bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sobre ser professor artista: possibilidades metodológicas para o ensinar e o fazer artístico
Authors:   Instituto Federal de Santa Catarina, Macedo Káritha Bernardo de
Published: October 2019

Este é um relato sobre as vivências da disciplina “Sobre Ser Professor Artista”, a qual articula teorias e práticas do ensino das artes, sobretudo, a partir do pensamento filosófico de Dewey. Em sua perspectiva, a educação é compreendida como um fazer artístico (e criativo) que abre espaço para o professor-artista. Assim, almeja-se apresentar a metodologia de ensino diferenciada que foi aplicada na disciplina, na expectativa que propostas transgressoras e ativas como essa possam despertar novas práticas pedagógicas e processos artísticos. A discussão perpassa as bases teóricas da disciplina, principalmente pela leitura contemporânea dos palestrantes convidados. Posteriormente, apresenta-se as experiências do ciclo de desafios, propostos como forma de instigar o pensamento reflexivo e a pesquisa por meio de práticas artísticas, conforme entende Sullivan (2005). Como principal aprendizado, ficou a concepção que a arte também é vida e o pensamento artístico e criativo fazem parte do cotidiano.
Pintura, cultura e realidade
Authors:   Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Vassali Miguel
Published: October 2019

Este artigo propõe reflexões sobre a arte como área do conhecimento que estuda e propaga cultura. Por esse percurso, os cenários da modernidade e da pós-modernidade sugerem, conforme apresenta Lipovetsky (2004), o avanço da produção de subjetividade pela cultura e pelos sistemas de consumo. Esse avanço influencia os desejos e a formação dos indivíduos. Por isso, Guattari e Rolnik (1996) apresentam as ideias de individualização (esforços da produção de bens em normatizar os grupos em função do consumo) e singularização (conscientizar os indivíduos quanto às subjetividades impostas a fim de criar alternativas de vidas mais autônomas, usando como exemplo o processo artístico). Nesse sentido, expõem-se as ideias de Merleau-Ponty (2013) sobre a matéria-prima da pintura: a cultura e as relações sociais em seus respectivos contextos. Ainda, por meio das reflexões de Sabino (2018), procura-se analisar o papel da pintura como leitura da realidade. A pintura e o fazer artístico nesse cenário podem contribuir na identificação das realidades sociais como um novo processo de percepções e sensibilidades.
Attitudes to Sexism and Gender Equity at a Danish University
Authors: Skewes Lea , Skewes Joshua C. , Ryan Michelle K.
Published: October 2019

We designed this study to measure the degree of backlash a specific Danish university would encounter in response to gender equity interventions. To capture this resistance we used two standardized questionnaires: the Modern Sexism Scale, which measures explicit denial of gender discrimination and resentment towards gender equity demands (such as gender interventions) andthe Support for Discriminatory Practices which measures peoples explicit preferences for hiring men over women. We also asked an open question about attitudes towards the university’s current gender policies. The questionnaire was sent to 15,493 employees. With one prompt 1,805 completed the entire questionnaire. We found that university employees scored above the midpoint on modern sexism, indicating that, on average, they held sexist attitudes. We further showed that modern sexism scores varied depending on beliefs about what was being done forgender equity in the organization, such that those who thought that enough or too much was being done had significantly higher sexism scores than those who thought that not enough wasbeing done. Over all, our findings document explicit sexist attitudes within the target university and suggest that gender equity interventions are therefore likely to be met by great resistancefrom some.
A Sociologia da Educação em Portugal. Do conhecimento das realidades a discursos paralelos
Authors: Teodoro António
Published: October 2019

A Sociologia da Educação em Portugal
Functional brain alterations following mild-to-moderate sensorineural hearing loss in children
Authors: Calcus Axelle , Tuomainen Outi , Campos Ana , Rosen Stuart , Halliday Lorna F
Published: October 2019

Auditory deprivation in the form of deafness during development leads to lasting changes in central auditory system function. However, less is known about the effects of mild-to-moderate sensorineural hearing loss (MMHL) during development. Here, we used a longitudinal design to examine late auditory evoked responses and mismatch responses to nonspeech and speech sounds for children with MMHL. At Time 1, younger children with MMHL (8–12 years; n = 23) showed age-appropriate mismatch negativities (MMNs) to sounds, but older children (12–16 years; n = 23) did not. Six years later, we re-tested a subset of the younger (now older) children with MMHL (n = 13). Children who had shown significant MMNs at Time 1 showed MMNs that were reduced and, for nonspeech, absent at Time 2. Our findings demonstrate that even a mild-to-moderate hearing loss during early-to-mid childhood can lead to changes in the neural processing of sounds in late childhood/adolescence.
Adaptation to mutational inactivation of an essential gene converges to an accessible suboptimal fitness peak
Authors: Rodrigues João V , Shakhnovich Eugene I
Published: October 2019

The mechanisms of adaptation to inactivation of essential genes remain unknown. Here we inactivate E. coli dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) by introducing D27G,N,F chromosomal mutations in a key catalytic residue with subsequent adaptation by an automated serial transfer protocol. The partial reversal G27- > C occurred in three evolutionary trajectories. Conversely, in one trajectory for D27G and in all trajectories for D27F,N strains adapted to grow at very low metabolic supplement (folAmix) concentrations but did not escape entirely from supplement auxotrophy. Major global shifts in metabolome and proteome occurred upon DHFR inactivation, which were partially reversed in adapted strains. Loss-of-function mutations in two genes, thyA and deoB, ensured adaptation to low folAmix by rerouting the 2-Deoxy-D-ribose-phosphate metabolism from glycolysis towards synthesis of dTMP. Multiple evolutionary pathways of adaptation converged to a suboptimal solution due to the high accessibility to loss-of-function mutations that block the path to the highest, yet least accessible, fitness peak.
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment for Allostatic Load Lowering
Authors: Nuño Victor , Siu Allison , Deol Navneet , Juster Robert-Paul
Published: October 2019

Context

Limited research has been done to examine osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) effects on modulating a compilation of allostatic load (AL) biomarkers that work to measure the body's multisystem response to homeostatic deviation.

Objective

To examine the efficacy of OMT on graduate students’ overall health through an objective index of representative AL biomarkers.

Methods

A within-subject pre- and postintervention study was conducted at Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine in California during the fall 2017 semester. Graduate students enrolled in the Masters of Science in Medical Health Sciences program volunteered to participate in the study and received treatment by an osteopathic physician. The participants were evaluated using the following measures: Trier Inventory for the Assessment of Chronic Stress; diurnal urine cortisol and catecholamines; dried blood glycated hemoglobin, dehydroepiandrosterone, high-density lipoprotein, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein; blood pressure, body mass index, and waist-to-hip ratio before (preintervention) and after (postintervention) OMT.

Results

The study consisted of 1 man (participant 1) and 1 woman (participant 2) aged 23 and 22 years, respectively. Participants were enrolled in the same academic program and received 3 OMT sessions in 7 weeks. Analysis of AL biomarkers revealed a decrease in overall AL scores from preintervention to postintervention in participant 1 (from 7 to 4) and participant 2 (from 9 to 7). Analysis of Trier Inventory for the Assessment of Chronic Stress scores revealed a decrease in self-perceived stress from preintervention to postintervention in participant 1 (from 18 to 15) and in participant 2 (from 40 to 13).

Conclusion

The OMT protocol used in the current study decreased measures of overall AL and self-perceived stress in both participants. This finding suggests that OMT may represent a reasonable modality to reduce AL and self-perceived stress in graduate students. Since the current study is limited by its small sample size, further research is warranted.
Does Compression of the Fourth Ventricle Cause Preterm Labor? Analysis of Data From the PROMOTE Study
Authors: Hensel Kendi L. , Roane Brandy M.
Published: October 2019

Background

The technique for the compression of the fourth ventricle (CV4) in the brain has been described as a method of reaching the physiologic centers that reside in its floor and of restoring optimal flow of the cerebrospinal fluid. However, a study published as an abstract in 1992 questioned whether CV4, when applied to pregnant women, could induce uterine contractions and possibly labor.

Objective

To further examine whether CV4 could induce uterine contractions and labor as part of the osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) protocol used in the Pregnancy Research in Osteopathic Manipulation Optimizing Treatment Effects (PROMOTE) study.

Methods

Labor and delivery data collected during the PROMOTE study from 2007-2011 were analyzed. The PROMOTE study was funded by the National Institutes of Health and was a randomized controlled clinical trial that measured the primary outcomes of back-specific functioning and pain in pregnant women aged 18 to 34 years. Participants were randomly divided into 3 groups—usual obstetric care only, placebo ultrasound treatment plus usual obstetric care, and OMT plus usual obstetric care. Study participants were scheduled for 7 treatment visits. Presented data were gathered from labor and delivery records.

Results

Four hundred participants were included. No significant differences were identified between treatment groups for the development of high-risk status (P=.293) or preterm delivery (P=.673). Evaluation of high-risk status by preterm delivery for the groups also showed no significant differences between groups (P=.455).

Conclusion

The application of CV4 as part of an OMT protocol during the third trimester caused neither a higher incidence of preterm labor nor the development of high-risk status.
Transmission efficiency of Cotton leaf curl Multan virus by three cryptic species of Bemisia tabaci complex in cotton cultivars
Authors: Chen Ting , Saeed Qamar , He Zifu , Lu Lihua
Published: October 2019

Cotton leaf curl Multan virus (CLCuMuV) is a serious and economically important viral disease agent in cotton and ornamental plants like Hibiscus in many regions of the world, especially in South Asia. CLCuMuV is transmitted exclusively by Bemisia tabaci cryptic species complex. This virus was recently recorded in southern China, presumably an invasion from South Asia. This study was performed to estimate the efficiency of three species of the B. tabaci whitefly complex (tentatively named as MEAM1, MED and Asia II 7, respectively) to transmit CLCuMuV and Cotton leaf curl multan virus betasatelite (CLCuMuB). Transmission assays and real-time quantitative PCR were conducted using three cultivars of cotton, Gossypium hirsutum, including 112-2, Xinhai-21 and Zhongmian-40. The results indicated that Asia II 7 was able to transmit the virus to two of the cotton cultivars, i.e. 112-2 and Xinhai-21, with the highest transmission efficiencies of 40% and 30%, respectively, but was unable to transmit the virus to the cotton cultivar Zhongmian-40. MEAM1 and MED failed to transmit CLCuMuV and CLCuMuB to any of the three cotton cultivars. After the three cryptic species of whiteflies had fed on virus-infected cotton plants for 48 h, the relative quantity of CLCuMuV in Asia II 7 was detected to be significantly higher than that in both MEAM1 and MED (P < 0.05). These results indicate that among the three species of whiteflies Asia II 7 is likely the most efficient vector for CLCuMuV and CLCuMuB in Malvaceae crops in China. Our findings provide valuable information to the control of viral diseases caused by CLCuMuV in the field.
Plant community recovery from intense deer grazing depends on reduction of graminoids and the time after exclosure installation in a semi-natural grassland
Authors: Otsu Chiaki , Iijima Hayato , Nagaike Takuo
Published: October 2019

Exclosures that exclude large herbivores are effective tools for the protection and restoration of grazed plant communities. However, previous studies have shown that the installation of an exclosure does not ensure plant community recovery. Our study aimed to determine the effects of the domination of unpalatable plants and the timing of exclosure installation on the plant community recovery process in montane grassland overgrazed by sika deer (Cervus nippon) in Japan. In this study we compared plant species composition and their cover with inside and outside exclosures installed at different times. Furthermore, we also compared them with those in 1981, when density of sika deer was very low. We used quadrats inside and outside fenced areas established in 2010 and 2011 to record both the cover and the height of species in each quadrat between 2011 and 2015. Plant cover, with the exception of graminoid species, increased in later years in all treatments. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) plots showed significantly differentiated treatment trends. The species composition within the 2010 fenced area gradually shifted to greater similarity with the species composition reported in 1981. The plant community in the 2011 fenced area was slower to recover. Compositions of plant communities outside the fenced areas hardly changed from 2011 to 2015. Chao’s dissimilarity index decreased over time between the plant community surveyed between 2011 and 2015 and the past plant community in 1981 within the exclosures, and was higher in the 2011 fenced area than in the 2010 fenced area. In conclusion, we show that the reduction of graminoids and the time after exclosure installation were important for plant community recovery from deer grazing damage. A delay in exclosure installation of one year could result in a delay in plant community recovery of more than one year.
Particle Technology
Authors: Park Ah‐Hyung Alissa , Zhu Chao , Fan Liang‐Shih , Sandvik Peter
Published: October 2019

Particulate systems are involved in numerous industrial processes and are present in various natural phenomena. Particle technology is a term that refers to the field of the science and technology associated with the characterization, formation, processing, and utilization of particles. It is concerned with the systems in which one or more of the components are in the form of particles. Recently, the scope of particle technology has been extended to cover systems containing nanoparticles, aerosols, liquid droplets, emulsions, and bubbles.

Particle technology is an interdisciplinary field. Owing to the complexity of particulate systems, particle technology is often treated as art than science. Hence, efforts in synthesizing, measuring, modeling, and developing particle and particulate systems are being pursued actively in both academia and industry. This article describes the fundamental principles governing the key aspects of particle science and technology.
Diverse roles for CDK‐associated activity during spermatogenesis
Authors: Palmer Nathan , Talib S. Zakiah A. , Kaldis Philipp
Published: October 2019

The primary function of cyclin‐dependent kinases (CDKs) in complex with their activating cyclin partners is to promote mitotic division in somatic cells. This canonical cell cycle‐associated activity is also crucial for fertility as it allows the proliferation and differentiation of stem cells within the reproductive organs to generate meiotically competent cells. Intriguingly, several CDKs exhibit meiosis‐specific functions and are essential for the completion of the two reductional meiotic divisions required to generate haploid gametes. These meiosis‐specific functions are mediated by both known CDK/cyclin complexes and meiosis‐specific CDK‐regulators and are important for a variety of processes during meiotic prophase. The majority of meiotic defects observed upon deletion of these proteins occur during the extended prophase I of the first meiotic division. Importantly a lack of redundancy is seen within the meiotic arrest phenotypes described for many of these proteins, suggesting intricate layers of cell cycle control are required for normal meiotic progression. Using the process of male germ cell development (spermatogenesis) as a reference, this review seeks to highlight the diverse roles of selected CDKs their activators, and their regulators during gametogenesis.
ATPase reaction cycle of P4‐ATPases affects their transport from the endoplasmic reticulum
Authors: Tone Takuya , Nakayama Kazuhisa , Takatsu Hiroyuki , Shin Hye‐Won
Published: October 2019

P4‐ATPases belonging to the P‐type ATPase superfamily mediate active transport of phospholipids across cellular membranes. Most P4‐ATPases, except ATP9A and ATP9B proteins, form heteromeric complexes with CDC50 proteins, which are required for transport of P4‐ATPases from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to their final destinations. P‐type ATPases form autophosphorylated intermediates during the ATPase reaction cycle. However, the association of the catalytic cycle of P4‐ATPases with their transport from the ER and their cellular localization has not been studied. Here, we show that transport of ATP9 and ATP11 proteins as well as that of ATP10A from the ER depends on the ATPase catalytic cycle, suggesting that conformational changes in P4‐ATPases during the catalytic cycle are crucial for their transport from the ER.
Tolrestat acts atypically as a competitive inhibitor of the thermostable aldo‐keto reductase Tm1743 from Thermotoga maritima
Authors: Zhang Chenyun , Min Zhenzhen , Liu Xuemeng , Wang Chao , Wang Zhiguo , Shen Jiejie , Tang Wanrong , Zhang Xin , Liu Dan , Xu Xiaoling
Published: October 2019

Tolrestat and epalrestat have been characterized as noncompetitive inhibitors of aldo‐ketone reductase 1B1 (AKR1B1), a leading drug target for the treatment of type 2 diabetes complications. However, clinical applications are limited for most AKR1B1 inhibitors due to adverse effects of cross‐inhibition with other AKRs. Here, we report an atypical competitive binding and inhibitory effect of tolrestat on the thermostable AKR Tm1743 from Thermotoga maritima. Analysis of the Tm1743 crystal structure in complex with tolrestat alone and epalrestat‐NADP+ shows that tolrestat, but not epalrestat, binding triggers dramatic conformational changes in the anionic site and cofactor binding pocket that prevents accommodation of NADP+. Enzymatic and molecular dynamics simulation analyses further confirm tolrestat as a competitive inhibitor of Tm1743.
Morphogen Delivery by Osteoconductive Nanoparticles Instructs Stromal Cell Spheroid Phenotype
Authors: Whitehead Jacklyn , Kothambawala Alefia , Kent Leach J.
Published: October 2019

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) exhibit a rapid loss in osteogenic phenotype upon removal of osteoinductive cues, as commonly occurs during transplantation. Osteogenic differentiation can be more effectively but not fully maintained by aggregating MSCs into spheroids. Therefore, the development of effective strategies that prolong the efficacy of inductive growth factors would be advantageous for advancing cell‐based therapies. To address this challenge, osteoinductive bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) is adsorbed to osteoconductive hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles for incorporation into MSC spheroids. MSC induction is evaluated in osteogenic conditions and retention of the osteogenic phenotype in the absence of other osteogenic cues. HA is more uniformly incorporated into spheroids at lower concentrations, while BMP‐2 dosage is dependent upon initial morphogen concentration. MSC spheroids containing BMP‐2‐loaded HA nanoparticles exhibit greater alkaline phosphatase activity and more uniform spatial expression of osteocalcin compared to spheroids with uncoated HA nanoparticles. Spheroids cultured in media containing soluble BMP‐2 demonstrate differentiation only at the spheroid periphery. Furthermore, the osteogenic phenotype of MSC spheroids is better retained with BMP‐2‐laden HA upon the removal of soluble osteogenic cues. These findings represent a promising strategy for simultaneous delivery of osteoconductive and osteoinductive signals for enhancing MSC participation in bone formation.
H2O2‐Sensitive Upconversion Nanocluster Bomb for Tri‐Mode Imaging‐Guided Photodynamic Therapy in Deep Tumor Tissue
Authors: Jiang Wei , Zhang Chao , Ahmed Arsalan , Zhao Yunlei , Deng Yu , Ding Yin , Cai Jianfeng , Hu Yong
Published: October 2019

Low penetration depth of excited light, undesirable distribution of photosensitizers, severe hypoxia, and inefficient reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in tumors, lead to the poor therapeutic effects in photodynamic therapy. Herein, a multifunctional nanocluster bomb (UCGM naonoparticles) composed of upconversion nanoparticles (NPs), CeOx, graphite‐C3N4 (g‐C3N4) NPs, and metformin (Met) are developed to mitigate the hypoxia by oxidizing H2O2 into O2 due to the catalysis of CeOx. The presence of Met can act on the mitochondrion to inhibit the respiration of tumor cells, further improving the O2 level. Meanwhile, g‐C3N4 NPs are released from UCGM NPs and penetrate tumor tissue deeply because of their small size. Upon 808 nm laser illumination, UCGM NPs show remarkable photothermal ability and efficiently convert near infrared to ultraviolet light to activate the g‐C3N4 NPs to generate ROS in a whole tumor to facilitate a combined antitumor effect against deeply located tumors. Moreover, these UCGM NPs also display excellent performances in upconversion luminescence, magnetic resonance imaging, and computerized tomographic imaging, making them a potential imaging‐guided drug delivery system in cancer therapy.
17% Efficient Organic Solar Cells Based on Liquid Exfoliated WS2 as a Replacement for PEDOT:PSS
Authors: Lin Yuanbao , Adilbekova Begimai , Firdaus Yuliar , Yengel Emre , Faber Hendrik , Sajjad Muhammad , Zheng Xiaopeng , Yarali Emre , Seitkhan Akmaral , Bakr Osman M. , El‐Labban Abdulrahman , Schwingenschlögl Udo , Tung Vincent , McCulloch Iain , Laquai Frédéric , Anthopoulos Thomas D.
Published: October 2019

The application of liquid‐exfoliated 2D transition metal disulfides (TMDs) as the hole transport layers (HTLs) in nonfullerene‐based organic solar cells is reported. It is shown that solution processing of few‐layer WS2 or MoS2 suspensions directly onto transparent indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes changes their work function without the need for any further treatment. HTLs comprising WS2 are found to exhibit higher uniformity on ITO than those of MoS2 and consistently yield solar cells with superior power conversion efficiency (PCE), improved fill factor (FF), enhanced short‐circuit current (JSC), and lower series resistance than devices based on poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) and MoS2. Cells based on the ternary bulk‐heterojunction PBDB‐T‐2F:Y6:PC71BM with WS2 as the HTL exhibit the highest PCE of 17%, with an FF of 78%, open‐circuit voltage of 0.84 V, and a JSC of 26 mA cm−2. Analysis of the cells' optical and carrier recombination characteristics indicates that the enhanced performance is most likely attributed to a combination of favorable photonic structure and reduced bimolecular recombination losses in WS2‐based cells. The achieved PCE is the highest reported to date for organic solar cells comprised of 2D charge transport interlayers and highlights the potential of TMDs as inexpensive HTLs for high‐efficiency organic photovoltaics.
Multifunctional Micro/Nanoscale Fibers Based on Microfluidic Spinning Technology
Authors: Du Xiang‐Yun , Li Qing , Wu Guan , Chen Su
Published: October 2019

Superfine multifunctional micro/nanoscale fibrous materials with high surface area and ordered structure have attracted intensive attention for widespread applications in recent years. Microfluidic spinning technology (MST) has emerged as a powerful and versatile platform because of its various advantages such as high surface‐area‐to‐volume ratio, effective heat transfer, and enhanced reaction rate. The resultant well‐defined micro/nanoscale fibers exhibit controllable compositions, advanced structures, and new physical/chemical properties. The latest developments and achievements in microfluidic spun fiber materials are summarized in terms of the underlying preparation principles, geometric configurations, and functionalization. Variously architected structures and shapes by MST, including cylindrical, grooved, flat, anisotropic, hollow, core–shell, Janus, heterogeneous, helical, and knotted fibers, are emphasized. In particular, fiber‐spinning chemistry in MST for achieving functionalization of fiber materials by in situ chemical reactions inside fibers is introduced. Additionally, the applications of the fabricated functional fibers are highlighted in sensors, microactuators, photoelectric devices, flexible electronics, tissue engineering, drug delivery, and water collection. Finally, recent progress, challenges, and future perspectives are discussed.
Electrode Materials Engineering in Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction: Energy Input and Conversion Efficiency
Authors: Song Rong‐Bin , Zhu Wenlei , Fu Jiaju , Chen Ying , Liu Lixia , Zhang Jian‐Rong , Lin Yuehe , Zhu Jun‐Jie
Published: October 2019

Electrocatalytic CO2 reduction (ECR) is a promising technology to simultaneously alleviate CO2‐caused climate hazards and ever‐increasing energy demands, as it can utilize CO2 in the atmosphere to provide the required feedstocks for industrial production and daily life. In recent years, substantial progress in ECR systems has been achieved by the exploitation of various novel electrode materials. The anodic materials and cathodic catalysts that have, respectively, led to high‐efficiency energy input and effective heterogenous catalytic conversion in ECR systems are comprehensively reviewed. Based on the differences in the nature of energy sources and the role of materials used at the anode, the fundamentals of ECR systems, including photo‐anode‐assisted ECR systems and bio‐anode‐assisted ECR systems, are explained in detail. Additionally, the cathodic reaction mechanisms and pathways of ECR are described along with a discussion of different design strategies for cathode catalysts to enhance conversion efficiency and selectivity. The emerging challenges and some perspective on both anode materials and cathodic catalysts are also outlined for better development of ECR systems.
A TiN Nanorod Array 3D Hierarchical Composite Electrode for Ultrahigh‐Power‐Density Bromine‐Based Flow Batteries
Authors: Wang Chenhui , Lu Wenjing , Lai Qinzhi , Xu Pengcheng , Zhang Huamin , Li Xianfeng
Published: October 2019

Bromine‐based flow batteries are well suited for stationary energy storage due to attractive features of high energy density and low cost. However, the bromine‐based flow battery suffers from low power density and large materials consumption due to the relatively high polarization of the Br2/Br− couple on the electrodes. Herein, a self‐supporting 3D hierarchical composite electrode based on a TiN nanorod array is designed to improve the activity of the Br2/Br− couple and increase the power density of the bromine‐based flow battery. In this design, a carbon felt provides a composite electrode with a 3D electron conductive framework to guarantee high electronic conductivity, while the TiN nanorods possess excellent catalytic activity for the Br2/Br− electrochemical reaction to reduce the electrochemical polarization. Moreover, the 3D micro–nano hierarchical nanorod‐array alignment structure contributes to a high electrolyte penetration and a high ion‐transfer rate to reduce diffusion polarization. As a result, a zinc–bromine flow battery with the designed composite electrode can be operated at a current density of up to 160 mA cm−2, which is the highest current density ever reported. These results exhibit a promising strategy to fabricate electrodes for ultrahigh‐power‐density bromine‐based flow batteries and accelerate the development of bromine‐based flow batteries.
Design of Active Interfaces Using Responsive Molecular Components
Authors: Buten Christoph , Kortekaas Luuk , Ravoo Bart Jan
Published: October 2019

Responsive interfaces are interfaces that show a defined and reversible change in physical properties in response to external stimuli. Typically, responsive interfaces result from the immobilization of responsive molecular components at the interface that translate a nanoscale signal into a macroscopic effect. Responsive interfaces can also be obtained if the topology of the interface can be reversibly changed using an external stimulus. As the surface of any material is its connection to the environment, responsive interfaces provide opportunities for interactive materials which are not only able to change properties upon demand, but also sense their environment and act autonomously. The application of responsive molecular components at interfaces, however, requires chemical and physical compatibility with the material surface of interest, posing a challenge not least in the retention of the responsive functionality. The state of the art in “active” interfaces which display responsive wettability, permeability, or adhesion is discussed, with a particular emphasis on microscale and nanoscale patterning since patterned interfaces can give rise to unique material properties. Finally, perspectives in the development of responsive interfaces, as well as promising approaches for bypassing the most prominent challenges are discussed.
Near‐Infrared Photoactivatable Semiconducting Polymer Nanoblockaders for Metastasis‐Inhibited Combination Cancer Therapy
Authors: Li Jingchao , Cui Dong , Jiang Yuyan , Huang Jiaguo , Cheng Penghui , Pu Kanyi
Published: October 2019

Inhibition of protein biosynthesis is a promising strategy to develop new therapeutic modalities for cancers; however, noninvasive precise regulation of this cellular event in living systems has been rarely reported. In this study, a semiconducting polymer nanoblockader (SPNB) is developed that can inhibit intracellular protein synthesis upon near‐infrared (NIR) photoactivation to synergize with photodynamic therapy (PDT) for metastasis‐inhibited cancer therapy. SPNB is self‐assembled from an amphiphilic semiconducting polymer which is grafted with poly(ethylene glycol) conjugated with a protein biosynthesis blockader through a singlet oxygen (1O2) cleavable linker. Such a designed molecular structure not only enables generation of 1O2 under NIR photoirradiation for PDT, but also permits photoactivation of blockaders to terminate protein translation. Thereby, SPNB exerts a synergistic action to afford an enhanced therapeutic efficacy in tumor ablation. More importantly, SPNB‐mediated photoactivation of protein synthesis inhibition precisely and remotely downregulates the expression levels of metastasis‐related proteins in tumor tissues, eventually contributing to the complete inhibition of lung metastasis. This study thus proposes a photoactivatable protherapeutic design for metastasis‐inhibited cancer therapy.
A Narrow‐Bandgap n‐Type Polymer Semiconductor Enabling Efficient All‐Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Shi Shengbin , Chen Peng , Chen Yao , Feng Kui , Liu Bin , Chen Jianhua , Liao Qiaogan , Tu Bao , Luo Jiasi , Su Mengyao , Guo Han , Kim Myung‐Gil , Facchetti Antonio , Guo Xugang
Published: October 2019

Currently, n‐type acceptors in high‐performance all‐polymer solar cells (all‐PSCs) are dominated by imide‐functionalized polymers, which typically show medium bandgap. Herein, a novel narrow‐bandgap polymer, poly(5,6‐dicyano‐2,1,3‐benzothiadiazole‐alt‐indacenodithiophene) (DCNBT‐IDT), based on dicyanobenzothiadiazole without an imide group is reported. The strong electron‐withdrawing cyano functionality enables DCNBT‐IDT with n‐type character and, more importantly, alleviates the steric hindrance associated with typical imide groups. Compared to the benchmark poly(naphthalene diimide‐alt‐bithiophene) (N2200), DCNBT‐IDT shows a narrower bandgap (1.43 eV) with a much higher absorption coefficient (6.15 × 104 cm−1). Such properties are elusive for polymer acceptors to date, eradicating the drawbacks inherited in N2200 and other high‐performance polymer acceptors. When blended with a wide‐bandgap polymer donor, the DCNBT‐IDT‐based all‐PSCs achieve a remarkable power conversion efficiency of 8.32% with a small energy loss of 0.53 eV and a photoresponse of up to 870 nm. Such efficiency greatly outperforms those of N2200 (6.13%) and the naphthalene diimide (NDI)‐based analog NDI‐IDT (2.19%). This work breaks the long‐standing bottlenecks limiting materials innovation of n‐type polymers, which paves a new avenue for developing polymer acceptors with improved optoelectronic properties and heralds a brighter future of all‐PSCs.
Activating Antitumor Immunity and Antimetastatic Effect Through Polydopamine‐Encapsulated Core–Shell Upconversion Nanoparticles
Authors: Yan Shuangqian , Zeng Xuemei , Tang Yong'an , Liu Bi‐Feng , Wang Yu , Liu Xiaogang
Published: October 2019

Synergistic phototherapy has the potential to conquer the extreme heterogeneity and complexity of difficult tumors and result in better cancer treatment outcomes than monomodal photodynamic therapy (PDT) or photothermal therapy (PTT). However, the previous approaches to combining PDT and PTT are mainly focused on primary tumor obliteration while neglecting tumor metastasis, which is responsible for about 90% of cancer deaths. It is shown that a combined PDT/PTT approach, based on upconversion‐polymer hybrid nanoparticles with surface‐loaded chlorin e6 photosensitizer, can enhance primary tumor elimination and elicit antitumor immunity against disseminated tumors. The specifical arrangement of an external upconversion coating over the polymer core ensures adequate photoabsorption by the upconversion nanoparticles for the generation of reactive oxygen species upon single near‐infrared light irradiation. Furthermore, it is found that synergistic phototherapy can elicit robust systemic and humoral antitumor immune responses. When combined with immune checkpoint blockades, it can inhibit tumor relapse and metastasis as well as prolong the survival of tumor‐bearing mice in two types of tumor metastasis models. This study may establish a new modality for enhancing immunogenic cell death through a synergistic phototherapeutic nanoplatform and extend this strategy to overcome tumor metastasis with an augmented antitumor immune response.
A Multisensory Tactile System for Robotic Hands to Recognize Objects
Authors: Li Guozhen , Zhu Rong
Published: October 2019

Multisensory tactile systems play an important role in enhancing robot intelligence. A competent robotic tactile system needs to be simple in structure and easily operated, especially with multiple sensations, and have good coordinate ability like human skin. A novel multisensory tactile system for humanoid robotic hands is proposed, allowing the hand to identify objects by grasping and manipulating them. Robotic multifunction sensors based on skin‐inspired thermosensation and structured with micro platinum ribbons partially covered with piezo‐thermic silver‐nanoparticle‐doped porous polydimethylsiloxane membrane simultaneously and independently detect contact pressure, local ambient temperature, and thermal conductivity and temperature of an object. Multiple tactile information which is obtained by the robotic sensors is fused comprehensively based on neural network classification to identify diverse objects in uncertain and dynamic gripping with an object recognition accuracy of 95%. This multisensory system enables robotic hand to better interact with its environment, enhances robotic intelligence, and makes various complex tasks feasible for robots, such as sorting material or rescuing from fire or other disasters.
Engineering State‐of‐the‐Art Plasmonic Nanomaterials for SERS‐Based Clinical Liquid Biopsy Applications
Authors: Wang Jing , Koo Kevin M. , Wang Yuling , Trau Matt
Published: October 2019

Precision oncology, defined as the use of the molecular understanding of cancer to implement personalized patient treatment, is currently at the heart of revolutionizing oncology practice. Due to the need for repeated molecular tumor analyses in facilitating precision oncology, liquid biopsies, which involve the detection of noninvasive cancer biomarkers in circulation, may be a critical key. Yet, existing liquid biopsy analysis technologies are still undergoing an evolution to address the challenges of analyzing trace quantities of circulating tumor biomarkers reliably and cost effectively. Consequently, the recent emergence of cutting‐edge plasmonic nanomaterials represents a paradigm shift in harnessing the unique merits of surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) biosensing platforms for clinical liquid biopsy applications. Herein, an expansive review on the design/synthesis of a new generation of diverse plasmonic nanomaterials, and an updated evaluation of their demonstrated SERS‐based uses in liquid biopsies, such as circulating tumor cells, tumor‐derived extracellular vesicles, as well as circulating cancer proteins, and tumor nucleic acids is presented. Existing challenges impeding the clinical translation of plasmonic nanomaterials for SERS‐based liquid biopsy applications are also identified, and outlooks and insights into advancing this rapidly growing field for practical patient use are provided.
RNA Nanotechnology to Solubilize Hydrophobic Antitumor Drug for Targeted Delivery
Authors: Piao Xijun , Yin Hongran , Guo Sijin , Wang Hongzhi , Guo Peixuan
Published: October 2019

Small‐molecule drugs are used extensively in clinics for cancer treatment; however, many antitumor chemical drugs dissolve poorly in aqueous solution. Their poor solubility and nonselective delivery in vivo often cause severe side effects. Here, the application of RNA nanotechnology to enhance the solubility of hydrophobic drugs, using camptothecin (CPT) for proof‐of‐concept in targeted delivery for cancer treatment is reported. Multiple CPT prodrug molecules are conjugated to RNA oligos via a click reaction, and the resulting CPT‐RNA conjugates efficiently self‐assemble into thermodynamically stable RNA three‐way junction (3WJ) nanoparticles. The RNA 3WJ is covalently linked with seven hydrophobic CPT prodrug molecules through cleavable ester bonds and a folic acid ligand for specific tumor targeting while remaining soluble in aqueous solutions without detectable aggregation at therapeutic dose. This CPT‐RNA nanoparticle exhibits efficient and specific cell binding and internalization, leading to cell apoptosis. Tumor growth is effectively inhibited by CPT‐RNA nanoparticles; the targeted delivery, strengthened by tumor ligand, further enhances tumor suppression. Compared with the traditional formulation, solubilization of CPT in aqueous buffer using RNA nanoparticles as a carrier is found to be safe and efficacious, demonstrating that RNA nanoparticles are a promising platform for the solubilization and the delivery of hydrophobic antitumor drugs.
Extracellular Nanomatrix‐Induced Self‐Organization of Neural Stem Cells into Miniature Substantia Nigra‐Like Structures with Therapeutic Effects on Parkinsonian Rats
Authors: Zhang Shiqing , Sun Peng , Lin Kaili , Chan Florence Hiu Ling , Gao Qi , Lau Wai Fung , Roy Vellaisamy A. L. , Zhang Hongqi , Lai King Wai Chiu , Huang Zhifeng , Yung Ken Kin Lam
Published: October 2019

Substantia nigra (SN) is a complex and critical region of the brain wherein Parkinson's disease (PD) arises from the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. Miniature SN‐like structures (mini‐SNLSs) constructed from novel combination of nanomaterials and cell technologies exhibit promise as potentially curative cell therapies for PD. In this work, a rapid self‐organization of mini‐SNLS, with an organizational structure and neuronal identities similar to those of the SN in vivo, is achieved by differentiating neural stem cells in vitro on biocompatible silica nanozigzags (NZs) sculptured by glancing angle deposition, without traditional chemical growth factors. The differentiated neurons exhibit electrophysiological activity in vitro. Diverse physical cues and signaling pathways that are determined by the nanomatrices and lead to the self‐organization of the mini‐SNLSs are clarified and elucidated. In vivo, transplantation of the neurons from a mini‐SNLS results in an early and progressive amelioration of PD in rats. The sculptured medical device reported here enables the rapid and specific self‐organization of region‐specific and functional brain‐like structures without an undesirable prognosis. This development provides promising and significant insights into the screening of potentially curative drugs and cell therapies for PD.
Dynamics of Photo‐Induced Surface Oxygen Vacancies in Metal‐Oxide Semiconductors Studied Under Ambient Conditions
Authors: Glass Daniel , Cortés Emiliano , Ben‐Jaber Sultan , Brick Thomas , Peveler William J. , Blackman Christopher S. , Howle Christopher R. , Quesada‐Cabrera Raul , Parkin Ivan P. , Maier Stefan A.
Published: October 2019

Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a powerful analytical technique commonly used in the detection of traces of organic molecules. The mechanism of SERS is of a dual nature, with Raman scattering enhancements due to a combination of electromagnetic (EM) and chemical contributions. In conventional SERS, the EM component is largely responsible for the enhancement, with the chemical contribution playing a less significant role. An alternative technique, called photo‐induced enhanced Raman spectroscopy (PIERS) has been recently developed, using a photo‐activated semiconductor substrate to give additional chemical enhancement of Raman bands over traditional SERS. This enhancement is assigned to surface oxygen vacancies (Vo) formed upon pre‐irradiation of the substrate. In this work, the exceptional chemical contribution in PIERS allows for the evaluation of atomic Vo dynamics in metal oxide surfaces. This technique is applied to study the formation and healing rates of surface‐active Vo in archetypical metal‐oxide semiconductors, namely, TiO2, WO3, and ZnO. Contrary to conventional analytical tools, PIERS provides intuitive and valuable information about surface stability of atomic defects at ambient pressure and under operando conditions, which has important implications in a wide range of applications including catalysis and energy storage materials.
Interfacial Energy Level Tuning for Efficient and Thermostable CsPbI2Br Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Shen En‐Chi , Chen Jing‐De , Tian Yu , Luo Yu‐Xin , Shen Yang , Sun Qi , Jin Teng‐Yu , Shi Guo‐Zheng , Li Yan‐Qing , Tang Jian‐Xin
Published: October 2019

Inorganic mixed‐halide CsPbX3‐based perovskite solar cells (PeSCs) are emerging as one of the most promising types of PeSCs on account of their thermostability compared to organic–inorganic hybrid counterparts. However, dissatisfactory device performance and high processing temperature impede their development for viable applications. Herein, a facile route is presented for tuning the energy levels and electrical properties of sol–gel‐derived ZnO electron transport material (ETM) via the doping of a classical alkali metal carbonate Cs2CO3. Compared to bare ZnO, Cs2CO3‐doped ZnO possesses more favorable interface energetics in contact with the CsPbI2Br perovskite layer, which can reduce the ohmic loss to a negligible level. The optimized PeSCs achieve an improved open‐circuit voltage of 1.28 V, together with an increase in fill factor and short‐circuit current. The optimized power conversion efficiencies of 16.42% and 14.82% are realized on rigid glass substrate and flexible plastic substrate, respectively. A high thermostability can be simultaneously obtained via defect passivation at the Cs2CO3‐doped ZnO/CsPbI2Br interface, and 81% of the initial efficiency is retained after aging for 200 h at 85 °C.
Polysulfide Confinement and Highly Efficient Conversion on Hierarchical Mesoporous Carbon Nanosheets for Li–S Batteries
Authors: Li Jianbo , Chen Chunyuan , Chen Yuwei , Li Zhenhua , Xie Wenfu , Zhang Xin , Shao Mingfei , Wei Min
Published: October 2019

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries have attracted increasing attention due to their extremely high theoretical specific capacity and a promising power density. However, practical applications of Li–S batteries are still limited by the relatively low performance, owing to poor conductivity of sulfur itself and discharge products (Li2S/Li2S2) as well as the shuttle effect of the intermediate polysulfide. Herein, honeycomb‐like mesoporous Co, N‐doped carbon nanosheets (MC‐NS) with a high specific surface area and abundant defects are developed which, simultaneously enable polysulfide confinement and highly efficient conversion. Moreover, density functional theory calculations and experiments show that the Co‐N‐C catalytic site as well as defects on the carbon skeleton of the MC‐NS facilitate high efficiency in suppressing the shuttle effect of polysulfides. In situ Raman spectra further demonstrate the enhancement of adsorption ability and conversion efficiency of polysulfides on this host. As a result, the MC‐NS enables much increased specific capacity and cycling stability of Li–S batteries. This work provides a useful strategy for realizing practical applications of high‐performance Li–S batteries.
Preventing infectious complications when treating non‐malignant immune‐mediated hematologic disorders
Authors: Malpica Luis , van Duin David , Moll Stephan
Published: October 2019

Immunosuppressants, targeted antibody therapies, and surgical splenectomy are amongst the treatment choices for immune‐mediated non‐malignant hematologic disorders, with infection being the most common non‐hematological adverse event from these therapies. Corticosteroids are associated with a length‐of‐treatment and dose‐dependent risk for infection, including opportunistic infections. Screening and antimicrobial prophylaxis against tuberculosis, Strongyloides stercoralis, and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, are indicated in selected patients on steroids and with certain risk factors for infection. Rituximab is associated with hepatitis B virus reactivation. All patients planned to be started on rituximab should be screened for hepatitis B surface antigen and total core antibody, with antiviral prophylaxis given depending on test results. In eculizumab treated patients, immunization against meningococcal serogroups ACWY and B is recommended. In addition, some guidelines suggest antibiotic prophylaxis for the duration of eculizumab treatment. In splenectomized patients, counseling and immunization are cornerstones of infection prevention. Several federal and society guidelines about immunizations and prophylactic antimicrobial therapies for patients treated with various immunosuppressive agents exist and are summarized in this manuscript in a clinical‐focused table. In addition, management suggestions are made where no formal guidelines exist.