bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Core–Shell FeOF/Ni(OH)2 Hierarchical Nanostructure for All‐Solid‐State Flexible Supercapacitors with Enhanced Performance
Authors: Wang Mengqiao , Li Zhaoqiang , Wang Chengxiang , Zhao Ruizheng , Li Caixia , Guo Dexiang , Zhang Luyuan , Yin Longwei
Published: July 2017

Well‐controlled core–shell hierarchical nanostructures based on oxyfluoride and hydroxide are for the first time rationally designed and synthesized via a simple solvothermal and chemical precipitation route, in which FeOF nanorod acts as core and porous Ni(OH)2 nanosheets as shell. When evaluated as electrodes for supercapacitors, a high specific capacitance of 1452 F g−1 can be obtained at a current density of 1 A g−1. Even as the current density increases to 10 A g−1, the core–shell hybrid still reserves a noticeable capacitance of 1060 F g−1, showing an excellent rate capacity. Furthermore, all‐solid‐state flexible asymmetric supercapacitor based on the FeOF/Ni(OH)2 hybrid as a positive electrode and activated carbon as a negative electrode shows high power density, high energy density, and long cycling lifespan. The excellent electrochemical performance of the FeOF/Ni(OH)2 core–shell hybrid is ascribed to the unique microstructure and synergistic effects. FeOF nanorod from FeF3 by partial substitution of fluorine with oxygen behaves as a low intrinsic resistance, thus facilitating charge transfer processes. While the hierarchical Ni(OH)2 nanosheets with large surface area provide enough active sites for redox chemical reactions, leading to greatly enhanced electrochemical activity. The well‐controllable oxyfluoride/hydroxide hybrid is inspiring, opening up a new way to design new electrodes for next‐generation all‐solid‐state supercapacitors.
Energy Saving Electrochromic Polymer Windows with a Highly Transparent Charge‐Balancing Layer
Authors: Kim Younghoon , Shin Haijin , Han Minsu , Seo Seogjae , Lee Woojae , Na Jongbeom , Park Chihyun , Kim Eunkyoung
Published: July 2017

Highly transparent TiO2 nanoparticles are explored as a non‐electrochromic (non‐EC) charge‐balancing layer for a high color contrast, bistable electrochromic window (ECW). The TiO2 nanoparticle (TNP) layer increases the potential at the EC polymer electrode, thereby lowering the working voltage of the ECW. This leads to lower the power consumption of ECWs without loss in the high color contrast (ΔT > 72%) and to remarkably improve the cyclability (ΔT change <1% over 3000 cycles), mainly due to the low overvoltage (<0.1 V) on the electrochromic polymer layer. Furthermore, the ECWs including the non‐EC TNP layer show long‐term bistability (>2.7 h, 40% increase) and UV stability (ΔT change <1%) to provide a low‐power automatic ECW. This finding shows that the charge balanced ECP window has the potential to be used for an energy saving ECW with low‐power consumption and will be widely applied in various ECWs as well as electrochemical devices with multiple functions.
Mixed‐Organic‐Cation Tin Iodide for Lead‐Free Perovskite Solar Cells with an Efficiency of 8.12%
Authors: Zhao Ziran , Gu Feidan , Li Yunlong , Sun Weihai , Ye Senyun , Rao Haixia , Liu Zhiwei , Bian Zuqiang , Huang Chunhui
Published: July 2017

In this work, a fully tin‐based, mixed‐organic‐cation perovskite absorber (FA)x(MA)1−xSnI3 (FA = NH2CH = NH2+, MA = CH3NH3+) for lead‐free perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with inverted structure is presented. By optimizing the ratio of FA and MA cations, a maximum power conversion efficiency of 8.12% is achieved for the (FA)0.75(MA)0.25SnI3‐based device along with a high open‐circuit voltage of 0.61 V, which originates from improved perovskite film morphology and inhibits recombination process in the device. The cation‐mixing approach proves to be a facile method for the efficiency enhancement of tin‐based PSCs.
Flexible and Wearable All‐Solid‐State Supercapacitors with Ultrahigh Energy Density Based on a Carbon Fiber Fabric Electrode
Authors: Qin Tianfeng , Peng Shanglong , Hao Jiaxin , Wen Yuxiang , Wang Zilei , Wang Xuefeng , He Deyan , Zhang Jiachi , Hou Juan , Cao Guozhong
Published: July 2017

Wearable textile energy storage systems are rapidly growing, but obtaining carbon fiber fabric electrodes with both high capacitances to provide a high energy density and mechanical strength to allow the material to be weaved or knitted into desired devices remains challenging. In this work, N/O‐enriched carbon cloth with a large surface area and the desired pore volume is fabricated. An electrochemical oxidation method is used to modify the surface chemistry through incorporation of electrochemical active functional groups to the carbon surface and to further increase the specific surface area and the pore volume of the carbon cloth. The resulting carbon cloth electrode presents excellent electrochemical properties, including ultrahigh areal capacitance with good rate ability and cycling stability. Furthermore, the fabricated symmetric supercapacitors with a 2 V stable voltage window deliver ultrahigh energy densities (6.8 mW h cm−3 for fiber‐shaped samples and 9.4 mW h cm−3 for fabric samples) and exhibit excellent flexibility. The fabric supercapacitors are further tested in a belt‐shaped device as a watchband to power an electronic watch for ≈9 h, in a heart‐shaped logo to supply power for ≈1 h and in a safety light that functions for ≈1 h, indicating various promising applications of these supercapacitors.
All‐Solid‐State, Foldable, and Rechargeable Zn‐Air Batteries Based on Manganese Oxide Grown on Graphene‐Coated Carbon Cloth Air Cathode
Authors: Sumboja Afriyanti , Lübke Mechthild , Wang Yong , An Tao , Zong Yun , Liu Zhaolin
Published: July 2017

Pliable, safe, and inexpensive energy storage devices are in demand to power modern flexible electronics. In this work, a foldable battery based on a solid‐state and rechargeable Zn‐air battery is introduced. The air cathode is prepared by coating graphene flakes on pretreated carbon cloth to form a dense, interconnected, and conducting carbon network. Manganese oxide hierarchical nanostructures are subsequently grown on the large surface area carbon network, leading to high loading of active catalyst per unit volume while maintaining the mechanical and electrical integrity of the air cathode. Solid‐state and rechargeable Zn‐air battery with such air cathode exhibits similar polarization curve and resistance at its flat and folded states. The folded battery is able to deliver a power density as high as ≈32 mW cm−2 and good cycling stability of up to 110 cycles. In addition, the flat battery shows similar discharge/charge curve and stable cycling performance after 100 times of repeated folding and unfolding, indicating its high mechanical robustness.
Na‐Ion Intercalation and Charge Storage Mechanism in 2D Vanadium Carbide
Authors: Bak Seong‐Min , Qiao Ruimin , Yang Wanli , Lee Sungsik , Yu Xiqian , Anasori Babak , Lee Hungsui , Gogotsi Yury , Yang Xiao‐Qing
Published: July 2017

2D vanadium carbide MXene containing surface functional groups (denoted as V2CTx, where Tx are surface functional groups) is synthesized and studied as anode material for Na‐ion batteries. V2CTx anode exhibits reversible charge storage with good cycling stability and high rate capability through electrochemical test. The charge storage mechanism of V2CTx material during Na+ intercalation/deintercalation and the redox reaction of vanadium are studied using a combination of synchrotron based X‐ray diffraction, hard X‐ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES), and soft X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (sXAS). Experimental evidence of a major contribution of redox reaction of vanadium to the charge storage and the reversible capacity of V2CTx during sodiation/desodiation process are provided through V K‐edge XANES and V L2,3‐edge sXAS results. A correlation between the CO32− content and the Na+ intercalation/deintercalation states in the V2CTx electrode observed from C and O K‐edge in sXAS results implies that some additional charge storage reactions may take place between the Na+‐intercalated V2CTx and the carbonate‐based nonaqueous electrolyte. The results of this study provide valuable information for the further studies on V2CTx as anode material for Na‐ion batteries and capacitors.
An Effective Lithium Sulfide Encapsulation Strategy for Stable Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Klein Michael J. , Dolocan Andrei , Zu Chenxi , Manthiram Arumugam
Published: July 2017

With a high theoretical capacity of 1162 mA h g−1, Li2S is a promising cathode that can couple with silicon, tin, or graphite anodes for next‐generation energy storage devices. Unfortunately, Li2S is highly insulating, exhibits large charge overpotential, and suffers from active‐material loss as soluble polysulfides during battery cycling. To date, low‐cost, scalable synthesis of an electrochemically active Li2S cathode remains a challenge. This work demonstrates that the low conductivity and material loss issues associated with Li2S cathodes can be overcome by forming a stable, conductive encapsulation layer at the surface of the Li2S bulk particles through in situ surface reactions between Li2S and electrolyte additives containing transition‐metal salts. It is identified that the electronic band structure in the valence band region of the thus‐generated encapsulation layers, consisting largely of transition‐metal sulfides, determines the initial charging resistance of Li2S. Furthermore, among the transition metals tested, the encapsulation layer formed with an addition of 10 wt% manganese (II) acetylacetonate salt proved to be robust within the cycling window, which is attributed to the chemically generated MnS surface species. This work provides an effective strategy to use micrometer‐sized Li2S directly as a cathode material and opens up new prospects to tune the surface properties of electrode materials for energy‐storage applications.
Aggressive necrotizing pseudomonal sinonasal infections
Authors: Kuan Edward C. , Tajudeen Bobby A. , Welch Kevin C. , Chandra Rakesh K. , Glasgow Ben J. , Suh Jeffrey D.
Published: July 2017

Background

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a gram‐negative bacterium frequently implicated in recalcitrant sinonasal infections, especially in immunocompromised hosts. We report 6 cases of rapidly progressive pseudomonal acute rhinosinusitis producing tissue necrosis and, in certain cases, cranial nerve palsies.

Methods

Retrospective review of 6 patients with aggressive necrotizing sinonasal infections treated at 4 tertiary academic medical centers with sinonasal cultures growing P. aeruginosa in the absence of other pathology.

Results

A total of 6 patients were identified. In all cases, there was tissue necrosis that appeared to mimic an invasive process such as mucormycosis, prompting urgent surgical intervention. Pathologic analysis revealed fibropurulent exudates in backgrounds of positive P. aeruginosa cultures without evidence of invasive fungal organisms or malignancy. Four of the 6 patients presented with cranial nerve palsies, with 3 patients having vision changes and 3 complaining of trigeminal neuropathy. Four of 6 patients improved clinically over time after surgery and antibiotic therapy; 1 remains in follow‐up without complete improvement and 1 has succumbed to other causes.

Conclusion

P. aeruginosa is a tenacious organism that is frequently associated with severe, recalcitrant sinonasal infections. We report the first case series of necrotizing sinonasal infections caused by this organism, and illustrate that, in rare cases, P. aeruginosa may mimic and behave like life‐threatening conditions such as fulminant invasive fungal sinusitis or malignancy.
Copolymers from methyl methacrylate and butyl acrylate with hyperbranched architecture
Authors: Sengupta Srijoni , Das Tamalika , Ghorai Uttam Kumar , Bandyopadhyay Abhijit
Published: July 2017

This is a first report of the synthesis and characterization of acrylic copolymers from methyl methacrylate (MMA) and butyl acrylate (BA) with hyperbranched architecture. The copolymers were synthesized using a free radical polymerization (Strathclyde method) in emulsion technique. Divinyl benzene was used as the brancher which acted as a comonomer and 1‐dodecanethiol was used as a chain terminating agent. A linear copolymer from MMA and BA was also synthesized for comparison. The hyperbranched architecture was established from spectroscopic and rheological measurements. The gel permeation chromatography showed all hyperbranched copolymers were low molecular weight with lower polydispersity index (PDI) (

23,000, PDI ∼ 2.00) compared to the linear grade (

93,000, PDI ∼ 2.20). They were more spherical and achieved lower viscosity (yet higher solubility, >90%) than the linear grade (<50%) which was mostly open ended. Lower viscosity at equivalent solid content made the hyperbranched polymers a potential binder for adhesive and coating application. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45356.
Towards a psychoanalytic concept of community (IV): The well‐functioning community
Authors: Koh Eugen , Twemlow Stuart W.
Published: July 2017

This is the fourth paper in a series proposing a psychoanalytic concept of community. The third paper of the series centered on the unconscious psychological tasks involved in creating and sustaining a community and in it achieving its reason for existence; tasks such as the formation of bonds, identity and boundary. In this fourth paper we propose that the effectiveness with which a community can carry out these tasks determines how well that community is able to function. The successful performance of the tasks is dependent on: (1) a community's capacity for psychic function, that is, its capacity to process internal tension and conflict, and both everyday and adverse experiences; (2) the effectiveness of its social defense against anxiety; and (3) its adaptability to changes and challenges in its environment.
Towards a psychoanalytic concept of community (III): A proposal
Authors: Koh Eugen , Twemlow Stuart W.
Published: July 2017

A new concept of community is proposed in this third paper of the series, “Towards a psychoanalytic concept of community”. This concept emphasizes the unconscious, collective, psychological tasks involved in creating and sustaining a community, as well as the tasks undertaken by the community in achieving its reason for being. One of the core psychological tasks is the creation of bonding among its members. When a community is being formed it experiences itself subjectively as “us”, and needs to come to terms with what is “not us”. A set of psychological tasks comes into play and they relate to the formation and maintenance of its boundary and identity. Each of these psychological tasks is underpinned by unconscious psychic processes; such as symbolization to create boundary, projective and introjective identifications to create bonds and identity.
Crayfish in central and southern Ukraine with special focus on populations of indigenous crayfish Astacus pachypus (Rathke, 1837) and their conservation needs
Authors: Policar Tomas , Bondarenko Volodymyr , Bezusyj Oles , Stejskal Vlastimil , Kristan Jiri , Malinovskyi Oleksandr , Imentai Aiman , Blecha Miroslav , Pylypenko Yuriy
Published: July 2017

The thick‐clawed crayfish (Astacus pachypus Rathke, 1837) is the least studied indigenous crayfish species in Europe. Information about its distribution and biology is out of date by more than 15 years.

This study identified 94 localities with potential occurrence of thick‐clawed crayfish in eight southern and central regions of Ukraine, using questionnaire and literature analysis. Based on the information obtained, a field survey was conducted to examine and confirm the current distribution and abundance of crayfish species and evaluate basic water quality and habitat characteristics in each locality.

Details of density, sex ratio in the catches, health and moulting condition, threat level and water quality were identified for each population of A. pachypus.

Only four populations of this species were found, in lower parts of the Dnieper River, co‐occurring with Astacus leptodactylus Eschscholtz, in Kakhovka reservoir near Vesele village, two sites on the Dnieper River near Nova Kakhovka town and near Prydniprovske village, and one locality on the Dnieper's tributary – the Ingulec River near Sadove village.

Populations of thick‐clawed crayfish at three sites had low crayfish densities of 0.3–0.4 crayfish m−2 or catch efficiency 0.2 crayfish per trap night. Only one locality on the Dnieper River, close to Nova Khakovka, had a stronger population with higher density (1.7 crayfish m−2).

Healthy thick‐clawed crayfish inhabit larger water bodies with stable environments and good water quality. Female catch per unit effort was lower, and they had a higher percentage of chelae injuries compared with males.

All of the identified thick‐clawed crayfish populations are exploited by uncontrolled fishing for consumption and there is an urgent need for conservation of both the crayfish and their habitat.
Habitat use of globally threatened juvenile Chinese horseshoe crab, Tachypleus tridentatus under the influence of simulated intertidal oyster culture structures in Hong Kong
Authors: Kwan Billy K.Y. , Chan Hoi Kin , Cheung Siu Gin
Published: July 2017

Little is known about the ecological impacts of oyster culture structures on intertidal communities. In the present study, distribution and movement patterns of juvenile Chinese horseshoe crab, Tachypleus tridentatus were assessed on a mudflat at Ha Pak Nai in Deep Bay, Hong Kong.

As the traditional bottom‐laying method of using concrete posts as cultch for collecting oyster spat is a common practice in Hong Kong, structurally similar bricks were used to simulate the potential effects of cultch on intertidal flats.

Over the two‐month experimental period, all the tested sediment physico‐chemical characteristics, including median particle size and total organic content, remained unchanged among the treatment areas. However, juvenile densities and foraging trails at low‐ and high‐density brick areas were significantly lower/shorter compared with the adjacent bare areas. Such effects were more evident for larger individuals since significant correlations were found between foraging distance and juvenile prosomal width in no‐brick areas, but not the low‐ and high‐density brick areas. In addition, most juveniles (> 95%) were observed feeding along the outer boundaries of brick areas.

Such findings imply that the extensive artificial structures in oyster cultivation sites could induce physical disturbance and alter the habitat use of juvenile horseshoe crabs in the intertidal zone. Considering the high conservation value of Chinese horseshoe crabs, appropriate mitigation measures should be implemented to buffer the detrimental effects on horseshoe crabs and other marine organisms of conservation concern that utilize intertidal habitats as nursery and hatchery grounds.
Romancing the Stones. The cultural construction of an archaeological in the Western District of Victoria
Authors: CLARKE ANNE
Published: July 2017

A recent re‐survey of the archaeological sites at Lake Condah and adjoining properties has called into question the way in which this landscape has been archaeologically interpreted. There are two components to the discussion. The first concerns the language of the archaeology of the stony rises and the meanings embedded in archaeological texts by the use of particular sets of terms to describe the cultural features of the landscape. The second is that of site formation and landscape processes. Because earlier surveys did not take into account the complexity of landscape processes which make it difficult to clearly distinguish between cultural and natural features, the process of archaeological interpretation has created a mythical cultural landscape not supported by the available evidence. The sites of Lake Condah and the surrounding properties have become mythologised within two domains — in the archaeological literature, and as a consequence, in the realm of public knowledge and awareness. The resultant romancing of the stones neither provides an explanation of the regional prehistory based on clearly demonstrated archaeological associations nor does it encourage the implementation of sound management strategies based on well‐founded archaeological data.
Hybrid model for the personal exposure meter response in an outdoor environment
Authors: Hwang Jung‐Hwan , Kwak Sang‐Il , Kwon Jong‐Hwa , Choi Hyung‐Do
Published: July 2017

When a personal exposure meter (PEM) is worn by a human subject, the electric‐field strength measured at the PEM is affected by a body shadowing effect. In our study, a hybrid model is proposed for modeling the body shadowing effect for when the PEM is used in an outdoor environment. The hybrid model contains responses to direct and diffused waves, the factors related to the transmission path and cross‐polarization discrimination, respectively. To derive the hybrid model, responses for the direct and diffused waves are measured using a human phantom in an anechoic chamber and a reverberation chamber, respectively. Responses are measured at multiple locations in an outdoor environment and compared to the responses of the hybrid model. The hybrid model response has quartiles that deviate by an average of only 2.2 dB (1.29) from the same quartiles of the outdoor responses. Such quartile deviations are significantly smaller than those of the previous model with a body shadowing effect. Bioelectromagnetics. 38:626–647, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cost-effectiveness of intraoperative nerve monitoring in avoidance of bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve injury in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy
Authors: Al-Qurayshi Z , Kandil E , Randolph G W
Published: July 2017

Background

Intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) provides dynamic neural information and is recommended for high-risk thyroid surgery. In this analysis, the cost-effectiveness of IONM in preventing bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury was investigated.

Methods

A Markov chain model was constructed based on IONM use. The base-case patient was defined as a 40-year-old woman presenting with a 4·1-cm left-sided papillary thyroid cancer who developed RLN injury with loss of monitoring signal during planned bilateral thyroidectomy. It was hypothesized that, if the surgeon had used IONM, the RLN injury would have been detected and the operation would have been concluded as a thyroid lobectomy to avoid the risk of contralateral RLN injury. Cost in US dollars was converted to euros; probabilities and utility scores were identified from the literature and government resources. Length of follow-up was set as 20 years, and willingness-to-pay (WTP) as €38 000 (US $50 000) per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY).

Results

At the end of year 20, the not using IONM strategy accrued €163 995·40 (US $215 783·43) and an effectiveness of 14·15 QALYs, whereas use of the IONM strategy accrued €170 283·68 (US $224 057·48) and an effectiveness of 14·33 QALYs. The incremental cost–effectiveness ratio, comparing use versus no use of IONM, was €35 285·26 (US $46 427·97) per QALY, which is below the proposed WTP, indicating that IONM is the preferred and cost-effective management plan. A Monte Carlo simulation test that considered variability of the main study factors in a hypothetical sample of 10 000 patients showed IONM to be the preferred strategy in 85·8 per cent of the population.

Conclusion

Use of IONM is cost-effective in patients undergoing bilateral thyroid surgery.
Structural and Mechanistic Revision for Gold‐catalyzed Sequential Activation of Propargylic Carboxylates
Authors: Kim Kiseong , Jung Jaemun , Heo Hoon Gu , Oh Chang Ho
Published: July 2017

The structure analysis explains that the gold‐catalyzed reaction forms one benzene ring possessing an acetoxyethenyl and an acetoxy groups in 2 and 4 positions. Based on the X‐ray analysis, we revised structures of all products reported previously in two papers. The proposed mechanism of this sequence is being revised with an evidence of gold‐carbene intermediacy. The proposed gold‐carbene intermediate was supported by the control experiment for enyne metathesis route.
Everolimus eluting bioresorbable vascular scaffolds; can we absorb the risk in complex PCI?
Authors: Zahr Firas , Cigarroa Joaquin E.
Published: July 2017

Key Points

BVS, as compared with DES, have higher stent thrombosis (ST) rates.

BVS may prove reasonable in patients with complex anatomy.

Future trials will be necessary to guide clinicians regarding whether BVS are equivalent to DES in patients with noncomplex or complex coronary anatomy.
A universal drug delivery catheter for the treatment of infrapopliteal arterial disease: Results from the multi‐center first‐in‐human study
Authors: Bunch Frank , Walker Craig , Kassab Elias , Carr Jeffrey
Published: July 2017

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility, safety and initial efficacy of paclitaxel administration using a novel drug delivery catheter for the prevention of restenosis in infrapopliteal de novo and restenotic lesions.

Background

Restenosis continues to be a great challenge after percutaneous revascularization procedures for peripheral arterial disease, particularly for below‐the‐knee applications.

Methods

A prospective, multicenter first‐in‐human registry of a novel delivery catheter delivering liquid paclitaxel was conducted in 10 patients. The primary efficacy endpoint at 6 months was freedom from clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD‐TLR) and the primary safety endpoint at 1, 3, and 6 months were thrombosis, major amputation in the target limb and target limb related death.

Results

All patients tolerated the procedure well with no reports of adverse procedural events. Twelve (n = 12) lesions in ten patients were treated with a mean lesion length of 83.3 ± 49.2 mm, with the lesion length range of 30mm to 182 mm. At 6‐month follow‐up, the rate of CD‐TLR was 30% (3 of 10 patients). Zero patients (0 out of 10) demonstrated thrombosis, major amputation in the target limb and target limb related death at the 1, 3, and 6 month follow‐up intervals.

Conclusions

This first in‐human experience obtained in a multicenter study of real‐world de novo and restenotic lesions demonstrates a favorable safety and efficacy profile at 6 months. Randomized comparison to current drug coated balloons should be performed to further validate this approach and positive experience.
On the Dimensional Control of 2 D Hybrid Nanomaterials
Authors: Longo Alessandro , Mulder Dirk‐Jan , van Kuringen Huub P. C. , Hermida‐Merino Daniel , Banerjee Dipanjan , Dasgupta Debarshi , Shishmanova Irina K. , Spoelstra Anne B. , Broer Dirk J. , Schenning Albert P. H. J. , Portale Giuseppe
Published: July 2017

Thermotropic smectic liquid crystalline polymers were used as a scaffold to create organic/inorganic hybrid layered nanomaterials. Different polymers were prepared by photopolymerizing blends of a hydrogen bonded carboxylic acid derivative and a 10 % cross‐linker of variable length in their liquid crystalline phase. Nanopores with dimensions close to 1 nm were generated by breaking the hydrogen bonded dimers in a high pH solution. The pores were filled with positively charged silver (Ag) ions, resulting in a layered silver(I)‐polymeric hybrid material. Subsequent exposure to a NaBH4 reducing solution allowed for the formation of supported hybrid metal/organic films. In the bulk of the film the dimension of the Ag nanoparticles (NPs) was regulated with subnanometer precision by the cross‐linker length. Ag nanoparticles with an average size of 0.9, 1.3, and 1.8 nm were produced inside the nanopores thanks to the combined effect of spatially confined reduction and stabilization of the nanoparticles by the polymer carboxylic groups. At the same time, strong Ag migration occurred in the surface region, resulting in the formation of a nanostructured metallic top layer composed of large (10–20 nm) NPs.
Ferrichrome Has Found Its Match: Biomimetic Analogues with Diversified Activity Map Discrete Microbial Targets
Authors: Besserglick Jenny , Olshvang Evgenia , Szebesczyk Agnieszka , Englander Joseph , Levinson Dana , Hadar Yitzhak , Gumienna‐Kontecka Elzbieta , Shanzer Abraham
Published: July 2017

Siderophores provide an established platform for studying molecular recognition principles in biological systems. Herein, the preparation of ferrichrome (FC) biomimetic analogues varying in length and polarity of the amino acid chain separating between the tripodal scaffold and the pendent FeIII chelating hydroxamic acid groups was reported. Spectroscopic and potentiometric titrations determined their iron affinity to be within the range of efficient chelators. Microbial growth promotion and iron uptake studies were conducted on E. coli, P. putida and U. maydis. A wide range of siderophore activity was observed in the current series: from a rare case of a species‐specific growth promotor in P. putida to an analogue matching FC in cross‐phylum activity and uptake pathway. A fluorescent conjugate of the broad‐range analogue visualized siderophore destination in bacteria (periplasmic space) vs. fungi (cytosol) mapping new therapeutic targets. Quantum dots (QDs) decorated with the most potent FC analogue provided a tool for immobilization of FC‐recognizing bacteria. Bacterial clusters formed around QDs may provide a platform for their selection and concentration.
Malignant central nervous system tumors among adolescents and young adults (15‐39 years old) in 14 Southern‐Eastern European registries and the US Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program: Mortality and survival patterns
Authors: Georgakis Marios K. , Papathoma Paraskevi , Ryzhov Anton , Zivkovic‐Perisic Snezana , Eser Sultan , Taraszkiewicz Łukasz , Sekerija Mario , Žagar Tina , Antunes Luis , Zborovskaya Anna , Bastos Joana , Florea Margareta , Coza Daniela , Demetriou Anna , Agius Domenic , Strahinja Rajko M. , Themistocleous Marios , Tolia Maria , Tzanis Spyridon , Alexiou George A. , Papanikolaou Panagiotis G. , Nomikos Panagiotis , Kantzanou Maria , Dessypris Nick , Pourtsidis Apostolos , Petridou Eleni T.
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

Unique features and worse outcomes have been reported for cancers among adolescents and young adults (AYAs; 15‐39 years old). The aim of this study was to explore the mortality and survival patterns of malignant central nervous system (CNS) tumors among AYAs in Southern‐Eastern Europe (SEE) in comparison with the US Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program.

METHODS

Malignant CNS tumors diagnosed in AYAs during the period spanning 1990‐2014 were retrieved from 14 population‐based cancer registries in the SEE region (n = 11,438). Age‐adjusted mortality rates were calculated and survival patterns were evaluated via Kaplan‐Meier curves and Cox regression analyses, and they were compared with respective 1990‐2012 figures from SEER (n = 13,573).

RESULTS

Mortality rates in SEE (range, 11.9‐18.5 deaths per million) were higher overall than the SEER rate (9.4 deaths per million), with decreasing trends in both regions. Survival rates increased during a comparable period (2001‐2009) in SEE and SEER. The 5‐year survival rate was considerably lower in the SEE registries (46%) versus SEER (67%), mainly because of the extremely low rates in Ukraine; this finding was consistent across age groups and diagnostic subtypes. The highest 5‐year survival rates were recorded for ependymomas (76% in SEE and 92% in SEER), and the worst were recorded for glioblastomas and anaplastic astrocytomas (28% in SEE and 37% in SEER). Advancing age, male sex, and rural residency at diagnosis adversely affected outcomes in both regions.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite definite survival gains over the last years, the considerable outcome disparities between the less affluent SEE region and the United States for AYAs with malignant CNS tumors point to health care delivery inequalities. No considerable prognostic deficits for CNS tumors are evident for AYAs versus children. Cancer 2017;123:4458‐71. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Separator Decoration with Cobalt/Nitrogen Codoped Carbon for Highly Efficient Polysulfide Confinement in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Hu Wen , Hirota Yuichiro , Zhu Yexin , Yoshida Nao , Miyamoto Manabu , Zheng Tao , Nishiyama Norikazu
Published: July 2017

A macro‐/mesoporous Co−N−C‐decorated separator is proposed to confine and reutilize migrating polysulfides. Endowed with a desirable structure and synchronous lithio‐ and sulfiphilic chemistry, the macro‐/mesoporous Co−N−C interface manipulates large polysulfide adsorption uptake, enabling good polysulfide adsorption kinetics, reversible electrocatalysis toward redox of anchored polysulfides, and facile charge transport. It significantly boosts the performance of a simple 70 wt % S/MWCNTs (MWCNTs=multi‐walled carbon nanotubes) cathode, achieving high initial capacities (e.g., 1406 mAh g−1 at 0.2C, 1203 mAh g−1 at 1C), nearly 100 % Coulombic efficiencies, and high reversible capacities after cycle tests (e.g., 828.4 mAh g−1 at 1C after 100 cycles) at both low and high current rates. These results demonstrate that decorating separator with macro‐/mesoporous Co−N−C paves a feasible way for developing advanced Li–S batteries.
Mineral nitrogen and phosphorus pools affected by water table lowering and warming in a boreal forested peatland
Authors: Munir Tariq M. , Khadka Bhupesh , Xu Bin , Strack Maria
Published: July 2017

Changes in atmospheric temperature and lowering in water‐table (WT) are expected to affect peatland nutrient dynamics. To understand the response of peatland nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) dynamics to warming and drainage in a continental wooded‐bog of hummock–hollow microtopography, we compared three sites: (a) control, (b) recently drained (2–3 years; experimental), and (c) older drained (12–13 years; drained), during 2013. The WT was lowered at experimental and drained sites to 74 and 120 cm, respectively, whereas a warming of ~1 °C was created at one half of the microforms using open‐top chambers. Responses of peat total inorganic nitrogen (TIN = nitrate nitrogen [NO3−‐N] + ammonium nitrogen [NH4+‐N]) and phosphate‐P (PO43−‐P) pools and vegetation C:N ratio, δ13C and δ15N to the experimental treatments were investigated across sites/microforms and over time. Peat TIN available and extractable pools increased with deepening of WT and over time and were greater at hummocks relative to hollows. In contrast, the PO4 pools increased with short‐term drainage but reverted to very close to their original (control) nutrient values in the longer term. The WT and warming driven change in the peat TIN pool was strongly reflected in the vascular vegetation C:N ratio and shrub δ13C and δ15N, whereas moss nutrient dynamics did not vary between sites. Therefore, we suggest that atmospheric warming combined with WT deepening can increase availability of mineral N and P, which then can be reflected in vascular vegetation and hence modify the productivity and ecosystem functioning of the northern midlatitude continental wooded bogs in the long term.
Do lentic and lotic communities respond similarly to drying?
Authors: Rosset Véronique , Ruhi Albert , Bogan Michael T. , Datry Thibault
Published: July 2017

Disturbance is a central factor shaping composition, structure, and dynamics of local communities. Drying is a disturbance that occurs in aquatic ecosystems globally and can strongly influence their communities. Although the effects of drying may depend on ecosystem connectivity and the dispersal abilities of resident species, there have been no comparisons of community responses to drying between lentic and lotic ecosystems across different climates. Here, we predicted that drying would have stronger effects on aquatic communities in isolated lentic ecosystems than in dendritic lotic ecosystems, owing to the higher hydrological connectivity of the latter, and that drying would have stronger effects on passive than on active dispersers, because of the potentially higher recolonizing ability of the latter. We tested these predictions by comparing alpha diversity, phylogenetic relatedness, and beta diversity for active and passive dispersers, in both ecosystem types across five climatic regions. Drying caused greater declines in alpha diversity in lentic than in lotic ecosystems. Communities that experienced drying were more similar to one another than those of perennial sites, and this pattern was especially pronounced in lentic ecosystems. In contrast, drying did not influence the contributions of turnover and richness gradients to beta diversity. Additionally, dispersal mode did not influence community responses to drying. Relatively weaker effects of drying in lotic compared to lentic systems were likely due to the hydrological connectivity among perennial and temporary river sites, which may facilitate dispersal of organisms to escape drying and recolonize rewetted sites. Collectively, our results suggest that habitat connectivity may ameliorate (and fragmentation may worsen) the impacts of drying disturbance. This is an important finding in light of increasing drying and concomitant aquatic habitat fragmentation under global change.
Bright and Long‐Lived Emission from a Starburst‐Type Arylborane‐Appended Polypyridyl Ruthenium(II) Complex
Authors: Nakagawa Atsushi , Ito Akitaka , Sakuda Eri , Fujii Sho , Kitamura Noboru
Published: July 2017

The starburst‐type arylborane‐appended polypyridyl RuII complex [Ru{4,7‐bis({dimesityl}boryldurylethynyl)‐1,10‐phenanthroline}3]2+ (1) was synthesized, and its spectroscopic and photophysical properties were evaluated. In the excited state of the complex, intramolecular charge transfer (CT) between the π orbital of the aryl group and the vacant p orbital of the boron atom [π(aryl)–p(B) CT] interacts synergistically with metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer (MLCT). The synergistic CT interactions in 1 are more effective than those in previously reported arylborane‐appended polypyridyl RuII complexes and lead to bright (molar absorption coefficient of the MLCT band = 7.2 × 104 m–1 cm–1, emission quantum yield = 0.29) and long‐lived emission (8.7 µs) of 1 in CH3CN at 298 K. The unique emission characteristics of 1 are discussed in detail together with its electrochemical properties and time‐dependent DFT (TD‐DFT) calculations.
An N^N Platinum(II) Bis(acetylide) Complex with Naphthalimide and Pyrene Ligands: Synthesis, Photophysical Properties, and Application in Triplet–Triplet Annihilation Upconversion
Authors: Zhong Fangfang , Zhao Jianzhang
Published: July 2017

Two different chromophores, pyrene (Py) and naphthalimide (NI), were introduced as acetylide ligands in a heteroleptic diimine N^N PtII bis(acetylide) complex (Pt‐NI‐Py) to broaden the absorption bands and enable the intramolecular energy‐transfer process. Steady‐state and transient spectroscopy were used to study the photophysical properties of the complexes. The lowest triplet state of Pt‐NI‐Py (τT = 34 µs) is localized on the pyrene part, although the singlet‐state energy level of the naphthalimide unit is lower. Intramolecular energy‐transfer processes were observed. Moreover, Pt‐NI‐Py shows enhanced visible‐light harvesting compared with the bis(pyrenylacetylide) complex (Pt‐Py) and a lower triplet‐state energy level than that of the bis(ethynylnaphthalimide) complex (Pt‐NI). The results demonstrate that the relative energy levels of the singlet excited states of the different chromophores do not agree with the relative energy levels of the triplet states of the same chromophores. Efficient triplet‐state generation (ΦΔ = 0.8) gives Pt‐NI‐Py a high triplet–triplet annihilation (TTA) upconversion efficiency (34 %).
Enzyme Deposition by Polydimethylsiloxane Stamping for Biosensor Fabrication
Authors: Wang Bo , Koo Bonhye , Monbouquette Harold G.
Published: July 2017

High‐performance biosensors were fabricated by efficiently transferring enzyme onto Pt electrode surfaces using a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) stamp. Polypyrrole and Nafion were coated first on the electrode surface to act as permselective films for exclusion of both anionic and cationic electrooxidizable interfering compounds. A chitosan film then was electrochemically deposited to serve as an adhesive layer for enzyme immobilization. Glucose oxidase (GOx) was selected as a model enzyme for construction of a glucose biosensor, and a mixture of GOx and bovine serum albumin was stamped onto the chitosan‐coated surface and subsequently crosslinked using glutaraldehyde vapor. For the optimized fabrication process, the biosensor exhibited excellent performance characteristics including a linear range up to 2 mM with sensitivity of 29.4±1.3 μA mM−1 cm−2 and detection limit of 4.3±1.7 μM (S/N=3) as well as a rapid response time of ∼2 s. In comparison to those previously described, this glucose biosensor exhibits an excellent combination of high sensitivity, low detection limit, rapid response time, and good selectivity. Thus, these results support the use of PDMS stamping as an effective enzyme deposition method for electroenzymatic biosensor fabrication, which may prove especially useful for the deposition of enzyme at selected sites on microelectrode array microprobes of the kind used for neuroscience research in vivo.
Transcriptional and cellular effects of benzotriazole UV stabilizers UV-234 and UV-328 in the freshwater invertebrates Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Daphnia magna
Authors: Giraudo Maeva , Cottin Guillaume , Esperanza Marta , Gagnon Pierre , Silva Amila O. De , Houde Magali
Published: July 2017

Benzotriazole ultra violet stabilizers (BZT-UVs) are compounds used in many applications and products to prevent photochemical degradation. Despite their widespread presence in aquatic ecosystems and persistence in the environment, there are very limited data on their effects and toxicity, and their modes of action remain largely unknown. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the chronic effects of 2 BZT-UVs, 2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4,6-bis(1-methyl-1-phenylethyl)phenol (UV-234) and 2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4,6-di-tert-pentylphenol (UV-328), on the freshwater green algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and the freshwater crustacean Daphnia magna. Organisms were exposed to 0.01 and 10 μg/L of UV-234, UV-328, as well as a mixture of the 2 compounds. Life-history endpoints (viability, reproduction, and growth) and oxidative stress–related biomarkers (gene transcription, reactive oxygen species [ROS] production, and lipid peroxidation) were measured. Daphnia magna growth, reproduction, and gene transcription were not impacted by 21-d individual or mixed exposure. After 96-h of exposure, no differences were observed on the cellular viability of C. reinhardtii for either of the 2 BZT-UVs. In the algae, results showed increased ROS production in response to UV-328 and lipid peroxidation following exposure to UV-234. Synergistic effects of the 2 BZT-UVs were evident at the transcriptional level with 2 to 6 times up-regulation of glutathione peroxidase (gpx) in response to the mixture for all treatment conditions. The transcription of superoxide dismutase (sod), catalase (cat), and ascorbic peroxidase (apx) was also regulated by UV-234 and UV-328 in the green algae, most likely as a result of ROS production and lipid peroxidation. Results from the present study suggest potential impacts of UV-234 and UV-328 exposure on the antioxidant defense system in C. reinhardtii. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:3333–3342. © 2017 Crown in the Right of Canada. Published by Wiley Periodicals Inc., on behalf of SETAC.
Pennsylvanian–earlyPermianpalaeokarst development on theYangtzePlatform,South China, and implications for the regional sea‐level history
Authors: Huang Xing , Aretz Markus , Zhang Xionghua , Du Yuansheng , Qie Wenkun , Wen Qin , Wang Changnan , Luan Tengfei
Published: July 2017

The Pennsylvanian to lower Permian succession at Madiyi, South China, represents a nearshore mixed siliciclastic‐carbonate system characterized by cyclic sedimentation patterns along a depth gradient from continental siliciclastics to marine open platform carbonates. Various palaeokarst features related to subaerial exposure are widely distributed. Additionally, pedogenesis was pervasive. The identification of twenty‐eight sedimentary cycles grouped into five sequences allows the reconstruction of a relative sea‐level curve. The cycles represent higher frequency changes superimposed on the long‐term evolution. After the initial transgression, the sea level remained relatively low in the late Bashkirian to early Moscovian. Then, it rose stepwise until a major drop occurred in the late Moscovian. Afterwards, the sea level rose again, but marine sedimentation ceased during at least the early Kasimovian. The area was flooded in the late Kasimovian, and the sea level rose until a late Gzhelian sea‐level drop. The subsequent marine sequence contains uppermost Gzhelian to upper Asselian deposits, which are capped by lower Permian continental facies associated with a major regional regression.

Shallow to deeper marine sedimentary settings recorded high‐frequency sea‐level changes throughout South China during the late Bashkirian to Asselian. The main transgression–regression cycles are clearly associated with different depositional settings during several time intervals. Furthermore, the good correlations among South China, Ukraine, and the U.S. Mid‐continent are rooted in the impact of Gondwanan glaciations on the global sedimentation patterns. However, not all changes at Madiyi are the result of glacio‐eustatic sea‐level fluctuations; some are related to the local subsidence history and the rise of the Xuefeng Uplift.
Resting‐state functional connectivity measured by diffuse correlation spectroscopy
Authors: Li Jun , Poon Chien‐Sing , Kress Jeremy , Rohrbach Daniel J. , Sunar Ulas
Published: July 2017

Near‐infrared diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS) is used to record spontaneous cerebral blood flow fluctuations in the frontal cortex. Nine adult subjects participated in the experiments, in which 8‐minute spontaneous fluctuations were simultaneously recorded from the left and right dorsolateral and inferior frontal regions. Resting‐state functional connectivity (RSFC) was measured by the temporal correlation of the low frequency fluctuations. Our data shows the RSFC within the dorsolateral region is significantly stronger than that between the inferior and dorsolateral regions, in line with previous observations with functional near‐infrared spectroscopy. This indicates that DCS is capable of investigating brain functional connectivity in terms of cerebral blood flow.
The depletion of MARVELD1 leads to murine placenta accreta via integrin β4‐dependent trophoblast cell invasion
Authors: Chen Yue , Zhang Hui , Han Fang , Yue Lei , Qiao Chunxiao , Zhang Yao , Dou Peng , Liu Weizhe , Li Yu
Published: July 2017

The placenta is a remarkable organ, it serves as the interface between the mother and the fetus. Proper invasion of trophoblast cells is required for a successful pregnancy. Previous studies have found that the adhesion molecule integrin β4 plays important roles during trophoblast cell invasion. Here, we found that the overall birth rate of the MARVELD1 knockout mouse is much lower than that of the wild‐type mouse (p < 0.001). In E18.5 MARVELD1 knockout mice, we observed an over‐invasion of trophoblast cells, and indeed, the pregnant mice had a partial placenta accreta phenotype. The HTR8/SVneo cell line was used as an in vitro model to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of MARVELD1‐mediated trophoblast invasion. We detected a diminished expression of integrin β4 upon the downregulation of MARVELD1 and enhanced migrate and invasive abilities of trophoblast cells both in vivo and in vitro. The integrin β4 rescue assay also supported the results. In conclusion, this study found that MARVELD1 mediated the invasion of trophoblast cells via regulating the expression of integrin β4 during placenta development.