bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical Investigation of Dielectric Materials for Two‐Dimensional Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Teitz Liora , Caspary Toroker Maytal
Published: March 2019

Two‐dimensional dielectric materials that can inhibit electronic leakage are vital for developing next‐generation all‐2D electronic devices. However, few comprehensive studies of the atomistic nature of 2D insulating dielectrics currently exist. In this work, computational design strategies based on density functional theory and quantum dynamics simulations are used to assess the charge permeability through dielectric materials. Promising 2D dielectrics are considered, including monolayer SiC, hBN, and BeO, which possess promising properties and a honeycomb structure compatible with that of MoS2, currently the most commonly used channel material in all‐2D transistors. A useful protocol for discovering promising dielectrics is described. The atomic structures of the interfaces are determined and their stabilities are evaluated by studying the interface formation energies and the presence of stress/strain at the interfaces. The interface electronic structures are characterized by studying the band structures, band offsets, and charge transfer at the interface. These important quantities reveal that all three materials chosen are good dielectric materials, but SiC is the poorest among them, BeO has the best insulting properties as a monolayer and hBN prevents the most charge leakage at the interface. It is shown how this protocol can also consider the effects of external potentials and temperatures.
Halide Perovskites for Nonlinear Optics
Authors: Xu Jialiang , Li Xinyue , Xiong Jianbo , Yuan Chunqing , Semin Sergey , Rasing Theo , Bu Xian‐He
Published: March 2019

Halide perovskites provide an ideal platform for engineering highly promising semiconductor materials for a wide range of applications in optoelectronic devices, such as photovoltaics, light‐emitting diodes, photodetectors, and lasers. More recently, increasing research efforts have been directed toward the nonlinear optical properties of halide perovskites because of their unique chemical and electronic properties, which are of crucial importance for advancing their applications in next‐generation photonic devices. Here, the current state of the art in the field of nonlinear optics (NLO) in halide perovskite materials is reviewed. Halide perovskites are categorized into hybrid organic/inorganic and pure inorganic ones, and their second‐, third‐, and higher‐order NLO properties are summarized. The performance of halide perovskite materials in NLO devices such as upconversion lasers and ultrafast laser modulators is analyzed. Several potential perspectives and research directions of these promising materials for nonlinear optics are presented.
Highly Efficient, Stable, and Ductile Ternary Nonfullerene Organic Solar Cells from a Two‐Donor Polymer Blend
Authors: Hu Huawei , Ye Long , Ghasemi Masoud , Balar Nrup , Rech Jeromy James , Stuard Samuel J. , You Wei , O'Connor Brendan T. , Ade Harald
Published: March 2019

Organic solar cells (OSCs) are one of the most promising cost‐effective options for utilizing solar energy, and, while the field of OSCs has progressed rapidly in device performance in the past few years, the stability of nonfullerene OSCs has received less attention. Developing devices with both high performance and long‐term stability remains challenging, particularly if the material choice is restricted by roll‐to‐roll and benign solvent processing requirements and desirable mechanical durability. Building upon the ink (toluene:FTAZ:IT‐M) that broke the 10% benchmark when blade‐coated in air, a second donor material (PBDB‐T) is introduced to stabilize and enhance performance with power conversion efficiency over 13% while keeping toluene as the solvent. More importantly, the ternary OSCs exhibit excellent thermal stability and storage stability while retaining high ductility. The excellent performance and stability are mainly attributed to the inhibition of the crystallization of nonfullerene small‐molecular acceptors (SMAs) by introducing a stiff donor that also shows low miscibility with the nonfullerene SMA and a slightly higher highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) than the host polymer. The study indicates that improved stability and performance can be achieved in a synergistic way without significant embrittlement, which will accelerate the future development and application of nonfullerene OSCs.
MXene‐Based Composites: Synthesis and Applications in Rechargeable Batteries and Supercapacitors
Authors: Yang Jian , Bao Weizhai , Jaumaux Pauline , Zhang Songtao , Wang Chengyin , Wang Guoxiu
Published: March 2019

The family of 2D transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides (collectively called MXenes) is rapidly studied since the initial synthesis of Ti3C2Tx (MXene). The surface of MXenes etched by hydrofluoric acid has hydrophilic groups (F, OH, and O), which leads the surface to be negatively charged. Consequently, the negatively charged surface can facilitate the compounding of MXenes with other positively charged materials and prevent MXenes from aggregating with some negatively charged substances, thus promoting the formation of a stable dispersion. The MXene‐based composites have better electrochemical performance than both precursors due to synergistic effects. This review elaborates and discusses the development of MXene‐based composites. It is aimed to summarize the various methods of fabricating MXene‐based composites. The applications of MXene‐based composites in batteries and supercapacitors are presented along with analysis of their excellent electrochemical performances. Finally, the authors propose the approach for further enhancing the electrochemical performances of MXene‐based composite electrode materials.
Realization of Both High Absorption of Active Materials and Low Ohmic Loss in Plasmonic Cavities
Authors: Zhen Tao , Zhou Jing , Li Zhifeng , Chen Xiaoshuang
Published: March 2019

Enhancing active material absorption and suppressing ohmic loss is desired by a lot of applications based on plasmonic structures. In this work, an effective photonic approach is presented to achieve this purpose in plasmonic cavities. Enhancing the absorption ratio of the active material to the metal (by properly increasing the volume of the active region), and meanwhile keeping the system close to a critical coupling status for perfect light trapping (by switching the resonance to a higher‐order one or making real facets as the cavity boundaries) is proposed. As a photonic approach, this is generally applicable to different plasmonic materials. With the help of this approach, the absorption of the quantum wells in a plasmonic‐cavity‐integrated quantum well infrared photodetector operating in the longwave infrared range can be enhanced to 82% of the incident power and the ohmic loss can be suppressed to 18%. For plasmonic‐cavity‐integrated GaAs devices operating in the near infrared range, the approach can enhance the active material absorption to 78% of the incident power and suppress the ohmic loss to 20% at the wavelengths close to the bandgap. Also, it would improve the performance at a more extended wavelength.
Seleno‐Michael Reaction of Stable Functionalised Alkyl Selenols: A Versatile Tool for the Synthesis of Acyclic and Cyclic Unsymmetrical Alkyl and Vinyl Selenides
Authors: Tanini Damiano , Scarpelli Simone , Ermini Elena , Capperucci Antonella
Published: March 2019

Seleno‐Michael additions of stable functionalised primary alkyl selenols to activated alkenes and alkynes are described. In the presence of Al2O3, β‐hydroxy‐, β‐amino‐, and β‐mercapto selenols react smoothly with electron‐poor alkenes and alkynes to afford the corresponding unsymmetrical functionalised dialkyl‐ and alkyl−vinyl‐selenides in good yield. The very mild conditions allow a broad range of selenols and Michael acceptors to be converted into the corresponding synthetically valuable seleno‐Michael adducts, demonstrating high selectivity and excellent functional group tolerance. Hydroxy‐ and mercapto‐substituted vinyl selenides were efficiently employed for the synthesis of functionalised 1,3‐oxaselenolanes, 1,3‐thiaselenolanes, and 1,4‐thiaselenanes through intramolecular oxa‐ and thia‐Michael additions. Furthermore, a NaH‐promoted lactonization enables the synthesis of variously substituted 2‐oxo‐1,4‐oxaselenanes from hydroxy−vinyl‐selenides. Evaluation of thiol peroxidase‐like properties of novel functionalised organoselenides demonstrated that they possess a remarkable catalytic antioxidant activity.

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Synthesis of Tridentate Chiral Spiro Aminophosphine−Oxazoline Ligands and Application to Asymmetric Hydrogenation of α‐Keto Amides
Authors: Zhang Feng‐Hua , Wang Chen , Xie Jian‐Hua , Zhou Qi‐Lin
Published: March 2019

A new type of tridentate chiral spiro aminophosphine−oxazoline ligands (SpiroOAP) have been synthesized through four steps. The SpiroOAP ligands are highly efficient for the asymmetric hydrogenation of α‐keto amides, providing a variety of synthetically useful α‐hydroxy amides with excellent enantioselectivity (up to 98% ee) and turnover numbers (up to 10,000).

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Supersymmetric Hamiltonian and Vortex Formation Model in a Quantum Nonlinear System in an Inhomogeneous Electromagnetic Field
Authors: Manzetti Sergio , Trounev Alexander
Published: March 2019

Vortices and quasiparticles in 2D systems are studied for the last decades in relation to the development of technologies in quantum electromagnetics, optics, and quantum computation. Hamiltonians are a fundamental part for studying quasiparticles and vortices, and provide models to calculate the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions that describe a real physical state. By devising supersymmetry, a Hamiltonian for the description of vortices is developed forming in an 2D electron gas and study the numerical solutions under the effects of an alternating electromagnetic field. The numerical analysis shows that vorticity is formed spontaneously without symmetry‐breaking and vortices arise from the boundaries and converge toward the center of the system in a similar fashion to natural hydrodynamic phenomena in water or plasma. Additionally, the equation under damping conditions is studied, a homogenous magnetic field and under the absence of an electromagnetic field. The results and the study of the parameters indicate that the supersymmetic wave equation (SWE) may be a good model equation to describe vorticity for quantum electromagnetics, hydrodynamics, and other physical phenomena in the realm of physical and quantum physical sciences.
Modulation of the Work Function by the Atomic Structure of Strong Organic Electron Acceptors on H‐Si(111)
Authors: Wang Haiyuan , Levchenko Sergey V. , Schultz Thorsten , Koch Norbert , Scheffler Matthias , Rossi Mariana
Published: March 2019

Advances in hybrid organic/inorganic architectures for optoelectronics can be achieved by understanding how the atomic and electronic degrees of freedom cooperate or compete to yield the desired functional properties. Here, how work function changes are modulated by the structure of the organic components in model hybrid systems is shown. Two cyano‐quinodimethane derivatives (F4‐TCNQ and F6‐TCNNQ), which are strong electron‐acceptor molecules, adsorbed on H‐Si(111) are considered. From systematic structure searches employing the range‐separated hybrid HSE06 functional including many‐body van der Waals (vdW) contributions, it is predicted that, despite their similar composition, these molecules adsorb with significantly different densely packed geometries in the first layer, due to strong intermolecular interaction. F6‐TCNNQ shows a much stronger intralayer interaction (primarily due to vdW contributions) than F4‐TCNQ in multilayered structures. The densely packed geometries induce a large interface‐charge rearrangement that results in a work function increase of 1.11 and 1.76 eV for F4‐TCNQ and F6‐TCNNQ, respectively. Nuclear fluctuations at room temperature produce a wide distribution of work function values, well‐modeled by a normal distribution with σ = 0.17 eV. These findings are corroborated with experimental evidence of pronounced island formation for F6‐TCNNQ on H‐Si(111) and with the agreement of trends between predicted and measured work function changes.
Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene): Chemical Synthesis, Transport Properties, and Thermoelectric Devices
Authors: Petsagkourakis Ioannis , Kim Nara , Tybrandt Klas , Zozoulenko Igor , Crispin Xavier
Published: March 2019

Since their discovery in the seventies, conducting polymers have been chemically designed to acquire specific optical and electrical properties for various applications. Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) is among the most successful polymers as indicated by ≈12 000 articles mentioning it to date. PEDOT is found as transparent polymer electrodes in solar cells and light‐emitting diodes, as printed electrodes in transistors, and as the main component of electrochromic displays, supercapacitors, and electrochemical transistors. For around seven years, PEDOT has been classified as the first thermoelectric polymer that converts heat flow into electricity. This has triggered a renewed interest in the scientific community, with about 400 publications including the keyword “PEDOT” and “thermoelectric.” Among the topics covered by those scientific works are: i) the optimization of the thermoelectric properties, ii) understanding of the interplay between electrical properties and morphology, iii) the origin of the Seebeck coefficient, iv) the characterization of its thermal conductivity; and v) the design of thermoelectric devices. This work aims to be a pedagogical introduction to PEDOT but also to review the state‐of‐the art of its thermoelectric properties and thermoelectric devices. Hopefully, this work will inspire scientists to find chemical design rules to bring organic thermoelectrics beyond PEDOT.
Reduced Energy Loss Enabled by a Chlorinated Thiophene‐Fused Ending‐Group Small Molecular Acceptor for Efficient Nonfullerene Organic Solar Cells with 13.6% Efficiency
Authors: Luo Zhenghui , Liu Tao , Wang Yiling , Zhang Guangye , Sun Rui , Chen Zhangxiang , Zhong Cheng , Wu Jingnan , Chen Yuzhong , Zhang Maojie , Zou Yang , Ma Wei , Yan He , Min Jie , Li Yongfang , Yang Chuluo
Published: March 2019

Generally, highly efficient organic solar cells require both a high open‐circuit voltage (VOC) and a high short‐circuit current density (JSC). Reducing the energy loss (Eloss) is an effective way to achieve a high VOC without compromising the photocurrent, which is ideal for enhancing the power conversion efficiencies (PCEs). Herein, a new chlorinated nonfullerene acceptor (ITC‐2Cl) with chlorinated thiophene‐fused end groups is developed. In comparison with the unchlorinated counterpart (ITCPTC), the introduction of Cl improves not only the electronic properties by redshifting the absorption spectra and deepening the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy levels, but also the molecular packing and thus thin‐film morphology. The PM6:ITC‐2Cl‐based device yields a significantly higher PCE (13.6%) with a lower Eloss (0.67 eV) than the ITCPTC‐based device (PCE of 12.3% with Eloss of 0.70 eV). More importantly, compared to the archetypal nonfullerene acceptors such as IT‐4F (PCE of 12.9% with Eloss of 0.73 eV) and IT‐4Cl (PCE of 12.7% with Eloss of 0.76 eV), the ITC‐2Cl‐based device shows a higher PCE and a lower Eloss. These results demonstrate that the chlorinated thiophene‐fused end group is a promising candidate for a high‐performance nonfullerene acceptors with low energy loss.
A de novo mutation in DHD domain of SKI causing spina bifida with no craniofacial malformation or intellectual disability
Authors: Zhang Ling , Xu Ximing , Sun Kaiqiang , Sun Jingchuan , Wang Yuan , Liu Yang , Yang Nan , Tao Chengqiu , Cai Baozhu , Shi Guodong , Zhang Feng , Shi Jiangang
Published: March 2019

Shprintzen‐Goldberg syndrome (SGS) is a rare systemic connective tissue disorder characterized by craniofacial, skeletal, and cardiovascular manifestations. It is associated with a significant risk of intellectual disability, a feature which distinguishes it from Marfan and Loeys‐Dietz syndromes. SGS is mainly caused by mutations in the SKI gene, a repressor of TGF‐β activity. Most SKI mutations are found in exon 1 of the gene and are located in the R‐SMAD domain, a proposed hotspot for de novo mutations. Here, we report on a de novo SKI mutation located in the DHD domain of SKI. By adding our finding to previously reported de novo SKI mutations, a new mutational hotspot in the DHD domain is proposed. Our patient presented with a lipomeningomyelocele, tethered cord, and spina bifida but with no SGS‐related clinical findings apart from a marfanoid habitus and long slender fingers. Specifically, she did not have an intellectual disability, craniofacial, or cardiovascular abnormalities. By comparing the clinical findings on patients with mutations in the R‐SMAD and DHD domains of SKI, we propose that mutations in those domains have different effects on TGF‐β activity during embryonic development with resulting phenotypic differences.
Study of the phase morphology and toughness in poly (vinyl chloride)/acrylonitrile–styrene‐acrylic/styrene–butadiene–styrene ternary blends influenced by interfacial/surface tension
Authors: Zhang Xueqiang , Mao Zepeng , Zhang Jun
Published: March 2019

The effect of interfacial interaction on the phase morphology and toughness of poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC)/acrylonitrile–styrene‐acrylic (ASA) terpolymer/styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS) block copolymer ternary blends has been investigated. Water and diiodomethane liquids were used for static contact angle measurements to get surface tension and calculate interfacial tension. A dispersed phase morphology of ASA and SBS in the PVC matrix was predicted by the spreading coefficient theory, which was calculated through interfacial tensions between different polymer pairs. Extraction experiment and scanning electron microscopy were combined to verify this morphology. When the volume fraction of SBS was small, SBS was dispersed in the matrix as droplets and the strong PVC/styrene–acrylonitrile interfacial interaction made up for the poor interfacial adhesion between SBS and PVC. Herein, SBS showed an effective toughening effect on PVC/ASA blends. With the addition of 2.5‐ and 5‐phr SBS, the blends had the highest impact strength of 88.75 kJ/m2 at 23 °C and 9.98 kJ/m2 at 0 °C, respectively. With the further increase of the SBS content, the diameter of the SBS drops increased largely and the poor interfacial adhesion between SBS and PVC played a leading role, resulting in a sharp decrease in toughness and a sharp ductile–brittle transition. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47721.
Electrospun melamine‐blended activated carbon nanofibers for enhanced control of indoor CO2
Authors: Jeong Dongwon , Jie Wang , Adelodun Adedeji A. , Kim Sangbum , Jo Youngmin
Published: March 2019

Electrospun carbon nanofibers were activated with melamine–polyacrylonitrile [melamine‐blended carbon nanofibers (MACNFs)] for use as a fibrous adsorbent for indoor CO2 removal. Although, melamine doping was intended solely to incorporate basic nitrogen functionalities on the nanofibers, it also shortened fabrication time, conserving time, and energy cost. The specific surface area and microporosity of the fibers were enhanced from 412 m2 g−1 and 0.1646 cm3 g−1 to 547 m2 g−1 and 0.220 cm3 g−1, respectively, upon final CO2 activation of the nanofibers. With the chemical properties, we observed significant tethering of pyridine functionality. The sample, MACNF‐7 (10 mL of polymer solution doped with 0.7 g of melamine), provided the optimum melamine doping condition to achieve the highest CO2 adsorption capacity of 3.15 mmol g−1. The adsorption performance was based on simultaneous improvement in microporosity (physical) and surface basicity (chemical) properties of the adsorbent. However, in a binary mixture with nitrogen, the selective adsorption of CO2 showed the predominance of the improved surface basicity over microporosity. The highest CO2 selective capture (1.22 mmol g−1) was occurred for a CO2:N2 ratio of 0.15:0.85, with a selectivity of 58.19 at 273 K. In a regeneration test, stable and robust performance was achieved more than five cycles. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47747.
Anatomy and Ontogeny of the Mandibular Symphysis in Alligator mississippiensis
Authors: Lessner Emily J. , Gant Cortaiga A. , Hieronymus Tobin L. , Vickaryous Matthew K. , Holliday Casey M.
Published: March 2019

Crocodylians evolved some of the most characteristic skulls of the animal kingdom with specializations for semiaquatic and ambush lifestyles, resulting in a feeding apparatus capable of tolerating high biomechanical loads and bite forces and a head with a derived sense of trigeminal‐nerve‐mediated touch. The mandibular symphysis accommodates these specializations being both at the end of a biomechanical lever and an antenna for sensation. Little is known about the anatomy of the crocodylian mandibular symphysis, hampering our understanding of form, function, and evolution of the joint in extant and extinct lineages. We explore mandibular symphysis anatomy of an ontogenetic series of Alligator mississippiensis using imaging, histology, and whole mount methods. Complex sutural ligaments emanating about a midline‐fused Meckel's cartilage bridge the symphysis. These tissues organize during days 37–42 of in ovo development. However, interdigitations do not manifest until after hatching. These soft tissues leave a hub and spoke‐like bony morphology of the symphyseal plate, which never fuses. Interdigitation morphology varies within the symphysis suggesting differential loading about the joint. Neurovascular canals extend throughout the mandibles to alveoli, integument, and bone adjacent to the symphysis. These features suggest the Alligator mandibular symphysis offers compliance in an otherwise rigid skull. We hypothesize a fused Meckel's cartilage offers stiffness in hatchling mandibles prior to the development of organized sutural ligaments and mineralized bone while offering a scaffold for somatic growth. The porosity of the dentaries due to neurovascular tissues likely allows transmission of sensory and proprioceptive information from the surroundings and the loaded symphysis. Anat Rec, 302:1696–1708, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy
Time series of functional data with application to yield curves
Authors: Sen Rituparna , Klüppelberg Claudia
Published: March 2019

We develop time series analysis of functional data observed discretely, treating the whole curve as a random realization from a distribution on functions that evolve over time. The method consists of principal components analysis of functional data and subsequently modeling the principal component scores as vector autoregressive moving averag (VARMA) process. We justify the method by showing that an underlying ARMAH structure of the curves leads to a VARMA structure on the principal component scores. We derive asymptotic properties of the estimators, fits, and forecast. For term structures of interest rates, these provide a unified framework for studying the time and maturity components of interest rates under one setup with few parametric assumptions. We apply the method to the yield curves of USA and India. We compare our forecasts to the parametric model that is based on Nelson‐Siegel curves. In another application, we study the dependence of long term interest rate on the short term interest rate using functional regression.
Newborn vitamin D levels in relation to autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disability: A case–control study in california
Authors: Windham Gayle C. , Pearl Michelle , Anderson Meredith C. , Poon Victor , Eyles Darryl , Jones Karen L. , Lyall Kristen , Kharrazi Martin , Croen Lisa A.
Published: March 2019

Vitamin D deficiency has been increasing concurrently with prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and emerging evidence suggests vitamin D is involved in brain development. Most prior studies of ASD examined vitamin D levels in children already diagnosed, but a few examined levels during perinatal development, the more likely susceptibility period. Therefore, we examined newborn vitamin D levels in a case–control study conducted among births in 2000–2003 in southern California. Children with ASD (N = 563) or intellectual disability (ID) (N = 190) were identified from the Department of Developmental Services and compared to population controls (N = 436) identified from birth certificates. 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) was measured in archived newborn dried blood spots by a sensitive assay and corrected to sera equivalents. We categorized 25(OH) D levels as deficient (<50 nmol/L), insufficient (50–74 nmol/L), and sufficient (≥75 nmol/L), and also examined continuous levels, using logistic regression. The adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals for ASD were 0.96 (0.64–1.4) for 25(OH)D deficiency (14% of newborns) and 1.2 (0.86–1.6) for insufficiency (26% of newborns). The AORs for continuous 25(OH)D (per 25 nmol/L) were 1.0 (0.91–1.09) for ASD and 1.14 (1.0–1.30) for ID. Thus, in this relatively large study of measured newborn vitamin D levels, our results do not support the hypothesis of lower 25(OH)D being associated with higher risk of ASD (or ID), although we observed suggestion of interactions with sex and race/ethnicity. 25(OH)D levels were relatively high (median 84 nmol/L in controls), so results may differ in populations with higher prevalence of low vitamin D levels. Autism Res 2019, 12: 989–998. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

We studied whether vitamin D levels measured at birth were related to whether a child later developed autism (or low IQ). Our results did not show that children with autism, or low IQ, overall had lower vitamin D levels at birth than children without autism. Vitamin D levels were fairly high, on average, in these children born in Southern California.
Improved cell culture immunofluorescent assay for detection of infectious Cryptosporidium spp. in prefinished water
Authors: Alderisio Kerri A. , McDonald Lisa A. , Gabel Kurt W. , Archuleta Joy , Di Giovanni George D.
Published: March 2019

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection's (NYC) Hillview Reservoir is an uncovered prefinished water storage reservoir postultraviolet (post‐UV) light disinfection. As an additional tool to the detection of total (viable and nonviable) oocysts using Methods 1623/1623.1, the performance of an improved cell culture immunofluorescent assay (CC‐IFA) for the specific detection of infectious oocysts in this NYC reservoir matrix was evaluated. Mean CC‐IFA matrix spike recovery of infectious Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium hominis oocysts was comparable to the mean Method 1623 recovery of total oocysts, ranging from 29 to 46%. Experiments using ≤5 C. parvum or ≤10 C. hominis viable oocyst spikes prepared using flow cytometry indicated that the reservoir matrix did not adversely affect CC‐IFA detection. Therefore, the improved CC‐IFA appears useful for the detection of environmentally relevant, low numbers of infectious oocysts in the reservoir matrix and for the refined assessment of Cryptosporidium risk.
Nationwide observational study of mortality from complicated intra-abdominal infections and the role of bacterial cultures
Authors: Tsuchiya A , Yasunaga H , Tsutsumi Y , Kawahara T , Matsui H , Fushimi K
Published: March 2019

Background

The benefit of taking intra-abdominal cultures during source control procedures in patients with complicated intra-abdominal infection (CIAI) is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether intra-abdominal cultures reduce the mortality rate of CIAI.

Methods

The Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination database was used to identify adult patients with CIAI who had undergone source control procedures on the first day of admission to hospital between April 2014 and March 2016. In-hospital mortality was compared between patients who did and those who did not have intra-abdominal cultures taken. A generalized linear mixed-effect logistic regression model and a random intercept per hospital were used to adjust for baseline confounders and institutional differences. Subgroup analyses were also performed according to disease cause, site of onset and severity of CIAI.

Results

Intra-abdominal cultures were taken from 16 303 of 41 495 included patients. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that patients with intra-abdominal cultures had a significantly lower mortality than those without (odds ratio 0·85, 95 per cent c.i. 0·77 to 0·95). Subgroup analyses revealed statistically significant differences in mortality between patients with and without cultures among those with lower intestinal perforation, biliary tract infection/perforation, healthcare-associated CIAI and high-risk community-acquired CIAI.

Conclusions

Intra-abdominal cultures obtained during source control procedures may reduce in-hospital mortality, especially in patients with lower intestinal perforation, biliary tract infection/perforation, or healthcare-associated or high-risk community-acquired CIAI.
Impairment and restrictions in possibly benign multiple sclerosis
Authors: Schaefer Laura Melanie , Poettgen Jana , Fischer Anja , Gold Stefan , Stellmann Jan‐Patrick , Heesen Christoph
Published: March 2019

Objective

The aim was to describe a broad range of health dimensions in possibly benign multiple sclerosis (MS) hypothesizing that despite some limitations there is a high adaptation to the disease.

Methods

All patients from an outpatient university clinic data registry with an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) ≤3.5 and disease duration ≥15 years were addressed in a cross‐sectional study. Physical impairment, neuropsychological functioning but also influence on activities and patient reported outcome measures including coping were studied.

Results

One hundred and twenty‐five patients could be included (mean EDSS: 2.8; mean disease duration: 24 years). Cognitive impairment was minor (8%) but fatigue (73%) and depression (46%) were prevalent. Nevertheless, QOL and daily activities seemed to be less affected. Patients showed high social support, coping abilities, and sense of coherence, which was predictive for their perceived benignity of the disease. Based on the EDSS alone, we estimated the rate of benign MS after 15 years of MS as high as 23% decreasing to 16% if cognition was included in the definition. However, cognitive performance was not relevantly associated with other outcomes.

Conclusion

Common benign MS definitions seem to simplify a complex disease picture where different impairments and personal resources lead to more or less impact on people’s lives.
Descended marginal sinus of the placenta
Authors: Ryo Eiji , Namai Shigenari , Nakagawa Ippei , Kanda Ranka , Yatsuki Keita , Ayabe Takuya
Published: March 2019

Key Clinical Message

This is the first reported case of descent of the placental marginal sinus through the cervix to the external os. We think marginal sinus rupture does exist. The definition of placental edge should be the parenchyma in diagnosis of low‐lying placentation. Clinically, however, the low‐lying marginal sinus should be treated similar to low‐lying placentation.
Electroactive Edge‐Site‐Enriched α‐Co0.9Fe0.1(OH)x Nanoplates for Efficient Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Liu Yangxing , Li Yunwei , Yuan Gang , Zhang Junfeng , Zhang Xiangwen , Wang Qingfa
Published: March 2019

Developing efficient electrocatalysts from the earth‐abundant transition‐metal family is a great challenge for overall water splitting. Herein, we developed an approach to regulate the morphology and electronic structure of α‐Co0.9Fe0.1(OH)x nanoplates, in which FeCl2 (as a precursor) plays a significant role under reflux conditions. The resulting 2D α‐Co0.9Fe0.1(OH)x nanoplates exhibit more accessible edge active sites and more high‐valence Co species to boost its intrinsic activity. Therefore, this electrocatalyst shows outstanding oxygen evolution reaction performance (with an overpotential of 225 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and a Tafel slope of 39 mV dec−1 and good stability) and excellent activity toward the hydrogen evolution reaction (with an overpotential of 122 mV at 10 mA cm−2) in 1M KOH solution. When employed as bifunctional electrocatalysts on both the anode and cathode for overall water splitting, α‐Co0.9Fe0.1(OH)x can afford 10 mA cm−2 at 1.62 V with long‐term stability. The one‐pot synthesis of 2D Fe‐doped transition‐metal hydroxide nanoplates enriched with abundant edge sites may provide a new strategy for fabricating efficient overall water splitting catalysts.
A Peptide‐Based Method for the Fabrication of 1D Rail‐Like Nanoparticle Chains and 2D Nanoparticle Membranes: Higher‐Order Self‐Assembly
Authors: Wei Wei , Liu Yanfei , Xiong Na , Yu Limei , Zhang Tao , Song Hong , Tang Fushan
Published: March 2019

Functionalized histidine‐rich peptide sequences were designed for the site‐directed assembly of nanoparticles. TEM and AFM images shown that the peptides self‐assembled into well‐ordered nanofibrils at pH 7.2. The nanofibrils could lie parallel to one another and form membranes when the solution was acidic (pH 3.8) resulting from the hierarchical assembly of the nanofibrils in the direction of the peptide backbone. These peptide structures served as a template for nucleation and growth of Au nanocrystals. Further characterization showed that the Au nanocrystals grew on both sides of the nanofibrils, and a 1D system with a rail‐like structure and a 2D membrane were synthesized after reduction with hydrazine hydrate at neutral and acidic pH values, respectively. The size and packing density of the Au nanocrystals were positively correlated with the incubation time of the Au ions. This approach can be extended further to the controlled synthesis of 1D and 2D architectures formed from metals, metal sulfides, and metal oxides in a low‐cost and simple manner. Finally, the nanostructures could catalyze the reduction of p‐nitrophenol with rate constants of 0.83±0.14 and 0.69±0.09 min−1 for the 1D and 2D structures, respectively.
Chinese clinical guidelines for continuous glucose monitoring (2018 edition)
Authors: Bao Yuqian , Chen Li , Chen Liming , Dou Jingtao , Gao Zhengnan , Gao Leili , Guo Lixin , Guo Xiaohui , Ji Linong , Ji Qiuhe , Jia Weiping , Kuang Hongyu , Li Qifu , Li Qiang , Li Xiaoying , Li Yanbing , Li Ling , Liu Jing , Ma Jianhua , Ran Xingwu , Shi Lixin , Song Guangyao , Wang Yufei , Weng Jianping , Xiao Xinhua , Xie Yun , Xi Guangxia , Yang Liyong , Zhao Zhigang , Zhou Jian , Zhou Zhiguang , Zhu Dalong , Zou Dajin ,   On behalf of Chinese Diabetes Society
Published: March 2019

Blood glucose monitoring is an important part of diabetes management. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology has become an effective complement to conventional blood glucose monitoring methods and has been widely applied in clinical practice. The indications for its use, the accuracy of the generated data, the interpretation of the CGM results, and the application of the results must be standardized. In December 2009, the Chinese Diabetes Society (CDS) drafted and published the first Chinese Clinical Guideline for Continuous Glucose Monitoring (2009 edition), providing a basis for the standardization of CGM in clinical application. Based on the updates of international guidelines and the increasing evidence of domestic studies, it is necessary to revise the latest CGM guidelines in China so that the recent clinical evidence can be effectively translated into clinical benefit for diabetic patients. To this end, the CDS revised the Chinese Clinical Guideline for Continuous Glucose Monitoring (2012 Edition) based on the most recent evidence from international and domestic studies.
Biomimetic stimuli‐responsive nanochannels and their applications
Authors: Fu Lulu , Zhai Jin
Published: March 2019

Biomimetic smart nanochannels have been studied extensively to achieve the precise ionic transport compared to biological ion channels. Similar to ion channels in living organisms, biomimetic smart nanochannels can respond to various stimuli, which allows for promising applications in many fields. In this review, we mainly summarize the recent advances in the design of biomimetic stimuli‐responsive nanochannels and their potential applications including biosensors and drug delivery. Finally, an outlook on the challenges and opportunities for biomimetic stimuli‐responsive nanochannels is provided.
Immobilizing sulfotransferase 1A1 on magnetic microparticles and their evaluation using capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Ramana Pranov , Adams Erwin , Augustijns Patrick , Van Schepdael Ann
Published: March 2019

Sulfotransferases are categorized as phase II metabolic enzymes. Human sulfotransferase 1A1 (SULT1A1) is involved in the sulfonation of xenobiotics with aid from the cofactor 3'‐phosphoadenosine‐5'‐phosphosulfate that acts as a sulfonate donor. In this study, we have attempted to immobilize SULT1A1 on magnetic microparticles (MMs). Different functionalized MMs were used to immobilize SULT1A1 and their enzyme activity was compared to the control (enzyme in solution). Paracetamol was used as model substrate. Separation of paracetamol and paracetamol sulfate by CE‐UV was optimized and validated. MMs with epoxy based immobilization of SULT1A1 showed better enzyme activity. Hence, they were tested for repeated usage to allow their implementation for the development of a CE immobilized micro enzyme reactor.
Human chorionic gonadotrophin pharmaceutical formulations of urinary origin display high levels of contaminant proteins–A label‐free quantitation proteomics study
Authors: Panić‐Janković Tanja , Mitulović Goran
Published: March 2019

To determine whether there is a measurable protein background in different formulations of urinary and recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Primary outcome measures: identification of contaminant proteins in urinary‐derived formulations of hCG; secondary outcome measures: quantitative values of contaminant proteins in different batches of urinary –derived hCG formulations. It was found that urinary‐derived batches have high presence of contaminant proteins beside the active substance. The relative amount of contaminant proteins and hCG differs strongly between different batches.
Tracing the temporal evolution of soil redistribution rates in an agricultural landscape using 239+240Pu and 10Be
Authors: Calitri Francesca , Sommer Michael , Norton Kevin , Temme Arnaud , Brandová Dagmar , Portes Raquel , Christl Marcus , Ketterer Mike E. , Egli Markus
Published: March 2019

Two principal groups of processes shape mass fluxes from and into a soil: vertical profile development and lateral soil redistribution. Periods having predominantly progressive soil forming processes (soil profile development) alternate with periods having predominantly regressive processes (erosion). As a result, short‐term soil redistribution – years to decades – can differ substantially from long‐term soil redistribution; i.e. centuries to millennia. However, the quantification of these processes is difficult and consequently their rates are poorly understood. To assess the competing roles of erosion and deposition we determined short‐ and long‐term soil redistribution rates in a formerly glaciated area of the Uckermark, northeast Germany. We compared short‐term erosion or accumulation rates using plutonium‐239 and ‐240 (239+240Pu) and long‐term rates using both in situ and meteoric cosmogenic beryllium‐10 (10Be). Three characteristic process domains have been analysed in detail: a flat landscape position having no erosion/deposition, an erosion‐dominated mid‐slope, and a deposition‐dominated lower‐slope site. We show that the short‐term mass erosion and accumulation rates are about one order of magnitude higher than long‐term redistribution rates. Both, in situ and meteoric 10Be provide comparable results. Depth functions, and therefore not only an average value of the topsoil, give the most meaningful rates. The long‐term soil redistribution rates were in the range of −2.1 t ha‐1 yr‐1 (erosion) and +0.26 t ha‐1 yr‐1 (accumulation) whereas the short‐term erosion rates indicated strong erosion of up to 25 t ha‐1 yr‐1 and accumulation of 7.6 t ha‐1 yr‐1. Our multi‐isotope method identifies periods of erosion and deposition, confirming the ‘time‐split approach’ of distinct different phases (progressive/regressive) in soil evolution. With such an approach, temporally‐changing processes can be disentangled, which allows the identification of both the dimensions of and the increase in soil erosion due to human influence. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Attention modulates topology and dynamics of auditory sensory gating
Authors: Golubic Sanja Josef , Jurasic Miljenka Jelena , Susac Ana , Huonker Ralph , Gotz Theresa , Haueisen Jens
Published: March 2019

This work challenges the widely accepted model of sensory gating as a preattention inhibitory process by investigating whether attention directed at the second tone (S2) within a paired‐click paradigm could affect gating at the cortical level. We utilized magnetoencephalography, magnetic resonance imaging and spatio‐temporal source localization to compare the cortical dynamics underlying gating responses across two conditions (passive and attention) in 19 healthy subjects. Source localization results reaffirmed the existence of a fast processing pathway between the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and bilateral superior temporal gyri (STG) that underlies the auditory gating process. STG source dynamics comprised two gating sub‐components, Mb1 and Mb2, both of which showed significant gating suppression (>51%). The attention directed to the S2 tone changed the gating network topology by switching the prefrontal generator from a dorsolateral location, which was active in the passive condition (18/19), to a medial location, active in the attention condition (19/19). Enhanced responses to the attended stimulus caused a significant reduction in gating suppression in both STG gating components (>50%). Our results demonstrate that attention not only modulates sensory gating dynamics, but also exerts topological rerouting of information processing within the PFC. The present data, suggesting that the cortical levels of early sensory processing are subject to top‐down influences, change the current view of gating as a purely automatic bottom‐up process.
Silence of long noncoding RNA NEAT1 exerts suppressive effects on immunity during sepsis by promoting microRNA‐125‐dependent MCEMP1 downregulation
Authors: Chen Jian‐Xin , Xu Xiong , Zhang Sen
Published: March 2019

Accumulating studies have recognized microRNAs (miRs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) as important molecules involved in the mediation of various biological processes, including innate immunity. In this study, we investigated a novel noncoding RNA regulatory circuitry in the immunity during sepsis. A cecal ligation and puncture‐induced sepsis mouse model was established to determine the expression of mast cell expression membrane protein 1 (MCEMP1). The RNA crosstalk among lncRNA nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1), miR‐125, and MCEMP1 was validated. Subsequently, the levels of lncRNA NEAT1, miR‐125, and MCEMP1 in T lymphocytes isolated from sepsis mice were up‐ or downregulated by exogenous transfection in an attempt to investigate their effects on the release of inflammatory factors, the expression of immunoglobulins, the activity of T cell subsets and natural killer (NK) cells, as well as T lymphocyte apoptosis. In sepsis mice, MCEMP1 was highly expressed and verified to be a target gene of miR‐125. RNA crosstalk experiment revealed that lncRNA NEAT1 directly inhibited miR‐125 to upregulate MCEMP1. We also observed that elevation of miR‐125, depletion of MCEMP1, or downregulation of lncRNA NEAT1 resulted in promoted T lymphocyte activity, immunoglobulin expression, and NK cell activity, and inhibited release of inflammatory factors and T lymphocyte apoptosis. Taken together, these findings provided evidence that the downregulation of lncRNA NEAT1 could promote miR‐125 to exert an inhibitory effect on the immunity in septic mice by suppressing MCEMP1, highlighting a potential target for the treatment of sepsis. © 2019 IUBMB Life, 2019
Comparison of two TAGteach error‐correction procedures to teach beginner yoga poses to adults
Authors: Ennett Talia M. , Zonneveld Kimberley L. M. , Thomson Kendra M. , Vause Tricia , Ditor David
Published: March 2019

Teaching with acoustical guidance involves auditory feedback (e.g., a click sound when a desired behavior occurs) as part of a multicomponent intervention known as TAGteach. TAGteach has been found to improve performance in sport, dance, surgical technique, and walking. We compared the efficacy and efficiency of the standard TAGteach error‐correction procedure and a modified TAGteach error‐correction procedure to teach 4 novice adult yoga practitioners beginner yoga poses. Both error‐correction procedures were effective for all participants; however, the relative efficiency of these error‐correction procedures was unclear. Results are discussed in terms of limitations and considerations for future research.
A Metabolic Screen in Adolescents Reveals an Association Between Circulating Citrate and Cortical Bone Mineral Density
Authors: Kemp John P , Sayers Adrian , Fraser William D , Davey Smith George , Ala-Korpela Mika , Evans David M , Tobias Jonathan H
Published: March 2019

Observations that insulin and adiponectin levels are related to cortical bone size in adolescents, independently of body composition, suggest factors related to fat metabolism directly influence skeletal development. To explore this question, we examined associations between a metabolic screen focusing on fat metabolism, and peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) measures of the mid-tibia, in 15-year-olds from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. Metabolic profiles were generated by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, from blood samples obtained at the same time as pQCT scans. Ordinary least squares linear regression was used to investigate relationships between metabolic measures and periosteal circumference (PC), cortical thickness (CT), and cortical bone mineral density (BMDC). Metabolic profiles yielded 22 independent components following principal component analysis (PCA), giving a Bonferroni-adjusted threshold for statistical significance of p = 0.002. Data were available in 1121 subjects (487 males), mean age 15 years. Several metabolites related to lipid and cholesterol metabolism were associated with PC, CT, and BMDC after adjustment for age, sex, and Tanner stage. After additional adjustment for height, fat, and lean mass, only the association between citrate and BMDC remained below the Bonferroni-significant threshold (β = –0.14 [–0.18, –0.09]) (β represents a standardized coefficient). Citrate also showed evidence of association with PC (β = 0.06 [0.03, 0.10]) and strength strain index (SSI; β = 0.04 [0.01, 0.08]). Subsequently, we investigated whether these relationships were explained by increased bone resorption. Citrate was strongly related to serum β-C-telopeptides of type I collagen (β-CTX) (β = 0.20 [0.16, 0.23]). After additional adjustment for β-CTX the above associations between citrate and BMDC (β = –0.04 [–0.08, 0.01]), PC (β = 0.03 [–0.01, 0.07]) and SSI (β = 0.03 [–0.01, 0.07]) were no longer observed. We conclude that in adolescents, circulating levels of citrate are inversely related to BMDC and positively related to PC, reflecting associations with higher bone turnover. Further studies are justified to elucidate possible contributions of citrate, a constituent of bone matrix, to bone resorption and cortical density. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.