bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plea Bargaining and Gender
Authors: Grubb Jonathan A.
Published: August 2019

Plea bargaining represents a quintessential staple of the US criminal justice system. One area that has received increasing levels of attention has been the role of gender within the plea‐bargaining process. From a historical perspective, early information about the development of the practice is practically devoid of how gender fits within bargaining. The evolving case history of plea bargaining has shown that gender is present within some of the most notable cases; however, the role of gender has been predominately constrained to the sex of the offender and victim. The greatest level of attention provided to the overlap of gender and plea bargaining has stemmed from the growing body of empirical research. Findings indicate a level of inconsistency pertaining to whether males or females are more likely to be favored by the process.
Pollak, Otto
Authors: Bing Robert L.
Published: August 2019

This entry explores Pollak's assertion that women commit crimes at the same levels as their male counterparts, yet their acts go undetected or may be protected through acts of chivalry. His assertions are discussed and debunked.
Pornography Laws
Authors: Perry Alice Elizabeth
Published: August 2019

This entry examines the history of pornography laws in the United States and how the law regulates obscenity. The courts continue to grapple with issues generated by the ubiquitous use of the Internet and issues like child pornography and female objectification.
Pregnant Female Offenders behind Bars
Authors: Abbott Laura
Published: August 2019

Between 4 and 10% of the worldwide female prison population are thought to be pregnant, many of them from disadvantaged backgrounds. Historically, women expecting illegitimate children were sent to prison and some would “plead their belly” to prevent punishment. In recent years, the Bangkok Rules have set out specific guidance for how prisons should manage women, including those who are pregnant. Despite this, there are variations worldwide as to how long babies will remain with their mothers, with a number of women separated from their babies soon after giving birth.
Pretrial Release and Female Offenders
Authors: Morgan Kathryn D.
Published: August 2019

Pretrial release is an important phase of criminal justice processing in the United States. Decisions made at this stage determine the defendant's custody status prior to trial. When defendants are released, they participate in their defense and maintain employment, family, and community ties. Detention leaves unconvicted offenders (pretrial detainees) in jail facing presumptions of guilt and the likelihood of a more severe and longer sentence. Females are more likely to be released on recognizance or released on bail; however, a substantial number of women are detained due to the inability to raise even the smallest bail amount. Juvenile girls also experience unnecessary pretrial detention that is more severe and longer than males. Most are girls and women of color, single mothers, poor, with histories of physical and sexual victimization, and mental and physical health conditions. Bail reform and other initiatives provide bail money and free girls and women to return to their families and communities.
Prison Reform
Authors: Gonzalez Cecelia L.
Published: August 2019

Prison reform is a controversial and complex topic. Furthermore, men and women have different risks and needs associated with criminal behavior, but the different pathways for men and women to prison have historically not been discussed. Prison reform efforts must consider these different pathways for effective interventions to reduce recidivism.
Professional Athletes and Crimes against Women
Authors: Merrill Monica
Published: August 2019

Athletic organizations are under increased pressure to prevent violence against women committed by their athletes. There have been numerous high‐profile cases of athletes engaging in intimate partner violence and rape/sexual assault over the past 40 years. Explanations range from celebrity status and entitlement, to spillover of legitimate violence, and masculinity. Athletic organizations are now engaging in increased education and prevention efforts based on this increased attention.
PTSD
and Domestic Violence
Authors: Grant Tanya M.
Published: August 2019

Domestic violence affects millions of women each year, often resulting in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a psychological condition, characterized by symptoms specifically associated with exposure to a traumatic event. Multiple studies have been conducted focusing on domestic violence and victims who experience PTSD, both during an active relationship and after leaving an abusive relationship. Providing appropriate and individualized resources and services to victims is critical for their active recovery and healing.
Rape Kits
Authors: Wright Elizabeth Q.
Published: August 2019

The physical actions associated with a rape/sexual assault often lead to the deposit of biological materials, and in some cases visual evidence of harm (bruising, scratches, and other physical marks) that can be collected as evidence to identify, charge, and prosecute a suspect and corroborate the narrative of the crime victim that an assault has occurred. The process by which this evidence is collected is known as a
sexual assault medical forensic exam
, more commonly termed “rape kit.” The process of evidence collection is detailed, lengthy, and may be painful, and it is guided by specific protocols developed to ensure that contamination does not spoil the materials collected. One would think testing of the evidence collected would be automatic, but recent research has found that it is not uncommon for a kit to be neglected, left on an evidence room shelf, and the evidence within to remain untested for years. Many questions remain regarding the contributing factors leading to the failure to test rape‐kit evidence; the answers to these questions will help to bring justice to victims and to identify and/or remove dangerous perpetrators from the public.
Rape Trauma
Authors: Wright Elizabeth Q.
Published: August 2019

Until the advent of the women's movement in the 1970s, victims of rape and sexual assault were seen to be primary provokers of the acts that were perpetrated against them. For this reason, little attention was paid to the short‐ and long‐term psychological effects of the crimes on the victims. As American society gained a better understanding of the impact of other types of trauma on those experiencing traumatic events (war, in particular) and the introduction of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a validated illness from which one might suffer, there also came a greater appreciation for the impact of rape and sexual assault on the victims of these crimes. The terms rape trauma (RT) and rape trauma syndrome (RTS) were coined to explain the long‐term impact of surviving a sex offense. Therapeutic methods could then be utilized to better address the symptoms associated with RTS (akin to PTSD) to aid victims in recovering from these traumatic events. However, the use of RTS in court has not been as widely accepted as PTSD.
Risk and Need Dimensions of Female Crime
Authors: Boppre Breanna
Published: August 2019

Women have distinct risk factors/criminogenic needs that contribute to their pathways through the criminal justice system. Prior feminist research highlighted the importance of abuse, trauma, mental health, relational issues, human and social capital, and substance abuse in the onset and persistence of women's law‐breaking behavior. Such risk factors are considered particularly salient in gender‐responsive actuarial assessment, which targets risks and needs most relevant to women.
Rosenberg, Ethel
Authors: Warner Jessica J.
Published: August 2019

On June 19, 1953, Ethel Rosenberg was executed, along with her husband Julius Rosenberg, for conspiracy to commit espionage. The daughter of a Russian immigrant, performer, and advocate for social justice, Ethel was one of the first US citizens to be executed for war crimes during peacetime. The evidence against her was controversial, and to this day, the borough of Manhattan still celebrates her political activism and subsequent injustice.
Safford Unified School District #1 v. Redding
Authors: Hemmens Craig
Published: August 2019

This case limits the ability of school administrators to conduct warrantless searches of schoolchildren for drugs, and allows aggrieved children to sue for violation of their Fourth Amendment rights if school administrators conduct such searches.
Salem Witch Trials
Authors: Decarlo Josephine , Eliason Grafton
Published: August 2019

The notorious witch trials of Salem, Massachusetts, occurring in 1692, have been studied from many perspectives including social, cultural, religious, historical, legal, medical, and psychological. Each of these fields has contributed important findings and valuable theories that the social sciences (especially criminology) cannot ignore going forward. This entry takes into account available medical findings, known relationships, and possible malice, incompetence, distorted perceptions, and cultural intolerance in our examination of the events so that historical justice can become more balanced.
Sex‐Role Theory, Offending, and Victimization
Authors: Ray Katherine
Published: August 2019

Criminological research offers a myriad of variables and theories in an attempt to explain the sex gap in offending and victimization. Role theories, specifically sex‐role theory, provides one explanation for this sex gap. Sex‐role theory argues that biologically determined sex, not self‐identified gender, can explain disparities in offending and victimization rates between males and females. Specifically, sex‐role theory aims to clarify sex disparities in offending and victimization through the socialization process of self‐development. This entry includes a brief introduction to role theory, specifically sex‐role theory. In addition, this entry describes how sex‐role theory can be applied to sex disparities in offending and victimization. Overall, sex‐role theory attempts to explain the sex gap in offending and victimization rates based on the socialization process of self‐development, which is rooted in cultural norms and expectations of behavior.
Sexual Discrimination in the Legal Profession
Authors: Wallace Wendell C.
Published: August 2019

History is replete with numerous examples of discrimination against persons from less privileged classes, nationalities, geographic locations, and ethnic and racial minorities. However, no form of discrimination is more perverse than sexual discrimination, especially when it occurs in the legal profession. Sexual discrimination in the legal profession is not new and is a global phenomenon that transcends nationality, geographical spaces, and ethnicity, and has been well documented throughout the world. In fact, sexual discrimination in the legal profession has been recognized as a problem in places such as Australia, Canada, India, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In recognition of the pervasiveness of sexual discrimination in the legal profession and with alleviation of the practice as a focal point, legal fraternities in many jurisdictions have responded by introducing contemporary antidiscrimination rules. However, in spite of numerous gains in reducing sexual discrimination against men and women, the practice continues unabated, though in covert forms, especially against women lawyers.
Social Control Theory and Female Offending
Authors: Harper Alexis J.
Published: August 2019

Social controls may influence males and females in different ways. Research has shown that certain types of informal social controls such as bonds with parents much more significantly insulate females from offending than males. Conversely, turning points such as marriage have been found to have more significant effects on reducing crime for males, while potentially increasing crime for females if they are involved with an antisocial partner. Formal sources of social control have also been found to differentially affect females, where females may receive less harsh penalties for crimes that are atypical of female offenders, such as violent crimes, but more harsh penalties for crimes such as drug use.
Social Structural Theories and Female Offending
Authors: Harper Alexis J.
Published: August 2019

Social structural theories of crime explain why individuals offend through notions of strain and social disorganization perspectives. It is important to consider how these explanations may be applicable for explaining male and female crime in different ways. Both males and females may experience strains, but the types of strains and how individuals react may vary. This is also true for the effect of neighborhood conditions on proclivity to offend, which may differentially affect males and females. While there are many explanations for why males generally commit more crime than females, it is necessary to consider how social structural theories account for the phenomena of female offending and contribute to policy initiatives that may be helpful in reducing crime among females.
Sotomayor, Justice Sonia
Authors: Gonzalez Arleen C.
Published: August 2019

Sonia Sotomayor is an associate justice of the US Supreme Court. Justice Sotomayor is of Puerto Rican descent and is the first Hispanic appointed to the Court. She was nominated by President Barack Obama and approved by the US Senate in 2009. She is generally viewed as siding with the more liberal judges of the Court.
Stoning
Authors: Kethineni Sesha , Cao Ying
Published: August 2019

In certain religious and traditional cultures, stoning (lapidation) is a method of execution in which a group of citizens throws rocks or stones at the person they intend to execute. Stoning is a form of punishment handed down by the judiciary, or a legitimate form of communal sanction either approved or tolerated in the absence of an appropriate judicial process or used in mob violence in certain countries. Although it takes many different forms, it is typically used as a form of community justice or capital punishment for offenses considered morally or criminally wrong. The sentence of stoning to death has existed for centuries.
Teachers and Child Sexual Abuse
Authors: Call Corey
Published: August 2019

During the academic year, children spend up to one‐third of their day at school in the presence of teachers. While the vast majority of teachers have never sexually abused a student, there have been documented cases of child sexual abuse by teachers. Educator sexual abuse may take several forms and has the potential to have a profound negative impact on the lives of the victims. The public appears to have strong perceptions of educator sexual abuse along gender lines as multiple studies reveal that sexual abuse involving female teachers and male students is perceived as less severe than sexual abuse involving male teachers and female students.
Trafficking in Persons
(TIP)
Report
Authors: Grubb Jonathan A.
Published: August 2019

The Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report is a comprehensive document constructed by the US Department of State to annually evaluate the extent that countries around the globe are combating human trafficking. The report classifies countries in one of three tiers based upon whether or not they adhere to specific principles outlined within the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA). Since 2001 the report has evolved to provide in‐depth detail and stories about various forms of human trafficking in addition to tier ratings.
United States
v.
Morrison
Authors: Blount‐Hill Kwan‐Lamar
Published: August 2019

The United States Supreme Court struck down §13981 of the Violence Against Women Act (“VAWA,” 42 U.S.C.), which had allowed victims of gender‐motivated violence to sue their assailants in federal court, determining that it was not authorized under either the Commerce Clause or Equal Protection Clause of the US Constitution.
Uniform Crime Report (
UCR
) and 2012 Redesign
Authors: Odunze Damian O.
Published: August 2019

Police measures of crime constitute the basis for the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. This national data series has been collected since 1930 to generate accurate crime statistics for law enforcement agencies and over the years has become the most widely cited on crime in the United States. As a result of inherent limitations, the UCR was supplemented by a National Incident‐Based Reporting System (NIBRS). This redesign includes a new definition of rape by the UCR, which is more inclusive and focuses on various forms of sexual penetration classified as rape.
Victim Impact Statements
Authors: Viglione Jill , Parker Robin Amber
Published: August 2019

Victim impact statements (VIS) are accounts offered during court proceedings and parole hearings by the victim of a crime. These statements include information regarding the offender and the effects of the victimization on the victim and the victim's family members. As a result of the victims' rights movement in the 1970s, victim participation during criminal proceedings became common practice with the passage of the Victim and Witness Protection Act of 1982. Today, all 50 states and the federal government have enacted some form of legislation allowing VIS in capital and noncapital court proceedings, and 90% of states allow VIS for consideration during parole hearings. Despite their more widespread use, VIS continue to be a controversial issue between protecting the defendant's Eighth Amendment rights and providing victims with the right to be heard during trial proceedings. Additionally, research on the impacts of VIS is mixed, finding little impact on judicial decision‐making but some influence on juror decision‐making processes.
Victim Services
Authors: Méndez Mónica
Published: August 2019

During the twentieth century, governments found a need to formalize victim services and provide access to victim justice and general assistance. Encompassing a vast array of assistance, victim services can range from monetary compensation to counseling and law enforcement involvement. The depth of the services depends on the geography, funding, and expertise of the agencies offering the services. International differences in the acceptance of definitions of crime and victimization limit formal victim services to those crimes recognized by governments or governing bodies, making it necessary for the continuation of informal victim services.
Victims Movement
Authors: Jones Lynn
Published: August 2019

The victims movement combined concerns raised by the civil rights and feminist movements with law‐and‐order policy efforts to get tough on crime while advancing the cause of victims. By the 1980s in the United States, the redefined victims' rights movement, or VRM, was creating state‐level legal protections for victims, as well as enjoining with federal organizations and actions to support greater funding for victim services. Today, the victims' movement continues to press for improved justice response to a range of victims, including those often marginalized in society.
Victims of Trafficking and Violence Prevention Act (
TVPA
) and Reauthorization
Authors: Cecchet Stacy J.
Published: August 2019

Human trafficking is the fastest growing and second largest form of international criminal activity. It is characterized by extreme violence, and its vast covert structure. In 2000, the United States passed the first comprehensive federal law against human trafficking, the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act (TVPA), to combat trafficking in persons. The implementation of the TVPA included a multifaceted approach to extinguishing human trafficking through the prosecution of traffickers, sustainable human trafficking prevention efforts, and protection programs for survivors and their families. It also mandated minimum standards for international governments to adopt to address and reduce human trafficking. Through the TVPA, the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons was established to collect international data on human trafficking and provide an annual a tier‐based assessment of each country's response to combating trafficking in an annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report.
Weapon Use and Female Offenders
Authors: Harpster Nick T.
Published: August 2019

Weapon use among female offenders has not been an interest of study until recently. Females are still seen as victims more often than offenders, especially violent offenders. Female offenders use hands and feet as weapons most often, then knives or other cutting instruments. Handguns are used least frequently when a female offender decides to use a weapon. Handguns are typically used when the victim is male or the offender feels that they need to offset a physical disadvantage. The likelihood of using a handgun also increases when a female commits a crime with a male co‐offender. Most of the time women offenders do not use weapons, but when they do, the victim tends to be a male or their main intention is a homicide. In the case of sexual homicides committed by women, nearly 90% of these deaths are from the use of handguns or knives.
International Probation Services for Female Offenders
Authors: Carr Nicola
Published: August 2019

Criticisms of “malestream” correctional approaches, alongside concerns in some countries regarding rising prison numbers, have increased calls for more gender‐responsive approaches to women in the criminal justice system and, in particular, in the provision of probation and community‐based sanctions. Gender‐responsive approaches may include therapeutic counseling for victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse, treatment for mental health issues, and educational and training programs. Such programs should take into account the need for child care, the provision of women‐only services, and a trauma‐informed approach to practice. However, while the needs of women are increasingly recognized within probation services, they can also be contingent to the vagaries of funding provision and shifting priorities.
Spatial Patterns of Female Offending
Authors: Zawisza Thomas
Published: August 2019

Spatial research dating to the early 1800s has shown that crime trips are relative short and tend to cluster in space. These findings have been continuously echoed in contemporary literature. Few studies within this body of research have examined the extent to which these findings apply to female offenders. This entry provides a brief overview of literature examining the spatial dimension of female offenders, specifically the distance female offenders travel when offending.
NSDUH ‘mistake’? Fewer people treated for illicit drug use, none for heroin
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: August 2019

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) showed that treatment for illicit drug use declined in 2018, from 2.2 million in 2017 to 1.8 million in 2018. In 2018, treatment for heroin was not even on the chart. There was no data.
Koob: Understanding negative reinforcers of opioids could uncover new treatments
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: August 2019

A new research paper on the neurobiology of opioid addiction is replete with complex terms, such as the pivotal “hyperkatifeia” (coined about a decade ago to describe an increase in the intensity of the negative emotional signs of drug withdrawal). But the primary takeaway message from the report's author, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) Director George Koob, M.D., is much more accessible and direct.
Alcohol interactions with prescriptions: Limits of FDA authority
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: August 2019

Many prescription medications have alcohol warning labels — so many that consumers, and even physicians, may be tempted to disregard them. If the prescriber knows more about the medications than about alcohol, this situation isn't helped. But who is responsible for making sure the labels are accurate and heeded? Prescription drugs and labeling are strictly controlled by the Food and Drug Administration, but alcohol isn't. Who is in charge when it comes to interactions?
SAMHSA issues proposals affecting OTPs
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: August 2019

The federal Department of Health and Human Services issued three proposals and rules affecting opioid treatment programs (OTPs) by press time.
Preprogrammed Dynamic Microstructured Polymer Interfaces
Authors: Tokarev Igor , Minko Sergiy
Published: August 2019

The advancement of new‐generation complex integrated responsive systems depends on the progress in the development of functional stimuli‐responsive polymer components that could be put together and engineered to perform in concert as an ensemble. This progress report highlights recent substantial progress in the development of such soft‐matter components capable of changes according to preprogrammed scenarios. The components interact via interfaces that play a key role in the performance of the microstructured materials. The list of the most important properties that can be changed by altering the interfaces upon external stimuli includes gating, transport, release, wetting, adhesion, and self‐regeneration (healing) realized in different architectures of soft stimuli‐responsive materials.
Laser Fabrication of Graphene‐Based Flexible Electronics
Authors: You Rui , Liu Yu‐Qing , Hao Yi‐Long , Han Dong‐Dong , Zhang Yong‐Lai , You Zheng
Published: August 2019

Recent years have witnessed the rise of graphene and its applications in various electronic devices. Specifically, featuring excellent flexibility, transparency, conductivity, and mechanical robustness, graphene has emerged as a versatile material for flexible electronics. In the past decade, facilitated by various laser processing technologies, including the laser‐treatment‐induced photoreduction of graphene oxides, flexible patterning, hierarchical structuring, heteroatom doping, controllable thinning, etching, and shock of graphene, along with laser‐induced graphene on polyimide, graphene has found broad applications in a wide range of electronic devices, such as power generators, supercapacitors, optoelectronic devices, sensors, and actuators. Here, the recent advancements in the laser fabrication of graphene‐based flexible electronic devices are comprehensively summarized. The various laser fabrication technologies that have been employed for the preparation, processing, and modification of graphene and its derivatives are reviewed. A thorough overview of typical laser‐enabled flexible electronic devices that are based on various graphene sources is presented. With the rapid progress that has been made in the research on graphene preparation methodologies and laser micronanofabrication technologies, graphene‐based electronics may soon undergo fast development.
Intermolecular Chemistry in Solid Polymer Electrolytes for High‐Energy‐Density Lithium Batteries
Authors: Zhou Qian , Ma Jun , Dong Shanmu , Li Xianfeng , Cui Guanglei
Published: August 2019

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) have aroused wide interest in lithium batteries because of their sufficient mechanical properties, superior safety performances, and excellent processability. However, ionic conductivity and high‐voltage compatibility of SPEs are still yet to meet the requirement of future energy‐storage systems, representing significant barriers to progress. In this regard, intermolecular interactions in SPEs have attracted attention, and they can significantly impact on the Li+ motion and frontier orbital energy level of SPEs. Recent advances in improving electrochemcial performance of SPEs are reviewed, and the underlying mechanism of these proposed strategies related to intermolecular interaction is discussed, including ion–dipole, hydrogen bonds, π–π stacking, and Lewis acid–base interactions. It is hoped that this review can inspire a deeper consideration on this critical issue, which can pave new pathway to improve ionic conductivity and high‐voltage performance of SPEs.
Two‐Photon Direct Laser Writing of Inverse‐Designed Free‐Form Near‐Infrared Polarization Beamsplitter
Authors: Wei Heming , Callewaert Francois , Hadibrata Wisnu , Velev Vesselin , Liu Zizhuo , Kumar Prem , Aydin Koray , Krishnaswamy Sridhar
Published: August 2019

This paper presents an inverse‐designed 3D‐printed polymer‐based broadband free‐form polarization beamsplitter in the near‐infrared. A computational inverse‐design method is used to design a thin free‐form meta‐grating to split normally incident light with different polarizations to different diffraction orders, one toward the left first order and one toward the right first order. The grating is 3D‐printed using two‐photon direct laser writing. Polarization splitting behavior is experimentally observed in the near‐infrared region for wavelengths of 1.3 and 1.55 µm, and with performance metrics close to the simulation values. The proposed platform combining inverse‐design and 3D‐printing can be extended to the design, fabrication, and integration of multiple broadband photonic structures to build devices with complex functionalities.
Apparent Piezo‐Photocurrent Modulation in Methylammonium Lead Iodide Perovskite Photodetectors
Authors: Khorramshahi Fatemeh , Woughter Adam G. , Ram Manoj K. , Kymissis Ioannis , Takshi Arash
Published: August 2019

Methylammonium lead iodide perovskite (MAPbI3) have recently been found to have piezoelectricity which can enhance the performance of MAPbI3‐based photodetectors in the form of piezo‐phototronic effects or can be employed in fabricating hybrid photovoltaic devices. In this work, the effect of an external force in different directions on the photocurrent of a lateral structure of an indium tin oxide (ITO)–MAPbI3–ITO photodetector is investigated. The photodetector is fabricated by using the capillary motion of a solution containing the perovskite precursor on a microchannel. The structure is characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and atomic force microscopy. The current–voltage characteristics and current transient responses are measured under different conditions of dark and light. Additionally, an apparent piezo‐photocurrent modulation is observed under both normal and transverse forces on MAPbI3 by testing the device under normal forces and bending conditions (inward and outward). In the highest state, the photocurrent is increased by 97% when 340 kPa normal force is applied to the device. At this state, the device shows a Iph/Idark of 3250 at 2.0 V bias with a photocurrent of ≈6.9 µA and responsivity of 14.56 mA W−1. These results promise utilizing MAPbI3 in piezotronic applications and hybrid energy harvesters.
An Air‐Stable and Dendrite‐Free Li Anode for Highly Stable All‐Solid‐State Sulfide‐Based Li Batteries
Authors: Liang Jianwen , Li Xiaona , Zhao Yang , Goncharova Lyudmila V. , Li Weihan , Adair Keegan R. , Banis Mohammad Norouzi , Hu Yongfeng , Sham Tsun‐Kong , Huang Huan , Zhang Li , Zhao Shangqian , Lu Shigang , Li Ruying , Sun Xueliang
Published: August 2019

Li metal is a promising anode material for all‐solid‐state batteries, owing to its high specific capacity and low electrochemical potential. However, direct contact of Li metal with most solid‐state electrolytes induces severe side reactions that can lead to dendrite formation and short circuits. Moreover, Li metal is unstable when exposed to air, leading to stringent processing requirements. Herein, it is reported that the Li3PS4/Li interface in all‐solid‐state batteries can be stabilized by an air‐stable LixSiSy protection layer that is formed in situ on the surface of Li metal through a solution‐based method. Highly stable Li cycling for over 2000 h in symmetrical cells and a lifetime of over 100 cycles can be achieved for an all‐solid‐state LiCoO2/Li3PS4/Li cell. Synchrotron‐based high energy X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy in‐depth analysis demonstrates the distribution of different components within the protection layer. The in situ formation of an electronically insulating LixSiSy protection layer with highly ionic conductivity provides an effective way to prevent Li dendrite formation in high‐energy all‐solid‐state Li metal batteries.
Maternal ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency, a genetic condition associated with high maternal and neonatal mortality every clinician should know: A systematic review
Authors: Torkzaban Mehnoosh , Haddad Andrew , Baxter Jason K. , Berghella Vincenzo , Gahl William A. , Al‐Kouatly Huda B.
Published: August 2019

Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD) is a rare X‐linked urea cycle disorder. Maternal OTCD can lead to life‐threatening hyperammonemia if untreated. We aimed to compare the outcomes of maternal OTCD when diagnosis is known prior to pregnancy to when diagnosis is made during pregnancy. We performed a systematic literature review on maternal OTCD using the databases Ovid MEDLINE and PubMed from 1982 through 2018. Studies were included if addressed maternal OTCD signs, symptoms, and detailed pregnancy outcomes. We calculated the median or the mean for continuous variables and percentages for categorical variables. Of 36 cases of maternal OTCD, 20 (55%) were diagnosed prior to pregnancy while 16 (45%) were not. In the 20 patients diagnosed prior to pregnancy, 7 (35%) had either a neurologic or psychiatric presentation during pregnancy or postpartum. Two hyperammonemic patients (11%) experienced ICU admission, dialysis, and coma with no maternal deaths. All had a favorable outcome. In the 16 patients not known to have maternal OTCD prior to pregnancy, 13 (81%) had neurologic or psychiatric presentation during pregnancy or postpartum. Four presented with hyperemesis gravidarum. Eleven (69%) hyperammonemic patients had ICU admission and coma and 7 (47%) of them had dialysis. There were 5 (31%) maternal deaths. Three patients (19%) had prolonged hospitalization course. Overall, three male neonatal deaths were reported. Three other male children had liver transplant. Maternal OTCD is associated with high maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality when diagnosis is made during pregnancy compared to when diagnosis is known prior to pregnancy.
Statistical Interaction Description of Pauli Crystals in 2D Systems of Harmonically Confined Fermions
Authors: Ciftja Orion , Batle Josep
Published: August 2019

It is conjectured that the Pauli exclusion principle alone may be responsible for a particular geometric arrangement of confined systems of identical fermions even when there is no interaction between them. These geometric structures, called Pauli crystals, are predicted for a two‐dimensional (2D) system of free fermions under harmonic confinement. In this work, the possibility of this outcome is pursued and a theoretical model is considered that may capture both qualitatively and quantitatively, the key features of the abovementioned setup. The results for and 6 particles show that the minimum energy configuration corresponds to and is in good quantitative agreement with the reported values of Pauli crystals seen in single‐shot imaging data obtained via the configuration density technique. Numerical results for larger systems of and 30 particles show that the crystalline configurations observed are not the same as the classical Wigner crystal structures that emerge should the confined charged particles interact with a Coulomb potential. An important question floated is whether such crystalline structures do really exist in a quantum system or whether they are artifacts of the methods used to analyze them.
Duality of Spoof Surface Plasmon Polaritons on the Complementary Structures of Ultrathin Metal Films
Authors: Liang Chengyao , Liu Liang , Chai Jiwang , Xiang Hong , Han Dezhuan
Published: August 2019

Complementary metal structures manifest a remarkable scattering feature, known as Babinet's principle. Meanwhile, for surface modes confined to one or two dimensions, the relation between the modes on complementary structures has not been thoroughly studied. Here, spoof surface plasmon polaritons supported on complementary metal films are systematically investigated. The duality of electromagnetism guarantees that these surface modes on complementary metal films possess precisely the same dispersion regardless of the geometry of the grooves, which is confirmed by both numerical simulations and experimental measurements. This work may open another avenue for spoof surface plasmon polaritons in both the theoretical and practical aspects.
Sign Inversion in Photopharmacology: Incorporation of Cyclic Azobenzenes in Photoswitchable Potassium Channel Blockers and Openers
Authors: Trads Julie B. , Hüll Katharina , Matsuura Bryan S. , Laprell Laura , Fehrentz Timm , Görldt Nicole , Kozek Krystian A. , Weaver C. David , Klöcker Nikolaj , Barber David M. , Trauner Dirk
Published: August 2019

Photopharmacology relies on ligands that change their pharmacodynamics upon photoisomerization. Many of these ligands are azobenzenes that are thermodynamically more stable in their elongated trans‐configuration. Often, they are biologically active in this form and lose activity upon irradiation and photoisomerization to their cis‐isomer. Recently, cyclic azobenzenes, so‐called diazocines, have emerged, which are thermodynamically more stable in their bent cis‐form. Incorporation of these switches into a variety of photopharmaceuticals could convert dark‐active ligands into dark‐inactive ligands, which is preferred in most biological applications. This “pharmacological sign‐inversion” is demonstrated for a photochromic blocker of voltage‐gated potassium channels, termed CAL, and a photochromic opener of G protein‐coupled inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels, termed CLOGO.
A Dual‐Response DNA Probe for Simultaneously Monitoring Enzymatic Activity and Environmental pH Using a Nanopore
Authors: Liu Lei , You Yi , Zhou Ke , Guo Bingyuan , Cao Zhong , Zhao Yuliang , Wu Hai‐Chen
Published: August 2019

Both protease overexpression and local pH changes are key signatures of cancer. However, the sensitive detection of protease activities and the accurate measurement of pH in a tumor environment remain challenging. Here, we develop a dual‐response DNA probe that can simultaneously monitor protease activities and measure the local pH by translocation through α‐hemolysin (αHL). The DNA probe bears a short peptide containing phenylalanine at a pre‐designed position. Enzymatic cleavage of the peptide either exposes or removes the N‐terminal phenylalanine that can form a complex with cucurbit[7]uril. Translocation of the DNA hybrid through αHL generates current signatures that can be used to quantify protease activities. Furthermore, the current signatures possess a pH‐dependent pattern that reflects the local pH. Our results demonstrate that the versatile DNA probe may be further explored for simultaneously measuring multiple parameters of a complex system such as single cells in the future.
A Highly Elastic and Reversibly Stretchable All‐Polymer Supercapacitor
Authors: Wang Yukun , Chen Feng , Liu Zhuoxin , Tang Zijie , Yang Qi , Zhao Yan , Du Shanyi , Chen Qiang , Zhi Chunyi
Published: August 2019

Multiple stretchability has never been demonstrated as supercapacitors because the hydrogel used cannot fully recover after being heavily deformed. Now, a highly reversibly stretchable all‐polymer supercapacitor was fabricated using a developed double network hydrogel (DN hydrogel) as electrolyte and pure polypyrrole (PPy) as electrode. The DN hydrogel provides excellent mechanical properties, which can be stretched up to 500 % many times and then restore almost 100 % of the original length. To fabricate the fully recoverable stretchable supercapacitor, we annealed a free‐standing pure conducting polymer film as electrode so that the electrodes induced retardance is minimized. The as‐fabricated DN hydrogel/pure conducting polymer supercapacitors can be perfectly recovered from 100 % strain with almost no residual deformation left and the electrochemical performance can be maintained even after 1000 stretches (but not bending).
Super‐hydrophilic electrospun PVDF/PVA‐blended nanofiber membrane for microfiltration with ultrahigh water flux
Authors: Li Meimei , Li Jingde , Zhou Mi , Xian Yupei , Shui Yonggang , Wu Mengqiang , Yao Yongyi
Published: August 2019

This work provides a novel approach to improve not only water flux but also fouling resistance of Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes. PVDF/Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)‐blended nanofiber membranes were prepared via electrospinning method. The structure and performance of blended nanofiber membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM), attenuated total reflection‐Fourier‐transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), contact angle measurement, tensile mechanical measurement, and filtration experiments. These results indicate that PVA was uniformly blend in the PVDF matrix. This blended nanofiber membranes with the ridge‐and‐valley structure and bicontinuous phase exhibited the hydrophilic performance and super‐wettability, which is reflected in a drop of water fully spread within 1.44 s. Filtration experiments showed that the blended nanofiber membranes have ultrahigh flux and low irreversible fouling ratio. In general, this work enhances the possibility of hydrophilic modification of hydrophobic PVDF membranes. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48416.
Porous Cationic Covalent Triazine‐Based Frameworks as Platforms for Efficient CO2 and Iodine Capture
Authors: Xu Guangjuan , Zhu Yiang , Xie Wei , Zhang Shuran , Yao Chan , Xu Yanhong
Published: August 2019

Porous cationic covalent triazine‐based frameworks (CTFs) with imidazolium salts as tectons were prepared via ionothermal synthesis. The high‐PF6−‐content CTF shows the CO2 adsorption of 44.7 cm3 g−1 and I2 capture capacity of 312 wt %. The influence of counterion species and contents on the porosities, CO2 adsorptions, and I2 capture capacities of the CTFs has been investigated.
Human model of burn injury that quantifies the benefit of cooling as a first aid measure
Authors: Wright E H , Tyler M , Vojnovic B , Pleat J , Harris A , Furniss D
Published: August 2019

Background

Burn injuries are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Cooling is widely practised as a first aid measure, but the efficacy of cooling burns in human skin has not been demonstrated. A safe, consistent, ethically acceptable model of burning and cooling in live human skin in vivo was developed, and used to quantify the effects of cooling.

Methods

Novel apparatus was manufactured to create and cool burns in women who were anaesthetized for breast reconstruction surgery using a deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap. Burns were excised between 1 and 3 h after creation, and analysed using histopathological assessment.

Results

All 25 women who were approached agreed to take part in the study. There were no adverse events. Increased duration of contact led to increased burn depth, with a contact time of 7·5 s at 70°C leading to a mid-dermal burn. Burn depth progressed over time following injury, but importantly this was modified by cooling the burn at 16°C for 20 min. On average, cooling salvaged 25·2 per cent of the dermal thickness.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the favourable effects of cooling on human burns. Public heath messaging should emphasize cooling as first aid for burns. This model will allow analysis of the molecular effects of cooling burns, and provide a platform for testing novel therapies aimed at reducing the impact of burn injury.
Validation of a nomogram to predict the risk of cancer in patients with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm and main duct dilatation of 10 mm or less
Authors: Jung W , Park T , Kim Y , Park H , Han Y , He J , Wolfgang C L , Blair A , Rashid M F , Kluger M D , Su G H , Chabot J A , Yang C-Y , Lou W , Valente R , Del Chiaro M , Shyr Y-M , Wang S-E , Huijgevoort N C M , Besselink M G , Yang Y , Kim H , Kwon W , Kim S-W , Jang J-Y
Published: August 2019

Background

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) is premalignant pancreatic lesion. International guidelines offer limited predictors of individual risk. A nomogram to predict individual IPMN malignancy risk was released, with good diagnostic performance based on a large cohort of Asian patients with IPMN. The present study validated a nomogram to predict malignancy risk and invasiveness of IPMN using both Eastern and Western cohorts.

Methods

Clinicopathological and radiological data from patients who underwent pancreatic resection for IPMN at four centres each in Eastern and Western countries were collected. After excluding patients with missing data for at least one malignancy predictor in the nomogram (main pancreatic duct diameter, cyst size, presence of mural nodule, serum carcinoembryonic antigen and carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9 levels, and age).

Results

In total, data from 393 patients who fit the criteria were analysed, of whom 265 were from Eastern and 128 from Western institutions. Although mean age, sex, log value of serum CA19-9 level, tumour location, main duct diameter, cyst size and presence of mural nodule differed between the Korean/Japanese, Eastern and Western cohorts, rates of malignancy and invasive cancer did not differ significantly. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve values for the nomogram predicting malignancy were 0·745 for Eastern, 0·856 for Western and 0·776 for combined cohorts; respective values for the nomogram predicting invasiveness were 0·736, 0·891 and 0·788.

Conclusions

External validation of the nomogram showed good performance in predicting cancer in both Eastern and Western patients with IPMN lesions.
The evolution of corporate no net loss and net positive impact biodiversity commitments: Understanding appetite and addressing challenges
Authors: de Silva Gyan Charitha , Regan Eugenie Christine , Pollard Edward Henry Beattie , Addison Prue Frances Elizabeth
Published: August 2019

The World Economic Forum has identified biodiversity loss as an increasingly significant and impactful risk facing business. However, businesses themselves can negatively impact on biodiversity. Recognizing this, a number of companies have developed their own biodiversity commitments, including those to achieve a no net loss (NNL) or net positive impact (NPI) on biodiversity by balancing or outweighing any negative impacts through mitigation activities. We reviewed corporate‐level NNL and NPI commitments over the last two decades to establish the extent of their adoption, retraction, and scientific foundation. Between 2001 and 2016, 66 companies had made NNL/NPI environmental commitments. Thirty three of these 66 companies made specific biodiversity commitments. The numbers of companies making commitments increased in that period. However, some commitments were retracted, or their status became unclear, leaving only 18 companies with active NNL/NPI biodiversity commitments in 2016. Added to this, many of the commitments are lacking science‐based criteria that would allow more transparent and systematic assessment of corporate activities. Thus, although commitments are being made, they may not be delivering as intended. To secure real biodiversity gains, we recommend advancing methods to assess biodiversity risks to businesses, and using science‐based criteria to deepen corporate commitments and actions. Concerted effort from all sectors is needed to halt and reverse biodiversity loss, and the “biodiversity policy super‐year” of 2020 is the perfect moment for business to deliver through well‐framed and implemented commitments to biodiversity NPI.