bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tennessee and China: The Challenges and Opportunities of a Growing Trade Relationship
Authors: Varlan Georgia
Published: January 2025

In 2007, the state of Tennessee opened a trade office in Beijing to facilitate increased trade and investment between Tennessee and China, which has already grown by over 1,000 percent in the past five years. This paper begins by tracing a brief history of U.S.-China trade and economic relations, focusing on the period from the 1978 economic reforms to the present, as well as looking at some of the issues affecting U.S.-based entities exporting to China. Tennessee’s trade relationship with China is analyzed within this context, focusing on Tennessee exports to China and using both state trade data and case studies of Tennessee companies doing business in China. This data is then compared to trade data from the twelve states that have a higher dollar amount of exports to China per year than Tennessee. The paper concludes by looking at what overarching conclusions can be drawn about states successfully exporting to and investing in China and makes recommendations on how Tennessee’s state government and The Tennessee-China Development Center (Tennessee’s trade office in Beijing) can grow Tennessee’s overall trade volume with China and assist individual Tennessee businesses in trading with and investing in the Chinese market.
Labor Force Participation in the Older Cohort: Easing Social Security Deficits at the Margins
Authors: Lumley Michael
Published: January 2025

This paper examines possible avenues to salvage national retirement programs. It first proposes changes to the system which would in theory entice Americans to remain in the work force at older ages, such as adjusting the retirement age, expanding the Average Indexed Monthly Earnings calculation base, establishing a ‘paid-up’ category for payroll taxes, establishing Medicare as the primary payer for working seniors, and reducing or eliminating regulations that prevent men and women from gradually retiring. The paper then turns to look at the effect of policy changes on labor force participation. The data is processed with an Ordinary Least Squares estimator. The results of the eight regressions were mixed, and are discussed in detail within the paper.
The Wall Paintings of Tell el-Dab’a: Potential Aegean Connections
Authors: Cole Sara
Published: January 2025

In 1991 Manfred Bietak discovered wall paintings produced in the Aegean style with Aegean techniques at the Egyptian Delta site of Tell el-Dab’a, or ancient Avaris. These paintings date to Egypt’s 18th Dynasty (c.1550-1069 B.C.) and were found in a palatial context. A close examination of the paintings regarding materials and techniques, iconography, style and context sheds new light on the relationship between Egypt and the Aegean world during the 2nd millennium B.C. Additionally, it provides increased support for a system of an elite shared cultural koiné in the eastern Mediterranean during this time, which the elites of each culture appropriated for their own use.
Shock-Related Deformation of Feldspars from the Tenoumer Impact Crater, Mauritania
Authors: Jaret Steven J.
Published: January 2025

Shock-related textures in feldspars have been found in impactites from the Tenoumer impact structure, Mauritania. We see a range in features, from disruption of twin planes, to inclined deformation lamellae, to true Planar Deformation Features (PDF’s) which occur at multiple orientations to one another. Most notably, these textures occur in samples that do not contain shocked quartz, suggesting feldspars record evidence of shock pressures lower than 8 GPa.
Always the Backbone, Rarely the Leader: Black Women Activists and the Reconceptualization of Respectability during the 1960 Nashville Sit-in Movement
Authors: Hughett Amanda
Published: January 2025

In 1960 Nashville, change came from an unexpected place. Black college women renounced the protective environment of their campuses to participate in, and often lead, civil rights demonstrations alongside their black brothers. Yet, these black women’s valiant actions were not initially met with praise and gratitude from the city’s black community, who feared the women’s new radical behaviors transgressed the gendered boundaries of middle class respectability. Supportive male leaders claimed these young women’s actions were simply extensions of traditionally respectable black female attributes. Through the framework established by supportive male leaders, black college women continued to challenge and succeeded in shifting women’s respectable role in racial uplift work from that of invisible supporter to public leader, all the while maintaining the black community’s support — and admiration.
The Art of Creative Conflict Resolution: A Critical Evaluation of Approaches to Post-Conflict Reconstruction in Northern Uganda
Authors: McClain Lindsey
Published: January 2025

The Acholi of northern Uganda, whose cultural heritage is rich in literature and the performing arts, are emerging from more than two decades of war, and there is a desire and need to nurture a culture of peace. Over the last four years, numerous organizations and individuals in Uganda have incorporated the arts into conflict resolution, community reconciliation, and psycho-social healing. These creative approaches, designed to encourage reconciliation, have varied enormously, as have the degrees to which northern communities have accepted and taken ownership of them. A careful analysis of their resonance and impacts has been largely overlooked and underrepresented in scholarship. Therefore, based on research conducted in Uganda from 2007 to 2009, the influx of projects involving the creative arts are comparatively and critically evaluated by assessing what is global, what is local, and what is gender-, place-, and age-specific, as well as how the projects’ funding sources affect their short- and long-term sustainability. This paper concludes with recommendations for future programs rooted in the arts and possible implications of this evaluation for other post-conflict reconstruction strategies in Africa today.
Entre a teoria e a história: a política comercial dos Estados Unidos na década de 1980
Authors: Mendonça Filipe
Published: January 2025

Neste livro, Filipe Mendonça faz uma análise da política comer­cial norte-americana dos anos 1980, mas nos oferece uma visão abrangente. Trata-se de análise especializada, com amplo olhar sobre questões fundamentais para a compreensão daquela política. Por isso o peso que tem a política externa e internacional, sempre focando nas relações dos âmbitos doméstico e internacional. O autor busca, ao longo do trabalho, demonstrar as motivações principais das mudanças na política norte-americana, muito forte­mente marcadas pelo Omnibus and Trade Competitiveness Act de 1988, que marca a definitiva implementação do fair trade, interna­cionalmente conhecido pela revitalização do sistema de sanções pelas Super 301 e Special 301. Trabalho ganhador do disputado Prêmio Franklin Delano Roose-velt de Estudos sobre os Estados Unidos da América 2011, atribuí­do pela embaixada dos Estados Unidos em Brasília.
Dual role of FOXG1 in regulating gliogenesis in the developing neocortex via the FGF signalling pathway
Authors: Bose Mahima , Talwar Ishita , Suresh Varun , Mishra Urvi , Biswas Shiona , Yadav Anuradha , Suryavanshi Shital T , Hippenmeyer Simon , Tole Shubha
Published: January 2025

In the developing vertebrate central nervous system, neurons and glia typically arise sequentially from common progenitors. Here, we report that the transcription factor Forkhead Box G1 (
Foxg1
) regulates gliogenesis in the mouse neocortex via distinct cell-autonomous roles in progenitors and in postmitotic neurons that regulate different aspects of the gliogenic FGF signalling pathway. We demonstrate that loss of
Foxg1
in cortical progenitors at neurogenic stages causes premature astrogliogenesis. We identify a novel FOXG1 target, the pro-gliogenic FGF pathway component
Fgfr3
, that is suppressed by FOXG1 cell-autonomously to maintain neurogenesis. Furthermore, FOXG1 can also suppress premature astrogliogenesis triggered by the augmentation of FGF signalling. We identify a second novel function of FOXG1 in regulating the expression of gliogenic cues in newborn neocortical upper-layer neurons.Loss of FOXG1 in postmitotic neurons non-autonomously enhances gliogenesis in the progenitors via FGF signalling. These results fit well with the model that newborn neurons secrete cues that trigger progenitors to produce the next wave of cell types, astrocytes. If FGF signalling is attenuated in
Foxg1
null progenitors, they progress to oligodendrocyte production. Therefore, loss of FOXG1 transitions the progenitor to a gliogenic state, producing either astrocytes or oligodendrocytes depending on FGF signalling levels. Our results uncover how FOXG1 integrates extrinsic signalling via the FGF pathway to regulate the sequential generation of neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes in the cerebral cortex.
A double dissociation between semantic and spatial cognition in visual to default network pathways
Authors: Gonzalez Alam Tirso RJ , Krieger-Redwood Katya , Varga Dominika , Gao Zhiyao , Horner Aidan J , Hartley Tom , Thiebaut de Schotten Michel , Sliwinska Magdalena , Pitcher David , Margulies Daniel S , Smallwood Jonathan , Jefferies Elizabeth
Published: January 2025

Processing pathways between sensory and default mode network (DMN) regions support recognition, navigation, and memory but their organisation is not well understood. We show that functional subdivisions of visual cortex and DMN sit at opposing ends of parallel streams of information processing that support visually mediated semantic and spatial cognition, providing convergent evidence from univariate and multivariate task responses, intrinsic functional and structural connectivity. Participants learned virtual environments consisting of buildings populated with objects, drawn from either a single semantic category or multiple categories. Later, they made semantic and spatial context decisions about these objects and buildings during functional magnetic resonance imaging. A lateral ventral occipital to fronto-temporal DMN pathway was primarily engaged by semantic judgements, while a medial visual to medial temporal DMN pathway supported spatial context judgements. These pathways had distinctive locations in functional connectivity space: the semantic pathway was both further from unimodal systems and more balanced between visual and auditory-motor regions compared with the spatial pathway. When semantic and spatial context information could be integrated (in buildings containing objects from a single category), regions at the intersection of these pathways responded, suggesting that parallel processing streams interact at multiple levels of the cortical hierarchy to produce coherent memory-guided cognition.
El problema económico-social de la tierra en el espacio rural de la Araucanía: un análisis histórico (1910-1998)
Authors: Pareja Arellano Nicolas , Riquelme Brevis Hernán , Sandoval Obando Eduardo
Published: January 2025

El presente artículo tiene como objetivo comprender el problema de la tierra en la Araucanía a partir de su desarrollo histórico, considerando principalmente sus dimensiones socioeconómicas y sus consecuencias políticas. Para ello, se realiza un análisis en base a antecedentes bibliográficos, lo que permite trazar una trayectoria de diversos hitos que han marcado los caminos de la Araucanía hasta hoy. En este sentido, algunas de las características actuales de la región, como la pobreza, la desigualdad y el conflicto, se pueden analizar desde la mirada de las acciones y acontecimientos que ocurrieron en este período. Las principales conclusiones señalan que la ocupación y colonización de la Araucanía por parte del Estado chileno, dan lugar a una serie de problemas locales con respecto a la tierra que no se han resuelto, sino que han avanzado y se han extendido. Esto ha generado inestabilidad en el espacio rural de la región, por lo que los problemas sociales y económicos provocan nuevas crisis políticas. El problema de la tierra, muy ligado al subdesarrollo, en este período pasó de ser un problema económico-social, a un problema político permanente, una disputa por el territorio, en una lógica colonización y resistencia (descolonización).
Digital Financial Transactions and Business Performance: The Role of Mobile Money in Ghana’s SME Sector: Evidence from the Sunyani Municipality
Authors: Awuah Emmanuel
Published: January 2025

This study examines the role of mobile money (MM) transactions in enhancing the performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Sunyani Municipality, Ghana. While previous studies have explored the impact of mobile money on various aspects of economic development, limited research has specifically examined its direct impact on SME performance in the Ghanaian context.   A purposive sampling technique was employed to select 120 SMEs from various sectors, including retail, electronics, and services. Data collected through structured questionnaires were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 and STATA version 13, focusing on key variables such as sales revenue, frequency of mobile money transactions, and business characteristics. The results reveal a significant positive relationship between the frequency of MM transactions and sales revenue (r = 0.45). Specifically, for each additional MM transaction, sales revenue increased by GHC 500, and for every additional GHC transacted, sales revenue increased by GHC 1.50. The amount transacted via MM showed a stronger correlation with sales revenue (r = 0.60), emphasizing that higher transaction volumes drive business growth. While business age and workforce size positively impacted revenue, their influence was weaker compared to MM usage. The regression analysis further confirmed the critical role of mobile money, with MM transaction frequency and amount being the most significant predictors of sales revenue. The findings suggest that wider adoption of mobile money services could enhance operational efficiency, expand market reach, and improve financial performance, positioning MM as a key driver of SME growth in emerging markets. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on digital financial inclusion and business development, offering practical insights for policymakers and SME owners. The study covers only SMEs in Sunyani Municipality, and thus results may be limited to the generalization to other regions with different socio-economic characteristics. Based on the findings, the study recommends that promotion of the use of mobile money by SMEs be stepped up through targeted financial literacy and awareness creation directed at explaining the utility and profitability of the instrument.
Academically Challenging Environment and Passionate Leadership Qualities of Teachers in Public Elementary Schools
Authors: Alagasi Dionisia D. , Baguio Josephine B.
Published: January 2025

This study was conducted to determine the academically challenging environment and passionate leadership qualities of teachers in public elementary schools in Talomo District, Division of Davao City. This employed the non-experimental quantitative research design utilizing correlational method leading to regression analysis. The respondents of the study were the 130 teachers in public elementary schools. The statistical tools used in this study were weighted mean, product moment correlation coefficient or (pearson r) and regression analysis. Based on the data, the academically challenging environment was oftentimes manifested while the passionate leadership qualities were perceived the same. There was significant relationship between the academically challenging environment and passionate leadership qualities of teachers. On the other hand, there was significant influence between the academically challenging environment and passionate leadership qualities of teachers in public elementary schools. In the light of the findings the study may guide the school administrators in articulating plans and school programs that will respond to the teachers’ needs and aspirations. Thus, this could be the basis in developing strategies and formulating rules towards development of academically challenging environment and passionate leadership qualities of teachers in public elementary schools. In addition, this study may contribute to teachers teaching effectiveness and build a trusting and creative atmosphere that is conducive to the attainment of the goals of the organization.
Response of Wheat Cultivars to Water Deficit in North Nile Delta
Authors: Abdel-Fattah Ibrahim M. , El-Hag Walaa A.A. , Hag Dalia A. A. El
Published: January 2025

A field experiment was carried out during at two wheat growing seasons of 2020/21 and 2021/22 on Sakha Agricultural Research farm, middle north of Nile Delta to find out the impact of water deficit on five bread wheat cultivars; Misr 2, Sakha 95, Misr 3, Giza 171 and Shandaweel 1, with three treatments irrigation were; A-irrigating with 60% water needs (WN), B-irrigating with 80%of WN and C-irrigating with 100% of WN. The obtained results showed that irrigating with 100% of WN recorded the highest values of heading, and maturity days, biological, grain and straw yield and yield components.  Sakha 95 has the highest grain yield, Sakha 95 and Giza 171 had the highest values of 1000 grain weight and number of grains/spike, while Misr 2 and Giza 171 has the highest values of biological yield. Irrigating wheat with 80% of WN has so many advantages; high yield as the full irrigation and saving water. Crop-water function of PIW and WP increased with water deficit.
Pharmacology Students' Perception of the Use of Animals Prior to Laboratory Practice
Authors: García Luis Angel Gómez , Garrido-Acosta Osvaldo , Vázquez Ramón Soto , Ortega María Teresa Corona
Published: January 2025

Aims: Technological development in computing and biochemistry has allowed the development of teaching tools that are useful in the teaching-learning process. In this descriptive-inferential work, the perception of Pharmaceutical Biological Chemistry (QFB) degree regarding the use of animals in their laboratory practices was evaluated, taking as a reference the practice of testing drugs with hypoglycemic effect.
Study Design:  The design of the study was descriptive inferential.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was realized in FES Zaragoza, UNAM, with Biology Pharmaceutical Chemist student careers between february to may in 2024.
Methodology: In this work, an evaluation instrument was designed and developed and that was validated by expert criteria and that was applied to 132 students prior to carrying out the practice in the laboratory. The applied evaluation instrument contained 3 questions aimed at knowing this perception of the students.
Results: The results present a binomial distribution probability greater than 0.99 in favor of reducing or replacing research animals with computer simulators.
Conclusion: The students consider that is possible to replacement or to reduce the animal research in teaching laboratory.
Screening for Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy
Authors:   US Preventive Services Task Force, Barry Michael J. , Nicholson Wanda K. , Silverstein Michael , Cabana Michael D. , Chelmow David , Coker Tumaini Rucker , Davis Esa M. , Donahue Katrina E. , Jaén Carlos Roberto , Li Li , Ogedegbe Gbenga , Rao Goutham , Ruiz John M. , Stevermer James , Tsevat Joel , Underwood Sandra Millon , Wong John B.
Published: September 2023

Importance

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are among the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality in the US. The rate of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy has been increasing from approximately 500 cases per 10 000 deliveries in 1993 to 1021 cases per 10 000 deliveries in 2016 to 2017.

Objective

The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) commissioned a systematic review to evaluate the benefits and harms of screening for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Population

Pregnant persons without a known diagnosis of a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy or chronic hypertension.

Evidence Assessment

The USPSTF concludes with moderate certainty that screening for hypertensive disorders in pregnancy with blood pressure measurements has substantial net benefit.

Recommendation

The USPSTF recommends screening for hypertensive disorders in pregnant persons with blood pressure measurements throughout pregnancy. (B recommendation)
Diversifying the Medical Pathway in a Post–Affirmative Action World
Authors: Essien Utibe R. , Agbafe Victor , Norris Keith C.
Published: September 2023

This Viewpoint discusses a pathway toward individual, institutional, professional, and societal actions to increase the number of underrepresented individuals in medicine within the medical workforce in a “post–affirmative action” landscape.
Moisture Induced Secondary Crystal Growth Boosting the Efficiency of Hole Transport Layer‐Free Carbon‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells beyond 19.5%
Authors: Li Lingcong , Rao Huashang , Wu Zhujie , Hong Jin , Zhang Jianxin , Pan Zhenxiao , Zhong Xinhua
Published: September 2023

Hole transport layer (HTL)‐free carbon‐based perovskite solar cells (C‐PSCs) show promising commercial application potential due to their attractive advantages of low cost and high stability. However, the power conversion efficiency of C‐PSCs is relatively low, mainly due to the poor crystalline quality of the C‐PSC applicable perovskite films and the energy level mismatch between the perovskite and carbon electrode. Herein, a moisture‐induced secondary crystal growth strategy to simultaneously improve the crystalline quality and optimize the energy level of perovskite film is proposed. The presence of moisture renders the surface of perovskite grains reactive by forming metastable intermediates. It is demonstrated that the commonly considered harmful intermediates can trigger secondary crystal growth. This secondary growth strategy results in improved crystallinity, larger grain size, and better morphology of the perovskite films, which reduce the density of defect states and also benefit the interface contact between the perovskite film and carbon electrode. Furthermore, the secondary growth modulates the surface composition of the film to achieve an optimized energy level alignment. As a result, this secondary growth strategy reduces the charge recombination loss and accelerates the charge transport process in C‐PSCs. Consequently, a new record efficiency of 19.52% is achieved for HTL‐free C‐PSCs.
Antibacterial Fusobacterium nucleatum‐Mimicking Nanomedicine to Selectively Eliminate Tumor‐Colonized Bacteria and Enhance Immunotherapy Against Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Chen Linfu , Zhao Rui , Shen Jingjing , Liu Nanhui , Zheng Zixuan , Miao Yu , Zhu Jiafei , Zhang Lin , Wang Yingyao , Fang Huapan , Zhou Jun , Li Maoyi , Yang Yang , Liu Zhuang , Chen Qian
Published: September 2023

Clinical evidence indicates that tumor‐colonizing bacteria can be closely related to the tumor development and therapeutic responses. Selectively eliminating bacteria within tumors may be an attractive approach to enhance cancer treatment without additional side effects. Herein, it is found that, owing to the high affinity between the membrane protein Fap‐2 on Fusobacterium nucleatum and d‐galactose‐β (1‐3)‐N‐acetyl‐d‐galactosamine (Gal‐GalNAc) overexpressed on colorectal tumor cells, F. nucleatum can colonize in colorectal tumors, as evidenced by both clinical samples and animal tumor models. Notably, F. nucleatum colonized in colorectal tumors can lead to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, greatly reducing their responses to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. Inspired by this finding, an F. nucleatum‐mimetic nanomedicine is designed by fusing F. nucleatum cytoplasmic membrane (FM) with Colistin‐loaded liposomes to achieve selective killing of tumor‐colonizing F. nucleatum without affecting gut microbes. As a result, the therapeutic responses of F. nucleatum‐colonized tumors to ICB therapies can be successfully restored, as demonstrated in an F. nucleatum‐infected subcutaneous CT‐26 tumor model, chemically induced spontaneous colorectal cancer models, and MC‐38 tumor model. In summary, this work presents an F. nucleatum‐mimicking nanomedicine that can selectively eliminate tumor‐colonized bacteria, which is promising for enhancing the responses of cancer immunotherapy against F. nucleatum‐colonized colorectal cancer.
3D Printing Assisted‐Fabrication of Low‐Temperature Strain Sensors with Large Working Range and Outstanding Stability
Authors: Niu Shicong , He Shiyu , Chen Yu , Zhu Zhihao , Chang Xueting , Yang Chuanxiao , Li Junfeng , Jiang Yingchang , Wang Dongsheng , Zhu Yanqiu , Sun Shibin
Published: September 2023

Recently, low‐temperature wearable strain sensors, referring to those working at sub‐zero temperatures, are attracting increasing attentions. However, the fabrication of low‐temperature strain sensors with large working ranges, high sensitivity, and good stability remains a major challenge. In this study, a novel low‐temperature wearable strain sensor is fabricated by depositing the silver nanoplates (Ag NPs)/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) composite onto a cured silicone (DS) substrate that is constructed by using a 3D printing technology. The synergistic effect of the Ag NPs with positive temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) and the CNTs with negative TCR enable the Ag NPs/CNTs/DS strain sensor's TCR value (−1.16 × 10−5 K−1) to approach zero. The Ag NPs/CNTs/DS strain sensor demonstrates a high gauge factor over a large working range (0–100%) and fast response and recovery rates. Simultaneously, the Ag NPs/CNTs/DS strain sensor displays outstanding reproducibility and long‐term stability at −40 °C as well as excellent temperature cycling resistance under cyclic temperature of −40 to 60 °C. The Ag NPs/CNTs/DS strain sensor is further validated by incorporating into a wireless sensing system for remotely monitoring various human activities at −40 °C. This work provides wearable strain sensors for monitoring human‐machine interaction under low‐temperature condition.
Bone marrow fibrosis is associated with non‐response to CD19 CAR T‐cell therapy in B‐acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Anil Joshua , Alnemri Ahab , Lytle Andrew , Lockhart Brian , Anil Ashley E. , Baumgartner Michael , Gebre Kirubel , McFerran Jared , Grupp Stephan A. , Rheingold Susan R. , Pillai Vinodh
Published: September 2023

CD19 directed CAR T‐cell therapy is used to treat relapsed/refractory B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The role of the pre‐CAR bone marrow (BM) stromal microenvironment in determining response to CAR T‐cell therapy has been understudied. We performed whole transcriptome analysis, reticulin fibrosis assessment and CD3 T‐cell infiltration on BM core biopsies from pre‐ and post‐CAR timepoints for 61 patients, as well as on a cohort of 54 primary B‐ALL samples. Pathways of fibrosis, extracellular matrix development, and associated transcription factors AP1 and TGF‐β3, were enriched and upregulated in nonresponders (NR) even prior to CAR T cell therapy. NR showed significantly higher levels of BM fibrosis compared to complete responders by both clinical reticulin assessment and AI‐assisted digital image scoring. CD3+ T cells showed a trend toward lower infiltration in NR. NR had significantly higher levels of pre‐CAR fibrosis compared to primary B‐ALL. High levels of fibrosis were associated with lower overall survival after CAR T‐cell therapy. In conclusion, BM fibrosis is a novel mechanism mediating nonresponse to CD19‐directed CAR T‐cell therapy in B‐ALL. A widely used clinically assay for quantitating myelofibrosis can be repurposed to determine patients at high risk of non‐response. Genes and pathways associated with BM fibrosis are a potential target to improve response.
Optical Non‐Reciprocity in Coupled Resonators by Detailed Balance
Authors: Yao Yi‐Xuan , Ai Qing
Published: September 2023

Inspired by the photosynthetic energy transfer process, a method to realize non‐reciprocal optical transmission in an array of coupled resonators is theoretically proposed. The optical non‐reciprocity of the coupled resonators arises from the frequency gradient between adjacent cavities and the interaction with the environment, which is similar to photosynthetic energy transfer. An increase in the frequency gradient or the number of the cavities can lead to better non‐reciprocity. However, although a higher environment temperature will increase the total photon number in the coupled cavities, non‐reciprocity will be weakened. All these findings can be well described by the detailed balance. The similarity between the noise‐induced optical non‐reciprocity and exciton energy transfer in natural photosynthesis is revealed by the discovery.
Speakable and Unspeakable in Quantum Measurements
Authors: Sokolovski Dmitri , Alonso Ramirez Daniel , Brouard Martin Santiago
Published: September 2023

Quantum mechanics, in its orthodox version, imposes severe limits on what can be known, or even said, about the condition of a quantum system between two observations. A relatively new approach, based on so‐called “weak measurements”, suggests that such forbidden knowledge can be gained by studying the system's response to an inaccurate weakly perturbing measuring device. It goes further to propose revising the whole concept of physics variables, and offers various examples of counterintuitive quantum behavior. Both views go to the very heart of quantum theory, and yet are rarely compared directly. A new technique must either transcend the orthodox limits, or just prove that these limits are indeed necessary. Both possibilities are studied and orthodoxy is vindicated.
Enantio‐ and Diastereoselective NiH‐Catalyzed Hydroalkylation of Enamides or Enecarbamates with Racemic α‐Bromoamides**
Authors: Chen Jian , Wu Lifu , Zhao Yue , Zhu Shaolin
Published: September 2023

Catalytic methods which control multiple stereogenic centers simultaneously are highly desirable in modern organic synthesis and chemical manufacturing. Herein, we report a regio‐, enantio‐, and diastereoselective NiH‐catalyzed hydroalkylation process which proceeds with simultaneous control of vicinal stereocenters originating from two readily accessible partners, prochiral internal alkenes (enamides or enecarbamates) and racemic alkyl electrophiles (α‐bromoamides or Katritzky salts). This reaction produces high‐value β‐aminoamides and their derivatives under mild conditions and with precise selectivity. Preliminary studies of the mechanism indicate that the reaction involves an enantioselective syn‐hydronickelation to generate an enantiomerically enriched alkylnickel(II) species. Subsequent enantioconvergent alkylation with a racemic alkyl electrophile generates the desired product as a single stereoisomer.
Tumor‐pH‐value responsive non‐peripheral substituted phthalocyanines: Synthesis, investigation of photophysical and photochemical properties
Authors: Genc Bilgicli Hayriye , Bilgiçli Ahmet T. , Alagöz Tenzile , Günsel Armağan , Zengin Mustafa , Yarasir M. Nilüfer
Published: September 2023

Cancer is one of the diseases with the highest mortality rate worldwide. Although PDT has recently produced encouraging outcomes, there are still many areas that need to be improved. The first of these is the negative consequences faced by patients treated with the PDT method when exposed to sunlight. For this reason, a new PDT method has been developed in recent years, and it is aimed at using photosensitizer molecules that can be active in acidic conditions. Since the pH values of tumor tissues are more acidic than normal tissues, preparing molecules that act effectively in acidic conditions will allow for more effective results in treating cancer with PDT. In this context, within the scope of this study, 3‐(4‐propionylphenoxy)phthalonitrile (1) and its non‐peripheral tetra‐substituted phthalocyanine derivatives [(2), (3), and (4)] were prepared. With these phthalocyanine derivatives, the novel compounds (5), (6), and (7) were synthesized for the first time. The aggregation tendencies of newly synthesized phthalocyanines (5–7) were investigated in solvent media. The effects of pH changes upon UV–Vis and fluorescence spectra were performed. The electronic and emission spectra of synthesized phthalocyanine derivatives are highly sensitive to pH changes. Formation constant (LogK) values of mono‐ and di‐protonated phthalocyanine forms were calculated by the Henderson–Hasselback equation. The mono‐ and di‐protonated species' equilibrium constants (logK1 and logK2) were calculated as ~5.0. This value may be promising for pH‐sensitizing photosensitizers. Also, the photophysical and photochemical properties of synthesized metallophthalocyanine derivatives (2) and (5) were studied at different pH values. The singlet oxygen quantum yield of (2) and (5) was calculated to be 0.78 and 0.81 in DMSO, respectively. When pH = 6.4, that is, tumor‐pH‐values, this value for (5) has increased to 0.92. The newly synthesized phthalocyanines are suitable photosensitizers for PDT applications, especially with high singlet oxygen quantum yield at pH 6.4.
Defining the physical properties of blends of acetyl‐triacylglycerols derived from transgenic oil seeds
Authors: Neumann Nicholas , Fei Tao , Wang Tong , Durrett Timothy P.
Published: September 2023

Acetyl‐TAG are unusually structured triacylglycerols (TAG) that possess an acetate group at their sn‐3 position. Acetyl‐TAG have different physical properties compared to regular TAG, including lower viscosity and improved cold temperature properties, making acetyl‐TAG useful for different applications, including as a diesel replacement. These unusual TAG molecules can be synthesized in the seeds of transgenic plants through the expression of diacylglycerol acetyltransferase (DAcT) enzymes isolated from different Euonymus species. In this study, the kinematic viscosity as well as the crystallization and melting behavior of blends of acetyl‐TAG and regular TAG were examined to define goals for acetyl‐TAG synthesis in transgenic plants. Even small amounts of regular TAG when blended with acetyl‐TAG had a disproportionate effect on the viscosity of mixture. This effect of regular TAG in increasing kinematic viscosity was more pronounced at lower temperatures. Under slow cooling conditions, the two different TAGs and their blends possessed two main crystallization events with different degree of separation of the thermal transition, and the lower crystallization temperature decreased with increasing amounts of acetyl‐TAG in the blend. At higher cooling rates, one broad and tailed crystallization peak was observed. Heating thermograms indicate similar polymorphic behavior of the blends and a general peak shift to lower transition range with increasing acetyl‐TAG compared to the two pure lipids. This information about the viscosity and thermal properties of blends of TAG and acetyl‐TAG will provide useful targets for engineering higher levels of acetyl‐TAG in transgenic seeds.
A maceration technique for soft plant tissue without hazardous chemicals
Authors: Klahs Phillip C. , McMurchie Elizabeth K. , Nikkel Jordan J. , Clark Lynn G.
Published: September 2023

Premise

Current methods for maceration of plant tissue use hazardous chemicals. The new method described here improves the safety of dissection and maceration of soft plant tissues for microscopic imaging by using the harmless enzyme pectinase.

Methods and Results

Leaf material from a variety of land plants was obtained from living plants and dried herbarium specimens. Concentrations of aqueous pectinase and soaking schedules were optimized, and tissues were manually dissected while submerged in fresh solution following a soaking period. Most leaves required 2–4 h of soaking; however, delicate leaves could be macerated after 30 min while tougher leaves required 12 h to 3 days of soaking. Staining techniques can also be used with this method, and permanent or semi‐permanent slides can be prepared. The epidermis, vascular tissue, and individual cells were imaged at magnifications of 10× to 400×. Only basic safety precautions were needed.

Conclusions

This pectinase method is a cost‐effective and safe way to obtain images of epidermal peels, separated tissues, or isolated cells from a wide range of plant taxa.
Covalent Capture and Selection of DNA‐Encoded Chemical Libraries via Photo‐Activated Lysine‐Selective Crosslinkers
Authors: Wei Haimei , Zhang Tianyang , Li Yangfeng , Zhang Gong , Li Yizhou
Published: September 2023

Covalent crosslinking probes have arisen as efficient toolkits to capture and elucidate biomolecular interaction networks. Exploiting the potential of crosslinking in DNA‐encoded chemical library (DEL) selection methods significantly boosted bioactive ligand discovery in complex physiological contexts. Herein, we incorporated o‐nitrobenzyl alcohol (o‐NBA) as a photo‐activated lysine‐selective crosslinker into divergent DEL formats and achieved covalent capture of ligand‐target interactions featuring improved crosslinking efficiency and site‐specificity. In addition, covalent DEL selection was realized with the modularly designed o‐NBA‐functionalized mock libraries.
Challenges and Prospects of Phosphorus‐based Anode Materials for Secondary Batteries
Authors: Dong Shaowen , Wang Li , Huang Xiaolong , Liang Jie , He Xiangming
Published: September 2023

The research of new electrode materials is vital, among which anode materials have a significant role in the improvement of the overall energy density of batteries. Phosphorus‐based anode materials show tremendous potential in the exploration of anode materials due to their high theoretical capacity, natural abundance, and environmental friendliness. In this review, we sum up the latest research progress of red phosphorus‐based, black phosphorus‐based, and transition metal phosphide‐based anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) and sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). The features of the phosphorus‐based materials, the preparation methods, and the advantages/disadvantages are introduced, as well as the electrochemical storage mechanism of LIBs and SIBs. On this basis, the problems of phosphorus‐based anode materials are considered and analyzed in depth and improvement strategies are proposed. Finally, the directions that phosphorus‐based materials will take in the future are examined. This paper is intended to advance knowledge of phosphorus‐based anode materials among researchers and to offer some recommendations for using such materials in LIBs and SIBs.
Identity state‐dependent self‐relevance and emotional intensity ratings of words in dissociative identity disorder: A controlled longitudinal study
Authors: Strouza Aikaterini I. , Lawrence Andrew J. , Vissia Eline M. , Kakouris Andreana , Akan Ayse , Nijenhuis Ellert R. S. , Draijer Nel , Chalavi Sima , Reinders Antje A. T. S.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Dissociative identity disorder (DID) is characterized by, among others, amnesic episodes and the recurrence of different dissociative identity states. While consistently observed in clinical settings, to our knowledge, no controlled research study has shown the degree to which different identity states report autobiographical knowledge over time. Hence, the current study investigates self‐relevance and emotional intensity ratings of words longitudinally.

Methods

Data of 46 participants were included: 13 individuals with DID, 11 DID‐simulating actors, and a control group of 22 paired individuals. Individuals with DID and DID simulators participated once in the neutral identity state (NIS) and once in the trauma‐related dissociative identity state (TIS). The control group paired 11 healthy controls with 11 participants with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a NIS–TIS pair. Self‐relevance ratings of different word types were collected in a baseline and a follow‐up session, on average 6 weeks apart. A mixed ANOVA design was used to assess the effects of group, session, word type, and dissociative identity state.

Results

All participants in TIS and individuals with DID in NIS rated self‐relevant trauma‐related words more negatively. In the NIS, the control group rated self‐relevant trauma‐related words as less negative, whereas the ratings of simulating actors were intermediate. There was no group‐dependent longitudinal effect for intensity ratings.

Conclusions

This study was the first to confirm clinical observations that self‐relevant and emotional processing are different between individuals with DID and controls, but consistent over time. Actors were unable to perfectly simulate DID. The finding that ratings of self‐relevant trauma‐related words differ between subgroups as included in the study is in line with clinical observations.
Exploring the Synthetic and Antioxidant Potential of 1,2‐Disubstituted Benzimidazoles Using [Et3NH][HSO4] Ionic Liquid Catalyst
Authors: Sahiba Nusrat , Teli Pankaj , Meena Priyadarshi , Agarwal Shikha
Published: September 2023

An [Et3NH][HSO4] ionic‐liquid catalyzed, intermolecular C−N bond formation for 1,2‐disubstituted benzimidazole synthesis was achieved by the reaction of OPD and substituted aldehydes at ambient reaction conditions. Operational simplicity, use of easily available substrate and reagents, good yields (74–95 %) in short reaction time (4–18 min), simple work‐up, and column chromatographic free synthesis are the remarkable features of this new protocol. The applicability of [Et3NH][HSO4] ionic‐liquid as a green and inexpensive catalyst with good recyclability and compatibility with a broad range of functional group having heteroatom, electron‐withdrawing, and electron‐releasing groups manifested the sustainability, eco‐friendliness, and efficiency of the present methodology. Moreover, the antioxidant studies of the synthesized compounds using DPPH and ABTS assays were appealing and several synthesized compounds showed significant antioxidant activity.
Diastereoselective Pd‐catalyzed Decarboxylative (4+2) Cycloaddition Reactions of 4‐Vinylbenzoxazinanones and 2‐Nitro‐1,3‐enynes
Authors: Tague Andrew J. , Hoang Pham Quoc , Richardson Christopher , Pyne Stephen G. , Hyland Christopher J. T.
Published: September 2023

A formal palladium‐catalyzed decarboxylative (4+2) cycloaddition reaction between 4‐vinylbenzoxazinanones and 2‐nitro‐1,3‐enynes has been developed to produce highly valuable, densely functionalized tetrahydroquinolines in moderate to excellent yields with high diastereoselectivity under mild reaction conditions. The optimised protocol tolerates a range of substituted 2‐nitro‐1,3‐enynes, which represent an under‐utilized class of dipolarophile for transition‐metal catalyzed cycloadditions. The employed reaction methodology facilitates efficient cycloaddition with both N‐H‐ and N‐Ts‐4‐vinylbenzoxazinanone dipole precursors. The stereochemistry of the major and minor diastereomeric (4+2) cycloadducts was determined by single crystal X‐ray analyses. A mechanistic rationale for the high intrinsic diastereoselectivity and preliminary enantioselective experiments are also presented. The tetrahydroquinoline cycloadduct products feature numerous pendant functionalities, including a vinyl handle, an internal alkyne motif and a nitro functionality (which functions as a latent C‐3 nitrogen substituent) for further synthetic manipulations.
Control structure selection of increased‐pressure extractive distillation process for DMC‐MeOH azeotropic mixture
Authors: Varyemez H. Selin , Kaymak Devrim B.
Published: September 2023

Producing dimethyl carbonate (DMC) as a green chemical with the desired purity is important in the industry. Although studies on the steady‐state design of energy‐efficient extractive distillation processes are important for the purification of DMC‐methanol (DMC‐MeOH) azeotropic mixtures, the dynamic controllability of these processes is also critical in the case of feed condition changes, and it should be investigated carefully. Results of the limited studies in the literature show that changing the operating pressures in extractive distillation processes might have different effects on the dynamic controllability of different systems. Thus, in this study, alternative control strategies are developed for a recently proposed increased‐pressure extractive distillation process to separate DMC‐MeOH mixture. All control structures are designed using inferential temperature controllers, which have a general acceptance in industrial applications. Effects of different ratio controllers are investigated by evaluating the dynamic responses of control structures for disturbances in feed flowrate and composition. Two metrics including integral absolute error and steady‐state deviation of purities are used in the evaluation of alternatives. Results of dynamic simulations show that a control structure including reflux ratio controller is not a suitable strategy for this process. It is demonstrated that a control structure including reflux to feed ratio controller for both distillation columns is necessary for the robust and efficient control of a pressure‐increased extractive distillation process. These efficient dynamic results support the economic advantage of increased‐pressure extractive distillation process separating DMC‐MeOH azeotropic mixtures.
Reasonable Design and Controllable Growth of Instant Boric Acid
Authors: Bi Shengnan , Shi Lei , Ye Junwei , Ning Guiling
Published: September 2023

Boric acid is widely used in human life and industrial production. However, few methods for solving the slow dissolution behavior of boric acid are reported. Based on the Density Functional Theory (DFT) analysis, a reasonable modulation strategy is proposed and an effective regulation method is obtained for preparing instant boric acid in this work. The DFT theoretical calculations and various characterizations explain the relation between the exposed surface of crystalline boric acid and its dissolution rate. The experiment results prove that the slow dissolution behavior of boric acid can be dramatically improved by regulating its exposed surface of crystalline particles. This work may fill the lack in the controllable regulation of boric acid crystalline structure and provide new perspectives for improving the dissolution rate of other crystalline products.