bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of ego threat in professional growth: Fulfilling the ethical intentions of the SEED Model
Authors: Gregory Jess L. , Mebane Karreem A.
Published: July 2020

Schools and education in general have made an implicit and, we would assert, explicit promise to society to educate all the children in their care. Unfortunately, there are achievement gaps that illustrate how schools have broken this promise. Teacher evaluation and other accountability
measures have been heralded as the answer to this problem. Educator ego threat impedes the implementation of goal-driven teacher evaluation models and, thus, ethical questions arise. To realize the noble goals of educator evaluation, leaders must attend to ethical concerns and to the human
aspects of ego threat.
Movement initiation and grasp representation in premotor and primary motor cortex mirror neurons
Authors: Jerjian Steven Jack , Sahani Maneesh , Kraskov Alexander
Published: July 2020

Pyramidal tract neurons (PTNs) within macaque rostral ventral premotor cortex (F5) and (M1) provide direct input to spinal circuitry and are critical for skilled movement control. Contrary to initial hypotheses, they can also be active during action observation, in the absence of any movement. A population-level understanding of this phenomenon is currently lacking. We recorded from single neurons, including identified PTNs, in (M1) (n = 187), and F5 (n = 115) as two adult male macaques executed, observed, or withheld (NoGo) reach-to-grasp actions. F5 maintained a similar representation of grasping actions during both execution and observation. In contrast, although many individual M1 neurons were active during observation, M1 population activity was distinct from execution, and more closely aligned to NoGo activity, suggesting this activity contributes to withholding of self-movement. M1 and its outputs may dissociate initiation of movement from representation of grasp in order to flexibly guide behaviour.
PTEN and DNA-PK determine sensitivity and recovery in response to WEE1 inhibition in human breast cancer
Authors: Brunner Andrä , Suryo Rahmanto Aldwin , Johansson Henrik , Franco Marcela , Viiliäinen Johanna , Gazi Mohiuddin , Frings Oliver , Fredlund Erik , Spruck Charles , Lehtiö Janne , Rantala Juha K , Larsson Lars-Gunnar , Sangfelt Olle
Published: July 2020

Inhibition of WEE1 kinase by AZD1775 has shown promising results in clinical cancer trials, but markers predicting AZD1775 response are lacking. Here we analysed AZD1775 response in a panel of human breast cancer (BC) cell lines by global proteome/transcriptome profiling and identified two groups of basal-like BC (BLBCs): ‘PTEN low’ BLBCs were highly sensitive to AZD1775 and failed to recover following removal of AZD1775, while ‘PTEN high’ BLBCs recovered. AZD1775 induced phosphorylation of DNA-PK, protecting cells from replication-associated DNA damage and promoting cellular recovery. Deletion of DNA-PK or PTEN, or inhibition of DNA-PK sensitized recovering BLBCs to AZD1775 by abrogating replication arrest, allowing replication despite DNA damage. This was linked to reduced CHK1 activation, increased cyclin E levels and apoptosis. In conclusion, we identified PTEN and DNA-PK as essential regulators of replication checkpoint arrest in response to AZD1775 and defined PTEN as a promising biomarker for efficient WEE1 cancer therapy.
Melatonin improves the germination rate of cotton seeds under drought stress by opening pores in the seed coat
Authors: Bai Yandan , Xiao Shuang , Zhang Zichen , Zhang Yongjiang , Sun Hongchun , Zhang Ke , Wang Xiaodan , Bai Zhiying , Li Cundong , Liu Liantao
Published: July 2020

The germination of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) seeds is affected by drought stress; however, little is known about the physiological mechanism affecting germination and the effect of melatonin (MT) on cotton seed germination under drought stress. Therefore, we studied the effects of exogenous MT on the antioxidant capacity and epidermal microstructure of cotton under drought stress. The results demonstrated a retarded water absorption capacity of testa under drought stress, significantly inhibiting germination and growth in cotton seeds. Drought stress led to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and osmoregulatory substances (e.g., proline, soluble protein, and soluble sugars); it also decreased the activity of antioxidant enzymes and α-amylase. Drought stress inhibited gibberellin acid (GA3) synthesis and increased abscisic acid (ABA) content, seriously affecting seed germination. However, seeds pre-soaked with MT (100 µM) showed a positive regulation in the number and opening of stomata in cotton testa. The exogenous application of MT increased the germination rate, germination potential, radical length, and fresh weight, as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and α-amylase. In addition, MT application increased the contents of organic osmotic substances by decreasing the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide anion (O2-), and MDA levels under drought stress. Further analysis demonstrated that seeds pre-soaked with MT alleviated drought stress by affecting the ABA and GA3 contents. Our findings show that MT plays a positive role in protecting cotton seeds from drought stress.
Multivariate Analyses of Yield and Its Components in Some Peanut Genotypes
Authors: Saber A. Abd El- , Ghareeb Zeinab E. , Ahmed M. A.
Published: July 2020

Aims: For proposing a statistical approach to select of the most promising genotypes for peanut breeding program.

Place and Duration of Study: Twenty peanut genotypes were evaluated at Matana Agricultural Station Research, Luxor governorate, Egypt during 2018 and 2019.

Study Design: In a randomized complete block design with three replications.

Methodology: Analysis of variance (ANOVA), correlation coefficients, factor analysis, cluster method and some genetic parameters for seed yield and its components were calculated.

Results: Results revealed that significant differences among the tested genotypes for the eight studied traits. Correlation coefficients indicated that seed yield was significantly correlated with all traits except plant height. Meanwhile, factor analysis was used to remove multi-collinearity problems, to simplify the complex relationships and to reduce variables number (into three extracted factors). 100-seed weight, number of branches/plant, 100-pod weight and seed oil content (%) with seed yield/plant traits which present in the 1st factor explained 42.039% of the total variance and recorded high heritability coupled with high genetic advance %. ANOVA results for factor scores obtained (native best multi-traits data) revealed that genotypes varied significantly.

Conclusion: Factor and cluster analysis agreed in grouping Ismailia 2, Intr. 267, Intr. 182, Intr. 332 and Sohag 107 to be promising genotypes to increase peanut seed yield, whereas genotypes Intr. 504 and intr. 510 could be utilized to increase peanut seed oil content %. Then, the utilization of a factor score as a variable in ANOVA analysis was more appropriate rather than the original data. Consequently, factor scores (as a native data) would be more agreeable to selection and can be employed in plant breeding programs.
“House Plasmodial Prevalence Index” Another Relevant Indicator of Evaluating a Malaria Vector Control Operations, Example of Capango Village (Benguela Province, Angola)
Authors: Carnevale P. , Toto J. C. , Foumane V.
Published: July 2020

The WHO fascicule “Information systems for the evaluation of malaria control programmes” identified as outcome target “the proportion of households targeted for use of nets using at least one impregnated bednet” [1].

The parasitological evaluation of the efficacy of vector control programme is mainly based on the plasmodial prevalence rate evaluated by cross sectional or longitudinal surveys on representative sample of the human population targeted.

For the new “House plasmodial” index we decided to combine the 2 indicators: the classical human plasmodial prevalence and house considering as positive any house with “at least one symptomless inhabitant having at least one positive thick film during the survey”. We used this new indicator when analyzing data gained during 24 regularly done parasitological surveys during 5 years in Capango village where a vector control (VC) programme was implemented using both Long Lasting Nets PermaNet© 2.0 and deltamethrin treated wall lining called ZeroFly© inside every house. Surveys were done during 2 years before VC and 3 years after.

It appeared that the House Plasmodial positive index showed the same trends and level as the classical human plasmodial prevalence and clearly indicated the impact of vector control in reducing the overall plasmodial prevalence in the targeted village.

On the other hand it appeared repeating surveys identified “frequently positive houses” (=found positive in some 50% of surveys) and therefore to be prioritized for control and those “scarcely positive” (20% of surveys).

The House Plasmodial Prevalence index appeared relevant and reliable, interesting to be used in vector control programme while easy to get and should be considered in other epidemiological situation.
Growth Status and ARIMA Model Forecast of Area, Production of Wheat Crop in India
Authors: Sunil Jhade , Sindhu Dagam
Published: July 2020

This research is a study of growth status and forecasting area, production of wheat India. Data for the period of 1949-50 to 2017- 18 were analyzed by time series methods. 1949-50 to 2014-15 was used for the model building and forecasting. The data of 2015-16 to 2017-18 was used for validation of the model. Auto Correlation Function (ACF) and Partial Auto Correlation Function (PACF) were calculated for the data. Appropriate Box-Jenkins Auto Regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model was fitted. Validity of the model was tested using standard statistical techniques. The performance of model was validated by comparing with percentage deviation from the values and mean absolute percent error (MAPE). For forecasting area, production ARIMA (0, 1, 1) and (0, 1, 1) model respectively were used to forecast few leading years. The results also show area forecast for the year 2021 to be about 28276.63 thousand hectares with lower and 34138.09 thousand hectares upper limit respectively, production forecast to be about 94087.32 thousand tonnes with lower limit and 114388.9 thousand tonnes of upper limit respectively. The growth pattern was examined by fitting an exponential function, linear function. The result showed that the linear growth rate compound growth rate is a positive significant trend for area, production. Production shows double of area in the case of compound growth function for the study periods.
Identification of Carbofuran and Paraquat Degrading Microorganisms from Soil
Authors: Ataikiru T. L. , Okerentugba P. O. , Okpokwasili G. C.
Published: July 2020

Introduction: Increased rates of pesticide misapplication and follow-on concerns on public health have become subjects of countless distress. The occurrence of pesticides in soils could result in modifications in soil physical, chemical as well as biological properties hence the need for ways to reduce such impacts.

Research Gap: Insufficient literatures on extensive identification of pesticides’ degraders from non-impacted soils. Existing literatures are restricted to a particular microbial group (bacteria or fungi).

Aim: The study aimed at isolating, characterizing and testing bacteria, moulds, yeasts and actinomyces from soil for the biodegradation of pesticides.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at the Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun and Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, Lagos, Nigeria/ four months.

Methodology: Carbofuran and Paraquat degrading microorganisms were isolated from a non-pesticides impacted soil using mineral salt medium (MSM). The MSM composed in grams per liter: K2HPO4, 4.8; KH2PO4, 1.2; NH4NO3, 1.0; MgSO4 7H2O, 0.2; Ca(NO3)2 .4H20, 0.4, and Fe(SO4)3, 0.001 supplemented with 2 mM Carbofuran or Paraquat as the only carbon source. The ability of the microbial isolates to utilize Carbofuran and Paraquat was screened on MSM containing 150 part per million of the pesticides as the only carbon source. The isolates were identified using the analytical profile index (API), microscopic and macroscopic characteristics.

Results: Bacterial species identified were Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Kocuria, Enterobacter, Chryseobacterium, Corynebacterium, Acinetobacter, Paenibacillus, Lerclercia and Proteus. Actinomyces were Actinomyces isrealii, Actinomyces naeslundi, Actinomyces viscosus 1, Actinomyces meyeri and Actinomyces viscosus 2. Yeast isolates were Candida stellatoidea, Candida krusei and Saccharomyces cerevisiae while moulds were Talaromyces, Cladosporium carionii and Curvularia species.

Conclusion: These findings indicated that Carbofuran and Paraquat degrading organisms are readily extant in soils and can be used to facilitate the removal of these pesticides from such polluted environments.
The Economic Value of Small Pelagic Fisheries in Indramayu Regency, West Java
Authors: Arisandy Desi Medi , Anna Zuzy , Nurruhwati Isni , Gumilar Iwang
Published: July 2020

This study aims to analyze the economic value of small pelagic fishing fisheries in Indramayu Regency, West Java. This research was conducted by a survey method using a questionnaire with a purposive sampling method and the data were analyzed descriptively quantitative and qualitative. The benefits of the results of this study are expected to provide information for decision making for the relevant government in formulating policies on fisheries activities, especially small pelagic fish in Indramayu Regency West Java so that they remain sustainable. Catching small pelagic fish is done by purse seine, mini purse seine, Millenium gill net, fishing line, and nylon net. The majority of the ship size used ships with sizes below 20 Gross Tonnage (GT). The types of small pelagic fish caught are Anchovy, Mackerel, Long Jawed Mackerel, Sardine, Scad, Sand Whiting, Tanjan Fish, Rucah Fish and Japuh Fish. The highest acceptance value of small pelagic fish in 2019 is found in anchovies, which is 8.997 billion. So that the highest profit of the highest small pelagic fish obtained in 2019 is found in Anchovy, amounting to 8,780 billion. The Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) calculation shows that the BCR value for catching pelagic fish species above is> 1 so that the fishing activity is feasible and can be continued. 99.7% of small pelagic fishing activities are influenced by the GT of the ship, the number of trips (months), and the fishing gear based on the calculation of multiple linear regression analysis.
Surveillance in health: accidents and deaths caused by venomous animals in the southeast region – Brazil, 2005-2015
Authors: Lima Cássio de Almeida , Leal André Luiz Ramos , Mangueira Sabrina Aparecida de Lima , Costa Simone de Melo , Santos Delba Fonseca
Published: July 2020

Objective: The study’s main goal has been to describe the occurrence of accidents and deaths caused by venomous animals in the Southeast region of Brazil. Methods: It is an epidemiological, ecological and analytical study. The SINAN Net [Information System of Aggravation Notification] was used for looking for accidents and deaths occurring over the period from 2005 to 2015. Furthermore, descriptive analyzes were performed and followed by a bivariate analysis aiming to compare the averages between States in the Southeast region (p<0.05). Results: A total of 471,403 accidents and 684 deaths caused by venomous animals in the Southeast region were found, with most accidents recorded in 2014 (58,544) and deaths in 2015 (99). There was a higher average of accidents and deaths by scorpion: 5,694.14 and 7.45. The State of Minas Gerais concentrated the largest number of accidents and deaths when compared to other States (p<0.05). Conclusion: A elevated frequency of accidents and deaths caused by venomous animals was verified, then delineating a worrisome reality that must be effectively managed.
Spatial patterns and rarity of the white‐phased ‘Spirit bear’ allele reveal gaps in habitat protection
Authors: Service Christina N. , Bourbonnais Mathieu , Adams Megan S. , Henson Lauren , Neasloss Douglas , Picard Chris , Paquet Paul C. , Darimont Chris T.
Published: July 2020

1. Preserving genetic and phenotypic diversity can help safeguard not only biodiversity but also cultural and economic values.

2. Here, we present data that emerged from Indigenous‐led research at the intersection of evolution and ecology to support conservation planning of a culturally salient, economically valuable, and rare phenotypic variant. We addressed three conservation objectives for the white‐phased ‘Spirit bear’ polymorphism, a rare and endemic white‐coated phenotype of black bear (Ursus americanus) in Kitasoo/Xai'xais and Gitga'at Territories and beyond in coastal British Columbia, Canada. First, we used non‐invasively collected hair samples (n = 385 bears over ∼18,000 km2) to assess the spatial variation in the frequency of the allele that controls the white‐coloured morph (mc1r). Second, we compared our observed allele frequencies at mc1r with those expected under Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. Finally, we examined how well current protected areas in the region aligned with spatial hotspots of Spirit bear alleles.

3. We found that landscape‐level allele frequency was lower than previously reported. For example our systematic sampling estimated a frequency of 0.25 (95% CI [0.13, 0.41]) on Gribbell Island compared with the previously reported estimate of 0.56. Also, in contrast with previous reports, we failed to detect a statistically significant departure from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium at mc1r, which calls into question the previously posited role of homozygote gene flow, heterozygote disadvantage, and positive assortative mating in the maintenance of this polymorphism. Finally, we found a discrepancy between the placement of protected areas and the 90th percentile hotspots (upper 10% of all estimated values) of Spirit bear alleles, with ∼50% of hotspots falling outside of protected areas.

4. These results provide new insight into hypotheses related to the maintenance of this rare polymorphism, and directly relevant information to support evidence‐based opportunities for Indigenous Nations of the area to attend to gaps in conservation planning.
Prediction of conical collimator collision for stereotactic radiosurgery
Authors: Park Jeonghoon , McDermott Ryan , Kim Sangroh , Huq M. Saiful
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this study is to predict the collision clearance distance of stereotactic cones with treatment setup devices in cone‐based stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). The BrainLAB radiosurgery system with a Frameless Radiosurgery Positioning Array and dedicated couch top was targeted in this study. The positioning array and couch top were scanned with CT simulators, and their outer contours of were detected. The minimum clearance distance was estimated by calculating the Euclidian distances between the surface of the SRS cones and the nearest surface of the outer contours. The coordinate transformation of the outer contour was performed by incorporating the Beam's Eye View at a planned arc range and couch angle. From the minimum clearance distance, the collision‐free gantry ranges for each couch angle were sequentially determined. An in‐house software was developed to calculate the clearance distance between the cone surface and the outer contours, and thus determine the occurrence of a collision. The software was extensively tested for various combinations of couch and arc angles at multiple isocenter locations for two combinations of cone‐couch systems. A total of 50 arcs were used to validate the calculation accuracies of the software for each system. The calculated minimum distances and collision‐free angles from the software were verified by physical measurements. The calculated minimum distances were found to agree with the measurements to within 0.3 ± 0.9 mm. The collision‐free arc angles from the software also agreed with the measurements to within 1.1 ± 1.1° with a 5‐mm safety margin for 20 arcs. In conclusion, the in‐house software was able to calculate the minimum clearance distance with <1.0 mm accuracy and to determine the collision‐free arc range for the cone‐based BrainLab SRS system.
Improved Gastric Acid Resistance and Adhesive Colonization of Probiotics by Mucoadhesive and Intestinal Targeted Konjac Glucomannan Microspheres
Authors: Liu Ying , Liu Bin , Li Dan , Hu Yulin , Zhao Liang , Zhang Ming , Ge Shaoyang , Pang Jie , Li Yixuan , Wang Ran , Wang Pengjie , Huang Yutao , Huang Jing , Bai Jie , Ren Fazheng , Li Yuan
Published: July 2020

The low survival rate in harsh stomach conditions and short retention in intestine of probiotics greatly limit their health benefits. To solve this problem, thiolated oxidized konjac glucomannan (sOKGM) microspheres is designed with pH responsive and mucoadhesive properties. First, an increased survival rate of probiotics by sOKGM microspheres encapsulation in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) is discovered in contrast to the zero‐survival rate of naked probiotics. sOKGM/probiotics even show a higher survival rate in SGF compared with commercial Bb12 formulation. Further, an enhanced mucoadhesion of probiotics to intestinal mucus by mediated interactions with sOKGM is confirmed by isotherm titration calorimetry, rheology, and tensile measurements. The in vivo intestinal transition experiment indicates a prolonged retention of probiotics at intestine by sOKGM encapsulation. Moreover, in vivo evaluation of enhanced colonization and proliferation by sOKGM/probiotics is demonstrated by the fecal and intestinal bacteria copy number via quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) detection. Further investigation of the alleviation of constipation by sOKGM containing Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis A6 suggests that sOKGM increases the abundance of Bifidobacterium, balanced intestinal flora, and alleviated constipation in mice compared with other formulations. sOKGM with both enhanced gastric acid resistance and adhesion colonization at intestine can effectively improve the function of probiotics.
In Situ Photosynthesis of an MAPbI3/CoP Hybrid Heterojunction for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Cai Cheng , Teng Yuan , Wu Jian‐Hao , Li Jun‐Yan , Chen Hong‐Yan , Chen Jing‐Hua , Kuang Dai‐Bin
Published: July 2020

Halide perovskite like methylammonium lead iodide perovskite (MAPbI3) with its prominent optoelectronic properties has triggered substantial concerns in photocatalytic H2 evolution. In this work, to attain preferable photocatalytic performance, a MAPbI3/cobalt phosphide (CoP) hybrid heterojunction is constructed by a facile in situ photosynthesis approach. Systematic investigations reveal that the CoP nanoparticle can work as co‐catalyst to not only extract photogenerated electrons effectively from MAPbI3 to improve the photoinduced charge separation, but also facilitate the interfacial catalytic reaction. As a result, the as‐achieved MAPbI3/CoP hybrid displays a superior H2 evolution rate of 785.9 µmol h−1 g−1 in hydroiodic acid solution within 3 h, which is ≈8.0 times higher than that of pristine MAPbI3. Furthermore, the H2 evolution rate of MAPbI3/CoP hybrid can reach 2087.5 µmol h−1 g−1 when the photocatalytic reaction time reaches 27 h. This study employs a facile in situ photosynthesis strategy to deposit the metal phosphide co‐catalyst on halide perovskite nanocrystals to conduct photocatalytic H2 evolution reaction, which may stimulate the intensive investigation of perovskite/co‐catalyst hybrid systems for future photocatalytic applications.
Safe, Stable Cycling of Lithium Metal Batteries with Low‐Viscosity, Fire‐Retardant Locally Concentrated Ionic Liquid Electrolytes
Authors: Lee Sukhyung , Park Kisung , Koo Bonhyeop , Park Changhun , Jang Minchul , Lee Hongkyung , Lee Hochun
Published: July 2020

Ionic liquid (IL) electrolytes with concentrated Li salt can ensure safe, high‐performance Li metal batteries (LMBs) but suffer from high viscosity and poor ionic transport. A locally concentrated IL (LCIL) electrolyte with a non‐solvating, fire‐retardant hydrofluoroether (HFE) is presented. This rationally designed electrolyte employs lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI), 1‐methyl‐1‐propyl pyrrolidinium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (P13FSI) and 1,1,2,2‐tetrafluoroethyl 2,2,3,3‐tetrafluoropropyl ether (TTE) as the IL and HFE, respectively (1:2:2 by mol). Adding TTE enables a Li‐concentrated IL electrolyte with low viscosity and good separator wettability, facilitating Li‐ion transport to the Li metal anode. The non‐flammability of TTE contributes to excellent thermal stability. Furthermore, synergy between the dual (FSI/TFSI) anions in the LCIL electrolyte can help modify the solid electrolyte interphase, increasing Li Coulombic efficiency and decreasing dendritic Li deposition. LMBs (Li||LiCoO2) employing the LCIL electrolyte exhibit good rate capability (≈89 mAh g−1 at 1.8 mA cm−2, room temperature) and long‐term cycling (≈80% retention after 400 cycles).
High‐Tensile Strength, Composite Bijels through Microfluidic Twisting
Authors: Kharal Shankar P. , Hesketh Robert P. , Haase Martin F.
Published: July 2020

Rope making is a millennia old technique to collectively assemble numerous weak filaments into flexible and high tensile strength bundles. However, delicate soft matter fibers lack the robustness to be twisted into bundles by means of mechanical rope making tools. Here, weak microfibers with tensile strengths of a few kilopascals are combined into ropes via microfluidic twisting. This is demonstrated for recently introduced fibers made of bicontinuous interfacially jammed emulsion gels (bijels). Bijels show promising applications in use as membranes, microreactors, energy and healthcare materials, but their low tensile strength make reinforcement strategies imperative. Hydrodynamic twisting allows to produce continuous bijel fiber bundles of controllable architecture. Modelling the fluid flow field reveals the bundle geometry dependence on a subtle force balance composed of rotational and translational shear stresses. Moreover, combining multiple bijel fibers of different compositions enables the introduction of polymeric support fibers to raise the tensile strength to tens of megapascals, while simultaneously preserving the liquid like properties of the bijel fibers for transport applications. Hydrodynamic twisting shows potentials to enable the combination of a wide range of materials resulting in composites with features greater than the sum of their parts.
Etching‐Doping Sedimentation Equilibrium Strategy: Accelerating Kinetics on Hollow Rh‐Doped CoFe‐Layered Double Hydroxides for Water Splitting
Authors: Zhu Keyu , Chen Jiyi , Wang Wenjie , Liao Jiangwen , Dong Juncai , Chee Mason Oliver Lam , Wang Ning , Dong Pei , Ajayan Pulickel M. , Gao Shangpeng , Shen Jianfeng , Ye Mingxin
Published: July 2020

Exploring highly active and inexpensive bifunctional electrocatalysts for water‐splitting is considered to be one of the prerequisites for developing hydrogen energy technology. Here, an efficient simultaneous etching‐doping sedimentation equilibrium (EDSE) strategy is proposed to design and prepare hollow Rh‐doped CoFe‐layered double hydroxides for overall water splitting. The elaborate electrocatalyst with optimized composition and typical hollow structure accelerates the electrochemical reactions, which can achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at an overpotential of 28 mV (600 mA cm−2 at 188 mV) for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and 100 mA cm−2 at 245 mV for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The cell voltage for overall water splitting of the electrolyzer assembled by this electrocatalyst is only 1.46 V, a value far lower than that of commercial electrolyzer constructed by Pt/C and RuO2 and most reported bifunctional electrocatalysts. Furthermore, the existence of Fe vacancies introduced by Rh doping and the typical hollow structure are demonstrated to optimize the entire HER and OER processes. EDSE associates doping with template‐directed hollow structures and paves a new avenue for developing bifunctional electrocatalysts for overall water splitting. It is also believed to be practical in other catalysis fields as well.
Large‐Scale Fabrication of Robust Artificial Skins from a Biodegradable Sealant‐Loaded Nanofiber Scaffold to Skin Tissue via Microfluidic Blow‐Spinning
Authors: Cui Tingting , Yu Jiafei , Li Qing , Wang Cai‐Feng , Chen Su , Li Weijie , Wang Gefei
Published: July 2020

Given that many people suffer from large‐area skin damage, skin regeneration is a matter of high concern. Here, an available method is developed for the formation of large‐area robust skins through three stages: fabrication of a biodegradable sealant‐loaded nanofiber scaffold (SNS), skin tissue reconstruction, and skin regeneration. First, a microfluidic blow‐spinning strategy is proposed to fabricate a large‐scale nanofiber scaffold with an area of 140 cm × 40 cm, composed of fibrinogen‐loaded polycaprolactone/silk fibroin (PCL/SF) ultrafine core–shell nanofibers with mean diameter of 65 nm. Then, the SNS forms, where the gelling reaction of fibrin sealant occurs in situ between thrombin and fibrinogen on PCL/SF nanofiber surface, to promote the migration and proliferation of fibroblasts, accelerating skin regeneration. Through an in vivo study, it is shown that the SNS can rapidly repair acute tissue damage such as vascular bleeding and hepatic hemorrhage, and also promote angiogenesis, large‐area abdominal wall defect repair, and wound tissue regeneration for medical problems in the world. Besides, it avoids the risk of immune rejection and secondary surgery in clinical applications. This strategy offers a facile route to regenerate large‐scale robust skin, which shows great potential in abdominal wall defect repair.
Rational Design of Conjugated Small Molecules for Superior Photothermal Theranostics in the NIR‐II Biowindow
Authors: Li Shengliang , Deng Qingyuan , Zhang Yachao , Li Xiaozhen , Wen Guohua , Cui Xiao , Wan Yingpeng , Huang Yongwei , Chen Jiaxiong , Liu Zhonghua , Wang Lidai , Lee Chun‐Sing
Published: July 2020

Extensive recent progress has been made on the design and applications of organic photothermal agents for biomedical applications because of their excellent biocompatibility comparing with inorganic materials. One major hurdle for the further development and applications of organic photothermal agents is the rarity of high‐performance materials in the second near‐infrared (NIR‐II) window, which allows deep tissue penetration and causes minimized side effects. Up till now, there have been few reported NIR‐II‐active photothermal agents and their photothermal conversion efficiencies are relatively low. Herein, optical absorption of π‐conjugated small molecules from the first NIR window to the NIR‐II window is precisely regulated by molecular surgery of substituting an individual atom. With this technique, the first demonstration of a conjugated oligomer (IR‐SS) with an absorption peak beyond 1000 nm is presented, and its nanoparticle achieves a record‐high photothermal conversion efficiency of 77% under 1064 nm excitation. The nanoparticles show a good photoacoustic response, photothermal therapeutic efficacy, and biocompatibility in vitro and in vivo. This work develops a strategy to boost the light‐harvesting efficiency in the NIR‐II window for cancer theranostics, offering an important step forward in advancing the design and application of NIR‐II photothermal agents.
Electronic‐Grade High‐Quality Perovskite Single Crystals by a Steady Self‐Supply Solution Growth for High‐Performance X‐ray Detectors
Authors: Wang Wenzhen , Meng Hua , Qi Huanzhen , Xu Haitao , Du Wenbin , Yang Yiheng , Yi Yongsheng , Jing Shengqi , Xu Shanhu , Hong Feng , Qin Juan , Huang Jian , Xu Zhan , Zhu Yanyan , Xu Run , Lai Jianming , Xu Fei , Wang Linjun , Zhu Jingtao
Published: July 2020

High‐quality perovskite single crystals with large size are highly desirable for the fundamental research and high energy detection application. Here, a simple and convenient solution method, featuring continuous‐mass transport process (CMTP) by a steady self‐supply way, is shown to keep the growth of semiconductor single crystals continuously stable at a constant growth rate until an expected crystal size is achieved. A significantly reduced full width at half‐maximum (36 arcsec) of the (400) plane from the X‐ray rocking curve indicates a low angular dislocation of 6.8 × 106 cm−2 and hence a higher crystalline quality for the CH3NH3PbI3(MAPbI3) single crystals grown by CMTP as compared to the conventional inverse temperature crystallization (ITC) method. Furthermore, the CMTP‐based single crystals have lower trap density, reduced by nearly 200% to 4.5 × 109 cm−3, higher mobility increased by 187% to 150.2 cm2 V−1 s−1, and higher mobility–lifetime product increased by around 450% to 1.6 × 10−3 cm2 V−1, as compared with the ITC‐grown reference sample. The high performance of the CMTP‐based MAPbI3 X‐ray detector is comparable to that of a traditional high‐quality CdZnTe device, indicating the CMTP method as being a cost‐efficient strategy for high‐quality electronic‐grade semiconductor single crystals.
Measuring Piezoelectric Output—Fact or Friction?
Authors: Šutka Andris , Sherrell Peter C. , Shepelin Nick A. , Lapčinskis Linards , Mālnieks Kaspars , Ellis Amanda V.
Published: July 2020

Piezoelectric polymers are emerging as exceptionally promising materials for energy harvesting. While the theoretical figures of merit for piezoelectric polymers are comparable to ceramics, the measurement techniques need to be retrofitted to account for the different mechanical properties of the softer polymeric materials. Here, how contact electrification, including friction and contact separation, is often mistaken for piezoelectric charge is examined, and a perspective for how to separate these effects is provided. The state of the literature is assessed, and recommendations are made for clear and simple guidelines in reporting, for both sample geometry and testing methods, to enable accurate determination of piezoelectric figures of merit in polymers. Such improvements will allow an understanding of what types of material manipulation are required in order to enhance the piezoelectric output from polymers and enable the next generation of polymer energy harvester design.
Immunomodulation‐Enhanced Nanozyme‐Based Tumor Catalytic Therapy
Authors: Xu Bolong , Cui Yan , Wang Weiwei , Li Shanshan , Lyu Chengliang , Wang Shuang , Bao Weier , Wang Hongyu , Qin Meng , Liu Zhen , Wei Wei , Liu Huiyu
Published: July 2020

Nanozyme‐based tumor catalytic therapy has attracted widespread attention in recent years. However, its therapeutic outcomes are diminished by many factors in the tumor microenvironment (TME), such as insufficient endogenous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration, hypoxia, and immunosuppressive microenvironment. Herein, an immunomodulation‐enhanced nanozyme‐based tumor catalytic therapy strategy is first proposed to achieve the synergism between nanozymes and TME regulation. TGF‐β inhibitor (TI)‐loaded PEGylated iron manganese silicate nanoparticles (IMSN) (named as IMSN‐PEG‐TI) are constructed to trigger the therapeutic modality. The results show that IMSN nanozyme exhibits both intrinsic peroxidase‐like and catalase‐like activities under acidic TME, which can decompose H2O2 into hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and oxygen (O2), respectively. Besides, it is demonstrated that both IMSN and TI can regulate the tumor immune microenvironment, resulting in macrophage polarization from M2 to M1, and thus inducing the regeneration of H2O2, which can promote catalytic activities of IMSN nanozyme. The potent antitumor effect of IMSN‐PEG‐TI is proved by in vitro multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTS) and in vivo CT26‐tumor‐bearing mice models. It is believed that the immunomodulation‐enhanced nanozyme‐based tumor treatment strategy is a promising tool to kill cancer cells.
Microtransfer Printing High‐Efficiency GaAs Photovoltaic Cells onto Silicon for Wireless Power Applications
Authors: Mathews Ian , Quinn David , Justice John , Gocalinska Agnieszka , Pelucchi Emanuele , Loi Ruggero , O'Callaghan James , Corbett Brian
Published: July 2020

Here, the development of high‐efficiency microscale gallium arsenide (GaAs) laser power converters, and their successful transfer printing onto silicon substrates is reported, presenting a unique, high power, low‐cost, and integrated power supply solution for implantable electronics, autonomous systems, and Internet of Things (IoT) applications. 300 µm diameter single‐junction GaAs laser power converters are presented and the transfer printing of these devices to silicon is successfully demonstrated using a polydimethylsiloxane stamp, achieving optical power conversion efficiencies of 49% and 48% under 35 and 71 W cm−2 808 nm laser illumination respectively. The transferred devices are coated with indium tin oxide (ITO) to increase current spreading and are shown to be capable of handling very high short‐circuit current densities up to 70 A cm−2 under 141 W cm−2 illumination intensity (≈1400 Suns), while their open circuit voltage reaches 1235 mV, exceeding the values of pretransfer devices indicating the presence of photon recycling. These optical power sources could deliver Watts of power to sensors and systems in locations where wired power is not an option, while using a massively parallel, scalable, and low‐cost fabrication method for the integration of dissimilar materials and devices.
Cellulose Hydrogels by Reversible Ion‐Exchange as Flexible Pressure Sensors
Authors: Zhou Shuai , Guo Kechun , Bukhvalov Danil , Zhang Xiong‐Fei , Zhu Wenzhuo , Yao Jianfeng , He Ming
Published: July 2020

Inspired by biological camouflage strategy according to the surrounding environment, a facile method to fabricate state‐switchable cellulose hydrogels (fluid, brittle, and rigid hydrogel) driven by Ca2+/Zn2+ ion exchange is reported. The high content of Ca2+ ions leads to the formation of a rigid hydrogel (Gel‐H‐Ca2+) with a great compressive strength (≈2.2 MPa) through coordination cross‐linking network, while Zn2+ ions give the cellulose (Sol‐L‐Zn2+) a fluid state by eliminating the cellulose intermolecular connections, making it possible to obtain injectable and healable hydrogels. Gel‐H‐Ca2+ is highly oriented and anisotropic, and such flexible hydrogel can effectively monitor slight bending and pressure changes of fingers. This cellulose hydrogel will be a promising candidate for bionic and multifunctional sensors.
Asymmetric Carbon Nanohorn Enabled Soft Capacitors with High Power Density and Ultra‐Low Cutoff Frequency
Authors: Li Benxuan , Zhan Shijie , Wang Haolan , Hou Bo , Amaratunga Gehan A. J.
Published: July 2020

Flexible capacitors are a promising power source for foldable and biological electronic devices. Although various materials and device structures have been explored, they are still limited by low energy densities and slow rate capabilities compared to their rigid counterparts. Here, asymmetric carbon nanohorns are proposed as an active material to fabricate flexible solid‐state carbon wire (CW)‐based electrochemical supercapacitors (ss‐CWECs) which exhibit high power density and ultra‐low cutoff frequency. By controlling the electric arc reaction at low temperature (77 K), asymmetric single‐wall carbon nanohorns (SWCNHs) are synthesized with high yield. Based on microscopy and electrochemical characterization, the fundamental reaction mechanism in polyvinyl‐based electrolyte system is elucidated, as being associated with deprotonation reaction at acid, base, and elevated temperature conditions. Additionally, by using activated carbon, multi‐walled carbon nanotubes, and SWCNHs as hybrid electrode materials (5:1:1), remarkable specific length capacitance of 48.76 mF cm−1 and charge–discharge stability (over 2000 times cycles) of ss‐CWECs are demonstrated, which are the highest reported to date. Furthermore, a high‐pass filter for eliminating ultra‐low electronic noise is demonstrated, which enables an optical Morse Code communication system to be operated. Current results confirm the SWCNHs as promising materials for high‐performance soft electronics and energy storage applications.
High EQE and High Brightness Solution‐Processed TADF Light‐Emitting Transistors and OLEDs
Authors: Ahmad Viqar , Sobus Jan , Bencheikh Fatima , Mamada Masashi , Adachi Chihaya , Lo Shih‐Chun , Namdas Ebinazar B.
Published: July 2020

Thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters can exhibit high quantum efficiencies by harvesting triplet excitons through efficient reverse intersystem crossing. Reports on efficient TADF based light‐emitting field‐effect transistors (LEFETs) are rare. Moreover, despite efficient TADF organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs), most devices have thermally evaporated multilayer device designs. In this work, highly efficient solution processed LEFETs using ACRXTN [3‐(9,9‐dimethylacridin‐10(9H)‐yl)‐9H‐xanthen‐9‐one] are demonstrated to show high external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) of ≈1% and on/off ratios (≈105) at low operating voltages (≈22 V) with negligible EQE roll‐off even at ≈1,500 cd m–2. The same emitter is further studied in solution‐processedOLEDs with a simple architecture to achieve high peak EQEs (≈16%) and brightness (>1000 cd m–2). The OLEDs retain a high EQE (≈10%) at 20 000 cd m–2, indicating excellent charge balance even with such simple device architecture. Our optical simulations identify EQE discrepancy in the two devices, mainly arisen from a poorer light out‐coupling efficiency in the LEFETs (0.8%) than that (≈24%) in the OLEDs. This work shows state‐of‐the‐art of solution‐processed TADF LEFETs and OLEDs with simple device architectures and negligible EQE roll‐off.
High‐Responsivity Graphene/4H‐SiC Ultraviolet Photodetector Based on a Planar Junction Formed by the Dual Modulation of Electric and Light Fields
Authors: Li Yimeng , Chen Peng , Chen Xiufang , Xu Ru , Liu Menghan , Zhou Jing , Ge Cheng , Peng Haocheng , Mao Xiaokang , Feng Jianbo , Hu Xiaobo , Peng Yan , Xu Xiangang , Xie Zili , Xiu Xiangqian , Chen Dunjun , Liu Bin , Han Ping , Shi Yi , Zhang Rong , Zheng Youdou
Published: July 2020

Ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors have been fabricated on a graphene/4H‐SiC wafer. In this device, the electrical doping in the graphene layer, under the gate, is realized by changing the gate voltage while the optical doping in the graphene layer outside the gate region is realized through the photogenerated carrier injection from SiC, by laser excitation at 325 nm. This kind of dual modulation of optical and electric fields ultimately results in the formation of a planar n–p–n or n–n–n junction in the graphene layer. The photoresponse results demonstrate that the planar n–p–n junction is formed at the negative gate voltage, and facilitates negative photoconductivity. The n–n–n junction is formed at the positive gate voltage and facilitates normal photoconductivity. The maximum responsivity, which is attributable to the high photoconductive gain in the planar n–n–n junction, is 254.1A W−1, at drain‐source voltage of −3 V and gate‐source voltage of 3 V. Based on these results, the estimated lifetime of the electrons in the graphene channel extends greatly to more than four orders of magnitude longer than that in the isolated graphene. The above results prove that this graphene/4H‐SiC combined structure possesses great potential in practical UV‐detection applications.
Plasmonic Material Engineering for Targeted Therapeutics
Authors: Florentsen Christoffer D. , Moreno‐Pescador Guillermo S. , Kjær Andreas , Oddershede Lene B. , Bendix Poul Martin
Published: July 2020

Nanomedicine approaches based on targeted delivery of nanoparticles have enormous therapeutic potential. For this to succeed, the nanoparticles, possibly functionalized or activatable by lasers, need to reach their target in the organism and preferably accumulate at this target. However, administration of nanoparticles in vivo results in rapid clearance of the particles by the immune system, thus preventing the nanomedicine in reaching its target. Passivation by polymer coatings has provided some success, but has not been sufficient to transform nanomedicine into an effective therapy. Recently, a new approach has been adopted which utilizes native cellular membranes for coating of nanoparticles. Motivated by the signaling and recognition capabilities of natural cell membranes, it is now feasible to produce nanoparticles with both immune evasive and tumor targeting abilities. Circulation times are dramatically enhanced by natural membrane coatings allowing significant increase in the passive accumulation by the enhanced permeability and retention effect. Membrane coating of nanoparticles provides a promising new development for advanced nanoparticle photothermal therapy (PTT). Here, the recent advances and challenges facing this new type of nanoparticle technology, bridging advanced optical properties with bio‐compatibility, are reviewed with a focus on membrane coating of plasmonic nanoparticles which has shown great promise in PTT.
Designing Circular Waste Management Strategies: The Case of Organic Waste in Amsterdam
Authors: Viva Ludovica , Ciulli Francesca , Kolk Ans , Rothenberg Gadi
Published: July 2020

Urban waste management is one of the most complex and urgent challenges that the society faces. In this paper, an innovative research methodology is proposed, introducing a systemic approach to circular waste management strategy‐making. Urban waste management is a complex system that needs to be tackled in a holistic, yet context‐specific manner. To produce truly integrative outcomes, this paper provides insight into the system as a whole, its components and the relationships between them, using specific tools, to form the basis for a circular strategy. A toolbox is presented for transforming the current linear and fragmented waste management processes into integrative and circular strategies. The proposed integrative methodology encompassing outline, multipillar mapping, and synthesis can be applied to different locations and waste streams. The concept is subsequently demonstrated through a case study focusing on the municipality of Amsterdam (the Netherlands) and the management of organic waste streams.
HGF Mediates Clinical‐Grade Human Umbilical Cord‐Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Improved Functional Recovery in a Senescence‐Accelerated Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Jia Yali , Cao Ning , Zhai Jinglei , Zeng Quan , Zheng Pei , Su Ruyu , Liao Tuling , Liu Jiajing , Pei Haiyun , Fan Zeng , Zhou Junnian , Xi Jiafei , He Lijuan , Chen Lin , Nan Xue , Yue Wen , Pei Xuetao
Published: July 2020

Stem cells have emerged as a potential therapy for a range of neural insults, but their application in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is still limited and the mechanisms underlying the cognitive benefits of stem cells remain to be elucidated. Here, the effects of clinical‐grade human umbilical cord‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC‐MSCs) on the recovery of cognitive ability in SAMP8 mice, a senescence‐accelerated mouse model of AD is explored. A functional assay identifies that the core functional factor hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) secreted from hUC‐MSCs plays critical roles in hUC‐MSC‐modulated recovery of damaged neural cells by down‐regulating hyperphosphorylated tau, reversing spine loss, and promoting synaptic plasticity in an AD cell model. Mechanistically, structural and functional recovery, as well as cognitive enhancements elicited by exposure to hUC‐MSCs, are at least partially mediated by HGF in the AD hippocampus through the activation of the cMet‐AKT‐GSK3β signaling pathway. Taken together, these data strongly implicate HGF in mediating hUC‐MSC‐induced improvements in functional recovery in AD models.