bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unexplained hydrogen isotope offsets complicate the identification and quantification of tree water sources in a riparian forest
Authors: Barbeta Adrià , Jones Sam P. , Clavé Laura , Wingate Lisa , Gimeno Teresa E. , Fréjaville Bastien , Wohl Steve , Ogée Jérôme
Published: April 2019

Abstract. We investigated plant water sources of an emblematic refugial
population of Fagus sylvatica (L.) in the Ciron river gorges in south-western France using
stable water isotopes. It is generally assumed that no isotopic
fractionation occurs during root water uptake, so that the isotopic
composition of xylem water effectively reflects that of source water.
However, this assumption has been called into question by recent studies
that found that, at least at some dates during the growing season, plant
water did not reflect any mixture of the potential water sources. In this
context, highly resolved datasets covering a range of environmental
conditions could shed light on possible plant–soil fractionation processes
responsible for this phenomenon. In this study, the hydrogen (δ2H) and oxygen (δ18O) isotope compositions of all
potential tree water sources and xylem water were measured fortnightly over
an entire growing season. Using a Bayesian isotope mixing model (MixSIAR),
we then quantified the relative contribution of water sources for F. sylvatica and
Quercus robur (L.) trees. Based on δ18O data alone, both species used a mix
of top and deep soil water over the season, with Q. robur using deeper soil water
than F. sylvatica. The contribution of stream water appeared to be marginal despite the
proximity of the trees to the stream, as already reported for other riparian
forests. Xylem water δ18O could always be interpreted as a
mixture of deep and shallow soil waters, but the δ2H of xylem
water was often more depleted than the considered water sources. We argue
that an isotopic fractionation in the unsaturated zone and/or within the
plant tissues could underlie this unexpected relatively depleted δ2H of xylem water, as already observed in halophytic and xerophytic
species. By means of a sensitivity analysis, we found that the estimation of
plant water sources using mixing models was strongly affected by this
δ2H depletion. A better understanding of what causes this
isotopic separation between xylem and source water is urgently needed.
Fruit as a source of antioxidants and trends in its consumption
Authors: Durec Ján , Kozelová Dagmar , Matejková Eva , Fikselová Martina , Jakabová Silvia
Published: April 2019

The positive effects of fruit on human health are mainly attributed to their antioxidant activity. The aim of this work was to observe public awareness about antioxidants consumed in fruit, to analyze their preferences and the frequency of fruit consumption in selected population groups. Preferences were assessed by questionnaire, which was attended by 220 respondents. Information about the presence of antioxidants in fruit showed 85% of respondents. Temperate zone fruit is prefered by 48% of respondents and 52% of respondents prefer fruit of southern zone. Fresh fruit is consumed by 54% of respondents, 18% of respondents prefer fruit juices, compotes are consumed by 12% of respondents, fruit spreads by 11% of respondents, and 5% favour the dried fruit. Fruit is consumed by 31% of respondents once to three times a week, 26% of respondents consumed fruit once a day, 23% occasionally and 20% of respondents more times a day. In terms of sex, higher fruit consumption was recorded at women who consume fruit mostly once a day, while men only once to three times a week. The relationship between place of residence and the possibility to grow their own fruit as well as preference between home and the consumption of fruit by country of origin was confirmed.
Strategic Sustainable Development Through the Lenses of Tourists’ Preferences: A Geotagged Photo Approach
Authors: Zhang Zhihua , Chen Rachel J. C. , Han Lee D.
Published: April 2019

Knowing tourists’ preferences and experiences with respect to their national park visits is of great importance to implementing strategically sustainable development of national parks. Flickr geotagged photos are utilized and analyzed as our main data source. We included 7090 photos from 626 people in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to investigate visitors’ behaviors through the presentations of photo spatial and temporal patterns. The results indicated that tourist behaviors that reflect on what they like and enjoy during their park visits can be extracted from geotagged social media data in terms of frequency and length of enjoyment as visitors’ preferred spots.
Governança de Projetos: uma análise bibliométrica de 2014 a 2018
Authors: Lucena João Paulo Oliveira , Lago Alves Thales Da Costa , De Medeiros Junior Josué Vitor
Published: April 2019

Este trabalho tem por objetivo dimensionar a produção de artigos científicos recentes que estejam relacionados ao tema Governança de Projetos. Para isso, se utiliza do estudo bibliométrico, destinado à quantificação e levantamento de informações acerca de trabalhos publicados em periódicos acadêmicos, coletados em bases de dados nacionais e internacionais, e que tenham relação com o tema. O trabalho caracteriza-se como uma pesquisa descritiva, com procedimentos de pesquisa bibliográfica e com uma abordagem tanto qualitativa, como quantitativa. Após filtrar eletronicamente os trabalhos coletados, com auxílio do software EndNote®, chegou a uma amostra com 44 trabalhos para análise, onde se classificam as publicações como nacional ou internacional, número de publicações, número de citações em trabalhos acadêmicos, abordagem metodológica, dentre outros aspectos relevantes. Constata o estado da produção de trabalhos científicos sobre o tema abordado e que há pouca produção de trabalhos voltados para a área no âmbito nacional frente a uma predominância significativa de artigos internacionais que abordam o tema, sendo que o periódico International Journal of Project Management se destaca em relação aos demais estudados. Estes fatos despertam a necessidade de incremento da produção acadêmica brasileira voltada para o campo da Governança de Projetos e também apontam os periódicos internacionais mais propensos a tratarem do tema estudado.
Caractérisation des premiers épisodes de schizophrénie à partir de bases de données
administratives de santé jumelées
Authors: Beaudoin Mélissa , Potvin Stéphane , Dellazizzo Laura , Surprenant Maëlle , Lesage Alain , Vanasse Alain , Ngamini-Ngui André , Dumais Alexandre
Published: April 2019

Il est fréquent de voir émerger des symptômes avant que le diagnostic de
schizophrénie (SCZ) soit posé. Ceux-ci sont cependant peu spécifiques (p. ex. anxiété,
symptômes dépressifs). Malgré plusieurs études sur le sujet, il n’y a toujours pas de
consensus sur les symptômes qui précèdent la psychose. Cette étude vise à évaluer les
présentations cliniques survenant avant le diagnostic de SCZ en fonction de l’âge et du sexe
au Québec à l’aide de données administratives (RAMQ, MED-ÉCHO). 24 883 hommes et femmes âgés
de plus de 18 ans ayant reçu un diagnostic de premier épisode de schizophrénie entre 2004 et
2007 ont été analysés. Les différents diagnostics antérieurs, par sexe et âge, sont
rapportés en fréquence cumulée. L’analyse montre que la majorité de l’échantillon était
composé d’hommes (53 %) et de patients âgés de 30 à 54 ans (45 %). En ajustant selon la
distribution de l’âge dans la population, l’incidence est plus élevée entre 18 et 29 ans
chez les hommes et au-delà de 55 ans chez les femmes. Dans la moitié des cas, la
schizophrénie est diagnostiquée après l’âge de 29 ans. Les patients n’ayant aucun antécédent
prémorbide de troubles mentaux représentaient 65 % de l’échantillon. 35 % des personnes
avaient un antécédent, soit, plus fréquemment (en ordre décroissant), la psychose maniaque
dépressive, le trouble dépressif, les troubles liés à l’usage de substances et les troubles
anxieux. Les observations de cette étude, démontrant des différences entre les
caractéristiques sociodémographiques et les antécédents psychiatriques, offrent des avenues
pour le dépistage de nouveaux cas pour les programmes d’intervention précoce, notamment de
ne pas limiter ces programmes aux personnes de moins de 30 ans.
« À l’occasion du travail » : une notion classique utile à la reconnaissance de l’obligation de disponibilité des travailleurs? Une exploration de la jurisprudence
Authors: Bruno Gabriella , Martel Nancy , Vallée Guylaine
Published: April 2019

Les mutations de l’organisation du travail remettent en question le cadre traditionnel d’exécution du travail et transforment la disponibilité temporelle attendue du salarié, qui s’étend bien au-delà de la période pendant laquelle il exécute un travail. Cette obligation du salarié d’être disponible pour répondre à une éventuelle demande de l’employeur a pour conséquence d’étendre les risques reliés au travail au-delà des lieux de l’entreprise ou du temps spécifiquement consacré à l’exécution du travail. Notre article a pour objectif de déterminer, au moyen d’une analyse jurisprudentielle, si l’expression « à l’occasion du travail », comprise dans la définition de la notion d’« accident du travail » dans la Loi sur les accidents du travail et les maladies professionnelles, permet de reconnaître les lésions subies par des travailleurs qui sont assujettis à une obligation de disponibilité.

Globalement, l’application ou l’interprétation des termes « à l’occasion du travail » paraît favorable à la reconnaissance des lésions subies par des travailleurs soumis à une telle obligation. Toutefois, une analyse du contenu des décisions révèle que l’interprétation de cette expression n’est pas uniforme. D’une part, il existe deux courants d’interprétation de celle-ci dans la jurisprudence étudiée, courants qui ne reconnaissent pas de manière équivalente le caractère professionnel des lésions subies par des travailleurs assujettis à des obligations de disponibilité similaires. D’autre part, l’organisme administratif chargé de statuer sur des réclamations de travailleurs assujettis à une obligation de disponibilité paraît peu enclin à conclure qu’il s’agit de lésions professionnelles, contrairement aux décisions rendues par le tribunal.
L’arbitrage consensuel et le droit québécois : un survol
Authors: Gélinas Fabien , Marchisio Giacomo
Published: April 2019

Le présent article se penchera sur l’arbitrage consensuel en droit québécois, tel que régi par le Code civil du Québec et le Code de procédure civile. Nous traiterons en premier lieu de la notion d’arbitrage, pour aborder ensuite la base contractuelle de l’arbitrage, c’est-à-dire la convention d’arbitrage. Enfin, nous nous pencherons sur la procédure d’arbitrage, avant d’examiner les modalités d’exécution et de contrôle d’une sentence arbitrale. Tout au long de l’article, nous soulignerons les apports de sources internationales et transnationales dans le façonnement du droit québécois de l’arbitrage (tant interne qu’international), telles la Loi type de la CNUDCI ainsi que la Convention de New York de 1958 en matière de reconnaissance et d’exécution des sentences arbitrales étrangères. De plus, nous nous attarderons sur le rôle clé que jouent la Cour suprême et les tribunaux québécois dans l’ouverture progressive à des positions jurisprudentielles internationalement reconnues, appuyant l’arbitrage comme un mode privilégié de règlement de différends privés. Enfin, dans la conclusion, une épineuse question sera soulevée, à savoir si les traditions juridiques ont encore un rôle à jouer dans le domaine de l’arbitrage consensuel. Si la mise en place d’un régime de droit de l’arbitrage fortement harmonisé à l’échelle internationale est une donnée incontestable du portrait normatif, il reste à voir à quel point et pour combien de temps cette cohérence d’ensemble pourra être maintenue. La même interrogation se pose au sujet de la tendance favorable à l’arbitrage, la favor arbitrandi, qui est à l’origine du succès des réformes législatives visant l’harmonisation.
Translating on Purpose: Domestication in English Translations of Chinese Publicity Materials
Authors: Lu Licheng
Published: April 2019

English translations of Chinese publicity materials play an important role in introducing China to the outside world and in helping foreigners know more and better about the country. Since the implementation of the Reform and Opening-up Policy in China four decades ago, great progress has been recorded in translating Chinese publicity materials into English. However, poor translations still exist, such as those with linguistic errors, cultural inappropriateness, missing of information, inconsistency in the use of proper names, etc. These problematic translations exert a negative impact on China’s international image and the cross-cultural communication and exchange between China and the outside world. Under such circumstances, the present study proposes the application of domestication in translating Chinese publicity materials into English from the perspective of Skopos theory. Through illustrations with specific examples, three types of domestication are identified, namely, domestication of culturally-loaded words, domestication of syntactic structures and domestication of rhetorical devices.
Dis-contenting Khayyam in the Context of Comparative Literature: An Invitation to Translating Rubaiyat with a Focal Shift from Content to Form
Authors: Soleymani Yazdi Sajad
Published: April 2019

Since its conception in France in 1877, Comparative Literature, always subject to a critique of Eurocentrism, has been in a state of perpetual crisis. In “The Old/New Question of Comparison in Literary Studies: A Post-European Perspective” (2004), Ray Chow argued for a Post-European perspective in which comparatists begin with the home culture and look outwards to the European cultures, contrary to the dominant approach of doing just otherwise. Missing in Chow’s argument is the position of translation in this post-European perspective. In the 14 years between 2004 and 2018, the grandiose claims of comparative literature have been problematized and addressed; the lay of the land, however, remains predominantly Eurocentric, as it still focuses on content disproportionately. In this paper, through a study of English translations of Khayyam’s Rubaiyat, and taking Chow’s argument further, I argue that with its commitment to transfer the form of a text as much as the content, translation studies can further help comparative literature to distance itself from Europe. To exemplify the implication of this, I suggest that a translation of Khayyam’s Rubaiyat from Farsi to English would be more faithful to the original if its translations were to focus on the poem’s form rather than the content. I argue that translating with a focus on form would foreignize Khayyam’s poetry, hence an act of resistance against cultural hegemony.
Risk factors for repeat percutaneous coronary intervention in young patients (≤45 years of age) with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Han Tianwen , Wang Qun , Yang Huanwan , Zhou Shanshan , Wang Jing , Jing Jing , Zhang Tao , Liu Yuqi , Chen Yundai
Published: April 2019

Background

The incidences of premature coronary heart disease present a rising trend worldwide. The possible risk factors that may predict the incidence of repeat percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in premature acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains unclear.

Methods

A total of 203 patients ≤45 years with ACS from Chinese PLA General Hospital who have undergone angiography twice were included in this report. Data were collected from medical records of patients during hospitalization. Baseline characteristics which have significant differences in the univariate analysis were enrolled into the multiple logistic regression analysis. According to the odds ratio (OR) of these variables, different values were assigned to build a risk model to predict the possible risk of the premature ACS patients undergoing repeat PCI.

Results

Of the 203 young patients, 88 patients (43.3%) underwent repeat PCI. The intermit time (OR 1.002, (95% CI [1.001–1.002])), diastolic blood pressure of second procedure (OR 0.967, (95% CI [0.938–0.996])), stent diameter (OR 0.352, (95% CI [0.148–0.840])), HbA1C of the first procedure (OR 1.835, (95% CI [1.358–2.479])), and Troponin T of the second procedure (OR 1.24, (95% CI [0.981–1.489])) were significantly associated with the incidence of repeat PCI in patients with premature ACS. An aggregate score between 0 and 6 was calculated based on these cutpoints.

Conclusion

For young patients with premature ACS, risk of undergoing repeat PCI was high. HbA1C was a significant, independent predictor for the incidence of repeat revascularization, and weighed more than traditional lipid profile. The glucose metabolism and disorders in patients with premature ACS should be routinely screened.
Pesticide Training Tool: A Simplified Guide for Agricultural Extension Officers and Farmers
Authors: Otieno Hillary M. O.
Published: April 2019

Due to increasing popularity and use of agro-chemicals to control pests and diseases on fields, applicators of these pesticides, consumers of agricultural products and other living organisms are exposed to the dangers of these chemicals if not used properly. To mitigate these dangers and general environmental pollutions, farmers need to be trained on the dos and don’ts that ensure safer usage and increased efficacy. Key protection measures like use of right spraying equipment and wearing personal protective equipment such as waterproof apron, rubber gloves, gumboots, and breathing masks should be adhered to. Farmers should be reminded to read and follow properly the product labels provided before handling any chemical. In the case of using pesticide tank mixes, care must be taken to ensure that individual chemicals are miscible and never react to each other. The information on using tank mixes could be found from the product labels, approved and certified agro-dealers or agricultural extension officers. Remaining and or unused pesticide products must be stored safely under cool temperature and locked out of reach of children. Proper disposal of expired chemicals and their containers must be guaranteed.
Mobitz Type 1 Second‐degree Atrioventricular Block in Anterior Wall Myocardial Infarction and Its Reversal with Successful PCI of Left Anterior Descending Artery – An Extremely Rare Association
Authors: Singh Gurkirat , Khemani Hemant , Shaikh Shakil , Bansal Narender Omprakash
Published: April 2019

Arrhythmias can complicate the course of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction. These arrhythmias can include both tachyarrhythmias and bradyarrhythmias. Tachyarrhythmias range from Ventricular premature complexes to life-threatening ventricular tachycardia/ fibrillation. Bradyarrhythmias range from sinus bradycardia to complete heart block. These arrhythmias have the ability to provoke hemodynamic consequences and increase mortality. Tachyarrhythmias are more common with Anterior wall myocardial infarction and bradyarrhythmias are more common with Inferior wall myocardial infarction. We report a case of Mobitz Type 1 (Wenkebach) second-degree atrioventricular block in a patient with Anterior wall myocardial infarction. Angiography showed a significant lesion in Left anterior descending artery, after the first septal and diagonal branch. After the successful percutaneous coronary intervention, this second degree AV block reverted to first degree AV block. To the best of our knowledge, there is no case report describing this association separately.
Phytochemical Analysis of Ocimum Spp. - An Important Medicinal Plant
Authors: . Kiran , Kumar Pradeep , Kirti Simran , Kumari Anjali
Published: April 2019

The antioxidant activities of four genotypes of basil species were selected for biochemical studies, viz., Ocimum sanctum L. (Rama Tulsi), Ocimum tenuiflorum L. (Krishna Tulsi), Ocimum gratissimum L. (Van Tulsi), and Ocimum basilicum L. (Babui Tulsi) for the antioxidant properties. Ocimum L. is considered useful in the treatment of respiratory system disorders, reduction of blood glucose level and is regarded as an 'adaptogen' or anti-stress agent. The phytochemical analysis of the plant leaves extract to the estimation of standard biochemical methods such as peroxidase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), catalase activity, antioxidant, flavonoids, total phenols, protein as well as total carbohydrates, starch and reducing and non-reducing sugar. The biochemical studies revealed that the starch (98 mg/gfw), the content was found to be higher in O. gratissimum. Similarly the other parameters such as total sugar (159 mg/gfw), non-reducing sugar (61mg/gfw), Peroxidase (142 U/mL), Catalase (188 U/mL), SOD (92.47 U/mL), PPO (462 U/mL) were found to be higher in O. sanctum. On the other hand, soluble protein (62 mg/gfw), total flavonoids (325 mg/gfw) and total flavonols (486 mg/gfw) were found to be higher in O. tenuiflorum. Total antioxidants (136.45 mg/gfw), reducing sugar (108 mg/gfw) and phenol (479 mg/gfw) were found to be higher in O. basilicum. The result shows that the best genotype among the four follows the trends O. sanctum > O. basilicum > O. tenuiflorum > O. gratissimum. On the basis of the result, the two genotypes can be recommended for medicinal purpose in the pharmaceutical application.
Feasibility Achievement without the Hassle of Artificial Variables: A Computational Study
Authors: Inayatullah Syed , Touheed Nasir , Imtiaz Muhammad , Siddiqi Tanveer Ahmed , Naz Saba , Jafree Hafsa Athar
Published: April 2019

The purpose of this article is to encourage students and teachers to use a simple technique for finding feasible solution of an LP. This technique is very simple but unfortunately not much practiced in the textbook literature yet. This article discusses an overview, advantages, computational experience of the method. This method provides some pronounced benefits over Dantzig’s simplex method phase 1. For instance, it does not require any kind of artificial variables or artificial constraints; it could directly start with any infeasible basis of an LP. Throughout the procedure it works in original variables space hence revealing the true underlying geometry of the problem. Last but not the least; it is a handy tool for students to quickly solve a linear programming problem without indulging with artificial variables. It is also beneficial for the teachers who want to teach feasibility achievement as a separate topic before teaching optimality achievement. Our primary result shows that this method is much better than simplex phase 1 for practical Net-lib problems as well as for general random LPs.
Overwork-related disorders and recent improvement of national policy in South Korea
Authors: Kim Inah , Koo Min Ji , Lee Hye-Eun , Won Yong Lim , Song Jaechul
Published: April 2019

Objectives

Recently, overwork-related disorders have become a major public health concern in Korea. This study investigated the current trends of working hours, causes of death in the working population, and compensation rates.

Methods

We reviewed the current trends of working hours, cause of death statistics in the working population, industrial accident compensation insurance (IACI) statistics, issues of compensation and prevention of work-related cerebro-cardio vascular diseases (CCVDs), mental disorders, and suicide.

Results

Although weekly working hours and the proportion of long working days have decreased, workers in small companies with fewer than five employees and those in the service sector continue to work long hours. The age standardized mortality due to CCVD and suicide was highest among those with managerial roles. In total, 589 CCVD cases and 104 mental disorder or suicide cases were compensated as occupational diseases in 2017. Between 2016 and 2017, 61% of 59 compensated suicides were related to overwork, specifically: long working hours, increased responsibility, or increased workload. The Korean government has introduced various policies to reduce working hours and to increase compensation approval rate for overwork-related CCVDs. Stakeholders have called for the introduction of independent laws to prevent overwork-related disorders, change organizational culture, and address the blind spots of the IACI Act and Labor Standard Act.

Conclusions

Prevention and compensation policies have improved working conditions in Korea, but there remains much to be done. This review significantly contributes to the understanding of the overall policies and research to prevent overwork-related disorders in Korea.
Conjugated Polyelectrolytes as Multifunctional Passivating and Hole‐Transporting Layers for Efficient Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Lee Seungjin , Jang Chung Hyeon , Nguyen Thanh Luan , Kim Su Hwan , Lee Kyung Min , Chang Kiseok , Choi Su Seok , Kwak Sang Kyu , Woo Han Young , Song Myoung Hoon
Published: April 2019

Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) have attracted significant attention as light‐emitting materials owing to their high color purities and tunabilities. A key issue in perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs) is the fabrication of an optimal charge transport layer (CTL), which has desirable energy levels for efficient charge injection while blocking opposite charges and enabling perovskite layer growth with reduced interfacial defects. Herein, two poly(fluorene‐phenylene)‐based anionic conjugated polyelectrolytes (CPEs) with different counterions (K+ and tetramethylammonium (TMA+)) are presented as multifunctional passivating and hole‐transporting layers (HTLs). The crystal growth of MHPs grown on different HTLs is investigated through X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and density functional theory calculation. The CPE bearing the TMA+ counterions remarkably improves the growth of perovskites with suppressed interfacial defects, leading to significantly enhanced emission properties and device performance. The luminescent properties are further enhanced via aging and electrical stress application with effective rearrangement of the counterions on the interfacial defects in the perovskites. Finally, efficient formamidinium lead tribromide‐based quasi‐2D PeLEDs with an external quantum efficiency of 10.2% are fabricated. Using CPEs with varying counterions as a CTL can serve as an effective method for controlling the interfacial defects and improving perovskite‐based optoelectronic device properties.
Near‐Infrared‐II Molecular Dyes for Cancer Imaging and Surgery
Authors: Zhu Shoujun , Tian Rui , Antaris Alexander L. , Chen Xiaoyuan , Dai Hongjie
Published: April 2019

Fluorescence bioimaging affords a vital tool for both researchers and surgeons to molecularly target a variety of biological tissues and processes. This review focuses on summarizing organic dyes emitting at a biological transparency window termed the near‐infrared‐II (NIR‐II) window, where minimal light interaction with the surrounding tissues allows photons to travel nearly unperturbed throughout the body. NIR‐II fluorescence imaging overcomes the penetration/contrast bottleneck of imaging in the visible region, making it a remarkable modality for early diagnosis of cancer and highly sensitive tumor surgery. Due to their convenient bioconjugation with peptides/antibodies, NIR‐II molecular dyes are desirable candidates for targeted cancer imaging, significantly overcoming the autofluorescence/scattering issues for deep tissue molecular imaging. To promote the clinical translation of NIR‐II bioimaging, advancements in the high‐performance small molecule–derived probes are critically important. Here, molecules with clinical potential for NIR‐II imaging are discussed, summarizing the synthesis and chemical structures of NIR‐II dyes, chemical and optical properties of NIR‐II dyes, bioconjugation and biological behavior of NIR‐II dyes, whole body imaging with NIR‐II dyes for cancer detection and surgery, as well as NIR‐II fluorescence microscopy imaging. A key perspective on the direction of NIR‐II molecular dyes for cancer imaging and surgery is also discussed.
Structural and Functional Diversity in Lead‐Free Halide Perovskite Materials
Authors: Ning Weihua , Gao Feng
Published: April 2019

Lead halide perovskites have emerged as promising semiconducting materials for different applications owing to their superior optoelectronic properties. Although the community holds different views toward the toxic lead in these high‐performance perovskites, it is certainly preferred to replace lead with nontoxic, or at least less‐toxic, elements while maintaining the superior properties. Here, the design rules for lead‐free perovskite materials with structural dimensions from 3D to 0D are presented. Recent progress in lead‐free halide perovskites is reviewed, and the relationships between the structures and fundamental properties are summarized, including optical, electric, and magnetic‐related properties. 3D perovskites, especially A2B+B3+X6‐type double perovskites, demonstrate very promising optoelectronic prospects, while low‐dimensional perovskites show rich structural diversity, resulting in abundant properties for optical, electric, magnetic, and multifunctional applications. Furthermore, based on these structure–property relationships, strategies for multifunctional perovskite design are proposed. The challenges and future directions of lead‐free perovskite applications are also highlighted, with emphasis on materials development and device fabrication. The research on lead‐free halide perovskites at Linköping University has benefited from inspirational discussions with Prof. Olle Inganäs.
Unlocking the Lithium Storage Capacity of Aluminum by Molecular Immobilization and Purification
Authors: Xia Guanglin , Zhang Hongyu , Liang Ming , Zhang Jian , Sun Weiwei , Fang Fang , Sun Dalin , Yu Xuebin
Published: April 2019

Aluminum is regarded as a promising alternative for graphite anode in next‐generation lithium‐ion batteries, but its application is hindered by the simultaneous presence of aluminum oxide and the huge volume changes. Herein, hydrogenation‐induced self‐assembly of robust Al nanocrystals with high purity that are uniformly anchored on graphene is demonstrated. The strong molecular interaction between Al and graphene can not only thermodynamically facilitate the homogenous distribution of Al on graphene but also effectively alleviate the volume changes and preserve the structural integrity of the electrode. More importantly, density functional theory calculations reveal that the absence of oxidation can lower the energy barrier for Li diffusion inside the Al matrix to less than 1/6 of that in an Al matrix with only one monolayer coverage of oxygen. These unique structural features enable the aluminum/graphene nanosheets (Al@GNs) electrode to realize a high reversible capacity of 1219 mAh g−1 and an excellent cycling stability with capacity of 766 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles at the 3 A g−1 rate. Furthermore, a full cell, comprising an Al@GNs anode and LiFePO4 cathode, exhibits remarkable capacity retention of 96.4% after 100 cycles at the 0.5 A g−1 rate.
Robust, Easy‐Cleaning Superhydrophobic/Superoleophilic Copper Meshes for Oil/Water Separation under Harsh Conditions
Authors: Pang Bo , Liu Huan , Liu Peiwen , Zhang Hua , Avramidis Georg , Chen Longquan , Deng Xu , Viöl Wolfgang , Zhang Kai
Published: April 2019

Facile and low‐cost methods for the fabrication of superhydrophobic and superoleophilic materials to effectively separate oil/water mixtures are of great interest and significance. Especially, those with robust surfaces for the separation under harsh conditions including corrosive solutions and hot water are still very challenging. In this paper, Cu(OH)2 nanoneedles and CuO nanoplates are controllably generated on copper meshes by simply changing the oxidization time. After hydrophobic coating with polydimethylsiloxane, the as‐prepared copper meshes not only possess superhydrophobicity with static water contact angle up to 160.2° ± 2.6° and superoleophilicity but also exhibit high resistance against peeling and abrasion cycles. The superhydrophobic/superoleophilic meshes are also utilized to separate various oil/water mixtures with a high separation efficiency up to 98.89%. Moreover, a high separation efficiency of over 97% can be maintained after at least 30 separation cycles and a slight decrease in the flux caused by oil contamination is easily recoverable after rinsing with ethanol. In addition, these meshes demonstrate high separation efficiency for separating mixtures of diesel and diverse corrosive solutions or hot water (above 97 °C). These combined advantages make the meshes promising candidates for practical applications.
Trimetallic Metal–Organic Framework Derived Carbon‐Based Nanoflower Electrocatalysts for Efficient Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Li Yuwen , Lu Mengting , Wu Yuhang , Xu Hui , Gao Junkuo , Yao Juming
Published: April 2019

Searching desirable cost‐effective electrocatalysts for overall water splitting is of great importance for the hydrogen production industry. Here a facile synthesis of trimetallic carbon nanoflower electrocatalysts is reported which are derived from Co2+/Fe2+/Ni2+ ratio adjustable metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). The unique nanosheet‐assembled multiscale nanoflower morphology can enlarge the catalyst/electrolyte contact area, and the synergistic electronic effects between trimetallic components endow the trimetallic carbon nanoflower electrocatalysts with more oxygen vacancies and a higher degree of graphitization of carbon, thus showing excellent activity. The optimized Co0.2Fe0.8Ni‐OCNF reaches a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at low overpotential of 291 mV with a very small Tafel slope of 36.1 mV dec−1 and 1.65 V@10 mA cm−2 for a two‐electrode water electrolysis in an alkaline solution, outperforming the commercial IrO2 electrocatalysts. The results may pave the way to the development of more efficient multicomponent nanosheet‐assembled multiscale nanomaterials for various catalytic applications.
An Ingenious Strategy to Construct Helical Structure with Excellent Electromagnetic Shielding Performance
Authors: Zhang Yang , Yang Zhangjing , Wen Bianying
Published: April 2019

Herein, a unique, 3D helical composite with excellent electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding capability is fabricated. The alkali treated natural cotton fiber (NaCF) is adopted as the helical templet. The compacted polyaniline (PANI) clusters are grafted over NaCF surface via in situ polymerization technology. The correlation between structure and electromagnetic characteristics is investigated in details. The high doping degree and high crystalline phase of PANI coating layer results in the enhanced electrical conductivity. The improved polarization combined with high electrical conductivity boosts the dielectric loss and microwave attenuation properties. The analysis of skin depth, attenuation constant, and the comparisons of theoretical predictions and experimental results are conducted to investigate the effects of helical structure on the fundamental EMI shielding mechanisms. Absorption is the dominating microwave shielding mechanism due to the efficient multiple reflection. The EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) up to 48.83 dB (i.e., >99.998% attenuation) indicates excellent shielding capability. This SE value is fairly superior among PANI‐based shielding composites. All the above results demonstrate a significant fundamental basis for designing a novel high‐performance EMI shielding material. The results and techniques also promise an ingenious and efficient strategy to achieve light‐weight and thin PANI‐based composite for shielding application potentials.
Coming in and Finding Out: Blending Receptor‐Targeted Delivery and Efficient Endosomal Escape in a Novel Bio‐Responsive siRNA Delivery System for Gene Knockdown in Pulmonary T Cells
Authors: Kandil Rima , Xie Yuran , Heermann Ralf , Isert Lorenz , Jung Kirsten , Mehta Aditi , Merkel Olivia M.
Published: April 2019

RNA interference (RNAi) offers the potential to selectively silence disease‐related genes in defined cell subsets. Translation into the clinical routine is, however, still hampered by the lack of efficient carrier systems for therapeutic siRNA, endosomal entrapment presenting a major hurdle. A promising siRNA delivery system has previously been developed on the base of polyethylenimine (PEI) and the targeting ligand transferrin (Tf) to specifically reach activated T cells in the lung. In the present work, the focus is on optimizing Tf‐PEI polyplexes for gene knockdown in primary activated T cells by improving their endosomal escape properties. Blending of the conjugate with membrane lytic melittin significantly enhanced endosomal release and thereby cytoplasmic delivery, while maintaining selective T cell targeting abilities and overall cell tolerability. The gathered data furthermore demonstrate that melittin addition also distinctly improves several other essential particle characteristics, such as siRNA encapsulation efficiency and stability in lung lining fluids. In conclusion, this results in a novel upgraded siRNA delivery system that is not only able to specifically deliver its payload to the desired target cells via receptor‐mediated endocytosis, but also shows enhanced release from endosomal vesicles in order to initiate RNAi in the cytoplasm.
Novel mutations in MYBPC1 are associated with myogenic tremor and mild myopathy
Authors: Stavusis Janis , Lace Baiba , Schäfer Jochen , Geist Janelle , Inashkina Inna , Kidere Dita , Pajusalu Sander , Wright Nathan T. , Saak Annika , Weinhold Manja , Haubenberger Dietrich , Jackson Sandra , Kontrogianni‐Konstantopoulos Aikaterini , Bönnemann Carsten G.
Published: April 2019

Objective

To define a distinct, dominantly inherited, mild skeletal myopathy associated with prominent and consistent tremor in two unrelated, three‐generation families.

Methods

Clinical evaluations as well as exome and panel sequencing analyses were performed in affected and nonaffected members of two families to identify genetic variants segregating with the phenotype. Histological assessment of a muscle biopsy specimen was performed in 1 patient, and quantitative tremor analysis was carried out in 2 patients. Molecular modeling studies and biochemical assays were performed for both mutations.

Results

Two novel missense mutations in MYBPC1 (p.E248K in family 1 and p.Y247H in family 2) were identified and shown to segregate perfectly with the myopathy/tremor phenotype in the respective families. MYBPC1 encodes slow myosin binding protein‐C (sMyBP‐C), a modular sarcomeric protein playing structural and regulatory roles through its dynamic interaction with actin and myosin filaments. The Y247H and E248K mutations are located in the NH2‐terminal M‐motif of sMyBP‐C. Both mutations result in markedly increased binding of the NH2 terminus to myosin, possibly interfering with normal cross‐bridge cycling as the first muscle‐based step in tremor genesis. The clinical tremor features observed in all mutation carriers, together with the tremor physiology studies performed in family 2, suggest amplification by an additional central loop modulating the clinical tremor phenomenology.

Interpretation

Here, we link two novel missense mutations in MYBPC1 with a dominant, mild skeletal myopathy invariably associated with a distinctive tremor. The molecular, genetic, and clinical studies are consistent with a unique sarcomeric origin of the tremor, which we classify as “myogenic tremor.” ANN NEUROL 2019
Profiling and Qualitative Assessment of Enzymatically and Thermally Oxidized Egg Yolk Phospholipids using a Two‐Step High‐Performance Liquid Chromatography Protocol
Authors: Parchem Karol , Kusznierewicz Barbara , Chmiel Tomasz , Maciołek Paulina , Bartoszek Agnieszka
Published: April 2019

A two‐step high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the profiling and qualitative assessment of oxidized phospholipids (oxPL) present in foods was developed. The applicability of the investigated two‐step HPLC protocol was verified for separation of enzymatically and thermally oxidized hen egg yolk phospholipids (PL) as a relevant food model. In the first step, seven individual PL classes were separated using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC). The collected fractions of two main egg yolk PL classes—phosphatidylethanolamines and phosphatidylcholines—were further directed to the second step of separation aimed at profiling and qualitative assessment of their oxidized species. For this purpose, the reverse phase (RP) chromatography coupled to charged aerosol, ultraviolet detection (UV) and mass spectrometry detection were employed. A database of potential oxPL including primary (hydroperoxides) and long‐chain secondary PL oxidation products (epoxides, alcohols, and ketones) as well as some of their possible combinations was created. Additionally, the results were compared with the profiles of PL hydroperoxides obtained using thin layer chromatography (TLC) with N,N‐dimethyl‐p‐phenylenediamine visualization.
Investigating Student Perceptions of a Dissection‐Based Undergraduate Gross Anatomy Course Using Q Methodology
Authors: Byram Jessica N. , Organ Jason M. , Yard Michael , Schmalz Naomi A.
Published: April 2019

The demand for upper‐level undergraduate dissection‐based anatomy courses is growing, as professional programs require more advanced anatomy training prior to matriculation. To address this need, Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSM) partnered with Indiana University‐Purdue University Indianapolis—a large, urban, life science‐focused campus nearby to IUSM—to offer an undergraduate, dissection‐based course in regional gross anatomy. Because this is a new course, a deeper post‐course evaluation of student perceptions was conducted using Q methodology. In this study, Q methodology was used to evaluate student views of the overall course structure, pre‐laboratory materials and activities, assessments, and quality of instruction. Of the 15 students in the spring semester 2018 cohort, 80% (n = 12) participated in the evaluation, and 10 of those students followed up with written explanations for their rationale in selecting the four statements with which they most strongly agreed and disagreed. The Q methodology sorted the students into one of three statistically significant groups: Motivated Dissectors (n = 6), Traditional Students (n = 3), and Inspired Learners (n = 3). Motivated Dissectors and Inspired Learners felt strongly that the course did not encourage self‐directed learning and that the pre‐laboratory materials were not adequate to prepare them for quizzes. Traditional Students, however, disagreed, having a favorable opinion of the pre‐laboratory materials, even though this group felt most strongly that the amount of material covered in the course was overwhelming. This study demonstrates the utility of Q methodology to evaluate courses to elucidate student perspectives and inform future course modifications.
Triazine‐Cored Lanthanide‐Based Metal–Organic Frameworks Featuring Unique Water Chains and Strong Characteristic Emissions
Authors: Han Shu‐Guo , Zhang Yu‐Xiao , Cheng Jin‐Tian , Wu Xin‐Tao , Zhu Qi‐Long
Published: April 2019

A new triazine‐cored tricarboxylic acid, N,N′,N“‐1,3,5‐triazine‐2,4,6‐triyltris(cis‐4‐aminocyclohexane‐carboxylic acid) (H3L), has been prepared by replacing the chlorine atoms of cyanuric chloride with cis‐4‐aminocyclohexane‐carboxylic acid, which has been used for the construction of a series of triazine‐cored lanthanide‐based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). All these MOFs were structurally authenticated, revealing that they are isostructural and exist as two‐dimensional (2D) coordination networks with the general formula [Ln(L)(H2O)2]⋅5.5 H2O (Ln=1⋅Gd, 2⋅Tb, 3⋅Eu). A unique one‐dimensional water chain, composed of primary tetrameric cyclic rings and dodecameric cyclic rings, has been found entrapped in the lattice. Moreover, all these compounds display bright characteristic photoluminescence. Particularly, for 1, apart from the strong blue emission peak (Φf=20.6 %) corresponding to the intraligand transition under near‐UV excitation, the characteristic emissions of Gd3+ cation (Φf=5.0 %) were unexpectedly observed upon excitation at 273 nm.
A Sulfur‐layered Separator Enabling an Innovative Flexible LiS Battery without Integrating Elemental Sulfur in the Cathode
Authors: Kang Jin Kyeong , Park Jong Won , Kang Jukyoung , Kang Ji Hoon , Jung Yongju
Published: April 2019

We present an innovative LiS battery concept for the potential realization of low‐cost wearable batteries. A novel LiS battery is constructed by employing a sulfur‐free carbon cathode and a sulfur‐layered separator fabricated by thermal evaporation at a temperature as low as 120°C. The cell exhibits superior performances compared with a control cell with a sulfur‐containing cathode, as all sulfur on the separator takes part in the electrochemical reactions. We reveal that all electrically isolated sulfur from the carbon cathode is successfully converted to polysulfides via the electrode reactions of sulfur molecules at the interface of the carbon surface and the electrolyte solution. Our new concept brings a paradigm shift in the rechargeable battery community.
Acrylamide‐Coumarin‐Benzaldehyde as a Turn‐on Fluorescent Probe Providing an Enhanced Water Solubility for Detection of Cysteine and Homocysteine
Authors: Chang Min Jung , Joo Jin Hui , Lee Min Hee
Published: April 2019

We presented an acrylamide conjugated coumarin (1) as a fluorescent probe for detection of cysteine (Cys) and homocysteine (Hcy). Probe 1 is composed of coumarin as a fluorophore, acrylamide as a reactive site to Cys/Hcy, and benzaldehyde for improvement of the water solubility. To Cys/Hcy, the acrylamide group of 1 readily undergoes Michael addition resulting in a strong fluorescence at 420 nm through an inhibition of photo‐induced electron transfer (PET). The turn‐on fluorescence change of 1 was observed for Cys and Hcy, but not seen for other biologically abundant thiols (e.g., glutathione, H2S), reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, anions, and metal ions. Moreover, 1 can give strong fluorescence upon the addition of Cys and Hcy in wide pH range and their limits of detection for Cys and Hcy turned out to be 17.25 and 8.69 μM, respectively.
Angiogenin mutations in Hungarian patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Clinical, genetic, computational, and functional analyses
Authors: Tripolszki Kornélia , Danis Judit , Padhi Aditya K. , Gomes James , Bozó Renáta , Nagy Zsófia F. , Nagy Dóra , Klivényi Péter , Engelhardt József I. , Széll Márta
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Mutations in the angiogenin (ANG) gene are known to be associated with both familial and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The majority of disease‐causing mutations of ANG result in loss of either ribonucleolytic activity, nuclear translocation activity or both.

Methods

We sequenced ANG gene from a total of 136 sporadic ALS patients and 112 healthy controls of Hungarian origin. To elucidate the role of the R33W mutation in the disease mechanism, computational, and functional analyses were performed.

Results

Mutation screening revealed a mutation located in the signal peptide (M‐24I) and two mutations that affect the mature protein (R33W, V103I). The R33W mutation, which has not been previously detected in ALS patients, affects the key amino acid of the nuclear translocation signal of the ANG protein. Molecular dynamics simulations suggested that the R33W mutation results in partial loss of ribonucleolytic activity and reduced nuclear translocation activity. The ribonucleolytic assay and nuclear translocation assay of the R33W ANG protein confirmed the molecular dynamics results.

Conclusions

In the Hungarian ALS population, the observed frequency of ANG mutations was 2.9%, which is higher than previously reported for sporadic cohorts. The evidence from computational and functional analyses support the deleterious effect of the novel R33W variant detected in this study.