bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photosynthetic performance in Eucalyptus clones cultivated in saline soil
Authors: Andrade Jailma Ribeiro de , Júnior Sebastião de Oliveira Maia , Silva Santos Andrea Francisca da , Silva Vicente Mota da , C.M. Santos, V.M. Ferreira, L. Endres L.T. Bezerra, J.R.R. da Silva,
Published: January 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the photosynthetic performance of Eucalyptus clones with the aim of identifying their tolerance to soil saline stress conditions. The experiment was arranged in a randomized block design with a 3 × 4 factorial arrangement: in five replications, totaling 60 plots, three Eucalyptus clones were used, VC865, I224, and I144, which were exposed to four concentrations of NaCl (0, 1, 2 and 3 g NaCl kg-1 of soil). Clone I144 shows mechanisms of salinity tolerance as smaller reductions in the stomatal conductance, transpiration, photosynthesis, photochemical efficiency of PSII, photosynthetic pigment content and total dry mass. On the other hand, clone I224 presents greater physiological damage, indicating high susceptibility to salt stress, while VC865 shows moderate sensitivity to salinity. Variables related to photosynthetic performance, such as gas exchange, photochemical efficiency of PSII and photosynthetic pigments are potentially reliable physiological indicators for selecting of tolerant Eucalyptus clones to salt stress.
Seed nutritional quality comparison of vegetable soybean genotypes at fresh pod and mature stage
Authors: B. Tian, Q. Zhang, X. Liu C. Liu, Y. Li, B. Tu, X. Wang,
Published: January 2020

Vegetable soybean is famous for its better eating quality and taste, which is usually harvested at fresh pod stage. However, no report is available on nutritional values between vegetable soybean seed at fresh pod stage and mature stage. To better understand the seed nutritional quality differences between fresh pod stage and mature stage in vegetable soybean, five vegetable soybean genotypes were examined. The results found that seeds from fresh edible stage had higher total free amino acid, and higher K, Na, Mn and Zn concentrations. The concentrations of soluble sugar, crude oil as well as unsaturated fatty acid were also higher at fresh pod stage. While total isoflavone, Mg and Fe concentrations were generally higher at full maturity stage. No differences in protein concentration were found between the two stages. Significant genotypic differences were found among nutritional parameters. The genotype Line 61 had the highest total soy isoflavone of 4593 μg g-1, whereas the genotype “Heidou” had the lowest total soy isoflavone of 1700 μg g-1 at mature stage. Correlation analysis indicated that total free amino acid was significantly positively correlated with soluble sugar, crude oil and total isoflavone. Therefore, the nutritional values at fresh pod stage and mature stage differed from the perspective of nutritional compositions. The findings reported here add new knowledge to vegetable soybean function and is a useful starting point for future breeding program and cultivation towards improving the nutritional compositions of soybean species.
Hybrid improvement and reconstruction based on prognostic breeding selection criteria
Authors: Ipsilandis Constantinos G. , Greveniotis Vasileios , Pampouktsi Panagiota , Sioki Evangelia , Tsapikounis Fanis A.
Published: January 2020

In order to faster and more efficiently select maize inbred lines as parents for maize hybrids, a multi-year evaluation was conducted under both honeycomb methodology schemes and classic randomized complete block designs. Combined yield and stability calculations were used. The initial genetic material was developed from F2 of a commercial F1 maize hybrid.1200 F2 plants were used at an intra-row distance of 1.25m and the inter-row distance was 1.08m in a NR-0 honeycomb design. Combined Half-sib and S1 evaluation was performed for oriented crosses. After successive selfing generations S1 to S7 progenies were developed. Three types of crosses were performed a) Formation of HS families, b) Diallel crosses between S4 and also S5 recombinant lines, and c) Crosses of these lines to the freely available inbred line B73. Crosses between high yielding S-lines to common foreign parent led to limited heterotic phenomena and relative low yielding performance. Heterobeltiosis was found near zero or negative, proving that such kind of parents cannot contribute in high yielding crosses because of the accumulation of useful additive alleles in the improved parent, and additive alleles are not favoured in heterozygote condition. Crosses between improved lines were generally high, but they based their productivity mainly on additive gene action. Prognostic breeding is more accurate when selection is applied for exploitation of additive gene action. CV was a good stability criterion, but CC proved confusing for selecting crosses. Productivity index P exhibited the superiority of the best lines that showed high and stable performance across years. The procedure resulted in high yielding inbred lines bypassing population improvement and thus shortened the whole evaluation process.
Morphological diversity of Zacatecas Guajillo chile landraces is broad and is given mainly by fruit traits
Authors: Amalio Santacruz-Varela Yolanda del Rocio Moreno-Ramírez, , Higinio López-Sánchez Pedro A. López, , González-Hernández, T. Corona-Torres L. Córdova-Téllez, V. A. , Ortega Ricardo López-
Published: January 2020

Guajillo (Capsicum annuum L.) is one of the five more important chile types used as food in Mexico and the most important to local economy in Zacatecas, whose production is supplied mainly by native populations. In spite of this, not much is known about the morphological diversity of Guajillo landraces of Zacatecas. Here, we describe and quantify their morphological variation in order to establish breeding programs and to preserve the phenotypic diversity. Thirty-two plant, flower, fruit, seed and phenological traits were assessed in 96 Guajillo chile landraces and four improved varities of Guajillo used as controls, grown during the 2015 agricultural cycle in Zacatecas, Mexico. The selection of variables was made based on the analysis of variance and multivariate analysis that were applied to the selected variables to estimate the morphological diversity. A wide variation of plant, fruit and seed characteristics was identified. This morphological heterogeneity is attributed mainly to fruit traits such as: size, weight, shape, color, transverse wrinkling of the fruit, shape of the peduncle and the number of fruits produced. This wide morphological diversity can potentially be utilized in the genetic improvement of Guajillo chile.
Qualitative evaluation of fermented olives grown in Southern Italy (cvs. Carolea, Grossa of Gerace and Nocellara Messinese)
Authors: De Bruno Alessandra , Zappia Angela , Piscopo Amalia , Poiana Marco
Published: January 2020

The aim of this work was to evaluate the quality of olives of three typical cultivars of Southern Italy and correspondent brines after different fermentation variables: two NaCl concentrations  with and without acidification up to pH 4). In particular, physicochemical parameters, microbiological counts and antioxidant activity of olive samples and brines were monitored and compared. The obtained results showed a good fermentation performance of studied olive cultivars , with a brine pH inside the legal limit of 4.3, also in samples were the pH correction was not performed. The pH lowering was slower in brine samples treated with the lowest salt concentration. Moreover, all samples manifested higher antioxidant activity after 240 days of brining, and total phenol content ranged from 9.22 to 20.78 g gallic acid kg-1 in olives. Among samples, Carolea olives showed the highest total phenolic content and the highest antioxidant activity after 240 days of fermentation.
Ethylene absorber (KMnO4) in postharvest quality of pinha (Anona squamosa L.)
Authors: Sanches Alex Guimarães , Da Silva Maryelle Barros , Silva Moreira Elaine Gleice , Dos Santos Edmarcos Xavier , Menezes Keren Railka Paiva , Cordeiro Carlos Alberto Martins
Published: January 2020

The ripening pattern of the climacteric type of the pinha (Anona squamosa L.) limits its shelf life at room temperature, in addition, storage at low temperatures develops cold sores on the fruit. Thus, the association of conservation technologies is fundamental to reduce the losses in the post-harvest of this fruit, so it was aimed to evaluate sachets impregnated with potassium permanganate (KMnO4) associated with refrigeration in the control of ripening and preservation of quality. For this, pinhas were harvested at physiological maturity, packed in polystyrene styrofoam trays coated with PVC film with and without the presence of sachets containing 3 g of KMnO4 and stored at 13 ºC for 20 days. Every five days the fruit quality was evaluated as: weight loss, cracking index, firmness, external appearance, starch content, soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH, ratio SS/TA, coloring (Hue, Chroma and Luminosity) and cold damage. The absorption of ethylene by the KMnO4 sachet inside the packages preserved significantly (p<0.05) the physical-chemical quality and the visual appearance of the fruits but did not influence the coloration (chroma and luminosity) and incidence of damage by cold in relation to its control at the end of the storage period. The packing of pinhas containing 3 g of KMnO4 is an alternative to delay ripening, prolong the shelf life without compromising the physical-chemical quality of the fruits.
Characteristics and antioxidant properties of cold pressed high oleic and linoleic oils from Mexican safflower varieties
Authors: Longoria-Sanchez Athziri , Morales Maribel Valdez , Oomah B. Dave , Ochoa-Espinoza Xochilt M. , Góngora-Gómez Andrés M. , Espinosa-Alonso L. Gabriela
Published: January 2020

Six cold press oil extracted from high oleic and linoleic Mexican safflower varieties resistant/tolerant to Ramularia carthami were evaluated for their composition, physicochemical characteristics and antioxidant activity. High oleic varieties were rich in oleic (65-78%), linoleic (9-15%), palmitic (2-5%) and stearic (3-5%) acids, whereas high linoleic oils contained 76-79% linoleic, 6-9% oleic, palmitic 6-10% and 3-5% stearic acids. Calculated oxidative stability was highly associated with monounsaturated fatty acid content. High linoleate safflower oils had significantly (p < 0.05) higher b*, ∆E, absorbance (K232 and K272), conjugated diene, triene, peroxide and totox values, total phenolics and ORAC antioxidant activity than high oleate oils. Oil characteristics were strongly correlated with their fatty acid profile, particularly the monounsaturated/polyunsaturated ratio. Total phenolic content was moderately associated with the antioxidant activities of safflower oils (r = 0.714 and 0.540, p < 0.001 for DPPH and ORAC, respectively).
Downregulation of circulating miR 802‐5p and miR 194‐5p and upregulation of brain MEF2C along breast cancer brain metastasization
Authors: Sereno Marta , Haskó János , Molnár Kinga , Medina Sarah J. , Reisz Zita , Malhó Rui , Videira Mafalda , Tiszlavicz László , Booth Stephanie A. , Wilhelm Imola , Krizbai István A. , Brito Maria Alexandra
Published: January 2020

Breast cancer brain metastases (BCBMs) have been underinvestigated despite their high incidence and poor outcome. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), and particularly circulating miRNAs, regulate multiple cellular functions, and their deregulation has been reported in different types of cancer and metastasis. However, their signature in plasma along brain metastasis development and their relevant targets remain undetermined. Here, we used a mouse model of BCBM and next‐generation sequencing (NGS) to establish the alterations in circulating miRNAs during brain metastasis formation and development. We further performed bioinformatics analysis to identify their targets with relevance in the metastatic process. We additionally analyzed human resected brain metastasis samples of breast cancer patients for target expression validation. Breast cancer cells were injected in the carotid artery of mice to preferentially induce metastasis in the brain, and samples were collected at different timepoints (5 h, 3, 7, and 10 days) to follow metastasis development in the brain and in peripheral organs. Metastases were detected from 7 days onwards, mainly in the brain. NGS revealed a deregulation of circulating miRNA profile during BCBM progression, rising from 18% at 3 days to 30% at 10 days following malignant cells’ injection. Work was focused on those altered prior to metastasis detection, among which were miR‐802‐5p and miR‐194‐5p, whose downregulation was validated by qPCR. Using targetscan and diana tools, the transcription factor myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C) was identified as a target for both miRNAs, and its expression was increasingly observed in malignant cells along brain metastasis development. Its upregulation was also observed in peritumoral astrocytes pointing to a role of MEF2C in the crosstalk between tumor cells and astrocytes. MEF2C expression was also observed in human BCBM, validating the observation in mouse. Collectively, downregulation of circulating miR‐802‐5p and miR‐194‐5p appears as a precocious event in BCBM and MEF2C emerges as a new player in brain metastasis development.
Copper Nitride Nanowires Printed Li with Stable Cycling for Li Metal Batteries in Carbonate Electrolytes
Authors: Lee Dongsoo , Sun Seho , Kwon Jiseok , Park Hyunjung , Jang Minchul , Park Eunkyung , Son Byoungkuk , Jung Yeongil , Song Taeseup , Paik Ungyu
Published: January 2020

The practical implementation of the lithium metal anode is hindered by obstacles such as Li dendrite growth, large volume changes, and poor lifespan. Here, copper nitride nanowires (Cu3N NWs) printed Li by a facile and low‐cost roll‐press method is reported, to operate in carbonate electrolytes for high‐voltage cathode materials. Through one‐step roll pressing, Cu3N NWs can be conformally printed onto the Li metal surface, and form a Li3N@Cu NWs layer on the Li metal. The Li3N@Cu NWs layer can assist homogeneous Li‐ion flux with the 3D channel structure, as well as the high Li‐ion conductivity of the Li3N. With those beneficial effects, the Li3N@Cu NWs layer can guide Li to deposit into a dense and planar structure without Li‐dendrite growth. Li metal with Li3N@Cu NWs protection layer exhibits outstanding cycling performances even at a high current density of 5.0 mA cm−2 with low overpotentials in Li symmetric cells. Furthermore, the stable cyclability and improved rate capability can be realized in a full cell using LiCoO2 over 300 cycles. When decoupling the irreversible reactions of the cathode using Li4Ti5O12, stable cycling performance over 1000 cycles can be achieved at a practical current density of ≈2 mA cm−2.
Vision Statement: Interactive Materials—Drivers of Future Robotic Systems
Authors: Fischer Peer
Published: January 2020

A robot senses its environment, processes the sensory information, acts in response to these inputs, and possibly communicates with the outside world. Robots generally achieve these tasks with electronics‐based hardware or by receiving inputs from some external hardware. In contrast, simple microorganisms can autonomously perceive, act, and communicate via purely physicochemical processes in soft material systems. A key property of biological systems is that they are built from energy‐consuming “active” units. Exciting developments in material science show that even very simple artificial active building blocks can show surprisingly rich emergent behaviors. Active nonequilibrium systems are therefore predicted to play an essential role in realizing interactive materials. A major challenge is to find robust ways to couple and integrate the energy‐consuming building blocks to the mechanical structure of the material. However, success in this endeavor will lead to a new generation of sophisticated micro and soft‐robotic systems that can operate autonomously.
Stabilizing Surface Passivation Enables Stable Operation of Colloidal Quantum Dot Photovoltaic Devices at Maximum Power Point in an Air Ambient
Authors: Choi Jongmin , Choi Min‐Jae , Kim Junghwan , Dinic Filip , Todorovic Petar , Sun Bin , Wei Mingyang , Baek Se‐Woong , Hoogland Sjoerd , García de Arquer F. Pelayo , Voznyy Oleksandr , Sargent Edward H.
Published: January 2020

Colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) are promising materials for photovoltaic (PV) applications owing to their size‐tunable bandgap and solution processing. However, reports on CQD PV stability have been limited so far to storage in the dark; or operation illuminated, but under an inert atmosphere. CQD PV devices that are stable under continuous operation in air have yet to be demonstrated—a limitation that is shown here to arise due to rapid oxidation of both CQDs and surface passivation. Here, a stable CQD PV device under continuous operation in air is demonstrated by introducing additional potassium iodide (KI) on the CQD surface that acts as a shielding layer and thus stands in the way of oxidation of the CQD surface. The devices (unencapsulated) retain >80% of their initial efficiency following 300 h of continuous operation in air, whereas CQD PV devices without KI lose the amount of performance within just 21 h. KI shielding also provides improved surface passivation and, as a result, a higher power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 12.6% compared with 11.4% for control devices.
Internal‐Field‐Enhanced Charge Separation in a Single‐Domain Ferroelectric PbTiO3 Photocatalyst
Authors: Liu Yong , Ye Sheng , Xie Huichen , Zhu Jian , Shi Quan , Ta Na , Chen Ruotian , Gao Yuying , An Hongyu , Nie Wei , Jing Huanwang , Fan Fengtao , Li Can
Published: January 2020

Ferroelectric materials with spontaneous polarization‐induced internal electric fields have drawn increasing attention in solar fuel production due to the intrinsic polarized structure. However, the origination of charge separation in these materials at the nano/microlevel is ambiguous owing to the complexity of the multielectric fields. Besides, the observed charge separation ability is far from theoretical expectation. Herein, by spatially resolved surface photovoltage spectroscopy, it is clearly demonstrated that the depolarization field in single‐domain ferroelectric PbTiO3 (PTO) nanoplates is the main driving force for charge separation and it can effectively drive photogenerated electrons and holes to the positive and negative polarization facets, respectively. Moreover, the charge separation ability of PTO nanoplates increases with increasing particle size along the polarization direction, due to the increasing potential difference between the opposite polarization facets. Furthermore, this driving force for charge separation directly contributes to the enhancement of the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction activity in ferroelectrics. Finally, it is proved that the screening field compensates part of the depolarization field and can be diminished by adding a dielectric layer on the ferroelectric surface. These findings demonstrate the importance of increasing the depolarization field and decreasing the screening field for efficient charge separation in ferroelectric semiconductor photocatalysts.
Direct Imaging of Dopant and Impurity Distributions in 2D MoS2
Authors: Kim Se‐Ho , Lim Joohyun , Sahu Rajib , Kasian Olga , Stephenson Leigh T. , Scheu Christina , Gault Baptiste
Published: January 2020

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheet is a two‐dimensional (2D) material with high electron mobility and with high potential for applications in catalysis and electronics. MoS2 nanosheets are synthesized using a one‐pot wet‐chemical synthesis route with and without Re doping. Atom probe tomography reveals that 3.8 at% Re is homogeneously distributed within the Re‐doped sheets. Other impurities are also found integrated within the material: light elements including C, N, O, and Na, locally enriched up to 0.1 at%, as well as heavy elements such as V and W. Analysis of the nondoped sample reveals that the W and V likely originate from the Mo precursor. It is shown how wet‐chemical synthesis results in an uncontrolled integration of species from the solution that can affect the material's activity. The results of this work are expected to contribute to an improved understanding of the relationships linking composition to properties of 2D transition‐metal dichalcogenide materials.
Facile Fabrication of Ultraflexible Transparent Electrodes Using Embedded Copper Networks for Wearable Pressure Sensors
Authors: Li Peng , Zhao Yang , Ma Jiangang , Yang Yang , Xu Haiyang , Liu Yichun
Published: January 2020

Pressure sensors are in urgent need due to the explosive demands in electronic skins. However, current resistive‐type pressure sensors require electrode materials with complex multilevel microstructures or low opacity. Herein, a Cu network transparent electrode (TE) embedded in the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate is designed to realize wearable pressure sensor. The Cu network is fabricated by oxygen plasma treatment–assisted crack template and electroplating. The oxygen plasma treatment improves the surface adhesion force of the substrate, which suppresses uneven template cracking and prevents the electroplating solution from seeping under the templates, thereby resulting in 20 times figure‐of‐merit improvement in optoelectronic performance. Sandwiching the Cu network between PDMS layers provides the best flexibility reported for such a low‐cost transparent conducting material. The embedded Cu network TE‐based pressure sensors are capable of detecting a pressure of 1.1 Pa with a sensitivity of 76.1 kPa−1, surpassing the subtle pressure sensing properties of natural skin. In situ observations indicate that such a high performance originates from the reversibly structural deformation‐dependent resistance of the Cu network during repeated pressing–release thanks to the constraining effect of the PDMS. This work opens a new strategy to fabricate transparent and flexible pressure sensors in a simple yet efficient matter.
Observation of Ultrabroadband Acoustic Focusing Based on V‐Shaped Meta‐Atoms
Authors: Zhang Tian‐Chi , Chen Jia‐He , Qian Jiao , Ge Yong , Yuan Shou‐Qi , Sun Hong‐Xiang , Liu Xiao‐Jun
Published: January 2020

Acoustic focusing has extensive applications in medical ultrasound and nondestructive detection. The recent rapid development of acoustic metamaterials and metasurfaces has provided various mechanisms for designing advanced focusing lenses. However, the realization of acoustic focusing lenses with ultrabroad bandwidth still remains a challenge. To overcome it, ultrabroadband acoustic focusing lens based on phased unit cells composed of different numbers of same V‐shaped meta‐atoms is theoretically proposed and experimentally realized. By using eight types of unit cells, the fractional bandwidth of the acoustic lens can reach about 1.12 with a high focusing performance. Moreover, based on two types of unit cells with a phase difference of π, the fractional bandwidth of the focusing lens still reaches about 0.76 with the same criteria, showing a high robustness characteristic. The proposed acoustic focusing lenses have the advantages of ultrabroad bandwidths, simple fabrication and assembly, and high robustness, which provide diverse routes to construct ultrabroadband sound devices for medical ultrasound and nondestructive detection.
Smart Soft Actuators and Grippers Enabled by Self‐Powered Tribo‐Skins
Authors: Chen Shoue , Pang Yaokun , Yuan Hongyan , Tan Xiaobo , Cao Changyong
Published: January 2020

Soft end effectors or grippers capable of grasping objects dexterously and efficiently have attracted increasing attention in a broad range of applications. This article describes a smart soft finger‐like actuator with fast response, accurate control, self‐powered pressure, and bending sensing capability by combing the cable‐driven actuation with soft triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). The soft actuator, driven by a miniature DC motor, is designed to have multiple segments of elastomer body split with triangular cuts to facilitate the bending actuation and conformal contact with target objects. Two types of TENGs are integrated with the soft actuator: a single‐electrode‐mode TENG to measure the contact pressure and an inner contact–separation‐mode TENG to detect the bending. With micropyramid structures, the tribo‐skin patches possess high sensitivity and good compatibility with the actuator and can actively detect proximity, contact, and pressure via self‐generated electricity. Based on the modular design approach, a gripper with three fingers is fabricated and tested for its grasping, sensing, and self‐powering performance. This gripper is capable of picking up different kinds of objects, providing sensory feedback, and generating electricity, which shows great potential for use in robot–human and robot–environment interaction applications.
Tunable Single‐Molecule White‐Light Emission in Stimuli‐Responsive Hydrogel
Authors: Wang Jie , Tang Fu , Wang Yue , Liu Shuqi , Li Lidong
Published: January 2020

White‐light emitting materials based on single‐molecules are of great interest owing to the simple fabrication process and good stability of such materials. However, among limited reports on single‐molecule white light‐emitting materials, the majority of systems are based on organic solvents. Here, a single‐molecule white‐light emitting hydrogel is prepared through the combination of a protonation sensitive fluorophore with a temperature sensitive hydrogel. The mechanism of this system is based on adjusting the ratio of protonated and deprotonated fluorophores through the thermally controllable hydrophobic property of the hydrogel internal microstructure. The fluorophore emits intense blue and yellow emission in its protonated and deprotonated states, respectively; hence, the luminescence of the hydrogel changes color as a function of temperature and [H+], achieving a white color under certain conditions. On the basis of these results, a multicolor light‐emitting device (LED) and a white‐light LED are realized by placing the prepared hydrogel on a conductive substrate over a UV LED chip.
A Bilayer Plasmonic Metasurface for Polarization‐Insensitive Bidirectional Perfect Absorption
Authors: Li Zhancheng , Liu Wenwei , Tang Chengchun , Cheng Hua , Li Zhi , Zhang Yuebian , Li Junjie , Chen Shuqi , Tian Jianguo
Published: January 2020

The implementation of perfect absorption of optical waves in artificial nanostructures has attracted tremendous attention among the scientific community. Traditional approaches based on metamaterials can only absorb optical waves in one direction while reflecting optical waves in the other direction. Here, a polarization‐insensitive bidirectional perfect absorber that is composed of bilayer gold nano disks embedded into a silicon nitride substrate is demonstrated. The bidirectional perfect absorption in the proposed bilayer metasurface, which is irrelevant to the coherent of optical waves, is attributed to the multiple reflections and interference of optical waves in the bilayer structures. The proposed perfect absorber shall boost its applications in optical anti‐counterfeiting, integrated photodetectors, and solar thermal applications.
Impact of Noncovalent Sulfur–Fluorine Interaction Position on Properties, Structures, and Photovoltaic Performance in Naphthobisthiadiazole‐Based Semiconducting Polymers
Authors: Saito Masahiko , Fukuhara Tomohiro , Kamimura Satoshi , Ichikawa Hiroyuki , Yoshida Hiroyuki , Koganezawa Tomoyuki , Ie Yutaka , Tamai Yasunari , Kim Hyung Do , Ohkita Hideo , Osaka Itaru
Published: January 2020

Controlling the energetics and backbone order of semiconducting polymers is essential for the performance improvement of polymer‐based solar cells. The use of fluorine as the substituent for the backbone is known to effectively deepen the molecular orbital energy levels and coplanarize the backbone by noncovalent interactions with sulfur of the thiophene ring. In this work, novel semiconducting polymers are designed and synthesized based on difluoronaphthobisthiadiazole (FNTz) as a new family of naphthobisthiadiazole (NTz)–quaterthiophene copolymer systems, which are one of the highest performing polymers in solar cells. The effect of the fluorination position on the energetics and backbone order is systematically studied. It is found that the dependence of the solar cell fill factor on the active layer thickness is very sensitive to the fluorination position. It is thus further investigated and discussed how the structural features of the polymers influence the photovoltaic parameters as well as the diode characteristics and bimolecular recombination. Further, the polymer with fluorine on both the naphthobisthiadiazole and quaterthiophene moieties exhibits a quite high power conversion efficiency of 10.8% in solar cells in combination with a fullerene. It is believed that the results would offer new insights into the development of semiconducting polymers.
Hollow CuS Nanoboxes as Li‐Free Cathode for High‐Rate and Long‐Life Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Chen Yawei , Li Jianming , Lei Zhanwu , Huo Yakun , Yang Lanlan , Zeng Suyuan , Ding Honghe , Qin Yi , Jie Yulin , Huang Fanyang , Li Qi , Zhu Junfa , Cao Ruiguo , Zhang Genqiang , Jiao Shuhong , Xu Dongsheng
Published: January 2020

Transition metal sulfides hold promising potentials as Li‐free conversion‐type cathode materials for high energy density lithium metal batteries. However, the practical deployment of these materials is hampered by their poor rate capability and short cycling life. In this work, the authors take the advantage of hollow structure of CuS nanoboxes to accommodate the volume expansion and facilitate the ion diffusion during discharge–charge processes. As a result, the hollow CuS nanoboxes achieve excellent rate performance (≈371 mAh g−1 at 20 C) and ultra‐long cycle life (>1000 cycles). The structure and valence evolution of the CuS nanobox cathode are identified by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Furthermore, the lithium storage mechanism is revealed by galvanostatic intermittent titration technique and operando Raman spectroscopy for the initial charge–discharge process and the following reversible processes. These results suggest that the hollow CuS nanobox material is a promising candidate as a low‐cost Li‐free cathode material for high‐rate and long‐life lithium metal batteries.
P2‐K0.75[Ni1/3Mn2/3]O2 Cathode Material for High Power and Long Life Potassium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Jo Jae Hyeon , Choi Ji Ung , Park Yun Ji , Jung Young Hwa , Ahn Docheon , Jeon Tae‐Yeol , Kim Hyungsub , Kim Jongsoon , Myung Seung‐Taek
Published: January 2020

Rationally designed P2‐K0.75[Ni1/3Mn2/3]O2 is introduced as a novel cathode material for potassium‐ion batteries (KIBs). P2‐K0.75[Ni1/3Mn2/3]O2 cathode material designed through electrochemical ion‐exchange from P2‐Na2/3[Ni1/3Mn2/3]O2 exhibits satisfactory electrode performances; 110 mAh g−1 (20 mA g−1) retaining 86% of capacity for 300 cycles and unexpectedly high reversible capacity of about 91 mAh g−1 (1400 mA g−1) with excellent capacity retention of 83% over 500 cycles. According to theoretical and experimental investigations, the overall potassium storage mechanism of P2‐K0.75[Ni1/3Mn2/3]O2 is revealed to be a single‐phase reaction with small lattice change upon charge and discharge, presenting the Ni4+/2+ redox couple reaction. Such high power capability is possible through the facile K+ migration in the K0.75[Ni1/3Mn2/3]O2 structure with a low activation barrier energy of ≈210 meV. These findings indicate that P2‐K0.75[Ni1/3Mn2/3]O2 is a promising candidate cathode material for high‐rate and long‐life KIBs.
Sequential Blade‐Coated Acceptor and Donor Enables Simultaneous Enhancement of Efficiency, Stability, and Mechanical Properties for Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Yilin , Zhu Qinglian , Naveed Hafiz Bilal , Zhao Heng , Zhou Ke , Ma Wei
Published: January 2020

As a predominant fabrication method of organic solar cells (OSCs), casting of a bulk heterojunction (BHJ) structure presents overwhelming advantages for achieving higher power conversion efficiency (PCE). However, long‐term stability and mechanical strength are significantly crucial to realize large‐area and flexible devices. Here, controlling blend film morphology is considered as an effective way toward co‐optimizing device performance, stability, and mechanical properties. A PCE of 12.27% for a P‐i‐N‐structured OSC processed by sequential blade casting (SBC) is reported. The device not only outperforms the as‐cast BHJ devices (11.01%), but also shows impressive stability and mechanical properties. The authors corroborate such enhancements with improved vertical phase separation and purer phases toward more efficient transport and collection of charges. Moreover, adaptation of SBC strategy here will result in thermodynamically favorable nanostructures toward more stable film morphology, and thus improving the stability and mechanical properties of the devices. Such co‐optimization of OSCs will pave ways toward realizing the highly efficient, large‐area, flexible devices for future endeavors.
Effects of defoliation and row spacing on intermediate wheatgrass I: Grain production
Authors: Hunter Mitchell C. , Sheaffer Craig C. , Culman Steven W. , Jungers Jacob M.
Published: January 2020

Increasing intermediate wheatgrass [Thinopyrum intermedium(Host) Barkworth & D.R. Dewey] grain yield and maintaining yield over the life of a stand will be critical to the economic viability of Kernza (The Land Institute) grain production. Research on perennial grasses has shown that seed yield can be enhanced by (a) mechanically defoliating the stand for hay production and (b) increasing row spacing. We evaluated the interacting effects of row spacing and defoliation across the 4‐yr life of an intermediate wheatgrass (IWG) stand in St. Paul, MN. We measured grain yield, harvest index, lodging, and yield components including grain mass and number of tillers, spikes, and grains. Data was analyzed with linear mixed models and partial least squares path analysis. Overall, grain yield declined substantially over time, from a mean of 880 kg ha−1in 2015 to 276 kg ha−1in 2018. Wider row spacings tended to increase grain yield. Defoliation increased grain yield in the first 2 yr, but may have decreased stand vigor in later years. Neither management practice fundamentally mitigated yield decline. The main cause of yield decline was the reduction in grain number per high‐yielding spike, which dropped by roughly half after the first year. The proportion of spikes that were high yielding also declined over time. Increasing competition among reproductive units likely contributed to yield decline, but there is also evidence that resource allocation to reproduction declined over time. Future research in IWG breeding and management should focus on maintaining high grain number, reducing intra‐stand competition, and increasing resource allocation to reproduction.
Cancer risk among career male and female Florida firefighters: Evidence from the Florida Firefighter Cancer Registry (1981‐2014)
Authors: Lee David J. , Koru‐Sengul Tulay , Hernandez Monique N. , Caban‐Martinez Alberto J. , McClure Laura A. , Mackinnon Jill A. , Kobetz Erin N.
Published: January 2020

Background

Firefighters are at increased risk for select cancers. However, many studies are limited by relatively small samples, with virtually no data on the cancer experience of female firefighters. This study examines cancer risk in over 100,000 career Florida firefighters including 5000 + females assessed over a 34‐year period.

Methods

Florida firefighter employment records (n = 109 009) were linked with Florida Cancer Data System registry data (1981‐2014; ~3.3 million records), identifying 3760 male and 168 female‐linked primary cancers. Gender‐specific age and calendar year‐adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals for firefighters vs non‐firefighters were calculated.

Results

Male firefighters were at increased risk of melanoma (aOR = 1.56; 1.39‐1.76), prostate (1.36; 1.27‐1.46), testicular (1.66; 1.34‐2.06), thyroid (2.17; 1.78‐2.66) and late‐stage colon cancer (1.19;1.00‐1.41). Female firefighters showed significantly elevated risk of brain (2.54; 1.19‐5.42) and thyroid (2.42; 1.56‐3.74) cancers and an elevated risk of melanoma that approached statistical significance (1.68; 0.97‐2.90). Among male firefighters there was additional evidence of increased cancer risk younger than the age of 50 vs 50 years and older for thyroid (2.55; 1.96‐3.31 vs 1.69; 1.22‐2.34), prostate (1.88; 1.49‐2.36 vs 1.36; 1.26‐1.47), testicular (1.60; 1.28‐2.01 vs 1.47; 0.73‐2.94), and melanoma (1.87; 1.55‐2.26 vs 1.42; 1.22‐1.66) cancers.

Conclusion

Male career firefighters in Florida are at increased risk for five cancers with typically stronger associations in those diagnosed younger than the age of 50, while there was evidence for increased thyroid and brain cancer, and possibly melanoma risk in female firefighters. Larger cohorts with adequate female representation, along with the collection of well‐characterized exposure histories, are needed to more precisely examine cancer risk in this occupational group.
Radiographic measurements of the talus and calcaneus in the adult pes planus foot type
Authors: Agoada David , Kramer Patricia Ann
Published: January 2020

Objective

A distinctive feature of the modern human foot is the presence of a medial longitudinal arch when weight‐bearing. Although the talus and calcaneus play a major role in the structure and function of the human foot, the association between the morphology of these bones and longitudinal arch height has not been fully investigated. A better understanding of this relationship may assist in the interpretation of pedal remains of fossil hominins, where features of the foot and ankle morphology have been described as providing evidence for the presence of a longitudinal arch.

Methods

For this study, weight‐bearing radiographs of 103 patients from an urban US Level 1 trauma center, taken as part of a clinical examination for medical evaluation, were selected. These radiographs were classified as to foot type by arch height as defined using the calcaneal inclination angle. From this group, 68 radiographs were suitable for linear and angular measurements of the talus and 74 of the calcaneus. The relationships between these measurements and arch height were explored using least squared linear regression analysis.

Results

The results demonstrate that angular measurements of the calcaneus (particularly those that reflect the relationship of the talar articular facets to each other and the tilt of the calcaneocuboid joint to the longitudinal axis of the calcaneus) are predictive of arch height (r2= .29–.44p ≤ .001). All angular measurements of the talus and all examined linear measurements of both the talus and calcaneus were not predictive of arch height.

Discussion

These results suggest that certain angular measurements of the calcaneus are associated with arch height in the modern human foot. While this information is useful in the interpretation of hominin pedal remains, the relationship of the morphology of these bones, as well as other bones of the foot, to arch height is complex, requiring further investigation.
Colonialism and the co‐evolution of ethnic and genetic structure in New Mexico
Authors: Hunley Keith , Edgar Heather , Healy Meghan , Mosley Carmen
Published: January 2020

Objective

Socially constructed ethnic identities are frequently rooted in beliefs about common descent that form when people with disparate cultures, languages, and biology come into contact. This study explores connections between beliefs about common descent, as represented by ethnic nomenclatures, and histories of migration and isolation ascertained from genomic data in New Mexicans of Spanish‐speaking descent (NMS).

Materials and Methods

We interviewed 507 NMS who further identified using one of seven ethnic terms that they associated with beliefs about connections to past ancestors. For groups of individuals who identified using each term, we estimated biogeographic ancestry, fit admixture models to ancestry distributions, and partitioned genetic distance into admixture and drift components.

Results

Regardless of which ethnic term they used, all NMS had appreciable Native American (avg. 27%) and European ancestry (avg.71%). However, individuals who identified using terms associated with beliefs connecting them to colonial‐period Spanish ancestors had significantly higher European ancestry than individuals who identified using terms associated with ancestral connections to post‐colonial‐period migrants from Mexico. Model‐fitting analyses show that this ancestry difference reflects post‐colonial gene flow with non‐NMS European Americans, not colonial‐period gene flow with Spaniards. Drift, not admixture, accounted for most of the genetic distance between NMS who expressed connections to Mexican versus Spanish ancestors, reflecting relative isolation of New Mexico and Mexico through the 19th century.

Discussion

Patterns of genomic diversity in NMS are consistent with beliefs about common descent in showing that New Mexico was isolated for generations following initial colonization. They are inconsistent with these beliefs in showing that all NMS have substantial European and Native American ancestry, and in showing that a proportion of European ancestry derives from post‐colonial‐period admixture with non‐NMS European Americans. Our findings provide insights into the construction of ethnic identity in contexts of migration and isolation in New Mexico and, potentially, throughout human prehistory.
Treatment‐related morbidity in patients treated for sinonasal malignancy
Authors: Patel Jena , Chitguppi Chandala , Vimawala Swar , Epps Gregory , Fastenberg Judd , Evans James , Rabinowitz Mindy , Rosen Marc , Nyquist Gurston
Published: January 2020

Background

Sinonasal malignancies are a rare, heterogeneous group of tumors that often present at an advanced stage and require multimodal therapy. The presence of high‐grade toxicity and sinonasal complications after treatment can negatively impact quality of life. In this study we aim to describe posttreatment morbidity in patients with sinonasal malignancy.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of all patients treated for sinonasal malignancy was conducted from 2005 to 2018 at a tertiary referral institution. A total of 129 patients met the inclusion criteria. Primary outcomes were treatment details, pathology, posttreatment complications, and radiation toxicity. Fisher's exact test, chi‐square test, and Student t test were used for statistical analysis.

Results

Mean age was 58.4 (median, 61; range, 19‐94) years. After diagnosis, 24 patients had surgery alone, 46 had surgery with radiation alone, 47 had surgery with chemoradiation, and 14 received definitive chemoradiation. Overall, 10.4% (n = 12) of patients had postoperative complications, and 21.0% (n = 22) had high‐grade (grade 3‐5) radiation toxicity. After radiation, 20% (n = 21) of patients had chronic sinusitis requiring functional endoscopic sinus surgery and 20% (n = 21) had symptomatic nasal obstruction requiring operative debridement.

Conclusion

Sinonasal complications, including nasal obstruction and chronic sinusitis, occur frequently after definitive treatment of sinonasal malignancy and should be addressed when considering quality of life in survivors. These complications occur more frequently in patients who undergo chemoradiation as opposed to surgery alone.
Use of mucosal eosinophil count as a guide in the management of chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Sharbel Daniel , Li Mingsi , Unsal Aykut A. , Tadros Sandra Y. , Lee Jason , Biddinger Paul , Holmes Thomas , Kountakis Stilianos E.
Published: January 2020

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a local inflammatory process driven by eosinophils. Mucosal eosinophil count (MEC) has previously been demonstrated to be a reliable indicator of disease severity. We aim to evaluate use of MEC in guiding medical management of CRS after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed patients with CRS who underwent FESS from 2004 to 2017. Tissue MEC per high‐power field (HPF) was determined by pathologic examination. MECs were compared by polyp status, postoperative medication requirements, and revision surgery. Patients received normal saline (NS) nasal irrigations with additional treatment as needed for disease control: 1‐drug therapy (1‐DT) intranasal steroid spray (ISS), 2‐drug therapy (2‐DT) ISS plus budesonide nasal irrigations (BNI) or leukotriene receptor antagonist (LRA), or 3‐drug therapy (3‐DT) ISS plus BNI and LRA. Correlations between MEC and 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22), preoperative computed tomography (CT), and nasal endoscopy scores were evaluated.

Results

A total of 156 patients were included. Fifty‐seven were managed with 1‐DT, 35 with 2‐DT, and 62 with 3‐DT. Across all patients, mean postoperative 6‐month and 1‐year SNOT‐22 (18.1 ± 17.0, 18.1 ± 20.2, respectively) and nasal endoscopy (3.6 ± 3.8, 3.6 ± 4.1, respectively) scores were significantly lower than preoperative scores (37.4 ± 22.8, 6.5 ± 4, respectively). With increasing MEC, odds of requiring 2‐DT (odds ratio [OR] = 1.1, p = 0.0002), 3‐DT (OR = 1.12, p < 0.0001), and revision surgery (OR = 1.11, p < 0.0001) were significantly increased. Preoperative endoscopy (ρ = 0.44, p < 0.0001) and CT scores (ρ = 0.51, p < 0.0001) and postoperative 6‐month (ρ = 0.55, p < 0.0001) and 1‐year (ρ = 0.4, p < 0.0001) endoscopy scores demonstrated good correlation with MEC.

Conclusion

MEC correlates with objective clinical disease severity and may guide aggressiveness of management for the individual patient.
Continuous flow synthesis of zeolite FAU in an oscillatory baffled reactor
Authors: Ramirez Mendoza Heidy , Valdez Lancinha Pereira Mafalda , Van Gerven Tom , Lutz Cécile
Published: January 2020

In this work, we report, for the first time, the continuous flow synthesis of zeolite NaX successfully accomplished in a pilot‐scale (up to 100 L/h) continuous oscillatory baffled reactor (COBR). The continuous synthesis was achieved by combining the seed‐assisted method, in‐line mixing of reactants at high temperature and COBR. The use of a COBR not only allowed the same residence time as the batch system, but also a controlled temperature profile, thanks to the plug flow behavior and effective heat transfer. A stable continuous operation was maintained during 5 hours owing to an effective mixing, preventing any hydrodynamic failure caused by the sedimentation of zeolite crystals. The results showed that zeolite NaX was obtained after 99 minutes and crystals between 0.6 and 0.7 μm were observed by scanning electron microscopy. The effect of frequency and amplitude on crystal properties was assessed. Sampling at three points along the COBR allowed the study of steady states of the zeolite concentration in temporal and spatial domains.
Supramolecular Design of Unsymmetric Reverse Bolaamphiphiles for Cell‐Sensitive Hydrogel Degradation and Drug Release
Authors: Chakroun Rami W. , Sneider Alexandra , Anderson Caleb F. , Wang Feihu , Wu Pei‐Hsun , Wirtz Denis , Cui Honggang
Published: January 2020

Self‐assembly of peptide‐based building units into supramolecular nanostructures creates an important class of biomaterials with robust mechanical properties and improved resistance to premature degradation. Yet, upon aggregation, substrate–enzyme interactions are often compromised because of the limited access of macromolecular proteins to the peptide substrate, leading to either a reduction or loss of responsiveness to biomolecular cues. Reported here is the supramolecular design of unsymmetric reverse bolaamphiphiles (RBA) capable of exposing a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) substrate on the surface of their filamentous assemblies. Upon addition of MMP‐2, these filaments rapidly break into fragments prior to reassembling into spherical micelles. Using 3D cell culture, it is shown that drug release is commensurate with cell density, revealing more effective cell killing when more cancer cells are present. This design platform could serve as a cell‐responsive therapeutic depot for local chemotherapy.