bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct Observation of Shallow Trap States in Thermal Equilibrium with Band‐Edge Excitons in Strongly Confined CsPbBr3 Perovskite Nanoplatelets
Authors: Socie Etienne , Vale Brener R. C. , Burgos‐Caminal Andrés , Moser Jacques‐E.
Published: November 2020

Lead halide perovskites exhibit great potential for light‐emitting devices. Enhanced photoluminescence (PL) is obtained in perovskite materials of reduced dimensionalities due to the large exciton binding energy. However, as the nanocrystal size is reduced, the surface‐to‐volume ratio increases, leading to an abundance of surface defects. Here, a fast PL decay, 3–10 ps, is observed in quasi‐1D CsPbBr3 perovskite nanoplatelets using broadband fluorescence upconversion spectroscopy. This decay is attributed to reversible trapping of band‐edge excitons into dark states that lie close to the band edge. A simplified model is proposed to further confirm the presence of shallow traps and to fit the data obtained by ultrafast spectroscopy for multiple samples. Finally, the presence of deep trap states in aged nanoplatelets is revealed, likely arising from desorption of the organic capping ligands from the surface. Exciton trapping into these states is slower, 20–30 ps, but leads to a decrease in the photoluminescence quantum yield. These results may not only explain the extended luminescence lifetimes that have been reported for perovskite nanocrystals but also demonstrate the potential of combining ultrafast transient absorption and fluorescence up‐conversion to obtain a full description of the spectroscopic properties of the material.
Deterministic and Controllable Photonic Scattering Media via Direct Laser Writing
Authors: Marakis Evangelos , Uppu Ravitej , Meretska Maryna L. , Gorter Klaas‐Jan , Vos Willem L. , Pinkse Pepijn W. H.
Published: November 2020

Photonic scattering materials, such as biological tissue and white paper, are made of randomly positioned nanoscale inhomogeneities in refractive index that lead to multiple scattering of light. Typically these materials, both naturally occurring or man‐made, are formed through self assembly of the scattering inhomogeneities, making it extremely challenging to know the exact positions of these inhomogeneities, let alone control those. Here, the nanofabrication of photonic multiple‐scattering media using direct laser writing with a deterministic design is reported on. These deterministic multiple‐scattering media consist of submicron‐thick polymer nanorods that are randomly oriented within a cubic volume. The total transmission of light is studied as a function of the number of rods and of the sample thickness to extract the scattering and transport mean free paths using radiative transfer theory. Such ability to fabricate photonic multiple‐scattering media with deterministic and controllable properties opens up a myriad of opportunities for fundamental studies of light scattering, in particular, in the multiple‐scattering regime and with strong anisotropy and for new applications in solid‐state lighting and photovoltaics.
A Review of the Current State of Nanomedicines for Targeting and Treatment of Cancers: Achievements and Future Challenges
Authors: Kermanizadeh Ali , Jacobsen Nicklas Raun , Murphy Fiona , Powell Leagh , Parry Lee , Zhang Haiyuan , Møller Peter
Published: November 2020

The design and utilization of nanomedicines offers great potential for treating various diseases including cancers. Current challenges with traditional cancer treatment strategies include but are not limited to lack of specific targeting, overt systemic toxicity and low efficacy. The use of nanomaterials show particular promise as candidates for cancer treatment due to their high surface to volume ratio and tuneable size, shape, and surface chemistry, which in combination, allow for improved tumor targeting and enhanced therapeutic efficacy. The scrutinization of the literature demonstrates the potential of nanosized carrier systems over traditional approaches (at the molecular level) for specific targeting of the tumors. Despite the great promise showing in preclinical studies, the number of nanomedicines reaching clinical testing is still very low. This review attempts to address this issue by using a weight of evidence approach to the different strategies for use of nanomedicines in combating cancer, as well as highlighting a number of areas that the field of nanomedicines is clearly lagging behind in, as compared to conventional drug discovery and development. It is hoped that the recommendations in this review will allow for better translation of nanomedicines reaching clinical trials.
Fluoride‐Free 2D Niobium Carbide MXenes as Stable and Biocompatible Nanoplatforms for Electrochemical Biosensors with Ultrahigh Sensitivity
Authors: Song Menglin , Pang Sin‐Yi , Guo Feng , Wong Man‐Chung , Hao Jianhua
Published: November 2020

Recently, 2D niobium carbide MXene has drawn vast attention due to its merits of large surface area, good metallic conductivity, and tunable band gap, making it desirable for various applications. However, the usage of highly toxic fluoride‐containing etchant and quite long etching time in the conventional synthesis route has greatly hindered further exploration of MXene, especially restricting its biomedical application. Herein, novel fluoride‐free Nb2CTx nanosheets are prepared by a facile strategy of electrochemical etching (E‐etching) exfoliation. Taking advantage of rapid aluminum clearance, excellent chemical stability, and biocompatibility from the MXene by E‐etching, fluoride‐free Nb2CTx/acetylcholinesterase‐based biosensors are constructed for phosmet detection with the limit of detection down to 0.046 ng mL−1. The fabricated Nb2CTx‐based biosensor is superior to the counterpart from hydrofluoric acid‐etched Nb2CTx, indicating that fluoride‐free MXene can enhance the enzyme activity and electron transfer in the biosensor. The results prove that the fluorine‐free MXene shows promise for developing biosensors with high performance of ultrahigh sensitivity and selectivity. It is highly expected that the fluoride‐free MXene as a stable and biocompatible nanoplatform has great potential to be expanded to many other biomedical fields.
Ultra‐Permeable Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotube Membranes with Exceptional Performance at Scale
Authors: Jue Melinda L. , Buchsbaum Steven F. , Chen Chiatai , Park Sei Jin , Meshot Eric R. , Wu Kuang Jen J. , Fornasiero Francesco
Published: November 2020

Enhanced fluid transport in single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) promises to enable major advancements in many membrane applications, from efficient water purification to next‐generation protective garments. Practical realization of these advancements is hampered by the challenges of fabricating large‐area, defect‐free membranes containing a high density of open, small diameter SWCNT pores. Here, large‐scale (≈60 cm2) nanocomposite membranes comprising of an ultrahigh density (1.89 × 1012 tubes cm−2) of 1.7 nm SWCNTs as sole transport pathways are demonstrated. Complete opening of all conducting nanotubes in the composite enables unprecedented accuracy in quantifying the enhancement of pressure‐driven transport for both gases (>290× Knudsen prediction) and liquids (6100× no‐slip Hagen–Poiseuille prediction). Achieved water permeances (>200 L m−2 h−1 bar−1) greatly exceed those of state‐of‐the‐art commercial nano‐ and ultrafiltration membranes of similar pore size. Fabricated membranes reject nanometer‐sized molecules, permit fractionation of dyes from concentrated salt solutions, and exhibit excellent chemical resistance. Altogether, these SWCNT membranes offer new opportunities for energy‐efficient nano‐ and ultrafiltration processes in chemically demanding environments.
Controlling Performance of Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Perovskite Triboelectric Nanogenerators via Chemical Composition Modulation and Electric Field‐Induced Ion Migration
Authors: Huang Shuyi , Shi Lin , Zou Taoyu , Kuang Haoze , Rajagopalan Pandey , Xu Hongsheng , Zhan Shijie , Chen Jinkai , Xuan Weipeng , Jin Hao , Dong Shurong , Zhou Hang , Wang Xiaozhi , Yin Wuliang , Kim Jong Min , Luo Jikui
Published: November 2020

In this paper, new strategies are proposed to design high‐performance organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite (PVK)‐based triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) via both chemical composition modulation and electric field‐induced ion migration in the films. Both composition variation and ion migration under electric field are found to change the type of conductivity of the perovskite films, then modify their surface potentials and electron affinities. These are utilized to fabricate PVK‐based TENGs in pairs with poly‐tetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or nylon films, respectively. Results show that PVK films are able to work as either a positive or a negative tribo‐material depending on the tribo‐material pair used; the optimal performances are obtained for PTFE/PVK TENGs using a PVK film with a MAI/PbI2 ratio of 2 and forward polarization, and for nylon/PVK TENGs using a PVK film with a MAI/PbI2 ratio of 0.4 and reverse polarization, respectively. The maximum output voltage and peak power density of PTFE/PVK TENGs are about 979 V and 24 W m−2, 2.5 and 6.5 times higher than those of TENGs with nonoptimal composition ratio or that are poorly polarized. This work provides a new material design method for high‐performance TENGs and a novel polarization strategy for TENG performance enhancement.
3D Architected Carbon Electrodes for Energy Storage
Authors: Narita Kai , Citrin Michael A. , Yang Heng , Xia Xiaoxing , Greer Julia R.
Published: November 2020

The ability to design a particular geometry of porous electrodes at multiple length scales in a lithium‐ion battery can significantly and positively influence battery performance because it enables control over distribution of current and potential and can enhance ion and electron transport. 3D architecturally designed carbon electrodes are developed, whose structural factors are independently controlled and whose dimensions span micrometers to centimeters, using digital light processing and pyrolysis. These free‐standing lattice electrodes are comprised of monolithic glassy carbon beams, are lightweight, with a relative density of 0.1–0.35, and mechanically robust, with a maximum precollapse stress of 27 MPa, which facilitates electrode recycling. The specific strength is 101 kN m kg−1, comparable to that of 6061 aluminum alloy. These carbon electrodes can reach a mass loading of 70 mg cm−2 and an areal capacity of 3.2 mAh cm−2 at a current density of 2.4 mA cm−2. It is demonstrated that this approach allows for independent design of structural factors, i.e., beam diameter, electrode thickness, and surface morphology, enabling control over Li‐ion transport length, overpotential and battery performance, not available for slurry‐based electrodes. This multiscale approach to design of electrodes may open substantial performance‐enhancing capabilities for solid‐ and liquid‐state batteries, flow batteries, and fuel cells.
Prenatal and postnatal diagnosis of Schuurs‐Hoeijmakers syndrome: Case series and review of the literature
Authors: Seto Mimi Tin‐Yan , Bertoli‐Avella Aida M. , Cheung Ka Wang , Chan Kelvin Yuen‐Kwong , Yeung Kit San , Fung Jasmine Lee‐Fong , Beetz Christian , Bauer Peter , Luk Ho Ming , Lo Ivan Fai‐Man , Lee Chin Peng , Chung Brian Hon‐Yin , Kan Anita Sik‐Yau
Published: November 2020

Schuurs‐Hoeijmakers syndrome (SHS) is a rare syndrome involving a de novo variant in the PACS1 gene on chromosome 11q13. There are 36 individuals published in the literature so far, mostly diagnosed postnatally (34/36) after recognizing the typical facial features co‐occurring with developmental delay, intellectual disability, and multiple malformations. Herein, we present one prenatal and 15 postnatal cases with the recurrent heterozygous pathogenic variant NM_018026.3:c.607C>T p.(Arg203Trp) in the PACS1 gene detected by exome sequencing. These 16 cases were identified by mining Centogene and the Hong Kong clinical genetic service databases. Collectively, the 49 postnatally diagnosed individuals present with typical facial features and developmental delay, while the three prenatally diagnosed individuals present with multiple congenital anomalies. In the current study, the use of exome sequencing as an unbiased diagnostic tool aided the diagnosis of SHS (pre‐ and postnatally). The identification of additional cases with SHS add to the current understanding of the clinical phenotype associated with pathogenic PACS1 variants. Databases combining clinical and genetic information are helpful for the study of rare diseases.
Ultratough and recoverable ionogels based on multiple interpolymer hydrogen bonding as durable electrolytes for flexible solid‐state supercapacitor
Authors: Ge Yongxin , Bu Ximan , Wang Lei , Wu Linlin , Ma Xiaofeng , Diao Wenjing , Lu Duyou
Published: November 2020

The emerging application of ionogels in flexible devices require it enough durable under repeated mechanical deformation while maintaining their superior electrochemical properties. In this work, ultratough and recoverable ionogels, where ionic liquids are confined in chemically and interpolymer hydrogen‐bonding hybrid crosslinked network, were fabricated by in situ copolymerization of acrylic acid and 1‐vinylimidazole monomer within 1‐buty‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride ionic liquid. The reversible hydrogen bonds between imidazole and carboxylic acid groups of polymer chains in the network work as reversible “sacrificial bonds” to toughen ionogel, which makes the ionogels tough (tensile strength 1.62 MPa, toughness 8.7 MJ m−3), stretchable (elongation at break 1090%), and recoverable (91% recovery resting for 30 min, at 534 kPa stress and 500% strain). Moreover, the hydrogen‐bonded ionogels exhibit high ionic conductivity of 2.3 S m−1 at 80°C to 3.2 S m−1 at 150°C. Furthermore, the ionogel‐based flexible electrical double‐layer capacitor can be operated up to 1.5 V with a capacitance of 341.47 F g−1 at 0.5 A·g−1 and exhibits excellent capacitance retention after 1000 cycles as well as superior electrochemical performance over a wide range of temperature. This work provides new insights into the synthesis of tough and recoverable ionogels for high‐performance flexible supercapacitors.
Stabilizing Effect of Polysulfides on Lithium Metal Anodes in Sparingly Solvating Solvents
Authors: Reuter Florian S. , Huang Chen‐Jui , Hsieh Yi‐Chen , Dörfler Susanne , Brunklaus Gunther , Althues Holger , Winter Martin , Lin Shawn D. , Hwang Bing‐Joe , Kaskel Stefan
Published: November 2020

Electrolytes with sparingly polysulfide solubility such as 1.5 M LiTFSI in tetramethylene sulfone (TMS) and 1,1,2,2‐tetrafluoroethyl‐2,2,3,3‐tetrafluoropropyl ether (TTE) are beneficial for the cycle stability of Li−S pouch cells. In this work, this specific electrolyte system and the role of dissolved polysulfides (PS) in symmetrical Li/Li cells is investigated. By studying varying TMS/TTE volume ratios and polysulfide addition aided by both ex situ and operando spectroscopic as well as microscopic techniques, the positive impact of PS on the lithium plating/stripping behavior is evaluated. The composition of the solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI) as well as the microscopic morphology differs for electrolytes with PS from those without PS addition. These findings are crucial for the development of electrolytes for cycle‐stable Li−S prototype cells.
Modeling the evolution of interconnected processes: It is the song and the singers
Authors: Bapteste Eric , Papale François
Published: November 2020

Recently, Doolittle and Inkpen formulated a thought provoking theory, asserting that evolution by natural selection was responsible for the sideways evolution of two radically different kinds of selective units (also called Domains). The former entities, termed singers, correspond to the usual objects studied by evolutionary biologists (gene, genomes, individuals, species, etc.), whereas the later, termed songs, correspond to re‐produced biological and ecosystemic functions, processes, information, and memes. Singers perform songs through selected patterns of interactions, meaning that a wealth of critical phenomena might receive novel evolutionary explanations. However, this theory did not provide an empirical approach to study evolution in such a broadened context. Here, we show that analyzing songs and singers, using patterns of interaction networks as a common ontology for both, offers a novel, actionable, inclusive and mathematical way to analyze not only the re‐production but also the evolution and fitness of biological and ecosystemic interconnected processes.
A second Warburg‐like effect in cancer metabolism: The metabolic shift of glutamine‐derived nitrogen
Authors: Kodama Manabu , Nakayama Keiichi I.
Published: November 2020

Carbon and nitrogen are essential elements for life. Glucose as a carbon source and glutamine as a nitrogen source are important nutrients for cell proliferation. About 100 years ago, it was discovered that cancer cells that have acquired unlimited proliferative capacity and undergone malignant evolution in their host manifest a cancer‐specific remodeling of glucose metabolism (the Warburg effect). Only recently, however, was it shown that the metabolism of glutamine‐derived nitrogen is substantially shifted from glutaminolysis to nucleotide biosynthesis during malignant progression of cancer—which might be referred to as a “second” Warburg effect. In this review, address the mechanism and relevance of this metabolic shift of glutamine‐derived nitrogen in human cancer. We also examine the clinical potential of anticancer therapies that modulate the metabolic pathways of glutamine‐derived nitrogen. This shift may be as important as the shift in carbon metabolism, which has long been known as the Warburg effect.
Afadin (AF6) in cancer progression: A multidomain scaffold protein with complex and contradictory roles
Authors: Huxham Jennifer , Tabariès Sébastien , Siegel Peter M.
Published: November 2020

Adherens (AJ) and tight junctions (TJ) maintain cell‐cell adhesions and cellular polarity in normal tissues. Afadin, a multi‐domain scaffold protein, is commonly found in both adherens and tight junctions, where it plays both structural and signal‐modulating roles. Afadin is a complex modulator of cellular processes implicated in cancer progression, including signal transduction, migration, invasion, and apoptosis. In keeping with the complexities associated with the roles of adherens and tight junctions in cancer, afadin exhibits both tumor suppressive and pro‐metastatic functions. In this review, we will explore the dichotomous roles that afadin plays during cancer progression.
Frequentist performances of Bayesian prediction intervals for random‐effects meta‐analysis
Authors: Hamaguchi Yuta , Noma Hisashi , Nagashima Kengo , Yamada Tomohide , Furukawa Toshi A.
Published: November 2020

The prediction interval has been increasingly used in meta‐analyses as a useful measure for assessing the magnitude of treatment effect and between‐studies heterogeneity. In calculations of the prediction interval, although the Higgins–Thompson–Spiegelhalter method is used most often in practice, it might not have adequate coverage probability for the true treatment effect of a future study under realistic situations. An effective alternative candidate is the Bayesian prediction interval, which has also been widely used in general prediction problems. However, these prediction intervals are constructed based on the Bayesian philosophy, and their frequentist validities are only justified by large‐sample approximations even if noninformative priors are adopted. There has been no certain evidence that evaluated their frequentist performances under realistic situations of meta‐analyses. In this study, we conducted extensive simulation studies to assess the frequentist coverage performances of Bayesian prediction intervals with 11 noninformative prior distributions under general meta‐analysis settings. Through these simulation studies, we found that frequentist coverage performances strongly depended on what prior distributions were adopted. In addition, when the number of studies was smaller than 10, there were no prior distributions that retained accurate frequentist coverage properties. We also illustrated these methods via applications to two real meta‐analysis datasets. The resultant prediction intervals also differed according to the adopted prior distributions. Inaccurate prediction intervals may provide invalid evidence and misleading conclusions. Thus, if frequentist accuracy is required, Bayesian prediction intervals should be used cautiously in practice.
Counter‐Selection Method for Markerless Allelic Exchange in Bordetella bronchiseptica Based on sacB Gene From Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Ambrosis Nicolás , Fernández Julieta , Sisti Federico
Published: November 2020

Bordetella bronchiseptica is a gram‐negative bacterium that causes respiratory tract infections. It is a natural pathogen of a wide variety of mammals, including some used as laboratory models. This makes B. bronchiseptica an ideal organism to study pathogen–host interactions in order to unveil molecular mechanisms behind pathogenic processes. Even though genetic engineering is an essential tool in this area, there are just a few reports about genome manipulation techniques in this organism. In this article we describe an allelic exchange protocol based on double crossover recombination facilitated by the Bacillus subtilis sacB gene that can be applied for partial or complete gene knockouts, single‐nucleotide mutations, or even introduction of coding sequences for transcriptional fusions. In contrast to previously employed techniques, this protocol renders genetically manipulated chromosomes without foreign DNA and enables the construction of successive genome manipulation using the same vector backbone. The entire procedure has been developed for fast and reliable manipulations with a total duration of 2 weeks. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Setting up strains

Basic Protocol 2: Homologous recombination (first crossing‐over)

Alternate Protocol: B. bronchiseptica electroporation

Basic Protocol 3: Screening for sucrose‐sensitive clones

Basic Protocol 4: Homologous recombination (second crossing‐over)

Basic Protocol 5: PCR screening of putative marker‐exchange mutants

Support Protocol: Electrocompetent cell preparation
Guiding fall fertilization of cool‐season turfgrass lawns with verdure tissue‐N tests
Authors: Guillard Karl , Miele Kevin M. , Sürer Irfan , Morris Thomas F.
Published: November 2020

Objective tests are not widely used to guide fall N fertilization of turfgrasses, and N is applied at predetermined rates regardless of plant‐N status. This study was conducted across 3 yr in Connecticut to determine if fall verdure concentrations of total N, dry‐tissue extractable nitrate (NO3)–N, and fresh sap NO3–N could guide fall N fertilization for a mixed‐species, cool‐season turfgrass lawn. Field experiments were set out with varying fall N rates and verdure samples were collected weekly in October and November. Verdure tissue‐N test concentrations in response to N rates were analyzed with polynomial (quadratic or cubic) and linear‐response and plateau (LRP) models. Models were significant (P< .0001) for all tissue concentrations in response to N rates and estimates were comparable between models. When referenced to expected responses from the commonly recommended fall N rates of 24.5, 49, and 98 kg ha−1, there would be no need for N fertilizer when concentrations of fall verdure total N are ≥22, ≥25, and ≥30 g kg−1; dry‐tissue extractable NO3–N are ≥119, ≥193, and ≥840 mg kg−1; and fresh sap NO3–N are ≥94, ≥115, and ≥171 mg L−1, respectively. Variability of the verdure tissue‐N tests was no greater than most routine soil and tissue tests currently used to monitor nutrient status in turfgrasses. The results suggest that verdure tissue‐N tests have potential in guiding fall N fertilization of cool‐season turfgrass lawns.
Relationships between immune gene expression and circulating cytokine levels in wild house mice
Authors: Young Stuart , Fenn Jonathan , Arriero Elena , Lowe Ann , Poulin Benoit , MacColl Andrew D.C. , Bradley Janette E.
Published: November 2020

Quantitative PCR (qPCR) has been commonly used to measure gene expression in a number of research contexts, but the measured RNA concentrations do not always represent the concentrations of active proteins which they encode. This can be due to transcriptional regulation or post‐translational modifications, or localization of immune environments, as can occur during infection. However, in studies using free‐living non‐model species, such as in ecoimmunological research, qPCR may be the only available option to measure a parameter of interest, and so understanding the quantitative link between gene expression and associated effector protein levels is vital.

Here, we use qPCR to measure concentrations of RNA from mesenteric lymph node (MLN) and spleen tissue, and multiplex ELISA of blood serum to measure circulating cytokine concentrations in a wild population of a model species, Mus musculus domesticus.

Few significant correlations were found between gene expression levels and circulating cytokines of the same immune genes or proteins, or related functional groups. Where significant correlations were observed, these were most frequently within the measured tissue (i.e., the expression levels of genes measured from spleen tissue were more likely to correlate with each other rather than with genes measured from MLN tissue, or with cytokine concentrations measured from blood).

Potential reasons for discrepancies between measures including differences in decay rates and transcriptional regulation networks are discussed. We highlight the relative usefulness of different measures under different research questions and consider what might be inferred from immune assays.
Modulation of SI and ACC response to noxious and non‐noxious electrical stimuli after the spared nerve injury model of neuropathic pain
Authors: Tøttrup Lea , Diaz‐Valencia Gabriela , Kamavuako Ernest N. , Jensen Winnie
Published: November 2020

Background

The current knowledge on the role of SI and ACC in acute pain processing and how these contribute to the development of chronic pain is limited. Our objective was to investigate differences in and modulation of intracortical responses from SI and ACC in response to different intensities of peripheral presumed noxious and non‐noxious stimuli in the acute time frame of a peripheral nerve injury in rats.

Methods

We applied non‐noxious and noxious electrical stimulation pulses through a cuff electrode placed around the sciatic nerve and measured the cortical responses (six electrodes in each cortical area) before and after the spared nerve injury model.

Results

We found that the peak response correlated with the stimulation intensity and that SI and ACC differed in both amplitude and latency of cortical response. The cortical response to both noxious and non‐noxious stimulation showed a trend towards faster processing of non‐noxious stimuli in ACC and increased cortical processing of non‐noxious stimuli in SI after SNI.

Conclusions

We found different responses in SI and ACC to different intensity electrical stimulations based on two features and changes in these features following peripheral nerve injury. We believe that these features may be able to assist to track cortical changes during the chronification of pain in future animal studies.

Significance

This study showed distinct cortical processing of noxious and non‐noxious peripheral stimuli in SI and ACC. The processing latency in ACC and accumulated spiking activity in SI appeared to be modulated by peripheral nerve injury, which elaborated on the function of these two areas in the processing of nociception.
Electroactivity of Superoxide Anion in Aqueous Phosphate Buffers Analyzed with Platinized Microelectrodes
Authors: Lefrançois Pauline , Girard‐Sahun Fanny , Badets Vasilica , Clément Franck , Arbault Stéphane
Published: November 2020

The reactivity of platinized ultramicroelectrodes (Pt‐black UMEs) towards superoxide anion O2.−, an unstable Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), and its relatives, H2O2 and O2, was studied. Voltammetric studies in PBS demonstrate that Pt‐black UMEs provide: i) a well‐resolved reversible redox signature for O2.− detected in both alkaline and physiological buffers (pH 12 and 7.4); ii) irreversible oxidation and reduction waves for H2O2 at pH 7.4. The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at Pt‐black surfaces solely yields H2O2 (2 electrons/2 H+) at physiological pH. Consequently, Pt‐black UMEs allow to sense different ROS including superoxide anion for future biomedical or physico‐chemical investigations.
Toward low‐voltage dielectrophoresis‐based microfluidic systems: A review
Authors: Ramirez‐Murillo Cinthia J. , de los Santos‐Ramirez J. Martin , Perez‐Gonzalez Victor H.
Published: November 2020

Dielectrophoretically driven microfluidic devices have demonstrated great applicability in biomedical engineering, diagnostic medicine, and biological research. One of the potential fields of application for this technology is in point‐of‐care (POC) devices, ideally allowing for portable, fully integrated, easy to use, low‐cost diagnostic platforms. Two main approaches exist to induce dielectrophoresis (DEP) on suspended particles, that is, electrode‐based DEP and insulator‐based DEP, each featuring different advantages and disadvantages. However, a shared concern lies in the input voltage used to generate the electric field necessary for DEP to take place. Therefore, input voltage can determine portability of a microfluidic device. This review outlines the recent advances in reducing stimulation voltage requirements in DEP‐driven microfluidics.
N‐glycosylation analysis of mouse immunoglobulin G isolated from dried blood spots
Authors: Patenaude Anne‐Marie , Erhardt Julija , Hennig René , Rapp Erdmann , Lauc Gordan , Pezer Marija
Published: November 2020

The association of immunoglobulin G (IgG) glycosylation changes with various human diseases and physiological conditions is well established. Since the mechanistical explanation of the regulation of IgG glycosylation and its functional role in these various states is still missing, the eyes of the biomedical community are now turned towards animal models, which enable intervention studies necessary for conclusions on causality. Mice are recognized and used as a good experimental model for human IgG glycosylation. However, smaller blood volumes, low IgG concentrations at young ages (which are most often used in mice experiments) and multiple sampling protocols during the course of longitudinal studies would profit from a robust workflow for mouse IgG glycome analysis from minute amounts of starting material, collected through a simple sampling procedure. For this purpose, we have developed a protocol for analysis of total N‐glycans of IgG isolated from mouse dried blood spots (DBS), which we report here. We show that mouse DBS are a good source of material for IgG N‐glycan analysis by multiplexed capillary gel electrophoresis with laser‐induced fluorescence (xCGE‐LIF).
Fabrication of perovskite solar cells using novel 2D/3D‐blended perovskite single crystals
Authors: Younas Muhammad , Gondal Mohammed A. , Dastageer Mohamed A.
Published: November 2020

Single crystals of 2D/3D‐blended perovskite were grown by inverse temperature crystallization method, and used this material for the fabrication of perovskite solar cells (PSC). Although, 3D perovskite is known for its high photovoltaic efficiency due to intense visible light absorbance, the hydrophilic organic cation in its structure makes it susceptible to rapid moisture induced structural degradation. When the 2D perovskite, possessing the long chains of hydrophobic organic molecule is incorporated in the 3D counterpart, moisture induced degradation is reduced, but with increased grain boundaries. The novelty of this work is to grow the single crystal of the 2D/3D‐blended perovskite, aiming to enhance the carrier mobility by reducing the grain boundaries, trap state densities, and charge recombination, while preserving the improved material stability. PSCs with polycrystalline 3D perovskite, single crystal of 3D perovskite, and single crystal of 2D/3D‐blended perovskite yielded efficiencies of 4.55%, 6.37% and 5.37% respectively.
Effects of drought on infant mortality in China
Authors: Lin Youhong , Liu Feng , Xu Peng
Published: November 2020

This study focuses on Guizhou Province, a region with difficult geographical conditions and poor economic development, to examine the effect of rainfall shocks on contemporaneous infant health and long‐run socioeconomic outcomes in China. The study results indicate that negative rainfall shocks are robustly correlated with higher infant mortality and lower birth weight. In the long run, early life rainfall shortages limit an individual's income and housing conditions. The study findings indicate a significant interaction of rainfall shock with the severity of water scarcity. This result implies that drinking water safety is an essential channel through which early life rainfall shocks influence individual health endowments. However, agriculture production is not a likely channel for rainfall effects despite its association with infant mortality. Accordingly, our empirical results suggest that improving public facility coverage will reduce the vulnerability of infant health to adverse rainfall shocks in Guizhou and other developing areas.
Role of intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring for pediatric thyroid surgery: Comparative analysis
Authors: Ritter Amit , Hod Roy , Reuven Yonatan , Shpitzer Thomas , Mizrachi Aviram , Raveh Eyal , Bachar Gideon
Published: November 2020

Background

The data on the advantages of intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) during pediatric thyroid surgeries are limited. We aimed to study the role of IONM by comparing between children who underwent thyroid surgery with and without IONM.

Methods

A retrospective study of all children who underwent thyroid surgery between 2001 and 2019.

Results

The study included 113 patients with 183 recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) at risk. Transient paralysis rate was more than 5‐fold lower in the IONM group compared to the control group (1.5% vs 8%; P = .114). Permanent paralysis was documented only in the control group (2.5% vs 0%; P = .552). Children <10 years and those who underwent central neck dissection had significantly higher rates of RLN injury.

Conclusions

IONM was associated with decreased rate of RLN injury during pediatric thyroid surgery and should be considered especially in children under 10 years of age and those undergoing concomitant central neck dissection.
Optimal design of conductive natural branched pathways for cooling a heat‐generating volume
Authors: Li Yinglin , Feng Mengli
Published: November 2020

The application of constructal networks to cool a heat‐generating volume has been the subject of many research studies in the past decade. However, the current volume‐point constructs mainly include rectangular, triangular, and parabolic‐shaped constructs, and none of them are similar to the constructs of common plant leaves in nature. A bionic quadrilateral volume based on the shape of common leaf veins is proposed, and the heat‐conductive model of the quadrilateral volume is established. The analysis results show that the minimal peak temperature difference can be as low as 1.3k when the porosity α1 of the quadrilateral volume is equal to 0.15; the recommended value of interval number n of central link is 30, the optimal value of exponent m1 of the width of central link is about 0.9; and the optimal value of the aspect ratio H1/L1 remains nearly constant at 0.7. When the quadrilateral volume obtains highest heat conductivity, the branching cooling links should be perpendicular to the central link.
Analysis of unsteady force convection flows on irregular boundary over a diverging channel
Authors: Govindhasamy Iyyappan , Singh Abhishek K. , Roy Satyajit
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this study report is to examine the unsteady force convection flow on irregular boundary over a diverging channel with effect of viscous dissipation. The fundamental equations of fluid, continuity, momentum, and energy equations are converted into dimensionless form. The resulting coupled partial differential equations are linearized by quasilinearization technique, the backward, and central difference scheme for nonuniform mesh used to solve the system of linear equations. We found that finite difference scheme for nonuniform mesh gives smoothness of solution compared to finite difference scheme for uniform mesh on irregular boundary, this is evident from Figure 2. Near the wall region, as viscous dissipation increases from 0.2 to 0.5, the temperature profiles overshoots 20% to 112%. Also the effects of Reynolds number (Re) on heat transfer coefficient is comparatively less than skin‐friction coefficient.
Canopy spectral reflectance for crop water stress assessment in wheat (Triticum aestivum, L.)*
Authors: Chandel Narendra Singh , Rajwade Yogesh Anand , Golhani Kamlesh , Tiwari Prem Shankar , Dubey Kumkum , Jat Dilip
Published: November 2020

Spectral reflectance in the near‐infrared (NIR) and short‐wave–infrared (SWIR) regions shows decreasing water absorption troughs upon crop water stress. In this study, decreasing water absorption troughs were identified from reflectance of irrigated wheat crop. The crop was grown under two different irrigation methods, sprinkler and flood irrigation. Crop reflectance was measured using an ASD FieldSpec 3 (350–2,500 nm) hand‐held spectroradiometer at 1 week before the critical growth stages. Among different growth stages, wheat crop was found to be under stress in crown root initiation, jointing, and flowering. Results based on crop yield, and raw and first derivative spectral analysis indicated that flood‐irrigated wheat had more stress compared with sprinkler‐irrigated wheat. Five water stress‐sensitive wavelengths (974; 1,195; 1,455; 1,791; and 1,935 nm) were identified from flood‐irrigated wheat. Among them, two wavelengths (974 and 1,195 nm) were found to be highly water sensitive and good indicators for water stress. Detecting crop water stress prior to the critical growth stages of wheat helps in proper irrigation scheduling.
“I Desperately Need Visions of Black People Thriving”: Emancipating the Fantastic With Black Women’s Words
Authors: Toliver S. R.
Published: November 2020

The genre of science fiction has often been hostile to readers who are not white, middle class, heterosexual men. Though the genre has historically ignored Dark Others; however, they are never completely omitted from the story, as they are often characterized as the creature, the alien, or the monster. In this way, the futuristic windows and mirrors available to Black women and girls are often cracked, tiny, or shattered. The primary objective of this paper, then, is to further conversations about the need for diverse books and genres in schools by focusing on the science fiction reading histories of Black women and highlighting the features that draw Black women to the genre. The reading histories of Black women can provide further data that showcases the need for new mythologies, ones that center Dark Others prospering in the future.
Hydrogen sulfide protects against IL‐1β‐induced inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction‐related apoptosis in chondrocytes and ameliorates osteoarthritis
Authors: Wang Ben , Shao Zhenxuan , Gu Mingbao , Ni Libin , Shi Yifeng , Yan Yingzhao , Wu Aimin , Jin Haiming , Chen Jiaoxiang , Pan Xiaoyun , Xu Daoliang
Published: November 2020

The inflammatory environment and excessive chondrocyte apoptosis have been demonstrated to play crucial roles in the onset of osteoarthritis (OA). Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a gaseous signalling molecule, exerts an inhibitory effect on inflammation and apoptosis in several degenerative diseases. However, the protective effect of H2S against OA has not been fully clarified, and its underlying mechanism should be examined further. In the current study, the role of endogenous H2S in the pathogenesis of OA and its protective effects on interleukin (IL)‐1β‐induced chondrocytes were identified. Our data revealed decreased H2S expression in both human degenerative OA cartilage tissue and IL‐1β‐induced chondrocytes. Pretreatment with the H2S donor sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) dramatically attenuated IL‐1β‐induced overproduction of inflammatory cytokines and improved the balance between anabolic and catabolic chondrocyte capacities, and these effects were dependent on PI3K/AKT pathway‐mediated inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB). Moreover, mitochondrial dysfunction‐related apoptosis was significantly reversed by NaHS in IL‐1β‐stimulated chondrocytes. Mechanistically, NaHS partially suppressed IL‐1β‐induced phosphorylation of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades. Furthermore, in the destabilization of the medial meniscus mouse model, OA progression was ameliorated by NaHS administration. Taken together, these results suggest that H2S may antagonize IL‐1β‐induced inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction‐related apoptosis via selective suppression of the PI3K/Akt/NF‐κB and MAPK signalling pathways, respectively, in chondrocytes and may be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of OA.
CO hydrogenation over K‐Co‐MoSxcatalyst to mixed alcohols: A kinetic analysis
Authors: Negahdar Leila , Xi Xiaoying , Zeng Feng , Winkelman J. G. M. , Heeres Hero Jan , Palkovits Regina
Published: November 2020

Higher alcohol synthesis (HAS) from syngas is one of the most promising approaches to produce fuels and chemicals. Our recent investigation on HAS showed that potassium‐promoted cobalt‐molybdenum sulfide is an effective catalyst system. In this study, the intrinsic kinetics of the reaction were studied using this catalyst system under realistic conditions. The study revealed the major oxygenated products are linear alcohols up to butanol and methane is the main hydrocarbon. The higher alcohol products (C3+) followed an Anderson‐Schultz‐Flory distribution while the catalyst suppressed methanol and ethanol formation. The optimum reaction conditions were estimated to be at temperature of 340°C, pressure of 117 bar, gas hourly space velocity of 27 000 mL g–1 h–1and H2/CO molar feed ratio of 1. A kinetic network has been considered and kinetic parameters were estimated by nonlinear regression of the experimental data. The results indicated an increasing apparent activation energy of alcohols with the length of alcohols except for ethanol. The lower apparent activation energy of alcohols compared with hydrocarbon evidenced the efficiency of this catalyst system to facilitate the formation of higher alcohols.
3D Printing of Bone‐Mimetic Scaffold Composed of Gelatin/β‐Tri‐Calcium Phosphate for Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Jeong Jae Eun , Park Shin Young , Shin Ji Youn , Seok Ji Min , Byun June Ho , Oh Se Heang , Kim Wan Doo , Lee Jun Hee , Park Won Ho , Park Su A
Published: November 2020

3D printed scaffolds composed of gelatin and β‐tri‐calcium phosphate (β‐TCP) as a biomimetic bone material are fabricated, thereby providing an environment appropriate for bone regeneration. The Ca2+in β‐TCP and COO−in gelatin form a stable electrostatic interaction, and the composite scaffold shows suitable rheological properties for bioprinting. The gelatin/β‐TCP scaffold is crosslinked with glutaraldehyde vapor and unreacted aldehyde groups which can cause toxicity to cells is removed by a glycine washing. The stable binding of the hydrogel is revealed as a result of FTIR and degradation rate. It is confirmed that the composite scaffold has compressive strength similar to that of cancellous bone and 60 wt% β‐TCP groups containing 40 wt% gelatin have good cellular activity with preosteoblasts. Also, in the animal experiments, the gelatin/β‐TCP scaffold confirms to induce bone formation without any inflammatory responses. This study suggests that these fabricated scaffolds can serve as a potential bone substitute for bone regeneration.
Facile Fabrication of Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Polyquaternium‐10 (PVA/PQ‐10) Anion Exchange Membrane with Semi‐Interpenetrating Network
Authors: Yang Zhaojie , Zhang Minghua , Xiao Yafei , Zhang Xi , Fan Minmin
Published: November 2020

Anion exchange membranes (AEMs) are one of the core components of AEM fuel cells. A series of poly(vinyl alcohol)/polyquaternium‐10 (PVA/PQ‐10) AEMs with semi‐interpenetrating networks (s‐IPNs) are prepared by a simple solution‐casting method using glutaraldehyde (GA) as a cross‐linking agent. Subsequently, the prepared PVA/PQ‐10 cross‐linked membranes are characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, mechanical analysis, water uptake and swelling ratio tests, ion exchange capacity (IEC) tests, ionic conductivity measurements, and oxidative/alkaline stability tests. The effects of the mass ratio of PVA and PQ‐10 and the amount of cross‐linking agent GA on the performance of the PVA/PQ‐10 cross‐linked membranes are systematically explored. The results show that the cross‐linked PVA/PQ‐10 AEMs have high IEC and low water uptake and swelling ratio, and its maximum ionic conductivity can reach 79.37 mS cm–1 at 80 °C. In addition, the PVA/PQ‐10 cross‐linked membrane has good oxidative and alkaline stability under optimal preparation conditions. These results may provide valuable insights toward more effective scheme designs and new, simple preparation methods for AEMs with s‐IPN structures.
RNF170‐Related Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia: Confirmation by a Novel Mutation
Authors: de Sainte Agathe Jean‐Madeleine , Mercier Sandra , Mahé Jean‐Yves , Péréon Yann , Buratti Julien , Tissier Laurène , Kol Bophara , Said Samia Ait , Leguern Éric , Banneau Guillaume , Stévanin Giovanni
Published: November 2020

Background

Spastic paraparesis and biallelic variants functionally characterized as deleterious in the RNF170 gene have recently been reported by Wagner et al. 2019, strongly supporting the involvement of this gene in hereditary spastic paraplegia.

Methods

Exome sequencing was performed on 6 hereditary spastic paraplegia families previously tested on an hereditary spastic paraplegia–specific panel.

Results

We describe here a novel hereditary spastic paraplegia family with 4 affected members carrying a homozygous p.(Tyr114*) stop gain variant in RNF170.

Conclusions

We confirm the involvement of biallelic truncating variants in RNF170 in a novel form of hereditary spastic paraplegia. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Tungsten doped Bi1.5Zn0.92Nb1.5O6.92 ceramics designed as radio/microwave band pass/reject filters
Authors: Qasrawi Atef F. , Abdalghafour Mays A. , Mergen A.
Published: November 2020

Herein, radiowave/microwave bandpass/reject filters are fabricated from the tungsten doped Bi1.5Zn0.92Nb1.5‐6x/5WxO6.92 (W‐BZN) pyrochlore ceramics. The W‐BZN band filters are prepared by the solid state reaction technique and subjected to X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and impedance spectroscopy analyses. It was shown that the W‐BZN filters can display negative capacitance effects accompanied with resonance‐antiresonance oscillations. The calculations of the reflection coefficient parameter (S11), the return loss (Lr) and the voltage standing wave ratios (VSWR) in the frequency domain of 0.01 to 1.80 GHz, has shown that the W‐BZN device can perform as microwave cavities at two notch frequency values of 0.44 and 1.53 GHz. W‐BZN devices can also be nominated as noise reducers and radiowave/microwave signal receivers suitable for telecommunication technology.