bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Potassium Diformate on Feed to Improve Immune Performance of Goldfish (Carassius auratus L.)
Authors: Yustiati Ayi , Wahyuni Rima Tri , Rizal Achmad , Suryadi Ibnu Bangkit Bioshina
Published: July 2020

This research aims to determine the optimum potassium diformate (KDF) dosage which was added to feed to increase the immune status of goldfish (Carassius auratus L). This study was conducted from September 31 - November 15, 2019 at the Laboratory of Aquaculture and Molecular Biotechnology Laboratory of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, University of Padjadjaran. The research method used is the experimental Complete Random Design (CRD) with 4 treatments and 3 replications. The treatments are A (without KDF/control), B (0.1% KDF), C (0.3% KDF) and D (0.5% KDF). The observed parameters are survival rate, total leukocyte count (white blood cells), total erythrocyte count (red blood cells) and gross clinical sign. Observations were made after 30 days of KDF and post-test challenge by Aeromonas hydrophila for 14 days. Data on the number of total leukocyte count and total erythrocyte count were analyzed using F test and Duncan's advanced test at a 95% confidence level, while the gross clinical sign data were analyzed descriptively. The results showed that the KDF 0.3% was the optimum dose and was very effective in optimizing the performance of the goldfish immune system optimally, seen from the number of white blood cells and red blood cells which experienced the highest increase of 23.48% and 9.30%. After the challenge test, fish that were given KDF 0.3% had the highest survival rate of 46.67%. In addition, the process of recovering the number of white blood cells and red blood cells can be faster than other treatments, with a value of 12.85×104 cells mm3-1 and 0.96×106 cells mm3-1, marked also by the healing of clinical symptoms in the morphology of goldfish.
Evaluation of the Knowledge, Attitudes and Prevention Practices with Regard to Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Caused by Leishmania aethiopica in Mount Elgon Focus, Kenya
Authors: Wafula Mukhwana Dennis
Published: July 2020

Leishmaniasis has spread beyond the traditional areas of the Rift Valley and North Eastern provinces. There is more evidence of emergence and spread of leishmaniasis in Western Kenya. However, there is currently no comprehensive study on knowledge, attitude and prevention practices on leishmaniasis among the risk populations in the endemic Mount Elgon region of western Kenya. This has hindered the protocol for understanding the epidemiology of leishmaniasis. The descriptive survey design study was carried out from April to June, 2019 and it sought for information on KAP related to cutaneous leishmaniasis (C.L) in Mount Elgon region. Using stratified simple random sampling technique, a total of 340 household participants were selected in the study area. Structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Regarding the responses given to knowledge, attitude and practice, a score of 1 was given for each right response and 0 for unsure responses. Data analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS version 23 statistical software. Descriptive statistics that include frequency and percentage were used to analyze the results. Out of 340 individuals were participated in our study 214 (62.9%) of the participants were males and 126 (37.1%) were females. The result of the present study in terms of knowledge showed that most of the respondents scored less than four items out of six correctly, hence described as having poor knowledge of CL. With regard to attitude respondents believed that CL was a problem in their area and had positive attitude towards the treatment of the disease. The study also found out that majority of the respondents practiced well, as indicated by scoring positively in more than three items. In terms of plants used in the treatment of the disease, Olea europaea, Kigelia Africana, Terminial mollis, Croton macrostachyus, Tylosema fassoglense and Bridella micrantha were mentioned. It was concluded that, people were less knowledgeable, had positive attitude towards the treatment especially using plant extracts could act as the basis for future research on alternative drugs against the disease.
The Association between Team Satisfaction and Work-Family Conflict: The Mediating Role of Flexible Work Options and Job Demands
Authors: Mkamwa Thadeus F.
Published: July 2020

This study examined the link between team satisfaction and work-family conflict and explored the mediating effects of flexible work options and job demands in this relationship. It consisted of a survey among employees from five Irish companies. The sample consisted of 220 employees, a response rate of 53%. Overall, findings showed that team satisfaction had a negative association with work-family conflict and negatively predicted work-family conflict; the Beta Coefficient for this regression was -.17, t(199) = -2.547, p < .05). Similarly, team satisfaction demonstrated direct effects = -.25, SE = .09, p < .01, 95%CI = -.43 and -.07; and total effects = -.33, SE = 0.95, p < .001, 95% CI = -.52 and -.14 on work-family conflict. The study further found an indirect effect of team satisfaction on work-family conflict through pace of the tasks which is an aspect of job demands; indirect effect = -.06, SE = .032, 95% (Bootstrap CI) = -.13 and -.01. Practical implications and future research lines are discussed.
Impact of Career Planning on Employee Turnover Intention in Short-term: Evidence from Leading Garment Factory in Sri Lanka
Authors: Tennakoon W. D. N. S. M. , Lasanthika W. J. A. J. M.
Published: July 2020

Employee turnover intention in short term (ETIST) is still a burning issue for many labor-intensive industries despite the interest of scholars on it for many past decades. The impact of Career Planning (CP) on ETIST is loosely addressed. Thus, this study investigates the impact of CP on the ETIST. A deductive, cross sectional research inquiry was carried out where CP is operationalized using personal, occupational, organizational and external factors. ETIST denotes the turnover intention of short tenured employees. Survey instrument (Holland, 1997) of 30 items ranked the responses on a five-point Likert scale. Sample represents the randomly selected machine operators (n = 232) of garment factory where short-term LTO reported as significant. Regression and correlation analyses derive the results. It is concluded that career planning is significantly influencing employee turnover in short term. Implications of the study carries the importance of employing CP strategies to minimize the possible ETIST.
Detached housing utilized as shared houses: establishment process and living style – case study in Yamaguchi Prefecture
Authors: Ohba Tomoko , Nakazono Mahito , Ushijima Akira , Mishima Sachiko
Published: July 2020

In this study, the habitation history and building repair history of wooden private houses in Yamaguchi Prefecture, and the circumstances that result in their repurposing as shared houses are investigated. Simultaneously, the nature of the repair work is grasped, and the features of the lifestyles of the tenants and space evaluation are explained by habitation condition analysis of youth single households with observational research. As the examples have space conditions suitable for their use as shared houses and repairs are performed by the manager, they can be repurposed as shared houses with low rents. The degree of satisfaction of the tenant's shared habitation is high; therefore these wooden private houses are model examples that demonstrate the possible practical use of wooden private houses as shared houses.
Sexual Equality
Authors: Brennan Samantha
Published: July 2020

This entry surveys debates about the moral and political importance of equality in the context of equality between the sexes. The first section looks at sexual equality as a moral ideal. The second section reviews the history of philosophical thinking about sexual equality, paying special attention to the work of Plato, Mill, and Wollstronecraft. A third section looks at the facts about sexual equality and a fourth asks what those facts require us to do, ethically speaking. In the final sections, the essay considers objections to philosophical theorizing about sexual equality and looks at ways the debate might be expanded to move beyond thinking about equality in terms of the gender binary.
Brain Drain
Authors: Kollar Eszter
Published: July 2020

Brain drain refers to the large‐scale movement of professionals across borders that results in net losses for source countries and has global distributional consequences. It raises a particularly acute set of challenges for liberal theorists. Liberals seek to protect our interest in autonomy, and value freedom of movement and freedom of occupational choice. At the same time, liberals are worried about securing essential social justice goods for vulnerable populations – goods that provide the social conditions of their autonomy. Is it ever permissible for the liberal state to interfere with the autonomy of migrant professionals in order to supply essential goods? This entry examines the ethical challenges of brain drain from three normative perspectives. What duties do destination countries have to further solutions to the brain drain problem? Do individual migrants have moral responsibilities toward their country of training or origin? What may source countries legitimately do to counteract the negative effects of brain drain? We discuss the different moral grounds of responsibilities to counteract the deleterious effects of brain drain, and elaborate the ethical requirements and permissible policy measures that follow
Duties to the Dead
Authors: Taylor James Stacey
Published: July 2020

The view that living persons owe duties to the dead is widespread. Executors of wills have not just a legal but also a moral duty to follow the wishes of the deceased, and deathbed promises are widely thought to be especially binding on those who make them. It is usually believed that it would be morally wrong to remove a person's organs after her death unless she has consented to this – or, at least, unless she has had a chance to voice her opposition to their removal in a situation where her objection would be respected. A similar duty to respect the wishes of the dead is held to govern medical research on the dead, as well as any use of gametes of dead persons that could be used for their posthumous reproduction. Similar considerations ground the widely held views that it is wrong to speak ill of the dead and wrong to desecrate their graves. There are two main lines of argument that purport to establish that living persons could owe duties to those who are now dead. The first of these is derived from the view that persons have aprima faciemoral duty not to harm others. The second is derived from the view that persons could incur duties to others through making promises to them.
Stereotyping and Stereotypes
Authors: Blum Lawrence
Published: July 2020

Accounts of stereotypes are either descriptive (stereotyping is morally neutral) or evaluative (stereotyping is necessarily, though onlyprima facie, morally wrong or bad). Evaluative accounts more readily allow for highlighting the social and historical dimensions of stereotyping and their normative status, beyond the purely psychological. Stereotypes are misleading or false associations between a social group and a feature taken to characterize the group. To stereotype is to have some level of cognitive investment (not necessarily a belief) in such an association, which involves epistemic deficiencies such as failing to perceive counter‐evidence, and regarding members of the group as more similar than they actually are. Valid group generalizations are not stereotypes, though people may incorrectly regard them as such. Most stereotypes held by individuals are sociocultural in character, widely held and recognized in a particular society. Stereotypes involve several distinct moral bads. Some derive merely from being stereotyped, independent of the stereotype's content. These include the masking of individuality, failure of recognition of a group's internal diversity, and moral distancing between stereotyper and stereotypee. The most serious bads are content‐dependent. At the individual stereotyper level, a stereotypee's knowledge that her group is viewed by particular others as possessing an unwarranted disparaging, demeaning, or hateful attribute is hurtful. It is more hurtful if the stereotype is (also) a sociocultural one. Content‐dependent bads are thus matters of degree, dependent upon the severity of the attribute. Some stereotypes are socio‐institutional. They are not only present in the culture but are taken to justify – and are also strengthened by – unjust institutional arrangements. The stereotype of blacks as culturally or genetically inferior in intellect in relation to their receiving inferior education is an example. Such stereotypes are also bad in supporting structural injustice.
Images of a First‐Order Spin‐Reorientation Phase Transition in a Metallic Kagome Ferromagnet
Authors: Heritage Kevin , Bryant Ben , Fenner Laura A. , Wills Andrew S. , Aeppli Gabriel , Soh Yeong‐Ah
Published: July 2020

First‐order phase transitions, where one phase replaces another by virtue of a simple crossing of free energies, are best known between solids, liquids, and vapors, but they also occur in a wide range of other contexts, including even elemental magnets. The key challenges are to establish whether a phase transition is indeed first order, and then to determine how the new phase emerges because this will determine thermodynamic and electronic properties. Here it is shown that both challenges are met for the spin reorientation transition in the topological metallic ferromagnet Fe3Sn2. The magnetometry and variable temperature magnetic force microscopy experiments reveal that, analogous to the liquid–gas transition in the temperature–pressure plane, this transition is centered on a first‐order line terminating in a critical end point in the field‐temperature plane. The nucleation and growth associated with the transition is directly imaged, indicating that the new phase emerges at the most convoluted magnetic domain walls for the high temperature phase and then moves to self‐organize at the domain centers of the high temperature phase. The dense domain patterns and phase coexistence imply a complex inhomogenous electronic structure, which can yield anomalous contributions to the electrical conductivity.
Unveiling the Correlation between the Crystalline Structure of M‐Filled CoSb3 (M = Y, K, Sr) Skutterudites and Their Thermoelectric Transport Properties
Authors: Gainza Javier , Serrano‐Sánchez Federico , Rodrigues João E. , Prado‐Gonjal Jesús , Nemes Norbert M. , Biskup Neven , Dura Oscar J. , Martínez José L. , Fauth François , Alonso José A.
Published: July 2020

Skutterudite‐type pnictides based on CoSb3 are promising semiconductor materials for thermoelectric applications. An exhaustive structural characterization by synchrotron X‐ray powder diffraction of different M‐filled CoSb3 (M = Y, K, Sr, La, Ce, Yb) skutterudites, with a panoply of M atoms with very different chemical nature, allows to better understand the effects of filling from a crystallo‐chemical point of view. These analyses focus on the correlation of chemical and structural features with the enhanced thermoelectric properties displayed by certain families of filled‐CoSb3 skutterudites. These are mainly determined by Sb positional parameters, yielding Oftedal plots that depend on the filling fraction, ionic state, and atomic radius of the filler. Together with the distortion of [Sb4] rings and [CoSb6] octahedra present in the skutterudite structure, these results are linked to the band‐convergence concept and its influence on the thermoelectric transport properties. Here, the structural changes observed in the different chemical compositions are relevant to understand the improved thermoelectric performance of single partially filled n‐type skutterudites.
Perovskite Photosensors Integrated with Silver Resonant‐Cavity Color Filters Display Color Perception Beyond That of the Human Eye
Authors: Lu Jong‐Hong , Cheng Ming‐Tsang , Hsu Hsiang‐Lin , Liu Shun‐Wei , Chen Chih‐Ping
Published: July 2020

Organic hybrid perovskite‐based photosensors generally display high responsivities and ultrafast response speeds, but their high dark currents with low detectivities have impeded their commercial applications. In this study, these problems are overcome by modifying the device structure and performing defect passivation of the perovskite. An inverted ITO/NiOx/perovskite/PCBM/BCP/Ag structure is applied to minimize the leakage current from the interlayers. In addition, a urea additive is embedded and the thickness of the perovskite layer is optimized, resulting in an ultralow dark current (<2 pA), a peak detectivity of greater than 1.42 × 1014 Jones, and a high linear dynamic range (LDR) of up to 162 dB (in the response range from 20.25 to 6.80 × 10‐8 mW cm‐2). Using high‐purity color filters, combined with a well‐defined white light illumination system derived from a 3A solar simulator, the photosensitivity is evaluated under light of various hues and intensities (down to 10‐9 mW cm‐2). The optimized color sensors under blue, green, orange, and red hues of light display LDRs of greater than 139 dB in the mesopic vision regime (wavelengths: 400–700 nm) between 10‐6 and 10‐3 mW cm‐2—outperforming human visual color perception.
Flexible 3D Porous MoS2/CNTs Architectures with ZT of 0.17 at Room Temperature for Wearable Thermoelectric Applications
Authors: Li Jiahui , Shi Qiuwei , Röhr Jason A , Wu Hao , Wu Bo , Guo Yang , Zhang Qinghong , Hou Chengyi , Li Yaogang , Wang Hongzhi
Published: July 2020

Developing materials that possess high electrical conductivities (σ) and Seebeck coefficients (S), low thermal conductivities (κ), and excellent mechanical properties is important to realize practical thermoelectric (TE) devices. Here, 3D hierarchical architectures consisting of hybrid molybdenum disulfide (MoS2)/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) films are fabricated with the goal of increasing σ and decreasing κ. In these films, perpendicularly orientated CNTs interpenetrate restacked MoS2 layers to form a 3D architecture, which increases the specific surface area and charge concentration. The MoS2/20 wt% CNTs film shows high σ (235 ± 5 S∙cm−1), high S (68 ± 2 µV∙K−1), and low κ (19 ± 2 mW∙m−1∙K−1). The corresponding figure of merit (ZT) reaches 0.17 at room temperature, which is 65 times higher than that of pure MoS2 film. In addition, the MoS2/20 wt% CNTs film shows a tensile stress of 38.9 MPa, which is an order of magnitude higher than that of a control MoS2 film. Using the MoS2/CNTs film as an active material and human body as a heat source, a flexible, wearable TE wristband is fabricated by weaving seven strips of the 3D porous MoS2/CNTs film. The wristband achieves an output voltage of 2.9 mV and corresponding power output of 0.22 µW at a temperature gradient of about 5 K.
Positioning MXenes in the Photocatalysis Landscape: Competitiveness, Challenges, and Future Perspectives
Authors: Xie Xiuqiang , Zhang Nan
Published: July 2020

MXenes are becoming a worthy contender for boosting the efficacy of semiconductor photocatalysts because of their rich surface and electronic properties, which is exemplified to be a dynamic yet open‐ended exploration of the materials space. Herein, the promise that MXenes hold for photocatalytic applications is elucidated by presenting the various roles of MXenes in the preparation of composite photocatalysts and enhancing their activity and stability. A specific focus is put on the key issues that should be taken into account when utilizing the specific function of MXenes and the strategies to deliver the great potential of MXenes into better play. The discussion is based on different aspects closely related to the flexible surface and electronic features of MXenes, including their morphology control, stability issue, and electronic structure mutability with the purpose to present an objective and comprehensive scenario of MXenes for photocatalysis. Finally, some noteworthy research directions for the future development of MXenes‐based photocatalytic systems are outlined and prospected. This review is expected to provide a useful scaffold for the rational design and synthesis of efficient and stable MXenes‐based photocatalysts by objectively understanding and taming the functional vitality of MXenes.
Electrolytes Enriched by Crown Ethers for Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Wang Huaping , He Jian , Liu Jiandong , Qi Shihan , Wu Mingguang , Wen Jie , Chen Yanan , Feng Yuezhan , Ma Jianmin
Published: July 2020

Lithium (Li) metal battery is considered the most promising next‐generation battery due to its low potential and high theoretical capacity. However, Li dendrite growth causes serious safety problems. Herein, the 15‐Crown‐5 (15‐C‐5) is reported as an electrolyte additive based on solvation shell regulation. The strong complex effect between Li+ ion and 15‐C‐5 can reduce the concentration of Li ions on the electrode surface, thus changing the nucleation, and repressing the growth of Li dendrites in the plating process. Significantly, the strong coordination of Li+/15‐C‐5 would be able to make them aggregate around the Li crystal surface, which could form a protective layer and favor the formation of a smooth and dense solid electrolyte interphase with high toughness and Li+ ion conductivity. Therefore, the electrolyte system with 2.0 wt% 15‐C‐5 achieves excellent electrochemical performance with 170 cycles at 1.0 mA cm−2 with capacity of 0.5 mA h cm−2 in symmetric Li|Li cells. The obviously enhanced cycle and rate performance are also achieved in Li|LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 (NCM622) full cells. The 15‐C‐5 demonstrates to be a promising additive for the electrolytes toward safe and efficient Li metal batteries.
A Universal Strategy for Tough Adhesion of Wet Soft Material
Authors: Gao Yang , Chen Jiaojiao , Han Xiuyuan , Pan Yudong , Wang Peiyao , Wang Tiejun , Lu Tongqing
Published: July 2020

Achieving adhesion between hydrogels and diverse materials in a facile and universal way is challenging. Existing methods rely on special chemical or physical properties of the hydrogel and adherends, which lead to limited applicability and complicated pretreatments. A stitch‐bonding strategy is proposed here by introducing a polymer chain with versatile functional group and triggerable crosslinking property inspired by catechol chemistry. The polymer chain can stitch the hydrogel by forming a network in topological entanglement with the preexisting hydrogel network, and directly bond to the adherend surface by versatile chemical interactions. Through this, the polymer chain solution works as a universal glue for facile adhesion of hydrogels to diverse substrates like metals, glasses, elastomers, plastics, and living tissues, without requiring any chemical design or pretreatment for the hydrogel and adherends. The adhesion energy between polyacrylamide hydrogel and diverse substrates can reach 200–400 J m−2, and it can reach ≈900 J m−2 with a toughened polyacrylic acid polyacrylamide hydrogel. The mechanism of stitch‐bonding strategy is illustrated by studying various influence factors.
A Na3V2(PO4)2O1.6F1.4 Cathode of Zn‐Ion Battery Enabled by a Water‐in‐Bisalt Electrolyte
Authors: Ni Qiao , Jiang Heng , Sandstrom Sean , Bai Ying , Ren Haixia , Wu Xianyong , Guo Qiubo , Yu Dongxu , Wu Chuan , Ji Xiulei
Published: July 2020

Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries are receiving increasing attention; however, the development of high‐voltage cathodes is limited by the narrow voltage window of conventional aqueous electrolytes. Herein, it is reported that Na3V2(PO4)2O1.6F1.4 exhibits the excellent performance, optimal to date, among polyanion cathode materials in a novel neutral water‐in‐bisalts electrolyte of 25 m ZnCl2 + 5 m NH4Cl. It delivers a reversible capacity of 155 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1, a high average operating potential of ≈1.46 V, and stable cyclability of 7000 cycles at 2 A g−1.
Enabling Superior Sodium Capture for Efficient Water Desalination by a Tubular Polyaniline Decorated with Prussian Blue Nanocrystals
Authors: Shi Wenhui , Liu Xiaoyue , Deng Tianqi , Huang Shaozhuan , Ding Meng , Miao Xiaohe , Zhu Chongzhi , Zhu Yihan , Liu Wenxian , Wu Fangfang , Gao Congjie , Yang Shuo‐Wang , Yang Hui Ying , Shen Jiangnan , Cao Xiehong
Published: July 2020

The application of electrochemical energy storage materials to capacitive deionization (CDI), a low‐cost and energy‐efficient technology for brackish water desalination, has recently been proven effective in solving problems of traditional CDI electrodes, i.e., low desalination capacity and incompatibility in high salinity water. However, Faradaic electrode materials suffer from slow salt removal rate and short lifetime, which restrict their practical usage. Herein, a simple strategy is demonstrated for a novel tubular‐structured electrode, i.e., polyaniline (PANI)‐tube‐decorated with Prussian blue (PB) nanocrystals (PB/PANI composite). This composite successfully combines characteristics of two traditional Faradaic materials, and achieves high performance for CDI. Benefiting from unique structure and rationally designed composition, the obtained PB/PANI exhibits superior performance with a large desalination capacity (133.3 mg g−1 at 100 mA g−1), and ultrahigh salt‐removal rate (0.49 mg g−1 s−1 at 2 A g−1). The synergistic effect, interfacial enhancement, and desalination mechanism of PB/PANI are also revealed through in situ characterization and theoretical calculations. Particularly, a concept for recovery of the energy applied to CDI process is demonstrated. This work provides a facile strategy for design of PB‐based composites, which motivates the development of advanced materials toward high‐performance CDI applications.
Lubrication Mechanism of Phosphonium Phosphate Ionic Liquid in Nanoscale Single‐Asperity Sliding Contacts
Authors: Li Zixuan , Dolocan Andrei , Morales‐Collazo Oscar , Sadowski Jerzy T. , Celio Hugo , Chrostowski Robert , Brennecke Joan F. , Mangolini Filippo
Published: July 2020

While phosphonium phosphate ionic liquids (ILs) have been evaluated as additives for engine oils owing to their excellent physico‐chemical properties, miscibility with hydrocarbon fluids, and promising tribological properties, their lubrication mechanism is still not established. Here, atomic force microscopy (AFM) nanotribological experiments are performed using diamond‐like carbon‐coated silicon tips sliding on air‐oxidized steel in neat trihexyltetradecylphosphonium bis(2‐ethylhexyl)phosphate IL. The AFM results indicate a reduction in friction only after the removal of the native oxide layer from steel. Laterally resolved analyses of the steel surface chemistry reveal a higher concentration of bis(2‐ethylhexyl)phosphate ions adsorbed on regions where the native oxide is mechanically removed together with a change in surface electrostatic potential. These surface modifications are proposed to be induced by a change in adsorption configuration of bis(2‐ethylhexyl)phosphate anions on metallic iron compared to their configuration on iron oxide together with a reduction of surface roughness, which lead to the formation of a densely packed, lubricious boundary layer only on metallic iron.
Droplets on Soft Surfaces Exhibit a Reluctance to Coalesce due to an Intervening Wetting Ridge
Authors: Roy Rishav , Seiler Robert L. , Weibel Justin A. , Garimella Suresh V.
Published: July 2020

Microscale interactions with deformable substrates are of fundamental interest for studying self‐assembly processes and the mobility of cells on soft surfaces, with applications in traction force microscopy. The behavior of microscale water droplets on a soft polymer substrate is investigated. Droplets formed by condensation on the soft substrate are reluctant to coalesce, which leads to coverage of the surface with clusters of droplets assembled in a honeycomb‐like pattern. Cryogenically fixed in this state, scanning electron microscopy of these droplets reveals the presence of an intervening wetting ridge of the polymer that acts as a barrier between neighboring droplets and prevents coalescence. A linear elastic deformation model is developed to predict this surface profile and corroborate the observed behavior.
Thermal and pH Sensitive Composite Membrane for On‐Demand Drug Delivery by Applying an Alternating Magnetic Field
Authors: Wang Ya , Boero Giovanni , Zhang Xiaosheng , Brugger Juergen
Published: July 2020

Implantable drug delivery systems that can realize a scheduled drug release according to the needs of patients would be highly beneficial for the treatment of chronic diseases and cancer. Here, micrometer‐sized hydrogel particles with both thermal and pH sensitivities are fabricated for the first time and embedded with magnetic nanoparticles in silk fibroin to generate a composite membrane. The permeability of the membrane is adjustable reversibly by temperature and pH. Promptly responded drug release within 1 min by applying an alternating magnetic field is demonstrated with the membrane. The on/off switching of an alternating magnetic field (16 mT, 111 kHz) induces heat generation by the magnetic nanoparticles resulting in a reversible change of the membrane permeability due to the shrinking/swelling of the microgels. A control over two orders of magnitude of the release rate (0.01–5.0 µg min−1) of Rhodamine B (Rh.B) model drug is achieved by tuning the content of microgels and magnetic nanoparticles, as well as the thickness of the membrane. Additionally, an increase in the release rate of Rh.B in acidic condition with respect to the physiological pH value is demonstrated. This represents an additional functionality of the implantable membrane with relevant features for spatially selective cancer treatment.
Solution‐Grown Large‐Sized Single‐Crystalline 2D/3D Perovskite Heterostructure for Self‐Powered Photodetection
Authors: Zhang Xinyuan , Ji Chengmin , Liu Xitao , Wang Sasa , Li Lina , Peng Yu , Yao Yunpeng , Hong Maochun , Luo Junhua
Published: July 2020

Organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite heterostructures, particularly 2D/3D perovskite heterostructures, have enjoyed great success in optoelectronic field. However, the photodetection performance of those heterostructures is obscured by extensive disorder in their polycrystalline films. Here, a delicate solution method is demonstrated for creating a sizable crystal of vertical 2D/3D perovskite heterostructure featuring a well‐defined interface and high single‐crystalline quality, namely (4‐AMP)(MA)2Pb3Br10/MAPbBr3 (MA, methylammonium; 4‐AMP, 4‐(aminomethyl)piperidinium). These high‐quality crystals are ideal mediums for charge transport and exploiting their optoelectronic properties. Electrical transport measurements demonstrate that the (4‐AMP)(MA)2Pb3Br10/MAPbBr3 heterostructure can form vertical diode with obvious current rectification behavior and excellent photocurrent generation characteristics. Strikingly, benefitting from the built‐in electrical potential at the junction, photodetectors based on those millimeter‐thickness heterostructure crystals exhibit high performance in self‐driven operation mode, including large on/off switching radio (≈105), fast response time (600/600 µs), and high detectivity (≈1012). This work enables an important advance in the development of single‐crystalline perovskite heterostructures for both fundamental demonstrations and high‐performance optoelectronic devices.
Large Lead‐Free Perovskite Single Crystal for High‐Performance Coplanar X‐Ray Imaging Applications
Authors: Liu Yucheng , Zhang Yunxia , Yang Zhou , Cui Jian , Wu Haodi , Ren Xiaodong , Zhao Kui , Feng Jiangshan , Tang Jiang , Xu Zhuo , Liu Shengzhong (Frank)
Published: July 2020

Lead‐based (Pb) perovskite recently emerged as a promising photoelectric material for direct ionization radiation detection with outstanding performance. Unfortunately, its application is limited due to its toxicity caused by high Pb content, serious ion migration, poor crystallite quality, unsatisfactory reproducibility, high resistivity, and large fluctuation of electronic properties. Herein, a better substitute of lead‐free inch‐sized (34.3 mm × 34.3 mm × 13.1 mm) high‐quality halide (CH3NH3)3Bi2I9 single crystal (MA3Bi2I9 SC) is presented with higher resistivity, lower ion migration, and better stability. The coplanar detector fabricated using the MA3Bi2I9 SC shows low dark noise current and outstanding X‐ray response including a high sensitivity of 872 μC Gy−1 cm−2, short response time of 266 μs, low detection limit of 31 nGy s−1, good spatial resolution of 4.22 lp mm−1, long‐term working stability, and excellent uniformity. Thanks to these excellent properties, the coplanar MA3Bi2I9 SC X‐ray detector array shows high‐resolution X‐ray imaging. The present report may inspire development of next‐generation high‐energy radiation detection and imaging using lead‐free perovskite single crystals.
A Simulation Model for Narrow Band Gap Ferroelectric Materials
Authors: Ducharne Benjamin , Juuti Jari , Bai Yang
Published: July 2020

Various ferroelectric simulation models have been developed in recent decades in order to study the mechanisms and predict the behaviors of ferroelectrics by simulating their hysteresis loops. Conventional ferroelectrics have wide optical band gaps (>2.7 eV), making them difficult to respond to visible light. Although their ferroelectricity can be affected by higher‐energy radiation like ultraviolet, little attention is paid to the development of their models incorporating light‐dependent factors. However, in recent years, narrow band gap (<2.5 eV) ferroelectrics have been discovered and are increasingly researched. These special ferroelectrics effectively absorb visible light and hence exhibit strongly light‐dependent ferroelectricity, triggering potentially a broad range of applications. Therefore, there is a need to develop a model for these ferroelectrics in order to predict their behavior under visible light. Such a model is also needed to improve the understanding of the interaction mechanisms between light and domains. In this paper, a ferroelectric simulation model based on the Jiles–Atherton theory considering light dependence is developed for the first time, and its accuracy is validated by experiments. The model shows an average error of 7.5% on polarization values compared to experimental results and thus can be employed to reliably predict photo‐induced ferroelectricity.
Thoughts on acidification of soils by nitrogen and sulfur fertilizers
Authors: Kissel D. E. , Bock B. R. , Ogles C. Z.
Published: July 2020

Some crops, like blueberries, require a pH of 4 to 5. Irrigation of acid‐loving crops with alkaline water can raise pH and cause micronutrient deficiencies. Diseases like citrus greening (Huanglongbing) are more severe at higher soil pH values. Application of acidifying fertilizers to lower soil pH may therefore benefit crop growth in such instances and release calcium from calcareous soils to remove sodium. Therefore, a good understanding of the processes involved and the amount of acidification from various fertilizer materials is needed. We show with an anion–cation balance of recent plant uptake data that the alkalinity released from plant uptake of nutrients alone gave a value of 2 kg CaCO3 equivalents of alkalinity per kilogram of N uptake, in close agreement with Association of Official Analytical Chemists values of 1.8. We also provide equations and calculations and a summary table that allows a user to compare the acidifying capacity of commonly available N and S fertilizers.
An opinion paper on the maintenance of robustness: Towards a multimodal and intergenerational approach using digital twins
Authors: Vidal Pierre‐Paul , Vienne‐Jumeau Alienor , Moreau Albane , Vidal Catherine , Wang Danping , Audiffren Julien , Bargiotas Ioannis , Barrois Remi , Buffat Stephane , Dubost Clément , Ghidaglia Jean‐Michel , Labourdette Christophe , Mantilla Juan , Oudre Laurent , Quijoux Flavien , Robert Matthieu , Yelnik Alain P. , Ricard Damien , Vayatis Nicolas
Published: July 2020

The increasing number of frail elderly people in our aging society is becoming problematic: about 11% of community‐dwelling older persons are frail and another 42% are pre‐frail. Consequently, a major challenge in the coming years will be to test people over the age of 60 years to detect pre‐frailty at the earliest stage and to return them to robustness using the targeted interventions that are becoming increasingly available. This challenge requires individual longitudinal monitoring (ILM) or follow‐up of community‐dwelling older persons using quantitative approaches. This paper briefly describes an effort to tackle this challenge. Extending the detection of the pre‐frail stages to other population groups is also suggested. Appropriate algorithms have been used to begin the tracing of faint physiological signals in order to detect transitions from robustness to pre‐frailty states and from pre‐frailty to frailty states. It is hoped that these studies will allow older adults to receive preventive treatment at the correct institutions and by the appropriate professionals as early as possible, which will prevent loss of autonomy. Altogether, ILM is conceived as an emerging property of databases (“digital twins”) and not the reverse. Furthermore, ILM should facilitate a coordinated set of actions by the caregivers, which is a complex challenge in itself. This approach should be gradually extended to all ages, because frailty has no age, as is testified by overwork, burnout, and post‐traumatic syndrome.
Paternal origin of Tungusic‐speaking populations: Insights from the updated phylogenetic tree of Y‐chromosome haplogroup C2a‐M86
Authors: Liu Bing‐Li , Ma Peng‐Cheng , Wang Chi‐Zao , Yan Shi , Yao Hong‐Bing , Li Yong‐Lan , Xie Yong‐Mei , Meng Song‐Lin , Sun Jin , Cai Yan‐Huan , Sarengaowa Sarengaowa , Li Hui , Cheng Hui‐Zhen , Wei Lan‐Hai
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Haplogroup C2a‐M48 is the predominant paternal lineage of Tungusic‐speaking populations, one of the largest population groups in Siberia. Up until now, the origins and dispersal of Tungusic‐speaking populations have remained unclear. In this study, the demographic history of Tungusic‐speaking populations was explored using the phylogenetic analysis of haplogroup C2a‐M86, the major subbranch of C2a‐M48.

Materials and methods

In total, 18 newly generated Y chromosome sequences from C2a‐M48 males and 20 previously available Y‐chromosome sequences from this haplogroup were analyzed. A highly revised phylogenetic tree of haplogroup C2a‐M86 with age estimates was reconstructed. Frequencies of this lineage in the literature were collected and a comprehensive analysis of this lineage in 13 022 individuals from 245 populations in Eurasia was performed.

Results

The distribution map of C2a‐M48 indicated the most probable area of origin and diffusion route of this paternal lineage in North Eurasia. Most C2a‐M86 samples from Tungusic‐speaking populations belonged to the sublineage C2a‐F5484, which emerged about 3300 years ago. We identified six unique sublineages corresponding to the Manchu, Evenks, Evens, Oroqen, and Daurpopulations; these sublineages diverged gradually over the past 1900 years. Notably, we observed a clear north‐south dichotomous structure for sublineages derived from C2a‐F5484, consistent with the internal north‐south divergence of Tungusic languages and ethnic groups.

Conclusions

We identified the important founding paternal haplogroup, C2a‐F5484, for Tungusic‐speaking populations as well as numerous unique subgroups of this haplogroup. We propose that the timeframe for the divergence of C2a‐F5484 corresponds with the early differentiation of ancestral Tungusic‐speaking populations.
Heterozygous missense variant in EIF6 gene: A novel form of Shwachman–Diamond syndrome?
Authors: Koh Ai Ling , Bonnard Carine , Lim Jiin Ying , Liew Woei Kang , Thoon Koh Cheng , Thomas Terrence , Ali Nur Ain Binte , Ng Alvin Yu Jin , Tohari Sumanty , Phua Kong Boo , Venkatesh Byrappa , Reversade Bruno , Jamuar Saumya Shekhar
Published: July 2020

Shwachman–Diamond syndrome (SDS) is a rare multisystem ribosomal biogenesis disorder characterized by exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, hematologic abnormalities and bony abnormalities. About 90% of patients have biallelic mutations in SBDS gene. Three additional genes—EFL1, DNAJC21 and SRP54 have been reported in association with a SDS phenotype. However, the cause remains unknown for ~10% of patients. Herein, we report a 6‐year‐old Chinese boy, who presented in the neonatal period with pancytopenia, liver transaminitis with hepatosplenomegaly and developmental delay, and subsequently developed pancreatic insufficiency complicated by malabsorption and poor growth. Exome sequencing identified a novel de novo heterozygous variant in EIF6 (c.182G>T, p.Arg61Leu). EIF6 protein inhibits ribosomal maturation and is removed in the late steps of ribosomal maturation by SBDS and EFL1 protein. Given the interaction of EIF6 with SBDS and EFL1, we postulate heterozygous variants in EIF6 as a novel cause of Shwachman–Diamond‐like phenotype. We compared the phenotype of our patient with those in patients with mutation in SBDS, EFL1, DNAJC21, and SRP54 genes to support this association. Identification of more cases of this novel phenotype would strengthen the association with the genetic etiology.
The association between newborn screening analytes as measured on a second screen and childhood autism in a Texas Medicaid population
Authors: Langlois Peter H. , Canfield Mark A. , Rutenberg Gary W. , Mandell Dorothy J. , Hua Fei , Reilly Brendan , Ruktanonchai Duke J. , Jackson Janice F. , Hunt Patricia , Freedenberg Debra , Lee Rachel , Villanacci John F.
Published: July 2020

Autism (or autism spectrum disorder [ASD]) is an often disabling childhood neurologic condition of mostly unknown cause. We previously explored whether there was an association of ASD with any analyte measured in the first newborn screening blood test. Here we explore the second screen. Our matched case–control study examined data on 3–5 year‐old patients with any ASD diagnosis in the Texas Medicaid system in 2010–2012. Subjects were linked to their 2007–2009 newborn screening blood test data, which included values for 36 analytes or analyte ratios. Data were available for 3,005 cases and 6,212 controls. The most compelling associations were evident for fatty acid oxidation analytes octanoylcarnitine (C8) and octanoylcarnitine/acetylcarnitine (C8/C2). Their adjusted odds ratios comparing 10th versus first analyte deciles were between 1.42 and 1.54 in total births, term births, and males. C8 was consistent with first screen results. Adipylcarnitine (C6DC), an organic acid analyte, showed opposite results in the two screens. Several other analytes exhibiting significant associations in the first screen did not in the second. Our results provide evidence that abnormal newborn blood levels of some carnitines may be associated with risk of later ASD, possibly related to their involvement with mitochondrial function in the developing brain.
Ontogenetic changes in femoral cross‐sectional geometry during childhood locomotor development
Authors: Swan Karen R. , Ives Rachel , Wilson Laura A. B. , Humphrey Louise T.
Published: July 2020

Objectives

The femur is a major weight‐bearing bone that is variably loaded throughout growth as children transition through locomotory states prior to the attainment of a mature bipedal gait. Here, we document ontogenetic trends in femoral cross‐sectional geometry (CSG) and explore how changes in loading regime may impact the structural arrangement of cortical bone along the length of the developing diaphysis.

Materials and methods

Micro‐CT scans of 110 immature femora were generated from a documented archaeological sample ranging in age from birth to 8.5 years old. CSG properties indicative of relative bone strength and bending rigidity were analyzed from cross‐sections extracted at 35%, 50% and 65% of total intermetaphyseal length.

Results

Infants experience a marked redistribution of cortical bone between birth and 7 months facilitating a more advantageous mechanical structure for early load bearing behaviors as bone is displaced further from the section centroid. Early walkers are characterized by a mediolaterally reinforced cross‐section that becomes more circular as gait continues to develop.

Discussion

During ontogeny the femur undergoes distinct morphological phases, which correspond with changes in loading regime. This study illustrates the importance of loading conditions in shaping immature bone morphology. Nonmechanical factors such as changes in hormonal environmental can also impact on this dynamic.
Sleep characteristics and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease pathology in cognitively intact older adults: The CABLE study
Authors: Xu Wei , Tan Lan , Su Bing‐Jie , Yu Huan , Bi Yan‐Lin , Yue Xiao‐Fang , Dong Qiang , Yu Jin‐Tai
Published: July 2020

Introduction

This study tested the self‐reported sleep characteristics associated with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers in cognitively intact older adults.

Methods

The linear and non‐linear regression analyses were conducted in 736 cognitively normal participants (mean [standard deviation; SD] age, 62.3 [10.5] years, range 40 to 88 years, 59% female) who had measurements of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) amyloid beta (Aβ) and tTau proteins and sleep characteristics, after adjusting for age, gender, education, apolipoprotein E gene (APOE) ε4 status, and general cognition.

Results

Greater daytime sleepiness was associated with higher CSF indicators of amyloid deposition in female patients. No significant associations were revealed for CSF tTau proteins after Bonferroni correction. A U‐shaped relationship was revealed for nocturnal sleep habits, such that those with insufficient or excessive nocturnal sleep duration had greater CSF biomarkers of amyloid deposition (the reflection range: bedtime: around 10:00 p.m. and sleep duration: 6.0 to 6.5 hours).

Discussion

These findings consolidated the close relationship between sleep and AD.
Facile Synthesis of Enantiopure Sugar Alcohols: Asymmetric Hydrogenation and Dynamic Kinetic Resolution Combined
Authors: Wang Jiang , Shao Pan‐Lin , Lin Xin , Ma Baode , Wen Jialin , Zhang Xumu
Published: July 2020

An unprecedented Ir/f‐amphox‐catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of racemic 2,3‐syn‐dihydroxy‐1,4‐diones is presented involving dynamic kinetic resolution, which produces (1R,2R,3R,4R)‐tetraols. This protocol constitutes an efficient and straightforward approach to accessing sugar alcohols bearing four contiguous stereocenters. The strategy exhibits various advantages over existing methods, including excellent yields (up to 98 %), exceptional stereoselectivities (up to 99:1 dr, 99.9 % ee), operational simplicity and substrate generality. Moreover, the nature of the reaction was revealed as a stepwise transformation by in situ Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and isolation of intermediates.
Computational insights into the coupling mechanism of benzoic acid, phenoxy acetylene and dihydroisoquinoline catalyzed by silver ion as polarizer and stabilizer
Authors: Cheng Xueli
Published: July 2020

The coupling mechanism of benzoic acid, phenoxy acetylene and dihydroisoquinoline in 1,4‐dioxane was investigated in detail using the M06‐L and M06‐2X functionals. The barriers for the energetically more favorable pathway are 179.9, 85.4 and 82.7 kJ/mol. Ag+ activates and polarizes the C ≡ C triple bond of phenoxy acetylene, and stabilizes the intermediate of α‐acyloxy enol ester. NCI analyses demonstrate that the π‐π stacking does not facilitate the coupling of benzoic acid and phenoxy acetylene. Due to the fact that α‐acyloxy enol ester is naturally highly polarized, the subsequent addition of α‐acyloxy enol ester and dihydroisoquinoline can occur without the aid of Ag+. The atomic polar tensor (APT) charge and fuzzy bond order (FBO) analysis reveal the variation of the two C‐N bonds.