bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Six‐Electron‐Redox Iodine Electrodes for High‐Energy Aqueous Batteries
Authors: Bi Songshan , Wang Huimin , Zhang Yanyu , Yang Min , Li Qingjie , Tian Jinlei , Niu Zhiqiang
Published: October 2023

Iodine (I2) shows great promising as the active material in aqueous batteries due to its distinctive merits of high abundance in ocean and low cost. However, in conventional aqueous I2‐based batteries, the energy storage mechanism of I−/I2 conversion is only two‐electron redox reaction, limiting their energy density. Herein, six‐electron redox chemistry of I2 electrodes is achieved via the synergistic effect of redox‐ion charge‐carriers and halide ions in electrolytes. The redox‐active Cu2+ ions in electrolytes induce the conversion between Cu2+ ions and I2 to CuI at low potential. Simultaneously, the Cl− ions in electrolytes activate the I2/ICl redox couple at high potential. As a result, in our case, I2‐based battery system with six‐electron redox is developed. Such energy storage mechanism with six‐electron redox leads to high discharge potential and capacity, excellent rate capability, as well as stable cycling behavior of I2 electrodes. Impressively, six‐electron‐redox I2 cathodes can match various aqueous metal (e.g. Zn, Mn and Fe) anodes to construct metal||I2 hybrid batteries. These hybrid batteries not only deliver enhanced capacities, but also exhibit higher operate voltages, which contributes to superior energy densities. Therefore, this work broadens the horizon for the design of high‐energy aqueous I2‐based batteries.
Study on the effect of the molding process on the uniformity of rubber products
Authors: Wang Tongkun , Jiao Dongmei , Zhan Meng , Lv Wei , Gai Minghui , Zong Dianrui
Published: October 2023

The uniformity of rubber products stands as a pivotal indicator for assessing their overall quality. In the case of certain specialized rubber items, such as rubber bladders, uniformity emerges as a decisive criterion that significantly influences their quality evaluation. Numerous factors exert an impact on the homogeneity of rubber products. However, the comprehensive investigation of how the molding process influences such homogeneity remains notably underexplored. To mitigate the potential variability in experimental outcomes, this paper employs distinct pre‐treatment procedures for two types of rubber—designating one for the experimental group and the other for the control group. Subsequently, the items underwent distinct molding procedures to analyze the combined impact of pre‐treatment and molding techniques on the uniformity of rubber products. The findings indicate a notable enhancement in the uniformity of cylindrical rubber products—like rubber bladders—of up to 30% through the implementation of the filtration pre‐treatment process. Additionally, rubber products derived from the injection molding process demonstrated a remarkable 40% increase in uniformity compared to those produced through molding techniques.
Insights to develop tau‐directed therapeutics to protect the synaptic integrity for tauopathies
Authors: Cha Eunji , Kim Hak Joong , Lim Sang Min
Published: October 2023

Tauopathy is characterized by the abnormal aggregation of tau proteins. In order to develop drugs for tauopathies, a variety of different therapeutic strategies have been investigated. Synapse loss is a hallmark of tauopathies and is reportedly related to cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease as well. Emerging evidence suggests that pathogenic tau species are linked to synaptic dysfunction and synapse loss in tauopathies. As such, a potential therapeutic approach to ameliorate synaptic dysfunction and counteract synaptic loss due to pathogenic tau holds promise. This review highlights the pathological links between tau pathology and synaptic integrity and current efforts to develop therapeutics rescuing synaptic dysfunction for tauopathies, which will help to understand the association between tau and synapses and develop disease‐modifying drugs for tauopathies.
Multiple existential threats and attitudes towards Muslims in Finland and Italy during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Eskelinen Viivi , Vezzali Loris , Di Bernardo Antonio , Jasinskaja‐Lahti Inga
Published: October 2023

We are currently living in a time of several existential threats: the global pandemic COVID‐19, climate change, and the ‘refugee crisis’ caused by violent conflicts and humanitarian catastrophes in Syria, Afghanistan, and Ukraine. These threats do not only affect our well‐being but also our sense of control and security, as well as identities and worldviews having also intergroup consequences. In this study, we investigated the links between perceived existential threats (i.e. COVID‐19, climate change, and refugee crisis in 2015 that multiplied Muslim population in Europe), national and religious identities, and attitudes towards Muslims (i.e. Muslim refugees, Muslim minority, and Muslim converts) among Christian national majority group members in Finland and Italy in 2020. The results were analysed with multigroup structural equation modelling, and they demonstrated some key differences between how threats perceived from climate change and the refugee crisis in 2015 are translated into the reactions towards Muslims. While threats associated with the refugee crisis were detrimental to outgroup attitudes, climate change threats elicited more positive attitudes towards the outgroups studied. Our preliminary analyses suggested that COVID‐19, in turn, seems to elicit feelings of worldview defence through higher levels of national identification with no negative attitudinal ramifications. While Abrahamic identity as a believer was directly associated with more positive attitudes towards Muslims in Italy, it did not account for the link between existential threats and outgroup attitudes. The results are discussed in light of how different threats increase or decrease intergroup harmony.
Villars nodule: An incidental finding with uterine fibroids and infertility—A case report
Authors: Yambah John Kanyiri , Sulemana Abdul Samed , Avoke Fenella Kafui , Asante Foster
Published: October 2023

Key Clinical Message

Villar's nodule is a rare presentation of endometriosis. Only a few cases report coexistence with uterine fibroids and infertility. We report an incidental discovery of a bleeding umbilical lesion confirmed as Villar's nodule in a 37‐year‐old woman with primary infertility who presented for myomectomy on account of leiomyomas.
Confining Ionic Liquids in Developing Quasi‐Solid‐State Electrolytes for Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Hu Haiman , Li Jiajia , Ji Xiaoyan
Published: October 2023

The concept of confining ionic liquids (ILs) in developing quasi‐solid‐state electrolytes (QSSEs) has been proposed, where ILs are dispersed in polymer networks/backbones and/or filler/host pores, forming the so‐called confinement, and great research progress and promising research results have been achieved. In this review, the progress and achievement in developing QSSEs using IL‐confinement for lithium metal batteries (LMBs), together with advanced characterizations and simulations, were surveyed, summarized, and analyzed, where the influence of specific parameters, such as IL (type, content, etc.), substrate (type, structure, surface properties, etc.), confinement methods, and so on, was discussed. The confinement concept was further compared with the conventional one in other research areas. It indicates that the IL‐confinement in QSSEs improves the performance of electrolytes, for example, increasing the ionic conductivity, widening the electrochemical window, and enhancing the cycle performance of the assembled cells, and being different from those in other areas, that is, the IL‐confinement concept in the battery area is in a broad extent. Finally, insights into developing QSSEs in LMBs with the confinement strategy were provided to promote the development and application of QSSE LMBs.
Environmental Sustainability of π‐Electron Donor‐Based Deep Eutectic Solvents for Toluene Absorption: A Life‐Cycle Perspective
Authors: Chen Biaohua , Li Jinyi , Yu Gangqiang , Xu Ruinian , Dai Chengna
Published: October 2023

The novel π‐electron donor‐based deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have been shown to be a promising type of absorbent with excellent performance on toluene absorption. However, their greenness or sustainability is still unclear. Thus, to bridge the gap and give a comprehensive evaluation for their industrialization potential, the life cycle assessment (LCA) was used to evaluate the potential environmental impacts incurred from their production and usage for absorbing toluene. The environmental profiles are also compared with that of popular choline chloride (ChCl) based DES, common organic solvent triethylene glycol (TEG) and ionic liquid ([EMIM][Tf2N]). The results indicate that among the involved hydrogen bond acceptors (HBAs), TEBAC generally imparts lower environmental impacts than other HBAs but has higher impacts than ChCl. Although TEBAC‐PhOH is not the most environmentally friendly absorbent during the production stage, its outstanding absorption performance minimizes the environmental impact when absorbing the same mass of toluene. Furthermore, the environmental impacts of the toluene absorption process using TEBAC‐PhOH is significantly lower than that of [EMIM][Tf2N], slightly lower than TEG. Therefore, considering both absorption performance and environmental impacts, TEBAC‐PhOH can be used as a promising “green and sustainable” toluene absorbent to traditional absorbents and ionic liquids.
Sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors and the risk of venous thromboembolism: A nationwide population‐based study and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tsai Hou‐Ren , Lin Yu‐Jie , Yeh Jih‐I , Huang Yu‐Chi , Liu Peter Pin‐Sung , Peng Carol Chiung‐Hui , Hsu Jin‐Yi , Lee Yuan‐Chieh , Loh Ching‐Hui , Lin Shu‐Man , Huang Huei‐Kai
Published: October 2023

Aims

Sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors (SGLT‐2i) have off‐target effects on haemoconcentration and anti‐inflammation. The impact of SGLT‐2i on the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the risk of newly diagnosed VTE in patients with DM using SGLT‐2i in comparison to dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors (DPP‐4i) or glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RA).

Materials and Methods

In this nationwide retrospective cohort study, we used data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. Patients with diabetes aged 20 years or older who received SGLT‐2i, DPP‐4i, or GLP‐1RA between 1 May 2016, and 31 December 2020, were included. The risks of VTE in SGLT‐2i users were compared with those of DPP‐4i and GLP‐1RA users. A Cox regression model with stabilised inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to calculate hazard ratio (HR) for VTE risk. Additionally, a meta‐analysis of relevant articles published before 23 May 2023, was conducted.

Results

Data from 136,530 SGLT‐2i, 598,280 DPP‐4i, and 5760 GLP‐1RA users were analysed. SGLT‐2i use was associated with a lower risk of VTE than DPP‐4i (HR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.59–0.84; p < 0·001), but not with GLP‐1RA (HR, 1.39; 95% CI, 0.32–5.94; p = 0.66). Our meta‐analysis further supported these findings (SGLT‐2i vs. DPP‐4i: HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.62–0.82; p < 0·001; SGLT‐2i vs. GLP‐1RA: HR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.73–1.15; p = 0.43), suggesting the robustness of our retrospective analysis.

Conclusions

In patients with DM, SGLT‐2i was associated with a lower risk of VTE compared to DPP‐4i, but not GLP‐1RA.
Latitudinal and meridional patterns of picophytoplankton variability are contrastingly associated with Ekman pumping and the warm pool in the tropical western Pacific
Authors: Wang Yu , Zhao Feng , He Xuebao , Wang Weibo , Chang Lin , Kang Jianhua
Published: October 2023

Marine picophytoplankton plays a major role in marine cycling and energy conversion, and its effects on the carbon cycle and global climate change have been well documented. In this study, we investigated the response of picophytoplankton across a broad range of physicochemical conditions in two distinct regions of the tropical western Pacific. Our analysis considered the abundance, carbon biomass, size fraction, distribution, and regulatory factors of the picophytoplankton community, which included the cyanobacteria Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus, and small eukaryotic phytoplankton (picoeukaryotes). The first region was a latitudinal transect along the equator (142–163° E, 0° N), characterized by stratified oligotrophic conditions. The second region was a meridional transect (143° E, 0–22° N) known for its high‐nutrient and low‐chlorophyll (HNLC) conditions. Results showed that picophytoplankton contributed >80% of the chlorophyll a (Chl a), and was mainly distributed above 100 m. Prochlorococcus was the dominant organism in terms of cell abundance and estimated carbon biomass in both latitudinal and meridional transects, followed by Synechococcus and picoeukaryotes. In the warm pool, Prochlorococcus was primarily distributed below the isothermal layer, with the maximum subsurface abundance forming below it. The maximum Synechococcus abundance was restricted to the west‐warm pool, due to the high temperature, and the second‐highest Synechococcus abundance was associated with frontal interaction between the east‐warm pool and the westward advance of Middle East Pacific water. In contrast, picoeukaryotes formed a maximum subsurface abundance corresponding to the subsurface Chl a maximum. In the mixed HNLC waters, the cell abundance and biomass of the three picophytoplankton groups were slightly lower than those in the warm pool. Due to a cyclonic eddy, the contours of the maximum subsurface Prochlorococcus abundance were uplifted, evidently with a lower value than the surrounding water. Synechococcus abundance varied greatly in patches, forming a weakly high subsurface peak when the isothermal layer rose to the near‐surface (<50 m). The subsurface maximum picoeukaryote abundance was also highly consistent with that of the subsurface Chl a maximum. Correlation analysis and generalized additive models of environmental factors showed that nutrient availability had a two‐faceted role in regulating the spatial patterns of picophytoplankton in diverse latitudinal and meridional environments. We concluded through regression that temperature and light irradiance were the key determinants of picophytoplankton variability in the tropical western Pacific. This study provides insights into the changing picophytoplankton community structure with potential future changing hydroclimatic force.
Holistic monitoring of freshwater and terrestrial vertebrates by camera trapping and environmental DNA
Authors: Holm Anne Marie Rubæk , Knudsen Steen Wilhelm , Månsson Malene , Pedersen Ditte Elmgreen , Nordfoss Pauli Holm , Johansson Daniel Klingberg , Gramsbergen Marthe , Havmøller Rasmus Worsøe , Sigsgaard Eva Egelyng , Thomsen Philip Francis , Olsen Morten Tange , Møller Peter Rask
Published: October 2023

The anthropogenic impact on the world's ecosystems is severe and the need for non‐invasive, cost‐effective tools for monitoring and understanding those impacts are therefore urgent. Here, we combine two such methods in a comprehensive multi‐year study; camera trapping (CT) and analysis of environmental DNA (eDNA), in river marginal zones of a temperate, wetland Nature Park in Denmark. CT was performed from 2015 to 2019 for a total of 8778 camera trap days and yielded 24,376 animal observations. The CT observations covered 87 taxa, of which 78 were identified to species level, and 73 were wild native species. For eDNA metabarcoding, a total of 114 freshwater samples were collected from eight sites in all four seasons from 2017 to 2018. The eDNA results yielded a total detection of 80 taxa, of which 74 were identified to species level, and 65 were wild native species. While the number of taxa detected with the two methods were comparable, the species overlap was only 20%. In combination, CT and eDNA monitoring thus yielded a total of 115 wild species (20 fishes, 4 amphibians, one snake, 23 mammals, and 67 birds), representing half of the species found via conventional surveys over the last ca. 20 years (83% of fishes, 68% of mammals, 67% of amphibians, 41% of birds, and 20% of reptiles). Our study demonstrates that a holistic approach combining two non‐invasive methods, CT, and eDNA metabarcoding, has great potential as a cost‐effective biomonitoring tool for vertebrates.
Isolation of a New Silepin with an Imine Ligand Based on Cyclic Alkyl Amino Carbene
Authors: Liu Jin Yu , Eisner Teresa , Inoue Shigeyoshi , Rieger Bernhard
Published: October 2023

To date, there are solely a handful of silacycloheptatriene structures (silepins) based on acyclic silylenes described in the literature. The unique property of such compounds is the interconversion between their silepin and silylene forms, which has raised great interest due to their potential catalytic applications. Herein, we want to report a new silyl substituted silepin with an implemented Cy‐cAAC moiety, presumably enhancing the stability of the respective low‐valent species. In this work, we will demonstrate the synthesis and facile purification of a newly isolated silepin with an imine ligand based on a cyclic alkyl amino carbene as well as its typical silylene‐like behavior towards small molecules.
Gracilaria edulis seaweed derived nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur self‐doped biocarbon materials for supercapacitor applications: An investigation on the impact of acid washing and activation
Authors: Priyadharshini Dhileepan , Vivekanandhan Singaravelu
Published: October 2023

Seaweed biomass of Gracilaria edulis was effectively converted into biocarbon materials at 800°C for 1 hour under nitrogen gas flow atmosphere. The effect of HCl acid washing and ZnCl2‐assisted chemical activation process on the physicochemical and capacitive performances was investigated and the obtained results were compared with their pristine counterpart. The formation of N, O, and S self‐doped biocarbon materials from G. edulis biomass was confirmed by carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulfur (CHNS), scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive X‐ray (SEM‐EDX) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) analyses. Further, the specific surface area of acid‐washed and activated biocarbon materials were respectively found to be 1100 and 774 m2 g−1, which are much greater than their pristine counterpart (111 m2 g−1). The obtained pristine (GE‐PC), acid‐washed (GE‐AWC), and activated (GE‐AC) biocarbon materials were effectively explored as the electrode material for symmetric supercapacitor and showed the specific capacitance value of 33.9 (GE‐PC), 58.3 (GE‐AWC) and 76.5 (GE‐AC) F g−1 at 1 A g−1 using 1 M KOH electrolyte.
Personality Affects Zebrafish Response to Sertraline
Authors: Al Shuraiqi Asma , Abed Raeid M. M. , Al-Habsi Aziz , Barry Michael J.
Published: October 2023

Sertraline is widely prescribed to treat anxiety and depression. Sertraline acts by blocking serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine transporters systems and has been detected in surface waters globally, where it may impact fish behavior. We classified zebrafish personality on three behavioral axes, boldness, anxiety, and sociability, assigning fish as either high or low in each category. The fish were exposed to nominal concentrations of 0, 5, 50, 500, or 5000 ng/L sertraline (measured concentrations: <10, 21.3, 370, and 2200 ng/L, respectively) to assess changes in boldness, anxiety, and sociability after 7 and 28 days. We also measured shoaling behavior and response to an alarm cue, and determined the gut microbiome of a subset of fish. After 7 days there was no overall effect of sertraline on boldness, but there was an interaction between initial personality and sex, with a stronger impact on females classified as low-boldness personality. Sertraline reduced sociability in all treatments compared with the control, but there was again an interaction between sertraline and initial personality. Fish that were classified as low-sociability responded more strongly to sertraline. After 7 days, fish exposed to a nominal concentration of 5000 ng/L (2200 ng/L measured) showed higher anxiety than controls, with the overall pattern of initial behavior retained. After 28 days, similar patterns were observed, but with higher variation. There was only a weak association between the gut microbiome and personality. Overall, the study highlights the importance of considering initial behavior, which can affect response to pollutants. Our results may also be applicable to human studies and provide a mechanism to explain why different individuals respond differently to the drug. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:132–146. © 2023 SETAC.
Remyelinating effect driven by transferrin‐loaded extracellular vesicles
Authors: Mattera Vanesa , Occhiuzzi Federico , Correale Jorge , Pasquini Juana M.
Published: October 2023

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are involved in diverse cellular functions, playing a significant role in cell‐to‐cell communication in both physiological conditions and pathological scenarios. Therefore, EVs represent a promising therapeutic strategy. Oligodendrocytes (OLs) are myelinating glial cells developed from oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) and damaged in chronic demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Glycoprotein transferrin (Tf) plays a critical role in iron homeostasis and has pro‐differentiating effects on OLs in vivo and in vitro. In the current work, we evaluated the use of EVs as transporters of Tf to the central nervous system (CNS) through the intranasal (IN) route. For the in vitro mechanistic studies, we used rat plasma EVs. Our results show that EVTf enter OPCs through clathrin‐caveolae and cholesterol‐rich lipid raft endocytic pathways, releasing the cargo and exerting a pro‐maturation effect on OPCs. These effects were also observed in vivo using the animal model of demyelination induced by cuprizone (CPZ). In this model, IN administered Tf‐loaded EVs isolated from mouse plasma reached the brain parenchyma, internalizing into OPCs, promoting their differentiation, and accelerating remyelination. Furthermore, in vivo experiments demonstrated that EVs protected the Tf cargo and significantly reduced the amount of Tf required to induce remyelination as compared to soluble Tf. Collectively, these findings unveil EVs as functional nanocarriers of Tf to induce remyelination.
Combining Landsat TIR‐imagery data and ERA5 reanalysis information with different calibration strategies to improve simulations of streamflow and river temperature in the Canadian Subarctic
Authors: Rincón Eisinhower , St‐hilaire André , Bergeron Normand E. , Dugdale Stephen J.
Published: October 2023

Arctic and Subarctic environments are among the most vulnerable regions to climate change. Increases in liquid precipitation and changes in snowmelt onset are cited as the main drivers of change in streamflow and water temperature patterns in some of the largest rivers of the Canadian Arctic. However, in spite of this evidence, there is still a lack of research on water temperature, particularly in the eastern Canadian Arctic. In this paper, we use the CEQUEAU hydrological‐water temperature model to derive consistent long‐term daily flow and stream temperature time series in Aux Mélèzes River, a non‐regulated basin (41 297 km2) in the eastern Canadian subarctic. The model was forced using reanalysis data from the fifth‐generation ECMWF atmospheric reanalyses (ERA5) from 1979 to 2020. We used water temperature derived from thermal infrared (TIR) images as reference data to calibrate CEQUEAU's water temperature model, with calibration performed using single‐site, multi‐site, and upscaling factors approaches. Our results indicate that the CEQUEAU model can simulate streamflow patterns in the river and shows excellent spatiotemporal performance with Kling‐Gupta Efficiency (KGE) metric >0.8. Using the best‐performing flow simulation as one of the inputs allowed us to produce synthetic daily water temperature time series throughout the basin, with the multi‐site calibration approach being the most accurate with root mean square errors (RMSE) <2.0°C. The validation of the water temperature simulations with a three‐year in situ data logger dataset yielded an RMSE = 1.38°C for the summer temperatures, highlighting the robustness of the calibrated parameters and the chosen calibration strategy. This research demonstrates the reliability of TIR imagery and ERA5 as sources of model calibration data in data‐sparse environments and underlines the CEQUEAU model as an assessment tool, opening the door to its use to assess climate change impact on the arctic regions of Canada.
Predictions of photophysical properties of phosphorescent platinum(II) complexes based on ensemble machine learning approach
Authors: Wang Shuai , Yam ChiYung , Chen Shuguang , Hu LiHong , Li Liping , Hung Faan‐Fung , Fan Jiaqi , Che Chi‐Ming , Chen GuanHua
Published: October 2023

Cyclometalated Pt(II) complexes are popular phosphorescent emitters with color‐tunable emissions. To render their practical applications as organic light‐emitting diodes emitters, it is required to develop Pt(II) complexes with high radiative decay rate constant and photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield. Here, a general protocol is developed for accurate predictions of emission wavelength, radiative decay rate constant, and PL quantum yield based on the combination of first‐principles quantum mechanical method, machine learning, and experimental calibration. A new dataset concerning phosphorescent Pt(II) emitters is constructed, with more than 200 samples collected from the literature. Features containing pertinent electronic properties of the complexes are chosen and ensemble learning models combined with stacking‐based approaches exhibit the best performance, where the values of squared correlation coefficients are 0.96, 0.81, and 0.67 for the predictions of emission wavelength, PL quantum yield and radiative decay rate constant, respectively. The accuracy of the protocol is further confirmed using 24 recently reported Pt(II) complexes, which demonstrates its reliability for a broad palette of Pt(II) emitters.
Dentists of tomorrow 2023: An analysis of the results of the ADEA 2023 survey of U.S. Dental School Seniors
Authors: Istrate Emilia C. , Cooper Betsy L. , Singh Pradeep , Gül Gülsün , West Karen P.
Published: October 2023

Purpose/objectives

This study examines the journey of U.S. dental schools’ predoctoral senior class of 2023, from the influences on and their motivations to pursue careers in dentistry, the aspects of their dental school experiences, plans upon graduation, and the investment in their careers.

Methods

This study is an analysis of the results of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) survey of Dental School Seniors, 2023 Graduating Class. Forty‐eight percent of senior students from 65 accredited U.S. dental schools in the 2022–2023 academic year responded to the ADEA survey. Whenever feasible, the class of 2023 survey respondents’ answers were compared with those of their 2018 counterparts and with the responses of 2023 predoctoral senior students of historically underrepresented race and ethnicity (HURE) groups.

Results

The analysis revealed that 47% of the 2023 respondents decided to become a dentist before going to undergraduate college, more than the proportion of their 2018 colleagues (44%). When it comes to preparedness to practice dentistry, the responses indicated a high level of readiness to go into the profession. Ninety percent of respondents agreed and strongly agreed with the preparedness to practice statements indicated in the 2023 ADEA survey. Between 2018 and 2023, the share of survey respondents who planned to join a private practice immediately after graduation increased from 48% to 53%. More than one‐third (34%) of the 2023 respondents and 40% of HURE participants who planned to go into private practice immediately upon graduation intended to join a dental service organization (DSO). When accounting for inflation, the average education debt for students graduating with debt who responded to ADEA 2023 survey was 12% lower than what the 2018 respondents reported.

Conclusions

This study finds that some preferences changed between the 2018 and 2023 cohorts, the latter being more likely to decide to go to dental school before college and join a DSO private practice upon graduation. Senior students responding to the ADEA 2023 survey stated a high level of preparedness to practice dentistry.
Human papillomaviruses: Knowns, mysteries, and unchartered territories
Authors: Gelbard Maya K. , Munger Karl
Published: October 2023

There has been an explosion in the number of papillomaviruses that have been identified and fully sequenced. Yet only a minute fraction of these has been studied in any detail. Most of our molecular research efforts have focused on the E6 and E7 proteins of “high‐risk,” cancer‐associated human papillomaviruses (HPVs). Interactions of the high‐risk HPV E6 and E7 proteins with their respective cellular targets, the p53 and the retinoblastoma tumor suppressors, have been investigated in minute detail. Some have thus questioned if research on papillomaviruses remains an exciting and worthwhile area of investigation. However, fundamentally new insights on the biological activities and cellular targets of the high‐risk HPV E6 and E7 proteins have been discovered and previously unstudied HPVs have been newly associated with human diseases. HPV infections continue to be an important cause of human morbidity and mortality and since there are no antivirals to combat HPV infections, research on HPVs should remain attractive to new investigators and biomedical funding agencies, alike.
A SNAr‐Active External Initiator that Enables Heterobifunctional Clickable Polythiophenes
Authors: Lotocki Victor , Grignon Eloi , Mills Harrison A. , Ye Shuyang , Lough Alan J. , Seferos Dwight S.
Published: October 2023

Poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) is a well‐studied conjugated polymer; however, the end‐group functionalization of these polymers is limited by fundamental synthetic challenges. Generally, end‐capping agents are used to terminate the Kumada catalyst transfer polycondensation (KCTP) to install functional end‐groups at the propagating chain end. In this work, it is shown that P3HT can be prepared with a novel SNAr‐active external initiator, followed by end capping to afford heterobifunctional end‐groups that exhibit orthogonal chemical reactivity. This orthogonal chemistry can be leveraged in sequential “click”‐type reactions to ultimately achieve the synthesis of triblock copolymers. More specifically, it is shown that the synthesis of a new pentafluorophenyl initiator allows one to append this readily functionalized group at the initiating end during P3HT synthesis. After reaching the desired degree of polymerization, an ethynyl group is incorporated at the polymer terminus using an end‐capping Grignard reagent. Critically, this heterobifunctional P3HT allows for both orthogonal para‐fluoro thiol reactions, a subset of nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SNAr), and copper‐catalyzed alkyne‐azide cycloadditions (CuAAC). The efficacy of this heterobifunctional polymer design is demonstrated by assessing sequential “click” reactions with different nonconjugated polymer blocks to either end of the P3HT polymer block.
Aging Mechanism and Lifetime Prediction of Glass Fiber Reinforced Liquid Crystal Polymer Composite under Thermal and Oxidative Conditions
Authors: Liu Peijiang , Li Yinle , Xu Huanxiang , Tian Wanchun , Zhao Zhenbo , Liu Yao , Zhao Hao , Sun Zhaoning , Wu Jianyu , Xu Liguo
Published: October 2023

Development of fifth‐generation technology leads to a growing demand for materials with exceptional thermal property, mechanical strength, and low dielectric loss. However, ensuring the broad application of such materials by comprehensively investigating their aging mechanisms and service lifetimes remains a challenge. In this work, we have developed a glass fiber (GF) reinforced liquid crystal polymer composite (GF/LCP) and conducted a thorough exploration of its aging mechanism, behavior, and service lifetime under thermal and oxidative conditions. On the basis of the general Arrhenius model, the composite maintains a high level of functionality for a remarkable 18 years at 150 °C and 1.5 years at 200 °C. Despite the extremely high thermal resistance of GF/LCP composite, the LCP matrix exhibits localized brittle fracture, and the main chains still undergo gradual degradation to generate phenolic groups, which ultimately leads to severe pulverization and mass loss. However, a high degree of connection maintenance between GF and LCP components is still reserved. This work provides a valuable reference for the reliable application of 5G materials under thermal and oxidative conditions.
Exponential approximation space reconstruction weighted essentially nonoscillatory scheme for dispersive partial differential equations
Authors: Salian Lavanya V. , Samala Rathan
Published: October 2023

In this work, we construct a fifth‐order weighted essentially non‐oscillatory (WENO) scheme with exponential approximation space for solving dispersive equations. A conservative third‐order derivative formulation is developed directly using WENO spatial reconstruction procedure, and third‐order TVD Runge–Kutta scheme is used for the evaluation of time derivative. This exponential approximation space consists a tension parameter that may be optimized to fit the specific feature of the characteristic data, yielding better results without spurious oscillations compared to the polynomial approximation space. A detailed formulation is presented for the construction of conservative flux approximation, smoothness indicators, nonlinear weights, and verified that the proposed scheme provides the required fifth convergence order. One‐ and two‐dimensional numerical examples are presented to support the theoretical claims.
A simple formula of the magnetic potential and of the stray field energy induced by a given magnetization
Authors: Boulmezaoud Tahar Zamene
Published: October 2023

The primary aim of this paper is the derivation and a proof of a simple and tractable formula for the stray field energy in micromagnetic problems. The formula is based on an expansion in terms of a special family of recently discovered functions. It remains valid even if the magnetization is not of constant magnitude or if the sample is not geometrically bounded. The paper continues with a direct and important application which consists in a fast summation technique of the stray field energy. The convergence of this method is established, and its efficiency is proved by various numerical experiments.
Identifying methods to reduce emission intensity of centralised Photovoltaic deployment for net zero by 2050: Life cycle assessment case study of a 30 MW PV plant
Authors: Kim Moonyong , Drury Storm , Altermatt Pietro , Wang Li , Zhang Yuchao , Chan Catherine , Dias Pablo , Hallam Brett
Published: October 2023

Photovoltaics (PV) is one of the most effective and necessary energy sources to mitigate climate change. The broad electrification scenario projects the PV market to grow from 1 TW in 2022 to over 63 TW in 2050. While increasing PV production will significantly reduce the emission intensity of electricity generation, it is still important to minimise the overall environmental impact of such a large industry. In this study, we investigated the intensity of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of a 30 MW PV plant using a life cycle assessment (LCA). Based on the LCA, we propose a roadmap to reduce emissions from PV manufacturing and deployment. Decarbonising significant factors like aluminium and concrete production or the electricity demand to produce PV modules can greatly reduce the carbon budget related to PV production. Our study shows that the global warming potential (GWP) per kWh can be reduced from 11.2 to 1.7 g CO2‐eq/kWh over the lifetime of the PV system (85% reduction). Using the aspects to decarbonise PV production, the roadmap is demonstrated. The cumulative GWP to reach 63 TW is initially estimated to be 44 Gt CO2‐eq. Our decarbonising roadmap demonstrated that such significance can be reduced by over 37 Gt CO2‐eq, equivalent to a whole year emission in year 2022.
Assembled polyphenol‐based systems as advanced therapeutics
Authors: Liu Tao , Pan Pei , Shi Hui , Feng Jun , Zhang Xian‐Zheng
Published: October 2023

Polymeric assemblies have emerged as a kind of promising platform in biomedical fields. The strong potency of polyphenols to form versatile interactions with other small or polymeric molecules via covalent and noncovalent linkages enables polyphenols to serve as molecular glues, offering a magic driving force to assemble multiple functional molecules into a diversity of polyphenol‐based systems, such as nanoparticles and hydrogels. Due to the unique merits of anti‐tumor, anti‐bacterial, antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and cardioprotective properties of polyphenols, polyphenol‐based systems hold great promise to deal with a wide spectrum of diseases. This review comprehensively overviews the components, intermolecular interactions, and preparation methods implicated in the assembly of polyphenol‐based systems. In addition, their medical applications are introduced, particularly the treatments of various diseases, such as tumors, bacterial infections, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), chronic periodontitis, acute lung injury, osteoarthritis, and renal fibrosis.
A city of two tales: Educational gradients of discrimination experiences among internal migrants in Beijing, China
Authors: Mu Zheng , Lee Nicol Si Jie
Published: October 2023

Drawing on 127 qualitative in‐depth interviews in Beijing, China in 2015, we examine the similarities and differences in discrimination experiences among internal migrants across educational backgrounds. While institutional discrimination remains a significant barrier for both university‐educated and lower‐educated migrants, findings reveal a salient educational differential in the experiences of social discrimination. The reduction in social discrimination enjoyed by university‐educated migrants arises from a shared class identity between them and the locals due to similar cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Moreover, results show a divide among migrants across education and socioeconomic status. In an attempt to distance themselves from their fellows of lower socioeconomic status, university‐educated migrants and migrants of higher socioeconomic status turn towards in‐group discrimination, based on perceived differentials in skills and entitlements to Beijing's resources. This study highlights the importance of unpacking the nuanced patterns and pathways across educational and socioeconomic heterogeneities in examining migrants' discrimination experiences.
Atractylenolide I improves behaviors in mice with depression‐like phenotype by modulating neurotransmitter balance via 5‐HT2A
Authors: Pei Hongyan , Du Rui , He Zhongmei , Bi Jinhao , Zhai Liping , Shen Heping
Published: October 2023

To explore the antidepressant effects and targets of atractylenolide I (ATR) through a network pharmacological approach. Relevant targets of ATR and depression analyzed by network pharmacology were scored (identifying 5‐HT2A targets). Through elevated plus maze, open field, tail suspension, and forced swimming tests, the behavioral changes of mice with depression (chronic unpredictable mild stress [CUMS]) were examined, and the levels of neurotransmitters including serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine (5‐HT, DA, and NE) were determined. The binding of ATR to 5‐HT2A was verified by small molecular‐protein docking. ATR improved the behaviors of CUMS mice, elevated their levels of neurotransmitters 5‐HT, DA, and NE, and exerted a protective effect on their nerve cell injury. After 5‐HT2A knockout, ATR failed to further improve the CUMS behaviors. According to the results of small molecular‐protein docking and network pharmacological analysis, ATR acted as an inhibitor by binding to 5‐HT2A. ATR can improve the behaviors and modulate the neurotransmitters of CUMS mice by targeting 5‐HT2A.
Stimuli‐responsive active materials for dynamic control of light field
Authors: Zheng Ren , Wei Yang , Zhang Zi‐Chen , Wang Ze‐Yu , Ma Ling‐Ling , Wang Yu , Huang Ling , Lu Yan‐Qing
Published: October 2023

The increasing demand for the multidimensional and dynamic control of light has spurred the development of stimuli‐responsive, reconfigurable, and programmable optical systems. Liquid crystals (LCs), which combine liquid‐like stimuli‐responsiveness and crystal‐like orientational ordering, have emerged as highly appealing soft materials. Owing to their exceptional optical performance and programmable functionalities, they are becoming incredibly important materials in active planar optics and photonics. Additionally, silk proteins, luminescent materials, and metasurfaces exhibit dynamic optical properties, enabling remarkable multifunctional applications. This review focuses on the advancements in stimuli‐responsive materials, including LCs, silk proteins, luminescent materials, and active metasurfaces as well as some of these materials paired with LCs. Their attractive tunable applications in optics and photonics, along with the great potential for the future development of active optical systems, are also emphasized.
Plant species and soil depth differentially affect microbial diversity and function in grasslands
Authors: Ryan Kerry B. , De Menezes Alexandre , Finn John A. , Brennan Fiona P.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Grassland ecosystems are a major store of terrestrial carbon (C), yet little is known about their capacity to cycle and store C in deeper soil horizons. Further, it is unclear how plant community composition within agricultural grasslands mediates this capacity and influences microbial community composition. We investigated whether the aboveground community composition in intensively managed agricultural grasslands influenced belowground microbial community composition, abundance, respiration and enzyme activities with depth.

Materials and Methods

Soil was sampled in four soil layers: A (0–15 cm), B (15–30 cm), C (30–60 cm) and D (60–90 cm) in monocultures of six grassland species and a mixture of all six. Functional capacity was measured through enzymatic and substrate‐induced respiration assays, and microbial abundance and diversity were assessed via quantitative polymerase chain reaction and sequencing (16S, Internal transcribed spacer), respectively.

Results

Microbial abundance and C cycling enzyme activity decreased and community composition changed, along the soil depth gradient, regardless of the plant community. Microbial abundance was not significantly influenced by plant community type across the entire soil depth profile. However, prokaryotic community composition was significantly influenced by plant community in the top 15 cm of soil, and fungal community composition was significantly influenced between 15 and 30 cm in depth. Plant community types mediated the rate at which C cycling enzyme activity decreased along the soil depth gradient, and selected C cycling enzymes were significantly more active at 15–60 cm depth when Cichorium intybus (a deep rooting species) was present.

Conclusion

This study provides an improved understanding of how agricultural grassland communities affect the soil microbiome with depth; this has potential implications for the management of these systems for enhanced soil health. Our work indicates the potential for multispecies mixtures with deep rooting species to be a practical strategy to increase C cycling capacity in deeper soil layers within grasslands, which may have implications for policy goals related to C storage.
Visible Light Responsive Soft Actuator Based on PVA‐DR1
Authors: Saifi Anas , Negi Charu , Singh Atul Pratap , Kumar Kamlesh
Published: October 2023

There is a growing interest in creating biomimetic actuators that can perform human‐like actions in response to external stimuli. Despite the significant advancements in soft actuators, using high‐energy UV light in photoresponsive actuators remains a great challenge. Herein, we develop a film composed of polyvinyl alcohol and photo responsive Disperse Red 1 (PVA/DR1) that actuate in response to visible light. The photoresponsive film starts to actuate in the presence of green light due to trans→cis isomerization of photoresponsive dye. The actuation response of the films was investigated by varying concentrations of DR1 dye and the intensity of green light. Based on these features, we demonstrated a four‐arm soft‐gripper that can mimic human‐hand‐like motions in response to green light. This kind of actuator may find potential applications in soft robotics and biomimetic microgrippers.
Tuning Main Group Element‐based Metal–Organic Framework to Boost Electrocatalytic Nitrogen Reduction Under Ambient Conditions
Authors: Han Bo , Zhong Lixiang , Chen Cailing , Ding Jie , Lee Carmen , Liu Jiawei , Chen Mengxin , Tso Shuen , Hu Yue , Lv Chade , Han Yu , Liu Bin , Yan Qingyu
Published: October 2023

Main group element‐based materials are emerging catalysts for ammonia (NH3) production via a sustainable electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (N2RR) pathway under ambient conditions. However, their N2RR performances are less explored due to the limited active behavior and unclear mechanism. Here, an aluminum‐based defective metal–organic framework (MOF), aluminum‐fumarate (Al‐Fum), is investigated. As a proof of concept, the pristine Al‐Fum MOF is synthesized by the solvothermal reaction process, and the defect engineering method namely solvent‐assisted linker exchange, is applied to create the defective Al sites. The defective Al sites play an important role in ensuring the N2RR activity for defective Al‐Fum. It is found that only the defective Al‐Fum enables stable and effective electrochemical N2RR, in terms of the highest production rate of 53.9 µg(NH3) h−1mgcat−1 (in 0.4 m K2SO4) and the Faradaic efficiency of 73.8% (in 0.1 m K2SO4) at −0.15 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode) under ambient conditions. Density functional theory calculations confirm that the N2 activation can be achieved on the defective Al sites. Such sites also allow the subsequent protonation process via the alternating associative mechanism. This defect characteristic gives the main group Al‐based MOFs the ability to serve as promising electrocatalysts for N2RR and other attractive applications.
Verification and validation of software process simulation models: A systematic mapping study
Authors: Li Yue , Zhang He , Liu Bohan , Dong Liming , Gong Haojie , Rong Guoping
Published: October 2023

Software process simulation models (SPSMs) that are based on descriptive process models offer the executability that can demonstrate dynamic changes of software processes over time. Verification and validation (V&V) is critical in SPSMs for guaranteeing the quality and reliability of models. V&V of dynamic software process models is more complex and challenging than for static software process models. This work systematically summarizes and maps V&V studies in SPSM to provide guidelines for future research and practice. Specifically, this study aims at identifying the focus of research on V&V, the methods used for V&V, and how to implement V&V of SPSMs in software engineering research. We conducted a systematic mapping study on studies of SPSMs that report on their V&V activities. Under the guidance of a V&V meta‐model for SPSMs, we study four research questions about V&V process. We identified 107 primary studies from a pool of 313 papers on SPSMs until 2021. There are two main results of our study. The first one presents the relationship between quality aspects of SPSMs and the V&V methods to assure them. The second result reveals the relationships among the modeling process, three modeling steps, five quality aspects, and 10 V&V methods. Generally, researchers do not pay sufficient attention to V&V, as 65.8% ( ) failed to mention or elaborate on their V&V process. We systematically summarize and map the state‐of‐the‐art V&V research in software process modeling field to support modelers' practice and improve their V&V process.