bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultralow‐Transition‐Energy Organic Complex on Graphene for High‐Performance Shortwave Infrared Photodetection
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Ahsan , Liaqat Adeel , Hussain Sabir , Wang Xinsheng , Tahir Misbah , Urooj Zunaira , Xie Liming
Published: July 2020

Room‐temperature, high‐sensitivity, and broadband photodetection up to the shortwave infrared (SWIR) region is extremely significant for a wide variety of optoelectronic applications, including contamination identification, thermal imaging, night vision, agricultural inspection, and atmospheric remote sensing. Small‐bandgap semiconductor‐based SWIR photodetectors generally require deep cooling to suppress thermally generated charge carriers to achieve increased sensitivity. Meanwhile, the photogating effect can provide an alternative way to achieve superior photosensitivity without the need for cooling. The optical photogating effect originates from charge trapping of photoinduced carriers at defects or interfaces, resulting in an extremely high photogain (106 or higher). Here, a highly sensitive SWIR hybrid photodetector, fabricated by integrating an organic charge transfer complex on a graphene transistor, is reported. The organic charge transfer complex (tetrathiafulvalene–chloranil) has an exceptional low‐energy intermolecular electronic transition down to 0.5 eV, with the aim of achieving efficient SWIR absorption for wavelengths greater than 2 µm. The photogating effect at the organic complex and graphene interface enables an extremely high photogain and a high detectivity of ≈1013 Jones, along with a response time of 8 ms, at room temperature for a wavelength of 2 µm.
A Transparent, Skin‐Inspired Composite Film with Outstanding Tear Resistance Based on Flat Silk Cocoon
Authors: Xu Zongpu , Wu Mingrui , Gao Weiwei , Bai Hao
Published: July 2020

Flexible and transparent substrates play a fundamental role as a mechanical support in advanced electronic devices. However, commonly used polymer films, such as polydimethylsiloxane, show low tear resistance because of their crack sensitivity. Herein, inspired by the excellent mechanical robustness of the skin and its fibrous structure, an epoxy‐resin‐based composite with a flat silk cocoon as a reinforcing fiber network is fabricated. With only 1 wt% of silk fiber, the tensile strength and modulus of the as‐prepared composite film are considerably increased by 300% and 612% compared to those of pure resin, while still maintaining flexibility and transparency. More importantly, the composite shows remarkable tear resistance: without fracture after ≈30 000 tensile cycles. The potential application of such transparent composite films as mechanically robust substrates for flexible electronics is also demonstrated. In addition, this study represents a bioinspired strategy to construct high‐performance functional composite materials.
All‐Optical Polarization‐Controlled Nanosensor Switch Based on Guided‐Wave Surface Plasmon Resonance via Molecular Overtone Excitations in the Near‐Infrared
Authors: Karabchevsky Alina , Hazan Adir , Dubavik Aliaksei
Published: July 2020

Semiconductor transistors for sensors are considered the most widely manufactured device in history. Being invented to switch electronic signals they revolutionized electronics and paved the way for smaller and cheaper sensors, radios, calculators, and computers. However, electric switches are hampered by damage from very brief electrical and thermal effects or electromagnetic interference. For this reason, modern communication systems devote considerable attention to all‐optical switches, yet, the state‐of‐the‐art switching of photonic signals is fulfilled electronically. All‐optical switching allows light‐controls‐light through unique optical effects. Here, an all‐optical sensor switch, engineered to operate at telecommunication wavelengths, caused by the excitation of molecular overtones in a hybrid plasmonic–dielectric configuration is demonstrated. This configuration possesses a unique property: to control the sensor switch with the polarization state of light for two different plasmonic modes to co‐exist while exciting a single overtone. Control of the sensor switch is realized by tuning the polarization of incident light from transverse magnetic (switch‐on) to transverse electric (switch‐off). This switch provides a miniature, affordable, and fast chip‐scale polarization‐activated sensor device for a wide range of applications from optics communication to all‐optical computing and sensing.
Chiral Platinum‐Based Metallomesogens with Highly Efficient Circularly Polarized Electroluminescence in Solution‐Processed Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Qian Gaowei , Yang Xuefeng , Wang Xiangbing , Herod Jordan D. , Bruce Duncan W. , Wang Shengyue , Zhu Weiguo , Duan Pengfei , Wang Yafei
Published: July 2020

Circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) is of interest due to its wide potential application in semiconductors. To balance the emission efficiency and luminescence dissymmetry factor (gPL) of a CPL emitter, in this context, two chiral, phosphorescent and liquid‐crystalline cyclometalated platinum complexes, abbreviated R‐Pt and S‐Pt, are prepared. The complexes, which show an intense green emission at 504 nm both in solution and in the solid state, contain a simple, ortho‐metalated 2‐phenylpyridine unit functionalized with a chiral 2‐octanol chain, with liquid crystallinity being induced by modifying the β‐diketonato ligand with mesogenic groups. Interestingly, both the chiral smectic (SmA*) and nematic (N*) phases are found by a combination of polarized optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and small‐angle X‐ray scattering. By annealing, distinct CPL emission is achieved in the solid state with a gPL around 0.02. Employing the chiral platinum complexes as the dopant, solution‐processable organic light‐emitting diodes present an external quantum efficiency of 11.3% and strong, circularly polarized electroluminescence with an extremely high luminescence dissymmetry value (gEL) of 0.06 after annealing at 100 °C. This work opens an avenue for designing CPL‐active emitters with high emission efficiency and high dissymmetry factor.
Recombinant Fusion of Glucagon‐Like Peptide‐1 and an Albumin Binding Domain Provides Glycemic Control for a Week in Diabetic Mice
Authors: Yousefpour Parisa , Varanko Anastasia , Subrahmanyan Rishi , Chilkoti Ashutosh
Published: July 2020

Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP1) is an intestinally derived incretin currently under investigation for treatment of type 2 diabetes. The clinical application of GLP1 is limited by its short half‐life, which necessitates frequent administration. To address this challenge, GLP1 is recombinantly synthesized as a fusion to an albumin binding domain (ABD). The native GLP1 sequence is engineered to inhibit an inactivating cleavage site and a rigid helical linker (HL) is utilized between the GLP1 and ABD to reduce interference of albumin binding by the ABD upon the ability of GLP1 to bind and activate its receptor. Upon subcutaneous administration (SC), the GLP1‐HL‐ABD fusion binds to endogenous albumin and exhibits an extended half‐life of ≈44 h in mice. In a diabetic (db/db) mouse model, a single SC injection of GLP1‐HL‐ABD affords up to 7 d of glycemic control, which is significantly longer than the ≈12 h duration of glucose control provided by liraglutide, an albumin binding fatty acid derivative of GLP1 currently on the market for treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Leveraging Anisotropy for Coupled Optimization of Thermal Transport and Light Transmission in Micro‐Structured Materials for High‐Power Laser Applications
Authors: Mishra Vivek , Garay Javier E. , Dames Chris
Published: July 2020

Maximum operating power densities in ceramic laser media scale with thermal conductivityk. This requires larger grain sizes in polycrystalline ceramics to reduce phonon scattering at grain boundaries. However, smaller grain sizes are preferred to minimize light scattering in the Rayleigh regime in polycrystals made from birefringent materials such as AlN and Al2O3, which are otherwise appealing for their highk. An optimization challenge arises from the opposite scaling laws governing the effects of grain sizes onkand light transmission. Here, this is tackled by introducing anisotropically microstructured materials (columnar/disk‐shaped grains) as the lasing media, and allowing orthogonal heat transfer and lasing directions. For columnar grains, larger grain sizes along thec‐axis help maintain highkfor good heat dissipation, while preserving light transmission properties in the orthogonal lasing and pumping directions. Analytical models for the thermal conductivity in such structures are presented and verified using Monte‐Carlo ray‐tracing simulations. Similarly, an approximate Rayleigh–Gans–Debye model is used to predict light transmission and verified with exact simulations using FEM software. Finally, the tradeoff between thermal and optical phenomena is captured in a new anisotropic figure‐of‐merit tensor, which is optimized for the microstructure that maximizes lasing media performance in AlN and Al2O3model systems.
Porous SnO2/C Nanofiber Anodes and LiFePO4/C Nanofiber Cathodes with a Wrinkle Structure for Stretchable Lithium Polymer Batteries with High Electrochemical Performance
Authors: Kwon O. Hyeon , Oh Jang Hyeok , Gu Bobae , Jo Min Su , Oh Se Hwan , Kang Yun Chan , Kim Jae‐Kwang , Jeong Sang Mun , Cho Jung Sang
Published: July 2020

Stretchable lithium batteries have attracted considerable attention as components in future electronic devices, such as wearable devices, sensors, and body‐attachment healthcare devices. However, several challenges still exist in the bid to obtain excellent electrochemical properties for stretchable batteries. Here, a unique stretchable lithium full‐cell battery is designed using 1D nanofiber active materials, stretchable gel polymer electrolyte, and wrinkle structure electrodes. A SnO2/C nanofiber anode and a LiFePO4/C nanofiber cathode introduce meso‐ and micropores for lithium‐ion diffusion and electrolyte penetration. The stretchable full‐cell consists of an elastic poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) wrapping film, SnO2/C and LiFePO4/C nanofiber electrodes with a wrinkle structure fixed on the PDMS wrapping film by an adhesive polymer, and a gel polymer electrolyte. The specific capacity of the stretchable full‐battery is maintained at 128.3 mAh g−1 (capacity retention of 92%) even after a 30% strain, as compared with 136.8 mAh g−1 before strain. The energy densities are 458.8 Wh kg−1 in the released state and 423.4 Wh kg−1 in the stretched state (based on the electrode), respectively. The high capacity and stability in the stretched state demonstrate the potential of the stretchable battery to overcome its limitations.
Nonfullerene Acceptors: A Renaissance in Organic Photovoltaics?
Authors: Meredith Paul , Li Wei , Armin Ardalan
Published: July 2020

Efficient, low‐cost, and low‐embodied energy photovoltaics are key enablers of the global decarbonization agenda. In addition to the market‐leading crystalline silicon technology, several other promising candidates are under active investigation with the perovskites leading the way with single‐junction efficiencies exceeding 25% at the lab‐scale. So‐called organic photovoltaics (solar cells based upon organic semiconductors), particularly those that can be solution processed, have long promised the Nirvana of ultralow cost and very short energy payback times. However, relatively low efficiencies, poor long‐term stability, and issues with manufacturing at scale have so far prevented truly meaningful commercialization of the technology. The recent emergence of the so‐called nonfullerene electron acceptors is potentially about to shift this dynamic—they have delivered a step change in performance in a relatively short period of time. In this Essay, the basic properties of these new materials, their pros and cons, what we know and what we do not know are explored.
Annual ryegrass control prior to seeding corn with glyphosate plus group 2 herbicides
Authors: Soltani Nader , Shropshire Christy , Sikkema Peter H.
Published: July 2020

Control of fall‐seeded annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam) cover crops with spring‐applied herbicides prior to seeding corn (Zea mays L.) has been variable. Improved herbicide options are needed in order to increase the consistency of annual ryegrass termination prior to seeding corn. Four field experiments were conducted over a 2‐yr period (2018, 2019) in Ontario, Canada, to evaluate the control of fall‐seeded annual ryegrass cover crops with various corn herbicides, applied prior to seeding corn in the spring. Based on visual estimates, glyphosate alone controlled annual ryegrass 80% at 6 weeks after application (WAA). Acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitor herbicides, foramsulfuron, nicosulfuron, rimsulfuron, and nicosulfuron/rimsulfuron controlled annual ryegrass 82, 71, 88, and 88%, respectively, at 6 WAA. The tankmix of glyphosate with foramsulfuron, nicosulfuron, rimsulfuron, or nicosulfuron/rimsulfuron controlled annual ryegrass 94–98% at 6 WAA. Glyphosate reduced annual ryegrass density 73%; in contrast, foramsulfuron, nicosulfuron, rimsulfuron, and nicosulfuron/rimsulfuron did not reduce annual ryegrass density compared to the weedy control. The tankmix of glyphosate plus an ALS inhibitor herbicide reduced annual ryegrass density 88−94%. Reduced annual ryegrass interference with glyphosate applied alone resulted in an increase in corn yield of 86% compared to the control. Reduced annual ryegrass interference with foramsulfuron, nicosulfuron, rimsulfuron, and nicosulfuron/rimsulfuron applied alone resulted in an increase in corn yield 61, 61, 93, and 91%, and 98, 105, 95, and 98% when co‐applied with glyphosate, respectively. The tankmix of glyphosate with an ALS inhibitor herbicide resulted in excellent (>90%) annual ryegrass control and increased corn yield.
Assessment of three types of intranasal nebulization devices in three‐dimensional printed models and volunteers: a pilot study
Authors: Dong Dong , Cai Fangyu , Huang Shuman , Zhu Xiaoyuan , Geng Jing , Liu Jia , Lv Lei , Zhang Yanbing , Zhao Yulin
Published: July 2020

Background

Intranasal nebulization is an effective treatment for chronic rhinosinusitis and allergic rhinitis; however, terminal inhalation devices have not been fully studied. We compared the sinonasal aerosol distributions and adverse effects of different inhalation units.

Methods

A mask, double‐head nozzle, and single‐head nozzle were applied to atomize the methylene blue solution to 3‐dimensional printed models of the pediatric nasal cavity, adult nasal cavity with septal deviation, and postsurgical paranasal sinuses, and staining of the different sites was scored. Volunteers received nebulization of normal saline via different devices; thereafter, the adverse effects were assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS).

Results

After nebulization, the staining scores for the middle turbinate and middle meatus of the pediatric and adult nasal cavity models and the score for the anterior ethmoid sinus of the sinus model with the single‐head nozzle were significantly higher than those with the mask and double‐head nozzle (all p < 0.05; η2 for effect size estimates were above 0.68). Among the 31 volunteers, the adverse effects, including nasal irritation, facial pressure/pain, ear fullness/pain, postnasal drip, and throat irritation/cough, were mild. The variations in the incidence and VAS scores of the adverse effects among the devices were not significant (all p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The single‐head nozzle was the most effective device in aerosol delivery to the lateral wall of the nasal cavity and sinuses; conversely, the mask yielded limited sinonasal deposition. Intranasal nebulization was well tolerated, and the adverse effects among the devices were comparable. These findings are meaningful for selecting and developing inhalation units.
Size‐Dependent Nickel‐Based Electrocatalysts for Selective CO2 Reduction
Authors: Li Zhida , He Dong , Yan Xingxu , Dai Sheng , Younan Sabrina , Ke Zunjian , Pan Xiaoqing , Xiao Xiangheng , Wu Hongjun , Gu Jing
Published: July 2020

Closing the anthropogenic carbon cycle by converting CO2 into reusable chemicals is an attractive solution to mitigate rising concentrations of CO2 in the atmosphere. Herein, we prepared Ni metal catalysts ranging in size from single atoms to over 100 nm and distributed them across N‐doped carbon substrates which were obtained from converted zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIF). The results show variance in CO2 reduction performance with variance in Ni metal size. Ni single atoms demonstrate a superior Faradaic efficiency (FE) for CO selectivity (ca. 97 % at −0.8 V vs. RHE), while results for 4.1 nm Ni nanoparticles are slightly lower (ca. 93 %). Further increase the Ni particle size to 37.2 nm allows the H2 evolution reaction (HER) to compete with the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). The FE towards CO production decreases to under 30 % and HER efficiency increase to over 70 %. These results show a size‐dependent CO2 reduction for various sizes of Ni metal catalysts.
Acid‐Activatable Transmorphic Peptide‐Based Nanomaterials for Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Sun Bingbing , Chang Rui , Cao Shoupeng , Yuan Chengqian , Zhao Luyang , Yang Haowen , Li Junbai , Yan Xuehai , van Hest Jan C. M.
Published: July 2020

Inspired by the dynamic morphology control of molecular assemblies in biological systems, we have developed pH‐responsive transformable peptide‐based nanoparticles for photodynamic therapy (PDT) with prolonged tumor retention times. The self‐assembled peptide–porphyrin nanoparticles transformed into nanofibers when exposed to the acidic tumor microenvironment, which was mainly driven by enhanced intermolecular hydrogen bond formation between the protonated molecules. The nanoparticle transformation into fibrils improved their singlet oxygen generation ability and enabled high accumulation and long‐term retention at tumor sites. Strong fluorescent signals of these nanomaterials were detected in tumor tissue up to 7 days after administration. Moreover, the peptide assemblies exhibited excellent anti‐tumor efficacy via PDT in vivo. This in situ fibrillar transformation strategy could be utilized to design effective stimuli‐responsive biomaterials for long‐term imaging and therapy.
Transition Metal‐Catalyzed Enantioselective C−H Functionalization via Chiral Transient Directing Group Strategies
Authors: Liao Gang , Zhang Tao , Lin Zhi‐Keng , Shi Bing‐Feng
Published: July 2020

Transition metal‐catalyzed enantioselective functionalization of C−H bond, the most abundant functionality in organic molecules, has emerged as an expedient synthetic approach to streamline the synthesis of complex chiral molecules. Despite significant progress, traditional directing group‐enabled strategies require additional steps for the installation and removal of directing groups from the target molecule. The recently developed asymmetric C−H functionalization using chiral transient directing groups (cTDGs) offers a promising alternative that can circumvent this obstacle and therefore simplify the process. In this Minireview, we briefly discuss the advent and recent advances of this emerging concept, with an emphasis on discussing the creation of various stereogenic centers and the developments ofcTDGs. Applications in natural product synthesis and ligand derivatizations are also discussed. We hope this Minireview will highlight the great potential of this strategy and help to inspire further endeavors.
Butadienyl Diiron Complexes: Nonplanar Metalla‐Aromatics Involving σ‐Type Orbital Overlap
Authors: Yu Chao , Zhong Mingdong , Zhang Yongliang , Wei Junnian , Ma Wangyang , Zhang Wen‐Xiong , Ye Shengfa , Xi Zhenfeng
Published: July 2020

A new class of nonplanar metalla‐aromatics, diiron complexes bridged by a 1,3‐butadienyl dianionic ligand, were synthesized in high yields from dilithio reagents and two equivalents of FeBr2. The complexes consist of two antiferromagnetically coupled high‐spin FeII centers, as revealed by magnetometry, Mössbauer spectroscopy, and DFT calculations. Furthermore, experimental (X‐ray structural analysis) and theoretical analyses (NICS, ICSS, AICD, MOs) suggest that the complexes are aromatic. Remarkably, this nonplanar metalla‐aromaticity is achieved by an uncommon σ‐type overlap between the ligand p and metal d orbitals, in sharp contrast to the intensively studied planar aromatic systems featuring delocalized π‐type bonding. Specifically, the σ‐type interaction between the two Fe 3dxz orbitals and the butadienyl π orbital results in the formation of a six‐electron conjugated system and hence enables the aromatic character.
A comparison of seed germination coefficients using functional regression
Authors: Talská Renáta , Machalová Jitka , Smýkal Petr , Hron Karel
Published: July 2020

Premise

Seed germination over time is characterized by a sigmoid curve, called a germination curve, in which the percentage (or absolute number) of seeds that have completed germination is plotted against time. A number of individual coefficients have been developed to characterize this germination curve. However, as germination is considered to be a qualitative developmental response of an individual seed that occurs at one time point, but individual seeds within a given treatment respond at different time points, it has proven difficult to develop a single index that satisfactorily incorporates both percentage and rate. The aim of this paper is to develop a new coefficient, thecontinuous germination index(CGI), which quantifies seed germination as a continuous process, and to compare the CGI with other commonly used indexes.

Methods

To create the new index, the germination curves were smoothed using nondecreasing splines and the CGI was derived as the area under the resulting spline. For the comparison of the CGI with other common indexes, a regression model with functional response was developed.

Results

Using both an experimentally obtained wild pea (Pisum sativumsubsp.elatius) seed data set and a hypothetical data set, we showed that the CGI is able to characterize the germination process better than most other indices. The CGI captures the local behavior of the germination curves particularly well.

Discussion

The CGI can be used advantageously for the characterization of the germination process. Moreover,B‐spline coefficients extracted by its construction can be employed for the further statistical processing of germination curves using functional data analysis methods.
Selective breeding in domestic dogs: How selecting for a short face impacted canine neuroanatomy
Authors: Selba Molly C. , Bryson Emily R. , Rosenberg Ciele L. , Heng Hock Gan , DeLeon Valerie B.
Published: July 2020

The range of cranial morphology seen in domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) is a direct result of thousands of years of selective breeding. This article is the first to investigate how selection for reduced faces in brachycephalic dogs impacted the neuroanatomy of the canine brain through the analysis of endocasts. Previous research has demonstrated global effects on the shape of the bony cranium as the result of these breeding practices; however, these studies have largely focused on the bony structures of the skull and failed to consider the influence of facial reduction on the soft tissues of the brain. We generated endocasts from an existing set of clinically‐obtained CT scans representing a variety of dogs with various cranial morphologies. These dogs represented four breeds as well as a comparative sample of dogs of unknown breed. We recorded three‐dimensional coordinate data for 31 landmarks representing various gyri, sulci, and other neuroanatomical landmarks that allowed us to analyze differences in shape of the endocasts. Through geometric morphometric analyses, we determined that the endocast shape variance in this sample is correlated with cephalic index, and thus the selection for facial reduction has caused a perceivable effect on canine neuroanatomy. Additionally, we found the majority of the shape variance in the sample to be associated with olfactory anatomy; however, the rest of the morphology also correlates with cephalic index. The results of this article indicate that modern breeding practices and the selection for dogs with short faces have significantly influenced canine neuroanatomy.
Gold(I) Complexes Nuclearity in Constrained Ferrocenyl Diphosphines: Dramatic Effect in Gold‐Catalyzed Enyne Cycloisomerization
Authors: Nguyen Tuan‐Anh , Roger Julien , Nasrallah Houssein , Rampazzi Vincent , Fournier Sophie , Cattey Hélène , Sosa Carrizo E. Daiann , Fleurat‐Lessard Paul , Devillers Charles H. , Pirio Nadine , Lucas Dominique , Hierso Jean‐Cyrille
Published: July 2020

Di‐tert‐butylated‐bis(phosphino)ferrocene ligands bearing phosphino substituents R (R=phenyl, cyclohexyl, iso‐propyl, mesityl, or furyl) allow tuning the selective formation of Au(I) halide complexes. Thus, dinuclear linear two‐coordinate, but also rare mononuclear trigonal three‐coordinate and tetrahedral four‐coordinate complexes were formed upon tuning of the conditions. Both Au(I) chloride and rarer Au(I) iodide complexes were synthesized, and their X‐ray diffraction analysis are reported. The significance of the control of structure and nuclearity in Au(I) complexes is further illustrated herein by its strong effect on the efficiency and selectivity of gold‐catalysed cycloisomerization. Cationic linear digold(I) bis(dicyclohexylphosphino) ferrocenes outperform other catalysts in the demanding regioselective cycloisomerization of enyne sulphonamides into cyclohexadienes. Conversely, tetrahedral and trigonal cationic monogold(I) complexes were found incompetent for enyne cycloaddition. We used the two‐coordinate linear electron‐rich Au(I) complex 2 b (R=Cy) to extend the scope of selective intramolecular cycloaddition of different 1,6‐enyne sulfonylamines with high activity and excellent selectivity to the endo cyclohexadiene products.
“Second guessing yourself all the time about what they really mean…”: Cognitive differences between autistic and non‐autistic adults in understanding implied meaning
Authors: Wilson Alexander C. , Bishop Dorothy V. M.
Published: July 2020

This study investigated cognitive differences between autistic and non‐autistic people in understanding implied meaning in conversation using a novel computerized test, the Implicature Comprehension Test. Controlling for core language ability, autistic participants (N = 66) were over twice as likely to endorse a non‐normative interpretation of an implied meaning and over five times as likely to select “do not know” when asked about the presence of an implied meaning, compared to non‐autistic participants (N = 118). A further experiment suggested that the selection of “do not know” reflected a cognitive preference for certainty and explicit communication, and that the normative inference could often be made when the test format was more constrained. Our research supports the hypothesis that autistic individuals can find it challenging to process language in its pragmatic context, and that cognitive preferences play a role in this.

Lay summary

We investigated differences between autistic and non‐autistic people in understanding implied meanings in conversation. We found that autistic people were more likely to select a different interpretation of implied meanings compared to other people, and also much more likely to avoid processing implied meanings when the task allowed this. Our research supports the view that autistic people can find it challenging to process indirect meanings, and that they tend to prefer explicit forms of communication.
To covet what we see: Autistic traits modulate the relationship between looking and choosing
Authors: Hedger Nicholas , Chakrabarti Bhismadev
Published: July 2020

Behavioral studies indicate that autistic traits predict reduced gaze toward social stimuli. Moreover, experiments that require participants to make an explicit choice between stimuli indicate reduced preferences for social stimuli in individuals with high autistic traits. These observations, in combination, fit with the idea that gaze is actively involved in the formation of choices—gaze toward a stimulus increases the likelihood of its subsequent selection. Although these aspects of gaze and choice behavior have been well characterized separately, it remains unclear how autistic traits affect the relationship between gaze and socially relevant choices. In a choice‐based eye‐tracking paradigm, we observed that autistic traits predict less frequent and delayed selection of social stimuli. Critically, eye tracking revealed novel phenomena underlying these choice behaviors: first, the relationship between gaze and choice behavior was weaker in individuals with high autistic traits—an increase in gaze to a stimulus was associated with a smaller increase in choice probability. Second, time‐series analyses revealed that gaze became predictive of choice behaviors at longer latencies in observers with high autistic traits. This dissociation between gaze and choice in individuals with high autistic traits may reflect wider atypicalities in value coding. Such atypicalities may predict the development of atypical social behaviors associated with the autism phenotype.

Lay Summary

When presented with multiple stimuli to choose from, we tend to look more toward the stimuli we later choose. Here, we found that this relationship between looking and choosing was reduced in individuals with high autistic traits. These data indicate that autistic traits may be associated with atypical processing of value, which may contribute to the reduced preferences for social stimuli exhibited by individuals with autism.
One‐Step Synthesis of Porous Ni−Co−Fe−S Nanosheet Arrays as an Efficient Battery‐Type Electrode Material for Hybrid Supercapacitors
Authors: Alitabar Kosar , Zardkhoshoui Akbar Mohammadi , Hosseiny Davarani Saied Saeed
Published: July 2020

Construction of porous nanosheet arrays of transition‐metal sulfides (TMSs) holds great potential for energy storage. Herein, a one‐step hydrothermal process is employed for the construction of porous Ni1.43Fe.5Co.5S.97 nanosheet arrays (NFCS‐NS) on the nickel foam as a proper positive electrode for hybrid supercapacitor. Owing to the appealing structural features, the NFCS‐NS depicts a high capacity of 1156 C g−1 at 2 A g−1, desirable rate capability of 81.1 %, and significant cyclability of 92.9 %. Also, a promising hybrid device (NFCS‐NS//AC) based on NFCS‐NS and activated carbon (AC) represents a reasonable energy density of 57.3 Wh kg−1 at 807.04 W kg−1 and a notable power density of 20000 W kg−1 at 40 Wh kg−1. Therefore, our current research can introduce an effective strategy for the fabrication of high‐performance electrodes with porous architectures.
Solvation of NaPF6 in Diglyme Solution for Battery Electrolytes
Authors: Jensen Anders C. S. , Au Heather , Gärtner Sabrina , Titirici Maria‐Magdalena , Drew Alan J.
Published: July 2020

Glymes present a promising new group of electrolyte solvents for sodium‐ion batteries. Not only do they have excellent electrolyte solvent properties but they also enable the intercalation of sodium into graphite as sodium‐glyme complexes, a reaction which is not possible for sodium in conventional electrolyte solvents. However, little is known about the solution structure of these complexes, especially for sodium salts, and why glymes enable this process while other commonly used electrolyte solvents do not. Here, a combination of neutron total scattering and empirical potential structure refinement was used to characterize the solvent structure around the ions, for a NaPF6 solution in diglyme. This showed that 82 % of the sodium ions are bound as Na+(diglyme)2 complexes, the conformation needed for intercalation into graphite, with the rest forming various contact ion pairs. The model also showed that very weak hydrogen bonding interactions exist between the anion and the diglyme molecules.
Promoting inclusion in ecological field experiences: Examining and overcoming barriers to a professional rite of passage
Authors: Morales Nia , Bisbee O’Connell Kari , McNulty Stacy , Berkowitz Alan , Bowser Gillian , Giamellaro Michael , Miriti Maria N.
Published: July 2020

Field experiences can provide transformative opportunities for many individuals who eventually pursue ecology, natural resource, and conservation careers. However, some of the same elements of field‐based programs that define and provide pivotal experiences for some represent barriers for others, especially students from underrepresented groups. Barriers may be financial, physical, cultural, or social. Issues of gender, identity, and race/ethnicity, for example, can be isolating or shut down learning during intensive field experiences when group leaders are not prepared to respond to interpersonal challenges. We explore some benefits and barriers presented by field learning experiences as well as some challenges and potential strategies to broaden inclusivity with the hope of encouraging further conversation on diversity and inclusion in field experiences.
Some modest and practical advice for undergraduate researchers
Authors: Chhatre Vikram E.
Published: July 2020

Over twenty million students enroll in undergraduate programs in the United States every year and nearly three quarters of a million graduate with a science or engineering major according to the National Science Board. A large number of these students now engage in scientific research. They are the foundation of the research, development, and education workforce of tomorrow. Early involvement in the process of scientific inquiry will not only boost their future career potential, but also enable them to develop valuable life skills relevant to any professional career of their choice. At a time when scientific facts have come under attack in civic discourse, the importance of understanding how science works is more important than ever for well‐informed citizenship. Students aspiring to do research often have to take the important step of finding an advisor, who can help them choose a suitable research topic and apply for financial support, especially during summer. This involves making several important considerations which can be intimidating for anyone without experience. Some practical advice on the process of finding a research position and being successful in it may be useful and timely. In this article, I discuss a range of issues relevant to aspiring undergraduate researchers and offer practical advice for adopting practices that will help prepare them for the challenges of pursuing scientific inquiry. Although written with natural sciences students in mind, much of this advice is universally applicable and therefore also suitable for those in other disciplines.
Progress and Perspectives in the Development of Lentiviral Vector Producer Cells
Authors: Ferreira Mariana V. , Cabral Elisa T. , Coroadinha Ana Sofia
Published: July 2020

After two decades of clinical trials, gene therapy demonstrated effectiveness in the treatment of a series of diseases. Currently, several gene therapy products are approved and used in the clinic. Lentiviral vectors (LVs) are one of the most used transfer vehicles to deliver genetic material and the vector of choice to modify hematopoietic cells to correct primary immunodeficiencies, hemoglobinopathies, and leukodystrophies. LVs are also widely used to modify T cells to treat cancers in immunotherapies (e.g., chimeric antigen receptors T cell therapies, CAR‐T). In genome editing, LVs are used to deliver sequence‐specific designer nucleases and DNA templates. The approval LV gene therapy products (e.g., Kymriah, for B‐cell Acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment; LentiGlobin, for β‐thalassemia treatment) reinforced the need to improve their bioprocess manufacturing. The production has been mostly dependent on transient transfection. Production from stable cell lines facilitate GMP compliant processes, providing an easier scale‐up, reproducibility and cost‐effectiveness. The establishment of stable LV producer cell lines presents, however, several difficulties, with the cytotoxicity of some of the vector proteins being a major challenge. Genome editing technologies pose additional challenges to LV producer cells. Herein the major bottlenecks, recent achievements, and perspectives in the development of LV stable cell lines are revised.
MYC‐activated lncRNA HNF1A‐AS1 overexpression facilitates glioma progression via cooperating with miR‐32‐5p/SOX4 axis
Authors: Wu Jianheng , Li Rong , Li Linfan , Gu Yimian , Zhan Hui , Zhou Changbao , Zhong Chuanhong
Published: July 2020

Mounting literatures have revealed the crucial effects of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in various cancers, including glioma. HNF1A‐AS1, a novel lncRNA, is reported to modulate tumorigenesis and development of multiple cancers. However, the tumorigenic function of lncRNA HNF1A‐AS1 in glioma remains largely unknown. quantitative reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction and western blot assays were applied to evaluate the expression of relevant mRNAs and proteins. 5‐Ethynyl‐2’‐ deoxyuridine, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick‐end labeling, flow cytometry, and transwell assays were conducted for examining the influence of HNF1A‐AS1 on glioma cell functions. The relationship among RNAs was investigated by mechanical experiments. The results demonstrated that HNF1A‐AS1 was predominantly highly expressed in glioma cell lines compared with nontumor glial epithelial cell, which was associated with the stimulation of transcription factor myelocytomatosis oncogene. Knockdown of HNF1A‐AS1 remarkably inhibited glioma cells proliferation, migration, and invasion, while accelerating cell apoptosis in vitro. Mechanically, HNF1A‐AS1 served as a miR‐32‐5p sponge. Moreover, SOX4 was discovered as a target of miR‐32‐5p. Inhibited miR‐32‐5p or upregulated SOX4 could markedly counteract the inhibitory effects of silencing HNF1A‐AS1 on glioma malignant biological behaviors. HNF1A‐AS1 exerted oncogenic property in glioma progression via upregulating miR‐32‐5p–mediated SOX4 expression, suggesting potential novel therapeutic target for future glioma treatment.
Distinct Mechanisms for Processing Autophagy Protein LC3‐PE by RavZ and ATG4B
Authors: Yang Aimin , Pantoom Supansa , Wu Yao‐Wen
Published: July 2020

Autophagy is a conserved catabolic process involved in the elimination of proteins, organelles and pathogens in eukaryotic cells. Lipidated LC3 proteins that are conjugated to phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) play a key role in autophagosome biogenesis. Endogenous ATG4‐mediated deconjugation of LC3‐PE is required for LC3 recycling. However, the Legionella effector RavZ irreversibly deconjugates LC3‐PE to inhibit autophagy. It is not clear how ATG4 and RavZ process LC3‐PE with distinct modes. Herein, a series of semisynthetic LC3‐PE proteins containing C‐terminal mutations or insertions were used to investigate the relationship of the C‐terminal structure of LC3‐PE with ATG4/RavZ‐mediated deconjugation. Using a combination of molecular docking and biochemical assays, we found that Gln116, Phe119 and Gly120 of LC3‐PE are required for cleavage by both RavZ and ATG4B, whereas Glu117(LC3) is specific to cleavage by RavZ. The molecular ruler mechanism exists in the active site of ATG4B, but not in RavZ. Met63 and Gln64 at the active site of RavZ are involved in accommodating LC3 C‐terminal motif. Our findings show that the distinct binding modes of the LC3 C‐terminal motif (116–120) with ATG4 and RavZ might determine the specificity of cleavage site.
Paroxysmal pain as the only presentation of focal epilepsy
Authors: Garcez Daniela , Marques Joana , Fernandes Mariana , Foreid John Peter
Published: July 2020

Painful seizures can be the only feature of focal epilepsy. Its localization on a limb favors the epileptic etiology, while abdominal or cephalic paroxysmal pain is not so specific. Painful somatosensory seizures arise from operculo‐insular cortex.
Predicting protein stability and solubility changes upon mutations: data perspective
Authors: Mazurenko Stanislav
Published: July 2020

Understanding mutational effects on protein stability and solubility is of particular importance for creating industrially relevant biocatalysts, resolving mechanisms of many human diseases, and producing efficient biopharmaceuticals, to name a few. For in silico predictions, the complexity of the underlying processes and increasing computational capabilities favor the use of machine learning. However, this approach requires sufficient training data of reasonable quality for making precise predictions. This minireview aims to summarize and scrutinize available mutational datasets commonly used for training predictors. We analyze their structure and discuss the possible directions of improvement in terms of data size, quality, and availability. We also present perspectives on the development of mutational data for accelerating the design of efficient predictors, introducing two new manually curated databases FireProtDB and SoluProtMutDB for protein stability and solubility, respectively.
Enhanced Bifunctional Catalytic Activity of Cobalt Phosphide Flowers Anchored N‐Doped Reduced Graphene Oxide for Hydrogen and Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Veettil Vineesh Thazhe , Vijayakumar Anagha Usha , Purayil Dileep Naduvile , Cheraparambil Haritha , Nambeesan Jyothish , Shaijumon Manikoth M.
Published: July 2020

In this work, we demonstrate morphology‐controlled synthesis of flower‐like cobalt phosphide decorated on nitrogen doped reduced graphene oxide (NrGO), which act as bifunctional electrocatalysts toward both hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The as‐synthesized CoP‐NrGO, formedviahydrothermal reaction followed by gas‐solid reaction, attains an OER current density of 10 mA cm−2at an overpotential of 0.38 V, which is on par with that of its Co(OH)2‐NrGO counterpart and the benchmarked IrO2catalyst. On the other hand, the conversion of Co(OH)2to CoP is seen to improve its HER performance drastically. CoP‐NrGO reached a current density of 10 mA cm−2at an overpotential of 0.184 V which is 0.204 V anodic to Co(OH)2‐NrGO. The improved performance could be attributed to reduced charge transfer resistance following the phosphidation process. From the comparison of the electrocatalytic performance of the catalysts, it can be inferred that phosphidation has a considerable effect only on the cathodic HER.
FeNiSx@MoS2 Heterostructure: A Bioinspired Nonprecious Electrocatalyst for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction in Acidic and Basic Media
Authors: Bolar Saikat , Shit Subhasis , Murmu Naresh Chandra , Kuila Tapas
Published: July 2020

FeNiSx@MoS2 (INSMS) heterostructure is designed and developed to achieve a structural and functional analogue with biological enzyme active sites that catalyze hydrogen production. A two‐step synthetic method is applied to develop the heterostructure. As‐prepared INSMS integrates FeNiSx (INS) nanosheets on the surface of the MoS2 nanopetals. The electrocatalyst demonstrates robust hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity due to the selective decoration of INS nanosheets over MoS2, owing to their different solubility product values. Two different phases of INS nanosheets are formed in INSNS due to the topotactic transition of INS nanosheets, as confirmed by the XRD and HR‐TEM analysis. In the HER, INSMS requires overpotentials of 110 and 155 mV at 10 mA cm−2 with Tafel slope values of 34 and 93 mV dec−1 in acidic and alkaline medium, respectively. This improved electrochemical performance is generated by the modification of the electron‐hole separation at the heterostructure interface and interlinked active edge sites at the interface.
Facile and Reliable Emission‐Based Nanomolar Anion Sensing by Luminescent Iridium Receptors Featuring Chelating Halogen‐Bonding Sites
Authors: Kampes Robin , Tepper Ronny , Görls Helmar , Bellstedt Peter , Jäger Michael , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: July 2020

An anion sensor is presented that combines a bidentate hydrogen‐ (HB) or halogen‐bonding (XB) site with a luminescent monocationic Ir fragment for strong binding of common anions (Ka up to 6×104 m−1) with diagnostic emission changes. A new emission‐based protocol for fast and reliable detection was derived on the basis of correction for systematic but unspecific background effects. Such a simple correction routine circumvents the hitherto practical limitations of systematic emission‐based analysis of anion binding with validated open‐source software (BindFit). The anticipated order of Ka values was obeyed according to size and basicity of the anions (Cl>Br=OAc) as well as the donor atom of the receptor (XB: 6×104 m−1 > HB: 5×103 m−1), and led to submicromolar limits of detection within minutes. The results were further validated by advanced NMR techniques, and corroborated by X‐ray crystallographic data and DFT analysis, which reproduced the structural and electronic features in excellent agreement. The results suggest that corrected emission‐based sensing may become a complementary, reliable, and fast tool to promote the use of XB in various application fields, due to the simple and fast optical determination at high dilution.
Integrating clustering and regression for workload estimation in the cloud
Authors: Yu Yongjia , Jindal Vasu , Yen I‐Ling , Bastani Farokh , Xu Jie , Garraghan Peter
Published: July 2020

Workload prediction has been widely researched in the literature. However, existing techniques are per‐job based and useful for service‐like tasks whose workloads exhibit seasonality and trend. But cloud jobs have many different workload patterns and some do not exhibit recurring workload patterns. We consider job‐pool‐based workload estimation, which analyzes the characteristics of existing tasks' workloads to estimate the currently running tasks' workload. First cluster existing tasks based on their workloads. For a new task J, collect the initial workload of J and determine which cluster J may belong to, then use the cluster's characteristics to estimate J′s workload. Based on the Google dataset, the algorithm is experimentally evaluated and its effectiveness is confirmed. However, the workload patterns of some tasks do have seasonality and trend, and conventional per‐job‐based regression methods may yield better workload prediction results. Also, in some cases, some new tasks may not follow the workload patterns of existing tasks in the pool. Thus, develop an integrated scheme which combines clustering and regression and utilize the best of them for workload prediction. Experimental study shows that the combined approach can further improve the accuracy of workload prediction.
Reward/Punishment‐Based Decision Making in Rodents
Authors: Orsini Caitlin A. , Simon Nicholas W.
Published: July 2020

Deficits in decision making are at the heart of many psychiatric diseases, such as substance abuse disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Consequently, rodent models of decision making are germane to understanding the neural mechanisms underlying adaptive choice behavior and how such mechanisms can become compromised in pathological conditions. A critical factor that must be integrated with reward value to ensure optimal decision making is the occurrence of consequences, which can differ based on probability (risk of punishment) and temporal contiguity (delayed punishment). This article will focus on two models of decision making that involve explicit punishment, both of which recapitulate different aspects of consequences during human decision making. We will discuss each behavioral protocol, the parameters to consider when designing an experiment, and finally how such animal models can be utilized in studies of psychiatric disease. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Behavioral training

Support Protocol: Equipment testing

Alternate Protocol: Reward discrimination

Basic Protocol 2: Risky decision‐making task (RDT)

Basic Protocol 3: Delayed punishment decision‐making task (DPDT)