bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neoadjuvant therapy for HER2-positive breast cancer
Authors: Jokanović Dragana , Popović Slađana , Čančar Olivera
Published: January 2020

The human epidermal growth receptor 2 (HER2, c-erb-B2) is present in 15-20% of breast cancer at the time of diagnosis. Overexpression of HER2 receptor is associated with more aggressive form of breast cancer. Trastuzumab is a human monoclonal antibody that blocks the signaling pathways of cell proliferation by binding to the HER2 receptor. Due to the possible occurrence of resistance to trastuzumab (binds to the subdomain of II HER2 receptor and thus achieves the ligand-independent inhibition of cell proliferation), another monoclonal antibody pertuzumab was produces in the course of time (binds to the subdomain of IV HER2 receptor and thus achieves the ligand-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation), forming the basis of dual HER2 receptor blockade. Numerous studies have shown the benefits of administering trastuzumab and pertuzumab, initially in metastatic, and then in adjuvant and neoadjuvant regimens. Neoadjuvant (preoperative) therapy is given in inoperable tumors, in patients at high risk of poor outcomes (HER2-positive tumors, nodus positive tumors, inflammatory breast cancer, large tumors), as well as in additional risk factors - HR negative tumors where no beneficial effect is expected from the hormonal therapy in the adjuvant setting. Neoadjuvant therapy also provides an "in vivo" insight into the tumor response to neoadjuvant therapy. A pathological complete response (pCR) is an early parameter of the effectiveness of neoadjuvant therapy which also allows us to discover the sensitivity of the tumor in time and make a decision on adjuvant treatment. pCR has a predictive and prognostic value. Namely, the rate of pCR is associated with desease-free survival and overall survival. On the basis of the rate of pCR, numerous studies have shown that there are subgroups of HER2-positive breast cancer: subgroup of hormone receptor-negative tumors that have a higher response rate to the existing anti-HER2 therapy and HER2-positive breast carcer; the subgroup of hormone-dependent tumors in which an adequate pCR rate is not achieved by existing therapeutic options, which represents a new area of research and the possibility for finding new treatment strategies.
Prevalence of anemia among women of reproductive age in Republic of Srpska
Authors: Stojisavljević Dragana , Šiljak Slađana , Stanivuk Ljiljana , Niškanović Jelena , Kvaternik Marin
Published: January 2020

Introduction. Anemia is an important public health problem recognized worldwide either as an isolated problem or associated with other forms of malnutrition. In 2016, the prevalence of anemia in women of reproductive age was 32.0%, that is 613 millions of women, aged 15-49 years. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of anemia among women of reproductive age (>15≤49 years) in the Republic of Srpska as well as to determine the correlation between dietary habits and prevalence of anemia. Methods. The study was conducted as a cross-sectional study. The sample was designed as a two-stage stratified random sample, with census circles selected during the first stage and households in the second stage. The study included 1539 women, aged 15-49 years. For the assessment of dietary habits and basic socio-demographic characteristics of the sample, two specially created questionnaires were used. Photometer, HemoCue Hb 301/SET was used to determine the hemoglobin level from a capillary sample. Results. The prevalence of anemia among women in reproductive age in the Republic of Srpska was 11.8%, classifying the Republic of Srpska into countries with low prevalence. There was a statistically significant difference in prevalence of anemia among women (p< 0.001), aged 36-49 years, and within Doboj and East Sarajevo Region (p = 0.002). Analyzing dietary habits, with special emphasis on intake of heme and non-heme iron foods, a statistically significant difference was found in intake of heme iron foods (p=0.009) among the women without anemia. There was a weak but statistically significant correlation between intake of iron supplement and absence of anemia (r = -0.064, p = 0.013). Conclusion. The Republic of Srpska falls into the category of countries with low anemia prevalence but it is necessary to continue with the activities the aim of which should be dietary habit improvement among all population groups, with the special emphasis on intake of heme iron foods.
Carcinoma of middle ear
Authors: Đerić Dragoslava
Published: January 2020

Carcinoma of the middle ear is a rare otologic disease. The development of malignancy is most commonly associated with chronic inflammation of the middle ear, although the mechanisms of this development have not been clarified yet. The symptoms of the carcinoma are not always specific and the cancer is frequently diagnosed in its advanced stage. Early evidence-based diagnosis implies a thorough evaluation and identification of cancer signs and symptoms. If ear discharge is followed by an intensive pain, bleeding from the ear, occurrence of peripheral facial nerve palsy, vertigo and hearing loss, the carcinoma is suspected, although similar clinical symptoms may be recognized in chronic otitis media as well. In addition, the characteristic signs and symptoms of carcinoma are also the following: changes in temporomandibular joint, parotid gland swelling, painless solitary mastoid swelling, neurological disorders, sudden occurrence of polyps and granulation tissue (recurrent polyps and granulation tissues after the removal), signs and symptoms of otogenic complications, as well as generalized weakness, weight loss and other biological disturbances. The diagnostic approach may include generally accepted recommendations and treatment protocols.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging of kidneys
Authors: Ristić Siniša
Published: January 2020

Tendency of modern diagnostic visualization development in biomedicine is focused on the integration of detection and quantification of molecular, functional and morphological events in the biological systems. The increasing number of patients with chronic kidney disease stimulated the development of new diagnostic methods. The development of magnetic resonance technology encouraged the use of functional magnetic resonance imaging of kidneys in both scientific research and clinical practice. The paper presents the basic characteristics of the functional magnetic resonance imagining and the possibilities for its use in the examination of kidney functions.
Causes, classification, diagnostics and treatment of hydrocephalus
Authors: Saratlić Vjeran , Ivanišević Vesna
Published: January 2020

Hydrocephalus is a hydrodynamic disorder of the cerebrospinal cortex causing an enlargement of the ventricular system and increased pressure around the brain. Hydrocephalus can be divided into congenital and acquired, and, based on occurrence mechanism, into communicative (non-obstructive) and non-communicative (obstructive which can be congenital and acquired). There is also normal-pressure hydrocephalus, hydrocephalus ex vacuo, and external hydrocephalus in newborns. In newborns and infants, the main diagnosis method is the head ultrasound, through fontanels. After fontanel closure, diagnosis is established by means of magnetic resonance imaging (MR) and computed tomography (CT). Significant domination of obstructive hydrocephalus over the other types of it has been established in a sample of patients with hydrocephalus treated at Department of Neurosurgery of the Clinical Center of Banja Luka in a two-year period.
Cytomegalovirus protein m154 perturbs the adaptor protein-1 compartment mediating broad-spectrum immune evasion
Authors: Strazic Geljic Ivana , Kucan Brlic Paola , Angulo Guillem , Brizic Ilija , Lisnic Berislav , Jenus Tina , Juranic Lisnic Vanda , Pietri Gian Pietro , Engel Pablo , Kaynan Noa , Zeleznjak Jelena , Schu Peter , Mandelboim Ofer , Krmpotic Astrid , Angulo Ana , Jonjic Stipan , Lenac Rovis Tihana
Published: January 2020

Cytomegaloviruses (CMVs) are ubiquitous pathogens known to employ numerous immunoevasive strategies that significantly impair the ability of the immune system to eliminate the infected cells. Here, we report that the single mouse CMV (MCMV) protein, m154, downregulates multiple surface molecules involved in the activation and costimulation of the immune cells. We demonstrate that m154 uses its cytoplasmic tail motif, DD, to interfere with the adaptor protein-1 (AP-1) complex, implicated in intracellular protein sorting and packaging. As a consequence of the perturbed AP-1 sorting, m154 promotes lysosomal degradation of several proteins involved in T cell costimulation, thus impairing virus-specific CD8+ T cell response and virus control in vivo. Additionally, we show that HCMV infection similarly interferes with the AP-1 complex. Altogether, we identify the robust mechanism employed by single viral immunomodulatory protein targeting a broad spectrum of cell surface molecules involved in the antiviral immune response.
Structure and pigment make the eyed elater’s eyespots black
Authors: Wong Victoria L. , Marek Paul E.
Published: January 2020

Surface structures that trap light leading to near complete structural absorption creates an appearance of “super black.” Well known in the natural world from bird feathers and butterfly scales, super black has evolved independently from various anatomical structures. Due to an exceptional ability to reduce specular reflection, these biological materials have garnered interest from optical industries. Here we describe the false eyes of the eyed elater click beetle, which, while not classified as super black, still attains near complete absorption of light partly due to an array of vertically-aligned microtubules. These cone-shaped microtubules are modified hairs (setae) that are localized to eyespots on the dorsum of the beetle, and absorb 96.1% of incident light (at a 24.8° collection angle) in the spectrum between 300–700 nm. Filled with melanin, the setae combine structure and pigment to generate multiple reflections and refractions causing light to travel a greater distance. This light-capturing architecture leaves little light available to receivers and the false eyes appear as deep black making them appear more conspicuous to predators.
Risk-sensitive foraging does not explain condition-dependent choices in settling reef fish larvae
Authors: Bogdan Emma E. , Dingeldein Andrea L. , Bertrand Deirdre , White Will
Published: January 2020

The transition from the planktonic larval to the benthic adult stage in reef fishes is perilous, and involves decisions about habitat selection and group membership. These decisions are consequential because they are essentially permanent (many fish rarely leave their initial settlement habitat, at least for the first several days or weeks). In one common Caribbean reef fish, the bluehead wrasse (Thalassoma bifasciatum), settling larvae either join groups or remain solitary. Grouped fish have lower mortality rates but slightly slower growth rates, and fish that are smaller at the time of settlement are less likely to join groups. We hypothesized that the decision of smaller (i.e., lower condition) fish to remain solitary could be explained by risk-sensitive foraging: with less competition, solitary fish may have higher variance in foraging success, so that there is a chance of a high payoff (outweighing the increased mortality risk) despite the lack of a large difference in the average outcome. We tested this by comparing the mean, standard deviation, and maximum number of (a) prey items in stomach contents and (b) post-settlement growth rates (from otolith measurements) of solitary and grouped fish during two settlement pulses on St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. However, we did not find evidence to support our hypothesis, nor any evidence to support the earlier finding that fish in groups have lower average growth rates. Thus we must consider alternative explanations for the tendency of smaller fish to remain solitary, such as the likely costs of searching for and joining groups at the time of settlement. This study reinforces the value of larval and juvenile fish as a testbed for behavioral decisionmaking, because their recent growth history is recorded in their otoliths.
Response of total phenols, flavonoids, minerals, and amino acids of four edible fern species to four shading treatments
Authors: Wang Yanlin , Gao Shanshan , He Xingyuan , Li Yan , Zhang Yue , Chen Wei
Published: January 2020

Total phenols, flavonoids, minerals and amino acids content were investigated in leaves of four fern species grown under four shading treatments with different sunlight transmittance in 35% full sunlight (FS), 13% FS, 8% FS and 4% FS. The leaves of four fern species contain high levels of total phenols and flavonoids, abundant minerals and amino acids, and these all were strongly affected by transmittance. Total phenols and flavonoids content were significantly positively correlated with transmittance, while minerals and total amino acids content were significantly negatively correlated with transmittance, a finding that supports research into how higher light intensity can stimulate the synthesis of phenols and flavonoids, and proper shading can stimulate the accumulation of minerals and amino acids. Matteuccia struthiopteris (L.) Todaro (MS) had the highest total phenols content, Athyrium multidentatum (Doll.) Ching (AM) showed the highest total amino acids, total essential amino acids content, Osmunda cinnamomea (L) var. asiatica Fernald (OCA) exhibited the highest total non-essential amino acids and flavonoids content. Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn var. latiusculum (Desy.) Underw. ex Heller (PAL) exhibited the highest minerals content. This research can provide a scientific basis for the cultivation and management of those four fern species.
Хламидиозы животных и человека
Authors: Федорова В.А. , Ляпина А.М. , Хижнякова М.А. , Зайцев С.С. , Салтыков Ю.В. , Субботина И.А. , Филонова Н.Н. , Колосова А.А. , Ларионова О.С , Ульянова О.В. , Грашкина И.Г. , Ульянов С.С. , Мотин В.Л.
Published: January 2020

В книге обобщаются современные достижения в области биологии хламидий, способных вызывать острые и хронические хламидийные инфекции животных и человека. Кратко изложена история исследований хламидиоза, рассматриваются молекулярная биология возбудителей, клинические формы заболевания, лабораторная диагностика, иммунология и профилактика. Для вирусологов, микробиологов, иммунологов и практикующих врачей.
Comparative effect of high energy electron beam and 137Cs gamma ray on survival, growth and chlorophyll content in curcuma hybrid ‘Laddawan’ and determine proper dose for mutations breeding
Authors: Katarut Chusreeaeom Chutiphorn Tosri, , Natnichaphu Sukin Mayuree Limtiyayotin, , Jompuk Peeranuch
Published: January 2020

Curcuma alismatifolia is an ornamental plant with a beautiful flower in the curcuma genus, which is popular in Thailand and other countries. C. alismatifolia has been improved as the market needs. This research aimed to induce mutations and to study the effects of electron beam and gamma ray on tissue culture of the Curcuma hybrid ‘Laddawan.’ Eight-weeks-old plantlets were irradiated by gamma ray with a Mark I irradiator at the dose rate of 3.74 Gy/min, at the Nuclear Technology Research Center, Kasetsart University. For the electron beam irradiation, samples were exposed to  a high-energy electron beam. The lowest power of this machine is 10 MeV and the lowest radiation dose per cycle is 50 Gy (240 Gy/min). The comparison between the effects of gamma ray and electron beam irradiation at doses of 0, 50, 100 and 200 Gy showed that survival percentage, growth percentage, and chlorophyll content were significantly decreased (P<0.05) when radiation dose increased. The survival percentage, growth percentage and chlorophyll content of gamma-irradiated samples were higher than the electron beam-irradiated samples in the same dose. The results indicated the optimum dose range for gamma irradiation of Curcuma hybrid ‘Laddawan’ in tissue culture is 30 – 60 Gy and for electron beams the dose should be less than 50 Gy.  New characteristics (variegated leaves and light green leaves) were found in M1V2.
Coffee straw mineralization applied to the soil surface
Authors: Haddade, H.T. Barth, G.H.S. Vieira I.R. Bosa, P.A.V. Lo Monaco, I.R. , Meneghelli C.M. , Berilli S. da Silva
Published: January 2020

The potential use of coffee straw (composed of outer skin, pulp and parchment) as fertilizer for agricultural crops implies the need to know the dynamics of their decomposition and release of the nutrients. This is to assist the farmers in the management of these residues, especially in the best time of its application in the soil. The aim of this work was to evaluate the dynamics of organic carbon and organic nitrogen during the coffee straw mineralization process, when applied superficially to a Dystrophic Red-Yellow Latosol (LVAd). The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with ten treatments, related to different post-disposal periods to the soil (0, 7, 13, 20, 27, 34, 48, 69, 98, 147 days) and four replications. Soil samples were collected to quantify the easily oxidized organic carbon (OCeo) and organic nitrogen (ON) contents and their respective mineralized fractions. The evaluation of OCeo mineralization, being more stable and less sensitive to climatic variations, is the most appropriate parameter to estimate the mineralized fraction of the residue. The application of coffee straw in a LVAd during the month of August provides, after 147 days, mineralized fractions of OCeo and ON around 88% and 36%, respectively, in the climatic conditions of the mountain region of Espírito Santo state, Brazil.
Impact of fermented whey addition on resulting sensory characteristics and consumer preference of ripened cheeses
Authors: Ramos-Gabriel Saris Ulises , Corredor José Andrés Herrera- , Alvarado José Guadalupe Gamboa- , Rivera Emmanuel de Jesús Ramírez-
Published: January 2020

The objective of this research was to evaluate the impact of fermented whey on the sensory characteristics of ripened cheeses and consumer preference. Ripened cheeses from 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28 months were characterized. The sensory techniques used were: Quantitative Descriptive Analysis®, Temporal Dominance of Sensations and External Preference Mapping. The results showed that the ripened cheeses of 24 to 27 months they were characterized by white color, acidified milk smell, fat aroma and acidified cream smell. The cheese of 28 months of ripened was perceived as fermented milk smell, cow smell and fat smell. The dominant attributes were fat aroma, bitter aftertaste, acid aftertaste and salty. Consumers preferred cheeses from 26 and 27 months of ripening. These results demonstrate the potential use of fermented whey as an alternative to produce ripened cheeses with sensory characteristics and their relation to consumer preference.
Biochar and Fulvic Acid to Activate Soil Fertility for Achieving Agro-ecology Benefits in a Newly Reclaimed Coastal Wetland of China
Authors: Yang, Rongjiang Yao Yunpeng Sun, Jinsong , Chen Xiaobing
Published: January 2020

Reclamation of coastal tidal flat lands for obtaining more lands has lasting for many years in China. More attention should be paid on soil and water pollution for protecting coastal ecosystem during the period of saline soil amelioration. A field experiment was conducted for two years in eastern China to investigate the effects of different rates of biochar (BC) (at 0, 7.5, and 30 t ha-1) and/or fulvic acid (FA) (at 0, 0.075 t ha-1) with/without nitrogen (N) fertilizer on the soil physical, chemical, and nutritional properties, as well as crop yield, with a maize-barley rotation. Results showed that N application caused soil compaction, and BC+FA treatments decreased soil bulk density (ranging from 1.22 to 1.28 g cm3) and improved water retention under the condition. Extreme precipitation accelerated soil de-salinization during the crop cultivation (soil EC decreased to the low value ranging from 127 to 141 μS cm-1, after maize harveseted). N addition improved grain yield of maize (increased by 105% under BC30+FA+N, compared with the CK treatment), but there was no significant difference between the N and no-N added treatments. However, the grain yield and straw weight of barley in with-N treatments were twice as much as those of the no-N treatments. The soil nutrion contents (total nitrogen and phosphorus content) after maize and barley crops were higher, under no-N treatments compared to the with-N treatments. A lower pH (8,78) and higher Ca2+ + Mg2+ content (0.24 ~ 0.26 g kg-1) existed in BC30+FA treated plots after maize and barley crops. Replacement of nitrogen fertilizer by BC and FA in the coastal saline soil was feasible in a short time. Therefore, nitrogen fertilizer usage should be regulated for protecting the coastal ecology system, and also achieving agricultural benefits.
Spectroscopic and molecular modeling investigations on heat induced behaviour of soy proteins
Authors: Dumitrașcu Loredana , Stănciuc Nicoleta , Grigore-Gurgu Leontina , Aprodu Iuliana
Published: January 2020

Soy protein derivatives are widely used in food industry. Because structural properties of proteins vary with the environment conditions, thermal processing might be useful for modulating proteins functionality. The effect of thermal treatment at temperatures ranging from 25 to 100°C on soy proteins behaviour was tested using fluorescence spectroscopy and in silico techniques. Experimental tests were carried out at pH 4.5 and 7.0. Intrinsic fluorescence of proteins was monitored for probing the dynamics of Trp and Tyr microenvironments, such as to estimate the eventual conformation changes. Shifts of the maximum emission were recorded with pH change and temperature increase, and were associated to proteins structure alteration. Synchronous spectra indicated maximum and minimum fluorescence intensity of both chromophores at 70°C and 90°C, respectively, attributed to denaturation of the main soy proteins. Further molecular dynamics simulations, performed at single molecule level to complement the experimental results, indicated higher structural stability at 100oC of glycinin trimer compared to the β-conglycinin trimer.
Textural and sensory characteristics of oven baked and steamed bread
Authors: Raheem Dele , Liu Aiping , Li Cheng
Published: January 2020

The consumption of bread as a staple food is global and it is one of the oldest food for humans. However, the processing methods and the acceptability of bread products differs from region to region based on culture. In this study, we aim to understand how different processing methods can influence the texture and sensory characteristics of the final bread products. Resilience and firmness of oven baked and steamed bread were determined by Texture Profile Analysis (TPA). The results shows higher resilience and lower firmness in steamed bread. In addition, we investigated the supplementation of banana milk juice on bread. The results showed that more banana milk juice in bread could lead to lower resilience but more firmness in both oven and steamed bread. The effect of storage temperature at room temperature, +4 °C and -20 °C over time on the resilience and firmness of both bread were also investigated. Both firmness and resilience increased over time in both oven baked and steamed bread.
In vitro evaluation of residues of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) aqueous extracts, against the fungus Penicillium italicum
Authors: Rivera H.J. Cortés- , Blancas-Benitez Francisco Javier , Carmen Romero-Islas Luz del , Gutiérrez-Martinez Porfirio , González-Estrada Ramsés Ramón
Published: January 2020

Penicillium italicum is an important pathogen that attacks citrus fruits. Traditionally, chemical fungicides are widely used for controlling fruit diseases, however environmental and health issues have lead to the research of safe alternatives. The efficacy of aqueous extracts from mesocarp (fibrous husk) and exocarp (outer layer) of coconut were evaluated against P. italicum development in terms of mycelial growth, sporulation and germination process. Mesocarp extracts were more efficient to control the mycelial development (82%) compared to exocarp extracts (77%). The sporulation was significantly reduced with the application of extracts from mesocarp (94%) and exocarp (93%) compared to the control treatments. The germination process was strongly affected by the application extracts. Thus, the use of these extracts could be a suitable alternative to inhibit P. italicum in citrus fruit, besides the use of these residues as a source of antifungal compounds could reduce coconut residues accumulation in the environment.
The characteristic of functional fermented caprine milk
Authors: Biadała Agata , Pikul Jan , Rudzińska Magdalena , Majcher Małgorzata , Lasik-Kurdyś Małgorzata , Szablewski Tomasz , Cegielska-Radziejewska Renata
Published: January 2020

The aim of this study was to characterize functional fermented caprine milk. Functional properties of fermented milks was an effect of increasing the level of whey proteins, MUFA and PUFA content in final product  Milk used for experiments was obtained from  experimental station belonging to Poznań University of Life Sciences. Feeding strategy was included modification by adding 12% of Camelina sativa cake. The fermentation process was done by using Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus spp., and kefir grain microflora. The quality properties which were considered was metabolic activity, monosaccharide, disaccharide, lactic acid and ethanol content, aroma and fat profile. It was noted that increasing the content of functional components in processed milk caused changes in lactose, MUFA, PUFA and volatile acids content in final product.
Does genome surveillance explain the global discrepancy between binding and effect of chromatin factors?
Authors: Singh Arashdeep , Choudhuri Poulami , Chandradoss Keerthivasan Raanin , Lal Mohan , Mishra Shravan Kumar , Sandhu Kuljeet Singh
Published: January 2020

Knocking out a chromatin factor often does not alter the transcription of its binding targets. What explains the observed disconnect between binding and effect? We hypothesize that this discrepancy could be associated with the role of chromatin factors in maintaining genetic and epigenetic integrity at promoters, and not necessarily with transcription. Through re‐analysis of published datasets, we present several lines of evidence that support our hypothesis and deflate the popular assumptions. We also tested the hypothesis through mutation accumulation assays on yeast knockouts of chromatin factors. Altogether, the proposed hypothesis presents a simple explanation for the global discord between chromatin factor binding and effect. Future work in this direction might fortify the hypothesis and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
Relapsing–remitting clinical course expands the phenotype of Aicardi–Goutières syndrome
Authors: Lambe Jeffrey , Murphy Olwen C. , Mu Weiyi , Sondergaard Schatz Krista , Barañano Kristin W. , Venkatesan Arun
Published: January 2020

Aicardi–Goutières syndrome (AGS) is a rare and likely underdiagnosed genetic leukoencephalopathy, typically presenting in infancy with encephalopathy and characteristic neuroimaging features, with residual static neurological deficits. We describe a patient who, following an initial presentation at the age of 12 months in keeping with AGS, exhibited a highly atypical relapsing course of neurological symptoms in adulthood with essentially normal neuroimaging. Whole‐exome sequencing confirmed a pathogenicRNASEH2Bgene variant consistent with AGS. This case highlights the expanding phenotypes associated with AGS and the potential role of whole‐exome sequencing in facilitating an increase in the rate of diagnosis.
Microfabrication Using Shape‐Transforming Soft Materials
Authors: Apsite Indra , Biswas Arpan , Li Yuqi , Ionov Leonid
Published: January 2020

The fabrication of hollow and multicomponent micro‐objects with complex inner structures using state‐of‐the‐art subtractive, formative, and additive manufacturing technologies is challenging. Controlled shape transformation offers a very elegant solution to this challenge. While shape transformations on macroscale can be achieved using either manual or automatic manipulation, shape transformations on microscale can better be realized using shape‐changing polymers such as hydrogels, shape‐memory polymers, liquid crystalline elastomers, and others. This review discusses the properties of different classes of shape‐changing materials, the principle of shape transformation, possibilities to achieve complex shape transformation, as well as applications of shape‐changing materials in microfabrication and other fields.
Defect Engineering on Electrode Materials for Rechargeable Batteries
Authors: Zhang Yiqiong , Tao Li , Xie Chao , Wang Dongdong , Zou Yuqin , Chen Ru , Wang Yanyong , Jia Chuankun , Wang Shuangyin
Published: January 2020

The reasonable design of electrode materials for rechargeable batteries plays an important role in promoting the development of renewable energy technology. With the in‐depth understanding of the mechanisms underlying electrode reactions and the rapid development of advanced technology, the performance of batteries has significantly been optimized through the introduction of defect engineering on electrode materials. A large number of coordination unsaturated sites can be exposed by defect construction in electrode materials, which play a crucial role in electrochemical reactions. Herein, recent advances regarding defect engineering in electrode materials for rechargeable batteries are systematically summarized, with a special focus on the application of metal‐ion batteries, lithium–sulfur batteries, and metal–air batteries. The defects can not only effectively promote ion diffusion and charge transfer but also provide more storage/adsorption/active sites for guest ions and intermediate species, thus improving the performance of batteries. Moreover, the existing challenges and future development prospects are forecast, and the electrode materials are further optimized through defect engineering to promote the development of the battery industry.
Single‐Atom Catalysts in Catalytic Biomedicine
Authors: Xiang Huijing , Feng Wei , Chen Yu
Published: January 2020

The intrinsic deficiencies of nanoparticle‐initiated catalysis for biomedical applications promote the fast development of alternative versatile theranostic modalities. The catalytic performance and selectivity are the critical issues that are challenging to be augmented and optimized in biological conditions. Single‐atom catalysts (SACs) featuring atomically dispersed single metal atoms have emerged as one of the most explored catalysts in biomedicine recently due to their preeminent catalytic activity and superior selectivity distinct from their nanosized counterparts. Herein, an overview of the pivotal significance of SACs and some underlying critical issues that need to be addressed is provided, with a specific focus on their versatile biomedical applications. Their fabrication strategies, surface engineering, and structural characterizations are discussed briefly. In particular, the catalytic performance of SACs in triggering some representative catalytic reactions for providing the fundamentals of biomedical use is discussed. A sequence of representative paradigms is summarized on the successful construction of SACs for varied biomedical applications (e.g., cancer treatment, wound disinfection, biosensing, and oxidative‐stress cytoprotection) with an emphasis on uncovering the intrinsic catalytic mechanisms and understanding the underlying structure–performance relationships. Finally, opportunities and challenges faced in the future development of SACs‐triggered catalysis for biomedical use are discussed and outlooked.
Pros and Cons: Supramolecular or Macromolecular: What Is Best for Functional Hydrogels with Advanced Properties?
Authors: Eelkema Rienk , Pich Andrij
Published: January 2020

Hydrogels are fascinating soft materials with unique properties. Many biological systems are based on hydrogel‐like structures, underlining their versatility and relevance. The properties of hydrogels strongly depend on the structure of the building blocks they are composed of, as well as the nature of interactions between them in the network structure. Herein, gel networks made by supramolecular interactions are compared to covalent macromolecular networks, drawing conclusions about their performance and application as responsive materials.
Highly Efficient Green‐to‐Yellowish‐Orange Emitting Eu2+‐Doped Pyrophosphate Phosphors with Superior Thermal Quenching Resistance for w‐LEDs
Authors: Wei Yi , Gao Zhiyu , Liu Siwei , Chen Shuoting , Xing Gongcheng , Wang Wei , Dang Peipei , Al Kheraif Abdulaziz A. , Li Guogang , Lin Jun
Published: January 2020

Highly efficient green/yellowish‐orange phosphors with low thermal quenching behavior are urgently required to improve the luminescence efficiency, color stability, and color rendering of phosphor‐converted white light emitting diodes (w‐LEDs). Herein, a novel green Cs2BaP2O7:0.01Eu2+ phosphor with high luminescence efficiency (82.7%) and thermal quenching behavior (92.5% at 423 K) is reported. Besides, a further luminescence improvement in the quantum yield (98.9%) and thermal quenching resistance (120% at 448 K) is successfully achieved in green/yellowish‐orange color‐tunable Cs2MP2O7:0.01Eu2+ (M = Ba, Sr, and Ca) phosphors. Surprisingly, these green/yellowish‐orange Cs2MP2O7:0.01Eu2+ (M = Ba, Sr, and Ca) phosphors even have a prior advantage over the commercial green β‐SiAlON:Eu2+ and yellow YAG:Ce3+ phosphors. The corresponding spectral adjustment and thermal stability mechanisms are revealed, related to the optimization of local lattice symmetry. The prototype w‐LEDs exhibit warm white light with CIE color coordinate at (0.337, 0.322). The color rendering index, corrected color temperature, and luminescence efficiency can reach 92.6, 4044 K, and 152.56 lm W−1, respectively. In general, the as‐reported green/yellowish‐orange Eu2+‐doped pyrophosphate phosphors are promising candidates in the future high‐quality w‐LEDs applications. The proposal of local lattice symmetry modulation can provide a new approach to exploit novel phosphors with excellent thermal quenching resistance.
The Rise of Textured Perovskite Morphology: Revolutionizing the Pathway toward High‐Performance Optoelectronic Devices
Authors: Zhong Jun‐Xing , Wu Wu‐Qiang , Liao Jin‐Feng , Feng Wenhuai , Jiang Yong , Wang Lianzhou , Kuang Dai‐Bin
Published: January 2020

Halide perovskite materials have achieved overwhelming success in various optoelectronic applications, especially perovskite solar cells and perovskite‐based light‐emitting diodes (P‐LEDs), owing to their outstanding optical and electric properties. It is widely believed that flat and mirror‐like perovskite films are imperative for achieving high device performance, while the potential of other perovskite morphologies, such as the emerging textured perovskite, is overlooked, which leaves plenty of room for further breakthroughs. Compared to flat and mirror‐like perovskites, textured perovskites with unique structures, e.g., coral‐like, maze‐like, column‐like or quasi‐core@shell assemblies, are more efficient at light harvesting and charge extraction, thus revolutionizing the pathways toward ultrahigh performance in perovskite‐based optoelectronic devices. Employing a textured perovskite morphology, the record of external quantum efficiency for P‐LEDs is demonstrated as 21.6%. In this research news, recent progress in the utilization of textured perovskite is summarized, with the emphasis on the preparation strategies and prominent optoelectronic properties. The impact of the textured morphology on light harvesting, carrier dynamic management, and device performance is highlighted. Finally, the challenges and great potential of employing these innovative morphologies in fabricating more efficient optoelectronic devices, or creating a new energy harvesting and conversion regime are also provided.
Stable Nano‐Encapsulation of Lithium Through Seed‐Free Selective Deposition for High‐Performance Li Battery Anodes
Authors: Ye Weibin , Pei Fei , Lan Xiangna , Cheng Yong , Fang Xiaoliang , Zhang Qiaobao , Zheng Nanfeng , Peng Dong‐Liang , Wang Ming‐Sheng
Published: January 2020

Metallic lithium has long been deemed as the ultimate anode material for future high‐energy‐density Li batteries. However, the commercialization of Li metal anodes remains hindered by some major hurdles including their huge volume fluctuation during cycling, unstable solid electrolyte interface (SEI), and dendritic deposition. Herein, the concept of nano‐encapsulating electrode materials is attempted to tackle these problems. Nitrogen‐doped hollow porous carbon spheres (N‐HPCSs), prepared via a facile and low‐cost method, serve as the nanocapsules. Each N‐HPCS has a lithophilic carbon shell with a thin N‐rich denser layer on its inner surface, which enables preferential nucleation of Li inside the hollow sphere. It is demonstrated by in situ electron microscopy that these N‐HPCS hosts allow Li to be encapsulated in a highly reversible and repeatable manner. Ultralong Li filling/stripping cycling inside single N‐HPCSs is achieved, up to 50 cycles for the first time. Li ion transport across multiple connected N‐HPCSs, leading to long‐range Li deposition inside their cavities, is visualized. In comparison, other types of carbon spheres with modified shell structures fail in encapsulating Li and dendrite suppression. The necessity of the specific shell design is therefore confirmed for stable Li encapsulation, which is essential for the N‐HPCS‐based anodes to achieve superior cycling performance.
MACl‐Assisted Ge Doping of Pb‐Hybrid Perovskite: A Universal Route to Stabilize High Performance Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Kim Gyu Min , Ishii Ayumi , Öz Senol , Miyasaka Tsutomu
Published: January 2020

Interfacial engineering, grain boundary, and surface passivation in organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells (HyPSCs) are effective in achieving high performance and enhanced durability. Organic additives and inorganic doping are generally used to chemically modify the surface contacting charge transport layers, and/or grain boundaries so as to reduce the defect density. Here, a simple but tricky one‐step method to dope organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite with Ge for the first time is reported. Unlike Ge doping to all‐inorganic perovskites, application of GeI2 in organic–inorganic perovskite precursors is challenging due to the extremely poor solubility of GeI2 in hybrid perovskite ink, leading to failure in the formation of uniform films. However, it is found that addition of methylammonium chloride (MACl) into the precursor remarkably increases the solubility of GeI2. This MACl‐assisted Ge doping of hybrid perovskites produces high‐quality crystalline film with its surface passivated with nonvolatile GeI2 (GeO2) and the volatile MACl additive also improves the uniformity of GeO2 distribution in the perovskite films. The resulting Ge‐doped mixed cation and mixed halide perovskite films with composition FA0.83MA0.17Ge0.03Pb0.97(I0.9Br0.1)3 show superior photoluminescence lifetime, power conversion efficiency above 22%, and greater stability toward illumination and humidity, outperforming photovoltaic properties of HyPSCs prepared without the Ge doping.
When the Levee Breaks: Can Multi‐Pollutant Markets Break the Dam on Point–Nonpoint Market Participation?
Authors: Reeling Carson , Horan Richard D. , Garnache Cloé
Published: January 2020

High transaction costs and thin participation plague water quality trading and prevent markets from delivering expected efficiency gains. Little prior work explores the relationship between transactions costs and market performance. We develop a model of point–nonpoint trading that includes transactions costs. Point sources (PS) generate a single pollutant, whereas nonpoint sources (NPS) generate multiple, complementary pollutants. Trading occurs via bilateral negotiation: regulated PS must find and contract with unregulated NPS to obtain pollution offsets. Each PS bears search and contracting costs that depend on the number of potential trading partners. The NPS sector does not pay search costs but may incur some contracting costs. These costs may affect participation decisions. Transactions costs may generate strategic complementarities that lead to multiple equilibria, characterized by large or small levels of market participation. The equilibrium at which the market arrives depends on sources' expectations about others' participation. We explore the effect of different market structures on trading outcomes. Allowing NPS to participate in multiple, distinct markets for each pollutant they abate may have little effect on the basin of attraction for trading. In contrast, integrated markets—in which regulated polluters can meet their caps by holding permits generated from abatement of either pollutant—can reduce transactions costs for both sources. This generates a larger basin of attraction around the full‐participation equilibrium and thus may improve the efficiency of pollution trading.
Affecting an Ultra‐High Work Function of Silver
Authors: He Jin , Armstrong Jeff , Cong Peixi , Menagen Barak , Igaher Lior , Beale Andrew M. , Etgar Lioz , Avnir David
Published: January 2020

An ultra‐high increase in the WF of silver, from 4.26 to 7.42 eV, that is, an increase of up to circa 3.1 eV is reported. This is the highest WF increase on record for metals and is supported by recent computational studies which predict the potential ability to affect an increase of the WF of metals by more than 4 eV. We achieved the ultra‐high increase by a new approach: Rather than using the common method of 2D adsorption of polar molecules layers on the metal surface, WF modifying components, l‐cysteine and Zn(OH)2, were incorporated within the metal, resulting in a 3D architecture. Detailed material characterization by a large array of analytical methods was carried out, the combination of which points to a WF enhancement mechanism which is based on directly affecting the charge transfer ability of the metal separately by cysteine and hydrolyzed zinc(II), and synergistically by the combination of the two through the known Zn‐cysteine finger redox trap effect.
Liquid Crystal Networks on Thermoplastics: Reprogrammable Photo‐Responsive Actuators
Authors: Verpaalen Rob C. P. , Pilz da Cunha Marina , Engels Tom A. P. , Debije Michael G. , Schenning Albert P. H. J.
Published: January 2020

Arbitrary shape (re)programming is appealing for fabricating untethered shape‐morphing photo‐actuators with intricate configurations and features. We present re‐programmable light‐responsive thermoplastic actuators with arbitrary initial shapes through spray‐coating of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with an azobenzene‐doped light‐responsive liquid crystal network (LCN). The initial geometry of the actuator is controlled by thermally shaping and fixing the thermoplastic PET, allowing arbitrary shapes, including origami‐like folds and left‐ and right‐handed helicity within a single sample. The thermally fixed geometries can be reversibly actuated through light exposure, with fast, reversible area‐specific actuation such as winding, unwinding and unfolding. By shape re‐programming, the same sample can be re‐designed and light‐actuated again. The strategy presented here demonstrates easy fabrication of mechanically robust, recyclable, photo‐responsive actuators with highly tuneable geometries and actuation modes.
Atomic‐Scale Mapping of Impurities in Partially Reduced Hollow TiO2 Nanowires
Authors: Lim Joohyun , Kim Se‐Ho , Aymerich Armengol Raquel , Kasian Olga , Choi Pyuck‐Pa , Stephenson Leigh T. , Gault Baptiste , Scheu Christina
Published: January 2020

The incorporation of impurities during the chemical synthesis of nanomaterials is usually uncontrolled and rarely reported because of the formidable challenge in measuring trace amounts of often light elements with sub‐nanometer spatial resolution. And yet, these foreign elements (introduced by doping, for example) influence functional properties. We demonstrate how the hydrothermal growth and a partial reduction reaction on hollow TiO2 nanowires leads to the introduction of parts per millions of boron, sodium, and nitrogen. This doping explains the presence of oxygen vacancies and reduced Ti states at the surface, which enhance the functional properties of TiO2. Our results were obtained on model metal oxide nanomaterials and they shed light on a general process that leads to the uncontrolled incorporation of trace impurities in TiO2, thereby, having a strong effect on applications in energy‐harvesting.
Direct Observation of Dynamic Bond Evolution in Single‐Atom Pt/C3N4 Catalysts
Authors: Zhang Linwen , Long Ran , Zhang Yaoming , Duan Delong , Xiong Yujie , Zhang Yajun , Bi Yingpu
Published: January 2020

Single‐atom catalysts are promising platforms for heterogeneous catalysis, especially for clean energy conversion, storage, and utilization. Although great efforts have been made to examine the bonding and oxidation state of single‐atom catalysts before and/or after catalytic reactions, when information about dynamic evolution is not sufficient, the underlying mechanisms are often overlooked. Herein, we report the direct observation of the charge transfer and bond evolution of a single‐atom Pt/C3N4 catalyst in photocatalytic water splitting by synchronous illumination X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Specifically, under light excitation, we observed Pt−N bond cleavage to form a Pt0 species and the corresponding C=N bond reconstruction; these features could not be detected on the metallic platinum‐decorated C3N4 catalyst. As expected, H2 production activity (14.7 mmol h−1 g−1) was enhanced significantly with the single‐atom Pt/C3N4 catalyst as compared to metallic Pt‐C3N4 (0.74 mmol h−1 g−1).
A Strategy toward Cyclic Topologies Based on the Dynamic Behavior of a Bis(hindered amino)disulfide Linker
Authors: Tsurumi Nao , Takashima Rikito , Aoki Daisuke , Kuwata Shigeki , Otsuka Hideyuki
Published: January 2020

A simple and efficient method to generate macrocyclic structures has been developed based on the dynamic behavior of the linker bis(2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidin‐1‐yl)disulfide (BiTEMPS). The prime linear structure was transformed into a (macro)cycle using the following sequence: 1) thiol–ene reaction with a BiTEMPS derivative to afford the linear precursor, then 2) an entropy‐driven transformation induced by diluting and heating. The radicals generated from BiTEMPS upon heating are highly tolerant toward a variety of chemical species, including oxygen and olefins, but they exhibit high reactivity in exchange reactions, which can be applied to the topology transformation of various skeletons. The advantages of the present method, namely, its procedural simplicity and substrate versatility, are demonstrated by the gram‐scale synthesis of cyclic compounds with low and relatively high molecular weight.
A General Strategy to Enhance Donor‐Acceptor Molecules Using Solvent‐Excluding Substituents
Authors: Hoelzel Conner A. , Hu Hang , Wolstenholme Charles H. , Karim Basel A. , Munson Kyle T. , Jung Kwan Ho , Zhang Han , Liu Yu , Yennawar Hemant P. , Asbury John B. , Li Xiaosong , Zhang Xin
Published: January 2020

While organic donor‐acceptor (D‐A) molecules are widely employed in multiple areas, the application of more D‐A molecules could be limited because of an inherent polarity sensitivity that inhibits photochemical processes. Presented here is a facile chemical modification to attenuate solvent‐dependent mechanisms of excited‐state quenching through addition of a β‐carbonyl‐based polar substituent. The results reveal a mechanism wherein the β‐carbonyl substituent creates a structural buffer between the donor and the surrounding solvent. Through computational and experimental analyses, it is demonstrated that the β‐carbonyl simultaneously attenuates two distinct solvent‐dependent quenching mechanisms. Using the β‐carbonyl substituent, improvements in the photophysical properties of commonly used D‐A fluorophores and their enhanced performance in biological imaging are shown.