bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Defect Control for 12.5% Efficiency Cu2ZnSnSe4 Kesterite Thin‐Film Solar Cells by Engineering of Local Chemical Environment
Authors: Li Jianjun , Huang Yanchan , Huang Jialiang , Liang Guangxing , Zhang Yunxiang , Rey Germain , Guo Fei , Su Zhenghua , Zhu Hongbing , Cai Lele , Sun Kaiwen , Sun Yun , Liu Fangyang , Chen Shiyou , Hao Xiaojing , Mai Yaohua , Green Martin A.
Published: November 2020

Kesterite‐based Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 semiconductors are emerging as promising materials for low‐cost, environment‐benign, and high‐efficiency thin‐film photovoltaics. However, the current state‐of‐the‐art Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 devices suffer from cation‐disordering defects and defect clusters, which generally result in severe potential fluctuation, low minority carrier lifetime, and ultimately unsatisfactory performance. Herein, critical growth conditions are reported for obtaining high‐quality Cu2ZnSnSe4 absorber layers with the formation of detrimental intrinsic defects largely suppressed. By controlling the oxidation states of cations and modifying the local chemical composition, the local chemical environment is essentially modified during the synthesis of kesterite phase, thereby effectively suppressing detrimental intrinsic defects and activating desirable shallow acceptor Cu vacancies. Consequently, a confirmed 12.5% efficiency is demonstrated with a high VOC of 491 mV, which is the new record efficiency of pure‐selenide Cu2ZnSnSe4 cells with lowest VOC deficit in the kesterite family by Eg/q‐Voc. These encouraging results demonstrate an essential route to overcome the long‐standing challenge of defect control in kesterite semiconductors, which may also be generally applicable to other multinary compound semiconductors.
Grain Dependent Growth of Bright Quantum Emitters in Hexagonal Boron Nitride
Authors: Mendelson Noah , Morales‐Inostroza Luis , Li Chi , Ritika Ritika , Nguyen Minh Anh Phan , Loyola‐Echeverria Jacqueline , Kim Sejeong , Götzinger Stephan , Toth Milos , Aharonovich Igor
Published: November 2020

Point defects in hexagonal boron nitride have emerged as a promising quantum light source due to their bright and photostable room temperature emission. In this work, the incorporation of quantum emitters during chemical vapor deposition growth on a nickel substrate is studied. Combining a range of characterization techniques, it is demonstrated that the incorporation of quantum emitters is limited to (001) oriented nickel grains. Such emitters display improved emission properties in terms of brightness and stability. These emitters are further utilized and integrated with a compact optical antenna enhancing light collection from the sources. The hybrid device yields average saturation count rates of ≈2.9 × 106 cps and an average photon purity of g(2)(0) ≈ 0.1. The results advance the understanding of single photon emitter incorporation during chemical vapor deposition growth and demonstrate a key step towards compact devices for achieving maximum collection efficiency.
Genomic and Phenotypic Divergence in Wild Barley Driven by Microgeographic Adaptation
Authors: Bian Jianxin , Cui Licao , Wang Xiaoyu , Yang Guang , Huo Fulin , Ling Hubin , Chen Liqin , She Kuijun , Du Xianghong , Levi Boaz , Levi Adi Jonas , Yan Zhaogui , Nie Xiaojun , Weining Song
Published: November 2020

Microgeographic adaptation is a fundamental driving force of evolution, but the underlying causes remain undetermined. Here, the phenotypic, genomic and transcriptomic variations of two wild barley populations collected from sharply divergent and adjacent micro‐geographic sites to identify candidate genes associated with edaphic local adaptation are investigated. Common garden and reciprocal transplant studies show that large phenotypic differentiation and local adaptation to soils occur between these populations. Genetic, phylogenetic and admixture analyses based on population resequencing show that significant genetic divergences occur between basalt and chalk populations. These divergences are consistent with the phenotypic variations observed in the field. Genome sweep analyses reveal 162.7 Mb of selected regions driven by edaphic local adaptation, in which 445 genes identified, including genes associated with root architecture, metal transport/detoxification, and ABA signaling. When the phenotypic, genomic and transcriptomic data are combined, HvMOR, encoding an LBD transcription factor, is determined to be the vital candidate for regulating the root architecture to adapt to edaphic conditions at the microgeographic scale. This study provides new insights into the genetic basis of edaphic adaptation and demonstrates that edaphic factors may contribute to the evolution and speciation of barley.
C2N: A Class of Covalent Frameworks with Unique Properties
Authors: Tian Zhihong , López‐Salas Nieves , Liu Chuntai , Liu Tianxi , Antonietti Markus
Published: November 2020

C2N is a unique member of the CnNm family (carbon nitrides), i.e., having a covalent structure that is ideally composed of carbon and nitrogen with only 33 mol% of nitrogen. C2N, with a stable composition, can easily be prepared using a number of precursors. Moreover, it is currently gaining extensive interest owing to its high polarity and good thermal and chemical stability, complementing carbon as well as classical carbon nitride (C3N4) in various applications, such as catalysis, environmental science, energy storage, and biotechnology. In this review, a comprehensive overview on C2N is provided; starting with its preparation methods, followed by a fundamental understanding of structure–property relationships, and finally introducing its application in gas sorption and separation technologies, as supercapacitor and battery electrodes, and in catalytic and biological processes. The review with an outlook on current research questions and future possibilities and extensions based on these material concepts is ended.
Simulation of dryland maize growth and evapotranspiration using DSSAT‐CERES‐Maize model
Authors: Menefee Dorothy , Rajan Nithya , Cui Song , Bagavathiannan Muthukumar , Schnell Ronnie , West Jason
Published: November 2020

Evapotranspiration (ET) is a crucial component of plant water use and ecosystem energy balance. This study aims to simulate maize (Zea maysL.) ET using a crop modeling system and compare that to ET measured using an eddy‐covariance (EC) system. An EC system was used to collect growing season ET data from a rainfed maize field in 2017, 2018, and 2019. Supporting soil and plant growth data were also collected. The Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT)‐Crop Environment Resource Synthesis (CERES)‐Maize model was used in this study. Results from DSSAT's ET simulation methods, FAO‐56 and Priestley–Taylor, were compared to measured ET. Results indicated a low coefficient of determination (R2) between simulated and measured ET, due to overestimation of simulated ET in all 3 yr. The average percent root mean square error for the daily ET simulation across all 3 yr was 34.6% for the Priestley–Taylor method and 30.4% for the FAO‐56 method. For the FAO‐56 simulation, the average seasonal overestimation compared to measured ET was 59 mm and the averageR2was .59. For the Priestley–Taylor method, the average seasonal overestimation was 72 mm and the averageR2was .57. Possible sources of error contributing to this overestimation include DSSAT's potential ET estimations, crop coefficient estimation, and the simulation of soil water balance in vertisols with high swell‐shrink clay minerals. The mixed simulation results, particularly compared to those seen in studies of irrigated crops, indicate a greater need to improve ET estimation capabilities in rainfed systems.
Rapid and Selective Chemical Editing of Ribosomally Synthesized and Post‐Translationally Modified Peptides (RiPPs) via CuII‐Catalyzed β‐Borylation of Dehydroamino Acids
Authors: de Vries Reinder H. , Viel Jakob H. , Kuipers Oscar P. , Roelfes Gerard
Published: November 2020

We report the fast and selective chemical editing of ribosomally synthesized and post‐translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) by β‐borylation of dehydroalanine (Dha) residues. The thiopeptide thiostrepton was modified efficiently using CuII‐catalysis under mild conditions and 1D/2D NMR of the purified product showed site‐selective borylation of the terminal Dha residues. Using similar conditions, the thiopeptide nosiheptide, lanthipeptide nisin Z, and protein SUMO_G98Dha were also modified efficiently. Borylated thiostrepton showed an up to 84‐fold increase in water solubility, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays showed that antimicrobial activity was maintained in thiostrepton and nosiheptide. The introduced boronic‐acid functionalities were shown to be valuable handles for chemical mutagenesis and in a reversible click reaction with triols for the pH‐controlled labeling of RiPPs.
Controllable Distribution of Oxygen Vacancies in Grain Boundaries of p‐Si/TiO2 Heterojunction Photocathodes for Solar Water Splitting
Authors: Li Huimin , Wang Tuo , Liu Shanshan , Luo Zhibin , Li Lulu , Wang Huaiyuan , Zhao Zhi‐Jian , Gong Jinlong
Published: November 2020

Silicon is a promising photocathode material in photoelectrochemical water splitting for hydrogen production, but it is primarily limited by photocorrosion in aqueous electrolytes. As an extensively used protective material, crystalline TiO2 could protect Si photoelectrode against corrosion. However, a large number of grain boundaries (GBs) in polycrystalline TiO2 would induce excessive recombination centers, impeding the carrier transport. This paper describes the introduction of oxygen vacancies (Ovac) with controllable spatial distribution for GBs to promote carrier transport. Two kinds of Ovac distribution, Ovac along GBs and Ovac inside grains, are compared, where the latter one is demonstrated to facilitate carrier transport owing to the formation of tunneling paths across GBs. Consequently, a simple p‐Si/TiO2/Pt heterojunction photocathode with controllable Ovac distribution in TiO2 shows a +400 mV onset potential shift and yields an applied bias photon‐to‐current efficiency of 5.9 %, which is the best efficiency reported among silicon photocathodes except for silicon homojunction.
Sweat, Sit, Sleep: A Compositional Analysis of 24‐hr Movement Behaviors and Body Mass Index among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Healy Sean , Brewer Benjamin , Garcia Jeanette , Daly Julie , Patterson Freda
Published: November 2020

This study (a) examined the daily composition of 24‐hr movement behaviors in children with ASD using objective measures, and (b) applied compositional analysis to examine the associations of the time spent in moderate‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA), light physical activity (LPA), sedentary behavior (SB), and sleep duration (SD) with body mass index (BMI), relative to the time spent in the other movement behaviors in a sample of children (aged 7–19 years) with ASD. Time spent in MVPA, LPA, SB, and SD were measured using accelerometers over a 7‐day period. BMI was calculated from measured height and weight. Participants (n = 46) spent 40% of time in LPA (M = 9.6 hr), 30.6% (M = 7.34 hr) in SB, 24.9% (M = 5.98 hr) asleep, and 4.5% (M = 64.8 min) in MVPA. Reallocating 30 min from LPA to SD decreased BMI by 0.471 kg/m2 (P = 0.003). Reallocating 30 min from MVPA to SD decreased BMI by 0.658 kg/m2 (P = 0.051). Reallocation of 60 min in equal proportions from SB, MVPA, and SD to LPA increased BMI by 0.418 kg/m2 (P = 0.021), and reallocation of 60 min in equal proportions from LPA, MVPA, and SD to SB increased BMI by 0.295 kg/m2 (P = 0.052). Finally, reallocation of 60 min in equal proportions from SB, LPA, and MVPA to SD decreased BMI by −0.845 kg/m2 (P = 0.001).

Lay Summary

Data was collected on time spent in light physical activity (LPA), moderate‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA), sedentary behavior (SB), and sleep in 46 children with autism. The sample had insufficient sleep (a mean of 6 hr/night). We showed that replacing 30 min of LPA or MVPA with sleep decreased BMI. Also, moving 60 min to LPA or SB from the remaining movement behaviors (i.e., 20 min from each) increased BMI, and moving 60 min to sleep from the remaining behaviors decreased BMI.
Biological Activities of Two Essential Oils from Pogostemon cablin and Eupatorium fortunei and Their Major Components against Fungi Isolated from Panax notoginseng
Authors: Li Qing‐Qing , Huo Ying‐Ying , Chen Chuan‐Jiao , Zeng Zi‐Ying , Xu Fu‐Rong , Cheng Yong‐Xian , Dong Xian
Published: November 2020

Panax notoginseng (Burkill) F.H.Chen (Araliaceae), of which the dry root and rhizome are precious traditional Chinese medicine, suffers severely from diseases during planting. Essential oils (EOs) with antimicrobial activity are a possibility for the development of green pesticides. We extracted EOs from Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth. and Eupatorium fortunei Turcz., respectively and tested their inhibitory rates on fungi isolated from diseased P. notoginseng by the Oxford cup method. The compounds of the EO were identified by GC/MS and the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the EOs and their main components were evaluated by the 96‐well plate method. We also mixed P. cablin EO, E. fortunei EO and hymexazol in pairs to explore whether their combinations produce stronger antifungal effects than individual components. Finally, we evaluated the effects of the EOs against Fusarium oxysporum in vivo. P. cablin EO and E. fortunei EO exhibited different antifungal activities against fungi, with the inhibitory rates of 21.02 %–100 % and 54.84 %–100 % and MICs of 0.07–0.88 mg/mL and 0.20–1.17 mg/mL, respectively. Pogostone (24.96 %) and thymol (15.64 %) were the major compounds of P. cablin EO and E. fortunei EO, respectively, and they exhibited stronger antifungal activities than EOs, with MICs of 0.008–0.078 mg/mL and 0.12–0.31 mg/mL, respectively. Moreover, hymexazol was mixed with E. fortunei EO, and the inhibitory effect against Cylindrocarpon destructans was enhanced with a synergistic effect. The disease incidence and disease index of EO treatments decreased significantly in vivo. Based on our study, P. cablin EO and E. fortunei EO have great potential to be developed into green fungicides for use in agriculture to control diseases of P. notoginseng.
Professionalising release management for mentally disordered perpetrators: Benefits in terms of recidivism rates—Results from a study within the Austrian prison system
Authors: Stempkowski Monika
Published: November 2020

Background

In Austria, mentally ill perpetrators not guilty for reasons of insanity are committed into a custodial measure to receive treatment. The rate of these detainees returning after their conditional release because of reoffending or revocation decreased significantly over a period of 15 years.

Aims

This study aims at examining this system and the adjustments made over a period of 10 years, in order to identify changes responsible for the observable decline of the recidivism rate.

Method

Therefore, a quantitative study of 807 prison and court files was conducted, extracting information concerning former detainees either released in 2001 & 2002 (n = 67) or 2011 & 2012 (n = 134) and subsequently comparing the groups. Additionally, expert interviews were conducted.

Results

As one major change, the data revealed improvements regarding the preparation and management of the time on parole. The possibility for detainees to test their readiness for life outside the confinement through temporary interruptions of custody was enhanced, as were post‐release housing opportunities in care facilities. Additionally, the courts issued more directives concerning measures such as medication or abstinence from alcohol.

Conclusion

Concerning mentally ill offenders, this study highlights the importance of a comprehensive preparation and management of the conditional release, providing support and treatment as well as a certain level of control.
‘I'm always walking on eggshells, and there's no chance of me ever being free’: The mental health implications of Imprisonment for Public Protection in the community and post‐recall
Authors: Harris Mia , Edgar Kimmett , Webster Russell
Published: November 2020

Background

Despite its abolition in 2012, the indeterminate sentence of Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) still casts a long shadow over the justice system. Recall is a growing problem: In June 2020, there were 1,359 recalled IPP prisoners. Research documents the negative mental health implications of initial imprisonment under an IPP sentence; however, little is known about experiences on licence, or post‐recall.

Aims

To explain how recalled IPP prisoners perceive being on licence, and in prison post‐recall, to affect their mental wellbeing.

Methods

We draw on 31 interviews with recalled IPP prisoners, conducted for a wider project exploring the high rates of IPP recall.

Results

Three themes emerged: a perpetual state of anxiety about recall and spending additional years behind bars; self‐imposed social isolation, both in the community and in prison; and a profound sense of hopelessness. People often feel trapped in an unjust and inevitable cycle of imprisonment, with little faith in a positive future.

Conclusions

The government must make structural changes to stop the revolving door of IPP recall. In the short term, confidential mental health support should be available to people serving IPPs in prison and the community.
Women parolees’ mental health in the context of reintegration
Authors: Ricciardelli Rosemary , McKendy Laura
Published: November 2020

Background

Contributing to the literature on reintegration and community supervision, we consider the mental health experiences of women parolees and the implications for case management.

Aims

We consider the different ways mental health considerations are responded to by parole officers and case management staff, identifying areas of tension (e.g., when psychological services are fused with supervision) but also areas of opportunity (e.g., when case management staff forge therapeutic relationships with parolees).

Methods

Using a grounded approach we explore women's parole experiences and case management practices through a qualitative analysis of parole and casework documents. Our iterative process of document analysis included content and thematic analysis.

Results

Mental health is responded to both as a therapeutic need and criminogenic risk. Therapeutic responses entail both formal and informal supportive interventions that often appear welcomed by and beneficial to parolees. Risk‐based responses fuse mental health considerations into supervisory frameworks, evidenced by the prominence of mental health‐related parole conditions and the role of psychologists as assessors of risk.

Conclusions/Implications for Clinical Practice

The tension between treatment and supervision can undermine conditions favourable to responsive case management and the working alliance.
Electrochemically Assisted Deposition of Nanoporous Silica Membranes on Gold Electrodes: Effect of 3‐Mercaptopropyl(trimethoxysilane) “Molecular Glue” on Film Formation, Permeability and Metal Underpotential Deposition
Authors: Ullah Wahid , Herzog Grégoire , Vilà Neus , Brites Helú Mariela , Walcarius Alain
Published: November 2020

Gold electrodes have been covered with vertically aligned mesoporous silica thin films by electro‐assisted self‐assembly. To ensure uniform surface coverage and good adhesion of the membrane to the gold surface, it was necessary to use a (3‐mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane (MPTMS) reagent to act as a “molecular glue” thanks to its thiol functionality, which is able to bind to the gold substrate and to its alkoxysilane moieties enabling condensation with the silica material. The MPTMS layer had, however, a significant effect on film permeability to redox species [Ru(NH3)63+ and ferrocenedimethanol (Fc(MeOH)2)]. MPTMS adsorption should be long enough to ensure proper adhesion of the film but not too long so as to avoid surface blocking or film defects; an optimal time window of 60–600 s soaking in 0.1 mM MPTMS in ethanol was evidenced. In addition, Cu underpotential deposition (UPD) experiments revealed that the silica membrane significantly affected the UPD process, suggesting some barrier effect of the porous membrane, but the interface Au/MPTMS/silica is not sharp and allowed metal UPD between the gold substrate and the silica thin film.
Unravelling Structural Mysteries of Simple Organozinc Alkoxides
Authors: Mąkolski Łukasz , Szejko Vadim , Zelga Karolina , Tulewicz Adam , Bernatowicz Piotr , Justyniak Iwona , Lewiński Janusz
Published: November 2020

Simple RZnOR’ alkoxides are among the first known organozinc compounds, and widespread interest in their multifaced chemistry has been driven by their fundamental significance and potential applications including various catalytic reactions. Nevertheless, their chemistry in solution and in the solid state remains both relatively poorly understood and a subject of constant debate. Herein, the synthesis and structural characterization of long‐sought structural forms, a roof‐like trimer [(tBuZn)3(μ‐OC(H)Ph2)2(μ3‐OC(H)Ph2)] and a ladder‐type tetramer [(PhZn)4(μ‐OC(H)Ph2)2(μ3‐OC(H)Ph2)2], incorporating diphenylmethanolate as a model alkoxide ligand, are reported. Both novel aggregates are robust in the solid state and resistant towards mechanical force. By using 1H NMR and diffusion‐order spectroscopy, it is demonstrated that new RZnOR’ alkoxides are kinetically labile in solution and readily undergo ligand scrambling, such as in the case of Schlenk equilibrium. The elucidated key structural issues, which have remained undiscovered for decades, significantly advance the chemistry of RZnOR’ alkoxides and should support the rational design of zinc alkoxide‐based applications.
Intramolecular Halo Stabilization of Silyl Cations—Silylated Halonium‐ and Bis‐Halo‐Substituted Siliconium Borates
Authors: Merk Anastasia , Bührmann Lukas , Kordts Natalie , Görtemaker Katharina , Schmidtmann Marc , Müller Thomas
Published: November 2020

The stabilizing neighboring effect of halo substituents on silyl cations was tested for a series of peri‐halo substituted acenaphthyl‐based silyl cations 3. The chloro‐ (3 b), bromo‐ (3 c), and iodo‐ (3 d) stabilized cations were synthesized by the Corey protocol. Structural and NMR spectroscopic investigations for cations 3 b–d supported by the results of density functional calculations, which indicate their halonium ion nature. According to the fluorobenzonitrile (FBN) method, the silyl Lewis acidity decreases along the series of halonium ions 3, the fluoronium ion 3 a being a very strong and the iodonium ion 3 d a moderate Lewis acid. Halonium ions 3 b and 3 c react with starting silanes in a substituent redistribution reaction and form siliconium ions 4 b and 4 c. The structure of siliconium borate 4 c2[B12Br12] reveals the trigonal bipyramidal coordination environment of the silicon atom with the two bromo substituents in the apical positions.
Increased IL‐10‐producing regulatory T cells are characteristic of severe cases of COVID‐19
Authors: Neumann Julika , Prezzemolo Teresa , Vanderbeke Lore , Roca Carlos P , Gerbaux Margaux , Janssens Silke , Willemsen Mathijs , Burton Oliver , Van Mol Pierre , Van Herck Yannick ,   CONTAGIOUS co‐authors, Wauters Joost , Wauters Els , Liston Adrian , Humblet‐Baron Stephanie
Published: November 2020

Objectives

The pandemic spread of the coronavirus SARS‐CoV‐2 is due, in part, to the immunological properties of the host–virus interaction. The clinical presentation varies from individual to individual, with asymptomatic carriers, mild‐to‐moderate‐presenting patients and severely affected patients. Variation in immune response to SARS‐CoV‐2 may underlie this clinical variation.

Methods

Using a high‐dimensional systems immunology platform, we have analysed the peripheral blood compartment of 6 healthy individuals, 23 mild‐to‐moderate and 20 severe COVID‐19 patients.

Results

We identify distinct immunological signatures in the peripheral blood of the mild‐to‐moderate and severe COVID‐19 patients, including T‐cell lymphopenia, more consistent with peripheral hypo‐ than hyper‐immune activation. Unique to the severe COVID‐19 cases was a large increase in the proportion of IL‐10‐secreting regulatory T cells, a lineage known to possess anti‐inflammatory properties in the lung.

Conclusion

As IL‐10‐secreting regulatory T cells are known to possess anti‐inflammatory properties in the lung, their proportional increase could contribute to a more severe COVID‐19 phenotype. We openly provide annotated data (https://flowrepository.org/experiments/2713) with clinical correlates as a systems immunology resource for the COVID‐19 research community.
Changes in vegetation structure and composition of a lowland mire over a sixty‐five‐year interval
Authors: Lovegrove Alexander T. , Newton Adrian C. , Evans Paul M. , Diaz Anita , Newton Arthur C. , Davy Lynn , Newbould Palmer J.
Published: November 2020

Mires are characterized by plant communities of high conservation and societal value, which have experienced a major decline in area in many parts of the world, particularly Europe. Evidence suggests that they may be particularly vulnerable to changes in climate and nutrient addition. Although they have been the focus of extensive paleoecological research, few attempts have been made to examine the dynamics of mire vegetation during the current era of anthropogenic environmental change.

To assess long‐term change in the spatial structure and composition of a lowland mire community, in 2016 we resurveyed plots first surveyed in 1951. Measures of species richness and composition were compared between the two surveys, and changes in community composition were related to plant traits.

Overall, mean species richness declined by 26%. The area of occupancy declined in 37% of species, which were primarily oligotrophic species typical of nutrient‐poor bog communities. Conversely, occupancy increased in 21% of species, especially those that were more tolerant of higher nutrient availability. These changes were associated with variation in plant functional traits, as indicated by an increase mean Ellenberg trait values for nitrogen and mean temperature, and a decline in values for precipitation. These results suggest that eutrophication and climate change have been key drivers of floristic change on this site.

Synthesis. This investigation provides a rare assessment of the dynamics of a mire community over a multi‐decadal interval. Results indicate that substantial change has occurred in the composition of the community, and the distribution of species within it. The investigation provides evidence of the impact of environmental change on the composition and structure of a lowland mire community, and highlights challenges for its future conservation.
Human Serum Albumin−Gold Nanoparticle Based Impedimetric Sensor for Sensitive Detection of miRNA‐200c
Authors: Akbal Vural Oznur , Yaman Yesim Tugce , Bolat Gulcin , Abaci Serdar
Published: November 2020

Here, human serum albumin conjugated gold nanoparticles (HSA−AuNPs) were synthesized by a simple route to develop an impedimetric sensor for miRNA‐200c detection based on a selective oligo‐hybridization process without any labeling. The synthetic DNA capture probe for miRNA‐200c was decorated onto the HSA−AuNPs modified pencil graphite electrodes. Impedimetric signals were monitored after the hybridization process between the DNA probe and target miRNA‐200c. HSA−AuNPs adsorption time, incubation time of the capture probe and hybridization time‐temperature were optimized. The proposed miRNA‐200c biosensor demonstrated proper sensitivity and selectivity, low detection limit (1.13 fM), good reproducibility and simple direct detection of miRNA‐200c in serum.
Potato peel extracts as an antimicrobial and potential antioxidant in active edible film
Authors: Gebrechristos Haftom Y. , Ma Xiaochi , Xiao Fang , He Yonghuan , Zheng Shuwen , Oyungerel Gurjav , Chen Weihua
Published: November 2020

Potato peel is phenolic‐rich plant byproduct that has multiple biological functions. The study explores the antimicrobial efficiency of the peel and its antioxidant potential incorporated with potato starch film. Antimicrobial sensitivity test using microdilution and diffusion test revealed positive response in Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, and Staphylococcus aureus with minimum inhibitory concentration, 7.5 ± 2, 5.8 ± 2, and 4.7 ± 1 mg/ml, respectively, but had a negative response for Klebsiella pneumoniae and Listeria monocytogenes. HPLC analysis revealed that caffeic, chlorogenic, and neochlorogenic acids are the main chemical compounds found in potato peel extract and responsible for its antimicrobial property. The scavenging ability and phenolic content in the active film range from 10 to 22 mg GAE/g of the dried film with 24%–55% of inhibition, respectively. The scanning electron microscope of the starch film showed homogeneously and ordered structure; however, some cracks and pores shown in the active film. The simulation experiment of phenols migration from the film into fatty and aqueous foods showed higher concentration in aqueous and less in the fatty foods. Therefore, potato peel extract has antibacterial as well as antioxidant property and incorporating with potato starch produce an active film which can be used as an alternative technology for active food packaging.
Hepatic Stellate Cell Regulation of Liver Regeneration and Repair
Authors: Kitto Laura J. , Henderson Neil C.
Published: November 2020

The hepatic mesenchyme has been studied extensively in the context of liver fibrosis; however, much less is known regarding the role of mesenchymal cells during liver regeneration. As our knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms driving hepatic regeneration deepens, the key role of the mesenchymal compartment during the regenerative response has been increasingly appreciated. Single‐cell genomics approaches have recently uncovered both spatial and functional zonation of the hepatic mesenchyme in homeostasis and following liver injury. Here we discuss how the use of preclinical models, from in vivo mouse models to organoid‐based systems, are helping to shape our understanding of the role of the mesenchyme during liver regeneration, and how these approaches should facilitate the precise identification of highly targeted, pro‐regenerative therapies for patients with liver disease.
Sounds like a fit! Wording in recruitment advertisements and recruiter gender affect women's pursuit of career development programs via anticipated belongingness
Authors: Hentschel Tanja , Braun Susanne , Peus Claudia , Frey Dieter
Published: November 2020

Following calls for research to increase gender equality, we investigated women's intentions to pursue career opportunities, in the form of career development programs. We built on lack of fit and signaling theory to argue that women's but not men's pursuit of career opportunities would be influenced by recruiter gender and gender‐stereotypical wording in recruitment advertisements. We conducted two studies in Germany. In Study 1 (video‐based experiment with 329 university students), we found that when a male recruiter used stereotypically masculine compared to feminine wording, female students anticipated lower belongingness, expected lower success of an application, and indicated lower application intentions for career opportunities. These differences in female students’ evaluations disappeared when the recruiter was female. While Study 2 (experimental vignette study with 545 employees) replicates the negative effects of masculine wording for female employees; the buffering effect of female recruiters was only replicated for younger, but not for older female employees. Women's anticipated belongingness mediated the relationship between advertisement wording and application intentions when the recruiter was male. Recruiter gender and wording had no effects on men. Our work contributes to a better understanding of when and why contextual characteristics in the recruitment process influence women's pursuit of career opportunities.
Connectivity of post‐fire runoff and sediment from nested hillslopes and watersheds
Authors: Wilson Codie , Kampf Stephanie K. , Ryan Sandra , Covino Tim , MacDonald Lee H. , Gleason Hunter
Published: November 2020

Wildfire increases the potential connectivity of runoff and sediment throughout watersheds due to greater bare soil, runoff and erosion as compared to pre‐fire conditions. This research examines the connectivity of post‐fire runoff and sediment from hillslopes (<1.5 ha; n = 31) and catchments (<1000 ha; n = 10) within two watersheds (<1500 ha) burned by the 2012 High Park Fire in northcentral Colorado, USA. Our objectives were to: (1) identify sources and quantify magnitudes of post‐fire runoff and erosion at nested hillslopes and watersheds for two rain storms with varied duration, intensity and antecedent precipitation; and (2) assess the factors affecting the magnitude and connectivity of runoff and sediment across spatial scales for these two rain storms. The two summer storms that are the focus of this research occurred during the third summer after burning. The first storm had low intensity rainfall over 11 hours (return interval <1–2 years), whereas the second event had high intensity rainfall over 1 hour (return interval <1–10 years). The lower intensity storm was preceded by high antecedent rainfall and led to low hillslope sediment yields and channel incision at most locations, whereas the high intensity storm led to infiltration‐excess overland flow, high sediment yields, in‐stream sediment deposition and channel substrate fining. For both storms, hillslope‐to‐stream sediment delivery ratios and area‐normalised cross‐sectional channel change increased with the percent of catchment that burned at high severity. For the high intensity storm, hillslope‐to‐stream sediment delivery ratios decreased with unconfined channel length (%). The findings quantify post‐fire connectivity and sediment delivery from hillslopes and streams, and highlight how different types of storms can cause varying magnitues and spatial patterns of sediment transport and deposition from hillslopes through stream channel networks.
Snapshot of symptoms of advanced cervical cancer patients referred to the palliative care service in a cancer center in Mexico
Authors: Allende‐Perez Silvia , Dominguez‐Ocadio Georgina , Velez‐Salas Verónica , Isla‐Ortiz David , Peña‐Nieves Adriana , Verastegui Emma
Published: November 2020

Objective

To report the clinical and demographic characteristics of patients with advanced cervical cancer referred to the palliative care service (PC) at a major cancer center in Mexico.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of patients with advanced cervical cancer referred to the PC of INCan, between January 2011 and December 2015. Demographic and clinical characteristics at the time of admission to the INCan, time to referral to PC, initial Edmonton Symptom Assessment System evaluation, and follow up were recorded.

Results

In all, 359 patients were included, median age 51 years, predominantly poor with low education. Most patients 322 (90%) received tumor‐specific treatment; presence of nephrostomies and other tumor‐related complication was frequent. Median time to referral was 335 days, more than 180 (50%) had five or more symptoms, pain and fatigue were the most prevalent.

Conclusion

Women with advanced cervical cancer have a high burden of symptoms; PC is only considered at the end of life. Efforts for an early referral to PC should be made.
Acting on the call: A framework for action for rapid acceleration of access to the HPV vaccination in low‐ and lower‐middle‐income countries
Authors: Kumar Somesh , Khanduri Arunima , Sidibe Anissa , Morgan Christopher , Torode Julie , Basu Partha , Bhatla Neerja , Schocken Celina , Bloem Paul
Published: November 2020

Cervical cancer, caused by HPV infection, is responsible for more than 311  000 preventable deaths every year. A global call to accelerate efforts to eliminate this disease has generated a new global strategy proposing ambitious, but achievable, targets for HPV vaccination of girls, and screening and treatment of women. The present paper addresses the suboptimal access to HPV vaccination in low‐income and lower‐middle‐income countries (LICs/LMICs), where the burden of disease weighs most heavily, in part through co‐infection with HIV. A proposed framework for action was formulated by first reviewing the reasons underlying gaps in HPV vaccine coverage. Good practices from recent introductions of HPV vaccine at scale in LICs/LMICs were then assessed based on targeted literature reviews and the experience and views of the authors. Difficulties in uptake and coverage of the HPV vaccine relate to the costs of the vaccine and service delivery, lack of prioritization, the challenges of vaccinating adolescents, and shortage of vaccines as the supply failed to keep pace with the rapid expansion in global demand, including from LICs/LMICs. The framework for action calls for new strategic thinking to consolidate global learning and invigorate operationalization at a country level.
Buffering negative effects of immigration on cognitive, social, and educational development: A multinational meta‐analysis of child and adolescent prevention programmes
Authors: Beelmann Andreas , Arnold Louisa S. , Schulz Sebastian
Published: November 2020

Growing up in migrant families is a well‐known distal risk factor related to poorer outcomes in child and adolescent health, academic, socioemotional and behavioural development. This article reviews the effects of various prevention measures such as early education programmes, cognitive and language training or parent and teacher training on child and adolescent developmental outcomes in immigration samples. Using several comprehensive literature searches, we found 138 research reports with 141 studies and 175 comparisons on preventing negative effects of immigration. Overall, programmes yielded an effect size of d = 0.26 at post‐test using the random effect model. These effects decreased over time while still differing significantly from zero. A cross‐tabulation of prevention approach/programme type by different outcome domains revealed several important results such as high effects of child cognitive and language training programmes on child academic and language outcomes and relatively low effects of all programmes on child socioemotional outcomes. In addition, individualised and culturally tailored programmes seems to be more effective. However, generalised effects on more distal educational outcomes (e.g., school degrees) were generally weak. Hence, it remains questionable whether individual psychosocial and educational programmes are able to counterbalance the multifaceted risks of immigration.
PBK promotes aggressive phenotypes of cervical cancer through ERK/c‐Myc signaling pathway
Authors: Ma Hanlin , Han Fang , Yan Xiaohui , Qi Gonghua , Li Yingwei , Li Rongrong , Yan Shi , Yuan Cunzhong , Song Kun , Kong Beihua
Published: November 2020

Cervical cancer is the fourth most frequent cancer in women worldwide. PDZ‐binding kinase (PBK) is proven to promote the malignant behaviors of various carcinomas. However, its functional roles and oncogenic mechanisms in cervical cancer are poorly understood. In this study, we reported that PBK was highly expressed in cervical cancer tissues. PBK promoted the proliferation, metastasis, and cisplatin resistance of cervical cancer cells. OTS514, a specific PBK inhibitor, could significantly suppress proliferation and metastasis of cervical cancer cells in vitro and in a xenograft model. Besides, OTS514 could enhance cisplatin‐based chemosensitivity in cervical cancer cells. Mechanistically, PBK promoted the expression and stabilization of c‐Myc through phosphorylating ERK1/2. OTS514 suppressed the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and the transcriptional activity of c‐Myc. Furthermore, inhibition of the ERK signal pathway by U0126 reversed the increased proliferation and metastasis induced by overexpression of PBK. Exogenous expression of c‐Myc counteracted the decreased proliferation and metastasis evoked by knockdown of PBK. In conclusion, PBK promoted the malignant progression of cervical cancer through ERK/c‐Myc signal pathway. PBK might be a promising molecular target for cervical cancer treatment.
Reinforcer pathology II: Reward magnitude, reward delay, and demand for alcohol collectively relate to college students' alcohol related problems
Authors: Stancato Stefanie S. , Schneider Tadd D. , Reed Derek D. , Lemley Shea M. , Carrillo Ale , Jarmolowicz David P.
Published: November 2020

The reinforcer pathologies model of addiction posits that two characteristic patterns of operant behavior characterize addiction. Specifically, individuals suffering from addiction have elevated levels of behavioral economic demand for their substances of abuse and have an elevated tendency to devalue delayed rewards (reflected in high delay discounting rates). Prior research has demonstrated that these behavioral economic markers are significant predictors of many of college students' alcohol‐related problems. Delay discounting, however, is a complex behavioral performance likely undergirded by multiple behavioral processes. Emerging analytical approaches have isolated the role of participants' sensitivity to changes in reinforcer magnitude and changes in reinforcer delay. The current study uses these analytic approaches to compare participants' discounting of money versus alcohol, and to build regression models that leverage these new insights to predict a wider range of college students' alcohol related problems. Using these techniques, we were able to 1) demonstrate that individuals differed in their sensitivity to magnitudes of alcohol versus money, but not sensitivity to delays to those commodities and 2) that we could use our behavioral economic measures to predict a range of students' alcohol related problems.
Nutritional ecology and ecological immunology in degus: Does early nutrition affect the postnatal development of the immune function?
Authors: Ramírez‐Otarola Natalia , Maldonado Karin , Cavieres Grisel , Bozinovic Francisco , Sabat Pablo
Published: November 2020

Environmental conditions experienced by developing animals have an impact on the development and maturity of the immune system. Specifically, the diet experienced during early development influences the maintenance and function of the immune system in young and adult animals. It is well known that exposure to low‐protein diets during early development are related to an attenuation of immunocompetence in adulthood. While this functional linkage has been widely studied in altricial models' mammals, it has been little explored how the nutritional history modulates the immune function in precocial animals. We evaluated the effect of dietary protein consumed during early development on the immune function and the oxidative costs in the precocial Caviomorph rodentOctodon degus, or degu. We evaluated components of the acute phase response (APR) and oxidative parameters before and after immune challenge. We found that after the immune challenge, the juveniles on the low‐protein dietary treatment exhibited an attenuation of body temperature but showed higher levels of lipid peroxidation than juvenile degus on the high‐protein diet. We did not find a significant effect of the interaction between diet and immune challenge on body mass, levels of inflammatory proteins, nor in the total antioxidant capacity. Our results suggest that some components of the immune function and the oxidative status in the degu can be modulated by diet during development. However, the modulation would depend on the immune variables analyzed, and the characteristics of the immune system of precocial rodents.
Attitudes toward population screening among people living with fragile X syndrome in the UK: ‘I wouldn’t wish him away, I’d just wish his fragile X syndrome away’
Authors: Boardman Felicity K.
Published: November 2020

In an age of expanded genetic screening, fragile X syndrome is increasingly considered a candidate condition, given its prevalence, the absence of curative interventions, and its impact on families. However, relatively little research has explored the views of families and people living with fragile X syndrome toward population screening. This study reports on in‐depth interviews with 19 participants: 3 with people diagnosed with a fragile X condition (fragile X syndrome = 2, FXTAS = 1) and 16 people with fragile X syndrome in their family (11 parents, 2 grandparents, 1 spouse, 1 sibling, and 1 aunt) living in the UK. This study reveals the complexity of attitudes within this group and the existence of genuine ambivalence toward different population screening programs. While the overwhelming majority believed that preconception and newborn genetic screening should be made available to the general public, the notion of prenatal screening was far more controversial, with only five participants expressing support for such a program. Expressivist concerns were highlighted equally both by those who supported prenatal screening, as by also those who did not. Participants who supported prenatal screening drew clear distinctions between people with fragile X syndrome and the condition itself, in order to neutralize expressivist concerns and existential threat. However, for others, this division was challenging to maintain. Impairment effects associated with fragile X syndrome, more specifically, its implications for behavior, intellect, and personality, made it harder for some participants to conceptually separate the person from their condition. This study concludes that screening remains a complex issue for families living with genetic conditions and that expressivist concerns affect, and are managed by, families living with different types of disability in contrasting ways. Screening for conditions that affect personality, behavior, and intellect produces unique iterations of expressivism, identity, and stigmatization that families produce specific, and creative, strategies to navigate.