bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Superelastic Conductive Fibers with Fractal Helices for Flexible Electronic Applications
Authors: Zhao Shanshan , Chen Juan , Zhou Jingyu , Shi Shangxuan , Hou Miao , Sheng Bin
Published: March 2023

The widespread application of flexible electronic devices places higher demands for stretchable conductors as crucial components owing to their stable and consistently high conductivity and high stretchability. In this study, a superelastic conductive fractal helix fiber (FHF) consisting of a thermoplastic polyurethane fiber and Ag wire is developed, which exhibits excellent waterproofing ability. The maximum strain of the FHF can be improved to 8300% by increasing the helical index C and Ag wire winding density. A high conductivity of 6.3 × 107 S m−1 and ultra‐high Q value of 3.37 × 104 at a strain of 5600% are realized for the conductive fiber owing to its fractal helical structure. The elastic limit point A of the FHF can be obtained by the relative resistance change (0.166%) to ensure that elastic deformation only occurs when stress is applied. In the elastic strain range, FHF demonstrates high electrical reliability under repeated deformation (over 10 000 cycles of stretching with a strain of 5600%) with a negligible increase in resistance. Moreover, the FHF can be easily integrated with the fabrics as an interconnection for wearable electronics. The newly developed twined FHF can also be used as a capacitive strain sensor to monitor human activity.
Large‐Area Deep‐Blue Polymer Light‐Emitting Diodes with Well‐Resolved Emission from Planar Conformational Segments Fabricated via Brush Coating
Authors: Xu Man , Wei Chuanxin , Wang Shengjie , Zhang Jingrui , Ma Jingyao , Sun Ning , Sun Lili , Han Yamin , Bai Lubing , Lin Jinyi , Qiao Jiawei , Hao Xiatao , Xue Wei , Xie Linghai , Huang Wei
Published: March 2023

The fabrication of large‐area printed deep‐blue polymer light‐emitting diodes (PLEDs) is a prerequisite for solid‐state lighting and flat‐panel displays. However, manufacturing large‐area narrow‐band deep‐blue PLEDs remains a challenging task owing to the difficulties in reducing structural distortions caused by the transitions from the ground to excited states. Herein, large‐area deep‐blue PLEDs with narrow‐band emission from the planar (β) conformational segments of polydiarylfluorenes are fabricated via brush coating. First, large‐area uniform brush‐coated films (4 × 4 cm2) with a relatively smooth morphology are manufactured. They produce strong, stable, and narrow‐band deep‐blue emission (full width at half maximum (FWHM): 29 nm for the 0–0 and 0–1 emission peaks), which results from single β‐conformational segments without a charge transfer state. Therefore, owing to their efficient emission and excellent printing capability, large‐area brush‐coated PLEDs with an emission area of 3 × 3 cm2 and uniform deep‐blue emission (FWHM: 27 nm; CIE chromaticity coordinate: (0.15, 0.10), brightness: 3780 cd m−2) are obtained, and their maximum external quantum efficiency (1.79%) is two times higher than those of the devices containing spin‐coated films. Finally, considering the key role of deep‐blue PLEDs, the fabrication of a preliminary patterned PLED array confirms their potential display applications.
Structural Engineering of H0.5Z0.5O2‐Based Ferroelectric Tunneling Junction for Fast‐Speed and Low‐Power Artificial Synapses
Authors: Cao Yuanyuan , Liu Yilun , Yang Yafen , Li Qingxuan , Zhang Tianbao , Ji Li , Zhu Hao , Chen Lin , Sun Qingqing , Zhang David Wei
Published: March 2023

Advanced synaptic devices capable of neuromorphic data processing are widely studied as the building block in the next‐generation computing architecture for artificial intelligence applications. Due to its fast speed, low power, and excellent complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS) compatibility, Zr‐doped HfO2 (HZO)‐based ferroelectric tunnel junction (FTJ) are promising candidates as a new type of non‐volatile memory for neuromorphic device applications. Here, an experimental approach is reported to enhance the tunneling efficiency and the electrical performance by engineering the dielectric stack of the FTJ device. By sandwiching the HZO ferroelectric layer with ZrO2 and Al2O3 layers, the FTJ tunneling current is greatly increased with lowered barrier, larger remnant polarization (Pr), and tunneling electrical resistance ratio as well as suppressed leakage current have been achieved. The optimized FTJ devices are further implemented emulating synaptic functions with demonstrated short/long‐term synaptic plasticity and spike‐timing‐dependent plasticity behaviors. Such engineering in HZO‐based FTJ devices can be promising and instructive for the realization of future ultra‐low‐power and CMOS‐compatible neuromorphic devices and systems.
Recent Development in the Catalytic Applications of Pd‐NHC (NHC=N‐Heterocyclic Carbene) Compounds in Amide C−N Activation Reactions
Authors: Shao Han , Ma Yunhua , Lin Tenglong , Li Wanfang , Deng Qinyue
Published: March 2023

Palladium‐catalyzed C−N bond activation of amide is a important but very challenging research area in organic chemistry. This reaction represents a powerful and straightforward method for the preparation of various carbonyl compounds under mild reaction conditions. One notable advancement in this area is related to the design and development of multifunctional NHC ligands and other throw‐away ligands. The reasonable design of ligands could not only improve the activity of catalyst, but also help to adjust the reaction selectivity. In this review, we summarized the structure‐activity relationship of those catalysts with different ligand skeletons and their applications in cross‐coupling reactions including Suzuki‐Miyaura coupling, Buchwald‐Hartwig amination and direct C−H acylation, via amide C−N bond activation. On this basis, we analyze the current bottlenecks encountered in Pd‐NHC‐catalyzed amide C−N activation reactions, and envisage the future development of this field.
closo‐TeB5Cl5 und closo‐TeB11Cl11 – polyedrische Telluraborane mit ungewöhnlich langen Raumdiagonalen: Synthese und Bindungsstudien an innovativen oktaedrischen und ikosaedrischen Geometrien
Authors: Keller Willi , Ballmann Joachim , Sárosi Menyhárt B. , Fanfrlík Jindřich , Hnyk Drahomír
Published: March 2023

Die sechs‐ und zwölfgliedrigen polyedrischen Telluraborane closo‐TeB5Cl5 (1) und closo‐TeB11Cl11 (2) ließen sich ausgehend von einfachen, binären Molekülen in einem Eintopf‐Verfahren durch Co‐pyrolyse von B2Cl4 mit TeCl4 unter Vakuumbedingungen bei Temperaturen zwischen 360 °C und 400 °C herstellen. Die im Vakuum blass‐weiß sublimierbaren Verbindungen wurden mit Hilfe von ein‐ und zweidimensionalen 11B NMR und hochauflösender Massenspektrometrie charakterisiert. Sowohl Ab‐initio/GIAO/NMR‐ als auch DFT/ZORA/NMR‐Rechnungen untermauern die oktaedrischen bzw. ikosaedrischen Geometrien für 1 und 2, wie aufgrund der Anzahl der für closo‐Cluster typischen 2n+2 Gerüstelektronenzahl zu erwarten war. Die oktaedrische Struktur von 1 wurde durch Röntgenbeugung an einem inkommensurabel modulierten Kristall bestätigt. Die jeweilige Bindungssituation wurde mit Hilfe des IBO‐Ansatzes (Intrinsic Bond Orbital) analysiert. Clusterverbindung 1 ist das erste Beispiel für ein polyedrisches Telluraboran mit weniger als 10 Gerüstatomen.
Stochastic Bullvalene Architecture Modulates Structural Rigidity in π‐Rich Macromolecules
Authors: Pomfret Meredith N. , Sun Peiguan B. , Huang Zheng , Freund Anna C. , Miyoshi Toshikazu , Golder Matthew R.
Published: March 2023

The synthesis and processing of π‐rich polymers found in novel electronics and textiles is difficult because chain stiffness leads to low solubility and high thermal transitions. The incorporation of “shape‐shifting” molecular cages into π‐rich backbone provides an ensemble of structural kinks to modulate chain architecture via a self‐contained library of valence isomers. In this work, we report the synthesis and characterization of (bullvalene‐co‐phenylene)s that feature smaller persistence lengths than a prototypical rigid rod polymer, poly(p‐phenylene). By varying the amount of bullvalene incorporation within a poly(p‐phenylene) chain (0–50 %), we can tune thermal properties and solution‐state conformation. These features are caused by stochastic bullvalene isomers within the polymer backbone that result in kinked architectures. Synthetically, bullvalene incorporation offers a facile method to decrease structural rigidity within π‐rich materials without concomitant crystallization. VT NMR experiments confirm that these materials remain dynamic in solution, offering the opportunity for future stimuli‐responsive applications.
A Hydrazine‐Nitrate Flow Battery Catalyzed by a Bimetallic RuCo Precatalyst for Wastewater Purification along with Simultaneous Generation of Ammonia and Electricity
Authors: Zhu Weijie , Zhang Xiaoyi , Yao Fen , Huang Runping , Chen Yue , Chen Chaolong , Fei Jiawei , Chen Yunqing , Wang Zhoucheng , Liang Hanfeng
Published: March 2023

The traditional technologies for industrial and agricultural effluent treatment are often energy‐intensive. Herein, we suggest an electrochemical redox strategy for spontaneous and simultaneous decontamination of wastewater and generation of both fuels and electricity at low cost. Using hydrazine and nitrate effluents as a demonstration, we propose a hydrazine‐nitrate flow battery (HNFB) that can efficiently purify the wastewater and meanwhile generate both ammonia fuel and electricity with the assistance of our developed bimetallic RuCo precatalyst. Specifically, the battery delivers a peak power density of 12 mW cm−2 and continuously operates for 20 h with an ammonia yield rate of ca. 0.38 mmol h−1 cm−2 under 100 mA cm−2. The generated electricity can further drive a hydrazine electrolyzer to produce hydrogen fuel. Our work provides an alternative pathway to purify wastewater and generate high value‐added fuels at low cost.
Carbon‐Anchored Molybdenum Oxide Nanoclusters as Efficient Catalysts for the Electrosynthesis of Ammonia and Urea
Authors: Sun Mengmiao , Wu Guanzheng , Jiang Jiadi , Yang Yidong , Du Aijun , Dai Lei , Mao Xin , Qin Qing
Published: March 2023

The electrochemical NO3− reduction and its coupling with CO2 can provide novel and clean routes to synthesize NH3 and urea, respectively. However, their practical application is still impeded by the lack of efficient catalysts with desirable Faradaic efficiency (FE) and yield rate. Herein, we report the synthesis of molybdenum oxide nanoclusters anchored on carbon black (MoOx/C) as electrocatalyst. It affords an outstanding FE of 98.14 % and NH3 yield rate of 91.63 mg h−1 mgcat.−1 in NO3− reduction. Besides, the highest FE of 27.7 % with a maximum urea yield rate of 1431.5 μg h−1 mgcat.−1 toward urea is also achieved. The formation of electron‐rich MoOx nanoclusters with highly unsaturated metal sites in the MoOx/C heterostructure is beneficial for enhanced catalytic performance. Studies on the mechanism reveal that the stabilization of *NO and *CO2NOOH intermediates are critical for the NH3 and urea synthesis, respectively.
Dual colorimetric and fluorometric monitoring of Cd2+ and Hg2+ ions in water using functionalized Zrmetal–organic frameworks chemosensors
Authors: El‐Bindarya Mohamed A. , Shahat Ahmed , El‐Deen Ibrahim M. , Khalil Muhammad A. , Hassan Nader
Published: March 2023

Chemical sensor based on NH2‐UiO‐66(Zr) have been developed for rapid detection of Cd2+ and Hg2+ ions. The developed 2HA = N‐UiO‐66(Zr) sensor was prepared by the condensation of the Zr‐metal–organic framework (MOF) with 2‐hydroxyacetophenone. The NH2‐UiO‐66(Zr) and 2HA = N‐UiO‐66(Zr) sensor were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Brunner–Emmet–Teller (BET). The characterization results shown that 2‐hydroxyacetophenone was successfully introduced on the Zr‐based MOF and that the pore structure of 2HA = N‐UiO‐66(Zr) sensor mainly contains mesopores. Many experimental studies have been conducted to find out the optimum conditions for colorimetric and fluorometric determining of the Cd2+ and Hg2+ ions by the 2HA = N‐UiO‐66(Zr) sensor. The response time, for the sensor, that is necessary to achieve a steady spectroscopic signal was less than 30 s. The suggested methods were validated in terms of the lowest limit of detection (LOD), the lowest limit of quantification (LOQ), linearity, and precision according to International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. As a result, the 2HA = N‐UiO‐66(Zr) sensor was successfully used to determine Cd2+ and Hg2+ ions in a variety of tap water samples with great sensitivity and selectivity.
Research and performance evaluation of modified nano‐silica gel plugging agent
Authors: Shu Zheng , Qi Yong , Luo Pingya
Published: March 2023

Due to the difficulties in plugging high‐pressure injection wells, the short period of plugging, and the use of modified nano‐silica, a novel chemical gel plugging agent has been created. Modification of silica using silane coupling agents, and using the aqueous free radical polymerization method synthesized chemical plugging agent with AM, AA, and DMDAAC. The optimum synthesis conditions were screened by single‐factor analysis: mass ratio m(AM):m(AA):m(DMDAAC) = 8:1.5:1, modified nano‐silica concentration of 1.0%, total monomer mass concentration of 8.0%, initiator concentration of 0.3%, the cross‐linker concentration of 0.4%, and coagulant concentration of 0.6%. The performance of the chemical plugging agent was evaluated under the target oil formation conditions. The experimental results showed that the chemical plugging agent exhibited good temperature resistance at 40–100°C, good salt resistance at mineralization (0.5–2.5) × 104 mg/L, and the chemical plugging agent breaks through pressure gradients of 1.12, 15.42 and 90.15 MPa/m in the wellbore, fracture and core, respectively, compared with most gel plugging agents, this plugging agent is more suitable for sealing with pressure work. After adding the breakout agent, the fluid after breakout is fluid‐like with low viscosity, which is convenient for reverse discharge and will not cause harm to the reservoir and ensure the subsequent normal construction operation.
A Composite of Nb2O5 and MoO2 as a High‐Capacity High‐Rate Anode Material for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wheeler‐Jones Evangeline C. , Loveridge Melanie J. , Walton Richard I.
Published: March 2023

A composite of Nb2O5 and MoO2 was synthesised using a hydrothermal reaction (225 °C) followed by a short heat‐treatment step (600 °C) to achieve a high‐capacity, high‐rate anode for lithium‐ion battery applications. The composite was shown via powder X‐ray diffraction and electron microscopy to be an intimate mix of individual oxide particles rather than an atomically mixed oxide material, and shown by X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) to contain a 45 : 55 ratio of Nb : Mo. This material is demonstrated to show notable rate capability in lithium (Li) half‐cell cycling and rate tests. When cycled at 100 °C the material achieved over 100 mAh g−1 even after 400 cycles and shows a stable reversible capacity of 514 mAh g−1 (at 1 C), realising its theoretical capacity. The composite shows electrochemical results comparable to Nb2O5:C composites yet achieves far higher capacities at low‐rate due to the MoO2 content.
Integrating computer‐aided modeling into distance learning to teach molecular genetics during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Karaismailoğlu Fatma , Yildirim Mehtap
Published: March 2023

This article presents the integration of Tinkercad, a free online modeling program that allows students to model molecular genetic concepts, into the distance learning process. The students had the opportunity to learn molecular genetics in a fun and more efficient way in spite of the limitations of the COVID‐19 lockdown, and, in this respect, it can be said that the application was a good compensation for face‐to‐face learning.
Master this four‐step approach to violence prevention training, no matter your budget
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: March 2023

“One thing that most campuses are really great at [for violence prevention training] are those one‐off programs — things you see at freshman orientation, or that Red Zone period, the first pivotal weeks we know campus violence is at its highest,” Tawney Alonzo, Director of Training at Title IX Solutions, said.
The destructive nature of fake consensus
Authors: Freebairn‐Smith Laura
Published: March 2023

In this month's column, I am turning to the issue of fake or overused consensus in decision‐making. Leaders, in the United States, often default to seeking consensus, seeing it as the holy grail of group decision‐making, believing that this is the only or a good way to ensure buy‐in to the decision. There are several problems with this choice of decision‐making style, including but not limited to the following:
Selectivity in Cationic Cyclizations Involving Alkynes: A Computational Study on the Biomimetic Synthesis of Steroids
Authors: de Cózar Abel , Arrieta Ana , Cossío Fernando P.
Published: March 2023

Invited for the cover of this issue are Abel de Cózar, Ana Arrieta and Fernando P. Cossío at the University of the Basque Country. The image depicts the evolution of a reactive cation to the corresponding cyclic intermediate in the course of a regio‐ and stereocontrolled biomimetic cyclization. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202204028.
Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production Activity and Mechanism of New Nickel‐Based Sulfur Complexes in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Shi Haixia , Wu Haisu , Huang Ying , Li Shuang , Lian Wanqi , Xu Yun , Miao Tifang
Published: March 2023

The development of industry and the increase in population have caused energy shortages and environmental pollution problems. Developing clean and storable new energy is identified as a key way to solve the problems above. Hydrogen is viewed as the most potential energy carrier due to its high calorific value and pollution‐free. To convert solar energy into hydrogen energy, three nickel‐based catalysts, Ni(aps)(pys)2 (aps=2‐amino‐2‐phenylacetic salicylaldehyde) (1), Ni(ads)(pys)2 (ads=aniline salicylaldehyde, pys=pyridine‐2‐thiolate) (2), Ni(acs)(pys)2 (acs=aniline 5‐chlorosalicylaldehyde) (3), were synthesized and explored as photocatalysts for hydrogen production. A three‐component photocatalytic system for hydrogen production was constructed using target complex as photocatalyst, triethanolamine (TEOA) as electron sacrificial agent and fluorescein (FL) as photosensitizer. Under the optimum conditions, about 1504 μmol of H2 can be obtained with 25 mg catalyst 2 after 3 hours of irradiation. Finally, the hydrogen‐production mechanism was discussed by experimental and theoretical methods.
Non‐Covalent Interactions in the Self‐Assembly of Dihydropyridone Supramolecules and In Vitro Anti‐Cancer Assessment in Human Lung Adenocarcinoma Cell Line (A549)
Authors: Lalhruaizela  , Zothansiama  , Lalfakawmi  , Marak Brilliant N. , Hazarika Biki , Kataria Ramesh , Kumar Nachimuthu Senthil , Sran Balkaran S. , Singh Ved Prakash
Published: March 2023

The synthesis of dihydropyridone derivatives has been reported by ring rearrangement of pyrans using iodine and formic acid as a catalyst separately. Dihydropyridones were crystallized subjected for single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography to acquire their structural parameters. The different non‐covalent interactions involved within the supramolecular systems were studied and validated using Hirshfeld surface plot analysis. N−H⋅⋅⋅O interactions between the lactam group dominate. Still, other non‐covalent interactions such as C−H⋅⋅⋅N, C−H⋅⋅⋅O, C−H⋅⋅⋅C, N−H⋅⋅⋅N, C−H⋅⋅⋅π, and lone pair⋅⋅⋅π systems act as the driving force in facilitating the self‐assembly of the dihydropyridone supramolecules. The synthesized compounds were analyzed by in vitro techniques using human lung adenocarcinoma (A549) to evaluate their cytotoxic activities. Ethyl 4‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐5‐cyano‐2‐methyl‐6‐oxo‐1,4,5,6‐ tetrahydropyridine‐3‐carboxylate has shown the highest cytotoxicity among all the synthesized compounds. Molecular recognition properties of the dihydropyridone compounds were also studied, employing molecular docking tools to gain insight into the binding mode inside the allosteric binding pocket of the Eg5 protein through non‐covalent interactions.
Liquid Based Circularly Polarized Phosphorescence of a Chiral Schiff Base Platinum(II) Complex Bearing Polyethylene Glycol Chains
Authors: Ikeshita Masahiro , Orioku Kota , Matsudaira Kana , Kitahara Maho , Imai Yoshitane , Tsuno Takashi
Published: March 2023

A chiral Schiff base platinum(II) complex1bearing polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains was synthesized. The complex was found to melt at 44 °C whereas its non‐substituted analogue2has a high melting point (>300 °C). Upon cooling after melting, the complex remained liquid at room temperature over 30 minutes and exhibited yellow phosphorescence. Circularly polarized phosphorescence (CPP) properties were examined and it was found that the absolute value of the luminescence dissymmetry factor (glum) increases significantly in the liquid state compared to the dilute solution state. Herein, we report the first example of CPP from solvent‐free supercooled liquids.
Why functional impairments should be measured in school‐based mental health research
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: March 2023

In an opinion article published in JAMA Psychiatry, researchers argue that the success or failure of school‐based mental health interventions should be based not only on symptoms as end points, but on functional impairments.
Simple, Fast, and Efficient Method for Derivation of Dermal Fibroblasts From Skin Biopsies
Authors: Iannello Grazia , Patel Achchhe , Sirabella Dario , Diaz Alejandro Garcia , Hoover Benjamin N. , Sarmah Hemanta , Corneo Barbara
Published: March 2023

Primary fibroblasts are a precious resource in the field of translational regenerative medicine. Dermal fibroblasts derived from human subject biopsies are being used as donor tissues for the derivation of patient‐specific iPSC lines, which in turn are used for disease modeling, drug screening, tissue engineering, and cell transplantation. We developed a fast and simple protocol to grow dermal fibroblasts from skin biopsies. Using this protocol, we simply and firmly fix the biopsy piece on the surface of a tissue culture–treated plate and allow the fibroblasts to grow. This novel method eliminates any need for enzymatic digestion or mechanical dissociation of the biopsy piece. By using this newly developed protocol, we have successfully established around 100 fibroblast lines characterized by the expression of specific markers [Serpin H1 (Hsp‐47), F‐actin, and Vimentin]. Finally, we have used many of these fibroblast lines as donor tissues to successfully derive iPSC lines. We have developed a method that is simple, fast, convenient, efficient, and gentle on the cells to derive dermal fibroblasts from human skin biopsies. © 2023 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol: Skin biopsy collection and fibroblast derivation

Support Protocol 1: Culturing, freezing, and thawing dermal fibroblasts derived from a skin biopsy

Support Protocol 2: Characterization of dermal fibroblasts by immunocytochemistry
Ag Application Drones Are Gaining Ground in Canada, But Obstacles Remain
Authors: Drohan Joy
Published: March 2023

Ag drones don’t currently replace ground sprayers, but they can serve as an additional tool. There are many thousands of acres where drones fit right now in Canada, and even though we’re still perfecting our knowledge about drone application and awaiting regulatory clearance, drones are a good answer to many growers’ needs. Earn 1.5 CEUs in Crop Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.
Iterative sampling of expensive simulations for faster deep surrogate training*
Authors: Gaffney Jim A. , Humbird Kelli , Kruse Michael , Kur Eugene , Kustowski Bogdan , Nora Ryan , Spears Brian
Published: March 2023

Deep neural network (DNN) surrogates of expensive physics simulations are enabling a rapid change in the way that common experimental design and analysis tasks are approached. Surrogate models allow simulations to be performed in parallel and separately from downstream tasks, thereby enabling analyses that would be impossible with the simulation in‐the‐loop; surrogates based on DNNs can effectively emulate diverse non‐scalar data of the types collected in fusion and laboratory‐astrophysics experiments. The challenge is in training the surrogate model, for which large ensembles of physics simulations must be run, preferably without wasting computational effort on uninteresting simulations. In this paper, we present an iterative sampling scheme that can preferentially propose simulations in interesting regions of parameter space without neglecting unexplored regions, allowing high‐quality and wide‐ranging surrogate models to be trained using 2–3 times fewer simulations compare to space‐filling designs. Our approach uses an explicit importance function defined on the simulation output space, balanced against a measure of simulation density which serves as a proxy for surrogate accuracy. It is easy to implement and can be tuned to find interesting simulations early in the study, allowing surrogates to be trained quickly and refined as new simulations become available; this represents an important step towards the routine generation of deep surrogate models quickly enough to be truly relevant to experimental work.
Multidisciplinary baselines quantify a drastic decline of mussel reefs and reveal an absence of natural recovery
Authors: Toone Trevyn A. , Benjamin Emilee D. , Hillman Jenny R. , Handley Sean , Jeffs Andrew
Published: March 2023

The onset of the Anthropocene has coincided with enormous global declines in natural ecosystems, leading to losses in the valuable goods and ecosystem services they provide. This global decline, in conjunction with growing recognition of the ecological importance of natural ecosystems, has generated a pressing need for restoration. Effective ecosystem restoration relies on accurate identification of the cause of decline and clear metrics of success, which are only possible with baseline data of both the pre‐degradation and pre‐restoration ecosystems. However, the establishment of these baselines can be difficult as different potential information sources each have benefits and drawbacks. Determining an efficient method to balance these diverse information sources and generate robust baselines is vital to achieving the United Nations' goal of massively scaled‐up ecosystem restoration. Here we expand on the concept of multidisciplinary baselines, or the combined use of sources and methods across a wide disciplinary spectrum to establish comprehensive and reliable ecosystem baselines, and use mussel reefs in the South Island of New Zealand as a test case. Using a combination of comprehensive historical review, extensive shoreline surveys, and local ecological knowledge, we demonstrate that local mussel abundances decreased by 97% since the mid‐1960s as a result of overharvesting, leaving the extant populations scattered, small, and without recovery. This study demonstrates that harnessing multidisciplinary baselines allows for the consolidation of qualitative and quantitative estimates of ecosystem change over hundreds of years, as well as confirmation of causes of ecosystem degradation, and clear documentation of current ecosystem state beyond what is possible from any individual source. This approach to establishing ecosystem baselines also provides valuable avenues for the advancement of restoration by quantifying the temporal and geographic scales of ecosystem decline, identifying areas for intervention, and establishing clear metrics of success.
Stratified vertical sediment profiles increase burrowing crab effects on salt marsh edaphic conditions
Authors: Rinehart S. , Dybiec J. M. , Mortazavi B. , Cherry J. A.
Published: March 2023

Burrowing animals can profoundly affect the biological structure and ecosystem functions of their environments. For instance, burrowing crabs increase sediment deposition and facilitate sediment homogenization and turnover, with potential impacts to sediment biogeochemistry. However, the relative importance of burrowing crabs on sediment dynamics can vary considerably between, and within, habitats. Sediment properties influence how burrowing crabs will affect edaphic conditions, but these studies often assume homogenous sediment conditions and fail to consider how sediment properties change with depth. Thus, understanding how burrowing crab effects on sediment properties are influenced by the vertical sediment profile should inform where burrowing crabs structure edaphic conditions. Here, we conducted an intensive field survey across three tidal salt marshes with variable sediment properties to understand if marsh vertical sediment profiles can help predict the nature of burrowing crab–sediment relationships. We found that burrowing crabs homogenize sediments in all marshes, but their effects on sediment homogenization and edaphic conditions were greater in marshes with highly stratified vertical sediment profiles. Our study suggests that understanding the vertical sediment profile of a salt marsh may provide critical insights into how crab burrowing may influence the edaphic conditions and physical characteristics of marsh surface sediments—especially in restored, created, and managed salt marshes.
Dramatic disease regression in a case of HFrEF with end‐stage renal failure treated with sacubitril/valsartan and SGLT2i
Authors: Mapelli Massimo , Mantegazza Valentina , Ferrari Cristina , Cimino Roberto , Maragna Riccardo , Pontone Gianluca , Pepi Mauro , Agostoni Piergiuseppe
Published: March 2023

The amount of evidence for guideline‐directed new heart failure (HFrEF) disease‐modifying drugs in the context of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is relatively modest, especially in end‐stage CKD. We report a case of dramatic reverse remodelling and disease regression in a naïve HFrEF young woman on haemodialysis treated with sacubitril/valsartan and SGLT2i. At 10‐month follow‐up, the patient normalized left ventricle and atrial volumes and improved ejection fraction to the normal range, assessed both by echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance. Cardiac biomarkers and exercise performance improved consensually. The haemodialysis protocol and the loop diuretic dose were unchanged within the whole period.
A Pyridinium‐Pyridinium Zinc(II) Porphyrin Ion Porous Organic Polymer as Efficient Heterogeneous Catalyst for Cycloaddition of Epoxides with CO2
Authors: Ma Linjing , Su Zhenping , Wang Ning , Li Jun
Published: March 2023

A zinc(II)porphyrin‐based ion porous organic polymer (ZnTPyPBr4‐iPOP) is successfully synthesized from newly designed pyridinium‐functionalized cationic Zn‐porphyrin monomer (ZnTPyPBr4) by free radical self‐polymerization, and is employed as an efficient bifunctional heterogeneous catalyst for CO2 cycloaddition reaction with epoxides. The ZnTPyPBr4‐iPOP exhibits excellent catalytic performance and good substrate expansion in CO2 cycloaddition reaction under solvent‐free and cocatalyst‐free conditions with a TOF as high as 15,500 h−1 for the cycloaddition of CO2 and epichlorohydrin. The synergistic effect of zinc(II)porphyrin as the Lewis acidic site and the Br− anion as the nucleophile in ZnTPyPBr4‐iPOP responds to the high catalytic activity. Moreover, ZnTPyPBr4‐iPOP can easily be recovered and reused at least seven times without the loss of activity. This work provides a valuable approach for the synthesis of novel and efficient heterogeneous catalyst for CO2 cycloaddition.
A Xyloside‐Based Ligand to Stabilize Gold Nanoparticles: Preparation and Application
Authors: Pascual Laura M. H. , Boudesocque Stéphanie , Dupont Laurent , Michel Jean , Plantier‐Royon Richard , Gatard Sylvain
Published: March 2023

Water‐soluble and air‐stable gold nanoparticles stabilized by a xyloside‐based ligand containing a pyridine ring‐functionalized 1,2,3‐triazole backbone were prepared in the presence of a reducing agent. During their preparation, UV‐vis and NMR spectroscopic techniques were used to study the interaction between the xyloside ligand and Au(III) ions. These AuNPs were characterized by UV‐vis spectroscopy, TEM and DLS and showed a small size (average diameter<10 nm determined by TEM). Their catalytic activity was tested in the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP) to 4‐aminophenol (4‐AP) in water.
A Historical Review of the Total Synthesis of Natural Products Developed in Portugal
Authors: Clemente Duarte B. , Coelho Jaime A. S.
Published: March 2023

Total synthesis of natural products is an important discipline of organic chemistry that has enabled the development of new synthetic methods and strategies for the preparation and study of the structure and reactivity of complex naturally occurring products. In this review we summarize the synthetic strategies developed in Portugal by several research groups for the synthesis of bioactive natural products including alkaloids, cyclitols, fatty alcohols, phenylpropanoic acids, γ‐butyrolactones, xanthones and nucleosides.
Is democracy under threat? Why belief in conspiracy theories predicts autocratic attitudes
Authors: Papaioannou Kostas , Pantazi Myrto , van Prooijen Jan‐Willem
Published: March 2023

Scholars and policy‐makers are increasingly concerned with the detrimental effects of conspiracy theories. Yet, it remains unclear whether conspiracy beliefs actually pose a threat to democracy by rendering people less supportive of democratic governance. Three studies suggest that conspiracy theories may incite support for autocratic regimes. A first nationally representative sample (Greece, N = 492), established a link between conspiracy beliefs and rejection of democracy and the political status quo. Study 2 extended these findings (Greece, N = 264) by showing that conspiracy beliefs are positively related to support for autocracy, while feelings of political powerlessness (but not cynicism) partly mediate this relationship. Study 3 (USA, N = 300, pre‐registered) directly tested whether perceptions of conspiracies enhance support for autocratic rule. Results revealed that the perceived presence of conspiracies increased support for autocracy, partly due to feelings of political powerlessness. These studies are the first ones to establish empirically that conspiracy theories may increase support for autocracy.
What are the predominant predictors of seizure relapse following discontinuation of anti‐seizure medication in epileptic children?
Authors: Kanmaz Seda , Toprak Dilara Ece , Olculu Cemile Busra , Dokurel Ipek , Simsek Erdem , Serin Hepsen Mine , Yılmaz Sanem , Aktan Gul , Gokben Sarenur , Tekgul Hasan
Published: March 2023

Objective

The aim of the study was to identify the predominant predictors of seizure relapse following discontinuation of ASM in epileptic children.

Methods

The study cohort consisted of 403 epileptic children who had a withdrawal process of ASM (monotherapy: 344; dual therapy or polytherapy: 59) after at least a 2‐year seizure‐free period. Patients were categorized if they had a well‐defined epileptic syndrome. Epileptic children with ongoing ketogenic diet, vagal nerve stimulation, or surgery were excluded from the cohort due to the additional withdrawal process related to other therapy modalities.

Results

The cohort's seizure relapse rate was 12.7% (51/403). The highest rates of seizure relapse were defined for genetic etiology at 25% and structural etiology at 14.9%. An epilepsy syndrome was defined in 183 of 403 children (45.4%). There was no difference in the seizure relapse rate between the subgroups of well‐defined epileptic syndromes; 13.8% for self‐limited focal epileptic syndromes, 11.7% for developmental and epileptic encephalopathies, and 7.1% for generalized epileptic syndromes. Five predictors were defined as the most powerful predictors of seizure relapse in univariate analysis: age at epilepsy diagnosis >2 years (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.480; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.134–1.933), defined etiology (HR: 1.304; 95% CI: 1.003–1.696), focal seizure (HR: 1.499; 95% CI: 1.209–1.859), ≤3 months duration of the withdrawal process (HR: 1.654; 95% CI: 1.322–2.070), and a history of neonatal encephalopathy with or without seizures (HR: 3.140; 95% CI: 2.393–4.122). In multivariate analysis, the main predictor of seizure relapse was a history of neonatal encephalopathy with or without seizures (HR: 2.823; 95% CI: 2.067–3.854).

Significance

The duration of seizure freedom before discontinuation of ASM was not a predominant risk factor for seizure relapse: 2–3 years versus >3 years. The predictive values of five predictors of seizure relapse rate should be evaluated for patients with different epilepsy subgroups.
A pilot study using pre‐treatment physical activity level to predict long‐term health‐related quality of life in patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Tuomi Lisa , Magnusson‐Sandkvist Julia , Fridolfsson Jonatan , Arvidsson Daniel , Börjesson Mats , Finizia Caterina
Published: March 2023

Background

Pre‐treatment levels of physical activity (PA) in head and neck cancer (HNC) are rarely evaluated using accelerometry. This study aimed to investigate whether pre‐treatment PA level in HNC predicts aspects of long‐term health‐related quality of life (HRQL) at 12 months after end of treatment.

Methods

This pilot study included 48 patients diagnosed with HNC, 41 participants remaining at 12 months post‐treatment. Pre‐treatment PA was objectively assessed by an accelerometer. Self‐perceived PA and HRQL were assessed pre‐treatment and at 6‐ and 12‐months post‐treatment.

Results

Patients with a higher pre‐treatment PA level scored higher on physical function and role function and less fatigue and pain at the 12 months follow‐up compared to patients with a lower pre‐treatment PA. At 6 months the groups differed only on physical functioning. When comparing changes over time, there were statistically significant differences comparing high and low pre‐treatment PA in the fatigue and pain domains between 6 and 12 months. Exploratory multiple regression analyses also indicated that higher pre‐treatment PA levels were associated with greater favorable change in the four HRQL measures.

Conclusions

Higher levels of PA assessed with accelerometer before oncologic treatment associated favorably with aspects of self‐perceived HRQL and PA over time in patients with HNC.
Testing the validity of the Networked Hazard Analysis and Risk Management System (Net‐HARMS)
Authors: Dallat Clare , Salmon Paul M. , Goode Natassia
Published: March 2023

Testing the validity of newly developed methods is a critical component of human factors and ergonomics (HFE) practice. The Networked Hazard Analysis and Risk Management System (Net‐HARMS) is a recently developed systems thinking‐based risk assessment method which supports the identification of task and emergent risks across overall work systems. This article reports on a validity study of the Net‐HARMS method in which outputs were compared to an expert analysis developed by the first two authors of this paper, with review by subject matter experts. The findings show that individual participant performance was poor for both groups yet when both group's analyses were pooled, validity significantly improved. Further, a subject matter expert analysis of the false alarms identified by participants showed that they may in fact represent credible risks. It is concluded that the Net‐HARMS method achieved high levels of validity when participants analyses are pooled. The implications for risk assessment and the validity of HFE methods are discussed.
The trend of normal vaginal delivery and cesarean sections before and after implementing the health system transformation plan based on ICD‐10 in the northeast of Iran: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Sarbaz Masoumeh , Mousavi Baigi Seyyedeh Fatemeh , Manouchehri Monazah Fereshte , Dayani Nooshin , Kimiafar Khalil
Published: March 2023

Background and Aims

Concerning the growing rate of cesarean sections (CSs) worldwide, encouraging normal vaginal deliveries (NVDs) and mitigating CS rates is a necessity. This study investigated the status of delivery in hospitals affiliated with the Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (MUMS) before and after implementing health system transformation plan (HSTP).

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in 2017 in the obstetrics and gynecology ward in four MUMS teaching hospitals. Data were extracted from hospital information systems (HISs) based on the International Classification of Diseases (ICD‐10) and analyzed in SPSS VE10 software.

Results

The results revealed a significant difference between the rate of NVDs and CSs before and after HSTP, such that implementing this plan in MUMS hospitals has raised the rate of NVDs by 4%. Except for the age groups of less than 15 and 36–40 years, the difference between NVD and CS was significant in different age groups before and after HSTP. The rate of NVD significantly increased within 2 months after implementing HSTP. Furthermore, the difference in the rate of previous CS before and after implementing HSTP was significant (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The results of this study show the positive impact of the implementation of the HSTP on CS reduction and NVD increase in the studied hospitals. Since the studied hospitals were teaching and concerning the different costs of NVD and CS between the public and private hospitals, it is recommended to study all hospitals with the obstetrics and gynecology ward to precisely assess the success of HSTP in encouraging NVD.
Transient Kupffer cell depletion and subsequent replacement by infiltrating monocyte‐derived cells does not alter the induction or progression of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Vanderborght Bart , De Muynck Kevin , Gijbels Eva , Lefere Sander , Scott Charlotte L. , Guilliams Martin , Beschin Alain , Vinken Mathieu , Verhelst Xavier , Geerts Anja , Van Vlierberghe Hans , Devisscher Lindsey
Published: March 2023

Due to a combination of rapid disease progression and the lack of curative treatment options, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the deadliest cancers worldwide. Infiltrated, monocyte‐derived, tumor‐associated macrophages are known to play a role in HCC pathogenesis, but the involvement of Kupffer cells (KCs) remains elusive. Here, we used the Clec4F‐diphteria toxin receptor transgenic mouse model to specifically investigate the effect of KC depletion on HCC initiation, progression and neoplastic growth following liver resection. For this purpose, several HCC mouse models with varying underlying etiologies were used and partial hepatectomy was performed. Our results show that in HCC, developed on a fibrotic or non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis background, depletion of embryonic KCs at the onset of HCC induction and the subsequent replacement by monocyte‐derived KCs does not affect the tumor burden, tumor microenvironment or the phenotype of isolated KCs at end‐stage disease. In non‐chronic liver disease‐associated diethylnitrosamine‐induced HCC, ablation of Clec4F+ KCs did not alter tumor progression or neoplastic growth following liver resection. Our results show that temporal ablation of resident KCs does not impact HCC pathogenesis, neither in the induction phase nor in advanced disease, and indicate that bone marrow‐derived KCs are able to swiftly repopulate the available KC niche and adopt their phenotype.
AdvancedMRTechniques for Preoperative Glioma Characterization: Part 2
Authors: Hangel Gilbert , Schmitz‐Abecassis Bárbara , Sollmann Nico , Pinto Joana , Arzanforoosh Fatemehsadat , Barkhof Frederik , Booth Thomas , Calvo‐Imirizaldu Marta , Cassia Guilherme , Chmelik Marek , Clement Patricia , Ercan Ece , Fernández‐Seara Maria A. , Furtner Julia , Fuster‐Garcia Elies , Grech‐Sollars Matthew , Guven N. Tugay , Hatay Gokce Hale , Karami Golestan , Keil Vera C. , Kim Mina , Koekkoek Johan A. F. , Kukran Simran , Mancini Laura , Nechifor Ruben Emanuel , Özcan Alpay , Ozturk‐Isik Esin , Piskin Senol , Schmainda Kathleen M. , Svensson Siri F. , Tseng Chih‐Hsien , Unnikrishnan Saritha , Vos Frans , Warnert Esther , Zhao Moss Y. , Jancalek Radim , Nunes Teresa , Hirschler Lydiane , Smits Marion , Petr Jan , Emblem Kyrre E.
Published: March 2023

Preoperative clinical MRI protocols for gliomas, brain tumors with dismal outcomes due to their infiltrative properties, still rely on conventional structural MRI, which does not deliver information on tumor genotype and is limited in the delineation of diffuse gliomas. The GliMR COST action wants to raise awareness about the state of the art of advanced MRI techniques in gliomas and their possible clinical translation. This review describes current methods, limits, and applications of advanced MRI for the preoperative assessment of glioma, summarizing the level of clinical validation of different techniques. In this second part, we review magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST), susceptibility‐weighted imaging (SWI), MRI‐PET, MR elastography (MRE), and MR‐based radiomics applications. The first part of this review addresses dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) and dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) MRI, arterial spin labeling (ASL), diffusion‐weighted MRI, vessel imaging, and magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF).

Evidence Level

3.

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2.
Heat waves in São Paulo State, Brazil: Intensity, duration, spatial scope, and atmospheric characteristics
Authors: Valverde Maria Cleofé , Rosa Marcelo Barbio
Published: March 2023

Heat waves (HWs) are atmospheric events of synoptic and global scale that negatively impact productive sectors and the population. This study aims to investigate HWs in the São Paulo (SP) State, Brazil, and describe their intensity, duration, spatial coverage and atmospheric characteristics. HWs were identified using observed data from 65 weather stations for the period 2000–2020. The NCEP‐DOE Reanalysis was used to determine synoptic and global scale circulation characteristics. The results showed that SP experiences different effects of thermal stress on maximum temperatures (Tmax), with the north and northwest sectors reaching the highest average values (38°C). The average temperature of HWs in the state was 34.9°C, with an average duration of 5.3 days and 92% of events taking place between 2010 and 2020. A greater number of events occurred in 2015, 2016 and 2019, mainly in the austral summer and spring. The following atmospheric characteristics were found to be associated with HWs in SP: an anomalous semistationary anticyclonic circulation at 500 hPa over the hinterland regions of Brazil, a thermal low at 1000 hPa over Paraguay, a Rossby wave train originating in the South Pacific Ocean and spreading to centre‐south Brazil, a positive sea surface temperature anomaly in the South Atlantic Ocean near the coast of Brazil and another over the South Pacific, and a negative pattern circling Antarctica. Apparently, there is a certain degree of coupling between sea surface temperature anomalies and the Rossby train, the former being the trigger of the event.