bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Icon, Daoist
Authors: Gesterkamp Lennert
Published: October 2021

Images of Daoist deities first appeared at the end of the Han dynasty. Nevertheless, many of the same cosmological principles that govern Daoist icons, such as their iconography and spatial arrangement, have antecedents in pre‐Han times, and were incorporated in later Daoism. Laozi (sixth centurybce) is the spiritual founder of Daoism and, after his deification in the Han period, his images are among the first Daoist icons made. In the following centuries, the number of deities was greatly expanded, constituting a celestial bureaucracy governing all realms of the universe from its cosmic axis, Mount Kunlun, and later Jade Capital Mountain, where all the deities convened in an audience at the Heavenly Court. According to Daoist texts the Dao is formless and its deities are hypostases of the cosmic forces in anthropomorphic disguise. In Daoist rituals, a microcosmos is recreated during which the deities are visualized. The icons are the visual aids for these rituals, and their production ensures the accumulation of merit. Their iconography is not based on the visualization, but on pictorial models and cosmological principles such as number, color, and direction. From the beginning, there was a strong interaction with Buddhist art. Contrary to Buddhist and popular icons, however, no magical powers or deity presence are ascribed to the icons in the official Daoist understanding, but such views may have varied by period and audience.
Longmen
Authors: McNair Amy
Published: October 2021

At Longmen, 2345 statuary cave‐shrines were carved in the limestone cliffs during the late Northern Wei and early Tang dynasties in China. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Longmen has over 100,000 sculpted Buddhist icons ranging in size from a few centimeters to over 17 meters high. Together with the nearly 3000 engraved inscriptions that dedicate them, the sculptures and grottoes are material evidence of beliefs and practices of medieval Chinese Buddhism. Largely abandoned after 750, the site was looted in the early twentieth century, and Longmen fragments are now on display in museums worldwide. The Chinese government has developed the site for tourism and research since the early 1950s.
Monastic Architecture, Buddhist
Authors: Steinhardt Nancy S.
Published: October 2021

This entry surveys the beginnings of the Buddhist monastery in China and traces its development through the ninth century.
Sogdian Art
Authors: Xu Jin
Published: October 2021

The Sogdians were an Eastern Iranian people who lived in Central Asia (today Uzbekistan and Tajikistan). Between the sixth and eighth centuries, as Sogdian merchants dominated the trade of luxury items on the Silk Road, Sogdian artists and artisans in China contributed decisively to the advent of the cosmopolitan art that would come to characterize the Sui and Tang dynasties (581–906
ce
). The artistic tradition, often called Sino‐Sogdian art, shows strong connections with the cultures of Central and West Asia. Nevertheless, it is unique in its extensive integration of Buddhist and native Chinese traditions, making it a highly international style unprecedented in the history of Eurasia.
Aviculture and Poultry Husbandry, Pharaonic Egypt
Authors: Bailleul‐LeSuer Rozenn
Published: October 2021

Wild birds were a valuable resource exploited by ancient Egyptians. Fowlers favored trapping live waterfowl, abundantly present in the country's wetlands during migration. These birds were transported to farmyards and placed under the care of aviculturists. An efficient administrative system was needed to ensure the adequate supply of birds in the farmyards of the country, since many of these birds were destined to become funerary or temple offerings. Domesticated geese (
Anser anser domesticus
) are best attested in the archaeological record from the New Kingdom onward. The Ptolemaic and Roman periods saw the emergence of the chicken and pigeons as important commodities, while some cult centers specialized in the exploitation of birds of prey and ibises for sacred animal cults.
Clinical application and improvement of a CNN‐based autosegmentation model for clinical target volumes in cervical cancer radiotherapy
Authors: Chang Yankui , Wang Zhi , Peng Zhao , Zhou Jieping , Pi Yifei , Xu X. George , Pei Xi
Published: October 2021

Objective

Clinical target volume (CTV) autosegmentation for cervical cancer is desirable for radiation therapy. Data heterogeneity and interobserver variability (IOV) limit the clinical adaptability of such methods. The adaptive method is proposed to improve the adaptability of CNN‐based autosegmentation of CTV contours in cervical cancer.

Methods

This study included 400 cervical cancer treatment planning cases with CTV delineated by radiation oncologists from three hospitals. The datasets were divided into five subdatasets (80 cases each). The cases in datasets 1, 2, and 3 were delineated by physicians A, B, and C, respectively. The cases in datasets 4 and 5 were delineated by multiple physicians. Dataset 1 was divided into training (50 cases), validation (10 cases), and testing (20 cases) cohorts, and they were used to construct the pretrained model. Datasets 2–5 were regarded as host datasets to evaluate the accuracy of the pretrained model. In the adaptive process, the pretrained model was fine‐tuned to measure improvements by gradually adding more training cases selected from the host datasets. The accuracy of the autosegmentation model on each host dataset was evaluated using the corresponding test cases. The Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and 95% Hausdorff distance (HD_95) were used to evaluate the accuracy.

Results

Before and after adaptive improvements, the average DSC values on the host datasets were 0.818 versus 0.882, 0.763 versus 0.810, 0.727 versus 0.772, and 0.679 versus 0.789, which are improvements of 7.82%, 6.16%, 6.19%, and 16.05%, respectively. The average HD_95 values were 11.143 mm versus 6.853 mm, 22.402 mm versus 14.076 mm, 28.145 mm versus 16.437 mm, and 33.034 mm versus 16.441 mm, which are improvements of 37.94%, 37.17%, 41.60%, and 50.23%, respectively.

Conclusion

The proposed method improved the adaptability of the CNN‐based autosegmentation model when applied to host datasets.
Interinstitutional beam model portability study in a mixed vendor environment
Authors: Frigo Sean P. , Ohrt Jared , Suh Yelin , Balter Peter
Published: October 2021

A 6 MV flattened beam model for a Varian TrueBeamSTx c‐arm treatment delivery system in RayStation, developed and validated at one institution, was implemented and validated at another institution. The only parameter value adjustments were to accommodate machine output at the second institution. Validation followed MPPG 5.a. recommendations, with particular attention paid to IMRT and VMAT deliveries. With this minimal adjustment, the model passed validation across a broad spectrum of treatment plans, measurement devices, and staff who created the test plans and executed the measurements. This work demonstrates the possibility of using a single template model in the same treatment planning system with matched machines in a mixed vendor environment.
Descriptors for the Evaluation of Electrocatalytic Reactions: d‐Band Theory and Beyond
Authors: Jiao Shilong , Fu Xianwei , Huang Hongwen
Published: October 2021

Closing the carbon‐, hydrogen‐, and nitrogen cycle with renewable electricity holds promises for the mitigation of the facing environment and energy crisis, along with the continuing prosperity of the human society. Descriptors bridge the gap between the physicochemical factors of electrocatalysts and their boosted activity and serve as guiding principles during the rational design of electrocatalysts. The optimal adsorption strength of key intermediates is potentially accessed under the tendentious guidelines proposed by indicators, such as d‐band center, ΔGH, EO*, coordination number (CN), bond length, etc. Here, in this review, a comprehensive summary of the recent advances achieved regarding the descriptors during the rational design of electrocatalysts that aims for the recycling of C/H/N‐containing chemicals is offered. The review is initiated by providing the necessity of the development of efficient electrocatalysts and then the physics behind the d‐band center is introduced. Then a summary of the recent progress relating to the development of electrocatalysts under the guidance of descriptors is reviewed. Following that, an extended discussion regarding the experimental or theoretical characterization of the d‐band center and the descriptors beyond it is provided. Finally, perspectives and challenges in this area are offered.
A New Printable Alginate/Hyaluronic Acid/Gelatin Hydrogel Suitable for Biofabrication of In Vitro and In Vivo Metastatic Melanoma Models
Authors: Schmid Rafael , Schmidt Sonja K. , Detsch Rainer , Horder Hannes , Blunk Torsten , Schrüfer Stefan , Schubert Dirk W. , Fischer Lena , Thievessen Ingo , Heltmann‐Meyer Stefanie , Steiner Dominik , Schneidereit Dominik , Friedrich Oliver , Grüneboom Anika , Amouei Hanna , Wajant Harald , Horch Raymund E. , Bosserhoff Anja K. , Arkudas Andreas , Kengelbach‐Weigand Annika
Published: October 2021

Two‐dimensional (2D) cancer models have been the standard for drug development over the past few years, but they frequently do not resemble in vivo properties adequately. 3D models are superior in many aspects and are, therefore, more similar to human pathophysiology. Over the past years, the emerging field of biofabrication has made significant advances, resulting in even more sophisticated 3D models. With this study, a hydrogel is created for biofabrication that is suitable for mimicking the tumor microenvironment in vitro and is further tested as a new vascularized melanoma model in vivo. The alginate/hyaluronic acid/gelatin bioink shows good shape‐fidelity, high cell survival rates, and enables successful cultivation of melanoma cells and adipose‐derived stem cells as well as cell differentiation in vitro. In vivo, in the arteriovenous loop model, it proves to be a unique method to study melanoma progression, tumor vascularization, and ultimately and reliably metastases in an isolated and controlled environment. These results show that this 3D model is very application‐oriented for molecular research and therapy development.
Polymer Solar Cells with 18.74% Efficiency: From Bulk Heterojunction to Interdigitated Bulk Heterojunction
Authors: Xu Xiaopeng , Yu Liyang , Meng Huifeng , Dai Liming , Yan He , Li Ruipeng , Peng Qiang
Published: October 2021

The most popular approach to fabricating organic solar cells (OSCs) is solution processing a mixture of donor (D) and acceptor (A) materials into an active layer with a bulk heterojunction (BHJ) nanostructure. Herein, it is demonstrated that the interdigitated heterojunction (IHJ) is a more suitable nanostructure of the active layer for high‐performance OSCs whereas it is a long standing challenge to realize well‐defined IHJ structures. In this study, a facile and versatile sequential solution processing method is developed to produce an IHJ nanostructure with power conversion efficiency reaching 18.74% (18.10% for BHJ the counterpart) by fabricating a donor film with nanopores created by a wax additive, sequentially casting the acceptor on top of infiltrating the nanopores. Compared to the BHJ, the IHJ structure with an interpillar distance within the exciton diffusion length can afford a large bulk D/A interface for efficient exciton dissociation with a minimized charge recombination while free electrons and holes can transport to the respective electrodes through more straightforward pathways, thus enhance performance. Furthermore, the D or A phase in the IHJ device contacts with only one electrode, which can prevent shunting between the anode and cathode and facilitate the industrial mass production of OSCs.
Activation of Cascade‐Like Antitumor Immune Responses through In Situ Doxorubicin Stimulation and Blockade of Checkpoint Coinhibitory Receptor TIGIT
Authors: Tian Tian , Wang Jingguo , Yin Fan , Wu Miaomiao , He Wei , Wang Xuefu , Zha Zhengbao , Wang Hua
Published: October 2021

Although T cell centered immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies have shown unprecedented success in various cancer types, only a minority of patients benefit from these treatments due to the lack of neoantigen burden and exhaustion of tumor‐infiltrating immune stimulating cells. Inspired by the crucial role of NK cell based immunity and potential immunostimulating effect of chemotherapeutic drugs, the therapeutic efficiency on tumor inhibition through combination of doxorubicin (DOX) and blockade of TIGIT (T‐cell Ig and ITIM domain), a coinhibitory receptor expressed by both NK and T cells, in a matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP‐2)‐degradable hydrogel is thoroughly evaluated in this study. Due to the distinct release kinetics from destructed framework of hydrogels, the differentially released DOX and anti‐TIGIT monoclonal antibody (aTIGIT) molecules can elicit immunogenic tumor microenvironment and reverse the exhaustion of NK and effector T cells to realize not only durable localized tumor inhibition but also systemic and long‐lasting immune memory responses. Thus, this work pioneers the union of chemotherapeutic drugs and NK cell centered ICB therapies for activating cascade‐like antitumor immune responses through eliciting immunogenic tumor microenvironment and boosting both innate and adaptive immunity.
Construction of Carbon Dots with Color‐Tunable Aggregation‐Induced Emission by Nitrogen‐Induced Intramolecular Charge Transfer
Authors: Xu Xiaokai , Mo Luoqi , Li Yadong , Pan Xiaoqin , Hu Guangqi , Lei Bingfu , Zhang Xuejie , Zheng Mingtao , Zhuang Jianle , Liu Yingliang , Hu Chaofan
Published: October 2021

As one of the most promising fluorescent nanomaterials, the fluorescence of carbon dots (CDs) in solution is extensively studied. Nevertheless, the synthesis of multicolor solid‐state fluorescence (SSF) CDs is rarely reported. Herein, CDs with multicolor aggregation‐induced emission are prepared using amine molecules, all of them exhibiting dual fluorescence emission at 480 nm (Em‐1) and 580–620 nm (Em‐2), which is related to the SS bonds of dithiosalicylic acid and the conjugated structure attached to CO/CN bonds, respectively. As a strong electron‐withdrawing group, the increase of CN content makes dual‐fluorescent groups on the surface of CDs produce push and pull electrons, which determines intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) between the double emission. With the increase in CN content from 35.6% to 58.4%, the ICT efficiency increases from 8.71% to 45.94%, changing the fluorescence of CDs from green to red. The increase of ICT efficiency causes fluorescence quantum yield enhancement by nearly five times and redshift of the fluorescence peak. Finally, based on the multicolor luminescence properties induced by the aggregation of CDs, pattern encryption and white‐LED devices are realized. Based on the fat solubility and strong ultraviolet absorption characteristics of CDs, fingerprint detection and leaf anti‐UV hazards are applied.
Transfer‐Enabled Fabrication of Graphene Wrinkle Arrays for Epitaxial Growth of AlN Films
Authors: Song Yuqing , Gao Yaqi , Liu Xiaoting , Ma Jing , Chen Buhang , Xie Qin , Gao Xin , Zheng Liming , Zhang Yan , Ding Qingjie , Jia Kaicheng , Sun Luzhao , Wang Wendong , Liu Zhetong , Liu Bingyao , Gao Peng , Peng Hailin , Wei Tongbo , Lin Li , Liu Zhongfan
Published: October 2021

Formation of graphene wrinkle arrays can periodically alter the electrical properties and chemical reactivity of graphene, which is promising for numerous applications. However, large‐area fabrication of graphene wrinkle arrays remains unachievable with a high density and defined orientations, especially on rigid substrates. Herein, relying on the understanding of the formation mechanism of transfer‐related graphene wrinkles, the graphene wrinkle arrays are fabricated without altering the crystalline orientation of entire graphene films. The choice of the transfer medium that has poor wettability on the corrugated surface of graphene is proven to be the key for the formation of wrinkles. This work provides a deep understanding of formation process of transfer‐related graphene wrinkles and opens up a new way for periodically modifying the surface properties of graphene for potential applications, including direct growth of AlN epilayers and deep ultraviolet light emitting diodes.
Tailoring Competitive Adsorption Sites by Oxygen‐Vacancy on Cobalt Oxides to Enhance the Electrooxidation of Biomass
Authors: Lu Yuxuan , Liu Tianyang , Dong Chung‐Li , Yang Chunming , Zhou Ling , Huang Yu‐Cheng , Li Yafei , Zhou Bo , Zou Yuqin , Wang Shuangyin
Published: October 2021

The electrooxidation of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) offers a promising green route to attain high‐value chemicals from biomass. The HMF electrooxidation reaction (HMFOR) is a complicated process involving the combined adsorption and coupling of organic molecules and OH− on the electrode surface. An in‐depth understanding of these adsorption sites and reaction processes on electrocatalysts is fundamentally important. Herein, the adsorption behavior of HMF and OH−, and the role of oxygen vacancy on Co3O4 are initially unraveled. Correspondingly, instead of the competitive adsorption of OH− and HMF on the metal sites, it is observed that the OH− can fill into oxygen vacancy (Vo) prior to couple with organic molecules through lattice oxygen oxidation reaction process, which could accelerate the rate‐determining step of the dehydrogenation of 5‐hydroxymethyl‐2‐furancarboxylic acid (HMFCA) intermediates. With the modulated adsorption sites, the as‐designed Vo‐Co3O4 shows excellent activity for HMFOR with the earlier potential of 90 and 120 mV at 10 mA cm−2 in 1 m KOH and 1 m PBS solution. This work sheds insight on the catalytic mechanism of oxygen vacancy, which benefits designing a novel electrocatalysts to modulate the multi‐molecules combined adsorption behaviors.
Band Alignment with Self‐Assembled 2D Layer of Carbon Derived from Waste to Balance Charge Injection in Perovskite Crystals Based Rigid and Flexible Light Emitting Diodes
Authors: Singh Amandeep , Hoang Minh Tam , Pham Ngoc Duy , Wang Tony , Mcdonald Joshua , Li Qin , Ostrikov Kostya (Ken) , Wang Hongxia , Sonar Prashant
Published: October 2021

The halide perovskite nanocrystals (P‐NCs) can address a plethora of issues of the light‐emission technologies, due to its low temperature processing. To successfully employ P‐NCs for light‐emitting diodes (LEDs), one needs to resolve the issues of stability of the LEDs. The stability of device can be achieved by charge balance of electrons and holes recombination in active material. To investigate this herein, a self‐assembled carbon dots (CDs) layer is fabricated from waste small strands of human hair. The self‐assembled CDs layer is used beneath P‐NCs layer to reduce the band‐off set for hole transport, thus balancing the electron and holes carrier in active layer. The layer is used as an active light‐emitting layer to fabricate a LED device that exhibits green luminescence of 4800 cd m−2 at a current efficiency of 10.7 cd A−1 and external quantum efficiency of 4.8%. The LED exhibits operational stability of nearly 200 h. The same film is used to demonstrate a flexible device with maximum luminescence of 2259 cd m−2, with a high current density of 474 mA cm−2, current efficiency of 1.37 cd A−1 and a low turn‐on voltage of 3.5 V. All the display devices are measured in air without encapsulation.
Environmental Impacts of Personal Protective Clothing Used to Combat COVID‐ 19
Authors: Uddin Mohammad Abbas , Afroj Shaila , Hasan Tahmid , Carr Chris , Novoselov Kostya S , Karim Nazmul
Published: October 2021

Personal protective clothing is critical to shield users from highly infectious diseases including COVID‐19. Such clothing is predominantly single‐use, made of plastic‐based synthetic fibers such as polypropylene and polyester, low cost and able to provide protection against pathogens. However, the environmental impacts of synthetic fiber‐based clothing are significant and well‐documented. Despite growing environmental concerns with single‐use plastic‐based protective clothing, the recent COVID‐19 pandemic has seen a significant increase in their use, which could result in a further surge of oceanic plastic pollution, adding to the mass of plastic waste that already threatens marine life. In this review, the nature of the raw materials involved in the production of such clothing, as well as manufacturing techniques and the personal protective equipment supply chain are briefly discussed. The environmental impacts at critical points in the protective clothing value chain are identified from production to consumption, focusing on water use, chemical pollution, CO2 emissions, and waste. On the basis of these environmental impacts, the need for fundamental changes in the business model is outlined, including increased usage of reusable protective clothing, addressing supply chain “bottlenecks”, establishing better waste management, and the use of sustainable materials and processes without associated environmental problems.
Revival Oscillations in a Closed Bromate‐1,4‐Cyclohexanedione‐Acid System with Ferroin
Authors: Kettunen Petteri , Huh Do Sung , Szalai István , Yamaguchi Tomohiko
Published: October 2021

An unusual phenomenon of revival waves and oscillations is studied in a closed bromate‐1,4‐cyclohexanedione reaction system containing ferroin catalyst. Experiments with varying initial 1,4‐cyclohexanedione and bromate concentrations show that revival oscillations spontaneously emerge at a narrow area of the reaction conditions. Numerical calculations of a kinetic model consisting of 22 reactions and 15 species are employed to gain understanding of the underlying mechanism contributing to such an exotic dynamics. The simulations are able to reproduce the qualitative, but not yet quantitative properties of the experimentally observed revival oscillations.
Natural Lepidolite Enables Fast Polysulfide Redox for High‐Rate Lithium Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Zeng Guangfeng , Liu Yuanpeng , Chen Dongjiang , Zhen Cheng , Han Yupei , He Weidong
Published: October 2021

Lithium sulfur (Li–S) batteries possess energy capacities well beyond those of current Li‐ion technologies, but are plagued by severe diffusion loss of sulfur intermediates and sluggish sulfur reduction kinetics. Here, the design is reported of a lepidolite‐modified polypropylene (C‐Lepidolite@PP) separator to suppress polysulfide shuttling and accelerate the transformation of polysulfides. Because the electrons of S atoms transfer to the 3p antibonding orbits of Si atoms, lepidolite effectively confines polysulfides by forming strong Si–S bonds to weaken the S–S bonds of polysulfides. The ultralow lithium‐ion diffusion barrier (0.081 eV) of lepidolite allows for free lithium‐ion migration and thus significantly facilitates polysulfide conversion from liquid Li2S8 to solid Li2S to enable fast polysulfide redox for high‐rate current operation. With the C‐Lepidolite@PP design, Li–S batteries deliver an ultrahigh rate capability of 703 mAh g−1 at 7 C and a high areal capacity of 7.53 mAh cm−2 with a sulfur loading of 6.5 mg cm−2. Moreover, the 15‐d self‐discharge rate is reduced by ≈85% with the C‐Lepidolite@PP separator, which provides promise for the practical use of Li–S batteries.
Supramolecular Modulation of Molecular Conformation of Metal Porphyrins toward Remarkably Enhanced Multipurpose Electrocatalysis and Ultrahigh‐Performance Zinc–Air Batteries
Authors: Cui Kai , Wang Qingtao , Bian Zenan , Wang Gongming , Xu Yuxi
Published: October 2021

Modulating the intrinsic catalytic activity of molecular catalysts to improve electrocatalytic performance is significant but challenging. Herein, a simple yet effective strategy to induce molecular flattening of Co (III) meso‐tetra (N‐methyl‐4‐pyridyl) porphyrine (Co‐TMPyP) by supramolecular assembly with chemically converted graphene (CCG) via synergistic electrostatic and π–π interactions is reported. This unique variation in molecular conformation leads to a shortened CoN coordination bond and enhanced electron transfer from the porphyrin macrocycle to the metal ion, thereby optimizing the electronic structure of the catalytic active center in Co‐TMPyP molecule. Thus, the flattened Co‐TMPyP on CCG (Co‐TMPyP/CCG) demonstrates remarkable electrocatalytic performance for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) simultaneously as a tri‐functional molecular catalyst for the first time with a high half‐wave potential of 0.824 V for ORR and a low overpotential for HER (320 mV) and OER (379 mV) at 10 mA cm–2, respectively, not only much better than the pristine Co‐TMPyP but also among the best results of molecular catalysts in each aspect of ORR, OER, and HER achieved thus far. As a practical demonstration, the Co‐TMPyP/CCG catalyst is used to assemble a rechargeable Zn–air battery, which shows the highest specific capacity (793 mAh g–1) and power density (225.4 mW cm–2) among all molecular catalyst‐based Zn–air batteries ever reported.
Pyrrolidinium‐PEG Ionic Copolyester: Li‐Ion Accelerator in Polymer Network Solid‐State Electrolytes
Authors: Choi Young Gyun , Shin Jong Chan , Park Anseong , Jeon Young Min , Kim Jin Il , Kim Sebin , Kim Seulwoo , Lee Won Bo , Lee Minjae , Park Jong Hyeok
Published: October 2021

Nonflammable lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) are developed by adapting polymer solid electrolytes, but their insufficient electrochemical performance has not been fully addressed to date. Crosslinked polymer gel electrolytes with minimal organic solvents (hard gels) are proven to be nonflammable electrolytes, but their lithium metal battery performance is not comparable to those of conventional liquid electrolyte‐based systems. Here, a semi‐interpenetrating polymer network (semi‐IPN) ion‐transporting solid film that comprises a UV‐curable crosslinked polymer and tailored linear pyrrolidinium‐polyethylene glycol copolyester ion channels (named PNPEG), is reported. PNPEG can solvate Li+ effectively with the help of carbonate solvents. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations confirm that Li+ transportation is accelerated due to the weaker interaction between PNPEG and Li+ ions than between the solvents and ions. The semi‐IPN electrolyte with PNPEG exhibits a flexible, nonflammable nature with an ionic conductivity of 4.2 × 10−1 mS cm−1 and Li+ transference number of 0.51. The individual pyrrolidinium‐Bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (pyrrolidinium‐Tf2N) monomer and PEG chain ratios in PNPEG strongly affect battery performance, and the optimized semi‐IPN‐based lithium metal half cells with LiCoO2 cathodes show greatly improved discharge capacity retention at high c‐rate conditions owing to effective Li+ transportation and excellent cycling performance (93.8% capacity retention after 200 cycles at 0.5 C).
Farmworkers and the gender wage gap: An empirical analysis of wage inequality in US agriculture
Authors: Fisher Monica , Lewin Paul A. , Pilgeram Ryanne
Published: October 2021

We use nationally representative data from the National Agricultural Workers Survey to assess gender‐based differences in wages and benefits of hired farmworkers. Decomposition and matching results indicate that, compared to men, women make 5% to 6% less in hourly wages and are less likely to receive a bonus or have health insurance paid by their employer. These gender gaps are partly explained by differences between female and male farmworkers in farming experience, hours worked, farm tasks, and crops cultivated. Sizable proportions of the gender gaps are unexplained and the result of discrimination, unmeasured differences between women and men, or both.
Long Distance Between the Superior Mesenteric Artery Root and Bottom of the External Anal Sphincter Is a Risk Factor for Stoma Outlet Obstruction After Total Proctocolectomy and Ileal‐Pouch Anal Anastomosis for Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Mori Ryota , Ogino Takayuki , Sekido Yuki , Hata Tsuyoshi , Takahashi Hidekazu , Miyoshi Norikatsu , Uemura Mamoru , Doki Yuichiro , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Mizushima Tsunekazu
Published: October 2021

Background

Stoma outlet obstruction (SOO) is much more common after total proctocolectomy (TPC) and ileal‐pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) for ulcerative colitis (UC) compared to after rectal surgery for cancer. Few prior reports have evaluated anatomical risk factors for SOO. In this study we aimed to clarify the risk factors for SOO after IPAA, focusing on the anatomical perspective.

Methods

This study included 68 UC patients who underwent IPAA with diverting ileostomy. These cases were analyzed based on clinicopathological factors and computed tomography (CT)‐based anatomical factors.

Results

SOO was identified in 18 patients (26.5%). We compared this SOO group with the non‐SOO group. The two groups significantly differed in sex distribution, and patients in the SOO group tended to have a longer postoperative hospital stay. Regarding surgery‐related factors, patients who underwent two‐stage surgery and experienced high‐output syndrome tended to develop SOO. Analysis of anatomical risk factors revealed that SOO was more common in patients with a longer distance between the root of their superior mesenteric artery and the bottom of the external anal sphincter (rSMA‐bEAS). This tendency remained significant even with adjustment for patient height. In multivariate analyses, adjusted rSMA‐bEAS (>191.0 mm/m) and male sex were independent risk factors associated with SOO.

Conclusion

A long rSMA‐bEAS distance suggests that the mesentery is likely to be under tension. In such cases, surgeons should endeavor to avoid tension in the mesentery as much as possible.
Benefits of stronger Neo‐Minophagen C in acute hepatitis after transarterial chemoembolization therapy for hepatomas
Authors: Huang Wen‐Chieh , Lin Yu‐Min , Kuo Hsing‐Tao , Sheu Ming‐Jen , Feng Yin‐Hsun , Feng I‐Che , Sun Chi‐Shu , Hsieh Ping‐Hsin , Lim Poh‐Poo , Chen Chi‐Hsing
Published: October 2021

Hepatitis after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is common. Stronger Neo‐Minophagen C (SNMC) has demonstrated benefits in patients with hepatitis. We aimed to determine its usefulness in post‐TACE hepatitis in patients with hepatomas. Overall, 60 patients with hepatomas who were treated with TACE were prospectively analyzed; of these, 30 patients underwent SNMC treatment after TACE. Daily serial changes in the liver function tests (serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alanine aminotransferase [ALT], total bilirubin, prolonged prothrombin time, and international normalized ratio [PT/INR]) were compared between the two groups. Common complications, such as fever, nausea, and emesis, were also compared. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the groups (P > .05). Although the absolute value of AST/ALT was lower in the SNMC treatment group, differences between the groups were nonsignificant. Total bilirubin and PT/INR levels were significantly different between the groups (P = .03 and .02, respectively), thus indicating potential SNMC effects on hepatocyte regeneration. Significant differences were also observed between the groups with respect to fever and nausea/emesis (both P = .002). Side effects of SNMC, such as hyperkalemia or hypertension, were not significantly different between the groups. SNMC demonstrated some benefits in patients with hepatomas after TACE.
Energy‐Based Abstraction for Soft Robotic System Development
Authors: Chun Ho-Tak D. , Taylor Nicholas K. , Stokes Adam A.
Published: October 2021

Soft robots are designed to convert stored energy into useful work done. Typically, the soft robot designer starts from a type of soft actuation technology at a component level, rather than from a systems engineering level. The characteristics of soft actuation technology may apply constraints on the final system. Bond‐graph theory can be used to graphically represent a model of the energy transfer through a system. Top‐level abstraction can be in the form of a word bond‐graph and bond‐graph elements can form a lower component level abstraction. Herein, bond‐graph abstraction is applied to different soft actuators and their essential characteristics are identified from an energy‐based perspective. Several distinct soft actuation technologies are represented using bond‐graph components for each of the key elements: the energy source, the intermediate energy storage, energy dissipation, energy transformation, and the interaction with the environment. By applying this analysis, the soft robot designer is enabled to select the most suitable actuation technology to fulfill their top‐level system requirements independently of the actuation domain. A systems engineering approach to develop soft robotic systems leads to more everyday products that impact our everyday lives.
Quantification of the Properties of Organic Molecules Using Core‐Loss Spectra as Neural Network Descriptors
Authors: Kikumasa Kakeru , Kiyohara Shin , Shibata Kiyou , Mizoguchi Teruyasu
Published: October 2021

Artificial neural networks are applied to quantify the properties of organic molecules by introducing a new descriptor, a core‐loss spectrum, which is typically observed experimentally using electron or X‐ray spectroscopy. Using the calculated C K‐edge core‐loss spectra of organic molecules as the descriptor, the neural network models quantitatively predict both intensive and extensive properties, such as the gap between highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) (HOMO–LUMO gap) and internal energy. The prediction accuracy estimated by the mean absolute errors for the HOMO–LUMO gap and internal energy is 0.205 and 97.3 eV, respectively, which are comparable with those of previously reported chemical descriptors. This study indicates that the neural network approach using the core‐loss spectra as the descriptor has the potential to deconvolute the abundant information available in core‐loss spectra for both prediction and experimental characterization of many physical properties. The study shows the practical potential of machine‐learning‐based material property measurements taking advantage of experimental core‐loss spectra, which can be measured with high sensitivity, high spatial resolution, and high temporal resolution.
The RRAS2 pathogenic variant p.Q72L produces severe Noonan syndrome with hydrocephalus: A case report
Authors: Weinstock Nadav I. , Sadler Laurie
Published: October 2021

Noonan syndrome (NS) is the most common disease among RASopathies, characterized by short stature, distinctive facial features, congenital cardiac defects, and variable developmental delay. NS rarely presents with overt neurologic manifestations, in particular hydrocephalus. Recent evidence suggests that pathogenic variants in the gene RRAS2 are a rare cause of NS. Specifically, an RRAS2 pathogenic variant, p.Q72L, may be particularly severe, manifesting with lethal neurologic findings. Here, we report a NS patient with documented p.Q72L variant in RRAS2. The patient was identified in utero to have hydrocephalus and a Dandy Walker malformation. Postnatal examination revealed multiple dysmorphic features, some reminiscent of NS including low‐set posteriorly rotated ears, redundant nuchal skin, widely spaced nipples, and cryptorchidism. Despite suspicion of NS, results of a 14‐gene Noonan syndrome panel (Invitae) were negative. Follow‐up rapid whole exome sequencing revealed a de novo p.Q72L variant in RRAS2, a poorly studied gene recently identified as a cause of NS. The patient herein reported brings to three the total number of cases reported with the RRAS2 p.Q72L pathogenic variant. All three documented patients presented with a particularly fulminant course of NS, which included hydrocephalus. RRAS2, specifically p.Q72L, should be considered in severe NS cases with neurologic manifestations.
An Efficient Metal–Organic Framework‐Derived Nickel Catalyst for the Light Driven Methanation of CO2
Authors: Khan Il Son , Mateo Diego , Shterk Genrikh , Shoinkhorova Tuiana , Poloneeva Daria , Garzón‐Tovar Luis , Gascon Jorge
Published: October 2021

We report the synthesis of a highly active and stable metal‐organic framework derived Ni‐based catalyst for the photothermal reduction of CO2 to CH4. Through the controlled pyrolysis of MOF‐74 (Ni), the nature of the carbonaceous species and therefore photothermal performance can be tuned. CH4 production rates of 488 mmol g−1 h−1 under UV‐visible‐IR irradiation are achieved when the catalyst is prepared under optimized conditions. No particle aggregation or significant loss of activity were observed after ten consecutive reaction cycles or more than 12 hours under continuous flow configuration. Finally, as a proof‐of‐concept, we performed an outdoor experiment under ambient solar irradiation, demonstrating the potential of our catalyst to reduce CO2 to CH4 using only solar energy.
Temperature‐Dependent CO2 Electroreduction over Fe‐N‐C and Ni‐N‐C Single‐Atom Catalysts
Authors: Lin Long , Li Haobo , Wang Yi , Li Hefei , Wei Pengfei , Nan Bing , Si Rui , Wang Guoxiong , Bao Xinhe
Published: October 2021

Reaction temperature is an important parameter to tune the selectivity and activity of electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) due to different thermodynamics of CO2RR and competitive hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In this work, temperature‐dependent CO2RR over Fe‐N‐C and Ni‐N‐C single‐atom catalysts are investigated from 303 to 343 K. Increasing the reaction temperature improves and decreases CO Faradaic efficiency over Fe‐N‐C and Ni‐N‐C catalysts at high overpotentials, respectively. CO current density over Fe‐N‐C catalyst increases with temperature, then gets into a plateau at 323 K, finally reaches the maximum value of 185.8 mA cm−2 at 343 K. While CO current density over Ni‐N‐C catalyst achieves the maximum value of 252.5 mA cm−2 at 323 K, and then drops significantly to 202.9 mA cm−2 at 343 K. Temperature programmed desorption results and density functional theory calculations reveal that the difference of temperature‐dependent variation on CO Faradaic efficiency and current density between Fe‐N‐C and Ni‐N‐C catalysts results from the varied adsorption strength of key reaction intermediates during CO2RR.
An Exceptional Thermally Induced Four‐State Nonlinear Optical Switch Arising from Stepwise Molecular Dynamic Changes in a New Hybrid Salt
Authors: Zeng Ying , Hu Chun‐Li , Xu Wei‐Jian , Zeng Teng‐Wu , Zhu Zhao‐Xiang , Chen Xiao‐Xian , Liu De‐Xuan , Chen Yu‐Jie , Zhang Yue‐Biao , Zhang Wei‐Xiong , Chen Xiao‐Ming
Published: October 2021

Switching materials in channels of nonlinear optics (NLOs) are of particular interest in NLO material science. Numerous crystalline NLO switches based on structural phase transition have emerged, but most of them reveal a single‐step switch between two different second‐harmonic‐generation (SHG) states, and only very rare cases involve three or more SHG states. Herein, we report a new organic‐inorganic hybrid salt, (Me3NNH2)2[CdI4], which is an unprecedented case of a reversible three‐step NLO switch between SHG‐silent, ‐medium, ‐low, and ‐high states, with high contrasts of 25.5/4.3/9.2 in a temperature range of 213–303 K. By using the combined techniques of variable‐temperature X‐ray single‐crystal structural analyses, dielectric constants, solid‐state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and Hirshfeld surface analyses, we disclose that this four‐state switchable SHG behavior is highly associated with the stepwise‐changed molecular dynamics of the polar organic cations. This finding demonstrates well the complexity of molecular dynamics in simple hybrid salts and their potential in designing new advanced multistep switching materials.
Energy Band Alignment and Redox‐Active Sites in Metalloporphyrin‐Spaced Metal‐Catechol Frameworks for Enhanced CO2 Photoreduction
Authors: Chen Er‐Xia , Qiu Mei , Zhang Yong‐Fan , He Liang , Sun Ya‐Yong , Zheng Hui‐Li , Wu Xin , Zhang Jian , Lin Qipu
Published: October 2021

Two new chemically stable metalloporphyrin‐bridged metal‐catechol frameworks, InTCP‐Co and FeTCP‐Co, were constructed to achieve artificial photosynthesis without additional sacrificial agents and photosensitizers. The CO2 photoreduction rate over FeTCP‐Co considerably exceeds that obtained over InTCP‐Co, and the incorporation of uncoordinated hydroxyl groups, associated with catechol, into the network further promotes the photocatalytic activity. The iron‐oxo coordination chain assists energy band alignment and provides a redox‐active site, and the uncoordinated hydroxyl group contributes to the visible‐light absorptance, charge‐carrier transfer, and CO2‐scaffold affinity. With a formic acid selectivity of 97.8 %, FeTCP‐OH‐Co affords CO2 photoconversion with a reaction rate 4.3 and 15.7 times higher than those of FeTCP‐ Co and InTCP‐Co, respectively. These findings are also consistent with the spectroscopic study and DFT calculation.
Cu–citric acid metal–organic framework: Synthesis, characterization and catalytic application in Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction and oxidation of sulfides
Authors: Koolivand Mostafa , Nikoorazm Mohsen , Ghorbani‐Choghamarani Arash , Tahmasbi Bahman
Published: October 2021

Citric acid with three carboxylic groups was used as an outstanding chelating agent was utilized for the preparation of Cu–citric acid metal–organic framework (Cu–CA–MOF). The prepared MOF was characterized by FT‐IR, XRD, EDS, AAS, SEM, WDX and BET analysis. N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms indicated acceptable BET surface area for Cu–CA–MOF. SEM images were shown that Cu–CA–MOF has geometric polyhedral shapes. Also, catalytic activity of Cu–CA–MOF successfully examined for the Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction and chemoselective oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides.
WELPSA: A natural catalyst of alkali and alkaline earth metals for the facile synthesis of tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyrans and pyrano[2,3‐d]pyrimidinones as inhibitors of SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Nesaragi Aravind R. , Kamble Ravindra R. , Hoolageri Swati R. , Mavazzan Ahmedraza , Madar Suresh F. , Anand Ashish , Joshi Shrinivas D.
Published: October 2021

Since 2019, the infection of SARS‐CoV‐2 has been spreading worldwide and caused potentially lethal health problems. In view of this, the present study explores the most commodious and environmentally benign synthetic protocol for the synthesis of tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyran and pyrano[2,3‐d]pyrimidinones as SARS‐CoV‐2 inhibitors via three‐component cycloaddition of aromatic aldehyde, malononitrile, and dimedone/barbituric acid in water. Lemon peel from juice factory waste, namely, lemon (Citrus limon), sweet lemon (C. limetta), and Kaffir lime or Citron (C. hystrix), effectually utilized to obtain WELPSA, WESLPSA, and WEKLPSA, respectively, for the synthesis of title compounds. The catalyst was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (EDX). The concentration of sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium in the catalyst (WELPSA) was determined using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The current approach manifests numerous notable advantages that include ease of preparation, handling and benignity of the catalyst, low cost, green reaction conditions, facile workup, excellent yields (93%–97%) with extreme purity, and recyclability of the catalyst. Compounds were docked on the crystal structure of SARS‐CoV‐2 (PDB: 6M3M). The consensus score obtained in the range 2.47–4.63 suggests that docking study was optimistic indicating the summary of all forces of interaction between ligands and the protein.
Development of biocomposite films from natural protein sources for food packaging applications: Structural characterization and physicochemical properties
Authors: Muthulakshmi Lakshmanan , Varada Rajulu A. , Ramakrishna Seeram , Thomas Sabu , Pruncu Catalin I.
Published: October 2021

Nowadays, the utilization of biodegradable materials extracted from bio resources is gaining immense interest among the investigators mainly because of their natural availability and biodegradable behavior. In the present work, protein and protein rich compounds were used for the preparation of biodegradable films. The presence of protein in many substances was examined and protein content was screened in the samples of sheep milk protein, casein and gelatin. The protein content in sheep milk was relatively high. Each protein sample was tested for the preparation biocomposite film with the addition of certain plasticizer agents and cross linkers. The reagents used here include glycerol and polyethylene glycol as plasticizer, while glutaraldehyde served as cross‐linking agent. In alkali condition, glutaraldehyde reacted with the amino groups in the protein and formed excellent intermolecular linkages, which led to the development of biocomposite film. The volume fraction of different plasticizers and cross linkers and pH to be added was optimized.   Different characterization techniques such as tensile, Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray diffraction, and degradation studies were carried to reveal the various sources of protein. The prepared biocomposite films can be used for food packaging application.
Community‐based citizen science projects can support the distributional monitoring of fishes
Authors: DiBattista Joseph D. , West Katrina M. , Hay Amanda C. , Hughes Julian M. , Fowler Ashley M. , McGrouther Mark A.
Published: October 2021

Effective conservation and fisheries management requires data to capture demographic processes and range limits for each species to maximize population health and productivity. This need is constrained by limited funding and resources, particularly for countries with large land areas and coastlines as well as expansive exclusive economic zones. This imbalance means that monitoring efforts are often focused on targets of commercial and recreational fishing, which results in incomplete distributional records for non‐target, small‐bodied, and/or cryptic species.

Community‐based citizen science projects offer one potential alternative for scientists and fisheries managers needing this type of information but lacking sufficient resources to gather it.

This study investigated whether data sourced from an online citizen science project (iNaturalist: Australasian Fishes) can assist in the distributional monitoring of a subset of fish species. Given the regional focus of this citizen science project, distributional data in the form of occurrence records for abundant, protected, and threatened fish species as assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature in Australia and New Zealand were explored. Data for important commercial and recreational fishery targets in New South Wales were also explored, as a case study of a large jurisdiction with extensive monitoring requirements.

The occurrence records for some of these categories of fishes were well represented in the quality‐filtered citizen science data set, particularly endemic fishes whose threat status had not yet been assessed and species not currently under any form of management. Despite gaps in coverage between major urban centres, citizen science data for the best represented endemic fishes were qualitatively comparable to the available geographic distributions for these species.

We suggest that quality‐filtered citizen science data can in fact be used to improve taxonomic representation and the geographic breadth of species monitoring with increased participation.