bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Progress of Polysaccharide‐Based Hydrogel Interfaces for Wound Healing and Tissue Engineering
Authors: Zhu Tianxue , Mao Jiajun , Cheng Yan , Liu Haoran , Lv Lu , Ge Mingzheng , Li Shuhui , Huang Jianying , Chen Zhong , Li Huaqiong , Yang Lei , Lai Yuekun
Published: July 2019

Polysaccharide is an abundant and reproducible natural material that is biocompatible and biodegradable. Polysaccharide and its derivatives also possess distinctive properties such as hydrophilicity, mechanical stability, as well as tunable functionality. Polysaccharide‐based hydrogels can be constructed via the physical and/or chemical crosslinking of polysaccharide derivatives with different functional molecules, as porous network structures or nanofibrillar structures. This review discusses the biomedical applications of polysaccharide‐based hydrogels containing native polysaccharides, polysaccharide derivatives, and polysaccharide‐composite hydrogels. Recent works on the fabrication, physical properties, advanced engineering, biomedical applications of cellulose‐, chitosan‐, alginate‐, and starch‐based hydrogels are also elaborated. Such porous swelling scaffolds exhibit great advantages at the interface of a negative pressure system such as wound dressing. In addition, the authors also discuss and summarize the exemplary research works of these hydrogels in the applications of drug release, wound dressing, and tissue engineering. Finally, challenges and future perspectives about the development of polysaccharide‐based hydrogels are discussed.
Diversification of Peptidomimetics and Oligopeptides through Microwave‐Assisted Rhodium(III)‐Catalyzed Intramolecular Annulation
Authors: Song Liangliang , Tian Guilong , Blanpain Anna , Van Meervelt Luc , Van der Eycken Erik V.
Published: July 2019

A chemoselective rhodium(III)‐catalyzed cascade annulation for the construction of the indolizinone and quinolizinone scaffolds is developed. Diversification of peptidomimetics and oligopeptides is achieved in a rapid and step‐economical manner through the combination of Ugi reaction and microwave‐assisted rhodium(III)‐catalyzed intramolecular annulation via C(sp2)‐H activation without installing a directing group.

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Suppressing Photoinduced Charge Recombination via the Lorentz Force in a Photocatalytic System
Authors: Gao Wenqiang , Lu Jibao , Zhang Shan , Zhang Xiaofei , Wang Zhongxuan , Qin Wei , Wang Jianjun , Zhou Weijia , Liu Hong , Sang Yuanhua
Published: July 2019

Suppressing the recombination of photogenerated charges is one of the most important routes for enhancing the catalytic performance of semiconductor photocatalysts. In addition to the built‐in field produced by semiconductor heterostructures and the photo‐electrocatalysis realized by applying an external electrical potential to photocatalysts assembled on electrodes, other strategies are waiting to be scientifically explored and understood. In this work, a Lorentz force–assisted charge carrier separation enhancement strategy is reported to improve the photocatalytic efficiency by applying a magnetic field to a photocatalytic system. The photocatalytic efficiency can be improved by 26% just by placing a permanent magnet beneath the normal photocatalytic system without any additional power supply. The mechanism by which the Lorentz force acts oppositely on the photogenerated electrons and holes is introduced, resulting in the suppression of the photoinduced charge recombination. This work provides insights into the specific role of the Lorentz force in suppressing the recombination of electron–hole pairs in their initial photogenerated states. This suppression would increase the population of charge carriers that would subsequently be transported in the semiconductor. It is believed that this strategy based on magnetic effects will initiate a new way of thinking about photoinduced charge separation.
Electrochemical Flocculation Integrated Hydrogen Evolution Reaction of Fe@N‐Doped Carbon Nanotubes on Iron Foam for Ultralow Voltage Electrolysis in Neutral Media
Authors: Yu Jiayuan , Li Guixiang , Liu Hui , Zeng Lili , Zhao Lili , Jia Jin , Zhang Mingyuan , Zhou Weijia , Liu Hong , Hu Yongyou
Published: July 2019

Hydrogen (H2) production is a key step in solving the energy crisis in the future. Electrocatalytic water splitting suffers from sluggish anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) kinetics leading to low energy conversion efficiency. Herein, a strategy is presented that integrates anodic electrochemical flocculation with cathodic hydrogen production from water splitting in 0.5 m Na2SO4. Iron encapsulated in a nitrogen‐doped carbon nanotubes array on iron foam (Fe@N‐CNT/IF) is employed as an electrode for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and the Fe@N‐CNT/IF possesses superior HER activity requiring an overpotential of 525 mV to achieve 10 mA cm−2, which is close to that of 20 wt% Pt/C. Benefiting from the lower oxidation potential of iron (E°Fe/Fe2+, 0.44 V) than that of OER (E0OH‐/O2, 1.23 V), the cell voltage for integrated electrochemical flocculation and H2 production is significantly reduced by 1.31 V relative to overall water splitting to achieve 20 mA cm−2. More important, the production of electrochemical flocculation can be applied to water purification, because of the excellent adsorption capacity. Finally, metal–carbon electrocatalysts are prepared again by pyrolysis of flocculation adsorbents containing toxic heavy metals and organics. This result provides a new direction for designing a heterogeneous electrolysis system for energy conversion and environmental treatment applications.
Flexible, Temperature‐Stable, and Fatigue‐Endurable PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3 Ferroelectric Film for Nonvolatile Memory
Authors: Yang Changhong , Han Yajie , Qian Jin , Cheng Zhenxiang
Published: July 2019

Flexible memory devices represent an emerging technological goal for information storage and data processing in portable, wearable, and smart electronics that work in curved conditions. This work presents a direct and cost‐effective fabrication of a bendable PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3 (PZT) ferroelectric memory element with a Pt bottom electrode layer and Au top electrodes on a flexible mica substrate. The polycrystalline PZT film with morphotropic phase boundary composition shows excellent electrical properties, reflected by superior ferroelectricity with a large remanent polarization (Pr ≈ 30 μC cm−2), good frequency stability (1–50 kHz), broad working temperature (25–200 °C), and excellent fatigue resistance (up to 109). Most importantly, with the assistance of the flexible mica substrate and the individual bendability of each film layer, the all‐inorganic PZT ferroelectric film capacitor can be safely bent to a small bending radius of 2 mm with a bending strain of less than 0.3%, undergo repeated bending–releasing cycles for 103 times where no obvious deterioration occurs in polarization, and show data retention of 105 s, and fatigue resistance at 109 switching cycles. This work is anticipated to advance the application potential of high‐performance flexible ferroelectric memories in next‐generation wearable electronic devices.
Low‐Temperature Reduction Strategy Synthesized Si/Ti3C2 MXene Composite Anodes for High‐Performance Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Hui Xiaobin , Zhao Ruizheng , Zhang Peng , Li Caixia , Wang Chengxiang , Yin Longwei
Published: July 2019

Silicon is attracting enormous attention due to its theoretical capacity of 4200 mAh g−1 as an anode for Li‐ion batteries (LIBs). It is of fundamental importance and challenge to develop low‐temperature reaction route to controllably synthesize Si/Ti3C2 MXene LIBs anodes. Herein, a novel and efficient strategy integrating in situ orthosilicate hydrolysis and a low‐temperature reduction process to synthesize Si/Ti3C2 MXene composites is reported. The hydrolysis of tetraethyl orthosilicate leads to homogenous nucleation and growth of SiO2 nanoparticles on the surface of Ti3C2 MXene. Subsequently, SiO2 nanoparticles are reduced to Si via a low‐temperature (200 °C) reduction route. Importantly, Ti3C2 MXene not only provides fast transfer channels for Li+ and electrons, but also relieves volume expansion of Si during cycling. Moreover, the characteristics of excellent pseudocapacitive performance and high conductivity of Ti3C2 MXene can synergistically contribute to the enhancement of energy storage performance. As expected, Ti3C2/Si anode exhibits an outstanding specific capacity of 1849 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1, even retaining 956 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1. The low‐temperature synthetic route to Si/Ti3C2 MXene electrodes and involved battery‐capacitive dual‐model energy storage mechanism has potential in the design of novel high‐performance electrodes for energy storage devices.
Ternary Blended Fullerene‐Free Polymer Solar Cells with 16.5% Efficiency Enabled with a Higher‐LUMO‐Level Acceptor to Improve Film Morphology
Authors: Li Kun , Wu Yishi , Tang Yabing , Pan Ming‐Ao , Ma Wei , Fu Hongbing , Zhan Chuanlang , Yao Jiannian
Published: July 2019

Ternary approaches to solar cell design utilizing a small bandgap nonfullerene acceptor as the near infrared absorber to increase the short‐circuit current density always decreases the open‐circuit voltage. Herein, a highly efficient polymer solar cell with an impressive efficiency of 16.28 ± 0.20% enabled by an effective voltage‐increased ternary blended fullerene‐free material approach is reported. In this approach, the structural similarity between the host and the higher‐LUMO‐level guest enables the two acceptors to be synergized, obtaining increased open‐circuit voltage and fill factor and a small increase of short‐circuit current density. The same beneficial effects are demonstrated by using two host binary systems. The homogeneous fine film morphologies and the π–π stacking patterns of the host blend are well maintained, while larger donor and acceptor phases and increased lamellar crystallinity, increased charge mobilities, and reduced monomolecular recombination can be achieved upon addition of the guest nonfullerene acceptor. The increased charge mobilities and reduced monomolecular recombination not only contribute to the improved fill factor but also enable the best devices to be fabricated with a relatively thicker ternary blended active layer (110 vs 100 nm). This, combined with the absorption from the added guest acceptor, contribute to the increased short‐circuit current.
Frequency and risk factors for venous thromboembolism after gastroenterological surgery based on the Japanese National Clinical Database (516 217 cases)
Authors: Hata Taishi , Ikeda Masataka , Miyata Hiroaki , Nomura Masatoshi , Gotoh Mitsukazu , Sakon Masato , Yamamoto Kouji , Wakabayashi Go , Seto Yasuyuki , Mori Masaki , Doki Yuichiro
Published: July 2019

Aim

To investigate the frequency and risk factors of perioperative, symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE) after gastroenterological surgery.

Methods

We assessed the frequency of and risk factors for VTE after eight gastroenterological procedures (total 516 217 cases including, gastrectomy, total gastrectomy, hepatectomy, esophagectomy, right hemicolectomy, low anterior resection, pancreaticoduodenectomy, and acute pan‐peritonitis surgery) based on data from the National Clinical Database. Data collected between 2011 and 2013 (382 124 cases) were used as a test set, and data from 2014 (134 093 cases) were used as a validation set.

Results

The frequency of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was 0.3% (382 124 cases), and the incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE) was 0.2% (382 124 cases) ranging from 0.1% to 0.7% for DVT and from 0.1% and 0.3% for PE among eight surgeries, respectively. Analyses using pre‐and intra‐operative factors identified the top three risk factors for VTE as esophagectomy, pancreaticoduodenectomy, and hepatectomy. Using pre‐, intra‐, and postoperative factors, the second through fourth risk factors were sepsis, prolonged ventilation >48 hours and readmission within 30 days. The highest risks factor for PE using pre‐, intra‐, and postoperative factors were any cardiac events. Unplanned intubation was the fourth risk factor.

Conclusion

The risk for DVT and PE differed for each surgical procedure. VTE and PE risk factors changed after considering postoperative factors. It may be necessary to reconsider the prophylaxis depending on whether the complication occurs after surgery, particularly breathing and cardiac complications.
Adsorption characteristics of glycols on calcite and hematite
Authors: Olsen Richard , Leirvik Kim N. , Kvamme Bjørn
Published: July 2019

Monoethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, and triethylene glycol can be used for hydrate prevention during transport of liquids and gases, in dehumidifiers, for controlling growth of hematite nanoparticles and in the precipitation of different calcium carbonate morphologies. In all these applications, glycols may interact with calcite or hematite or both. Molecular dynamics and electronic structure calculations were used to investigate glycol adsorption on these surfaces. All glycols primarily adsorbed with hydroxyl hydrogen atoms to surface oxygen atoms. Glycol hydroxyl oxygen atoms coordinated toward surface calcium atoms and iron atoms of calcite and hematite, respectively. Glycols generally had a stronger affinity toward un‐hydroxylated hematite. However, hydroxylation of hematite reduced the absolute value of glycol adsorption free energies considerably. Molecular conformations changed during adsorption, which affected the free energy profiles. Adsorbed glycols resulted in a dipole moment pointing away from the surfaces.
Varieties of the highly dispersible and hypervariable tree, Metrosideros polymorpha, differ in response to mechanical stress and light across a sharp ecotone
Authors: Ekar Jill M. , Price Donald K. , Johnson Melissa A. , Stacy Elizabeth A.
Published: July 2019

Premise

The drivers of isolation between sympatric populations of long‐lived and highly dispersible conspecific plants are not well understood. In the Hawaiian Islands, the landscape‐dominant tree, Metrosideros polymorpha, displays extraordinary phenotypic differences among sympatric varieties despite high dispersibility of its pollen and seeds, thereby presenting a unique opportunity to investigate how disruptive selection alone can maintain incipient forms. Stenophyllous M. polymorpha var. newellii is a recently evolved tree endemic to the waterways of eastern Hawai'i Island that shows striking neutral genetic differentiation from its ancestor, wet‐forest M. polymorpha var. glaberrima, despite sympatry of these forms. We looked for evidence for, and drivers of, differential local adaptation of these varieties across the range of M. polymorpha var. newellii.

Methods

For paired populations of these varieties, we compared seedling performance under contrasting light conditions and a strong water current characteristic of the riparian zone. We also conducted a reciprocal transplant experiment and contrasted adult leaf anatomy.

Results

Results suggest that the riparian zone is harsh and that selection involving the mechanical stress of rushing water, and secondarily, light, led to significant reciprocal immigrant inviability in adjacent forest and riparian environments. The strongest adaptive divergence between varieties was seen in leaves and seedlings from the site with the sharpest ecotone, coincident with the strongest genetic isolation of M. polymorpha var. newellii observed previously.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that disruptive selection across a sharp ecotone contributes to the maintenance of an incipient riparian ecotype from within a continuous population of a long‐lived and highly dispersible tree species.
Optimization of CSF biological investigations for CNS lymphoma diagnosis
Authors: Armand Marine , Costopoulos Myrto , Osman Jennifer , Tarfi Sihem , Houillier Caroline , Choquet Sylvain , Agnelo Hervé , Bonnemye Patrick , Ronez Emily , Settegrana Catherine , Soussain Carole , Hoang‐Xuan Khê , Le Garff‐Tavernier Magali , Davi Frédéric
Published: July 2019

Diagnosis of lymphoma leptomeningeal dissemination is challenging and relies on a wide array of methods. So far, no consensus biological guidelines are available. This increases the chance of intra‐ and interpractice variations, despite the shared concern to perform the minimum amount of tests while preserving clinically relevant results.We evaluated a training cohort of 371 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from patients with putative lymphomatous central nervous system (CNS) localization using conventional cytology (CC), flow cytometry (FCM), molecular clonality assesment by PCR and cytokine quantification (CQ). This led us to propose a biological algorithm, which was then verified on a validation cohort of 197 samples. The samples were classified according to the clinical context and the results of each technique were compared. Using all four techniques was not useful for exclusion diagnosis of CNS lymphoma (CNSL), but they proved complementary for cases with suspected CNSL. This was particularly true for CQ in primary CNSL. Overall, diagnosis can be obtained with a two‐step approach. The first step comprises CC and FCM, as results are available quickly and FCM is a sensitive method. Both PCR and CQ can be postponed and performed in a second step, depending on the results from the first step and the clinical context.The proposed algorithm missed none of the CNSL samples of the validation cohort. Moreover, applying this algorithm would have spared 30% of PCR tests and 20% of CQ over a one‐year period, without compromising clinical management.
Occupation and Parkinson disease in the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study
Authors: Burstyn Igor , LaCroix Andrea Z. , Litvan Irene , Wallace Robert B. , Checkoway Harvey
Published: July 2019

Introduction

There is a lack of consistent study findings on associations between workplace exposures and the risk of Parkinson disease (PD) and a paucity of such data on women. We assessed PD risk among occupational groups to derive insights about potential occupation‐specific exposures in a large cohort of women.

Methods

The Women's Health Initiative Observational Study (WHI‐OS) is a prospective cohort that enrolled 91 627 postmenopausal women, 50 to 79 years of age, from 01 October 1993 through 31 December 1998, at 40 clinical centers across the United States, with average follow‐up interval of 11 years. These women reported up to three paid jobs, held the longest since age 18; these jobs were coded and duration of employment calculated. We defined a case by self‐report of doctor‐diagnosed PD (at baseline or follow‐up), death attributed to PD, or taking medication consistent with PD.

Results

Among 2590 PD cases, we found evidence of excess risk among “counselors, social workers, and other community and social service specialists,” and there was a suggestion of increased in risk among postsecondary teachers, and “building and grounds cleaning and maintenance” workers. There was also evidence of a deficit in risk among women who worked in sales. Results according to ever‐employed and job duration were similar, except for evidence of excess risk among “health technologists and technicians” with more than 20 years of employment. Longer duration of life on a farm was associated with higher risk.

Conclusion

Our findings paint a largely reassuring picture of occupational risks for PD among US women.
Physical and mental health problems of self‐employed small business owners in South Korea
Authors: Kim Hye‐Jin , Min Jin‐Young , Min Kyoung‐Bok
Published: July 2019

Background

Self‐employed business owners in Korea make up one‐quarter of the working population, and half of those who are self‐employed are in micro and small businesses. Compared to the significant research interest in business management and economics, to date, there has been little interest in the health of small business owners. We investigated the health status of self‐employed small business owners compared to standard workers.

Methods

The third Korean Working Conditions Survey, which included a total of 32 630 adults aged 20 to 59 years, was analyzed. A small business was defined as an enterprise with between 0 and 4 workers. Standard employment included full‐time employment with a permanent or 1‐year contract. Health outcomes included eight types of physical health and mental health problems assessed using the WHO‐5 Wellbeing Index.

Results

Small business groups were found to have an increased prevalence of depression after controlling for all potential covariates (odds ratio [OR] = 1.37; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.29‐1.47). In addition, the prevalence of work‐related physical health problems was significantly higher among self‐employed small business owners in a full adjusted model: backache (OR = 1.16; 95% CI, 1.06‐1.26), muscular pains in upper limbs (OR = 1.19; 95% CI, 1.12‐1.27), and muscular pains in lower limbs (OR = 1.14; 95% CI, 1.07‐1.22).

Conclusion

We found a positive association between small business entrepreneurs and increased prevalence of mental and physical illness in adults in the Republic of Korea.
Heat‐related deaths among construction workers in the United States
Authors: Dong Xiuwen Sue , West Gavin H. , Holloway‐Beth Alfreda , Wang Xuanwen , Sokas Rosemary K.
Published: July 2019

Background

Heat is a severe hazard for construction workers and may be worsening with global warming. This study sought to explore heat‐related deaths among U.S. construction workers and a possible association with climate change.

Methods

Heat‐related deaths in the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries from 1992 to 2016 were analyzed. Denominators estimated from the Current Population Survey were matched with demographic and occupational categories in rate calculations. Statistical tests were used to examine heat‐related deaths in relation to time, geographic region, and temperature.

Results

Construction workers, comprising 6% of the total workforce, accounted for 36% (n = 285) of all occupational heat‐related deaths from 1992 to 2016 in the U.S. Mean temperatures from June to August increased gradually over the study period. Increasing summer temperatures from 1997 to 2016 were associated with higher heat‐related death rates (r = 0.649; 95% confidence interval: 0.290, 0.848). Compared to all construction workers (risk index = 1), statistically significant elevated risk of heat‐related death was found among Hispanics (1.21), in particular workers born in Mexico (1.91). Occupations with a high risk index included cement masons (10.80), roofers (6.93), helpers (6.87), brick masons (3.33), construction laborers (1.93) and heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics (1.60).

Conclusions

U.S. construction workers are at a high risk of heat‐related death, and this risk has increased with climate change over time. Effective workplace interventions, enhanced surveillance, and improved regulations and enforcement should accompany broader efforts to combat global warming. The construction industry can help reduce global warming through increased implementation of green building principles.
Decline in the rate of occupational injuries and illnesses following the implementation of a paid sick leave law in Connecticut
Authors: Hawkins Devan , Zhu Junli
Published: July 2019

Background

Workers with paid sick leave may have a lower rate of occupational injuries compared with other workers. This study sought to determine whether there was a decline in the rate of occupational injuries and illnesses following the implementation of a paid sick leave law in Connecticut (CT).

Methods

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics was used to calculate the rate of occupational injuries and illnesses in CT in the 3 years before (2009‐11) and after (2012‐14) the law was implemented. These numbers were compared with New York (NY) and the United States, and between the occupations specified by the CT law and other occupations.

Results

Among service occupations addressed by the CT paid‐sick‐leave law, the rate of occupational injuries declined more in CT compared to rates for those same occupations in NY and the United States. Within CT, injury and illness rates showed a greater decline in occupations specified by the law (−17.8%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = −15.6‐−19.9) compared with other occupations (−6.8%; 95% CI = −6.6%‐−7.0%) between the two periods.

Conclusions

A paid sick leave law was associated with an increased decline in occupational injuries and illnesses in affected service workers in the period after implementation. Further research should examine the possible reasons for the associations seen here.
Densities of Bornean orang‐utans (Pongo pygmaeus morio) in heavily degraded forest and oil palm plantations in Sabah, Borneo
Authors: Seaman Dave J.I. , Bernard Henry , Ancrenaz Marc , Coomes David , Swinfield Thomas , Milodowski David T. , Humle Tatyana , Struebig Matthew J.
Published: July 2019

The conversion of forest to agriculture continues to contribute to the loss and fragmentation of remaining orang‐utan habitat. There are still few published estimates of orang‐utan densities in these heavily modified agricultural areas to inform range‐wide population assessments and conservation strategies. In addition, little is known about what landscape features promote orang‐utan habitat use. Using indirect nest count methods, we implemented surveys and estimated population densities of the Northeast Bornean orang‐utan (Pongo pygmaeus morio) across the continuous logged forest and forest remnants in a recently salvage‐logged area and oil palm plantations in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. We then assessed the influence of landscape features and forest structural metrics obtained from LiDAR data on estimates of orang‐utan density. Recent salvage logging appeared to have a little short‐term effect on orang‐utan density (2.35 ind/km
2), which remained similar to recovering logged forest nearby (2.32 ind/km
2). Orang‐utans were also present in remnant forest patches in oil palm plantations, but at significantly lower numbers (0.82 ind/km
2) than nearby logged forest and salvage‐logged areas. Densities were strongly influenced by variation in canopy height but were not associated with other potential covariates. Our findings suggest that orang‐utans currently exist, at least in the short‐term, within human‐modified landscapes, providing that remnant forest patches remain. We urge greater recognition of the role that these degraded habitats can have in supporting orang‐utan populations, and that future range‐wide analyses and conservation strategies better incorporate data from human‐modified landscapes.
Squaramate‐Modified Nucleotides and DNA for Specific Cross‐Linking with Lysine‐Containing Peptides and Proteins
Authors: Ivancová Ivana , Pohl Radek , Hubálek Martin , Hocek Michal
Published: July 2019

Squaramate‐linked 2′‐deoxycytidine 5′‐O‐triphosphate was synthesized and found to be good substrate for KOD XL DNA polymerase in primer extension or PCR synthesis of modified DNA. The resulting squaramate‐linked DNA reacts with primary amines to form a stable diamide linkage. This reaction was used for bioconjugations of DNA with Cy5 and Lys‐containing peptides. Squaramate‐linked DNA formed covalent cross‐links with histone proteins. This reactive nucleotide has potential for other bioconjugations of nucleic acids with amines, peptides or proteins without need of any external reagent.
Lead Halide Perovskite Quantum Dots To Enhance the Power Conversion Efficiency of Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Guijarro Néstor , Yao Liang , Le Formal Florian , Wells Rebekah A. , Liu Yongpeng , Darwich Barbara Primera , Navratilova Lucie , Cho Han‐Hee , Yum Jun‐Ho , Sivula Kevin
Published: July 2019

The facile synthesis, solution‐processability, and outstanding optoelectronic properties of emerging colloidal lead halide perovskite quantum dots (LHP QDs) makes them ideal candidates for scalable and inexpensive optoelectronic applications, including photovoltaic (PV) devices. The first demonstration of integrating CsPbI3 QDs into a conventional organic solar cell (OSC) involves embedding the LHP QDs in a donor–acceptor (PTB7‐Th:PC71BM) bulk heterojunction. Optimizing the loading amount at 3 wt %, we demonstrate a power conversion efficiency of 10.8 %, which is a 35 % increase over control devices, and is a record amongst hybrid ternary OSCs. Detailed investigation into the mechanisms behind the performance enhancement shows that increased light absorption is not a factor, but that increased exciton separation in the acceptor phase and reduced recombination are responsible.
Preparation and Pb (II) adsorption in aqueous of 2D/2D g‐C3N4/MnO2 composite
Authors: Guo Jing , Chen Tao , Zhou Xiaohui , Zheng Tao , Xia Wenning , Zhong Chubin , Liu Yaochi
Published: July 2019

A novel g‐C3N4/MnO2 composite was prepared by in situ deposition of MnO2 on graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) nanosheets, and its adsorption properties were evaluated for removal of Pb (II) in aqueous. Fourier transform‐infrared, spectrometer scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy characterization showed the g‐C3N4/MnO2 composite had a two‐dimensional/two‐dimensional (2D/2D) structure with ample active sites. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller specific surface area of g‐C3N4/MnO2 composites (234.9 m2/g) was 13.5 times larger than that of g‐C3N4 (17.37 m2/g), providing better conditions for adsorption. The adsorption kinetic data were better fitted with the pseudo‐second‐order model. The Langmuir model was more suitable for describing the experimental equilibrium data of g‐C3N4/MnO2, and the maximum adsorption capacity was 204.1 mg/g for Pb (II). The adsorption of g‐C3N4/MnO2 composite for Pb (II) was an endothermic and spontaneous process, and reached adsorption equilibrium rapidly within initial 150 min. This composite was an excellent adsorbent because of its higher adsorption capacity and facile preparation progress.
A comparison of freshwater mussel assemblages along a land‐use gradient in Minnesota
Authors: Hornbach Daniel J. , Hove Mark C. , MacGregor Kelly R. , Kozarek Jessica L. , Sietman Bernard E. , Davis Mike
Published: July 2019

Intensive agricultural land use may have adverse impacts on freshwater mussel assemblages.

Before European settlement, the Minnesota River Basin (MRB) was home to dense and diverse assemblages of freshwater mussels. Of the 40 species that occurred there, 43% have been extirpated. the St. Croix Basin (SCB) in Minnesota/Wisconsin, in contrast, has maintained a dense and diverse mussel assemblage, probably owing to the maintenance of a higher‐quality ecosystem.

Mussels were sampled in four rivers representing an agricultural land‐use gradient. Timed searches were conducted in each of three rivers of the MRB, and in one river in the SCB in 2015. These were previously sampled by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (1998–2008).

Mussel abundance and richness were lower in the MRB compared with the SCB. There were negligible changes in mussel density in the SCB, whereas abundances declined 17–83% in the MRB over the same period. Rates of decline were greatest for rivers with higher agricultural land use. Individuals of species that inhabited both basins were larger in tributaries with higher agricultural land use.

MRB rivers with increased agricultural land use harboured a greater proportion of individuals displaying opportunistic (low life‐span, age and high fecundity) and periodic life‐history traits (moderate to high growth rates, low to intermediate fecundity, life span and age at maturity), whereas SCB assemblages had a greater percentage of mussels displaying equilibrium life‐history traits (long life‐span, late maturity and low reproductive effort). Also, rivers with higher amounts of suspended sediment contained more individuals classified as disturbance tolerant.

This study provides evidence that agricultural land use contributes to the loss of mussel diversity and abundance, especially in mussel species that are long lived or slow to reproduce. These life‐history traits may be correlated with increased sensitivity to disturbances commonly observed in agricultural basins, including more and larger flood events.
An omega‐class glutathione S‐transferase in the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens exhibits glutathione transferase and dehydroascorbate reductase activities
Authors: Saruta Fumiko , Yamada Naotaka , Yamamoto Kohji
Published: July 2019

A complementary DNA that encodes an omega‐class glutathione S‐transferase (GST) of the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (nlGSTO), was isolated by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. A recombinant protein (nlGSTO) was obtained via overexpression in the Escherichia coli cells and purified. nlGSTO catalyzes the biotransformation of glutathione with 1‐chloro‐2,4‐dinitrobenzene, a general substrate for GST, as well as with dehydroascorbate to synthesize ascorbate. Mutation experiments revealed that putative substrate‐binding sites, including Phe28, Cys29, Phe30, Arg176, and Lue225, were important for glutathione transferase and dehydroascorbate reductase activities. As ascorbate is a reducing agent, nlGSTO may participate in antioxidant resistance.
Battery‐Type Electrode Materials for Sodium‐Ion Capacitors
Authors: Zhao Xiaoyu , Zhang Yingbing , Wang Yanfei , Wei Huige
Published: July 2019

Sodium‐ion capacitors (NICs), as a new type of hybrid energy storage devices, couples a high capacity bulk intercalation based battery‐style negative (or positive) electrode and a high rate surface adsorption based capacitor‐style positive (or negative) electrode, delivering high energy density, high power density, and long lifespan. Since the first NICs have been proposed in year 2012, numerous efforts have been put into searching for appropriate electrode materials to compose NICs devices with improved performance. Especially, battery‐type electrode materials carry greater responsibility on performance improvement of NICs. This review provides an overview of electrode materials for NICs according to energy storage mechanisms with an emphasis on battery‐type electrode materials design and improved NICs performance. Further, future challenges and perspectives of NICs are also discussed.
How much risk can you stomach? Individual differences in the tolerance of perceived risk across gender and risk domain
Authors: Rolison Jonathan J. , Shenton Jeordie
Published: July 2019

Research within the psychological risk–return framework, namely, using the Domain‐Specific Risk‐Taking scale, has led to a conclusion that risk attitude—measured as an individual's sensitivity to the risk they perceive—is stable across people (e.g., gender) and domains (e.g., recreational, social, financial, & health). Risk taking differences across gender and domain have been interpreted in terms of differences in the magnitude of risk perceived (and expected benefit). Yet the Domain‐Specific Risk‐Taking scale items, contrived by researchers rather than decision makers themselves, may have failed to detect differences in perceived risk attitude by failing to adequately represent all combinations of risks and benefits across gender and domains. In Study 1, participants generated their own examples of activities, which we selected among in Studies 2 and 3 to construct a new scale representing various levels of perceived risk and expected benefit. Our findings reveal that women are more sensitive than men to risk they perceive (i.e., are less tolerant of risk) in the recreational, social, and financial domains but not in the health domain. Risk attitude also differed across domains, with participants tolerating more risk in some domains than in others. We conclude that gender and domain differences in risk taking stem partly from gender and domain differences in people's sensitivity to perceived risks. Our findings have theoretical implications for the psychological risk–return framework and bridge with other theoretical approaches, such as the expected utility framework. Our studies also provide a new scale for assessing differences in attitudes toward risk that overcomes shortcomings of existing scales.
Exome sequencing of family trios from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study: Tapping into a rich resource of genetic and environmental data
Authors: Jenkins Mary M. , Almli Lynn M. , Pangilinan Faith , Chong Jessica X. , Blue Elizabeth E. , Shapira Stuart K. , White Janson , McGoldrick Daniel , Smith Joshua D. , Mullikin James C. , Bean Christopher J. , Nembhard Wendy N. , Lou Xiang‐Yang , Shaw Gary M. , Romitti Paul A. , Keppler‐Noreuil Kim , Yazdy Mahsa M. , Kay Denise M. , Carter Tonia C. , Olshan Andrew F. , Moore Kristin J. , Nascone‐Yoder Nanette , Finnell Richard H. , Lupo Philip J. , Feldkamp Marcia L. ,   NISC Comparative Sequencing Program,   The University of Washington Center for Mendelian Genomics, Nickerson Deborah A. , Bamshad Michael J. , Brody Lawrence C. , Reefhuis Jennita ,   The National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Published: July 2019

Background

The National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS) is a multisite, population‐based, case–control study of genetic and nongenetic risk factors for major structural birth defects. Eligible women had a pregnancy affected by a birth defect or a liveborn child without a birth defect between 1997 and 2011. They were invited to complete a telephone interview to collect pregnancy exposure data and were mailed buccal cell collection kits to collect specimens from themselves, their child (if living), and their child's father. Over 23,000 families representing more than 30 major structural birth defects provided DNA specimens.

Methods

To evaluate their utility for exome sequencing (ES), specimens from 20 children with colonic atresia were studied. Evaluations were conducted on specimens collected using cytobrushes stored and transported in open versus closed packaging, on native genomic DNA (gDNA) versus whole genome amplified (WGA) products and on a library preparation protocol adapted to low amounts of DNA.

Results

The DNA extracted from brushes in open packaging yielded higher quality sequence data than DNA from brushes in closed packaging. Quality metrics of sequenced gDNA were consistently higher than metrics from corresponding WGA products and were consistently high when using a low input protocol.

Conclusions

This proof‐of‐principle study established conditions under which ES can be applied to NBDPS specimens. Successful sequencing of exomes from well‐characterized NBDPS families indicated that this unique collection can be used to investigate the roles of genetic variation and gene–environment interaction effects in birth defect etiologies, providing a valuable resource for birth defect researchers.
Implementing Process Analytical Technology for the Production of Recombinant Proteins in Escherichia coli Using an Advanced Controller Scheme
Authors: Priyanka  , Kumar Jashwant , Gomes James , Rathore Anurag S.
Published: July 2019

The performance of a bioreactor in meeting process goals is affected by the microorganism used, medium composition, and operating conditions. A typical bioreactor uses a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system for control, and a combination of software and hardware tools for real‐time data analysis. However, when the process is disrupted by utility or instrumentation failure, typical process controllers may be unable to reinstate normal operating conditions before the cells in the reactor shift to unfavorable metabolic regimes. The objective of this study is to examine how the response of a controller affects process recovery when disruptive incidences occur under a process analytical technology (PAT) framework. The process used for this investigation is the production of lethal toxin‐neutralizing factor (LTNF) by Escherichia coli (E. coli), which is controlled by a decoupled input–output‐linearizing controller (DIOLC). The performance of the DIOLC is compared to a proportional integral derivative (PID) controller subjected to the same conditions. The disruptions are introduced manually and the effect of controller action on process recovery and LTNF synthesis is measured in terms of peak purity and concentration. It is observed that DIOLC performs better after reinstating operating conditions and results in a meaningful improvement in performance.
A Predictive Mathematical Model of Cell Cycle, Metabolism, and Apoptosis of Monoclonal Antibody‐Producing GS–NS0 Cells
Authors: Grilo António L. , Mantalaris Athanasios
Published: July 2019

The monoclonal antibody (mAb) industry is witnessing unprecedented growth, with an increasing range of new molecules and biosimilars as well as disease targets approved than ever before. Competition necessitates pharmaceutical companies to reduce development/production costs and time‐to‐market. To this aim, mathematical modeling can aid traditional experiment‐only‐based process development by reducing the design space, integrating scales, and assisting in identifying optimal operating conditions in less time and with lower expense. Mathematical models have been employed by other industries for control and optimization purposes and are important decisional tools for testing scenarios, process configurations, operating conditions, etc. Herein, a predictive, experimentally validated mathematical model that captures cellular metabolism and growth with cell cycle, cell death (apoptosis), and mAb production in GS–NS0 cells is presented. The model utilizes cellular, metabolic, and gene expression data, highlighting how multiple data sources can be integrated in one tool with the aim of optimizing mammalian cell bioprocessing.
Development of target‐tunable P22 VLP‐based delivery nanoplatforms using bacterial superglue
Authors: Kim Hansol , Choi Hyukjun , Bae Yoonji , Kang Sebyung
Published: July 2019

Protein cage nanoparticles are widely used as targeted delivery nanoplatforms, because they have well‐defined symmetric architectures, high biocompatibility, and enough plasticity to be modified to produce a range of different functionalities. Targeting peptides and ligands are often incorporated on the surface of protein cage nanoparticles. In this research, we adopted the SpyTag/SpyCatcher protein ligation system to covalently display target‐specific affibody molecules on the exterior surface of bacteriophage P22 virus‐like particles (VLP) and evaluated their modularity and efficacy of targeted delivery. We genetically introduced the 13 amino acid SpyTag peptide into the C‐terminus of the P22 capsid protein to construct a target‐tunable nanoplatform. We constructed two different SpyCatcher‐fused affibody molecules as targeting ligands, SC‐EGFRAfb and SC‐HER2Afb, which selectively bind to EGFR and HER2 surface markers, respectively. We produced target‐specific P22 VLP‐based delivery nanoplatforms for the target cell lines by selectively combining SpyTagged P22 VLP and SC‐fused affibody molecules. We confirmed its target‐switchable modularity through cell imaging and verified the target‐specific drug delivery efficacy of the affibody molecules displaying P22 VLP using cell viability assays. The P22 VLP‐based delivery nanoplatforms can be used as multifunctional delivery vehicles by ligating other functional proteins, as well as affibody molecules. The interior cavity of P22 VLP can be also used to load cargoes like enzymes and therapeutic proteins. We anticipate that the nanoplatforms will provide new opportunities for developing target‐specific functional protein delivery systems.
Clients' perceptions of unhelpful factors in CBT in IAPT serving a deprived area of the UK
Authors: Omylinska‐Thurston Joanna , McMeekin Aaron , Walton Peter , Proctor Gillian
Published: July 2019

Aim/Purpose

Improving access to psychological therapies (IAPT) is a main provider of psychological therapy for adults within the NHS. NHS Digital (2016) reported the dropout rate in IAPT to be as high as 43%. Proctor (2014) found that unhelpful factors in therapy could contribute to the dropout rate. As CBT is the main modality in IAPT, it is important to explore unhelpful factors in CBT as they might be contributing to the dropout rate in IAPT.

Design/Methodology

Nine clients (five men and four women) for whom CBT was not helpful were interviewed using a semi‐structured protocol. The interviews were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results/Findings

Six themes have been identified: 1) Difficulties with CBT itself (e.g. identifying and challenging negative thoughts and finding alternative evidence as well as homework); 2) Negative perception of therapists (e.g. queried if therapists were committed and had empathy); 3) Clients’ unhelpful internal patterns (e.g. unrealistic expectations or feeling self‐critical); 4) Physical health, mental health and psychosocial barriers (e.g. feeling too depressed or anxious to undertake CBT); 5) Unhelpful IAPT processes (e.g. difficulties with outcome measures and assessments); and 6) Consequences of unhelpful treatment (e.g. not addressing core underlying issues and clients feeling worse).

Conclusions/Implications (including practice implications)

The findings indicate that all practitioners should consider unhelpful factors in therapy, as they have potentially detrimental effects on clients' outcomes. Additionally, this research found that therapeutic interventions need to be tailored to clients' goals, internal patterns and preferences. Importantly, it was found that unhelpful factors extend to health and psychosocial issues which should be addressed prior to therapy.
Suppressive effects of N‐bisphosphonate in osteoblastic cells mitigated by non‐N‐bisphosphonate but not by sodium‐dependent phosphate cotransporter inhibitor
Authors: Baba Tomomi T. , Miyazaki Toshihiro , Ohara‐Nemoto Yuko , Nemoto Takayuki K.
Published: July 2019

There are two types of bisphosphonates (BPs), nitrogen‐containing (N‐BPs) and those free from nitrogen (non‐N‐BPs). Although N‐BPs show greater inhibition of bone resorption than non‐N‐BPs, their effects are likely accompanied with inflammation, which non‐N‐BPs mitigate. We examined the competitive effects of zoledronate (ZOL), an N‐BP, and etidronate (ETI), a non‐N‐BP, in osteoblasts. ZOL, but not ETI, markedly reduced alkaline phosphatase activity and cell viability in osteoblastic MC3T3‐E1 and Saos2 cells, while that inhibition was relieved by simultaneous administration of ETI, possibly because of competition with ZOL for cellular uptake. However, phosphonoformate, an inhibitor of the phosphonate transporters SLC20A and SLC34A, did not mitigate the reducing effects of ZOL, suggesting that those transporters are not involved in BP uptake in osteoblastic cells. Additionally, ZOL reduced fibroblastic NIH3T3 and C3H10T1/2 cell viability, which was relieved by administration of both ETI and phosphonoformate. Transporter gene expression levels were significantly lower in osteoblasts as compared with fibroblasts, which may account for the distinct effects of phosphonoformate with different cell types. Together, our results suggest existence of a common uptake route of N‐BPs and non‐N‐BPs into osteoblastic cells that is unrelated to the SLC20A and SLC34A families.

Significance of the study

N‐BP ZOL was shown to suppress differentiation and viability of osteoblasts. ZOL‐induced cell viability suppression was also observed in fibroblasts, which was markedly relieved by addition of the non‐N‐BP ETI. Additionally, mitigation of the effects of ZOL was achieved with phosphonoformate, a sodium‐phosphate cotransporter inhibitor, in fibroblastic cells but not osteoblasts. Expression levels of SLC20A and SLC34A family genes were significantly lower in osteoblasts as compared with fibroblasts. These observations suggest that incorporation of N‐BPs and non‐N‐BPs in osteoblasts is mediated via common transporters that appear to be distinct from SLC20A and 34A, which operate in fibroblasts.