bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ramped thermal analysis for isolating biologically meaningful soil organic matter fractions with distinct residence times
Authors: Sanderman Jonathan , Grandy A. Stuart
Published: April 2020

Abstract. In this work, we assess whether or not ramped thermal oxidation coupled with determination of the radiocarbon content of the evolved CO2
can be used to isolate distinct thermal fractions of soil organic matter (SOM) along with direct information on the turnover rate of each thermal fraction. Using
a 30-year time series of soil samples from a well-characterized agronomic trial, we found that the incorporation of the bomb spike in atmospheric
14CO2 into thermal fractions of increasing resistance to thermal decomposition could be successfully modeled. With increasing
temperature, which is proportional to activation energy, the mean residence time of the thermal fractions increased from 10 to
400 years. Importantly, the first four of five thermal fractions appeared to be a mixture of fast- and increasingly slower-cycling SOM. To further
understand the composition of different thermal fractions, stepped pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) experiments were
performed at five temperatures ranging from 330 to 735 ∘C. The Py-GC/MS data showed a reproducible shift in the chemistry of pyrolysis
products across the temperature gradient trending from polysaccharides and lipids at low temperature to lignin- and microbe-derived compounds at
middle temperatures to aromatic and unknown compounds at the highest temperatures. Integrating the 14C and Py-GC/MS data suggests the
organic compounds, with the exception of aromatic moieties likely derived from wildfire, with centennial residence times are not more complex but
may be protected from pyrolysis, and likely also from biological mineralization, by interactions with mineral surfaces.
Privacy, Risk, Anonymization and Data Sharing in the Internet of Health Things
Authors: Colonna Liane
Published: April 2020

This paper explores a specific risk-mitigation strategy to reduce privacy concerns in the Internet of Health Things (IoHT): data anonymization. It contributes to the current academic debate surrounding the role of anonymization in the IoHT by evaluating how data controllers can balance privacy risks against the quality of output data and select the appropriate privacy model that achieves the aims underlying the concept of Privacy by Design. It sets forth several approaches for identifying the risk of re-identification in the IoHT as well as explores the potential for synthetic data generation to be used as an alternative method to anonymization for data sharing.
From Concept to Counter: A Review of Bringing an Orthopaedic Implant to Market
Authors: Lee Donald H. , Reasoner Kaitlyn , Stewart Anthony
Published: April 2020

Physicians offer unique contributions to the orthopaedic implant design process by providing creative ideas and insightful clinical expertise. This article provides a brief overview of the pertinent considerations of transforming a concept into an orthopaedic implant and bringing it to the market. Implant concept choice should consider medical or surgical necessity, regional variability, market characteristics, cost of goods sold, and average selling price. Implant development requires adherence to regulatory requirements and device classification. Implant production incorporates design specifications, mechanical testing, sterilization, packaging, and marketing and sales. Orthopaedic implant company agreements determine physician compensation through royalties and/or the purchase of intellectual property. After rollout, physicians participate in monitoring for device safety. Bringing an orthopaedic implant from a concept to the market can be lengthy and complicated, but innovation is essential for advancing patient care and well-being.
Ökologische und soziale Zielkonflikte am Beispiel der Wohnungspolitik
Authors: Puls Jennifer
Published: April 2020

Wohnen ist einer der zentralen Lebensbereiche, die zielgerichtetes Handeln erfordern, um das Klima zu schützen. Um soziale Spreizungen nicht zu vertiefen, braucht es einen Klimaschutz, der geprägt ist von ökologisch nachhaltigen und effektiven Maßnahmen, die den sozialen Zusammenhalt der Gesellschaft fördern und einkommensärmere Haushalte nicht benachteiligen. Exemplarisch geht der vorliegende Artikel dafür auf die Themen energetische Sanierung und Wohngeld ein.
Postwachstum und Sozialplanung
Authors: Kretzschmar Jens , Hilse-Carstensen Theresa
Published: April 2020

Mit dem schillernden Begriff Postwachstum werden unterschiedliche Ziele, Erwartungen und auch Ängste verknüpft. Einerseits für viele ein Schreckgespenst, das mit der Befürchtung verbunden ist, wirtschaftlich stagnieren und sich zurückentwickeln zu müssen, steht der Begriff andererseits aus Sicht sozialer Bewegungen für ein gesellschaftspolitisches Ziel eines zukunftsfähigen Lebens- und Wirtschaftsstils.
Handbook of best practice and standards for 2D+ and 3D imaging of natural history collections
Authors: Brecko Jonathan , Mathys Aurore
Published: April 2020

Digitising a collection is key to make it last even after the physical objects are no longer available. Almost all of the techniques currently available to digitise a natural history collection in 2D+ and 3D are listed herein. The techniques are explained in a way that even one without any knowledge on the subject may understand their principle. The strong and weak points of the techniques are discussed, and an overview of suitable collections and specimens are given for each one of them. Also, plenty of examples already digitised with each technique are provided together with the links to visualise them in 3D. After explaining all the different digitisation options, the subsequent chapters provide information on how to improve the 2D+ and 3D digital twins of the specimens and techniques are compared to each other by means of test specimens. These give a fast overview of the capabilities of the digitisation techniques. Possible solutions to avoid digitisation errors are equally provided. Lastly, the dissemination of the results and the data management of the 3D models are briefly discussed in the final chapters. Also, a large chapter is provided with several workflows that can be followed to get the best possible results.
A modified tucker’s congruence coefficient for factor matching
Authors: Lovik Anikó , Nassiri Vahid , Verbeke Geert , Molenberghs Geert
Published: April 2020

Since factor analysis is one of the most often used techniques in psychometrics, comparing or combining solutions from different factor analyses is often needed. Several measures to compare factors exist, one of the best known is Tucker’s congruence coefficient, which is enjoying newly found popularity thanks to the recent work of Lorenzo-Seva and ten Berge (2006), who established cut-off values for factor congruence. While this coefficient is in most cases very good in comparing factors in general, it also has some disadvantages, which can cause trouble when one needs to compare or combine many analyses. In this paper, we propose a modified Tucker’s congruence coefficient to address these issues.
Pere Soldevila
Authors: Albadalejo Carlos , Porta Laura
Published: April 2020

Pere Soldevila, gerente de la galería de arte Metropolitana Barcelona y Oscar Abril Ascaso, co-comisario de exposiciones de Sonar y programador del Centro de Arte Santa Mónica de Barcelona nos explican su particular visión del arte digital y de su situación actual en España.
Potential harmful effects of discontinuing ACE-inhibitors and ARBs in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Rossi Gian Paolo , Sanga Viola , Barton Matthias
Published: April 2020

The discovery of angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) as the receptor for SARS- CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2) has implicated the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and respiratory failure in patients with coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). The angiotensin converting enzyme-1–angiotensin II–angiotensin AT1 receptor pathway contributes to the pathophysiology of ARDS, whereas activation of the ACE-2–angiotensin(1-7)-angiotensin AT2 receptor and the ACE-2–angiotensin(1-7)–Mas receptor pathways have been shown to be protective. Here we propose and discuss therapeutic considerations how to increase soluble ACE-2 in plasma in order for ACE-2 to capture and thereby inactivate SARS-CoV-2. This could be achieved by administering recombinant soluble ACE-2. We also discuss why and how ACEIs and ARBs provide cardiovascular, renal and also pulmonary protection in SARS-CoV-2- associated ARDS. Discontinuing these medications in COVID-19 patients may therefore potentially be harmful.
Draft genome of Rosenbergiella nectarea strain 8N4T provides insights into the potential role of this species in its plant host
Authors: Laviad-Shitrit Sivan , Izhaki Ido , Whitman William B. , Shapiro Nicole , Woyke Tanja , Kyrpides Nikos C. , Halpern Malka
Published: April 2020

Background

Rosenbergiella nectarea strain 8N4T, the type species of the genus Rosenbergiella, was isolated from Amygdalus communis (almond) floral nectar. Other strains of this species were isolated from the floral nectar of Citrus paradisi (grapefruit), Nicotiana glauca (tobacco tree) and from Asphodelus aestivus. R. nectarea strain 8N4T is a Gram-negative, oxidase-negative, facultatively anaerobic bacterium in the family Enterobacteriaceae.

Results

Here we describe features of this organism, together with its genome sequence and annotation. The DNA GC content is 47.38%, the assembly size is 3,294,717 bp, and the total number of genes are 3,346. The genome discloses the possible role that this species may play in the plant. The genome contains both virulence genes, like pectin lyase and hemolysin, that may harm plant cells and genes that are predicted to produce volatile compounds that may impact the visitation rates by nectar consumers, such as pollinators and nectar thieves.

Conclusions

The genome of R. nectarea strain 8N4T reveals a mutualistic interaction with the plant host and a possible effect on plant pollination and fitness.
REIVSÃO DA LITERATURA SOBRE O ENSINO DE FÍSICA MODERNA E CONTEMPORÂNEA NO ENSINO MÉDIO: POTENCIALIDADES A PARTIR DA APRENDIZAGEM SIGNIFICATIVA / LITERATURE REVIEW ON MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY PHYSICS EDUCATION IN HIGH SCHOOL: POTENTIALITIES FROM SIGNIFICANT LEARNING
Authors: Goulart Guilherme Salgueiro , Leonel André Ary
Published: April 2020

Este trabalho apresenta o resultado de uma revisão da literatura relacionada ao ensino de Física Moderna e Contemporânea (FMC) no ensino médio. Os artigos que compõem o corpus de análise dessa revisão estão compreendidos desde o ano de 2005 até 2018 e, encontram-se disponíveis nos periódicos: Caderno Brasileiro de Ensino de Física (CBEF), Revista Brasileira de Ensino de Física (RBEF), Investigações em Ensino de Ciências (IENCI) e Revista Brasileira de Ensino de Ciências e Tecnologia (RBECT). Os trabalhos foram classificados em duas categorias, definidas a posteriori, a partir da utilização do método de Análise de Conteúdo (BARDIN, 1977). A partir dessas categorias verificaram-se quais estratégias didáticas vem sendo utilizadas no ensino de FMC levando-se em consideração a Teoria da Aprendizagem Significativa (TAS), que quando associadas ao uso da UEPS, auxiliam os estudantes a conseguirem compreender conceitos, muitas vezes abstratos, e constituírem a aprendizagem significativa.
Farmers' Indigenous Knowledge Practice for Crop Protection: A Case Study of Ant Protection on Teff (Eragrostis teff) Crop in North Wollo, Ethiopia
Authors: Derso Chanie
Published: April 2020

The study was conducted under selective Kebeles in Kobo district of North Wollo Zone in the North eastern part of Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia. Although farmers have imperative experience with indigenous knowledge to reduce and eliminate the effect of ant over teff crop, there is no any research document reported with this regard. Thus, the aim of this research is to explore farmers' indigenous knowledge on ant protection on teff crop. To do so, descriptive research design was adopted. From 400 farmers in selected kebeles, a total of 200 household farmers in five kebeles, 40 in each, were selected using purposive sampling techniques. In-depth interview with their culture, custom and in comfort and survey were used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. Then, the quantitative data were analyzed using IBM SPSS and the qualitative information was also summarized properly. Based on the analyzed data, the highest percentage of respondents (44.5%) were between the ages of 30-50 years while the lowest percentage (24%) of respondents found below the age of 30 years and the remaining percentage were above the age of 50. According to the interviewed data and survey results, farmers have used DDT (98%), ash (82%), herbal mulching (100%), burning on nest (38%), damping nest (64%). In general, this research tried to reveal the non chemical methods of indigenous knowledge used in the protection of teff crop. So that, it is better to investigate the chemical nature and the adverse effect of the above mentioned plant species on ant and need to scale up into industrial production.
Dengue with Scrub Typhus Coinfection in Northern India
Authors: Singh Vishal , Mishra Satish Chandra , Agarwal Nikesh A. , Raut Binod B. , Singh Pulkit
Published: April 2020

Background: Amongst the many vector and water-borne diseases prevalent in tropics, dengue occupies a prominent place. Dengue epidemics are frequent and at times, during such epidemic, coinfections may occur causing diagnostic dilemmas.

Case Report: A 36 years old lady, from a rural background, presented during the 2019 dengue epidemic with fever, vomiting, and non-colicky abdominal pain. The evaluation showed hepatosplenomegaly, leukocytosis, and thrombocytopenia. The investigations confirmed the diagnosis and she was treated conservatively as a case of dengue with warning signs. A longer than anticipated duration of fever and clinical deterioration prompted reassessment, which revealed the presence of an eschar over the right upper thigh. The Weil-Felix test using Proteus OX-K stain was positive at a titer of 1:320. Following treatment with oral doxycycline, she showed rapid defervescence and clinical improvement.

Conclusions: Coinfection with scrub typhus is rare with dengue. If left untreated, it adversely affects the outcome. The key to diagnosing such coinfections includes a high index of suspicion, repeated clinical examination, and the knowledge of local endemicity.
PCR and Sequencing Base Detection of Gummosis Disease on Citrus aurantifolia Caused by Lasiodiplodia theobromae and Evaluation of Its Antagonisms
Authors: Hasan Md. Faruk , Islam Md. Asadul , Sikdar Biswanath
Published: April 2020

Diplodia gummosis disease caused by Lasiodiplodia theobromae is an economically important postharvest fruit decay that occurs on all types of citrus grown in Bangladesh. The present investigation was conducted to isolate and identify the pathogenic fungus responsible for postharvest diplodia gummosis disease (DGD) of citrus as well as the evaluation of its biological control through microbial antagonists. DGD causing pathogen was identified by physiological, morphological and molecular methods. The pathogenic fungus was isolated from the surface of postharvest lime fruits. The optimum growth of the fungi was observed in maltose, 2% NaCl, 15% sugar and pH 7 containing PDA medium at 35⁰C. PCR products of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the fungus showed approximately 650 bp size clear band in gel electrophoresis. The amplified region of the fungus showed 99.62% similarities with the sequences of L. theobromae. Artificially inoculation of the fungus in malta, musumbi, sweet orange, lime, and guava fruits showed similar size clear band and typical diplodia gummosis disease symptom. Methanol extracts of Datura metal displayed the highest inhibition (75.25%) against the isolated fungus. Non-pathogenic fungi Trichoderma viride showed the highest antagonistic efficiency followed by Neofusicoccum mangifera against the isolated fungus. The tested soil bacteria did not show significant antagonistic activity against the isolated fungus. Therefore, the DGD of citrus control system should be integrated into the overall citrus postharvest decay control system to reduce all citrus postharvest diseases and to protect fresh citrus fruit values.
Amelioration of Extra-articular Effects Associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis Using Anti-arthritic Herbal Formulations
Authors: Elechi-Amadi Kemzi N. , Briggs Ojoye N. , Opusunju Boma H. , Bartimaeus Ebirien-Agana S. , Nwachuku Edna O.
Published: April 2020

Aim: This study investigated the ability of some herbal formulations to ameliorate extra-articular effects of some herbal formulations used in the management of rheumatoid arthritis in Nigeria.

Methodology: Forty-nine (49) female albino Wistar rats were used for this study. They were divided into seven groups: A, B, C, D, E, F and G of seven rats each, with Group A serving as negative control while Group B was a positive control. Groups B, C, D, E, F and G were induced with rheumatoid arthritis by injecting 0.1 ml of Complete Freund's Adjuvant into the right hind paw of each rat. The rats were treated with the standard drug and herbal formulations respectively for 28 days as follows: Group C (treated with a standard drug, Celebrex), Group D (treated with the herbal drug, Jointeez), Group E (treated with a herbal drug, Arthropower), Group F (treated with combination therapy of Jointeez and Celebrex) and Group G (treated with combination therapy of Arthropower and Celebrex). At the end of the 28-day treatment period, the rats were anaesthetized with chloroform and sacrificed through puncture of the jugular vein. Five millilitres (5 ml) of blood samples were put into plain bottles for the analysis of biochemical parameters and 3 ml into K3EDTA bottles for haematological analysis. The lipid parameters were analysed using Mindray autoanalyzer while haematological parameters were determined using Sysmex haematology auto analyzer.

Results: Total cholesterol (p<0.001), HDL (p=0.005) and LDL (p=0.004) were significantly reduced in the treated rats compared to the positive control group. Conversely, Packed Cell Volume (p<0.001) and Haemoglobin levels (p<0.001) were significantly reduced in the positive control rats compared to the treated rats. However, Total WBC count was significantly higher in the positive control rats than in the treated rats (p=0.001). The combination therapies used in this study did not offer a significantly different therapeutic advantage over the monotherapies used. The herbal formulations gave therapeutic effects on the extra-articular effects similar to that obtained from the orthodox drug used in this study. 

Conclusion: The herbal formulations can be used as alternative regimens for rheumatoid arthritis. It is recommended that herbal formulations be considered for integration into our healthcare system for the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
Exploration of the Chemical Potential and Antioxidant Activity of Some Plants Used in the Treatment of Male Infertility in Southern Benin
Authors: Klotoé Jean Robert , Agbodjento Eric , Dougnon Victorien Tamègnon , Yovo Mahudro , Sacramento Téniola Isabelle , Déguénon Esther , Dougnon Jacques Tossou , Atègbo Jean Marc
Published: April 2020

Antioxidants are a family of substances that can neutralize free radicals and prevent and/or treat diseases associated with oxidative stress such as male’s infertility. Medicinal plants are one of the main sources of antioxidants.

Aim: This work was aimed at evaluating the chemical and antioxidant potential of different extracts from some plants used in traditional Beninese medicine for the treatment of male infertility.

Materials and Methods: The study was carried out on aqueous, hydro-ethanolic and ethanolic extracts from of the roots of Gardenia ternifolia (G. ternifolia), the whole plant of Cassytha filiformis (C. filiformis), the leaves of Rourea coccinea (R. coccinea) and the seed of Garcinia kola (G .kola). Quantification of the total polyphenols and flavonoids content of these extracts was evaluated respectively by the method using Folin Ciocalteu and the method using Aluminum trichloride. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated by molecular spectrophotometry using the free radical scavenging of DPPH and FRAP methods.

Results: The results obtained indicated a variation of total polyphenols and flavonoids content according to the type of extract. Hydro-ethanolic extract of the various plants studied has a high polyphenols and flavonoids content. In variable proportions, all the extracts tested reduced the DPPH radical and ferric iron, reflecting their antioxidant potential. The best antioxidant activity has been obtained with the hydro-ethanolic extracts.

Conclusion: This study showed that all the plant's extracts studied have antioxidant activity that varies with the type of extract. However, the hydro-ethanolic extractions showed the best antioxidant activities. The data obtained in the present study justified the use of these plants in management of pathologies involving oxidative stress.
Cross‐cultural effects of parent warmth and control on aggression and rule‐breaking from ages 8 to 13
Authors: Rothenberg W. Andrew , Lansford Jennifer E. , Bacchini Dario , Bornstein Marc H. , Chang Lei , Deater‐Deckard Kirby , Di Giunta Laura , Dodge Kenneth A. , Malone Patrick S. , Oburu Paul , Pastorelli Concetta , Skinner Ann T. , Sorbring Emma , Steinberg Laurence , Tapanya Sombat , Tirado Liliana Maria Uribe , Yotanyamaneewong Saengduean , Alampay Liane Peña , Al‐Hassan Suha M.
Published: April 2020

We investigated whether bidirectional associations between parental warmth and behavioral control and child aggression and rule‐breaking behavior emerged in 12 cultural groups. Study participants included 1,298 children (M = 8.29 years, standard deviation [SD] = 0.66, 51% girls) from Shanghai, China (n = 121); Medellín, Colombia (n = 108); Naples (n = 100) and Rome (n = 103), Italy; Zarqa, Jordan (n = 114); Kisumu, Kenya (n = 100); Manila, Philippines (n = 120); Trollhättan/Vänersborg, Sweden (n = 101); Chiang Mai, Thailand (n = 120); and Durham, NC, United States (n = 111 White, n = 103 Black, n = 97 Latino) followed over 5 years (i.e., ages 8–13). Warmth and control were measured using the Parental Acceptance‐Rejection/Control Questionnaire, child aggression and rule‐breaking were measured using the Achenbach System of Empirically‐Based Assessment. Multiple‐group structural equation modeling was conducted. Associations between parent warmth and subsequent rule‐breaking behavior were found to be more common across ontogeny and demonstrate greater variability across different cultures than associations between warmth and subsequent aggressive behavior. In contrast, the evocative effects of child aggressive behavior on subsequent parent warmth and behavioral control were more common, especially before age 10, than those of rule‐breaking behavior. Considering the type of externalizing behavior, developmental time point, and cultural context is essential to understanding how parenting and child behavior reciprocally affect one another.
Patient size matters: Effect of tube current modulation on size‐specific dose estimates (SSDE) and image quality in low‐dose lung cancer screening CT
Authors: Barreto Izabella , Verma Nupur , Quails Nathan , Olguin Catherine , Correa Nathalie , Mohammed Tan‐Lucien
Published: April 2020

Purpose

We compare the effect of tube current modulation (TCM) and fixed tube current (FTC) on size‐specific dose estimates (SSDE) and image quality in lung cancer screening with low‐dose CT (LDCT) for patients of all sizes.

Methods

Initially, 107 lung screening examinations were performed using FTC, which satisfied the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' volumetric CT dose index (CTDIvol) limit of 3.0 mGy for standard‐sized patients. Following protocol modification, 287 examinations were performed using TCM. Patient size and examination parameters were collected and water‐equivalent diameter (Dw) and SSDE were determined for each patient. Regression models were used to correlate CTDIvol and SSDE with Dw. Objective and subjective image quality were measured in 20 patients who had consecutive annual screenings with both FTC and TCM.

Results

CTDIvol was 2.3 mGy for all FTC scans and increased exponentially with Dw (range = 0.96–4.50 mGy, R2 = 0.73) for TCM scans. As patient Dw increased, SSDE decreased for FTC examinations (R2 = 1) and increased for TCM examinations (R2 = 0.54). Image quality measurements were superior with FTC for smaller sized patients and with TCM for larger sized patients (R2 > 0.5, P < 0.005). Radiologist graded all images acceptable for diagnostic evaluation of lung cancer screening.

Conclusion

Although FTC protocol offered a consistently low CTDIvol for all patients, it yielded unnecessarily high SSDE for small patients and increased image noise for large patients. Lung cancer screening with LDCT using TCM produces radiation doses that are appropriately reduced for small patients and increased for large patients with diagnostic image quality for all patients.
Repeat expansion scanning of the NOTCH2NLC gene in patients with multiple system atrophy
Authors: Fang Pu , Yu Yanyan , Yao Sheng , Chen Shuyun , Zhu Min , Chen Yunqing , Zou Keji , Wang Lulu , Wang Huan , Xin Ling , Hong Tao , Hong Daojun
Published: April 2020

Objective

Trinucleotide GGC repeat expansion in the 5’UTR of the NOTCH2NLC gene has been recognized as the pathogenesis of neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID). Previous studies have described that some NIID patients showed clinical and pathological similarities with multiple system atrophy (MSA). This study aimed to address the possibility that GGC repeat expansion in NOTCH2NLC might be associated with some cases diagnosed as MSA.

Methods

A total of 189 patients with probable or possible MSA were recruited to screen for GGC repeat expansion in NOTCH2NLC by repeat‐primed PCR (RP‐PCR). In addition, long‐read sequencing (LRS) was performed for all patients with RP‐PCR‐positive expansion, five patients with RP‐PCR‐negative expansion, and five controls on the Nanopore platform. Skin biopsies were performed on two patients with GGC expansion.

Results

Five of 189 patients (2.6%) were found to have GGC expansion in NOTCH2NLC. LRS results identified that the five patients had GGC expansion between 101 and 266, but five patients with RP‐PCR‐negative expansion and five controls had GGC expansion between 8 and 29. Besides the typical symptoms and signs of MSA, patients with GGC expansion might have longer disease duration, severe urinary retention, and prominent cognitive impairment. In the skin samples from the patients with GGC expansion, typical p62‐postive but alpha‐synuclein‐negative intranuclear inclusions were found in fibroblasts, adipocyte and ductal epithelial cells of sweat glands.

Conclusion

Trinucleotide GGC repeat expansion in NOTCH2NLC could be observed in patients with clinically diagnosed MSA. Adult‐onset NIID should be considered as a differential diagnosis of MSA.
Ionic Liquid–Polymer Composites: A New Platform for Multifunctional Applications
Authors: Correia Daniela Maria , Fernandes Liliana Correia , Martins Pedro Manuel , García‐Astrain Clara , Costa Carlos Miguel , Reguera Javier , Lanceros‐Méndez Senentxu
Published: April 2020

Ionic liquids (ILs) have emerged as a novel class of chemical compounds for the development of advanced (multi)functional materials with outstanding potential in applications of several areas due to their unique properties and functionalities. The combination of ILs with polymers, in a composite, allows for developing smart materials, which synergistically combine the features of specific polymers and ILs. Moreover, ILs can be extensively modified by the incorporation of functional groups with specific properties into the cation, anion, or both. Thus, it is possible to tune the IL, the polymer, or both to obtain a broad spectrum of multifunctional composites and address the specific requirements of many applications. This work focusses on advanced materials and strategies concerning ILs and polymers for the development of smart IL/polymer‐based materials for applications including responsive and sensitive sensors, actuators, environment, batteries, fuel cells, and biomedical applications.
Highly Efficient and Water‐Insensitive Self‐Healing Elastomer for Wet and Underwater Electronics
Authors: Khatib Muhammad , Zohar Orr , Saliba Walaa , Srebnik Simcha , Haick Hossam
Published: April 2020

Integrating self‐healing capabilities into soft electronic devices increases their durability and long‐term reliability. Although some advances have been made, the use of self‐healing electronics in wet and/or (under)water environments has proven to be quite challenging, and has not yet been fully realized. Herein, a new highly water insensitive self‐healing elastomer with high stretchability and mechanical strength that can reach 1100% and ≈6.5 MPa, respectively, is reported. The elastomer exhibits a high (>80%) self‐healing efficiency (after ≈ 24 h) in high humidity and/or different (under)water conditions without the assistance of an external physical and/or chemical triggers. Soft electronic devices made from this elastomer are shown to be highly robust and able to recover their electrical properties after damages in both ambient and aqueous conditions. Moreover, once operated in extreme wet or underwater conditions (e.g., salty sea water), the self‐healing capability leads to the elimination of significant electrical leakage that would be caused by structural damages. This highly efficient self‐healing elastomer can help extend the use of soft electronics outside of the laboratory and allow a wide variety of wet and submarine applications.
Bioinspired Hierarchically Structured All‐Inorganic Nanocomposites with Significantly Improved Capacitive Performance
Authors: Yuan Qibin , Yao Fang‐Zhou , Cheng Shao‐Dong , Wang Linxi , Wang Yifei , Mi Shao‐Bo , Wang Qing , Wang Xiaohui , Wang Hong
Published: April 2020

Lead‐free dielectric ceramics have been the spotlight in the search for environmentally benign materials for electrostatic energy storage because of the ever‐increasing environmental concerns. However, the inverse correlation between the polarization and dielectric breakdown strength is the major barrier hindering the provision of sufficient energy densities in lead‐free dielectric ceramics and practical applications thereof. Herein, a rational structure design inspired by nature is demonstrated as an effective strategy to overcome these challenges. Bioinspired raspberry‐like hierarchically structured all‐inorganic nanocomposites have been prepared by enclosing microsized BaTiO3‐Bi(Mg0.5Zr0.5)O3 (BT‐BMZ) relaxor ferroelectrics using core‐shell BT‐BMZ@SiO2 nanoparticles. The synergistic effects of the bioinspired hierarchical structure and insulating SiO2 nano‐coating result in significantly improved dielectric breakdown strength and sustained large polarization in the nanocomposites, as corroborated by experimental characterizations and theoretical simulations. As a result, an ultrahigh energy density of 3.41 J cm−3 and a high efficiency of 85.1%, together with outstanding thermal stability within a broad temperature range, have been simultaneously achieved in the hierarchically structured nanocomposites. This contribution provides a feasible and paradigmatic approach to develop high‐performance dielectrics for electrostatic energy storage applications using bioinspired structure design.
Recent Advances in 2D MXenes for Photodetection
Authors: Xu Hao , Ren Aobo , Wu Jiang , Wang Zhiming
Published: April 2020

A new class of 2D transition metal carbides, carbonitrides and nitrides, termed MXenes, has emerged as a new candidate for many applications in electronics, optoelectronics, and energy storage. Since their first discovery in 2011, MXenes have gathered increasingly more interest owing to their unique physical, chemical, and mechanical properties that can be tuned by different surface terminations and transition metals. In particular, the intriguing optical and electrical properties, including transparency, saturable absorption, and high conductivity, grant MXenes various roles in photodetectors, such as transparent electrodes, Schottky contacts, photoabsorbers, and plasmonic materials. Given the solution‐processability, MXenes also hold great potential for large‐scale synthesis, and thus are favored for a number of electronic and photonic device applications. In this review, recent advances in photodetectors based on 2D MXenes are summarized. Despite the fact that such applications have only recently been explored compared with other 2D materials, MXenes have shown promise in low‐cost and high‐performance photodetection.
Macroporous Hydrogels for Fast and Reversible Switching between Transparent and Structurally Colored States
Authors: Kim Jong Hyun , Lee Gun Ho , Kim Jong Bin , Kim Shin‐Hyun
Published: April 2020

Colloidal crystals have been used for creating stimuli‐responsive photonic materials. Here, macroporous hydrogels are designed, through a simple and reproducible protocol, that rapidly and reversibly switch between highly transparent and structurally colored states. The macroporous hydrogels are prepared by film‐casting photocurable dispersions of silica particles in hydrogel‐forming resins and selectively removing silica particles. The silica particles spontaneously form a nonclose‐packed array due to repulsive interparticle interaction, which form the regular array of cavities after removal. However, the cavities are randomly collapsed by drying, losing a long‐range order and rendering the materials highly transparent. When the hydrogels are swollen by either water, ethanol, or the mixture, the regular array is restored, which develops brilliant structural colors. This switching is completed in tens of seconds and repeatable without any hysteresis. The resonant wavelength depends on the composition of the water–ethanol mixture, where the dramatic shift occurs in one‐component‐rich mixtures due to the composition of the hydrogel. Micropatterns can be designed to have distinct domains of the macroporous hydrogels, which are transparent at the dried state and disclose encrypted graphics and unique reflectance spectra at the wet state. This class of solvent‐responsive photonic hydrogels is potentially useful for alcohol sensors and user‐interactive anti‐counterfeiting materials.
Chiral CuxOS@ZIF‐8 Nanostructures for Ultrasensitive Quantification of Hydrogen Sulfide In Vivo
Authors: Yuan Aimeng , Hao Changlong , Wu Xiaoling , Sun Maozhong , Qu Aihua , Xu Liguang , Kuang Hua , Xu Chuanlai
Published: April 2020

In this study, a CuxOS@ZIF‐8 nanostructure is fabricated to quantify the levels of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in living cells and in vivo. Zeolitic lmidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8) is chosen as an encapsulation shell to improve the selectivity of this probe. Using this unique nanostructure, ultrasensitive quantification and bioimaging of H2S in living cells are successfully achieved. The lower limit of detection is 0.8 and 5.3 nmol per 106 cells for circular dichroism and fluorescence modes, respectively. It is found that the chiral CuxOS NPs transformed into achiral CuxS NPs contribute to the ultrasensitive detection. Notably, this probe can also be carried out to detect and track H2S levels in tumor‐bearing animals. The discoveries put forward for the creation of a detection platform for quantitative tracking and analysis in clinic.
Insulator as Efficient Hole Injection Layer in Perovskite Light‐Emitting Device via MIS Contact
Authors: Mai Chaohuang , Yu Danmu , Li Jiali , Huang Guohui , Zheng Hua , Mu Lan , Cun Yangke , Wang Juanhong , Xie Gancheng , Wang Jian , Peng Junbiao , Cao Yong
Published: April 2020

Polymer insulator is employed as efficient hole injection layer (HIL) in lead halide perovskites light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs) for the first time, by revealing that metal–insulator–semiconductor (MIS) contact is responsible for the hole‐injection mechanism in PeLEDs with indium tin oxide (ITO)/insulator/perovskite structure. For MIS contact of ITO/insulator/perovskite, the electric field is concentrated in the insulator layer, thereby reducing the tunneling distance from ITO to perovskite. By studying the transient current response, it is confirmed that the accumulation of both electrons and ions at the insulator/perovskite interface is responsible for the screening of electric field. With polystyrene (PS) as hole injection layer, the device exhibits a much better device performance than that of PeLEDs with regular polyvinylcarbazole (PVK) HIL, even though the resistivity of PS is 5 orders of magnitude higher than that of PVK, which confirms the universal applicability of MIS contact. By optimizing the thickness of PS layer, the performance of FAPbBr3‐based device achieves a turn‐on voltage of 2.8 V, a peak luminous efficiency of 44.7 cd A−1, and an external quantum efficiency of 10.6%.
Deep Eutectic Solvent‐Mediated Construction of Oxygen Vacancy‐Rich Fe‐Based Electrocatalysts for Efficient Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Liu Shuai , Chen Tingting , Ying Hao , Li Zhonghao , Hao Jingcheng
Published: April 2020

Fe‐based catalysts are promising candidates for water splitting due to the abundant reserves of Fe. However, their electrocatalytic performance toward the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is still unsatisfactory. Herein, a new hybrid catalyst of Fe7S8/Fe2O3 is designed via a deep eutectic solvent (DES)‐based strategy. The Fe7S8/Fe2O3 particles are in a porous nanosheet structure and possess oxygen vacancy‐rich characteristics. The porous nanosheet structure and oxygen vacancy‐rich Fe2O3 in the Fe7S8/Fe2O3 significantly improves the electrocatalytic activity toward the OER. The as‐prepared Fe7S8/Fe2O3 nanosheets demonstrate a small overpotential of 229 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 with a small Tafel slope of 49 mV dec−1, which outperform most of the state‐of‐the‐art Fe‐based catalysts. This work not only reports a new Fe‐based electrocatalyst with an improved performance toward the OER but also provides a rational DES‐based strategy for construction of advanced catalysts.
Optimized Metal Chalcogenides for Boosting Water Splitting
Authors: Yin Jie , Jin Jing , Lin Honghong , Yin Zhouyang , Li Jianyi , Lu Min , Guo Linchuan , Xi Pinxian , Tang Yu , Yan Chun‐Hua
Published: April 2020

Electrocatalytic water splitting (2H2O → 2H2 + O2) is a very promising avenue to effectively and environmentally friendly produce highly pure hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) at a large scale. Different materials have been developed to enhance the efficiency for water splitting. Among them, chalcogenides with unique atomic arrangement and high electronic transport show interesting catalytic properties in various electrochemical reactions, such as the hydrogen evolution reaction, oxygen evolution reaction, and overall water splitting, while the control of their morphology and structure is of vital importance to their catalytic performance. Herein, the general synthetic methods are summarized to prepare metal chalcogenides and different strategies are designed to improve their catalytic performance for water splitting. The remaining challenges in the research and development of metal chalcogenides and possible directions for future research are also summarized.
Frequent soil surfactant applications influence anthracnose on an annual bluegrass research green
Authors: Mattox Clint , Dumelle Michael , Kowalewski Alec , McDonald Brian , Gould Micah , McMillan Mica
Published: April 2020

Anthracnose is a turfgrass disease caused by the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum cereale Manns and can cause severe damage to annual bluegrass putting greens. Most turfgrass managers use fungicides to manage anthracnose, although legislation in some locations are compelling managers to seek fungicide alternatives. This 2‐yr field experiment in western Oregon evaluated different rates and application intervals of a soil surfactant—either in combination or in the absence of a spring hollow‐tine aerification on anthracnose severity—on an annual bluegrass (Poa annua L. var. reptans) research green. The highest rate of the soil surfactant applied once or twice a week consistently reduced anthracnose severity in both years compared to the nontreated control, although these applications corresponded to four and eight times the monthly label rate. A quarter of the label rate applied once a week suppressed anthracnose at the peak of disease in the second year and as measured by area under disease progress curves in both years. Spring aerification had no effect on anthracnose severity. Area under volumetric water content progress curves calculated using weekly measurements at a 38‐mm depth were not correlated with area under disease progress curves. The volumetric water content percentage was normally above 25%, reducing the risk of confounding between drought stress and treatments on anthracnose suppression. The highest rate of soil surfactant applied at the most frequent interval was the only treatment to receive acceptable turfgrass quality ratings over both years.
Dual‐function catalysis in propane dehydrogenation over Pt1–Ga2O3 catalyst: Insights from a microkinetic analysis
Authors: Chang Qing‐Yu , Wang Kai‐Qi , Hu Ping , Sui Zhi‐Jun , Zhou Xing‐Gui , Chen De , Yuan Wei‐Kang , Zhu Yi‐An
Published: April 2020

The kinetics of propane dehydrogenation over single‐Pt‐atom‐doped Ga2O3 catalyst has been examined by combining density functional theory calculations and microkinetic analysis. The doping of Pt not only can improve the selectivity of the Ga2O3 catalyst by hindering the deep dehydrogenation reactions but also helps to achieve a long‐term stability by improving the resistance of Ga2O3 to hydrogen reduction. Microkinetic analysis indicates that upon Pt doping the turnover frequency for propane consumption is increased by a factor of 2.8 under typical operating conditions, as compared to the data on the pristine Ga2O3 surface. The calculated results suggest that the Pt1–Ga2O3 catalyst shows a bifunctional character in this reaction where the Pt–O site brings about dehydrogenation while the Ga–O site is active for desorbing H2, which provides a beautiful explanation for the previous experimental observation that even trace amounts of Pt can dramatically improve the catalytic performance of Ga2O3.
In vitro safety evaluation of a povidone‐iodine solution applied to human nasal epithelial cells
Authors: Ramezanpour Mahnaz , Smith Jason L.P. , Psaltis Alkis J. , Wormald Peter J. , Vreugde Sarah
Published: April 2020

Background

Nasal topical treatments can provide an effective method of disease control for patients suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). However, some frequently used formulations lack adequate evaluation on their safety. This study investigated the effect of 0.5% povidone‐iodine (Nasodine) on the sinonasal epithelial barrier and ciliated human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) in vitro.

Methods

Nasodine was applied to air‐liquid interface (ALI) cultures of primary HNECs from CRS patients. Epithelial barrier structure was assessed by measuring the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), paracellular permeability, and immunolocalization of the zona occludens‐1 (ZO‐1) tight junction protein. Toxicity and ciliary beat frequency (CBF) were also studied.

Results

Nasodine was not toxic and did not have detrimental effects on the paracellular permeability or CBF. Nasodine did not show a significant reduction in TEER with a 5‐minute exposure; however, with a 30‐minute exposure there was a significant reduction in TEER at 1 hour and at 4 hours after exposure.

Conclusion

Application of Nasodine to HNEC‐ALI cultures in vitro for up to 30 minutes was not toxic and did not affect the paracellular permeability or CBF.
Liganden‐vermittelte γ‐C(sp3)‐H‐Olefinierung freier Carbonsäuren
Authors: Ghosh Kiron Kumar , Uttry Alexander , Mondal Arup , Ghiringhelli Francesca , Wedi Philipp , van Gemmeren Manuel
Published: April 2020

Wir beschreiben die Liganden‐vermittelte C‐H‐Aktivierung/Olefinierung freier Carbonsäuren in der γ‐Position. Durch eine intramolekulare Michael‐Addition werden δ‐Lactone als Produkte erhalten. Es wurden zwei verschiedene Ligandenklassen identifiziert, welche die anspruchsvolle palladiumkatalysierte Aktivierung freier Carbonsäuren in der γ‐Position ermöglichen. Das entwickelte Protokoll zeichnet sich durch ein breites Spektrum sowohl an Carbonsäuren, als auch an olefinischen Reaktionspartnern aus und ist in einem präparativ nützlichem Maßstab durchführbar. Kinetische Untersuchungen liefern Einblicke in den zugrundeliegenden Reaktionsmechanismus.
Atomically Precise Crystalline Materials Based on Kinetically Inert Metal Ions via Reticular Mechanopolymerization
Authors: Gao Wen‐Yang , Sur Aishanee , Wang Chen‐Hao , Lorzing Gregory R. , Antonio Alexandra M. , Taggart Garrett A. , Ezazi Andrew A. , Bhuvanesh Nattamai , Bloch Eric D. , Powers David C.
Published: April 2020

Atomistic control of the coordination environment of lattice ions and the distribution of metal sites within crystalline mixed‐metal coordination polymers remain significant synthetic challenges. Herein is reported the mechanochemical synthesis of a reticular family of crystalline heterobimetallic metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) is now achieved by polymerization of molecular Ru2[II,III] complexes, featuring unprotected carboxylic acid substituents, with Cu(OAc)2. The resulting crystalline heterobimetallic MOFs are solid solutions of Ru2 and Cu2 sites housed within [M3L2] phases. The developed mechanochemical strategy is modular and allows for systematic control of the primary coordination sphere of the Ru2 sites within an isoreticular family of materials. This strategy is anticipated to provide a rational approach to atomically precise mixed‐metal materials.
2‐Aminobenzenethiol‐Functionalized Silver‐Decorated Nanoporous Silicon Photoelectrodes for Selective CO2 Reduction
Authors: Kan Miao , Yan Zhifei Wang , Wang Xingtao , Hitt Jeremy L. , Xiao Langqiu , McNeill Jeffrey M. , Wang Yong , Zhao Yixin , Mallouk Thomas E.
Published: April 2020

A molecularly thin layer of 2‐aminobenzenethiol (2‐ABT) was adsorbed onto nanoporous p‐type silicon (b‐Si) photocathodes decorated with Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs). The addition of 2‐ABT alters the balance of the CO2 reduction and hydrogen evolution reactions, resulting in more selective and efficient reduction of CO2 to CO. The 2‐ABT adsorbate layer was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and modeled by density functional theory calculations. Ex situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) of the 2‐ABT modified electrodes suggests that surface Ag atoms are in the +1 oxidation state and coordinated to 2‐ABT via Ag−S bonds. Under visible light illumination, the onset potential for CO2 reduction was −50 mV vs. RHE, an anodic shift of about 150 mV relative to a sample without 2‐ABT. The adsorption of 2‐ABT lowers the overpotentials for both CO2 reduction and hydrogen evolution. A comparison of electrodes functionalized with different aromatic thiols and amines suggests that the primary role of the thiol group in 2‐ABT is to anchor the NH2 group near the Ag surface, where it serves to bind CO2 and also to assist in proton transfer.