bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Progress in High Donor Electrolytes for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Shin Hyuksoo , Baek Minsung , Gupta Abhay , Char Kookheon , Manthiram Arumugam , Choi Jang Wook
Published: May 2020

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries continue to be considered promising post‐lithium‐ion batteries owing to their high theoretical energy density. In pursuit of a Li–S cell with long‐term cyclability, most studies thus far have relied on using ether‐based electrolytes. However, their limited ability to dissolve polysulfides requires a high electrolyte‐to‐sulfur ratio, which impairs the achievable specific energy. Recently, the battery community found high donor electrolytes to be a potential solution to this shortcoming because their high solubility toward polysulfides enables a cell to operate under lean electrolyte conditions. Despite the increasing number of promising outcomes with high donor electrolytes, a critical hurdle related to stability of the lithium‐metal counter electrode needs to be overcome. This review provides an overview of recent efforts pertaining to high donor electrolytes in Li–S batteries and is intended to raise interest from within the community. Furthermore, based on analogous efforts in the lithium‐air battery field, strategies for protecting the lithium metal electrode are proposed. It is predicted that high donor electrolytes will be elevated to a higher status in the field of Li–S batteries, with the hope that either existing or upcoming strategies will, to a fair extent, mitigate the degradation of the lithium–metal interface.
Supplemental irrigation impact on yield and yield quality parameters of rapeseed
Authors: Gültaş Hüseyin T. , Ahi Yeşim
Published: May 2020

Dryland winter rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) produced in the semi‐arid regions of Turkey has variable yields. Supplemental irrigation alleviates the adverse effects of soil moisture stress on yield during drought periods. To determine the influence of irrigation timing on yield stability, a 3‐yr, on‐farm irrigation experiment was conducted to determine the effects of supplemental irrigation on rapeseed yield and yield components in a semi‐arid environment. The field experiment considered the influence of six irrigation quantities applied at three growth stages (vegetative, flowering, and early ripening) on rapeseed yield and quality. Supplemental irrigation improved rapeseed yield compared with cultivation under rainfed conditions throughout the three experimental years. Although the greatest seasonal evapotranspiration and rapeseed yields were observed with full irrigation, the highest economic rate and most efficient irrigation rate were for the optimum level to be applied at flowering. Protein content, oil content, and fatty acids increased with irrigation and were highest for the full‐irrigation treatment. Irrigation should be applied when 50% of available soil moisture has been consumed in the effective root zone at the early flowering stage. This timing enhances the water use efficiency and yield potential of rapeseed without reducing quality and could be highly beneficial for semi‐arid regions.
Patterns of variation in distylous traits and reproductive consequences inErythroxylumspecies and populations
Authors: Matias Raphael , Pérez‐Barrales Rocío , Consolaro Hélder
Published: May 2020

Premise

Distylous species possess two floral morphs with reciprocal positioning of stigmas and anthers that is hypothesized to promote disassortative pollination. Theoretical models predict equal morph frequencies, but many populations depart from the expected 1:1 ratio, a pattern that often correlates with asymmetric mating between morphs and/or presence of a weak incompatibility system. Variation in reciprocity can also affect the likelihood of disassortative pollination and, hence, reproductive fitness.

Methods

We described variation in incompatibility systems and morph ratio in fourErythroxylumspecies to test if greater deviations from 1:1 ratios occur in populations of self‐compatible species. Using adaptive inaccuracy, we described upper and lower organ reciprocity in species and populations and assessed the relationship of reciprocity to population means and coefficients of variation for fruit set to test if reciprocity could predict female reproductive success.

Results

Morphs occurred in 1:1 ratios in most populations of threeErythroxylumspecies with distylous self‐incompatibility. In self‐compatibleE. campestrepopulations showed an excess of the long‐styled morph, the short‐styled morph, or were monomorphic for the short‐styled morph. We detected deviations from reciprocity, with total inaccuracy ranging between 9.39% and 42.94%, and inaccuracy values were lowest in low organs. Across populations, we found a positive relationship between inaccuracy and the coefficient of variation of fruit set.

Conclusions

Erythroxylumspecies showed variation in the distylous syndrome, with changes in the incompatibility system that corresponded with deviations from 1:1 morph ratio, and variation in reciprocity that correlated with variation in female reproductive fitness.
Peak Force Infrared–Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy
Authors: Jakob Devon S. , Wang Haomin , Zeng Guanghong , Otzen Daniel E. , Yan Yong , Xu Xiaoji G.
Published: May 2020

Correlative scanning probe microscopy of chemical identity, surface potential, and mechanical properties provide insight into the structure–function relationships of nanomaterials. However, simultaneous measurement with comparable and high resolution is a challenge. We seamlessly integrated nanoscale photothermal infrared imaging with Coulomb force detection to form peak force infrared–Kelvin probe force microscopy (PFIR‐KPFM), which enables simultaneous nanomapping of infrared absorption, surface potential, and mechanical properties with approximately 10 nm spatial resolution in a single‐pass scan. MAPbBr3 perovskite crystals of different degradation pathways were studied in situ. Nanoscale charge accumulations were observed in MAPbBr3 near the boundary to PbBr2. PFIR‐KPFM also revealed correlations between residual charges and secondary conformation in amyloid fibrils. PFIR‐KPFM is applicable to other heterogeneous materials at the nanoscale for correlative multimodal characterizations.
ZIF‐Induced d‐Band Modification in a Bimetallic Nanocatalyst: Achieving Over 44 % Efficiency in the Ambient Nitrogen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Sim Howard Yi Fan , Chen Jaslyn Ru Ting , Koh Charlynn Sher Lin , Lee Hiang Kwee , Han Xuemei , Phan‐Quang Gia Chuong , Pang Jing Yi , Lay Chee Leng , Pedireddy Srikanth , Phang In Yee , Yeow Edwin Kok Lee , Ling Xing Yi
Published: May 2020

The electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) offers a sustainable solution towards ammonia production but suffers poor reaction performance owing to preferential catalyst–H formation and the consequential hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Now, the Pt/Au electrocatalyst d‐band structure is electronically modified using zeolitic imidazole framework (ZIF) to achieve a Faradaic efficiency (FE) of >44 % with high ammonia yield rate of >161 μg mgcat−1 h−1 under ambient conditions. The strategy lowers electrocatalyst d‐band position to weaken H adsorption and concurrently creates electron‐deficient sites to kinetically drive NRR by promoting catalyst–N2 interaction. The ZIF coating on the electrocatalyst doubles as a hydrophobic layer to suppress HER, further improving FE by >44‐fold compared to without ZIF (ca. 1 %). The Pt/Au‐NZIF interaction is key to enable strong N2 adsorption over H atom.
Iodination of cyclo‐E5‐Complexes (E=P, As)
Authors: Brake Helena , Peresypkina Eugenia , Virovets Alexander V. , Piesch Martin , Kremer Werner , Zimmermann Lisa , Klimas Christian , Scheer Manfred
Published: May 2020

In a high‐yield one‐pot synthesis, the reactions of [Cp*M(η5‐P5)] (M=Fe (1), Ru (2)) with I2 resulted in the selective formation of [Cp*MP6I6]+ salts (3, 4). The products comprise unprecedented all‐cis tripodal triphosphino‐cyclotriphosphine ligands. The iodination of [Cp*Fe(η5‐As5)] (6) gave, in addition to [Fe(CH3CN)6]2+ salts of the rare [As6I8]2− (in 7) and [As4I14]2− (in 8) anions, the first di‐cationic Fe‐As triple decker complex [(Cp*Fe)2(μ,η5:5‐As5)][As6I8] (9). In contrast, the iodination of [Cp*Ru(η5‐As5)] (10) did not result in the full cleavage of the M−As bonds. Instead, a number of dinuclear complexes were obtained: [(Cp*Ru)2(μ,η5:5‐As5)][As6I8]0.5 (11) represents the first Ru‐As5 triple decker complex, thus completing the series of monocationic complexes [(CpRM)2(μ,η5:5‐E5)]+ (M=Fe, Ru; E=P, As). [(Cp*Ru)2As8I6] (12) crystallizes as a racemic mixture of both enantiomers, while [(Cp*Ru)2As4I4] (13) crystallizes as a symmetric and an asymmetric isomer and features a unique tetramer of {AsI} arsinidene units as a middle deck.
Green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoflowers using Hypericum triquetrifolium extract: characterization, antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity against lung cancer A549 cells
Authors: Al Sharie Ahmed H. , El‐Elimat Tamam , Darweesh Ruba S. , Swedan Samer , Shubair Zaina , Al‐Qiam Reema , Albarqi Hadil
Published: May 2020

Zinc oxide nanoparticles have attracted significant interest in recent years due to their unique multifunctional chemical and physical properties along with their biological activities. This study demonstrated for the first time the biogenetic synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles by utilization of the methanolic extract of Hypericum triquetrifolium (HT). The obtained nanoparticles (HT‐ZnO) were characterized by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The shape of the resulted nanoparticles is fusiform nanoflowers with an average hydrodynamic size of 275.46 ± 0.20 nm and a zeta potential of −8.23 ± 0.26 mV. SEM micrographs revealed that HT‐ZnO nanoflowers have a multi‐process structure in which one of the processes is large and the others have similar smaller dimensions. The synthesized nanoflowers have an average length of 312.28 ± 78.93 nm and the tip of its processes has a width of 48.69 ± 9.71 nm. The antimicrobial activity of HT‐ZnO nanoflowers was performed using microbroth dilution format. It showed a bactericidal mode of action against Gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis with MIC/MBC values of 20 μg/mL and 5 μg/mL, respectively. MTT assay had revealed that HT‐ZnO nanoflowers caused a dose‐dependent decline in the viability of A549 adenocarcinomic human alveolar basal epithelial cells with an IC50 value of 20.45 μg/mL. The effect of HT‐ZnO nanoflowers on the migration and colony formation abilities against the same cells was evaluated as well. In conclusion, zinc oxide nanoflowers were successfully synthesized using methanolic extract of H. triquetrifolium. The resulting particles showed a bactericidal effect against Gram‐positiveS. aureus and E. faecalis and a cytotoxic activity against A549 cells.
Antibacterial activity of a new class of tris homoleptic Ru (II)‐complexes with alkyl‐tetrazoles as diimine‐type ligands
Authors: Monti Nicola , Zacchini Stefano , Massi Massimiliano , Hochkoeppler Alejandro , Giorgini Loris , Fiorini Valentina , Stefan Alessandra , Stagni Stefano
Published: May 2020

Herein, we describe a new family of tris chelate homoleptic Ru (II) complexes, [Ru(N^N)3]2+, where the role of the diimine‐type ligands (N^N) was fulfilled by 2‐pyridyl (PTZ) or 2‐quinolyl tetrazole (QTZ) derivatives decorated with various alkyl substituents at the N‐2 position of the tetrazole ring. The new Ru (II) complexes with general formula [Ru (PTZ‐R)3]2+ and [Ru (QTZ‐R)3]2+, were obtained as mixtures of facial (fac) and meridional (mer) isomers, as suggested by NMR (1H, 13C) experiments, and confirmed in the case of mer‐[Ru (QTZ‐Me)3]2+, by X‐ray crystallography. The photophysical behavior of the tetrazole‐based [Ru(N^N)3]2+ type species was investigated by UV–vis absorption spectroscopy, providing trends typical of polypyridyl Ru (II) complexes. The new homoleptic complexes fac/mer‐[Ru (PTZ‐R)3]2+ and fac/mer‐[Ru (QTZ‐R)3]2+ have been assessed for any eventual antimicrobial activity towards two different bacteria such as Gram‐negative Escherichia coli and Gram‐positive Deinococcus radiodurans. Whereas being inactive toward E. coli, the response of agar disks diffusion tests suggested that some of the new fac/mer Ru (II) complexes could inhibit the growth of D. radiodurans. This effect was further investigated by determining the growth kinetics in liquid medium of D. radiodurans exposed to the fac/mer‐[Ru (PTZ‐R)3]2+ and fac/mer‐[Ru (QTZ‐R)3]2+ complexes at different concentrations. The outcome of these experiments highlighted that the turn‐on of the growth inhibitory effect took place as the linear hexyl chain was appended to the PTZ or QTZ scaffold, suggesting also how the inhibitory activity appeared more pronouncedly exerted by the facial isomers fac‐[Ru (PTZ‐Hex)3]2+ and fac‐[Ru (QTZ‐Hex)3]2+ (MIC = ca. 3.0 μg/ml) with respect to the corresponding meridional isomers (MIC = ca. 6.0 μg/ml).
Synthesis, spectral analysis and in vitro cytotoxicity of diorganotin (IV) complexes derived from indole‐3‐butyric hydrazide
Authors: Devi Jai , Yadav Jyoti , Kumar Deepak , Jindal Deepak Kumar , Basu Biswarup
Published: May 2020

A series (1–20) of diorganotin (IV) complexes with general formula R2SnL were formed by the reaction of R2SnCl2 (where R = Me, Et, Bu and Ph) with Schiff base ligands (H2L1–4) derived from the reaction of indole‐3‐butyric hydrazide with the salicylaldehyde and its derivatives. The structure elucidation of compounds were done by using UV–Vis, FT‐IR, NMR (1H, 13C, 119Sn), Mass spectrometry and thermal gravimetric analysis. Spectroscopic evidences suggested tridentate nature (ONO) of Schiff base ligands and coordinated to the dialkyl/diaryltin (IV) moieties through nitrogen and oxygen donor sites giving pentacoordinated geometry to complexes. The compounds were tested for the antimicrobial activity against bacterial and fungal strains which showed promising biological activity with compound 20 (Ph2SnL4) as most active against microbes. The in silico study of the compounds was carried and observed that the compounds are used as orally active drugs and promote the formation of different hydrazide based drugs. The synthesized compounds were tested against human carcinoma cell lines namely A549, MCF7 and one normal cell line IMR 90 using MTT assay. The diethyl and dibutyltin complexes of Schiff bases displayed good cytotoxic activities. Compound 3 (H2L3) and 10 (Et2SnL2) were most potent against cancer cell lines with lowest IC50 values and 7–8 times less toxic against the normal cell line.
Expanding an Academic‐Service Partnership to Develop a Summer Perioperative Nursing Practicum for Baccalaureate Students
Authors: Fujihara Lauren , FitzGerald Leah
Published: May 2020

Addressing the increasing shortage of perioperative nurses requires innovative educational strategies. A private university and a teaching hospital with an academic‐service partnership collaborated to offer an educational perioperative nursing experience to baccalaureate nursing students to increase student interest in the perioperative nursing specialty. The university offered an elective summer practicum to baccalaureate nursing students between their junior and senior years. After completing the practicum, students had the opportunity to complete their senior‐year clinical rotations in the OR. Continuous evaluation contributed to refining the design and implementation of the perioperative nursing practicum. The challenges of the program included cost, demands on staff members’ time, and timing of the practicum relative to student and hospital needs. The practicum has been offered for three summers, and a total of six students have enrolled and participated in this program.
Study on the mechanical and thermal properties of poly(lactic acid)/office waste paper fiber composites
Authors: Zhang Xiaolin , Li Shaoge , Xu Chong , Li Jia , Wang Zhe
Published: May 2020

Environment friendly composites with favorable mechanical properties and low water absorption performance were successfully produced from poly(lactic acid) (PLA), office waste paper fiber (OWF), and coupling agents. The perfect sample was easily manufactured by melting–blending and injection molding. The PLA/OWF composites were comparable with other PLA/plant fiber composites, and the results indicated that the PLA/OWF composites show better performance than PLA/wheat straw fiber composites and PLA/bamboo fiber composites. On this basis, influence of modification of OWF on the properties of composites was investigated. The infrared results show that the OWF modification by different coupling agents was successful, and the scanning electron microscopy indicates that prepared composites exhibit good interfacial compatibility due to preferable binding force between fiber and matrix. With addition of 2 wt% γ‐(2,3‐propylene oxides)propyl trimethylsilane, the composite exhibits high tensile strength of 58.96 MPa, reflecting increase of 14% than the pure PLA. According to the crystallization and melting performance table, OWF can act as nucleating agent to promote the crystallization properties on composites, while the coupling agents have little effect on thermal stability. This article confirmed that the OWF has appropriate properties and is suitable for preparing composite materials and this work provides a novel idea for the utilization of office waste paper.
Prestretching effect and recovery process of polyvinyl alcohol film crosslinked with tartaric acid
Authors: Bozdoğan Altan , Aksakal Baki , Denktaş Cenk , Salt Yavuz
Published: May 2020

The tartaric acid (TA)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite films were prepared with various TA concentrations from 5 to 20 wt%. The crosslinking due to TA improved the tensile characteristics such as tensile strength and the Young's modulus, and thermal stability of the films. The addition of TA in PVA led to a decrease in the crystallinity. Application of prestretching or preliminary deformation resulted in significant changes in both stress–strain behavior and tensile characteristics of both pure PVA and TA/PVA composite films. Although low preextension levels such as 5% strain did not change much the tensile characteristics, higher preextension levels improved the tensile strength but decreased the extensibility of the films. The recovery processes of the stretched films consisted of a fast recovery process for which most of the recoverable elastic deformation is seen took place within almost 30 min and a time‐dependent long‐lasting recovery process continued in time very slowly, which resulted in undesirable residual deformation. It was also observed that increasing TA concentration accelerated the recovery process, hence, improved the recovery properties of PVA. The use of TA in the membrane applications can be considered to improve the mechanical properties and reusability of the membrane technology.
Peritoneal bridging versus fascial closure in laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay ventral hernia mesh repair: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Ali F , Wallin G , Fathalla B , Sandblom G
Published: May 2020

Background

Many patients develop seroma after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. It was hypothesized that leaving the hernial sac in situ may cause this complication.

Methods

In this patient- and outcome assessor-blinded, parallel-design single-centre trial, patients undergoing laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay mesh ventral hernia repair were randomized (1 : 1) to either conventional fascial closure or peritoneal bridging. The primary endpoint was the incidence of seroma 12 months after index surgery detected by CT, evaluated in an intention-to-treat analysis.

Results

Between September 2017 and May 2018, 62 patients were assessed for eligibility, of whom 25 were randomized to conventional closure and 25 to peritoneal bridging. At 3 months, one patient was lost to follow-up in the conventional and peritoneal bridging groups respectively. No seroma was detected at 6 or 12 months in either group. The prevalence of clinical seroma was four of 25 (16 (95 per cent c.i. 2 to 30) per cent) versus none of 25 patients in the conventional fascial closure and peritoneal bridging groups respectively at 1 month after surgery (P = 0·110), and two of 24 (8 (0 to 19) per cent) versus none of 25 at 3 months (P = 0·235). There were no significant differences between the groups in other postoperative complications (one of 25 versus 0 of 25), rate of recurrent hernia within 1 year (none in either group) or postoperative pain.

Conclusion

Conventional fascial closure and peritoneal bridging did not differ with regard to seroma formation after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. Trial registration:ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03344575).
Alterations of local functional connectivity in lifespan: A resting‐state fMRI study
Authors: Wen Xin , He Hui , Dong Li , Chen Junjie , Yang Jie , Guo Hao , Luo Cheng , Yao Dezhong
Published: May 2020

Introduction

As aging attracted attention globally, revealing changes in brain function across the lifespan was largely concerned. In this study, we aimed to reveal the changes of functional networks of the brain (via local functional connectivity, local FC) in lifespan and explore the mechanism underlying them.

Materials and Methods

A total of 523 healthy participants (258 males and 265 females) aged 18–88 years from part of the Cambridge Center for Ageing and Neuroscience (CamCAN) were involved in this study. Next, two data‐driven measures of local FC, local functional connectivity density (lFCD) and four‐dimensional spatial‐temporal consistency of local neural activity (FOCA), were calculated, and then, general linear models were used to assess the changes of them in lifespan.

Results

Local functional connectivity (lFCD and FOCA) within visual networks (VN), sensorimotor network (SMN), and default mode network (DMN) decreased across the lifespan, while within basal ganglia network (BGN), local connectivity was increased across the lifespan. And, the fluid intelligence decreased within BGN while increased within VN, SMN, and DMN.

Conclusion

These results might suggest that the decline of executive control and intrinsic cognitive ability in the aging population was related to the decline of functional connectivity in VN, SMN, and DMN. Meanwhile, BGN might play a regulatory role in the aging process to compensate for the dysfunction of other functional systems. Our findings may provide important neuroimaging evidence for exploring the brain functional mechanism in lifespan.
A suitable and effective stepwise oxidative refolding procedure for highly‐cationic tetrameric avidin in nucleic acid free conditions
Authors: Kimura Shuichiro , Imamura Koreyoshi , Futami Junichiro
Published: May 2020

Optimized conditions are needed to refold recombinant proteins from bacterial inclusion bodies into their biologically active conformations. In this study, we found two crucial requirements for efficient refolding of cationic tetrameric chicken avidin. The first step is to eliminate nucleic acid contaminants from the bacterial inclusion body. The electrostatic interactions between the remaining nucleic acids and proteins strongly enhanced protein aggregation during the refolding process. The cysteine specific reversible S‐cationization procedure was successfully employed for large‐scale preparation of nucleic acid free denatured protein without purification tag system. The second step is the intramolecular disulfide formation prior to refolding in dialysis removing denaturant. Disulfide intact monomeric avidin showed efficient formation of biologically active tetrameric conformation during the refolding process. Using this optimized refolding procedure, highly cationic avidin derivative designed as an intracellular delivery carrier of biotinylated protein was successfully prepared.
Osteoclastogenesis Modulatory Steroids from the South China Sea Gorgonian Coral Iciligorgia sp.
Authors: Xu Congcong , Li Jiao , Su Li , Tang Hua , Zhang Wen
Published: May 2020

A new 9,11‐secosteroid, (22R)‐22‐acetoxy‐3β,6α,11‐trihydroxy‐9,11‐seco‐5α‐cholest‐7‐en‐9‐one, along with twelve known analogues were isolated from the South China Sea gorgonian coral Iciligorgia sp. Their structures were determined by the spectroscopic analysis and comparison with reported data. In an in vitro test of osteoclastic differentiation, three compounds exhibited significant down‐regulating effect whereas two compounds showed significant up‐regulating effect at 0.5 and 1.0 μm. This is the first report of the chemical investigation of the gorgonian Iciligorgia sp. The acetoxy substitution at C‐22 seems to play an important role in the regulating activity.
Photochemical Approach to the Cyclohepta[b]indole Scaffold by Annulative Two‐Carbon Ring‐Expansion
Authors: Tymann Dina Christina , Benedix Lars , Iovkova Lyuba , Pallach Roman , Henke Sebastian , Tymann David , Hiersemann Martin
Published: May 2020

We report on the implementation of the concept of a photochemically elicited two‐carbon homologation of a π‐donor–π‐acceptor substituted chromophore by triple‐bond insertion. Implementing a phenyl connector between the slide‐in module and the chromophore enabled the synthesis of cylohepta[b]indole‐type building blocks by a metal‐free annulative one‐pot two‐carbon ring expansion of the five‐membered chromophore. Post‐irradiative structural elaboration provided founding members of the indolo[2,3‐d]tropone family of compounds. Control experiments in combination with computational chemistry on this multibond reorganization process founded the basis for a mechanistic hypothesis.
Synthesis of CO‐tolerant Ni‐Pt Rhombic Dodecahedra Bimetallic Electrocatalytic Nanoparticles
Authors: Singh Gurvinder , Sunde Svein , Seland Frode
Published: May 2020

Developing scalable synthetic routes for fabricating low‐cost CO‐tolerant and highly active electrocatalysts have significant relevance for fuel cell applications. Here, we report a novel and rapid single step synthesis of Ni enriched bimetallic core‐shell (Ni−Pt) rhombic dodecahedra nanoparticles (NPs) via the thermal decomposition of precursor in the presence of oleylamine. Electrochemical dealloying in acidic medium (0.1 M HClO4) subjecting NPs to different potential cycles is employed to vary the chemical composition and morphologies of parent bimetallic core‐shell NPs. As a result, rhombic dodecahedra NPs transform to different morphologies such as concave, nanocage (open structure), and squeezed nanocage. Our results reveal that concave rhombic dodecahedra shaped electrocatalysts show high resistance to CO poisoning compare to core‐shell, nanocage, and squeezed nanocage morphologies as well as commercial Pt/C electrocatalysts. The improved CO tolerant of concave rhombic dodecahedra bimetallic NPs results from the presence of optimal content of Ni along with Pt content at the surface. We also demonstrate that CO tolerance of concave bimetallic NPs can be changed by electrochemical parameters such as the scan rate and CO adsorption potential. Overall, the present study presents a conceptual strategy for achieving improved CO tolerance by change in the composition and morphologies of bimetallic core‐shell NPs.
Alteration in Cross Diffusivities Governs the Nature and Dynamics of Spatiotemporal Pattern Formation
Authors: Giri Amitava , Pramod Jain Shreyans , Kar Sandip
Published: May 2020

Realizing spatiotemporal patterns out of a chemical reaction diffusion system remains an experimental challenge owing to the difficulty in overcoming the stringent condition of diffusion driven instability. Herein, by considering the spatially extended Gray‐Scott model system, we have investigated how the cross diffusivities of the reactants involved influence the nature and dynamics of spatiotemporal patterns. Our study unravels that in absence of diffusion driven instability, spatially inhomogeneous patterns can be obtained for the Gray‐Scott model system, and unstable time dependent patterns can be stabilized just by adjusting cross diffusivities of the reactants. Interestingly, the effect of cross diffusion in presence of the diffusion driven instability can differentially alter the speed of pattern formation, and potentially modify the nature of the spatiotemporal patterns obtained under different parametric conditions. Experimental verification of our findings may allow us to observe spatiotemporal patterns beyond the regime of classical Turing instability.
Coupled Copper–Zinc Catalysts for Electrochemical Reduction of Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Zeng Juqin , Rino Telemaco , Bejtka Katarzyna , Castellino Micaela , Sacco Adriano , Farkhondehfal M. Amin , Chiodoni Angelica , Drago Filippo , Pirri Candido F.
Published: May 2020

A catalyst plays a key role in the electrochemical reduction of CO2 to valuable chemicals and fuels. Hence, the development of efficient and inexpensive catalysts has attracted great interest from both the academic and industrial communities. In this work, low‐cost catalysts coupling Cu and Zn are designed and prepared with a green microwave‐assisted route. The Cu to Zn ratio in the catalysts can be easily tuned by adjusting the precursor solutions. The obtained Cu–Zn catalysts are mainly composed of polycrystalline Cu particles and monocrystalline ZnO nanoparticles. The electrodes with optimized Cu–Zn catalysts show enhanced CO production rates of approximately 200 μmol h−1 cm−2 with respect to those with a monometallic Cu or ZnO catalyst under the same applied potential. At the bimetallic electrodes, ZnO‐derived active sites are selective for CO formation and highly conductive Cu favors electron transport in the catalyst layer as well as charge transfer at the electrode/electrolyte interface.
Modeling of Ion Agglomeration in Magnesium Electrolytes and its Impacts on Battery Performance
Authors: Drews Janina , Danner Timo , Jankowski Piotr , Vegge Tejs , García Lastra Juan Maria , Liu Runyu , Zhao‐Karger Zhirong , Fichtner Maximilian , Latz Arnulf
Published: May 2020

The choice of electrolyte has a crucial influence on the performance of rechargeable magnesium batteries. In multivalent electrolytes an agglomeration of ions to pairs or bigger clusters may affect the transport in the electrolyte and the reaction at the electrodes. In this work the formation of clusters is included in a general model for magnesium batteries. In this model, the effect of cluster formation on transport, thermodynamics and kinetics is consistently taken into account. The model is used to analyze the effect of ion clustering in magnesium tetrakis(hexafluoroisopropyloxy)borate in dimethoxyethane as electrolyte. It becomes apparent that ion agglomeration is able to explain experimentally observed phenomena at high salt concentrations.
Association between age at type 1 diabetes diagnosis and metabolic outcome at young adulthood: a real‐life observational study
Authors: Goldberg Tomer , Brener Avivit , Levy Sigal , Interator Hagar , Laurian Irina , Dorfman Anna , Chorna Efrat , Oren Asaf , Eyal Ori , Lebenthal Yael
Published: May 2020

Background

Younger age at diagnosis of type 1 diabetes (T1D) may affect the clinical course and outcome. We examined whether age at diagnosis was associated with glycemic control and metabolic outcome in young adulthood.

Methods

This observational study included 105 young adults with T1D (current mean age: 21.2 ± 3.0 years, mean age at diagnosis 12.0 ± 4.0 years) followed during 2012 to 2019. Data on HbA1c, glucose variability, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) metrics, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP), and body composition were collected from medical records from age 18 years until last visit, and the association between age at diagnosis and outcomes was assessed.

Results

Age at T1D diagnosis was negatively associated with HbA1c levels (r = −0.368, P = .001), BMI (r = −0.218, P = .026), and diastolic BP (r = −0.215, P = .028). Younger age at diagnosis predicted poorer glycemic control after controlling for T1D duration, sex, socioeconomic status, BMI, and CGM use (r2 = 0.19, P = .002). There was a 0.1% greater HbA1c reduction for every yearly increase in age at diagnosis (β = −0.090, P = .042). The mean metabolic age of females diagnosed at <10 years of age was older than their chronological age (P = .049).

Conclusions

Younger age at T1D diagnosis predicts worse glycemic control at young adulthood, independent of recognized confounding risk factors (disease duration, sex, socioeconomic status, weight, and use of diabetes technology). Female patients diagnosed at a young age have an older metabolic age, indicating the need for lifestyle alteration to improve their basal metabolic rate.
Silylation of Alcohols, Phenols, and Silanols with Alkynylsilanes – an Efficient Route to Silyl Ethers and Unsymmetrical Siloxanes
Authors: Kuciński Krzysztof , Stachowiak Hanna , Hreczycho Grzegorz
Published: May 2020

The formation of several silyl ethers (alkoxysilanes, R3Si‐OR') and unsymmetrical siloxanes (R3Si‐O‐SiR'3) can be catalyzed by the commercially available potassium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide (KHMDS). The reaction proceeds via direct dealkynative coupling between various alcohols or silanols and alkynylsilanes, with a simultaneous formation of gaseous acetylene as the sole by‐product. The dehydrogenative and dealkenative coupling of alcohols or silanols are well‐investigated, whilst the utilization of alkynylsilanes as silylating agents has never been comprehensively studied in this context. Overall, the presented system allows the synthesis of various attractive organosilicon compounds under mild conditions, making this approach an atom‐efficient, environmentally benign, and sustainable alternative to existing synthetic solutions.
Defect Detection and Degradation Analysis in Photovoltaic Modules using Thermography, Spectroscopy, and Current–Voltage Measurements, and Quantitative Assessment of Their Impact
Authors: Akram Muhammad Waqar , Li Guiqiang , Jin Yi , Chen Xiao , Zhu Changan , Shauket Imran , Ahmad Ashfaq
Published: May 2020

The measurement of defects in photovoltaic (PV) module and their impact assessment can help to improve the reliability and performance of PV systems. Herein, improved defect detection and degradation analysis approach using the combination of infrared (IR) thermography, electroluminescence emission spectroscopy, and current–voltage (I–V) measurements are presented. Moreover, an image‐processing scheme to automatically detect and compute defective area is also proposed. First, experiments are conducted on normal operating modules. Subsequently, different defects and failures are induced, and experiments are conducted again. These modules are analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. From IR images, defective area, overheating, and underheating computations are carried out. FromI–Vmeasurements, power losses, current degradation, and voltage degradation calculations are carried out. The defects that show up in IR images are correlated withI–Vcurve deviations and their effect on power losses and current/voltage degradation is also analyzed. Moreover, electroluminescence emissions of defective regions are correlated with overheating/underheating calculations. Finally, the observations from experimental results and related quantitative/qualitative computations are summarized. This approach can help to investigate module degradation stage and mode. It can also help in decision making with the use of only IR imaging and related computations in absence of optimum measurement conditions.
Multilayer Graphite–Ga68.5In21.5Sn10 Composites as Highly Thermal Conductive and Low‐Cost Material
Authors: Qiu Wangkang , Ou Meilian , Huang Kaiyuan , Chu Sheng
Published: May 2020

With the emergence of numerous capabilities, electronic devices with high‐frequency central processing units (CPUs) are achieving high performance. In the meantime, immense heat generated in a conﬁned space makes the cooling of semiconductor circuits a critical challenge. People are looking for ways to improve the heat dissipation capacity of commercial graphite films (GFs), as the thicknesses of the synthetic GFs are limited to below 20 μm. Herein, a new strategy utilizing liquid Galinstan (GaInSn) with high thermal conductivity (TC) as interfacial layers between GFs to reduce thermal resistance is proposed. Through numerical simulation and experimental verification, it is found that the multilayer GF–GaInSn composite films reveal strongly enhanced heat conducting properties compared with commercial GF. The resulting five‐layer GF–GaInSn composite exhibits superior equivalent TC at room temperature along the α‐axis (KRT = 1809.05 ± 68.66 W m−1 K−1). The presence of GaInSn enables the heat to diffuse unimpeded onto graphite of each layer, endowing the composites with potential application in electronic devices for advanced thermal management.
3D Vertical Graphene@SiOx/B‐Doped Carbon Composite Microspheres for High‐Energy Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Han Meisheng , Li Jiayang , Yu Jie
Published: May 2020

Despite its high capacity as a promising candidate material for lithium‐ion battery anodes, SiOx (x < 2) has the limitation of low conductivity and large volume change during cycling of SiOx, leading to low lithium‐ion transport rate, electrode destruction, and thus poor lithium‐ion storage performance. Herein, a novel 3D vertical graphene@SiOx/B‐doped carbon (3DVG@SiOx/BC) composite microsphere with 3DVG grown on SiOBC microspheres prepared by the pyrolysis of liquid tris(trimethylsilyl) borate in a sealed vessel using thermal chemical vapor deposition is reported. SiOBC can be transformed into SiOx/BC with homogeneously dispersed subnanoscale SiOx and BC particles during heating. The subnanoscale BC particles in spheres and 3DVG surface provide a fast lithium‐ion transport path and a robust skeleton, with an ultrahigh lithium‐ion diffusion coefficient (1.7 × 10−9 cm2 s−1) and an ultralow volume change (13.8%). The 3DVG@SiOx/BC microspheres exhibit a high electrical conductivity (6.5 × 103 S m−1) and tap density (0.83 g cm−3) as well as a high capacity, long cycling life, and excellent rate capability as anodes in half/full cells. The full cell with LiCoO2 as the cathode shows a high gravimetric and volumetric energy density of 459.4 Wh kg−1 and 1167.9 Wh L−1, respectively.
Building a Thermal Shutdown Cathode for Li‐Ion Batteries Using Temperature‐Responsive Poly(3‐Dodecylthiophene)
Authors: Li Hui , Zhang Xinnuo , Zhang Chongrong , Cao Yuliang , Yang Hanxi , Ai Xinping , Zhong Faping
Published: May 2020

Thermal shutdown electrodes can provide a safety control for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) under a wide range of applications. However, developing such an electrode is difficult due to the lack of electrochemically compatible materials with suitable temperature‐responsive functions. Herein, a new thermal‐responsive conductive polymer—poly(3‐dodecylthiophene) (P3DDT)—is reported, and this polymer is used as a coating layer of electrode substrate to fabricate a thermal shutdown cathode of Al/P3DDT/LiCoO2 (LCO‐P3DDT). Benefited by the high room‐temperature conductivity, strong positive‐temperature‐coefficient (PTC) effect, and appropriate transition temperature of the P3DDT layer, the LCO‐P3DDT cathode not only exhibits similar electrochemical performance as a conventional LCO cathode at normal operating temperatures, but also plays a desired shutdown function to switch off the electrode reaction at elevated temperatures of ≥90 °C, thus protecting the cell from thermal runaway. This PTC effect of p‐doped P3DDT is found to be given rise by the thermal de‐doping of anions from the doped P3DDT skeleton at elevated temperature. This temperature‐responsive mechanism may provide a new insight for designing better thermal shutdown electrodes for a wide variety of battery applications.
Impact of COVID‐19 on the mental health of surgeons and coping strategies
Authors: Balasubramanian Anusha , Paleri Vigneshwar , Bennett Robin , Paleri Vinidh
Published: May 2020

Unprecedented times call for extraordinary measures. While surgeons across the globe try to comprehend the evolving facade of the COVID‐19 pandemic and improvise surgical practice to the best of their ability, the psychological impact of the stress on their own mental health and well‐being has been underestimated. This paper aims to review the indirect and overt factors that may affect the mental health of a surgeon in the present circumstances. Furthermore, it will aim to highlight key coping mechanisms at an individual and institutional level, so as to mitigate the negative psychological impact on surgeons.
The Sclerosing Cholangitis Outcomes in Pediatrics (SCOPE) Index: A Prognostic Tool for Children
Authors: Deneau Mark R. , Mack Cara , Perito Emily R. , Ricciuto Amanda , Valentino Pamela L. , Amin Mansi , Amir Achiya Z. , Aumar Madeleine , Auth Marcus , Broderick Annemarie , DiGuglielmo Matthew , Draijer Laura G. , Tavares Fagundes Eleonora Druve , El‐Matary Wael , Ferrari Federica , Furuya Katryn N. , Gupta Nitika , Hochberg Jessica T. , Homan Matjaz , Horslen Simon , Iorio Raffaele , Jensen M. Kyle , Jonas Maureen M. , Kamath Binita M. , Kerkar Nanda , Kim Kyung Mo , Kolho Kaija‐Leena , Koot Bart G.P. , Laborda Trevor J. , Lee Christine K. , Loomes Kathleen M. , Martinez Mercedes , Miethke Alexander , Miloh Tamir , Mogul Douglas , Mohammad Saeed , Mohan Parvathi , Moroz Stacy , Ovchinsky Nadia , Palle Sirish , Papadopoulou Alexandra , Rao Girish , Rodrigues Ferreira Alexandre , Sathya Pushpa , Schwarz Kathleen B. , Shah Uzma , Shteyer Eyal , Singh Ruchi , Smolka Vratislav , Soufi Nisreen , Tanaka Atsushi , Varier Raghu , Vitola Bernadette , Woynarowski Marek , Zerofsky Melissa , Zizzo Andréanne , Guthery Stephen L.
Published: May 2020

Background and Aims

Disease progression in children with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is variable. Prognostic and risk‐stratification tools exist for adult‐onset PSC, but not for children. We aimed to create a tool that accounts for the biochemical and phenotypic features and early disease stage of pediatric PSC.

Approach and Results

We used retrospective data from the Pediatric PSC Consortium. The training cohort contained 1,012 patients from 40 centers. We generated a multivariate risk index (Sclerosing Cholangitis Outcomes in Pediatrics [SCOPE] index) that contained total bilirubin, albumin, platelet count, gamma glutamyltransferase, and cholangiography to predict a primary outcome of liver transplantation or death (TD) and a broader secondary outcome that included portal hypertensive, biliary, and cancer complications termed hepatobiliary complications (HBCs). The model stratified patients as low, medium, or high risk based on progression to TD at rates of <1%, 3%, and 9% annually and to HBCs at rates of 2%, 6%, and 13% annually, respectively (P < 0.001). C‐statistics to discriminate outcomes at 1 and 5 years were 0.95 and 0.82 for TD and 0.80 and 0.76 for HBCs, respectively. Baseline hepatic fibrosis stage was worse with increasing risk score, with extensive fibrosis in 8% of the lowest versus 100% with the highest risk index (P < 0.001). The model was validated in 240 children from 11 additional centers and performed well.

Conclusions

The SCOPE index is a pediatric‐specific prognostic tool for PSC. It uses routinely obtained, objective data to predict a complicated clinical course. It correlates strongly with biopsy‐proven liver fibrosis. SCOPE can be used with families for shared decision making on clinical care based on a patient’s individual risk, and to account for variable disease progression when designing future clinical trials.
Rapid intraoperative diagnosis of gynecological cancer by ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy of fresh tissue biopsy
Authors: Malonek Dov , Dekel Ben‐Zion , Haran Gabi , Reens‐Carmel Renat , Groisman Gabriel M. , Hallak Mordechai , Bruchim Ilan
Published: May 2020

A rapid and reliable intraoperative diagnostic technique to support clinical decisions was developed using Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Twenty‐six fresh tissue samples were collected intraoperatively from patients undergoing gynecological surgeries. Frozen section (FS) histopathology aimed to discriminate between malignant and benign tumors was performed, and attenuated total reflection (ATR) FTIR spectra were collected from these samples. Digital dehydration and principal component analysis and linear discriminant analysis (PCA‐LDA) models were developed to classify samples into malignant and benign groups. Two validation schemes were employed: k‐fold and “leave one out.” FTIR absorption spectrum of a fresh tissue sample was obtained in less than 5 minutes. The fingerprint spectral region of malignant tumors was consistently different from that of benign tumors. The PCA‐LDA discrimination model correctly classified the samples into malignant and benign groups with accuracies of 96% and 93% for the k‐fold and “leave one out” validation schemes, respectively. We showed that a simple tissue preparation followed by ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy provides accurate means for very rapid tumor classification into malignant and benign gynecological tumors. With further development, the proposed method has high potential to be used as an adjunct to the intraoperative FS histopathology technique.
Skin Autofluorescence, a Noninvasive Biomarker for Advanced Glycation End-Products, Is Associated With Prevalent Vertebral and Major Osteoporotic Fractures: The Rotterdam Study
Authors: Waqas Komal , Chen Jinluan , Koromani Fjorda , Trajanoska Katerina , van der Eerden Bram CJ , Uitterlinden André G , Rivadeneira Fernando , Zillikens M Carola
Published: May 2020

Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), which bind to type 1 collagen in bone and skin, have been implicated in reduced bone quality. The AGE reader™ measures skin autofluorescence (SAF), which might be regarded as a marker of long-term accumulation of AGEs in tissues. We investigated the association of SAF with bone mineral density (BMD) and fractures in the general population. We studied 2853 individuals from the Rotterdam Study with available SAF measurements (median age, 74.1 years) and with data on prevalent major osteoporotic (MOFs: hip, humerus, wrist, clinical vertebral) and vertebral fractures (VFs: clinical + radiographic Genant’s grade 2 and 3). Radiographs were assessed 4 to 5 years before SAF. Multivariate regression models were performed adjusted for age, sex, BMI, creatinine, smoking status, and presence of diabetes and additionally for BMD with interaction terms to test for effect modification. Prevalence of MOFs was 8.5% and of VFs 7%. SAF had a curvilinear association with prevalent MOFs and VFs and therefore, age-adjusted, sex stratified SAF quartiles were used. The odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) of the second, third and fourth quartiles of SAF for MOFs were as follows: OR 1.60 (95% CI, 1.08–2.35; p = .02); OR 1.30 (95% CI, 0.89–1.97; p = .20), and OR 1.40 (95% CI, 0.95–2.10; p = .09), respectively, with first (lowest) quartile as reference. For VFs the ORs were as follows: OR 1.69 (95% CI, 1.08–2.64; p = .02), OR 1.74(95% CI, 1.11–2.71; p = .01), and OR 1.73 (95% CI, 1.12–2.73; p = .02) for second, third, and fourth quartiles, respectively. When comparing the top three quartiles combined with the first quartile, the OR (95% CI) for MOFs was 1.43 (95% CI, 1.04–2.00; p = .03) and for VFs was 1.72 (95% CI, 1.18–2.53; p = .005). Additional adjustment for BMD did not change the associations. In conclusion, there is evidence of presence of a threshold of skin AGEs below which there is distinctly lower prevalence of fractures. Longitudinal analyses are needed to confirm our cross-sectional findings. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.