bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fatores condicionantes da atuação docente na implementação das trilhas de aprofundamento do novo Ensino Médio
Authors: Heinrichs Marcelo Martin , Da Silva Arleide Rosa
Published: October 2023

O presente texto está inserido no contexto de Implementação das Trilhas de Aprofundamento, parte dos Itinerários Formativos do Novo Ensino Médio. Busca evidenciar quais os fatores condicionantes da atuação docente para a Implementação das Trilhas de Aprofundamento, a partir da visão dos professores da área de Ciências da Natureza e suas Tecnologias, de três escolas piloto da Coordenadoria Regional de Educação de Seara, da Rede Estadual de Ensino de Santa Catarina, atuantes nas Trilhas. A pesquisa delineou-se como sendo de caráter qualitativo sendo que os dados foram gerados por meio de três ferramentas distintas: questionário aplicado via google formulários; entrevista semiestruturada e, uma observação participante realizada durante os planejamentos coletivos, com registros em um diário de bordo. O número de professores envolvidos na pesquisa foi de 7 (sete). Para realizar o tratamento dos dados, foi utilizada como metodologia a Análise de Conteúdo. Dentre os fatores condicionantes identificados, pode-se destacar: o grande número de professores ACTs, a pouca experiência de alguns professores, a necessidade de movimentos de formação continuada em contexto, a importância de ter à disposição espaços de planejamento coletivo, bem como, estrutura física, recursos didáticos e material adequado. Com os dados aqui apresentados, dispõe-se de suporte para afirmar que, o distanciamento e o silenciamento acerca destes elementos dificultará o processo de implantação das Trilhas na Rede Pública Estadual de Santa Catarina.
Nutritional Significance and Parasitic Contamination of Vegetables: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Dardona Zuhair , Amane Mounia , Dardona Ayman , Albayoumi Mohammed , Boussaa Samia
Published: October 2023

Vegetables are plants consumed whole or in parts. Furthermore, they have long been recognized as a significant source of sustenance. The current study reviews vegetables' nutritional attributes and health benefits. This paper also outlines the main parasites that cause vegetable contamination. Moreover, vegetable components, such as leaves, stems, roots, bulbs, seeds, and fruits, can be used to feed humans. In addition, they have relatively few calories to consume regularly. It also contains a lot of water and fiber. The World Health Organization advises consuming 400 grams of non-starchy veggies daily to enhance general health. Vegetables have an essential role in disease prevention and therapy. Their consumption lowers the risk of many cancers, regulates blood pressure and heart disease, avoids blocked arteries, fights obesity, improves cardiovascular health, improves skin health, and promotes digestive health. Nonetheless, vegetables are a major cause of foodborne diseases in both people and animals. It can, for example, constitute a route for the transmission of numerous parasites infections. For instance, they may be a route of transmission for various parasitic pathogens. Several investigations and study projects have documented the contamination of numerous kinds of vegetables with parasites that are liable for transmitting diseases, including Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium spp., Strongyloides spp., Ascaris lumbricoides, Enterobius vermicularis, Trichuris trichiura, Toxocara spp., Toxoplasma gondii, and plenty of others. Numerous hypotheses have been proposed to explain vegetable contamination with these parasites. Some of these include the use of contaminated water for irrigation, contamination from the soil, exposure to environmental factors like rain and wind, transmission by animals and insects acting as vectors for parasites, contamination during harvesting, processing, and storage, as well as during transportation of vegetables to markets. To mitigate these risks, it is crucial to enhance hygiene practices, promote education and awareness, and foster a clean culture. Additionally, using clean water and proper tools is recommended. Washing vegetables thoroughly before consumption reduces parasite-related infections.
Development and Validation of a Scale Measuring the Attitude of farmers towards Climate Smart Agriculture
Authors: Rohit  , Singh Harish Chandra , Singh Mayank , Asha Kumari , Singh Shani Kumar , Abhijeet
Published: October 2023

The measurement of attitudes is a critical endeavour in the realm of social and psychological research, enabling a deeper understanding of human behaviours, preferences, and beliefs. Constructing a reliable and valid scale to assess attitudes requires a systematic approach that encompasses various stages, such as conceptualization, item generation, scale refinement, pilot testing, psychometric analysis, and validation. A summated (Likert) rating scale was used to develop the scale. A total of 60 statements, consisting of 45 positive and 15 negative statements, were framed, of which 22 statements (19 positive and 3 negative) were retained in the final scale. The reliability of the scale was calculated by using the split-half method. The validity of the scale was tested by experts’ judgment. The psychometric properties of the scale include: the Pearson product-moment correlation between two sets was 0. 0.598; reliability of the test 0.748(P<0.01) and Cronbach = 0.759, which means the scale is consistent in measurement. This scale can be used to measure the attitude of students in similar situations outside the study area with suitable modifications.
Evaluation of Specific Activity Concentration of 238U, 232Th and 40K in Soil and Rice Grains from Solid Mineral Mining Sites in Ikwo Area of Ebonyi State, Nigeria
Authors: Mgbeokwere C. , Gbarato O. L. , Ononugbo C. P.
Published: October 2023

Evaluation of specific activity concentration of 238U, 232Th  and  40K  in soil and rice grains from solid mineral mining sites in Ikwo  area of Ebonyi state was carried out using a Digilert-200 Radiation Meter. The radiological impact of the radionuclides was calculated. The average value concentrations of radionuclides obtained were 170.53, 9.26 and 8.81 (in Bq.Kg-1) for 40K, 238U and 232Th respectively in soil samples and 113.77, 5.86 and 7.08 (in Bq.Kg-1) for 40K, 238U and 232Th respectively in rice grain. These values are below the world permissive value of 400, 35 and 30(in Bq.Kg-1) respectively. All the health risk parameters calculated in soil and rice were below world permissive values. For the radionuclides in rice samples, the average annual committed effective doses(in mSvy-1) for ages (<1 year), (1 – 7 years), (7 – 12 years), (12 – 17 years) and (>17 years) are 0.37, 0.05, 0.04, 0.03, 0.02 respectively. These results are less than the world permissive value of 1.00 mSvy-1. Generally, the study shows that the rice consumption was relatively safe radiologically with little contamination which could be attributed to human activities but there is tendency for long term health hazards in future such as the cancer due to doses accumulation. It is recommended that the various human activities that raise the activity concentration in soil in Ikwo mining area that should be reduced. The activity concentration of radionuclides level in the area should be periodically assessed.
Topical Therapies for Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Xu Amy Z. , Alexander Jason T.
Published: October 2023

This JAMA Clinical Guidelines Synopsis summarizes the American Academy of Dermatology’s 2023 guidelines for topical-therapy management of adults with atopic dermatitis.
Assembly‐driven protection from hydrolysis as key selective force during chemical evolution
Authors: Edri Rotem , Fisher Sarah , Menor‐Salvan Cesar , Williams Loren Dean , Frenkel‐Pinter Moran
Published: October 2023

The origins of biopolymers pose fascinating questions in prebiotic chemistry. The marvelous assembly proficiencies of biopolymers suggest they are winners of a competitive evolutionary process. Sophisticated molecular assembly is ubiquitous in life where it is often emergent upon polymerization. We focus on the influence of molecular assembly on hydrolysis rates in aqueous media and suggest that assembly was crucial for biopolymer selection. In this model, incremental enrichment of some molecular species during chemical evolution was partially driven by the interplay of kinetics of synthesis and hydrolysis. We document a general attenuation of hydrolysis by assembly (i.e., recalcitrance) for all universal biopolymers and highlight the likely role of assembly in the survival of the ‘fittest’ molecules during chemical evolution.
Impact of Isolation Methods on Extracellular Vesicle Functionality In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Balbi Carolina , Parisse Pietro , Vondracek Hendrik , Lazzarini Edoardo , Bolis Sara , Fertig Tudor E. , Gherghiceanu Mihaela , Barile Lucio , Vassalli Giuseppe
Published: October 2023

This study compares the impact of two isolation methods, ultracentrifugation (UC) and size exclusion chromatography (SEC), on small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) from primary human cardiac mesenchymal‐derived progenitor cells (CPCs). sEV_UC and sEV_SEC exhibit similar size, marker expression, and miRNA cargo, but sEV_UC contains notably higher total protein levels. In vitro assays show that sEV_UC, despite an equal particle count, induces more robust ERK phosphorylation, cytoprotection, and proliferation in iPS‐derived cardiomyocytes (iPS‐CMs) compared to sEV_SEC. sEV_UC also contains elevated periostin (POSTN) protein levels, resulting in enhanced focal adhesion kinase (FAK) phosphorylation in iPS‐CMs. Importantly, this effect persists with treatment with soluble free‐sEV protein fraction from SEC (Prote_SEC), indicating that free proteins like POSTN in sEV_UC enhance FAK phosphorylation. In vivo, sEV contamination with soluble proteins doesn't affect cardiac targeting or FAK phosphorylation, underscoring the intrinsic tissue targeting properties of sEV. These findings emphasize the need for standardized sEV isolation methods, as the choice of method can impact experimental outcomes, particularly in vitro.
3D Highly Stretchable Liquid Metal/Elastomer Composites with Strain‐Enhanced Conductivity
Authors: Fang Ruyue , Yao Bin , Chen Tianwu , Xu Xinwei , Xue Dingchuan , Hong Wei , Wang Hong , Wang Qing , Zhang Sulin
Published: October 2023

Current stretchable conductors, often composed of elastomeric composites infused with rigid conductive fillers, suffer from limited stretchability and durability, and declined conductivity with stretching. These limitations hinder their potential applications as essential components such as interconnects, sensors, and actuators in stretchable electronics and soft machines. In this context, an innovative elastomeric composite that incorporates a 3D network of liquid metal (LM), offering exceptional stretchability, durability, and conductivity, is introduced. The mechanics model elucidates how the interconnected 3DLM architecture imparts softness and stretchability to the composites, allowing them to withstand tensile strains of up to 500% without rupture. The relatively low surface‐to‐volume ratio of the 3DLM network limits the reforming of the oxide layer during cyclic stretch, thereby contributing to low permanent strain and enhanced durability. Additionally, the 3D architecture facilitates crack blunting and stress delocalization, elevating fracture resistance, while simultaneously establishing continuous conductive pathways that result in high conductivity. Notably, the conductivity of the 3DLM composite increases with strain during substantial stretching, highlighting its strain‐enhanced conductivity. In comparison to other LM‐based composites featuring 0D LM droplets, the 3DLM composite stands out with superior properties.
Electrochemical Active Micro‐Protein Coating by Self‐Assembling 2D‐Microfluidics for Stabilizing Lithium Metal Anode
Authors: Ye Ang , Zhu Zhiwei , Ji Zhongfeng , He Xuewei , He Yan , Fu Xuewei , Yang Wei , Wang Yu
Published: October 2023

Microfluidics is of great interest for nano‐/micro‐fabrication but is conventionally limited inside microchannels. Breaking this restriction and developing 2D‐microfluidics is anticipated to expand the potential of microfluidics. Here, by harnessing the capillary effect of porous battery separator, a concept of self‐assembling capillary 2D‐microfluidics is proposed to achieve well‐controlled functional coating onto the separator thin‐film. The capillary‐assisted liquid tailoring behavior of this 2D‐microfluidics is investigated by both experimental and simulation studies, and the capillary number is found as the key parameter controlling the 2D‐micofluid thickness. For application studies, zein protein solution is employed for this 2D‐microfluidics to generate electrochemical active and self‐assembled protein microsphere coating onto the separator after drying. The resultant protein microsphere functionalized separator (PMFS) can physiochemically stabilize the surface of lithium metal anode. First, the PMFS works as spherical template to regulate uniform deposition of lithium ions. Second, similar to sustained drug release, the PMFS releases dissolved protein as functional additive into liquid electrolyte, assisting to form robust solid‐electrolyte‐interphase with highly conductive Li–C–N component. This work not only proposes a facile self‐assembling 2D‐microfluidic technology for surface nano‐/micro‐fabrication, but also brings forth a promising protein‐based physicochemical strategy for stabilizing lithium metal anode.
Oxygenated Scaffolds for Pancreatic Endocrine Differentiation from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Huang Hui , Karanth Soujanya S. , Guan Ya , Freeman Sebastian , Soron Ryan , Godovich David S. , Guan Jianjun , Ye Kaiming , Jin Sha
Published: October 2023

A 3D microenvironment is known to endorse pancreatic islet development from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). However, oxygen supply becomes a limiting factor in a scaffold culture. In this study, oxygen‐releasing biomaterials are fabricated and an oxygenated scaffold culture platform is developed to offer a better oxygen supply during 3D iPSC pancreatic differentiation. It is found that the oxygenation does not alter the scaffold's mechanical properties. The in situ oxygenation improves oxygen tension within the scaffolds. The unique 3D differentiation system enables the generation of islet organoids with enhanced expression of islet signature genes and proteins. Additionally, it is discovered that the oxygenation at the early stage of differentiation has more profound impacts on islet development from iPSCs. More C‐peptide+/MAFA+ β and glucagon+/MAFB+ α cells formed in the iPSC‐derived islet organoids generated under oxygenated conditions, suggesting enhanced maturation of the organoids. Furthermore, the oxygenated 3D cultures improve islet organoids’ sensitivity to glucose for insulin secretion. It is herein demonstrated that the oxygenated scaffold culture empowers iPSC islet differentiation to generate clinically relevant tissues for diabetes research and treatment.
High‐Stable Lead‐Free Solar Cells Achieved by Surface Reconstruction of Quasi‐2D Tin‐Based Perovskites
Authors: Yang Feng , Zhu Rui , Zhang Zuhong , Su Zhenhuang , Zuo Weiwei , He Bingchen , Aldamasy Mahmoud Hussein , Jia Yu , Li Guixiang , Gao Xingyu , Li Zhe , Saliba Michael , Abate Antonio , Li Meng
Published: October 2023

Tin halide perovskites are an appealing alternative to lead perovskites. However, owing to the lower redox potential of Sn(II)/Sn(IV), particularly under the presence of oxygen and water, the accumulation of Sn(IV) at the surface layer will negatively impact the device's performance and stability. To this end, this work has introduced a novel multifunctional molecule, 1,4‐phenyldimethylammonium dibromide diamine (phDMADBr), to form a protective layer on the surface of Sn‐based perovskite films. Strong interactions between phDMADBr and the perovskite surface improve electron transfer, passivating uncoordinated Sn(II), and fortify against water and oxygen. In situ grazing incidence wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (GIWAXS) analysis confirms the enhanced thermal stability of the quasi‐2D phase, and hence the overall enhanced stability of the perovskite. Long‐term stability in devices is achieved, retaining over 90% of the original efficiency for more than 200 hours in a 10% RH moisture N2 environment. These findings propose a new approach to enhance the operational stability of Sn‐based perovskite devices, offering a strategy in advancing lead‐free optoelectronic applications.
All‐Dielectric SERS Metasurface with Strong Coupling Quasi‐BIC Energized by Transformer‐Based Deep Learning
Authors: Chen Wei , Li Yuyang , Liu Yineng , Gao Yuan , Yan Yiming , Dong Zhaogang , Zhu Jinfeng
Published: October 2023

Researchers have paid great attention to pursuing metal‐free nanostructures as alternatives to metallic counterparts in the field of surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) for label‐free sensing. However, these metal‐free investigations are hindered by the tiny enhancement factor of the local near field. Here, the design of all‐dielectric SERS metasurfaces is proposed with quasi‐bound states in the continuum (Q‐BIC), inspired by transformer‐based deep learning. By manipulating the incident angle, the mechanism of strong coupling Q‐BIC is introduced with a large Rabi splitting of ≈105 meV, which opens a bandgap and forms an anti‐crossing behavior. Compared to conventional approaches, the strong coupling Q‐BIC scheme not only boosts an extraordinary SERS enhancement factor of ≈107 but also extends the field‐enhancing scale up to ten‐fold. The theoretical optimization implies overwhelming dominance versus the conventional metallic nanostructure design for SERS. The study denotes an approach to utilize the strong coupling effects of Q‐BIC in all‐dielectric SERS metasurfaces and will provide essential design guides for more powerful sensing applications based on SERS.
Crystallization Regulation and Defect Passivation of High‐Performance Flexible Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes Based on Novel Dielectric/Metal/Dielectric Transparent Electrodes
Authors: Sun Kai , Bao Zhiqiang , Guo Xiaoyang , Zou Deyue , Lv Ying , Liang Jingqiu , Liu Xingyuan
Published: October 2023

Perovskite materials are considered as potential materials suitable for flexible wearable displays due to their excellent optoelectronic properties and flexibility. However, the brittleness of conventional ITO electrodes, as well as the poor crystallization of perovskite on flexible substrates, have hindered the development in flexible perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs). Herein, a flexible PeLED based on a novel transparent electrode WO3/Au/WO3 (WAW), combined with the adjustment method of incorporation of polymer [polyethylene oxide‐polypropylene oxide‐polyethylene oxide triblock copolymer (P123)], is proposed to assist crystallization and defect passivation. The strong anchoring effect between P123 and perovskite accelerates the nucleation and crystallization process of perovskite films based on flexible substrates (shortened from 10 min to 1 min), induces the formation of uniform and small‐sized perovskite grains, and passivates non‐radiation defects caused by poor crystal quality. As a result, a high‐performance green PeLED with a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 14.45% is obtained. The corresponding flexible PeLED displays a maximum EQE of 11.9%, and it can keep a 96.5% original current efficiency after bending for 1000 cycles. This work will provide feasible guidance for the design and manufacture of high‐performance flexible all‐inorganic PeLEDs.
Asymmetric Ternary Spiro Phosphine Oxide Hosts for Yellow Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Diodes with External Quantum Efficiency Beyond 30%
Authors: Wang Zicheng , Man Yi , Zhang Chunying , Pang Yudong , Wei Ying , Zhang Jing , Shuo Chen , Duan Chunbo , Han Chunmiao , Cao Chenhui , Shui Xinfeng , Xu Hui
Published: October 2023

Yellow thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) are indispensable for lighting, navigation, caution, and so on; however, their development is far behind those of three‐elementary‐color and white analogs, partially because of the lack of host specificity. In this contribution, spiro[bithoxanthene] (ST) and spiro[thioxanthene‐xanthene] (STX) are used as spiro skeletons to form asymmetric ternary structures through introducing two electron‐donating tert‐butyl carbazole (tBCz) and one electron‐withdrawing diphenyl phosphine oxide (DPPO) groups on different rings. The resulting hosts named STSPOtBCz2 and STXSPOtBCz2 not only inherit the steric hindrance of their spiro skeletons, but also achieve the ambipolar characteristics. Their suitable triplet energy levels (T1) of ≈2.5 eV support efficient energy transfer to a conventional yellow TADF emitter 4CzTPNBu with the T1 of ≈2.2 eV. It is shown that compared to STSPOtBCz2 with a symmetric core, the accumulated asymmetry of the spiro skeleton and the kind, number, and position of substitution groups in STXSPOtBCz2 further suppresses the emission quenching, resulting in the state‐of‐the‐art photoluminescent and electroluminescent quantum efficiencies of 93% and 30.6%, respectively. The maximum power efficiency beyond 90 lm W−1 further demonstrates the great potential of multi‐asymmetric host systems for energy‐saving practical application.
Nickel‐Catalyzed Reductive Coupling of Carboxylic Acids with Disulfides to Access Thioesters
Authors: Wu Kang , Wang Tian‐Zhang , Liang Yu‐Feng
Published: October 2023

A nickel‐catalyzed reductive cross coupling reaction of carboxylic acids with disulfides is described. The readily available and inexpensive carboxylic acid is activated in situ by the formation of a mixed anhydride. The transformation occurs at room temperature with wide functional group tolerance to efficiently generate structurally diverse thioesters. Moreover, the reaction tolerated a broad substrate scope, including sterically hindered of disulfides. Ultimately, this powerful method could be applied to the late‐stage functionalization for the construction of diverse thioesters, affording a convenient and practical tactic to construct carbon‐sulfur bonds.
Scalable, Color‐Matched, Flexible Plasmonic Film for Visible–Infrared Compatible Camouflage
Authors: Xiong Yuqin , Zhou Yitong , Tian Junlong , Wang Wanlin , Zhang Wang , Zhang Di
Published: October 2023

The multispectral compatible infrared camouflage technology is implemented these days to counter the developing infrared detectors and detectors of other bands. However, the conflict between delicate optical structures and scalable procedures has significantly impeded the development and application of multispectral‐compatible camouflage technology. Therefore, a semi‐open Fabry‐Perot structure is introduced, and the color and infrared emissivity by structural parameters for color‐matched visible‐infrared compatible camouflage are modulated. The prepared compatible camouflage film exhibits visible camouflage by the minimum color difference of 1.6 L*a*b* (under desert background) and infrared camouflage by low emission (ε3–5 µm ≈ 0.17 and ε8–14 µm ≈ 0.143). Due to its flexibility and scalability, the compatible camouflage film can be applied in practical applications and exhibits desirable visible and infrared camouflage performance in different battlefield backgrounds.
The PERK Branch of the Unfolded Protein Response Safeguards Protein Homeostasis and Mesendoderm Specification of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Liu Fang , Liu Zhun , Cheng Weisheng , Zhao Qingquan , Zhang Xinyu , Zhang He , Yu Miao , Xu He , Gao Yichen , Jiang Qianrui , Shi Guojun , Wang Likun , Gu Shanshan , Wang Jia , Cao Nan , Chen Zhongyan
Published: October 2023

Cardiac development involves large‐scale rearrangements of the proteome. How the developing cardiac cells maintain the integrity of the proteome during the rapid lineage transition remains unclear. Here it is shown that proteotoxic stress visualized by the misfolded and/or aggregated proteins appears during early cardiac differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells and is resolved by activation of the PERK branch of unfolded protein response (UPR). PERK depletion increases misfolded and/or aggregated protein accumulation, leading to pluripotency exit defect and impaired mesendoderm specification of human pluripotent stem cells. Mechanistically, it is found that PERK safeguards mesendoderm specification through its conserved downstream effector ATF4, which subsequently activates a novel transcriptional target WARS1, to cope with the differentiation‐induced proteotoxic stress. The results indicate that protein quality control represents a previously unrecognized core component of the cardiogenic regulatory network. Broadly, these findings provide a framework for understanding how UPR is integrated into the developmental program by activating the PERK‐ATF4‐WARS1 axis.
C60 and Derivatives Boost Electrocatalysis and Photocatalysis: Electron Buffers to Heterojunctions
Authors: Xu Zichao , Wang Yuhua , Li Yue , Wang Yitong , Peng Bo , Davey Kenneth , Sun Liang , Li Guanjie , Zhang Shilin , Guo Zaiping
Published: October 2023

Buckminsterfullerene (C60) and derivatives are significant in the synthesis of efficient electrocatalysts and photocatalysts. This is because of electron acceptor properties and distinctive heterostructure(s) and physicochemical characteristics. High‐performance electrocatalysts and photocatalysts are important therefore in conversions for clean energy. Here a critical assessment of advances in use of C60 and derivatives as heterostructures and “electron buffers” in catalysts are reported. Methodologies for preparing C60 composite catalysts are assessed and categorized and microscopic mechanisms for boosting catalytic performance through C60 and derivatives in important catalytic materials including, semiconductors, carbon‐based metal‐free materials, metal nanoclusters, single atoms, and metal–organic skeletons are established. Important characterizations used with C60 and derivative composites are contrasted and assessed and practical challenges to development are determined. A prospective on future directions and likely outcomes in development of high efficiency electrocatalysts and photocatalysts is provided. It is concluded that C60 and derivatives are advantageous for advanced electrocatalysts and photocatalysts with high structural integrity and boosted electron transport. The findings are expected to be of interest and benefit to researchers and manufacturers for formation of heterostructures and electron buffer areas for significantly boosted catalytic performance.
The Rational Design of Low‐Barrier Fluorinated Aluminum Substrates for Anode‑Free Sodium Metal Battery
Authors: Wu Shengan , Hwang Jinkwang , Matsumoto Kazuhiko , Hagiwara Rika
Published: October 2023

Anode‐free Na metal batteries are acclaimed for their high energy densities achieved through current collectors in situ plated with Na metal in the absence of active negative materials. The advancement of these devices hinges on the development of affordable current collectors for effective Na deposition and the design of advanced electrolytes with suppressed Na metal loss as measured against the poor cycling performance and safety issues associated with traditional organic electrolytes and convectional current collectors. Herein, the authors report a novel strategy for fabricating an Al current collector through annealing and fluorination using hydrofluoric acid to optimize its crystal orientation and surface properties in a bid to establish highly reversible Na deposition/dissolution processes. Through a series of characterization, electrochemical, and computational analyses, it is ascertained that the F‐rich surface of the (100)‐oriented Al substrate provides high‐affinity nucleation sites that initiate and sustain a uniform Na metal deposition and form a propitious solid electrolyte interphase layer. The present anode‐free Na metal battery prototype comprised of the treated Al substrate, a high mass loading Na3V2(PO4)3 positive electrode, and an ionic liquid electrolyte achieves a high average Coulombic efficiency (≈98%) over 50 cycles: indeed, groundbreaking performance for uncoated current collectors that do not require activation cycles.
What Matters to Employment Attorneys When Considering Online or In‐Person Mediation?
Authors: Eisenberg Deborah Thompson , Shestowsky Donna , Niccolini Robert R.
Published: October 2023

During the pandemic, most mediations pivoted to online videoconferencing platforms (Gealy et al., 2021; Golann, 2021—all citations appear in full in the References and Resources box at the end of the article). Post‐pandemic, parties have the freedom to choose between in‐person and online mediation. Research that can inform decisions about mediation format has not kept pace with the meteoric rise in online mediation. While mediators and participants have shared impressions (and some, enthusiasm) about their experiences with online mediation during the pandemic (Franklin, 2021; Paulson, 2021), we need additional research examining whether and how mediation format affects the process and outcome of mediation.
Designing Sulfate Crystals with Strong Optical Anisotropy through π‐Conjugated Tailoring
Authors: Bai Zhiyong , Ok Kang Min
Published: October 2023

Sulfate crystals typically exhibit minimal optical anisotropy due to the near‐zero polarizability anisotropy (δ) of [SO4]2− tetrahedra, arising from highly symmetrical electron clouds. Recent research sought to enhance δ via chemical modifications, such as fluorination. However, the resultant crystals often maintain subpar optical anisotropy, frequently with birefringence values below 0.1. In this study, we have uncovered that δ can be significantly strengthened by chemically tailoring the tetrahedral [SO4]2− with anisotropic π‐conjugated modules. This has been demonstrated by several newly proposed S−O‐Org (Org: π‐conjugated organic species) moieties, which show a sharp increase in δ based on theoretical computations. To further validate this experimentally, we synthesized and characterized six new 3‐pyridinesulfonate crystals with the formula A(3‐C5H4NSO3) ⋅ xH2O (A=Li, Ag, K, Rb, Cs, and NH4; x=0 and 1). Notably, these materials exhibit strong optical anisotropy, with birefringence values ranging from 0.240 to 0.312 at 546 nm. These values are approximately 23 to 145.5 times greater than those of corresponding sulfates, and they outperform a vast number of sulfate‐related optical materials, thus verifying the effectiveness of the proposed strategy. Furthermore, the title compounds exhibit diverse microstructure peculiarities influenced by the size and binding natures of the counter cations.
Total Synthesis of the Proposed Structure of Neaumycin B
Authors: Zhang Sen , Zhang Songming , Fan Yunlong , Zhang Xuhai , Chen Jing , Jin Chaofan , Chen Sisi , Wang Liang , Zhang Quan , Chen Yue
Published: October 2023

The total synthesis of the proposed structure of anti‐glioblastoma natural product neaumycin B was achieved in 22 steps (longest linear sequence). The synthesis features HCl‐mediated [6,6]‐spiroketalization, a combination of Krische iridium‐catalyzed crotylation, Marshall palladium‐catalyzed propargylation, Fürstner nickel‐catalyzed regio‐ and enantioselective vicinal monoprotected diol formation, Brown crotylation and asymmetric halide‐aldehyde cycloaddition, so as to establish the challenging contiguous stereocenters.
Synthesis and structural characterization of diorganotin(IV) complexes with a tridentate N‐heterocyclic podand ligand and investigation of their catalytic activity in Baeyer–Villiger oxidation of cyclic ketones to lactones
Authors: Basu Baul Tushar S. , Khatiwara Avishek , Addepalli Maheswara Rao , Hlychho Bietlaichhai , Duthie Andrew , Gildenast Hans , Englert Ulli , Mahmoud Abdallah G. , Guedes da Silva M. Fátima C.
Published: October 2023

Diorganotin(IV) complexes of composition [Me2SnL] (1), [n‐Bu2SnL] (2), and [Bz2SnL] (3) were synthesized by reacting the N2,N6‐di(pyridin‐2‐yl)pyridine‐2,6‐dicarboxamide pro‐ligand (H2L, where H2 denotes the two acidic protons) with Me2SnO, n‐Bu2SnO, and Bz2SnO, respectively, in refluxing toluene. The amide ligand leads to highly stable diorganotin(IV) complexes via the dianionic tridentate donor set (Npy, N−, N−) with pendent pyridine arms, and the coordination domain is completed by the respective two alkyl ligands. Solution‐state structures of the compounds 1–3 were studied by 1H, 13C, and 119Sn nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, revealing that the complexes adopt a five‐coordinate structure in non‐coordinating solvent. Additionally, homogenity and purity of the bulk materials of 1–3 were judged using the high‐resolution mass spectrometry in acetonitrile solution. The molecular and crystal structures of 1·0.5C6H6, 2, and 3 in the solid phase were established by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. For all three compounds, the core defined by the rigid tridentate pyridine dicarboxamide ligand and the Sn‐coordinating C atoms adopts nearly C2v symmetry and thus matches none of the most popular geometries for five‐coordinated species, namely square‐pyramidal or trigonal‐bipyramidal coordination. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was performed to probe the thermal stabilities of 1–3. The results serve as a basis for designing highly efficient diorganotin(IV) mimics for catalytic applications. Catalytic studies of ε‐caprolactone formation via Baeyer–Villiger oxidation of cyclohexanone with aqueous H2O2 were performed under microwave (MW) irradiation. The consequences of several reaction parameters like catalyst quantity, time, temperature, and solvent were studied.
Discovery of SARS‐CoV‐2 Inhibitors Featuring Novel Histidine α‐Nitrile Motif
Authors: Vijay Gone Nilu , Ghalib Enayathullah Mohammed , Thomas Jessie , Rathee Parth , Prabhakar Rajeev , Kumar Bokara Kiran , Sanjayan Gangadhar J.
Published: October 2023

As COVID‐19 infection caused severe public health concerns recently, the development of novel antivirals has become the need of the hour. Main protease (Mpro) has been an attractive target for antiviral drugs since it plays a vital role in polyprotein processing and virus maturation. Herein we report the discovery of a novel class of inhibitors against the SARS‐CoV‐2, bearing histidine α‐nitrile motif embedded on a simple dipeptide framework. In‐vitro and in‐silico studies revealed that the histidine α‐nitrile motif envisioned to target the Mpro contributes to the inhibitory activity. Among a series of dipeptides synthesized featuring this novel structural motif, some dipeptides displayed strong viral reduction (EC50=0.48 μM) with a high selectivity index, SI>454.54. These compounds also exhibit strong binding energies in the range of −28.7 to −34.2 Kcal/mol. The simple dipeptide structural framework, amenable to quick structural variations, coupled with ease of synthesis from readily available commercial starting materials are the major attractive features of this novel class of SARS‐CoV‐2 inhibitors. The histidine α‐nitrile dipeptides raise the hope of discovering potent drug candidates based on this motif to fight the dreaded SARS‐CoV‐2.
Outcomes of patients undergoing edge‐to‐edge mitral valve repair with the Edwards PASCAL transcatheter valve repair system under conscious sedation
Authors: Geisler Tobias , Schreieck Juergen , Euper Miriam , Zdanyte Monika , Goldschmied Andreas , Gawaz Meinrad , Bramlage Peter , Haurand Jean M. , Kelm Malte , Horn Patrick
Published: October 2023

Background

The development of the PASCAL transcatheter valve repair system for treating mitral regurgitation (MR) greatly extends therapeutic options.

Aims

To assess the safety, efficacy, and time efficiency of the PASCAL system in transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair (TEER) under conscious sedation (CS).

Methods

This is a retrospective, two‐center, German registry study consisting of 211 patients who underwent TEER using the PASCAL system under CS. The endpoints were to assess (1) technical, device, and procedural success as per Mitral Valve Academic Research Consortium (MVARC), (2) conversion rate to general anesthesia (GA), (3) hospital length of stay (LoS), (4) New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, and (5) MR compared to baseline at 30‐day.

Results

A total of 211 patients with a mean age of 78.4 ± 8.9 years, with 51.4% being female and 86.7% belonging to NYHA functional class III/IV and EuroSCORE II 6.3 ± 4.9%, were enrolled. Procedural success attained was 96.9%, and six patients (2.8%) required conversion from CS to GA. At 30 days follow‐up, a significant improvement in MR was found in 96 patients (54.2%) patients with 0/1 grade MR and 45 patients (29.5%) were in NYHA functional class III + IV. Moreover, TEER under CS has a short hospital LoS (6.71 ± 5.29 days) and intensive care unit LoS (1.34 ± 3.49 days) with a 2.8% mortality rate.

Conclusions

Performing TEER with the PASCAL system under CS resulted in appreciable (96.9%) procedural success with low mortality and is a safe and promising alternative to GA with positive clinical outcomes.
Field‐Assisted Regulation Induced by Cobalt‐Doped ZnO for Dendrite‐Free Lithium Metal Anodes
Authors: Cao Wen , Wu Zhuorun , Yang Yunfei , Chen Zhiyuan , Wu Jie , Zhao Dian , Gao Xuehui
Published: October 2023

Lithium metal batteries are deemed as an optimal candidate for the next generation of durable energy storage devices. However, the growth of lithium dendrite and significant volume expansion pose as obstacles that impede the application of lithium metal batteries. In this work, a functional copper current collector was designed by coating it with Co‐doped ZnO (Co/ZnO) to enhance the lithiophilicity through local electric fields and built‐in magnetic fields induced by the ferromagnetic material. The incorporation of Co not only induces a local electric field and thus accelerating electron transfer, but also imparts the ferromagnetic behavior to ZnO, resulting in an internal magnetic field to regulate the dynamic trajectory. Profiting from the above advantages, the symmetric cells have excellent cycle stability in 1 mA cm−2 and 1 mAh cm−2, maintaining ultra‐low voltage for over 2000 h. This study provides a realizable pathway for next‐generation current collector of copper modification.
Potential positive effects of natural sunlight on a biological system for landfill leachate treatment
Authors: Cai Liyun
Published: October 2023

Activated sludge filtration performance is a significant mean to evaluate membrane fouling trend for wastewater treatment. Here the impact of sunlight irradiation on activated sludge filtration performance and microbial communities in sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) when treating raw landfill leachate were studied. The sludge in photic SBR (i.e., SBR exposed to natural sunlight) exhibited better filtration performance compared to dark SBR (i.e., SBR unexposed to sunlight). The removal efficiency of COD and NH4+‐N in the photic SBR were slightly higher than those in the dark SBR. The contents of the extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) of sludge in both SBRs initially increased and then decreased. However, in the later period, the sludge filtration performance worsened due to the fungal activity in the dark SBR. Natural sunlight irradiation promoted sludge filtration performance by affecting the microorganism structure in the photic SBR. The bacterial genus Thauera was dominant in the photic SBR (39.35%), whereas Planktosalinus and Ottowia were dominant in the dark SBR (16.84% and 12.55%, respectively). Natural sunlight irradiation had a prominent effect on the fungal diversity in the system, and filamentous bulking caused by the fungi genus Trichosporon’s proliferation was observed in the dark SBR but not in the photic SBR, which also increased the polysaccharide content.
A Facile Synthesis Route to AuPd Alloys for the Selective Oxidation of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5‐Furandicarboxylic Acid
Authors: Peng Yani , Qiu Boya , Ding Shengzhe , Hu Min , Zhang Yuxin , Jiao Yilai , Fan Xiaolei , Parlett Christopher M. A.
Published: October 2023

Synthesis of 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) can be achieved via catalytic oxidation of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (5‐HMF), in which both base and catalyst play important roles. This work presents the development of a simple synthesis method (based on a commercial parent 10 wt.% Pd/C catalyst) to prepare the bimetallic AuPd alloy catalysts (i. e., AuPd/C) for selective 5‐HMF oxidation to FDCA. When using the strong base of NaOH, Pd and Au cooperate to promote FDCA formation when deployed either separately (as a physical mixture of the monometallic Au/C and Pd/C catalysts) or ideally alloyed (AuPd/C), with complete 5‐HMF conversion and FDCA yields of 66 % vs 77 %, respectively. However, NaOH also promoted the formation of undesired by‐products, leading to poor mass balances (<81 %). Comparatively, under weak base conditions (using NaHCO3), an increase in Au loading in the AuPd/C catalysts enhances 5‐HMF conversion and FDCA productivity (due to the enhanced carbonyl oxidation capacity) which coincides with a superior mass balances of >97 %. Yet, the excessive Pd content in the AuPd/C catalysts was not beneficial in promoting FDCA formation.
Review–Vibrational spectroscopy‐aided diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Buchan Emma , Oppenheimer Pola Goldberg
Published: October 2023

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represents a group of chronic gastrointestinal disorders characterised by complex and multifaceted pathologies. The pursuit of non‐invasive, accurate and rapid diagnostic methods and therapeutic monitoring tools has led to the emergence of Raman spectroscopy (RS) as a promising analytical technique in the field of IBD. RS offers molecular specificity with the potential to uncover valuable insights of the pathophysiology of IBD, posing it as a rapidly growing field of interest in both research and clinical settings.

Main

This comprehensive review aims to provide an overview of the current state of research in the field of IBD‐RS, with an emphasis on its potential diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic monitoring capabilities. We explore the molecular characterisation of bodily fluids including blood, urine and saliva and the ability of RS to rapidly determine the underpinning biochemical changes in their composition. The review also highlights recent studies and advances, that have employed RS to differentiate between healthy and diseased states, classify the IBD subtypes, identify candidate biomarkers and to monitor the therapeutic response to treatment in the form of mucosal healing. Additionally, we comment on the challenges and limitations associated with current research as well as with the clinical translation of RS for IBD diagnosis.

Conclusions

As the field of vibrational spectroscopies continues to evolve particularly in the broader IBD context, to aid the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment, this review serves as a valuable resource for clinicians and researchers alike, examining the potential of Raman‐based spectroscopy and the emerging technologies to advance the understanding and triaging of IBD. Ultimately, the integration of RS into everyday clinical practice holds promise for more effective management of IBDs, addressing the major unmet need in the fields of gastroenterology and of clinical medicine as a whole.
Diabetes Study of Children of Diverse Ethnicity and Race: Study design
Authors: Redondo Maria J. , Harrall Kylie K. , Glueck Deborah H. , Tosur Mustafa , Uysal Serife , Muir Andrew , Atkinson Elizabeth G. , Shapiro Melanie R. , Yu Liping , Winter William E. , Weedon Michael , Brusko Todd M. , Oram Richard , Vehik Kendra , Hagopian William , Atkinson Mark A. , Dabelea Dana ,   the DISCOVER Study Group
Published: October 2023

Aims

Determining diabetes type in children has become increasingly difficult due to an overlap in typical characteristics between type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). The Diabetes Study in Children of Diverse Ethnicity and Race (DISCOVER) programme is a National Institutes of Health (NIH)‐supported multicenter, prospective, observational study that enrols children and adolescents with non‐secondary diabetes. The primary aim of the study was to develop improved models to differentiate between T1D and T2D in diverse youth.

Materials and Methods

The proposed models will evaluate the utility of three existing T1D genetic risk scores in combination with data on islet autoantibodies and other parameters typically available at the time of diabetes onset. Low non‐fasting serum C‐peptide (<0.6 nmol/L) between 3 and 10 years after diabetes diagnosis will be considered a biomarker for T1D as it reflects the loss of insulin secretion ability. Participating centres are enrolling youth (<19 years old) either with established diabetes (duration 3–10 years) for a cross‐sectional evaluation or with recent onset diabetes (duration 3 weeks–15 months) for the longitudinal observation with annual visits for 3 years. Cross‐sectional data will be used to develop models. Longitudinal data will be used to externally validate the best‐fitting model.

Results

The results are expected to improve the ability to classify diabetes type in a large and growing subset of children who have an unclear form of diabetes at diagnosis.

Conclusions

Accurate and timely classification of diabetes type will help establish the correct clinical management early in the course of the disease.
On the identifiability of the trinomial model for mark‐recapture‐recovery studies
Authors: Bonner Simon J. , Zhang Wei , Mu Jiaqi
Published: October 2023

Continuous predictors of survival present a challenge in the analysis of data from studies of marked individuals if they vary over time and can only be observed when individuals are captured. Existing methods to study the effects of such variables have followed one of two approaches. The first is to model the joint distribution of the predictor and the observed capture histories, and the second is to draw inference from the likelihood conditional on events that depend only on observed predictor values, called the trinomial model. Previous comparison of these approaches found that joint modelling provided more precise inference about the effect of the covariate while the trinomial model was less prone to issues of model mis‐specification. However, we believe that an important issue was missed. We show through mathematical analysis and numerical simulation that the trinomial model is not identifiable when the predictor has no effect on the survival probability. This also causes inferences from the trinomial model to be imprecise when the effect of the covariate on the survival probability is small. We also analyse data on the effect of body mass on the survival of meadow voles to demonstrate the importance of this issue in real applications.