bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrogen Transport Between Layers of Transition Metal‐Dichalcogenides
Authors: Eren Ismail , An Yun , Kuc Agnieszka B.
Published: December 2023

Hydrogen is a crucial source of green energy and is extensively studied for its potential usage in fuel cells. The advent of 2D crystals (2DCs) has taken hydrogen research to new heights, enabling it to tunnel through layers of 2DCs or be transported within voids between the layers, as demonstrated in recent experiments by Geim's group. In this study, it investigates how the composition and stacking of transition‐metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) layers influence the transport and self‐diffusion coefficients (D) of hydrogen atoms using well‐tempered metadynamics (WTMetaD) simulations. The findings show that modifying either the transition metal or the chalcogen atoms significantly affects the free energy barriers (ΔF) and, consequently, the self‐diffusion of hydrogen atoms between the 2DC layers. In the polytype (2H stacking), MoSe2 exhibits the lowest ΔF, while WS2 has the highest, resulting in the largest D for the former system. Additionally, hydrogen atoms inside the (or 3R) polytype encounter more than twice lower energy barriers and, thus, much higher diffusivity compared to those within the most stable stacking. These findings are particularly significant when investigating twisted layers or homo‐ or heterostructures, as different stacking areas may dominate over others, potentially leading to directional transport and interesting materials for ion or atom sieving.
Human biology and the study of precarity: How the intersection of uncertainty and inequality is taking us to new extremes
Authors: Hoke Morgan K. , Long Anneliese M.
Published: December 2023

Inequality represents an extreme environment to which humans must respond. One phenomenon that contributes to this growing extreme is precarity or the intersection of uncertainty and some form of inequality. While precarity has an important intellectual history in the fields of sociology and sociocultural anthropology, it has not been well studied in the field of human biology. Rather human biologists have engaged with the study of closely related concepts such as uncertainty and resource insecurity. In this article, we propose that human biology take on the study of precarity as a novel way of investigating inequality. We first provide a brief intellectual history of precarity which is followed by a review of research on uncertainty and resource security in human biology which, while not exhaustive, illustrates some key gaps that precarity may aid us in addressing. We then review some of the pathways through which precarity comes to affect human biology and health and some of the evidence for why the unpredictable nature of precarity may make it a unique physiological stress. A case study based on research in Nuñoa, Peru provides an important example of how precarity can elucidate the influences of health in an extreme setting, albeit with insights that apply more broadly. We conclude that precarity holds important potential for the study of human biology, including helping us more effectively operationalize and study uncertainty, encouraging us to explore the predictability of resources and stressors, and reminding us to think about the intersectional nature of stressors.
Retention of American Indian and Alaska Native participants in the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set
Authors: Conniff Kyle R. , Grill Joshua D. , Gillen Daniel L.
Published: December 2023

INTRODUCTION

The number of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) elders is expected to double by 2060. Thus it is imperative to retain AI/AN participants in longitudinal research studies to identify novel risk factors and potential targets for intervention for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in these communities.

METHODS

The National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center houses uniformly collected longitudinal data from the network of National Institute on Aging (NIA)–funded Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers (ADRCs). We used logistic regression to quantify participant retention at 43 ADRCs, comparing self‐identified AI/AN participants to non‐Hispanic White (NHW) participants, adjusting for potential confounding factors including baseline diagnosis, age, sex, education, and smoking.

RESULTS

The odds of AI/AN participant retention at the first follow‐up visit were significantly lower than those for NHW participants (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.599; 95%: 0.46–0.78; p < 0.001).

DISCUSSION

These results suggest the need for improved strategies to retain AI/AN participants, perhaps including improved researcher–community relationships and community engagement and education.

Highlights

American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) research participants were retained to the first follow‐up appointment at lower rates than non‐Hispanic White (NHW) participants.

AI/AN participants are retained at lower rates than NHW participants for long‐term follow‐up.

The majority of AI/AN participants were not retained to the second follow‐up visit.
Whole‐Body Muscle Magnetic Resonance Imaging in 81 Patients with Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy: A Prospective Study
Authors: Kim Hyunjin , Seo Incheol , Kang Minsung , Park Jin‐Mo , Seok Hung Youl , Kim Sohyeon , Park Jin‐Sung
Published: December 2023

Objective

Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) is characterized by slow, progressive bulbar and limb muscle weakness; however, the pattern of progression of muscle fat infiltration remains unclear. We assessed the progression of muscle involvement in 81 patients with SBMA using whole‐body muscle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), alongside clinical and laboratory findings.

Methods

This prospective study included patients with genetically confirmed SBMA who underwent whole‐body muscle MRI. We analyzed muscle fat infiltration and the pattern of involved muscles using cluster analysis, visualizing the sequential progression of fat infiltration. Muscle clusters demonstrated correlation with clinical scales and laboratory findings. Additionally, linear regression analysis was performed to identify the MRI section most strongly associated with 6‐minute walk test (6MWT).

Results

We included 81 patients with SBMA (age = 54.3 years). After categorizing the patients into 6 clusters based on the pattern of muscle fat infiltration, we observed that muscle involvement began in the posterior calf and progressed to the posterior thigh, pelvis, trunk, anterior thigh, medial thigh, anterior calf, and upper extremity muscles. These muscle clusters correlated significantly with disease duration (τ = 0.47, p < 0.001), 6MWT (τ = −0.49, p < 0.001), and serum creatinine level (τ = −0.46, p < 0.001). The whole‐body MRI indicated the thigh as the section most significantly correlated with 6MWT.

Interpretation

We used whole‐body muscle MRI to determine the sequential progression of the fat infiltration in SBMA. Our findings may enable the identification of objective and reliable imaging outcome measures in the study of the natural history or future clinical trials of SBMA. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:596–606
Analysis of highly frequent point mutations in glycoprotein C, glycoprotein N, and nucleoprotein of CCHFV
Authors: Kaushal Neha , Baranwal Manoj
Published: December 2023

Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is classified among top 10 priority pathogens by World Health Organization. CCHFV belongs to Bunyaviridae family and negative sense ssRNA genome composed of three RNA segments: L, M, and S. RNA viruses show higher mutation rate as compared to DNA viruses. To gain deeper understanding of impact of point mutations in CCHFV M and S segment, mutation profiling, homology modeling, and molecular dynamic (MD) simulation were performed. Structural glycoproteins (glycoprotein C [Gc] and glycoprotein N [Gn]) of CCHFV are important for host–virus interaction and genome packaging, whereas CCHFV nucleoprotein (NP) is crucial for viral replication. Hence, current study is focused on evaluation of eight mutations in structural glycoproteins (Gc: 7 and Gn: 1) of M segment and seven mutations in NP of S segment. All these mutations were highly frequent, with mutation frequency between 0.81 and 1.0 and found to be persistent in the recent strains of CCHFV. Solubility analysis predicted that selected point mutations reduce solubility of Gc protein and increase solubility of Gn and NP proteins. MD simulation study deciphered that A1046V and G1158E in Gc protein, I778T in Gn protein, and H195R in NP protein displayed large deviation and fluctuation, and affected intramolecular interactions. In conclusion, we observed that point mutations could impact structure, stability, and host–virus interaction of protein, and might lead to evolution of new strains for better survival and drug resistance.
New pyrrolo[3,2‐b]pyrroles with AIE characteristics for detection of dichloromethane and chloroform
Authors: Yu Shuning , Li Shaoling , Xie Zhixin , Liu Wei , Islam Md. Monarul , Redshaw Carl , Cao Mei Juan , Chen Qing , Feng Xing
Published: December 2023

Three new pyrrolo[3,2‐b]pyrrole derivatives containing methoxyphenyl, pyrene or tetraphenylethylene (TPE) units (compounds 1–3) have been designed, synthesized and fully characterized. The aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) properties of compounds 1–3 were tested in different water fraction (fw) of tetrahydrofuran (THF). The pyrrolo[3,2‐b]pyrrole derivative 3 containing TPE units exhibited typical AIE features with an enhanced emission (∼32‐fold) in the solid state versus in solution; compounds 1 and 2 exhibited an aggregation‐caused quenching effect. In addition, the steric and electronic effects of the peripheral moieties on the emission behavior, both in solution and in the solid state, have been investigated. Moreover, pyrrolo[3,2‐b]pyrrole 1 exhibits high sensitivity and selectivity for dichloromethane and chloroform solvents, with the system displaying a new emission peak and fast response time under ultraviolet irradiation.
A case of oral tuberculous ulcer and literature review
Authors: Tang Juan , Zuo Jinhua , Fu Honghai
Published: December 2023

Key Clinical Message

Our purpose is to clearly diagnose the tongue and back tuberculosis ulcer through detailed medical history collection combined with examination, so as to provide certain experience for the diagnosis and treatment of oral tuberculosis.
A case of Behçet's disease with unusual cardiovascular complications
Authors: Randrianarisoa Rova Malala Fandresena , Rakotonirina Lalao Nomenjanahary , Ravelonjatovo Mirantosoa Fabiola , Andrianjanaka Nofihinina Joharisantatra , Habib Nouraly , Randriamihangy Narindrarimanana Avisoa
Published: December 2023

Key Clinical Message

Behçet's disease should be suspected in young adults who present with heart failure and/or vascular lesions. Cardiac involvement and mesenteric artery aneurysm are rare but should be recognized because of their severity.
PROTOCOL: Effectiveness of home‐based interventions to prevent child neglect: A systematic review
Authors: Li Yanfei , Li Rui , Li Meixuan , Bing Zhitong , Li Xiuxia , Yang Kehu
Published: December 2023

This is the protocol for a Campbell systematic review. The objectives are as follows. The objectives of the present study are to answer the following questions: (1) What types of home‐based interventions are currently being studied to prevent child neglect? (2) How effective are the different home‐based interventions for preventing child neglect? (3) What are the causes of heterogeneity among included studies and their impact on study effects?
Effect of pulp capping materials on odontogenic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells: An in vitro study
Authors: Bakr Mahmoud M. , Shamel Mohamed , Raafat Shereen N. , Love Robert M. , Al‐Ankily Mahmoud M.
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Migration and differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) is a vital and key factor in the success of reparative dentin formation for maintenance of pulp vitality. Pulp capping materials are used to stimulate DPSCs to induce new dentin formation. Thus, the aim of the present study was to compare the response of DPSCs to four commercially available pulp capping materials: a bioactive bioceramic (Material 1), a nonresinous ready‐to‐use bioceramic cement (Material 2), a bioactive composite (Material 3), and a biocompatible, dual‐cured, resin‐modified calcium silicate (Material 4).

Materials and Methods

hDPSCs were isolated and cultured from freshly extracted teeth and were then characterized by flow cytometry and multilineage differentiation. Discs prepared from pulp capping materials were tested with hDPSCs and MTT (3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay, cell migration assay and odontogenic differentiation assay was performed. Expression of osteogenic markers (osteopontin, RUNX family transcription factor 2, osteocalcin) and the odontogenic marker (dentin sialophosphoprotein) was detected using reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Materials 1, 2, and 3 generated more cell viability than Material 4. Furthermore, Material 4 showed the least wound exposure percentage, while Material 3 showed the highest percentage. Enhanced mineralization was found in hDSCPs cultured with Material 3, followed by Material 1, and then Material 2, while Material 4 revealed the least calcified mineralization.

Conclusions

The results of this study were inconclusive regards contemporary bioceramic materials designed for vital pulp therapy as they have different effects on hDPSC. Further testing for cytotoxicity using live‐dead staining, animal experiments, clinical trials, and independent analyses of these biomaterials is necessary for clinicians to make an informed decision for their use.
Optimization of extraction conditions for the maximum recovery of L‐theanine from tea leaves: Comparison of black, green, and white tea
Authors: Allameh Mina , Orsat Valérie
Published: December 2023

Background

The caffeine content of tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze) can counteract the anti‐anxiety effects of L‐theanine. This study aims to find out the extraction method of L‐theanine and caffeine from tea leaves to obtain the highest L‐theanine and the lowest caffeine content. For this purpose, L‐theanine and caffeine contents from three tea types (white, black and green) were extracted under different time and temperature conditions and their levels were determined in a single high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. Also, this study is the first to attempt to optimize the tea extraction conditions by maximizing the ratio of L‐theanine to caffeine concentration.

Results

The results show that white tea extracted for 5 min at high temperatures (90–100°C) had the highest L‐theanine level (21.52 mg/mL). Whereas, white tea, extracted for 5 min at low temperatures (10–11°C), had negligible caffeine (0.006 mg/mL). The caffeine content was relatively high in the extracts prepared from all types of tea under high temperatures (90–100°C). Whereas, caffeine level was low in tea extracted at low temperatures. The L‐theanine‐to‐caffeine ratio was largest for white tea extracted at 10–11°C for 5 min (L‐theanine/caffeine ratio > 200), and this ratio was lowest (0.96) for black tea extracted at 90–100°C for 30 min.

Conclusion

According to these data, the temperature and time of extraction have significant effects on the amount of L‐theanine and caffeine extracted from Camellia sinensis (tea). In addition, white tea drinks prepared for 5 min at 10–11°C, could be recommended to people intolerant of caffeine side effects.
Trends in Head and Neck Injuries Related to Electric Versus Pedal Bicycle Use in the United States
Authors: Williams Lauren C. , Kafle Samipya , Lee Yan H.
Published: December 2023

Objectives

To describe the incidence of head and neck trauma related to electric bicycles and to characterize head and neck injury patterns seen in electric bicycle (eBike) users versus pedal bicyclists in the United States.

Methods

The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) was queried from 2009 to 2020 for patients with head and neck injuries related to electric and pedal bicycles. Extracted data included patient demographics, injury patterns, hospital admission, and helmet use. Univariate chi‐squared analyses were performed to compare demographics and injury patterns between bicycle groups. Effect sizes were reported with Cramer V values (V).

Results

The incidence of eBike‐related head and neck injuries increased from 2993 in 2009 to 9916 in 2020. Compared to pedal bicycle users, eBike users were more likely to have head injuries (60.4% vs. 52.0%) and fractures (10.9% vs. 6.0%), and were more likely to require hospitalization (20.6% vs. 10.4%). The effect size of helmet use was significantly greater in eBike users compared to pedal bicyclists when examining distributions of age group (V = 0.203 vs. V = 0.079), injury location (V = 0.220 vs. V = 0.082), and injury type (V = 0.162 vs. V = 0.059). Helmeted injuries in eBike users more commonly involved neck injuries and sprains, rather than head injuries and fractures.

Conclusion

Head and neck trauma related to eBike use is increasing in the United States. Injury patterns and admission rates reflect greater injury severity in eBike users compared to pedal bicyclists. Helmet use may be particularly beneficial in mitigating head and neck injury in eBike users.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:2734–2740, 2024
Enhancing properties and sustainability: Surface modified Cymbopogon flexuosus stem fiber for green composite materials
Authors: Somasundaram Raja , Somasundaram Meena , Ananchaperumal Premkumar , Suyambulingam Indran , Siengchin Suchart
Published: December 2023

The lignocellulosic fiber has distinct capacities and properties from diverse perspectives. As there is a crucial need for the development of green products, many industries are racing to identify potential fibers for their products. This work focuses first on the property enhancement using chemical modification techniques for Cymbopogon flexuosus stem fiber (CFS), which is extracted from the waste residue of an oil industry. The chemically treated fibers resulted in higher cellulose (77.35%) and lower hemicellulose‐lignin contents (8.36% and 14.5%), which favors composite manufacturing. Morphological analysis on the fiber surface through scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM) evidenced the surface was rough, and a single fiber tensile test reveals an average tensile strength of 635 ± 4.5 MPa. Further x‐ray diffraction examination verified the existence of semi‐crystalline cellulose with a size of 14.32 nm and a higher crystallinity index of 55.17%. Secondly, to explore fiber prospective qualities against the commercially available bio‐composite, epoxy resin‐based composites were prepared by varying the weight and length of fiber reinforced. The surface‐modified CFS epoxy composite has the highest tensile strength (77.71 MPa), tensile modulus (5.26 Gpa), flexural strength (87.4 MPa), flexural modulus (1.85 GPa), hardness (64 HRRW), and impact strength (9.31 J/cm2). The thermogravimetric analyses were evaluated to assess their weight loss under heat influence. Tensile fractography was also investigated to establish the structure–property relationship between the composite and fiber. Thus, unique fiber was identified as an ecologically benign and economically viable raw material to build lightweight green materials for industrial applications.

Highlights

Studies explores the potential of CFSF, which is typically an industrial waste.

Chemical modification reveals the enhancement of properties.

Identifies optimum parameters that enhance composite properties.

This aligns with the broader trend of sustainable and green manufacturing.
The effect of adhesively bonded external hybrid patches on the residual strength of repaired glass/epoxy‐curved laminates
Authors: Venkatesan Dinesh Babu , Vellayaraj Arumugam
Published: December 2023

Composite materials are increasingly used in aircraft structural components with complex structures like L, C, or T shapes, which can cause delamination failure in the thickness direction under complex loading. This research focuses on the experimental investigation of the effect of different adhesive reinforcement phases with an adhesively bonded external patch to examine the residual strength and delamination resistance of repaired glass/epoxy curved samples. The damaged region in curved samples was repaired using adhesive reinforcement phases like neat epoxy, chopped glass fiber, and particulate glass fiber, along with adhesively bonded external patches like hybrid patches of glass/Kevlar (HP G/K), glass/carbon (HP G/C), and intraply patch carbon/Kevlar (IP C/K). The findings show that chopped glass fiber HP G/C patch‐repaired curved samples had a curved beam strength (CBS) and interlaminar tensile strength (ILTS) recovery of 222.87% and 149.54%, respectively, as compared to damage area removed samples. In addition, it exhibited higher peak force, residual strength, and less elongation when compared to HP G/K and IP C/K patch‐repaired curved samples. According to the findings of this research, composite angle brackets in aircraft structural components can be repaired utilizing an adhesively bonded HP G/C patch filled with chopped glass fiber at the dressed site.

Highlights

The effect of patch hybridization on repaired curved laminates was studied.

Four‐point bending test was conducted on indented and repaired samples.

Residual strength and delamination behavior were studied.

Chopped glass fiber HP G/C patch repaired samples had higher CBS and ILTS.

Delamination onset and propagation were assessed using Photographic images.
Efficient screening of pancreatic lipase inhibitors from Rheum palmatum by affinity ultrafiltration–high‐performance liquid chromatography combined with high‐resolution inhibition profiling
Authors: Quan Sihua , Wen Mengyi , Xu Ping , Chu Chu , Zhang Hui , Yang Kai , Tong Shengqiang
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Pancreatic lipase is one of the most important key targets in the treatment of obesity. Inhibition of pancreatic lipase can effectively reduce lipid absorption and treat obesity and other related metabolic disorders.

Objectives

The goal of this study is the efficient screening of pancreatic lipase inhibitors in the root and rhizome of Rheum palmatum using affinity ultrafiltration–high‐performance liquid chromatography (AUF‐HPLC) combined with high‐resolution inhibition profiling (HRIP).

Methods

Potential pancreatic lipase ligands and pancreatic lipase inhibitors in ethyl acetate fraction of R. palmatum were screened using AUF‐HPLC and HRIP, respectively. All screened compounds were identified by HPLC– quadrupole time‐of‐flight (Q‐TOF)/MS. Eight compounds were screened out by both AUF‐HPLC and HRIP, and six compounds were screened out by either AUF‐HPLC or HRIP alone. The pancreatic lipase inhibitory activities of all screened compounds were verified by enzyme inhibition assay and molecular docking.

Results

Five new potent pancreatic lipase inhibitors were discovered, namely procyanidin B5 3,3′‐di‐O‐gallate (IC50 = 0.06 ± 0.01 μM), 1,6‐di‐O‐galloyl‐2‐O‐cinnamoyl‐β‐D‐glucoside (IC50 = 12.83 ± 0.67 μM), 1‐O‐(1,3,5‐trihydroxy)phenyl‐2‐O‐galloyl‐6‐O‐cinnamoyl‐β‐D‐glucoside (IC50 = 17.84 ± 1.33 μM), 1,2‐di‐O‐galloyl‐6‐O‐cinnamoyl‐β‐D‐glucoside (IC50 = 18.39 ± 1.52 μM), and 4‐(4′‐hydroxyphenyl)‐2‐butanone‐4’‐O‐β‐D‐(2”‐O‐galloyl‐6”‐O‐cinnamoyl)‐glucoside (IC50 = 2.91 ± 0.40 μM). It was found that procyanidin B5 3,3′‐di‐O‐gallate showed higher pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity than the positive control orlistat (IC50 = 0.12 ± 0.02 μM).

Conclusion

The combination of affinity ultrafiltration–high‐performance liquid chromatography (AUF‐HPLC) and high‐resolution inhibition profiling (HRIP) could reduce the risk of false‐negative screening and missed screening and could achieve more efficient screening of bioactive compounds in complex natural products.
Atomic Pyridinic Nitrogen as Highly Active Metal‐Free Coordination Sites at the Biotic‐Abiotic Interface for Bio‐Electrochemical CO2 Reduction
Authors: Xia Rongxin , Cheng Jun , Chen Zhuo , Zhang Ze , Zhou Xinyi , Zhou Junhu , Zhang Meng
Published: December 2023

Bio‐electrochemical conversion of anthropogenic CO2 into value‐added products using cost‐effective metal‐free catalysts represents a promising strategy for sustainable fuel production. Herein, N‐doped carbon nanosheets synthesized via pyrolysis of the zeolitic‐imidazolate framework (ZIF) are developed for constructing efficient biohybrids to facilitate CO2‐to‐CH4 conversion. The microbial enrichment and bio‐interfacial charge transfer are significantly affected by the proportion of the co‐existed graphitic‐N, pyridinic‐N, and pyrrolic‐N in the defective carbon nanosheets. It is unfolded that pyridinic‐N and pyrrolic‐N with the doped N atoms near the edge can significantly enhance the adsorption of their adjacent C atoms toward O, leading to improved microbe enrichment. Especially, pyridinic‐N which can provide one p electron to the aromatic π system, greatly enhances the electron‐donating capability of the carbon nanosheets to the microorganisms. Correspondingly, due to its largest amount of pyridinic‐N doping, the N‐doped carbon nanosheets derived from ZIF pyrolysis at 900 °C (denoted 900‐NC) achieve the highest methane production of ≈215.7 mmol m−2 day−1 with a high selectivity (Faradaic efficiency = ≈94.2%) at −0.9 V versus Ag/AgCl. This work demonstrates the effectiveness of N‐doped carbon catalysts for bio‐electrochemical CO2 fixation and contributes to the understanding of N functionalities toward microbiome response and biotic‐abiotic charge transfer in various bio‐electrochemical systems.
PVDF‐HFP via Localized Iodization as Interface Layer for All‐Solid–State Lithium Batteries with Li6PS5Cl Films
Authors: Liu Tao , Zhang Lin , Li Yuanyuan , Zhang Xinran , Zhao Guoqing , Zhang Shengnan , Ma Yunfei , Lai Kangrong , Li Jianwei , Ci Lijie
Published: December 2023

All‐solid lithium (Li) metal batteries (ASSLBs) with sulfide‐based solid electrolyte (SEs) films exhibit excellent electrochemical performance, rendering them capable of satisfying the growing demand for energy storage systems. However, challenges persist in the application of SEs film owing to their reactivity with Li metal and uncontrolled formation of lithium dendrites. In this study, iodine‐doped poly(vinylidenefluoride‐hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF‐HFP) as an interlayer (PHI) to establish a stable interphase between Li metal and Li6PS5Cl (LPSCl) films is investigated. The release of I ions and PVDF‐HFP produces LiI and LiF, effectively suppressing lithium dendrite growth. Density functional theory calculations show that the synthesized interlayer layer exhibits high interfacial energy. Results show that the PHI@Li/LPSCl film/PHI@Li symmetrical cells can cycle for more than 650 h at 0.1 mA cm−2. The PHI@Li/LPSCl film/NCM622 cell exhibits a distinct enhancement in capacity retention of ≈26% when using LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 (NCM622) as the cathode, compared to pristine Li metal as the anode. This study presents a feasible method for producing next‐generation dendrite‐free SEs films, promoting their practical use in ASSLBs.
In Situ Constructing Robust and Highly Conductive Solid Electrolyte with Tailored Interfacial Chemistry for Durable Li Metal Batteries
Authors: Jin Yingmin , Li Yumeng , Lin Ruifan , Zhang Xuebai , Shuai Yong , Xiong Yueping
Published: December 2023

Employing nanofiber framework for in situ polymerized solid‐state lithium metal batteries (SSLMBs) is impeded by the insufficient Li+ transport properties and severe dendritic Li growth. Both critical issues originate from the shortage of Li+ conduction highways and nonuniform Li+ flux, as randomly‐scattered nanofiber backbone is highly prone to slippage during battery assembly. Herein, a robust fabric of Li0.33La0.56Ce0.06Ti0.94O3‐δ/polyacrylonitrile framework (p‐LLCTO/PAN) with inbuilt Li+ transport channels and high interfacial Li+ flux is reported to manipulate the critical current density of SSLMBs. Upon the merits of defective LLCTO fillers, TFSI− confinement and linear alignment of Li+ conduction pathways are realized inside 1D p‐LLCTO/PAN tunnels, enabling remarkable ionic conductivity of 1.21 mS cm−1 (26 °C) and tLi+ of 0.93 for in situ polymerized polyvinylene carbonate (PVC) electrolyte. Specifically, molecular reinforcement protocol on PAN framework further rearranges the Li+ highway distribution on Li metal and alters Li dendrite nucleation pattern, boosting a homogeneous Li deposition behavior with favorable SEI interface chemistry. Accordingly, excellent capacity retention of 76.7% over 1000 cycles at 2 C for Li||LiFePO4 battery and 76.2% over 500 cycles at 1 C for Li||LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 battery are delivered by p‐LLCTO/PAN/PVC electrolyte, presenting feasible route in overcoming the bottleneck of dendrite penetration in in situ polymerized SSLMBs.
Cu Tailoring Pt Enables Branched‐Structured Electrocatalysts with High Concave Surface Curvature Toward Efficient Methanol Oxidation
Authors: Sun Yidan , Zhang Shukang , Sun Shangqing , Wu Liang , Tian Jie , Wu Yuping , Chen Yuhui , Liu Xiaojing
Published: December 2023

Surface engineering offers opportunities for the design and synthesis of Pt‐based alloyed electrocatalysts with high mass activity and resistance to CO poisoning, which is of great significance for methanol electrooxidation. Surface curvature regulation may endow electrocatalysts with enhanced atomic utilization and abundance of unsaturated atoms; however, a reliable synthetic route for controlled construction of tailorable curved surface is still lacking. Here, a colloidal‐chemical method to synthesize two types of PtCu branched‐structured electrocatalysts, where the concave curvature can be customized is reported. These studies show that, among various synthesis parameters, the concentration of CuCl2·2H2O precursor is the key factor in manipulating the reaction kinetics and determining the concave surface curvature. Significantly, PtCu branched nanocrystals with long and sharp arms (PtCu BNCs‐L), featuring a high concave surface curvature, exhibit remarkable activity and stability toward MOR, which is mainly attributed to advanced features of a highly concave surface and the synergistically bifunctional effect from introduced oxophilic Cu metal. In situ Raman spectroscopy and CO stripping test demonstrates weakened CO adsorption and accelerated CO removal on PtCu BNCs‐L. This work highlights the importance of surface curvature, opening up an appealing route for the design and synthesis of advanced electrocatalysts with well‐defined surface configurations.
Molten‐Salt Electrochemical Preparation of Co2B/MoB2 Heterostructured Nanoclusters for Boosted pH‐Universal Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Liu Xianglin , Yao Yuanpeng , Li Wenting , Zhang Yu , Liu Ze , Yin Huayi , Wang Dihua
Published: December 2023

Boosting the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity of α‐MoB2 at large current densities and in pH‐universal medium is significant for efficient hydrogen production. In this work, Co2B/MoB2 heterostructured nanoclusters are prepared by molten‐salt electrolysis (MSE) and then used as a HER catalyst. The composition, structure, and morphology of Co2B/MoB2 can be modulated by altering the stoichiometries of raw materials and synthesis temperatures. Impressively, the obtained Co2B/MoB2 at optimized conditions exhibits a low overpotential of 297 and 304 mV at 500 mA cm−2 in 0.5 m H2SO4 and 1 m KOH, respectively. Moreover, the Co2B/MoB2 catalyst possesses a long‐term catalytic stability of over 190 h in both acidic and alkaline medium. The excellent HER performance is due to the modified electronic structure at the Co2B/MoB2 heterointerface where electrons are accumulated at the Mo sites to strengthen the H adsorption. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the formation of the Co2B/MoB2 heterointerface decreases the H adsorption and H2O dissociation free energies, contributing to the boosted HER intrinsic catalytic activity of Co2B/MoB2. Overall, this work provides an experimental and theoretical paradigm for the design of efficient pH‐universal boride heterostructure electrocatalysts.
Anthropogenic Influence on Decadal Changes in Concurrent Hot and Dry Events over China around the Mid-1990s
Authors: Su Qin , Dong Buwen , Tian Fangxing , Klingaman Nicholas P.
Published: December 2023

The frequency and duration of observed concurrent hot and dry events (HDEs) over China during the growing season (April–September) exhibit significant decadal changes across the mid-1990s. These changes are characterized by increases in HDE frequency and duration over most of China, with relatively large increases over southeastern China (SEC), northern China (NC), and northeastern China (NEC). The frequency of HDEs averaged over China in the present day (PD, 1994–2011) is double that in the early period (EP, 1964–81); the duration of HDEs increases by 60%. Climate experiments with the Met Office Unified Model (MetUM-GOML2) are used to estimate the contributions of anthropogenic forcing to HDE decadal changes over China. Anthropogenic forcing changes can explain 60%–70% of the observed decadal changes, suggesting an important anthropogenic influence on HDE changes over China across the mid-1990s. Single-forcing experiments indicate that the increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations dominates the simulated decadal changes, increasing the frequency and duration of HDEs throughout China. The change in anthropogenic aerosol (AA) emissions significantly decreases the frequency and duration of HDEs over SEC and NC, but the magnitude of the decrease is much smaller than the increase induced by GHGs. The changes in HDEs in response to anthropogenic forcing are mainly due to the response of climatological mean surface air temperatures. The contributions from changes in variability and changes in climatological mean soil moisture and evapotranspiration are relatively small. The physical processes associated with the response of HDEs to GHG and AA changes are also revealed.
Well-Posedness for the Extended Schrödinger–Benjamin–Ono System
Authors: Linares Felipe , Mendez Argenis J. , Pilod Didier
Published: December 2023

In this work we prove that the initial value problem associated to the Schrödinger–Benjamin–Ono type system $$\begin{aligned} {\left\{ \begin{array}{ll} \textrm{i}\partial _{t}u+ \partial _{x}^{2} u= uv+ \beta u|u|^{2}, \\ \partial _{t}v-\mathcal {H}_{x}\partial _{x}^{2}v+ \rho v\partial _{x}v=\partial _{x}(|u|^{2})\\ u(x,0)=u_{0}(x), \quad v(x,0)=v_{0}(x), \end{array}\right. } \end{aligned}$$

i

∂
t

u
+

∂

x

2

u
=
u
v
+
β
u

|
u
|

2

,

∂
t

v
-

H
x

∂

x

2

v
+
ρ
v

∂
x

v
=

∂
x

(
|
u
|

2

)

u

(
x
,
0
)

=

u
0

(
x
)

,

v

(
x
,
0
)

=

v
0

(
x
)

,

with $$\beta ,\rho \in \mathbb {R}$$

β
,
ρ
∈
R

is locally well-posed for initial data $$(u_{0},v_{0})\in H^{s+\frac{1}{2}}(\mathbb {R})\times H^{s}(\mathbb {R})$$

(

u
0

,

v
0

)

∈

H

s
+

1
2

(
R
)

×

H
s

(
R
)

for $$s>\frac{5}{4}$$

s
>

5
4

. Our method of proof relies on energy methods and compactness arguments. However, due to the lack of symmetry of the nonlinearity, the usual energy has to be modified to cancel out some bad terms appearing in the estimates. Finally, in order to lower the regularity below the Sobolev threshold $$s=\frac{3}{2}$$

s
=

3
2

, we employ a refined Strichartz estimate introduced in the Benjamin–Ono setting by Koch and Tzvetkov, and further developed by Kenig and Koenig.
Mutation analysis for evaluating code translation
Authors: Guizzo Giovani , Zhang Jie M. , Sarro Federica , Treude Christoph , Harman Mark
Published: December 2023

Source-to-source code translation automatically translates a program from one programming language to another. The existing research on code translation evaluates the effectiveness of their approaches by using either syntactic similarities (e.g., BLEU score), or test execution results. The former does not consider semantics, the latter considers semantics but falls short on the problem of insufficient data and tests. In this paper, we propose MBTA (Mutation-based Code Translation Analysis), a novel application of mutation analysis for code translation assessment. We also introduce MTS (Mutation-based Translation Score), a measure to compute the level of trustworthiness of a translator. If a mutant of an input program shows different test execution results from its translated version, the mutant is killed and a translation bug is revealed. Fewer killed mutants indicate better code translation. MBTA is novel in the sense that mutants are compared to their translated counterparts, and not to their original program’s translation. We conduct a proof-of-concept case study with 612 Java-Python program pairs and 75,082 mutants on the code translators TransCoder and j2py to evaluate the feasibility of MBTA. The results reveal that TransCoder and j2py fail to translate 70.44% and 70.64% of the mutants, respectively, i.e., more than two-thirds of all mutants are incorrectly translated by these translators. By analysing the MTS results more closely, we were able to reveal translation bugs not captured by the conventional comparison between the original and translated programs.
Learners’ mathematical identities: exploring relationships between high school learners and significant others
Authors: Gweshe Lovejoy Comfort , Brodie Karin
Published: December 2023

Many researchers have tried to understand why some learners engage in and others disengage from mathematics by exploring learners’ mathematical identities. Significant others (i.e., teachers, peers and family members) offer learners’ different opportunities for mathematical identity support, but no study has explored their collective role in supporting or constraining learners’ identities. In this paper, we explore how relationships between high school learners and different groups of significant others shaped learners’ narrated mathematical identities. Fifty Grade 10 learners responded to a mathematical identity questionnaire. After analysing the results of the questionnaire, six learners were purposively selected for a semi-structured interview, and the interview data were analysed thematically. Identities are described as robust-leaning, mixed or fragile-leaning, depending on learners’ narrated confidence, persistence, beliefs and sense of belonging to or exclusion from mathematics communities. Relationships with teachers, peers and family members are described as robust-enhancing or fragile-enhancing, depending on the kind of identity encouraged by the relationships. The findings show that many learners narrated fragile-leaning identities, and all the learners showed some robustness and fragility in their identities. The more groups of significant others a learner developed robust-enhancing relationships with, the more likely the learner narrated a robust-leaning identity. We argue that understanding learners’ identities requires understanding their relationships with the three different groups of significant others as a collective.
Factors affecting the fatigue strength of additively manufactured Ti-6Al-4V parts
Authors: Johnsen Anders Rygg , Petersen Jan Erik , Pedersen Mikkel Melters , Yıldırım Halid Can
Published: December 2023

Additively manufactured Ti-6Al-4V parts may show better mechanical properties than those of cast and wrought materials. However there are significant uncertainties on the fatigue properties. In this study, a detailed analysis of Ti-6Al-4V parts was reviewed. A correlation on fatigue properties was observed based on microstructure, surface and internal quality. This relation was formulated in a developed model called MIS (Microstructure, Internal, Surface) that describes the domain of the AM part failing based on surface and internal quality. To assess the fatigue strength, correction factors are determined for two SN-curves within the limits provided.
Using the Police Craft to Improve Patrol Officer Decision-Making
Authors: Willis James J. , Toronjo Heather
Published: December 2023

In this Element we build on our previous work conceptualizing a craft learning model for governing police discretion. We envision a model for harnessing patrol officers' craft knowledge and skills, learned through experience handling similar street-level encounters over time, to the development of standards for evaluating the quality of their decision-making. To clarify the logic of this model and its potential for police reform, we situate it within the context of other systems of discretion control, including law, bureaucracy, science, and the community. We also consider obstacles. We conclude that police organizations need to balance the different strategies for channeling and controlling discretion toward the goal of advancing more transparent and principled decision-making. The challenge is finding a balance that helps prevent arbitrary, pernicious, or uncompromising uses of police authority, but that also empowers and rewards officers for using the skills of perception and resourcefulness that contribute to wise judgment.
For human-like models, train on human-like tasks
Authors: Hermann Katherine , Nayebi Aran , van Steenkiste Sjoerd , Jones Matt
Published: December 2023

Bowers et al. express skepticism about deep neural networks (DNNs) as models of human vision due to DNNs' failures to account for results from psychological research. We argue that to fairly assess DNNs, we must first train them on more human-like tasks which we hypothesize will induce more human-like behaviors and representations.
There is a fundamental, unbridgeable gap between DNNs and the visual cortex
Authors: Gur Moshe
Published: December 2023

Deep neural networks (DNNs) are not just inadequate models of the visual system but are so different in their structure and functionality that they are not even on the same playing field. DNN units have almost nothing in common with neurons, and, unlike visual neurons, they are often fully connected. At best, DNNs can label inputs, while our object perception is both holistic and detail preserving. A feat that no computational system can achieve.
Neural networks, AI, and the goals of modeling
Authors: Veit Walter , Browning Heather
Published: December 2023

Deep neural networks (DNNs) have found many useful applications in recent years. Of particular interest have been those instances where their successes imitate human cognition and many consider artificial intelligences to offer a lens for understanding human intelligence. Here, we criticize the underlying conflation between the predictive and explanatory power of DNNs by examining the goals of modeling.
Diverse Forests Store More Carbon Than Monocultures
Authors: Sidik Saima
Published: December 2023

Adding even just one more tree species can increase forest productivity, a new meta-analysis shows.
Present‐Day Regional Antarctic Sea Ice Response to Extratropical Cyclones
Authors: Ward Jamie L. , Payne Ashley E. , Pettersen C.
Published: December 2023

Both atmospheric warming and poleward moisture transport increase the likelihood of sea ice surface melt. In the Southern Hemisphere, short‐lived extratropical cyclones (ETCs) are responsible for a bulk of total heat and moisture transport toward high latitudes. Although these storms form ubiquitously in the midlatitudes, moisture availability and temperature characteristics vary by source region. In this study, we assess atmospheric, oceanic, and sea ice concentration (SIC) anomalies associated with austral winter ETCs over different Antarctic regions using ERA5 reanalysis data. Between 1990 and 2019, we find a total of 514 ETCs, with greater storm frequency in the eastern hemisphere groups. Compared to the climatology, sea ice melts (grows) behind the warm (cold) front of each system and is negatively correlated with atmospheric poleward moisture transport, temperature, meridional winds, and sea surface temperature for all ETCs. We find that Bellingshausen storms move moisture and warm air furthest poleward over their lifespan. However, East Weddell and East Antarctic ETCs are responsible for greater absolute poleward moisture transport than Bellingshausen and Ross systems. More intense ETCs correspond to greater SIC through Day 1, suggesting that SIC impacts ETC strength, regardless of ETC region. From cyclogenesis to cyclolysis, sea ice extent declines underneath composite ETCs, trends are generally not significant. Overall, while sea ice response produced by ETC‐induced atmospheric and oceanic changes varies regionally, the long‐term impacts of ETCs on regional sea ice are negligible over the study period.
Disentangling sensory precision and prior expectation of change in autism during tactile discrimination
Authors: Sapey-Triomphe Laurie-Anne , Sanchez Gaëtan , Hénaff Marie-Anne , Sonié Sandrine , Schmitz Christina , Mattout Jérémie
Published: December 2023

Predictive coding theories suggest that core symptoms in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) may stem from atypical mechanisms of perceptual inference (i.e., inferring the hidden causes of sensations). Specifically, there would be an imbalance in the precision or weight ascribed to sensory inputs relative to prior expectations. Using three tactile behavioral tasks and computational modeling, we specifically targeted the implicit dynamics of sensory adaptation and perceptual learning in ASD. Participants were neurotypical and autistic adults without intellectual disability. In Experiment I, tactile detection thresholds and adaptation effects were measured to assess sensory precision. Experiments II and III relied on two-alternative forced choice tasks designed to elicit a time-order effect, where prior knowledge biases perceptual decisions. Our results suggest a subtler explanation than a simple imbalance in the prior/sensory weights, having to do with the dynamic nature of perception, that is the adjustment of precision weights to context. Compared to neurotypicals, autistic adults showed no difference in average performance and sensory sensitivity. Both groups managed to implicitly learn and adjust a prior that biased their perception. However, depending on the context, autistic participants showed no, normal or slower adaptation, a phenomenon that computational modeling of trial-to-trial responses helped us to associate with a higher expectation for sameness in ASD, and to dissociate from another observed robust difference in terms of response bias. These results point to atypical perceptual learning rather than altered perceptual inference per se, calling for further empirical and computational studies to refine the current predictive coding theories of ASD.
Pre-hospital symptoms associated with acute bacterial meningitis differs between children and adults
Authors: Hovmand Nichlas , Christensen Helle Collatz , Lundbo Lene Fogt , Kronborg Gitte , Darsø Perle , Blomberg Stig Nikolaj Fasmer , Benfield Thomas
Published: December 2023

Community acquired bacterial meningitis (CABM) is a medical emergency requiring timely appropriate action. More knowledge about pre-hospital symptoms is needed. Retrospective observational study of pre-hospital management in patients with CABM between 2016 and 2021 admitted to a hospital in the Capital Region of Denmark. Reported symptoms were extracted from archived audio files of the initial phone call to emergency medical service. The majority of the 209 patients (82%) were adults. The most common symptoms were altered mental state (58%) and fever (57%), while neck stiffness was less common (9%). Children more often presented with fever, fatigue, rashes, and neck stiffness, while adults more often presented with altered mental state, and leg pain. Most patients (85%) reported at least 1 of the 3 symptoms in the classical triad of meningitis, while 3% reported all 3. Children more often presented at least 2 of 3 symptoms in the triad. One child (3%) and 7 adults (4%) received antibiotics pre-admission. Patients with CABM reported a variety of symptoms that differed significantly in children and adults. The classic triad was rare. Very few patients received antibiotics pre-admission. We suggest that questioning relevant symptoms should be done in febrile or mentally altered patients.