bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Women and Mining in Zambia: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Kalinda Roy , Thankian Kusanthan
Published: April 2023

The rise of urbanisation in colonial Zambia particularly on the Copperbelt province is associated with the discovery of minerals in the early 1900s. The widespread discovery of minerals and exploitation of the same minerals required labour both skilled and unskilled labour. Skilled labour was drawn from overseas while unskilled labour was available from the local population. During the colonial period, the predominant labour force on the mines were men while women were by law were not allowed to enter towns during the early years of urbanization or to take residence in urban areas anywhere in the country.  Early researchers commented that early African migration to mine towns essentialised as men’s wage work, depended on agricultural and reproductive labour performed by women, who officially remained in rural areas. Local labour migrations were highly restricted and employment of women in urban areas was scarce or none existent in the initial stages of urbanisation.

Skilled and none skilled labour for women employees on the mines initially did not exist in the colonial period because they (women) were not viewed as important labourers needed for production in the mines. This restriction of women in urban areas created a legacy of gender inequalities in almost all the sectors of labour employment and more so in the mining sector during the colonial period. Consequently, one can argue that since the colonial period to date, women have been a minority group in the mines occupying low positions in their majority compared to men and very few women hold executive positions in the mining sector.

Employment during the colonial period was not easily found due to clear discrimination. The end result of this type of discrimination in employment resulted in few or no women at all in some instances in the mines. With passage of time, women were allowed into towns and on the mines but formal jobs for women were difficult to find. The current state of gender inequalities in the mines in Zambia today is a carryover from the colonial period. Currently, training institutions for mine workers such as universities, colleges and technical institute are still dominated by male students.

The above situation eventually results into a gendered labour force in the mines with men occupying highly skilled jobs while women dominate the low skilled and non-skilled jobs in mining conglomerates. The current gender inequalities on the mines are historically embedded in the mines as patriarchal institutions owned and ran by the same men. Consequently, very few women are in the executive positions in mines and even very few do own mines.
Indication Creep in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation—Data or Desire?
Authors: Goel Sachin S. , Reardon Michael J.
Published: April 2023

This Viewpoint discusses the expanded use of transcatheter aortic valve implantation in low-risk, younger patients.
Effect of Brief Interpersonal Therapy on Depression During Pregnancy
Authors: Hankin Benjamin L. , Demers Catherine H. , Hennessey Ella-Marie P. , Perzow Sarah E. D. , Curran Mary C. , Gallop Robert J. , Hoffman M. Camille , Davis Elysia Poggi
Published: April 2023

Importance

Prenatal depression is prevalent with negative consequences for both the mother and developing fetus. Brief, effective, and safe interventions to reduce depression during pregnancy are needed.

Objective

To evaluate depression improvement (symptoms and diagnosis) among pregnant individuals from diverse backgrounds randomized to brief interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) vs enhanced usual care (EUC).

Design, Setting, and Participants

A prospective, evaluator-blinded, randomized clinical trial, the Care Project, was conducted among adult pregnant individuals who reported elevated symptoms during routine obstetric care depression screening in general practice in obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) clinics. Participants were recruited between July 2017 and August 2021. Repeated measures follow-up occurred across pregnancy from baseline (mean [SD], 16.7 [4.2] gestational weeks) through term. Pregnant participants were randomized to IPT or EUC and included in intent-to-treat analyses.

Interventions

Treatment comprised an engagement session and 8 active sessions of brief IPT (MOMCare) during pregnancy. EUC included engagement and maternity support services.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Two depression symptom scales, the 20-item Symptom Checklist and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, were assessed at baseline and repeatedly across pregnancy. Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 ascertained major depressive disorder (MDD) at baseline and the end of gestation.

Results

Of 234 participants, 115 were allocated to IPT (mean [SD] age, 29.7 [5.9] years; 57 [49.6%] enrolled in Medicaid; 42 [36.5%] had current MDD; 106 [92.2%] received intervention) and 119 to EUC (mean [SD] age, 30.1 [5.9] years; 62 [52.1%] enrolled in Medicaid; 44 [37%] had MDD). The 20-item Symptom Checklist scores improved from baseline over gestation for IPT but not EUC (d = 0.57; 95% CI, 0.22-0.91; mean [SD] change for IPT vs EUC: 26.7 [1.14] to 13.6 [1.40] vs 27.1 [1.12] to 23.5 [1.34]). IPT participants more rapidly improved on Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale compared with EUC (d = 0.40; 95% CI, 0.06-0.74; mean [SD] change for IPT vs EUC: 11.4 [0.38] to 5.4 [0.57] vs 11.5 [0.37] to 7.6 [0.55]). MDD rate by end of gestation had decreased significantly for IPT participants (7 [6.1%]) vs EUC (31 [26.1%]) (odds ratio, 4.99; 95% CI, 2.08-11.97).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, brief IPT significantly reduced prenatal depression symptoms and MDD compared with EUC among pregnant individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds recruited from primary OB/GYN clinics. As a safe, effective intervention to relieve depression during pregnancy, brief IPT may positively affect mothers’ mental health and the developing fetus.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03011801
Solvent accessibility of a GPCR transmembrane domain probed by in‐membrane chemical modification (IMCM)
Authors: Feng Dandan , Feng Guanru , Song Yanzhuo , Wüthrich Kurt
Published: April 2023

G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) transmit signals from drugs across cell membranes, leading to associated physiological effects. To study the structural basis of the transmembrane signalling, in‐membrane chemical modification (IMCM) has previously been introduced for 19F‐labelling of GPCRs expressed in Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) insect cells. Here, IMCM is used with the A2A adenosine receptor (A2AAR) expressed in Pichia pastoris; 19F‐NMR revealed nearly complete solvent protection of the A2AAR transmembrane domain in the membrane and in 2,2‐didecylpropane‐1,3‐bis‐β‐D‐maltopyranoside (LMNG)/cholesteryl hemisuccinate (CHS) micelles, and extensive solvent accessibility for A2AAR in n‐dodecyl β‐D‐maltoside (DDM)/CHS micelles. No Cys residue dominated non‐specific labelling with 2,2,2‐trifluoroethanethiol. These observations yield an improved protocol for IMCM 19F‐labelling of GPCRs and new insights into variable solvent accessibility for function‐related characterization of GPCRs.
Regulating the Water Molecular in the Solvation Structure for Stable Zinc Metal Batteries
Authors: Zhang Zihao , He Zirong , Wang Nan , Wang Fengmei , Du Chongyu , Ruan Jiafeng , Li Qin , Sun Dalin , Fang Fang , Wang Fei
Published: April 2023

Rechargeable aqueous zinc batteries are promising energy storage devices because of their low cost, high safety, and high energy density. However, their performance is plagued by the unsatisfied cyclability due to the dendrite growth and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at the Zn anode. Herein, it is demonstrated that the concentrated hybrid aqueous/non‐aqueous ZnCl2 electrolytes constitute a peculiar chemical environment for not only the Zn‐ions but also water molecules. The high concentration of chloride ions substitutes the H2O molecular in the solvation structure of Zn2+, while the acetonitrile further interacts with H2O to decrease its activity. The hybrid electrolytes both inhibit the dendrite formation and HER, enabling an ultrahigh average Coulombic efficiency of 99.9% in the Zn||Cu half‐cell and a highly reversible Zn plating/stripping with a low overpotential of 21 mV. Using this hybrid electrolyte, the Zn||polytriphenylamine (PTPAn) full cell deliveres a high discharge capacity of 110 mAh g−1, a high power density of 9200 W kg−1 at 100 °C and maintains 85% of the capacity for over 6000 cycles at 10 °C. This study provides a deep understanding between the solvation structure and columbic efficiency of Zn anode, thus inspiring the development for stable Zn batteries.
Thermo‐Responsive Self‐Ceramifiable Robust Aerogel with Exceptional Strengthening and Thermal Insulating Performance at Ultrahigh Temperatures
Authors: Lin Xin‐Cen , Li Shu‐Liang , Li Wen‐Xiong , Wang Zi‐Hao , Zhang Jia‐Yan , Liu Bo‐Wen , Fu Teng , Zhao Hai‐Bo , Wang Yu‐Zhong
Published: April 2023

High‐performance thermal insulating aerogels are attractive candidates for thermal protection in extreme environments. However, inorganic aerogels’ brittleness and poor machinability limit their applications, while organic aerogels suffer from severe strength degradation and structural collapse at high temperatures. Herein, for the first time, a thermo‐responsive self‐ceramifiable aerogel is demonstrated with exceptional strengthening and thermal insulation at high temperatures. This aerogel exhibits excellent toughness and processability like polymers under normal conditions but spontaneously transforms into high‐strength semi‐crystalline hard ceramics upon exposure to high temperatures. After prolonged thermal attack at 800 °C, the strength of the aerogels does not decrease but significantly increases several‐fold (from 0.739 to 2.726 MPa). The self‐ceramization behavior and mechanism of the aerogel are illustrated in detail. The unique self‐ceramifiable capacity enables aerogels to provide fire resistance, high‐strength support, and excellent thermal insulation at ultrahigh temperatures. Even with continuous burning at 1300 °C for 60 min, the 15 mm thick aerogel shows low backside temperature below 300 °C, crack‐free overall structure, and invariant porous morphology. This self‐ceramifiable aerogel opens up a new avenue for developing thermal‐protection materials with toughness, machinability, high strength, and thermal insulation in extreme environments.
A 0D Additive for Flexible All‐Inorganic Perovskite Solar Cells to Go Beyond 60 000 Flexible Cycles
Authors: Liu Huijing , Han Huifang , Xu Jia , Pan Xu , Zhao Kui , Liu Shengzhong (Frank) , Yao Jianxi
Published: April 2023

All‐inorganic cesium lead halide flexible perovskite solar cells (f‐PSCs) exhibit superior thermal stability compared to their organic–inorganic hybrid counterparts. However, their flexibility and efficiency are still below‐par for practical viability. Herein, a design using a 0D Cs4Pb(IBr)6 additive to transform tensile stress into compressive stress in the perovskite film, effectively preventing expansion of cracks for significantly improved mechanical durability, is reported. It is found that not only is improved flexibility obtained, but also the cell efficiency is increased for the all‐inorganic flexible 3D CsPbI3−xBrx solar cells. The CsPbI2.81Br0.19 f‐PSC retains over 97% of its initial efficiency even after 60 000 flexing cycles at a curvature radius of 5 mm (R = 5 mm). Simultaneously, 0D Cs4Pb(IBr)6 enhances the crystallinity of the CsPbI2.81Br0.19 film and passivates the defects along the grain boundaries, effectively improving the photovoltaic performance of the all‐inorganic f‐PSCs. The highest power‐conversion efficiency obtained is 14.25% with a short‐circuit current density of 18.47 mA cm−2, open‐circuit voltage of 1.09 V, and fill factor of 70.67%. This strategy paves the way for further improvement of the mechanical durability of all‐inorganic f‐PSCs.
Long‐Range Energy Transfer between Dye‐Loaded Nanoparticles: Observation and Amplified Detection of Nucleic Acids
Authors: Biswas Deep Sekhar , Gaki Paraskevi , Cruz Da Silva Elisabete , Combes Antoine , Reisch Andreas , Didier Pascal , Klymchenko Andrey S.
Published: April 2023

Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) is essential in optical materials for light‐harvesting, photovoltaics, and biosensing, but its operating range is fundamentally limited by the Förster radius of ≈5 nm. In this work, FRET between fluorescent organic nanoparticles (NPs) is studied in order to break this limit. The donor and acceptor NPs are built from charged hydrophobic polymers loaded with cationic dyes and bulky hydrophobic counterions. Their surface is functionalized with DNA in order to control surface‐to‐surface distance. It is found that the FRET efficiency does not follow the canonic Förster law, reaching 0.70 and 0.45 values for NP–NP distances of 15 and 20 nm, respectively. This corresponds to the FRET efficiency decay as power four of the surface‐to‐surface NP–NP distance. Based on this long‐distance FRET, a DNA nanoprobe is developed, where a target DNA fragment, encoding the cancer marker survivin, bringing together donor and acceptor NPs at ≈15 nm distance. In this nanoprobe, a single‐molecular recognition results in unprecedented color switch for >5000 dyes, yielding a simple and fast assay with 18 attomoles limit of detection. Breaking the Förster distance limit for ultrabright NPs opens the route to advanced optical nanomaterials for amplified FRET‐based biosensing.
Poly(l‐Lactic Acid) Nanofiber‐Based Multilayer Film for the Electrical Stimulation of Nerve Cells
Authors: Jiang Fengying , Shan Yizhu , Tian Junyuan , Xu Lingling , Li Chaohai , Yu Fang , Cui Xi , Wang Chengwei , Li Zhou , Ren Kailiang
Published: April 2023

Poly(l‐lactic acid) (PLLA) films have excellent piezoelectric properties, but the strong hydrophobicity of the surface makes it difficult for cells to attach there. PLLA nanofibers have good biocompatibility, but the weak piezoelectric coefficient limits the ability of the nanofibers to stimulate cell growth. Therefore, the PLLA piezoelectric film is combined with the PLLA nanofibers to make a multilayer film. In our tests, the piezoelectric output of the multilayer film ≈260 mV. In the biological experiments section, without piezoelectric stimulation, the cell length on the nanofibers is approximately twice that of the cells in the blank control group. The length of cells cultured on piezoelectric‐based stimulated nanofibers is more than twice that of cells cultured on nanofibers without piezoelectric stimulation. Therefore, it is confirmed that under the dual action of nanofiber guidance and piezoelectric stimulation, the growth rate of cells is four times faster than that in ordinary Petri dishes. Intracellular calcium imaging experiments confirmed that the concentration of Ca2+ in electrically stimulated cells is approximately twice that of ordinary cells. It is also confirmed that piezoelectric materials can complete electrical stimulation of cells in indirect contact with cells.
Conformal Electrodeposition of Antimicrobial Hydrogels Formed by Self‐Assembled Peptide Amphiphiles
Authors: Zaldivar Gervasio , Feng Jiachen , Lizarraga Leonardo , Yu Yafan , de Campos Luana , de Oliveira Kelly Mari Pires , Piepenbrink Kurt H. , Conda‐Sheridan Martin , Tagliazucchi Mario
Published: April 2023

The colonization of biomedical surfaces by bacterial biofilms is concerning because these microorganisms display higher antimicrobial resistance in biofilms than in liquid cultures. Developing antimicrobial coatings that can be easily applied to medically‐relevant complex‐shaped objects, such as implants and surgical instruments, is an important and challenging research direction. This work reports the preparation of antibacterial surfaces via the electrodeposition of a conformal hydrogel of self‐assembling cationic peptide‐amphiphiles (PAs). Hydrogels of three PAs are electrodeposited: C16K2, C16K3, and C18K2, where Cn is an alkyl chain of n methylene groups and Km is an oligopeptide of m lysines. The processing variables (electrodeposition time, potential, pH, salt concentration, agitation) enable fine control of film thickness, demonstrating the flexibility of the method and allowing to unravel the mechanisms underlying electrodeposition. The electrochemically prepared hydrogels inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in agar plates, and prevent the formation of biofilms of Acinetobacter baumannii and P. aeruginosa and the formation of A. baumannii colonies in solid media. C16K2 and C16K3 hydrogels outperform the antimicrobial activity of those of C18K2 while maintaining good compatibility with human cells.
On the Photo‐Carriers Dynamic Regulation by Piezo‐Phototronic Effect in Metal‐Oxide–Semiconductor Tunneling Junction
Authors: Wang Yitong , Peng Wenbo , Huang Zihao , Huang Danyang , Xie Wanli , Li Fangpei , He Yongning
Published: April 2023

The piezo‐phototronic effect can modulate the dynamics of photo‐generated carriers by utilizing external‐strain–induced piezoelectric charges (piezo‐charges). Most of the current researches focus on the modulation effect on the optoelectronic properties of p–n junctions. There are only a few studies focusing on the metal‐oxide–semiconductor (MOS) structures. In this work, a PEDOT:PSS/Al2O3/n‐ZnO tri‐layer MOS tunneling junction is fabricated and the piezo‐phototronic effect on its photo‐carriers dynamic and performances is systematically investigated. The photoresponsivity to 365 nm laser illumination is reduced because of the negative piezo‐charges generated at the Al2O3/n‐ZnO interface. Meanwhile but unexpectedly, the similar phenomenon utilizing the positive piezo‐charges at the Al2O3/n‐ZnO interface is observed. The in‐depth working mechanisms are carefully investigated by analyzing the effect of piezo‐charges on the energy band diagram. Strain induced piezo‐charges could feasibly adjust the intermediate oxide layer's barrier height and width so that the tunneling effect can be efficiently modulated by the piezo‐phototronic effect, leading to the effective control over the MOS tunneling junction's photo‐carriers dynamic and corresponding photoresponses. This work provides an in‐depth understanding for the piezo‐phototronic effect on the MOS tunneling junction and provides guidance for the subsequent researches on the coupling of piezo‐phototronic effect and tunneling effect.
Improved Performance of Heat Source Free Water‐Floating Carbon Nanotube Thermoelectric Generators Controlling Wettability Using Atmospheric‐Pressure Plasma Jet and Waterproof Spray
Authors: Chiba Tomoyuki , Miura Katsuma , Amma Yuki , Kuwahata Hiroshi , Takashiri Masayuki
Published: April 2023

Water‐floating carbon nanotube thermoelectric generators (CNT‐TEGs) can effectively power Internet of Things (IoT) applications. CNT‐TEGs produce electricity by floating on water to generate a temperature gradient in the CNT films, where water pumping via capillary action causes evaporation‐induced cooling in selected areas. However, the amount of electricity required for target applications needs to be increased. Therefore, the wettability of CNT films is controlled via various treatments to increase water evaporation and temperature difference in the films. The contact angle of the water droplet on the film surface related to the wettability decreases upon atmospheric‐pressure plasma jet irradiation and increases upon waterproof spray treatment. Intermediate wettability is obtained by combining the two aforementioned treatments. Under the environmental conditions of light irradiation (1 kW m−2) and wind (3 m s−1) at a water temperature of 20 °C, the CNT‐TEGs with the combined treatment exhibit a highest output voltage of 3.9 mV, which is 30% larger than that of the pristine CNT‐TEG. At a water temperature of 60 °C, a highest output voltage of 13.1 mV is achieved in the pristine CNT‐TEG. The performance enhancement of CNT‐TEGs by controlling the wettability of CNT films under various environmental conditions can facilitate advancements in IoT technology.
High‐Efficiency ZnO‐Based Ultraviolet Photodetector with Integrated Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotube Thin‐Film Heater
Authors: Kim Jeong‐Hyeon , Choi Jongyun , Na Hyunseok , Lee Sung‐Nam
Published: April 2023

Recently, sol–gel‐derived ZnO thin films have been explored for high performance photodetectors (PDs). However, the crystallinity of sol–gel‐derived ZnO films is inferior to vacuum‐based grown ZnO film, leading to poor photoreaction in the PDs. This study combines a single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) heating system with sol–gel ZnO‐based ultraviolet (UV) PDs. A SWCNT heater is fabricated on sapphire substrates using spin coating technique, resulting in a transparent heater with a transmittance of ≈80% by controlling spin speed. In addition, increasing the number of SWCNT spin coatings from 1 to 3 raises the heater temperature to over 170 °C, resulting in a response time of less than 1 min. The sol–gel ZnO‐based UV PDs with the SWCNT heater shows a 137% increase in photocurrent as the SWCNT heater temperature increases from 25 to 112 °C. In addition, the increase in temperature of the embedded‐SWCNT heater significantly shortens the rise and decay times of the sol–gel‐derived ZnO PDs.
A Thermally Chargeable Supercapacitor based on the g‐C3N4‐Doped PAMPS/PAA Hydrogel Solid Electrolyte and 2D MOF@Ti3C2Tx MXene Heterostructure Composite Electrode
Authors: Du Zhijian , Liu Weijia , Liu Jinhai , Chu Zhengyu , Qu Fengyu , Li La , Shen Guozhen
Published: April 2023

With the development of individual wearable electronics, the requirements of self‐energy harvest devices from human skin or motion have increased. A thermal harvest device that receives thermal energy naturally existed in human skin is more attractive than a mechanical energy harvester that needs human motion or walking. Herein, a thermal‐chargeable supercapacitor (TCSC) is proposed, which can convert thermal energy into electrical energy and then store the energy only by occurring the temperature difference between the two ends of the TCSC. The all‐solid‐state g‐C3N4‐modified hydrogel electrolyte in the TCSC provides more free protons and energy for proton migration by the electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bond interaction between g‐C3N4 and the acid group. The 2D MOF@Ti3C2Tx MXene heterojunction electrodes with the advantages of large pore size, adjustable and abundant REDOX sites of MOFs, and high conductivity of Ti3C2Tx MXene also ensure the high performance of the TCSC. As a result, the assembled TCSC exhibits excellent ionic thermal‐voltage (55.68 mV), Seebeck coefficient (18.56 mV K−1), and energy exchange efficiency (3.4%) upon a temperature difference of 3 K, and successfully drives the pressure sensor work.
TBX2‐WNT3A Axis Mediates the Development of Colorectal Cancer In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Zhou Yan , Dong Mingjie , Li Xiujuan
Published: April 2023

This study is designed to explore the roles of the T‐Box transcription factor 2 (TBX2)‐Wnt family member 3A (WNT3A) axis in colorectal cancer. Clinical specimens are collected from the colorectal cancer patients and the volunteers. TBX2 overexpression and knockout stable cell lines and WNT3A knockdown cells are constructed. The xenograft animal model is established by using those stable cell lines. Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion are evaluated. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting are used to determine the expression levels of target biomarkers. ChIP analysis is utilized to assess the enrichment of TBX2 on the promoter site of WNT3A. An elevation of TBX2 is observed in colorectal cancer specimens and TBX2 expression is positively correlated to cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Besides, TBX2 regulates the expressions of biomarkers relevant to epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and WNT3A signaling pathways. Interestingly, WNT3A also promotes the HCT116 cell proliferation, migration, invasion by the regulation of EMT‐related biomarkers. The in vivo study shows that the TBX2‐WNT3A axis promotes tumor growth. TBX2‐WNT3A axis promotes the development of colorectal cancer.
METTL3 Mediates Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition by Modulating FOXO1 mRNA N6‐Methyladenosine‐Dependent YTHDF2 Binding: A Novel Mechanism of Radiation‐Induced Lung Injury
Authors: Feng Yang , Yuan Ping , Guo Hongjuan , Gu Liming , Yang Zhao , Wang Jian , Zhu Wei , Zhang Qi , Cao Jianping , Wang Lili , Jiao Yang
Published: April 2023

The biological roles of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the pathogenesis of radiation‐induced lung injury (RILI) have been widely demonstrated, but the mechanisms involved have been incompletely elucidated. N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) modification, the most abundant reversible methylation modification in eukaryotic mRNAs, plays vital roles in multiple biological processes. Whether and how m6A modification participates in ionizing radiation (IR)‐induced EMT and RILI remain unclear. Here, significantly increased m6A levels upon IR‐induced EMT are detected both in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, upregulated methyltransferase‐like 3 (METTL3) expression and downregulated α‐ketoglutarate‐dependent dioxygenase AlkB homolog 5 (ALKBH5) expression are detected. In addition, blocking METTL3‐mediated m6A modification suppresses IR‐induced EMT both in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) is identified as a key target of METTL3 by a methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP) assay. FOXO1 expression is downregulated by METTL3‐mediated mRNA m6A modification in a YTH‐domain family 2 (YTHDF2)‐dependent manner, which subsequently activates the AKT and ERK signaling pathways. Overall, the present study shows that IR‐responsive METTL3 is involved in IR‐induced EMT, probably by activating the AKT and ERK signaling pathways via YTHDF2‐dependent FOXO1 m6A modification, which may be a novel mechanism involved in the occurrence and development of RILI.
Integrating multiple soil management practices: A system‐wide approach for restoring degraded soil and improvingBrachiariaproductivity
Authors: Gutema Tekalegn , Kebede Erana , Legesse Hirpa , Fite Tarekegn
Published: April 2023

Land degradation has severely affected soil health and agricultural productivity in the Sasiga district of western Oromiya, Ethiopia, demanding urgent and extensive solutions. Integrated soil management in particular is a comprehensive approach that could mitigate the multifaceted effects of land degradation. Hence, a field experiment was conducted on degraded farmers’ land to assess the potential of lime, organic amendments, tillage, and soil–water conservation (SWC) in improving the productivity of soil andBrachiaria(Mulato II). The experiment employed 15 treatments, which were systematically formulated from lime, organic amendments (compost and cattle manure), the SWC method (constructed soil bunds and no soil bunds), and tillage practices (ploughing and no‐ploughing). The study showed that applying lime with tillage or both tillage and SWC and organic amendments alone improved soil pH from very strongly acidic to moderately acidic. The combined application of lime, SWC, and tillage also enhanced the organic carbon, organic matter, total nitrogen, and moisture contents of the soil. Besides, the integrated use of cattle manure, SWC, and tillage practices boosted plant cover, tillering, plant height (PH), and dry biomass ofBrachiaria(Mulato II). Consequently, the physicochemical properties of the degraded soil and the agronomic performance ofBrachiariacan be improved by amending with combinations of lime or cattle manure with SWC and tillage. In general, integrating multiple soil management practices, including lime, organic amendments, SWC, and tillage, offers a whole‐system approach to rehabilitating degraded soil and improving its physicochemical properties and productivity ofBrachiariagrass.
Thirteen‐year stover harvest and tillage effects on soil compaction in Iowa
Authors: Phillips Claire L. , Tekeste Mehari Z. , Ebrahimi Elnaz , Logsdon Sally D. , Malone Robert W. , O'Brien Peter L. , Emmett Bryan D. , Karlen Douglas
Published: April 2023

Corn (Zea mays L.) stover is an abundant biomass source with multiple end‐uses including cellulosic biofuel production. However, stover removal may increase soil compaction by reducing organic matter inputs and increasing vehicle loads during harvest. While numerous studies have reported stover removal impacts on soil physical quality, few have assessed the role played by traffic compaction. Our objective was to quantify subsurface soil compaction after 13 years of chisel plow versus no‐till management and no, moderate (3.5 ± 1.1 Mg ha−1 year−1), or high (5.0 ± 1.7 Mg ha−1 year−1) stover harvest rates. Penetration resistance was measured in most‐ and least‐trafficked interrow spaces. Chisel plowed plots with moderate and high levels of stover removal had higher penetration resistance in trafficked areas relative to least‐trafficked areas, whereas there was no evidence of traffic compaction when stover was retained. Traffic compaction did not negatively impact yields, which were greater with high levels of stover removal compared to no removal. The no‐till practice led to very small increases in penetration resistance with wheel traffic and had no evidence of increased compaction with residue removal. This lack of traffic compaction indicated soils under no‐till practice have a higher load‐bearing capacity than soils under chisel plow practice. Overall, there were no yield‐limiting effects of tillage practice or stover removal, and no evidence of soil compaction below the plow layer, suggesting stover removal with both tillage practices can be effectively employed without detrimental effects on plant or soil health.
Caregivers' concerns and supports needed to care for adults with Down syndrome
Authors: De La Garza Erica , Scott Ashley , Hillerstrom Hampus , Hendrix James , Rubenstein Eric
Published: April 2023

Research regarding caregivers for individuals with Down syndrome mainly focuses on outcomes for the pediatric population and not on the experience of caregivers themselves. Our objective was to understand caregiver‐reported experiences and concerns for themselves and the individual they care for through a survey of caregivers of adults with Down syndrome. We conducted a survey of N = 438 caregivers of adults with Down syndrome and asked about the perspectives of the respondents surrounding caregiving and demographics. The most common concerns among caregivers were planning for future needs (72.1%) and what happens when they (the caregiver) are gone (68.3%). Concerns they had for the individual they cared for were employment (63.2%) and friendships/relationships (63.2%). We found no significant difference in responses based on caregiver education level. Our survey identified six themes for the feedback about what clinical and research professionals should know to better serve individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and those who support them. Many caregivers discussed topics including healthcare, coordination, competence, and ability. More efforts for research into the caregiver experience for adults with Down syndrome are needed.
Hybrid Monomer Design Synergizing Property Trade‐offs in Developing Polymers for Circularity and Performance
Authors: Shi Changxia , Reilly Liam T. , Chen Eugene Y.‐X.
Published: April 2023

Current search for more sustainable plastics seeks to redesign polymers possessing both chemical recyclability to monomer for a circular plastics economy and desirable performance that can rival or even exceed today's non‐recyclable or hard‐to‐recycle petroleum‐based incumbents. However, within a traditional monomer framework it is challenging to optimize, concurrently, contrasting polymerizability/depolymerizability and recyclability/performance properties. Here, we highlight the emerging hybrid monomer design strategy to develop intrinsically circular polymers with tunable performance properties, aiming to unify desired, but otherwise conflicting, properties in a single monomer. Conceptually, this design hybridizes parent monomer pairs of contrasting, mismatching, or matching properties into offspring monomers that not only unify the above‐described conflicting properties but also radically alter the resultant polymer properties far beyond the limits of what either parent homopolymers or their copolymers can achieve.
Spiroligomer‐Based Macrocycles for Atomically Precise Membranes
Authors: Xie Yihui , Luo Danni , Wiener Jesse A. , Koval Alexander B. , Pfeiffer Conrad T. , Schafmeister Christian E.
Published: April 2023

Here, we report a new class of peptidomimetic macrocycles with well‐defined three‐dimensional structures and low conformational flexibility. They are assembled from fused‐ring spiro‐ladder oligomers (spiroligomers) by modular solid‐phase synthesis. Two‐dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance confirms their shape persistency. Triangular macrocycles of tunable sizes assemble into membranes with atomically precise pores, which exhibit size and shape‐dependent molecular sieving towards a series of structurally similar compounds. The exceptional structural diversity and stability of spiroligomer‐based macrocycles will be explored for more applications.
Unveiling the CO Oxidation Mechanism over a Molecularly Defined Copper Single‐Atom Catalyst Supported on a Metal–Organic Framework
Authors: Abdel‐Mageed Ali M. , Rungtaweevoranit Bunyarat , Impeng Sarawoot , Bansmann Joachim , Rabeah Jabor , Chen Shilong , Häring Thomas , Namuangrak Supawadee , Faungnawakij Kajornsak , Brückner Angelika , Behm R. Jürgen
Published: April 2023

Elucidating the reaction mechanism in heterogeneous catalysis is critically important for catalyst development, yet remains challenging because of the often unclear nature of the active sites. Using a molecularly defined copper single‐atom catalyst supported by a UiO‐66 metal–organic framework (Cu/UiO‐66) allows a detailed mechanistic elucidation of the CO oxidation reaction. Based on a combination of in situ/operando spectroscopies, kinetic measurements including kinetic isotope effects, and density‐functional‐theory‐based calculations, we identified the active site, reaction intermediates, and transition states of the dominant reaction cycle as well as the changes in oxidation/spin state during reaction. The reaction involves the continuous reactive dissociation of adsorbed O2, by reaction of O2,ad with COad, leading to the formation of an O atom connecting the Cu center with a neighboring Zr4+ ion as the rate limiting step. This is removed in a second activated step.
Monitoring the Progression of Early Atherosclerosis Using a Fluorescence Nanoprobe for the Detection and Imaging of Phosphorylation and Glucose Levels
Authors: Wen Ning , Li Jin , Zhang Wei , Li Ping , Yin Xia , Zhang Wen , Wang Hui , Tang Bo
Published: April 2023

Monitoring the early stage of atherosclerosis (AS) without plaque formation is of great significance. Herein, we developed a metal organic framework (MOF)‐based fluorescence nanoprobe to analyze the progression of AS by assessing the levels of protein phosphorylation and glucose in blood and tissue. The probe was prepared by post‐modification of the MOF with iodine (I3−)‐rhodamine B (RhB) associate, which realizes the specific recognition of target object through the metal joint ZrIV and I3−‐RhB, respectively. We investigated different stages of target object changes in the early non‐plaque stage of AS in blood. It was found that the levels of phosphate and glucose in the blood were higher than those of the normal mice. The results of two‐photon images showed that early AS mice had higher levels of protein phosphorylation and glucose than that of the normal mice. The present study provides a suitable fluorescence tool for further revealing the pathogenesis and progression of AS.
Activatable NIR‐II Photothermal Lipid Nanoparticles for Improved Messenger RNA Delivery
Authors: Li Benhao , Zhao Mengyao , Lai Weiping , Zhang Xuanbo , Yang Bowei , Chen Xiaoyuan , Ni Qianqian
Published: April 2023

Endosomal escape remains a central issue limiting the high protein expression of mRNA therapeutics. Here, we present second near‐infrared (NIR‐II) lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) containing pH activatable NIR‐II dye conjugated lipid (Cy‐lipid) for potentiating mRNA delivery efficiency via a stimulus‐responsive photothermal‐promoted endosomal escape delivery (SPEED) strategy. In acidic endosomal microenvironment, Cy‐lipid is protonated and turns on NIR‐II absorption for light‐to‐heat transduction mediated by 1064 nm laser irradiation. Then, the heat‐promoted LNPs morphology change triggers rapid escape of NIR‐II LNPs from the endosome, allowing about 3‐fold enhancement of enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) encoding mRNA translation capacity compared to the NIR‐II light free group. In addition, the bioluminescence intensity induced by delivered luciferase encoding mRNA in the mouse liver region shows positive correlation with incremental radiation dose, indicating the validity of the SPEED strategy.
Time‐dependent mixed convection of Prandtl–Eyring hybrid nanofluid flow over a vertical cone: Entropy analysis
Authors: Patil Prabhugouda M , Goudar Bharath
Published: April 2023

The current work is motivated by the rising applications of non‐Newtonian hybrid nanofluids and entropy optimization in large‐scale industries. The Prandtl–Eyring nanofluid model, one of the numerous non‐Newtonian fluid models, is developed using molecular theory rather than empirical formulas. This study investigates the mixed convection flow of Prandtl–Eyring nanofluids from a vertical conical surface. This problem's governing equations are highly nonlinear and linked. Mangler's nonsimilar transformations were used to obtain a nondimensional representation of the governing equations. The obtained equations were linearized and discretized using Quasilinearization and the implicit finite difference method. This study concludes that, compared to Newtonian fluids, Prandtl–Eyring fluids have reduced surface friction
and fluid velocity. When comparing the Prandtl–Eyring hybrid nanofluid to the Newtonian hybrid nanofluid, we find that the latter improves energy transmission
by about 11%. With the Prandtl–Eyring hybrid nanofluid model instead of the standard Newtonian model, entropy generation (EG) can be reduced. Energy transport efficiency is improved by changing the nanoparticles shape from spherical to lamina. Concisely at
, the
and
boosted approximately by 29% and 17%, respectively, when shapes of the nanoparticles are changed from spherical to the lamina. The findings of heat transfer strength and surface friction coefficient are in excellent agreement with previously reported data.
Preparation and performance of natural rubber latex treatment for silica filled natural rubber composites
Authors: Wang Xingyu , Luo Zhu , Xu Yinhan , Zhong Jincheng , Zhang Hao , Liang Jiuming
Published: April 2023

Natural rubber latex filled with silica can be used to prepare low‐cost green tires with low rolling resistance. However, low mixing efficiency and reduction of properties have become the major difficulty in the industry, because there are many polar groups on the surface of silica, and it is difficult to produce a strong interaction with a nonpolar rubber. In this paper, natural rubber latex masterbatch with silica was prepared, and easily mixed with natural rubber (NR) to obtain NR/silica composites. The silica after NRL treated in the rubber matrix characterized with well dispersion, good compatibility with rubber, and composites had weaker Payne effect and higher wet‐skid resistance. Meanwhile, the 100% and 300% tensile modulus increased by 8.5% and 14.47%, respectively, notably decreasing heat build‐up by 41.88%, compared to the composite prepared by dry mixing technology. Overall, both the dispersion and interfacial adhesion of silica in the rubber matrix have a significant synergistic effect on the properties of rubber composites. The strategy of preparing NR/silica composites provides new research avenues for the preparation of green tires and other rubber industries in the future.
Molecular Networking Accelerated Discovery of Biflavonoid Alkaloids from Cephalotaxus sinensis
Authors: Zhang Fuxin , Zhou Ruixi , Yang Tao , Yang Kailing , Xin Saisai , Zhang Jingwei , Li Yuqiu , Zhan Guanqun , Guo Zengjun
Published: April 2023

Four undescribed biflavonoid alkaloids, sinenbiflavones A–D, were isolated from Cephalotaxus sinensis using a MS/MS‐based molecular networking guided strategy. Their structures were elucidated by series of spectroscopic methods (HR‐ESI‐MS, UV, IR, 1D, and 2D NMR). Sinenbiflavones A–D are the first examples of amentoflavone‐type (C‐3’–C‐8’’) biflavonoid alkaloids. Meanwhile, sinenbiflavones B and D are the unique C‐6‐methylated amentoflavone‐type biflavonoid alkaloids. Sinenbiflavone D showed weak SARS‐CoV‐2 3CLpro inhibitory activity with 43 % inhibition rate at 40 μM.
Synthesis of Muramyl‐δ‐Lactam in Spore Peptidoglycan of Clostridioides difficile
Authors: Kim Choon , Lee Mijoon , Birhanu Biruk T. , Hesek Dusan , Chang Mayland , Mobashery Shahriar
Published: April 2023

Clostridioides difficile is a spore‐forming human pathogen responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. Infections by this pathogen ensue dysbiosis of the intestinal tract, which leads to germination of the spores. The process of spore formation requires a transition for the cell‐wall peptidoglycan of the vegetative C. difficile to that of spores, which entails the formation of muramyl‐δ‐lactam. We describe a set of reactions for three recombinant C. difficile proteins, GerS, CwlD, and PdaA1, with the use of four synthetic peptidoglycan analogs. CwlD and PdaA1 excise the peptidoglycan stem peptide and the acetyl moiety of N‐acetyl muramate, respectively. The reaction of CwlD is accelerated in the presence of GerS. With the use of a suitable substrate, we document that PdaA1 catalyzes a novel zinc‐dependent transamidation/transpeptidation reaction, an unusual reaction that requires excision of the stem peptide as a pre‐requisite.
Deoxygenative Radical Boration of Inert Amides via a Combination of Relay and Cooperative Catalysis
Authors: Jiang Feng , Li Jing'an , Wang Xiaoming
Published: April 2023

One of the most challenging tasks in organic synthesis is to develop novel methodologies for rapid construction of complex molecules starting from easily available yet inert raw materials. In this context, multi‐catalysis strategies have attracted great attention in the discovery of new reactivity profiles that may allow access to many difficult or unattainable transformations. So far the deoxygenative functionalization of ubiquitous amides is usually achieved by nucleophilic attack on the imine or iminium ion intermediate formed via activation of the C=O bond, and these functionalization reagents were often confined to C‐based nucleophiles, which largely limited the diversity of the resultant amines. Herein, we disclose a combined strategy of relay and cooperative catalysis with a triple iridium‐photoredox‐organocatalysis system to achieve an unprecedented reductive boration of amides, affording valuable α‐amino boron products which are viable building blocks. In this transformation, the Ir‐catalyzed semi‐reduction of amides is successfully incorporated with photo‐organic catalyzed nucleophilic boryl radical addition, thus delivering the corresponding α‐boryl amines in high efficiency.
Experimental study on energy consumption characteristics of rotational–perforated static mixers
Authors: Meng Lichang , Gao Xuefang , Wang Dewu , Liu Yan , Wang Ruojin , Hu Baisong , Tang Meng , Zhang Shaofeng
Published: April 2023

An ideal static mixer can achieve efficient mixing at low pressure drops. Owing to the excellent performance of the tridimensional rotational flow sieve tray (TRST) in a gas–liquid two‐phase system, the TRST structure was modified into a rotational–perforated static mixer (RPSM) to enhance mixing in multicomponent liquid systems. The energy consumption characteristics of the RPSM were experimentally studied based on Reynolds numbers in the range of 986–7892, gap L = 0–80 mm, and relative angle γ = 0–45°. The effects of the element installation method, number, gap, relative angle, fluid Reynolds number, fluid properties, and other parameters on the RPSM pressure drop were also investigated. An interaction analysis of each factor was performed using the factorial design method and an empirical model of the RPSM Z‐factor was established. Additionally, pressure drop in the RPSM was compared with those of other commonly used static mixers. Results show that, when the element is backward‐installed, the pressure drop is higher than that in the forward direction because the fluid is constantly twisted. Moreover, the pressure drop increases with increasing element gap, and the average increase is 43.64% and 19.28% for the forward and backward installations, respectively. The influence of the relative angle on the pressure drop is mainly reflected when the gap L = 0. Subsequently, the degree of influence of each factor was determined, and the Z‐factor was calculated and found to be consistent with the experimental values (relative error of less than 15%).
Hybrid ZnO@Au Nanorod Array for Fast and Repeatable Bacteria Inactivation
Authors: Liu Yu , Zhao Xiaoyu , Zhang Xiaosa , Jia Xiaodan , Wu Lie , Jiang Xiue
Published: April 2023

Comprehensive Summary

The worldwide abuse of antibiotics and resultant antimicrobial resistance made the development of new antibacterial materials an urgent and significant issue. Herein, a hybrid ZnO@Au nanorod array with fast bacterial inactivation and excellent recyclability was reported. 93% bacteria could be inactivated within 5 min ultra‐sonication under indoor daylight, and the killing rate maintains above 90% after seven repeated using cycles. Antibacterial mechanism involves extracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated from photocatalysis and piezoelectricity of nanorod array, intracellular ROS generation and decrease of adenosine‐triphosphate (ATP) originated from electron transfer (ET) from bacteria to nanorod array, as well as mechanical effect from the nanorod, among which ET mechanism plays a major role. Large Schottky barrier from the hybrid interface not only enhances the ROS generation by promoting the charge transfer and carrier separation as well as light utilization, but also enables one‐direction electron transfer from bacteria to nanorod array. The resultant continuous electron loss breaks the energy metabolism and disturbs the redox equilibrium, leading to bacterial death. This study demonstrates the great potential of hybrid structure in antibacterial applications and indicates ET as a novel effective antibacterial mechanism for semiconductor materials, which provides insights into the design of next‐generation antibacterial materials.