bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oxide cathodes for sodium‐ion batteries: Designs, challenges, and perspectives
Authors: Chen Tao , Ouyang Baixue , Fan Xiaowen , Zhou Weili , Liu Weifang , Liu Kaiyu 
Published: January 2022

AbstractSodium‐ion batteries (SIBs), which are an alternative to lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), have attracted increasing attention due to their low cost of Na resources and similar Na storage mechanism to LIBs. Compared with anode materials and electrolytes, the development of cathode materials lags behind. Therefore, the key to improving the specific energy and promoting the application of SIBs is to develop high‐performance sodium intercalation cathode materials. Transition‐metal oxides are one of the most promising cathode materials for SIBs owing to their excellent energy density, high specific discharge capacity, and environmentally friendly nature. In the present work, the latest progress in the research of transition‐metal oxides is summarized. Moreover, the existing challenges are discussed, and a series of strategies are proposed to overcome these drawbacks. This review aims at providing guidance for the development of metal oxides in the next stage.
Insights on “nitrate salt” in lithium anode for stabilized solid electrolyte interphase
Authors: Fu Lin , Wang Xiancheng , Chen Zihe , Li Yuanjian , Mao Eryang , Seh Zhi Wei , Sun Yongming 
Published: January 2022

AbstractA Li/KNO3 composite (LKNO), with KNO3 uniformly implanted in bulk metallic Li, is fabricated for battery anode via a facile mechanical kneading approach, which exhibits high Coulombic efficiency and prolonged cycle life. The mechanism behind the enhanced electrochemical performance of the “salt‐in‐metal” composite is investigated, where KNO3 in metallic Li composite electrode would be sustainably released into the electrolyte. The presence of NO3– stabilizes the solid electrolyte interphase by producing functional Li3N, LiNxOy, and Li2O species. K+ from KNO3 also helps to form an electrostatic shield after its adsorption on the electrode protrusions, which suppresses the dendritic growth of metallic Li. With the above advantages, uniform Li plating with dense and planar structure is realized for the LKNO electrode. These findings reveal a deep understanding of the effect of the “salt‐in‐metal” anode and provide new insights into the use of nitrate additives for high‐energy‐density Li metal batteries.
Tuning the (Chir)Optical Properties and Squeezing out the Inherent Chirality in Polyphenylene‐Locked Helical Carbon Nanorings
Authors: Wang Jinyi , Shi Hong , Wang Shengda , Zhang Xinyu , Fang Pengwei , Zhou Yu , Zhuang Gui‐Lin , Shao Xiang , Du Pingwu 
Published: January 2022

AbstractDistorting linear polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) out of planarity affects their physical properties and breaks their symmetry to induce inherent chirality. However, the chirality cannot be achieved in large distorted PAHs‐based macrocycles due to a low racemization barrier for isomerization. Herein, we report the precise synthesis and tuning size‐dependent (chir)optical properties of a new class of chiral PAHs‐containing conjugated macrocycles (cyclo[n]paraphenylene‐2,6‐anthrylene, [n]CPPAn2,6; n=6–8). Their inherent chiralities were squeezed out in small anthrylene‐based macrocycles. Efficient resolutions for chiral enantiomers with (P)/(M)‐helicity of small [6‐7]CPPAns were achieved by HPLC. Interestingly, these macrocycles showed enriched size‐dependent physical, chiral, and (chir)optical properties. Theoretical calculations indicate that these macrocycles have high strain energy (Estrain=60.8 to 73.4 kcal/mol) and very small Egap (∼3.0 eV). Notably, these enantiomers showed strong chiroptical properties and dissymmetry factors (|gabs| and |glum|∼0.01 for an enantiomer of [6]CPPAn2,6), which can give them potential applications in optically active materials.
Integrated operation optimization strategy for batch process based on process transfer model under disturbance
Authors: Chu Fei , Wang Jiachen , Wang Yifeng , Chai Guowei , Jia Runda , Wang Fuli 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAn integrated operation optimization strategy based on the process transfer model (PTM) is proposed in this work, which combines the batch‐to‐batch optimization method and the within‐batch optimization method. The data‐driven tool with the joint‐Y partial least squares (JYPLS) model is utilized to transfer rich information from a similar old process to the new process to assist the establishment of the model of the new process. However, differences invariably exist between similar batch processes, which can bring about a fateful necessary condition of optimality (NCO) mismatch. Although the traditional batch‐to‐batch optimization method can overcome the problem of plant‐model mismatch between batches, it is helpless to deal with the problem of mismatch and disturbance during a single batch operation. For the sake of settlement of problems, the within‐batch optimization method is introduced. The main advantages of the integrated operation optimization strategy are (i) the plant‐model mismatch and disturbances within the batch or during batches can be solved, (ii) the suboptimal results of batch‐to‐batch optimization can be further compensated, and (iii) the optimization performance is better by discretizing the control profile into several intervals. Taking the cobalt oxalate synthesis process as a simulation study, the superior performance of the proposed strategy is illustrated.
At the same time or one after the other? – Exploring reaction paths of nucleophilic substitution reactions using historic insights and experiments
Authors: Pölloth Benjamin , Häfner Malín , Schwarzer Stefan 
Published: January 2022

AbstractViele Lernende nehmen die organische Chemie (OC) als unstrukturiertes und unübersichtliches Fachgebiet wahr. Reaktionsmechanismen werden dabei häufig nicht als Orientierungshilfen, sondern vielmehr als zusätzliche Herausforderungen betrachtet. Zu Beginn des 20. Jahrhunderts hatte die OC als Fachwissenschaft mit vergleichbaren Problemen zu kämpfen. Einen Wendepunkt stellte hier die systematische Anwendung physikalischer Prinzipien auf organische Reaktionen durch die Forschenden um Ingold dar. Kinetische Untersuchungen legten beispielsweise nahe, dass in nukleophilen Substitutionsreaktionen die Abspaltung der Abgangsgruppe und der Angriff des Nukleophiles entweder gleichzeitig oder nacheinander stattfinden können. In der vorliegenden Arbeit werden diese historischen Erkenntnisse durch einfache, schulgeeignete Experimente für den Unterricht zugänglich gemacht. Ein fiktives Audiotagebuch von Hilda Ingold wird als history lift vorgeschlagen, um den Schüler:innen die grundlegende Erkenntnis zu ermöglichen, dass für einen Reaktionstyp prinzipiell verschiedene Reaktionswege denkbar sind.
Efficacy and safety of dronedarone versus placebo in patients with atrial fibrillation stratified according to renal function: Post hoc analyses of the EURIDIS‐ADONIS trials
Authors: Thind Munveer , Zareba Wojciech , Atar Dan , Crijns Harry J. G. M. , Zhu Jun , Pak Hui‐Nam , Reiffel James , Ludwigs Ulf , Wieloch Mattias , Stewart John , Kowey Peter 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe use of antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is complex because impaired renal clearance can cause increased drug levels, and risk of intolerance or adverse events. Due to the propensity for CKD to occur alongside atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter (AF/AFL), it is essential that AAD safety and efficacy are assessed for patients with CKD.HypothesisDronedarone, an approved AAD, may present a suitable therapeutic option for patients with AF/AFL and concomitant CKD.MethodsEURIDIS‐ADONIS (EURIDIS, NCT00259428; ADONIS, NCT00259376) were identically designed, multicenter, double‐blind, parallel‐group trials investigating AF/AFL control with dronedarone 400 mg twice daily versus placebo (randomized 2:1). In this post hoc analysis, the primary endpoint was time to first AF/AFL. Patients were stratified according to renal function using the CKD‐Epidemiology Collaboration equation and divided into estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) subgroups of 30–44, 45–59, 60–89, and ≥90 ml/min. Time‐to‐events between treatment groups were compared using log‐rank testing and Cox regression.ResultsAt baseline, most (86%) patients demonstrated a mild or mild‐to‐moderate eGFR decrease. Median time to first AF/AFL recurrence was significantly longer with dronedarone versus placebo for all eGFR subgroups except the 30 to 44 ml/min group, where the trend was similar but statistical power may have been limited by the small population. eGFR stratification had no significant effect on serious adverse events, deaths, or treatment discontinuations.ConclusionsThis analysis suggests that dronedarone could be an effective therapeutic option for AF with an acceptable safety profile in patients with impaired renal function.
Single‐center experience of ultra‐high‐density mapping guided catheter ablation of focal atrial tachycardia
Authors: Kellnar Antonia , Fichtner Stephanie , Mehr Michael , Czermak Thomas , Sinner Moritz F. , Lackermair Korbinian , Estner Heidi L. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIntroductionCatheter ablation is the treatment of choice for recurrent focal atrial tachycardia (FAT) as medical therapy is limited. Routinely, a three‐dimensional mapping system is used. Whether or not optimized signal detection does improve ablation success rates has not yet been investigated. This retrospective cohort study compared ablation procedures using an ultra‐high‐density mapping system (UHDM, Rhythmia, Boston Scientific) with improved signal detection and automatic annotation with procedures using a conventional electroanatomic mapping system (CEAM, Biosense Webster, CARTO).MethodsAll patients undergoing ablation for FAT using UHDM or CEAM from April 2015 to August 2018 were included. Endpoints comprised procedural parameters, acute success as well as freedom from arrhythmia 12 months after ablation.ResultsA total of 70 patients underwent ablation (48 with UHDM, 22 with CEAM). No significant differences were noted for parameters like procedural and radiation duration, area dose, and RF applications. Acute success was significantly higher in the UHDM cohort (89.6% vs. 68.2%, p = .03). Nevertheless, arrhythmia freedom 12 months after ablation was almost identical (56.8% vs. 60%, p = .87), as more patients with acute success of ablation presented with a relapse during follow‐up (35.0 vs. 7.7%, p = .05).ConclusionAcute success rate of FAT ablation might be improved by UHDM, without an adverse effect on procedural parameters. Nevertheless, further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanism for increased recurrence rates after acute successful ablation.
Synthesis and Evaluation of a Class of Compounds Inhibiting the Growth of Stromal Antigen 2 (STAG2)‐Mutant Ewing Sarcoma Cells
Authors: Zhang Nenggang , Lin Keng‐Fu , Yang Christian , Peruski Scott , Pati Debananda , Gilbertson Scott R. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractSTAG2 (SA2) is a critical component of the cohesin complex that regulates gene expression and the separation of sister chromatids in cells. Mutations in STAG2 have been identified in over thirty different types of cancers including myeloid leukaemia, non‐small cell lung, bladder and Ewing sarcoma. Selectively inhibiting cancer cells lacking of STAG2 is an attractive approach for the cancer therapy. Here we report that a small molecule, StagX1, identified through a high‐throughput screening, inhibits the growth of Ewing sarcoma cells possessing mutant STAG2. A new synthetic route to the StagX1 scaffold and new versions of the molecule along with their activity in a cell viability assay are reported.
Whole‐blood cytokine secretion assay as a high‐throughput alternative for assessing the cell‐mediated immunity profile after two doses of an adjuvanted SARS‐CoV‐2 recombinant protein vaccine candidate
Authors: De Rosa Stephen C , Cohen Kristen W , Bonaparte Matthew , Fu Bo , Garg Sanjay , Gerard Catherine , Goepfert Paul A , Huang Ying , Larocque Daniel , McElrath M. Juliana , Morris Daryl , Van der Most Robbert , de Bruyn Guy , Pagnon Anke 
Published: January 2022

AbstractObjectivesWe previously described the Phase I‐II evaluation of SARS‐CoV‐2 recombinant protein candidate vaccine, CoV2‐PreS‐dTM, with AF03‐ or AS03‐adjuvant systems (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04537208). Here, we further characterise the cellular immunogenicity profile of this vaccine candidate using a whole‐blood secretion assay in parallel to intracellular cytokine staining (ICS) of cryopreserved peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).MethodsA randomly allocated subset of 90 healthy, SARS‐CoV‐2‐seronegative adults aged ≥ 18 years who had received (random allocation) one or two separate injections (on study day [D]1 and D22) of saline placebo or CoV2‐PreS‐dTM formulated with AS03 or AF03 were included. Cytokine secretion was assessed using a TruCulture® whole‐blood stimulation system in combination with multiplex bead array, and intracellular cytokine profiles were evaluated on thawed PBMCs following ex vivo stimulation with recombinant S protein at pre‐vaccination (D1), post‐dose 1 (D22) and post‐dose 2 (D36).ResultsBoth methods detected similar vaccine‐induced responses after the first and second doses. We observed a Th1 bias (Th1/Th2 ratio > 1.0) for most treatment groups when analysed in whole blood, mainly characterised by increased IFN‐γ, IL‐2 and TNF‐α secretion. Among participants aged ≥ 50 years, the Th1/Th2 ratio was higher for those who received vaccine candidate with AS03 versus AF03 adjuvant. ICS revealed that this higher Th1/Th2 ratio resulted from higher levels of IFN‐γ expression and that the vaccine induced polyfunctional CD4+ T cells.ConclusionsThe whole‐blood cytokine secretion assay is a high‐throughput alternative for assessing the quantity and character of vaccine‐induced cellular responses.
An efficient virtualized network function deployment scheme for service function chain using deep Q‐network
Authors: Wu Wei‐Cheng , Kao Shang‐Juh , Chang Fu‐Min 
Published: January 2022

SummaryVirtualized network functions (VNFs) are virtualized network services running on the network functions virtualization infrastructure in order to replace physical hardware. Integrating with software defined networking and network functions virtualization, internet service providers (ISPs) can chain VNFs together, called service function chain (SFC), to provide various network service demands with virtual links. Many studies have proposed for the VNFs deployment under different objectives, for example, energy, delay, quality of service (QoS), and quality of experience (QoE). From the aspects of both ISPs and customers, both energy consumption and QoE are the primary concerns for the purpose of operating expense reduction and users' satisfaction. This paper proposes a QoS/QoE/energy‐aware deep Q‐network (DQN)‐based scheme, called DQN‐QQE for VNFs deployment under the consideration of both energy consumption and QoE requirement with QoS constraints. The reward of the proposed scheme is formulated by the Weber‐Fechner law and the exponential interdependency of QoE and QoS (IQX) hypothesis. Afterwards, we compared the proposed DQN‐QQE to the QoS/QoE‐aware approach DQN‐Q2‐SFC, brute force, and randomness in terms of energy, QoE, error rate, and processing time. The simulation results revealed that DQN‐QQE is more stable and is better than DQN‐Q2‐SFC and randomness approach in terms of energy, QoE, and error rate. The average processing time and energy consumption of the proposed DQN‐QQE was 43% and 11% less than DQN‐Q2‐SFC, respectively. Although brute force approach is better than others in terms of energy, QoE, and error rate, the processing time of brute force approach is nearly 20 times larger than the proposed DQN‐QQE.
Leveraging community science data for population assessments during a pandemic
Authors: Howell Paige E. , Devers Patrick K. , Robinson Orin J. , Royle J. Andrew 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic has disrupted field research programs, making conservation and management decision‐making more challenging. However, it may be possible to conduct population assessments using integrated models that combine community science data with existing data from structured surveys. We developed a space–time integrated model to characterize spatial and temporal variability in population distribution. We fit our integrated model to 10 years of eBird (2010–2020) and 9 years of aerial survey (2010–2019) Mottled Duck count data to forecast 2020 population size along the western Gulf Coast of Texas and Louisiana. Estimates of Mottled Duck abundance were similar in magnitude to estimates calculated using previous methods but were more precise and showed evidence of a declining population. The spatial distribution for Mottled Ducks each year was characterized by several concentrations of relatively high abundance, although the location of these abundance “hotspots” varied over time. Expected abundance was higher for areas with a higher proportion of area covered by marsh habitat. By leveraging large‐scale community science data, we were able to conduct a population assessment despite the disruption in structured surveys caused by the pandemic. As participation in community science platforms continues to increase, we anticipate modeling frameworks, like the integrated model we developed here, will become increasingly useful for informing conservation and management decision‐making.
Rodent‐mediated plant seed dispersal: What happens to the seeds after entering the gaps with different sizes?
Authors: Yu Fei , Li Guangjie , Wei Shanshan , Yi Xianfeng , Ma Jianmin , Ma Keming , Chen Guangwen 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIn general, it is accepted that gap formation significantly affects the placement of scatter‐hoarded seeds by small rodents, but the effects of different forest gap sizes on the seed‐eating and scatter‐hoarding behaviors of small rodents remain unclear. Thus, we examined the effects of a closed‐canopy forest, forest edge, and gaps with different sizes on the spatial dispersal of Quercus variabilis acorns and cache placement by small rodents using coded plastic tags in the Taihang Mountains, China. The seeds were removed rapidly, and there were significant differences in the seed‐eating and caching strategies between the stand types. We found that Q. variabilis acorns were usually eaten after being removed from the closed‐canopy forest and forest edges. By contrast, the Q. variabilis acorns in the forest gap stands were more likely to be scatter‐hoarded. The dispersal distances of Q. variabilis acorns were significantly longer in the forest gap plots compared with the closed canopy and forest edge plots. However, the proportion of scatter‐hoarded seeds did not increase significantly as the gap size increased. In small‐scale oak reforestation projects or research, creating small gaps to promote rodent‐mediated seed dispersal may effectively accelerate forest recovery and successional processes.
Potential risk zone for anthropogenic mortality of carnivores in Gandaki Province, Nepal
Authors: Adhikari Binaya , Baral Kedar , Bhandari Shivish , Szydlowski Michelle , Kunwar Ripu M. , Panthi Saroj , Neupane Bijaya , Koirala Raj Kumar 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAnthropogenic pressures in human‐dominated landscapes often contribute to wildlife mortality. Carnivores are especially vulnerable to human‐induced mortality due to the perceived threat to livestock and humans. Despite having widespread conservation implications, carnivore mortality data have been largely underutilized within Nepal. This study utilized Maxent to identify high‐risk areas and explore the contribution of habitat attributes associated with carnivore mortality using the casualty database within the Gandaki province of central Nepal. We categorized the risk to carnivore species in three taxonomic groups, Felid, Viverridae, and Herpestidae, and identified a 3704‐km2 area within the province at high risk for carnivore casualty. The middle mountains were the riskiest physiographic zone, and the Annapurna Conservation Area represented the largest risk zone among the four protected areas. Agricultural land was the most problematic area in terms of carnivore casualty. The human population was positively associated with high‐risk areas and the number of casualties, whereas protected area cover had a negative association. This study identified that the common leopard was at the highest risk of mortality and therefore would benefit from the implementation of an action plan and species‐specific conservation strategies, especially within identified high‐risk zones. An expansion of protected areas in the middle mountain region would serve to greatly reduce carnivore casualty. Species distribution modeling can be further used with national‐level spatial and temporal mortality data to identify the most prominent casualty times and pinpoint potential casualty locations throughout the country.
Tree identity and diversity directly affect soil moisture and temperature but not soil carbon ten years after planting
Authors: Martin‐Guay Marc‐Olivier , Belluau Michaël , Côté Benoit , Handa Ira Tanya , Jewell Mark D. , Khlifa Rim , Munson Alison D. , Rivest Maxime , Whalen Joann K. , Rivest David 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Soil C is the largest C pool in forest ecosystems that contributes to C sequestration and mitigates climate change. Tree diversity enhances forest productivity, so diversifying the tree species composition, notably in managed forests, could increase the quantity of organic matter being transferred to soils and alter other soil properties relevant to the C cycle.

A ten‐year‐old tree diversity experiment was used to study the effects of tree identity and diversity (functional and taxonomic) on soils. Surface (0–10 cm) mineral soil was repeatedly measured for soil C concentration, C:N ratio, pH, moisture, and temperature in twenty‐four tree species mixtures and twelve corresponding monocultures (replicated in four blocks).

Soil pH, moisture, and temperature responded to tree diversity and identity. Greater productivity in above‐ and below‐ground tree components did not increase soil C concentration. Soil pH increased and soil moisture decreased with functional diversity, more specifically, when species had different growth strategies and shade tolerances. Functional identity affected soil moisture and temperature, such that tree communities with more slow‐growing and shade‐tolerant species had greater soil moisture and temperature. Higher temperature was measured in communities with broadleaf‐deciduous species compared to communities with coniferous‐evergreen species.

We conclude that long‐term soil C cycling in forest plantations will likely respond to changes in soil pH, moisture, and temperature that is mediated by tree species composition, since tree species affect these soil properties through their litter quality, water uptake, and physical control of soil microclimates.