bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long‐lasting, reinforced electrical networking in a high‐loading Li2S cathode for high‐performance lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Kim Hun , Min Kyeong‐Jun , Bang Sangin , Hwang Jang‐Yeon , Kim Jung Ho , Yoon Chong S. , Sun Yang‐Kook
Published: January 2023

Realizing a lithium sulfide (Li2S) cathode with both high energy density and a long lifespan requires an innovative cathode design that maximizes electrochemical performance and resists electrode deterioration. Herein, a high‐loading Li2S‐based cathode with micrometric Li2S particles composed of two‐dimensional graphene (Gr) and one‐dimensional carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in a compact geometry is developed, and the role of CNTs in stable cycling of high‐capacity Li–S batteries is emphasized. In a dimensionally combined carbon matrix, CNTs embedded within the Gr sheets create robust and sustainable electron diffusion pathways while suppressing the passivation of the active carbon surface. As a unique point, during the first charging process, the proposed cathode is fully activated through the direct conversion of Li2S into S8 without inducing lithium polysulfide formation. The direct conversion of Li2S into S8 in the composite cathode is ubiquitously investigated using the combined study of in situ Raman spectroscopy, in situ optical microscopy, and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy. The composite cathode demonstrates unprecedented electrochemical properties even with a high Li2S loading of 10 mg cm–2; in particular, the practical and safe Li–S full cell coupled with a graphite anode shows ultra‐long‐term cycling stability over 800 cycles.
Polymer dispersed ionic liquid electrolytes with high ionic conductivity for ultrastable solid‐state lithium batteries
Authors: Qin Shengyu , Cao Yaping , Zhang Jianying , Ren Yunxiao , Sun Chang , Zhang Shuoning , Zhang Lanying , Hu Wei , Yu Meina , Yang Huai
Published: January 2023

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) have emerged as one of the most promising candidates for building solid‐state lithium batteries due to their excellent flexibility, scalability, and interfacial compatibility with electrodes. However, the low ionic conductivity and poor cyclic stability of SPEs do not meet the requirements for practical applications of lithium batteries. Here, a novel polymer dispersed ionic liquid‐based solid polymer electrolyte (PDIL‐SPE) is fabricated using the in situ polymerization‐induced phase separation (PIPS) method. The as‐prepared PDIL‐SPE possesses both outstanding ionic conductivity (0.74 mS cm−1 at 25°C) and a wide electrochemical window (up to 4.86 V), and the formed unique three‐dimensional (3D) co‐continuous structure of polymer matrix and ionic liquid in PDIL‐SPE can promote the transport of lithium ions. Also, the 3D co‐continuous structure of PDIL‐SPE effectively accommodates the severe volume expansion for prolonged lithium plating and stripping processes over 1000 h at 0.5 mA cm−2 under 25°C. Moreover, the LiFePO4//Li coin cell can work stably over 150 cycles at a 1 C rate under room temperature with a capacity retention of 90.6% from 111.1 to 100.7 mAh g−1. The PDIL‐SPE composite is a promising material system for enabling the ultrastable operation of solid‐state lithium‐metal batteries.
Light‐Triggered Control of Glucocerebrosidase Inhibitors: Towards Photoswitchable Pharmacological Chaperones
Authors: Clemente Francesca , Davighi Maria Giulia , Matassini Camilla , Cardona Francesca , Goti Andrea , Morrone Amelia , Paoli Paolo , Tejero Tomás , Merino Pedro , Cacciarini Martina
Published: January 2023

Piperidine‐based photoswitchable derivatives have been developed as putative pharmacological chaperones for glucocerebrosidase (GCase), the defective enzyme in Gaucher disease (GD). The structure‐activity study revealed that both the iminosugar and the light‐sensitive azobenzene are essential features to exert inhibitory activity towards human GCase and a system with the correct inhibition trend (IC50 of the light‐activated form lower than IC50 of the dark form) was identified. Kinetic analyses showed that all compounds are non‐competitive inhibitors (mixed or pure) of GCase and the enzyme allosteric site involved in the interaction was identified by means of MD simulations. A moderate activity enhancement of mutant GCase assessed in GD patients' fibroblasts (ex vivo experiments) carrying the most common mutation was recorded. This promising observation paves the way for further studies to improve the benefit of the light‐to‐dark thermal conversion for chaperoning activity.
Non‐Fullerene Electron Acceptors Based on Hybridisation of Corannulene and Thiophene‐S,S‐Dioxide Motifs
Authors: Báti Gábor , Csókás Dániel , Giurgi Gavril‐Ionel , Zhou Jingsong , Szolga Lorant A. , Webster Richard D. , Stuparu Mihaiela C.
Published: January 2023

Herein we show that hybridisation of buckybowl corannulene and thiophene‐S,S‐dioxide motifs is a general approach for the preparation of high electron affinity molecular materials. The devised synthesis is modular and relies on thienannulation of corannnulene‐based phenylacetylene scaffolds. The final compounds are highly soluble in common organic solvents. These compounds also exhibit interesting optical properties such as absorption and emission in the blue/green regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Importantly, a bis‐S,S‐dioxide derivative exhibits three reversible reductions similar in their strength to the prevalent fullerene‐based electron acceptor phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC61BM).
Labor oder Atelier
Authors: Gerhartz Wolfgang , Heribert Offermanns
Published: January 2023

Chemiker haben ein ganz spezielles Verhältnis zu Farben. Sie ermittelten die Struktur von natürlichen Farbstoffen, entwickelten Totalsynthesen, zum Beispiel Indigo, erfanden neue Farbstoffe wie Berliner Blau oder Phthalocyanine ohne Vorbild in der Natur und erarbeiteten Färbeverfahren. In der Analytik schufen sie Farbreaktionen. Den theoretischen Unterbau zur Erfassung, Verarbeitung, Ein‐ und Zuordnung von Farbphänomenen und Farbprinzipien sowie deren Anwendung auf unterschiedlichen Tätigkeitsfeldern erforschten viele bedeutende Naturwissenschaftler und schufen Farbenlehren, so Demokrit und Leonardo da Vinci. Besondere Bedeutung fanden die Farbenlehren von Johann Wolfgang von Goethe und Wilhelm Ostwald.

Die Krönung der Liebe zu den Farben ist wohl, wenn der Chemiker sein Labor auf Zeit oder auf Dauer verlässt, um in einem Atelier oder auch der freien Natur zu malen, sei es als freischaffender Künstler oder als Hobbymaler: Teil 1 „Chemiker und Maler“. Viele Chemiker haben sich auch als Kunstsammler profiliert und bedeutende Sammlungen zusammengetragen: Teil 2: Chemiker und Kunstsammler (in Vorbereitung).
Synthesis and characterization of polyolefin thermoplastic elastomers: A review
Authors: Sun Minghao , Xiao Yangke , Liu Kan , Yang Xuan , Liu Pingwei , Jie Suyun , Hu Jijiang , Shi Shengbin , Wang Qingyue , Lim Khak Ho , Liu Zhenxue , Li Bo‐Geng , Wang Wen‐Jun
Published: January 2023

Polyolefin thermoplastic elastomers (TPE‐Os) are high‐performance polyolefins consisting of both plastic and rubber phases. Compared with other thermoplastic elastomers, the TPE‐Os possess better chemical stability, transparency, re‐processability, and electrical insulation, which renders their broad applications possible. By manipulating chain structures and topologies of the TPE‐Os, differently structured polyolefins with improved thermal and mechanical properties have been developed, including ethylene and α‐olefin random copolymers (POEs), olefin block copolymers (OBCs), comb‐shaped polyolefin elastomers (CPOEs), and dynamically cross‐linked polyolefin elastomers. Herein, we review the synthesis of the POE, OBC, CPOE, and dynamical cross‐linked polyolefin elastomer, including the catalyst systems, polymerization techniques, processes, and kinetic modelling. The characterization of the TPE‐Os and the relationships between the TPE‐O chain structure, aggregated state, and product performance are discussed. The future development of higher‐performance TPE‐Os is envisaged.
The association of race/ethnicity in male breast cancer survival within similar comorbidity cohorts
Authors: Parise Carol A. , Caggiano Vincent
Published: January 2023

Background

Concomitant disease is associated with poor breast cancer survival in women and is more prevalent in racial/ethnic minority groups than individuals who are non‐Hispanic White. The purpose of this study was to determine if race/ethnicity is associated with survival among men with breast cancer when stratifying analyses by level of comorbidity.

Methods

We used the California Cancer Registry to identify 1730 cases of men and 259,828 cases of women with breast cancer and documented Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Kaplan–Meier survival and Cox regression analyses were used to compare breast cancer–specific survival and risk of mortality for African American/Black, Hispanic, and Asian/Pacific Islander men with White women and White men.

Results

When compared with White women, Black men with a CCI of 0 (hazard ratio [HR], 3.09; 95% CI, 1.10–1.16) and a CCI of 2+, (HR, 2.51; 95% CI, 1.42–4.42) had an increased risk of mortality when compared with White women. When compared with White men, African American men with a CCI of 0 (HR, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.45–3.85) and 2+ (HR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.26–4.74) had an increased unadjusted risk of mortality, but these disparities were neutralized when controlling for sociodemographic and clinical factors.

Conclusions

Black men with both low and high levels of concomitant disease have an increased risk of mortality when compared with both White men and women, but demographic and clinical factors are contributors to this disparity.
Blood vessel detection using enhanced DeepJoint fuzzy clustering algorithm with deep Maxout network for glaucoma detection
Authors: Rajeswari Ramasamy , Prabhakar Manickam , Padmapriya Govindhan , Santhosh Kumar Balan
Published: January 2023

Glaucoma became a leading reason for losing vision as it progresses in a gradual manner without any symptoms. The discovery of glaucoma at an earlier phase is imperative as it can help to accelerate the progress. The fundus images are an option for screening glaucoma and help to enable the observation of optic disc. The classical techniques are less accurate and time‐consuming. In this way, a highly accurate automatic glaucoma diagnosis is developed in this research. The noise in the images is eliminated during pre‐processing. Additionally, the DeepJoint model and improved fuzzy clustering technique are combined to develop the proposed Enhanced DeepJoint fuzzy clustering algorithm, which is used to segment blood vessels. The optic disc is additionally divided using black hole entropic fuzzy clustering (BHEFC). In order to identify glaucoma, the acquired segments are fed into a deep Maxout network that has been trained using the multi‐verse water rider optimization (MVRWO) algorithm. By combining the rider optimization algorithm, multi‐verse optimizer, and water wave optimization (WWO), the MVRWO is produced (ROA). The developed model has the greatest accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity scores, coming in at 93.91%, 95.61%, and 92.57% respectively.
Taylor ant lion optimization‐based generative adversarial networks for forecasting electricity consumption
Authors: Poongavanam Elumalaivasan , Kasinathan Padmanathan , Kanagasabai Kulothungan
Published: January 2023

This article proposes a Taylor ant lion optimization‐based generative adversarial method (TaylorALO‐based GAN) for predicting renewable energy. The proposed renewable energy prediction mechanism involves four different modules, namely, data transformation, extraction of technical indicator, feature selection, and the prediction. At first, the time‐series data is presented to data transformation module where the process is performed using Yeo–Johnson transformation. The transformed data is subjected to the technical indicator extraction module, where the technical indicators are efficiently extracted for further processing. After that, features are extracted based on wrapper selection model. Finally, renewable energy prediction is completed using GAN, which is trained using developed TaylorALO, which is the amalgamation of Taylor series and ant lion optimization algorithm (ALOA). The proposed technique achieved the better performance with the minimal mean square error (MSE) of 8.536 and minimal root mean square error of 2.921 based on per capita consumption.
Determining On‐Target, Off‐Target, and Copy Number Status of Transgenic Events After CRISPR/Cas9 Targeted AAVS1 Safe‐Harbor Modification of iPSCs Using Double‐Control Quantitative Copy Number PCR
Authors: Schjeide Brit‐Maren Michaud , Püschel Gerhard Paul
Published: January 2023

Double‐control quantitative copy number PCR (dc‐qcnPCR) is a recently described tool that can be used to quantify donor DNA insertions in genetically modified monoclonal cell lines. In conjunction with an insert‐confirmation PCR, the technique can quickly and easily identify clones containing on‐target heterozygous or homozygous donor DNA integrations and exclude off‐target insertions. The genetic manipulation of immortal cell lines is a versatile tool to elucidate cellular signaling pathways and protein functions. Despite recent advances in the precision of genetic engineering tools such as CRISPR/Cas9, transcription‐activator‐like effector nucleases (TALENs), and zinc‐finger nucleases (ZFNs), it is still essential to verify the accurate insertion of the sequence of interest (donor DNA) into the targeted genomic DNA (gDNA) locus. This precise integration into a genetic safe harbor, and exclusion of the donor DNA from functionally relevant genes, can ensure normal cellular functionality. Current methods to analyze the specificity of donor DNA insertions either are cost‐prohibitive or create dependency on manufacturers for assay design and production. The dc‐qcnPCR method is a simple, yet powerful, approach that can be prepared and carried out in any laboratory equipped with standard molecular biology supplies. Here we provide step‐by‐step instructions to prepare and perform the dc‐qcnPCR, and its companion insert‐confirmation PCR, to determine donor DNA insertion numbers in monoclonal cell lines genetically modified through CRISPR/Cas9. © 2023 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Genetic modification at AAVS1 safe harbor in induced pluripotent stem cells (IMR90‐4) using CRISPR/Cas9: from plasmid design to monoclonal expansion

Support Protocol 1: Measurement of Gaussia luciferase activity to verify reporter protein functionality

Support Protocol 2: Verification of monoclonal expansion using immunofluorescence.

Basic Protocol 2: Insert‐confirmation PCR

Basic Protocol 3: Design and preparation of double‐control quantitative copy number PCR reagents and quantification of donor DNA integrations in genetically modified monoclonal cells
Unsupervised Learning for the Segmentation of Small Crystalline Particles at the Atomic Level
Authors: Bárcena‐González Guillermo , Hernández‐Robles Andrei , Mayoral Álvaro , Martinez Lidia , Huttel Yves , Galindo Pedro L. , Ponce Arturo
Published: January 2023

Electron backscattering diffraction provides the analysis of crystalline phases at large scales (microns) while precession electron diffraction may be used to get 4D‐STEM data to elucidate structure at nanometric resolution. Both are limited by the probe size and also exhibit some difficulties for the generation of large datasets, given the inherent complexity of image acquisition. The latter appoints the application of advanced machine learning techniques, such as deep learning adapted for several tasks, including pattern matching, image segmentation, etc. This research aims to show how Gabor filters provide an appropriate feature extraction technique for electron microscopy images that could prevent the need of large volumes of data to train deep learning models. The work presented herein combines an algorithm based on Gabor filters for feature extraction and an unsupervised learning method to perform particle segmentation of polyhedral metallic nanoparticles and crystal orientation mapping at atomic scale. Experimental results have shown that Gabor filters are convenient for electron microscopy images analysis, that even a nonsupervised learning algorithm can provide remarkable results in crystal segmentation of individual nanoparticles. This approach enables its application to dynamic analysis of particle transformation recorded with aberration‐corrected microscopy, offering new possibilities of analysis at nanometric scale.
Novel acetic acid derivatives containing quinazolin‐4(3H)‐one ring: Synthesis, in vitro, and in silico evaluation of potent aldose reductase inhibitors
Authors: Tokalı Feyzi Sinan , Demir Yeliz , Türkeş Cüneyt , Dinçer Büşra , Beydemir Şükrü
Published: January 2023

Aldose reductase (AR) is a crucial enzyme of the polyol pathway through which glucose is metabolized under conditions of hyperglycemia related to diabetes. A series of novel acetic acid derivatives containing quinazolin‐4(3H)‐one ring (1–22) was synthesized and tested for in vitro AR inhibitory effect. All the target compounds exhibited nanomolar activity against the target enzyme, and all compounds displayed higher activity as compared to the reference drug epalrestat. Among them, Compound 19, named 2‐(4‐[(2‐[(4‐methylpiperazin‐1‐yl)methyl]‐4‐oxoquinazolin‐3(4H)‐ylimino)methyl]phenoxy)acetic acid, displayed the strongest inhibitory effect with a KI value of 61.20 ± 10.18 nM. Additionally, these compounds were investigated for activity against L929, nontumoral fibroblast cells, and MCF‐7, breast cancer cells using the MTT assay. Compounds 16 and 19 showed lower toxicity against the normal L929 cells. The synthesized compounds’ (1–22) absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion properties were also evaluated. Molecular docking simulations were used to look into the possible binding mechanisms of these inhibitors against AR.
Can vegetation be discretely classified in species‐poor environments? Testing plant community concepts for vegetation monitoring on sub‐Antarctic Marion Island
Authors: van der Merwe Stephni , Greve Michelle , Skowno Andrew Luke , Hoffman Michael Timm , Cramer Michael Denis
Published: January 2023

The updating and rethinking of vegetation classifications is important for ecosystem monitoring in a rapidly changing world, where the distribution of vegetation is changing. The general assumption that discrete and persistent plant communities exist that can be monitored efficiently, is rarely tested before undertaking a classification. Marion Island (MI) is comprised of species‐poor vegetation undergoing rapid environmental change. It presents a unique opportunity to test the ability to discretely classify species‐poor vegetation with recently developed objective classification techniques and relate it to previous classifications. We classified vascular species data of 476 plots sampled across MI, using Ward hierarchical clustering, divisive analysis clustering, non‐hierarchical kmeans and partitioning around medoids. Internal cluster validation was performed using silhouette widths, Dunn index, connectivity of clusters and gap statistic. Indicator species analyses were also conducted on the best performing clustering methods. We evaluated the outputs against previously classified units. Ward clustering performed the best, with the highest average silhouette width and Dunn index, as well as the lowest connectivity. The number of clusters differed amongst the clustering methods, but most validation measures, including for Ward clustering, indicated that two and three clusters are the best fit for the data. However, all classification methods produced weakly separated, highly connected clusters with low compactness and low fidelity and specificity to clusters. There was no particularly robust and effective classification outcome that could group plots into previously suggested vegetation units based on species composition alone. The relatively recent age (c. 450,000 years B.P.), glaciation history (last glacial maximum 34,500 years B.P.) and isolation of the sub‐Antarctic islands may have hindered the development of strong vascular plant species assemblages with discrete boundaries. Discrete classification at the community‐level using species composition may not be suitable in such species‐poor environments. Species‐level, rather than community‐level, monitoring may thus be more appropriate in species‐poor environments, aligning with continuum theory rather than community theory.
Evolution of a hybrid zone of two willow species (SalixL.) in the European Alps analyzed by RAD‐seq and morphometrics
Authors: Marinček Pia , Pittet Loïc , Wagner Natascha D. , Hörandl Elvira
Published: January 2023

Natural hybridization of plants can result in many outcomes with several evolutionary consequences, such as hybrid speciation and introgression. Natural hybrid zones can arise in mountain systems as a result of fluctuating climate during the exchange of glacial and interglacial periods, where species retract and expand their territories, resulting in secondary contacts. Willows are a large genus of woody plants with an immense capability of interspecific crossing. In this study, the sympatric area of two diploid sister species,S. foetidaandS. waldsteinianain the eastern European Alps, was investigated to study the genomic structure of populations within and outside their contact zone and to analyze congruence of morphological phenotypes with genetic data. Eleven populations of the two species were sampled across the Alps and examined using phylogenetic network and population genetic structure analyses of RAD Seq data and morphometric analyses of leaves. The results showed that a homoploid hybrid zone between the two species was established within their sympatric area. Patterns of genetic admixture in homoploid hybrids indicated introgression with asymmetric backcrossing to not only one of the parental species but also one hybrid population forming a separate lineage. The lack of F1 hybrids indicated a long‐term persistence of the hybrid populations. Insignificant isolation by distance suggests that gene flow can act over large geographical scales. Morphometric characteristics of hybrids supported the molecular data and clearly separated populations of the parental species, but showed intermediacy in the hybrid zone populations with a bias towardS. waldsteiniana. The homoploid hybrid zone might have been established via secondary contact hybridization, and its establishment was fostered by the low genetic divergence of parental species and a lack of strong intrinsic crossing barriers. Incomplete ecological separation and the ability of long‐distance dispersal of willows could have contributed to the spatial expansion of the hybrid zone.
Individual flowering phenology shapes plant–pollinator interactions across ecological scales affecting plant reproduction
Authors: Labonté Audrey , Monticelli Lucie S. , Turpin Mélinda , Felten Emeline , Laurent Emilien , Matejicek Annick , Biju‐Duval Luc , Ducourtieux Chantal , Vieren Eric , Deytieux Violaine , Cordeau Stéphane , Bohan David , Vanbergen Adam J.
Published: January 2023

The balance of pollination competition and facilitation among co‐flowering plants and abiotic resource availability can modify plant species and individual reproduction. Floral resource succession and spatial heterogeneity modulate plant–pollinator interactions across ecological scales (individual plant, local assemblage, and interaction network of agroecological infrastructure across the farm). Intraspecific variation in flowering phenology can modulate the precise level of spatio‐temporal heterogeneity in floral resources, pollen donor density, and pollinator interactions that a plant individual is exposed to, thereby affecting reproduction. We tested how abiotic resources and multi‐scale plant–pollinator interactions affected individual plant seed set modulated by intraspecific variation in flowering phenology and spatio‐temporal floral heterogeneity arising from agroecological infrastructure. We transplanted two focal insect‐pollinated plant species (Cyanus segetum and Centaurea jacea, n = 288) into agroecological infrastructure (10 sown wildflower and six legume–grass strips) across a farm‐scale experiment (125 ha). We applied an individual‐based phenologically explicit approach to match precisely the flowering period of plant individuals to the concomitant level of spatio‐temporal heterogeneity in plant–pollinator interactions, potential pollen donors, floral resources, and abiotic conditions (temperature, water, and nitrogen). Individual plant attractiveness, assemblage floral density, and conspecific pollen donor density (C. jacea) improved seed set. Network linkage density increased focal species seed set and modified the effect of local assemblage richness and abundance on C. segetum. Mutual dependence on pollinators in networks increased C. segetum seed set, while C. jacea seed set was greatest where both specialization on pollinators and mutual dependence was high. Abiotic conditions were of little or no importance to seed set. Intra‐ and interspecific plant–pollinator interactions respond to spatio‐temporal heterogeneity arising from agroecological management affecting wild plant species reproduction. The interplay of pollinator interactions within and between ecological scales affecting seed set implies a co‐occurrence of pollinator‐mediated facilitative and competitive interactions among plant species and individuals.
Intraspecific variation in growth response to drought stress across geographic locations and genetic groups in Coffea canephora
Authors: Kiwuka Catherine , Vos Jan , Douma Jacob C. , Musoli Pascal , Mulumba John W. , Poncet Valérie , Anten Niels P. R.
Published: January 2023

Uganda lies within the drier end of the natural distribution range of Coffea canephora and contains unexplored genetic material that could be drought‐adapted and useful for developing climate‐resilient varieties. Using water treatment: (i) ample and (ii) restricted‐water, the response of 148 genotypes were studied comprising wild, feral and cultivated C. canephora. Biomass allocation, standing leaf area and leaf area growth data were collected. Linear mixed effect models and PCA were used to the analyze effect of water treatment on genotypes from different: (i) cultivation status, (ii) genetic groups and (iii) locations. We also assessed the relationship between drought tolerance for relative growth rate in leaf area (RGRA), total number of leaves (TNL), total leaf area (TLA) and total leaf dry weight (TLDW) of genotypes at final harvest. Restricted‐water reduced RGRA across genetic groups (3.2–32.5%) and locations (7.1–36.7%) but not cultivation status. For TNL, TLA and TLDW, genotypes that performed well in ample‐water performed worse under restricted‐water, indicating growth‐tolerance trade‐off. Drought tolerance in RGRA and TNL were negatively correlated with wetness index suggesting some degree of adaptation to local climate. Findings indicate a growth‐tolerance trade‐off within this tropical tree species and drought tolerance of Uganda's C. canephora is somewhat associated with local climate.
Soil microbial community shifts explain habitat heterogeneity in two Haloxylon species from a nutrient perspective
Authors: Li Chenhua , Li Yan , Tang Lisong , Ikenaga Makoto , Liu Ran , Xu Guiqing
Published: January 2023

Haloxylon ammodendron and Haloxylon persicum (as sister taxa) are dominant shrubs in the Gurbantunggut Desert. The former grows in inter‐dune lowlands while the latter in sand dunes. However, little information is available regarding the possible role of soil microorganisms in the habitat heterogeneity in the two Haloxylon species from a nutrient perspective. Rhizosphere is the interface of plant–microbe–soil interactions and fertile islands usually occur around the roots of desert shrubs. Given this, we applied quantitative real‐time PCR combined with MiSeq amplicon sequencing to compare their rhizosphere effects on microbial abundance and community structures at three soil depths (0–20, 20–40, and 40–60 cm). The rhizosphere effects on microbial activity (respiration) and soil properties had also been estimated. The rhizospheres of both shrubs exerted significant positive effects on microbial activity and abundance (e.g., eukarya, bacteria, and nitrogen‐fixing microbes). The rhizosphere effect of H. ammodendron on microbial activity and abundance of bacteria and nitrogen‐fixing microbes was greater than that of H. persicum. However, the fertile island effect of H. ammodendron was weaker than that of H. persicum. Moreover, there existed distinct differences in microbial community structure between the two rhizosphere soils. Soil available nitrogen, especially nitrate nitrogen, was shown to be a driver of microbial community differentiation among rhizosphere and non‐rhizosphere soils in the desert. In general, the rhizosphere of H. ammodendron recruited more copiotrophs (e.g., Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria), nitrogen‐fixing microbes and ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria, and with stronger microbial activities. This helps it maintain a competitive advantage in relatively nutrient‐rich lowlands. Haloxylon persicum relied more on fungi, actinomycetes, archaea (including ammonia‐oxidizing archaea), and eukarya, with higher nutrient use efficiency, which help it adapt to the harsher dune crests. This study provides insights into the microbial mechanisms of habitat heterogeneity in two Haloxylon species in the poor desert soil.
Examining dyslipidaemia, metabolic syndrome and liver enzyme levels in patients with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in population from Hoveyzeh cohort study: A case–control study in Iran
Authors: Dinarvand Negar , Cheraghian Bahman , Rahimi Zahra , Salehipour Bavarsad Samaneh , Bavarsad Amirhooshang , Mohammadtaghvaei Narges
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is among the world's top 10 leading causes of death. Additionally, prediabetes is a major risk factor for diabetes. Identifying diabetes co‐occurring disorders can aid in reducing adverse effects and facilitating early detection. In this study, we evaluated dyslipidaemia, metabolic syndrome (MetS), and liver enzyme levels in pre‐diabetic and T2DM patients in the Persian cohort compared to a control group.

Materials and Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, 2259 pre‐diabetes, 1664 T2DM and 5840 controls (35–70 years) who were selected from the Hoveyzeh cohort centre were examined. Body mass index, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol (TC), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), triglyceride (TG) and liver enzymes: γ‐glutamyltransferase (GGT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were determined using the standard protocols. MetS subjects were also identified based on the National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines.

Results

Prediabetes and T2MD were closely correlated with the lipid profile, MetS, and liver enzymes (ALT, GGT, ALT/AST). MetS increases the risk of T2DM by 12.45 [95% CI: 10.88–14.24] fold, while an increase in ALT/AST ratio increases the risk of T2DM by 3.68 [95% CI: 3.159–4.154] fold. ROC curve analysis also revealed the diagnostic roles of GGT, ALT, AST and the ALT/AST ratio among pre‐diabetics, diabetics and the control group. The GGT level corresponds to the highest AUCs (0.685) with the highest sensitivity (70.25%).

Conclusions

Our results indicated a significant increase in liver enzymes, lipid profile and MetS status in both pre‐diabetic and T2MD subjects, with the differences being more pronounced in diabetic individuals. Consequently, on the one hand, these variables may be considered predictive risk factors for diabetes, and on the other hand, they may be used as diagnostic factors. In order to confirm the clinical applications of these variables, additional research is required.
Acetylacetone‐TiO2 Promoted Large Area Compatible Cascade Electron Transport Bilayer for Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Lee Hyong Joon , Park Jin Kyoung , Heo Jin Hyuck , Im Sang Hyuk
Published: January 2023

In designing efficient perovskite solar cells (PSCs), the selection of suitable electron transport layers (ETLs) is critical to the final device performance as they determine the driving force for selective charge extraction. SnO2 nanoparticles (NPs) based ETLs have been a popular choice for PSCs due to superior electron mobility, but their relatively deep‐lying conduction band energy levels (ECB) result in substantial potential loss. Meanwhile, TiO2 NPs establish favorable band alignment owing to shallower ECB, but their low intrinsic mobility and abundant surface trap sites impede the final performance. For this reason, constructing a cascaded bilayer ETL is highly desirable for efficient PSCs, as it can rearrange energy levels and exploit on advantages of an individual ETL. In this study, we prepare SnO2 NPs and acetylacetone‐modified TiO2 (Acac‐TiO2) NPs and implement them as bilayer SnO2/Acac‐TiO2 (BST) ETL, to assemble cascaded energy band structure. SnO2 contributes to rapid charge carrier transport from high electron mobility while Acac‐TiO2 minimizes band‐offset and effectively suppresses interfacial recombination. Accordingly, the optimized BST ETL generates synergistic influence and delivers power conversion efficiency (PCE) as high as 23.14% with open‐circuit voltage (VOC) reaching 1.14 V. Furthermore, the BST ETL is transferred to a large scale and the corresponding mini module demonstrates peak performance of 18.39% PCE from 25 cm2 aperture area. Finally, the BST‐based mini module exhibit excellent stability, maintaining 83.1% of its initial efficiency after 1000 h under simultaneous 1 Sun light‐soaking and damp heat (85 °C/RH 85%) environment.
Insights into Formation and Li‐Storage Mechanisms of Hierarchical Accordion‐Shape Orthorhombic CuNb2O6 toward Lithium‐Ion Capacitors as an Anode‐Active Material
Authors: Cheng Chao , Yan Yunsheng , Jia Minyu , Liu Yang , Hou Linrui , Yuan Changzhou
Published: January 2023

The orthorhombic CuNb2O6 (O–CNO) is established as a competitive anode for lithium‐ion capacitors (LICs) owing to its attractive compositional/structural merits. However, the high‐temperature synthesis (>900 °C) and controversial charge‐storage mechanism always limit its applications. Herein, we develop a low‐temperature strategy to fabricate a nano‐blocks‐constructed hierarchical accordional O–CNO framework by employing multilayered Nb2CTx as the niobium source. The intrinsic stress‐induced formation/transformation mechanism of the monoclinic CuNb2O6 to O–CNO is tentatively put forward. Furthermore, the integrated phase conversion and solid solution lithium‐storage mechanism is reasonably unveiled with comprehensive in(ex) situ characterizations. Thanks to its unique structural merits and lithium‐storage process, the resulted O–CNO anode is endowed with a large capacity of 150.3 mAh g−1 at 2.0 A g−1, along with long‐duration cycling behaviors. Furthermore, the constructed O–CNO‐based LICs exhibit a high energy (138.9 Wh kg−1) and power (4.0 kW kg−1) densities with a modest cycling stability (15.8% capacity degradation after 3000 consecutive cycles). More meaningfully, the in‐depth insights into the formation and charge‐storage process here can promote the extensive development of binary metal Nb‐based oxides for advanced LICs.
Guideline for extraction, qualitative, quantitative, and stability analysis of anthocyanins
Authors: Yan Shulei , Li Yue , Liu Jingjing , Si Dun , Zhang Xinfeng
Published: January 2023

Anthocyanins, as a kind of natural pigment, have a broad development prospect in the field of human production and life due to its safety, nontoxic, rich resources, and rich pharmacological effects. However, due to the structure instability of anthocyanins, anthocyanins are susceptible to physical and chemical factors during food processing, such as light, temperature, pH, metal ions, food additives, oxidation reductants, and cochromatic factors. This review summarized the experimental methods for these factors affecting anthocyanin content, structural transformation, and degradation dynamics, which lays the foundation for further studies of anthocyanins in plants. Meanwhile, we expounded the methods for obtaining accurate quantitative and qualitative data of anthocyanin by UV‐vis, HPLC, LC‐MS, and NMR, which can provide a basis for further development and utilization of anthocyanin resources.
Experiment and simulation of sliding mode triboelectric energy harvester based on slider‐crank mechanism
Authors: Kumar Satish , Singh Diwakar , Kumar Rajeev , Jain S. C.
Published: January 2023

A simple and affordable triboelectric device is fabricated to harvest mechanical energy and convert it to electrical energy. Based on a double‐dielectric‐layered (Nylon and PTFE) structure, a lateral sliding mode triboelectric energy harvester (SM‐TEH) has been fabricated. The fabricated SM‐TEH device is linked to the slider‐crank mechanism for smooth operation. The dimension of the fabricated device has been used as 10.1 cm × 10.1 cm. An experimental study has been conducted for various rotational speeds at different external resistance. Additionally, an electrical model has been developed to validate the experimental results. After that, it has been carefully examined to see how the material, structure, and experimental parameters may affect the output performance of the SM‐TEH. Later, a thorough investigation of the effects of the dual factors, including the effective triboelectric layer thickness, contact area, external resistance, and rotational speed (in rpm), was conducted. The relationship between conversion efficiency and external resistance is investigated to obtain the maximum efficiency at optimum external resistance. Further, the cost analysis of the SM‐TEH device is presented to study the commercialization of the device for practical application. The feasibility of the designed SM‐TEH is demonstrated by lighting on 40 red light‐emitting diodes (LEDs). The AC signals generated are then converted into DC signals using a bridge rectifier. Capacitors of various sizes (1, 2.2, 3.3, 10, 47 μF) store the output voltage without external load resistance.
Osmanthus fragrance polyurethane/silkfibroin‐based double‐shellmicrocapsules for aromatic leather with sustained release fragrance
Authors: Gu Jiaying , Liu Ming , Li Lin , Zhou Lulu , He Lei , Deng Weijun , Hu Jing
Published: January 2023

The leather with the long‐lasting fragrance is critical for functional leather commodities but limited by poor temperature durability, low loading capacity and inferior flexural resistance. Herein, we develop a novel double‐shell fragrance release system via both interfacial polymerization and freeze inducement. Osmanthus fragrance (OF) was encapsulated with polyurethane (PU) and silk fibroin (SF), the double‐shell microcapsules with remarkable stability and enhanced sustained release property can be prepared. The OF@PU/SF microcapsules had well‐defined spherical shape with an average diameter of 5.21 μm measured by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), which was larger than the single‐shell microcapsules (OF@SF) with the size of 1.70 μm. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated that the OF loading capacity (LC) of OF@PU/SF microcapsules was 51.7%. Furthermore, the sustained release measurements by UV–vis absorption spectra clarified that 22.9% OF released from OF@PU/SF microcapsules during 30 days, lower than 36.7% of OF@SF microcapsules, much less than nearly 100% of free OF. Finally, the OF@PU/SF microcapsules were applied in leather finishing to efficiently improve the odour of the leather. The aromatic leather possessed sustained aroma with great stability enabling high temperature durability and flexural resistance property.
Wisdom of crowds and commodity pricing
Authors: Fan John Hua , Binnewies Sebastian , De Silva Sanuri
Published: January 2023

We extract commodity‐level sentiment from the Twittersphere in 2009–2020. A long–short strategy based on sentiment shifts more than doubles the Sharpe ratio of extant commodity factors. Commodities with lower (higher) sentiment shifts tend to be overvalued (undervalued) when the aggregate market is in backwardation (contango). The sentiment premium is more pronounced during periods of macro contraction and deteriorating funding liquidity. While the premium concentrates in commodities with higher tweet intensity, sentiment extracted from influential tweets (i.e., high number of retweets/likes) does not exhibit stronger predictive ability than low‐attention tweets. Consistent with the overreaction hypothesis, the sentiment premium fully reverses 3 years postformation.
The rise of diarrheal illnesses in the children of Pakistan amidst COVID‐19: A narrative review
Authors: Rahmat Zainab Syyeda , Zubair Amraha , Abdi Ikran , Humayun Narmil , Arshad Fatima , Essar Mohammad Yasir
Published: January 2023

Background

In Pakistan, 74 children out of 1000 lose their lives annually due to diarrheal illness. This commentary addresses the contributing factors aggravating this growing dilemma and the effect of a simultaneous rise in COVID‐19 cases in a healthcare system ready to collapse, along with providing recommendations to alleviate the problems causing this spike in diarrheal cases.

Methods

This narrative review has emphasized the causes of the spike in pediatric diarrheal illnesses in Pakistan as well as recommendations offered to lessen the burden by incorporating recent literature (n = 68). Tactics to tackle COVID‐19 alongside diarrheal illnesses were also included. Pakistan was chosen to be assessed due to its high burden of child and infant mortality due to preventable causes.

Results

The provision of safe drinking water, the proper use of Integrated Management of Newborn and Childhood Illnesses (IMNCI), adequate awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding, the use of correct rehydration techniques such as Oral Rehydration Therapy, and the crucial implementation of the EPI vaccination schedule can curb this increase in diarrheal cases.

Conclusion

The increased prevalence of diarrheal diseases amongst the pediatric population of Pakistan can be attributed largely due to unsanitary drinking water. Emphasis must be put in the provision of safe drinking water. During the first years of life, children can be kept safe from deadly pathogens just by adequate breastfeeding. IMNCI and EPI must also be properly implemented.
Suspended in sound: New constraints on isotopic fractionation of falling hydrometeors using acoustically levitated water droplets
Authors: Bellagamba Anthony W. , Berkelhammer Max , Weber Richard , Patete Ian
Published: January 2023

The isotopic composition of precipitation (δ18O, δ2H, and δ17O) is affected by evaporation and exchange as hydrometeors descend. These processes can significantly alter the isotopic ratio of precipitation relative to its initial condensation state in the cloud yet are exceedingly difficult to study in situ. The most widely utilized model for droplet‐atmosphere exchange was derived from controlled experiments where droplets were suspended by forced air in a narrow glass tube‐ a design that manipulated the structure of the boundary layer around the droplet. Here, we provide a novel experimental test of atmosphere‐hydrometeor isotopic exchange using the mechanism of acoustic levitation, where sound waves are projected vertically to levitate droplets in free‐flowing ambient air. We present results from a series of droplet levitation experiments where the droplets' surface temperatures were measured by a thermal camera and the background atmospheric isotope concentration was measured via cavity‐ringdown spectroscopy, providing a high degree of constraint on the fractionation conditions. We show that isotope enrichment of the suspended droplets met first order expectations based on existing models. However, to account for the slope of δ18O versus δ2H (i.e., the meteoric water line) and deuterium excess of the droplets as they evolved, we had to modify the existing model for droplet‐atmosphere exchange to account for the fact that some portion of the evaporative flux from the droplet remained present in the boundary layer around the droplet leading to an evolving feedback between droplet and the atmosphere‐that is, a quasi closed‐system effect. The isotopic enrichment of the boundary layer surrounding the droplet as a consequence of the closed‐system dynamics, drives more rapid δ18O isotope enrichment relative to δ2H of the droplet compared to what is predicted using an open system model. Although these were controlled experiments, they illustrate important dynamics regarding the isotopic signature of feedbacks between droplet evaporation and atmospheric humidity.
Correlations between attitudes towards the COVID‐19 vaccine and psychiatric symptoms among pregnant women
Authors: Ayık Batuhan , Yılmaz Salih
Published: January 2023

Objective

As data continue to show that COVID‐19 vaccines are safe for pregnant women, determining the factors that affect their attitudes towards vaccines has become increasingly important. Pregnancy increases the risk of depressive and obsessive–compulsive (OC) symptoms. We aimed to determine the correlations between psychiatric symptoms and attitudes towards vaccination in pregnant women.

Methods

A total of 100 pregnant women were enrolled in the present cross‐sectional study. We used a standard data form to obtain the participants' sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. The Attitudes Towards the COVID‐19 Vaccine Scale, the Maudsley Obsessive–Compulsive Inventory (MOCI) and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS‐21) were used to measure attitudes towards vaccination and psychiatric symptoms. We then investigated the correlations between the scale scores.

Results

There was a significant correlation between positive, negative, and total attitudes towards vaccines and MOCI total and subscale scores. According to the linear regression model, variables of MOCI total score, planned/unplanned pregnancy, and age were determined as the predictors for vaccination attitudes towards COVID‐19 vaccines.

Conclusion

Increased OC symptoms seem to be associated with negative attitudes towards vaccination. It is important to screen pregnant women with lower vaccination rates for OC symptoms more carefully. A multidisciplinary approach would be beneficial to increase vaccination rates.