bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
All‐Solution‐Processed Cu2ZnSnS4 Solar Cells with Self‐Depleted Na2S Back Contact Modification Layer
Authors: Gu Youchen , Shen Heping , Ye Chen , Dai Xuezeng , Cui Qian , Li Jianbao , Hao Feng , Hao Xiaojing , Lin Hong
Published: January 2018

The thin‐film photovoltaic material Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) has drawn worldwide attention in recent years due to its earth‐abundant, nontoxic element constitution, and remarkable photovoltaic performance. Although state‐of‐the‐art power conversion efficiency is achieved by hydrazine‐based methods, effort to fabricate such devices in a high throughput, environmental‐friendly way is still highlydesired. Here a hydrazine‐free all‐solution‐processed CZTS solar cell with Na2S self‐depleted back contact modification layer for the first time is demonstrated, using a ball‐milled CZTS as light absorber, low‐temperature solution‐processed ZnO electron‐transport layer as well as silver‐nanowire transparent electrode. The inserting of Na2S self‐depleted layer is proven to effectively stabilize the CZTS/Mo interface by eliminating a detrimental phase segregation reaction between CZTS and Mo‐coated soda lime glass, thus leading to a better crystallinity of CZTS light absorbing layer, enhanced carrier transportation at CZTS/Mo interface as well as a smaller series resistance. Furthermore, the self‐depletion feature of the Na2S modification layer also averts hole‐transportation barrier within the devices. The results show the vital importance of interfacial engineering for these CZST devices and the Na2S interface layer can be extended to other optoelectronic devices using Mo contact.
Suppressing Sodium Dendrites by Multifunctional Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) Interlayers with Nonthrough Pores and High Flux/Affinity of Sodium Ions toward Long Cycle Life Sodium Oxygen‐Batteries
Authors: Ma Jin‐Ling , Yin Yan‐Bin , Liu Tong , Zhang Xin‐Bo , Yan Jun‐Min , Jiang Qing
Published: January 2018

Rechargeable sodium–oxygen (Na–O2) batteries are of interest due to their high specific capacity, high equilibrium potential output, and the abundance of sodium resources; however, their cycle life is still very poor due to instability of electrolytes and especially the uncontrollable growth of Na dendrites. Herein, as a proof‐of‐concept experiment, a facile and low‐cost strategy is first proposed and demonstrated to effectively suppress growth of Na dendrites by using a fibrillar polyvinylidene fluoride film (f‐PVDF) with nonthrough pore as a multifunctional blocking interlayer. Unexpectedly, the f‐PVDF interlayer endows Na–O2 battery with superior electrochemical performances, including high rate capability and long cycle life (up to 87 cycles), which is superior to those of the compact PVDF (c‐PVDF), PVDF with through pores (p‐PVDF), polyethylene oxide (PEO), and conventional polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) counterparts due to the following combined advantages: (1) the stronger CF polar function groups provide a better affinity to Na ions, thus enabling a more homogeneous Na deposition than that of CO function groups in PEO interlayer; (2) compared with c‐PVDF and p‐PVDF interlayers, f‐PVDF holds more electrolyte uptake for higher ion conductivity; (3) the good wettability of the f‐PVDF interlayer with electrolyte benefits Na dendrite suppression compared with PTFE interlayer.
Coaxial Thermoplastic Elastomer‐Wrapped Carbon Nanotube Fibers for Deformable and Wearable Strain Sensors
Authors: Zhou Jian , Xu Xuezhu , Xin Yangyang , Lubineau Gilles
Published: January 2018

Highly conductive and stretchable fibers are crucial components of wearable electronics systems. Excellent electrical conductivity, stretchability, and wearability are required from such fibers. Existing technologies still display limited performances in these design requirements. Here, achieving highly stretchable and sensitive strain sensors by using a coaxial structure, prepared via coaxial wet spinning of thermoplastic elastomer‐wrapped carbon nanotube fibers, is proposed. The sensors attain high sensitivity (with a gauge factor of 425 at 100% strain), high stretchability, and high linearity. They are also reproducible and durable. Their use as safe sensing components on deformable cable, expandable surfaces, and wearable textiles is demonstrated.
Nanodiamond‐Palladium Core–Shell Organohybrid Synthesis: A Mild Vapor‐Phase Procedure Enabling Nanolayering Metal onto Functionalized sp3‐Carbon
Authors: Gunawan Maria A. , Moncea Oana , Poinsot Didier , Keskes Mariem , Domenichini Bruno , Heintz Olivier , Chassagnon Rémi , Herbst Frédéric , Carlson Robert M. K. , Dahl Jeremy E. P. , Fokin Andrey A. , Schreiner Peter R. , Hierso Jean‐Cyrille
Published: January 2018

A novel approach for the bottom‐up construction of hybrid organic–inorganic nanocomposites with an intimate arrangement between sp3‐carbon 3D molecular‐size nanodiamonds (diamondoids) and a coated palladium surface as nanolayer is reported. The construction process is conducted stepwisely from the gas phase, using first controlled vapor‐phase self‐assembly of tailor‐made functionalized diamantane derivatives, followed by low‐temperature (45 °C) chemical vapor deposition of an organometallic complex in a reducing H2atmosphere over the self‐assembled diamondoid scaffold. The use of self‐assemblies of primary diamantane phosphine and phosphine oxide, which are produced with high structural uniformity and reproducibility, yields new hybrid diamondoid‐palladium materials incorporating PdOPHdiamantane bonding motifs. Additional investigations provide evidence for a very challenging issue in the intimate construction of sp3‐C/metal scaffolds. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy microscopies combined with X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy surface analysis and EDX bulk analysis confirm the formation of diamondoid‐palladium organohybrids with unique surface layering. The vapor phase‐controlled mild synthetic process allows excellent control over nanocomposite formation and morphology from molecular‐level modifications. As such, this bottom‐up composite building process bridges scales from the molecular (functionalized diamondoids) over nanoscopic (self‐assemblies) to microscopic regime (hybrids), in the challenging association of transition metals with an electronically saturated sp3‐carbon organic host material.
Monodisperse Metallic NiCoSe2 Hollow Sub‐Microspheres: Formation Process, Intrinsic Charge‐Storage Mechanism, and Appealing Pseudocapacitance as Highly Conductive Electrode for Electrochemical Supercapacitors
Authors: Hou Linrui , Shi Yaoyao , Wu Chen , Zhang Yanru , Ma Yangzhou , Sun Xuan , Sun Jinfeng , Zhang Xiaogang , Yuan Changzhou
Published: January 2018

Highly conductive metal selenides are gaining prominence as promising electrode materials in electrochemical energy‐storage fields. However, phase‐pure bimetallic selenides are scarcely retrieved, and their underlying charge‐storage mechanisms are still far from clear. Here, first a solvothermal strategy is devised to purposefully fabricate monodisperse hollow NiCoSe2 (H‐NiCoSe2) sub‐microspheres. Inherent formation of metallic H‐NiCoSe2 is tentatively put forward with comparative structure‐evolution investigations. Interestingly, the fresh H‐NiCoSe2 does not demonstrate striking supercapacitive behaviors when evaluated for electrochemical supercapacitors (ESs). But it exhibits competitive pseudocapacitance of ≈750 F g−1 at a rate of 3 A g−1 with a high loading of 7 mg cm−2 after ≈100 cyclic voltammetry (CV) cycles. With systematic physicochemical/electrochemical analyses, intrinsic energy‐storage mechanism of the H‐NiCoSe2 is convincingly revealed that the electrooxidation‐generated biactive CoOOH/NiOOH phases in aqueous KOH over CV scanning, rather than the H‐NiCoSe2 itself, account for the remarkable pesudocapacitance observed after cycling. An assembled H‐NiCoSe2‐based asymmetric device has delivered an energy density of ≈25.5 Wh kg−1 with a power rate of ≈3.75 kW kg−1, and long‐span cycle life. More significantly, the electrode design and new perspectives here hold profound promise in enriching material synthesis methodologies and in‐depth understanding of the complex charge‐storage process of newly emerging pseudocapacitive materials for next‐generation ESs.
Electrodeless Reverse Electrodialysis Patches as an Ionic Power Source for Active Transdermal Drug Delivery
Authors: Kwon Seung‐Ryong , Nam So Hee , Park Clara Yongjoo , Baek Seol , Jang Joomyung , Che Xiangguo , Kwak Su Hong , Choi Yu‐Ra , Park Na‐Rae , Choi Je‐Yong , Lee Yan , Chung Taek Dong
Published: January 2018

Reverse electrodialysis (RED) is one of the promising sustainable technologies generating electric power from the mixing energy of two different salt solutions. Most of the reports on the RED systems are focused on scale‐up development and the improvement of maximum power density. However, regarding biocompatible and eco‐friendly natures, the RED system also has a great potential use where low electrical power is necessary, in particular for skin‐wearable biomedical devices. In this work, electronics‐free RED patches are devised as an ionic power source for active transdermal drug delivery. The electrodeless RED patches generate reliable voltages, which are proportional to the number of ion‐exchange membranes and salinity ratios, and successfully facilitate in vitro delivery of ionic drugs through mouse skin without involving any electronic component for the first time; 9, 20, and 36‐fold increases with lidocaine, ketorolac, and risedronate, respectively. Indeed, by using an osteoporosis‐induced mouse model, the RED patch delivery demonstrates powerful in vivo therapeutic effects against the diffusion‐based topical administration. The new ionic power source can allow transport of various types of drugs in the transdermal route and, more importantly, can be used for the operation of other portable biomedical devices.
Facile “Spot‐Heating” Synthesis of Carbon Dots/Carbon Nitride for Solar Hydrogen Evolution Synchronously with Contaminant Decomposition
Authors: Zhang Gong , Ji Qinghua , Wu Zhang , Wang Guichang , Liu Huijuan , Qu Jiuhui , Li Jinghong
Published: January 2018

The use of solar energy to produce the clean hydrogen (H2) energy from water splitting is a promising means of renewable energy conversion. High activation barriers for O2 generation associated with the rate‐limiting steps require utilization of noble metal‐based cocatalysts, which complicates the fabrication procedure and compromises the stability of the catalyst. Here, a homogenous “spot heating” approach is designed via the ultrasonic cavitation effect for evenly embedding highly crystalline carbon quantum dots (CQDs) on 2D C3N4 nanosheets. Based on density functional calculations and electrochemical experiments, the optimal introduction of CQDs into C3N4 not only extends light absorption spectrum, but also reduces effective mass of electrons (e−), facilitating photocarrier transport from excited sites. And, more importantly, the well‐organized CQDs with superior peroxidase mimetic activity can increase catalytic H2 production through the process of (i) 2H2O → H2O2 + H2; (ii) H2O2→2•OH; (iii) •OH + bisphenol A→ Final Products, with H2 production rate (152 µmol g−1 h−1) several times higher than that for pure C3N4. This work demonstrates an ideal platform for efficient H2 production with synergetic organic contaminant degradation, thereby opening possibilities for coupling energy conversion with environmental remediation.
Exploring Anomalous Polarization Dynamics in Organometallic Halide Perovskites
Authors: Ahmadi Mahshid , Collins Liam , Puretzky Alexander , Zhang Jia , Keum Jong Kahk , Lu Wei , Ivanov Ilia , Kalinin Sergei V. , Hu Bin
Published: January 2018

Organometallic halide perovskites (OMHPs) have attracted broad attention as prospective materials for optoelectronic applications. Among the many anomalous properties of these materials, of special interest are the ferroelectric properties including both classical and relaxor‐like components, as a potential origin of slow dynamics, field enhancement, and anomalous mobilities. Here, ferroelectric properties of the three representative OMHPs are explored, including FAPbxSn1–xI3 (x = 0, x = 0.85) and FA0.85MA0.15PbI3 using band excitation piezoresponse force microscopy and contact mode Kelvin probe force microscopy, providing insight into long‐ and short‐range dipole and charge dynamics in these materials and probing ferroelectric density of states. Furthermore, second‐harmonic generation in thin films of OMHPs is observed, providing a direct information on the noncentrosymmetric polarization in such materials. Overall, the data provide strong evidence for the presence of ferroelectric domains in these systems; however, the domain dynamics is suppressed by fast ion dynamics. These materials hence present the limit of ferroelectric materials with spontaneous polarization dynamically screened by ionic and electronic carriers.
In Situ Real‐Time Study of the Dynamic Formation and Conversion Processes of Metal Halide Perovskite Films
Authors: Meng Ke , Wu Longlong , Liu Zhou , Wang Xiao , Xu Qiaofei , Hu Youdi , He Sanfeng , Li Xiaolong , Li Tao , Chen Gang
Published: January 2018

Metal halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have advanced to the forefront of solution‐processed photovoltaic techniques and made stunning progress in power conversion efficiency (PCE). Further improvements in device performances rely on perfecting the structure and morphology of perovskite films. However, undesirable defects such as pinholes and grain boundaries are often created in film preparations due to lack of knowledge of the precise reaction mechanism. Here, in situ grazing‐incidence X‐ray diffraction (GI‐XRD) investigations are performed, facilitated by other techniques, on the formation of the widely adopted MAPbI3 (MA = methylammonium) perovskite films from their intermediate adduct (IA) phases. The influences of solvent vapor atmospheres on MAPbI3 films are also systematically investigated, where the dynamic conversion processes between different phases are visualized in real time. Further in situ GI‐XRD and infrared spectroscopy measurements reveal that the IA phases contain both N,N‐dimethylformamide and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as coordinating molecules. By tuning the DMSO concentration in perovskite precursors, the ideal perovskite film is formed and the best PCE is achieved for the planar MAPbI3‐based PSCs. These findings highlight the role of IA phases and the effect of solvent atmospheres on the quality of perovskite films, providing direct insights into their growth mechanism.
Selective Cell Isolation by Transferrin Functionalized Silane–Carbon Soot Mediated Superhydrophobic Micropatterns
Authors: Chate Govind P. , Kale Narendra R. , Khobragade Vrushali , Rahane Chinmay , Calderón Marcelo , Banerjee Shashwat S. , Khandare Jayant J.
Published: January 2018

Surfaces that facilitate selective cell adhesion using specific targeting moieties have great implications in diagnostics, tissue engineering, and high throughput screenings. However, designing robust and spatially confined micropatterns for selective cell isolation on portable platform is highly challenging. Here, wettable, silane (Si) micropatterns holding covalently attached transferrin (Tf) for targeting Tf overexpressing cancer cells are reported. These micropatterns are separated by carbon soot based superhydrophobic regions that turn these targeting sites into surface tension confined “microwells.” These microwells facilitate capture of human colorectal carcinoma cells (HCT 116) and human cervical adenocarcinoma cells (HeLa) by confining their attachment to wettable region, thereby making isolation and spotting of the targeted cells more efficient. In addition, owing to its transparent trait, the Tf conjugated wettability based patterned chip offer real time optical monitoring of cell adhesion, cell growth, and cell behavior. The specific cell isolation using such surface has applications in devising cancer recurrence monitoring tests.
MoS0.5Se1.5 Embedded in 2D Porous Carbon Sheets Boost Lithium Storage Performance as an Anode Material
Authors: Li Tongfei , Wang Ao , Li Xin , Wang Jingchun , Zhang Jie , Fu Gengtao , Xu Lin , Sun Dongmei , Tang Yawen
Published: January 2018

A promising anode material is developed for Li‐ion batteries consisting of MoS0.5Se1.5 particles uniformly embedded in 2D porous carbon sheets (denoted as MoS0.5Se1.5/C sheets). The formation of MoS0.5Se1.5/C sheets depends on a facile and cost‐effective potassium chloride (KCl)‐assisted strategy. The micrometer‐level KCl crystals are selected as the solid template because they are more easily precipitated than metal precursors and carbon source during recrystallization, which drives the simultaneous formation of carbon sheets and MoS0.5Se1.5 particles on KCl surface after pyrolysis; while makes a tighter integration between MoS0.5Se1.5 and carbon sheets. As an anode for Li‐ion batteries, the MoS0.5Se1.5/C sheets show more excellent Li storage properties compared to that of S‐free MoSe2/C sheets, including excellent cyclic stability and high rate capacity. Specifically, 494.8 mA h g−1 at a current density of 100 mA g−1 still is maintained for MoS0.5Se1.5/C sheets after 200 cycles, which is much higher than that of MoSe2/C sheets (173.5 mA h g−1). The significantly enhanced performance of MoS0.5Se1.5/C sheets can be attributed to the synergistic combination of MoS0.5Se1.5 phase and porous carbon sheets, which provides an effective conductive matrix and buffer spaces for Li‐ion/electronic transfer and MoS0.5Se1.5 expansion, during the charge–discharge.
Programmable Origami Strings
Authors: Kamrava Soroush , Mousanezhad Davood , Felton Samuel M. , Vaziri Ashkan
Published: January 2018

Origami‐inspired mechanisms have demonstrated a variety of beneficial features including geometric complexity and structural resilience. However, a limited number of studies have focused on their programmability in kinetics and kinematics through rearranging the folding pattern. In this paper, an origami “string,” a slender structure with a programmable trajectory, is presented. The string is composed of a number of elements that can be individually programed to achieve a specific folding pattern and curvature. The mechanism has a single degree of freedom, allowing it to be actuated from one end while maintaining precise positioning along the entire string length. The relationship between the fold pattern and string path is simulated and experimentally validated, and its application as a robotic gripper and a biomimetic hand is demonstrated. These results demonstrate the capabilities of the proposed origami strings in accomplishing precise positioning and programed shape and function.
Solution Deposition of Conformal Gold Coatings on Knitted Fabric for E‐Textiles and Electroluminescent Clothing
Authors: Wu Yunyun , Mechael Sara S. , Chen Yiting , Carmichael Tricia Breen
Published: January 2018

The vision for wearable electronics involves creating an imperceptible boundary between humans and devices. Integrating electronic devices into clothing represents an important path to this vision; however, combining conductive materials with textiles is challenging due to the porous structure of knitted textiles. Stretchability depends on maintaining the void structure between the yarns of the fabric; filling these voids with conductive materials stiffens the textile and can lead to detrimental cracking. The authors demonstrate the solution‐based metallization of a knitted textile that conformally coats individual fibers with gold, leaving the void structure intact. The resulting gold‐coated textile is highly conductive, with a sheet resistance of 1.07 Ω per square in the course direction. The resistance decreases by 80% when the fabric is stretched to 15% strain, and remains at this value to 160% strain. This outstanding combination of stretchability and conductivity is accompanied by durability to wearing, sweating, and washing. Low‐cost screen printing of a wax resist is demonstrated to produce patterned gold textiles suitable for electrically connecting discrete devices in clothing. The fabrication of electroluminescent fabric by depositing layers of device materials onto the gold‐coated textile is furthermore demonstrated, intimately merging device functionality with textiles for imperceptible wearable devices.
Dynamical Tuning of Graphene Plasmonic Resonances by Ultraviolet Illuminations
Authors: Dai Yunyun , Xia Yuyu , Jiang Tao , Chen Ang , Zhang Yiwen , Bai Yujie , Du Guiqiang , Guan Fang , Wu Shiwei , Liu Xiaohan , Shi Lei , Zi Jian
Published: January 2018

One of the unique features of plasmonic resonances in graphene structures is the enabled tunability through external means. Up to now, electrical gating is extensively adopted to tune graphene plasmonic resonances. This method is, however, limited unfortunately only to graphene structures with electrical connections. Here, a simple and efficient method to tune graphene plasmonic resonances by ultraviolet illuminations in a dynamical and reversible way is demonstrated. It is purely an optical means and can be applied to all kinds of graphene structures without introducing electrodes, ion–gel, or conducting layers required in electrical gating, which is of great significance especially for isolated graphene structures. The optical tuning method could shed new light on graphene‐based tunable devices.
Printed Nonfullerene Organic Solar Cells with the Highest Efficiency of 9.5%
Authors: Lin Yuanbao , Jin Yingzhi , Dong Sheng , Zheng Wenhao , Yang Junyu , Liu Alei , Liu Feng , Jiang Yufeng , Russell Thomas P. , Zhang Fengling , Huang Fei , Hou Lintao
Published: January 2018

The current work reports a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 9.54% achieved with nonfullerene organic solar cells (OSCs) based on PTB7‐Th donor and 3,9‐bis(2‐methylene‐(3‐(1,1‐dicyanomethylene)‐indanone))‐5,5,11,11‐tetrakis(4‐hexylphenyl)‐dithieno[2,3‐d:2′,3′‐d′]‐s‐indaceno[1,2‐b:5,6‐b′]dithiophene) (ITIC) acceptor fabricated by doctor‐blade printing, which has the highest efficiency ever reported in printed nonfullerene OSCs. Furthermore, a high PCE of 7.6% is realized in flexible large‐area (2.03 cm2) indium tin oxide (ITO)‐free doctor‐bladed nonfullerene OSCs, which is higher than that (5.86%) of the spin‐coated counterpart. To understand the mechanism of the performance enhancement with doctor‐blade printing, the morphology, crystallinity, charge recombination, and transport of the active layers are investigated. These results suggest that the good performance of the doctor‐blade OSCs is attributed to a favorable nanoscale phase separation by incorporating 0.6 vol% of 1,8‐diiodooctane that prolongs the dynamic drying time of the doctor‐bladed active layer and contributes to the migration of ITIC molecules in the drying process. High PCE obtained in the flexible large‐area ITO‐free doctor‐bladed nonfullerene OSCs indicates the feasibility of doctor‐blade printing in large‐scale fullerene‐free OSC manufacturing. For the first time, the open‐circuit voltage is increased by 0.1 V when 1 vol% solvent additive is added, due to the vertical segregation of ITIC molecules during solvent evaporation.
Low‐Temperature Solution‐Processed CuCrO2 Hole‐Transporting Layer for Efficient and Photostable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Hua , Wang Huan , Zhu Hongmei , Chueh Chu‐Chen , Chen Wei , Yang Shihe , Jen Alex K.‐Y.
Published: January 2018

Organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells (PVSCs) have become the front‐running photovoltaic technology nowadays and are expected to profoundly impact society in the near future. However, their practical applications are currently hampered by the challenges of realizing high performance and long‐term stability simultaneously. Herein, the development of inverted PVSCs is reported based on low temperature solution‐processed CuCrO2 nanocrystals as a hole‐transporting layer (HTL), to replace the extensively studied NiOx counterpart due to its suitable electronic structure and charge carrier transporting properties. A ≈45 nm thick compact CuCrO2 layer is incorporated into an inverted planar configuration of indium tin oxides (ITO)/c‐CuCrO2/perovskite/[6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM)/bathocuproine (BCP)/Ag, to result in the high steady‐state power conversion efficiency of 19.0% versus 17.1% for the typical low temperature solution‐processed NiOx‐based devices. More importantly, the optimized CuCrO2‐based device exhibits a much enhanced photostability than the reference device due to the greater UV light‐harvesting of the CuCrO2 layer, which can efficiently prevent the perovskite film from intense UV light exposure to avoid associated degradation. The results demonstrate the promising potential of CuCrO2 nanocrystals as an efficient HTL for realizing high‐performance and photostable inverted PVSCs.
Metal‐Free 2D/2D Heterojunction of Graphitic Carbon Nitride/Graphdiyne for Improving the Hole Mobility of Graphitic Carbon Nitride
Authors: Han Ying‐Ying , Lu Xiu‐Li , Tang Shang‐Feng , Yin Xue‐Peng , Wei Zhen‐Wei , Lu Tong‐Bu
Published: January 2018

The design and synthesis of efficient metal‐free photoelectrocatalysts for water splitting are of great significance, as nonmetal elements are generally earth abundant and environment friendly. As a typical metal‐free semiconductor, g‐C3N4 has received much attention in the field of photocatalytic water splitting. However, the poor photoinduced hole mobility of g‐C3N4 restrains its catalytic performance. Herein, for the first time, graphdiyne (GDY) is used to interact with g‐C3N4 to construct a metal‐free 2D/2D heterojunction of g‐C3N4/GDY as an efficient photoelectrocatalyst for water splitting. The g‐C3N4/GDY photocathode exhibits enhanced photocarriers separation due to excellent hole transfer nature of graphdiyne and the structure of 2D/2D heterojunction of g‐C3N4/GDY, realizing a sevenfold increase in electron life time (610 μs) compared to that of g‐C3N4 (88 μs), and a threefold increase in photocurrent density (−98 μA cm−2) compared to that of g‐C3N4 photocathode (−32 μA cm−2) at a potential of 0 V versus normal hydrogen electrode (NHE) in neutral aqueous solution. The photoelectrocatalytic performance can be further improved by fabricating Pt@g‐C3N4/GDY, which displays an photocurrent of −133 μA cm−2 at a potential of 0 V versus NHE in neutral aqueous solution. This work provides a new strategy for the design of efficient metal‐free photoelectrocatalysts for water splitting.
Surface Electronic Modification of Perovskite Thin Film with Water‐Resistant Electron Delocalized Molecules for Stable and Efficient Photovoltaics
Authors: Wen Tian Yu , Yang Shuang , Liu Peng Fei , Tang Li Juan , Qiao Hong Wei , Chen Xiao , Yang Xiao Hua , Hou Yu , Yang Hua Gui
Published: January 2018

Although the efficiency of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is close to crystalline silicon solar cells, the instability of perovskite, especially in humid condition, still hinders its commercialization. As an effective method to improve their stability, surface functionalization, by using hydrophobic molecules, has been extensively investigated, but usually accompanied with the loss of device efficiencies owing to their intrinsic electrical insulation. In this work, for the first time, it is demonstrated that 3‐alkylthiophene‐based hydrophobic molecules can be used as both water‐resistant and interface‐modified layers, which could simultaneously enhance both stability and performance significantly. Benefitting from their unique structures of thiophene rings, the π‐electrons are highly delocalized and thus enhance the charge transfer and collection at the interface. The device based on 3‐hexylthiophene treatment exhibits a champion energy conversion efficiency of 19.89% with a dramatic 10% enhancement compared with the pristine one (18.08%) of Cs0.05 FA0.81 MA0.14 PbBr0.45 I2.55‐based PSCs. More importantly, the degradation of the long‐term efficiency of unsealed device is less than 20% in Cs0.05 FA0.81 MA0.14 PbBr0.45I2.55‐based PSCs after more than 700 h storage in air. This finding provides an avenue for further improvement of both the efficiency and stability of PSCs.
Optimizing Mastery Learning Environments: A New Approach to Deliberate Practice for Simulation‐based Learning
Authors: Rice Julie , Omron Rodney , Calkins Hugh
Published: January 2018

Background

Deliberate practice (DP) is a method of mastery learning widely used in healthcare education. Investigations into improved mastery learning environments are important as we move to competency‐based educational models. The objective of this pilot project is to create and test the feasibility of a simulation‐based learning methodology based on close adherence to the tenants of DP for the acquisition of mastery knowledge.

Methods

We created a new methodology for simulation‐based mastery learning modules after review of the tenants of DP. A module was constructed to highlight important aspects of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) management in accordance with current American Heart Association practice guidelines and underwent expert review. Ten emergency medicine interns completed the module as part of the pilot. The number of case attempts, critical actions completed, and time to cardioversion of unstable patients were recorded. Resident confidence was reported before and several months after the module via survey instrument.

Results

Six cases of patients presenting with SVT were created and critical actions were defined. Cases were ordered in increasing difficulty to form a module in which learners were placed immediately into more complex contexts to practice the skill of SVT management with feedback provided between each case attempt. Residents averaged 2.5 attempts to complete case one. All completed case six on first attempt. All residents completed the six cases within the 2‐hour module. Time to cardioversion decreased significantly on repetitive practice. Increased resident confidence in several areas of SVT management was maintained several months postintervention.

Conclusion

The best methods for the use of DP to encourage mastery learning have not been well defined. Participation in our pilot case increased novice trainee performance and confidence in the management of SVT. Several challenges inherent in testing mastery knowledge acquisition were encountered and will inform future study of this new educational strategy.
Manipulating Band Structure through Reconstruction of Binary Metal Sulfide for High‐Performance Thermoelectrics in Solution‐Synthesized Nanostructured Bi13S18I2
Authors: Xu Biao , Feng Tianli , Agne Matthias T. , Tan Qing , Li Zhe , Imasato Kazuki , Zhou Lin , Bahk Je‐Hyeong , Ruan Xiulin , Snyder G. Jeffery , Wu Yue
Published: January 2018

Reconstructing canonical binary compounds by inserting a third agent can significantly modify their electronic and phonon structures. Therefore, it has inspired the semiconductor communities in various fields. Introducing this paradigm will potentially revolutionize thermoelectrics as well. Using a solution synthesis, Bi2S3 was rebuilt by adding disordered Bi and weakly bonded I. These new structural motifs and the altered crystal symmetry induce prominent changes in electrical and thermal transport, resulting in a great enhancement of the figure of merit. The as‐obtained nanostructured Bi13S18I2 is the first non‐toxic, cost‐efficient, and solution‐processable n‐type material with z T=1.0.
Self‐organized Ruthenium–Barium Core–Shell Nanoparticles on a Mesoporous Calcium Amide Matrix for Efficient Low‐Temperature Ammonia Synthesis
Authors: Kitano Masaaki , Inoue Yasunori , Sasase Masato , Kishida Kazuhisa , Kobayashi Yasukazu , Nishiyama Kohei , Tada Tomofumi , Kawamura Shigeki , Yokoyama Toshiharu , Hara Michikazu , Hosono Hideo
Published: January 2018

A low‐temperature ammonia synthesis process is required for on‐site synthesis. Barium‐doped calcium amide (Ba‐Ca(NH2)2) enhances the efficacy of ammonia synthesis mediated by Ru and Co by 2 orders of magnitude more than that of a conventional Ru catalyst at temperatures below 300 °C. Furthermore, the presented catalysts are superior to the wüstite‐based Fe catalyst, which is known as a highly active industrial catalyst at low temperatures and pressures. Nanosized Ru–Ba core–shell structures are self‐organized on the Ba‐Ca(NH2)2 support during H2 pretreatment, and the support material is simultaneously converted into a mesoporous structure with a high surface area (>100 m2 g−1). These self‐organized nanostructures account for the high catalytic performance in low‐temperature ammonia synthesis.
Genetic connectivity of the South American fur seal (Arctocephalus australis) across Atlantic and Pacific oceans revealed by mitochondrial genes
Authors: Rodrigues Pedro , Seguel Mauricio , Gutiérrez Josefina , Pavés Héctor , Verdugo Claudio
Published: January 2018

South American fur seals, Arctocephalus australis, were intensively hunted for centuries, leaving the species at the edge of extinction. After the cessation of commercial hunting in the 20th century the overall population has increased to an estimated population of 250 000–300 000 individuals, with Guafo Island being the largest breeding colony in Southern Chile with Guafo Island in Southern Chile being the largest breeding colony.

The genetic diversity of the South American fur seal population on Guafo Island and the possible genetic connectivity among populations from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans were studied in order to assess the importance of the Southern Chile Pacific population for the management of the species. Mitochondrial DNA sequences from the Guafo Island population were compared with those from various Atlantic (Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina) and Pacific (Peru) populations previously studied.

The results indicate the occurrence of historical and/or current gene flow among the populations of Guafo Island in the Pacific Ocean and the populations of the Atlantic Ocean, displaying a lack of genetic structure within these areas. In contrast, the Peruvian population is highly divergent compared with the Chilean and Atlantic populations.

The lack of genetic structure of Guafo Island fur seals suggests that this group is connected to populations in the Atlantic Ocean. Thus, the significant genetic diversity pool harboured by the Guafo Island population represents the northernmost point of expansion of this species from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, which could be important for the eventual dispersal of the species to more northern areas of the Pacific and to the future adaptation of the species to changing environmental conditions on the Pacific coasts.
Design, synthesis, and evaluation of new α‐aminonitrile‐based benzimidazole biomolecules as potent antimicrobial and antitubercular agents
Authors: Shaikh Irfan N. , Hosamani Kallappa M. , Kurjogi Mahantesh M.
Published: January 2018

The study explores the one‐pot synthesis of novel α‐aminonitriles by reacting 4‐[(1H‐benzimidazol‐2‐yl)methoxy]benzaldehyde, substituted anilines and sodium cyanide using a catalytic amount of copper dipyridine dichloride (CuPy2Cl2) and employing the Strecker reaction under mild conditions. All the synthesized compounds were screened for antimicrobial and antitubercular activity. The promising lead compounds 4d and 4e were identified, with MIC values ranging between 3.9 and 7.8 µg/mL against different bacterial strains. Compounds 4c–e and 4g also showed good antifungal activities against the tested fungal strain. Among those tested, compound 4e exhibited excellent antitubercular activity (MIC 0.05 μg/mL) with a low level of cytotoxicity, suggesting that compound 4e is a promising lead for subsequent investigations in search for new antitubercular agents.
Parent and clinician agreement regarding early behavioral signs in 12‐ and 18‐month‐old infants at‐risk of autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Sacrey Lori‐Ann R. , Zwaigenbaum Lonnie , Bryson Susan , Brian Jessica , Smith Isabel M. , Roberts Wendy , Szatmari Peter , Vaillancourt Tracy , Roncadin Caroline , Garon Nancy
Published: January 2018

Parent and clinician agreement regarding early behavioral signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children from a high‐risk cohort (siblings of children diagnosed with ASD, n = 188) was examined. Infants were assessed prospectively at 12 and 18 months of age using the clinician administered Autism Observational Scale for Infants (AOSI) and the Autism Parent Screen for Infants (APSI) and underwent a blind independent diagnostic assessment for ASD at 36 months of age. Direct comparison of parent and clinician ratings showed poor agreement on all early behavioral signs, with parent‐reported symptoms being better able to differentiate between children with and without ASD at both 12 and 18 months of age compared to clinician observations during a brief office visit. The results suggest that parents may detect some clinically informative behaviors based on their day‐to‐day observations more readily than do clinicians during brief clinical assessments, a result that needs to be replicated in a non‐sibling cohort. Autism Res 2018, 11: 539–547. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

Parents of children at high‐risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD; have an older sibling with ASD) and clinicians were compared on their reporting of 19 early signs of autism. Direct comparison of parent and clinician ratings showed poor agreement on all early behavioral signs, with parent‐reported symptoms being better able to differentiate between children with and without ASD at both 12 and 18 months of age compared to clinician observations during a brief office visit. This suggests that parents may have important information regarding early development of their high‐risk child.
Fostering Spontaneous Visual Attention in Children on the Autism Spectrum: A Proof‐of‐Concept Study Comparing Singing and Speech
Authors: Thompson Grace Anne , Abel Larry Allen
Published: January 2018

Children on the autism spectrum are reported to have lower rates of social gaze as early as toddlerhood, and this pattern persists across the lifespan. Finding ways to promote more natural and spontaneous engagement in social interactions may help to boost developmental opportunities in the child's home and community settings. This proof‐of‐concept study hypothesized that a video of a singer would elicit more attention to the performer, particularly to her face, than a video of her reading a story, and that the child's familiarity with the material would enhance attention. Sixteen children on the autism spectrum (7–10 years old) watched 4 videos 1 min long comprising a favorite song or story, and an unfamiliar song and story. Eye movements were recorded, and three‐way repeated measures ANOVAs examined the proportion of total valid visual dwell time and fixations, in each trial and each target area. For proportion of both dwell time and fixation counts, children were significantly more likely to look at the performer's face and body and less at the prop during singing than story‐telling and when familiar rather than unfamiliar material was presented. These findings raise important issues for supporting children to naturally initiate looking toward a person's face. Autism Res 2018, 11: 732–737. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

Children on the autism spectrum may have difficulty looking at people, particularly their faces. In this study, children watched videos of someone singing or reading a story. The results show that children look more at the person if they were singing and if the story was familiar to them. Using songs and familiar stories may be a way to help children with autism to naturally engage with others.
A neuropathological study of novel RTTN gene mutations causing a familial microcephaly with simplified gyral pattern
Authors: Chartier Suzanne , Alby Caroline , Boutaud Lucile , Thomas Sophie , Elkhartoufi Nadia , Martinovic Jelena , Kaplan Josseline , Benachi Alexandra , Lacombe Didier , Sonigo Pascale , Drunat Séverine , Vekemans Michel , Agenor Joël , Encha Razavi Férechté , Attie‐Bitach Tania
Published: January 2018

Background

The RTTN gene encodes Rotatin, a large centrosomal protein involved in ciliary functions. RTTN mutations have been reported in seven families and are associated with two phenotypes: polymicrogyria associated with seizures and primary microcephaly associated with primordial dwarfism.

Case

A targeted exome sequencing of morbid genes causing cerebral malformations identified novel RTTN compound heterozygous mutations in a family where three pregnancies were terminated because a severe fetal microcephaly was diagnosed. An autopsy performed on the second sib showed moderate growth restriction and a microcephaly with simplified gyral pattern. The histopathological study discovered a malformed cortical plate.

Conclusions

The present study confirms the involvement of RTTN gene mutations in microcephaly with simplified gyral pattern and describes the observed abnormal neuropathological findings.
Quenching of graphene quantum dots fluorescence by alkaline phosphatase activity in the presence of hydroquinone diphosphate
Authors: Pereira da Silva Neves Marta Maria , González‐García María Begoña , Pérez‐Junquera Alejandro , Hernández‐Santos David , Fanjul‐Bolado Pablo
Published: January 2018

In this work, a turn‐off photoluminescent sensing proof‐of‐concept based on blue luminescent graphene quantum dots (GQDs) as the fluorescent probe was developed. For that purpose, GQDs optical response was related with the catalytic enzymatic activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), in the presence of hydroquinone diphosphate (HQDP). The hydrolysis of HQDP by ALP generated hydroquinone (HQ). The oxidation of HQ, enzymatically produced, to p‐benzoquinone (BQ) resulted in the quenching of GQDs fluorescence (FL). Therefore, the developed luminescent sensing mechanism allowed the FL quenching with ALP activity to be related and thus quantified the concentration of ALP down to 0.5 nM of enzyme. This innovative design principle appears as a promising tool for the development of enzymatic sensors based on ALP labeling with fluorescent detection or even for direct ALP luminescent quantification in an easy, fast and sensitive manner.
Uranyl tris nitrato as a luminescent probe for trace water detection in acetonitrile
Authors: Kumar Satendra , Maji S. , Sundararajan K. , Sankaran K.
Published: January 2018

Uranyl tris nitrato i.e. [UO2(NO3)3]– was formed by adding tetramethylammonium nitrate to uranyl nitrate in acetonitrile medium. The luminescence features of this complex in acetonitrile are very sensitive to water content, which could lead to the use of it as a luminescent probe for water present in acetonitrile. The luminescence intensity ratio of 507 to 467 nm peak of uranyl tris nitrato showed a linear response in the range 0–5% (v/v) water content in acetonitrile. The present method was applied for three synthetic samples of acetonitrile for water detection and the results obtained were compared using Karl Fischer titration. There was a good agreement in the values obtained by both the methods.
Spatial barriers impact upon appropriate delivery of radiotherapy in breast cancer patients
Authors: Stracci Fabrizio , Bianconi Fortunato , Lupi Chiara , Margaritelli Manuela , Gili Alessio , Aristei Cynthia
Published: January 2018

Radiotherapy (RT) is the standard treatment for breast cancer patients after conserving surgery or mastectomy when patients are at high risk of relapse. Major obstacles to appropriate RT delivery are journey times. Since studies on access to RT were carried out mostly in large countries, this study investigated factors in an Italian region and the influence of RT delivery on survival. A total of 4735 female candidates for RT were included in the study. A geographic information system calculated journey times from patients' homes and surgery hospitals to RT centers. Logistic regression analyzed the influence of journey times, socioeconomic status, and other factors on RT delivery. Survival probabilities and excess mortality were assessed in 4364 propensity score‐matched patients. Journey times of 40 min or less from residence and from surgery hospital to RT center played a major role in access to RT. A large survival difference emerged between treated and untreated breast cancer patients. The excess mortality for untreated patients compared with propensity score‐matched women receiving RT was 3.1 (95% CI: 2.2–4.3). Expansion of RT facilities during the 11‐year study period improved RT delivery and outcomes by increasing availability but mainly by shortening journey times.
Five New Alkaloids from the Roots of Sophora flavescens
Authors: Zhang Sheng‐Yuan , Li Wen , Nie Hua , Liao Mei , Qiu Bo , Yang Ya‐Li , Chen Yan‐Fen
Published: January 2018

Five new quinolizidine alkaloids, including three sparteine‐type alkaloids (1 – 3) and two cytisine‐type alkaloids (4 and 5), along with four known ones, were isolated from the roots of Sophora flavescens. Their structures were determined by extensive spectroscopic techniques including IR, UV, NMR, and HR‐ESI‐MS. All the compounds were evaluated for their antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
Cleavable Crosslinkers as Tissue Fixation Reagents for Proteomic Analysis
Authors: Ongay Sara , Langelaar‐Makkinje Miriam , Stoop Marcel P. , Liu Nora , Overkleeft Hermen , Luider Theo M. , Groothuis Geny M. M. , Bischoff Rainer
Published: January 2018

Formaldehyde fixation is widely used for long‐term maintenance of tissue. However, due to formaldehyde‐induced crosslinks, fixed tissue proteins are difficult to extract, which hampers mass spectrometry (MS) proteomic analyses. Recent years have seen the use of different combinations of high temperature and solubilizing agents (usually derived from antigen retrieval techniques) to unravel formaldehyde‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue proteomes. However, to achieve protein extraction yields similar to those of fresh‐frozen tissue, high‐temperature heating is necessary. Such harsh extraction conditions can affect sensitive amino acids and post‐translational modifications, resulting in the loss of important information, while still not resulting in protein yields comparable to those of fresh‐frozen tissue. Herein, the objective is to evaluate cleavable protein crosslinkers as fixatives that allow tissue preservation and efficient protein extraction from fixed tissue for MS proteomics under mild conditions. With this goal in mind, disuccinimidyl tartrate (DST) and dithiobis(succinimidylpropionate) (DSP) are investigated as cleavable fixating reagents. These compounds crosslink proteins by reacting with amino groups, leading to amide bond formation, and can be cleaved with sodium metaperiodate (cis‐diols, DST) or reducing agents (disulfide bonds, DSP), respectively. Results show that cleavable protein crosslinking with DST and DSP allows tissue fixation with morphology preservation comparable to that of formaldehyde. In addition, cleavage of DSP improves protein recovery from fixed tissue by a factor of 18 and increases the number of identified proteins by approximately 20 % under mild extraction conditions compared with those of formaldehyde‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue. A major advantage of DSP is the introduction of well‐defined protein modifications that can be taken into account during database searching. In contrast to DSP fixation, DST fixation followed by cleavage with sodium metaperiodate, although effective, results in side reactions that prevent effective protein extraction and interfere with protein identification. Protein crosslinkers that can be cleaved under mild conditions and result in defined modifications, such as DSP, are thus viable alternatives to formaldehyde as tissue fixatives to facilitate protein analysis from paraffin‐embedded, fixed tissue.