bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stretchable Freestanding Films of 3D Nanocrystalline Blue Phase Elastomer and Their Tunable Applications
Authors: Zhang Yan‐Song , Jiang Shun‐An , Lin Jia‐De , Yang Po‐Chih , Lee Chia‐Rong
Published: November 2020

Given that it is a potential medium for 3D manipulation of photons in the forward‐looking technology of quantum optics, nonlinear optics, electronics, nanomaterials, and bionics, 3D photonic crystal (PhC) is a promising material of strategic significance and has great impact on scientific development. Blue phase (BP), a liquid crystalline mesophase with unique nanoscaled 3D PhC features, has been shown to contain significant potential values in fundamental studies and technological applications. However, thus far, the environmental stability of BP devices remains a puzzling issue of material exploitation. Therefore, in this study, stretching‐tunable BP elastomer (BPE) photonic bandgap (PBG) free‐standing films are fabricated via full photopolymerization. The BPE films exhibit benefit‐specific features, including sharp PBG with high reflectivity and flexible tunability in the visible region, high thermal stability, and good mechanical ductility and resistance in chemicals. These properties are attributed to the pre‐developed, fully‐reactive mesogenic materials employed, which show BP states in a wide temperature range, including room temperature. Additionally, mirrorless laser applications with flexible tunability are also realized in this study. The freestanding BPE film can be used as a prototype instrumentality to promote the future development of multifunctional intelligent applications in lasers, sensors, displays, intelligent lightings, lidars, micro‐robots and antennas.
Halide Perovskites: A Progress Report on Photon Interconversion
Authors: Wieghold Sarah , VanOrman Zachary A. , Nienhaus Lea
Published: November 2020

Photon interconversion generally describes processes which change the wavelength of the emitted light upon irradiation, with a gain in photon energy (upconversion), or a splitting of the incident photon energy to create multiple photons (downconversion). The focus of this progress report is placed on halide perovskite materials and their role in upconversion by triplet–triplet annihilation and downconversion via singlet fission in organic semiconductors, and a short perspective is given into quantum cutting and lanthanide‐based upconversion applications. The current advances are highlighted regarding halide perovskites and perovskite‐inspired materials with varying framework and material dimensionalities, as relating to photon interconversion processes. The majority of the literature is based on 3D perovskites, which leaves room for growth for perovskite materials with varying dimensionalities. Gaps in the current field are emphasized, leading to a bright outlook on future possibilities of coupling perovskites to photon interconversion mechanisms, which can open the door for future breakthroughs in this field.
Ruthenium Catalyzed C−H Amidation and Carbocyclization using Isocyanates: An Access to Amidated 2‐phenylphthalazine‐1,4‐diones and Indazolo[1,2‐b]phthalazine‐triones
Authors: Karishma Pidiyara , Gogia Alisha , Mandal Sanjay K. , Sakhuja Rajeev
Published: November 2020

A direct carbocyclization of 2‐aryl‐2,3‐dihydrophthalazine‐1,4‐diones is achieved using isocyanates as carbonyl source via Ru(II)‐catalyzed sequential ortho‐amidation followed by intramolecular nucleophilic substitution, delivering substituted indazolo[1,2‐b]phthalazine‐triones in good‐to‐excellent yields. For ortho‐substituted 2‐aryl‐2,3‐dihydrophthalazine‐1,4‐diones, the corresponding amidated products were also isolated in excellent yields by modifying the reaction parameters. Application of isocyanates as carbonyl source, high functional group tolerance on the two coupling partners and diverse chemical transformation of the synthesized fused and functionalized phthalazinones are the key highlights of the work.

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Biological traits of six sterile oat biotypes in response to planting time
Authors: Mahajan Gulshan , Chauhan Bhagirath S.
Published: November 2020

Sterile oat (Avena ludoviciana Durieu) is a problematic weed in winter crops of Australia. Biotypes of sterile oat adapted to the local environment may vary in environmental plasticity, which could increase their invasiveness. A 2‐yr (winter growing seasons of 2018 and 2019) study in Australia investigated the influence of planting date (early, mid‐, and late season) on the growth and reproduction potential of six biotypes (AL2/17, AL3/17, AL4/17, AL5/17, AL6/17, and AL9/17) of sterile oat. Averaged across biotypes, the seed production of sterile oat was reduced by 21 and 84% for mid‐ and late planting, respectively, compared with early planting (2,660 seeds plant−1). Seed production was highly correlated with the first panicle emergence for early planting. However, for mid‐ and late‐season planting, seed production was correlated with panicle number and plant biomass. For mid‐season planting, taller plants had more seed number plant−1 than shorter plants. The results of this study imply that biotypes of sterile oat differ in environmental plasticity and that they can complete their life cycle under a wide range of temperatures in the winter season and contribute to its reinfestation. Results also suggest that early and mid‐season cohorts are prolific in seed production; however, late cohorts can also produce sufficient seeds for reinfestation. Therefore, integrated weed management strategies must be focussed on those tactics (manipulation of sowing time and row spacing) that could create a competitive crop environment and to suppress the growth of early cohorts of sterile oat to reduce their seed production.
A Glass‐Ceramic with Accelerated Surface Reconstruction toward the Efficient Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Li Shanlin , Li Zichuang , Ma Ruguang , Gao Chunlang , Liu Linlin , Hu Lanping , Zhu Jinlin , Sun Tongming , Tang Yanfeng , Liu Danmin , Wang Jiacheng
Published: November 2020

The effective non‐precious metal catalysts toward the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are highly desirable for electrochemical water splitting. Herein, we prepare a novel glass‐ceramic (Ni1.5Sn@triMPO4) by embedding crystalline Ni1.5Sn nanoparticles into amorphous trimetallic phosphate (triMPO4) matrix. This unique crystalline‐amorphous nanostructure synergistically accelerates the surface reconstruction to active Ni(Fe)OOH, due to the low vacancy formation energy of Sn in glass‐ceramic and high adsorption energy of PO43− at the VO sites. Compared to the control samples, this dual‐phase glass‐ceramic exhibits a remarkably lowered overpotential and boosted OER kinetics after surface reconstruction, rivaling most of state‐of‐the‐art electrocatalysts. The residual PO43− and intrinsic VO sites induce redistribution of electron states, thus optimizing the adsorption of OH* and OOH* intermediates on metal oxyhydroxides and promoting the OER activity.
The Heterostructure of Ru2P/WO3/NPC Synergistically Promotes H2O Dissociation for Improved Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Jiang Xiaoli , Jang Haeseong , Liu Shangguo , Li Zijian , Kim Min Gyu , Li Chuang , Qin Qing , Liu Xien , Cho Jaephil
Published: November 2020

Facilitating the dissociation of water and desorption of hydrogen are both crucial challenges for improving the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline media. Herein, we report the synthesis of heterostructure of Ru2P/WO3@NPC (N, P co‐doped carbon) by a simple hydrothermal reaction using ruthenium and tungsten salts as precursors, followed by pyrolyzing under an Ar atmosphere. The Ru2P/WO3@NPC electrocatalyst exhibits an outstanding HER activity with an overpotential of 15 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and excellent durability in a 1.0 M KOH solution, outperforming state‐of‐the‐art Pt/C and most reported electrocatalysts. Experimental results combined with density functional calculations reveal that the electron density redistribution in Ru2P/WO3@NPC is achieved by electron transfer from NPC to Ru2P/WO3 and from Ru2P to WO3, which directly promotes the dissociation of water on W sites in WO3 and desorption of hydrogen on Ru sites in Ru2P.
Codoping of Lead‐Free Double Perovskites Promotes Near‐Infrared Photoluminescence
Authors: Wang Chao , Zhao Guangjiu
Published: November 2020

In the rapidly developing smart era, near‐infrared luminescent materials have important applications in various fields that are closely related to people. Nag and co‐workers provided a first codoping strategy to achieve efficient near‐infrared photoluminescence in lead‐free double perovskite materials. Through the introduction of Bi3+ ions, a new energy state is formed that leads to the absorption of lower‐energy light. The excited state formed by this light absorption subsequently excites f‐electrons of Er3+ or Yb3+ ions, and the relaxation of these f‐electrons results in near‐infrared photoluminescence. This may open a new chapter in the application of perovskites for infrared detection and human sensing.
Zinc Metal Energy Storage Devices under Extreme Conditions of Low Temperatures
Authors: Li Fuyun , Hu Xianluo
Published: November 2020

Zinc‐based energy storage devices have received extensive attention because of their low‐cost and high‐safety characteristics. Numerous breakthroughs have been made in this field in recent years. Some special applications, such as polar inspections, oil exploration, high‐altitude drones, aerospace, and cold regions, place higher requirements on the performance of zinc‐based energy storage devices under extreme conditions of low temperatures. However, aqueous electrolytes will freeze at sub‐zero temperatures, resulting in device failure. Besides, the sluggish kinetics of the electrodes at low temperatures limits their capacity retention and rate performance. During the past several years, considerable efforts have been devoted to circumventing these problems. In this review, we summarize the recent progress on zinc metal energy storage devices under extreme conditions of low temperatures. Three aspects including the design of anti‐freezing electrolytes, low‐temperature‐resistant cathode materials, and zinc anodes are discussed. Finally, a perspective on this field is summarized to guide future researches.
Genetic predisposition to the development of congenital heart diseases: Role of xenobiotic biotransformation genes
Authors: Tsepokina Anna , Shmulevich Svetlana , Ponasenko Anastasia , Shabaldin Andrey
Published: November 2020

Congenital heart diseases are one of the most common multi‐factorial fetal abnormalities caused by a complex of endo‐ and exogenous factors. It is known that mutations in xenobiotic biotransformation genes can be associated with the pathogenesis of congenital heart diseases. In the presented research, 131 children with congenital heart diseases and 101 women having children with this pathology were included in the study group. In control group, 103 healthy children and their mothers were included. Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in the xenobiotic biotransformation genes CYP1A1 (rs1048943), CYP1A2 (rs762551), GSTP1 (rs6591256, rs1871042 and rs17593068) were detected by the real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Gene–gene interactions were determined using the Multifactor Dimensionality Reduction method. We obtained no difference in the frequency of CYP1A1, CYP1A2 and GSTP1 between the study and control groups. At the same time, the genetic combinations GSTP1 (rs6591256)—GSTP1 (rs1871042) and GSTP1 (rs6591256)—GSTP1 (rs1871042)—CYP1A1 (rs1048943) in women; and GSTP1 (rs1793068)—GSTP1 (rs6591256)—GSTP1 (rs1871042)—CYP1A1 (rs1048943)—CYP1A2 (rs762551) in children contribute to the pathogenesis of congenital heart diseases.
Choline Hydroxide as a Versatile Medium for Catalyst‐Free O‐Functionalization of Phenols
Authors: Kwon Gyu‐Tae , Joo Seong‐Ryu , Park Soo‐Youl , Kim Seung‐Hoi
Published: November 2020

A versatile synthetic protocol for benzyl phenyl ether preparation via O‐alkylation of phenolic oxygen with readily available benzyl derivatives was demonstrated. The newly designed procedure was carried out using an eco‐friendly medium, room‐temperature ionic liquid (choline hydroxide), under metal‐ and base‐catalyst‐free aerobic conditions. The reaction platform was also successfully applied to phenol protection strategy.
A comprehensive entomological survey and evaluation of the efficacy of different therapies on a suspected delusional parasitosis case
Authors: Soltan‐Alinejad Parisa , Vahedi Mozaffar , Turki Habibollah , Soltani Aboozar
Published: November 2020

Objective

Delusional parasitosis (DP) is one type of psychotic disorders. It is a multifactorial disorder with different etiologies. Given that very little attention is paid to entomological survey in these cases, a comprehensive study was designed and performed for the first time in Iran on a suspected DP case and its home from Shiraz during 2018–2019.

Methods

In this study, entomological survey, dermatological studies, and psychological and psychiatric interventions were done respectively on a 40‐year‐old man who was referred to as a suspected case of DP.

Results

No medical importance arthropods were collected from the patient's home. He was not infected with lice and other ectoparasites. Skin samples were negative for scabies, but he was infected with Demodex folliculorum at low level. Psychiatric studies showed that he was a secondary DP case with depression. No effect and partial remission were reported after treatment with risperidone (2–6 mg/d) and olanzapine (5 mg/d), respectively. Therapeutic effects of hypnotism were also not satisfactory.

Conclusions

In Iran, the most important challenges these patients faced with are as follows: the absence of a specific referral center, patients resort to self‐treatment or traditional methods, and lack of a certain duration and dosage of antipsychotic for these cases. Comprehensive clinical trials should be done on this rare syndrome at the national level for better understanding the epidemiological profile of DP and finding the best method of treatment for Persian community.
Engineered macrophage membrane‐enveloped nanomedicine for ameliorating myocardial infarction in a mouse model
Authors: Xue Yugang , Zeng Guangwei , Cheng Jin , Hu Jianqiang , Zhang Mingming , Li Yan
Published: November 2020

Myocardial infarction (MI) is the serious condition causing lots of death over the world. Myocytes apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis are three important factors implicated in pathogenesis of MI. Targeting these three factors has been shown to ameliorate MI and rescue cardiac function. Previous studies have demonstrated that microRNA (miR) 199a‐3p protect against MI. In this study, we prepare macrophage membrane coated nanoparticles (MMNPs) containing miR199a‐3p. We evaluate the effects of these NPs on apoptosis and cell proliferation in vitro and the effects on inflammation cytokine production, expression of fibrosis related proteins, cardiac injuries, and functions in MI mice. We find that the MMNPs have receptors of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) and can bind to these cytokines. MMNPs prevent hypoxia‐induced apoptosis and promote cell proliferation, suppress the inflammation, and inhibit the cardiac fibrosis in MI mice. These results demonstrate that MMNPs ameliorate left ventricular remodeling and cardiac functions, and protect against MI, suggesting MMNPs containing miR199a‐3p is a potential therapeutic approach to treat MI.
Time to Get Turned on by Chemical Biology
Authors: Long Marcus J. C.
Published: November 2020

The pressing need for innovation in drug discovery is spurring the emergence of drugs that turn on protein function, as opposed to shutting activity down. Several pharmacophores usher protein target gain‐of‐function, for instance: PROTACs promote protein target degradation; other drug candidates have been reported to function through dominant‐negative inhibition of their target enzyme. Such classes of molecules are typically active at low target occupancy and display numerous advantages relative to canonical inhibitors, whose function is intrinsically tied to achieving, or exceeding a threshold occupancy. However, our ability to generally tap into gain‐of‐function processes through small molecule interventions is overall in its infancy. Herein, I outline how chemical biology is poised to help us bring this powerful idea to fruition. I further outline means through which gain‐of‐function events can be identified and harnessed.
Coronary anatomy and comorbidities impact on elective PCI outcomes in left main and multivessel coronary artery disease
Authors: Yager Neil , Schulman‐Marcus Joshua , Torosoff Mikhail
Published: November 2020

Introduction

The effects of coronary anatomy, lesion complexity, and comorbidities on outcomes of elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in high‐risk patients with left main (LM) and/or multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD) are not well studied, as these patients are typically underrepresented in the clinical trials.

Methods

This cohort study involved 33,568 consecutive elective PCI cases, excluding patients with prior coronary artery bypass graft, acute coronary syndrome within 24 hr of index PCI, or shock. All data were obtained from the New York State's PCI Reporting System from the calendar year 2015. In‐hospital mortality was the primary outcome of study. Logistic regression models were built to calculate odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for in‐hospital mortality after adjustment for coronary anatomy and significant clinical comorbidities.

Results

In this cohort of elective PCI cases all cause in‐hospital mortality was low (0.3%), with a clear mortality gradient according to the extent of CAD: 0.1% in 1 vessel disease, 0.4% in 2 vessel, 0.5% in 3 vessel disease, and 3.2% in patients with LM CAD (p < .001). Mortality was also significantly increased in patients with multiple comorbidities: 0.1% in patients with 1 comorbidity, 0.7% with 2, 2.5% with 3, and 7.4% with 4 or more studied comorbidities (p < .0001). When adjusted for coronary anatomy and lesion complexity, having any 4 or more comorbidities was associated with significantly increased odds of dying after elective PCI (OR 25.9, 95% CI 8.152–82.063, p < .0001). Furthermore, when compared to patients with 3‐vessel CAD, and accounted for comorbidities, the patients with LM disease still had significantly increased (OR 5.254, 95% CI 3.104–8.891, p < .0001) odds of dying after elective PCI.

Conclusions

In patients undergoing elective PCI, multivessel CAD and particularly LM disease are associated with significantly increased all‐cause mortality. Furthermore, when adjusted for the extent of CAD and lesion complexity, comorbidity burden remains an important predictor of mortality.
Schwannoma of the lumbar spine, presenting with pain of the knee, like an osteoid osteoma, in a 10‐year‐old girl
Authors: Laliotis Nikolaos , Chrysanthou Chrysanthos , Baskinis Nikolaos , Konstandinidis Panagiotis , Giannakopoulou Lambrini , Zarampouka Katerina
Published: November 2020

Localized pain in the absence of local lesion may represent referred pain from the spine, in a child, arising from a benign spinal schwannoma. It can be diagnosed by MRI. Surgical excision of the tumor relieves the symptoms.
Successful treatment of adult‐onset nesidioblastosis by continuous subcutaneous octreotide infusion in a patient on hemodialysis
Authors: Kato Rina , Nishimura Akihiro , Matsumura Kimio , Kikuno Shota , Nagasawa Kaoru , Mori Yasumichi
Published: November 2020

Octreotide may be useful in noninsulinoma pancreatogenous hypoglycemia syndrome with nesidioblastosis patients who was on hemodialysis. Continuous octreotide subcutaneous infusion can reduce side‐effects and stabilize plasma glucose levels.
A late presenting left‐sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia repair complicated by postoperative chylothorax: A case report
Authors: Upadhaya Sandesh Raj , Joshi Utsav , Gyawali Sagar , Thapa Bijay , Thapa Anupama
Published: November 2020

Management of chylothorax after repair of late presenting congenital diaphragmatic hernia is debatable. Conservative management in the form of close monitoring of chylous output with nutritional support appears convincing to surgery.
The Dual Capacity Contribution Mechanism of SnSb‐Anchored Nitrogen‐Doped 3D Reduced Graphene Oxide Enhances the Performance of Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Guoju , Zeng Shuyi , Duan Lianfeng , Zhang Xueyu , Wang Liying , Yang Xijia , Li Xuesong , Lü Wei
Published: November 2020

Nanoscale SnSb alloys exhibit lower expansion rates and outstanding electrochemical properties, owing to the synergy between Sn and Sb for anode materials of sodium‐ion batteries. However, nanomaterials with a high surface energy tend to aggregate and form larger secondary particles, limiting their further application. Herein, SnSb nanoparticles are prepared and distributed in three‐dimensional networks of N‐doped reduced graphene oxide (3D‐rNGO), which plays a crucial role in inhibiting the agglomeration of SnSb nanoparticles, thereby promoting the capacitive contribution of surface drive. More importantly, the three‐dimensional structure has a high specific surface area and the active region introduced by N doping can contact and adsorb more sodium ions as part of the electrochemical behavior, making the SnSb/3D‐rNGO anode not only contribute capacity through a diffusion process, but also provide a capacitive contribution through a surface‐driven mechanism. The results of the electrochemical analysis showed that SnSb/3D‐rNGO, as the anode of a sodium‐ion battery, exhibits a high specific capacity of 1169.6 mAh g−1, a reversible capacity of 55 % at 0.1 C, and maintains a capacity of 479.3 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles. It is suitable for energy storage precisely because of the double capacity contribution mechanism.
Discordant Supramolecular Fibres Reversibly Depolymerised by Temperature and Light
Authors: Gerth Marieke , Berrocal José Augusto , Bochicchio Davide , Pavan Giovanni M. , Voets Ilja K.
Published: November 2020

Synthetic stimuli responsive supramolecular polymers attract increasing interest for their ability to mimic the unique properties of natural assemblies. Here we focus on the well‐studied benzene‐1,3,5‐tricarboxamide (BTA) motif, and substitute it with two (S)‐3,7‐dimethyloctyl groups and an azobenzene photoswitch. We demonstrate the UV (λ=365 nm) induced depolymerisation of the helical hydrogen‐bonded polymers in methylcyclohexane (MCH) through circular dichroism and UV‐vis spectroscopy in dilute solution (15 μm), and NMR and iPAINT super‐resolution microscopy in concentrated solution (300 μm). The superstructure can be regenerated after thermal depolymerization, whilst repeated depolymerisation can be reversed without degradation by irradiating at λ=455 nm. Molecular dynamics simulations show that the most energetically favourable configuration for these polymers in MCH is a left‐handed helical network of hydrogen‐bonds between the BTA cores surrounded by two right‐handed helices of azobenzenes. The responsiveness to two orthogonal triggers across a broad concentration range holds promise for use in, for example, photo‐responsive gelation.
General Synthesis of Sulfonate‐Based Metal–Organic Framework Derived Composite of MxSy@N/S‐Doped Carbon for High‐Performance Lithium/Sodium Ion Batteries
Authors: Chen Lin , Han Lijing , Liu Xingjiang , Li Yafeng , Wei Mingdeng
Published: November 2020

A general and simple strategy is realized for the first time for the preparation of metal sulfide (MxSy) nanoparticles immobilized into N/S co‐doped carbon (NSC) through a one‐step pyrolysis method. The organic ligand 1,5‐naphthalenedisulfonic acid in the metal–organic framework (MOF) precursor is used as a sulfur source, and metal ions are sulfurized in situ to form MxSy nanoparticles, resulting in the formation of MxSy/NSC (M=Fe, Co, Cu, Ni, Mn, Zn) composites. Benefiting from the MxSy nanoparticles and conductive carbon, a synergistic effect of the composite is achieved. For instance, the composite of Fe7S8/NSC as an anode displays excellent long‐term cycling stability in lithium/sodium ion batteries. At 5 A g−1, large capacities of 645 mA h g−1 and 426.6 mA h g−1 can be retained after 1500 cycles for the lithium‐ion battery and after 1000 cycles for the sodium‐ion battery, respectively.
The Unexpected Base‐Pairing Behavior of Cyanuric Acid in RNA and Ribose versus Cyanuric Acid Induced Helicene Assembly of Nucleic Acids: Implications for the Pre‐RNA Paradigm
Authors: Anderson Brooke A. , Fauché Kévin , Karunakaran Suneesh C. , Yerabolu Jayasudhan R. , Hud Nicholas V. , Krishnamurthy Ramanarayanan
Published: November 2020

The cyanuric acid (CA) heterocycle forms supramolecular structures with adenine nucleobases/nucleosides and oligonucleotides, leading to speculation that they can act as forerunners to RNA. Herein, the assembly behavior of RNA containing CA and CA–ribose nucleoside was studied. Contrary to previous reports, CA in RNA and the CA‐ribonucleoside resulted in destabilization of supramolecular assemblies, which led to a reevaluation of the CA–adenine hexameric rosette structure. An unprecedented noncovalent supramolecular helicene structure is proposed to account for the striking difference in behavior, which has implications for novel paradigms for reorganizing the structures of nucleic acids, the synthesis of long helicenes, and pre‐RNA world paradigms. The results caution against extrapolating the self‐assembly behavior of individual heterocycles from the level of monomers to oligomers because the base‐paring properties of (non‐)canonical nucleobases are impacted by the type of oligomeric backbone to which they are attached.
Graphene Oxide‐Hyperbranched Polyethyleneimine Fabricated and Stabilized AuNPs Nanocomposites for Colorimetric Detection of Silver Ions Based on a Non‐Aggregation Mechanism
Authors: Bian Jie , Li Yuxi , Zhu Chenxue , Liu Xunyong , Liu Yi
Published: November 2020

Highly water‐soluble GO‐HPEI was prepared by modifying graphene oxide (GO) with hyperbranched polyethylenimine (HPEI) containing a large number of amines to solve the problem of poor water‐solubility of GO. Using GO‐HPEI as reducing agent and stabilizer, Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) based colorimetric probe (GO‐HPEI/AuNPs) with thermal stability up to 130 °C and high salt resistance was prepared in situ. The morphology and structure of GO‐HPEI/AuNPs were characterized by XPS, FTIR, TEM, DLS and Zeta potential. The GO‐HPEI/AuNPs can detect silver ions (Ag+) through the formation of non‐aggregated and stabilized Au−Ag core‐shell nanoparticles. The unusual sensing mechanism endowed this sensor with unique color variation and high selectivity. The GO‐HPEI/AuNPs sensor exhibited an obvious color change from red to ochre yellow and high sensitivity (LOD=54.9 nM) with a good linear relationship in the range of 0–65.7 μM (R2=0.9903). Furthermore, this colorimetric sensor was successfully applied to detect Ag+ in real water samples. Therefore, the GO‐HPEI/AuNPs sensor based on the formation of new nanomaterials has great potential for detecting Ag+ and analytical applications.
Shared Resource Laboratory Operations: Changes Made During Initial Global COVID‐19 Lockdown of 2020
Authors: Back Jessica B. , Chadick Cora H. , Garcia Vallejo Juan J. , Orlowski‐Oliver Eva , Patel Radhika , Roe Caroline E. , Srivastava Jane , Walker Rachael V.
Published: November 2020

Undoubtedly, the global pandemic caused by the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus has had a significant impact on Shared Resource Laboratories (SRL) operations worldwide. Unlike other crises (e.g., natural disasters, acts of war, or terrorism) which often result in a sudden and sustained cessation of scientific research usually affecting one or two cities at a time, this impact is being seen simultaneously in every SRL worldwide albeit to a varying degree. The alterations to SRL operations caused by the COVID‐19 pandemic can generally be divided into three categories: (1) complete shutdown, (2) partial shutdown, and (3) uninterrupted operations. In many cases, SRLs that remained partially or fully operational during the initial wave of global infections saw a concurrent increase in COVID‐19‐related research coming through their facilities. This forced SRLs to make rapid adjustments to core operations at the same time as infectious disease experts were still developing recommendations for the safety of frontline medical workers. Although many SRLs already had contingency plans in place, this pandemic has highlighted the importance of having such plans for continuity of service, if possible, during a crisis. Immediate changes have occurred in the way SRLs operate due to potential virus transmission and in line with this new “Best Practices” have been established, that is,social distancing, remote working, and technology‐based meetings and training. Many of these changes are likely to be in place for some time with the threat of further waves of infections toward the end of 2020 and into 2021. Some of these best practices, such as having many training resources recorded and available online, are likely to remain long‐term. Although many changes have been made in haste, these will alter the future operations of SRLs. In addition, we have learnt how to deal with future crises that may be encountered in the workplace. © 2020 The Authors. Cytometry Part A published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. on behalf of International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.
Partial and complete dependency among data sets has minimal consequence on estimates from integrated population models
Authors: Weegman Mitch D. , Arnold Todd W. , Clark Robert G. , Schaub Michael
Published: November 2020

Integrated population models (IPMs) are widely used to combine disparate data sets in joint analysis to better understand population dynamics and provide guidance for conservation activities. An often‐cited assumption of IPMs is independence among component data sets within the combined likelihood. Dependency among data sets should lead to underestimation of variance and bias because individuals contribute data to more than one data set. In practice, studied individuals often occur in multiple data sets in IPMs (i.e., overlap), which is one way for the independence assumption to be violated. Such cases have the potential to dissuade practitioners and limit application of IPMs to solve emerging ecological problems. We assessed precision and bias of demographic rates estimated from IPMs using a complete gradient (0–100%) of overlap among data sets, wide ranges in demographic rates (e.g., survival 0.1–0.8) and sample sizes (100–1,200 individuals) and variable data sources. We compared results from our simulations with those from IPMs constructed using empirical data on tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) where data sets either had complete overlap or included different individuals. Contrary to previous investigators, we found no substantive bias or uncertainty in any demographic rate from IPMs derived from data sets with complete overlap. While variability in demographic rates was greater at low sample sizes (i.e., low capture, recapture, and survey probabilities), there were negligible differences in the posterior mean or root mean square error of demographic rates among IPMs with strong dependence vs. complete independence among data sets. Our simulations suggest IPMs can be designed using only capture–recapture data or harvest and capture‐recovery data where population estimates are obtained from the same data as survival and productivity data. While we encourage researchers to carefully consider the modeling approach best suited for their data sets, our results suggest that dependence among data sets does not generally compromise IPM estimates. Thus, violation of the independence assumption should not dissuade researchers from the application of IPMs in ecological research.
Use of artificial structures to enhance fish diversity in the Youjiang River, a dammed river of the Pearl River in China
Authors: Guo Dingli , Zhou Lei , Wang Gongpei , Lai Han , Bi Sheng , Chen Xiaoli , Zhao Xiaopin , Liu Shuang , Luo Yong , Li Guifeng
Published: November 2020

The fragmentation and homogenization of habitats have seriously affected the fishery resources of the Pearl River. To protect the fishery resources, a novel artificial habitat, constructed using bamboo and palm slices, was deployed in the Youjiang River, a tributary of the Pearl River in China. The results of field and laboratory experiments showed that fish abundance, species richness and Shannon–Wiener diversity index were higher in the artificial habitats than at the control sites. There was no significant impact on fish biomass, as the artificial habitats attracted more Cultrinae and Gobioninae fish that are of a smaller size. Artificial habitats can serve as spawning grounds for fish that produce sticky eggs and refuges that improve the survival rates of juvenile fishes. This study revealed that this novel artificial habitat created suitable habitats and suitable spawning substrate for fish, improved fish richness and diversity in the structureless freshwater ecosystem like the Youjiang River.
Bismuth Detection in Alkaline Electrolyte via Anodic Stripping Voltammetry for Battery Separator Evaluation
Authors: Arnot David J. , Lambert Timothy N.
Published: November 2020

Anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) has been widely used for the detection of several heavy metal ions in neutral and acidic solution, in many cases employing electrodes and/or solutions incorporating Bi. In this work we demonstrate that Bi(OH)4− ion concentration can be measured in highly alkaline 8.5 M KOH solution using ASV. The addition of Pb in similar concentrations to the Bi(OH)4− being measured is shown to improve both the sensitivity and precision of the method. When the Pb additive is employed, a formal limit of detection of 8.5 ppb is achieved, compared to 17.3 ppb when the Pb additive is not used. Due to the use of Bi additives in alkaline battery chemistries, it follows that separators which limit Bi(OH)4− diffusion into the bulk electrolyte and away from the electrodes are of interest. For this purpose, we utilize ASV to determine Bi(OH)4− diffusion rates through Celgard 3501, cellophane 350P00, and Nafion 211. Bi(OH)4− crossover rates, as determined by ASV, are shown to be repeatable and consistent with expectations from the known separator structure.
Dissolution kinetics of metallic zinc obtained from spent zinc‐carbon batteries in nitric acid solutions
Authors: Demirkıran Nizamettin , Şenel Merve
Published: November 2020

In this study, the dissolution kinetics of metallic zinc pieces obtained from waste zinc–carbon batteries was investigated using nitric acid solutions. The effects of the concentration of nitric acid, amount of metallic zinc, reaction temperature and stirring speed on the dissolution process were determined, and a mathematical model to represent the dissolution kinetics was presented. It was observed that the dissolution rate increased with increasing nitric acid concentration, stirring speed and reaction temperature and with decreasing amount of metallic zinc. While the concentration of nitric acid, reaction temperature, stirring speed, amount of zinc, and reaction time were 0.15 M, 30°C, 400 rpm, 0.1 g, and 20 min, respectively, the amount of dissolved zinc was found to be 98.3%. The result of the kinetic analysis showed that the dissolution rate fit to the pseudo‐first order kinetic. The activation energy for the dissolution process was calculated to be 12.89 kJ/mol. It was determined that the dissolution process was controlled by diffusion. Zinc ions in the resulting solution after the dissolution treatment was recovered by precipitation method using sodium bicarbonate solution. It was determined that zinc ions were precipitated as zinc hydroxy‐carbonate compound. Zinc compound obtained was subjected to the calcination treatment, and zinc oxide was produced.
A unified linear mixed model for familial relatedness and population structure in genetic association studies
Authors: DeVogel Nicholas , Auer Paul L. , Manansala Regina , Rau Andrea , Wang Tao
Published: November 2020

Familial relatedness (FR) and population structure (PS) are two major sources for genetic correlation. In the human population, both FR and PS can further break down into additive and dominant components to account for potential additive and dominant genetic effects. In this study, besides the classical additive genomic relationship matrix, a dominant genomic relationship matrix is introduced. A link between the additive/dominant genomic relationship matrices and the coancestry (or kinship)/double coancestry coefficients is also established. In addition, a way to separate the FR and PS correlations based on the estimates of coancestry and double coancestry coefficients from the genomic relationship matrices is proposed. A unified linear mixed model is also developed, which can account for both the additive and dominance effects of FR and PS correlations as well as their possible random interactions. Finally, this unified linear mixed model is applied to analyze two study cohorts from UK Biobank.
Evaluation of the effect of nanocoated window glazing films on the thermal behavior of buildings
Authors: Almogbel Ahmed M. , Hussain Shafqat , Kalendar Abdulrahim
Published: November 2020

In this study, different coating samples of antimony tin oxide (ATO) films on clear glass were prepared and their optical and thermal properties were evaluated. Performance parameters such as glass U‐factor, solar heat gain coefficient, temperature distribution, and net heat transfer gain using the glazed walls inside the test room were determined through numerical simulations. The results obtained indicate that the nanocoating thickness and doping level concentration of ATO films have a pronounced effect on the thermal insulation of the window glass. When compared with normal window clear glass, the transmittance of solar radiation for ATO thin‐film coating of thickness 1140 nm reduced from 0.881 to 0.114 in the visible (VIS) region and 0.817 to 0.012 in the infrared (IR) region, whereas radiation in the ultraviolet (UV) region was almost completely blocked. Similarly, for the ATO films with doping level 15%, the transmittance value reduced from 0.742 to 0.432 in the VIS region and from 0.718 to 0.114 in the IR region, and radiation in the UV region was almost totally blocked. Finally from the analysis of results, it was observed that the ATO thin films show exceptional optical and thermal properties and exhibit improved solar blocking behavior when compared with commercially available glazing (eg, from Saudi Arabian glass companies).
The potential use of theranostic bacteria in cancer
Authors: Azizian Khalil , Pustokhina Inna , Ghanavati Roya , Hamblin Michael R. , Amini Abolfazl , Kouhsari Ebrahim
Published: November 2020

Conventional chemotherapy approaches have not been fully successful in the treatment of cancer, due to limitations imposed by the pathophysiology of solid tumors, leading to nonspecific drug uptake by healthy cells, poor bioavailability, and toxicity. Thus, novel therapeutic modalities for more efficient cancer treatment are urgently required. Living bacteria can be used as a theranostic approach for the simultaneous diagnosis and therapy of tumors. Herein, we summarize the currently available literature focused on the advantages and challenges for the use of theranostic bacteria in cancer therapy.
Diversity and dynamic changes of anelloviruses in plasma following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Giménez Estela , Monzó Carolina , Albert Eliseo , Fuentes‐Trillo Azahara , Seda Enrique , Piñana José Luis , Hernández Boluda Juan Carlos , Solano Carlos , Chaves Javier , Navarro David
Published: November 2020

Monitoring of alphatorquevirus (torque teno virus [TTV]) DNA in plasma may prove to be useful to assess the net state of immune competence following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT). There are scarce data published on the prevalence of beta (torque teno mini virus [TTMV]) and gammatorqueviruses (torque teno midi virus [TTMDV]) and, in particular, on the dynamics of anelloviruses in allo‐HSCT patients. Twenty‐five allo‐HSCT recipients with available plasma specimens obtained before conditioning and after engraftment were included. Degenerated primers targeting a highly conserved genomic sequence across all anelloviruses were designed for genomic amplification and high‐throughput sequencing. Co‐detection of TTV, TTMV, and TTMDV both in pre‐transplant and post‐engraftment plasma specimens was documented in more than two‐thirds of patients. The use of quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays targeting TTMV and TTMDV in addition to TTV may add value to TTV‐specific PCR assays in the inference of the net state of immunosuppresion or immune competence in this clinical setting.
Seroprevalence of human alphaherpesvirus 1 and 2 among pregnant women infected or uninfected with Zika virus from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Lima Lyana R. P. , dos Santos Pereira Juliana de S. , de Almeida Nathalia A. A. , de Meneses Marcelo D. F. , Aguiar Shirlei F. , Fernandes Carlos A. S. , Azevedo Renata C. , de Paula Vanessa S.
Published: November 2020

Pregnant women are an important group to be monitored for infection due to the risk of transmitting infections to their babies. Both herpes simples virus (HSV) and Zika virus (ZIKV) are neurotropic viruses that can be transmitted congenitally. In this study, the prevalence and risk factors of HSV among Zika‐positive and ‐negative pregnant women from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, were evaluated and compared. About 167 serum samples included in our study were from pregnant women with ZIKV infection symptoms, who were attended to in different hospitals in Rio de Janeiro between November 2015 to February 2016. Blood samples collected from 167 pregnant women were used for this study. The presence of HSV antibodies and viremia were evaluated by commercial ELISA and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction analyses, respectively. The data obtained from medical records were statistically analyzed. The HSV‐1 and HSV‐2 prevalence among pregnant women was 80.2% and 12.5% for Zika‐positive women and 84.5% and 5.6% for Zika‐negative women, respectively. None of the pregnant women exhibited HSV viremia. Age, trimester of gestation, and skin color were associated with HSV‐1 and HSV‐2 prevalence among the groups studied. HSV‐2 was more prevalent in Zika‐positive pregnant women than in Zika‐negative pregnant women, and this simultaneous infection should be better investigated in future studies.
The Use of POCUS to Manage ICU Patients With COVID‐19
Authors: Schrift David , Barron Keith , Arya Rohan , Choe Carol
Published: November 2020

Since the advent of SARS‐CoV‐2, the virus that causes COVID‐19, clinicians have had to modify how they provide high‐value care while mitigating the risk of viral spread. Routine imaging studies have been discouraged due to elevated transmission risk. Patients who have been diagnosed with COVID‐19 often have a protracted hospital course with progression of disease. Given the need for close follow‐up of patients, we recommend the use of ultrasonography, particularly point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS), to manage patients with COVID‐19 through their entire ICU course. POCUS will allow a clinician to evaluate and monitor cardiac and pulmonary function, as well as evaluate for thromboembolic disease, place an endotracheal tube, confirm central venous catheter placement, and rule out a pneumothorax. If a patient improves sufficiently to perform weaning trials, POCUS can also help evaluate readiness for ventilator liberation.
Alignment of knowledge management process with clinical process to support evidence based decision in healthcare improvements: The case of selected Ethiopian hospitals
Authors: Belay Mniyichel , Desta Amare , Smithson Steve , Meshesha Million
Published: November 2020

This article aims to explore existing knowledge management (KM) process in healthcare sectors and argues for an effective KM alignment with the clinical processes. Basically, it discusses KM's processes such as knowledge capture, knowledge store, and knowledge transfer to support decision making. This article uses an ethnographic approach to studying the KM process in selected Ethiopian hospitals. Methods include qualitative interviews with senior administrators and various levels medical and administrative staff that record the existing ways of KM, knowledge process, medical decision makers, and support of KM for a medical decision maker. It include both primary and secondary data collected from health professionals in selected hospitals. A semistructured interview was employed to acquire the required knowledge from the selected domain. The findings highlight the weak trends of KM in our sample hospitals. Our results articulated ways to improve KM processes, increase the quality of health services, and support evidence‐informed decision making. This article recommends the need for a detail view of KM strategy/policy supporting or assisting decision makers.
Surface‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging: A review
Authors: Müller Wendy H. , Verdin Alexandre , De Pauw Edwin , Malherbe Cedric , Eppe Gauthier
Published: November 2020

In the last decades, surface‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (SALDI‐MS) has attracted increasing interest due to its unique capabilities, achievable through the nanostructured substrates used to promote the analyte desorption/ionization. While the most widely recognized asset of SALDI‐MS is the untargeted analysis of small molecules, this technique also offers the possibility of targeted approaches. In particular, the implementation of SALDI‐MS imaging (SALDI‐MSI), which is the focus of this review, opens up new opportunities. After a brief discussion of the nomenclature and the fundamental mechanisms associated with this technique, which are still highly controversial, the analytical strategies to perform SALDI‐MSI are extensively discussed. Emphasis is placed on the sample preparation but also on the selection of the nanosubstrate (in terms of chemical composition and morphology) as well as its functionalization possibilities for the selective analysis of specific compounds in targeted approaches. Subsequently, some selected applications of SALDI‐MSI in various fields (i.e., biomedical, biological, environmental, and forensic) are presented. The strengths and the remaining limitations of SALDI‐MSI are finally summarized in the conclusion and some perspectives of this technique, which has a bright future, are proposed in this section.