bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Toward the Advanced Next‐Generation Solid‐State Na‐S Batteries: Progress and Prospects
Authors: Ma Jingkang , Wang Mingli , Zhang Hong , Shang Zhoutai , Fu Lin , Zhang Wenli , Song Bin , Lu Ke 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAlthough batteries fitted with sodium metal anodes and sulfur cathodes are attractive for their higher energy density and lower cost, the threat of polysulfide migration in organic liquid electrolytes, uncontrollable dendrites, and corresponding safety issues has locked the deployment of the battery system. Introduction of solid‐state electrolytes to replace conventional liquid‐based electrolytes has been considered an effective approach to address these issues and further render solid‐state sodium‐sulfur battery (SSSSB) systems with higher safety and improved energy density. Nevertheless, the practical applications of SSSSB are still hampered by grand challenges, such as poor interfacial contact, sluggish redox kinetics of sulfur conversion, and Na dendrites. Currently, various strategies have been proposed and utilized to negate the problems within the solid‐state battery. Herein, a timely and comprehensive review of emerging strategies to promote the development of SSSSB is presented. The critical challenges that prevent the real application of the SSSSB technique are analyzed initially. Subsequently, various strategies for boosting the development of SSSSB are comprehensively summarized, containing the developing of the advanced cathode and cathode/electrolyte interface, tailoring the solid electrolyte, and designing the stable anode and anode/electrolyte interface. Finally, further perspectives on stimulating the practical application of SSSSB technology are provided.
Launching and Manipulation of Higher‐Order In‐Plane Hyperbolic Phonon Polaritons in Low‐Dimensional Heterostructures
Authors: Lu Guanyu , Pan Zhiliang , Gubbin Christopher R. , Kowalski Ryan A. , De Liberato Simone , Li Deyu , Caldwell Joshua D. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractHyperbolic phonon polaritons (HPhPs) are stimulated by coupling infrared (IR) photons with the polar lattice vibrations. Such HPhPs offer low‐loss, highly confined light propagation at subwavelength scales with out‐of‐plane or in‐plane hyperbolic wavefronts. For HPhPs, while a hyperbolic dispersion implies multiple propagating modes with a distribution of wavevectors at a given frequency, so far it has been challenging to experimentally launch and probe the higher‐order modes that offer stronger wavelength compression, especially for in‐plane HPhPs. In this work, the experimental observation of higher‐order in‐plane HPhP modes stimulated on a 3C‐SiC nanowire (NW)/α‐MoO3 heterostructure is reported where leveraging both the low‐dimensionality and low‐loss nature of the polar NWs, higher‐order HPhPs modes within 2D α‐MoO3 crystal are launched by the 1D 3C‐SiC NW. The launching mechanism is further studied and the requirements for efficiently launching of such higher‐order modes are determined. In addition, by altering the geometric orientation between the 3C‐SiC NW and α‐MoO3 crystal, the manipulation of higher‐order HPhP dispersions as a method of tuning is demonstrated. This work illustrates an extremely anisotropic low dimensional heterostructure platform to confine and configure electromagnetic waves at the deep‐subwavelength scales for a range of IR applications including sensing, nano‐imaging, and on‐chip photonics.
Ethosomal Nanoformulations for Combinational Photothermal Therapy of Fungal Keratitis
Authors: Sushma Mudigunda V , Sankaranarayanan Sri Amruthaa , Bantal Veeresh , Pemmaraju Deepak B , Rengan Aravind Kumar 
Published: March 2023

AbstractFungal keratitis/mycotic keratitis or keratomycosis, is characterized by the inflammation of underlying stroma of corneal epithelium due to fungal infection. Multi‐drug resistance and subsequent recurrence of infection limits the clinical outcomes of anti‐fungal agents such as Amphotericin B and Natamycin; and therefore, demands research on newer anti‐microbial strategies. In this study, the authors have synthesized and characterized ethosomes (IAEs) encapsulating a NIR dye, Indocyanine green (ICG), and an anti‐fungal drug, Amphotericin B, for a combinational photothermal therapy of fungal keratitis. The in vitro anti‐fungal efficacy of the IAEs is validated against Candida albicans by colony formation assay, calcofluor staining, and SEM analysis. The results indicate that the IAEs, upon NIR irradiation, displays a synergistic anti‐fungal efficacy. The IAEs are highly biocompatible when tested using a human corneal epithelial (HCE) cell line model (in vitro) and a Draize eye test model in rabbits (in vivo). Further, it is observed that the IAEs,upon NIR laser exposure significantly eliminate the fungal infection in rat model of occular fungal keratitis. The research indicates that the IAEs nano‐formulation exhibits a synergistic and sustained anti‐fungal effect paving its way for further translation from bench to bedside for the efficient management of fungal keratitis.
Computing the Lattice Thermal Conductivity of Small‐Molecule Organic Semiconductors: A Systematic Comparison of Molecular Dynamics Based Methods
Authors: Vercouter Alexandre , Lemaur Vincent , Melis Claudio , Cornil Jérôme 
Published: March 2023

AbstractWhile the Green‐Kubo and non‐equilibrium molecular dynamics methods have been compared quite extensively to calculate the thermal conductivity in inorganic compounds, there is currently a lack of comparison of these algorithms with the more recently developed approach‐to‐equilibrium molecular dynamics (AEMD) method for other types of materials such as organic semiconductors. To fill this gap, this article reports a theoretical description of thermal transport in single crystals made of terthiophene as prototypical system based on the three most popular molecular dynamics approaches. A systematic comparison of the computed values of thermal conductivity and its anisotropy is carried out and the strengths and weaknesses associated with each method are discussed. Although the three algorithms give essentially the same trends, this study points to the “AEMD” approach as the most suitable compromise between accuracy and computing cost. On the material aspects, the theoretical modeling yields an anisotropic character of the thermal transport in crystals whose out‐of‐plane thermal conductivity component is approximately twice larger than the in‐plane components. The AEMD approach is further used to investigate the influence of temperature on thermal transport in terthiophene. The trends are utterly rationalized by relying on the concepts of phonon mean free paths and phonon group velocities.
Glutamine Metabolism Underlies the Functional Similarity of T Cells between Nile Tilapia and Tetrapod
Authors: Li Kang , Wei Xiumei , Jiao Xinying , Deng Wenhai , Li Jiaqi , Liang Wei , Zhang Yu , Yang Jialong 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAs the lowest organisms possessing T cells, fish are instrumental for understanding T cell evolution and immune defense in early vertebrates. This study established in Nile tilapia models suggests that T cells play a critical role in resisting Edwardsiella piscicida infection via cytotoxicity and are essential for IgM+ B cell response. CD3 and CD28 monoclonal antibody crosslinking reveals that full activation of tilapia T cells requires the first and secondary signals, while Ca2+–NFAT, MAPK/ERK, NF‐κB, and mTORC1 pathways and IgM+ B cells collectively regulate T cell activation. Thus, despite the large evolutionary distance, tilapia and mammals such as mice and humans exhibit similar T cell functions. Furthermore, it is speculated that transcriptional networks and metabolic reprogramming, especially c‐Myc‐mediated glutamine metabolism triggered by mTORC1 and MAPK/ERK pathways, underlie the functional similarity of T cells between tilapia and mammals. Notably, tilapia, frogs, chickens, and mice utilize the same mechanisms to facilitate glutaminolysis‐regulated T cell responses, and restoration of the glutaminolysis pathway using tilapia components rescues the immunodeficiency of human Jurkat T cells. Thus, this study provides a comprehensive picture of T cell immunity in tilapia, sheds novel perspectives for understanding T cell evolution, and offers potential avenues for intervening in human immunodeficiency.
Evaluation of Hybrid Perovskite Prototypes After 10‐Month Space Flight on the International Space Station
Authors: Delmas William , Erickson Samuel , Arteaga Jorge , Woodall Mark , Scheibner Michael , Krause Timothy S. , Crowley Kyle , VanSant Kaitlyn T. , Luther Joseph M. , Williams Jennifer N. , McNatt Jeremiah , Peshek Timothy J. , McMillon‐Brown Lyndsey , Ghosh Sayantani 
Published: March 2023

AbstractMetal halide perovskites (MHPs) have emerged as a prominent new photovoltaic material combining a very competitive power conversion efficiency that rivals crystalline silicon with the added benefits of tunable properties for multijunction devices fabricated from solution which can yield high specific power. Perovskites have also demonstrated some of the lowest temperature coefficients and highest defect tolerance, which make them excellent candidates for aerospace applications. However, MHPs must demonstrate durability in space which presents different challenges than terrestrial operating environments. To decisively test the viability of perovskites being used in space, a perovskite thin film is positioned in low earth orbit for 10 months on the International Space Station, which was the first long‐duration study of an MHP in space. Postflight high‐resolution ultrafast spectroscopic characterization and comparison with control samples reveal that the flight sample exhibits superior photo‐stability, no irreversible radiation damage, and a suppressed structural phase transition temperature by nearly 65 K, broadening the photovoltaic operational range. Further, significant photo‐annealing of surface defects is shown following prolonged light‐soaking postflight. These results emphasize that methylammonium lead iodide can be packaged adequately for space missions, affirming that space stressors can be managed as theorized.
Photochemical Decomposition of Y‐Series Non‐Fullerene Acceptors Is Responsible for Degradation of High‐Efficiency Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Liu Tianran , Burlingame Quinn C. , Ivancevic Marko R. , Liu Xiao , Hu Junnan , Rand Barry P. , Loo Yueh‐Lin 
Published: March 2023

AbstractOrganic photovoltaic cells that employ Y‐series non‐fullerene acceptors (NFAs) have recently achieved impressive power‐conversion efficiencies (>18%). To fulfill their commercial promise, it is important to quantify their operational lifetimes and understand their degradation mechanisms. In this work, the spectral‐dependent photostability of films and solar cells comprising several Y‐series acceptors and the donor polymer PM6 is investigated systematically. By applying longpass filters during aging, it is shown that UV/near‐UV photons are responsible for the photochemical decomposition of Y‐series acceptors; this degradation is the primary driver of early solar cell performance losses. Using mass spectrometry, the vinylene linkage between the core and electron‐accepting moieties of Y‐series acceptors is identified as the weak point susceptible to cleavage under UV‐illumination. Employing a series of device characterization, along with numerical simulations, the efficiency losses in organic photovoltaic cells are attributed to the formation of traps, which reduces charge extraction efficiency and facilitates non‐radiative recombination as the Y‐series acceptors degrade. This study provides new insights for molecular degradation of organic photovoltaic absorber materials and highlights the importance of future molecular design and strategies for improved solar cell stability.
DNA assays for genetic discrimination of threePhragmites australissubspecies in the United States
Authors: Lindsay Denise L. , Guan Xin , Harms Nathan E. , Cronin James T. , Meyerson Laura A. , Lance Richard F. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractPremiseTo genetically discriminate subspecies of the common reed (Phragmites australis), we developed real‐time quantitative (qPCR) assays for identifyingP. australissubsp.americanus,P. australissubsp.australis, andP. australissubsp.berlandieri.Methods and ResultsUtilizing study‐generated chloroplast DNA sequences, we developed three novel qPCR assays. Assays were verified on individuals of each subspecies and against two non‐target species,Arundo donaxandPhalaris arundinacea. One assay amplifies onlyP. australissubsp.americanus, one amplifiesP. australissubsp.australisand/orP. australissubsp.berlandieri, and one amplifiesP. australissubsp.americanusand/orP. australissubsp.australis. This protocol enhances currently available rapid identification methods by providing genetic discrimination of all three subspecies.ConclusionsThe newly developed assays were validated usingP. australissamples from across the United States. Application of these assays outside of this geographic range should be preceded by additional testing.
Exploring students' experiences of technical and vocational learning in University Technical Colleges during the pandemic
Authors: Deepthi Divya , Exley Sonia 
Published: March 2023

AbstractUniversity Technical Colleges (UTCs) are newly established (since 2010–11) technical and vocational secondary schools in England, catering for young people aged 14–19. The schools focus strongly on delivering vocational, alongside Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)‐focused academic, qualifications. The colleges have been introduced as a new means of improving technical and vocational education and training—a sector which in England has faced problems of low quality and low esteem—and in a wider international context of STEM‐trained worker shortages. University Technical Colleges have been advertised as offering state‐of‐the‐art vocational learning, involving access for students to the latest equipment and technologies in key industrial sectors, alongside extensive project‐based learning in partnership with employers. However, how have UTC students fared in these respects since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic and associated lockdowns in 2020? In this paper we report on results from a survey of 252 students across two UTCs in England, exploring the technical and vocational learning experiences of these students during the exceptional 2019–20 academic year. Findings from the survey reveal lost learning and training opportunities during the pandemic, particularly where courses with practical elements relied on specific equipment and facilities that became inaccessible during lockdown. The survey also highlights disruptions to apprenticeship arrangements, work experience plans and other engagement with employers. Students in some instances have been effectively forced to stay on in education owing to reduced apprenticeship and employment opportunities for school‐leavers. We find evidence of students adapting their aspirations and career goals to the new economic circumstances.
Board gender diversity and corporate environmental commitment: A subnational perspective
Authors: Naveed Khwaja , Khalid Fahad , Voinea Cosmina L. , Roijakkers Nadine , Fratostiteanu Cosmin 
Published: March 2023

AbstractWithin the expanding literature on the interplay of corporate governance and corporate environmental behavior, this study introspects the contrastingly reported relationship between board gender diversity (BGD) and corporate environmental commitment (CEC). It empirically explores the moderating effect of coercive (regulation stringency), normative (ethical standards), and mimetic pressures (following of peers), derived from the provincial level isomorphic exhibition of neo‐institutional theory, in the A‐share Chinese listed firms. Apart from confirming the aggregate level positive association between the variables, the findings also highlight the moderating effect of subnational institutional pressures on the relationship. While ruling out the endogeneity and establishing the robustness, the findings imply that the interplay of subnational institutional isomorphism and corporate governance in the case of BGD‐CEC relationship are likely both pertinent and prevalent. Moreover, the increase in BGD enhances the CEC of a firm, subject to the fulfillment of a province's specific boundary conditions, predefined by the unique set of subnational institutional pressures.
From “below chance” to “a single error is one too many”: Evaluating various thresholds for invalid performance on two forced choice recognition tests
Authors: Erdodi Laszlo A. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThis study was designed to empirically evaluate the classification accuracy of various definitions of invalid performance in two forced‐choice recognition performance validity tests (PVTs; FCRCVLT‐II and Test of Memory Malingering [TOMM‐2]). The proportion of at and below chance level responding defined by the binomial theory and making any errors was computed across two mixed clinical samples from the United States and Canada (N = 470) and two sets of criterion PVTs. There was virtually no overlap between the binomial and empirical distributions. Over 95% of patients who passed all PVTs obtained a perfect score. At chance level responding was limited to patients who failed ≥2 PVTs (91% of them failed 3 PVTs). No one scored below chance level on FCRCVLT‐II or TOMM‐2. All 40 patients with dementia scored above chance. Although at or below chance level performance provides very strong evidence of non‐credible responding, scores above chance level have no negative predictive value. Even at chance level scores on PVTs provide compelling evidence for non‐credible presentation. A single error on the FCRCVLT‐II or TOMM‐2 is highly specific (0.95) to psychometrically defined invalid performance. Defining non‐credible responding as below chance level scores is an unnecessarily restrictive threshold that gives most examinees with invalid profiles a Pass.
Rbox: A web API for software integration with the R programming language
Authors: Konomos Antonios , Chountasis Spiros 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThis paper presents an inventive software interface for the integration of some extensively used information systems with the R programming environment. The contribution of this paper is two‐fold. First, a more comprehensive and specialized data analysis tool is provided. Second, a notable software code analysis model has been proposed to perform statistical tests and execute machine learning algorithms using the capabilities of the R programming language. The recommended application programming interface is successfully tested and evaluated based on a real‐life data set. The obtained results verify the high computing performance of the model in terms of the execution proceedings and achieved objectives.
Assessment of Biological Activities and Genomic Changes on Microorganisms, Wheat, and Wilding Arise from Poly(pyrazole)
Authors: Bozari Sedat , Cetin Adnan , Kurt Havva 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe rapidly growing human population has led to duplicate food production and also reduced product loss. Although the negative effects of synthetic chemicals were recorded, they are still used as agrochemical. The production of non‐toxic synthetics makes their use particularly safe. The goal of our research is to evaluate antimicrobial activity of previously synthesized Poly(p‐phenylene‐1‐(2,5‐dimethylphenyl)‐5‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazole‐3,4‐dicarboxy amide) (poly(PDPPD)) against selected Gram‐negative, Gram‐positive bacteria, and fungus. In addition, the possible genotoxic effects of the poly(PDPPD) were searched on Triticum vulgare and Amaranthus retroflexus seedlings using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) marker. The binding affinity and binding energies of the synthesized chemical to B‐DNA were simulated with AutoDock Vina.It was observed that the poly(PDPPD) affected most of the organisms in a dose‐dependent manner. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most affected species in tested bacteria at 500 ppm with 21.5 mm diameters. Similarly, a prominent activity was observed for tested fungi. The poly(PDPPD) decreased root and stem length of the Triticum vulgare and Amaranthus retroflexus seedlings and also reduced the genomic template stability (GTS) value of Triticum vulgare more than Amaranthus retroflexus. The binding energy of poly(PDPPD) was found in range of −9.1 and −8.3 kcal/mol for nine residues of B‐DNA.
Chemical Characterization and Multidirectional Biological Effects of Different Solvent Extracts of Arum elongatum: in Vitro and in Silico Approaches
Authors: Fawzi Mahomoodally Mohamad , Zengin Gokhan , Roumita Seebaluck‐Sandoram , Caprioli Giovanni , Mustafa Ahmed M. , Piatti Diletta , Yıldıztugay Evren , Ak Gunes , Esra Karadağ Ayşe , Khalid Asaad , Abdalla Ashraf N. , Ibrahim Uba Abdullahi , Demirci Fatih 
Published: March 2023

AbstractArum elongatum (Araceae) is widely used traditionally for the treatment of abdominal pain, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, rheumatism and hemorrhoids. This study investigated the antioxidant properties, individual phenolic compounds, total phenolic and total flavonoid contents (HPLC/MS analysis), reducing power and metal chelating effects of four extracts obtained from A. elongatum (ethyl acetate (EA), methanol (MeOH), methanol/water (MeOH/water) and infusion). The inhibitory activity of the extracts were also determined against acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, tyrosinase, amylase and glucosidase enzymes. The MeOH/water extracts contained the highest amount of phenolic contents (28.85 mg GAE/g) while the highest total flavonoid content was obtained with MeOH extract (36.77 mg RE/g). MeOH/water demonstrated highest antioxidant activity against DPPH⋅ radical at 38.90 mg Trolox equivalent per gram. The infusion extract was the most active against ABTS+⋅ (133.08 mg TE/g). MeOH/water extract showed the highest reducing abilities with the CUPRAC value of 102.22 mg TE/g and the FRAP value of 68.50 mg TE/g. A strong metal chelating effect was observed with MeOH/water extract (35.72 mg EDTAE/g). The PBD values of the extracts ranged from 1.01 to 2.17 mmol TE/g. EA extract displayed the highest inhibitory activity against AChE (2.32 mg GALAE/g), BChE (3.80 mg GALAE/g), α‐amylase (0.56 mmol ACAE/g) and α‐glucosidase (9.16 mmol ACAE/g) enzymes. Infusion extract was the most active against tyrosinase enzyme with a value of 83.33 mg KAE/g. A total of 28 compounds were identified from the different extracts. The compounds present in the highest concentration were chlorogenic acids, 4‐hydroxybenzoic acid, caffeic acid, p‐coumaric acid, ferulic acid, isoquercitrin, delphindin 3,5‐diglucoside, kaempferol‐3‐glucoside and hyperoside. The biological activities of A. elongatum extracts could be due to the presence of compounds such as gallic acid, chlorogenic acids, ellagic acid, epicatechin, catechin, kaempferol, 4‐hydroxybenzoic acid, caffeic acid, p‐coumaric acid, ferulic acid, quercetin, isoquercitrin, and hyperoside. Extracts of A. elongatum showed promising biological activities which warrants further investigations in an endeavor to develop biopharmaceuticals.