bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulating the Electrolyte Solvation Structure Enables Ultralong Lifespan Vanadium‐Based Cathodes with Excellent Low‐Temperature Performance
Authors: Liu Dao‐Sheng , Zhang Yufei , Liu Sucheng , Wei Licheng , You Shunzhang , Chen Dong , Ye Minghui , Yang Yang , Rui Xianhong , Qin Yanlin , Li Cheng Chao
Published: March 2022

Aqueous Zn||vanadium oxide batteries (ZVBs) have recently received considerable attention owing to their high capacity, safety, environmental friendliness, and cost effectiveness. However, the limited cycling stability caused by the irreversible dissolution in traditional aqueous electrolytes still restricts their further application. Herein, a novel 3 m Zn(CF3SO3)2 electrolyte with a mixture solvent of propylene carbonate (PC) and H2O is adopted for aqueous vanadium‐based zinc‐ion batteries. With the manipulation of the electrolyte solvation structure, the optimized P20 (20% PC in volume ratio) electrolyte enables super‐stable cycling performance with high‐capacity retention of 99.5%/97% after 100/1000 cycles at 0.1/5 A g−1 at ambient environment in the Zn||NaV3O8·1.5H2O batteries. Systematical electrochemical testing and characterizations illustrate the addition of PC effectively reduces the active water molecule in Zn2+‐solvent cations and H+ in the electrolyte, thereby suppressing the cathode dissolution caused by the inserted H+ and co‐inserted H2O during the discharge/charge process. Impressively, the PC addition also enabled the Zn||NaV3O8·1.5H2O batteries present high specific capacity of 183/168 mAh g‐1 and high‐capacity retention of 100%/100% over 300/400 cycles at 0.1/0.2 A g‐1 at −40 °C, thus efficiently broadening the practical application for ZVB. This research may provide a promising strategy for designing high‐performance electrolytes for aqueous vanadium‐based batteries.
Sensitive Activatable Nanoprobes for Real‐Time Ratiometric Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Reactive Oxygen Species and Ameliorating Inflammation In Vivo
Authors: Li Xilan , Liu Yun , Qi Xiaowei , Xiao Shilin , Xu Zhongsheng , Yuan Zhixian , Liu Qi , Li Haisheng , Ma Siyuan , Liu Tengfei , Huang Yong , Zhang Xiaorong , Zhang Xiao , Mao Zhengwei , Luo Gaoxing , Deng Jun
Published: March 2022

Imaging‐guided real‐time monitoring of the treatment process of inflammatory diseases is important for the timely adjustment of treatment planning to lower unnecessary side effects and improve treatment outcomes. However, it is difficult to reflect the dynamic changes of inflammation in vivo with enough tissue penetration depth. Here a novel nanotheranostic agent (denominated TMSN@PM) with platelet membrane (PM)‐coated, tempol‐grafted, manganese‐doped, mesoporous silica nanoparticles is developed. The PM endows the TMSN@PM with the ability to target inflammation sites, which are verified by fluorescence imaging with Cyanine5 carboxylic acid (Cy5)‐labeled TMSN@PM. Under the inflammatory environment (mild acidity and excess reactive oxygen species (ROS)), TMSN@PM can scavenge the excess ROS, thereby alleviating inflammation, degrade, and release manganese ions for enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The relaxation changes (ΔR1) are almost linearly correlated with the concentration of H2O2, which can reflect the degree of inflammation. This method offers a non‐invasive imaging‐based strategy for early prediction of the therapeutic outcomes in inflammatory therapy, which may contribute to precision medicine in terms of prognostic stratification and therapeutic planning in future.
Magnetoelectric Effect in Hydrogen Harvesting: Magnetic Field as a Trigger of Catalytic Reactions
Authors: Kim Donghoon , Efe Ipek , Torlakcik Harun , Terzopoulou Anastasia , Veciana Andrea , Siringil Erdem , Mushtaq Fajer , Franco Carlos , von Arx Denis , Sevim Semih , Puigmartí‐Luis Josep , Nelson Bradley , Spaldin Nicola A. , Gattinoni Chiara , Chen Xiang‐Zhong , Pané Salvador
Published: March 2022

Magnetic fields have been regarded as an additional stimulus for electro‐ and photocatalytic reactions, but not as a direct trigger for catalytic processes. Multiferroic/magnetoelectric materials, whose electrical polarization and surface charges can be magnetically altered, are especially suitable for triggering and control of catalytic reactions solely with magnetic fields. Here, it is demonstrated that magnetic fields can be employed as an independent input energy source for hydrogen harvesting by means of the magnetoelectric effect. Composite multiferroic CoFe2O4–BiFeO3 core–shell nanoparticles act as catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), which is triggered when an alternating magnetic field is applied to an aqueous dispersion of the magnetoelectric nanocatalysts. Based on density functional calculations, it is proposed that the hydrogen evolution is driven by changes in the ferroelectric polarization direction of BiFeO3 caused by the magnetoelectric coupling. It is believed that the findings will open new avenues toward magnetically induced renewable energy harvesting.
More than Carbazole Derivatives Activate Room Temperature Ultralong Organic Phosphorescence of Benzoindole Derivatives
Authors: Qian Chen , Ma Zhimin , Fu Xiaohua , Zhang Xue , Li Zewei , Jin Huiwen , Chen Mingxing , Jiang Hong , Jia Xinru , Ma Zhiyong
Published: March 2022

The mechanism of carbazole (Cz)‐based phosphors is still unclear since its isomer (1H‐benzo[f]indole, Bd) is discovered in 2020. Herein, the successful synthesis of four Cz/Bd derivatives is reported, named as 2CzBr, CzBdBr, 2BdBr, and 3Bd, and the general mechanism for their ultralong organic phosphorescence (UOP) is provided. Bd and its derivatives give double groups of phosphorescence, including the short‐wavelength phosphorescence with a short lifetime and the ultralong phosphorescence at long wavelengths, assigned to their neutral molecules and radical cations, respectively. Interestingly, the doped poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) films of CzBdBr and 2BdBr show photo‐activated ultralong phosphorescence at room temperature. The activation of Bd derivatives ‘UOP involves three factors: 1) well dispersion in the matrix with limited amount, 2) generation of their radical cations and 3) the matrix‐mediated stabilization of radical cations. The function of Cz derivatives to activate the Bd derivatives’ UOP could be replaced by photo‐activation or using other matrixes. Significantly, the application of the doped PMMA films is practiced and gives an exciting result that the high‐resolution QR code could be reversibly printed and erased on the film. This research has expanded the understanding in the field of organic phosphorescence and it may pave a new way for its development.
Off‐Cycle Catalyst Cooperativity in Amine/Transition Metal Combined Catalysis: Bicyclo[3.2.0]heptanes as Key Species in Co‐Catalytic Enantioselective Carbocyclizations
Authors: Afewerki Samson , Ma Guangning , Deiana Luca , Wu Hongli , Huang Genping , Córdova Armando
Published: March 2022

The existence of off‐cycle catalyst cooperativity in amine/metal combined catalysis is disclosed. The experimental and density functional theory study of the amine/metal co‐catalyzed enantioselective Michael/carbocyclization cascade reaction between allenes and α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes reveals that the dual catalysts can perform off‐cycle cooperativity that gives access to stable bicyclo[3.2.0]heptane species that limits the carbocycle product formation. Insight into this mode of co‐catalyst cooperativity sheds new light on the chiral amine/metal co‐catalyzed reactions of to date and gives deeper understanding for improved future design of this type of enantioselective reactions.

magnified image
Interfacial Modification by Low‐Temperature Anchoring Surface Uncoordinated Pb for Efficient FAPbI3 Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Tang Jin , Liu Le , Yu Zhibin , Du Jiajia , Cai Xu , Zhang Mei , Zhao Min , Bai Ling , Gai Zhigang , Cui Shuang , Li Xiaofang , Jiu Tonggang
Published: March 2022

Surface modification of perovskite film plays an important role on the suppression of surface defects for the fabrication of high‐efficiency perovskite solar cells. Here, 1H‐Pyrazole‐1‐carboxamidine hydrochloride (PAH) as a multifunctional heterocyclic ring‐based organic ionic salt to modify the surface of FAPbI3 film at room temperature is demonstrated. XPS and FTIR results demonstrate that the sufficient active sites contribute to the interaction between PAH and surface Pb ions of the perovskite, which is helpful to reduce the trap states on the perovskite film so as to increase the device performance. The modification is beneficial to the suppression of charge recombination and the promotion of charge transfer by anchoring to the uncoordinated Pb ions on the surface both at the interface of stacking layers and the grain boundary. With prolonged charge carrier lifetime and elevated charge transfer, an improved PCE of 20.9% is obtained for the as‐prepared planar devices based on FAPbI3, along with simultaneous enhancement of open circuit voltage and fill factor. The findings further pave the way for utilizing novel organic salts for surface modification, which presents a promising route for the fabrication of efficient photovoltaic devices.
Unveiling the Synergistic Effect of Ferroelectric Polarization and Domain Configuration for Reversible Zinc Metal Anodes
Authors: Chen Tao , Huang Fei , Wang Yinan , Yang Yi , Tian Hao , Xue Jun Min
Published: March 2022

The tendency of zinc (Zn) anodes to form uncontrolled Zn electrodeposits and the occurrence of side‐reactions at Zn‐electrolyte interfaces are a fundamental barrier hampering broad applications of aqueous rechargeable Zn‐based batteries. Herein, a ferroelectric domain‐mediated strategy is proposed to manipulate the Zn plating behavior and achieve controllable Zn growth orientation by coating Zn foil with a ferroelectric tetragonal KTN (t‐KTN) layer. The ferroelectric domain of t‐KTN single crystals exhibits periodic distribution of upward and downward polarizations, corresponding to alternating positively and negatively charged surfaces. The charged ferroelectric surfaces can manipulate the transfer kinetics of Zn ions and the concentration distribution of anions via the interplay between ferroelectric dipoles and adsorbed ions. With the synergistic effect of the ferroelectric polarization and domain configurations, the well‐aligned interlamellar arrays composed of electrodeposited Zn are formed in the initial deposition process, which enable selective deposition within interlamellar arrays and eliminate the dendrite growth during the following plating process. As a result, the t‐KTN layer‐modified Zn anode enables reversible Zn plating/stripping with low voltage hysteresis for over 1200 h at 1 mA cm−2 in symmetric cells, and the assembled full cell exhibits a significantly enhanced cycling stability of over 5500 cycles at 5 A g−1.
Sex‐specific differences in reproductive life‐history traits of the moss Weissia jamaicensis
Authors: Santos Wagner L. , Pôrto Katia C. , Pinheiro Fabio
Published: March 2022

Premise

We investigated sex‐specific differences in the life‐history traits of a metapopulation of the dioicous moss Weissia jamaicensis. Field observations revealed high rates of fertilization, which is uncommon for most dioicous bryophytes. We raised four hypotheses associated with the way the reproductive traits are related to the fertilization rate in this metapopulation.

Methods

We sampled 10 patches of the metapopulation and quantified sexual expression, sex ratio, reproductive success, and reproductive allocation. The ramets were classified as male, non‐sporophytic female, sporophytic female, or non‐sex‐expressing. Thirty ramets from each of the categories expressing sex were placed for regeneration to test the effect of reproductive allocation on this trait.

Results

We found greater expression of the female function in all patches, implying a female bias in the metapopulation. The number of male ramets was variable in each patch and did not affect reproductive success. At the prezygotic level, the allocation of resources to the male function was higher. However, the large allocation of resources to sporophyte development in sporophytic females, which exceeded allocations at prezygotic levels, was related to the higher mortality rate of these ramets, suggesting reproductive cost.

Conclusions

The prezygotic ramets that allocated the greatest amount of resources to reproduction expressed sex less frequently, biasing the sex ratio toward the sex that allocated the least amount of resources to reproduction. Overall, the ramets that allocated the greatest amount of resources to reproduction had the lowest regeneration rate, suggesting reproductive cost.
Royal‐jelly‐based apitherapy can attenuate damages to male reproductive parameter following nicotine administration
Authors: Nazar‐Zadeh Mahsa , Jalili Cyrus , Nikgoftar Fathi Amene , Ghanbari Ali , Bakhtiari Mitra
Published: March 2022

Background

Nicotine administration can generate severe oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. Royal jelly, with its antioxidant properties, acts as a scavenger of reactive oxygen species. This study describes the apitherapy effects of royal jelly on testicular damage following nicotine administration.

Methods

Forty‐eight male BALB/c mice were divided into 8 groups (n = 6): saline, 3 different doses of royal jelly (100, 150, and 200 mg/kg body weight (BW) per day), nicotine (1.5 mg/kg), and 3 different groups of Nic + Roy (1.5 mg/kg of Nic + 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg BW per day of royal jelly). Nicotine was administrated intraperitoneally, and royal jelly was prescribed orally for 10 consecutive days. Serum levels of hormones (testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle‐stimulating hormone), total antioxidant capacity, nitric oxide (NO) status, malondialdehyde levels, sperm DNA fragmentation, sperm parameters, histopathological changes (H&E staining), immunohistochemistry against apoptotic proteins, and gene expression of Bcl‐2, p53, Caspase‐3, and Nrf2 (real‐time PCR) were assessed to evaluate the molecular and histological changes.

Results

Hormone levels, sperm parameters, and status of antioxidants were decreased significantly (p < .05) following nicotine administration. Moreover, royal jelly treatment normalized hormonal and antioxidant characteristics, decreased apoptotic gene expression, increased Nfr2 gene expression, and restored histopathological alteration to the physiological status significantly (p < .05).

Conclusion

Royal jelly upregulates the antioxidant status, inhibits the mitochondrial‐dependent apoptosis pathway, and increases the rate of proliferation. This therapeutic agent effectively protected the testis against nicotine‐associated damages by antioxidant and anti‐apoptotic effects.
Analysis of poly(dioxanone) foam prepared using salt leaching method
Authors: Kim Jung Min , Kyung Haksu , Song Young Seok
Published: March 2022

This study aims at preparing and analyzing porous biodegradable polymer foam. Poly(dioxanone) (PDO) foams with a three‐dimensional structure and high porosity were fabricated by using sodium chloride (NaCl) particulate leaching method. The influence of the size composition of PDO and NaCl was investigated to understand the relationship between polymer matrix and salt during the manufacturing process. The physical characteristics of the prepared foam, such as moldability, leaching state, porosity, permeability, swelling ratio, pore density, and mechanical property were analyzed. The PDO foams with high dimensional stability were prepared when the PDO particles were smaller than the NaCl particles, and the porosity of the PDO foam increased with decreasing the particle size of PDO. In addition, the compression modulus of the foam was analyzed to estimate a possibility for application in tissue engineering.
Gait as a quantitative translational outcome measure in Angelman syndrome
Authors: Petkova Stela P. , Adhikari Anna , Berg Elizabeth L. , Fenton Timothy A. , Duis Jessica , Silverman Jill L.
Published: March 2022

Angelman syndrome (AS) is a genetic neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by developmental delay, lack of speech, seizures, intellectual disability, hypotonia, and motor coordination deficits. Motor abilities are an important outcome measure in AS as they comprise a broad repertoire of metrics including ataxia, hypotonia, delayed ambulation, crouched gait, and poor posture, and motor dysfunction affects nearly every individual with AS. Guided by collaborative work with AS clinicians studying gait, the goal of this study was to perform an in‐depth gait analysis using the automated treadmill assay, DigiGait. Our hypothesis is that gait presents a strong opportunity for a reliable, quantitative, and translational metric that can serve to evaluate novel pharmacological, dietary, and genetic therapies. In this study, we used an automated gait analysis system, in addition to standard motor behavioral assays, to evaluate components of motor, exploration, coordination, balance, and gait impairments across the lifespan in an AS mouse model. Our study demonstrated marked global motoric deficits in AS mice, corroborating previous reports. Uniquely, this is the first report of nuanced aberrations in quantitative spatial and temporal components of gait in AS mice compared to sex‐ and age‐matched wildtype littermates followed longitudinally using metrics that are analogous in AS individuals. Our findings contribute evidence toward the use of nuanced motor outcomes (i.e., gait) as valuable and translationally powerful metrics for therapeutic development for AS, as well as other genetic neurodevelopmental syndromes.

Lay Summary

Movement disorders affect nearly every individual with Angelman Syndrome (AS). The most common motor problems include spasticity, ataxia of gait (observed in the majority of ambulatory individuals), tremor, and muscle weakness. This report focused on quantifying various spatial and temporal aspects of gait as a reliable, translatable outcome measure in a preclinical AS model longitudinally across development. By increasing the number of translational, reliable, functional outcome measures in our wheelhouse, we will create more opportunities for identifying and advancing successful medical interventions.
Mitigating disruption: How corporate boards are prioritizing business resilience during the pandemic
Authors: Allen Catherine
Published: March 2022

Catherine Allen is the founder and chairman of the Board Risk Committee, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a trusted, noncompetitive, peer forum for the exchange of ideas, best practices, and topics of interest. She is also a member of Women Corporate Directors. In this article, she discusses the impact that the COVID‐19 pandemic has had on corporate boards, and some of the ways they've responded to the crisis.
A predictive analysis of learning motivation and reflective thinking skills on computer programming achievement
Authors: Avcı Ümmühan
Published: March 2022

Learning computer programming requires acquiring multiple skills to be performed simultaneously. As in many other fields, learning motivation and reflective thinking skills may affect the process of designing and implementing computer programming instruction. This study examines how learning motivation and reflective thinking skills predict academic achievement in computer programming and programming laboratory courses. The participants were 140 undergraduate students enrolled in the Faculty of Engineering. Data were collected by using learning motivation on computer programming courses and reflective thinking skill scales. In the study, multiple linear regression analysis was used for data analysis. The first results showed that reflective thinking and learning motivation predict academic achievement together in programming courses. For academic achievement in the computer programming course, only reasoning was found to be significant and for academic achievement in the programming laboratory course, both reasoning and intrinsic motivation appeared to be significant. Although reasoning showed the highest relationship with academic achievement of computer programming, intrinsic motivation showed the highest relationship with academic achievement of the programming laboratory course. The results of the research were discussed in a way as to guide future studies.
Comparative survival analysis of platinum‐based adjuvant chemotherapy for early‐stage squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the lung
Authors: Hsiao Shih‐Hsin , Chen Wan‐Ting , Chung Chi‐Li , Chou Yu‐Ting , Lin Sey‐En , Hong Shiao‐Ya , Chang Jer‐Hwa , Chang Tzu‐Hao , Chien Li‐Nien
Published: March 2022

Background and Purpose

Although cytotoxic platinum‐based adjuvant chemotherapy (pACT) has been recommended for patients with completely resected early‐stage (ES) non–small‐cell lung cancer (ES‐NSCLC), therapeutic regimens for NSCLC have evolved in the past two decades. The study was aimed to examine the effectiveness of postoperative pACT for resected ES‐NSCLC patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or adenocarcinoma (ADC) according to real‐world data.

Methods and Patients

Inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to adjust baseline characteristics between the group receiving pACT and those not receiving any treatment (observation, OBS) within 3 months after curative surgery. Cox regression models were used to compare overall survival (OS) and treatment failure‐free survival (TFS) between the groups.

Results

Of 31,208 patients with ES‐NSCLC, 4700 undergoing complete tumor resection were eligible, with a mean follow‐up period of 4.5 years. The pACT (n = 2347) and OBS (n = 2353) groups were well‐balanced after IPTW. The median OS differed between the pACT and OBS groups (77.2 vs. 75.5 months, adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 0.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.79–0.95, p = 0.003), and the 5‐year survival rates were 58.2% and 55.3%, respectively (p < 0.001). In the SCC group, pACT was superior to OBS in OS (75.0 vs. 57.4 months, aHR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.62–0.88, p = 0.001) and TFS (32.7 vs. 21.8 months, aHR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.63–0.86, p < 0.001). Both OS and TFS did not differ between two groups in those with ADC.

Conclusion

Real‐world data indicated that pACT confers a survival benefit for resected ES‐NSCLC patients with SCC but not ADC, which needs to be verified by a large sample of randomized controlled studies.
Known or Never before Identified Phenanthrenes: Where It Is Possible to Isolate Them and Why
Authors: Di Fabio Giovanni , Zarrelli Armando
Published: March 2022

The secondary metabolites of plant origin belong to different and numerous classes of organic compounds. One of these is that of dimeric phenanthrenes, symmetrical or not, characterized by a series of interesting biological activities. Of these compounds, 37 have been isolated since 1988, from only five plant families. Considering each dimer comprises two phenanthrenes and starting from the hypothesis that each dimer is obtained through a biosynthetic mechanism that involves the coupling of the corresponding radicals of the individual phenanthrene units, it is possible to identify 29 phenanthrenes, of which 6 not yet isolated. It is possible to establish that 16 known phenanthrenes can be isolated from 14 different plant species, just as 6 new phenanthrenes can be isolated from 6 different plant species. This would allow a targeted analysis of a few natural extracts from specific plant sources to identify known or new molecules, with potential and/or specific biological activities.
It may be urgent, but is it important? A look at how employees evaluate their emails
Authors: Lanctot Andre , Duxbury Linda
Published: March 2022

This paper presents the results of a study designed to identify the cues employees use to identify an email as important and/or urgent. Taking an emic perspective, a qualitative research methodology is used to analyze interview responses from knowledge workers. Our findings support the notion that employees use strategies similar to those encapsulated in Mitchell et al.’s (1997) operationalization of stakeholder salience when evaluating an email's importance and/or urgency. Results from this study can be used to design email policies to support knowledge worker performance.
Thermal fluctuation spectrum of flexoelectric viscoelastic semiflexible filaments and polymers: A line liquid crystal model
Authors: Wang Ziheng , Servio Phillip , Herrera‐Valencia Edtson E. , Rey Alejandro D.
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we generalize the internal viscosity model developed by Professor Williams to semiflexible polymers, biofilaments, and worm‐like micelles, where molecular dissipation is generated by bending. Current models for viscoelasticity with internal viscosity in semiflexible polymers and filaments are based on generalizations of the worm‐like model, but they neglect potential electromechanical couplings such as flexoelectricity. In this paper, inspired by the early work of Professor Williams, we develop a model for worm‐like viscoelastic flexoelectric filaments based on the “line liquid crystal model”. The electroelastic free energy and entropy production are formulated and used to derive the shape equation for these filaments undergoing thermal fluctuations. The resulting time relaxation spectrum is a useful tool to characterize experimentally viscoelastic material parameters. We show that flexoelectricity or polarization‐induced bending softens the filaments. The predicted time relaxation spectrum shows that at longer wavelength modes, the filament behaves like a rigid rod in a viscous solvent, but at shorter wavelengths, it reaches a plateau defined by the bending time scale. The key effect of flexoelectricity is to shift the entire spectrum to higher values, slowing down the response. The model itself is validated using the worm‐like chain and the viscoelasticity of liquid crystals, and the predictions are shown to be in qualitative consistency with the data. Since filament flexoelectricity is associated with 1D sensor‐actuator functionalities, the presented model has many potential novel applications in reduced geometries.
Structure Modification of FXR Antagonistic Chalcones and Their Inhibitory Effects on NSCLC Cell Proliferation and Metastasis
Authors: Niu Shuaishuai , Zhang Guoning , Wang Na , Lv Guangyao , Liu Jinsong , Wang Hongbo , Fang Wei‐Shuo
Published: March 2022

Although the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) has been regarded as a promising drug target for metabolic diseases as well as anti‐inflammatory, antitumor and antiviral actions, the antagonism by FXR ligands are still underrepresented in current FXR targeted therapies. In this study, we discovered selective FXR antagonists through structure optimization from the polyoxygenated chalcone scaffold. The selective antagonist 6 p [2‐methoxy‐2’‐hydroxy‐4’‐(4’’‐methoxy‐4’’‐oxo‐E‐crotonyl) chalcone] is not only inhibitory toward non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell proliferation in an FXR‐dependent manner, but is also active in metastasis models. Taken together, this chalcone‐based FXR antagonist has the potential for the targeted therapy of NSCLC in which FXR is highly expressed.
Quantitative definition of strength of chromophores in gemstones and the impact on color change in pyralspite garnets
Authors: Sun Ziyin , Palke Aaron C. , Renfro Nathan D. , Rizzo Jessa M. , Hand Dylan B. , Sanchez Diego
Published: March 2022

The color of most garnets is derived from multiple color‐producing elements (chromophores). In this study we selectively isolate the ultraviolet–visible–near infrared (UV–Vis–NIR) spectra of four major chromophores (Fe2+, Mn2+, Cr3+ and V3+) by collecting and extrapolating the spectra of four representative pyrope‐almandine‐spessartine (pyralspite) garnets. In order to study the color strength of these isolated chromophores and their impact on color change in garnet, we have proposed a new quantitative definition of strength of a chromophore. With the isolated garnet chromophore spectra, hypothetical garnet spectra with various chemical compositions can be simulated. By using these hypothetical garnet spectra, the impact of each chromophore on the color change behavior in pyralspite garnet was also quantitatively studied. Most pyralspite garnets can be successfully modeled using these four chromophores, however, this model cannot adequately describe those garnets containing the Fe3+/Fe2+ intervalence charge‐transfer transitions. Finally, a comprehensive excel data processing template (Appendix 3) written with VBA macro code was generated to help other researchers calculate colorimetric parameters and color panels from UV–Vis–NIR spectrum. In the template, we provided multiple types of conversion matrices and power distribution curves of different illuminants, so that different colorimetric parameter conversion and color panel calculation from UV–Vis–NIR spectrum can be selected with different combinations based on people's preference. The user guide of the excel template can be found in Appendix 4. The detailed calculation procedures and formulae used for the excel template can be found in Appendix 5.
DMDD overtaking BPD as diagnosis, with paradoxical consequences for treatment
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: March 2022

The new diagnosis of disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) in DSM‐5 (2013) was hoped by advocates to reduce what was thought to be the overdiagnosis of bipolar disorder (BPD). It was also hoped that this would result in a reduction in antipsychotic prescribing for the inaccurately classified youth. However, the first report on the rates of the treated prevalence of DMDD and BPD shows that the opposite has happened — youth diagnosed with DMDD are more, not less, likely to be prescribed not only antipsychotics, but ADHD medication, antidepressant medication, and multiple drugs at the same time than children with BPD.
3D Foam‐Based MXene Architectures: Structural and Electrolytic Engineering for Advanced Potassium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Zhang Peng , Peng Yanmeng , Zhu Qizhen , Soomro Razium Ali , Sun Ning , Xu Bin
Published: March 2022

MXenes are emerging rapidly as promising electrode materials for energy storage due to their high electronic conductivity and rich surface chemistry, but their potassium storage performance is unsatisfactory because of the large size of K+ and irreversible interfacial reaction. Here, a developed 3D foam‐like MXene scaffold (3D‐FMS) is constructed via an electrostatic neutralization of Ti3C2Tx with positive‐charged melamine followed with calcination, which offers massive surface‐active sites and facilitates fast K+ transfer for boosting the potassium‐ion storage capacity and dynamics. In addition, using KFSI‐based electrolyte, the formation of a robust solid electrolyte interface layer with more inorganic components on MXene anode is revealed for enhancing the Coulombic efficiency. Consequently, the 3D‐FMS with KFSI‐based electrolyte delivers enhanced potassium‐ion storage performance in terms of capacity (161.4 mAh g−1 at 30 mA g−1), rate capability (70 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1), and cycling stability (80.5 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1 after 2000 cycles). Moreover, the assembled 3D‐FMS//activated carbon potassium‐ion hybrid supercapacitor delivers a high energy density of 57 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 290 W kg−1. These excellent performances demonstrate the great superiority of 3D‐FMS in KFSI‐based electrolyte and may accelerate the development of MXene‐based materials for potassium storage systems.
Uniform Metal Sulfide@N‐doped Carbon Nanospheres for Sodium Storage: Universal Synthesis Strategy and Superior Performance
Authors: Yang Kai , Fu Hao , Duan Yixue , Wang Manxiang , Tran Minh Xuan , Lee Joong Kee , Yang Woochul , Liu Guicheng
Published: March 2022

Nitrogen‐doped carbon‐coated transition‐metal sulfides (TMS@NCs) have been considered as efficient anodes for sodium‐ion batteries. However, the uncontrollable morphology and weak core–shell binding forces significantly limit the sodium storage performance and life. Herein, based on the reversible ring‐opening reaction of the epoxy group of the tertiary amino group‐rich epoxide cationic polyacrylamide (ECP) at the beginning of hydrothermal process (acidic environment) and the irreversible ring‐opening (cross‐linking reactions) at the late hydrothermal period (alkaline environment), 47 nm‐sized ZnS@NCs were prepared via a one‐pot hydrothermal process. During this process, the covalent bonds formed between the ZnS core and elastic carbon shell significantly improved the mechanical and chemical stabilities of ZnS@NC. Benefiting from the nanosize, fast ion/electron transfer, and high stability, ZnS@NC exhibited a high reversible capacity of 421.9 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.1 A g−1 after 1000 cycles and a superior rate capability of 273.8 mAh g−1 at a current density of 5 A g−1. Moreover, via this universal synthesis strategy, a series of TMS@NCs, such as MoS2@NC, NiS@NC, and CuS@NC were developed with excellent capacity and cyclability.
Risk‐averse scheduling of an energy hub in the presence of correlated uncertain variables considering time of use and real‐time pricing‐based demand response programs
Authors: Allahvirdizadeh Yousef , Galvani Sadjad , Shayanfar Heidarali , Parsa Moghaddam Mohsen
Published: March 2022

In this paper, a risk‐based probabilistic short‐term scheduling of a smart energy hub (SEH) is presented considering the uncertain variables and the correlation between them. Neglecting the uncertainty of renewable energy sources (RESs), demands and market prices can make the obtained results unusable. In addition, correlations among uncertain variables may have similar importance on final solutions. To have a more realistic view, the stochastic nature of solar irradiation, wind generation, energy demands, and electrical/thermal/gas market prices are taken into consideration through uncertainty modeling. For this purpose, a probabilistic scenario‐based approach is implemented. The Monte Carlo simulation technique is employed to generate an adequate number of scenarios and the Cholesky decomposition technique combined with Nataf transformation is used to make the samples correlated. In addition, the k‐means data clustering technique is used to reduce the initial number of scenarios to the most representative 10 scenarios. The addressed SEH comprises photovoltaic panels/a wind turbine/a combined heat and power generation unit/a fuel‐cells power plant (FCPP)/a thermal/hydrogen storage system and plug‐in electric vehicles (PEVs). This study aims to optimize the economic aspects while reducing the pollution emissions of the SEH and controlling the risk level of SEH operation. To enhance the flexibility of the SEH in the management of supplying demands with lower costs, the thermal demand response program (DRP) is considered beside the electrical DRP. Two kinds of time of use (TOU) and real‐time pricing (RTP) DRPs are used for electrical and thermal loads. The conditional value at risk technique is taken into account to control the deviations of the SEH operation and emission costs. Simulation results show a reasonable reduction in operation and emission costs along with the risk level of the energy hub with the proposed approach. The operation emission, and risk costs are reduced by 37.39%, 32.11%, and 33.16%, respectively, with integrating PEVs, FCPP, and RTP‐DRPs. Moreover, integration of PEVs, FCPP along with TOU‐based DRPs contribute to reduce the operation emission, and risk costs by 10.47%, 9.03%, and 11.64%, respectively.
Prediction of methane adsorption capacity in different rank coal at low temperature by the Polanyi‐based isotherm model
Authors: Zhao Pengtao , Wang Haiqiao , Wang Long , Xu Dongfang , Ma Heyi , Guo Huaiguang
Published: March 2022

To investigate the adsorption properties of methane in coal under low temperatures, the isothermal adsorption tests of the three coal samples with different metamorphic degrees were conducted at the ambient temperatures of 253.15−293.15 K, and the low‐temperature nitrogen adsorption (LNA) tests of coal were also performed. Then a relational expression of equilibrium pressure, temperature, and methane adsorption capacity (T−Pmodel) was deduced to predict the adsorption isotherm at any other temperature based on the Polanyi adsorption theory. The results show that the gas adsorption capacity of coal can be significantly increased at low temperatures (below 273.15 K), and the adsorbed methane in anthracite is obviously more than that in lean coal and coking coal by the virtue of possessing a larger micropore/transition pore volume and specific surface area. The relations between adsorption potential (ε) and adsorption volume (ω) at different temperatures can be drawn on one single logarithmic curve, and a suitable pseudo‐saturation pressure can be obtained by the improved Amankwah's method. The predicted adsorbed capacities via theT−Pmodel are in line with the measured results at other equilibrium conditions, indicating that the model can contribute to the deep coalbed methane resources estimation and the gas disaster prevention and control in coal mines.
Performance Review of Utilities: Important but Proceed Cautiously
Authors: Costello Kenneth W.
Published: March 2022

In advancing the public interest in the energy sector, regulation's central task is to induce high‐quality performance from utilities. Achieving this requires regulators to measure utilities' performance along with reviewing utility decisions and other actions. The regulator can then decide whether (1) the utility should be penalized or rewarded, (2) the utility should be given stronger incentives to perform better, or (3) a management audit or some other more detailed investigation should be conducted.
Challenges to Improving Energy Security Abound: Part 2
Authors: Russo Thomas N.
Published: March 2022

In Part 1 of this column, the author discussed the reasons why communities should rely on smaller decentralized electric grids and microgrids to attain energy security and make trade‐offs between the four As of energy security and the model of short‐term energy security. The major reasons for taking such a position are.
Deficient mitochondrial respiration in astrocytes impairs trace fear conditioning and increases naloxone‐precipitated aversion in morphine‐dependent mice
Authors: Murlanova Kateryna , Jouroukhin Yan , Huseynov Shovgi , Pletnikova Olga , Morales Michael J. , Guan Yun , Baraban Jay M. , Bergles Dwight E. , Pletnikov Mikhail V.
Published: March 2022

Mitochondria are abundant in the fine processes of astrocytes, however, potential roles for astrocyte mitochondria remain poorly understood. In the present study, we performed a systematic examination of the effects of abnormal oxidative phosphorylation in astrocytes on several mouse behaviors. Impaired astrocyte oxidative phosphorylation was produced by astrocyte‐specific deletion of the nuclear mitochondrial gene, Cox10, that encodes an accessory protein of complex IV, the protoheme:heme‐O‐farnesyl transferase. As expected, conditional deletion of the Cox10 gene in mice (cKO mice) significantly reduced expression of COX10 and Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (MTCO1) of Complex IV, resulting in decreased oxidative phosphorylation without significantly affecting glycolysis. No effects of the deletion were observed on locomotor activity, anxiety‐like behavior, nociception, or spontaneous alternation. Cox10 cKO female mice exhibited mildly impaired novel object recognition, while Cox10 cKO male mice were moderately deficient in trace fear conditioning. No group‐related changes were observed in conditional place preference (CPP) that assessed effects of morphine on reward. In contrast to CPP, Cox10 cKO mice demonstrated significantly increased aversive behaviors produced by naloxone‐precipitated withdrawal following chronic exposure to morphine, that is, jumping and avoidance behavior as assessed by conditional place aversion (CPA). Our study suggests that astrocyte oxidative phosphorylation may contribute to behaviors associated with greater cognitive load and/or aversive and stressful conditions.
Oral and intranasal vaccines against SARS‐CoV‐2: Current progress, prospects, advantages, and challenges
Authors: Kar Sanchita , Devnath Popy , Emran Talha B. , Tallei Trina E. , Mitra Saikat , Dhama Kuldeep
Published: March 2022

Background

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has caused a deadly pandemic in the 21st century, resulting in many deaths, economic loss, and international immobility. Vaccination represents the only mechanism to defeat this virus. Several intramuscular vaccines have been approved and are currently used worldwide.

Main body

However, global mass vaccination has not been achieved owing to several limitations, including the need for expertise to administer the injection‐based vaccine, improper distribution of the vaccine, and lack of cold chain facilities, particularly in resource‐poor, low‐income countries. Mucosal vaccines are typically administered either orally or nasally, and several studies have shown promising results for developing these vaccines against SARS‐CoV‐2 that might serve as viable alternatives to current vaccines. SARS‐CoV‐2 invades the human body via oral and nasal mucosal surfaces; thus, an oral or nasal vaccine can trigger the immune system to inhibit the virus at the mucosal level, preventing further transmission via a strong mucosal and systematic immune response. Although several approaches toward developing a mucosal vaccine are currently being tested, additional attention is required.

Conclusion

In this article, the current approaches used to develop effective oral and nasal mucosal vaccines against SARS‐CoV‐2 and their benefits, prospects, and challenges have been summarized.
Lung CT image enhancement based on total variational frame and wavelet transform
Authors: Wang Hongfei , Yang Ping , Xu Chuan , Min Lei , Wang Shuai , Xu Bing
Published: March 2022

Benefitting from the development of computer vision, computed tomography (CT) images have been used for assisting doctor's clinical diagnosis and improving the diagnostic efficiency. However, there exist some issues in medical images, such as low contrast, obscure detail, and complex noise due to the restriction of the system and the equipment in the process of imaging, medical images. To resolve these issues, a novel lung CT image enhancement method based on total variational framework combined with wavelet transform is proposed. Firstly, low‐frequency structure layer with low contrast and high‐frequency details layer with complex noise signals are acquired by decomposing the original image using total variational framework. Then, through the analysis of the histogram distribution characteristics of CT image, structure layer requires contrast enhancement; at the same time, the detail layer performs wavelet transform adaptive threshold denoising to remove noise. Finally, weight fusion of processed structure layer and details layer is performed to obtain the final fusion enhancement CT images. Experimental results show that the proposed method can enhance the contrast of clinical lung CT images, improve the clarity of details, and effectively suppress artifacts and complex noises. Contrast and sharpness—objective indicators—prove the proposed method's advantages. Subjectively, the proposed method performs superior over other existing CT enhancement methods, which achieves a better visual recognition.
Toxicological effects of Tris (1,3‐dichloro‐2‐propyl) phosphate exposure in adult male rats differ depending on the history of exposure in the neonatal period
Authors: Akimoto Takahiro , Kobayashi Shohei , Nakayama Airi , Isobe Anna , Abe Koudai , Hatakeyama Taichi , Ohta Ryo , Yanagisawa Rie , Koike Eiko , Suzuki Noriyuki , Kawaguchi Maiko
Published: March 2022

There is increasing concern about multiple high concentration exposure to toxins in disaster and emergency situations. However, conventional toxicology testing methods may not adequately address these situations. Thus, we assessed whether the toxic effects of exposure in the adulthood differ depending on the presence or absence of neonatal exposure to Tris (1,3‐dichloro‐2‐propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) in male rats to investigate the effects of exposure history of chemicals. In the neonatal stage [postnatal days (PNDs) 1–7], animals were treated with either sesame oil (5 ml/kg/day) as a control or TDCIPP (250 mg/kg/day) dissolved in sesame oil. In adulthood (PND 101–107), animals were treated with either sesame oil (5 ml/kg/day) or TDCIPP (650 mg/kg/day). One day after the final administration, dissection was performed, and body and organ weight, hematology, blood biochemistry, and histopathology were examined. The results demonstrated that the toxic effects of TDCIPP exposure in adulthood on adrenal gland size, serum iron content, and unsaturated iron binding capacity were enhanced by TDCIPP exposure in the neonatal stage. From these findings, it was indicated that the toxic effects of TDCIPP exposure in the adult stage are affected by pediatric exposure. These results suggest that the toxic effects of high‐dose and long‐term unsteady exposure to chemicals in large‐scale disasters may change based on the exposure history of chemicals.
Possible effects of Treponema pallidum infection on human vascular endothelial cells
Authors: Xie Bibo , Zhao Tie , Zhao Sisi , Zhou Jie , Zhao Feijun
Published: March 2022

Pathogens can affect host cells in various ways, and the same effect can be found in the Treponema pallidum acting on the endothelium of host vessels, and the mechanism is often complex and multiple. Based on the existing T. pallidum of a cognitive framework, the first concerns involving T. pallidum or the bacteria protein directly acted on vascular endothelial cells of the host, the second concerns mainly involved in the process of T. pallidum infection in vivo blood lipid change, secretion of cytokines and the interactions between immune cells indirectly. Through both direct and indirect influence, this study explores the role of host by T. pallidum infect in the process of the vascular endothelium.
Dynamic effects of dietary protein restriction on body weights, food consumption, and protein preference in C57BL/6J and Fgf21‐KO mice
Authors: Torres Francis , Khan Shahjalal , Fernandez‐Kim Sun Ok , Spann Redin , Albarado Diana , Wagner Thomas J. , Morrison Christopher D. , Soto Paul L.
Published: March 2022

Single‐case experimental designs (SCEDs) are rarely used in behavioral neuroscience despite their potential benefits. The current study used a SCED to evaluate the effects of dietary protein restriction in C57BL/6J and Fgf21‐knockout (KO) mice on body weight, food consumption, and protein preference and changes in those outcome measures were quantified using multilevel linear models. In C57BL/6J mice, rate of weight gain was lower and food consumption and protein preference higher during periods of low (4% kcal) protein diet feeding compared to periods of normal (18% kcal) protein diet feeding. In Fgf21‐KO mice, who do not produce the liver‐derived hormone FGF21, rate of weight gain and protein preference were not substantially affected by diet although food consumption was slightly higher during periods of low protein diet than periods of normal protein diet. These results demonstrate that protein restriction dynamically regulates physiological and behavioral responses at the individual mouse level and that FGF21 is necessary for those responses. Further, the current results demonstrate how a SCED can be used in behavioral neuroscience research, which entails both scientific and practical benefits.