bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Testosterone Therapy Increase Risk of Cardiovascular Events among Men? A Meta-analysis
Authors: Makki Nader , Karrowni Wassef
Published: September 2019

Importance: There has been increasing interest in use of testosterone therapy (TT) beyond patients with hypogonadism to include younger men without documented hormone measurements for the purpose of improving libido, sexual function, bone density, and body mass. However, there is no conclusive data about safety of TT due to lack of adequately powered randomized clinical trials (RCTs) specifically designed for this purpose.

Objective: To examine the overall risk of cardiovascular events associated with TT via meta-analysis of published randomized and observational studies.

Data Sources: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register and the National Institute of Health Clinical Trials.gov database from 1966 to 2014.

Study Selection: Out of the initial 2,800 studies identified, we obtained a total of 34 studies for detailed analysis after applying our inclusion/exclusion criteria. Two reviewers used eligibility criteria to assess all titles, abstracts, and full texts and resolved disagreements by discussion.

Data Extraction and Synthesis: One reviewer did data abstractions and quality assessments, which were confirmed by a second reviewer. Data were then collected and analyzed using random and fixed effect model, as appropriate. Risk estimates were extracted as adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) from included studies.

Main Outcome and Measures: Association of TT with cardiovascular events as a primary endpoint and association of TT with ischemic heart disease, all-cause mortality and cerebrovascular events as secondary endpoints.

Results: TT was associated with increased incidence of cardiovascular events (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.19-1.67, p = 0.0004), all-cause mortality (adjusted HR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.03-1.62, p = 0.02), and ischemic heart disease (adjusted HR=1.51, 95% CI = 1.05-2.18, p = 0.02) but there was no clear association with cerebrovascular events (adjusted HR=0.91, 95% CI = 0.66-1.25, p=0.54).  Subgroup analyses of our primary endpoint by study type (randomized versus observational studies) did not change our results (adjusted HR=1.40, 95% CI = 1.05-1.87, p = 0.02 and adjusted HR=1.54, 95% CI = 1.09-2.17, p = 0.01 respectively). Additional analysis using meta-regression and sensitivity analyses to account for factors such as history of prior CV events, indication for TT and duration of follow up did not change our results. However, we did notice lack of association between CV events and Intramuscular testosterone.

Conclusions and Relevance: TT may be associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular events, and ischemic heart disease. These findings support the need for an adequately powered randomized study.
Evaluation of the Association between Ischemia Modified Albumin (IMA), Glycemic and Lipid Status in Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Ahmad Afzal , Manjrekar Poornima , Agarwal Ashish , Yadav Charu , Zahra Nadia Az
Published: September 2019

Introduction: Hyperglycemia induced oxidative stress in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus modify various biomolecules to cause Diabetic Nephropathy (DN). IMA (Ischemia-Modified Albumin) is one such oxidative stress marker already examined in various clinical events but have not yet been evaluated in different stages of DN.

Aim: To estimate and assess the relationship of IMA with glycemic status and lipid parameters in all stages of DN.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Study was conducted at Department of Biochemistry, Kasturba Medical College Hospitals, Mangaluru conducted between 2014 and 2015.

Materials and Methods: There were 60 type 2 diabetic cases and 30 healthy controls. Diabetic cases were further categorized into three equal groups on the basis of UACR (urine albumin-creatinine ratio), DN stage I having UACR less than 30 mg/g, DN stage II having UACR 30 to 300 mg/g, and DN stage III having UACR ≥ 300 mg/g of creatinine. Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay serum IMA level was estimated whereas automated analyzers was used for serum creatinine, HbA1c, urine albumin and urine creatinine analysis.

Results: Lowest level of IMA (109 ng/mL) measured in DN stage I, which was significantly different from those in DN stage II (154 ng/mL) and DN stage III (178 ng/mL). The significant positive correlation between IMA and fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin were present in stage II and stage III DN.  In this study significant positive correlation of serum IMA to serum total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and negative correlation with high density lipoprotein were revealed in all stage of DN.

Conclusion: Current study postulates that early evaluation of serum IMA in diabetic patients with deranged lipid profile will provide an index of nephropathy development. This will help in prognosis and controlling complication in diabetes mellitus.
Synergistic Antimicrobial Capability of Magnetically Oriented Graphene Oxide Conjugated with Gold Nanoclusters
Authors: Zheng Kaiyuan , Li Kerui , Chang Ting‐Hsiang , Xie Jianping , Chen Po‐Yen
Published: September 2019

Bacterial resistance toward antibiotics has been a worldwide threat; one way to fight against the resistance is to develop a multimechanism antibacterial agent to achieve synergistic performance. Graphene oxide (GO) is an emerging antibacterial agent combining multiple mechanisms (physical insertion and chemical disruption), and its rich functional groups enable the complexation/conjugation of nanomaterials to further improve antibacterial performance. Herein, a synergistic antimicrobial agent is established through the assembly of paramagnetic holmium ions and gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) onto GO nanosheets. The assembled nanosheets can be vertically aligned under weak and practical magnetic fields (<0.5 T  ), providing high‐density sharp edges with preferential orientation to effectively pierce the bacterial membrane. Also, the conjugated AuNCs are efficiently delivered into bacteria to induce high oxidative stress, which strongly disturbs bacterial metabolism, leading to the death of both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. The antibacterial agent uses both physical (via oriented GO) and chemical (via GO and AuNCs) mechanisms to achieve synergistic antimicrobial performance with low IC50 values of 9.8 µg mL−1 on the basis of GO and 0.39 × 10−6 m on the basis of AuNCs. This multicomponent agent with dual antimicrobial mechanisms is expected to be a promising multifunctional‐antimicrobial agent with high biosafety.
Thermal Properties of Lipid Bilayers Determined Using Upconversion Nanothermometry
Authors: Bastos Ana R. N. , Brites Carlos D. S. , Rojas‐Gutierrez Paola A. , DeWolf Christine , Ferreira Rute A. S. , Capobianco John A. , Carlos Luís D.
Published: September 2019

Luminescent nanomaterials have shown promise for thermal sensing in bio‐applications, yet little is known of the role of organic coatings such as supported lipid bilayers on the thermal conductivity between the nanomaterial and its environment. Additionally, since the supported lipid bilayer mimics the cell membrane, its thermal properties are fundamentally important to understand the spatial variations of temperature and heat transfer across membranes. Herein, a new approach is described that enables direct measurement of these thermal properties using a LiYF4:Er3+/Yb3+ upconverting nanoparticle encapsulated within a conformal supported lipid bilayer and dispersed in water as a temperature probe yielding the temperature gradient across the bilayer. The thermal conductivity of the lipid bilayer is measured as a function of the temperature, being 0.20 ± 0.02 W m−1 K−1 at 300 K. For the uncapped nanoparticles dispersed in water, the temperature dependence of the thermal conductivity is also measured in the 300–314 K range as [0.63–0.69] ± 0.11 W m−1 K−1. Using a lumped elements model, the directional heat transfer is calculated at each of the system interfaces, namely, nanoparticle–bilayer and bilayer–nanofluid, opening a new avenue to understand the membrane biophysical properties as well as the thermal properties of organic and polymer coatings.
Biomaterials for Personalized Cell Therapy
Authors: Facklam Amanda L. , Volpatti Lisa R. , Anderson Daniel G.
Published: September 2019

Cell therapy has already had an important impact on healthcare and provided new treatments for previously intractable diseases. Notable examples include mesenchymal stem cells for tissue regeneration, islet transplantation for diabetes treatment, and T cell delivery for cancer immunotherapy. Biomaterials have the potential to extend the therapeutic impact of cell therapies by serving as carriers that provide 3D organization and support cell viability and function. With the growing emphasis on personalized medicine, cell therapies hold great potential for their ability to sense and respond to the biology of an individual patient. These therapies can be further personalized through the use of patient‐specific cells or with precision biomaterials to guide cellular activity in response to the needs of each patient. Here, the role of biomaterials for applications in tissue regeneration, therapeutic protein delivery, and cancer immunotherapy is reviewed, with a focus on progress in engineering material properties and functionalities for personalized cell therapies.
Water Oxidation Catalysts for Artificial Photosynthesis
Authors: Ye Sheng , Ding Chunmei , Liu Mingyao , Wang Aoqi , Huang Qinge , Li Can
Published: September 2019

Water oxidation is the primary reaction of both natural and artificial photosynthesis. Developing active and robust water oxidation catalysts (WOCs) is the key to constructing efficient artificial photosynthesis systems, but it is still facing enormous challenges in both fundamental and applied aspects. Here, the recent developments in molecular catalysts and heterogeneous nanoparticle catalysts are reviewed with special emphasis on biomimetic catalysts and the integration of WOCs into artificial photosystems. The highly efficient artificial photosynthesis depends largely on active WOCs integrated into light harvesting materials via rational interface engineering based on in‐depth understanding of charge dynamics and the reaction mechanism.
Recent Advances in 1D Stretchable Electrodes and Devices for Textile and Wearable Electronics: Materials, Fabrications, and Applications
Authors: Lee Jaehong , Llerena Zambrano Byron , Woo Janghoon , Yoon Kukro , Lee Taeyoon
Published: September 2019

Research on wearable electronic devices that can be directly integrated into daily textiles or clothes has been explosively grown holding great potential for various practical wearable applications. These wearable electronic devices strongly demand 1D electronic devices that are light–weight, weavable, highly flexible, stretchable, and adaptable to comport to frequent deformations during usage in daily life. To this end, the development of 1D electrodes with high stretchability and electrical performance is fundamentally essential. Herein, the recent process of 1D stretchable electrodes for wearable and textile electronics is described, focusing on representative conductive materials, fabrication techniques for 1D stretchable electrodes with high performance, and designs and applications of various 1D stretchable electronic devices. To conclude, discussions are presented regarding limitations and perspectives of current materials and devices in terms of performance and scientific understanding that should be considered for further advances.
A Highly Responsive Organic Image Sensor Based on a Two‐Terminal Organic Photodetector with Photomultiplication
Authors: Wu Yi‐Lin , Fukuda Kenjiro , Yokota Tomoyuki , Someya Takao
Published: September 2019

Highly responsive organic image sensors are crucial for medical imaging applications. To enhance the pixelwise photoresponse in an organic image sensor, the integration of an organic photodetector with amplifiers, or the use of a highly responsive organic photodetector without an additional amplifying component, is required. The use of vertically stacked, two‐terminal organic photodetectors with photomultiplication is a promising approach for highly responsive organic image sensors owing to their simple two‐terminal structure and intrinsically large responsivity. However, there are no demonstrations of an imaging sensor array using organic photomultiplication photodetectors. The main obstacle to a sensor array is the weak‐light sensitivity, which is limited by a relatively large dark current. Herein, a highly responsive organic image sensor based on monolithic, vertically stacked two‐terminal pixels is presented. This is achieved using pixels of a vertically stacked diode‐type organic photodetector with photomultiplication. Furthermore, applying an optimized injection electrode and additionally stacked rectifying layers, this two‐terminal device simultaneously demonstrates a high responsivity (>40 A W−1), low dark current, and high rectification under illumination. An organic image sensor based on this device with an extremely simple architecture exhibits a high pixel photoresponse, demonstrating a weak‐light imaging capability even at 1 µW cm−2.
Highly Stable and Efficient FASnI3‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells by Introducing Hydrogen Bonding
Authors: Meng Xiangyue , Lin Jianbo , Liu Xiao , He Xin , Wang Yong , Noda Takeshi , Wu Tianhao , Yang Xudong , Han Liyuan
Published: September 2019

Tin‐based perovskites with narrow bandgaps and high charge‐carrier mobilities are promising candidates for the preparation of efficient lead‐free perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, the crystalline rate of tin‐based perovskites is much faster, leading to abundant trap states and much lower open‐circuit voltage (Voc). Here, hydrogen bonding is introduced to retard the crystalline rate of the FASnI3 perovskite. By adding poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), the OH…I− hydrogen bonding interactions between PVA and FASnI3 have the effects of introducing nucleation sites, slowing down the crystal growth, directing the crystal orientation, reducing the trap states, and suppressing the migration of the iodide ions. In the presence of the PVA additive, the FASnI3–PVA PSCs attain higher power conversion efficiency of 8.9% under a reverse scan with significantly improved Voc from 0.55 to 0.63 V, which is one of the highest Voc values for FASnI3‐based PSCs. More importantly, the FASnI3–PVA PSCs exhibit striking long‐term stability, with no decay in efficiency after 400 h of operation at the maximum power point. This approach, which makes use of the OH…I− hydrogen bonding interactions between PVA and FASnI3, is generally applicable for improving the efficiency and stability of the FASnI3‐based PSCs.
Stimulating Oxide Heterostructures: A Review on Controlling SrTiO3‐Based Heterointerfaces with External Stimuli
Authors: Christensen Dennis Valbjørn , Trier Felix , Niu Wei , Gan Yulin , Zhang Yu , Jespersen Thomas Sand , Chen Yunzhong , Pryds Nini
Published: September 2019

Numerous of the greatest inventions in modern society, such as solar cells, display panels, and transistors, rely on a simple concept: An external stimulus is applied to a material and the response is then utilized. Oxides often exhibit a colorful palette of responses to external stimuli due to the close coupling between lattice, spin, orbital, and charge degrees of freedom. In particular, oxide heterostructures where oxide thin films are deposited on SrTiO3 have proven to be a fertile playground for material scientists, and a vast amount of interesting theoretical and experimental studies showcase the wide tunabilities of these heterostructures when subjected to external stimuli. Here, the authors review how the properties of SrTiO3‐based heterostructures can be changed by external stimuli using electric fields, magnetic fields, light, stress, particle bombardment, liquids, gases, and temperature. The application of a single stimulus or several stimuli combined often leads to unexpected changes in properties which can open up for designing new devices as well as expanding the boundaries of our understanding within fundamental science.
Interface Stress for Bidirectional Frequency Tuning of Prebuckled Vanadium Dioxide MEMS Resonators
Authors: Cao Yunqi , Sepúlveda Nelson
Published: September 2019

Interface stress between structural materials and thin film coatings has a significant influence on the resonant frequency of microelectromechanical system (MEMS) resonators. In this work, the axial stress on different types of buckled bridge MEMS resonator structures is controlled through the solid‐to‐solid phase transition of a VO2 thin film coating. The devices have identical dimensions, but different buckling orientations and profiles due to the combined effect of overetching and residual thermal stress mismatch. Thermal actuation is used to tune the resonant frequency of the device, but the changes in frequency are found to be dependent on the type of buckling for the device. Thermal actuation is achieved by applying an electrical current to integrated heaters, or by uniform substrate heating. Bidirectional tunability is found when substrate heating is used, while Joule heating shows a monotonic change in frequency. This phenomenon can be attributed to the transition in boundary conditions, where the turning points are indicated by the prominent changes in buckling amplitude. In addition, devices with opposite buckling orientations exhibit different tuning behaviors which can be explained by different bending moments induced by beam stress interface modification.
Intrinsic Strong Linear Dichroism of Multilayered 2D Hybrid Perovskite Crystals toward Highly Polarized‐Sensitive Photodetection
Authors: Liu Yi , Wu Zhenyue , Liu Xitao , Han Shiguo , Li Yaobin , Yang Tao , Ma Yu , Hong Maochun , Luo Junhua , Sun Zhihua
Published: September 2019

Linear dichroism of 2D materials is brought into practical operation of polarized light detection; currently, organic–inorganic 2D hybrid perovskites with the linear dichroic nature offers immense potentials within this portfolio. Here, a newly tailored 2D hybrid perovskite, (iBA)2(MA)Pb2I7 (1, where MA+ is methylammonium and iBA+ is n‐isobutylammonium) is investigated, adopting a highly anisotropic bilayered perovskite motif that results in strong crystallographic‐dependence of linear dichroism. Both the absorption spectra (300–650 nm) and polarized‐sensitive activities of 1 exhibit the distinctive anisotropic characteristics. Consequently, based on this intrinsic linear dichroism, crystal‐based photodetectors of 1 show remarkable polarized‐light detecting behaviors, including quite fast response time (≈300 µs), notable photocurrent on/off ratio (>103) and large dichroic ratios (Ipb/Ipc ≈ 1.20 at 520 nm, 1.23 at 637 nm). Such figure‐of‐merits are comparable to those of the conventional GeSe nanoflakes (the linearly dichroic ratio of ≈1.09 at 532 nm), revealing the great potentials of 1 for the future polarized photodetection. As an innovative work, the intrinsic anisotropy and prominent linear dichroism of 1, together with the structural flexibility, opens up a promising avenue for exploring new candidates for the 2D polarized optoelectronic applications.
Periodic Oxaliplatin Administration in Synergy with PER2‐Mediated PCNA Transcription Repression Promotes Chronochemotherapeutic Efficacy of OSCC
Authors: Tang Qingming , Xie Mengru , Yu Shaoling , Zhou Xin , Xie Yanling , Chen Guangjin , Guo Fengyuan , Chen Lili
Published: September 2019

Developing chemotherapeutic resistance affects clinical outcomes of oxaliplatin treatment on various types of cancer. Thus, it is imperative to explore alternative therapeutic strategies to improve the efficacy of oxaliplatin. Here, it is shown that circadian regulator period 2 (PER2) can potentiate the cytotoxicity of oxaliplatin and boost cell apoptosis by inhibiting DNA adducts repair in human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells. The circadian timing system is closely involved in controling the activity of DNA adducts repair and gives it a 24 h rhythm. The mechanistic dissection clarifies that PER2 can periodically suppress proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) transcription by pulling down circadian locomotor output cycles kaput–brain and muscle arnt‐like 1 heterodimer from PCNA promoter in a CRY1/2‐dependent manner, which subsequently impedes oxaliplatin‐induced DNA adducts repair. Similarly, PER2 is capable of improving the efficacy of classical DNA‐damaging chemotherapeutic agents. The tumor‐bearing mouse model displays PER2 can be deployed as an oxaliplatin administration timing biomarker. In summary, it is believed that the chronochemotherapeutic strategy matching PER2 expression rhythm can efficiently improve the oxaliplatin efficacy of OSCC.
Omnidirectional Strain‐Independent Organic Transistors Integrated onto an Elastomer Template with a Spontaneously Formed Fingerprint‐Mimicking Microtopography
Authors: Choi Giheon , Baek Seolhee , Oh Seungtaek , Cho Hyewon , Yoo Heemang , Choi Yoonseuk , Choi Hyun Ho , Lee Hwa Sung
Published: September 2019

Here, a stretchable organic field‐effect transistor (OFET) that exhibits constant electrical performance irrespective of the strain direction is demonstrated. The device is integrated onto an elastomer template with randomly oriented wrinkles on its surface; these wrinkles are spontaneously formed because of the differences in the thermal–mechanical properties of the plastic layer and the underlying elastomer. To achieve this microtopography, a relatively hard polymer, Parylene C, is ad‐deposited onto an elastomer blended with polydimethylsiloxane and Ecoflex, resulting in PD‐flex. Consequently, this microtopography offers stable device operations of a dinaphtho[2,3‐b:2′,3′‐f  ]thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene OFET array under 5% elongation irrespective of strain direction. Furthermore, the electrical performance is highly stable during 10 000 cycles of uniaxial strain, as verified by negligible modulation of the device's field‐effect mobility, threshold voltage, and drain‐current maximum. This approach allows nonstretchable device components to be relevant to stretchable electronics. More importantly, it is highly compatible to device alignment and provides stability under various kinds of mechanical deformations.
Single‐Step Spray Printing of Symmetric All‐Organic Solid‐State Batteries Based on Porous Textile Dye Electrodes
Authors: Leung Puiki , Bu Junfu , Quijano Velasco Pablo , Roberts Matthew R. , Grobert Nicole , Grant Patrick S.
Published: September 2019

A symmetric solid‐state battery based on organic porous electrodes is fabricated using scalable spray‐printing. The active electrode material is based on a textile dye (disperse blue 134 anthraquinone) and is capable of forming divalent cations and anions in oxidation and reduction processes. The resulting molecule can be used in both negative and positive electrode reactions. After spray printing an inter‐connected pore honeycomb electrode, a solid‐state electrolyte (σLi: × 10−4 S cm−1) based on a polymeric ionic liquid is spray‐printed as a second layer and infiltrated through the porous electrodes. A symmetric all‐organic battery is then formed with the addition of another identical set of electrode and electrolyte layers. Both density functional theory calculations and charge‐discharge profiles show that the potentials for the negative and positive electrode reactions are amongst the lowest (≈2.0 V vs Li) and the highest (≈3.5 V vs Li), respectively, for quinone‐type molecules. Over the C‐rate range 0.2 to 5 C, the battery has a discharge cell voltage of more than 1 V even up to 250 charge‐discharge cycles and capacities are in the range 50–80 mA h g−1 at 0.5 C.
Rechargeable Iron–Sulfur Battery without Polysulfide Shuttling
Authors: Wu Xianyong , Markir Aaron , Xu Yunkai , Hu Edward C. , Dai Kevin T. , Zhang Chong , Shin Woochul , Leonard Daniel P. , Kim Keun‐il , Ji Xiulei
Published: September 2019

Sulfur represents one of the most promising cathode materials for next‐generation batteries; however, the widely observed polysulfide dissolution/shuttling phenomenon in metal–sulfur redox chemistries has severely restricted their applications. Here it is demonstrated that when pairing the sulfur electrode with the iron metal anode, the inherent insolubility of iron sulfides renders the shuttling‐free nature of the Fe–S electrochemical reactions. Consequently, the sulfur electrode exhibits promising performance for Fe2+ storage, where a high capacity of ≈1050 mAh g−1, low polarization of ≈0.16 V as well as stable cycling of 150 cycles are realized. The Fe–S redox mechanism is further revealed as an intriguing stepwise conversion of S8 ↔ FeS2 ↔ Fe3S4 ↔ FeS, where a low volume expansion of ≈32.6% and all‐solid‐state phase transitions facilitate the reaction reversibility. This study suggests an alternative direction to exploit sulfur electrodes in rechargeable transition metal–sulfur batteries.
Zeolite catalytic synthesis of high‐performance jet‐fuel‐range spiro‐fuel by one‐pot Mannich–Diels–Alder reaction
Authors: Pan Lun , Xie Junjian , Nie Genkuo , Li Zheng , Zhang Xiangwen , Zou Ji‐Jun
Published: September 2019

A one‐pot Mannich–Diels–Alder reaction was developed for synthesis of high‐performance jet‐fuel‐range spirocycloalkane with an overall yield of 71.6% from biomass and petroleum derived cyclopentanone, formaldehyde, and cyclopentadiene. HZSM‐5 zeolite with Si/Al molar ratio of 130 exhibits much higher catalytic activity, along with good recycling ability. Over it, a high selectivity (81.6%) and yield (80.9%) of target adduct is achieved with almost complete conversion of cyclopentanone, attributed to the synergy effect of appropriate ratio of Lewis to Brønsted acid sites and mass transfer effect of porous zeolite. More importantly, after hydrodeoxygenation, the resultant spirocycloalkane has much higher density and volumetric neat heat of combustion (0.952 g·ml−1, 40.18 MJ L−1) than the wildly used JP‐10 fuel (0.936 g ml−1, 39.41 MJ L−1). This work provides a promising route to produce high‐performance jet‐fuel‐range hydrocarbons through co‐conversion of biomass and petroleum derivatives.
Comparison of two low‐hazard organic solvents as individual and cosolvents for the fabrication of polysulfone membranes
Authors: Dong Xiaobo , Shannon Halle D. , Parker Caleb , De Jesus Samantha , Escobar Isabel C.
Published: September 2019

Petroleum‐derived solvents commonly used in membrane fabrication are often hazardous and toxic, so the investigation of safer alternatives is important. In this study, two low‐hazard solvents, methyl 5‐(dimethylamino)‐2‐methyl‐5‐oxopentanoate (Rhodiasolv® PolarClean) and gamma‐valerolactone (GVL), were investigated as sole solvents and as cosolvents to cast polysulfone membranes via nonsolvent induced phase inversion. Normalized viscosity was introduced as an indicator of dope solution homogeneity and was used to compare the required time of mixing to achieve full dissolution of the polymer in the different solvents/solvent mixtures. All dope solutions made with low‐hazard solvents were found to be more viscous than those made with traditional solvents, which meant additional mixing time was needed, and that fabricated membranes were morphologically different. With respect to operation, membranes cast from dope solutions containing equal amounts of PolarClean and GVL displayed the most similar flux curves and solute rejection to those made using the traditional solvent tested.
Impact of surface loading on catalytic activity of regular and low micropore SBA‐15 in the Knoevenagel condensation
Authors: Kane Ashwin , Deshpande Nitish , Brunelli Nicholas A.
Published: September 2019

The mesopores of SBA‐15 are well‐suited for immobilizing catalytic aminosilanes for converting substrates for fine chemicals, but these materials have micropores that could impact the observed reaction rate of immobilized catalysts. Materials are synthesized with conventional methods that produce micropores (Regular Micropore SBA‐15; REG) and compared to materials with limited to no micropore volume (NMP SBA‐15). These materials are functionalized with aminosilanes for testing in the Knoevenagel condensation. For low amine loadings, NMP materials have a higher observed reaction rate compared to REG materials, achieving twice the conversion in the same time. As the surface density increases, the reaction rate for NMP materials decreases since organosilane functionalization consumes surface silanols that interact cooperatively with the amine. Regardless of surface density, the NMP materials have higher observed reaction rate than the REG materials. These results demonstrate the importance of reducing micropore volume to create highly active catalytic materials.
Hydrodynamics and mechanism of hydrophobic foam column tray: Contact angle hysteresis effect
Authors: Yan Peng , Li Xingang , Li Hong , Shao Yuanyuan , Zhang Hui , Gao Xin
Published: September 2019

Interfacial wettability adjustment is a new method for intensifying vapor–liquid mass transfer process. Contact angle effect has been well investigated but not complete due to interfacial wettability consisting of both static behavior (contact angle) and dynamic behavior (contact angle hysteresis). Here, methods of adjusting contact angle hysteresis (CAH) were proposed, and then, the CAH effect on the hydrodynamics was investigated. A multiscale analysis of CAH effect, from interfacial force and wettability to single‐bubble and gas–liquid two‐phase flow inside the foam to bubble swarm hydrodynamics, was conducted, and thus, the hydrodynamic performance criteria were derived. The interfaces had similar contact angles, whereas a significant difference in the CAH was prepared by using the developed sol dip‐coating and spray coating methods. Subsequent experiments revealed that lower CAH can decrease the pressure drop, homogenize the gas distribution, and increase the weeping rate, which are consistent with the derived criteria.
The long and winding road to assisted dying in Australia
Authors: Duckett Stephen
Published: September 2019

Public opinion polling shows that Australians have long supported legalising assisted dying, but this has not generally led to legislative success. Since 1993, Australian parliament have considered legalising assisted dying over 50 times, with only two attempts being successful: Northern Territory in 1995 and Victoria in 2017. This paper describes the Northern Territory and Victorian legislation and the processes associated with the passage of the legislation in both jurisdictions. It suggests that one of the factors that contributed to the Victorian outcome was the extensive consultation involved prior to the introduction of the legislation into parliament. Political factors – including government support – also facilitated the legislation's passage.
A Robust Solid Electrolyte Interphase Layer Augments the Ion Storage Capacity of Bimetallic‐Sulfide‐Containing Potassium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Xie Junpeng , Li Xiaodan , Lai Haojie , Zhao Zhijuan , Li Jinliang , Zhang Wanggang , Xie Weiguang , Liu Yiming , Mai Wenjie
Published: September 2019

Metal–organic framework‐derived NiCo2.5S4 microrods wrapped in reduced graphene oxide (NCS@RGO) were synthesized for potassium‐ion storage. Upon coordination with organic potassium salts, NCS@RGO exhibits an ultrahigh initial reversible specific capacity (602 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1) and ultralong cycle life (a reversible specific capacity of 495 mAh g−1 at 200 mA g−1 after 1 900 cycles over 314 days). Furthermore, the battery demonstrates a high initial Coulombic efficiency of 78 %, outperforming most sulfides reported previously. Advanced ex situ characterization techniques, including atomic force microscopy, were used for evaluation and the results indicate that the organic potassium salt‐containing electrolyte helps to form thin and robust solid electrolyte interphase layers, which reduce the formation of byproducts during the potassiation–depotassiation process and enhance the mechanical stability of electrodes. The excellent conductivity of the RGO in the composites, and the robust interface between the electrodes and electrolytes, imbue the electrode with useful properties; including, ultrafast potassium‐ion storage with a reversible specific capacity of 402 mAh g−1 even at 2 A g−1.
Transition‐Metal Chemistry of Alkaline‐Earth Elements: The Trisbenzene Complexes M(Bz)3(M=Sr, Ba)
Authors: Wang Qian , Pan Sudip , Wu Yan‐Bo , Deng Guohai , Bian Jian‐Hong , Wang Guanjun , Zhao Lili , Zhou Mingfei , Frenking Gernot
Published: September 2019

We report the synthesis and spectroscopic identification of the trisbenzene complexes of strontium and barium M(Bz)3(M=Sr, Ba) in low‐temperature Ne matrix. Both complexes are characterized by aD3symmetric structure involving three equivalent η6‐bound benzene ligands and a closed‐shell singlet electronic ground state. The analysis of the electronic structure shows that the complexes exhibit metal–ligand bonds that are typical for transition metal compounds. The chemical bonds can be explained in terms of weak donation from the π MOs of benzene ligands into the vacant (n−1)d AOs of M and strong backdonation from the occupied (n−1)d AO of M into vacant π* MOs of benzene ligands. The metals in these 20‐electron complexes have 18 effective valence electrons, and, thus, fulfill the 18‐electron rule if only the metal–ligand bonding electrons are counted. The results suggest that the heavier alkaline earth atoms exhibit the full bonding scenario of transition metals.
Aqueous Electrochemical Reduction of Carbon Dioxide and Carbon Monoxide into Methanol with Cobalt Phthalocyanine
Authors: Boutin Etienne , Wang Min , Lin John C. , Mesnage Matthieu , Mendoza Daniela , Lassalle‐Kaiser Benedikt , Hahn Christopher , Jaramillo Thomas F. , Robert Marc
Published: September 2019

Conversion of CO2 into valuable molecules is a field of intensive investigation with the aim of developing scalable technologies for making fuels using renewable energy sources. While electrochemical reduction into CO and formate are approaching industrial maturity, a current challenge is obtaining more reduced products like methanol. However, literature on the matter is scarce, and even more for the use of molecular catalysts. Here, we demonstrate that cobalt phthalocyanine, a well‐known catalyst for the electrochemical conversion of CO2 to CO, can also catalyze the reaction from CO2 or CO to methanol in aqueous electrolytes at ambient conditions of temperature and pressure. The studies identify formaldehyde as a key intermediate and an unexpected pH effect on selectivity. This paves the way for establishing a sequential process where CO2 is first converted to CO which is subsequently used as a reactant to produce methanol. Under ideal conditions, the reaction shows a global Faradaic efficiency of 19.5 % and chemical selectivity of 7.5 %.
Dehydrierende anodische C‐C‐Kupplung von Phenolen mit elektronenziehenden Substituenten
Authors: Röckl Johannes L. , Schollmeyer Dieter , Franke Robert , Waldvogel Siegfried R.
Published: September 2019

Wir stellen hier eine metallfreie, elektrosynthetische Methode vor, die erstmals eine direkte dehydrierende Kupplungsreaktionen von Phenolen mit elektronenziehenden Gruppen ermöglicht. Die Reaktionen sind einfach durchzuführen und skalierbar, da sie in ungeteilten Zellen durchgeführt werden und kein zusätzliches Leitsalz benötigt wird. Hierdurch ist diese Umsetzung effizient, praktisch und dadurch besonders umweltfreundlich, da Reagenzabfall minimiert wird. Das Verfahren zeichnet sich durch ein breites Spektrum an möglichen Substraten aus und es werden eine Vielzahl von funktionellen Gruppen toleriert. Das ermöglicht einen einfachen Zugang zu Vorläufern für neuartige mehrzähnige Liganden und sogar zu Heterocyclen wie Dibenzofuranen.
Dehydrogenative Anodic C−C Coupling of Phenols Bearing Electron‐Withdrawing Groups
Authors: Röckl Johannes L. , Schollmeyer Dieter , Franke Robert , Waldvogel Siegfried R.
Published: September 2019

We herein present a metal‐free, electrosynthetic method that enables the direct dehydrogenative coupling reactions of phenols carrying electron‐withdrawing groups for the first time. The reactions are easy to conduct and scalable, as they are carried out in undivided cells and obviate the necessity for additional supporting electrolyte. As such, this conversion is efficient, practical, and thereby environmentally friendly, as production of waste is minimized. The method features a broad substrate scope, and a variety of functional groups are tolerated, providing easy access to precursors for novel polydentate ligands and even heterocycles such as dibenzofurans.
Inhibition of histone acetylation and deacetylation enzymes affects longevity, development, and fecundity in the pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum)
Authors: Kirfel Phillipp , Skaljac Marisa , Grotmann Jens , Kessel Tobias , Seip Maximilian , Michaelis Katja , Vilcinskas Andreas
Published: September 2019

Histone acetylation is an evolutionarily conserved epigenetic mechanism of eukaryotic gene regulation which is tightly controlled by the opposing activities of histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs). In insects, life‐history traits such as longevity and fecundity are severely affected by the suppression of HAT/HDAC activity, which can be achieved by RNA‐mediated gene silencing or the application of chemical inhibitors. We used both experimental approaches to investigate the effect of HAT/HDAC inhibition in the pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum) a model insect often used to study complex life‐history traits. The silencing of HAT genes (kat6b, kat7, and kat14) promoted survival or increased the number of offspring, whereas targeting rpd3 (HDAC) reduced the number of viviparous offspring but increased the number of premature nymphs, suggesting a role in embryogenesis and eclosion. Specific chemical inhibitors of HATs/HDACs showed a remarkably severe impact on life‐history traits, reducing survival, delaying development, and limiting the number of offspring. The selective inhibition of HATs and HDACs also had opposing effects on aphid body weight. The suppression of HAT/HDAC activity in aphids by RNA interference or chemical inhibition revealed similarities and differences compared to the reported role of these enzymes in other insects. Our data suggest that gene expression in A. pisum is regulated by multiple HATs/HDACs, as indicated by the fitness costs triggered by inhibitors that suppress several of these enzymes simultaneously. Targeting multiple HATs or HDACs with combined effects on gene regulation could, therefore, be a promising approach to discover novel targets for the management of aphid pests.
Enrichment of large‐diameter semiconducting single‐walled carbon nanotubes by a mixed‐extractor strategy
Authors: Zhang Ping , Yi Wenhui , Bai Lei , Tian Yilong , Hou Jin , Jin Weiqiu , Si Jinhai , Hou Xun
Published: September 2019

In this work, we report a new mixed‐extractor strategy to improve the sorting yield of large‐diameter semiconducting single‐walled carbon nanotubes (s‐SWCNTs) with high purity. In the new mixed‐extractor strategy, two kinds of conjugated polymers with different rigidity, poly(9,9‐n‐dihexyl‐2,7‐fluorene‐alt‐9‐phenyl‐3,6‐carbazole) (PDFP) and poly(9,9‐dioctylfluorene‐alt‐benzothiadiazole) (P8BT), are used to sort large‐diameter s‐SWCNTs through two simple sonication processes. To our surprise, although PDFP itself shows no selectivity toward s‐SWCNTs, it can greatly enhance the sorting yield of P8BT. Using the PDFP/P8BT mixed‐extractor method, the yield of sorted s‐SWCNTs has been enhanced by 5 times with a purity above 99 % in comparison to that using P8BT single‐extractor method. In addition, the photoluminescence (PL) excitation maps shows that the PDFP/P8BT mixed‐extractor system not only enhances the sorting yield substantially, but also tends to be enrichment of (15,4) SWCNTs with the diameter of 1.36 nm.
Low‐Threshold Non‐Doped Deep Blue Lasing from Monodisperse Truxene‐Cored Conjugated Starbursts with High Photostability
Authors: Liu Cheng‐Fang , Lu Tingting , Lai Wen‐Yong , Huang Wei
Published: September 2019

Herein, the photophysical, morphological, optical gain characteristics of a set of trigonal monodisperse starburst conjugated macromolecules (Tr1‐Tr4) have been systematically investigated in order to elucidate the influence of the molecular structures on their optoelectronic performance. With increasing the oligofluorene arm length, absorption spectra were red‐shifted progressively, whereas an increase in photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) and optical gain coefficients, and a corresponding reduction in amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) thresholds and loss coefficients were observed for Tr1‐Tr3 except for Tr4. The results indicate that the effective conjugation length become saturated for Tr3 in this system. Impressively, the resulting molecules manifested very low ASE thresholds (4.4–11.6 μJ cm−2) with high photostability, as well as high thermal stability. One dimensional distributed feedback (DFB) lasers exhibited a minimum lasing threshold of 10.38 nJ pulse−1 (0.86 kW cm−2, 4.325 μJ cm−2) for Tr3. It should be emphasized that the ASE threshold of Tr1‐Tr4 was nearly unchanged from room temperature to 200 °C. The results suggest that this kind of truxene‐cored conjugated starbursts with high photostability and low lasing thresholds are rather promising gain media for organic semiconductor lasers.
Enzyme production and oil palm empty fruit bunch bioconversion to ethanol using a hybrid yeast strain
Authors: Zhai Lili , Manglekar Rupali Rahul , Geng Anli
Published: September 2019

Oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) is a lignocellulosic biomass generated in palm oil mills. It is a sustainable resource for fuels and chemicals. In this study, OPEFB was converted to ethanol by an integrative OPEFB conversion process including dilute alkaline pretreatment, cellulolytic enzyme production, separate OPEFB hydrolysis, and cofermentation using a hybrid xylose‐fermenting yeast. OPEFB was pretreated using 1% (w/v) NaOH solution followed by 1% (v/v) H2O2. Further, cellulolytic enzymes were produced by submerged fermentation using Trichoderma reesei Rut C30 and used for OPEFB hydrolysis. The filter paper cellulase activity of the crude cellulolytic enzymes was 15.1 IU/mL, which was higher than those obtained by reported Trichoderma strains under laboratory conditions. Glucose and xylose yields reached 66.9% and 74.2%, respectively, at 30 filter paper unit (FPU)/g‐biomass enzyme dosage and 10% (w/v) biomass loading. The hybrid yeast strain ScF2 was previously constructed through recursive genome shuffling of Pichia stipitis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae and was used in OPEFB hydrolysate fermentation. About 16.9 g/L ethanol was produced with an ethanol yield of 0.34 g/g sugars, which was 67% of theoretical ethanol yield.
3D Magnetopneumography Magnetic Dipole Model and Its Application Using Fluxgate Gradiometers
Authors: Fang Yunlong
Published: September 2019

Magnetopneumography (MPG) as a non‐invasive method for pneumoconiosis diagnosis has been developed to evaluate the load and spatial distribution of particles within the human lungs through scanning of remanent magnetic fields after magnetization of the subject in a strong direct current field. The measurement of particle spatial distribution is very important for pneumoconiosis diagnosis because localized deposits may be associated with some pathological changes such as pulmonary fibrosis. Previous research found that loads of magnetite particles were proportional to their magnetic dipole moments. The three‐dimensional (3D) MPG magnetic dipole model (MDM) proposed in this paper and based on Biot–Savart Law and matrix manipulation provides a means of precise measurement of the particle distribution and load amount. A styrofoam + magnetite powder phantom with magnetization was laid on a nonmagnetic board. Two first‐order fluxgate gradiometers with 10–12 T sensitivity were coaxially applied over and under the phantom and used for scanning remanent magnetic fields. This paper provides validation results using 3D MPG MDM through two experiments. The overall error of the simulation results is 0.2–2.7% in the center and 7.28–9.42% in the corners of the subject. Finally, this paper gives clinical experiments with a welder suffering stage‐II pneumoconiosis and states that the 3D MPG MDM shows similar results to X‐ray chest films in pneumoconiosis diagnosis. The results suggest that the 3D MPG MDM is potentially a reasonable and accurate algorithmic model to inversely track the load amount and distribution of magnetite particles within the lungs. Bioelectromagnetics. 2019;40:472–487. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
Self‐assembly in amphiphilic macromolecules with solvent exposed hydrophobic moieties
Authors: Dutta Sutapa , Patra Piya , Chakrabarti Jaydeb
Published: September 2019

Self‐assembly by amphiphilic molecules with solvent exposed hydrophobic groups are relevant in biomolecular systems as well as in technological applications. Here we study such self‐assembly in these systems using a model system of spherical particles having charge at core but solvent repelling surface, using Monte‐Carlo simulations and mean field treatment. We find that solvophobicity mediated attraction leads aggregation, while electrostatic repulsions control stability of finite clusters. The aggregation threshold relates the parameters of two interactions through an algebraic dependence. The study also qualitatively explains experimental observations on aggregation of misfolded proteins and can be useful guide to tune stability of nm sized self‐assembly in systems with exposed hydrophobic groups.
A data‐mining‐based approach to informed decision‐making in engineering education
Authors: Yahya Anwar Ali , Osman Addin
Published: September 2019

In outcome‐based academic programs, Program Educational Objectives (PEOs) and Student Outcomes (SOs) are two cores around which all programs’ components and processes revolve. Needless to say, the PEOs‐SOs mapping is very critical for program success and, therefore, a deep understanding of PEOs, SOs, and their intra/inter‐correlations is very important for effective program's decisions making. In this context, this paper proposes a data mining‐based approach to discover hidden knowledge of PEOs, SOs, and their mapping and correlations in engineering programs. More specifically, the proposed approach employs association rule mining techniques to generate association rules, among and between PEOs and SOs, from PEOs‐SOs mapping data of a set of engineering programs, which can be then filtered and manipulated to discover the desired knowledge. To this end, a set of 152 self‐study reports of engineering programs, accredited by American Board for Engineering and Technology‐Engineering Accreditation Commission (ABET‐EAC), are collected and the mapping data between their PEOs and ABET‐EAC SOs are extracted. The dataset is processed and transformed into a representation suitable for association rules mining. This involves developing a set of PEOs labels, annotating data with PEOs labels, and extracting three target datasets. Apriori algorithm is then applied to each dataset to generate three sets of association rules. The generated association rules are then filtered and manipulated to discover the knowledge of PEOs, ABET‐EAC SOs, and their mapping and correlations. Finally, a discussion on the informativeness of the discovered knowledge for the decisions making in engineering education is given.