrations, and prolonged reaction times within the tested ranges. As a result, an LA yield of 17.13 wt% (biomass weight basis) or 60.77% (glucan content basis) was achieved under the condition of 185 °C, 10% biomass, 0.3 mol L−1 sulfuric acid, and 30 min. In the relationship between combined severity (CS) and LA yield, LA yield increased moderately with increasing CS value until CS 3.2, then remained stable. The highest LA yield was observed under the CS 3.7 condition.

Conclusion

The findings of this study demonstrated the potential value of orange peel as a renewable agricultural waste for the manufacture of valuable chemicals and materials. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Impact of ketamine administration on chronic unpredictable stress‐induced rat model of depression during extremely low‐frequency electromagnetic field exposure: Behavioral, histological and molecular study
Authors: Salari Moein , Eftekhar‐Vaghefi Seyed Hassan , Asadi‐Shekaari Majid , Esmaeilpour Khadijeh , Solhjou Somayeh , Amiri Maryam , Ahmadi‐Zeidabadi Meysam
Published: April 2023

Objectives

In the study, we examined the effects of ketamine and extremely low‐frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF‐EMF) on depression‐like behavior, learning and memory, expression of GFAP, caspase‐3, p53, BDNF, and NMDA receptor in animals subjected to chronic unpredictable stress (CUS).

Methods

After applying 21 days of chronic unpredictable stress, male rats received intraperitoneal (IP) of ketamine (5 mg/kg) and then were exposed to ELF‐EMF (10‐Hz, 10‐mT exposure conditions) for 3 days (3 h per day) and behavioral assessments were performed 24 h after the treatments. Instantly after the last behavioral test, the brain was extracted for Nissl staining, immunohistochemistry, and real‐time PCR analyses. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was conducted to assess the effect of ketamine and ELF‐EMF on the expression of astrocyte marker (glial fibrillary acidic protein, GFAP) in the CA1 area of the hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Also, real‐time PCR analyses were used to investigate the impacts of the combination of ketamine and ELF‐EMF on the expression of caspase3, p53, BDNF, and NMDA receptors in the hippocampus in rats submitted to the CUS procedure. Results were considered statistically significant when p < .05.

Results

Our results revealed that the combination of ketamine and ELF‐EMF increased depression‐like behavior, increased degenerated neurons and decreased the number of GFAP (+) cells in the CA1 area and mPFC, incremented the expression of caspase‐3, and reduced the expression of BDNF in the hippocampus but showed no effect on the expression of p53 and NMDA‐R.

Conclusions

These results reveal that combining ketamine and ELF‐EMF has adverse effects on animals under chronic unpredictable stress (CUS).
Firms' responses to environmental misconduct accusations under the condition of contested practice complexity: Evidence from the palm oil production industry
Authors: Comyns Breeda , Meschi Pierre‐Xavier , Norheim‐Hansen Anne
Published: April 2023

Public accusations of misconduct by environmental organizations exert reputational pressure on firms. The targeted firms are thus faced with the decision of responding accommodatively or defensively. Situational crisis communication theory (SCCT) holds that such accusations require an accommodative response to reduce the reputational threat. However, defensive response behavior is frequently observed, and insights from the sociocognitive perspective explain that corporate conceptualizations of the contested practice (and hence threat) shape targets' responses. We integrate and extend prior research by (1) explicating the need for attention to the condition of contested practice complexity and (2) theoretically developing and empirically testing (using a sample of palm oil producers accused of illegal deforestation by Greenpeace) the impact of targeted firms' engagement in environmental alliances and past environmental misconduct experience, two key manifestation variables of practice meaningfulness. Overall, in line with calls for a more comprehensive understanding, we provide new insights into the question of when and why targeted firms respond accommodatively or defensively to environmental organizations' demands that they change their practices.
The changing landscape of interventional cardiology: A survival guide in the era of health system consolidation
Authors: Cigarroa Joaquin E. , Rooney Curtis , Blankenship James , Duffy Peter L. , Goldsweig Andrew M. , Krishnan Sandeep , Lata Kusum , Tukaye Deepali , Box Lyndon
Published: April 2023

Practice environments for interventional cardiologists have evolved dramatically and now include small independent practices, large cardiology groups, multispecialty groups, and large integrated health systems. Increasingly, cardiologists are employed by hospitals or health systems. Data from MedAxiom and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) demonstrate an exponential increase in the percentage of cardiologists in employed positions from 10% in 2009 to 87% in 2020. This white paper explores these profound changes, considers their impact on interventional cardiologists, and offers guidance on how interventional cardiologists can best navigate this challenging environment. Finally, the paper offers a potential model to improve the employed physician experience through greater physician involvement in decision making, which may increase jobs satisfaction.
High temperature confocal scanning laser microscopy analysis of dead‐burned magnesia aggregates
Authors: Richards Tyler , Athavale Viraj , Smith Jeffrey , O'Malley Ronald
Published: April 2023

Dead‐burned magnesia is a commonly used material in the manufacturing of refractories for the steelmaking industry. Aggregates of dead‐burned magnesia contain secondary phases due to the impurities within the magnesite rock used in its production. While these phases can aid in sintering magnesia, they may have some impact on the high‐temperature performance of the refractory product. High‐temperature confocal scanning laser microscopy was utilized to observe the behavior of dead‐burned magnesia aggregates at elevated temperatures (up to 1550°C). Liquid formation was detected even at temperatures below 1350°C. In some cases, this liquid quickly exuded from the aggregate surface. This liquid phase was characterized through microscopy and chemical analysis to determine the impact of impurity content on the formation and behavior of this liquid phase, and conclusions are drawn on its detrimental impact on the material's refractoriness in a steelmaking environment.
Metallic and Dimensional Optimization of Metal–Organic Frameworks for High‐Performance Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Li Xinyi , Zhang Xuguang , Xu Yifan , Wang Yige , Huang Yang , Ma Mengtao
Published: April 2023

Lithium‐sulfur batteries (LSBs) have been considered as one of the most promising energy storage systems owing to their high theoretical energy density and abundant sulfuric resources. However, their commercial application is limited by rapid capacity decline and low Coulombic efficiency. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) made of metallic nodes and organic ligands can suppress polysulfide shuttling and promote redox kinetics. In this paper, the effects of crystallographic dimensions and metallic categories on chemical performance of LSBs have been meticulously explored electrochemical performance. As a result, exposed Ni active sites in a lamellar Ni‐MOF was found to deliver a superior electrochemical performance. The as‐assembled LSBs with 2D‐Ni‐MOF/CNTs cathode deliver a much superior initial discharge capacity, (820 mAh g−1 at 0.5 C), and exhibit excellent cycling stability over 550 cycles than those analogues of 3D stereoscopic Ni‐MOF and 2D lamellar Co‐MOF. This work proposed a perspective in elevating LSBs performance through synergistic optimization of the MOFs dimensions and the metallic nuclei in the cathodes.
Enhancing Photovoltaic Performance of Ladder‐Type Heteroarene‐Based Electron Acceptors by Modulating Molecular Packing†
Authors: Tao Hongxin , Tang Changquan , Ma Yunlong , Zhang Shu‐Quan , Liao Ruochuan , Tu Qisheng , Zheng Qingdong
Published: April 2023

Comprehensive Summary

The development of novel building blocks with sp3‐hybridized‐carbon‐free conjugated skeletons is important to further advance and enrich nonfullerene acceptors (NFAs), but this remains a challenge due to the lack of strategies to effectively modulate the aggregation behavior of resulting NFAs. Herein, two novel nitrogen‐bridged octacyclic ladder‐type heteroarenes end‐capped with thiophene rings (BTPS) or selenophene rings (BTPSe) are designed and synthesized as the donor cores for constructing NFAs (MQX‐2 and MQX‐4). It is found that replacing the sulfur atoms (MQX‐2) at the outer positions of the heteroarene core with selenium atoms (MQX‐4) can effectively modulate the molecular packing mode of the NFAs. The incorporation of selenium atoms induces stronger O···Se noncovalent interaction than O···S, thus promoting the formation of mixed H/J‐type aggregates in MQX‐4. Benefiting from more electron hopping channels, MQX‐4 exhibits higher electron transport (more than 1‐fold enhancement) and photovoltaic properties compared to MQX‐2, which forms only H‐type aggregates.
A New Conformationally Symmetrical Calix[4]pyrrole Based Supramolecular System for Liquid Crystalline and Window Layer Solar Cell Applications
Authors: Sharma Vinay S. , Sharma Anuj S. , Rathod Suryajit L. , Mali Hitendra A. , Suthar Deepak , Dhaka Mahendra S. , Shrivastav Pranav S.
Published: April 2023

The newly symmetrical liquid crystalline compounds (CPB1–CPB4) based on calix[4]pyrrole as central rigid core are synthesized via esterification reaction. All the four functionalized compounds exhibit columnar hexagonal phase (Colh) over a higher mesophase temperature range and further stabilized mesophase upto room temperature. The thermal behavior and optical texture are identified by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Polarizing optical microscopy (POM) while the molecular organization of compound in mesogenic state by X‐ray diffraction technique. The molecular system based on calix[4]pyrrole core with symmetrical nature exhibited columnar type self‐assembly at room temperature. All these four supramolecules with different side spacer show higher thermal stability. Based upon the optimization, compound CPB2 has been further tested to implicate as optical window layer in thin films solar cell devices. The calix[4]pyrrole functionalized supramolecular liquid crystalline compound based thin films showed suitable transmittance, optical energy band gap together with absorbance and extinction coefficient. The linear dependence of current on the voltage demonstrated Ohmic behavior of the CPB2 films. The surface morphology to the developed samples designated nearly uniform deposition of the CPB2 thin films together with grain growth. The findings warrant suitability of the films to implicate these as an eco‐friendly optical window layer in thin films based solar cells.
Effectiveness of forest density reduction treatments for increasing drought resistance of ponderosa pine growth
Authors: Young Derek J. N. , Estes Becky L. , Gross Shana , Wuenschel Amarina , Restaino Christina , Meyer Marc D.
Published: April 2023

As the climate changes, it is increasingly important to understand how forests will respond to drought and how forest management can influence those outcomes. In many forests that have become unnaturally dense, “restoration treatments,” which decrease stand density using fire and/or mechanical thinning, are generally associated with reduced mortality during drought. However, the effects of such treatments on tree growth during drought are less clear. Previous studies have yielded apparently contradictory results, which may stem from differences in underlying aridity or drought intensity across studies. To address this uncertainty, we studied the growth of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) in paired treated and untreated areas before and during the extreme California drought of 2012–2016. Our study spanned gradients in climate and tree size and found that density reduction treatments could completely ameliorate drought‐driven declines in growth under some contexts, specifically in more mesic areas and in medium‐sized trees (i.e., normal annual precipitation > ca. 1100 mm and tree diameter at breast height < ca. 65 cm). Treatments were much less effective in ameliorating drought‐associated growth declines in the most water‐limited sites and largest trees, consistent with underlying ecophysiology. In medium‐sized trees and wetter sites, growth of trees in untreated stands decreased by more than 15% during drought, while treatment‐associated increases in growth of 25% or more persisted during the drought. Trees that ultimately died due to drought showed greater growth reductions during drought relative to trees that survived. Our results suggest that density reduction treatments can increase tree resistance to water stress, and they highlight an important pathway for treatments to influence carbon sequestration and other ecosystem services beyond mitigating tree mortality.
Sorting states of environmental DNA: Effects of isolation method and water matrix on the recovery of membrane‐bound, dissolved, and adsorbed states of eDNA
Authors: Kirtane Anish , Kleyer Hannah , Deiner Kristy
Published: April 2023

Environmental DNA (eDNA) once shed can exist in numerous states with varying behaviors including degradation rates and transport potential. In this study, we consider three states of eDNA: (1) a membrane‐bound state referring to DNA enveloped in a cellular or organellar membrane, (2) a dissolved state defined as the extracellular DNA molecule in the environment without any interaction with other particles, and (3) an adsorbed state defined as extracellular DNA adsorbed to a particle surface in the environment. Capturing, isolating, and analyzing a target state of eDNA provides utility for better interpretation of eDNA degradation rates and transport potential. While methods for separating different states of DNA have been developed, they remain poorly evaluated due to the lack of state‐controlled experimentation. We evaluated the methods for separating states of eDNA from a single sample by spiking DNA from three different species to represent the three states of eDNA as state‐specific controls. We used chicken DNA to represent the dissolved state, cultured mouse cells for the membrane‐bound state, and salmon DNA adsorbed to clay particles as the adsorbed state. We performed the separation in three water matrices, two environmental and one synthetic, spiked with the three eDNA states. The membrane‐bound state was the only state that was isolated with minimal contamination from nontarget states. The membrane‐bound state also had the highest recovery (54.11 ± 19.24%), followed by the adsorbed state (5.08 ± 2.28%), and the dissolved state had the lowest total recovery (2.21 ± 2.36%). This study highlights the potential to sort the states of eDNA from a single sample and independently analyze them for more informed biodiversity assessments. However, further method development is needed to improve recovery and reduce cross‐contamination.
Perceived unequal and unfair workplaces trigger lower job satisfaction and lower workers’ dignity via organizational dehumanization and workers’ self‐objectification
Authors: Sainz Mario , Moreno‐Bella Eva , Torres‐Vega Laura C.
Published: April 2023

Despite the increasing wage disparities and the unfair distribution of resources in many organizations, there have not been enough academic explorations into the role of these contextual variables on dehumanization processes and psychosocial risk factors among employees. This project addresses how perceptions of economic inequality and unfairness in the distribution of resources can influence individuals’ perceptions of dehumanization and self‐objectification, and trigger detrimental consequences in the workplace. Using two correlational surveys in different cultural contexts (N = 748), and two experimental studies (N = 662), this research consistently shows that both high inequality and high unfairness perceptions decrease job satisfaction and dignity at work through dehumanization processes. Specifically, both inequality and unfairness increase perceived organizational dehumanization, which in turn increases participants’ self‐objectification. Self‐objectification is associated with lower job satisfaction and dignity at work. This paper discusses the consequences of economic disparities on individuals’ recognition of their own humanity.
Fabricated design of hydrotalcite embedded lanthanum organic frameworks for defluoridation of water
Authors: Jeyaseelan Antonysamy , Viswanathan Natrayasamy , Govindasamy Mani , Alsaiari N. S. , Katubi K. M.
Published: April 2023

The surplus fluoride in drinking water leads to diseases namely fluorosis (dental, skeletal, and non‐skeletal). Hence, to overcome these problems, in this study, hydrotalcite (HT) integrated La‐based metal‐organic frameworks (LaMOFs) namely HT‐LaMOFs was fabricated for fluoride removal. The fabricated HT‐LaMOFs material was well characterized by various characterization methods (x‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDAX), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential thermal analysis (DTA)) to find the structural properties and stability of HT‐LaMOFs. To find the fluoride adsorption nature, the batch studies were employed towards fluoride adsorption such as reaction time, co‐ions, HT‐LaMOFs dosage, pH, initial fluoride concentration, selectivity, pHzpc, and temperature studies. The contact time studies results reveals that the defluoridation capacity (DC) of HT‐LaMOFs was towards fluoride was found as 4451 mgF− kg−1 at 30 min than HT (1030 mgF− kg−1 at 50 min). The DC had little influences in the presence of HCO3− ion compared to other ions. Fluoride adsorption mechanism of HT‐LaMOFs was initiated to be electrostatic interaction, ion‐exchange and complexation. Fluoride adsorption onto HT‐LaMOFs was well matched and followed with Langmuir model. Thermodynamic investigations exposed that the adsorption of fluoride onto HT‐LaMOFs followed by spontaneous and endothermic nature. Kinetic studies of HT‐LaMOFs on fluoride capture followed with pseudo‐second‐order and intraparticle diffusion models. Defluoridation by HT‐LaMOFs was followed endothermic with spontaneous nature of adsorption system. The regeneration study results of HT‐LaMOFs revealed that the developed HT‐LaMOFs was regenerable up to six cycles. In addition, field study outcomes revealed that the developed HT‐LaMOFs diminished fluoride concentration under the acceptable limit as 1.5 mg/L.
Influences of confining pressure and injection rate on breakdown pressure and permeability in granite hydraulic fracturing
Authors: Zhang Wenchong , Xie Heping , Li Minghui
Published: April 2023

Hot dry rock (HDR) geothermal resource is a renewable green energy source with great exploitation potential. The burial depth of HDR generally exceeds 2500 m and is typically under high in situ stress conditions, resulting in an ultralow permeability of the rock formations. To enhance the permeability of these formations, hydraulic fracturing is widely used as a reservoir stimulation technique in HDR geothermal resource exploitation. The differences in burial depth, in situ stress, and geological environment require different engineering designs when implementing hydraulic fracturing. Therefore, the confining pressure and injection rate play significant roles in determining the effectiveness of hydraulic fracturing, as they affect the propagation and distribution of fractures in the rock formation. To quantify the impact of these factors on the effectiveness of hydraulic fracturing, simulation experiments, and permeability tests were conducted using granite specimens under various confining pressure and injection rate conditions. The results of these experiments revealed the relationships among the confining pressure, injection rate, breakdown pressure, and permeability enhancement of the granite. The breakdown pressure of granite increased with the confining pressure, while the injection rate had little effect on the breakdown pressure. The hydraulic fractured sample produced new penetrating fractures, which increased the reservoir permeability, and owing to the higher complexity of hydraulic fractures under low confining pressure, the increase of permeability is correspondingly higher. The research results can provide an important reference for efficient stimulation development technology of deep HDR geothermal resources.
Morphological change and its response to human activities in the estuary of Minjiang River, China, since last early century
Authors: Lu Huiquan , Wang Chengtao , Cai Feng , Wu Chengqiang , Bao Jingjing , Zheng Yongling , Cao Chao
Published: April 2023

The evolution of subaqueous deltas in mountain rivers is highly sensitive to variations in sediment load and hydrodynamic conditions, and human activities can rapidly alter these parameters. To better understand the evolution of the subaqueous Minjiang River Delta (MRD) under human activities, we investigated the effects of construction of reservoirs, channel training walls, land reclamation activities, and sand mining from 1910 to 2010. Analysis of bathymetric and fluvial discharge data revealed that the MRD shoals generally experienced slight development during the study period, but with alternating stages of erosion and deposition that were related closely to sediment discharge and the role of human activities. The northern MRD was more strongly affected by decreasing sediment load, while the southern MRD was more influenced by land reclamation. Human activities in the MRD can be divided into five stages: Weak (before 1935), blockage (1935–1950), slight strong (1950–1970), strong (1970–2000), and stable (since 2000). Correspondingly, the geomorphic evolution of the MRD can also be divided into five stages: Natural evolution, channel blockage, southern channel erosion, divergence, and degradation. Furthermore, the morphodynamic response time of MRD to a decrease in riverine sediment was found to be less than 10 years, which is much faster than the morphodynamic changes observed in large‐scale estuaries and deltas. These results provide further insight into interpreting morphodynamic changes in typical small/medium‐sized estuaries and deltas under various human activities.
Controls of local grain size distribution, bed structure and flow conditions on sediment mobility
Authors: Smith Heidi E. J. , Monsalve Angel D. , Turowski Jens M. , Rickenmann Dieter , Yager Elowyn M.
Published: April 2023

Steep, boulder bed streams often contain sediment patches, which are areas of the bed with relatively well‐defined boundaries that are occupied by distinct grain size distributions (GSD). In sediment mixtures, the underlying GSD affects the critical Shields stress for a given grain size, which is commonly predicted using hiding functions. Hiding functions may vary with reach‐wide bed GSD, but the effect of local GSD on relative sediment mobility between sediment patches is poorly understood. We explore the effects of patch‐scale GSD on sediment mobility using tracer particles combined with local shear stresses to develop hiding functions for different patch classes within a steep stream. Hiding functions for all tested patch classes were similar, which indicates that the same hiding function can be used for different patches. However, the critical Shields stress for a given grain size generally decreased with lower patch median grain size (D50) suggesting that patches control the relative mobility of each size through both the underlying GSD and local shear stresses. The effects of the underlying GSD partly depend on grain protrusion, which we measured for all grain sizes present on each patch class. Protrusion was generally greater for larger grains regardless of patch class, but for a given grain size, protrusion was increased with smaller patch D50. For a given grain size, higher protrusion results in greater applied fluid forces and reduced resisting forces to partly explain our lower critical Shields stresses in finer patches. Patches therefore can importantly modulate relative sediment mobility through bed structure and may need to be included in reach‐scale sediment transport and channel stability estimates.
Characterization of various tandem solar cells: Protocols, issues, and precautions
Authors: Park Jae Hyun , Hwang Sun Kyung , Ji Su Geun , Kim Jin Young
Published: April 2023

In the search for a more efficient solar cell, various types of tandem solar cells (TSCs) have been actively developed worldwide as the performances of the single junction solar cells approach their theoretical limits. Meanwhile, various materials and structures are adopted in TSCs, which makes their characterizations and comparison difficult. Along with the classical monolithic TSC, which exhibits two electrical contacts, devices with three or four electrical contacts have been widely studied as a more performing alternative of commercialized solar cells. For a fair and accurate evaluation of the device performance of TSCs, understanding the effectiveness and limitations of the characterization of the different types of TSCs is crucial. In this paper, we summarize various types of TSCs and discuss their characterization methods.
Hippocampal spatial view cells, place cells, and concept cells: View representations
Authors: Rolls Edmund T.
Published: April 2023

A commentary is provided on issues raised in the Special Issue of Hippocampus (2023) on hippocampal system view representations. First, the evidence for hippocampal and parahippocampal spatial view cells in primates including humans shows that the allocentric representations provided by at least some of these cells are very useful for human memory in that where objects and rewards are seen in the world “out there” is a key component of episodic memory and navigation. Spatial view cell representations provide for memory and navigation to be independent of the place where the individual is currently located and of the egocentric coordinates of the viewed location and the facing direction of the individual. Second, memory and navigation in humans are normally related to the visual cues encoded by spatial view cells that define a location “out there” such as a building, hill, and so forth, not to an unmarked place without local cues and identified only by distant environmental/room cues. Third, “mixed” representations, for example of particular combinations of spatial view and place, can arise if the training has been for only some combinations of place and view, for that is what can then be learned by the hippocampus. Fourth, rodents, with their much less good visual acuity (~1 cycle/° in rats, compared with ~60 cycles/° for the human fovea), and rodents' very wide viewing angle for the world (~270°) might be expected, when using the same computational mechanisms as in primates, to use widely spaced environmental cues to define a place where the rodent is located, supported by inputs about place using local olfactory and tactile cues. Fifth, it is shown how view‐point dependent allocentric representations could form a view‐point independent allocentric representation for memory and navigation. Sixth, concept cells in humans and primates with connectivity to the hippocampus are compared.
Machine learning approach to predict the thermal performance of closed‐loop thermosyphon
Authors: Birajdar Mahasidha R. , Sewatkar C. M.
Published: April 2023

This paper presents the machine learning (ML) algorithm to predict the thermal performance of closed‐loop thermosyphon (CLT). The experimentation is carried out on the acetone‐charged CLT at different test conditions such as heat inputs, filling ratios, and adiabatic lengths. The test data is used to calculate the performance parameters such as thermal resistance, heat transfer coefficient, and effectiveness of the system. Based on the experimental dataset, the ML algorithms are developed to predict the performance parameters of the CLT system. The ML algorithms such as linear regression, decision tree (DT), random forest (RF), and lasso regression are used for the development of the prediction model. The hyperparameters are well‐tuned and optimized. The prediction measuring parameters (mean absolute error, R2) are analyzed carefully. It is noticed that the DT model outperformed the prediction of the other used models. The R2 score of the DT model was 98.504; whereas, the R2 scores of the RF model and linear regression model were about 94.76 and 92.17, respectively. This study will become a roadmap to the ML approach in the thermosyphon system.
Protective effect of maternal immunization on birth outcomes: A data linkage study
Authors: Gunatilaka Ahinsa , Rolnik Daniel L. , Giles Michelle L.
Published: April 2023

Objective

To explore the impact of maternal immunization on adverse pregnancy outcomes including preterm birth (PTB) and stillbirth.

Methods

The authors performed a data linkage study for women who delivered a singleton baby between January 2017 and May 2021. They used Poisson models to estimate incidence rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes and Cox proportional hazards models to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), accounting for the time‐dependent nature of the exposure and adjusting for confounders.

Results

This study included 10 938 women who received at least one vaccine, and 4029 unvaccinated women. Influenza vaccine was associated with a significant reduction in stillbirth (adjusted HR [aHR], 0.55 [95% CI, 0.33–0.94]), but not in PTB (aHR, 0.92 [95% CI, 0.77–1.10]). Pertussis vaccine was associated with a significant reduction in PTB (aHR, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.64–0.94]) and a similar point estimate for reduction in stillbirth (aHR, 0.59 [95% CI, 0.31–1.10]), although not significant.

Conclusion

Reductions in PTB and stillbirth associated with maternal immunization suggest possible protective effects beyond pathogen‐specific protection. These findings may strengthen justification for scaling up maternal immunization in low‐income settings where there remains a high burden of these adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Impact of HPV molecular testing with partial genotyping as a feasibility study in cervical cancer community screening program in South India
Authors: Ramshankar Vijayalakshmi , Ravindran Soundharya , Arun Komathi , Albert Kanchana , Sri Sakthi Lalitha , Ramasubramanian Lalitha , Satyaseelan Banumathy
Published: April 2023

Cervical cancer can be eradicated by 2030 by the implementation of a global strategy involving the vaccination of young girls against human papillomavirus (HPV), screening 70% of women in 30–69 years of age and treating 90% of the women with precancerous lesions. For a country with a large population like India, all the three strategies can be a challenge. There is a need for implementation of a high throughput technology that can be scalable. Cobas 4800, a multiplexed assay based on quantitative polymerase chain reaction technology, identifies HPV 16 and HPV 18 along with the concurrent detection of 12 pooled other high‐risk HPV infections. This technology was used to test 10 375 women from the South Indian community for the first time as a feasibility program. Upon testing, high‐risk HPV was found in 595 (5.73%) women. A total of 127 women (1.2%) were found to be infected with HPV 16, 36 women (0.34%) with HPV 18 and 382 women (3.68%) with the 12 pooled high‐risk HPV and multiple mixed infections were found in 50 women (0.48%). It was observed that there was a high prevalence of high‐risk HPV in younger women, 30–40 years of age and a second peak was observed at 46–50 years of age. The second peak had higher mixed infections in the 46–50 years of age and this association was statistically significant. We found that 24/50 (48%) of the multiple mixed high‐risk HPV infections were in the age group 46–50 years. The current study is the first attempt from India, on a completely automated platform using Cobas 4800 HPV test in a community screening program. This study shows HPV 16 and HPV 18 infections, when differentiated, can be valuable for risk stratification in community screening program. Women in the perimenopausal age (46‐50yrs) showed a higher prevalence of multiple mixed infections, signifying a higher risk.
Essential domains, core outcome sets, and measurements to capture benefits and harms of implant dentistry interventions: The ID‐COSM initiative*
Authors: Tonetti Maurizio S. , Heitz‐Mayfield Lisa , Papapanou Panos N. , Sanz Mariano
Published: April 2023

Consensus on a valid and comprehensive set of outcomes to capture the full benefits and harms of implant dentistry interventions is key for progress towards better clinical guidelines and policy. In this field, outcome research remains fragmented and uses too many different outcomes. Accordingly, such efforts are still unable to cover the full breadth necessary to properly evaluate benefits, harms, and costs. Best practice examples from medicine have inspired the Implant Dentistry Core Outcome Set and Measurements (ID‐COSM) initiative that identified four core outcome domain areas (pathophysiology, implant/prosthesis lifespan, life impact, and access to care) and five essential outcomes mandatory for all trials, plus six others that are mandatory in specific circumstances. The innovative multistep approach has combined input from scientific evidence, patients from multiple countries, methodologists, and industry representatives. It is an important step. The ID‐COSM consensus aspires to contribute to better adoption of relevant and valid outcomes in trials and enable combining their results in high‐quality meta‐analyses to support better informed care and policy.