bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression of functional RANK on mature rat and human osteoclasts
Authors: Myers D.E. , Collier F.McL. , Minkin C. , Wang H. , Holloway W.R. , Malakellis M. , Nicholson G.C.
Published: July 2002

Although the important roles of RANK/RANKL in osteoclastogenesis have been established, their roles in the regulation of mature osteoclasts remain uncertain. Microisolation has been used to obtain pure populations of rat and human osteoclasts for RT‐PCR analysis. RANK and calcitonin receptor mRNA was detected in all the samples whereas OPG and ALP mRNA was not present in any. RANKL mRNA was detected in two of eight rat and one of four human samples. Treatment of osteoclasts with soluble RANKL resulted in translocation of NF‐κB to the nucleus and elevation of cytosolic and nuclear calcium levels. We have shown that RANK is highly expressed in mature osteoclasts and that its stimulation by RANKL results in activation of NF‐κB and calcium signalling.
LPS and TNFα induce SOCS3 mRNA and inhibit IL‐6‐induced activation of STAT3 in macrophages
Authors: Bode Johannes G. , Nimmesgern Ariane , Schmitz Jochen , Schaper Fred , Schmitt Marcus , Frisch Wiltrud , Häussinger Dieter , Heinrich Peter C. , Graeve Lutz
Published: July 2002

Recent findings indicate that cytokine signaling can be modulated by other mediators of simultaneously activated signal transduction pathways. In this study we show that LPS and TNFα are potent inhibitors of IL‐6‐mediated STAT3 activation in human monocyte derived macrophages, rat liver macrophages and RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages but not in human hepatoma cells (HepG2) or in rat hepatocytes. Accordingly, LPS and TNFα were found to induce the expression of SOCS3 mRNA in each of the investigated type of macrophages but not in HepG2 cells. Using a specific inhibitor, evidence is presented that the p38 MAP kinase might be involved, especially for the inhibitory effect of TNFα.
Drotaverine hydrochloride vs. valethamate bromide in acceleration of labor
Authors: Sharma J.B. , Pundir P. , Kumar A. , Murthy N.S.
Published: July 2002

Objectives: To compare the efficacy and safety of drotaverine hydrochloride and valethamate bromide in shortening the duration of labor. Methods: In a randomized controlled trial of 150 nulliparous women in established labor with cervical dilation of 4 cm, 50 women were given drotaverine (group I), 50 women were given valethamate (group II) and another 50 women were not given any medication (group III). Duration of labor, mode of delivery, side effects, and neonatal outcome were measured in all cases. Appropriate non‐parametric tests and χ2 tests were used for assessment of statistical significance. Results: In the three groups, 100%, 96% and 46% women delivered within 6 h, respectively. The injection‐to‐delivery interval was significantly reduced in the drotaverine group (193.96 min) in contrast to the valethamate group (220.68 min) and control group (412.84 min). The rate of cervical dilation was highest in the drotaverine group (2.04 cm/h) compared with the valethamate bromide group (1.86 cm/h) and control group (1.01 cm/h). There were no major maternal or fetal adverse effects in any group, but minor side effects were more common in the valethamate group. Conclusion: Both intramuscular drotaverine hydrochloride and valethamate bromide are effective in acceleration of labor; however, drotaverine accelerates labor more rapidly and is associated with less side effects.
A simplified fetal biophysical profile
Authors: Petrović O. , Škunca E. , Matejčić N.
Published: July 2002

Objective: To modify the classic fetal biophysical profile (FBP) with the aim of obtaining rapid and accurate information about actual fetal condition in non‐compromised fetuses with a subsequent favorable outcome and to be suitable for a number of outclinic patients. Methods: Four‐hundred and ninety‐four fetuses from singleton pregnancies in two randomized groups were monitored by the modified FBP (mFBP) and 168 of them after the external vibratory acoustic stimulation (VAS/mFBP). The mFBP was characterized by two main characteristics: non‐stress test was excluded and the testing was finished at the moment when all of the three fetal biophysical activities became normal. The external VAS was applied only in cases with no evidence of fetal activity at the start of the FBP. Results: Of the examined fetuses, 326 fetuses in the control group were monitored by the mFBP and there were 316 (96.9%) favorable outcomes and 10 (3.1%) adverse perinatal outcomes. The sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values of the mFBP score in predicting adverse perinatal outcome were 60, 99, 66.7 and 98.7%, respectively. In the study group of 168 fetuses there were 165 (98.2%) favorable outcomes and three (1.8%) adverse perinatal outcomes. The sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values of the VAS/mFBP were 66.7, 100, 100 and 99.4%, respectively. The efficiency of the VAS/mFBP in predicting perinatal mortality alone was even higher. After the external VAS and the first 5 min of the modified testing approximately two‐fifths (41.8%) of healthy fetuses with a subsequent good outcome exhibited normal in all of the three biophysical activities and approximately two‐thirds (65.5%) of them after 10 min. In the VAS/mFBP group of healthy fetuses, during the same time periods, normal breathing movements were observed in 72% and 87% of fetuses, respectively. Conclusions: According to our results the mFBP and particularly the VAS/mFBP antenatal protocol as a new and rational variant of the FBP could improve fetal assessment allowing in cases of non‐compromised fetuses rapid and accurate information about actual fetal well‐being. Because of its high accuracy and a reduced testing time the antepartal method with observation of fetal breathing movements after VAS is becoming acceptable as a screening of fetal well‐being evaluation in outclinic conditions.
Enterprise logistics and supply chain structure: the role of fit
Authors: Stock Gregory N , Greis Noel P , Kasarda John D
Published: July 2002

The emergence of the extended manufacturing enterprise, a globally dispersed collection of strategically aligned organizations, has brought new attention to how organizations coordinate the flow of information and materials across their supply chains. This paper explores and develops the concept of enterprise logistics [Greis, N.P., Kasarda, J.D., 1997. Enterprise logistics in the information age. California Management Review 39 (3), 55–78] as a tool for integrating the logistics activities both within and between the strategically aligned organizations of the extended enterprise. Specifically, this paper examines the fit between an organization's enterprise logistics integration capabilities and its supply chain structure. Using a configurations approach, we test whether globally dispersed network organizations that adopt enterprise logistics practices are able to achieve higher levels of organizational performance. Results indicate that enterprise logistics is a necessary tool for the coordination of supply chain operations that are geographically dispersed around the world. However, for a pure network structure, a high level of enterprise logistics integration alone does not guarantee improved organizational performance. The paper ends with a discussion of managerial implications and directions for future research.
Exploring work system practices for time‐based manufacturers: their impact on competitive capabilities
Authors: Rondeau Patrick J , Vonderembse Mark A , Ragu‐Nathan T.S
Published: July 2002

Manufacturing firms operating in a post‐industrial environment have customers who demand specialized products and short lead times. To meet these needs, organizations are adopting time‐based manufacturing practices to cut time and improve performance. The central tenet of this study is that time‐based manufacturers employ traditional work system practices including standardization, formalization, and routinization plus integration to improve competitiveness. This study measures the levels of time‐based manufacturing practices, work system practices, and competitive capabilities of 265 firms. The results indicate that firms with high levels of time‐based manufacturing practices tend to have high levels of standardization and formalization as well as integration. Firms with high levels of standardization and integration tended to have enhanced competitive capabilities.
Operations strategy in an emerging economy: the case of the Ghanaian manufacturing industry
Authors: Amoako‐Gyampah Kwasi , Boye Samuel S
Published: July 2002

Operations strategy and its development have received a lot of attention in the operations management literature. However, as noted by Ward et al. (1995), an understanding of the factors that influence operations strategy development has not been widely studied. Further, how managers of firms in underdeveloped countries develop operations strategy has yet to receive any significant attention among researchers. This paper takes a look at the development of operations strategy in an underdeveloped economy, Ghana. Specifically, the paper examines the relationships between the business environment and the operations strategy choices made by firms in Ghana. The paper seeks to understand the influence that specific business environmental factors have on the operations strategy choices of low cost, quality, flexibility, and delivery dependability.

A survey of manufacturing firms was carried out in 1998. The respondents (production managers in those firms) were asked to indicate the extent to which business costs, labor availability, competitive hostility, and environmental dynamism were of concern to them. They were also asked to indicate their extent of emphasis on the operations strategy choices of quality, cost, flexibility and delivery dependability. This paper presents the result of the analysis of the relationships between the environmental factors and the operations strategy choices. The data indicate that, among firms in Ghana, the two strongest factors that influence the degree of emphasis placed on operations strategy choices are perceived business costs and competitive hostility. Results are presented for both large and small firms, and for firms that are completely locally owned as well as for joint venture firms.
Assessing the impact of the manufacturing executive’s role on business performance through strategic alignment
Authors: Papke‐Shields Karen E. , Malhotra Manoj K.
Published: July 2002

Many researchers over time have stressed the importance of incorporating the manufacturing perspective in the formulation of business strategy. Prior work in this area has tended to focus primarily on the involvement of the manufacturing executive in strategic decision making processes, while relatively little attention has been given to the level of influence enjoyed by the manufacturing executives. This study jointly examines the role of both influence and involvement in achieving better business performance, which we posit is expected to occur through alignment between the organizational and manufacturing strategies rather than directly. A research model based on procedural justice and strategic information management literature is proposed to represent this phenomenon. Structural equation modeling is used to empirically test the research model and its related hypothesis on the basis of data collected from 202 senior manufacturing executives representing mid to large sized firms from diverse industry groups across the US. In addition, interviews with a sub‐sample of respondents are used to further explore the contextual nature of these relationships. The results indicate that involvement and influence are indeed two different, but highly related, aspects of the manufacturing executive s role. The interviews revealed numerous differences between the two with respect to achieving each and individual benefits derived from them. As expected, both involvement and influence are important determinants of strategy alignment with influence appearing to play a more substantive role. More importantly, it is this alignment that affects business performance. Implications of our findings for improving manufacturing practice, along with possible avenues for future research directions in this area, are also provided.
The impact of time‐based manufacturing practices on mass customization and value to customer
Authors: Tu Qiang , Vonderembse Mark A , Ragu‐Nathan T.S
Published: July 2002

Mass customization capabilities enable firms to design, produce, and deliver a high volume of differentiated products that meet specific customer needs in a timely manner and at close to mass‐production prices. A critical part of mass customization is simultaneously achieving customer responsiveness, cost efficiency, and high volume production in the manufacturing system. This research describes mass customization and provides a framework to understand the relationships among time‐based manufacturing practices, mass customization, and value to the customer. It involves the development of an instrument to measure mass customization. Data were collected from 303 manufacturing firms of various size, location, and industry to develop the instrument and test the relationships in the framework. The primary research method was structural equation modeling using LISREL. The study indicates that firms with high levels of time‐based manufacturing practices have high levels of mass customization and value to the customer. Also, firms with high levels of mass customization have high levels of value to customer.
Generic manufacturing strategies: an empirical test of two configurational typologies
Authors: Devaraj Sarv , Hollingworth David G , Schroeder Roger G
Published: July 2002

The need to empirically test and validate typologies and frameworks that are derived deductively has been echoed repeatedly in the operations management literature. This paper reports on an empirical comparison of two configuration‐based typologies: the Product–process matrix and the more recent generic manufacturing strategies model. Since there is substantial conceptual overlap between these models, a simultaneous examination provides insights about both models, and in particular, about the value‐added of the generic manufacturing strategies model.

We examine hypotheses derived from these typologies using data from manufacturing plants in the United States, Italy, United Kingdom, Japan, and Germany; and from the automotive, machinery, and electronics industries. The data were analyzed using multiple analysis of variance (MANOVA) and hierarchical regression techniques. Our results indicate support for the Product–process matrix — lending further strength to a growing base of empirical research on this model. Our findings also provide support for the generic manufacturing strategies model with respect to various measures of cost, cycle time/inventory, quality, and innovation performance. Furthermore, our findings suggest that the generic manufacturing strategies model is a useful augmentation to the Product–process matrix. These findings suggest that the generic manufacturing strategy model has merit but deserves further empirical and theoretical attention.
An empirical investigation of the antecedents and consequences of manufacturing goal achievement in North American, European and Pan Pacific firms
Authors: Narasimhan Ram , Jayaram Jayanth
Published: July 2002

Descriptions of the content of manufacturing goals, and in particular, the variations in the professed goals of manufacturing among firms are abundant in the manufacturing strategy literature. However, few empirical studies have addressed the process (i.e., causal linkages pertaining to and among supply management, process improvements, and information systems) relating to and affecting the degree of manufacturing goal achievement. The major objectives pursued in this study are: 1) To propose a conceptual model that examines the antecedents and consequences of manufacturing goal achievement and test its empirical validity; and 2) To verify whether the conceptual model is valid across North American, European and Pan Pacific regions using the GMRG database. This study examines relationships among supply management, process improvements, information systems, manufacturing goals, customer responsiveness, and firm performance across a sample of 576 manufacturing firms competing in the global arena, and tests the posited structural equation model. The results consistently support the validity of the proposed conceptual model in all three regions. The results also provide empirical support for the conclusion that manufacturing firms in the three geographical regions examined in this study emphasize different manufacturing goals. The results suggest that this differential emphasis on manufacturing goals leads firms to mobilize a different set of resources suggesting differences in manufacturing strategy. The paper suggests additional research issues that can be pursued.
Distribution of smooth muscle actin‐containing cells in the human meniscus
Authors: Ahluwalia S. , Fehm M. , Murray M. Meaney , Martin S. D. , Spector M.
Published: July 2002

This is the first report of a contractile actin isoform, α‐smooth muscle actin (SMA), in the cells of the human meniscus that lacked meniscal tears based on gross anatomical appearance. Approximately 25% of the cells in the tissue contained SMA by immunohistochemistry. Most of the SMA‐positive cells were chondrocytic in morphology. © 2001 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Cell formation in the cortical layers of the developing human cerebellum
Authors: Ábrahám Hajnalka , Tornóczky Tamás , Kosztolányi György , Seress László
Published: July 2002

Cell proliferation has been studied in the human cerebellar cortex between the 24th gestational week and the 12th postnatal month. Intensive cell formation has been found in the external granular layer (EGL) of the human cerebellum, where the highest cell proliferation rate occurs between the 28th and 34th gestational weeks. This is followed by a gradual decrease that lasts up to the eighth postnatal month. As late in development as the fifth postnatal month, still 30% of cells of the EGL are labeled with the monoclonal antibody Ki‐67, which is specific for dividing cells. The width of the EGL remained unchanged from the 28th gestational week to the end of the first postnatal month, when it starts to decrease and completely disappears by the 11th postnatal month. Large number of Ki‐67 labeled cells occurs in the internal granular layer (IGL) between the 24th and 28th gestational weeks. From the 36th week onwards, the labeling index is less than 1%, although a few labeled cells have always been found in this layer even in the late postnatal period. Labeled cells are distributed in the entire width of the IGL. However, from the 34th gestational week, almost all labeled cells are found among and directly below the Purkinje cells. Their position, the nuclear features, and their occasionally stained cell processes suggest that those are Bergmann glial cells. There are few Ki‐67 labeled cells in the molecular layer (ML) and in the white matter (WM) of the cerebellum throughout the examined period. It is likely that most of these are glial cells. Pyknotic index has been found to be small in all layers of the cerebellum during the examined period.
A historical cohort study of kidney damage in long-term lithium patients: continued surveillance needed
Authors: Bendz H. , Aurell M. , Lanke J.
Published: July 2002

Background

Insufficient knowledge on the longitudinal fate of renal function in lithium patients incited this retrospective study of 149 patients.

Method

Medical record review of a lithium cohort (N= 149), 8–12 years after an initial renal function study.

Results

Twenty-one patients had died, one from uremia probably not caused by lithium, and 42 had discontinued lithium. Reduced urinary concentrating capacity (Umax) or glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was not more frequent among deceased or off-lithium patients than among the 86 patients who were on lithium at follow-up. In 63 of the latter patients, Umax had been re-examined after the initial study, and GFR in 29 patients. Reduced Umax and GFR had become twice as common, and average Umax and GFR had decreased significantly. The reduction of GFR was associated with lithium treatment duration and age, and reduced Umax with treatment duration only.

Conclusions

Reduced renal function is not a major cause of treatment discontinuation but becomes increasingly common with treatment duration.
Crucial relationship between the privatized sector and the generic private sector in post-communist privatization Determinants of economic performance
Authors: Winiecki Jan
Published: July 2002

This article looks at the issue — largely neglected in the transition literature — of the relative weights of the privatized sector and the generic private sector (of de novo private firms) in the emerging private sector of post-communist economies in transition. The present writer posits that the relative weight of each in the aggregate share of a private sector (generally expanding over time as transition progresses) strongly influences economic performance, both during correctional recession and during recovery and expansion period. Another, interrelated issue considered here is the interaction between the evolving institutional framework and the expansion of the generic private sector, that is the most dynamic one in the transition economy. It is true that the interaction between institutions and performance has been a staple of a very large number of books, articles, and papers.

However, this article concentrates on one component of a private sector only, that is the generic private sector. But at the same time it looks beyond the ‘Holy Trinity’ of transition (stabilization, liberalization, and privatization) towards a wider institutional framework of political liberty, law and order. The foregoing wider framework, and the emerging general trust, matters as much — if not more — for the present writer as the standard transition program.

It is the relative dynamics of both components of the private sector, affected by both standard transition programs and the above-mentioned wider institutional framework, that is of primary importance for the economic performance in post-communist transition. In the last part of the article I will try also to answer, tentatively, the question under which circumstances the wider institutional framework may emerge in the transition process.
A glossary of circulating cytokines in chronic heart failure
Authors: Adamopoulos Stamatis , Parissis John T. , Kremastinos Dimitrios Th.
Published: July 2002

Recent studies have emphasized the importance of biologically active molecules, termed cytokines, in the development and progression of the syndrome of chronic heart failure. This article summarizes a glossary of major cytokines and other cytokine‐related inflammatory factors implicated in the pathophysiology of chronic heart failure, describing the source of their synthesis and factors regulating their secretion and analyzing their biologic effects on the cardiovascular system.
Alpha‐synuclein dynamics in induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived dopaminergic neurons from a Parkinson’s disease patient (PARK4) with SNCA triplication
Authors: Fukusumi Hayato , Togo Kazuyuki , Sumida Miho , Nakamori Masayuki , Obika Satoshi , Baba Kousuke , Shofuda Tomoko , Ito Daisuke , Okano Hideyuki , Mochizuki Hideki , Kanemura Yonehiro
Published: December 2020

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by the selective loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc). Lewy bodies (LBs), another histological hallmark of PD, are observed in patients with familial or sporadic PD. The therapeutic potential of reducing the accumulation of α‐synuclein, a major LB component, has been investigated, but it remains unknown whether the formation of LBs results in the loss of DA neurons. PARK4 patients exhibit multiplication of the α‐synuclein gene (SNCA) without any pathological mutations, but their symptoms develop relatively early. Therefore, study of PARK4 might help elucidate the mechanism of α‐synuclein aggregation. In this study, we investigated the dynamics of α‐synuclein during the early stage of immature DA neurons, which were differentiated from human‐induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) derived from either a PARK4 patient with SNCA triplication or a healthy donor. We observed increased α‐synuclein accumulation in PARK4 hiPSC‐derived DA neurons relative to those derived from healthy donor hiPSCs. Interestingly, α‐synuclein accumulation disappeared over time in the PARK4 patient‐derived DA neurons. Moreover, an SNCA‐specific antisense oligonucleotide could reduce α‐synuclein levels during the accumulation stage. These observations may help reveal the mechanisms that regulate α‐synuclein levels, which may consequently be useful in the development of new therapies for patients with sporadic or familial PD.
Chondroitin polymerizing factor promotes breast carcinoma cell proliferation, invasion and migration and affects expression of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition‐related markers
Authors: Li Yang , Gong Hui , Feng Lei , Mao Dan , Xiao Yujie , Wang Yunqi , Huang Lizhong
Published: December 2020

Chondroitin polymerizing factor (CHPF) plays an important role in the development of certain malignant tumors. However, the role of CHPF in breast carcinoma (BRCA) and its underlying mechanism are still not fully elucidated. Expression profiles for CHPF in BRCA tissues were retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas database and used for prognostic analysis. Cell viability, invasion and migration were measured in vitro using MCF7 and MDA‐MB‐231 cell lines upon knockdown or over‐expression of CHPF. Bioinformatic analysis showed that CHPF was substantially upregulated in BRCA tissues, and a quantitative reverse transcriptase‐PCR was performed to confirm its upregulation in BRCA cells. High expression of CHPF was observed to be significantly associated with pathologic stage, metastasis and worse prognosis. We also observed that depletion of CHPF significantly inhibited cell proliferative, invasive and migratory abilities, whereas overexpression of CHPF exerted the opposite effects. Furthermore, analysis of the GEPIA database revealed that CHPF expression is positively correlated with the epithelial–mesenchymal transition‐related markers vimentin, Snail, Slug and motion‐related protein matrix metallopeptidase 2; these findings were confirmed via western blotting. Our data suggest that CHPF may contribute to BRCA progression by modulating epithelial–mesenchymal transition‐related markers and matrix metallopeptidase 2 expression.
Joint state estimation for nonlinear state‐space model with unknown time‐variant noise statistics
Authors: Li Ke , Zhao Shunyi , Liu Fei
Published: December 2020

This paper considers the joint estimation problem of state and unknown measurement noise covariance for nonlinear state‐space models. Using the variational Bayesian inference, the joint posterior distribution of state and measurement noise covariance is approximated by two independent proposal distributions, which is considered as a key idea of the proposed approach. Due to the nonlinearities caused by the system itself, the probability density function (PDF) of state involved in estimation is computationally intractable. Therefore, a set of weighted particles is generated to overlap the empirical density of state, while the PDF of measurement noise covariance is still derived analytically by using the conjugate properties of the Inverse‐Gamma distribution. Two simulation examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, which can provide more satisfied estimation performance for nonlinear systems than the commonly used particle filter when measurement noise covariance is unavailable.
A Rational Design for a High‐Safety Lithium‐Ion Battery Assembled with a Heatproof–Fireproof Bifunctional Separator
Authors: Peng Longqing , Kong Xiangbang , Li Hang , Wang Xin , Shi Chuan , Hu Texiong , Liu Yizhen , Zhang Peng , Zhao Jinbao
Published: December 2020

High‐Ni‐content LiNixCoyMn1−x−yO2 is regarded as a feasible cathode material to meet the urgent requirement for high energy density batteries. However, such cathode has a poor safety performance because of reactive oxygen releasing at elevated temperatures. In pursuit of high‐safety lithium‐ion batteries, a heatproof–fireproof bifunctional separator is designed in this study by coating ammonium polyphosphate (APP) particles on a ceramic‐coated separator modified with phenol‐formaldehyde resin (CCS@PFR). The CCS@PFR separator acts as a thermal‐supporting layer to inhibit the shrinkage of the separator at elevated temperatures, whereas the APP‐coated layer functions as a fireproof layer, forming a dense polyphosphoric acid (PPA) layer above 300 °C. The PPA layer not only isolates the combustibles from the highly reactive oxygen released from the cathodes but also converts violent combustion reactions into mild stepwise exothermic reactions by carbonizing the combustibles in the batteries. Enabled with such a heatproof–fireproof bifunctional separator, LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2|SiOx−Gr full cells are constructed and these exhibit an excellent safety performance by not catching fire during a 30 s combustion test and surviving the 10 min high‐temperature test above 300 °C. Additionally, an adiabatic rate calorimeter and nail penetration test are conducted with 3 Ah LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2|SiOx−Gr pouch cells to further verify the safety performance.
A Review on Scaling Up Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Li Daiyu , Zhang Deyi , Lim Kwang‐Soo , Hu Yue , Rong Yaoguang , Mei Anyi , Park Nam‐Gyu , Han Hongwei
Published: December 2020

Power conversion efficiency of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has been boosted to 25.5% among the highest efficiency for single‐junction solar cells, making PSCs extremely promising to realize industrial production and commercialization. Scaling up PSCs to fabricate efficient perovskite solar modules (PSMs) is the fundamental for applications. Here, present progresses on scaling up PSCs are reviewed. The structure design for PSMs is discussed. Various scalable methods and related morphology control strategies for large‐area uniform perovskite films are summarized. Potential charge transport materials and electrode materials together with their scalable methods for low‐cost, efficient, and stable PSMs are also summarized. Besides, current attempts on encapsulation for improving stability and reducing lead leakage are introduced, and the calculated cost and environment influence of PSMs are also outlined.
Path‐Dependent Thermal Metadevice beyond Janus Functionalities
Authors: Su Yishu , Li Ying , Yang Tianzhi , Han Tiancheng , Sun Yuguo , Xiong Jian , Wu Linzhi , Qiu Cheng‐Wei
Published: December 2020

Janus metamaterials, metasurfaces, and monolayers have received intensive attention in nanophotonics and 2D materials. Their core concept is to introduce asymmetry along the wave propagation direction, by stacking different materials or layers of meta‐atoms, or breaking out‐of‐plane mirror asymmetry with external biases. Nevertheless, it has been hitherto elusive to realize a diffusive Janus metadevice, since scalar diffusion systems such as heat conduction normally operate in the absence of polarization control, spin manipulation, or electric‐field stimuli, which all are widely used in achieving optical Janus devices. It is even more challenging, if not impossible, for a single diffusive metadevice to exhibit more than two thermal functions. Here a path‐dependent thermal metadevice beyond Janus characteristics is proposed, which can exhibit three distinct thermal behaviors (cloaking, concentrating, and transparency) under different directions of heat flow. The rotation transformation mechanism of thermal conductivity provides a robust platform to assign a specific thermal behavior in any direction. The proof‐of‐concept experiment of anisotropic in‐plane conduction successfully validates such a path‐dependent trifunction thermal metamaterial device. It is anticipated that this path‐dependent strategy can provide a new dimension for multifunctional metamaterial devices in the thermal field, as well as for a more general diffusion process.
Magnetic Moments Induced by Atomic Vacancies in Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Flakes
Authors: Ge Jun , Luo Tianchuang , Lin Zuzhang , Shi Jianping , Liu Yanzhao , Wang Pinyuan , Zhang Yanfeng , Duan Wenhui , Wang Jian
Published: December 2020

2D magnetism plays a key role in both fundamental physics and potential device applications. However, the instability of the discovered 2D magnetic materials has been one main obstacle in deep research and potential application of 2D magnetism. Here, a localized magnetic moment induced by Pt vacancies in air‐stable type‐II Dirac semimetal PtSe2flakes is reported. The localized magnetic moments give rise to the Kondo effect, evidenced by logarithmic increment of resistance with decreasing temperature and isotropic negative longitudinal magnetoresistance. Additionally, the induced magnetic moment and Kondo temperature appear to depend on thickness in the thinner samples (<10 nm). The small magnetocrystalline anisotropy revealed by first‐principles calculation indicates that the magnetic moments are randomly localized instead of long‐range ordered. The findings demonstrate a new means to induce magnetism in 2D non‐magnetic materials.
Straining and Tuning Atomic Layer Nanoelectromechanical Resonators via Comb‐Drive MEMS Actuators
Authors: Xie Yong , Lee Jaesung , Wang Yanan , Feng Philip X.‐L.
Published: December 2020

Broad frequency tuning is an essential attribute desired in resonant nano/microelectromechanical systems (NEMS/MEMS) and their many applications. Endowed with ultrahigh intrinsic strain limits, combined with other unconventional properties, atomically thin 2D crystalline materials are excellent candidates for building highly tunable resonant NEMS. Here a heterogeneous integration approach is demonstrated to enable on‐chip, continuous, and broad frequency tuning in 2D NEMS resonators by directly controlling strain via voltage‐controlled silicon‐on‐insulator (SOI) comb‐drive MEMS actuators. By varying the comb‐drive actuation voltage, resonance frequency of the 2D NEMS can be tuned as large as 75% continuously with precise control. The comb‐drive actuation‐enabled direct straining and tuning also yield quality (Q) factor boost up to twofold. It is validated that this technique is readily applicable to straining and tuning representative 2D NEMS in various leading materials: graphene, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), and hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN). This study demonstrates that additively integrating 2D resonators atop mainstream SOI MEMS enables a versatile platform, and opens new possibilities for voltage control and broad tuning of 2D NEMS on chip.
Catalytic Photoredox Allylation of Aldehydes Promoted by a Cobalt Complex
Authors: Gualandi Andrea , Rodeghiero Giacomo , Perciaccante Rossana , Jansen Thomas Paul , Moreno‐Cabrerizo Cristina , Foucher Charles , Marchini Marianna , Ceroni Paola , Cozzi Pier Giorgio
Published: December 2020

The preparation of homoallylic alcohols by addition of organometallic allyl compounds to carbonyls is an important strategy in organic chemistry. Allylating organometallic cobalt species can be generated employing stoichiometric quantities of Zn acting as reductant. To avoid the employment of stoichiometric amount of Zn, we have developed an allylation reaction of aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes promoted by photoredox catalysis in the presence of a cobalt complex, and we present herein a full account of our research. In the presence of the abundant CoBr2 (10 mol %), 4,4′‐di‐tert‐butyl‐2,2′‐dipyridyl (dtbbpy, 10 mol %), allyl acetate (3 equiv.), [Ir(dtbbpy)(ppy)2]PF6 (ppy=2‐phenylpyridine, 2 mol %), and N,N‐diisopropylethylamine (4 equiv.), an allylation of aldehydes is taking place, in moderate to good yields. Substrates scope, limitations, and photophysical investigations of this new process are reported.

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Accelerating Heterogeneous Multiscale Simulations of Advanced Materials Properties with Graph‐Based Clustering
Authors: Vassaux Maxime , Gopalakrishnan Krishnakumar , Sinclair Robert C. , Richardson Robin. A. , Coveney Peter V.
Published: December 2020

Heterogeneous multiscale methods (HMM) capable of simulating asynchronously multiple scales concurrently are now tractable with the advent of exascale supercomputers. However, naive implementations display a large number of redundancies and are very costly. The macroscale model typically requires computations of a large number of very similar microscale simulations. In hierarchical methods, this is barely an issue as phenomenological constitutive models are inexpensive. However, when microscale simulations require, for example, high‐dimensional molecular dynamics (MD) or finite element (FE) simulations, redundancy must be avoided. A clustering algorithm suited for HMM workflows is proposed that automatically sorts and eliminates redundant microscale simulations. The algorithm features a combination of splines to render a low‐dimension representation of the parameter configurations of microscale simulations and a graph network representation based on their similarity. The algorithm enables the clustering of similar parameter configurations into a single one in order to reduce to a minimum the number of microscale simulations required. An implementation of the algorithm in the context of an HMM application coupling FE and MD to predict the chemically specific mechanical behavior of polymer‐graphene nanocomposites. The algorithm furnishes a threefold reduction of the computational effort with limited loss of accuracy.
Toughening of a Soft Polar Polythiophene through Copolymerization with Hard Urethane Segments
Authors: Zokaei Sepideh , Kroon Renee , Gladisch Johannes , Paulsen Bryan D. , Sohn Wonil , Hofmann Anna I. , Persson Gustav , Stamm Arne , Syrén Per‐Olof , Olsson Eva , Rivnay Jonathan , Stavrinidou Eleni , Lund Anja , Müller Christian
Published: December 2020

Polar polythiophenes with oligoethylene glycol side chains are exceedingly soft materials. A low glass transition temperature and low degree of crystallinity prevents their use as a bulk material. The synthesis of a copolymer comprising 1) soft polythiophene blocks with tetraethylene glycol side chains, and 2) hard urethane segments is reported. The molecular design is contrary to that of other semiconductor‐insulator copolymers, which typically combine a soft nonconjugated spacer with hard conjugated segments. Copolymerization of polar polythiophenes and urethane segments results in a ductile material that can be used as a free‐standing solid. The copolymer displays a storage modulus of 25 MPa at room temperature, elongation at break of 95%, and a reduced degree of swelling due to hydrogen bonding. Both chemical doping and electrochemical oxidation reveal that the introduction of urethane segments does not unduly reduce the hole charge‐carrier mobility and ability to take up charge. Further, stable operation is observed when the copolymer is used as the active layer of organic electrochemical transistors.
Tunable Hybrid Matrices Drive Epithelial Morphogenesis and YAP Translocation
Authors: Zhang Ying , Zegers Mirjam M. P. , Nagelkerke Anika , Rowan Alan E. , Span Paul N. , Kouwer Paul H. J.
Published: December 2020

Morphogenesis is a tightly‐regulated developmental process by which tissues acquire the morphology that is critical to their function. For example, epithelial cells exhibit different 2D and 3D morphologies, induced by distinct biochemical and biophysical cues from their environment. In this work, novel hybrid matrices composed of a Matrigel and synthetic oligo(ethylene glycol)‐grafted polyisocyanides (PICs) hydrogels are used to form a highly tailorable environment. Through precise control of the stiffness and cell‐matrix interactions, while keeping other properties constant, a broad range of morphologies induced in Madin‐Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells is observed. At relatively low matrix stiffness, a large morphological shift from round hollow cysts to 2D monolayers is observed, without concomitant translocation of the mechanotransduction protein Yes‐associated protein (YAP). At higher stiffness levels and enhanced cell‐matrix interactions, tuned by controlling the adhesive peptide density on PIC, the hybrid hydrogels induce a flattened cell morphology with simultaneous YAP translocation, suggesting activation. In 3D cultures, the latter matrices lead to the formation of tubular structures. Thus, mixed synthetic and natural gels, such as the hybrids presented here, are ideal platforms to dissect how external physical factors can be used to regulate morphogenesis in MDCK model system, and in the future, in more complex environments.
Recycling Policies, Behavior and Convenience: Survey Evidence from the CalRecycle Program
Authors: Berck Peter , Blundell Marshall , Englander Gabriel , Gold Samantha , He Shelley , Horsager Janet , Kaplan Scott , Sears Molly , Stevens Andrew , Trachtman Carly , Taylor Rebecca , Villas‐Boas Sofia B.
Published: December 2020

AB2020 established a deposit‐refund system in California, where consumers are reimbursed the California Redemption Value (CRV) upon recycling eligible containers at a recycling center. We study recycling under this policy, focusing on consumer convenience, reported recycling and diversion behavior, and responses to changes in the CRV amount. We find that consumers prefer nearby centers with flexible operating hours and short waiting times. While the CRV induces recycling, an increase in CRV would not lead to major recycling increases, given the limited number of containers entering trash streams. Finally, most diverted containers are taken from trash streams, not curbside recycling bins.
Evaluating polymer‐coated fertilizer prototypes designed for planting along with maize seed
Authors: DeBruin Jason L. , Gorowara Rajeev L. , Schussler Jeffrey , Pape Ryan , Grafton Melissa , Liu Lu , Macchia Jacy , Kendra Shane , Zhang Jihua , Burch Robert
Published: December 2020

Side‐dress N is a management strategy in maize (Zea Mays L.) production that can increase yield, reduce N leaching, and increase the probability that N remains post‐flowering. This management adds cost, is time‐sensitive, and can be difficult due to field shape and topography. A plantable, polymer‐coated urea N bead of two sizes and two coating thicknesses was developed and field tested across multiple locations during 2015–2017 as a replacement to side‐dress application. Locations differed in previous crop history and the initial N rates applied prior to treatments. Bead performance varied among locations but averaged 0.3 Mg ha−1 compared to an uncoated control or in‐season urea‐ammonium‐nitrate (UAN) application. Bead application increased yield 0.8 Mg ha−1 when rainfall exceeded 225 mm between planting and R1 (silk appearance) but did not improve yield when rainfall was <125 mm. Nitrogen release from the bead was described by a thermal time function. A common exponential decay function was not adequate to describe the release of N across all locations indicating variation in release of N among locations driven by factors other than soil temperature. Slow‐release, polymer‐coated fertilizer, placed near the seed at planting, provides the option to apply supplemental N at planting, followed by N release later in the season, eliminating the need for in‐season applications. Further research is needed to more closely match coating thickness and N release to crop N demand consistently across locations and development of equipment to enable one‐pass seed planting and N application operations.
Biocultural pathways linking periodontal disease expression to food insecurity, immune dysregulation, and nutrition
Authors: Dent Sophia C. , Berger Steph M. , Griffin Jacob S.
Published: December 2020

Objectives

In this article, we test theoretical pathways leading to and resulting from periodontal disease to better understand how periodontal disease, which is measurable in both past and present populations, integrates biocultural context and affects whole‐body physiology.

Methods

We use data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003‐2004 and logistic and linear regressions to test pathways linking psychosocial stress to periodontal disease, and periodontal disease to serum vitamin C levels. We then use causal mediation analysis to test the role of mediating variables in these pathways (n = 1853 individuals).

Results

Food insecurity was positively associated with periodontal disease and negatively associated with serum counts of C‐reactive protein (CRP) and neutrophils. Neither CRP nor neutrophils significantly mediated the relationship between food insecurity and periodontal disease. Periodontal disease was negatively associated with serum vitamin C levels and positively associated with neutrophil counts. Neutrophils may mediate the relationship between periodontal disease and vitamin C.

Conclusions

We identify two main findings: (a) periodontal disease contributes to and may result from immune dysregulation, particularly of neutrophils, and (b) an immune response to chronic infection such as periodontal disease is metabolically expensive for the body to maintain and likely depletes serum micronutrient levels. Both micronutrient status and serum neutrophil counts affect multiple skeletal and physiological phenotypes and thus position periodontal disease in whole‐body context.
Validation and clinical performance of a combined nuclear‐mitochondrial next‐generation sequencing and copy number variant analysis panel in a Canadian population
Authors: Levy Michael A , Kerkhof Jennifer , Belmonte Frances R. , Kaufman Brett A. , Bhai Pratibha , Brady Lauren , Bursztyn Lulu L.C.D. , Tarnopolsky Mark , Rupar Tony , Sadikovic Bekim
Published: December 2020

Diagnosing mitochondrial disorders is a challenge due to the heterogeneous clinical presentation and large number of associated genes. A custom next generation sequencing (NGS) panel was developed incorporating the full mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) plus 19 nuclear genes involved in structural mitochondrial defects and mtDNA maintenance. This assay is capable of simultaneously detecting small gene sequence variations and larger copy number variants (CNVs) in both the nuclear and mitochondrial components along with heteroplasmy detection down to 5%. We describe technical validations of this panel and its implementation for clinical testing in a Canadian reference laboratory, and report its clinical performance in the initial 950 patients tested. Using this assay, we demonstrate a diagnostic yield of 18.1% of patients with known pathogenic variants. In addition to the common 5 kb mtDNA deletion, we describe significant contribution of pathogenic CNVs in both the mitochondrial genome and nuclear genes in this patient population.