bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultra‐High Initial Coulombic Efficiency Induced by Interface Engineering Enables Rapid, Stable Sodium Storage
Authors: Wan Yanhua , Song Keming , Chen Weihua , Qin Changdong , Zhang Xixue , Zhang Jiyu , Dai Hongliu , Hu Zhe , Yan Pengfei , Liu Chuntai , Sun Shuhui , Chou Shu‐Lei , Shen Changyu
Published: March 2021

High initial coulombic efficiency is highly desired because it implies effective interface construction and few electrolyte consumption, indicating enhanced batteries’ life and power output. In this work, a high‐capacity sodium storage material with FeS2nanoclusters (≈1–2 nm) embedded in N, S‐doped carbon matrix (FeS2/N,S‐C) was synthesized, the surface of which displays defects‐repaired characteristic and detectable dot‐matrix distributed Fe‐N‐C/Fe‐S‐C bonds. After the initial discharging process, the uniform ultra‐thin NaF‐rich (≈6.0 nm) solid electrolyte interphase was obtained, thereby achieving verifiable ultra‐high initial coulombic efficiency (≈92 %). The defects‐repaired surface provides perfect platform, and the catalysis of dot‐matrix distributed Fe‐N‐C/Fe‐S‐C bonds to the rapid decomposing of NaSO3CF3and diethylene glycol dimethyl ether successfully accelerate the building of two‐dimensional ultra‐thin solid electrolyte interphase. DFT calculations further confirmed the catalysis mechanism. As a result, the constructed FeS2/N,S‐C provides high reversible capacity (749.6 mAh g−1at 0.1 A g−1) and outstanding cycle stability (92.7 %, 10 000 cycles, 10.0 A g−1). Especially, at −15 °C, it also obtains a reversible capacity of 211.7 mAh g−1at 10.0 A g−1. Assembled pouch‐type cell performs potential application. The insight in this work provides a bright way to interface design for performance improvement in batteries.
Die Dreikomponenten‐Selbstorganisation ändert ihre Richtung: Ein Sprung von einfachen Polymeren zu 3D‐Netzwerken sphärischer Wirt/Gast‐Aggregate
Authors: Peresypkina Eugenia , Grill Kevin , Hiltl Barbara , Virovets Alexander V. , Kremer Werner , Hilgert Jan , Tremel Wolfgang , Scheer Manfred
Published: March 2021

Eintopf‐Selbstorganisationsreaktionen des Polyphosphor‐Komplexes [Cp*Fe(η5‐P5)] (A), des Münzmetallsalzes AgSbF6 und flexibler aliphatischer Dinitrile NC(CH2)xCN (x=1–10) geben 1D‐, 2D‐ und 3D‐Koordinationspolymere. Die siebengliedrige Kette eines Dinitrils wurde experimentell als Grenze für das Selbstorganisationssystem zur Erzeugung verschiedenartiger Produkte detektiert. Bei x<7 werden ausschließlich verschiedene, eher einfache Polymere gebildet, die entweder 0D‐ oder 1D‐Ag/A‐Strukturmotive besitzen, die durch Dinitril‐Linker verbunden sind, während bei x≥7 die Selbstorganisation zu völlig neuen außergewöhnlichen, durch Nitrile verbundenen 3D‐Netzwerken nano‐dimensionierter Wirt/Gast‐Aggregate von (SbF6)@[(A)9Ag11]11+ (x=7) oder (A)@[(A)12Ag12]12+ (x=8–10) wechselt. Die polykationischen Knoten stellen die ersten auf A und Silber basierenden Supersphären dar, die Wirt/Gast‐fähig sind. Alle Produkte wurden durch NMR‐Spektroskopie, Massenspektrometrie und Einkristall‐Röntgenstrukturanalyse charakterisiert. Die Aggregate [(A)12Ag12]12+ wurden durch Transmissionselektronenmikroskopie visualisiert.
Periodicity in the Electrochemical Dissolution of Transition Metals
Authors: Speck Florian D. , Zagalskaya Alexandra , Alexandrov Vitaly , Cherevko Serhiy
Published: March 2021

Extensive research efforts are currently dedicated to the search for new electrocatalyst materials in which expensive and rare noble metals are replaced with cheaper and more abundant transition metals. Recently, numerous alloys, oxides, and composites with such metals have been identified as highly active electrocatalysts through the use of high‐throughput screening methods with the help of activity descriptors. Up to this point, stability has lacked such descriptors. Hence, we elucidate the role of intrinsic metal/oxide properties on the corrosion behavior of representative 3d, 4d, and 5d transition metals. Electrochemical dissolution of nine transition metals is quantified using online inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS). Based on the obtained dissolution data in alkaline and acidic media, we establish clear periodic correlations between the amount of dissolved metal, the cohesive energy of the metal atoms (Ecoh), and the energy of oxygen adsorption on the metal (ΔHO,ads). Such correlations can support the knowledge‐driven search for more stable electrocatalysts.
Apoptotic and autophagic characteristics of perivisceral fat body remodeling of the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella and effects of juvenile hormone analog, fenoxycarb, on these processes
Authors: Poyraz Tinartas Esen , Goncu Ebru , Koc Kamil
Published: March 2021

In holometabolous insects, many tissues and organs such as the fat body and midgut undergo a remodeling process during metamorphosis. Larval fat body cells are eliminated by programmed cell death (PCD), while tissue cells that adapt to adult life are formed by stem cells. In this study, we analyzed the features of the remodeling period of Galleria mellonella fat body in terms of PCD types, apoptotic and autophagic cell death characteristics. Besides, the effects of juvenile hormone (JH) on these processes were evaluated under the modified hormonal conditions via applications of JH analog, fenoxycarb. Several hallmarks of apoptotic and autophagic cell death were analyzed by morphological, biochemical, and molecular methods. The results of the present study have ascertained that the degeneration process of larval cells occurs via autophagic cell death accompanied by caspase‐3 activity during the pupal period and it is regulated by 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20HE) mediated by ecdysone receptor B1 (EcR‐B1). Increased activity of the acid phosphatase and upregulation of ATG6 and ATG8 in parallel with the formation of autophagosomes in the fat body of Galleria during the pupal period strongly indicated that autophagy was the key player in the remodeling processes.
Selective Lithium Adsorption of Silicon Oxide Coated Lithium Aluminum Layered Double Hydroxide Nanocrystals and Their Regeneration
Authors: Lee Yongju , Cha Ji‐Hyun , Jung Duk‐Young
Published: March 2021

Silicon oxide‐coated lithium aluminum layered double hydroxide (LixAl2‐LDH@SiO2) nanocrystals (NCs) are investigated to selectively separate lithium cations in aqueous lithium resources. We directly synthesized LixAl2‐LDH NC arrays by oxidation of aluminum foil substrate under a urea and lithium solution. Various lithium salts, including Cl−, CO32−, NO3−, and SO42−, were applied in aqueous solution to confirm the anion effect on the captured and released lithium quantity of the LixAl2‐LDH NCs. In a 5% solution of sulfate ions mix with lithium chloride, the LixAl2‐LDH NCs separated a larger quantity of lithium than in other anion conditions. To enhance regeneration stability and lithium selectivity, thin layers of SiO2 were coated onto the LixAl2‐LDH nanostructure arrays for inhibition of nanostructure destruction after desorption of lithium cations in hot water. The LixAl2‐LDH@SiO2 nanostructures showed enhanced properties for lithium adsorption, including increase of stable regeneration cycles from three to five cycles, and they showed high lithium selectivity in the Mg2+, Na+, and K+ cation mixed aqueous resource. Our nanostructured LDH lithium adsorbents would provide a facile and efficient application for cost‐efficient and large‐scale lithium production.
Magnetic Circularly Polarized Luminescence from PtIIOEP and F2‐ppyPtII(acac) under North‐up and South‐up Faraday Geometries
Authors: Matsudaira Kana , Mimura Yuki , Hotei Junichi , Yagi Shigeyuki , Yamashita Ken‐ichi , Fujiki Michiya , Imai Yoshitane
Published: March 2021

The magnetic circularly polarized luminescence (MCPL) and photoluminescence (PL) spectra of achiral (2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18‐octaethylporphyrinato)platinum(II), PtOEP, and [2‐(4′,6′‐difluorophenyl)pyridinato‐N,C2′]platinum(II) acetylacetonate‐O,O, F2‐ppyPt(acac), in toluene and dichloromethane solutions were recorded under an external magnetic field of 1.6 T with N‐up and S‐up Faraday geometries. The MCPL signs of PtOEP and F2‐ppyPt(acac) were controlled solely by changing the N‐up and S‐up geometries. The MCPL/PL wavelengths of F2‐ppyPt(acac) in solutions were varied by the ratio of the monomeric and excimeric species.
Long‐term performance of smart irrigation controllers on single‐family homes with excess irrigation
Authors: Cardenas Bernardo , Dukes Michael D. , Breder Eliza , Torbert Jacqueline W.
Published: March 2021

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the long‐term water conservation potential of two smart irrigation controllers when implemented in single‐family homes with excess irrigation. Treatments were established in Orange County, Florida, across two types of soils and included homes monitored only (MO), homes that received an evapotranspiration (ET) controller or a soil moisture sensor (SMS) controller, and homes that received an ET or SMS plus an onsite specific programing and tutorial given to the homeowner (ETPgm or SMSPgm, respectively). All treatments resulted in significant water savings compared with the MO group, without negatively affecting the turf quality. Average irrigation reductions in sandy and flatwoods soils for ET were 21% and 17% and 26% and 31%, respectively, in the ETPgm group. The SMS group reduced irrigation by 18% and 42% in flatwoods and sandy soils, respectively, while the SMSPgm treatment applied 41% and 35% less water, respectively.

Article Impact Statement

Water entities and utilities planning to create a rebate program using smart irrigation controllers can benefit from this long‐term study.
Electron Microscopy Imaging Applications of Room Temperature Ionic Liquids in the Biological Field: A Review
Authors: DiCecco Liza‐Anastasia , D'Elia Andrew , Miller Chelsea , Sask Kyla N. , Soleymani Leyla , Grandfield Kathryn
Published: March 2021

For biological imaging using electron microscopy (EM), the use of room‐temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) has been proposed as an alternative to traditional lengthy preparation methods. With their low vapor pressures and conductivity, RTILs can be applied onto hard‐to‐image soft and/or wet samples without dehydration – allowing for a more representative, hydrated state of material and opening the possibility for visualization of in situ physiological processes using conventional EM systems. However, RTILs have yet to be utilized to their full potential by microscopists and microbiologists alike. To this end, this review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of biological applications of RTILs for EM to bridge the RTIL, in situ microscopy, and biological communities. We outline future research avenues for the use of RTILs for the EM observation of biological samples, notably i) RTIL selection and optimization, ii) applications for live cell processes and iii) electron beam and ionic liquid interaction studies.
Medical school education in pediatrics: Training parents
Authors: Gold Zachary , Umaschi‐Shepard Stephanie
Published: March 2021

As a medical student in my final year, I was recently left feeling defeated after witnessing the physical restraint of a child who was on a medical floor awaiting placement at a psychiatric facility. Throughout my pediatric‐related clinical experiences, I was full of questions and concerns: What could explain parents' reports of the violent actions of their 8‐year‐old, a well‐behaved star pupil at school? How were the parents of a 5‐year‐old girl potentially enabling her rigid preferences? What was behind a grandmother's contempt for her 3‐year‐old grandchild? What could I, a young male with no children of my own, possible have to offer to a struggling parent looking to me for advice on how to handle their child's meltdowns and defiance?
Cholecystoduodenal fistula resulting in gallstone ileus: A path paved by stone
Authors: Lee Brian T. , Mahamid Ahmad , Ahmad Jawad , Tabrizian Parissa
Published: March 2021

This report showcases the initial management of gallstone ileus which includes proper biliary assessment to assist with operative planning. While an uncommon condition, surgical management is crucial, although methodology may be variable.
Effects of concomitant combination of SGLT‐2 inhibitor and GLP‐1 receptor agonist on renal outcomes in T2D with eGFR below 30 and macroalbuminuria: A case series
Authors: Kuhadiya Nitesh D. , Mahmood Israa
Published: March 2021

Renal protection is likely to be a class effect of SGLT‐2 inhibitors and GLP‐1RA. When used simultaneously, there may be a synergistic effect. Both agents are also safe to use in high renal risk patients (eGFR between 21 and 30 mL/min/1.73m2)
Metal Cation Valency Dependence in Morphology Evolution of Cu2−xS Nanodisk Seeds and Their Pseudomorphic Cation Exchanges
Authors: Chen Lihui , Hu Haifeng , Chen Yuzhou , Gao Jing , Li Guohua
Published: March 2021

A crucial parameter in the design of semiconductor nanoparticles (NPs) with controllable optical, magnetic, electronic, and catalytic properties is the morphology. Herein, we demonstrate the potential of additive metal cations with variable valency to direct the morphology evolution of copper‐deficient Cu2−xS nanoparticles in the process of seed‐mediated growth. In particular, the djurleite Cu1.94S seed could evolve from disk into tetradecahedron in the presence of tin(IV) cations, whereas they merely formed sharp hexagonal nanodisks with tin(II) cations. In addition to djurleite Cu1.94S, the tin(IV) cations could be generalized to direct the growth of roxbyite Cu1.8S and covellite CuS nanodisk seeds into tetradecahedra. We further perform pseudomorphic cation exchanges of Cu1.94S tetradecahedra with Zn2+ and Cd2+ to produce polyhedral zinc sulfide (ZnS) and cadmium sulfide (CdS) NPs. Moreover, we achieve Cu1.8S/ZnS and Cu1.94S/CdS tetradecahedral heterostructures via partial cation exchange, which are otherwise inaccessible by traditional synthetic approaches.
Mechanistic Exploration of Methionine 274 Acting as a “Switch” of the Selective Pocket Involved in HDAC8 Inhibition: An in Silico Study
Authors: Yao Peng , Gao Qiushuang , Wang Ying , Yao Qizheng , Zhang Ji
Published: March 2021

The overexpression of histone deacetylase 8 (HDAC8) causes several diseases, and the selective inhibition of HDAC8 has been touted as a promising therapeutic strategy due to its fewer side effects. However, the mechanism of HDAC8 selective inhibition remains unclear. In this study, flexible docking and in silico mutation were used to explore the structural change of methionine (M274) during HDAC8 binding to inhibitors, along with the reason for this change. Meanwhile, steered and conventional molecular dynamics simulations were employed to explore the stability of the structural change. The findings suggest that M274 acts as a “switch” to control the exposure of the HDAC8‐selective pocket. The structure of M274 changes from flipped‐out to flipped‐in only when L‐shaped inhibitors bind to HDAC8. This structural change forms a groove that allows these inhibitors to enter the selective pocket. In other HDACs, a leucine residue replaces M274 in situ, and the same structural change is not observed. The findings reveal the mechanism of selective HDAC8 inhibition and provide guidance for the development of novel selective inhibitors.
Evaluation of Myelin Phagocytosis by Microglia/Macrophages in Nervous Tissue Using Flow Cytometry
Authors: Gómez‐López Ariadna Regina , Manich Gemma , Recasens Mireia , Almolda Beatriz , González Berta , Castellano Bernardo
Published: March 2021

Determination of microglial phagocytosis of myelin has acquired importance in the study of demyelinating diseases. One strategy to determine microglial phagocytosis capacity consists of assaying microglia with fluorescently labeled myelin; however, most approaches are performed in cell culture, where microglia usually show important phenotypic differences compared with in vivo conditions. In this article we describe an adapted flow cytometry protocol to assay myelin phagocytosis by microglia obtained directly from in vivo tissue of the central nervous system. Key steps for a first analysis of phagocytic microglia are provided. Additionally, we describe how to fluorescently label myelin using a pH‐sensitive tag, pHrodo™ Green STP Ester. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol: Assay for determination of myelin phagocytosis by microglia/macrophages using flow cytometry

Support Protocol 1: Conjugation of isolated and purified myelin with pHrodo Green STP Ester

Support Protocol 2: Quantification of phagocytic cell number by flow cytometry
Expanded Ring NHC Silver Carboxylate Complexes as Efficient and Reusable Catalysts for the Carboxylative Cyclization of Unsubstituted Propargylic Derivatives
Authors: Cervantes‐Reyes Alejandro , Saxl Tobias , Stein Philipp M. , Rudolph Matthias , Rominger Frank , Asiri Abdullah M. , Hashmi A. Stephen K.
Published: March 2021

Stabilized by a bulky N‐heterocyclic carbene [BPDPr, 1,3‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)‐1,3‐diazonine‐2‐ylidene] ligand, new silver carboxylate complexes of the form BPDPrAgO2C‐R (R=Me, Ph) have been synthesized and fully characterized in solution and in the solid state and implemented as sole catalysts (base‐, additive‐, and, in some cases, solvent‐free) in the challenging fixation of carbon dioxide to unsubstituted propargylic derivatives for the synthesis of oxazolidinones and α‐methylene cyclic carbonates. Derived from X‐ray diffraction studies, the molecular geometry and the concept of buried volume were employed to describe the structural and steric features of these silver complexes. Their stability and efficiency as catalysts have been demonstrated by the synthesis of 29 carboxylation products (72–98 % yield) at low catalyst loadings (0.01–1.5 mol%). Characteristics are high turnover numbers (up to 9400), catalyst recyclability (up to 96 % yield after the 7th cycle with no decomposition of the silver complex), and the possibility to scale‐up the reaction.
Coupling Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction with Thermocatalysis Enables the Formation of a Lactone Monomer
Authors: Ponsard Louise , Nicolas Emmanuel , Tran Ngoc Huan , Lamaison Sarah , Wakerley David , Cantat Thibault , Fontecave Marc
Published: March 2021

Carbonylation reactions that generate high‐value chemical feedstocks are integral to the formation of many industrially significant compounds. However, these processes require the use of CO, which is invariably derived from fossil‐fuel‐reforming reactions. CO may also be generated through the electroreduction of CO2, but the coupling of these two processes is yet to be considered. Merging electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CO with thermocatalytic use of CO would expand the range of the chemicals produced from CO2. This work describes the development of a system coupling a high‐pressure CO2 electrolytic cell containing a bimetallic ZnAg catalyst at the cathode for production of CO with a reactor with a Faradaic efficiency of >90 % where high pressure CO is used for carbonylating propylene oxide into β‐butyrolactone by thermal catalysis, the latter step having a reaction yield above 80 %. Although the production of monomers and polymers from CO2 is currently limited to organic carbonates, this strategy opens up the access to lactones from CO2, for the formation of polyesters.
Model predictive control of a modified five‐level inverter with decreased device counts
Authors: Afjeh Mohsen Ghorbanali , Babaei Mojtaba
Published: March 2021

In this paper, a modified single‐phase five‐level inverter is proposed with a single DC source and six switches. Comparing with the presented converters, the proposed topology has the advantage of reduced device count and the fundamental switching frequency for high blocking voltage switches. The proposed converter implements without clamping diodes and transformers, which reducing the volume, moreover mass of the inverter. In order to achieve the optimum output voltage, the model predictive controller is proposed as a rapid dynamic and semi‐low‐computation digital control system. This closed‐loop system is implemented in TMS320f28335 digital signal processor to assess the performance of the proposed converter under nonlinear and linear loads. Analytical investigation, including simulation and an experimental result, shows compliance with IEC 62040‐3 for inverters in standalone applications.
eDNA in a bottleneck: Obstacles to fish metabarcoding studies in megadiverse freshwater systems
Authors: Jackman Jake M. , Benvenuto Chiara , Coscia Ilaria , Oliveira Carvalho Cintia , Ready Jonathan S. , Boubli Jean P. , Magnusson William E. , McDevitt Allan D. , Guimarães Sales Naiara
Published: March 2021

The current capacity of environmental DNA (eDNA) to provide accurate insights into the biodiversity of megadiverse regions (e.g., the Neotropics) requires further evaluation to ensure its reliability for long‐term monitoring. In this study, we first evaluated the taxonomic resolution capabilities of a short fragment from the 12S rRNA gene widely used in fish eDNA metabarcoding studies, and then compared eDNA metabarcoding data from water samples with traditional sampling using nets. For the taxonomic discriminatory power analysis, we used a specifically curated reference dataset consisting of 373 sequences from 258 neotropical fish species (including 47 newly generated sequences) to perform a genetic distance‐based analysis of the amplicons targeted by the MiFish primer set. We obtained an optimum delimitation threshold value of 0.5% due to lowest cumulative errors. The barcoding gap analysis revealed only a 51.55% success rate in species recovery (133/258), highlighting a poor taxonomic resolution from the targeted amplicon. To evaluate the empirical performance of this amplicon for biomonitoring, we assessed fish biodiversity using eDNA metabarcoding from water samples collected from the Amazon (Adolpho Ducke Forest Reserve and two additional locations outside the Reserve). From a total of 84 identified Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units (MOTUs), only four could be assigned to species level using a fixed threshold. Measures of α‐diversity analyses within the Reserve showed similar patterns in each site between the number of MOTUs (eDNA dataset) and species (netting data) found. However, β‐diversity revealed contrasting patterns between the methods. We therefore suggest that a new approach is needed, underpinned by sound taxonomic knowledge, and a more thorough evaluation of better molecular identification procedures such as multi‐marker metabarcoding approaches and tailor‐made (i.e., order‐specific) taxonomic delimitation thresholds.
Everyday political geographies of community‐building: Exploring the practices of three Zimbabwean permaculture communities
Authors: Richardson‐Ngwenya Pamela
Published: March 2021

Permaculture is an approach to sustainable design thinking, agriculture, and community, as well as a globalized movement. This article explores how different practices and processes of permaculture have generated different political registers of “community,” at three permaculture sites in Zimbabwe. Speaking to recent online media that asks “Is permaculture political?,” as well as to the academic literature critiquing localized environmental initiatives as “postpolitical,” the article adopts a feminist political ecology (FPE) framework to discuss two modalities in which the geographies of community‐building can be registered aspolitical. First, I look at how subjectivities and intracommunity power relations have been reshaped through participatory practices of governance, taking on entrenched gender‐ and age‐based power relations in particular. Second, comes the idea ofcommunityas a more‐than‐human ontology. An FPE analysis offers an original perspective on how permaculture has become actualized in the Zimbabwean context. The research approach built on Gibson‐Graham's calls to engage performatively with examples of diverse economies and aimed to serve the efforts of these communities in a small way, by celebrating and documenting their activities and creating public media outputs. Contributing to the literature on permaculture, as well as to debates around community‐based environmental movements, an FPE perspective frames these community‐building efforts in terms of everyday political practices and performances. I conclude that while FPE draws attention to these everyday politics, permaculture practitioners actualize them and in doing so, make a much‐needed contribution to cultivating, or “worlding” diverse, more‐than‐human economies.
Novel Hybrid Optimization Maximum Power Point Tracking and Normalized Intelligent Control Techniques for Smart Grid Linked Solar Photovoltaic System
Authors: Abdul Baseer Mohammad , Alsaduni Ibrahim , Zubair Muhammad
Published: March 2021

Introduction of photovoltaic (PV) systems in grid causes some complex power quality problems such as harmonics, voltage fluctuation, and load imbalance that can affect the grid coordinated PV system performance. Therefore, herein, a novel normalized reasoning‐based fuzzy neural adaptive (NRFNA) control technique is proposed for the double‐stage grid coupled solar PV system. In addition, the utmost power in a double‐stage PV system is tracked at dissimilar environmental states by the proposed novel hybrid krill herd spider monkey (HKHSM)‐based maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm. The current computation control method preserves the grid current in unity power factor as sinusoidal for the system at point common coupling (PCC). The simulation of this proposed work is done on MATLAB/Simulink. Subsequently, the performance of the developed replica results is validated under dissimilar conditions of power quality. Furthermore, the proposed HKHSM‐based MPPT along with a normalized reasoning herd spider monkey (NRHSM) control technique in a grid coordinated solar PV system has achieved 1.70% load current harmonics and 3.7% grid current harmonics. Consequently, the simulation outcomes are compared with the various conventional methods for proving the significance of the proposed system.
Recent Progress in Layered Manganese and Vanadium Oxide Cathodes for Zn‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Bensalah Nasr , De Luna Yannis
Published: March 2021

Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) are promising candidates for grid‐scale energy‐storage systems, which are essential for maintaining and distributing energy generated from various sources. In contrast to current commercial lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), AZIBs offer advantages such as, but not limited to, high safety, low cost, and fast kinetics. Zn intercalation material serves as the key element for the suitability of Zn‐ion batteries (ZIBs) for grid and stationary applications. Different materials are tested as cathode materials for ZIBs, including manganese oxides and vanadium oxides. MnO2‐ and V2O5‐based cathodes, in particular, seem compatible with ZIBs, with the potential to perform better than existing batteries in the market. Due to the fast and facile (de)intercalation‐type storage mechanism of Zn2+ ions, layered electrode materials generally have a more stable structure during battery charge and discharge cycles. Materials with large interlayer spacing are expected to exhibit good electrochemical performance, thereby favoring hydrated and cation‐intercalated materials in the development of AZIBs cathodes. Herein, an overview is provided on the synthesis, morphology, and electrochemical performance of various MnO2‐ and V2O5‐based cathode materials in AZIB, as well as the challenges that must be overcome to reach the commercialization of AZIBs.
Benchmark dose risk analysis with mixed‐factor quantal data in environmental risk assessment
Authors: Sans‐Fuentes Maria A. , Piegorsch Walter W.
Published: March 2021

Benchmark analysis is a general risk estimation strategy for identifying the benchmark dose (BMD) past which the risk of exhibiting an adverse environmental response exceeds a fixed, target value of benchmark response. Estimation of BMD and of its lower confidence limit (BMDL) is well understood for the case of an adverse response to a single stimulus. In many environmental settings, however, one or more additional, secondary, qualitative factor(s) may collude to affect the adverse outcome, such that the risk changes with differential levels of the secondary factor. This article extends the single‐dose BMD paradigm to a mixed‐factor setting with a secondary qualitative factor possessing two levels. With focus on quantal‐response data and using a generalized linear model with a complementary‐log link function, we derive expressions for BMD and BMDL. We study the operating characteristics of six different multiplicity‐adjusted approaches to calculate the BMDL, using Monte Carlo evaluations. We illustrate the calculations via an example dataset from environmental carcinogenicity testing.
Toward cross‐realm management of coastal urban ecosystems
Authors: Threlfall Caragh G , Marzinelli Ezequiel M , Ossola Alessandro , Bugnot Ana B , Bishop Melanie J , Lowe Elizabeth C , Imberger Sam J , Myers Shona , Steinberg Peter D , Dafforn Katherine A
Published: March 2021

Urbanization and its resulting environmental stressors are often managed within terrestrial, freshwater, or marine realms separately. This is problematic for the many cities situated at the intersection between these realms, because stressors and associated management actions can affect multiple realms simultaneously and impacts may be compounded at boundaries. Here, we describe management approaches operating within and across realms, and identify impediments to cross‐realm urban management. We find that management that fails to consider connectivity either within or between realms at best delivers only small‐scale benefits and at worst can produce large‐scale unintended negative outcomes. In contrast, management that explicitly considers inter‐realm connectivity can generate large benefits relative to the cost of interventions. Successful cross‐realm management requires consideration of connectivity, scale (temporal and spatial), and ecological processes across more than two realms, and is underpinned by an integrated and collaborative approach that provides multiple benefits.
The Lavrion silver district: Reassessing its ancient mining history
Authors: Ross James , Voudouris Panagiotis , Melfos Vasilios , Vaxevanopoulos Markos , Soukis Konstantinos , Merigot Kelly
Published: March 2021

Lavrion was an important silver mining district in the ancient world, exploited almost continuously from the fourth millennium BC. Its mining history is central to understanding the availability of silver, lead and copper in Greece and the Aegean through the Bronze age. This history is also relevant to the phenomenal rise of Athens in the 5th century BC. Our reassessment of the mineralisation and ancient mining history at Lavrion provides a clearer understanding of its capacity to generate wealth and the scale of its impact on Athens. Integration of new geochemical and geological data with existing information has produced outcomes that help address these two issues. Foremost is the contrasting character of mineralisation at the upper 'first' and lower 'third' contacts and their marked differences in silver content, spatial distribution and supergene alteration. Discovery of the concealed, bonanza mineralisation of the third contact at Kamariza, possibly early in the 5th century BC, followed about 3000 years of mining, which appears to have been largely restricted to discontinuous, low‐grade mineralisation at the first contact. Undoubtedly, this later discovery had enduring impacts on Lavrion and Athens, and it most likely funded the trireme fleet, which brought victory over the Persians at Salamis in 480 BC.
A comparative study of the effect of the Time for Dementia programme on medical students
Authors: Banerjee Sube , Jones Christopher , Wright Juliet , Grosvenor Wendy , Hebditch Molly , Hughes Leila , Feeney Yvonne , Farina Nicolas , Mackrell Sophie , Nilforooshan Ramin , Fox Chris , Bremner Stephen , Daley Stephanie
Published: March 2021

Background

Traditional healthcare education typically focuses on short block clinical placements based on acute care, investigations and technical aspects of diagnosis and treatment. It may therefore fail to build the understanding, compassion and person‐centred empathy needed to help those with long‐term conditions, like dementia. Time for Dementia was developed to address this.

Method

Parallel group comparison of two cohorts of UK medical students from universities, one participating in Time for Dementia (intervention group) and one not (control group). In Time for Dementia students visit a person with dementia and their family in pairs for 2 hours three times a year for 2 years, the control group received their normal curriculum.

Results

In an adjusted multilevel model (intervention group n = 274, control n = 112), there was strong evidence supporting improvements for Time for Dementia participants in: total Approaches to Dementia Questionnaire score (coefficient: 2.19, p = 0.003) and its person‐centredness subscale (1.32, p = 0.006) and weaker evidence in its hopefulness subscale (0.78, p = 0.070). There was also strong evidence of improvement in the Dementia Knowledge Questionnaire (1.63, p < 0.001) and Dementia Attitudes Scale (total score: 6.55, p < 0.001; social comfort subscale: 4.15, p < 0.001; dementia knowledge subscale: 3.38, p = 0.001) scores. No differences were observed on the Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale, the Medical Condition Regard Scale or the Jefferson Scale of Empathy.

Discussion

Time for Dementia may help improve the attitudes of medical students towards dementia promoting a person‐centred approach and increasing social comfort. Such patient‐focused programmes may be a useful complement to traditional medical education.
Swallowing and communication outcomes following primary transoral robotic surgery
Authors: Charters Emma , Wu Raymond , Milross Chris , Bogaardt Hans , Freeman‐Sanderson Amy , Ballard Kirrie , Davies Sarah , Oates Justine , Clark Jonathan
Published: March 2021

Background

Heterogeneity within studies examining transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) has made it challenging to make clear conclusions on functional outcomes. Infrequent use of instrumental swallow examinations compounds uncertainty surrounding the proposed functional advantage to TORS.

Methods

A prospective cohort of 49 patients underwent speech and swallowing assessment 12 months following treatment for OPC. Patients were assessed using fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), clinician‐ and patient‐reported outcomes. Participants were matched according to tumor site, T category, and age. Speech and swallowing outcomes were compared for those receiving TORS versus chemoradiation.

Results

When adjuvant radiotherapy to the primary site could be avoided, TORS demonstrated an advantage for feeding tube duration, secretion severity, penetration/aspiration, M. D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI), and airway protection.

Conclusion

This explorative study suggests that a treatment philosophy of selecting patients for TORS where adjuvant therapy can be omitted or confined to the neck warrants further evaluation.
Synthesis of Enantiopure Benzo Fused Cyclic Sulfoximines Through Stereoselective [3+2] Cycloaddition between N‐tert‐Butanesulfinyl [(2‐Pyridyl)sulfonyl]‐difluoromethyl Ketimines and Arynes
Authors: Rong Jian , Ni Chuanfa , Gu Yucheng , Hu Jinbo
Published: March 2021

The previously developed stereoselective [3+2] cycloaddition between N‐tert‐butanesulfinyl ketimines and arynes has been extended to the synthesis of enantiopure [(2‐pyridyl)sulfonyl]difluoromethylated cyclic sulfoximines. The use of 2‐PySO2CF2 as the facilitating group offers new opportunities for the elaboration of the [3+2] cycloaddition products by virtue of the diverse relativity of 2‐pyridyl sulfones.
Comparing Australian health worker and student attitudes and concerns about providing care to people living with hepatitis B
Authors: Brener Loren , Cama Elena , Broady Tim , Hopwood Max , Treloar Carla
Published: March 2021

Issue addressed

Hepatitis B (HBV) is a major public health issue with over 250 million people chronically infected worldwide. In Australia, prevalence is higher among migrant communities and these groups may be reticent to attend health care services due to concerns about experiencing stigma and discrimination. The way health workers perceive their clients, particularly those of migrant backgrounds, may influence the way they treat these clients and the quality of care provided. This study investigated and compared the attitudes and concerns health workers and health students have towards working with clients living with HBV.

Methods

Health workers (n = 551) and students (n = 199) completed an online survey which investigated attitudes towards people living with HBV, comfort with providing care for these clients and concerns they have about working with them.

Results

Health students expressed less comfort (U = 47 611, z = −2.73, P = .006) and reported more concerns about working with people with HBV than qualified health workers (U = 61611.50, z = 2.64, P = .008). Students’ concerns were centred around their own ability to provide care rather than issues related to clients. There were no differences in overall attitudes towards people living with HBV between health workers and students.

Conclusion

To address concerns that health workers and students may have in working with people living with HBV, particularly those from migrant communities, and to ensure that health workers feel comfortable and confident, HBV workforce development should be included in undergraduate and postgraduate training programmes as well as in continuing professional education.

So what?

This will assist the health workforce to develop competency in the treatment of people living with HBV, with the ultimate aim of providing best quality, non‐judgemental care to all people living with HBV.
A biphasic response of polymerized Type 1 collagen architectures to dermatan sulfate
Authors: Jyothsna Konkada Manattayil , Sarkar Purba , Jha Keshav Kumar , A. S. Lal Krishna , Raghunathan Varun , Bhat Ramray
Published: March 2021

Collagen I, the most abundant extracellular matrix (ECM) protein in vertebrate tissues provides mechanical durability to tissue microenvironments and regulates cell function. Its fibrillogenesis in biological milieu is predominantly regulated by dermatan sulfate proteoglycans, proteins conjugated with iduronic acid‐containing dermatan sulfate (DS) glycosaminoglycans (GAG). Although DS is known to regulate tissue function through its modulation of Coll I architecture, a precise understanding of the latter remains elusive. We investigated this problem by visualizing the fibrillar pattern of fixed Coll I gels polymerized in the presence of varying concentrations of DS using second harmonic generation microscopy. Measuring mean second harmonic generation signal (which estimates the ordering of the fibrils), and surface occupancy (which estimates the space occupied by fibrils) supported by confocal reflectance microscopy, our observations indicated that the effect on fibril pattern of DS is contextual upon the latter's concentrations: Lower levels of DS resulted in sparse disorganized fibrils; higher levels restore organization, with fibrils occupying greater space. An appropriate change in elasticity as a result of DS levels was also observed through atomic force microscopy. Examination of dye‐based GAG staining and scanning electron microscopy suggested distinct constitutions of Coll I gels when polymerized with higher and lower levels of DS. We observed that adhesion of the invasive ovarian cancer cells SKOV3 decreased for lower DS levels but was partially restored at higher DS levels. Our study shows how the Coll I gel pattern‐tuning of DS is of relevance for understanding its biomaterial applications and possibly, pathophysiological functions.
Multicultural Competence in Counseling Research: The Cornerstone of Scholarship
Authors: O'Hara Caroline , Chang Catherine Y. , Giordano Amanda L.
Published: March 2021

The profession of counseling values honoring diversity and promoting social justice. These core values pertain to all aspects of the counseling profession, including the production of scholarship. Given that all research affects and is affected by cultural dynamics, we posit that all research is multicultural research. Additionally, research is a system composed of multiple parties including researchers, participants, reviewers, and readers, each with unique cultural identities and norms. Therefore, whether acknowledged or not, dynamics of power, privilege, oppression, and culture permeate all aspects of counseling research. This article is dedicated to dismantling myths related to multicultural research; providing examples of high‐quality, culturally responsive research; and detailing considerations for each step of the research process to promote multicultural competence and advocacy. We aim to help counseling researchers embrace their role as multicultural scholars and improve the quality and impact of culturally responsive research.
Retracted: A new Zn(II) coordination polymer: Selective detection of Fe3+ and treatment activity of the exercise induced traumatic osteoarthritis by reducing reactive oxygen species production
Authors: Ding Xuan‐Xi , Xie Zhi‐Hui , Li Guang‐Jie , Zhao Yue‐Sheng
Published: March 2021

Through utilizing the fluorescent ligand of tris(4‐(triazol‐1‐yl)phenyl)amine, an innovative Zn(II)‐based coordination polymer formulated as {[Zn2(μ‐OH2)(TTPA)(DTDN)2·DMF]·H2O}n (1, DTDN = 6,6′‐dithiodinicotinate and TTPA = tris(4‐(1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐yl)phenyl)amine) has been successfully prepared by using the H2DTDN as the auxiliary ligand under the solvothermal reaction conditions and structurally characterized. According to the results of fluorescence spectrum analysis, complex 1 has high sensitivity and selectivity for Fe3+ ion. It can effectively detect Fe3+, the linear range is from 0 to 1,000 μM, and the detection limit of Fe3+ is 8.65 nM. Its treatment activity against exercise induced traumatic osteoarthritis was estimated and its detail mechanism was also investigated in meantime. First, the detection assay of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was implemented for the assessment of the ROS levels produced in the articular soft tissue after compound treatment. Besides, the reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) was also conducted and the genes relative expression related with ROS production was measured after compound exposure.
FAM201A knockdown inhibits proliferation and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cells by regulating miR‐7515/GLO1 axis
Authors: Huang Jun , Yu Qiuhua , Zhou Yanjuan , Chu Ying , Jiang Feng , Wang Qiang
Published: March 2021

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most important histological type of lung cancer. We aimed to identify the role of long noncoding RNA family with sequence similarity 201‐member A (FAM201A) in the occurrence and development of LUAD. The expressions of FAM201A in LUAD tissues and cells were determined via reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The effects of FAM201A knockdown on LUAD cell malignant phenotypes were examined by cell counting kit‐8, 5‐ethynyl‐2’‐deoxyuridine, flow cytometry, transwell assay and wound healing assay. The underlying mechanism by which FAM201A regulated LUAD progression was also studied. Nude mice LUAD xenograft model was constructed, to explore the in vivo effect of FAM201A. Our results showed that the FAM201A expression in LUAD tissues and cell lines was notably higher than normal tissues and cells. Downregulation of FAM201A suppressed the cell proliferation, migration and invasion and promoted the cell apoptosis in LUAD cells. While, FAM201A overexpression showed tumorigenesis effect on LUAD cells. Moreover, we demonstrated that FAM201A affected LUAD progression via targeting miR‐7515 to promote GLO1 expression. FAM201A downregulation also suppressed LUAD development in vivo experiment. Our results indicated that FAM201A was an oncogene in LUAD and might be a novel therapeutic target for LUAD.
A short note on conflict‐free coloring on closed neighborhoods of bounded degree graphs
Authors: Bhyravarapu Sriram , Kalyanasundaram Subrahmanyam , Mathew Rogers
Published: March 2021

The closed neighborhood conflict‐free chromatic number of a graph , denoted by , is the minimum number of colors required to color the vertices of such that for every vertex, there is a color that appears exactly once in its closed neighborhood. Pach and Tardos showed that , for any , where is the maximum degree. In 2014, Glebov et al. showed existence of graphs with . In this article, we bridge the gap between the two bounds by showing that .
The spatial patterning of Middle Palaeolithic human settlement in westernmost Iberia
Authors: Cascalheira João , Gonçalves Célia , Maio Daniela
Published: March 2021

Currently available data on the Pleistocene human occupation of the westernmost territories of Iberia attest to the presence of Middle Palaeolithic industries from c. 240 ka cal bp until c. 37 ka cal bp. Previous studies focusing on this time frame have suggested that Middle Palaeolithic populations were highly mobile and predominately utilised locally available raw materials, with many cave and open‐air sites being located near fluvial settings. Other than these observations, no specific studies have focused on exploring the factors influencing human site location choice during that time range. Employing statistical and GIS approaches, this paper provides an initial assessment of spatial patterning in human settlement during the Middle Palaeolithic of westernmost Iberia. Results show that site locations are biased towards lower elevations and riverine settings and suggest that distance to rivers might have impacted the diversity and specific types of lithic raw materials used at each site. These results help to shed light on the particularities of Neanderthal adaptations in a region regarded as a refugium during periods of unfavourable climate during the Middle Palaeolithic.
Postglacial palaeoenvironmental reconstruction of the Fury and Hecla Strait region (Nunavut) inferred from microfossils and geochemical proxies
Authors: Adaïmé Marc‐Élie , Pienitz Reinhard , Legendre Pierre , Antoniades Dermot
Published: March 2021

An analysis of sediment records from two lakes located along the southeastern shore of the Fury and Hecla Strait (Nunavut, Canada) allowed us to reconstruct the regional environmental history since deglaciation. Multiproxy profiles, namely particle‐size distribution, elemental geochemistry (based on X‐ray fluorescence) and diatom assemblages, revealed a regional deglaciation and marine inundation around 8200 cal a bp. This suggests that glacial retreat in this region likely occurred several hundred years earlier than previously extrapolated. At that time, the connection between the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean currents must have been established and glacial isostatic adjustment gradually isolated the lacustrine basins from marine influence. Diatom assemblages revealed an abrupt marine–brackish–freshwater transition (ca. 6670–6130 cal a bp) through a shift in dominance from initial polyhalobian (e.g. Tabularia fasciculata, Navicula directa), intermediate mesohalobian (e.g. Cyclostephanos dubius, Thalassiosira baltica) to oligohalobian (fragilarioid Staurosirella pinnata, Staurosira venter, Pseudostaurosira pseudoconstruens, P. brevistriata) taxa. Multivariate analyses (redundancy analysis and multivariate regression tree) conducted on the biological and lithogeochemical data also suggest that climatic conditions may have remained relatively warm throughout the interval ~6000–3900 cal a bp, before significantly cooling over the past few millennia, as inferred from a decrease in organic matter accumulation and shifts in diatom communities.