bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Injectable and NIR‐Responsive DNA–Inorganic Hybrid Hydrogels with Outstanding Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Liu Bin , Sun Jing , Zhu Junjie , Li Bo , Ma Chao , Gu Xinquan , Liu Kai , Zhang Hongjie , Wang Fan , Su Juanjuan , Yang Yang
Published: August 2020

Surgical excision is one of the main treatments for malignant tumors. However, high risk of tumour recurrence is a major challenge. Near‐infrared (NIR)‐light‐induced tumor photothermal therapy has been studied, while its clinical applications are still restricted due to the limited therapeutic effects. To address this, here, a novel NIR‐light‐responsive and injectable DNA‐mediated upconversion and Au nanoparticle hybrid (DNA–UCNP‐Au) hydrogel is developed. Due to the confined and concentrated environment induced by the interaction between adjacent DNA strands and UCNP‐Au NPs, an ultrastrong photothermal effect is observed. A photothermal efficiency as high as 42.7% is realized in the hydrogel, which is superior to pristine inorganic particles. Upon direct peritumoral injection of the hydrogel and with the treatment of 808 nm laser irradiation, tumors are eradicated and no recurrence is observed. Meanwhile, there are no side effects on normal tissues due to the local treatment. Taking advantage of the high phototherapeutic effect, biocompatibility, and flexible operability in this system, a novel approach for malignant tumor therapy is demonstrated.
Ultrahigh Infrared Photoresponse in Titanium Sesquioxide at Mott‐Insulator Transition
Authors: Nandi Sukanta , Tripathi Rahul , Adhikary Gobinda Das , Kumar Pramod , Misra Abha
Published: August 2020

An ultrahigh infrared (IR) photoresponse is reported in granular titanium sesquioxide (Ti2O3), also known as Mott insulator, at its semiconductor−metal transition temperature of 400 K. Ultrahigh photoresponse is obtained due to the IR radiation induced thermal expansion in Ti‐Ti bonding causing a destabilization and depopulation of the band in its metallic state. Moreover, a high voltage responsivity of 1379 V W−1 is achieved, which is significantly higher than any report so far. Both in situ Raman spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction measurements reveal an important insight beyond the semiconductor−metal transition in Ti2O3. Moreover, this study opens avenues to evaluate unprecedented properties of Mott insulators in their transition states.
Creation of Hierarchical Titanosilicate TS‐1 Zeolites
Authors: Bai Risheng , Song Yue , Bai Ruobing , Yu Jihong
Published: August 2020

Hierarchical TS‐1 zeolites that possess at least two levels of porosities have aroused growing interest in the past years. The enhanced mass transfer efficiency and increased accessibility of Ti active sites in the hierarchical TS‐1 zeolites greatly improve the catalytic performance by overcoming the steric and diffusional problems. In this review, recent important progress in the construction of hierarchical TS‐1 zeolites is presented, including mesoporogen, mesoporogen‐free, and demetallization strategies. Effective characterization methods for the Ti species and the hierarchical zeolite structures are described. The impacts of hierarchical structures on the creation of active Ti species and improvement of catalytic performances in the oxidative desulfurization and epoxidation reactions are highlighted. Finally, current challenges and future development perspectives for preparing hierarchical TS‐1 zeolite catalysts are addressed.
Fabrication and Magnetic Actuation of 3D‐Microprinted Multifunctional Hybrid Microstructures
Authors: Vieille Victor , Pétrot Roxane , Stéphan Olivier , Delattre Guillaume , Marchi Florence , Verdier Marc , Cugat Orphée , Devillers Thibaut
Published: August 2020

Only achievable with two photons’ polymerization, 3D printing at the micrometer scale is essential for the fabrication of complex objects such as photonic components, deformable microstructures, or microscaffolds for biological cells. Integrating magnetic materials inside those structures has made their remote actuation with an external magnetic field possible. However, the nature of the magnetic material, its volume, and precise position in the structure are keys for the efficiency, dexterity, and compatibility with optical or biological functions. Herein, an original approach consisting in the bonding of discrete and fully magnetic microbeads to unaffected 3D‐microprinted structures is presented. Implemented in combination with the fine control of optical and mechanical properties allowed by the careful design of the 3D architecture, it is applied to the fabrication of the first remotely tunable biconvex microlens (focal length of 18 µm). Combined with the additional precise positioning and magnetic orientation of multiple microbeads, the presented technique enables the fabrication of complex actuators such as a 100 µm microtweezer that can be translated, rotated, and opened with a single variable external magnetic field. The dexterity of this untethered micromanipulator is demonstrated through a pick‐and‐place operation of 40 µm objects in a confined environment.
Seeing is Believing: In Situ/Operando Optical Microscopy for Probing Electrochemical Energy Systems
Authors: Chen Binbin , Zhang Hao , Xuan Jin , Offer Gregory J. , Wang Huizhi
Published: August 2020

This review discusses a range of in situ/operando techniques based on optical microscopy reported in literatures for studying electrochemical energy systems. Compared to other techniques (scanning probe microscopy, electron microscopy, X‐ray microscopy), optical microscopy offers many advantages including the simplicity of the instrument and operation, cost effectiveness, and nondestructive nature. In the past few decades, significant advances in the field of optical microscopy have been made, enabling new opportunities of more elaborate studies on electrochemical energy systems. Herein, different methodologies are compared, with the emphasis on experimental setup designs and findings, to illustrate their aptness.
Graphene‐Like Carbon Film Wrapped Tin (II) Sulfide Nanosheet Arrays on Porous Carbon Fibers with Enhanced Electrochemical Kinetics as High‐Performance Li and Na Ion Battery Anodes
Authors: Cui Zhe , He Shu‐Ang , Liu Qian , Guan Guoqiang , Zhang Wenlong , Xu Chaoting , Zhu Jinqi , Feng Ping , Hu Junqing , Zou Rujia , Zhu Meifang
Published: August 2020

SnS, is a promising anode material for lithium ion batteries (LIBs) and sodium ion batteries (SIBs), however, undergoes poor cyclic lifespan due to its huge volume changes and bad electroconductivity. Here, a modified CVD method is used to directly grow graphene‐like carbon film on the surface of SnS nanosheet arrays which are supported by Co‐, N‐modified porous carbon fibers (CCF@SnS@G). In the strategy, the SnS nanosheet arrays confined into the integrated carbon matrix containing porous carbon fibers and graphene‐like carbon film, perform a greatly improved electrochemical performance. In situ TEM experiments reveal that the vertical graphene‐like carbon film can not only protect the SnS nanosheet from destruction well and enhance the conductivity, but also transforms SnS nanosheet into ultrafine nanoparticles to promote the electrochemical kinetics. Systematic electrochemical investigations exhibit that the CCF@SnS@G electrode delivers a stable reversible capacity of 529 mAh g−1 at a high current density of 5 A g−1 for LIBs and 541.4 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1 for SIBs, suggesting its good potential for anode electrodes.
Soft Actuators for Soft Robotic Applications: A Review
Authors: El-Atab Nazek , Mishra Rishabh B. , Al-Modaf Fhad , Joharji Lana , Alsharif Aljohara A. , Alamoudi Haneen , Diaz Marlon , Qaiser Nadeem , Hussain Muhammad Mustafa
Published: August 2020

Soft robotics technologies are paving the way toward robotic abilities which are vital for a wide range of applications, including manufacturing, manipulation, gripping, human–machine interaction, locomotion, and more. An essential component in a soft robot is the soft actuator which provides the system with a deformable body and allows it to interact with the environment to achieve a desired actuation pattern, such as locomotion. This Review article aims to provide researchers interested in the soft robotics field with a reference guide about the various state‐of‐the‐art soft actuation methodologies that are developed with a wide range of stimuli including light, heat, applied electric and magnetic fields with a focus on their various applications in soft robotics. The underlying principles of the soft actuators are discussed with a focus on the resulting motion complexities, deformations, and multi‐functionalities. Finally, various promising applications and examples of the different soft actuators are discussed in addition to their further development potential.
Phylogeny and multiple independent whole‐genome duplication events in the Brassicales
Authors: Mabry Makenzie E. , Brose Julia M. , Blischak Paul D. , Sutherland Brittany , Dismukes Wade T. , Bottoms Christopher A. , Edger Patrick P. , Washburn Jacob D. , An Hong , Hall Jocelyn C. , McKain Michael R. , Al‐Shehbaz Ihsan , Barker Michael S. , Schranz M. Eric , Conant Gavin C. , Pires J. Chris
Published: August 2020

Premise

Whole‐genome duplications (WGDs) are prevalent throughout the evolutionary history of plants. For example, dozens of WGDs have been phylogenetically localized across the order Brassicales, specifically, within the family Brassicaceae. A WGD event has also been identified in the Cleomaceae, the sister family to Brassicaceae, yet its placement, as well as that of WGDs in other families in the order, remains unclear.

Methods

Phylo‐transcriptomic data were generated and used to infer a nuclear phylogeny for 74 Brassicales taxa. Genome survey sequencing was also performed on 66 of those taxa to infer a chloroplast phylogeny. These phylogenies were used to assess and confirm relationships among the major families of the Brassicales and within Brassicaceae. Multiple WGD inference methods were then used to assess the placement of WGDs on the nuclear phylogeny.

Results

Well‐supported chloroplast and nuclear phylogenies for the Brassicales and the putative placement of the Cleomaceae‐specific WGD event Th‐ɑ are presented. This work also provides evidence for previously hypothesized WGDs, including a well‐supported event shared by at least two members of the Resedaceae family, and a possible event within the Capparaceae.

Conclusions

Phylogenetics and the placement of WGDs within highly polyploid lineages continues to be a major challenge. This study adds to the conversation on WGD inference difficulties by demonstrating that sampling is especially important for WGD identification and phylogenetic placement. Given its economic importance and genomic resources, the Brassicales continues to be an ideal group for assessing WGD inference methods.
Lymphocyte predominant cells of nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma interact with rosetting T cells in an immunological synapse
Authors: Bein Julia , Thurner Lorenz , Hansmann Martin‐Leo , Hartmann Sylvia
Published: August 2020

Nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) is a subtype of Hodgkin lymphoma with a preserved B‐cell phenotype and follicular T helper (TFH) cells rosetting around the tumor cells, the lymphocyte‐predominant (LP) cells. As we recently described reactivity of the B‐cell receptors of LP cells of some NLPHL cases with Moraxella spp. proteins, we hypothesized that LP cells could present peptides to rosetting T cells in a major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII)‐bound manner. Rosetting PD1+ T cells were present in the majority of NLPHL cases, both in typical (17/20) and variant patterns (16/19). In most cases, T‐cell rosettes were CD69+ (typical NLPHL, 17/20; NLPHL variant, 14/19). Furthermore, both MHCII alpha and beta chains were expressed in the LP cells in 23/39 NLPHL. Proximity ligation assay and confocal laser imaging demonstrated interaction of the MHCII beta chain expressed by the LP cells and the T‐cell receptor alpha chain expressed by rosetting T cells. We thus conclude that rosetting T cells in NLPHL express markers that are encountered after antigenic exposure, that MHCII is expressed by the LP cells, and that LP cells interact with rosetting T cells in an immunological synapse in a subset of cases. As they likely receive growth stimulatory signals in this way, blockade of this interaction, for example, by PD1‐directed checkpoint inhibitors, could be a treatment option in a subset of cases in the future.
Vestibular and audiological findings in the Alport syndrome
Authors: Barozzi Stefania , Soi Daniela , Intieri Elisabetta , Giani Marisa , Aldè Mirko , Tonon Eleonora , Signorini Lia , Renieri Alessandra , Fallerini Chiara , Perin Paola , Montini Giovanni , Ambrosetti Umberto
Published: August 2020

Alport syndrome (AS) is caused by mutations in collagen IV, which is widespread in the basement membranes of many organs, including the kidneys, eyes, and ears. Whereas the effects of collagen IV changes in the cochlea are well known, no changes have been described in the posterior labyrinth. The aim of this study was to investigate both the auditory and the vestibular function of a group of individuals with AS. Seventeen patients, aged 9–52, underwent audiological tests including pure‐tone and speech audiometry, immittance test and otoacoustic emissions and vestibular tests including video head impulse test, rotatory test, and vestibular evoked myogenic potentials. Hearing loss affected 25% of the males and 27.3% of the females with X‐linked AS. It was sensorineural with a cochlear localization and a variable severity. 50% of the males and 45.4% of the females had a hearing impairment in the high‐frequency range. Otoacoustic emissions were absent in about one‐third of the individuals. A peripheral vestibular dysfunction was present in 75% of the males and 45.4% of the females, with no complaints of vertigo or dizziness. The vestibular impairment was compensated and the vestibulo‐ocular reflex asymmetry was more evident in rotatory tests carried out at lower than higher speeds; a vestibular hypofunction was present in all hearing impaired ears although it was also found in subjects with normal hearing. A posterior labyrinth injury should be hypothesized in AS even when the patient does not manifest hearing disorders or evident signs of renal failure.
A Voltage‐Responsive Synthetic Cl−‐Channel Regulated by pH
Authors: Zheng Shao‐Ping , Jiang Ji‐Jun , van der Lee Arie , Barboiu Mihail
Published: August 2020

Transmembrane protein channels are an important inspiration for the design of artificial ion channels. Their dipolar structure helps overcome the high energy barrier to selectively translocate water and ions sharing one pathway, across the cell membrane. Herein, we report that the amino‐imidazole (Imu) amphiphiles self‐assemble via multiple H‐bonding to form stable artificial Cl−‐channels within lipid bilayers. The alignment of water/Cl− wires influences the conduction of ions, envisioned to diffuse along the hydrophilic pathways; at acidic pH, Cl−/H+ symport conducts along a partly protonated channel, while at basic pH, higher Cl−/OH− antiport translocate through a neutral channel configuration, which can be greatly activated by applying strong electric field. This voltage/pH regulated channel system represents an unexplored alternative for ion‐pumping along artificial ion‐channels, parallel to that of biology.
Autocatalytic Formation of High‐Entropy Alloy Nanoparticles
Authors: Broge Nils L. N. , Bondesgaard Martin , Søndergaard‐Pedersen Frederik , Roelsgaard Martin , Iversen Bo Brummerstedt
Published: August 2020

High‐entropy alloy (HEA) nanoparticles hold great promise as tunable catalysts. Despite the fact that alloy formation is typically difficult in oxygen‐rich environments, we found that Pt‐Ir‐Pd‐Rh‐Ru nanoparticles can be synthesized under benign low‐temperature solvothermal conditions. In situ X‐ray scattering and transmission electron microscopy reveal the solvothermal formation mechanism of Pt‐Ir‐Pd‐Rh‐Ru nanoparticles. For the individual metal acetylacetonate precursors, formation of single metal nanoparticles takes place at temperatures spanning from ca. 150 °C for Pd to ca. 350 °C for Ir. However, for the mixture, homogenous Pt‐Ir‐Pd‐Rh‐Ru HEA nanoparticles can be obtained around 200 °C due to autocatalyzed metal reduction at the (111) facets of the forming crystallites. The autocatalytic formation mechanism suggests that many types of HEA nanocatalysts should accessible with scalable solvothermal reactions, thereby providing broad availability and tunability.
Insights into crystal structures, supramolecular architectures and antioxidant activities of self‐assembled fluorescent hetero‐multinuclear [Cu (II)‐Ln (III)] (Ln = La, Ce, Pr and Nd) salamo‐like complexes
Authors: Pu Lu‐Mei , An Xiao‐Xin , Liu Chang , Long Hai‐Tao , Zhao Li
Published: August 2020

Newly designed hetero‐dinuclear 3d–4f complex [Cu(L)La (NO3)2(μ‐NO3)(H2O)]·EtOH (1), hetero‐tetranuclear 3d–4f complex [Cu(L)Ce (NO3)2(μ‐NO3)(OAc)2]2·MeOH (2) and hetero‐multinuclear 3d–4f complexes [{Cu(L)Ln (NO3)3}2][Cu(L)Ln (NO3)3]2 (Ln = Pr (3) and Nd = (4)) have been self‐assembled from the reaction of Cu (OAc)2·H2O, Ln (NO3)3·6H2O (Ln = La, Ce, Pr and Nd) with an unsymmetric salamo‐like bisoxime ligand H2L (6‐Methoxy‐6′‐ethoxy‐2,2′‐[ethylenedioxybis (nitrilomethylidyne)]diphenol) based on a Schiff base condensation of 2‐[O‐(1‐ethoxyamide)]oxime‐6‐methoxyphenol and 3‐ethoxysalicylaldehyde. The structures of complexes 1–4 were characterized by elemental analyses, PXRD analyses, IR, UV–Vis spectra, and single‐crystal X‐ray analyses. In addition, the supramolecular interactions and fluorescence properties of complexes 1–4 are discussed in detail. Moreover, the antioxidant activities of the complexes 1–4 were determined by superoxide radical‐scavenging method in vitro, which indicates that the complexes 1–4 all show potential antioxidant properties.
Changes in the Gut Microbiota of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Zou Rong , Xu Fenfen , Wang Yuezhu , Duan Mengmeng , Guo Min , Zhang Qiang , Zhao Hongyang , Zheng Huajun
Published: August 2020

Alterations in the gut microbiota may influence gastrointestinal (GI) dysbiosis frequently reported in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this study, we sequenced the bacterial 16S rRNA gene to evaluate changes in fecal microbiota between 48 children with ASD and 48 healthy children in China. At the phylum level, the number of Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Verrucomicrobia decreased in children with ASD, while the Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes was significantly higher in autistic children due to enrichment of Bacteroidetes. At the genus level, the amount of Bacteroides, Prevotella, Lachnospiracea_incertae_sedis, and Megamonas increased, while Clostridium XlVa, Eisenbergiella, Clostridium IV, Flavonifractor, Escherichia/Shigella, Haemophilus, Akkermansia, and Dialister decreased in children with ASD relative to the controls. Significant increase was observed in the number of species synthesizing branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs), like Bacteroides vulgatus and Prevotella copri, while the numbers of Bacteroides fragilis and Akkermansia muciniphila decreased in children with ASD compared to the controls. Most importantly, the highest levels of pathogenic bacteria were different for each child with ASD in this cohort. We found that only one functional module, cellular antigens, was enriched in children with ASD, and other pathways like lysine degradation and tryptophan metabolism were significantly decreased in children with ASD. These findings provide further evidence of altered gut microbiota in Chinese ASD children and may contribute to the treatment of patients with ASD.

Lay Summary

This study characterized the gut bacteria composition of 48 children with ASD and 48 neurotypical children in China. The metabolic disruptions caused by altered gut microbiota may contribute significantly to the neurological pathophysiology of ASD, including significant increases in the number of species synthesizing BCAAs, and decreases in the number of probiotic species. These findings suggest that a gut microbiome‐associated therapeutic intervention may provide a novel strategy for treating GI symptoms frequently seen in individuals with ASD. Autism Res 2020, 13: 1614–1625. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Show Impairments During Dynamic Versus Static Grip‐force Tracking
Authors: Lidstone Daniel E. , Miah Faria Z. , Poston Brach , Beasley Julie F. , Mostofsky Stewart H. , Dufek Janet S.
Published: August 2020

Impairments in visuomotor integration (VMI) may contribute to anomalous development of motor, as well as social‐communicative, skills in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, it is relatively unknown whether VMI impairments are specific to children with ASD versus children with other neurodevelopmental disorders. As such, this study addressed the hypothesis that children with ASD, but not those in other clinical control groups, would show greater deficits in high‐VMI dynamic grip‐force tracking versus low‐VMI static presentation. Seventy‐nine children, aged 7–17 years, participated: 22 children with ASD, 17 children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), 18 children with Attention‐Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and 22 typically developing (TD) children. Two grip‐force tracking conditions were examined: (1) a low‐VMI condition (static visual target) and (2) a high‐VMI condition (dynamic visual target). Low‐frequency force oscillations <0.5 Hz during the visuomotor task were also examined. Two‐way ANCOVAs were used to examine group x VMI and group x frequency effects (α = 0.05). Children with ASD showed a difficulty, above that seen in the ADHD/FASD groups, tracking dynamic, but not static, visual stimuli as compared to TD children. Low‐frequency force oscillations <0.25 Hz were also significantly greater in the ASD versus the TD group. This study is the first to report VMI deficits during dynamic versus static grip‐force tracking and increased proportion of force oscillations <0.25 Hz during visuomotor tracking in the ASD versus TD group. Dynamic VMI impairments may be a core psychophysiologic feature that could contribute to impaired development of motor and social‐communicative skills in ASD.

Lay Summary

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show difficulties using dynamic visual stimuli to guide their own movements compared to their typically developing (TD) peers. It is unknown whether children without a diagnosis of ASD, but with other neurological disorders, show similar difficulties processing dynamic visual stimuli. In this study, we showed that children with ASD show a difficulty using dynamic, but not static, visual stimuli to guide movement that may explain atypical development of motor and social skills.
Facile synthesis of AgNPs@SNCDs nanocomposites as a fluorescent ‘turn on’ sensor for detection of glutathione
Authors: Zhang Zhengwei , Pei Ke , Yan Zhengyu , Chen Jianqiu
Published: August 2020

The present study illustrates the facile synthesis of silver nanoparticles capped with sulfur and nitrogen co‐doped carbon dots (AgNPs@SNCDs) nanocomposites and their application towards the sensitive and selective detection of glutathione (GSH) using a spectrofluorimetry method. SNCDs were synthesized using solvothermal treatment of cysteamine hydrochloride and p‐phenylenediamine. The as‐fabricated SNCDs were then utilized as capping and stabilizing agents for the preparation of AgNPs@SNCDs nanocomposites using wet chemistry. The size of AgNPs@SNCDs nanocomposites was characterized to be ~37.58 nm or even larger aggregates. Particularly, the quenched fluorescence of AgNPs@SNCDs nanocomposites could be significantly restored upon addition of GSH, and the colour of its solution changed to some extent. The fluorescence intensity ratio of AgNPs@SNCDs nanocomposites at ~450 nm and 550 nm was directly proportional to the GSH concentration within the ranges 8.35–66.83 μM and 66.83–200.5 μM, and the detection limit was 0.52 μM. Furthermore various common organic molecules had no obvious interference in the detection mode. The proposed nanosensor was successfully applied for GSH assay in actual water samples.
Understanding new molecular and cell biology findings based on progressive scientific practices and interconnected activities in undergraduate students
Authors: Giojalas Laura C. , Guidobaldi Hector A. , Cragnolini Andrea B. , Franchi Anahi N. , Garcia Romano Leticia , Bermudez Gonzalo M. A. , Danelon Victor , Moreno Irusta Ayelen , Domínguez Esteban M. , Figueras López Maria J.
Published: August 2020

Nowadays Molecular Cell Biology (MCB) must be taught as science is practiced. Even though there are several approaches based on scientific practices, a key aspect is to define the purpose of each of these teaching strategies and, most importantly, their implementation. Our goal was to train students to acquire, understand, and communicate new scientific knowledge in the field. The main feature of our new teaching methodology was progressive training in scientific practices associated with a back‐and‐forward interplay between activities and assessments. The methodology was implemented over 4 years, in students attending the MCB course of the undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences. In the first two modules, the students were prepared to comprehend MCB concepts and techniques and to experience activities based on scientific practices. In the third module, the students analyzed a primary paper in‐depth. They were assessed by midterm exams based on a primary paper, written laboratory reports, and the oral presentation of a scientific paper. Our teaching proposal was evaluated through the students' academic performance and by their opinion on the teaching methodology. Most students were satisfied since they improved their acquisition of concepts, their interpretation and integration of scientific knowledge, and developed skills to communicate scientific knowledge in writing and orally. The novelty of transversal interconnections and progressive training in scientific practices provides students with skills in acquiring and understanding new scientific information, even beyond the MCB course.
Rational Design of a Piezoelectric BaTiO3 Nanodot Surface‐Modified LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 Cathode Material for High‐Rate Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Wenzhi , Wu Langyuan , Li Zhiwei , Ma Sen , Dou Hui , Zhang Xiaogang
Published: August 2020

Nickel‐rich cathode materials have been regarded as the most promising candidates for lithium‐ion batteries because of their superior specific capacity and cost‐effectiveness. However, the rapid capacity fade under high current density and serious side reactions during long‐term cycling hinder its wide application. In this study, piezoelectric BaTiO3 nanodots are employed as a functional coating layer on the LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 cathode material to balance the relationship between structure and performance. A three‐phase interface model is proposed including the LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 cathode material, uniform piezoelectric BaTiO3 nanodots, and the electrolyte. The coating layer plays a key role in the rapid diffusion of lithium‐ions as well as stabilizing the bulk structure of the cathode materials. Furthermore, the possible by‐products generated during the electrochemical cycling that can be alleviated by the modification of BaTiO3 are detected by using differential electrochemical mass spectrometry. As expected, our strategy efficiently improves the structural stability and holds a high‐rate performance.
Cubane, Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane and Bicyclo[2.2.2]octane: Impact and Thermal Sensitiveness of Carboxyl‐, Hydroxymethyl‐ and Iodo‐substituents
Authors: Dallaston Madeleine A. , Houston Sevan D. , Williams Craig M.
Published: August 2020

With the burgeoning interest in cage motifs for bioactive molecule discovery, and the recent disclosure of 1,4‐cubane‐dicarboxylic acid impact sensitivity, more research into the safety profiles of cage scaffolds is required. Therefore, the impact sensitivity and thermal decomposition behavior of judiciously selected starting materials and synthetic intermediates of cubane, bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane (BCP), and bicyclo[2.2.2]octane (BCO) were evaluated via hammer test and sealed cell differential scanning calorimetry, respectively. Iodo‐substituted systems were found to be more impact sensitive, whereas hydroxymethyl substitution led to more rapid thermodecomposition. Cubane was more likely to be impact sensitive with these substituents, followed by BCP, whereas all BCOs were unresponsive. The majority of derivatives were placed substantially above Yoshida thresholds—a computational indicator of sensitivity.
Entropic Mixing Allows Monomeric‐Like Absorption in Neat BODIPY Films
Authors: Schäfer Clara , Mony Jürgen , Olsson Thomas , Börjesson Karl
Published: August 2020

Intermolecular interactions play a crucial role in materials chemistry because they govern thin film morphology. The photophysical properties of films of organic dyes are highly sensitive to the local environment, and a considerable effort has therefore been dedicated to engineering the morphology of organic thin films. Solubilizing side chains can successfully spatially separate chromophores, reducing detrimental intermolecular interactions. However, this strategy is also significantly decreasing achievable dye concentration. Here, five BODIPY derivatives containing small alkyl chains in the α‐position were synthesized and photophysically characterized. By blending two or more derivatives, the increase in entropy reduces aggregation and therefore produces films with extreme dye concentration and, at the same time almost solution like absorption properties. Such a film was placed inside an optical cavity and the achieved system was demonstrated to reach the strong exciton‐photon coupling regime by virtue of the achieved dye concentration and sharp absorption features of the film.
Photochemistry in Real Space: Batho‐ and Hypsochromism in the Water Dimer
Authors: Fernández‐Alarcón Alberto , Guevara‐Vela José Manuel , Casals‐Sainz José Luis , Costales Aurora , Francisco Evelio , Martín Pendás Ángel , Rocha Rinza Tomás
Published: August 2020

The development of chemical intuition in photochemistry faces several difficulties that result from the inadequacy of the one‐particle picture, the Born–Oppenheimer approximation, and other basic ideas used to build models. It is shown herein how real‐space approaches can be efficiently used to gain valuable insights in photochemistry through a simple example of red and blue shift effects: the double hypso‐ and bathochromic shifts in the low‐lying valence excited states of (H2O)2. It is demonstrated that 1) the use of these techniques allows the perturbative language used in the theory of intermolecular interactions, even in the strongly interacting short‐range regime, to be maintained; 2) one and only one molecule is photoexcited in each of the addressed excited states and 3) the electrostatic interaction between the in‐the‐cluster molecular dipoles provides a fairly intuitive rationalisation of the observed batho‐ and hypsochromism. The methods exploited and illustrated herein are able to maintain the individuality and properties of the interacting entities in a molecular aggregate, and thereby they allow chemical intuition in general states, at any geometry and using a broad variety of electronic structure methods to be kept and built.
Stimuli‐Sensitive Self‐Assembled Tubules Based on Lysine‐Derived Surfactants for Delivery of Antimicrobial Proteins
Authors: Oliveira Isabel S. , Machado Rui L. , Araújo Maria J. , Gomes Andreia C. , Marques Eduardo F.
Published: August 2020

Drug delivery vectors based on amphiphiles have important features such as versatile physicochemical properties and stimuli‐responsiveness. Amino acid‐based surfactants are especially promising amphiphiles due to their enhanced biocompatibility compared to conventional surfactants. They can self‐organize into micelles, vesicles and complex hierarchical structures, such as fibers, twisted and coiled ribbons, and tubules. In this work, we investigated the self‐assembly and drug loading properties of a family of novel anionic double‐tailed lysine‐derived surfactants, with variable degree of tail length mismatch, designated as mLys10 and 10Lysn, where m and n are the number of carbon atoms in the tails. These surfactants form tubular aggregates with assorted morphologies in water that undergo gelation due to dense entanglement, as evidenced by light and electron microscopy. Lysozyme (LZM), an enzyme with antimicrobial properties, was selected as model protein for loading. After the characterization of the interfacial properties and phase behavior of the amphiphiles, the LZM‐loading ability of the tubules was investigated, under varying experimental conditions, to assess the efficiency of the aggregates as pH‐ and temperature‐sensitive nanocarriers. Further, the toxicological profile of the surfactants per se and surfactant/LZM hydrogels was obtained, using human skin fibroblasts (BJ‐5ta cell line). Overall, the results show that the tubule‐based hydrogels exhibit very interesting properties for the transport and controlled release of molecules of therapeutic interest.
Pd‐Catalyzed Directed Thiocyanation Reaction by C−H Bond Activation
Authors: Gao Mélissa , Chen Mu‐Yi , Pannecoucke Xavier , Jubault Philippe , Besset Tatiana
Published: August 2020

The Pd‐catalyzed directed thiocyanation reaction of arenes and heteroarenes by C−H bond activation was achieved. In the presence of an electrophilic SCN source, this original methodology offered an efficient tool to access a panel of functionalized thiocyanated compounds (21 examples, up to 78 % yield). Post‐functionalization reactions further demonstrated the synthetic utility of the approach by converting the SCN‐containing molecules into value‐added scaffolds.
Detection and Quantification of RNA Phosphorothioate Modifications Using Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Wu Ying , Zheng Ya Ying , Lin Qishan , Sheng Jia
Published: August 2020

This article describes a protocol for detecting and quantifying RNA phosphorothioate modifications in cellular RNA samples. Starting from solid‐phase synthesis of phosphorothioate RNA dinucleotides, followed by purification with reversed‐phase HPLC, phosphorothioate RNA dinucleotide standards are prepared for UPLC‐MS and LC‐MS/MS methods. RNA samples are extracted from cells using TRIzol reagent, then digested with a nuclease mixture and analyzed by mass spectrometry. UPLC‐MS is employed first to identify RNA phosphorothioate modifications. An optimized LC‐MS/MS method is then employed to quantify the frequency of RNA phosphorothioate modifications in a series of model cells. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Synthesis, purification, and characterization of RNA phosphorothioate dinucleotides

Basic Protocol 2: Digestion of RNA samples extracted from cells

Basic Protocol 3: Detection and quantification of RNA phosphorothioate modifications by mass spectrometry
Leadership is an art, still
Authors: Hodges Dawn Z.
Published: August 2020

About five years ago, I wrote a three‐part series for Dean & Provost titled “Leadership Is an Art.” It combined two of my favorite topics and summarized what I learned about leadership while visiting the Art Institute of Chicago, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, and the Millennium Gate Museum in Atlanta (a special exhibit of the paintings of Winston Churchill).
Bifurcation points and bifurcated branches in fluids mechanics by high‐order mesh‐free geometric progression algorithms
Authors: Rammane Mohammed , Mesmoudi Said , Tri Abdeljalil , Braikat Bouazza , Damil Noureddine
Published: August 2020

In this article, we propose to investigate numerically the steady bifurcation points and bifurcated branches in fluid mechanics by employing high‐order mesh‐free geometric progression algorithms. These algorithms are based on the use of the geometric progression (GP) in a high‐order mesh‐free approach. The first proposed algorithm is applied on a strong formulation using the moving least squares (MLS) approximation coupled with GP (HO‐MLS‐GPM). While the second proposed algorithm is applied on a weak formulation using the element‐free Galerkin (EFG) coupled also with GP (HO‐EFG‐GPM). The incompressibility condition is taken by introducing the penalty technique to transform the stationary Navier–Stokes equations verified by the pressure and velocity into ones verified by only the velocity. The high‐order mesh‐free algorithm permits to transform this nonlinear equations into a succession of linear ones. The GP allows to detect with precision the bifurcation points and the Lyapunov–Schmidt reduction is coupled with HO‐MLS‐GPM and HO‐EFG‐GPM as a continuation procedure to follow the many bifurcated branches. The aim of this resolution strategy concerns the treatment of the bifurcation phenomena for a fluid flow through an expansion in several geometries, where the steady flow becomes unstable after a critical Reynolds value. The obtained results are compared with those presented in literature and with those computed using the high‐order finite element algorithm coupled with GP.
Petrogenesis of the Late Mesozoic gabbros in the eastern Jiangnan Orogen, South China: Characteristics of the lithospheric mantle
Authors: Wang Sinuo , Yan Jun , Li Quanzhong , Liu Jianmin , Xie Jiancheng , Yang Chao
Published: August 2020

As we know, mantle‐derived mafic rocks can be used to effectively trace the nature of the mantle source and constrain the regional tectonic setting and evolution. Recently, a Late Mesozoic mafic intrusive body (Huangmao pluton) has been found in the eastern Jiangnan Orogen (EJO). In this study, we investigate this pluton using petrography, whole‐rock geochemistry, Sr–Nd–Pb isotopes, and geochronology. The Huangmao pluton is primarily composed of a fine‐grained gabbro‐diabase, which is characterized by consistent SiO2, MgO, Fe2O3T, and TiO2 contents. These gabbros exhibit continental crust‐like trace element signatures, i.e., enriched in large‐ion lithophile elements (LILE), Pb, and light rare earth elements (LREE), but depleted in high‐field‐strength elements (HFSE). In addition, the Huangmao gabbros have moderate initial 87Sr/86Sr ratio (0.7065–0.7080) and slightly negative to weakly positive εNd(t) value (−2.06 to +0.84). Finally, U–Pb zircon dating confirms that the Huangmao pluton was emplaced in the Late Jurassic (152.6 ± 3.1 Ma). Through an integrated geochemical analysis, these Late Mesozoic gabbros were genetically originated from an enriched lithospheric mantle source, which formed by a metasomatic reaction between mantle peridotite and sediment‐derived felsic melt. Consequently, the lithologies of the metasomatite were predominantly pyroxenites with a small amount of pyroxene‐rich peridotites. Considering the large distance between the modern trench and the EJO, the flat‐slab subduction and rollback model of the palaeo‐Pacific Plate is the most reasonable interpretation of the geodynamic setting that resulted in Late Mesozoic magmatism in the EJO.
Shark fossil diversity (Squalomorphii, Squatinomorphii, and Galeomorphii) from the Langhian of Brielas (Lower Tagus Basin, Portugal)
Authors: Fialho Pedro R. , Balbino Ausenda C. , Legoinha Paulo , Antunes Miguel T.
Published: August 2020

The fossiliferous marine Miocene sediments of the Lower Tagus Basin (Portugal) present a great diversity of Chondrichthyes forms. The current study focuses on the fossil sharks from the Langhian Vc unit of the Brielas section, located in the Setúbal Peninsula. A total of 384 isolated fossil teeth were analysed and ascribed to 17 species from the Orders Hexanchiformes, Squaliformes, Squatiniformes, Lamniformes, and Carcharhiniformes. Centrophorus granulosus and Iago angustidens are described for the first time in Portuguese sediments, whereas Pachyscyllium dachiardii and Rhizoprionodon ficheuri represent only their second reported occurrence. Galeorhinus goncalvesi was already known from the Portuguese uppermost Miocene (Alvalade Basin), but it is now recognized in older sediments. Furthermore, the new material seems to include the first reported occurrence of Hexanchus cf. agassizi in Miocene sediments. As a whole, these new findings support the previous palaeoenvironment characterization of a warm infralittoral setting gradually deepening to a circalittoral one, where seasonal upwelling phenomena could have occurred.
e‐Health self‐management intervention for oral and oropharyngeal cancer survivors: design and single‐arm pilot study of empowered survivor
Authors: Manne Sharon , Hudson Shawna , Frederick Sara , Mitarotondo Anna , Baredes Soly , Kalyoussef Evelyne , Ohman‐Strickland Pamela , Kashy Deborah A.
Published: August 2020

Background

Self‐management regimens for oral and oropharyngeal cancer survivors can be complex and challenging. Effective self‐management skills can foster better outcomes. We report on the development, feasibility, and pilot testing of a web‐based self‐management tool called “Empowered Survivor” (ES) for survivors of oral and oropharyngeal cancer.

Methods

ES content was developed in two phases, with modules focusing on oral care, swallowing and muscle strength, and long‐term follow‐up. This single‐arm pilot study consisted of a pre‐, 2‐month, and a 6‐month postintervention survey.

Results

Enrollment rates were relatively low. Once enrolled, data collected from the ES website indicated that 81.8% viewed ES. Participants provided positive evaluations of ES. Preliminary results indicate that ES had a beneficial impact on self‐management self‐efficacy, preparedness for survivorship care, and quality of life. ES improved survivors' engagement in oral self‐exams and head and neck strengthening exercises, improved ability to address barriers, and decreased information and support needs.

Conclusions

This study provides preliminary evidence of engagement, acceptability, and beneficial impact of ES, which should be evaluated in a larger controlled clinical trial.
The role of innovation in advancing understanding of hydrological processes
Authors: Bracken Louise J. , Cockshut Ladan , Taylor Jenny , Cotterill Sarah
Published: August 2020

Innovation and understanding hydrological processes are intimately linked. Existing research has demonstrated the role of technological, societal, and political drivers in shaping and delivering new understandings in hydrological processes. In this paper we pose three research questions to explore how innovation can further our understanding of hydrological processes, if working towards the sustainable development goals (SDGs) provides a helpful focus, and whether specific mechanisms can be used to facilitate innovation and research into hydrological processes. First, we examine key aspects of innovation and explore innovation in the context of water security. We then present a series of innovation projects to determine their effectiveness in delivering innovation in managing hydrological processes, but also their contribution to scientific understanding. Our research suggests that product and process innovation were more closely related to increasing scientific understanding of hydrological processes than other forms of innovation. The NE Water Hub demonstrated that the design of the innovation ecosystem was crucial to its success and provides a model to integrate innovation and research more widely to further scientific understanding and deliver behaviour change to address the SDGs.
Prediction on the volume of non‐performing loans in Turkey using multivariate adaptive regression splines approach
Authors: Kılıç Depren Serpil , Kartal Mustafa Tevfik
Published: August 2020

As the volume of non‐performing loans (NPL) plays an important role in the capacity of providing loans, increasing NPL problem is perceived as one of the major challenges in a bank‐based financial system. In recent years, Turkey has been confronted with this problem. In order to reduce NPL volume, necessary precautions that can contribute to government administrators should be taken. Therefore, the most important predictors on NPL volume were determined by using predictive analytics such as multivariate adaptive regression splines that is found out the optimal parameter effects from high‐dimensional data. The dataset, which is obtained from the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey and Banking and Regulation Supervision Agency, consists of 14 independent variables from 2005 and 2019. As a result of this study, it is indicated that credits, USD/TL exchange rate, and the unemployment rate are the most statistically significant factors in defining the level of NPL volume.
The determinants of banks' credit risk: Review of the literature and future research agenda
Authors: Naili Maryem , Lahrichi Younes
Published: August 2020

Banks' credit risk, mostly conveyed by the level of non‐performing loans (NPLs) and considered as a prominent threat to the banking sector stability, has been widely discussed among researchers and policymakers. Given the growing body of literature on this topic, this paper aims to provide a structured review of literature on the determinants of NPLs with a focus on the current dynamics of the field. This study discusses the main theories that shaped the debate on NPLs and their bank‐specific, macroeconomic and industry‐related determinants. A thorough understanding of these latter would enable policymakers, regulators and bank managers to anticipate banks' failures and, academicians to advance their research. To facilitate further knowledge in this field, this paper reviews 69 studies published between 1987 and 2019 in 40 peer‐reviewed journals. We argue that despite the extensive empirical and theoretical work accomplished over the last decades, the issue of credit risk remains an unsolved line of inquiry, which leaves ample room for critical debates. Beside mapping the emerging discourse on this area, this study proposes a promising future research agenda to guide research advancement.
Fiscal episodes in the Economic and Monetary Union: Elasticities and non‐Keynesian effects
Authors: Afonso António , Leal Frederico Silva
Published: August 2020

We estimate short‐ and long‐run elasticities of private consumption for fiscal instruments, using a fixed‐effects model for the 19 Euro area countries during the period of 1960–2017, to assess how fiscal elasticities vary during fiscal episodes. According to the results, positive ‘tax revenue’ elasticities indicate that consumers have Ricardian behaviour, whereby they perceive an increase in taxation to be a sign of future government spending. ‘social benefits’ appear to have a non‐Keynesian effect on private consumption. In addition, using a narrative approach to identify fiscal consolidations, it is seen that private consumption continues to exhibit a non‐Keynesian response to tax increases, both in the short and long‐run, and ‘other expenditures’ have a recessive impact during ‘normal times’. Furthermore, ‘social benefits’ are more contractionary in consolidations than in both expansions and ‘normal times’. In addition, after the launch of the Economic and Monetary Union, expansionary fiscal consolidations became harder to observe, and ‘other expenditure’ and ‘investment’ lost their non‐Keynesian role.