bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vivo Activity of Dust Inhalation at Ratcon Quarry, Sokuro Village, Oluyole, Ibadan Oyo State
Authors: Olusegun Adeniyi Abayomi
Published: February 2021

A total of twenty (20) experimental adult male rats, aged 60 days (7 to 8 weeks) with average body weight between 150-200 gm were grouped, restrained inside laboratory approved plastic holders and exposed to dust inhalation at the quarry site with exposure time of 7, 14 and 21 days to reflect short-term effects while 42days represent long-term effects of dust inhalation on human beings. Each specimen was collected and sacrificed at their grouped survival periods and subjected to laboratory analysis that include Hematology and Histopathology of the lungs. The Hematologyresults of the 7 and 14days specimens revealed no remarkable changes in the Erythrogram (PCV, HB and RBC), the Leucogram (WBC) and the Platelets but however, the results of the 21 and 42 days specimen revealed leukocytosis (increase in WBC), lymphocytosis (increase Lym) and neutrophilia (increase neutrophils) (p<0.05). The Histopathology results of the first specimen (7 days exposure) showed no observable lesion, the second specimen(14 days) showed capillary congestion and mild interstitial pneumonia, while the third (21 days) and fourth (42 days) samples showed the rats graduating from mild to moderate interstitial pneumonia and oedema. The risk of these diseases depends on the amount of organic or inorganic dusts inhaled and deposited in the alveolar region, the air concentration of respirable dust as well as the exposure time and breathing pattern.
Application of BIM Based Information Management Technology in Prefabricated Buildings
Authors: Tong Shen , Nan Yu
Published: February 2021

Under the background of industrial transformation and green development of construction industry, prefabricated building has become an important means to promote the development of construction industrialization and environmental protection. In the period of new and old construction mode change, the construction links of in-depth design, component production, component transportation and assembly construction are added to the prefabricated building, which has higher requirements for the unity of the whole process of the construction project. BIM platform can unify the information of the whole process and coordinate the management of the whole process of the project. This paper expounds the application of information management technology based on BIM in the three processes of in-depth design, component production and transportation management of prefabricated building. Through the analysis and comparison of actual cases, it is concluded that the prefabricated building combined with BIM Technology has more advantages than traditional construction in design, management, capital, environmental protection, etc.
Development and initial clinical testing of a multiplexed circulating tumor cell assay in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Bade Rory M. , Schehr Jennifer L. , Emamekhoo Hamid , Gibbs Benjamin K. , Rodems Tamara S. , Mannino Matthew C. , Desotelle Joshua A. , Heninger Erika , Stahlfeld Charlotte N. , Sperger Jamie M. , Singh Anupama , Wolfe Serena K. , Niles David J. , Arafat Waddah , Steinharter John A. , Jason Abel E. , Beebe David J. , Wei Xiao X. , McKay Rana R. , Choueri Toni K. , Lang Joshua M.
Published: February 2021

Although therapeutic options for patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) have increased in the past decade, no biomarkers are yet available for patient stratification or evaluation of therapy resistance. Given the dynamic and heterogeneous nature of clear cell RCC (ccRCC), tumor biopsies provide limited clinical utility, but liquid biopsies could overcome these limitations. Prior liquid biopsy approaches have lacked clinically relevant detection rates for patients with ccRCC. This study employed ccRCC‐specific markers, CAIX and CAXII, to identify circulating tumor cells (CTC) from patients with metastatic ccRCC. Distinct subtypes of ccRCC CTCs were evaluated for PD‐L1 and HLA‐I expression and correlated with patient response to therapy. CTC enumeration and expression of PD‐L1 and HLA‐I correlated with disease progression and treatment response, respectively. Longitudinal evaluation of a subset of patients demonstrated potential for CTC enumeration to serve as a pharmacodynamic biomarker. Further evaluation of phenotypic heterogeneity among CTCs is needed to better understand the clinical utility of this new biomarker.
Advances in Importance Sampling
Authors: Elvira Víctor , Martino Luca
Published: February 2021

Importance sampling (IS) is a Monte Carlo technique for the approximation of intractable distributions and integrals with respect to them. The origin of IS dates from the early 1950s. In the past decades, the rise of the Bayesian paradigm and the increase of the available computational resources have propelled the interest in this theoretically sound methodology. In this article, we first describe the basic IS algorithm and then revisit the recent advances in this methodology. We pay particular attention to two sophisticated lines. First, we focus on multiple IS (MIS), the case where more than one proposal is available. Second, we describe adaptive IS (AIS), the generic methodology for adapting one or more proposals.
Modeling of kyphoplasty cement for accurate dose calculations
Authors: Halvorsen Per H. , Hariharan Navneeth , Morelli Zackary T. , Iftimia Ileana N.
Published: February 2021

We have determined the optimal method for modeling kyphoplasty cement to enable accurate dose calculations in the Eclipse treatment planning system (TPS). The cement studied (Medtronic Kyphon HV‐R®) consists of 30% Barium, 68% polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), and 2% benzoyl peroxide, formulated to be radiopaque with kV imaging systems. Neither Barium nor PMMA have a high physical density, resulting in different interaction characteristics for megavoltage treatment beams compared to kV imaging systems. This can lead to significant calculation errors if density mapping is performed using a standard CT number to density curve. To properly characterize the cement for dose calculation, we 3D printed a hemi‐cylindrical container to fit adjacent to a micro‐chamber insert for an anthropomorphic phantom, and filled the container with Kyphon cement. We CT scanned the combination, modeled the cement with multiple material assignments in the TPS, designed plans with different field sizes and beam geometry for five photon modes, and measured the doses for all plans. All photon energies show significant error in calculated dose when the cement is modeled based on the CT number. Of the material assignments we evaluated, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) showed the best overall agreement with measurement. Calculated and measured doses agree within 3.5% for a 340‐degree arc technique (which averages transmission and scatter effects) with the Acuros XB algorithm and PTFE as the assigned material. To confirm that PTFE is a reasonable substitute for kyphoplasty cement, we performed measurements in a slab phantom using rectangular inserts of cement and PTFE, showing average agreement of all photon modes within 2%. Based on these findings, we conclude that the PTFE material assignment provides acceptable dose calculation accuracy for the AAA and Acuros XB photon algorithms in the Eclipse TPS. We recommend that the cement be delineated as a structure and assigned the PTFE material for accurate dose calculation.
Weighted couple‐group consensus for a kind of discrete heterogeneous multiagent systems in cooperative–competitive networks based on self‐adaptive controller
Authors: Pu Xingcheng , Liu Yi , Ren Li
Published: February 2021

In this article, the weighted couple‐group consensus is studied for a kind of discrete heterogeneous multiagent systems with time delays. Based on self‐adaptive controller and cooperative–competitive relation, a novel weighted couple‐group protocol is proposed for this system without satisfying the in‐degree balance of the vertex. By applying complex frequency method, matrix analysis and graph algebraic theory, some sufficient conditions are given to ensure the success of couple‐group consensus under directed or undirected topology. The upper limit of the input time delay can be computed according to the weighted parameters. Some simulation examples show the validity of the achieved results.
Rapid Extracellular Matrix Remodeling via Gene‐Electrospun Fibers as a “Patch” for Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Jin Jing , Saiding Qimanguli , Wang Xianjing , Qin Menglu , Xiang Yi , Cheng Ruoyu , Cui Wenguo , Chen Xinliang
Published: February 2021

A break of extracellular matrix (ECM) balance can cause several degenerative changes in soft tissues. To reverse the imbalance fundamentally, a recently developed treatment, gene therapy, came to attention. However, the efficiency of the approach is limited because long‐term localized presence and bioactivity are difficult to achieve. Here, reconstituted lysyl oxidase‐like 1 (LOXL1) plasmids (pLOXL1) are loaded into nanoliposomes by a microfluidic chip, followed by encapsulation into the core layer of core–shell nanofibers by microsol‐electrospinning to achieve local accumulation and biological availability of the constructs and enable rapid ECM response. Results show that the pLOXL1‐Lipo@PLCL‐HA achieves the sustained release of pLOXL1 over a 30‐day period, with its transfection efficiency maintained above 50%. In a rabbit model of abdominal hernia, the long‐term collagen remodeling density is raised by over 90% in the pLOXL1‐Lipo@PLCL‐HA implanted animals compared to the control animals. The expression levels of ECM gene (COL1A1, COL3A1, Elastin, Fubilin5) are significantly increased. Collectively, this study establishes that pLOXL1‐Lipo@PLCL‐HA accelerates local ECM reconstruction via effective and reliable gene delivery as a potential base material of a “patch” for pelvic floor repairment, and identifies the key principles for design of LOXL1‐incorporated scaffolds for ECM regeneration.
Defect Engineering in Earth‐Abundant Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 Photovoltaic Materials via Ga3+‐Doping for over 12% Efficient Solar Cells
Authors: Du Yachao , Wang Shanshan , Tian Qingwen , Zhao Yuechao , Chang Xiaohuan , Xiao Haiqin , Deng Yueqing , Chen Shiyou , Wu Sixin , Liu Shengzhong (Frank)
Published: February 2021

The efficiency of earth‐abundant Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) solar cells is considerably lower than the Shockley–Queisser limit. One of the main reasons for this is the presence of deleterious cation disordering caused by SnZn antisite and 2CuZn+SnZn defect clusters, resulting in a short minority carrier lifetime and significant band tailing, leading to a large open‐circuit voltage deficit, and hence, low efficiency. In this study, Ga‐doping is used to increase the CZTSSe solar cell efficiency to as high as 12.3%, one of the highest for this type of cells. First‐principles calculations show that the preference of Ga3+ occupying Zn and Sn sites has a benign effect on suppressing the formation of the SnZn deep donor defects by upwardly shifting the Fermi level, which is further confirmed by deep‐level transient spectroscopy characterization. Besides, the Ga dopants can also form defect‐dopant clusters, such as GaZn+CuZn and GaZn+GaSn, which also have positive effects on suppressing the band‐tailing states. The defect engineering via Ga3+‐doping may suppress the band‐tailing defect with a decreased Urbach energy, elevate the minority carrier lifetime, and in the end, enhance the VOC from 473 to 515 mV. These results provide a new route to further increase CZTSSe‐based solar cell efficiency by defect engineering.
Tailoring of a Piezo‐Photo‐Thermal Solar Evaporator for Simultaneous Steam and Power Generation
Authors: Huang Cong‐Han , Huang Jen‐Xiang , Chiao Yu‐Hsuan , Chang Chia‐Ming , Hung Wei‐Song , Lue Shingjiang Jessie , Wang Chih‐Feng , Hu Chien‐Chieh , Lee Kueir‐Rarn , Pan Huang‐Hsing , Lai Juin‐Yih
Published: February 2021

Water and electricity shortages constitute a global energy crisis that cannot be ignored. The sun is an unlimited source of energy, and oceans provide abundant water and renewable energy resources. In this study, poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)/graphene solar evaporator membranes are fabricated for simultaneous freshwater production and power generation. Graphene addition transformed the PVDF crystal from the α‐phase to the piezoelectric self‐assembly β‐phase. The resulting membrane is used to convert the mechanical energy of waves to electrical energy. The membrane has an output voltage of 2.6 V (±1.3 V) and an energy density of 2.11 Wm−2 for 1 Hz simulated waves, which are higher than values reported in the literature. The stacked graphene and polymer formed a wood‐lumens‐like mesoporous structure with a photothermal effect. Under one sun illumination, the water production rate is 1.2 kg m−2 h−1, and the solar‐thermal energy conversion efficiency is 84%. Finally, a prototype is built to prove a single evaporator's feasibility that can simultaneously obtain freshwater and generate electricity. Thus, this membrane serves as an ocean wave power generation device that can provide all‐weather energy generation, convert stored electrical energy into thermal energy at night and on cloudy days, and continuously provide safe drinking water.
Humidity‐Responsive Liquid Crystalline Network Actuator Showing Synergistic Fluorescence Color Change Enabled by Aggregation Induced Emission Luminogen
Authors: Lan Ruochen , Gao Yanzi , Shen Chen , Huang Rui , Bao Jinying , Zhang Zhongping , Wang Qian , Zhang Lanying , Yang Huai
Published: February 2021

Imitating the structures and behaviors of natural creatures is of great significance to scientists to explore novel materials for practical applications. However, the design and fabrication of biomimetic devices with complex and outstanding performances is still on the way. A bilayer film composed of liquid crystalline networks (LCN) film and hydrochromic aggregation‐induced‐emission molecule‐doped hydrophilic layer is prepared. Under different relative humidity, the composite film can deform and change fluorescence color simultaneously. The influence of the content of the hydrophilic matrix on the fluorescent property and humidity‐responsive behaviors of the bilayer film is investigated. Thanks to the mechanical anisotropy provided by uniform‐aligned LCN film, different modes of deformation of the bilayer film are achievable, like bending, curling, and twisting. More importantly, due to the independence of the LCN film and the non‐mesogenic molecules brought by this bimorph strategy, complex alignment of the LCN film and modification by immiscible molecules are realized in a single LCN actuator. Based on the functional composite film, artificial flowers showing synergistic blooming and shape‐changing is prepared. By regulating the molecular alignment of the LC mesogens of the LCN film, the artificial flowers can imitate various blooming behaviors of natural flowers like confederate jasmine and jade lotus.
Chiral 3D‐printed Bioelectrodes
Authors: Muñoz Jose , Redondo Edurne , Pumera Martin
Published: February 2021

3D printing technology has gained great interest since it enables decentralized and customized manufacturing of 3D‐printed electronic devices. From an electrochemical point of view, 3D‐printed electrodes present promising achievements for (bio)sensing approaches. Herein, the feasibility of exploiting 3D‐printed electrode substrates toward chiral analyses—a relevant topic owing to the homochiral nature of the biochemistry of life—has been interrogated for the first time. As a proof‐of‐concept, as‐printed 3D‐printed nanocomposite carbon electrodes (3D‐nCEs) have been biofunctionalized with a model chiral selector like the class‐enzyme L‐amino acid oxidase for the ultrasensitive electrochemical discrimination of amino acid enantiomers. Interestingly, an unprecedented electrochemical approach has been devised, which relies on impedimetrically monitoring changes at the bioelectrode interface derived from the reactivity between the H2O2 by‐product generated during enzymatic reactions and the 3D‐nCE surface, yielding to the screening of amino acid enantiomers even at femtomolar concentrations. Different characterization techniques have been employed to elucidate the impedimetric mechanism involved for the electroanalysis. Accordingly, this work not only demonstrates the feasibility of exploiting 3D‐printed electronic devices for enantiosensing achievements, but also brings out a general and straightforward electrochemical approach for the sensitive and selective analysis of enzymatic systems.
Position‐Controlled Functionalization of Vacancies in Silicon by Single‐Ion Implanted Germanium Atoms
Authors: Achilli Simona , Le Nguyen H. , Fratesi Guido , Manini Nicola , Onida Giovanni , Turchetti Marco , Ferrari Giorgio , Shinada Takahiro , Tanii Takashi , Prati Enrico
Published: February 2021

Special point defects in semiconductors have been envisioned as suitable components for quantum‐information technology. The identification of new deep centers in silicon that can be easily activated and controlled is a main target of the research in the field. Vacancy‐related complexes are suitable to provide deep electronic levels but they are hard to control spatially. With the spirit of investigating solid state devices with intentional vacancy‐related defects at controlled position, the functionalization of silicon vacancies is reported on here by implanting Ge atoms through single‐ion implantation, producing Ge‐vacancy (GeV) complexes. The quantum transport through an array of GeV complexes in a silicon‐based transistor is investigated. By exploiting a model based on an extended Hubbard Hamiltonian derived from ab initio results, anomalous activation energy values of the thermally activated conductance of both quasi‐localized and delocalized many‐body states are obtained, compared to conventional dopants. Such states are identified, forming the upper Hubbard band, as responsible for the experimental sub‐threshold transport across the transistor. The combination of the model with the single‐ion implantation method enables future research for the engineering of GeV complexes toward the creation of spatially controllable individual defects in silicon for applications in quantum information technology.
Efficient Low‐Grade Heat Harvesting Enabled by Tuning the Hydration Entropy in an Electrochemical System
Authors: Gao Caitian , Liu Yezhou , Chen Bingbing , Yun Jeonghun , Feng Erxi , Kim Yeongae , Kim Moobum , Choi Ahreum , Lee Hyun‐Wook , Lee Seok Woo
Published: February 2021

Harvesting of low‐grade heat (<100 °C) is promising, but its application is hampered by a lack of efficient and low‐cost systems. The thermally regenerative electrochemical cycle (TREC) is a potential alternative system with high energy‐conversion efficiency. Here, the temperature coefficient (α), which is a key factor in a TREC, is studied by tuning the hydration entropy of the electrochemical reaction. The change of α in copper hexacyanoferrate (CuHCFe) with intercalation of different monovalent cations (Na+, K+, Rb+, and Cs+) and a larger α value of −1.004 mV K−1 being found in the Rb+ system are observed. With a view to practical application, a full cell is constructed for low‐grade heat harvesting. The resultant ηe is 4.34% when TREC operates between 10 and 50 °C, which further reaches 6.21% when 50% heat recuperation is considered. This efficiency equals to 50% of the Carnot efficiency, which is thought to be the highest ηe reported for low‐grade heat harvesting systems. This study provides a fundamental understanding of the mechanisms governing the TREC, and the demonstrated efficient system paves the way for low‐grade heat harvesting.
A Comprehensive Review on Intracellular Delivery
Authors: Morshedi Rad Dorsa , Alsadat Rad Maryam , Razavi Bazaz Sajad , Kashaninejad Navid , Jin Dayong , Ebrahimi Warkiani Majid
Published: February 2021

Intracellular delivery is considered an indispensable process for various studies, ranging from medical applications (cell‐based therapy) to fundamental (genome‐editing) and industrial (biomanufacture) approaches. Conventional macroscale delivery systems critically suffer from such issues as low cell viability, cytotoxicity, and inconsistent material delivery, which have opened up an interest in the development of more efficient intracellular delivery systems. In line with the advances in microfluidics and nanotechnology, intracellular delivery based on micro‐ and nanoengineered platforms has progressed rapidly and held great promises owing to their unique features. These approaches have been advanced to introduce a smorgasbord of diverse cargoes into various cell types with the maximum efficiency and the highest precision. This review differentiates macro‐, micro‐, and nanoengineered approaches for intracellular delivery. The macroengineered delivery platforms are first summarized and then each method is categorized based on whether it employs a carrier‐ or membrane‐disruption‐mediated mechanism to load cargoes inside the cells. Second, particular emphasis is placed on the micro‐ and nanoengineered advances in the delivery of biomolecules inside the cells. Furthermore, the applications and challenges of the established and emerging delivery approaches are summarized. The topic is concluded by evaluating the future perspective of intracellular delivery toward the micro‐ and nanoengineered approaches.
Néel‐Type Elliptical Skyrmions in a Laterally Asymmetric Magnetic Multilayer
Authors: Cui Baoshan , Yu Dongxing , Shao Ziji , Liu Yizhou , Wu Hao , Nan Pengfei , Zhu Zengtai , Wu Chuangwen , Guo Tengyu , Chen Peng , Zhou Heng‐An , Xi Li , Jiang Wanjun , Wang Hao , Liang Shiheng , Du Haifeng , Wang Kang L. , Wang Wenhong , Wu Kehui , Han Xiufeng , Zhang Guangyu , Yang Hongxin , Yu Guoqiang
Published: February 2021

Magnetic skyrmions, topological‐chiral spin textures, have potential applications in next‐generation high‐density and energy‐efficient spintronic devices for information storage and logic technologies. Tailoring the detailed spin textures of skyrmions is of pivotal importance for tuning skyrmion dynamics, which is one of the key factors for the design of skyrmionic devices. Here, the direct observation of parallel aligned elliptical magnetic skyrmions in Pt/Co/Ta multilayers with an oblique‐angle deposited Co layer is reported. Domain wall velocity and spin–orbit‐torque‐induced out‐of‐plane effective field analysis demonstrate that the formation of unusual elliptical skyrmions is correlated to the anisotropic effective perpendicular magnetic anisotropy energy density (Keffu) and Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction (DMI) in the film plane. Structural analysis and first‐principles calculations further show that the anisotropic Keffu and DMI originate from the interfacial anisotropic strain introduced by the oblique‐angle deposition. The work provides a method to tune the spin textures of skyrmions in magnetic multilayers and, thereby, a new degree of freedom for the design of skyrmionic devices.
Layer‐by‐Layer Processed Ternary Organic Photovoltaics with Efficiency over 18%
Authors: Zhan Lingling , Li Shuixing , Xia Xinxin , Li Yaokai , Lu Xinhui , Zuo Lijian , Shi Minmin , Chen Hongzheng
Published: February 2021

Obtaining a finely tuned morphology of the active layer to facilitate both charge generation and charge extraction has long been the goal in the field of organic photovoltaics (OPVs). Here, a solution to resolve the above challenge via synergistically combining the layer‐by‐layer (LbL) procedure and the ternary strategy is proposed and demonstrated. By adding an asymmetric electron acceptor, BTP‐S2, with lower miscibility to the binary donor:acceptor host of PM6:BO‐4Cl, vertical phase distribution can be formed with donor‐enrichment at the anode and acceptor‐enrichment at the cathode in OPV devices during the LbL processing. In contrast, LbL‐type binary OPVs based on PM6:BO‐4Cl still show bulk‐heterojunction like morphology. The formation of the vertical phase distribution can not only reduce charge recombination but also promote charge collection, thus enhancing the photocurrent and fill factor in LbL‐type ternary OPVs. Consequently, LbL‐type ternary OPVs exhibit the best efficiency of 18.16% (certified: 17.8%), which is among the highest values reported to date for OPVs. The work provides a facile and effective approach for achieving high‐efficiency OPVs with expected morphologies, and demonstrates the LbL‐type ternary strategy as being a promising procedure in fabricating OPV devices from the present laboratory study to future industrial production.
Macrocyclic‐Amphiphile‐Based Self‐Assembled Nanoparticles for Ratiometric Delivery of Therapeutic Combinations to Tumors
Authors: Zhang Zhanzhan , Yue Yu‐Xin , Xu Lina , Wang Ying , Geng Wen‐Chao , Li Juan‐Juan , Kong Xiang‐lei , Zhao Xinzhi , Zheng Yadan , Zhao Yu , Shi Linqi , Guo Dong‐Sheng , Liu Yang
Published: February 2021

Combination chemotherapy refers to the use of multiple drugs to treat cancer. In this therapy, the optimal ratio of the drugs is essential to achieve drug synergism and the desired therapeutic effects. However, most delivery strategies are unable to precisely control the ratio of the drugs during the drug loading and delivery processes, resulting in inefficient synergy and unpredictable efficacy. Herein, a macrocyclic‐amphiphile‐based self‐assembled nanoparticle (MASN) that achieves precise loading and ratiometric delivery of therapeutic combinations is presented. By integrating multiple macrocyclic cavities within a single nanoparticle, the MASN can load multiple drug molecules via the host–guest interaction, and the ratio of the drugs loaded can be predicted with their initial concentrations and characteristic binding affinity. Moreover, MASNs are readily degraded under a hypoxic microenvironment, allowing spontaneous release of the drugs upon reaching tumor tissues. With precise drug loading and controlled release mechanisms, MASNs achieve ratiometric delivery of multiple commercial drugs to tumors, thereby achieving optimal anti‐tumor effects. Since the optimal drug ratio of a therapeutic combination can be quickly determined in vitro, MASNs can translate this optimal ratio to the therapeutic benefits in vivo, providing a potential platform for the rapid development of effective combination cancer therapies involving multiple drugs.
Face‐to‐Face Growth of Wafer‐Scale 2D Semiconducting MOF Films on Dielectric Substrates
Authors: Liu Youxing , Wei Yanan , Liu Minghui , Bai Yichao , Wang Xinyu , Shang Shengcong , Du Changsheng , Gao Wenqiang , Chen Jianyi , Liu Yunqi
Published: February 2021

The preparation of large‐area 2D conductive metal–organic framework (MOF) films remains highly desirable but challenging. Here, inspired by the capillary phenomenon, a face‐to‐face confinement growth method to grow conductive 2D Cu2(TCPP) (TCPP = meso‐tetra(4‐carboxyphenyl)porphine) MOF films on dielectric substrates is developed. Trace amounts of solutions containing low‐concentration Cu2+ and TCPP are pumped cyclically into a micropore interface to produce this growth. The crystal structures are confirmed with various characterization techniques, which include high‐resolution atomic force microscopy and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (Cryo‐TEM). The Cu2(TCPP) MOF film exhibit an electrical conductivity of ≈0.007 S cm−1, which is approximately four orders of magnitude higher than other carboxylic‐acid‐based MOF materials (10−6 S cm−1). Other wafer‐scale conductive MOF films such as M3(HHTP)2 (M = Cu, Co, and Ni; HHTP = 2,3,6,7,10,11‐triphenylenehexol) can be produced utilizing this strategy and suggests this method has widescale applicability potential.
Formation of Highly Doped Nanostripes in 2D Transition Metal Dichalcogenides via a Dislocation Climb Mechanism
Authors: Lin Yung‐Chang , Karthikeyan Jeyakumar , Chang Yao‐Pang , Li Shisheng , Kretschmer Silvan , Komsa Hannu‐Pekka , Chiu Po‐Wen , Krasheninnikov Arkady V. , Suenaga Kazu
Published: February 2021

Doping of materials beyond the dopant solubility limit remains a challenge, especially when spatially nonuniform doping is required. In 2D materials with a high surface‐to‐volume ratio, such as transition metal dichalcogenides, various post‐synthesis approaches to doping have been demonstrated, but full control over spatial distribution of dopants remains a challenge. A post‐growth doping of single layers of WSe2 is performed by adding transition metal (TM) atoms in a two‐step process, which includes annealing followed by deposition of dopants together with Se or S. The Ti, V, Cr, and Fe impurities at W sites are identified by using transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy. Remarkably, an extremely high density (6.4–15%) of various types of impurity atoms is achieved. The dopants are revealed to be largely confined within nanostripes embedded in the otherwise pristine WSe2. Density functional theory calculations show that the dislocations assist the incorporation of the dopant during their climb and give rise to stripes of TM dopant atoms. This work demonstrates a possible spatially controllable doping strategy to achieve the desired local electronic, magnetic, and optical properties in 2D materials.
Dispersion‐Controlled Gold–Aluminum–Silicon Dioxide–Aluminum Nanopawn Structures for Visible to NIR Light Modulation
Authors: Park Jusung , In Sungjun , Park Namkyoo
Published: February 2021

As an efficient patterning method for nanostructures, nanocolloidal lithography (NCL) presents a controllable and scalable means for achieving a uniform and good sidewall profile, and a high aspect ratio. While high selectivity between the etching mask and targeted materials is also essential for NCL‐based precision nanophotonic structures, its realization in multi‐material nanophotonic structures still remains a challenge due to the dielectric‐ or metallic‐material‐dependent etching selectivity. Here, dispersion‐controlled Au‐NCL is proposed, which enables high selectivity for Al and SiO2 over a Au nanoparticle (Au‐NP) mask. Utilizing the proposed process, wafer‐scale, uniformly dispersed multi‐material nanopawn structures (Au‐NPs/Al–SiO2 cylinders) on an Al ultrathin film are realized, obtaining excellent vertical sidewall (≈90°) and aspect ratio (>1). The high sidewall verticality and aspect ratio of the nanopawn structures support optical modes highly sensitive to the excitation direction of incident waves through the mixing of the interface‐gap‐assisted localized surface plasmons (GLSPs) formed in between the Au‐NP and Al‐disk interface, and plasmonic Fabry–Pérot (FP) modes formed in between the Al‐disk and Al substrate; complementary spectral responses between reflected and scattered light are also demonstrated. As an application example, information encryption based on the triple‐channel (i.e., reflection, scattering, and transmission) angle‐dependent complementary‐color responses is presented.
Photoalignment in Polysiloxane Liquid‐Crystalline Elastomers with Rearrangeable Networks
Authors: Ube Toru , Tsunoda Haruna , Kawasaki Kyohei , Ikeda Tomiki
Published: February 2021

Molecular alignment in liquid‐crystalline elastomers with polysiloxane backbone is controlled with the aid of photoalignment and exchangeable links to enhance performance as photoactuators. The photoalignment is triggered bytrans‐cis‐transisomerization of azobenzene moieties, which are introduced at crosslinking points, upon irradiation with linearly polarized UV (LPUV) light under heating. The induced alignment is memorized by rearrangement of network structures through exchange reactions of covalent bonds. When irradiated with LPUV light, freestanding films show bending along with the alignment change in surface regions. Macroscopic shapes are also rememorized by exchange reactions at crosslinks. Combination of photoalignment and network rearrangement allows continuous deformation of freestanding films upon exposure to LPUV light with varying polarization directions. This approach enhances the degree of freedom in alignment control, photoactuation, and reshaping of polysiloxane‐based liquid‐crystalline elastomers, which are feasible as soft actuators.
Mediated Growth of Carbon Nitride Films via Spray‐Coated Seeding Layers for Photoelectrochemical Applications
Authors: Tashakory Ayelet , Karjule Neeta , Abisdris Liel , Volokh Michael , Shalom Menny
Published: February 2021

Polymeric carbon nitride (CN) has emerged as a promising semiconductor in photoelectrochemical devices, thanks to its unique electronic and catalytic properties, low price, stability in various chemical environments, and benign nature. Decent progress in the deposition and growth of CN layers on substrates has been achieved using several deposition and growth methods; however, the properties of the layer, including the quality of its contact with the substrate and its structural properties, are still largely dependent on the surface properties of said substrate. Here, a new approach is introduced in which a spray‐coated seeding layer composed of CN monomers directs the growth of a homogenous, thick CN layer on a substrate by calcination at high temperature in the presence of melamine vapor. Uniform CN layers with strong adhesion to the substrate are obtained. The influence of the seeding layer and the vapor composition on the photoelectrochemical, optical, and structural properties is studied in detail. The best‐performing electrode, based on urea as the seeding layer, demonstrates good activity as a photoanode in photoelectrochemical cells, reaching up to 300 µA cm−2 in the presence of a hole scavenger.
A Highly Strained Phase in PbZr0.2Ti0.8O3 Films with Enhanced Ferroelectric Properties
Authors: Huang Chuanwei , Liao Zhaolong , Li Mingqiang , Guan Changxin , Jin Fei , Ye Mao , Zeng Xierong , Zhang Tianjin , Chen Zuhuang , Qi Yajun , Gao Peng , Chen Lang
Published: February 2021

Although epitaxial strain imparted by lattice mismatch between a film and the underlying substrate has led to distinct structures and emergent functionalities, the discrete lattice parameters of limited substrates, combined with strain relaxations driven by film thickness, result in severe obstructions to subtly regulate electro‐elastic coupling properties in perovskite ferroelectric films. Here a practical and universal method to achieve highly strained phases with large tetragonal distortions in Pb‐based ferroelectric films through synergetic effects of moderately (≈1.0%) misfit strains and laser fluences during pulsed laser deposition process is demonstrated. The phase possesses unexpectedly large Poisson's ratio and negative thermal expansion, and concomitant enhancements of spontaneous polarization (≈100 µC cm−2) and Curie temperature (≈800 °C), 40% and 75% larger than that of bulk counterparts, respectively. This strategy efficiently circumvents the long‐standing issue of limited numbers of discrete substrates and enables continuous regulations of exploitable lattice states in functional oxide films with tightly elastic coupled performances beyond their present levels.
High‐Performance Full‐Photolithographic Top‐Contact Conformable Organic Transistors for Soft Electronics
Authors: Zhao Xiaoli , Wang Shuya , Ni Yanping , Tong Yanhong , Tang Qingxin , Liu Yichun
Published: February 2021

Organic thin‐film transistors (OTFTs) are identified to be the most promising candidate for next‐generation wearable and implantable electronics because of their unique advantages including their flexibility, low cost, long‐term biocompatibility, and simple packaging. However, commercialization of organic transistors remains an enormous challenge due to their low mobility and lack of scalable strategy for high‐precise soft devices. Here, a novel photolithography fabrication strategy is proposed, which is completely compatible with various commercial organic semiconductor materials, for the first demonstration of the fully photolithographic top‐contact conformable OTFTs with the device density as high as 1523 transistors cm−2. Excellent electrical and mechanical properties with device yield as high as 100%, field‐effect mobility up to 1–2 cm2 V−1 s−1, and outstanding conformability are shown. This work provides a new strategy that can fully maximize the advantages of organic materials and photolithography technology, showing a great prospect in the development of high‐performance, high‐precise organic devices toward the commercialized and industrialized soft electronic products.
Boosting Reversibility of Mn‐Based Tunnel‐Structured Cathode Materials for Sodium‐Ion Batteries by Magnesium Substitution
Authors: Li Xun‐Lu , Bao Jian , Li Yi‐Fan , Chen Dong , Ma Cui , Qiu Qi‐Qi , Yue Xin‐Yang , Wang Qin‐Chao , Zhou Yong‐Ning
Published: February 2021

Electrochemical irreversibility and sluggish mobility of Na+ in the cathode materials result in poor cycle stability and rate capability for sodium‐ion batteries. Herein, a new strategy of introducing Mg ions into the hinging sites of Mn‐based tunnel‐structured cathode material is designed. Highly reversible electrochemical reaction and phase transition in this cathode are realized. The resulted Na0.44Mn0.95Mg0.05O2 with Mg2+ in the hinging Mn‐O5 square pyramidal exhibits promising cycle stability and rate capability. At a current density of 2 C, 67% of the initial discharge capacity is retained after 800 cycles (70% at 20 C), much improved than the undoped Na0.44MnO2. The improvement is attribute to the enhanced Na+ diffusion kinetics and the lowered desodiation energy after Mg doping. Highly reversible charge compensation and structure evolution are proved by synchrotron‐based X‐ray techniques. Differential charge density and atom population analysis of the average electron number of Mn indicate that Na0.44Mn0.95Mg0.05O2 is more electron‐abundant in Mn 3d orbits near the Fermi level than that in Na0.44MnO2, leading to higher redox participation of Mn ions.
Oxygen Evolution Catalysts at Transition Metal Oxide Photoanodes: Their Differing Roles for Solar Water Splitting
Authors: Zhang Jifang , Cui Junyi , Eslava Salvador
Published: February 2021

In the field of photoelectrochemical water splitting for hydrogen production, dedicated efforts have recently been made to improve water oxidation at photoanodes, and in particular, to accelerate the poor kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction which is a key step in achieving a viable photocurrent density for industrialization. To this end, coating the photoanode semiconductors with oxygen evolution catalysts (OECs) has been one of the most popular options. The roles of OECs have been found to be multifold, as opposed to exclusively catalytic. This review aims to unravel the complexity of the interfacial processes arising from the material properties of both semiconductors and OECs, and to rationalize the variation in findings in the literature regarding the roles of OECs. Light is also shed on some of the most useful characterization techniques that probe the dynamics of photogenerated holes, to answer some of the field's most challenging mechanistic questions. Finally, some ideas and suggestions on the design principles of OECs are proposed.
High Efficiency Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 Solar Cells with Shallow LiZn Acceptor Defects Enabled by Solution‐Based Li Post‐Deposition Treatment
Authors: He Mingrui , Zhang Xian , Huang Jialiang , Li Jianjun , Yan Chang , Kim Jihun , Chen Yi‐Sheng , Yang Limei , Cairney Julie M. , Zhang Yu , Chen Shiyou , Kim Jinhyeok , Green Martin A. , Hao Xiaojing
Published: February 2021

Lithium incorporation in kesterite Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) materials has been experimentally proven effective in improving electronic quality for application in photovoltaic devices. Herein, a feasible and effective solution‐based lithium post‐deposition treatment (PDT), enabling further efficiency improvement on the high‐performance baseline is reported and the dominant mechanism for this improvement is proposed. In this way, lithium is uniformly incorporated into grain interiors (GIs) without segregation at grain boundaries (GBs), which can occupy the Zn sites with a high solubility in the CZTSSe matrix, producing high density of LiZn antisites with shallower acceptor levels than the intrinsic dominant defect (CuZn antisites). As a result, CZTSSe absorber with better p‐type doping is obtained, leading to a pronounced enhancement in fill factor and a corresponding gain in open‐circuit voltage and short‐circuit current and consequently a significant efficiency boost from 9.3% to 10.7%. This work provides a feasible alternative alkali‐PDT treatment for chalcogenide semiconductors and promotes a better understanding of the mechanism of Li incorporation in kesterite materials.
Temple syndrome resulting from uniparental disomy is undiagnosed by a methylation assay due to low‐level mosaicism for trisomy 14
Authors: Lindgren Valerie , Cobian Katherine , Bhat Gifty
Published: February 2021

We describe a patient with Temple syndrome resulting from maternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 14 who also has low‐level mosaicism for trisomy 14. UPD was initially suspected when SNP microarray analysis detected a large region of homozygosity on chromosome 14 and the patient's clinical features were consistent with the phenotype of upd(14)mat. However, SNP arrays cannot prove UPD, as homozygosity may also result from identity by descent. Methylation assays diagnose imprinting disorders such as Prader–Willi, Angelman and Temple syndromes; they detect methylation defects that occur in imprinted loci, which have parent‐of‐origin‐specific expression and have the advantage of making a diagnosis without parental samples. However, in this patient methylation analysis using endpoint PCR detected biparental inheritance. Therefore, sequencing analysis was performed and diagnosed upd(14)mat. Re‐examination of the microarray suggested that the explanation for the discrepancy between the array and methylation testing was low‐level mosaicism for trisomy 14 and fluorescence in situ hybridization testing detected a trisomic cell line. Thus, this patient's Temple syndrome is a result of a maternal M1 error, which gave a trisomic zygote, followed by loss of the paternal chromosome 14 in an early mitotic division to give maternal UPD with low‐level mosaicism for trisomy 14. The methylation assay detected the paternal allele in the trisomic line. The diagnostic failure of the methylation assay in this patient highlights a significant shortcoming of methylation endpoint analysis, especially for Temple syndrome, and underscores the need to use other methods in cases with mosaicism.
Iron(III)‐BPsalan Complex Catalyzed Highly Enantioselective Dearomative Chlorination of 2‐Hydroxy‐1‐naphthoates
Authors: Zhou Yi‐Ming , Ping Yuan‐Ji , Xu Zhen‐Jiang , Che Chi‐Ming
Published: February 2021

A practical, efficient Fe(III)‐BPsalan complex catalyzed asymmetric dearomative chlorination reaction of 2‐hydroxy‐1‐naphthoates derivatives (22 examples) was developed. With readily available Fe(III)‐BPsalan complex as catalyst at 5 mol% catalyst loading, various 2‐hydroxy‐1‐naphthoates derivatives bearing different substituents were efficiently chlorinated to afford chiral naphthalenones bearing a Cl‐containing all‐substituted stereocenter in high yields and with good to excellent enantioselectivities under mild reaction conditions. The reaction could be conducted at gram scale with the high efficiency and selectivity retained. In addition, the reaction could be extended to asymmetric dearomative bromination to afford the corresponding brominated product in 87% yield and 76% ee.
NHC‐Catalyzed Oxidative Annulation of α,β‐unsaturated Aldehydes with Benzyl Ketones: Direct Access to 4,5,6‐Trisubstituted Dihydropyranones
Authors: Wang Zhan‐Yong , Liu Qingling , Wang Kai‐Kai , Liu Menghan , Han Yafei , Sun Aili , Ma Xueji
Published: February 2021

A novel and efficient access to polysubstituted dihydropyranones was developed by N‐heterocyclic carbene catalyzed annulation reaction of α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes and benzyl ketones under oxidative conditions. Various α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes with long‐chain aliphatic and aromatic substitution groups were compatible in this transformation, giving the corresponding products in good to excellent yields under mild conditions. This strategy features simple and readily available materials and mild reaction conditions and provides a green and practical method for the rapid synthesis of functionalized dihydropyranones.
Development and structure elucidation of new VO2+, Mn2+, Zn2+, and Pd2+ complexes based on azomethine ferrocenyl ligand: DNA interaction, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer activities, and molecular docking
Authors: Aljohani Enas T. , Shehata Mohamed R. , Alkhatib Fatmah , Alzahrani Seraj Omar , Abu‐Dief Ahmed M.
Published: February 2021

An organometallic azomethine ferrocenyl ligand (FCAP) and its transition metal complexes ([M (FCAP)2], where M = VO2+, Mn2+ cations, and [M (FCAP) (CH3COO− or NO3−)], where M = Zn2+ and Pd2+ cations) were prepared. Their structures were confirmed via various spectral and physicochemical studies performed. The crystallinity of the investigated metal chelates was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction data. The spectral data of the FCAP azomethine ligand and its metal chelates were explained concerning the structural changes due to complex formation. From the electronic spectra and the magnetic moments, the information about geometric structures can be concluded. The activation thermodynamic parameters of the thermal degradation for FCAP complexes were calculated utilizing the method of Coats–Redfern. in vitro antimicrobial, anticancer, and antioxidant activities of FCAP azomethine ligand and its complexes were screened. All the investigated metal chelates exhibited superiority on the free FCAP ligand in successful treatment. Moreover, the binding nature of the investigated complexes with calf thymus DNA (ctDNA) was examined by various methods such as spectrophotometry, viscosity, and, gel electrophoresis. Their binding feature to ctDNA was proposed to be electrostatic, intercalation, or replacement mode. Furthermore, molecular docking inspection has been conducted to clarify the nature of the binding and binding affinity of protein synthesized compounds (PDB:3hb5).
Fe3O4/ZnO/multi‐walled carbon nanotubes magnetic nanocomposites promoted five components synthesis of new imidazole derivatives
Authors: Gholami Orimi Fathali , Mirza Behrooz , Hossaini Zinatossadat
Published: February 2021

In this research, we have synthesized imidazole derivatives in high yields using the five component reactions of N‐methylimidazole, dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates or propiolates, α‐haloketones, triphenyphophine, and ammonium acetate in water at room temperature in the presence of nanocatalyst. The Fe3O4/ZnO/multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) magnetic nanocomposites were utilized well as an organometallic catalyst in these reactions. This catalyst was synthesized utilizing the ionic liquid [OMIM]Br as a stabilizer and soft template. Also, this catalyst is high performance and improvement in the yield of the imidazoles and displayed significant reusability. In the synthesized compounds because of having imidazole core, we study the ability of antioxidant of some of them by diphenyl‐picrylhydrazine (DPPH) radical trapping and power of ferric reduction experiment. In addition, for investigation of antimicrobial activity of some imidazoles, the disk diffusion experiments are utilized on Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. The outcomes of this experiment exhibited that these generated compounds could avoid from growth of bacteria. Short time of reaction, high yields of product, and easy separation of catalyst and products are some advantages of this process.