bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preference for Postendodontic Restoration for Fractured Anterior Teeth: A Questionnairebased Cross-sectional Study among Dentists in Maharashtra, India
Authors: Muthiah Meenakshi , Warhadpande Manjusha , Dakshindas Darshan
Published: February 2023

Introduction: One of the common dilemmas faced by today’s clinicians is the management of structurally and aesthetically compromised endodontically treated teeth due to various treatment options available. There is no one factor which is the sole determinant for treatment planning. And there are various parameters contributing to the long-term success of a postendodontic restoration, especially in a fractured anterior tooth. Aim: This study is aimed to investigate the preference for postendodontic restoration for fractured anterior teeth with respect to the tooth structure and aesthetics. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Government Dental College and Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India, from August 2021 to December 2021 among 150 clinicians in Maharashtra. A validated questionnaire containing 17 close-ended questions was given to the participants which ascertained their treatment choices, the importance of preserving the tooth structure, aesthetics and the consideration given to the physical properties while choosing the material and planning the treatment. Data obtained from the survey were statistically analysed by the Chi-square test. Results: The mean age of the participants was 30.25±9.08 years. Among the 150 participants, postgraduates were 60 (40%) followed by general dentists 38 (25.3%), endodontists 36 (24%) and other specialists 16 (10.7%). Out of total, 82 (54.7%) preferred composites when more than 50% of the tooth structure remained. Crowns increased the longevity of the tooth according to 50 (83.3%) postgraduates. Among them, 28 (77.8%) endodontists opted for IPS Emax crowns over zirconia veneer for better aesthetics, 71 (47.3%) preferred glass fibre posts and 113 (75.3%) preferred ideal ferrule for better fracture resistance. Reattachment of the fragment was also a preferred option in all groups. Conclusion: A 77.8% of the endodontists preferred IPS Emax crowns while 71.1% of the general dentists preferred zirconia veneers. Good awareness was seen among endodontists regarding method, patient preferences and aesthetics, very good awareness in materials and excellent awareness in treatment choices. More awareness is needed among general dentists, postgraduates, and other specialists in terms of treatment methods.
Influence of Study Habit on the Academic Performance of Biology Students in Senior Secondary Schools in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State
Authors: E. Azonwu Martha , Ijeoma Ochonma Peace
Published: February 2023

The study investigated study habits on academic performance of students in Biology in senior secondary schools in Port Harcourt Metropolis of Rivers State. Four research questions were formulated to guide the study. A descriptive research design was used in the study. Two Hundred and fifty (250) students were randomly selected from five secondary schools in Port Harcourt metropolis. Study Habits and Academic Performance Questionnaire (SHAPQ) was the instrument for data collection. The data collected for the studies were analyzed using frequency counts and mean for the research questions. In computing the mean (X), the response alternatives were assigned on a 4-point Likert scale. The scaling point was used to describe the extent to which the respondents perceived each item. Based on the values, the mean (X) was used to determine the acceptance or rejection of the items. Any item with a mean score of 2.50 and above is a benchmark for acceptance. The findings of this study revealed that allocation of study time, note-taking, learning motivation and memorization are variables of study habits that contribute to students’ academic performance in Biology in senior secondary schools in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State. It is recommended that Students should be committed to the variables of study habit that will help to improve the study habits of secondary school students on Biology with the help of education Policy makers, Teachers and Parents.
Measurement and Analysis of Noise Levels: A Study of Selected Pubs in Calabar, Nigeria
Authors: Obi Emmanuel , Jeremiah Ekah Ukoette , Ewona Igwe
Published: February 2023

This research involves the assessment of noise levels in pubs operating in Calabar, Nigeria, to investigate their compliance with the permissible noise level recommended by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Nigeria. A Bam and Kom (BK) Precision 732 digital sound level meter placed on a tripod was used for the measurement of noise levels for three consecutive months, from 6:00pm to 10:00pm. The measured data were subjected to descriptive statistics using excel spreadsheet and the results were presented in the forms of graphs, bar chart and in tabular form. Average equivalent noise level obtained for pubs A, B, C, D and E were 86.5dB, 75.7dB, 75.9dB, 90.0dB and 81.9dB, respectively. Results show that all the pubs under study were in excess of the permissible noise level recommended by NESREA.
Influence of Hive Cover Modifications and Ambient Microclimate on Colonization of African Honeybees in Awka, Nigeria
Authors: Ononye B. U. , Akunne C. E. , Edeh I. C. , Okeke T. E. , Ekejiuba E. E. , Chidi C. A. , Okafor K. P. , Offor V. O. , Azaka E. I. , Chude C. F.
Published: February 2023

Poor colonization of hives by African honeybees is one of the constraints facing the beekeeping sector. This study aimed to determine the influence of some hive cover modifications on the colonization of African honeybees in Awka. The hive covers of top bar hives were modified by insulating them with different materials and grouped into four treatments, namely: T1 (plywood), T2 (warped boards), T3 (polyvinyl chloride ceiling material), and T4 (foam). At various months, data on the ambient microclimate (temperature and relative humidity) and the number of hives colonized per treatment were collected. The colonization rate was highest in treatment 1 (100%), followed by treatment 2 (33.33%) while treatments 3 and 4 (0.00%) had the least. Hive treatments did not significantly affect the colonization of honeybees (p = 0.09). Treatment 1 colonized in the months of July, October, and November, while that of Treatment 2 occurred in December. Months had significant effect on the mean colonization of African honeybees (p<0.05). The mean colonization of hives and ambient temperature had a negative correlation while there was a positive correlation between the mean colonization of hives and ambient relative humidity. Hive covers insulated with ply wood were recommended since they achieved earlier colonization than other treatments.
Effect of Phosphorus, Sulphur and Gibberellic Acid on Growth, Root Nodules and Yield of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill]
Authors: Ghasil Bahnu Pratap , Meena Harphool , Manoj . , Yadav Rajendra K. , Choudhary Monika , Yadav Govind Kumar , Yadav Dhuni Lal , Yadav Shankar Lal , Meena R. K.
Published: February 2023

An experiment was conducted during kharif season 2020 at Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Ummedganj, Kota. The experiment comprised twenty-four treatment combinations, having four levels of phosphorus viz., 0, 20, 40 and 60 kg ha-1, three levels of sulphur viz., 15, 30 and 45 kg ha-1 and foliar spray of gibberellic acid viz., no spray and spray of GA3 @ 75 ppm laid out in sub-sub split-plot design with three replications. Results showed that application of 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 had significant effect on plant height, dry matter accumulation plant-1, branches plant-1 at 30, 60 DAS and at harvest, root nodules plant-1 and their dry weight at 45 DAS while root nodules plant-1 and their dry weight at 45 DAS andseed yield (1956 kg ha-1) over application of 40, 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 and control. Significantly higher seed yield (1956 kg ha-1) was recorded under application of 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 over application of 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 and control. However, it was found at par with application of 40 kg P2O5 ha-1. Application of 45 kg sulphur ha-1 had significantly higher plant height (cm) at 60 DAS and at harvest, dry matter accumulation (g plant-1) at 30, 60 and at harvest stages, branches plant-1 at 30, 60 and at harvest stage, number of root nodules and their dry weight (g) and seed yield (1742 kg ha-1) which was found at par with application of 30 kg sulphur ha-1 over 15 kg sulphur ha-1. Application of gibberellic acid @ 75 ppm as foliar spray gave significantly higher plant height (cm) at 60 DAS and at harvest stage, dry matter accumulation (g plant-1) at 60 DAS and at harvest, branches plant-1 at 30, 60 DAS and harvestand seed yield (1770 kg/ha) over control.
Prevalence and Pattern of Erectile Dysfunction among People Living with HIV/AIDS in a Tertiary Hospital in North-central Nigeria
Authors: Falade Oluseyi , Yemi Kofoworade Adedayo , Aderemi Ojedokun Samson , Amoko Ampitan , Moradeyo Alabi Kola , Okeibunor Odeigah Louis
Published: February 2023

Background: The incidence of erectile dysfunction among men with HIV/AIDS is twice compared with the general population and this remains a major concern because of its negative impact on the quality of life of sufferers. While researchers have documented varying prevalence rates of ED among diverse population of men, there is paucity of data on this subject among PLWHA in Nigeria and most especially in the North central part of the country. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and pattern of erectile dysfunction as well as its association with certain socio-demographic factors among HIV/AIDS subjects attending a tertiary hospital in North-central Nigeria.

Methods: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted among 300 adult HIV-positive male patients. A semi-structured questionnaire was adapted to obtain information on socio-demographic data of the study subjects. The erectile dysfunction was assessed using the International Index for Erectile Function-5 which was interviewer-administered. The systematic sampling method was used to recruit study participants following informed consent. Data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 21. Confidence interval of 95% was used and p-value of less than .05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The prevalence of erectile dysfunction among the respondents was 57%; of which 64.9% of them had mild form and 2.9% had severe form. There was a significant association between higher prevalence of ED and low educational status of the study subjects (p-value=.01).

Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of erectile dysfunction among men living with HIV/AIDS in North-central Nigeria and those with lower educational qualifications are particularly vulnerable. We recommend routine screening at HIV clinics for early detection, management as well as timely referral.
Efficacy Evaluation of an Organic Trace Mineral (OTM) Powder Formulation on the Reproductive Performance of Heifers
Authors: Kumar Pandey Amit , Maurya Prabhakar
Published: February 2023

Nutritional management during gestation is essential for optimizing the efficiency andprofitability of livestock production systems. Changes in maternal nutritional status may lead to such adaptations which can permanently alter the parameters of growth, physiology, and metabolism of offspring. Supplementation of essential trace minerals to pregnant cows, which are inadequate in diet to suffice the health requirement of these animals may enhance progeny performance and their health. This study investigated the impacts of supplementing Organic Trace Mineral (OTM) powder formulation on the reproductive health of heifers. The feeding experiment was performed in the Arvind Dairy Farm, Haryana, India with two groups of 6 pregnant heifer cows each (control: T0 and experimental: T1) between January and September 2022. Both groups were fed rations adjusted with regard to body weight of animals. Group T1 fed OTM at 10 gm/animal/day for 28-days and group T0 was provided access to standard basal diet only. Experimental model investigated reproductive health of heifers for the physical and clinical parameters of estrus exhibition, duration of estrus and conception rate in comparison to controls. Significant improvement observed in the physical and clinical parameters of estrus exhibition in treatment group (T1) compared to control group (T0), higher conception rate in T1 (84%) in comparison to T0 (66%); and improvement in estrus duration in T1 (27 ± 1.53 h) as compared to the T0 (31.5 ± 2.81 h), indicating supplementation of OTM to pregnant heifers has significant influence in improving reproductive health in heifers.
EDADISMO, RADIO Y CRISIS PANDÉMICA: la radio generalista española durante el confinamiento
Authors: Martín-Pena Daniel , Guarinos Virginia
Published: February 2023

Uno de los principales focos de interés periodístico durante la crisis pandémica del COVID-19 ha sido el elevado número de fallecidos en la población superior a los 65 años. El objetivo de este artículo es analizar el tratamiento informativo del tema durante la primera ola de la pandemia por parte de las principales emisoras radiofónicas españolas. Bajo el marco de los Estudios Etarios, se analiza el modo de representación y la presencia de la vejez en la programación de las cuatro principales radios generalistas durante cuatro días fundamentales del confinamiento. Las cuatro emisoras seleccionadas son las de mayor audiencia según el Estudio General de Medios, con un total de 74 ediciones, correspondientes a 27 programas y 229 horas de radio, de los espacios más representativos de la cadena SER, COPE, Onda Cero y Radio Nacional España. La principal conclusión es la existencia de edadismo positivo, tanto en representación como en la presencia del tema.
MOVIMENTOS SOCIAIS E POLÍTICAS PÚBLICAS: o campo multiorganizacional de implementação dos programas associativos
Authors: Pismel Adriana , Tatagiba Luciana
Published: February 2023

O artigo reflete sobre a implementação de políticas públicas pela sociedade civil, especialmente quando esta é um programa associativo – um tipo de política que confere a centralidade do processo de implementação a determinados grupos sociais. Como a implementação desses programas apresenta diversos desafios, analisamos como as organizações societárias que implementaram a modalidade CDS do PAA, entre 2009 e 2017, em Americana e Sumaré (SP), responderam a eles. O estudo é subsidiado por entrevistas semiestruturadas, visitas de campo e análise documental. Os resultados mostram que o programa associativo cria um novo campo multiorganizacional que envolve atores sociais e estatais a partir de uma nova configuração de forças e papéis. Mobilizar esse campo é fundamental para que as organizações lidem com os desafios de sua implementação. Os recursos disponíveis a elas para acessá-lo são impactados pelas alterações no desenho da política e por mudanças político-institucionais.
TRANSFORMAÇÕES NA ESTRUTURA URBANA E DESIGUALDADES SOCIAIS: reflexões a partir da trajetória de Salvador
Authors: Moreira de Carvalho Inaiá Maria , De Aguiar Arantes Rafael
Published: February 2023

Levando em conta as transformações ocorridas nas cidades brasileiras nas últimas décadas, este artigo revisita a discussão sobre a segregação socioespacial e o “efeito território”, analisando seus impactos sobre a produção e reprodução das desigualdades sociais. Com base em dados quantitativos e pesquisas de campo realizadas sobre a cidade de Salvador, são abordadas as características do seu processo de urbanização, os padrões de segregação existentes, a estrutura urbana disponível e as desigualdades, analisadas a partir da qualidade do ambiente urbano, acesso a serviços educacionais, oportunidades de emprego, mobilidade urbana, estigmatização e violência. Abstraindo-se algumas especificidades locais, a realidade de Salvador não difere fundamentalmente do que se verifica em outras grandes cidades do país, evidenciando a articulação entre os padrões de produção, apropriação e fruição do espaço urbano e a reprodução das desigualdades, já que o espaço social, a estratificação e as hierarquias também se traduzem no território.
Pedagojik Sanat Eleştirisinin Öğrencilerin Eleştirel Düşünme Becerilerine Etkisi
Authors: ÇAĞIŞ Mehmet Burhan , ERASLAN TAŞPINAR Şeyda
Published: February 2023

Bu araştırmada pedagojik sanat eleştirisi yönteminin öğrencilerin eleştirel düşünme becerilerine olan etkisinin belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Araştırma ortaokul 8. sınıfta öğrenim gören 45 öğrenci (18 kız ve 27 erkek) üzerinde yapılmış ve deney grubu 23, kontrol grubu ise 22 öğrenciden oluşmuştur. Uygulama öncesinde ve sonrasında deney ile kontrol gruplarında uygulanan ön test ve son test odaklı yarı deneysel model kullanılmıştır. Ön test ve son test olarak “Eleştirel Düşünme Ölçeği” uygulanmıştır. Deney grubunda pedagojik sanat eleştirisi yöntemi ile dersler işlenirken, kontrol grubunda ise görsel sanatlar dersi öğretim programı eşliğinde dersler işlenmiştir. Elde edilen veriler doğrultusunda deney ve kontrol gruplarındaki öğrencilerin eleştirel düşünme ölçeği son test puanları arasında; analiz, çıkarım ve açıklama testlerinde anlamlı bir fark olmadığı; değerlendirme, yorumlama ve öz düzenleme testlerinde ise anlamlı bir fark olduğu görülmüştür. Sonuç olarak görsel sanatlar dersinde pedagojik sanat eleştirisi yöntemi ile ders işleyen öğrencilerin, bu derste Görsel Sanatlar öğretim programına göre ders işleyen öğrencilere oranla eleştirel düşünme becerilerinin daha fazla yükseldiği görülmüştür.
Energy content of human milk administered to premature newborns / Conteúdo energético do leite humano administrado em recém nascidos prematuros
Authors: Viegas Cunha Izabela , Pereira Lima Cunha Mônica , Silveira Mariano Amanda , Corrêa Marques Rejane
Published: February 2023

Objetivo: avaliar e comparar o conteúdo energético do leite humano cru e do leite humano processado de recém-nascidos pré-termo. Método: foram coletadas 68 amostras de leite por meio de ordenha manual e o processamento foi realizado no Banco de Leite Humano. O valor energético foi obtido por meio de cálculos matemáticos específicos. Resultados: foram analisadas 32 amostras de leite humano cru e 28 de leite humano pasteurizado. O percentual médio de creme foi de 3,84±1,3% e mediana de 4,5 % no leite pasteurizado, e no cru de 8,9±4,6% e 8,53%. A média e mediana do conteúdo energético do leite cru foi de 78,91±15,46 kcal/100 ml e 81,07 kcal/100 ml e no leite pasteurizado 65,18±9,67 kcal/ 100 ml e 61,8 kcal/100 ml. Conclusão: o leite humano cru possui percentual de gordura e conteúdo energético maior do que o pasteurizado, mas este ainda é recomendado devido seus benefícios protetores.
Introducing the Library of Guidance for Health Scientists (LIGHTS)
Authors: Hirt Julian , Schönenberger Christof Manuel , Ewald Hannah , Lawson Daeria O. , Papola Davide , Rohner Ramon , Suter Katja , Lin Shanshan , Germini Federico , Zeng Linan , Shahabinezhad Ali , Chowdhury Saifur Rahman , Gao Ya , Bhattacharjee Arunima , Lima João Pedro , Marusic Ana , Buljan Ivan , Agarwal Arnav , Guyatt Gordon H. , Briel Matthias , Schandelmaier Stefan
Published: February 2023

Importance

Improving methodological quality is a priority in the health research community. Finding appropriate methods guidance can be challenging due to heterogeneous terminology, poor indexing in medical databases, and variation in formats. The Library of Guidance for Health Scientists (LIGHTS) is a new searchable database for methods guidance articles.

Observations

Journal articles that aim to provide guidance for performing (including planning, design, conduct, analysis, and interpretation), reporting, and assessing the quality of health-related research involving humans or human populations (ie, excluding basic and animal research) are eligible for LIGHTS. A team of health researchers, information specialists, and methodologists continuously identifies and manually indexes eligible guidance documents. The search strategy includes focused searches of specific journals, specialized databases, and suggestions from researchers. A current limitation is that a keyword-based search of MEDLINE (and other general databases) and manual screening of records were not feasible because of the large number of hits (n = 915 523). As of September 20, 2022, LIGHTS included 1246 articles (336 reporting guidelines, 80 quality assessment tools, and 830 other methods guidance articles). The LIGHTS website provides a user-oriented search interface including filters for study type, specific methodological topic, research context, guidance type, and development process of the guidance. Automated matching of alternative methodological expressions (eg, enter loss to follow-up and find articles indexed with missing data) enhances search queries.

Conclusions and Relevance

LIGHTS is a peer-supported initiative that is intended to increase access to and use of methods guidance relevant to health researchers, statisticians, methods consultants, methods developers, ethics boards, peer reviewers, journal editors, and funding bodies.
Evaluation of the Incidence of Human Papillomavirus–Associated Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Sinonasal Tract Among US Adults
Authors: London Nyall R. , Windon Melina J. , Amanian Ameen , Zamuner Fernando T. , Bishop Justin , Fakhry Carole , Rooper Lisa M.
Published: February 2023

This case series assesses the incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC) and the prevalence of HPV-positive SNSCC among US adults.
Self‐Fluorescent Reactive Oxygen Species‐Responsive Zinc(II)‐Quinoline Module Functionalized Polycations Hold Great Potentials in siRNA‐Mediated Gene Therapy
Authors: Liu Weijie , Li Jiaqi , Jiang Peng , Chen Zhaoming , Zhou Hao , Guo Tianying
Published: February 2023

A novel quinoline‐based thioketal‐containing zinc (II) coordinative module (Zn‐QS) is designed to transform common low‐molecular‐weight (LMW) polyethyleneimine (PEI) into a high‐performance siRNA carrier (Zn‐PQ) with self‐fluorescence and reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐responsiveness. In the multifunctional module, a quinoline derivative, frequently serving as pharmacophore, is utilized as the highly biocompatible ligand, and the Zn (II) coordinative quinoline‐based ligand also provides the robust self‐fluorescence character. And the ROS‐responsive thioketal spacer is introduced to trigger the siRNA controlled release into cytoplasm. Consequently, by the synergistic effects between Zn‐QS and LMW PEI on improving several crucial transfection‐efficiency‐related steps, the representative Zn‐PQ4 exhibits very high transfection efficiency of 1.8 and 2.5‐folds commercial Lipo2k and PEI25k in stem cell rADSC, respectively, >90% of transfection rates in a variety of conventional cell lines (3T3, HK‐2, HepG2, 293T, HeLa, PANC‐1), and 98.4% and 99.9% EGFP knockdown rates in 293T and HepG2 cells, respectively. Furthermore, Zn‐PQ4/siRNA polyplexes can circumvent various obstacles existing in systemic application to accumulate in heart, liver, and kidney and greatly silence the DNA expression in vivo. This work demonstrates the promising application prospects of the resulting efficient siRNA carriers in siRNA‐mediated gene therapy and fluorescence‐guided research.
Liquid Metal‐Enabled Microspheres with High Drug Loading and Multimodal Imaging for Artery Embolization
Authors: Zhu Xiyu , Duan Minghui , Zhang Lin , Zhao Jiasheng , Yang Sheng , Shen Rui , Chen Sen , Fan Linlin , Liu Jing
Published: February 2023

The drug‐eluting microspheres that have been widely used in clinical treatments such as chemoembolization commonly suffer from inadequate drug loading and tracking difficulties. With inherent high density and excellent biocompatibility, liquid metal (LM) has been explored at the frontiers of medical imaging and clinical therapy. Herein, multifunctional microspheres (SA/LM/DOX) are reported with high drug loading and multimodal imaging by adsorbing silanized LM particles on sulfonated agarose microspheres (SA), which are capable of heating and accelerating drug release under an 808 nm near‐infrared (NIR) laser. The negative SA microspheres can adsorb more positive drugs such as doxorubicin (DOX) up to 104 mg DOX per mL microspheres. It deserves to be mentioned that SA/LM/DOX microspheres have the function of multimodal imaging under computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and B‐scan ultrasonography (US), which significantly facilitate location tracking during the embolization process. In rabbit ear central artery embolization, these microspheres are smoothly injected into the intended location of the vessel and successfully blocked blood flow, and eventually led to necrosis of rabbit ear. Overall, these microspheres with high drug loading capacity and multimodal contrast properties are promising candidates to be developed as new products for future clinical medicine.
Efficient and Stable Perovskite White Light‐Emitting Diodes for Backlit Display
Authors: Chen Shuxin , Lin Jidong , Zheng Song , Zheng Yuanhui , Chen Daqin
Published: February 2023

High‐quality backlit display puts forward urgent demand for color‐converting materials. Recently, metal halide perovskites (MHPs) with full spectral tunability, high photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs), and high color purity have found potential application in wide‐color‐gamut display. Regrettably, naked MHPs suffer from long‐term instable issue and cannot pass harsh stability tests. Herein, amorphous‐glass‐protected green/red CsPbX3 quantum dots (QDs) are prepared by elaborately optimizing glass structure, perovskite concentration, and in situ crystallization. PLQYs of green CsPbBr3@glass and red CsPbBr1.5I1.5@glass reach 94% and 78%, respectively, which are the highest ones of CsPbX3@glass composites reported so far and comparable to colloidal counterparts. Benefited from complete isolation of QDs from external environment by glass network, CsPbX3@glass can endure harsh commercial standard aging tests of 85 °C/85%RH and blue‐light‐irradiation, which are applied to construct white light‐emitting diodes (wLEDs) with high external quantum efficiency of 13.8% and ultra‐high luminance of 500 000 cd m−2. Accordingly, the perovskite wLED arrays‐based backlit unit and a prototype display device are designed for the first time, showing more vivid and wide‐color‐gamut feature benefited from narrowband emissions of CsPbX3 QDs. This work highlights practical application of CsPbX3@glass composite as an efficient and stable light color converter in backlit display.
Nitrogen as An Anionic Center/Dopant for Next‐Generation High‐Performance Lithium/Sodium‐Ion Battery Electrodes: Key Scientific Issues, Challenges and Perspectives
Authors: Chen Mingzhe , Zhou Limin , Wang Tong , Xia Hui , Liu Hua‐Kun , Dou Shi‐Xue , Chou Shulei
Published: February 2023

The rapid progress of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) and sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) have extensively promoted the rechargeable battery technology in the fields of electric vehicles and grid scale energy storage systems. With recent highly effective nitrogen doping strategy in terms of improving the overall electrochemical performance in various sorts of battery systems, the bulk N doping/substitution lays on the core innovations toward structural manipulation toward higher ionic conductivity, elevated reversible working plateau, etc. However, the key scientific and practical issues such as the phase formation process, phase transition kinetics, valence change and anionic/cationic physical/chemical behaviors still leave open questions in the direction of their real applications in the next‐generation battery technology. In light of this, a timely and in‐depth perspective is provided on the development of the bulk N doping/substitution strategy of these high‐performance electrodes of LIBs/SIBs adapting nitrogen as anionic center/dopant. Both the variations of phase and structural constitutions, alkali ion storage mechanism, electrochemical change, and the alkali ion kinetics, which are the key scientific parts for the future explorations of these novel and promising electrodes are highlighted. The most urgent and critical commercial obstacles or challenges towards cost‐efficiency synthetic approach without excessive environmental pollutions are also outlined. With the participation of nitrogen in bulk crystals , the overall specific energy density of next‐generation alkali ion batteries will be reasonably promoted and accelerated in the near future.
Cascade Chirality Transfer Through Diastereomeric Interaction Enables Efficient Circularly Polarized Electroluminescence
Authors: Chen Zhanxiang , Huang Manli , Zhong Cheng , Cao Xiaosong , Xie Guohua , Gong Shaolong , Yang Chuluo
Published: February 2023

Organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) with circularly polarized emission can bring a breakthrough innovation in display technologies. However, it remains challenging due to the difficulty in obtaining high efficiency and large dissymmetry factor simultaneously. Herein, it is demonstrated that robust circularly polarized (CP) electroluminescence can be induced by cascade chirality transfer within the emitting layer. Through spectroscopic data and theoretical analysis, the initiation of this chirality transfer process is assigned to diastereomeric interaction. Utilizing this interaction and excellent Förster resonance energy transfer ability to the well‐known racemic emitter, CP‐OLEDs with an electroluminescence dissymmetry factor (|gEL|) up to 3.2 × 10−3 and high external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 32% are successfully fabricated. These devices also show ultra‐low efficiency roll‐off at high brightness, with EQE ≥ 20% at 128 000 cd m−2. This study paves the way for the future development of CP‐OLEDs through synergistic materials and device engineering.
Polymer‐Based mRNA Delivery Strategies for Advanced Therapies
Authors: Yang Wenqian , Mixich Lucas , Boonstra Eger , Cabral Horacio
Published: February 2023

Messenger RNA (mRNA)‐based therapies offer great promise for the treatment of a variety of diseases. In 2020, two FDA approvals of mRNA‐based vaccines have elevated mRNA vaccines to global recognition. However, the therapeutic capabilities of mRNA extend far beyond vaccines against infectious diseases. They hold potential for cancer vaccines, protein replacement therapies, gene editing therapies, and immunotherapies. For realizing such advanced therapies, it is crucial to develop effective carrier systems. Recent advances in materials science have led to the development of promising nonviral mRNA delivery systems. In comparison to other carriers like lipid nanoparticles, polymer‐based delivery systems often receive less attention, despite their unique ability to carefully tune their chemical features to promote mRNA protection, their favorable pharmacokinetics, and their potential for targeting delivery. In this review, the central features of polymer‐based systems for mRNA delivery highlighting the molecular design criteria, stability, and biodistribution are discussed. Finally, the role of targeting ligands for the future of RNA therapies is analyzed.
NBOH Site‐Activated Graphene Quantum Dots for Boosting Electrochemical Hydrogen Peroxide Production
Authors: Fan Mengmeng , Wang Zeming , Sun Kang , Wang Ao , Zhao Yuying , Yuan Qixin , Wang Ruibin , Raj Jithu , Wu Jingjie , Jiang Jianchun , Wang Liang
Published: February 2023

Carbon materials are considered promising 2/4 e− oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts for synthesizing H2O2/H2O via regulating heteroatom dopants and functionalization. Here, various doped and functionalized graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are designed to reveal the crucial active sites of carbon materials for ORR to produce H2O2. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations predict that the edge structure involving edge N, B dopant pairs and further OH functionalization to the B (NBOH) is an active center for 2e− ORR. To verify the above predication, GQDs with an enriched density of NBOH (NBO‐GQDs) are designed and synthesized by the hydrothermal reaction of NH2 edge‐functionalized GQDs with H3BO3 forming six‐member heterocycle containing the NBOH structure. When dispersed on conductive carbon substrates, the NBO‐GQDs show H2O2 selectivity of over 90% at 0.7 –0.8 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode in the alkaline solution in a rotating ring‐disk electrode setup. The selectivity retains 90% of the initial value after 12 h stability test. In a flow cell setup, the H2O2 production rate is up to 709 mmol gcatalyst−1 h−1, superior to most reported carbon‐ and metal‐based electrocatalysts. This work provides molecular insight into the design and formulation of highly efficient carbon‐based catalysts for sustainable H2O2 production.
A Concerted Redox‐ and Light‐Activated Agent for Controlled Multimodal Therapy against Hypoxic Cancer Cells
Authors: Liu Jiangping , Prentice Andrew W. , Clarkson Guy J. , Woolley Jack M. , Stavros Vasilios G. , Paterson Martin J. , Sadler Peter J.
Published: February 2023

Hypoxia represents a remarkably exploitable target for cancer therapy, is encountered only in solid human tumors, and is highly associated with cancer resistance and recurrence. Here, a hypoxia‐activated mitochondria‐accumulated Ru(II) polypyridyl prodrug functionalized with conjugated azo (Az) and nitrogen mustard (NM) functionalities, RuAzNM, is reported. This prodrug has multimodal theranostic properties toward hypoxic cancer cells. Reduction of the azo group in hypoxic cell microenvironments gives rise to the generation of two primary amine products, a free aniline mustard, and the polypyridyl RuNH2 complex. Thus, the aniline mustard triggers generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mtDNA crosslinking. Meanwhile, the resultant biologically benign phosphorescent RuNH2 gives rise to a diagnostic signal and signals activation of the phototherapy. This multimodal therapeutic effect eventually elevates ROS levels, depletes reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and induces mitochondrial membrane damage, mtDNA damage, and ultimately cell apoptosis. This unique strategy allows controlled multimodal theranostics to be realized in hypoxic cells and multicellular spheroids, making RuAzNM a highly selective and effective cancer‐cell‐selective theranostic agent (IC50 = 2.3 µm for hypoxic HepG2 cancer cells vs 58.2 µm for normoxic THL‐3 normal cells). This is the first report of a metal‐based compound developed as a multimodal theranostic agent for hypoxia.
Functional Ultrathin Separators Proactively Stabilizing Zinc Anodes for Zinc‐Based Energy Storage
Authors: Li Yang , Peng Xinya , Li Xu , Duan Huan , Xie Shiyin , Dong Liubing , Kang Feiyu
Published: February 2023

Ultrathin separators are indispensable to high‐energy‐density zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs), but their easy failure caused by zinc dendrites poses a great challenge. Herein, 23 µm‐thick functional ultrathin separators (FUSs), realizing superb electrochemical stability of zinc anodes and outstanding long‐term durability of ultrathin separators, are reported. In the FUSs, an ultrathin but mechanically strong nanoporous membrane substrate benefits fast and flux‐homogenized Zn2+ transport, while a metal–organic framework (MOF)‐derived C/Cu nanocomposite decoration layer provides rich low‐barrier zinc nucleation sites, thereby synergistically stabilizing zinc anodes to inhibit zinc dendrites and dendrite‐caused separator failure. Investigation of the zinc affinity of the MOF‐derived C/Cu nanocomposites unravels the high zincophilicity of heteroatom‐containing C/Cu interfaces. Zinc anodes coupled with the FUSs present superior electrochemical stability, whose operation lifetime exceeds 2000 h at 1 mA cm−2 and 600 h at 10 mA cm−2, 40–50 times longer than that of the zinc anodes using glass‐fiber separators. The reliability of the FUSs in ZIBs and zinc‐ion hybrid supercapacitors is also validated. This work proposes a new strategy to stabilize zinc anodes and provides theoretical guidance in developing ultrathin separators for high‐energy‐density zinc‐based energy storage.
Nonvolatile Multilevel Switching of Silicon Photonic Devices with In2O3/GST Segmented Structures
Authors: Zhang Changping , Wei Maoliang , Zheng Jun , Liu Shujun , Cao Hongyuan , Huang Yishu , Tan Ying , Zhang Ming , Xie Yiwei , Yu Zejie , Li Junying , Ye Hui , Li Lan , Lin Hongtao , Li Huan , Shi Yaocheng , Liu Liu , Dai Daoxin
Published: February 2023

Reconfigurable silicon photonic devices are widely used in numerous emerging fields such as optical interconnects, photonic neural networks, quantum computing, and microwave photonics. Currently, phase change materials (PCMs) have been extensively investigated as promising candidates for building switching units due to their strong refractive index modulation. Here, nonvolatile multilevel switching of silicon photonic devices with Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) is demonstrated with In2O3 transparent microheaters that are compatible with diverse material platforms. With GST integrated on the silicon photonic waveguides and Mach‐Zehnder interferometers (MZIs), repeatable and reversible multilevel modulation of GST is achieved by electro‐thermally induced phase transitions. Particularly, the segmented switching unit of In2O3 and GST is proposed and demonstrated to be capable of producing about one order of magnitude larger temperature gradient than that of the nonsegmented unit, resulting in up to 64 distinguishable switching levels of 6‐bit precision, and fine‐tuning of the switching voltage pulses is promising to push the precision even further, to 7‐bit, or 128 distinguishable switching levels. The capability of precise multilevel phase‐change modulation is crucial to further facilitate the development of nonvolatile reconfigurable switches and variable attenuation devices as building blocks in large‐scale programmable optoelectronic systems.
Phosphorylation of USP29 by CDK1 Governs TWIST1 Stability and Oncogenic Functions
Authors: Guan Tangming , Li Mei , Song Yan , Chen Jiayi , Tang Jiaxin , Zhang Caishi , Wen Yalei , Yang Xiao , Huang Lei , Zhu Yingjie , Wang Hongxian , Ding Ke , Zheng Junxia , Zhang Haoxing , Liu Tongzheng
Published: February 2023

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly lethal malignancy with limited therapy options. TWIST1, a key transcriptional factor of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), contributes to self‐renewal of cancer stem‐like cells (CSCs), chemo‐resistance, metastasis, and TNBC‐related death. However, the mechanism by which TWIST1 is deregulated in TNBC remains elusive. Here, USP29 is identified as a bona fide deubiquitinase of TWIST1. The deubiquitination of TWIST1 catalyzed by USP29 is required for its stabilization and subsequent EMT and CSC functions in TNBC, thereby conferring chemotherapeutic resistance and metastasis. Furthermore, the results unexpectedly reveal that CDK1 functions as the direct USP29 activator. Mechanistically, CDK1‐mediated phosphorylation of USP29 is essential for its deubiquitinase activity toward TWIST1 and TWIST1 driven‐malignant phenotypes in TNBC, which could be markedly mitigated by the genetic ablation or pharmacological inhibition of CDK1. Moreover, the histological analyses show that CDK1 and USP29 are highly upregulated in TNBC samples, which positively correlate with the expression of TWIST1. Taken together, the findings reveal a previously unrecognized tumor‐promoting function and clinical significance of the CDK1‐USP29 axis through stabilizing TWIST1 and provide the preclinical evidence that targeting this axis is an appealing therapeutic strategy to conquer chemo‐resistance and metastasis in TNBC.
Self‐Powered Smart Textile Based on Dynamic Schottky Diode for Human‐Machine Interactions
Authors: Deng Pengfei , Wang Yanbin , Yang Ruizhe , He Zijian , Tan Yuanqiu , Chen Zhihong , Liu Jun , Li Tian
Published: February 2023

The growing demand for sustained self‐powered devices with multifunctional sensing networks is one of the main challenges for smart textiles, which are the critical elements for the future Internet of Things (IoT) and Point of Care (POC). Here, cellulose‐based smart textile is integrated with dynamic Schottky diode (DSD) to generate sustained power source (current density of 8.9 mA m⁻2) for self‐powered built‐in sensing network. In response to normal and shear motions, a pressure sensor with a sensitivity of 0.12 KPa⁻1 and an impact sensor are demonstrated, respectively. The woven structure of the textile contributes to signal amplification, which can also form a matrix of sensing elements for distributed sensing. The proposed strategy of fabricating self‐powered and multifunctional sensing networks with smart textiles shows tremendous potential for future intelligent society.
Comparative quantitation of DNA water tracers using OptiQ, Qubit, and Nanodrop
Authors: Billington Craig , Schmidt Jenelle , Mundle Robyn , Prenner Elmar J. , Pang Liping
Published: February 2023

We have recently developed new synthetic DNA tracers for tracking sources and pathways of contamination in surface water and groundwater. The use of DNA tracers in natural water systems results in substantial and rapid dilutions, thus accurate quantitation of initial DNA tracer concentrations applied is crucial to ensure their successful downstream detections. We compared the sensitivity and accuracy of three portable analytical techniques for quantitation of these DNA tracers: Nanodrop, Qubit, and OptiQ. All three methods were about equally effective when measuring high concentrations of DNA tracers (e.g., for c‐amine DNA tracer 1.54 × 105, 1.37 × 105, and 1.77 × 105 ng/mL for Nanodrop, Qubit, and OptiQ, respectively). However, the fluorescent methods of Qubit and OptiQ were significantly more sensitive at detecting lower concentrations of DNA tracers with limits of detection in the range 0.1–2 ng/mL, compared to 5 × 103 ng/mL for Nanodrop. The results of this work will facilitate the practical deployment of DNA tracers for tracking water contamination, and improving freshwater quality.
Pd‐catalyzed oxidative coupling of 2‐aroylimidazoles with benzyl alcohols: Access to imidazole functionalized phthalazines and phthalazin‐1(2H)‐ones
Authors: Zhang Ruike , Guan Yuqiu , Tian Baodong , Liu Yong , Chen Zhangpei , Hu Jianshe
Published: February 2023

The palladium‐catalyzed direct oxidative coupling reaction between 2‐aroylimidazoles with aromatic aldehydes or benzyl alcohols under oxidation conditions has been achieved to furnish a variety of carbonyl functionalized 2‐aroylimidazoles in moderate to good yields. The obtained products could be selectively transformed to the corresponding phthalazines and phthalazin‐1(2H)‐ones with hydrazine hydrate as the cyclization partner under different reaction temperature and construct an array of structurally diverse nitrogen‐containing heterocycles.
Hypergravity field induced self‐assembly of 2D MXene in polyvinyl alcohol membrane matrix and its improvement of alcohol/water pervaporation
Authors: Liu Qiao , Pan Xiaojun , Xu Nong , Wang Qing , Qu Shenzhen , Wang Weihao , Fan Long , Dong Qiang
Published: February 2023

Hydrophilic nanomaterials were always used to improve the pervaporation (PV) performance of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) membrane in the process of ethanol dehydration. In this work, the PVA/MXene composite membrane with high water flux and separation factor was fabricated with spin coating method. Induced by the hypergravity force, the MXene nanosheets were segregated and stacked layer‐by‐layer between the interface of the PVA/MXene layer and the support. The self‐assembly 2D MXene in the PVA not only improved the binding force between the separation layer and the support but also enhanced the PV performance. The water flux and separation factor of the PVA/SSA/MXene composite membrane reached 1.22 kg·m−2·h−1 and 1577, respectively. Both were higher than those of most reported PVA membranes. Nano indentation and scratch tests also revealed that due to the high modulus and hardness of the PVA/SSA/MXene composite membrane, 0.2822 and 0.019 GPa, strong binding force was existed between the separation layer and the support. Partly based on this reason, the structure of the PVA/SSA/MXene composite membrane remained stable during 300 hours of the PV test. It is believed that the prepared PVA/SSA/MXene composite membrane has a broad application prospect in the PV process for ethanol dehydration.
The morphology and histology of the pectoral girdle of Hamipterus (Pterosauria), from the Early Cretaceous of Northwest China
Authors: Wu Qian , Chen He , Li Zhiheng , Jiang Shunxing , Wang Xiaolin , Zhou Zhonghe
Published: February 2023

As one of the mysteries volant vertebrates, pterosaurs were completely extinct in the K‐Pg extinction event, which hampered our understanding of their flight. Recent studies on pterosaur flight usually use birds as analogies, since their shoulder girdle share many features. However, it was also proposed that these two groups may differ in some critical flight mechanisms, such as the primary muscles for the upstroke of the wings. Here, we describe and characterize the detail features of the pectoral girdle morphology and histology in Hamipterus from the Early Cretaceous of Northwest China for the first time. Our research reveals that the scapula and coracoid of Hamipterus form a synostosis joint, representing a distinct pectoral girdle adaption during pterosaur flight evolution, different from that of birds. The residual of the articular cartilage of the glenoid fossa supports the potential for cartilage tissue preservation in this location. The morphology of the acrocoracoid process of Hamipterus indicates it may work as a pulley for M. supracoracoideus as the main power of flight upstroke resembles that of birds. But the saddle type of the shoulder joint of the pterosaur may limit the rotation of the humerus head, suggesting a particular mechanism to control the angle of attack unlike birds. The presence of both the similarity and differences between the flight apparatus of pterosaurs and birds are highlighted in our research, which may be related to the flight mechanism and forelimb functional adaption. The distinctive feature of the flight apparatus of pterosaur should be treated with caution in future research, to better understand the life of this unique extinct volant vertebrate.
Dauerüberwachung von Ingenieurbauwerken – Das neue Merkblatt B 09 der DGZfP
Authors: Lehmann Frank , Hille Falk
Published: February 2023

Messtechnische Systeme zur Dauerüberwachung von Bauwerken ermöglichen Einblicke in deren reale Trag‐ und Verformungsverhalten. Die Planung und technische Umsetzung solcher Maßnahmen erfordern für die erfolgreiche Erfüllung der Aufgabenstellungen eine hohe Fachkompetenz, sowohl auf der planerischen Seite, als auch für die fachliche Bewertung von angebotenen Monitoringlösungen. Als Hilfestellung dafür wurde von der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Zerstörungsfreie Prüfung (DGZfP) das Merkblatt „Dauerüberwachung von Ingenieurbauwerken“ erarbeitet, welches nun verfügbar ist. In diesem Beitrag werden die Inhalte des neuen Merkblatts vorgestellt und dieses in die vorhandene Literatur eingeordnet.