bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding Fistula-In-Ano: Pathophysiology And Clinical Management At Tertiary Care Center
Authors: Chandrara Dr Akshaya Jnana , Dalal Dr Akhilesh , Gupta Prof Dr Ashok Kumar , Kumar Associate Prof Dr Vijay
Published: November 2024

Fistula in ano is an abnormal communication between anal canal or rectum and perianal skin which causes chronic inflammatory response, explained by Park’s Cryptoglandular theory. Main complaint of patient is intermittent or constant discharge. There is a history of pain, swelling, recurrent abscess that ruptured spontaneously, surgically drained. DRE, proctoscopy remains main stay of diagnosis in anorectal fistulas. Surgery is mainstay, aim to cure while preserving sphincter mechanism & prevent recurrence. Aims And Objectives: • Clinical Evaluation of Patients presenting with Fistula In Ano. • Evaluation of Management Protocol of Fistula in Ano in tertiary care. • To study recurrences of fistula in ano & various Modalities of Treatment. Method: Type of study: Descriptional study Sample size: 80 cases Period of study: March 2022 – March 2024 Place of study – Tertiary care center Detailed clinical history, examination of patient was recorded. All investigations relevant to study done in patients. Appropriate surgical management performed. Post operative findings noted. Results: Out of 80 cases, mean age - 40 years (range 20-70 yrs), presenting complaints were pain, discharge, itching. Intersphincteric type being most common, the surgical outcome was best achieved by fistulectomy. Conclusion We conclude there is a male preponderance of disease and Fistulectomy remains the commonest procedure in our study series. The diagnosis by clinical methods is accurate & cost effective. The conventional technique of surgery is cost effective, has a low learning curve & all patients could have easy access to these techniques.
Knowledge, Attitude & Practice Of Healthcare Professional Students Of Northern Maharashtra Regarding Organ Donation & Transplantation, Concern Of The Hour
Authors: Pandit Digvi , Dakhane Dr. Prafulla
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Organ Donation & Transplantation (OTD) is of paramount importance and holds crucial place in today’s era. There is no alternative to Organ Donation & Transplantation in clinical scenarios like Dilated Cardiomyopathy, Chronic Kidney Disease, Fulminant Liver Cirrhosis, etc. Today’s healthcare professional students will be tomorrow's responsible healthcare service providers. This study is undertaken to know the details of Knowledge, Attitude & Practice (KAP) amongst healthcare students of Northern Maharashtra. Aim & Objectives: Aim of the present study was to know insights of Knowledge, Attitude & Practice of Healthcare professional students of Northern Maharashtra regarding Organ Donation & Transplantation Material & Methods: Google Form was prepared and distributed amongst 1022 students of different healthcare institutions of Northern Maharashtra studying MBBS, BDS, BPTH, BOTH, BAMS, BHMS, B.Sc Nursing, ANM, GNM and observations were noted. The Google Form itself included informed consent and it contained 3 sections- Knowledge, Attitude & Practice respectively. Observations were graded depending upon the score. Results: Average score for questions seeking Knowledge, Attitude & Practice regarding Organ Donation & Transplantation was found to be 6,9.5 and 3 respectively whereas maximum score in each category was 10 out of 10. an Conclusion: Considering less than expected scores in Knowledge category makes us imperative to strengthen awareness drive in Healthcare students about Organ Donation & Transplantation. Good scores in Attitude category shows that Healthcare students are having favourable attitude for Organ Donation & Transplantation whereas there is tremendous scope to work upon implementing practices for Organ Donation & Transplantation.
A Comparative Study Between Strain Counter Strain Technique And Neural Flossing Technique On Pain, Dysfunction, Cervical Range Of Motion, And Postural Alignment In Patients With Trapezitis
Authors: Khatri Ishan , Singh Niharika , Sindhu Dr. Bijender , Rishi Dr. Priyanka
Published: November 2024

Purpose: To evaluate and compare the effects of the strain-counterstrain technique and neural flossing technique on pain, neck dysfunction, cervical ROM, and postural alignment in patients with trapezitis. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 30 participants diagnosed with bilateral trapezitis. Subjects were randomly allocated into two groups: strain-counterstrain (SCS) and neural flossing (NF), using a convenience sampling method. Each group received a 2-week intervention (3 sessions per week, 30 minutes per session). Pre- and post-treatment assessments were made for pain, neck disability (NDI), cervical ROM, and postural alignment. Result: Both groups showed significant improvements in pain, neck dysfunction, cervical ROM, and postural alignment after the 2-week intervention. However, between-group analysis revealed no statistically significant differences between the strain- counterstrain and neural flossing groups. Notably, within-group analysis indicated that the SCS group showed superior improvement in cervical ROM compared to the NF group. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that both strain-counterstrain and neural flossing techniques are effective in reducing pain, improving neck dysfunction, cervical ROM, and postural alignment in patients with trapezitis. While no significant difference was observed between the two techniques overall, strain-counterstrain demonstrated better outcomes in enhancing cervical ROM. These results support the hypothesis that there is no significant difference between the two interventions in terms of overall effectiveness for pain, dysfunction, ROM, and postural alignment
Evaluation Of Heavy Metal Bioremediating Bacteria From Heavy Metal Polluted And Semi Pristine Environments
Authors: Oluwaseun Olaleye Abigail , Yusuf Ibrahim , Tobi Olaleye David
Published: November 2024

This study compared the evaluation of heavy metal in semi-pristine and heavy metal-polluted environments. Samples of soil contaminated with heavy metals was obtained from Challawa industrial dump site Kano while semi-pristine soil samples were obtained from Bayero University Kano's Botanical and Ecological Gardens, and Jardin Botanique Geneva in Switzerland. Microbiological methods were used to isolate and identify the bacteria in the samples. The isolates were further screened for their ability to tolerate Lead (Pb) and Chromium (Cr) salts separately at various concentrations of 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, and 400 mg/l of each heavy metal after which their Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was determined. Isolates that tolerated this heavy metal were further subjected for bioremediation assay. To provide the ideal circumstances for heavy metal removal, the bacteria that produced the greatest results while bioremediating these heavy metals independently were further improved. Seven bacteria were isolated; 2 from the semi-pristine sites and 5 from the polluted site; 1 Acinetobacter spp., 3 Psuedomonas spp., 2 Bacillus spp., and 1 Staphylococcus spp. Of all the isolates, Pseudomonas spp. from polluted soil tolerated more heavy metals with Minimum Inhibitory Concentration 280mg/l for Cr and 420mg/l for Pb. It also had the highest heavy metal removal of 58.28% for Cr and 72.97% for Pb while Pseudomonas spp. from Geneva had the least Cr removal of 25.79% and Bacillus spp. from the ecological garden had the lowest removal efficiency for Pb with 18.53%. The most efficient isolate for removing heavy metals was Pseudomonas spp. from the Challawa industrial dump site. The isolate showed the greatest reduction at an ideal pH of 7; the isolate removed heavy metals most effectively when incubated for 48 hours; the same isolate removed Pb and Cr efficiently at an ideal temperature of 37oC. Using bacteria in the bioremediation of heavy metals does not always require them to be able to withstand the heavy metals. Therefore, relevant regulatory organizations should regulate the careless dumping of untreated wastes by industries to improve the environment
Systematic Literature Review: Harmony Source Life At Higher Education In Bali
Authors: Novarini Ni Nyoman Ari , Faddah Isti
Published: November 2024

The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of Tri Hita Karana Culture, organizational commitment, and
employee wellbeing on employee performance through employee engagement at Private Universities in Denpasar.
Research Gap This study is motivated by the influence of organizational culture and organizational commitment
applied by each workforce at universities in the city of Denpasar. This leads to deviations in individual behavior
within the organization and also because of the lack of readiness of Human Resources / Employees in the
organization to face technological advances in this digitalization era, where this is influenced by external and
internal factors. This study uses qualitative data types adopted from 26 international journals, both indexed
journals DOAJ, Scopus, Elsevier, Taylor and Francis Group. This study uses a qualitative approach, using data
analysis tools using Systematic Literature Review. The results of this study found that Management based on local wisdom Tri Hita Karana In achieving harmony in higher education organizations, it was also found that the application of this concept aims to create balance and harmony in life
Leveraging Financial Analysis And It For Susľainable Business Growľh InA Posľ-Pandemic Economy
Authors: . .
Published: November 2024

This aíľicle exploíes how inľegíaľing financial analysis and IT has díiven susľainable business gíowľh in a posľ-pandemic economy, wiľh a specific focus on ľhe Uniľed Sľaľes. Iľ examines ľhe basic impoíľance of ľhese ľools in sľabilizing opeíaľions and ensuíing íecoveíy acíoss majoí secľoís, such as aviaľion, manufacľuíing, and IT. The pandemic exposed numeíous vulneíabiliľies in global business píacľices, buľ ľhíough ľhe use of advanced financial analyľics, cloud ľechnologies, AI, and auľomaľion, businesses can adapľ and sľíengľhen ľheií íesilience. Key findings íeveal ľhaľ while ľhe aviaľion secľoí uľilized financial píedicľion and cosľ opľimizaľion ľhíough IT ľools ľo manage íevenue losses, ľhe manufacľuíing secľoí implemenľed Indusľíy 4.0 ľechnologies ľo enhance supply chain managemenľ and opeíaľional e iciency. The IT secľoíľhíived by acceleíaľing digiľal adopľion, leveíaging cloud seívices, and AI-díiven financial models ľo suppoíľ íemoľe woík and píedicľ maíkeľ demands. Case sľudies of companies like Micíosofľ and U.S.-based manufacľuíeís illusľíaľe how advanced financial and IT sľíaľegies weíe cíiľical in íesolving ľhe economic challenges posed by ľhe pandemic. This aíľicle concludes wiľh íecommendaľions on how businesses can leveíage ľhese ľools foí long-ľeím susľainabiliľy, wiľh a call foí fuíľheí íeseaích on opľimizing financial and IT inľegíaľion foí be±eí cíisis managemenľ.
Three Birds, One‐Stone Strategy for Hybrid Microwave Synthesis of Ta and Sn Codoped Fe2O3@FeTaO4 Nanorods for Photo‐Electrochemical Water Oxidation
Authors: Zhang Hemin , Noh Woo Yeong , Li Feng , Kim Jin Hyun , Jeong Hu Young , Lee Jae Sung
Published: January 2019

A “three birds, one stone” strategy is proposed to enhance the performance of hematite photoanode for photoelectrochemical water splitting. One‐pot hybrid microwave synthesis of Ta and Sn codoped Fe2O3@FeTaO4 core–shell nanorods on F:SnO2 substrate achieves three synergetic effects simultaneously: i) core–shell heterojunction formation to alleviate the significant electron–hole recombination; ii) preserved morphology of small‐diameter nanorods to provide a short hole diffusion distance; and iii) Ta and Sn codoping to enhance the electrical conductivity. These effects are not possible with conventional high temperature thermal synthesis in a furnace. As a result, core–shell Fe2O3@FeTaO4 electrode with FeOOH cocatalyst achieves a photocurrent density of 2.86 mA cm−2 at 1.23 VRHE under AM 1.5 G simulated sunlight (100 mW cm−2), which is ≈2.4 times higher than that of bare hematite (1.17 mA cm−2). In addition, the FeOOH/Fe2O3@FeTaO4 electrode exhibits a high surface charge separation efficiency of ≈85% and a modest bulk charge separation efficiency of ≈24%.
Controlled Vapor Growth and Nonlinear Optical Applications of Large‐Area 3R Phase WS2 and WSe2 Atomic Layers
Authors: Zeng Zhouxiaosong , Sun Xingxia , Zhang Danliang , Zheng Weihao , Fan Xiaopeng , He Mai , Xu Tao , Sun Litao , Wang Xiao , Pan Anlian
Published: January 2019

2D layered 3‐rhombohedral (3R) phase transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have received significantly increased research interest in nonlinear optical applications due to their unique crystal structures and broken inversion symmetry. However, controlled growth of 2D 3R phase TMDs still remains a great challenge. In this work, a direct growth of large‐area WS2 and WSe2 atomic layers with controllable crystal phases via a developed temperature selective physical vapor deposition route is reported. Large‐area triangular 3R phase layers are synthesized at a lower deposition temperature. Steady state and time‐resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy are used to study the unique properties of 3R phase layers due to different layer stacking and interlayer coupling. More importantly, with broken inversion symmetry, 3R phase layers show a quadratically increased second harmonic generation (SHG) intensity with respect to layer numbers. Furthermore, by polarization‐resolved SHG, a uniform polarization preference is observed in bilayer and trilayer 3R phase WS2, which could be a benefit for practical applications. The results not only contribute to the controlled growth of 2D TMDs layers with different phases but also pave the way to promising nonlinear optical devices.
Engineering Perovskite Nanocrystal Surface Termination for Light‐Emitting Diodes with External Quantum Efficiency Exceeding 15%
Authors: Xiao Zhengguo , Kerner Ross A. , Tran Nhu , Zhao Lianfeng , Scholes Gregory D. , Rand Barry P.
Published: January 2019

Hybrid organic–inorganic metal halide perovskites are particularly promising for light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) due to their attractive optoelectronic properties such as wavelength tunability, narrow emission linewidth, defect tolerance, and high charge carrier mobility. However, the undercoordinated Pb and halide at the perovskite nanocrystal (NC) surface causes traps and nonradiative recombination. In this work, the external quantum efficiency of iodide‐based perovskite LEDs is boosted to greater than 15%, with an emission wavelength at 750 nm, by engineering the perovskite NC surface stoichiometry and chemical structure of bulky organoammonium ligands. To the stoichiometric precursor solution for the 3D bulk perovskite, 20% molar ratio of methylammonium iodide is added in addition to 20% excess bulky organoammonium iodide to ensure that the NC surface is organoammonium terminated as the crystal size is decreased to 5–10 nm. This combination ensures minimal undercoordinated Pb and halide on the surface, avoids 2D phases, and acts to provide nanosized perovskite grains which allow for smooth and pinhole‐free films. As a result of time‐resolved photoluminescence (PL) and PL quantum yield measurements, it is possible to demonstrate that this surface modification increases the radiative recombination rate while reducing the nonradiative rate.
A Dual‐Retarded Reaction Processed Mixed‐Cation Perovskite Layer for High‐Efficiency Solar Cells
Authors: Mali Sawanta S. , Patil Jyoti V. , Kim Hyungjin , Kim HyunHoon , Hong Chang Kook
Published: January 2019

Mixed‐cation perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have become of enormous interest because of their excellent efficiency, which is now crossing 23.7%. Their broader absorption, relatively high stability with low fabrication cost compared to conventional single phase ABX3 perovskites (where A: organic cation; B: divalent metal ion; and X: halide anion) are key properties of mixed‐halide mixed‐cation perovskites. However, the controlling reaction rate and formation of extremely dense, textured, smooth, and large grains of perovskite layer is a crucial task in order to achieve highly efficient PSCs. Herein, a new simple dual‐retarded reaction processing (DRP) method is developed to synthesize a high‐quality mixed‐cation (FAPbI3)0.85(MAPbBr3)0.15 (where MAPbBr3 stands for methylammonium lead bromide and FAPbI3 stands for formamidinium lead iodide) perovskite thin film via intermediate phase and incorporation of nitrogen‐doped reduced graphene oxide (N‐rGO). The reaction rate is retarded via two steps: first the formation of intermediate phase and second the interaction of the nitrogen groups on N‐rGO with hydrogen atoms from formamidinium cations. This DRP process allows for the fabrication of PSCs with maximum conversion efficiency higher than 20.3%.
Discovering Hidden Material Properties of MgCl2 at Atomic Resolution with Structured Temporal Electron Illumination of Picosecond Time Resolution
Authors: Kisielowski Christian , Specht Petra , Freitag Bert , Kieft Erik R. , Verhoeven Wouter , van Rens Jasper F. M. , Mutsaers Peter , Luiten Jom , Rozeveld Steve , Kang Joo , McKenna Alyssa J. , Nickias Peter , Yancey David F.
Published: January 2019

A combination of atomic resolution phase contrast electron microscopy and pulsed electron beams reveals pristine properties of MgCl2 at 1.7 Å resolution that were previously masked by air and beam damage. Both the inter‐ and intra‐layer bonding in pristine MgCl2 are weak, which leads to uncommonly large local orientation variations that characterize this Ziegler–Natta catalyst support. By delivering electrons with 1–10 ps pulses and ≈160 ps delay times, phonons induced by the electron irradiation in the material are allowed to dissipate before the subsequent delivery of the next electron packet, thus mitigating phonon accumulations. As a result, the total electron dose can be extended by a factor of 80–100 to study genuine material properties at atomic resolution without causing object alterations, which is more effective than reducing the sample temperature. In conditions of minimal damage, beam currents approach femtoamperes with dose rates around 1 eÅ−2 s−1. Generally, the utilization of pulsed electron beams is introduced herein to access genuine material properties while minimizing beam damage.
Composition and Energy Band–Modified Commercial FTO Substrate for In Situ Formed Highly Efficient Electron Transport Layer in Planar Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Sun Haoxuan , Zhou Yu , Xin Yu , Deng Kaimo , Meng Linxing , Xiong Jie , Li Liang
Published: January 2019

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have received much attention and with them a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of over 22% has been achieved. Electron transport layers (ETLs) based on metal oxide materials play an important role in transferring electrons and reducing back recombination. However, existing fabrication approaches are generally waste too many materials and consume too much energy for commercial application. Here, a brand new plasma preannealing procedure is proposed that can replace the traditional ETL preparation process and alleviate the above‐mentioned problems. A pure SnO2 phase in situ formed on the fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO) surface can be obtained at room temperature by only 15 min oxygen plasma assisted reaction without postheating treatment. It enables the precise control of compositions, defects, and energy levels of band at the surface of FTO substrate, resulting in a prominent PCE of 20.39% with excellent stability and reproducibility. This simple and efficient source‐free fabrication technology provides a versatile platform for the manufacture of PSCs in the future.
Epitaxial Growth of h‐BN on Templates of Various Dimensionalities in h‐BN–Graphene Material Systems
Authors: Chen Xin , Yang He , Wu Bin , Wang Lifeng , Fu Qiang , Liu Yunqi
Published: January 2019

Epitaxy traditionally refers to the growth of a crystalline adlayer on a crystalline surface, and has been demonstrated in several simple material systems over decades. Beyond this, it is not clear whether the growth of 2D materials on templates of various dimensionalities is possible, and no effective theory or model is available for describing the complex epitaxial growth kinetics. Here a library of hexagonal boron nitride epitaxy is presented on graphene–hexagonal boron nitride templates of various dimensionalities, including 2D homo/heteromaterial surface and 1D interfaces of homo/heteromaterials. A framework that allows the description of various kinetic growth by combined geometric and structural modeling is developed. Using these tools, the underlying mechanisms for the complex merging process, grain boundary formation, edge‐configuration‐dependent growth difference, position‐dependent size difference, and the correlation among epilayer orientation, crystal structure and geometry are elucidated. This work provides a general viewpoint for understanding epitaxial growth in complex systems.
Defect Engineering and Surface Functionalization of Nanocarbons for Metal‐Free Catalysis
Authors: Ortiz‐Medina Josue , Wang Zhipeng , Cruz‐Silva Rodolfo , Morelos‐Gomez Aaron , Wang Feng , Yao Xiangdong , Terrones Mauricio , Endo Morinobu
Published: January 2019

With the advent of carbon nanotechnology, which initiated significant research efforts more than two decades ago, novel materials for energy harvesting and storage have emerged at an amazing pace. Nevertheless, some fundamental applications are still dominated by traditional materials, and it is especially evident in the case of catalysis, and environmental‐related electrochemical reactions, where precious metals such as Pt and Ir are widely used. Several strategies are being explored for achieving competitive and feasible metal‐free carbon nanomaterials, among which doping and defect engineering approaches within nanocarbons are recurrent and promising. Here, the most recent efforts regarding the control of doping and defects in carbon nanostructures for catalysis, and in particular for energy‐related applications, are addressed. Finally, an overview of alternative proposals that can make a difference when enabling carbon nanomaterials as efficient and emerging catalysts is presented.
Doping Nanoscale Graphene Domains Improves Magnetism in Hexagonal Boron Nitride
Authors: Fan Mengmeng , Wu Jingjie , Yuan Jiangtan , Deng Liangzi , Zhong Ning , He Liang , Cui Jiewu , Wang Zixing , Behera Sushant Kumar , Zhang Chenhao , Lai Jiawei , Jawdat BenMaan I. , Vajtai Robert , Deb Pritam , Huang Yang , Qian Jieshu , Yang Jiazhi , Tour James M. , Lou Jun , Chu Ching‐Wu , Sun Dongping , Ajayan Pulickel M.
Published: January 2019

Carbon doping can induce unique and interesting physical properties in hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN). Typically, isolated carbon atoms are doped into h‐BN. Herein, however, the insertion of nanometer‐scale graphene quantum dots (GQDs) is demonstrated as whole units into h‐BN sheets to form h‐CBN. The h‐CBN is prepared by using GQDs as seed nucleations for the epitaxial growth of h‐BN along the edges of GQDs without the assistance of metal catalysts. The resulting h‐CBN sheets possess a uniform distrubution of GQDs in plane and a high porosity macroscopically. The h‐CBN tends to form in small triangular sheets which suggests an enhanced crystallinity compared to the h‐BN synthesized under the same conditions without GQDs. An enhanced ferromagnetism in the h‐CBN emerges due to the spin polarization and charge asymmetry resulting from the high density of CN and CB bonds at the boundary between the GQDs and the h‐BN domains. The saturation magnetic moment of h‐CBN reaches 0.033 emu g−1 at 300 K, which is three times that of as‐prepared single carbon‐doped h‐BN.
Enzymes Immobilized on Carbon Nitride (C3N4) Cooperating with Metal Nanoparticles for Cascade Catalysis
Authors: Wang Yangxin , Zhang Ningning , Hübner René , Tan Deming , Löffler Markus , Facsko Stefan , Zhang En , Ge Yan , Qi Zhenhui , Wu Changzhu
Published: January 2019

The exploration of effective platforms for immobilizing chemo‐ and biocatalysts to develop biohybrid catalysts is an attractive subject of practical interest. In this work, carbon nitride (C3N4) is used for the first time as a platform for the immobilization of metal catalyst (Pd nanoparticles) and biocatalyst (Candida antarctica lipase B, CalB) in a facile manner to prepare biohybrid catalyst. The optimal biohybrid catalyst inherits the intrinsic performance of both Pd nanoparticles and CalB, and shows high activity in the one‐pot cascade reaction converting benzaldehyde to benzyl hexanoate at room temperature. With this proof of concept, it is expected that C3N4 can be utilized for immobilizing more types of chemo‐ and biocatalysts for perspective applications.
UV and Visible Light Induced Photocatalytic Degradation on p–n Cu2O/ZnO Nanowires Decorated with Au–Pd Alloy Nanoparticles
Authors: Hsu Cheng‐Liang , Chuo Yen‐Cheng , Hsu Liang‐Wei , Pan Yen‐Liang , Liu Yi‐Hung
Published: January 2019

Chemical solutions are applied to synthesize Au–Pd alloy nanoparticles (NPs) and ZnO/Cu2O core–shell nanowires (NWs) on ITO/glass substrates by the photochemical, electrochemistry, and hydrothermal methods. The Cu2O cubic structures and ZnO hexagonal wurtzite structures are verified as being polycrystalline and single crystalline, respectively, by X‐ray diffraction and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR‐TEM). The p‐Cu2O/n‐ZnO NWs samples exhibit rectification properties that confirm the p–n heterojunction interface. The diameter range of the Au–Pd alloy NPs is around 2–15 nm and the Au/Pd ratio is 27:28, according to HR‐TEM and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The p‐Cu2O/n‐ZnO core–shell NWs feature higher UV photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue than do the ZnO NWs. Deposited Au, Pd, Au–Pd alloy NPs on the p‐Cu2O/n‐ZnO core–shell NWs improve the photocatalytic degradation efficiency under UV and blue light. The Au–Pd alloy NPs/p‐Cu2O/n‐ZnO core–shell NWs offer the best photocatalytic properties under UV‐ and blue‐light‐emitting diode (LED) illumination.
On Untethered, Dual Magneto‐ and Photoresponsive Liquid Crystal Bilayer Actuators Showing Bending and Rotating Motion
Authors: Pilz da Cunha Marina , Foelen Yari , Engels Tom A. P. , Papamichou Kleopatra , Hagenbeek Michiel , Debije Michael G. , Schenning Albert P. H. J.
Published: January 2019

The integration of untethered, multi‐stimuli responsive actuation into soft microrobotic devices is a goal in the development of “smart” materials. This manuscript reports on a dual‐stimuli responsive bilayer actuator consisting of a light responsive liquid crystal network (LCN) and a magnetic responsive polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composite. This design is of facile fabrication with ample design freedom, using no additional adhesion layers. Untethered control of the bilayer permits motions including bending and rotation, steered individually or in synchronization. Through a systematic study the direct impact of the PDMS layer was elucidated on the light triggered rate of actuation and maximum deformation amplitude of the LCN film. The alignment (homeotropic or planar) of the LCN has a profound effect on the resulting bilayer actuation. It is demonstrated, both experimentally and theoretically, that the rates of sample heating and actuation are directly correlated and highlight the critical role of the PDMS as a heat sink. The maximum amplitude of displacement of the bilayer is tied to the stiffness, being inversely correlated to the PDMS thickness to the third power. These results give insights and provide straightforward design rules to fabricate bilayer actuators with programmed multi‐responsive properties.
A Zero‐Rank, Maximum Nullity Perfect Electromagnetic Wave Absorber
Authors: Suen Jonathan Y. , Fan Kebin , Padilla Willie J.
Published: January 2019

Electromagnetic wave absorbers formed from a metamaterial layer are demonstrated and near‐perfect absorption is realized across much of the spectrum. Alternatively, an unpatterned low‐loss dielectric layer forms an absorber of coherent light and shows near‐zero reflectance and high absorption. The latter is termed a coherent perfect absorber (CPA) and may be described as a time‐reversed laser. Here, a more fundamental system of dielectric metasurfaces is experimentally demonstrated, which may achieve either coherent or incoherent absorption. The absorber is viewed as two CPAs with eigenmodes of opposite symmetry, and may achieve incoherent absorption with a null scattering matrix, or coherent absorption with a rank‐1 scattering matrix. Metasurface absorbers are classified based on their scattering matrix rank and nullity. The demonstrated system and theory establish a path to realize a new class of absorbers useful for future novel applications, including hyperspectral imaging and energy harvesting.
Constructing Multi‐Stimuli‐Responsive Luminescent Materials through Outer Sphere Electron Transfer in Ion Pairs
Authors: Ma Yun , Shen Liang , She Pengfei , Hou Yuqi , Yu Yaxin , Zhao Jianzhang , Liu Shujuan , Zhao Qiang
Published: January 2019

Stimuli‐responsive luminescent materials are of scientific and technological interest due to their wide range of optoelectronic applications. The utilization of photoinduced electron transfer (PET) reactions is an effective strategy to design various stimuli‐responsive luminescent materials. To date, most of these materials are based on the inner sphere electron transfer mechanism, which refers to a redox chemical reaction that proceeds via a covalent bridge. In contrast, the method of using outer sphere electron transfer mechanism is superior to the covalent approach as it does not require tedious synthesis. Ion pairs, which are composed of two oppositely charged components, are ideal for the development of stimuli‐responsive materials based on outer sphere electron transfer mechanism. Here, it is demonstrated that the emission intensity of an ion pair, consisting of an electron‐deficient phosphor ([Ir(ttpy)2]3+, ttpy = 4′‐(p‐tolyl)‐2,2′:6′,2″‐terpyridine) and an electron‐rich quencher (BH4−, tetrabutylammonium borohydride), is significantly enhanced by applying an electrical stimulus or under UV light irradiation. As far as it is known, this work represents the first example of luminescent material showing smart responses to both electrical and light stimuli. The present results indicate that the use of suitable ion pairs can pave the way toward the construction of multi‐stimuli‐responsive smart materials through outer sphere electron transfer mechanism.
Flexible Robust and High‐Density FeRAM from Array of Organic Ferroelectric Nano‐Lamellae by Self‐Assembly
Authors: Guo Mengfan , Jiang Jianyong , Qian Jianfeng , Liu Chen , Ma Jing , Nan Ce‐Wen , Shen Yang
Published: January 2019

Ferroelectric memories are endowed with high data storage density by nanostructure designing, while the robustness is also impaired. For organic ferroelectrics favored by flexible memories, low Curie transition temperature limits their thermal stability. Herein, a ferroelectric random access memory (FeRAM) is demonstrated based on an array of P(VDF‐TrFE) lamellae by self‐assembly. Written data shows enhanced thermal endurance up to 90 °C and undergoes 12 thermal cycles between 30 and 80 °C with little volatilization. The promoted thermal stability is attributed to pinning effect at interfaces between grain boundaries and lamellae, where charged domain walls and charged defects are coupled. These results provide a strategy for improving robustness of organic flexible FeRAMs, and reveal an attracting coupling effect between different phases of ferroelectric polymer.
Bioinspired Preservation of Natural Killer Cells for Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: El Assal Rami , Abou‐Elkacem Lotfi , Tocchio Alessandro , Pasley Shannon , Matosevic Sandro , Kaplan David L. , Zylberberg Claudia , Demirci Utkan
Published: January 2019

The ability to cryopreserve natural killer (NK) cells has a significant potential in modern cancer immunotherapy. Current cryopreservation protocols cause deterioration in NK cell viability and functionality. This work reports the preservation of human cytokine‐activated NK cell viability and function following cryopreservation using a cocktail of biocompatible bioinspired cryoprotectants (i.e., dextran and carboxylated ε‐poly‐L‐lysine). Results demonstrate that the recovered NK cells after cryopreservation and rewarming maintain their viability immediately after thawing at a comparable level to control (dimethyl sulfoxide‐based cryopreservation). Although, their viability drops in the first day in culture compared to controls, the cells grow back to a comparable level to controls after 1 week in culture. In addition, the anti‐tumor functional activity of recovered NK cells demonstrates higher cytotoxic potency against leukemia cells compared to control. This approach presents a new direction for NK cell preservation, focusing on function and potentially enabling storage and distribution for cancer immunotherapy.
The first case of antenatal presentation in COG8‐congenital disorder of glycosylation with a novel splice site mutation and an extended phenotype
Authors: Arora Veronica , Puri Ratna Dua , Bhai Pratibha , Sharma Nidhish , Bijarnia–Mahay Sunita , Dimri Nandita , Baijal Ashok , Saxena Renu , Verma Ishwar
Published: January 2019

Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) are an extremely rapidly growing and phenotypically versatile group of disorders. Conserved oligomeric Golgi (COG) complexes are hetero‐octameric proteins involved in retrograde trafficking within the Golgi. Seven of its eight subunits have a causal role in CDG. To date, only three cases of COG8‐CDG have been published but none in the antenatal period. We present the first case of antenatally diagnosed COG8‐CDG with facial dysmorphism and additional features such as Dandy‐Walker malformation and arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, thus expanding the phenotype of this rare disorder. Trio whole exome sequencing revealed a novel homozygous variant in COG8, which creates a new splice site in exon 5 and protein truncation after 12 amino acids downstream to the newly generated splice site. As the mutations of the previous three patients were also identified in exon 5, it is likely to be a potential mutational hotspot in COG8. An association between antenatally increased nuchal translucency and COG8‐CDG is also established, which would alert clinicians to its diagnosis early in gestation. It remains to be seen if this observation can be extended to other COG‐CDGs.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging of human motor unit fasciculation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Whittaker Roger G. , Porcari Paola , Braz Luis , Williams Timothy L. , Schofield Ian S. , Blamire Andrew M.
Published: January 2019

A novel diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging protocol sensitive to contraction of individual skeletal motor units was developed. We applied this technique to the lower limb muscles of 4 patients with confirmed amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and 6 healthy controls. A 3‐minute scan revealed florid fasciculation in ALS patients, involving both superficial and deep muscles, and at a frequency higher than in healthy controls. This novel imaging technique reveals hitherto unobtainable information on human motor unit structure and function, which may allow earlier diagnosis and recruitment to clinical trials. ANN NEUROL 2019;85:455–459.
Combined Amperometry and Electrochemical Cytometry Reveal Differential Effects of Cocaine and Methylphenidate on Exocytosis and the Fraction of Chemical Release
Authors: Zhu Wanying , Gu Chaoyi , Dunevall Johan , Ren Lin , Zhou Xuemin , Ewing Andrew G.
Published: January 2019

Amperometry with nanotip electrodes has been applied to show cocaine and methylphenidate not only trigger declines in vesicle content and exocytotic catecholamine release in a model cell line but also differentially change the fraction of transmitter released from each individual vesicle. In addition, cocaine accelerates exocytotic release dynamics while they remain unchanged after methylphenidate treatment. The parameters from pre‐spike feet for the two drugs are also in opposition, suggesting this aspect of release is affected differentially. As cocaine and methylphenidate are psychostimulants with similar pharmacologic action but have opposite effects on cognition, these results might provide a missing link between the regulation of exocytosis and vesicles and the effect of this regulation on cognition, learning, and memory. A speculative chemical mechanism of the effect of these drugs on vesicle content and exocytosis is presented.
A Photoacoustic Probe for the Imaging of Tumor Apoptosis by Caspase‐Mediated Macrocyclization and Self‐Assembly
Authors: Wang Yuqi , Hu Xiaoming , Weng Jianhui , Li Jinbo , Fan Quli , Zhang Yan , Ye Deju
Published: January 2019

Photoacoustic (PA) imaging shows promise in the sensitive detection of caspase‐3 activated in early tumor apoptosis in response to chemotherapy; smart PA probes are thus in high demand. Herein, we report the first smart PA probe (1‐RGD) responsive to caspase‐3, enabling real‐time and high‐resolution imaging of tumor apoptosis. 1‐RGD is designed to leverage the synergetic effect of active delivery and caspase‐3 activation. It is selectively recognized by active caspase‐3 to trigger peptide substrate cleavage and biocompatible macrocyclization‐mediated self‐assembly, leading to an amplified PA imaging signal and prolonged retention in apoptotic tumor cells. Strong, high‐resolution PA images are obtained in chemotherapy‐induced apoptotic tumors in living mice after intravenous administration with 1‐RGD, facilitating sensitive reporting of caspase‐3 activity and distribution within tumor tissues.
Total Synthesis of Actinorhodin
Authors: Ninomiya Mamiko , Ando Yoshio , Kudo Fumitaka , Ohmori Ken , Suzuki Keisuke
Published: January 2019

The enantioselective total synthesis of actinorhodin (1) is described. The synthesis features 1) dual benzyne reactions en route to the monomer, 2) the trans‐selective installation of the side chain, and 3) a regioselective oxidative dimerization.
Boosting Electrochemical CO2 Reduction on Metal–Organic Frameworks via Ligand Doping
Authors: Dou Shuo , Song Jiajia , Xi Shibo , Du Yonghua , Wang Jiong , Huang Zhen‐Feng , Xu Zhichuan J. , Wang Xin
Published: January 2019

Electrochemical CO2 reduction relies on the availability of highly efficient and selective catalysts. Herein, we report a general strategy to boost the activity of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) towards CO2 reduction via ligand doping. A strong electron‐donating molecule of 1,10‐phenanthroline was doped into Zn‐based MOFs of zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8) as CO2 reduction electrocatalyst. Experimental and theoretical evidences reveal that the electron‐donating nature of phenanthroline enables a charge transfer, which induces adjacent active sites at the sp2 C atoms in the imidazole ligand possessing more electrons, and facilitates the generation of *COOH, hence leading to improved activity and Faradaic efficiency towards CO production.
Covalently Grafting Cobalt Porphyrin onto Carbon Nanotubes for Efficient CO2 Electroreduction
Authors: Zhu Minghui , Chen Jiacheng , Huang Libei , Ye Ruquan , Xu Jing , Han Yi‐Fan
Published: January 2019

Molecular complexes with inexpensive transition‐metal centers have drawn extensive attention, as they show a high selectivity in the electrochemical conversion of CO2 to CO. In this work, we propose a new strategy to covalently graft cobalt porphyrin onto the surface of a carbon nanotube by a substitution reaction at the metal center. Material characterization and electrochemical studies reveal that the porphyrin molecules are well dispersed at a high loading of 10 wt. %. As a result, the turnover frequency for CO formation is improved by a factor of three compared to traditional physically‐mixed catalysts with the same cobalt content. This leads to an outstanding overall current density of 25.1 mA cm−2 and a Faradaic efficiency of 98.3 % at 490 mV overpotential with excellent long‐term stability. This work provides an effective pathway for the improvement of the performance of electrocatalysts that could inspire rational design of molecular catalysts in the future.
Assessment of a Large Enzyme–Drug Complex by Proton‐Detected Solid‐State NMR Spectroscopy without Deuteration
Authors: Vasa Suresh K. , Singh Himanshu , Grohe Kristof , Linser Rasmus
Published: January 2019

Solid‐state NMR spectroscopy has recently enabled structural biology with small amounts of non‐deuterated proteins, largely alleviating the classical sample production demands. Still, despite the benefits for sample preparation, successful and comprehensive characterization of complex spin systems in the few cases of higher‐molecular‐weight proteins has thus far relied on traditional 13C‐detected methodology or sample deuteration. Herein we show for a 29 kDa carbonic anhydrase:acetazolamide complex that different aspects of solid‐state NMR assessment of a complex spin system can be successfully accessed using a non‐deuterated, 500 μg sample in combination with adequate spectroscopic tools. The shown access to protein structure, protein dynamics, as well as biochemical parameters in amino acid sidechains, such as histidine protonation states, will be transferable to proteins that are not expressible in E. coli.
The Rechargeable Aluminum Battery: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Yang Huicong , Li Hucheng , Li Juan , Sun Zhenhua , He Kuang , Cheng Hui‐Ming , Li Feng
Published: January 2019

Aluminum battery systems are considered as a system that could supplement current lithium batteries due to the low cost and high volumetric capacity of aluminum metal, and the high safety of the whole battery system. However, first the use of ionic liquid electrolytes leading to AlCl4− instead of Al3+, the different intercalation reagents, the sluggish solid diffusion process and the fast capacity fading during cycling in aluminum batteries all need to be thoroughly explored. To provide a good understanding of the opportunities and challenges of the newly emerging aluminum batteries, this Review discusses the reaction mechanisms and the difficulties caused by the trivalent reaction medium in electrolytes, electrodes, and electrode–electrolyte interfaces. It is hoped that the Review will stimulate scientists and engineers to develop more reliable aluminum batteries.
A comparative study on the reaction mechanisms of Cp2MH2 (M = Cr, Mo, W) with HBF4
Authors: Xu Xia , Sun Zheng , Meng Lingpeng , Zheng Shijun , Li Xiaoyan
Published: January 2019

The reaction mechanisms of group 6 transition metal dihydride complexes, Cp2MH2 (M = Cr, Mo, and W), and HBF4 were studied using M06‐L density functional theory. The chemical bond changes along the reaction pathway are analyzed by the topological analysis of electron density. The calculated results show that the interactions between the H atom of HBF4 and Cp2MH2 are stronger than those between Cp2MH2 and BF3; additionally, due to the low energy barriers in the subsequent reaction, all the title reactions can occur easily, and the yield rates of the Cp2MH2 + HBF4 reactions are high. For M = Cr and Mo, the [Cp2MH3]+ in the product Cp2MH3·BF4 is in the nonclassic dihydrogen‐hydride form ([Cp2M(η2‐H2)H]+). [Cp2CrH3]+ and [Cp2MoH3]+are unstable, and H2 can be easily liberated from them. For M = W, the final product is Cp2WH3·BF4, and [Cp2WH3]+ is stable in the classic trihydride form.
Silica‐tethered cuprous acetophenone thiosemicarbazone (STCATSC) as a novel hybrid nano‐catalyst for highly efficient synthesis of new 1,2,3‐triazolyl‐based metronidazole hybrid analogues having potent antigiardial activity
Authors: Soltani Rad Mohammad Navid , Behrouz Somayeh , Mohammadtaghi‐Nezhad Javad , Zarenezhad Elham , Agholi Mahmoud
Published: January 2019

The preparation, characterization and application of silica‐tethered cuprous acetophenone thiosemicarbazone (STCATSC) as a novel hybrid nano catalyst for synthesis of new 1,2,3‐triazolyl‐based metronidazole hybrid analogues is described. STCATSC is fully characterized by different microscopic, spectroscopic and physical techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), FT‐IR and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis. This catalyst is used to prepare the new 1,2,3‐triazolyl‐based metronidazole hybrid analogues. The ‘Click’ Huisgen cycloaddition reaction of 2‐methyl‐5‐nitro‐1‐prop‐2‐ynyl‐1H‐imidazole with diverse β‐azidoalcohols in a THF‐water media at R.T. provides the products in good to excellent yields using STCATSC. STCATSC is proved to be a stable, low cost, reusable and environmentally benign hybrid catalyst. Products are in vitro tested against Giardia lamblia (G. lamblia) in which determined that all compounds exhibit varied promising antigiardial activity compare to metronidazole as a reference drug. Among the products, 1‐(4‐((2‐methyl‐5‐nitro‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐1‐yl)‐3‐phenethoxypropan‐2‐ol and 1‐(4‐((2‐methyl‐5‐nitro‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐1‐yl)‐3‐(3‐phenylpropoxy)propan‐2‐ol are demonstrated to exhibit the potent antigiardial activity even stronger than metronidazole.
Gold‐Aryl nanoparticles coated with polyelectrolytes for adsorption and protection of DNA against nuclease degradation
Authors: Panicker Seema , Ahmady Islam M. , Almehdi Ahmed M. , Workie Bizuneh , Sahle‐Demessie Endalkachew , Han Changseok , Chehimi Mohamed M. , Mohamed Ahmed A.
Published: January 2019

Binding DNA on nanoparticles was pursued to form nanoplatform for formation of non‐viral gene system. Carboxyl derivatized gold‐aryl nanoparticles can bind with biodegradable cationic polyelectrolytes such as polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (PDADMAC). In our study, we used gold‐aryl nanoparticles (AuNPs) treated with PDADMAC to form conjugates with non‐thiol or non‐disulfide modified oligonucleotide DNA. Both AuNPs‐DNA and PDADMAC‐AuNPs‐DNA biomaterials were characterized using UV–Vis, dynamic light scattering (DLS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and agarose gel electrophoresis. UV–Vis showed a red shift in the plasmon peak as compared with unconjugated AuNPs. DLS measurements also showed difference in the size of AuNPs‐DNA and PDADMAC‐AuNPs‐DNA. AFM and TEM results showed proper conjugation of DNA with AuNPs. Gel electrophoresis proved the presence of interaction between PDADMAC‐AuNPs and negatively charged DNA. The binding of DNA in the described bioconjugate enhanced its protection against nuclease degradation and prolonged its presence in the digestive environment of DNase‐I. From the results we expect that these biomaterials can be used in nanomedicine with emphasis on non‐viral gene system.