bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
3D Imaging of Lithium Protrusions in Solid‐State Lithium Batteries using X‐Ray Computed Tomography
Authors: Hao Shuai , Bailey Josh J. , Iacoviello Francesco , Bu Junfu , Grant Patrick S. , Brett Dan J. L. , Shearing Paul R. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractSolid‐state lithium batteries will revolutionize the lithium‐ion battery and energy storage applications if certain key challenges can be resolved. The formation of lithium‐protrusions (dendrites) that can cause catastrophic short‐circuiting is one of the main obstacles, and progresses by a mechanism that is not yet fully understood. By utilizing X‐ray computed tomography with nanoscale resolution, the 3D morphology of lithium protrusions inside short‐circuited solid electrolytes has been obtained for the first time. Distinguishable from adjacent voids, lithium protrusions partially filled cracks that tended to propagate intergranularly through the solid electrolyte, forming a large waved plane in the shape of the grain boundaries. Occasionally, the lithium protrusions bifurcate into flat planes in a transgranular mode. Within the cracks themselves, lithium protrusions are preferentially located in regions of relatively low curvature. The crack volume filled with lithium in two samples is 82.0% and 83.1%, even though they have distinctly different relative densities. Pre‐existing pores in the solid electrolyte, as a consequence of fabrication, can also be part‐filled with lithium, but do not have a significant influence on the crack path. The crack/lithium‐protrusion behavior qualitatively supports a model of propagation combining electrochemical and mechanical effects.
Selective Synthesis of Benzothiophene‐Fused Polycyclic, Eight‐Membered N‐Heterocycles via Amine‐Mediated Three‐Component Domino Strategy
Authors: Deng Qingsong , Yu Aimin , Zhang Lei , Meng Xiangtai 
Published: December 2020

AbstractA product‐selective strategy was used to synthesize benzothiophene‐fused polycyclic, eight‐membered N‐heterocycles via a three‐component domino reaction of thioisatins under catalyst‐free conditions. The reaction between tryptamine, thioisatin, and bromoacetophenone produced benzothiophene‐fused polycyclic compounds. In contrast, using D‐tryptophan methyl ester hydrochloride instead of tryptamine afforded benzothiophene‐fused eight‐membered N‐heterocycles. DFT calculations showed that the benzothiophene‐fused polycyclic compounds formed via the Pictet‐Spengler reaction. However, the ester group in D‐tryptophan methyl ester hydrochloride changed the reaction pathway and produced benzothiophene‐fused eight‐membered N‐heterocycles.magnified image
Synthesis of Hydrophilic Phosphorus Ligands and Their Application in Aqueous‐Phase Metal‐Catalyzed Reactions
Authors: Schlatzer Thomas , Breinbauer Rolf 
Published: December 2020

AbstractTransition metal‐catalyzed reactions in aqueous media are experiencing a constant increase in interest. In homogenous catalysis the use of water as a solvent offers advantages in cost, safety, the possibility of two‐phase catalysis and simplified separation strategies. In the life sciences, transition metal catalysis in aqueous systems enables the ligation or modification of biopolymers in buffer systems or even in their cellular environment. In biocatalysis, aqueous systems allow the simultaneous use of enzymes and transition metal catalysts in cascade reactions. The use of water‐soluble phosphine ligands still represents the most reliable and popular strategy for transferring metal catalysts into the aqueous phase. This review summarizes the recent advancements in this field since 2009 and describes current synthetic strategies for the preparation of hydrophilic phosphines and phosphites. In addition, recent applications of transition metal catalysis in aqueous solvents using these hydrophilic ligands are presented.magnified image
Engineering an Alcohol Dehydrogenase from Kluyveromyces polyspora for Efficient Synthesis of Ibrutinib Intermediate
Authors: Wu Yanfei , Zhou Jieyu , Ni Jie , Zhu Cheng , Sun Zewen , Xu Guochao , Ni Ye 
Published: December 2020

Abstract(S)‐N‐Boc‐3‐hydroxypiperidine [(S)‐NBHP] is a key intermediate for the synthesis of mantle cell lymphoma drug, ibrutinib. Here, KpADH, an alcohol dehydrogenase from Kluyveromyces polyspora, exhibits evolutionary potential in the asymmetric reduction of N‐Boc‐3‐piperidone (NBPO) to (S)‐NBHP. By screening key residues in substrate binding pocket of KpADH, an excellent variant Y127W was obtained with 6‐fold improved activity of 119.3 U mg−1, 1.8‐fold enhanced half‐life of 147 h and strict S‐stereoselectivity (>99% ee). When catalyzed by Y127W, a complete conversion of 600 g L−1 NBPO was achieved at a substrate to catalyst ratio (S/C) of 30 in 10 h. Based on crystal‐structure of Y127W, molecular docking and dynamic simulations reveal hydrogen bonds formed between W127 and Boc group of NBPO, as well as improved structural stability mainly contribute to the increased catalytic activity and stereoselectivity of Y127W. This study offers guidance for engineering ADHs for biosynthesis of chiral heterocyclic alcohols, and provides insights into mechanisms in catalytic activity and stereoselectivity toward carbonyl‐containing heterocyclic substrates.magnified image
Deep Mining of Subtle Differences in Cell Morphology via Deep Learning
Authors: Xue Yunfan , Wang Jing , Ren Kefeng , Ji Jian 
Published: December 2020

AbstractCell morphology analysis is crucial in life science. Accurate determination of differences in cell morphology is of great significance in understanding cell states under different conditions. However, conventional approaches for morphology analysis are constrained in efficiency or accuracy under many circumstances. Thus, an efficient and reliable method to profile morphological differences is needed. In this study, deep learning is used in cell image analysis to demonstrate its ability to find non‐apparent cell morphology differences. The convolutional neural network can accurately classify cell images from substrates of different stiffness that are undistinguishable to the human eye or conventional statistical methods. Moreover, with analysis of feature maps, and the assistance of a fully connected neural network and a random forest classifier, morphological information in images is systematically proved as the main basis of classification for the deep learning model. The above results indicate that deep learning is valuable for the in‐depth analysis of morphology to better understand subtle changes in cells, which can provide people with deeper insights into cell biology.
Does Trade Policy Uncertainty Affect Agriculture?
Authors: Gopinath Munisamy 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis article reviews evidence of trade war impacts and emerging concerns on trade policy uncertainty. Trade war's near‐perfect pass‐through of tariffs to US prices favored producers and generated government revenue at the expense of consumers. Facing retaliation, prices and trade volumes were found to be lower for US agricultural commodities. The recent rethink on the benefits of globalization by major economies has led to uncertain policy paths wherein firms and consumers continue to make decisions. Using quarterly data, a negative association between policy uncertainty and agricultural economic indicators is affirmed with implications for future evaluation of trade war impacts.
Advantageous factors of R0 curative conversion esophagectomy and the optimal extent of lymphadenectomy after induction therapy for cT4b thoracic esophageal cancer
Authors: Ohkura Yu , Ueno Masaki , Udagawa Harushi 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAimThis study aimed to clarify the prognostic factors, the advantageous factors of R0 curative resection, and optimal extents of lymph node dissection for conversion esophagectomy after induction therapy.MethodsAmong 1903 patients with esophageal cancer at Toranomon Hospital between January 2006 to May 2020, 151 patients with locally advanced T4b thoracic esophageal cancer were divided into two groups according to treatment: conversion surgery group (n = 54) and non‐surgical treatment group (n = 97) for comparison.ResultsThe patients who underwent R0 curative resection showed preferable survival comparable to the survival rate of patients with cCR in the non‐surgical treatment group (1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year survival: 96.9%, 82.1% and 76.7% vs 94.1%, 86.3%, and 86.3%; P = 0.770). Multivariate analysis revealed that the T4b tumor invasion by primary site (odds ratio (OR) = 6.100; 95% CI, 1.439‐25.865: P = 0.014) and time to conversion surgery from start of induction therapy within four months (OR = 5.229; 95% CI, 1.296‐21.102: P = 0.020) were all independent advantageous factors of R0 curative resection. Actuarial 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year survival rates in patients who underwent conversion surgery with D2‐3 lymphadenectomy were 90.9%, 48.6%, and 40.8%, respectively.ConclusionsR0 resection led to improved prognosis in conversion esophagectomy for cT4b esophageal cancer. The T4b tumor invasion by primary site and time to conversion surgery from start of induction therapy within 4 months were independent advantageous factors of R0 curative resection. In addition, standard radical esophagectomy including prophylactic D2‐/3‐ lymphadenectomy should be performed if it is possible, while taking adequate care regarding the increased risk after induction therapy.
Case report: Maternal tyrosinemia type 1a under NTBC treatment with tyrosine‐ and phenylalanine restricted diet in Chile
Authors: Medina María F , Arias Carolina , Cabello Juan F , De la Parra Alicia , Valiente Alf , Castro Gabriela , Fuenzalida Karen , Cornejo Verónica 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWe report the case of a 17‐year‐old girl with Tyrosinemia type 1a who carried a planned pregnancy to term while being under 2‐(2‐nitro‐4‐trifluoromethylbenzoyl)‐1,3‐cyclohexanedione (NTBC, nitisinone) treatment and a tyrosine‐ and phenylalanine‐restricted diet. She was on treatment since 2 months of age with poor metabolic control prior to her pregnancy (tyrosine 838 ± 106 umol/L). NTBC and a low tyrosine and phenylalanine diet were continued during her pregnancy. She unfortunately suffered from urinary tract infection and anemia during her pregnancy, with median plasma tyrosine and phenylalanine levels of 613 ± 106 umol/L (200–400 umol/L) and 40.2 ± 8 umol/L (35–90 umol/L), respectively. After 40 weeks of gestation, the patient gave birth to a healthy boy, with no adverse effects related to the use of NTBC. The newborn presented with a transitory elevation of plasma tyrosine levels and normal phenylalanine, methionine, and succinylacetone levels. By 12 months of age, the child was determined to have normal psychomotor development. At 20 months old, he was diagnosed with a mild developmental delay; however, global cognitive evaluation with the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) test at 5 years old showed normal performance. Here, we discuss one of the few reported cases of nitisinone treatment during pregnancy and demonstrate a lack of teratogenicity and long‐term cognitive disabilities.
Low‐Energy Spin Precession in the Molecular Field of a Magnetic Thin Film
Authors: Vautrin Christopher , Lacour Daniel , Tiusan Coriolan , Lu Yuan , Montaigne François , Chshiev Mairbek , Weber Wolfgang , Hehn Michel 
Published: December 2020

AbstractElectronic spin precession and filtering are measured in the molecular field of magnetic thin films. Lab‐on‐chip experiments allow injection of electrons with energies between 0.8 and 1.1 eV, an energy range not yet explored in spin precession experiments. While filtering angles agree with previous reported values measured at much higher electron energies, spin precession angles of 2.5° in CoFe and 0.7° in Co per nanometer film thickness could be measured which are 30 times smaller than those previously measured at 7 eV. On the basis of ab initio calculations, the results are explained and it is shown that the band structure and layer roughness are playing a key role at low energy.
Activatable Polymeric Nanoprobe for Near‐Infrared Fluorescence and Photoacoustic Imaging of T Lymphocytes
Authors: Zhang Yan , He Shasha , Chen Wan , Liu Yinghua , Zhang Xuefei , Miao Qingqing , Pu Kanyi 
Published: December 2020

AbstractDevelopment of real‐time non‐invasive imaging probes to assess infiltration and activation of cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) is critical to predict the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy, which however remains challenging. Reported here is an activatable semiconducting polymer nanoprobe (SPNP) for near‐infrared fluorescence (NIRF) and photoacoustic (PA) imaging of a biomarker (granzyme B) associated with activation of CTLs. SPNP comprises a semiconducting polymer (SP) conjugated with a granzyme B cleavable and dye‐labeled peptide as the side chain, both of which emit NIRF and PA signals. After systemic administration, SPNP passively targets the tumor and in situ reacts with granzyme B to release the dye‐labeled peptide, leading to decreased NIRF and PA signals from the dye but unchanged signals from the polymer. Such ratiometric NIRF and PA signals of SPNP correlate well with the expression level of granzyme B and intratumoral population of CTLs. Thus, this study not only presents the first PA probes for in vivo imaging of immune activation but also provides a molecular design strategy that can be generalized for molecular imaging of other immune‐related biomarkers.
Modeling multivariate degradation processes with time‐variant covariates and imperfect maintenance effects
Authors: Wang Xiaolin , Gaudoin Olivier , Doyen Laurent , Bérenguer Christophe , Xie Min 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis article proposes two types of degradation models that are suitable for describing multivariate degrading systems subject to time‐variant covariates and imperfect maintenance activities. A multivariate Wiener process is constructed as a baseline model, on top of which two types of models are developed to meaningfully characterize the time‐variant covariates and imperfect maintenance effects. The underlying difference between the two models lies in the way of capturing the influences of covariates and maintenance: The first model reflects these impacts in the degradation rates/paths directly, whereas the second one describes the impacts by modifying the time scales governing the degradation processes. In each model, two particular imperfect maintenance models are presented, which differ in the extent of reduction in degradation level or virtual age. The two degradation models are then compared in certain special cases. The proposed multivariate degradation models pertain to complex industrial systems whose health deterioration can be characterized by multiple performance characteristics and can be altered or affected by maintenance activities and operating/environmental conditions.
Electrochemical Methods and Protocols for Characterization of Ceramic and Polymer Electrolytes for Rechargeable Batteries
Authors: Deivanayagam Ramasubramonian , Shahbazian‐Yassar Reza 
Published: December 2020

AbstractSolid‐state lithium batteries are widely believed to be the most feasible next‐generation battery technology. New material candidates for solid electrolytes are typically screened using meticulous characterization methods and ranked using metrics such as ionic conductivity, transference number, decomposition voltage, and deposition/stripping overpotential. The determination of these metrics requires the use of a variety of electrochemical experiments, the details of which are scattered across existing literature and could be time‐consuming for a beginner to locate. Here, we present a comprehensive overview of the electrochemical concepts, methods, and protocols adopted to characterize the polymer and ceramic electrolyte candidates for rechargeable batteries. This work facilitates the understanding of the key parameters involved in solid‐state electrolyte characterization and in interpreting their data.
Recent Advances on Carbon‐Based Materials for High Performance Lithium‐Ion Capacitors
Authors: Liu Wenjie , Zhang Xiong , Xu Yanan , Li Chen , Wang Kai , Sun Xianzhong , Su Fangyuan , Chen Cheng‐Meng , Liu Fangyan , Wu Zhong‐Shuai , Ma Yanwei 
Published: December 2020

AbstractLithium‐ion capacitors (LICs) combining of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) and supercapacitors (SCs) with improved performance bridge the gap between these two devices, and have attracted huge attention in the field of high‐efficiency electrochemical energy storage. The behavior of electrode materials is essential for the realization of high energy and high output LICs devices. As the most widely utilized electrodes, carbon materials demonstrated their ability in LICs with fast charge storage and long life‐span. Here, an overview of carbon materials for advanced LICs applications is given. The advantages and shortcomings of carbon materials as electrodes are systematically analyzed with the purpose of disclosing their influence on LICs devices. In light of this analysis, the critical aspects are discussed, which should be dealt with in the future for the realization of desires high‐performance LICs devices.
Einstein's Washington Manuscript on Unified Field Theory**
Authors: Sauer Tilman , Schütz Tobias 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIn this note, we point attention to and briefly discuss a curious manuscript of Einstein, composed in 1938 and entitled “Unified Field Theory,” the only such writing, published or unpublished, carrying this title without any further specification. Apparently never intended for publication, the manuscript sheds light both on Einstein′s modus operandi as well as on the public role of Einstein′s later work on a unified field theory of gravitation and electromagnetism.
Biofilm structure, dynamics, and ecology of an upscaled biocathode wastewater microbial fuel cell
Authors: Leininger Aaron , Yates Matthew D. , Ramirez Mark , Kjellerup Birthe 
Published: December 2020

AbstractA microbial fuel cell (MFC) system containing modular half‐submerged biocathode was operated for 6 months in an 800 L flow‐through system with domestic wastewater. For the first time, spatial and temporal differences in biofilm communities were examined on large three‐dimensional electrodes in a wastewater MFC. Biocathode microbial community analysis showed a specialized biofilm community with electrogenic and electrotrophic taxa forming during operation, suggesting potentially opposing electrode reactions. The anodic community structure shifted during operation, but no spatial differences were observed along the length of the electrode. Power output from the system was most strongly influenced by pH. Higher power densities were associated with the use of solids‐dewatering filtrate with increased organic matter, conductivity, and pH. The results show that the biocathode was the rate‐limiting step and that future MFC design should consider the effect of size, shape, and orientation of biocathodes on their community assembly and electrotrophic ability.
Subanesthetic dose of ketamine for the antidepressant effects and the associated cognitive impairments of electroconvulsive therapy in elderly patients—A randomized, double‐blind, controlled clinical study
Authors: Zou Lei , Min Su , Chen Qibin , Li Xiao , Ren Li 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectivesWe previously confirmed that low‐dose ketamine, as an adjunctive anesthetic for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in adult patients with depression, accelerates the effects of ECT and reduces the ECT‐induced learning and memory deficits. This study explored the efficacy and safety of low‐dose ketamine in elderly patients with depression.MethodsElderly patients with depression (N = 157) were randomly divided into two groups: propofol anesthesia group (group P) and propofol combined with ketamine anesthesia group (group KP). Patients in group KP were given low‐dose ketamine (0.3 mg/kg) for each ECT treatment; patients in group P were given the same amount of normal saline. Depressive symptoms and global cognitive functions were assessed using the 24‐item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Mini‐Mental State Examination, respectively, at baseline, 1 day after the 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 6th ECT sessions, and 1 day after the end of the ECT course. ECT effects of and complications were recorded.ResultsIn total, 67 patients in group KP and 70 in group P completed the study. After the ECT, the response and remission rates were 82.09% and 73.13%, respectively, in group KP, and 81.43% and 68.57%, respectively, in group P; there was no statistical difference between groups. However, the incidence of cognitive function impairment was lower in group KP (10.4%) than in group P (25.7%), while different electrical dose and seizure duration were required during the course of treatment between the two groups. There was no difference in the complications of ECT between groups.ConclusionsLow‐dose ketamine is safe as an adjunct anesthetic for elderly patients subjected to ECT. It has a protective effect on cognitive function and may accelerate the antidepressant effects of ECT.
Gender differences in emotional response to the COVID‐19 outbreak in Spain
Authors: García‐Fernández Lorena , Romero‐Ferreiro Verónica , Padilla Sergio , David López‐Roldán Pedro , Monzó‐García María , Rodriguez‐Jimenez Roberto 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectiveWe aim to explore the differential presence of symptoms of anxiety, depression, and acute stress between men and women during the COVID‐19 outbreak, and to study the relationship between these symptoms and two environmental variables, coexistence, and violence.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional study starting on March 29 to April 5, 2020, based on a national online survey using snowball sampling techniques. Symptoms of anxiety (Hamilton Anxiety Scale), depression (Beck Depression Inventory), and acute stress (Acute Stress Disorder Inventory) were assessed. Differences in the presence of symptoms and the relationship of coexistence and domestic violence were evaluated from a gender perspective.ResultsMen showed significant lower mean (SD) in anxiety, depression, and acute stress levels than women [HARS, 14.1 (9.8) versus. 18.4 (10.2),F = 56.2,p < .001; BDI 3.4 (3.9) versus 4.5 (4.3),F = 16.6,p < .001, and ASDI 3.6 (2.9) versus 4.7 (3.1),F = 39.0,p < .001, respectively), as well as a weaker depressive syndrome (28.1% males versus 39.9% females, χ2 = 25.5,p < .001). In addition, an interaction Gender × Coexistence was found in anxiety (F = 56.2,p < .001) and acute stress (F = 3.52,p = .06) and, according to depressive symptoms, an interaction Gender × Violence was found marginally significant (F = 3.3,p = .07).ConclusionsFindings indicate that women present greater severity in symptoms of anxiety, depression, and acute stress. Moreover, loneliness and violence specifically worsen the emotional state in women. These results can undoubtedly guide better healthcare planning adopting a gender perspective.