bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intermediate‐Stage Sintered LLZO Scaffolds for Li‐Garnet Solid‐State Batteries
Authors: Okur Faruk , Zhang Huanyu , Karabay Dogan Tarik , Muench Konrad , Parrilli Annapaola , Neels Antonia , Dachraoui Walid , Rossell Marta D. , Cancellieri Claudia , Jeurgens Lars P. H. , Kravchyk Kostiantyn V. , Kovalenko Maksym V.
Published: March 2023

While significant progress has been achieved in the field of Li‐garnet solid‐state batteries, their further development, is hindered by the formation of cavities at the Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO)/Li interface at practically relevant current densities and areal capacities exceeding 1 mA cm−2 and 1 mAh cm−2. As a result, the cells exhibit limited cycling stability due to the inhomogeneous distribution of the applied current density, and therefore, the formation of Li dendrites. Another aspect of high importance is associated with the development of the fabrication methodology of thin LLZO electrolytes for achieving the high energy density of Li‐garnet solid‐state batteries. To contribute to these two challenging problems, in this work, a facile intermediate‐stage sintering method of 50‐µm thin and porous LLZO membranes with a mean pore size of 2.5 µm is presented. The employment of such porous LLZO membranes not only provides an effective means of mitigating the formation of voids at the LLZO/Li interface due to the increased LLZO/Li surface area, but also maximizes achievable energy densities. It is demonstrated that fabricated porous LLZO membranes exhibit long cycling stability of over 1480 h at a current density of 0.5 mA cm−2.
Benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]Difuran‐Based Polymer for Organic Solar Cells with 17.5% Efficiency via Halogenation‐Mediated Aggregation Control
Authors: Yuan Xiyue , Chen Honggang , Kim Seoyoung , Chen Yuting , Zhang Yue , Yang Mingqun , Chen Zhili , Yang Changduk , Wu Hongbin , Gao Xiang , Liu Zhitian , Duan Chunhui
Published: March 2023

The realization of high‐efficiency organic solar cells (OSCs) from renewable sources will bring a real green energy technology. Benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]difuran (BDF) is such a building block for photovoltaic polymers as it can be built from furfural, which is available from trees and vegetables. However, the device performance of BDF‐based polymers is limited by aggregation properties and unfavorable active layer morphology. Herein, two new BDF‐based wide bandgap‐conjugated polymers, PFCT‐2F and PFCT‐2Cl, are developed by copolymerizing the fluorinated or chlorinated BDF units with the 3‐cyanothiophene unit for use as electron donors in OSCs. Benefitting from the more rotatable nature of the side‐chain thiophene rings on the BDF unit, PFCT‐2Cl exhibits more adjustable aggregation, higher π–π stacking ordering, and appropriate miscibility with the electron acceptor. As a result, a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.2% is offered by PFCT‐2Cl, which is nearly two times higher than that of PFCT‐2F (8.9%). A more remarkable PCE up to 17.5% is further achieved by PFCT‐2Cl in a ternary OSC, which is the new efficiency record for BDF‐based polymers. This success proves the critical role of aggregation control in BDF‐based polymers and the bright future for constructing high‐performance OSCs from bio‐renewable sources.
Amide‐Functional, Li3N/LiF‐Rich Heterostructured Electrode Electrolyte Interphases for 4.6 V Li||LiCoO2 Batteries
Authors: Liu Jiandong , Wu Mingguang , Li Xin , Wu Daxiong , Wang Huaping , Huang Junda , Ma Jianmin
Published: March 2023

Enhancing the charge cut‐off voltage of LiCoO2 at 4.6 V can improve the battery density, however, structural instability is a critical challenge (e.g., electrolyte decomposition, Co dissolution, and structural phase transition). Here, robust electrode electrolyte interphases (EEIs) with the high Li+ conductivity offered by polar amide groups and a Li3N/LiF heterostructure is constructed. 3‐(trifluoromethyl) phenyl isocyanate (3‐TPIC) is rationally designed as an electrolyte additive for sustaining a 4.6 V Li||LiCoO2 battery with such CEI, which can effectively address the challenge of structural instability. The polar amide group can achieve Li+ de‐solvation and increase Li+ transport. Li3N/LiF heterostructure in the cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) can speed up the Li+ insertion/extraction for improving Coulombic efficiency and weakening polarization of LiCoO2 at 4.6 V. In addition, the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) with a similar structure on the Li anode surface contributes to the uniform Li deposition for suppressing the Li dendrite growth. As expected, 4.6 V Li||LiCoO2 batteries with superior EEIs can deliver excellent electrochemical performance.
Unlocking the Ultrahigh‐Current‐Density Hydrogen Evolution on 2H‐MoS2 via Simultaneous Structural Control across Seven Orders of Magnitude
Authors: Han Wenqian , Ning Jing , Long Ying , Qiu Junjie , Jiang Wenfeng , Wang Yun , Shah Luqman Ali , Yang Dong , Dong Angang , Li Tongtao
Published: March 2023

Members of transition metal dichalcogenides, particularly molybdenum disulfide, have been recognized as promising efficient and durable earth‐abundant catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Despite the recent significant progress, the HER performance of MoS2 is still far from satisfactory, especially at high current densities. Here, a simultaneous multilevel structural control strategy is reported to cooperatively boost hydrogen evolution on 2H‐MoS2, unlocking its potential for practical hydrogen evolution at ampere‐level current densities. By confining the epitaxial growth of few‐layered, curved MoS2 nanosheets within a tubular mesoporous graphitic framework, one can achieve deliberate structural control of MoS2 across seven orders of magnitude on the length scale. The resulting MoS2@C supertubes, benefiting from their unique structural features across atomic‐to‐microscopic scales, are characterized by abundant edge sites and sulfur vacancies, facilitated charge and mass transport, and rapid gas bubble removal. As a consequence, such MoS2@C supertubes exhibit exceptional high‐current‐density HER activity surpassing previously reported 2H‐MoS2 catalysts and even commercial Pt/C catalysts. This work demonstrates the validity of multilevel structural engineering of 2H‐MoS2 by confinement growth, opening a viable route of developing low‐cost catalysts toward practical hydrogen evolution.
Hydrothermal Deposition of UV‐Absorbing Passivation Layers for Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Al-Shujaa Salah , Chen Wentao , Brooks Keith Gregory , Zhang Bao , Feng Yaqing , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja , Zhang Yi
Published: March 2023

Despite recent increases in perovskite solar cell (PSC) efficiencies, long‐term stability remains a barrier to manufacturing and marketing. SnO2 electron transport layers enable the low‐temperature processing of planer n–i–p structured PSCs. However, ultraviolet radiation damages to the interface between the electron transport layer and the perovskite (PVK), which is a significant issue for n–i–p configuration. Herein, the insertion of a thin CeO2 passivation layer between the SnO2 and PVK is investigated to block the interface degradation. This CeO2 layer improves charge extraction and reduces defects in the PVK/CeO2 interface, resulting in 22.71% power conversion efficiency (PCE) compared to the pristine SnO2 PSC devices, which has a PCE of 20.7%. In addition, after 1700 h of storage at room temperature and 5%–8% RH (dry box), the PCE stability of the reinforced SnO2–CeO2 PSC devices drops from 22% to 19%, whereas that of the pristine SnO2 PSC devices drops from 20% to 16%.
Chinese expert consensus on prevention and control interventions for older adults with physical functional impairment (2022)
Authors: Wu Jianqing , Chen Bo , Mao Yongjun , Li Siyuan , Zhao Weihong , Meng Dianhuai , Hu Song , Wang Jianye , Yu Pulin , Zhang Cuntai , Wu Jinhui ,   Geriatrics Branch, Chinese Medical Association, and the expert group of the Chinese Expert Consensus on Prevention and Control Interventions for Older Adults with Physical Functional Impairment
Published: March 2023

Older adults are at high risk for functional impairment, which is closely related to sarcopenia, falls, and frailty. This seriously affects their quality of life and health, and places a heavy burden on society and families. Although domestic and foreign sports recommendations and prevention and control guidelines/expert consensus have been issued for healthy older adults and functional impairment‐related diseases, there is no guidance on prevention and control interventions for older adults with physical functional impairment. In China, there is insufficient understanding of the importance of prevention and control interventions for functional impairment in older adults, and there are many drawbacks, such as unstandardized diagnosis and treatment, and relatively simple intervention methods. Therefore, the consensus expert group formulated a consensus based on domestic and foreign guidelines related to functional impairment in older adults to provide guidance for Chinese medical professionals working in the field of geriatrics.
Sexual dimorphism in a dioecious species with complex, specialist‐pollinated flowers
Authors: Ushimaru Atushi , Seo Natsumi , Sakagami Kota , Funamoto Daichi
Published: March 2023

Premise

Pollinators with flower constancy and long nectar‐feeding organs should favor less or no sexual dimorphism in the individual flowers of dioecious plants. This hypothesis is deduced because such pollinators can discriminate between intersexual flower size differences, and morphological differences between male and female flowers often diminish pollen transfer.

Methods

We compared floral traits and pollinator behavior between male and female flowers in the hawkmoth‐pollinated species, Trichosanthes cucumeroides. In field studies, we removed petal fringes on both sexes and observed pollinators to assess the role of elaborate petal fringes in pollinator attraction and pollination success for each flower sex.

Results

Female flowers had a similar front flower size and fringe extension as male flowers, supporting our hypothesis. In contrast, females allocated fewer resources to floral biomass. Additionally, they had smaller and narrower petal lobes, lower fringe density, shorter tubes with inferior nectar rewards, and lower display size than males, which is inconsistent with the hypothesis. Nocturnal hawkmoths prefer flowers with long fringe extensions. Fringe removal significantly decreased hawkmoth visitations to both female and male flowers but reduced success only in females. A literature survey indicated that female flowers of specialist‐pollinated species are similar in size or larger than the males and thus tend to attract more pollinators compared with female flowers of generalist‐pollinated species.

Conclusions

Female flowers have evolved fringe extensions that are similar to those of male flowers, likely increasing pollinator attraction even slightly, and had less biomass in other floral parts and produced less nectar compared with male flowers. Our findings imply that female‐biased resource limitation and flower‐size sensitivity of pollinators together exert sex‐specific selection of floral traits in T. cucumeroides.
Robot‐related fatalities at work in the United States, 1992–2017
Authors: Layne Larry A.
Published: March 2023

Background

Industrial robots became more commonplace in the US workplace during the mid‐ to latter part of the twentieth century. Recent scientific advances have led to the development of new types of robots, resulting in rapidly changing work environments. Information on occupational robot‐related fatalities is currently limited for this developing field.

Methods

Robot fatalities were identified by a keyword search in restricted‐access research files from the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) surveillance system of the Bureau of Labor Statistics from the years 1992–2017.

Results

There were 41 robot‐related fatalities identified by the keyword search during the 26‐year period of this study, 85% of which were males, with the most cases (29%) occurring within the age group 35–44 years. Fatalities occurred primarily with large employers that were geographically clustered, with the Midwest accounting for 46% of the total. Most of the cases involved stationary robots (83%) and robots striking the decedents while operating under their own power (78%). Many of these striking incidents occurred while maintenance was being performed on a robot.

Conclusions

The changing nature of robotics in the workplace suggests that emerging technologies may introduce new hazards in the workplace. Emerging technologies have led to an increase in the number of robots in the workplace and to increased human exposure to robotic machinery. These patterns demonstrate that public health professionals will likely face significant challenges to keep pace with developments in robotics to ensure the safety and health of workers across the country.
Venous malformation may be a feature of EXT1‐related hereditary multiple exostoses: A report of two unrelated probands
Authors: Albokhari Daniah , Bailey Christopher R. , Hwang Francis , Weiss Clifford R. , Forsberg Jonathan , Sobreira Nara
Published: March 2023

Hereditary multiple exostoses (HME), also known as hereditary multiple osteochondroma (HMO), is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by pathogenic variants in exostosin‐1 or ‐2 (EXT1 or EXT2). It is characterized by the formation of multiple benign growing osteochondromas (exostoses) that most commonly affect the long bones; however, it may also occur throughout the body. Although many of these lesions are clinically asymptomatic, some can lead to chronic pain and skeletal deformities and interfere with adjacent neurovascular structures. Here, we report two unrelated probands that presented with a clinical and molecular diagnosis of HME with venous malformation, a clinical feature not previously reported in individuals with HME.
Mother‐offspring proximity maintenance as an infanticide avoidance strategy in bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus wurmbii)
Authors: Scott Amy M. , Susanto Tri Wayhu , Setia Tatang Mitra , Knott Cheryl D.
Published: March 2023

Sexually‐selected infanticide by males is widespread across primates. Maternal protection is one of many infanticide avoidance strategies employed by female primates. Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus wurmbii) mothers with younger offspring are less social with males than mothers with older offspring. Additionally, the distance between a mother and offspring decreases in the presence of male conspecifics, but not female conspecifics. We hypothesized that mothers are responsible for the change in mother‐offspring proximity when males are present. Using a year of behavioral data from orangutans in Gunung Palung National Park, we tested whether the Hinde Index, a ratio of the number of approaches and leaves between two individuals, was indicative of mother or offspring proximity maintenance across different social groupings. The semi‐solitary social organization of orangutans allows us to observe different social groupings. We found that the mother‐offspring Hinde Index was typically indicative of offspring maintenance of proximity. However, the presence of male conspecifics was associated with an increase in the Hinde Index which indicates that mothers are responsible for the decrease in mother‐offspring distance when males are present. The decrease in mother‐offspring distances and increase in Hinde Index when males are present indicates that mothers react to the presence of males in a protective manner. We suggest this may be an infanticide avoidance behavior by mother orangutans.
A habitat stronghold on the precipice: A call‐to‐action for supporting lemur conservation in northeast Madagascar
Authors: Eppley Timothy M. , Borgerson Cortni , Patel Erik R. , Herrera James P. , Kirkby Andrew E. , Golden Christopher D. , Andriamahaihavana McAntonin , Andrianandrasana Lanto , Bóveda Antonio , Gibson Dean , Jaofeno Louis Joxe , Rakotondrasoa Fenohery , Ramahaleo Tiana A. , Rasamisoa Delaïd C. , Ratelolahy Felix , Razafindramanana Josia , Spira Charlotte , Welch Charles , Vasey Natalie
Published: March 2023

The northeast of Madagascar is as diverse as it is threatened. The area bordering the Analanjirofo and SAVA regions contains six protected areas and at least 22 lemur species. Many applied research and conservation programs have been established in the region with the aim of ensuring both wildlife and people thrive in the long term. While most of the remaining humid evergreen forest of northeast Madagascar is formally protected, the local human population depends heavily on the land, and unsustainable natural resource use threatens this biodiversity hotspot. Drawing from our collective experiences managing conservation activities and research programs in northeast Madagascar, we discuss the major threats to the region and advocate for eight conservation activities that help reduce threats and protect the environment, providing specific examples from our own programs. These include (1) empowering local conservation actors, (2) ensuring effectively protected habitat, (3) expanding reforestation, (4) establishing and continuing long‐term research and monitoring, (5) reducing food insecurity, (6) supporting environmental education, (7) promoting sustainable livelihoods, and (8) expanding community health initiatives. Lastly, we provide a list of actions that individuals can take to join us in supporting and promoting lemur conservation.
Chasing the Elusive “In‐Between” State of the Copper‐Amyloid β Complex by X‐ray Absorption through Partial Thermal Relaxation after Photoreduction
Authors: Falcone Enrico , Nobili Germano , Okafor Michael , Proux Olivier , Rossi Giancarlo , Morante Silvia , Faller Peter , Stellato Francesco
Published: March 2023

The redox activity of Cu ions bound to the amyloid‐β (Aβ) peptide is implicated as a source of oxidative stress in the context of Alzheimer's disease. In order to explain the efficient redox cycling between CuII‐Aβ (distorted square‐pyramidal) and CuI‐Aβ (digonal) resting states, the existence of a low‐populated “in‐between” state, prone to bind Cu in both oxidation states, has been postulated. Here, we exploited the partial X‐ray induced photoreduction at 10 K, followed by a thermal relaxation at 200 K, to trap and characterize by X‐ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) a partially reduced Cu‐Aβ1–16 species different from the resting states. Remarkably, the XAS spectrum is well‐fitted by a previously proposed model of the “in‐between” state, hence providing the first direct spectroscopic characterization of an intermediate state. The present approach could be used to explore and identify the catalytic intermediates of other relevant metal complexes.
Chemoproteomic and Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals that O‐GlcNAc Regulates Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell Fate through the Pluripotency Network
Authors: Hao Yi , Li Xiang , Qin Ke , Shi Yujie , He Yanwen , Zhang Che , Cheng Bo , Zhang Xiwen , Hu Guangyu , Liang Shuyu , Tang Qi , Chen Xing
Published: March 2023

Self‐renewal and differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are influenced by protein O‐linked β‐N‐acetylglucosamine (O‐GlcNAc) modification, but the underlying mechanism remains incompletely understood. Herein, we report the identification of 979 O‐GlcNAcylated proteins and 1340 modification sites in mouse ESCs (mESCs) by using a chemoproteomics method. In addition to OCT4 and SOX2, the third core pluripotency transcription factor (PTF) NANOG was found to be modified and functionally regulated by O‐GlcNAc. Upon differentiation along the neuronal lineage, the O‐GlcNAc stoichiometry at 123 sites of 83 proteins—several of which were PTFs—was found to decline. Transcriptomic profiling reveals 2456 differentially expressed genes responsive to OGT inhibition during differentiation, of which 901 are target genes of core PTFs. By acting on the core PTF network, suppression of O‐GlcNAcylation upregulates neuron‐related genes, thus contributing to mESC fate determination.
Ligand‐Enabled Palladium(II)‐Catalyzed Enantioselective β‐C(sp3)−H Arylation of Aliphatic Tertiary Amides**
Authors: Yuan Chen‐Hui , Wang Xiao‐Xia , Jiao Lei
Published: March 2023

Amide is one of the most widespread functional groups in organic and bioorganic chemistry, and it would be valuable to achieve stereoselective C(sp3)−H functionalization in amide molecules. Palladium(II) catalysis has been prevalently used in the C−H activation chemistry in the past decades, however, due to the weakly‐coordinating feature of simple amides, it is challenging to achieve their direct C(sp3)−H functionalization with enantiocontrol by PdII catalysis. Our group has developed sulfoxide‐2‐hydroxypridine (SOHP) ligands, which exhibited remarkable activity in Pd‐catalyzed C(sp2)−H activation. In this work, we demonstrate that chiral SOHP ligands served as an ideal solution to enantioselective C(sp3)−H activation in simple amides. Herein, we report an efficient asymmetric PdII/SOHP‐catalyzed β‐C(sp3)−H arylation of aliphatic tertiary amides, in which the SOHP ligand plays a key role in the stereoselective C−H deprotonation‐metalation step.
pH‐Triggered Molecular Switch Toward Texture‐Regulated Zn Anode
Authors: Zhang Shao‐Jian , Hao Junnan , Zhu Yilong , Li Huan , Lin Zhan , Qiao Shi‐Zhang
Published: March 2023

Zn electrodes in aqueous media exhibit an unstable Zn/electrolyte interface due to severe parasitic reactions and dendrite formation. Here, a dynamic Zn interface modulation based on the molecular switch strategy is reported by hiring γ‐butyrolactone (GBL) in ZnCl2/H2O electrolyte. During Zn plating, the increased interfacial alkalinity triggers molecular switch from GBL to γ‐hydroxybutyrate (GHB). GHB strongly anchors on Zn surface via triple Zn−O bonding, leading to suppressive hydrogen evolution and texture‐regulated Zn morphology. Upon Zn stripping, the fluctuant pH turns the molecular switch reaction off through the cyclization of GHB to GBL. This dynamic molecular switch strategy enables high Zn reversibility with Coulombic efficiency of 99.8 % and Zn||iodine batteries with high‐cyclability under high Zn depth of discharge (50 %). This study demonstrates the importance of dynamic modulation for Zn electrode and realizes the reversible molecular switch strategy to enhance its reversibility.
Einblicke in die Rolle von Graphitkohlenstoffnitrid als Photobase beim protonengekoppelten Elektronentransfer bei der (sp3)C−H‐Oxygenierung von Oxazolidinonen
Authors: Galushchinskiy Alexey , Zou Yajun , Odutola Jokotadeola , Nikačević Pavle , Shi Jian‐Wen , Tkachenko Nikolai , López Núria , Farràs Pau , Savateev Oleksandr
Published: March 2023

Graphitisches Kohlenstoffnitrid (g‐CN) ist ein übergangsmetallfreier Halbleiter, der eine Vielzahl von photokatalytischen Reaktionen unterstützt. Obwohl oft ein photoinduzierter Elektronentransfer als Mechanismus postuliert wird, ist der protonengekoppelte Elektronentransfer (PCET) der bevorzugte Weg für Substrate mit X−H‐Bindungen. Bei der Anregung einer (sp2)N‐reichen Struktur von g‐CN mit sichtbarem Licht verhält sie sich wie eine Photobase – es kommt zu einem reduktivem Quenching, begleitet von der Abstraktion eines Protons aus einem Substrat. Die Ergebnisse der Modellierung ermöglichten es uns, aktive Stellen für PCET zu identifizieren – die “dreieckigen Taschen” an den Kantenfacetten von g‐CN. Excited‐State‐PCET vom Substrat zu g‐CN wurde eingesetzt um dieendo‐(sp3)C−H‐Bindung in Oxazolidin‐2‐onen selektiv zu spalten, gefolgt vom Einfangen des Radikals mit O2. Diese Reaktion ergibt 1,3‐Oxazolidin‐2,4‐Dionen. Die Messung des scheinbaren pKa‐Wertes und die Modellierung deuten darauf hin, dass der angeregte g‐CN‐Zustand X−H‐Bindungen spalten kann, die durch eine freie Bindungsdissoziationsenergie (BDFE) von ≈100 kcal mol−1gekennzeichnet sind.
Synergistic flame retardant effect of cerium‐based DOPO derivative and intumescent flame retardants in polypropylene
Authors: Zhang Yan , Lin Fenglong , Wu Yincai , Wang Shenglong , Liu Ziteng , Song Lijun
Published: March 2023

In this study, cerium based DOPO derivative (Ce@DDP) was synthesized by hydrothermal method, and its effects on flame retardancy, thermal stability, and mechanical properties of intumescent flame retardant polypropylene (PP) are investigated. When addition of 17 wt% of intumescent flame retardants (IFR) and 1 wt% of Ce@DDP, the results indicate that the peak heat release rate (PHRR) and peak smoke production rate (PSPR) of the resulted PP composite is reduced by 62.0% and 42.3%, respectively. Meanwhile, the vertical burning rating reaches UL94 V‐0, and the limiting oxygen index (LOI) is 33.8%. Furtherly, the Ce@DDP significantly improves the thermal stability and char formation ability of PP/IFR. Notably, Ce@DDP exhibits better synergistic flame retardant and mechanical strength for PP/IFR than CeO2. Finally, it was speculated that there was dilution effect and radical quenching effect in gas phase, and catalytic carbonization effect in condensed phase of IFR/Ce@DDP system, and the combined action of the these aspects led to high‐efficiency flame retardant.
High vinyl polybutadiene rubber/polypropylene thermoplastic elastomer blends: Optimization of internal mixing process parameters and screening of processing methods
Authors: Yue Song , Liu Yudong , Geng Jieting , Hua Jing
Published: March 2023

Thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPV) composed of high vinyl polybutadiene rubber (HVPB) and polypropylene (PP) have good thermal stability and damping properties. This work aims to apply a design of experiments (Taguchi L9 orthogonal array) to optimize the mixing parameters (rotor speed, temperature, and time) for the HVPB/PP TPV. The effects of these mixing parameters on its physical and mechanical properties of HVPB/PP TPV follow the order: rotor speed > temperature and time. In the case of the master batch process, the optimum mixing parameters are 60 rpm, 180°C and 8 min. Subsequently, four processes (master batch, static vulcanization, rubber‐plastic premixing, and two‐step processing) are compared using the same optimum mixing parameters. The master batch process turns out to be the best in terms of physical and mechanical properties.
Reconstructing the ancient route network in the Thailand–Cambodia borders: A case study of the Angkorian Royal Road
Authors: Khamsiri Sutthikan , Venunan Pira , Khaokheiw Chawalit , Silapanth Praon , Pailoplee Santi
Published: March 2023

A large number of ancient remnants from the Angkor kingdom of the 15th–19th centuries are widely observable across present day north‐eastern Thailand and Cambodia. Archaeologically, these features represent the ancient communities and were possibly connected according to various socioeconomic reasons. In order to reconstruct the route of human mobility between the remains, the geographic information system (GIS)‐based least cost path (LCP) analysis was employed along the Angkor–Phimai route. By recognizing the geographic parameters, the mobility of 292 moated sites was tracked to eight mountain passes that traverse the barrier of the Dângrêk Mountain Range. The LCP‐derived routes revealed that the Ta Muen pass was the most suitable (shortest source‐to‐site distance) route for almost all moated sites. When compared with a previous interpretation of the Angkorian Royal Road route, our LCP route conforms reasonably well when overlaid with this possible Royal Road. The locations of ancient activities were also in the vicinity of the dense LCP route, and most monuments were located within a 1.5 km buffer line. This underlines that the LCP track obtained in this study is reasonable with a high reliability and is beneficial for guiding further studies to find out more about the ancient remains or archaeological evidence in this area.
Mechanistic Insights into Enantioselective C(sp3)−H Acylation to Construct α‐Amino Ketones via Photoredox and Ni(II) Dual Catalysis: A DFT Study
Authors: Liu Ran , Lv Kang , Bao Xiaoguang
Published: March 2023

The development of the merger of a Ni(II) catalyst with an appropriate photocatalyst under visible‐light irradiation provides a new strategy for realizing direct functionalization of C(sp3)−H bonds. Mechanistically, whether the reduction of Ni catalyst to form a Ni(0) species is necessary in the dual catalysis still remains under debate. Herein, DFT calculations were carried out to gain a mechanistic insight into the enantioselective acylation of α‐amino C(sp3)−H bonds to furnish α‐amino ketones via photoredox and Ni dual catalysis. A feasible mechanistic pathway for the Ni catalysis via the Ni(I)−Ni(III)−Ni(II)−Ni(III)−Ni(I) cycle is suggested with the sequential elementary steps of oxidative addition, single electron reduction, radical addition, and reductive elimination in leading to the final product, whereas a nickel catalytic cycle, Ni(I)−Ni(0)−Ni(II)−Ni(III)−Ni(I), might not be feasible for the photoredox and Ni dual‐catalyzed acylation of α‐amino C(sp3)−H bonds. The origin of the stereoselectivity for this reaction is also discussed, which could be attributed to the minimization of the steric hindrance between the alkyl moiety of radical part and phenyl group of the chiral ligand.
Specifying prior distributions in reliability applications
Authors: Tian Qinglong , Lewis‐Beck Colin , Niemi Jarad B. , Meeker William Q.
Published: March 2023

Especially when facing reliability data with limited information (e.g., a small number of failures), there are strong motivations for using Bayesian inference methods. These include the option to use information from physics‐of‐failure or previous experience with a failure mode in a particular material to specify an informative prior distribution. Another advantage is the ability to make statistical inferences without having to rely on specious (when the number of failures is small) asymptotic theory needed to justify non‐Bayesian methods. Users of non‐Bayesian methods are faced with multiple methods of constructing uncertainty intervals (Wald, likelihood, and various bootstrap methods) that can give substantially different answers when there is little information in the data. For Bayesian inference, there is only one method of constructing equal‐tail credible intervals—but it is necessary to provide a prior distribution to fully specify the model. Much work has been done to find default prior distributions that will provide inference methods with good (and in some cases exact) frequentist coverage properties. This paper reviews some of this work and provides, evaluates, and illustrates principled extensions and adaptations of these methods to the practical realities of reliability data (e.g., non‐trivial censoring).
Electrolyte Modulation Strategies for High Performance Zinc Batteries
Authors: Han Mingming , Li Tian Chen , Li Dong‐Sheng , Yang Hui Ying
Published: March 2023

With high safety and low‐cost features, aqueous zinc batteries have become the promising rechargeable battery technology for future. Recent research works reached a deep understanding on the underlying electrolyte chemistry in Zn batteries. This review aims to put forward the challenges that the aqueous electrolyte is facing, which include low voltage window, multifarious irreversible reactions, and low energy density. The innovative electrolyte modulation strategies, such as hybrid/concentrated solution, gel polymer electrolyte (hydrogel electrolyte), eutectic mixture, electrolyte additives, towards better zinc batteries performance are summarized. The conclusion and outlook are introduced to provide guidance for smart design of electrolyte for advanced Zn batteries.
Epigenetic rejuvenation by partial reprogramming
Authors: Puri Deepika , Wagner Wolfgang
Published: March 2023

Rejuvenation of cells by reprogramming toward the pluripotent state raises increasing attention. In fact, generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) completely reverses age‐associated molecular features, including elongation of telomeres, resetting of epigenetic clocks and age‐associated transcriptomic changes, and even evasion of replicative senescence. However, reprogramming into iPSCs also entails complete de‐differentiation with loss of cellular identity, as well as the risk of teratoma formation in anti‐ageing treatment paradigms. Recent studies indicate that partial reprogramming by limited exposure to reprogramming factors can reset epigenetic ageing clocks while maintaining cellular identity. So far, there is no commonly accepted definition of partial reprogramming, which is alternatively called interrupted reprogramming, and it remains to be elucidated how the process can be controlled and if it resembles a stable intermediate state. In this review, we discuss if the rejuvenation program can be uncoupled from the pluripotency program or if ageing and cell fate determination are inextricably linked. Alternative rejuvenation approaches with reprogramming into a pluripotent state, partial reprogramming, transdifferentiation, and the possibility of selective resetting of cellular clocks are also discussed.
Global prevalence and trend of anxiety among graduate students: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chi Ting , Cheng Luying , Zhang Zhijie
Published: March 2023

Objective

To evaluate the comprehensive prevalence of anxiety among postgraduates and estimate its changes with a meta‐analysis.

Method

Systematic retrieval to SAGE, ERIC, EBSCO, Wiley, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science database was performed for quantitative studies on the prevalence of anxiety among graduate students published before November 22, 2022. The prevalence of anxiety synthesized with random‐effects model, and subgroup analysis was conducted by study characteristics (publication year, sampling method, and measurements) and subjects’ characteristics (gender, region, and educational level).

Result

Fifty studies were included in the meta‐analysis, totaling 39,668 graduate students. The result revealed that 34.8% of graduates suffered from the anxiety (95% CI: 29.5%–40.5%). Specifically, 19.1% (95% CI: 15.4%–23.5%) had mild anxiety, 15.1% (95% C: 11.6%–19.6%) had moderate anxiety, and 10.3% (95% CI: 7.2%–14.6%) had severe anxiety. And this prevalence showed a upward trend since 2005. Besides, master students suffered slightly less than doctoral students (29.2% vs. 34.3%), and female had similar anxiety to male (26.4% vs. 24.9%). Due to the COVID‐19, the prevalence of anxiety is higher after the pandemic than that before (any anxiety: 34.3% vs. 24.8%). Compared with other countries, students from Saudi Arabia, India, and Nepal were more vulnerable. The results of quality assessment showed that, 5 (10%) were in high quality, 21 (42%) were in moderate to high quality, 21 (42%) were in low to moderate quality, and 3 (6%) were in low quality. But, the studies with low quality tend to report a higher prevalence than that with high quality (40.3% vs. 13.0%), studies with nonrandom sampling tend to report a higher prevalence than that with random sampling (33.6% vs. 20.7%). Although we included the data collected based on the standard scales, there were higher heterogeneity among the measure (Q = 253.1, df = 12, p < .00).

Conclusion

More than one‐third postgraduates suffered from anxiety disorder, and this prevalence had a slight upward trend since 2005, school administrators, teachers and students should take joint actions to prevent mental disorder of graduates for deteriorating.
Split and join: An efficient approach for simulating stapled intestinal anastomosis in virtual reality
Authors: Qi Di , De Suvranu
Published: March 2023

Colorectal cancer is a life‐threatening disease. It is the second leading cause of cancer‐related deaths in the United States. Stapled anastomosis is a rapid treatment for colorectal cancer and other intestinal diseases and has become an integral part of routine surgical practice. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is no existing work simulating intestinal anastomosis that often involves sophisticated soft tissue manipulations such as cutting and stitching. In this paper, for the first time, we propose a novel split and join approach to simulate a side‐to‐side stapled intestinal anastomosis in virtual reality. We mimic the intestine model using a new hybrid representation—a grid‐linked particles model for physics simulation and a surface mesh for rendering. The proposed split and join operations handle the updates of both the grid‐linked particles model and the surface mesh during the anastomosis procedure. The simulation results demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach in simulating intestine models and the side‐to‐side anastomosis operation.
Comparative Study on Chemical Composition of Green and Black Table Olives Brines of the Endemic ′′Sigoise′′ Cultivar: Recovery of high‐Added Values Compounds
Authors: Mohamadi Nadia , Meraghni Messaouda , Necib Asma , Jelaiel Loubna , El Arbi Mehdi , Bouaziz Mohamed
Published: March 2023

The effluents derived from the processing of table olives stand for a serious environmental problem. The study aims to valorize the brine water of table olives at different stages of ripening (green and black) of the Algerian variety Sigoise of Bejaia (East) and Mascara (West). The physico‐chemical characterization revealed that these samples display have a high acid pH and salinity. The comparative study of phenolic levels exhibited showed very significant differences between the brine waters of green olives from Bejaia and Mascara, while the brines of black olives presented showed comparable levels. A high strong antioxidant potential was confirmed by DPPH (CI50=0.35 μg/100 ml–0.50 μg/100 ml) and FRAP (CI50=626.89 μg/100 ml–875.54 μg/100 ml) tests. Chemical screening by HPLC‐DAD of the four samples identified high concentrations of hydroxytyrosol (HT) (390.4 mg/100 ml–360.8 mg/100 ml) and tyrosol (202.2 mg/100 ml–101.4 mg/100 ml). This study provided a deeper insight into the phenolic profile and the antioxidant potential of these brines.
Cancer‐associated fibroblasts: Is it a key to an intricate lock of tumorigenesis?
Authors: Aden Durre , Zaheer Sufian , Ahluwalia Himani , Ranga Sunil
Published: March 2023

The past few decades have witnessed a major leap in knowledge relating to the role of tumor microenvironment (TME) in carcinogenesis and evolving behavior of the tumor. Multiple factors within the TME modulate the cancer cells and the associated therapies. Stephen Paget first asserted that the microenvironment plays an important role in the growth of tumor metastasis. The most important player in the TME is cancer‐associated fibroblast (CAF) which significantly participates in the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of tumor cells. CAFs show phenotypic and functional heterogeneity. Mostly CAFs originate from quiescent resident fibroblast or mesoderm‐derived precursor cells (mesenchymal stem cells), although several alternate sources of origin have been noted. However, due to lack of specific fibroblast‐restricted markers, it is very difficult to trace lineage and identify the biological origin of distinct subtypes of CAFs. CAFs are predominantly shown by several studies to mainly act as tumor‐promoting agents, however, tumor‐inhibiting actions are also being validated by several studies. A more objectified and comprehensive functional and phenotypic classification of CAF is required, which will help in better way for tumor management. Here, in this review, we have tried to review the current status of CAF origin, along with phenotypic and functional heterogeneity, and recent progress in CAF research.
Catalysis in Latin America
Authors: Zanchet Daniela , García Juventino J. , Baldovino Medrano Víctor Gabriel
Published: March 2023

This collection of papers from Latin American catalytic researchers was born from online interaction during the trialing times of the COVID‐19 pandemic. The collection showcases the diversification that the field of catalysis has had in our region and features works from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Venezuela, as well as contributions from Latin American researchers who have developed their careers abroad.
PROTOCOL: Treatment for depressive disorder among adults: An evidence and gap map of systematic reviews
Authors: Guo Liping , Li Jieyun , White Howard , Xu Zheng , Ren Junjie , Huang Xinyu , Chen Yaogeng , Yang Kehu
Published: March 2023

This is the protocol for a Campbell evidence and gap map. The objective of the map is to map available systematic reviews on the effectiveness of treatments for depressive disorders among adults. Specifically, this EGM includes studies on the effectiveness of treatments across a range of outcome domains.
Potential of circulating tumor DNA to refine immunotherapy
Authors: Lee Rebecca J. , Luke Jason J.
Published: March 2023

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is a noninvasive strategy to disease assessment of minimal residual disease and treatment response for advanced cancer. ctDNA is emerging as a tool for use in clinical practice and informing novel clinical trial designs in melanoma.
A Structured Process to Identify Fit‐for‐Purpose Study Design and Data to Generate Valid and Transparent Real‐World Evidence for Regulatory Uses
Authors: Gatto Nicolle M. , Vititoe Sarah E. , Rubinstein Emily , Reynolds Robert F , Campbell Ulka B.
Published: March 2023

Generating evidence from real‐world data requires fit‐for‐purpose study design and data. In addition to validity, decision makers require transparency in the reasoning that underlies study design and data source decisions. The 2019 Structured Preapproval and Postapproval Comparative Study Design Framework to Generate Valid and Transparent Real‐World Evidence (SPACE) and the 2021 Structured Process to Identify Fit‐For‐Purpose Data (SPIFD)—intended to be used together—provide a step‐by‐step guide to identify decision grade, fit‐for‐purpose study design and data. In this update (referred to as “SPIFD2” to encompass both the design and data aspects) we provide an update to these frameworks that combines the templates into one, more explicitly calls for articulation of the hypothetical target trial and sources of bias that may arise in the real‐world emulation, and provides explicit references to the Structured Template and Reporting Tool for Real‐World Evidence (STaRT‐RWE) tables that we suggest using immediately after invoking the SPIFD2 framework. Following the steps recommended in the SPIFD2 process requires due diligence on the part of the researcher to ensure that every aspect of study design and data selection is rationalized and supported by evidence. The resulting stepwise documentation enables reproducibility and clear communication with decision makers, and it increases the likelihood that the evidence generated is valid, fit‐for‐purpose, and sufficient to support healthcare and regulatory decisions.
How does entrepreneurial orientation influence firm performance? The roles of corporate social responsibility and institutional environments
Authors: Sheng Lixin , Gu Jibao , Wu Jianlin
Published: March 2023

A growing number of firms are realizing that entrepreneurial orientation (EO) is an effective means to cope with competition and maintain sustainable growth. However, with the results of extant studies on EO‐performance relationship are not fully consistent, the potential mechanism about how EO influences firm performance needs to be further explored. Accordingly, this research investigates the mediating mechanism of EO‐performance by considering the role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) from the resource dependence perspective. In addition, we assess the relationship between EO and CSR by examining the moderating roles of institutional support and dysfunctional competition. Using the sample data of 214 Chinese firms to test the hypotheses, we find that CSR mediates the relationship between EO and firm performance. Moreover, institutional support negatively moderates the EO‐CSR relationship and dysfunctional competition positively moderates the relationship between EO and CSR. Based on the above results, our study provides practical implications for entrepreneurial firms striving to translate their EO into superior firm performance.
An adaptive heuristic algorithm to solve the network slicing resource management problem
Authors: Chen Yen‐Hung
Published: March 2023

Artificial intelligence‐based (AI‐based) network slicing bandwidth allocation enables the 5G/6G service providers to create multiple virtual networks atop a shared physical infrastructure while fulfilling varying end‐user demands. Some researchers argue that AI‐enable network may run the danger of having private information compromised. We still need a backup rule‐based methodology to allocate bandwidth resource to each slice, if the AI‐based method suddenly encounters security issues. To design such a rule‐based methodology, this study attempts to answer two questions: (1) Is the network slicing bandwidth allocation problem the nondeterministic polynomial‐time completeness (NP‐completeness)? (2) Is there a heuristic methodology without any training process, which has equivalent performance compared to the AI‐based methodology? This study first proves the classical network slicing bandwidth allocation problems is NP‐completeness. This shows that the designed heuristic method is inescapably suboptimal to the network slicing bandwidth allocation problem. Secondly, this study proposes the Adaptive Hungarian Algorithm (AHA), which outperforms previous AI‐empowered method and does not need any training process. The experiments demonstrate that AHA reached 93%–97% of the maximal system throughput by brute‐and‐force algorithm, compared to other methodologies only having at most 93% of the maximal system throughput. This also indicates that AHA is capable to solve the network slicing bandwidth allocation problem, if the telecommunication operators do not have sufficient sample complexity to train an AI model.
Kaempferol suppresses glioma progression and synergistically enhances the antitumor activity of gefitinib by inhibiting the EGFR/SRC/STAT3 signaling pathway
Authors: Zhou Jiabin , Liu Yuhan , Chen Jun , Xiong Nanxiang , Yi Dongye
Published: March 2023

Kaempferol (Kae) is a natural flavonoid that has multiple biological activities, such as anti‐inflammatory and antitumor activities. However, few studies have been reported on antiglioma effects of Kae. This study aimed to explore the effects and potential mechanisms of Kae and synergistic antitumor activities with gefitinib (Gef) on glioma. Cell Counting Kit‐8 and 5‐ethynyl‐2'‐deoxyuridine assays were used to detect cytotoxicity and cell proliferation. Cell apoptosis and the cell cycle were detected by flow cytometry. Transwell assays were used to detect the migratory and invasive abilities of glioma cells. Network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis were used to screen for core targets of Kae in glioma therapy. Xenograft tumor nude mice were established with U251 cells to verify the antiglioma effects of Kae in vivo. A terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay was used to detect apoptosis in tumor tissues. The expression of proteins was detected by immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. Kae inhibited cell proliferation, promoted apoptosis, and induced cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase of glioma cells in a concentration‐dependent manner. Kae inhibited the migration and invasion of glioma cells at low concentrations. Network pharmacology analyses showed that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and SRC proto‐oncogene (SRC) might be direct molecular‐binding targets of Kae. Our results showed that Kae inhibited the levels of phosphorylated EGFR, phosphorylated SRC (p‐SRC), and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). In addition, the combination of Kae with Gef significantly inhibited the proliferation of glioma cells. Kae further inhibited EGFR phosphorylation after treatment with Gef. Similarly, Kae further enhanced the inhibition of p‐SRC caused by SU6656. Finally, we demonstrated that Kae exerted great antitumor activities and enhanced the antitumor effect of Gef by inhibiting EGFR/SRC/STAT3 signaling pathway in vivo. Kae played a potential role and synergistic antiglioma effects with Gef by inhibiting the phosphorylation of EGFR/SRC dual targets. Kae is expected to be a candidate drug or chemosensitizer in glioma therapy.