bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A‐site Cation Engineering for Highly Efficient MAPbI3 Single‐Crystal X‐ray Detector
Authors: Huang Yanmin , Qiao Lu , Jiang Yuanzhi , He Tingwei , Long Run , Yang Fan , Wang Lin , Lei Xiaojuan , Yuan Mingjian , Chen Jun
Published: September 2019

Metal halide perovskites have emerged as a new generation of X‐ray detector materials. However, large‐sized MAPbI3 single crystals (SCs) still exhibit lower performance than MAPbBr3 SCs in X‐ray detection. DFT (density functional theory) simulations suggest the problem could be overcome by alloying large‐sized cations at the A site. The alloyed process could notably decrease the electron–phonon coupling strength and increase the material defect formation energy. Accordingly, centimeter‐sized alloyed DMAMAPbI3 (DMA=dimethylammonium) and GAMAPbI3 (GA=guanidinium) SCs are obtained. Electrical characterizations confirm the GAMAPbI3 SCs display improved charge collection efficiency. It also exhibits a remarkable reduction of dark current, an important figure of merit for X‐ray detectors. With a judiciously designed device architecture, the overall detector performance confirms GAMAPbI3 SCs as one of the most sensitive perovskite X‐ray detectors to date.
The Evolving Role of Professional Societies in International Collaboration: Partners for Progress and Prosperity
Authors: Wu Marinda Li
Published: September 2019

The chemistry enterprise is evolving, becoming increasingly multidisciplinary and global. The roles of societies that support the chemistry profession must also evolve and adapt. Traditional roles for professional societies have included sharing research, providing access to information and technologies, and supporting education excellence. Global challenges now provide sister international societies with opportunities to collaborate on: 1) improving the public image of chemistry, 2) identifying and supporting global job opportunities as markets shift, and 3) promoting diversity and inclusion to accelerate progress. Moreover, societies can work together to foster sustainable development by tackling grand challenges to provide clean water, affordable energy, zero hunger, and much more. Sister society collaboration on such challenges, as reflected in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, is the basis for the American Chemical Society's new Chemistry Enterprise Partnerships. Professional societies can truly help transform our world by partnering for progress and prosperity.
Dihalomethanes as Bent Bifunctional XB/XB‐Donating Building Blocks for Construction of Metal‐involving Halogen Bonded Hexagons
Authors: Kashina Maria V. , Kinzhalov Mikhail A. , Smirnov Andrey S. , Ivanov Daniil M. , Novikov Alexander S. , Kukushkin Vadim Yu.
Published: September 2019

The dihalomethanes CH2X2 (X=Cl, Br, I) were co‐crystallized with the isocyanide complexes trans‐[MXM2(CNC6H4‐4‐XC)2] (M=Pd, Pt; XM=Br, I; XC=F, Cl, Br) to give an extended series comprising 15 X‐ray structures of isostructural adducts featuring 1D metal‐involving hexagon‐like arrays. In these structures, CH2X2 behave as bent bifunctional XB/XB‐donating building blocks, whereas trans‐[MXM2(CNC6H4‐4‐XC)2] act as a linear XB/XB acceptors. Results of DFT calculations indicate that all XCH2–X⋅⋅⋅XM–M contacts are typical noncovalent interactions with estimated strengths in the range of 1.3–3.2 kcal mol−1. A CCDC search reveals that hexagon‐like arrays are rather common but previously overlooked structural motives for adducts of trans‐bis(halide) complexes and halomethanes.
Design and Applications of Small Molecular Probes for Calcium Detection
Authors: Roopa  , Kumar Naresh , Kumar Manoj , Bhalla Vandana
Published: September 2019

The physiological significance of calcium ions such as the role in cellular signalling, cell growth, etc. have driven the development of methods to detect and monitor the level of Ca2+ ions, both in vivo and in vitro. Although various approaches for the detection of calcium ions have been reported, methods based on small molecular fluorescent probes have unique advantages including small probe size, easy monitoring of detection processes and applicability in biological systems. In this review article, we will discuss the progress in the development of Ca2+‐binding fluorescent probes by taking into account the types of chelating groups that have been employed for Ca2+ binding.
Re‐Investigation of Hydration Potential of Rhodococcus Whole‐Cell Biocatalysts towards Michael Acceptors
Authors: Busch Hanna , Alvarenga Natália , Abdelraheem Eman , Hoek Max , Hagedoorn Peter‐Leon , Hanefeld Ulf
Published: September 2019

The implementation of a stereoselective Michael addition with water as substrate is still a major challenge by classical, chemical means. Inspired by nature's ability to carry out this attractive reaction with both high selectivity and efficiency, the interest in hydratases (EC 4.2.1.x) to accomplish a selective water addition is steadily rising. The gram‐positive bacterial genus Rhodococcus is known as biocatalytic powerhouse and has been reported to hydrate various Michael acceptors leading to chiral alcohols. This study aimed at the in‐depth re‐investigation of the hydration potential of Rhodococcus whole‐cells towards Michael acceptors. Here, two concurrent effects responsible for the hydration reaction were found: while the majority of substrates was hydrated in an oxygen‐independent manner by amino‐acid catalysis, an enzyme‐catalysed water addition to (E)‐4‐hydroxy‐3‐methylbut‐2‐enoic acid was proven to be oxygen‐dependent. 18O2‐labelling studies showed that no 18O2 was incorporated in the product. Therefore, a novel O2‐dependent hydratase distinct from all characterised hydratases so far was found.
Synthesis and Cellular Labeling of Caged Phosphatidylinositol Derivatives
Authors: Müller Rainer , Citir Mevlut , Hauke Sebastian , Schultz Carsten
Published: September 2019

Phosphatidylinositol (PI) is the biosynthetic precursor for seven phosphoinositides, important signaling lipids in cells. A membrane‐permeant caged PI derivative featuring a photo‐removable coumarinyl group masking the negative charge of the phosphate, as well as two enzymatically removable butyrate esters for increased lipophilicity and for preventing phosphate migration, were synthesized. Rapid cell entry and cellular labeling in fixed cells was demonstrated by a photo‐cross‐linkable diazirine followed by attachment of a fluorophore through click chemistry. Using this technique, we found that the multifunctional caged PI derivative resided predominantly at internal membranes but rapidly changed to the plasma membrane after uncaging. Accordingly, a preliminary proteomic analysis of the lipid–protein conjugates revealed that the two major PI transport proteins PITPα and β were prime targets of the photo‐cross‐linked PI derivative.
NMR Spectroscopy–Based Metabolic Profiling of Biospecimens
Authors: Sengupta Arjun , Weljie Aalim M.
Published: September 2019

Metabolomics refers to study of metabolites in biospecimens such as blood serum, tissues, and urine. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS/MS; mass spectrometry coupled with liquid chromatography) are most frequently employed to analyze complex biological/clinical samples. NMR is a relatively insensitive tool compared to UPLC‐MS/MS but offers straightforward quantification and identification and easy sample processing. One‐dimensional 1H NMR spectroscopy is inherently quantitative and can be readily used for metabolite quantification without individual metabolite standards. Two‐dimensional spectroscopy is most commonly used for identification of metabolites but can also be used quantitatively. Although NMR experiments are unbiased regarding the chemical nature of the analyte, it is crucial to adhere to the proper metabolite extraction protocol for optimum results. Selection and implementation of appropriate NMR pulse programs are also important. Finally, employment of the correct metabolite quantification strategy is crucial as well. In this unit, step‐by‐step guidance for running an NMR metabolomics experiment from typical biospecimens is presented. The unit describes an optimized metabolite extraction protocol, followed by implementation of NMR experiments and quantification strategies using the so‐called “targeted profiling” technique. This approach relies on an underlying basis set of metabolite spectra acquired under similar conditions. Some strategies for statistical analysis of the data are also presented. Overall, this set of protocols should serve as a guide for anyone who wishes to enter the world of NMR‐based metabolomics analysis. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Basic Protocol 1: Metabolite extraction from different biospecimens

Basic Protocol 2: Preparation of dried upper fraction for NMR analysis

Alternate Protocol: Preparation of urine samples for NMR analysis

Basic Protocol 3: NMR experiments

Basic Protocol 4: Spectral processing and quantification of metabolites

Basic Protocol 5: Statistical analysis of the data
miR‐218 regulates diabetic nephropathy via targeting IKK‐β and modulating NK‐κB‐mediated inflammation
Authors: Li Mo , Guo Qiushi , Cai Hanqing , Wang Haiyang , Ma Zhiming , Zhang Xuan
Published: September 2019

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a common clinically relevant complication of diabetes that is associated with damage to the capillaries, yet the etiology of this condition remains unclear. Nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) activation is known to be associated with DN‐related inflammation and disease progression. Recent work indicated that microRNAs are diagnostic biomarkers of DN progression associated with inﬂammation in the progression of DN. miR‐218 is known to play key regulatory roles in certain cancers in humans, while its influence on DN pathology remains uncertain. The present study, therefore, sought to assess how miR‐218 influences the progression of disease in both a rat streptozotocin‐induced model of DN and as well as an in vitro model system in which mouse podocytes were stimulated with high glucose levels. We found miR‐218 to be markedly downregulated in both model systems relative to appropriate controls, and this downregulation was associated with IKK‐β upregulation. In DN rat model, overexpressing miR‐218 was sufficient to reduce renal injury. We further determined that podocyte proliferation was markedly impaired by glucose treatment, leading to the apoptotic death of these cells, and miR‐218 mimics were able to reduce these phenotypes. Overexpressing miR‐218 also significantly dampened inflammatory responses in this model system, as evidenced by reduced tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), IL‐1β, and MCP‐1 levels. We then confirmed that miR‐218 targeting the messenger RNA encoding IKK‐β using a dual‐luciferase reporter assay. Together, our results provide clear evidence that miR‐218 regulate NF‐κB‐mediated inflammation, which is central to DN progression.
Osteocalcin does not influence acute or chronic inflammation in human vascular cells
Authors: Millar Sophie A. , Zala Ieva , Anderson Susan I. , O'Sullivan Saoirse E.
Published: September 2019

Some human observational studies have suggested an anti‐inflammatory role of osteocalcin (OCN). An inflammatory protocol using interferon‐γ and tumor necrosis factor‐α (10 ng/ml) was employed to examine the acute (24 hr) and chronic (144 hr) effects of uncarboxylated OCN (ucOCN) in commercial, primary, subcultured human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC), and human smooth muscle cells (HASMCs). The inflammatory protocol increased phosphorylation of intracellular signaling proteins (CREB, JNK, p38, ERK, AKT, STAT3, STAT5) and increased secretion of adhesion markers (vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1, intracellular adhesion molecule‐1, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1) and proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin‐6 [IL‐6], IL‐8). After acute inflammation, there were no additive or reductive effects of ucOCN in either cell type. Following chronic inflammation, ucOCN did not affect cell responses, nor did it appear to have any pro‐ or anti‐inflammatory effects when administered acutely or chronically on its own in either cell type. Additionally, ucOCN did not affect lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced acute inflammation in HAECs or HASMCs. The findings of this study do not support a causal role for OCN within the models of vascular inflammation chosen. Further confirmatory studies are warranted.
SENP1‐mediated NEMO de‐SUMOylation inhibits intermittent hypoxia induced inflammatory response of microglia in vitro
Authors: Yang Tianyun , Sun Jinyuan , Wei Bo , Liu Song
Published: September 2019

Among the seven small ubiquitin‐like modifier (SUMO)‐specific proteases (SENPs), our previous work showed that SENP1 suppressed nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) activation and alleviates the inflammatory response in microglia. However, the mechanism is still largely unknown. In this study, western blot analysis and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay were utilized for evaluating the extent of NF‐κB activation and expression of proinflammatory cytokines. qPCR and western blot analysis were performed to detect SENP1 expression. Coimmunoprecipitation followed by western blot analysis was applied to measure the changes in SUMOylation of NF‐κB essential modulator (NEMO) and P65 in microglia with or without overexpression of SENP1. As the results, we found that intermittent hypoxia (IH) triggered the activation of NF‐κB and upregulated the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐6. Interestingly, our data indicated that the SUMOylation of NEMO was enhanced by IH while SUMOylation of P65 was not affected. Further, our data showed that overexpression of SENP1 could decrease the extent of NF‐κB activation and inhibit the inflammatory response of microglia through regulating the SUMOylation of NEMO. Collectively, this study presents the first report of the SENP1‐controlled de‐SUMOylation process of NEMO and its critical role in regulating NF‐κB activation and proinflammatory cytokines secretion in microglia cells. This study would benefit for clarifying the role of SENP1 in IH‐induced activation of microglia, thus providing potential therapeutic targets for obstructive sleep apnea treatment.
The interplay between aging‐associated loss of protein homeostasis and extracellular vesicles in neurodegeneration
Authors: Guix Francesc X.
Published: September 2019

The finding of an effective cure or treatment for neurodegenerative diseases is one of the biggest challenges for this century. Although these diseases show different clinical manifestations, the presence of toxic protein aggregates in the brain of patients is a common feature to all of them, suggesting a loss of protein homeostasis. Aging, the primary risk factor for the majority of neurodegenerative disorders, is linked to the impairment of degradative compartments such as lysosomes and autophagosomes. Besides, many genetic factors for Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, or frontotemporal dementia, as examples of frequent neurodegenerative diseases, are causative of endo‐lysosomal and autophagosomal dysfunctions. There is scientific evidence suggesting that neurons can counteract the accumulation of undegraded cellular material by the secretion of extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are vesicles with a size ranging from 50 to 100 nm generated in a type of endosomal compartment named multivesicular body. EVs play a crucial role in removing cellular waste, promoting protein aggregation, and spreading toxic protein aggregates in the brain of patients. In this review, the interplay between the impairment of degradative compartments, the secretion of EVs, and their pathological/beneficial role in neurodegeneration is described.
Creation of a Standard Model for Tube Feeding at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Discharge
Authors: White Benjamin R. , Ermarth Anna , Thomas Debbie , Arguinchona Olivia , Presson Angela P. , Ling Con Yee
Published: September 2019

Background

Feeding dysfunction is a common consequence of prematurity and illness in neonates, often requiring supplemental nasogastric (NG) or gastrostomy (GT) feeding tubes. A standardized approach to the discharge of infants receiving home enteral nutrition (HEN) is currently lacking.

Methods

The Home Enteral Feeding Transitions (HEFT) program was developed to identify patients eligible for HEN and create a standard discharge process. A structured tool helped determine discharge timing and route, and a dedicated outpatient clinic was created for infants discharged on HEN. Demographic, inpatient, and outpatient data were prospectively collected and compared with a historical cohort.

Results

A total of 232 infants discharged from our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) over 9 months met inclusion criteria. Ninety‐eight (42%) were discharged with HEN, 68 NG and 30 GT, compared with 134 (58%) receiving full oral feeds. This represented a 10% increase in HEN utilization (P = 0.003) compared with our historical control group. Median HEN length of stay was 31.5 days compared with our historical average of 41 days (P = 0.23). Frequency of emergency department visits and admissions because of HEN was unchanged postintervention. Parents were satisfied (8.6/10), and 98% said they would choose HEN again. The median time to NG discontinuation after discharge was 13.5 days, with an estimated cost savings of $2163 per NICU day.

Conclusion

Our program is the first of which we know to use a standard care‐process model to guide the decision‐making and utilization of HEN at NICU discharge. HEFT shows that HEN at NICU discharge can be safe and effective, with high parental satisfaction.
Does race impact survival for patients with anal squamous cell carcinoma?
Authors: Fields Adam C. , Welten Vanessa M. , Lu Pamela , Goldberg Joel E. , Irani Jennifer , Bleday Ronald , Melnitchouk Nelya
Published: September 2019

Background/Objectives

Racial disparities are known to impact cancer outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess current racial disparities in outcomes of anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Methods

The National Cancer Database was used to identify patients with anal SCC. The primary outcome was 5‐year overall survival.

Results

There were 32 255 (88.1%) White patients and 4342 (11.9%) Black patients identified with anal SCC. Compared to White patients, Black patients were more likely to be younger, have lower median income, and be insured with Medicaid (all P < .001). The 5‐year overall survival of Black and White patients for stage I disease was 71.2% and 80.6% (P < .001), for stage II disease, was 64.6% and 69.3% (P = .001), for stage III disease was 50.9% and 58.1% (P < .001), and for stage IV disease was 22.1% and 21.9% (P = .20). In a cox regression analysis, Black race was associated with significantly worse survival in stage I (HR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.07‐1.76, P = .01), stage II (HR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.14‐1.48, P < .001), and stage III disease (HR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.16–1.47, P < .001) but not for stage IV disease (HR: 1.09, 95% CI: 0.89‐1.35, P = .41).

Conclusions

Black race is correlated with worse survival in patients diagnosed with anal SCC. This disparity in survival is likely multifactorial and requires further study.
Nanogram/mL detection of nortriptyline: Preparation of a molecularly imprinted polymer for spectrophotometric determination of nortriptyline based on multivariate optimization methods
Authors: Nezhadali Azizollah , Mehrdadian Zahra , Mojarrab Maliheh
Published: September 2019

In this work, the molecularly imprinted polymer was used as a selective sorbent in solid‐phase extraction method for the spectrophotometric determination of nortriptyline at 239 nm. Molecularly imprinted polymer was synthesized by pyrrole as a functional monomer in the presence of nortriptyline as a template. Several factors, consist of the concentration of the monomer to template ratio, amount of initiator, stirring rate, reaction time, the pH of the buffer solution, amount of sorbent, loading time, shaking rate of loading, extraction time, and shaking rate of extraction were evaluated due to their effectiveness in the preparation and extraction capability of molecularly imprinted polymer. Multivariate optimization methods, such as Plackett‐Burman and central composite designs, were employed to find and optimize the significant factors. Under the selected optimal conditions, molecularly imprinted polymer showed a linear range from 0.1 to 100 µmol/L (0.026 to 26 µg/mL) nortriptyline, a detection limit of 10.3 nmol/L (2.7 ng/mL), a highly repeatable (relative standard deviation of 3.7%) and reproducible response (relative standard deviation of 4.6%), and a good selectivity in the presence of structurally related molecules. Furthermore, molecularly imprinted polymer showed high extraction efficiency and was successfully used for the determination of nortriptyline in real samples.
Label‐ and modification‐free‐based in situ selection of bovine serum albumin specific aptamer
Authors: Wang Chuchu , Du Xiaoyan , Xie Tiantian , Li Hao
Published: September 2019

Systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment is a traditional approach to select aptamer, which has a great potential in biosensing field. However, chemical modifications of DNA library or targets before selection might block the real recognition and binding sites between aptamers and their targets. In this study, a label‐ and modification‐free‐based in situ selection strategy was developed to overcome this limitation. The strategy is an attempt to screen bovine serum albumin aptamers according to the principle of electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and allowed single‐stranded DNA sequence to be fully exposed to interact with bovine serum albumin which was mixed with the agarose gel beforehand. After eight rounds of selection, specific aptamer with low dissociation constant (Kd) value of 69.44 ± 7.60 nM was selected and used for subsequent establishment of fluorescence biosensor. After optimization, the optimal aptasensor exhibited a high sensitivity toward bovine serum albumin with a limit of detection of 0.24 ng/mL (linear range from 1 to 120 ng/mL). These results indicated that the label‐ and modification‐free‐based in situ selection strategy proposed in this work could effectively select specific aptamer to develop aptasensor for sensitive detection of bovine serum albumin or other targets in actual complicated samples.
Verification of cheeses authenticity by mass spectrometry
Authors: Kuckova Stepanka , Zitkova Kristyna , Novotny Ondrej , Smirnova Tatiana
Published: September 2019

Cheeses are a group of fermented dairy products that are produced all over the world in various forms and flavours. Milk, especially sheep or goat milk, is still regarded as an expensive raw material in the world, which makes milk and milk products highly attractive as a fraud target. Most often, such fraud includes partial or complete substitution with cheaper sorts of milk (e.g. bovine milk). The aim of this work was to verify the authenticity of 27 cheeses commonly emerging on the Czech food market. The cheeses were distinguished on the basis of milk animal species origin. For this purpose, two mass spectrometry techniques were used: matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization with time of flight mass spectrometry together with principal component analysis method and liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization and quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. The results were a partial success, because the cheeses could only be partially distinguished with the first mass spectrometry technique probably because of the influence of some protein additive materials in cheeses. The second technique allowed for collecting higher quality results and thus appears to be highly suitable for the research task.
Polyionic Liquids (PIL) Promoted Ce Doped ZnO for the Photocatalytic Degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB)
Authors: Li Rong‐rong , Cao Jia‐jie , Huang Yang‐ru , Yao Yu‐feng , Zhang Ze‐kai , Fan Hua‐Jun , Zhao Jia , Han De‐man
Published: September 2019

In this study, an efficient one‐pot method was developed to synthesize Ce‐doped ZnO photocatalysts in the polyionic liquids. The synthesized samples have better photocatalytic degradation activity than pure ZnO. The excellent catalytic performance may be due to the fact that the doping of Ce increased the surface dispersion of the ZnO nanoparticles, and the addition of the polyionic liquids further enhanced the dispersion.And the addition of polyionic liquids increased the dispersion of ZnO particles and doped Ce centers, which greatly limits the photogenerated electron‐hole recombination, thereby increasing the photocatalytic degradation activity of the material.
A High Stretchable and Self–Healing Silicone Rubber with Double Reversible Bonds
Authors: Yan Hao , Dai Shengping , Chen Yuewen , Ding Jianning , Yuan Ningyi
Published: September 2019

It is a challenge to synthesize silicone rubber with high stretchability and rapid self–healing ability without external stimuli. This article reports on a new class of self–healing poly(dimethylsiloxane)(PDMS) elastomer fabricated by introducing double reversible bonds (imine and hydrogen bonds) into silicone chains. Through reasonable structural design, the silicone rubber with high‐efficiency self‐healing ability was produced. The as–prepared PDMS elastomer films exhibited high stretchability (>4000%), good transparency (>80%) and fast self–healing efficiency (3 h at room temperature a healing efficiency of 93%). It could also be healed at low temperature (‐20 °C) and processed cyclically. In addition, we combined carbon nanotube films with this elastomer to prepare a flexible and stretchable capacitive sensor through a simple process.
Self‐Assembled Uniform Silver Nanoparticles (SAAgNPs) and Their Supported MoO3 Nanocatalysts for Effective Degradation of Azo Dyes
Authors: Rajesh Rajendiran , Arunkumar Patchaiyappan , Putrakumar Balla , Venkatesan Rengarajan
Published: September 2019

In the present study, we report a novel self assembled uniform 3.9 nm silver nanoparticles (SAAgNPs), and their supported MoO3 (Ag/MoO3) nanocatalysts prepared by a simpler chemical method. The excellent metal/metal oxide interaction between Ag and MoO3 has been exploited for catalytic degradation of azo dyes. The significant enhancement of azo dye degradation in the catalytic experiments was examined using UV‐Vis absorption kinetics. The 4 wt % SAAgNPs loaded MoO3 heterogeneous nanocatalyst (Ag/MoO3) showed the highest azo dye degradation efficiency i. e., 37.9 x 10−3 s−1, 19.1 x 10−3 s−1 for methyl orange (MO) and congo red (CR) respectively compared to that of a bare SAAgNPs in presence of NaBH4. The morphology, detailed size, electronic nature of the synthesized catalysts (SAAgNPs and Ag/MoO3) has been investigated using TEM, HRTEM, XRD, UV‐Vis and XPS studies.
Unrevealing Charge Carrier Selective Layer in Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cells via Multifunctional Atomic Force Probes
Authors: Wang Yusheng , Xia Zhouhui , Wu Haihua , Li Shaojuan , Wang Tao , Sun Baoquan
Published: September 2019

The current silicon solar cell with a record efficiency is based on heterojunction contacts that offer carrier selectivity as well as surface passivation simultaneously. One remaining challenge with heterocontacts is the balance between carrier extraction and surface passivation. Here, it is demonstrated that the heterojunction of n‐type silicon (N–Si) with the conducting polymer poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) removes this trade‐off, utilizing the strong depletion of PEDOT:PSS to realize the excellent carrier selectivity. The near‐field optical contrast and surface potential distributions of the PEDOT:PSS/N–Si heterojunction via multifunctional atomic force probes are mapped for the first time. Interestingly, a low dielectric value region is observed in N–Si by using scattering‐type scanning near‐field optical microscopy on the junction cross‐section. A special PEDOT:PSS slope is further fabricated to characterize the dielectric value and surface potential in the PEDOT:PSS side. By combining s‐SNOM and scanning Kelvin probe microscopy, a special region in PEDOT:PSS is observed with a sharp surface potential drop and low dielectric value. The results suggest the existence of space charge regions both in N–Si and PEDOT:PSS at the interface. These findings contribute the understanding of the physical properties of the silicon heterojunction and promise potential routes to enhance device efficiency.
The influence of wind in secondary settling tanks for wastewater treatment – A computational fluid dynamics study. Part II: Rectangular secondary settling tanks
Authors: Gao Haiwen , Stenstrom Michael K.
Published: September 2019

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model is used to study the effect of wind on the performance of a rectangular secondary sedimentation tank (SST) in a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Unlike most of the previous CFD modeling studies which evaluated the wind effect on the sedimentation tank in only water treatment plants, this study evaluates a rectangular SST in a WWTP at different wind speeds and directions, and under different inflow loading conditions. The wind is qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed for a range of wind speeds and directions as well as loading rates. The net effect is to change the three‐dimensional hydrodynamics profiles, effluent suspended solids, and sludge blanket height. The simulation results show that the wind deteriorates overall clarification performance of the rectangular SST and has little effect on the sludge thickening under mild wind conditions until the speed increases an extreme windy condition. These CFD simulation results suggest that in strong windy climates, covering SSTs or protecting them from strong winds may be justified.

Practitioner points

This is the first comparison of wind effects on a rectangular secondary sedimentation tank

The effects of varied flow conditions, wind directions, and velocities are compared

Wind‐induced currents in the settling tank negatively affect removal efficiency

Winds have strong negative impact on the performance of sedimentation tanks
Depth of Invasion into the Circular and Longitudinal Muscle Layers in T2 Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Does Not Affect Prognosis or Lymph Node Metastasis: A Multicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: Tian Dong , Huang Heng , Yang Yu‐Shang , Jiang Kai‐Yuan , He Xi , Guo Xiao‐Guang , Chen Long‐Qi
Published: September 2019

Background

Although a greater depth of tumor invasion is correlated with a poorer prognosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), it remains controversial whether T2 ESCC should be subclassified by circular and longitudinal muscle invasion. We conducted a multicenter retrospective study to evaluate the relationship between the depth of invasion and long‐term outcome and to identify the clinical significance of subclassifying T2 ESCC.

Methods

Patients with T2 ESCC who underwent esophagectomy at two different institutes between January 2009 and December 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. ESCC with circular and longitudinal muscle invasion was defined as T2 circular and T2 longitudinal ESCC, respectively. Survival outcomes and risk factors for lymph node metastasis (LNM) were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses. In addition, data from stage T1b ESCC cases during the same period were retrieved for use as a comparison cohort to evaluate the prognostic significance of the T2 substage.

Results

A total of 536 T2 ESCC patients were eligible, and 192 (36%) patients developed LNM. No significant difference was found in general characteristics between the T2 circular and T2 longitudinal ESCC groups (n = 219 and n = 317, P > 0.05), except for tumor location (P = 0.02). The T2 substage was not significantly correlated with survival on univariate or multivariate analysis (P = 0.30 and P = 0.34, respectively). Multivariate analysis also indicated that the T2 substage was not an independent risk factor for LNM (P = 0.15). When patients with stage T1b ESCC were considered, their survival time was significantly different from that of patients with T2 circular and T2 longitudinal disease (P = 0.01).

Conclusions

The depth of tumor invasion into the circular and longitudinal muscle layers in T2 ESCC does not affect the prognosis or risk of LNM.
Climate sensitivity and resistance under pure- and mixed-stand scenarios in Lower Austria evaluated with distributed lag models and penalized regression splines for tree-ring time series
Authors: Nothdurft Arne , Engel Markus
Published: September 2019

Penalized regression splines and distributed lag models were used to evaluate the effects of species mixing on productivity and climate-related resistance via tree-ring width measurements from sample cores. Data were collected in Lower Austria from sample plots arranged in a triplet design. Triplets were established for sessile oak [Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.] and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.], and European beech and European larch (Larix decidua Mill.). Mixing shortened the temporal range of time-lagged climate effects for beech, spruce, and larch, but only slightly changed the effects for oak and pine. Beech and spruce as well as beech and larch exhibited contrasting climate responses, which were consequently reversed by mixing. Single-tree productivity was reduced by between − 15% and − 28% in both the mixed oak–pine and beech–spruce stands but only slightly reduced in the mixed beech–larch stands. Measures of climate sensitivity and resistance were derived by model predictions of conditional expectations for simulated climate sequences. The relative climate sensitivity was, respectively, reduced by between − 16 and − 39 percentage points in both the beech–spruce and beech–larch mixed stands. The relative climate sensitivity of pine increased through mixing, but remained unaffected for oak. Mixing increased the resistance in both the beech–larch and the beech–spruce mixed stand. In the mixed oak–pine stand, resistance of pine was decreased and remained unchanged for oak.
“Displaced archives”: proposing a research agenda
Authors: Lowry James
Published: September 2019

In the opening keynote speech at the Eighth International Conference on the History of Records and Archives (I-CHORA 8) in Melbourne, Australia, the author provided an overview of archival displacement as an historical phenomenon, before concentrating on postcolonial cases and arguing for a fuller global history of the displacement of archives during decolonisation. The talk concluded with some thoughts on future directions for research on displaced archives. Understanding the term “displaced archives” to refer to any records that have been removed from the context of their creation and whose ownership is disputed, this short article elaborates further upon a potential research agenda for displaced archives, which remains an under-researched area in archival studies.
Emotional Responses to Plastic Waste: Matching Image and Message Framing in Encouraging Consumers to Reduce Plastic Consumption
Authors: Septianto Felix , Lee Michael S.W.
Published: September 2019

This research investigates the role of emotion and message framing in stemming plastic consumption. Across three experimental studies examining consumer intentions, participation, and product choice, this research demonstrates that an image depicting plastic waste (vs. victims of plastic waste) elicits disgust (vs. sadness). Building on construal level theory, we show that an image of plastic waste is more effective in encouraging consumers to reduce their plastic consumption when combined with a “why” message (e.g., reasons to reduce plastic consumption). In contrast, an image portraying victims of plastic waste is more effective when presented with a “how” message (e.g., steps to reduce plastic consumption). The findings of this research highlight the importance of understanding discrete emotional responses to advertising images, especially in the context of reducing plastic consumption, and thus will benefit social marketers and policy makers.
Canada in the United Nations General Assembly from Trudeau to Trudeau
Authors: Vucetic Srdjan , Ramadanovic Bojan
Published: September 2019

All Canadian governments say that Canada must look to its friends and allies and like-minded partners to achieve greater cooperation on global issues. But who are these countries exactly? To gain a better understanding of where Ottawa stands in the world, with whom and under what conditions, we analyze Canada's voting patterns in the United Nations General Assembly from 1980 to 2017. We find that Canada's overall record tends toward that of Western European states. We find no evidence of greater affinity with US positions either when the Democrats are in power in Washington or when the conservative parties are in power in Ottawa. We identify a sharp pro-US turn in the Harper years and also confirm that the government of Justin Trudeau started off by maintaining rather than reversing this trend.
Correction: Desperately seeking…Models to find the right partner and the best use for checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Bertolini Francesco
Published: September 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Descent trajectory reconstruction and landing site positioning of Chang’E-4 on the lunar farside
Authors: Liu Jianjun , Ren Xin , Yan Wei , Li Chunlai , Zhang He , Jia Yang , Zeng Xingguo , Chen Wangli , Gao Xingye , Liu Dawei , Tan Xu , Zhang Xiaoxia , Ni Tao , Zhang Hongbo , Zuo Wei , Su Yan , Wen Weibin
Published: September 2019

Chang’E-4 (CE-4) was the first mission to accomplish the goal of a successful soft landing on the lunar farside. The landing trajectory and the location of the landing site can be effectively reconstructed and determined using series of images obtained during descent when there were no Earth-based radio tracking and the telemetry data. Here we reconstructed the powered descent trajectory of CE-4 using photogrammetrically processed images of the CE-4 landing camera, navigation camera, and terrain data of Chang’E-2. We confirmed that the precise location of the landing site is 177.5991°E, 45.4446°S with an elevation of −5935 m. The landing location was accurately identified with lunar imagery and terrain data with spatial resolutions of 7 m/p, 5 m/p, 1 m/p, 10 cm/p and 5 cm/p. These results will provide geodetic data for the study of lunar control points, high-precision lunar mapping, and subsequent lunar exploration, such as by the Yutu-2 rover.
Pen drawing display
Authors: Jeong Sang-Mi , Lim Taekyung , Park Jeeyin , Han Chang-Yeol , Yang Heesun , Ju Sanghyun
Published: September 2019

As advancements in science and technology, such as the Internet of things, smart home systems, and automobile displays, become increasingly embedded in daily life, there is a growing demand for displays with customized sizes and shapes. This study proposes a pen drawing display technology that can realize a boardless display in any form based on the user’s preferences, without the usual restrictions of conventional frame manufacturing techniques. An advantage of the pen drawing method is that the entire complex fabrication process for the display is encapsulated in a pen. The display components, light-emitting layers, and electrodes are formed using felt-tip drawing pens that contain the required solutions and light-emitting materials. The morphology and thickness of each layer is manipulated by adjusting the drawing speed, number of drawing cycles, and substrate temperature. This study is expected to usher in the upcoming era of customized displays that can reflect individual user needs.
Rationalizing and engineering Rashba spin-splitting in ferroelectric oxides
Authors: Djani Hania , Garcia-Castro Andres Camilo , Tong Wen-Yi , Barone Paolo , Bousquet Eric , Picozzi Silvia , Ghosez Philippe
Published: September 2019

Ferroelectric Rashba semiconductors (FERSC), in which Rashba spin-splitting can be controlled and reversed by an electric field, have recently emerged as a new class of functional materials useful for spintronic applications. The development of concrete devices based on such materials is, however, still hampered by the lack of robust FERSC compounds. Here, we show that the coexistence of large spontaneous polarization and sizeable spin–orbit coupling is not sufficient to have strong Rashba effects and clarify why simple ferroelectric oxide perovskites with transition metal at the B-site are typically not suitable FERSC candidates. By rationalizing how this limitation can be by-passed through band engineering of the electronic structure in layered perovskites, we identify the Bi$${}_{2}$$

2

WO$${}_{6}$$

6

Aurivillius crystal as a robust ferroelectric with large and reversible Rashba spin-splitting, that can even be substantially doped without losing its ferroelectric properties. Importantly, we highlight that a unidirectional spin–orbit field arises in layered Bi$${}_{2}$$

2

WO$${}_{6}$$

6

, resulting in a protection against spin-decoherence.
Does pre-testing promote better retention than post-testing?
Authors: Latimier Alice , Riegert Arnaud , Peyre Hugo , Ly Son Thierry , Casati Roberto , Ramus Franck
Published: September 2019

Compared with other learning strategies, retrieval practice seems to promote superior long-term retention. This has been found mostly in conditions where learners take tests after being exposed to learning content. However, a pre-testing effect has also been demonstrated, with promising results. This raises the question, for a given amount of time dedicated to retrieval practice, whether learners should be tested before or after an initial exposure to learning content. Our experiment directly compares the benefits of post-testing and pre-testing relative to an extended reading condition, on a retention test 7 days later. We replicated both post-testing (d = 0.74) and pre-testing effects (d = 0.35), with significantly better retention in the former condition. Post-testing also promoted knowledge transfer to previously untested questions, whereas pre-testing did not. Our results thus suggest that it may be more fruitful to test students after than before exposure to learning content.
Free propagation phase-contrast breast CT provides higher image quality than cone-beam breast-CT at low radiation doses: a feasibility study on human mastectomies
Authors: Pacilè S. , Dullin C. , Baran P. , Tonutti M. , Perske C. , Fischer U. , Albers J. , Arfelli F. , Dreossi D. , Pavlov K. , Maksimenko A. , Mayo S. C. , Nesterets Y. I. , Taba S. Tavakoli , Lewis S. , Brennan P. C. , Gureyev T. E. , Tromba G. , Wienbeck S.
Published: September 2019

In this study we demonstrate the first direct comparison between synchrotron x-ray propagation-based CT (PB-CT) and cone-beam breast-CT (CB-CT) on human mastectomy specimens (N = 12) including different benign and malignant lesions. The image quality and diagnostic power of the obtained data sets were compared and judged by two independent expert radiologists. Two cases are presented in detail in this paper including a comparison with the corresponding histological evaluation. Results indicate that with PB-CT it is possible to increase the level of contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) keeping the same level of dose used for the CB-CT or achieve the same level of CNR reached by CB-CT at a lower level of dose. In other words, PB-CT can achieve a higher diagnostic potential compared to the commercial breast-CT system while also delivering a considerably lower mean glandular dose. Therefore, we believe that PB-CT technique, if translated to a clinical setting, could have a significant impact in improving breast cancer diagnosis.
Infrequent Denture Cleaning Increased the Risk of Pneumonia among Community-dwelling Older Adults: A Population-based Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Kusama Taro , Aida Jun , Yamamoto Tatsuo , Kondo Katsunori , Osaka Ken
Published: September 2019

Pneumonia is a leading cause of death among older adults. The effectiveness of oral care in preventing pneumonia in nursing homes and hospitals has been reported. However, in community-dwelling older adults, the role of denture cleaning in preventing pneumonia remains unknown. We aimed to investigate the association between infrequent denture cleaning and the risk of pneumonia in community-dwelling older adults. This cross-sectional study was based on the self-reported questionnaire targeting towards community-dwelling older adults aged ≥65 years. Responses of 71,227 removable full/partial denture users were included. The incidence of pneumonia within the last one-year and the frequency of denture cleaning (daily/non-daily) were treated as dependent and independent variables, respectively. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated by the inverse probability weighting (IPW) method based on the logistic regression model. The mean age of the participants was 75.2 ± 6.5 years; 48.3% were male. Overall, 4.6% of the participants did not clean their dentures daily; 2.3% and 3.0% who did and did not clean their dentures daily, respectively, experienced pneumonia. After IPW, infrequent denture cleaning was significantly associated with pneumonia incidence (OR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.01–1.68)). This study suggests that denture cleaning could prevent pneumonia among community-dwelling older adults.
Transcriptomic analysis reveals new hippocampal gene networks induced by prolactin
Authors: Cabrera-Reyes Erika Alejandra , Vanoye–Carlo América , Rodríguez-Dorantes Mauricio , Vázquez-Martínez Edgar Ricardo , Rivero-Segura Nadia Alejandra , Collazo-Navarrete Omar , Cerbón Marco
Published: September 2019

Prolactin (Prl) is a pleiotropic hormone with multiple functions in several tissues and organs, including the brain. In the hippocampus, Prl has been implicated in several functions, including neuroprotection against excitotoxicity in lactating rats and in Prl-treated ovariectomized animals. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in Prl actions in the hippocampus have not been completely elucidated. The aim of this study was to analyse the hippocampal transcriptome of female Prl-treated ovariectomized rats. Transcriptomic analysis by RNASeq revealed 162 differentially expressed genes throughout 24 h of Prl treatment. Gene Ontology analysis of those genes showed that 37.65% were involved in brain processes that are regulated by the hippocampus, such as learning, memory and behaviour, as well as new processes that we did not foresee, such as glial differentiation, axogenesis, synaptic transmission, postsynaptic potential, and neuronal and glial migration. Immunodetection analysis demonstrated that Prl significantly modified microglial morphology, reduced the expression of Cd11b/c protein, and altered the content and location of the neuronal proteins Tau, Map2 and Syp, which are involved in axogenic and synaptic functions. This novel delineation of Prl activity in the hippocampus highlights its importance as a neuroactive hormone, opens a new avenue for understanding its actions and supports its participation in neuronal plasticity of this brain area.