bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Ultrastable Ionic Chemiresistor Skin with an Intrinsically Stretchable Polymer Electrolyte
Authors: Jin Ming Liang , Park Sangsik , Kim Jong‐Seon , Kwon Sung Hyun , Zhang Shuye , Yoo Min Seok , Jang Sungwoo , Koh Hyeong‐Jun , Cho Soo‐Yeon , Kim So Young , Ahn Chi Won , Cho Kilwon , Lee Seung Geol , Kim Do Hwan , Jung Hee‐Tae
Published: March 2018

Ultrastable sensing characteristics of the ionic chemiresistor skin (ICS) that is designed by using an intrinsically stretchable thermoplastic polyurethane electrolyte as a volatile organic compound (VOC) sensing channel are described. The hierarchically assembled polymer electrolyte film is observed to be very uniform, transparent, and intrinsically stretchable. Systematic experimental and theoretical studies also reveal that artificial ions are evenly distributed in polyurethane matrix without microscale phase separation, which is essential for implementing high reliability of the ICS devices. The ICS displays highly sensitive and stable sensing of representative VOCs (including toluene, hexane, propanal, ethanol, and acetone) that are found in the exhaled breath of lung cancer patients. In particular, the sensor is found to be fully operational even after being subjected to long‐term storage or harsh environmental conditions (relative humidity of 85% or temperature of 100 °C) or severe mechanical deformation (bending to a radius of curvature of 1 mm, or stretching strain of 100%), which can be an effective method to realize a human‐adaptive and skin‐attachable biosensor platform for daily use and early diagnosis.
Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Catalysis in Alkaline Media by All‐in‐One MoS2 with Multifunctional Active Sites
Authors: Anjum Mohsin Ali Raza , Jeong Hu Young , Lee Min Hee , Shin Hyeon Suk , Lee Jae Sung
Published: March 2018

MoS2 becomes an efficient and durable nonprecious‐metal electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) when it contains multifunctional active sites for water splitting derived from 1T‐phase, defects, S vacancies, exposed Mo edges with expanded interlayer spacings. In contrast to previously reported MoS2‐based catalysts targeting only a single or few of these characteristics, the all‐in‐one MoS2 catalyst prepared herein features all of the above active site types. During synthesis, the intercalation of in situ generated NH3 molecules into MoS2 sheets affords ammoniated MoS2 (A‐MoS2) that predominantly comprises 1T‐MoS2 and exhibits an expanded interlayer spacing. The subsequent reduction of A‐MoS2 results in the removal of intercalated NH3 and H2S to form an all‐in‐one MoS2 with multifunctional active sites mentioned above (R‐MoS2) that exhibits electrocatalytic HER performance in alkaline media superior to those of all previously reported MoS2‐based electrocatalysts. In particular, a hybrid MoS2/nickel foam catalyst outperforms commercial Pt/C in the practically meaningful high‐current region (>25 mA cm−2), demonstrating that R‐MoS2‐based materials can potentially replace Pt catalysts in practical alkaline HER systems.
Plasticizing Silk Protein for On‐Skin Stretchable Electrodes
Authors: Chen Geng , Matsuhisa Naoji , Liu Zhiyuan , Qi Dianpeng , Cai Pingqiang , Jiang Ying , Wan Changjin , Cui Yajing , Leow Wan Ru , Liu Zhuangjian , Gong Suxuan , Zhang Ke‐Qin , Cheng Yuan , Chen Xiaodong
Published: March 2018

Soft and stretchable electronic devices are important in wearable and implantable applications because of the high skin conformability. Due to the natural biocompatibility and biodegradability, silk protein is one of the ideal platforms for wearable electronic devices. However, the realization of skin‐conformable electronic devices based on silk has been limited by the mechanical mismatch with skin, and the difficulty in integrating stretchable electronics. Here, silk protein is used as the substrate for soft and stretchable on‐skin electronics. The original high Young's modulus (5–12 GPa) and low stretchability (<20%) are tuned into 0.1–2 MPa and > 400%, respectively. This plasticization is realized by the addition of CaCl2 and ambient hydration, whose mechanism is further investigated by molecular dynamics simulations. Moreover, highly stretchable (>100%) electrodes are obtained by the thin‐film metallization and the formation of wrinkled structures after ambient hydration. Finally, the plasticized silk electrodes, with the high electrical performance and skin conformability, achieve on‐skin electrophysiological recording comparable to that by commercial gel electrodes. The proposed skin‐conformable electronics based on biomaterials will pave the way for the harmonized integration of electronics into human.
Pb–Sn–Cu Ternary Organometallic Halide Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Li Meng , Wang Zhao‐Kui , Zhuo Ming‐Peng , Hu Yun , Hu Ke‐Hao , Ye Qing‐Qing , Jain Sagar M. , Yang Ying‐Guo , Gao Xing‐Yu , Liao Liang‐Sheng
Published: March 2018

Exploiting organic/inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with reduced Pb content is very important for developing environment‐friendly photovoltaics. Utilizing of Pb–Sn alloying perovskite is considered as an efficient route to reduce the risk of ecosystem pollution. However, the trade‐off between device performance and Sn substitution ratio due to the instability of Sn2+ is a current dilemma. Here, for the first time, the highly efficient Pb–Sn–Cu ternary PSCs are reported by partial replacing of PbI2 with SnI2 and CuBr2. Sn2+ substitution results in a redshift of the absorption onset, whereas worsens the film quality. Interestingly, Cu2+ introduction can passivate the trap sites at the crystal boundaries of Pb–Sn perovskites effectively. Consequently, a power conversion efficiency as high as 21.08% in inverted planar Pb–Sn–Cu ternary PSCs is approached. The finding opens a new route toward the fabrication of high efficiency Pb–Sn alloying perovskite solar cells by Cu2+ passivation.
Point‐Defect‐Passivated MoS2 Nanosheet‐Based High Performance Piezoelectric Nanogenerator
Authors: Han Sang A. , Kim Tae‐Ho , Kim Sung Kyun , Lee Kang Hyuck , Park Hye‐Jeong , Lee Ju‐Hyuck , Kim Sang‐Woo
Published: March 2018

In this work, a sulfur (S) vacancy passivated monolayer MoS2 piezoelectric nanogenerator (PNG) is demonstrated, and its properties before and after S treatment are compared to investigate the effect of passivating S vacancy. The S vacancies are effectively passivated by using the S treatment process on the pristine MoS2 surface. The S vacancy site has a tendency to covalently bond with S functional groups; therefore, by capturing free electrons, a S atom will form a chemisorbed bond with the S vacancy site of MoS2. S treatment reduces the charge‐carrier density of the monolayer MoS2 surface, thus the screening effect of piezoelectric polarization charges by free carrier is significantly prevented. As a result, the output peak current and voltage of the S‐treated monolayer MoS2 nanosheet PNG are increased by more than 3 times (100 pA) and 2 times (22 mV), respectively. Further, the S treatment increases the maximum power by almost 10 times. The results suggest that S treatment can reduce free‐charge carrier by sulfur S passivation and efficiently prevent the screening effect. Thus, the piezoelectric output peaks of current, voltage, and maximum power are dramatically increased, as compared with the pristine MoS2.
High‐Gain 200 ns Photodetectors from Self‐Aligned CdS–CdSe Core–Shell Nanowalls
Authors: Xu Jinyou , Rechav Katya , Popovitz‐Biro Ronit , Nevo Iftach , Feldman Yishay , Joselevich Ernesto
Published: March 2018

1D core–shell heterojunction nanostructures have great potential for high‐performance, compact optoelectronic devices owing to their high interface area to volume ratio, yet their bottom‐up assembly toward scalable fabrication remains a challenge. Here the site‐controlled growth of aligned CdS–CdSe core–shell nanowalls is reported by a combination of surface‐guided vapor–liquid–solid horizontal growth and selective‐area vapor–solid epitaxial growth, and their integration into photodetectors at wafer‐scale without postgrowth transfer, alignment, or selective shell‐etching steps. The photocurrent response of these nanowalls is reduced to 200 ns with a gain of up to 3.8 × 103 and a photoresponsivity of 1.2 × 103 A W−1, the fastest response at such a high gain ever reported for photodetectors based on compound semiconductor nanostructures. The simultaneous achievement of sub‐microsecond response and high‐gain photocurrent is attributed to the virtues of both the epitaxial CdS–CdSe heterojunction and the enhanced charge‐separation efficiency of the core–shell nanowall geometry. Surface‐guided nanostructures are promising templates for wafer‐scale fabrication of self‐aligned core–shell nanostructures toward scalable fabrication of high‐performance compact photodetectors from the bottom‐up.
Molecule‐Doped Nickel Oxide: Verified Charge Transfer and Planar Inverted Mixed Cation Perovskite Solar Cell
Authors: Chen Wei , Zhou Yecheng , Wang Linjing , Wu Yinghui , Tu Bao , Yu Binbin , Liu Fangzhou , Tam Ho‐Won , Wang Gan , Djurišić Aleksandra B. , Huang Li , He Zhubing
Published: March 2018

Both conductivity and mobility are essential to charge transfer by carrier transport layers (CTLs) in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The defects derived from generally used ionic doping method lead to the degradation of carrier mobility and parasite recombinations. In this work, a novel molecular doping of NiOx hole transport layer (HTL) is realized successfully by 2,2′‐(perfluoronaphthalene‐2,6‐diylidene)dimalononitrile (F6TCNNQ). Determined by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy, the Fermi level (EF) of NiOx HTLs is increased from −4.63 to −5.07 eV and valence band maximum (VBM)‐EF declines from 0.58 to 0.29 eV after F6TCNNQ doping. The energy level offset between the VBMs of NiOx and perovskites declines from 0.18 to 0.04 eV. Combining with first‐principle calculations, electrostatic force microscopy is applied for the first time to verify direct electron transfer from NiOx to F6TCNNQ. The average power conversion efficiency of CsFAMA mixed cation PSCs is boosted by ≈8% depending on F6TCNNQ‐doped NiOx HTLs. Strikingly, the champion cell conversion efficiency of CsFAMA mixed cations and MAPbI3‐based devices gets to 20.86% and 19.75%, respectively. Different from passivation effect, the results offer an extremely promising molecular doping method for inorganic CTLs in PSCs. This methodology definitely paves a novel way to modulate the doping in hybrid electronics more than perovskite and organic solar cells.
A Nonaqueous Potassium‐Based Battery–Supercapacitor Hybrid Device
Authors: Fan Ling , Lin Kairui , Wang Jue , Ma Ruifang , Lu Bingan
Published: March 2018

A low cost nonaqueous potassium‐based battery–supercapacitor hybrid device (BSH) is successfully established for the first time with soft carbon as the anode, commercialized activated carbon as the cathode, and potassium bis(fluoro‐slufonyl)imide in dimethyl ether as the electrolyte. This BSH reconciles the advantages of potassium ion batteries and supercapacitors, achieving a high energy density of 120 W h kg−1, a high power density of 599 W kg−1, a long cycle life of 1500 cycles, and an ultrafast charge/slow discharge performance (energy density and power density are calculated based on the total mass of active materials in the anode and cathode). This work demonstrates a great potential of applying the nonaqueous BSH for low cost electric energy storage systems.
Coatings and Thin Films for Spacecraft Thermo‐Optical and Related Functional Applications
Authors: Hołyńska Małgorzata , Tighe Adrian , Semprimoschnig Christopher
Published: March 2018

An overview of coatings and thin films for spacecraft applications is provided, focusing on coatings for thermal control and optical applications. An outline of the requirements imposed by the harsh conditions in space is given. Space applications of coatings are listed and their qualification is described, including testing in the ESA laboratories at ESTEC. Coatings degradation in space and environmental testing, including degradation due to vacuum, thermal cycling, radiation, atomic oxygen, space debris, and outgassing effects, is covered in detail. Recent advances in the field and perspectives for future development are also reviewed based on the published literature.
Template‐Directed Solidification of Eutectic Optical Materials
Authors: Kulkarni Ashish A. , Kohanek Julia , Tyler Kaitlin I. , Hanson Erik , Kim Dong‐Uk , Thornton Katsuyo , Braun Paul V.
Published: March 2018

Mesostructured materials can exhibit enhanced light–matter interactions, which can become particularly strong when the characteristic dimensions of the structure are similar to or smaller than the wavelength of light. For controlling visible to near‐infrared wavelengths, the small characteristic dimensions of the required structures usually demand fabrication by sophisticated lithographic techniques. However, these fabrication methods are restricted to producing 2D and a limited range of 3D structures. When a large volume of structured material is required, the primary approach is to use self‐assembly, and the literature includes many examples of mesostructured optical materials formed via self‐assembly. However, self‐organized materials almost always contain structural imperfections which limit their performance. Emerging work, however, is showing that by performing self‐assembly within a guiding template, the defect density in self‐assembled structures can be reduced. Particularly interesting is the possibility that utilizing a template can result in the formation of mesostructures not present in either the template or the native self‐organizing material. In this review, particular emphasis is placed on emerging results showing the effect of mesoscale templates on the microstructure of solidifying eutectic materials, with a specific focus on how template‐directed solidification may be a powerful approach for fabricating optically active structures, including optical metamaterials.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Benzodifluoroalkylation of Alkynes: A Route to Fluorine‐Containing 1,1‐Diarylethylenes
Authors: Liang Junqing , Huang Guozhi , Peng Peng , Zhang Tianyu , Wu Jingjing , Wu Fanhong
Published: March 2018

A palladium(0)‐catalyzed three‐component reaction of 2‐iodo‐2,2‐difluoroacetophenones, alkynes and arylboronic acids is introduced for the synthesis of 1‐benzoyldifluoromethyl‐2,2‐diphenylethylenes in good yields and with excellent stereoselectivity. The 1‐benzoyldifluoromethyl‐2,2‐diphenylethylene products synthesized through a radical reaction process are versatile synthons for the construction of various fluorine‐containing compounds, which have antiproliferative activity on human tumor cells.

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Supported Rhodium Nanoparticles Catalyzed Reduction of Nitroarenes, Arylcarbonyls and Aryl/Benzyl Sulfoxides using Ethanol/Methanol as In Situ Hydrogen Source
Authors: Sharma Saurabh , Bhattacherjee Dhananjay , Das Pralay
Published: March 2018

A facile reduction reaction of nitroarenes, aryl carbonyls and aryl/benzyl sulfoxides was performed under polystyrene supported rhodium (Rh@PS) catalyzed conditions using ethanol/methanol as in situ hydrogen source. The catalyst Rh@PS played a pivotal role in the oxidation of ethanol/methanol in the presence of traces of aerial oxygen and base to produce hydrogen gas, enough for further reduction reaction. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis indicated that the average particle size of the Rh nanoparticles (NPs) lies between 2–3 nm; this is responsible for its high catalytic activity. The advantages of Rh@PS are its catalytic activity, easy preparation, recovery, recyclability for several runs, and low metal leaching during reaction.

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Recent Progress in the Radical Chemistry of Alkylborates and Alkylboronates
Authors: Duan Ke , Yan Xuefeng , Liu Yongjun , Li Zhaodong
Published: March 2018

The discovery of safe and cost‐effective radical sources, exploration of novel and efficient radical reactions as well as elucidation of reaction mechanisms have been long‐standing goals for the synthetic community. Recently the utilization of alkylborates and alkylboronates as radical sources via transition metal‐catalyzed oxidative deboronation or photocatalyzed deboronative pathways has allowed the development of a wide range of innovative reactions. These methods enable chemists to forge C−C or C−X bonds for many intriguing and valuable chemical transformations. This review examines the recent significant advances in radical functionalization of alkylboronates with emphasis on both synthetic outcome and reaction mechanism.

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Molecular Diversity of Cyclooctatetraenes through Palladium‐Catalyzed Cascade Reactions
Authors: Blouin Sarah , Pertschi Romain , Schoenfelder Angèle , Suffert Jean , Blond Gaëlle
Published: March 2018

No Abstract

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Rhodium‐Catalyzed Chemo‐ and Enantioselective Hydrogenation of Alkynyl‐Aryl Hydrazones
Authors: Fan Dongyang , Hu Yanhua , Jiang Feng , Zhang Zhenfeng , Zhang Wanbin
Published: March 2018

As an update of our continuous interest in the hydrogenation of hydrazones, a chemo‐ and enantioselective hydrogenation of alkynyl‐aryl hydrazones was developed using a rhodium complex [Rh((R,Sp)‐JosiPhos)(cod)]SbF6 as the catalyst and benzoic acid as an additive. Directed by a p‐nitrobenzamido group, the chiral propargyl hydrazines, which can be easily converted to chiral propargylamines of significant importance and potential use, were obtained with good yields, excellent chemoselectivities and good to excellent enantioselectivities. Although the enantioselectivity of the reaction and the substrate/catalyst ratio require further refinement, the reported methodology provides an alternative route for the efficient preparation of chiral propargylamines.

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Iridium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrogenation of Halogenated Ketones for the Efficient Construction of Chiral Halohydrins
Authors: Yin Congcong , Wu Weilong , Hu Yang , Tan Xuefeng , You Cai , Liu Yuanhua , Chen Ziyi , Dong Xiu‐Qin , Zhang Xumu
Published: March 2018

Iridium‐catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of prochiral halogenated ketones was successfully developed to prepare various chiral halohydrins with high reactivities and excellent enantioselectivities under basic reaction condition (up to >99% conversion, 99% yield, >99% ee). Moreover, gram‐scale experiment was performed well in the presence of just 0.005 mol% (S/C=20 000) Ir/f‐amphox catalyst with 99% yield and >99% ee.

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A Density Functional Prediction of the Geometries, Stabilities, and Electronic Properties of Nanosize Cage‐Like (InN)2n (n = 6–27, 45, 54) Semiconductor Materials
Authors: Zhao Run‐Ning , Han Ju‐Guang , Duan Yuhua
Published: March 2018

Geometries and electronic properties of sphere‐like (InN)2n (n = 6–27, 45, 54) nanoclusters are investigated by using density functional theory with the gradient corrected PBE functional and with relativistic effect being taken into account. Interestingly, with increasing the size of nanoclusters, the inner space, averaged radius, the HOMO–LUMO gaps, and the charge transfers of the optimized stable (InN)2n nanocages are generally increased, and the absorption spectra of (InN)2n nanocages vary from long wavelength to short wavelength (blue shift). Such phenomenon reflects indirectly the quantum confinement effect and the remarkable semiconductor‐like behaviors. Particularly, the ionic bonds of surface atoms in nanosize (InN)2n (n = 6–27, 45, 54) cages become gradually dominating chemical bonding with increasing cage‐size n, indicating that large‐size (InN)2n nanocages have a trend to be ionic semiconductors. The calculated results are in good agreement with available theoretical and experimental data.
High‐Performance Planar Perovskite Solar Cells Using Low Temperature, Solution–Combustion‐Based Nickel Oxide Hole Transporting Layer with Efficiency Exceeding 20%
Authors: Liu Ziye , Chang Jingjing , Lin Zhenhua , Zhou Long , Yang Zhou , Chen Dazheng , Zhang Chunfu , Liu Shengzhong (Frank) , Hao Yue
Published: March 2018

NiOx hole transporting layer has been extensively studied in optoelectronic devices. In this paper, the low temperature, solution–combustion‐based method is employed to prepare the NiOx hole transporting layer. The resulting NiOx thin films show better quality and preferable energy alignment with perovskite thin film compared to high temperature sol–gel‐processed NiOx. With this, high‐performance perovskite solar cells are fabricated successfully with power conversion efficiency exceeding 20% using a modified two‐step prepared MA1−yFAyPbI3−xClx perovskite. This efficiency value is among the highest values for NiOx‐based devices. Various characterizations and analyses provide evidence of better film quality, enhanced charge transport and extraction, and suppressed charge recombination. Meanwhile, the device exhibits much better device stability compared to sol–gel‐processed NiOx and poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate)‐based devices.
Bismuth Microparticles as Advanced Anodes for Potassium‐Ion Battery
Authors: Huang Jiaqiang , Lin Xiuyi , Tan Hong , Zhang Biao
Published: March 2018

Potassium‐ion batteries (KIBs) are important alternatives to lithium‐ and sodium‐ion batteries. Herein, microsized a Bi electrode delivers exceptional potassium storage capacity, stability, and rate capability by the formation of an elastic and adhesive oligomer‐containing solid electrolyte interface with the assistance of diglyme electrolytes. The kinetics‐controlled K–Bi phase transitions are unraveled combining electrochemical profiles, in situ X‐ray diffraction and density functional theory calculations. Reversible, stepwise Bi–KBi2–K3Bi2–K3Bi transitions govern the electrochemical processes after the initial continuous surface potassiation. The Bi electrode outperforms the other anode counterparts considering both capacity and potential. This work provides critical insights into the rational design of high‐performance anode materials for KIBs.
3D, Mutually Embedded MOF@Carbon Nanotube Hybrid Networks for High‐Performance Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Zhang Hui , Zhao Wenqi , Zou Mingchu , Wang Yunsong , Chen Yijun , Xu Lu , Wu Huaisheng , Cao Anyuan
Published: March 2018

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) hybridized with a conductive matrix could potentially serve as a sulfur host for lithium‐sulfur (Li‐S) battery electrodes; so far most of the previously studied hybrid structures are in the powder form or thin compact films. This study reports 3D porous MOF@carbon nanotube (CNT) networks by grafting MOFs with tailored particle size uniformly throughout a CNT sponge skeleton. Growing larger‐size MOF particles to entrap the conductive CNT network yields a mutually embedded structure with high stability, and after sulfur encapsulation, it shows an initial discharge capacity of ≈1380 mA h g−1 (at 0.1 C) and excellent cycling stability with a very low fading rate. Furthermore, owing to the 3D porous network that is suitable for enhanced sulfur loading, a remarkable areal capacity of ≈11 mA h cm−2 (at 0.1 C) is obtained, which is much higher than other MOF‐based hybrid electrodes. The mutually embedded MOF@CNTs with simultaneously high specific capacity, areal capacity, and cycling stability represent an advanced candidate for developing high‐performance Li‐S batteries and other energy storage systems.
Scalable Water‐Based Production of Highly Conductive 2D Nanosheets with Ultrahigh Volumetric Capacitance and Rate Capability
Authors: Jeon Hyeonyeol , Jeong Jae‐Min , Kang Heon Gyu , Kim Hyung‐Jin , Park Jeyoung , Kim Do Hyun , Jung Young Mee , Hwang Sung Yeon , Han Young‐Kyu , Choi Bong Gill
Published: March 2018

Highly conductive and ultrathin 2D nanosheets are of importance for the development of portable electronics and electric vehicles. However, scalable production and rational design for highly electronic and ionic conductive 2D nanosheets still remain a challenge. Herein, an industrially adoptable fluid dynamic exfoliation process is reported to produce large quantities of ionic liquid (IL)‐functionalized metallic phase MoS2 (m‐MoS2) and defect‐free graphene (Gr) sheets. Hybrid 2D–2D layered films are also fabricated by incorporating Gr sheets into compact m‐MoS2 films. The incorporated IL functionalities and Gr sheets prevent aggregation and restacking of the m‐MoS2 sheets, thereby creating efficient and rapid ion and electron pathways in the hybrid films. The hybrid film with a high packing density of 2.02 g cm−3 has an outstanding volumetric capacitance of 1430.5 F cm−3 at 1 A g−1 and an extremely high rate capability of 80% retention at 1000 A g−1. The flexible supercapacitor assembled using a polymer‐gel electrolyte exhibits excellent resilience to harsh electrochemical and mechanical conditions while maintaining an impressive rate performance and long cycle life. Successful achievement of an ultrahigh volumetric energy density (1.14 W h cm−3) using an organic electrolyte with a wide cell voltage of ≈3.5 V is demonstrated.
Design of active NiCo2O4‐δ spinel catalyst for abatement of CO‐CH4 emissions from CNG fueled vehicles
Authors: Trivedi S. , Prasad R. , Gautam S. K.
Published: March 2018

Increasing number of CNG vehicles on road emits considerable amount of CO, a poisonous gas and CH4, a greenhouse‐gas. Highly active and oxygen‐deficient NiCo2O4‐δ spinel and its individual metal‐oxides were synthesized by calcination of precipitated/co‐precipitated basic‐carbonates followed by calcination under different strategies of stagnant air(s), flowing air(f) and reactive calcination(RC) for total oxidation of CO‐CH4 mixture. The catalysts were characterized by XRD, XPS, BET surface‐area, SEM‐EDX and TEM. The performance order of the catalysts for the oxidation of CO‐CH4 mixture was as follows: NiCoRC>NiCof>NiCos>CoRC>Cof>Cos>NiRC> Nif>Nis. The pairing of Ni and Co in spinel‐structure together with RC produced catalyst was oxygen‐deficient highly active for total oxidation of the mixture at the lowest temperature of 350°C. The NiCoRC was found stable under reaction‐conditions for 50h at 350°C and after four successive heating (350°C)‐cooling (35°C) cycles besides accelerated‐aging tests up to 600°C. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 64: 2632–2646, 2018
Manganese‐containing redox catalysts for selective hydrogen combustion under a cyclic redox scheme
Authors: Dudek Ryan B. , Gao Yunfei , Zhang Junshe , Li Fanxing
Published: March 2018

Selective hydrogen combustion (SHC) in the presence of light hydrocarbons was demonstrated with a series of Mn‐containing mixed oxide redox catalysts in the context of a chemical looping‐oxidative dehydrogenation scheme. Unpromoted and 20 wt % Na2WO4‐promoted Mg6MnO8, SrMnO3, and CaMnO3 exhibited varying SHC capabilities at temperatures between 550 and 850°C. Reduction temperature of unpromoted redox catalysts increased in the order Mg6MnO8 < SrMnO3 < CaMnO3. Promotion with 20 wt % Na2WO4 resulted in more selective redox catalysts capable of high‐temperature SHC. XPS analysis revealed a correlation between suppression of near‐surface Mn and SHC selectivity. Na2WO4/CaMnO3 showed steady SHC performance (89% H2 conversion, 88% selectivity) at 850°C over 50 redox cycles. In series with a Cr2O3/Al2O3 ethane dehydrogenation catalyst, Na2WO4/CaMnO3 combusted 84% of H2 produced while limiting COx yield below 2%. The redox catalysts reported can be suitable for SHC in a cyclic redox scheme for the production of light olefins from alkanes. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 64: 3141–3150, 2018
A roadmap for global synthesis of the plant tree of life
Authors: Eiserhardt Wolf L. , Antonelli Alexandre , Bennett Dominic J. , Botigué Laura R. , Burleigh J. Gordon , Dodsworth Steven , Enquist Brian J. , Forest Félix , Kim Jan T. , Kozlov Alexey M. , Leitch Ilia J. , Maitner Brian S. , Mirarab Siavash , Piel William H. , Pérez‐Escobar Oscar A. , Pokorny Lisa , Rahbek Carsten , Sandel Brody , Smith Stephen A. , Stamatakis Alexandros , Vos Rutger A. , Warnow Tandy , Baker William J.
Published: March 2018

Providing science and society with an integrated, up‐to‐date, high quality, open, reproducible and sustainable plant tree of life would be a huge service that is now coming within reach. However, synthesizing the growing body of DNA sequence data in the public domain and disseminating the trees to a diverse audience are often not straightforward due to numerous informatics barriers. While big synthetic plant phylogenies are being built, they remain static and become quickly outdated as new data are published and tree‐building methods improve. Moreover, the body of existing phylogenetic evidence is hard to navigate and access for non‐experts. We propose that our community of botanists, tree builders, and informaticians should converge on a modular framework for data integration and phylogenetic analysis, allowing easy collaboration, updating, data sourcing and flexible analyses. With support from major institutions, this pipeline should be re‐run at regular intervals, storing trees and their metadata long‐term. Providing the trees to a diverse global audience through user‐friendly front ends and application development interfaces should also be a priority. Interactive interfaces could be used to solicit user feedback and thus improve data quality and to coordinate the generation of new data. We conclude by outlining a number of steps that we suggest the scientific community should take to achieve global phylogenetic synthesis.
The Role of Neighborhood Context and School Climate in School‐Level Academic Achievement
Authors: Ruiz Linda D. , McMahon Susan D. , Jason Leonard A.
Published: March 2018

In recent years, the quality of education available to children has become increasingly dependent on the social and economic demographics of neighborhoods in which the children live. This study assesses the role of community violence in explaining the relation between socio‐economic status (SES) and academic outcomes and the potential of positive school climate to promote academic achievement. With a sample of 297 Chicago public elementary schools, we examine community‐level and school‐level data and use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping to illustrate how school academic achievement coincides with neighborhood economics and crime statistics. Results support the hypothesized mediation, such that lowerSESwas associated with lower academic achievement, and violent crime partially mediated this relation. School climate was positively associated with academic achievement, and student safety significantly moderated the relation betweenSESand academic achievement. Implications for theory, research, and intervention are discussed.
Behavioral Self‐Regulation, Early Academic Achievement, and the Effectiveness of Urban Schools for Low‐Income Ethnic Minority Children
Authors: Caughy Margaret O. , Mills Britain , Brinkley Dawn , Owen Margaret T.
Published: March 2018

The independent and joint associations between child behavioral self‐regulation ability and school effectiveness in relation to academic achievement were examined in a sample of low‐income African American (n = 132) and Latino (n = 198) children attending kindergarten and first grade across a large metropolitan area. Child behavioral self‐regulation and school effectiveness were positively associated with both reading and mathematics performance. School effectiveness moderated the effect of behavioral self‐regulation on reading but not math achievement. Lower child behavioral self‐regulation during early elementary school was associated with lower reading achievement the following year but only among children attending less effective schools. Behavioral self‐regulation was not related to reading achievement among children attending more effective schools. Implications of these findings for policies addressing disparities in early academic achievement are discussed.
Treatment patterns and clinical outcomes in high‐risk newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients carrying the 17p deletion: An observational multi‐center retrospective study
Authors: Cohen Yael C. , Saranga Avi , Gatt Moshe E. , Lavi Noa , Ganzel Chezi , Magen Hila , Avivi Irit , Tadmor Tamar , Suriu Celia , Jarchowsky Dolberg Osnat , Papushado Amitai , Trestman Svetlana , Ram Ron
Published: March 2018

Del17p is a genomic imbalance occurring in ∼7%‐10% of myeloma at diagnosis newly diagnosed myeloma patients (NDMM) and comprises a poor prognostic factor. The goal of this study is to analyze real world data and outcomes among NDMM patients carrying 17p deletion. We report an observational, retrospective, multicenter study. Sixty consecutive patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma in the 8 participating centers diagnosed between 1/2008 and 1/2016 proven to carry 17p deletion by means of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were identified. Most received a bortezomib‐based induction, over half underwent autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT); 30% of the patients gained early access to new novel agents via clinical trials, access programs or private insurance. Overall response rate (ORR) after induction was 85%; 94% for transplant eligible (TE); and 75% for transplant ineligible (NTE), and declined in subsequent treatment lines, 64% achieved ≥ VGPR. Median overall survival (OS) was 43 months; median progression free survival (PFS) was 11 months, 19 months for TE and 7 for NTE. In multivariate analysis: higher M‐Spike, presence of extramedullary disease, and >50% of cells baring del17p were associated with adverse PFS; Autologous HCT and higher hemoglobin were associated with longer PFS; OS was 59 months for patients with early access to newer agents. Older age and higher M‐Spike levels were associated with adverse OS, Autologous HCT was associated with favorable OS, 59.7 vs 28.7 months for NTE patients. Despite the improvement achieved with autologous HCT and new novel agents, the prognosis of patients with 17p deletion is still inferior, emphasizing the need for novel approaches.
CXCR4 blockade improves leukemia eradication by allogeneic lymphocyte infusion
Authors: Jin Chun‐Hui , Li Yang , Xia Jinxing , Li Yuying , Chen Mo , Hu Zheng , Mapara Markus Y. , Li Wei , Yang Yong‐Guang
Published: March 2018

Persistent low levels of disease in bone marrow, an immunoprivileged tissue, are responsible for relapse following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. Using mouse models carrying primary human acute lymphoblast leukemia derived from MLL‐AF9‐overexpressing human hematopoietic stem cells, we demonstrate that allogeneic lymphocyte infusion (ALI)‐mediated graft‐vs.‐leukemia effects selectively spare leukemia cells in the bone marrow. The resistance of leukemia cells to ALI within bone marrow is due to the immunosuppressive status of the tissue, as ALI achieved a significantly increased complete remission rate when leukemia cells were dislodged from bone marrow by treatment with a CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100. Adoptive transfer experiments confirmed that the frequency of leukemia‐initiating cells in bone marrow was significantly decreased in the recipients treated with ALI plus AMD3100 compared to those receiving ALI only. These findings indicate that the immunoprivileged nature of bone marrow is largely responsible for relapse after immunotherapies, and that treatment with AMD3100 may offer a clinically‐practical approach to improving the outcome of adoptive allogeneic cell therapy.
A prospective phase II study of low dose lenalidomide plus dexamethasone in patients with newly diagnosed polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome
Authors: Li Jian , Huang Xu‐Fei , Cai Qian‐Qian , Wang Chen , Cai Hao , Zhao Hao , Zhang Lu , Cao Xin‐Xin , Gale Robert Peter , Zhou Dao‐bin
Published: March 2018

Polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome is a rare plasma dyscrasia without standard treatment. This phase II prospective trial evaluates the safety and response of 12 cycles of low dose lenalidomide (10 mg) plus dexamethasone (Rdex) in patients with newly diagnosed POEMS syndrome. Forty‐one patients (28 men) were enrolled and the median age at diagnosis was 49 years (range, 21‐70 years). Twenty‐one patients (46%) achieved complete hematologic response and the neurologic response rate was 95%. The median serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) declined from 5155 pg/mL (range, 534‐14 328 pg/mL) to 832 pg/mL (95‐6254 pg/mL) after therapy. The overall VEGF response rate was 83%, and the median time to response was 2 months, with a mean VEGF reduction of 43% at the first month. In terms of clinical response, Rdex substantially relieved extravascular volume overload, organomegaly, and pulmonary hypertension. No treatment‐related deaths occurred and no patients suffered from lenalidomide‐related grade 3 or above adverse events. After a median follow‐up of 34 months, median overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) were not reached, with an estimated 3‐year OS and PFS of 90% and 75%, respectively. In conclusion, Rdex was active with high hematologic, VEGF and organ response rate and well tolerated for patients with newly diagnosed POEMS syndrome. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01816620.
FMR1 premutation frequency in a large, ethnically diverse population referred for carrier testing
Authors: Owens Kailey M. , Dohany Lindsay , Holland Carol , DaRe Jeana , Mann Tobias , Settler Christina , Longman Ryan E.
Published: March 2018

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability and is caused by an expansion of cytosine‐guanine‐guanine (CGG) repeats in the FMR1 gene. Female premutation allele carriers (55–200 CGG repeats) are at risk to have an affected child. Currently, specific population‐based carrier screening for FXS is not recommended. Previous studies exploring female premutation carrier frequency have been limited by size or ethnicity. This retrospective study provides a pan‐ethnic estimate of the Fragile X premutation carrier frequency in a large, ethnically diverse population of women referred for routine carrier screening during a specified time period at Progenity, Inc. Patient ethnicity was self‐reported and categorized as: African American, Ashkenazi Jewish, Asian, Caucasian, Hispanic, Native American, Other/Mixed/Unknown, or Sephardic Jewish. FXS test results were stratified by ethnicity and repeat allele category. Total premutation carrier frequency was calculated and compared against each ethnic group. A total of 134,933 samples were included. The pan‐ethnic premutation carrier frequency was 1 in 201. Only the Asian group differed significantly from this frequency. Using the carrier frequency of 1 in 201, a conservative pan‐ethnic risk estimate for a male fetus to have FXS can be calculated as 1 in 2,412. This risk is similar to the highest ethnic‐based fetal risks for cystic fibrosis and spinal muscular atrophy, for which population‐wide screening is currently recommended. This study adds to the literature and supports further evaluation into specific population‐wide screening recommendations for FXS.
Delineating the psychiatric and behavioral phenotype of recurrent 2q13 deletions and duplications
Authors: Wolfe Kate , McQuillin Andrew , Alesi Viola , Boudry Labis Elise , Cutajar Peter , Dallapiccola Bruno , Dentici Maria Lisa , Dieux‐Coeslier Anne , Duban‐Bedu Benedicte , Duelund Hjortshøj Tina , Goel Himanshu , Loddo Sara , Morrogh Deborah , Mosca‐Boidron Anne‐Laure , Novelli Antonio , Olivier‐Faivre Laurence , Parker Jennifer , Parker Michael J. , Patch Christine , Pelling Anna L. , Smol Thomas , Tümer Zeynep , Vanakker Olivier , van Haeringen Arie , Vanlerberghe Clémence , Strydom Andre , Skuse David , Bass Nick
Published: March 2018

Recurrent deletions and duplications at the 2q13 locus have been associated with developmental delay (DD) and dysmorphisms. We aimed to undertake detailed clinical characterization of individuals with 2q13 copy number variations (CNVs), with a focus on behavioral and psychiatric phenotypes. Participants were recruited via the Unique chromosomal disorder support group, U.K. National Health Service Regional Genetics Centres, and the DatabasE of genomiC varIation and Phenotype in Humans using Ensembl Resources (DECIPHER) database. A review of published 2q13 patient case reports was undertaken to enable combined phenotypic analysis. We present a new case series of 2q13 CNV carriers (21 deletion, 4 duplication) and the largest ever combined analysis with data from published studies, making a total of 54 deletion and 23 duplication carriers. DD/intellectual disabilities was identified in the majority of carriers (79% deletion, 70% duplication), although in the new cases 52% had an IQ in the borderline or normal range. Despite the median age of the new cases being only 9 years, 64% had a clinical psychiatric diagnosis. Combined analysis found attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to be the most frequent diagnosis (48% deletion, 60% duplication), followed by autism spectrum disorders (33% deletion, 17% duplication). Aggressive (33%) and self‐injurious behaviors (33%) were also identified in the new cases. CNVs at 2q13 are typically associated with DD with mildly impaired intelligence, and a high rate of childhood psychiatric diagnoses—particularly ADHD. We have further characterized the clinical phenotype related to imbalances of the 2q13 region and identified it as a region of interest for the neurobiological investigation of ADHD.
Genome‐wide analysis of adolescent psychotic‐like experiences shows genetic overlap with psychiatric disorders
Authors: Pain Oliver , Dudbridge Frank , Cardno Alastair G. , Freeman Daniel , Lu Yi , Lundstrom Sebastian , Lichtenstein Paul , Ronald Angelica
Published: March 2018

This study aimed to test for overlap in genetic influences between psychotic‐like experience traits shown by adolescents in the community, and clinically‐recognized psychiatric disorders in adulthood, specifically schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression. The full spectra of psychotic‐like experience domains, both in terms of their severity and type (positive, cognitive, and negative), were assessed using self‐ and parent‐ratings in three European community samples aged 15–19 years (Final N incl. siblings = 6,297–10,098). A mega‐genome‐wide association study (mega‐GWAS) for each psychotic‐like experience domain was performed. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)‐heritability of each psychotic‐like experience domain was estimated using genomic‐relatedness‐based restricted maximum‐likelihood (GREML) and linkage disequilibrium‐ (LD‐) score regression. Genetic overlap between specific psychotic‐like experience domains and schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression was assessed using polygenic risk score (PRS) and LD‐score regression. GREML returned SNP‐heritability estimates of 3–9% for psychotic‐like experience trait domains, with higher estimates for less skewed traits (Anhedonia, Cognitive Disorganization) than for more skewed traits (Paranoia and Hallucinations, Parent‐rated Negative Symptoms). Mega‐GWAS analysis identified one genome‐wide significant association for Anhedonia within IDO2 but which did not replicate in an independent sample. PRS analysis revealed that the schizophrenia PRS significantly predicted all adolescent psychotic‐like experience trait domains (Paranoia and Hallucinations only in non‐zero scorers). The major depression PRS significantly predicted Anhedonia and Parent‐rated Negative Symptoms in adolescence. Psychotic‐like experiences during adolescence in the community show additive genetic effects and partly share genetic influences with clinically‐recognized psychiatric disorders, specifically schizophrenia and major depression.
Copper‐Catalyzed Bis‐ or Trifunctionalization of Alkynyl Carboxylic Acids: An Efficient Route to Bis‐ and Tris‐selenide Alkenes
Authors: Chen Jing , Su Shi‐Xia , Hu Da‐Chao , Cui Fei‐Hu , Xu Yan‐Li , Chen Yan‐Yan , Ma Xian‐Li , Pan Ying‐Ming , Liang Ying
Published: March 2018

A highly efficient copper‐catalyzed protocol for the synthesis of bis‐ and tris‐selenide alkenes from alkynyl carboxylic acids and diselenides has been developed. The reaction of alkynyl carboxylic acids and diselenides in the presence of CuI/Cs2CO3/toluene under white light LEDs only gave bis‐selenide alkenes, whereas tris‐selenide alkenes were obtained in the presence of a CuI/Cs2CO3/NMP system. This method provides a rapid access to bis‐ and tris‐selenide alkenes derivatives.
Comparison of two ancient DNA extraction protocols for skeletal remains from tropical environments
Authors: Nieves‐Colón Maria A. , Ozga Andrew T. , Pestle William J. , Cucina Andrea , Tiesler Vera , Stanton Travis W. , Stone Anne C.
Published: March 2018

Objectives

The tropics harbor a large part of the world's biodiversity and have a long history of human habitation. However, paleogenomics research in these climates has been constrained so far by poor ancient DNA yields. Here we compare the performance of two DNA extraction methods on ancient samples of teeth and petrous portions excavated from tropical and semi‐tropical sites in Tanzania, Mexico, and Puerto Rico (N = 12).

Materials and Methods

All samples were extracted twice, built into double‐stranded sequencing libraries, and shotgun sequenced on the Illumina HiSeq 2500. The first extraction protocol, Method D, was previously designed for recovery of ultrashort DNA fragments from skeletal remains. The second, Method H, modifies the first by adding an initial EDTA wash and an extended digestion and decalcification step.

Results

No significant difference was found in overall ancient DNA yields or post‐mortem damage patterns recovered from samples extracted with either method, irrespective of tissue type. However, Method H samples had higher endogenous content and more mapped reads after quality‐filtering, but also higher clonality. In contrast, samples extracted with Method D had shorter average DNA fragments.

Discussion

Both methods successfully recovered endogenous ancient DNA. But, since surviving DNA in ancient or historic remains from tropical contexts is extremely fragmented, our results suggest that Method D is the optimal choice for working with samples from warm and humid environments. Additional optimization of extraction conditions and further testing of Method H with different types of samples may allow for improvement of this protocol in the future.