bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In-vitro Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity of Nargenicin-A1 against Gram Positive Clinical Isolates and its Comparison with Various Antibiotics
Authors: Gouda Sheetal
Published: February 2022

Introduction: The development of multidrug resistance is a serious health problem, which demands the quest and development of many antibacterial agents. The class Actinomycetes represents best source for many antimicrobial agents. The present focus on Actinomycetes has yielded many antimicrobial agents including Nargenicin-A1. The Nargenicin-A1 belonging to class macrolides was found to have strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. Aim: To determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of Nargenicin-A1 against clinically isolated aerobic gram positive bacteria and comparing its antimicrobial activities with various antibiotics. Materials and Methods: A prospective, hospital-based, observational study was conducted at the Department of Microbiology, Raichur Institute of Medical Sciences, Raichur, Karnataka, India, from August 2015 to July 2016. All the clinical samples like pus, sputum, urine, ear swabs, wound swabs and body fluids received for culture and sensitivity testing at the Department of Microbiology during the study period was included. The antimicrobial activity was determined by measuring the MIC of Nargenicin-A1 by broth dilution method following standard procedure and the mean MIC was calculated. Pearson’s coefficient of correlation was calculated to find out correlation between MIC of Nargenicin-A1 and MIC of various antibiotics effective against gram positive bacteria. Results: The most common isolate was Staphylococcus followed by Enterococcus and Streptococcus. The least mean MIC of Nargenicin-A1 was observed for Streptococcus (0.017 μg/mL) followed by S. aureus (3.97 μg/mL), and the highest mean MIC value was recorded for Enterococcus (27.34 μg/ mL). Among Staphylococcus aureus, the mean MIC value of Nargenicin-A1 for Methicillin Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Vancomycin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) was 0.06 μg/mL, 0.12 μg/mL and 25 μg/mL, respectively. When compared Nargenicin-A1 with various antibiotics in terms of their MICs, the activity of Nargenicin-A1 was in close proximity to that of vancomycin and linezolid against MSSA, MRSA, and Enterococci and marginally with linezolid against VRSA. Conclusion: Nargenicin-A1 exhibits strong antibacterial property against a broad spectrum of aerobic gram positive bacteria, including VRSA. The study revealed that Nargenicin-A1 can be considered as a potential alternative against multidrug resistant gram positive bacteria.
Adoption of Management Practices of Goat Farming in Sirohi Tehsil of Sirohi District, Rajasthan, India
Authors: Kakraliya Arjun Lal , Pandey Ramesh , Chopra Gautam , Tetarwal Jhabar Mal , Serawat Rohan
Published: February 2022

Total 80 respondents from Sirohi tehsil of Sirohi district from 4 randomly selected villages were used for this study. Total 80 respondents were used in this study. Results showed that 67.50% of respondents had partially adopted the goat management practices. Majority of the respondents highly adopted the feeding and marketing practice among the goat management practices. In breeding practices, heat detection by observing proper symptoms was highly adopted by goat owners and obtained overall first rank (MPS=91.35). In case of feeding practices, protection of pasture land from predator/wild animals through fencing was highly adopted by the goat owners and obtained first rank (MPS=93.33). Adoption of providing drinking water through in animal shed got first rank in housing practices. In case of health care practices, disposal of placenta was highly adopted by the goat owners and obtained first rank. Sale of buck at the marketing age was highly adopted among the marketing practices for getting higher price and obtained firstrank.
Preparation and Vibrio sp Antibacterial Activity of Silver Nanoparticles Mediated by Chromolaena odorata Leaf Extract using Different Temperatures
Authors: Yanuar Emsal , Umam Khotibul , Sarwana Wirya , Huda Ihsanul , Wijaya Dani , Roto Roto , Mudasir Mudasir
Published: February 2022

This research aims to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Kirinyuh (Chromolaena odorata) leaf extract with different temperature and evaluate its activity in Vibrio sp.

The synthesis was carried out by combining between silver nitrate solution and Kirinyuh leaf extract at room temperature (AgNPs 200) and hydrothermal process at 60oC (AgNPs 200*). Based on the results of LC-MS analysis, most of the chemical content of an extract was a flavonoid group compound. The color of the solution changed from colorless to red-brown, and a new peak around 435 nm showed that silver nanoparticles have been successfully obtained. The hydrothermal process exhibits sharp peaks rather than without hydrothermal treatment. The silver nanoparticles have a definite crystalline structure. The FTIR spectroscopy analysis indicated the organic compound was responsible for capping and stabilizing agents. In addition,TEM analysis showed that AgNPs 200 and AgNPs 200* exhibited average particle size of 32.89 nm and 27.82 nm, respectively. The presence of AgNPs can enhance the zone of growth inhibition of Vibrio sp approximately 300% compared to Kirinyuh leaf extract. Silver nanoparticles is estimated to possess the potential to be further evolved and utilized to inhibit the growth of Vibrio sp bacteria in shrimp agriculture.
State-of-the-Art Violence Detection Techniques: A review
Authors: Biswas Milon , Jibon Afjal Hossain , Kabir Mim , Mohima Khandokar , Sinthy Rahman , Islam Md. Shamsul , Siddique Monowara
Published: February 2022

Surveillance systems are playing a significant role in law enforcement and city safety. It is important to detect violent and suspicious behaviors automatically in video surveillance scenarios, for instance, railway stations, schools, hospitals to avoid any casualties which could cause social, economic, and ecological damage. Automatic detection of violence for quick actions is very significant and can efficiently help law enforcement departments. So, researchers are doing a lot of research on different techniques for detecting violence. This research study reviews various techniques and methods for detecting violent or anomalous activities from surveillance video that have been proposed by many researchers in recent years. The method of detection is divided into three categories. These categories are based on the classification techniques used. These categories are: traditional violence detection using machine learning, Support Vector Machine (SVM) & Deep Learning. Feature extraction & Object detection techniques are also described for each category. Moreover, dataset & video features that help in the recognition process are also discussed. The overall research finding has been discussed which will help the researcher in their future work in this field.
Antidiabetic Activity of Clitoria ternatea Linn
Authors: Kalaiselvi K. , Rekha U. Vidhya , Rajagopal Ponnulakshmi , Sekar Durairaj , Jayaraman Selvaraj
Published: February 2022

In recent years, interest in plant study has expanded all over the world and a substantial body of evidence has been collected to illustrate the great potential of medicinal plants utilized in diverse traditional systems. Plant-based medications and chemicals have been used to treat various diseases and for personal adornment since the beginning of human civilization. Clitoria ternatea Linn, (butterfly pea) Fabaceae family. Clitoria ternatea is used to treat a variety of ailments and symptoms. It possesses antidepressant, anticonvulsant,anticancer, hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic qualities, as well aslocal anesthetic, purgative, and anti-diabetic effects.It's also used to treat snake bites and scorpion stings in India.
Applications of Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma in Dentistry- A Review
Authors: Suresh Mitthra , Hemalatha V. T. , Sundar N. Mani , Nisha Arthi
Published: February 2022

Plasma is one of the most dominant states of matter in the universe and was identified  by Sir William Crooke in 1879. It is an electrically conducting medium that responds to electric and magnetic fields. It implies studies concerning the direct action of low temperature and the effect of low atmospheric plasma pressure on body tissues for various non-invasive therapeutic treatments or diagnostic purposes. Plasma consists of large quantities of highly reactive species, such as ions, energetic electrons, exited atoms and molecules, ultraviolet photons in the meta-stable state, and active radicals. Research has revealed promising and successful medical applications of these non-thermal, cold plasma-reactive oxygen species. The objective of this minor review is to highlight the numerous applications of cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAPP) in dentistry, which include: dental caries prevention by bacterial inactivation; prevention of oral cancer by selective destruction of the tumour cells and damaged tissue repair effects; tooth bleaching or whitening procedures; in restorative dentistry for placement of composite restorations; in endodontic therapy for root canal disinfection; and for the treatment of oral thrush (induced by Candida albicans).
Coagulation Bath‐Assisted 3D Printing of PEDOT:PSS with High Resolution and Strong Substrate Adhesion for Bioelectronic Devices
Authors: Zheng Yi , Wang Yangdong , Zhang Fan , Zhang Shaomin , Piatkevich Kiryl D. , Zhou Nanjia , Pokorski Jonathan K.
Published: February 2022

Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) is a promising material because of its favorable electrical and mechanical properties, stability in ambient environments, and biocompatibility. It finds broad application in energy storage, flexible electronics, and bioelectronics. Additive manufacturing opens a plethora of new avenues to form and shape PEDOT:PSS, allowing for the rapid construction of customized geometries. However, there are difficulties in printing PEDOT:PSS while maintaining its attractive properties. A 3D printing method for PEDOT:PSS using a room‐temperature coagulation bath‐based direct ink writing technique is reported. This technique enables fabrication of PEDOT:PSS into parts that are of high resolution and high conductivity, while maintaining stable electrochemical properties. The coagulation bath can be further modified to improve the mechanical properties of the resultant printed part via a one‐step reaction. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that a simple post‐processing step allows the printed electrodes to strongly adhere to several substrates under aqueous conditions, broadening their use in bioelectronics. Employing 3D printing of PEDOT:PSS, a cortex‐wide neural interface is fabricated, and intracranial electrical stimulation and simultaneous optical monitoring of mice brain activity with wide field calcium imaging are demonstrated. This reported 3D‐printing technique eliminates the need for cumbersome experimental setups while offering desired material properties.
Competitive Site Occupation toward Improved Quantum Efficiency of SrLaScO4:Eu Red Phosphors for Warm White LEDs
Authors: Yang Zhiyu , Liu Gaochao , Zhao Yifei , Zhou Yayun , Qiao Jianwei , Molokeev Maxim S. , Swart Hendrik C. , Xia Zhiguo
Published: February 2022

The discovery of Eu2+‐doped high‐efficiency red phosphors remains a vital challenge for white light‐emitting diode (WLED) applications. It is therefore urgent to find effective strategies managing the oxidation state to help reduce Eu3+ to Eu2+ and accordingly increase the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY). Herein, a new red‐emitting SrLaScO4:Eu phosphor is designed, and the PLQY is enhanced from 13% to 67% under 450 nm excitation by employing (NH4)2SO4‐assisted sintering. Combined structural analysis, optical spectroscopy, and theoretical calculation reveal that predominant Eu2+ prefers to occupy the Sr2+ sites in the SrLaScO4 enabling red emission, and a competitive site occupation of Eu3+ in La3+ can be restrained, and the reduction mechanism of Eu3+ to Eu2+ originating from the (NH4)2SO4 addition is analyzed. The fabricated WLED device using red‐emitting SrLaScO4:Eu and yellow‐emitting Y3(Al,Ga)5O12:Ce3+ exhibits a high color‐rendering index of 86.7 at a low correlated color temperature of 4005 K. This work provides a feasible reduction strategy for guiding the development of high‐efficiency Eu2+‐doped red phosphor for WLED applications.
3D Switchable Diffractive Optical Elements Fabricated with Two‐Photon Polymerization
Authors: Sandford O'Neill John , Salter Patrick , Zhao Zimo , Chen Bohan , Daginawalla Hassan , Booth Martin J. , Elston Steve J. , Morris Stephen M.
Published: February 2022

Direct laser writing is demonstrated by two‐photon polymerization of multi‐element diffractive optical components that can be switched on and off with an applied voltage. By exploiting the 3D capabilities of the laser microfabrication technique, multiple diffractive optical elements are written into a single liquid crystal (LC) layer. The switching behavior of the diffractive optical elements is controlled by simply changing the write‐voltage of the anisotropic polymer structures during fabrication. Initially, 2D diffraction gratings are written at different depths within the LC layer. Each element is then activated by applying a voltage of sufficient amplitude that causes the second diffractive optical element to become inactive. This is then followed by a demonstration of multi‐element computer generated holograms that are written at different depths within the LC layer. By altering the magnitude of the applied voltage, different images/patterns can be observed in the replay field using a simple electrode configuration. These compact and transmissive LC optical components could excel in applications where a degree of switchability is required but a highly pixelated fully programmable device is excessive.
Recent Development of Hierarchical Metal Oxides Based Gas Sensors: From Gas Sensing Performance to Applications
Authors: Yu HaiXia , Guo ChuanYu , Zhang XianFa , Xu YingMing , Cheng XiaoLi , Gao Shan , Huo LiHua
Published: February 2022

Gas sensors based on metal oxides have attracted wide attention, due to their inherent advantages such as low cost, small size, fast response, and easy usage. Recently, much effort have been put into the design of metal oxide‐based sensing materials to further improve the performance of gas sensors. Among them, the fabrication of hierarchical metal oxide‐based sensing materials has become the most attractive strategy. In this article, the authors widely review the last decade of development of hierarchical metal oxide‐based gas sensors, in which several representative gases including formaldehyde, acetone, H2S, amines, and water are chosen as the analytes to discuss in depth. The application fields cover indoor air quality monitoring, breath analysis, and food quality and safety. The research advances for each gas is summarized from the perspective of excellent sensing performance in terms of low operating temperature and detection limit, high selectivity, fast responses, and humidity independent responses. Furthermore, the accepted sensing mechanism of metal oxide‐based gas sensors and widely used technology to verify these mechanisms are both included. Finally, the outlook and challenges for future investigations of hierarchical metal oxide‐based gas sensors are also discussed from the perspectives of theory and practice.
Procedures and Guidelines for Inputting and Output Smoothening of Kinetic Monte Carlo Distributions
Authors: De Keer Lies , Edeleva Mariya , Figueira Freddy L. , Reyes Pablo , D'hooge Dagmar R. , Van Steenberge Paul H.M.
Published: February 2022

Population balance modeling is very popular in several branches of modern science, including (bio)chemical engineering, geography, and demography. A growing trend is the use of stochastic solvers (e.g., kinetic Monte Carlo), but care should be taken upon inputting and outputting distributed data for the populations involved. In the present contribution, several procedures and guidelines are formulated facilitating such data treatment. The solutions are exemplified through polymerization and polymer modification case studies, taking the molar mass or chain length as core stochastic variable. It is shown that rediscretization is often necessary, as experimentally measured distributions are not directly interpretable at the input side of stochastic solvers. This rediscretization should take place both for the abscissa and ordinate values of the distributions. As stochastic solvers often display noisy data as model output, attention is paid to the smoothening of the output distributions as well. It is highlighted that the kernel‐smoothening method is very promising, as it can reliably tackle postprocessing of nonsymmetric distributions. Guidelines are formulated regarding the correct interpretation of the distribution tail both for the input and output modifications.
High‐Efficiency Non‐Toxic 2‐Terminal and 4‐Terminal Perovskite‐Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Tandem Solar Cells
Authors: Jayan K Deepthi
Published: February 2022

The modeling tool, SCAPS 1D, is applied to simulate a monolithic 2‐T and mechanically stacked 4‐T tandem solar device architectures with methyl ammonium germanium iodide (MAGeI3) perovskite as the active layer of the top cell and transition metal dichalcogenide as the active layer of the bottom cell. To establish the requirement of current density matching between the two subcells of the monolithic 2‐T configuration, a recombination layer composed of indium doped tin oxide (ITO) is also introduced. The thickness of the MAGeI3, TMD, and ITO are optimized to 950, 340, and 100 nm to achieve the current matching condition. The 2‐T device configuration is able to establish a high fill factor (FF) and power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 86.19% and 27.09% after optimizing the physical parameters of the layers. The 4‐T mechanically stacked tandem architecture is also simulated using the SCAPS 1D tool and a maximum possible PCE of 35.11% is achieved after optimizing the physical parameters of the light captivating layers, viz. thickness, the number density of defects and dopants, and the operating conditions viz. temperature, parasitic resistances, and work function of the materials employed as rear contacts.
Surface Valence State Effect of MoO2+x on Electrochemical Nitrogen Reduction
Authors: Wang Jiaqi , Jiang Zhou , Peng Guiming , Hoenig Eli , Yan Gangbin , Wang Mingzhan , Liu Yuanyue , Du Xiwen , Liu Chong
Published: February 2022

The valance of Mo is critical for FeMo cofactor in ambient ammonia synthesis. However, the valence effect of Mo has not been well studied in heterogeneous nanoparticle catalysts for electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) due to the dissolution of Mo as MoO42− in alkaline electrolytes. Here, a MoO2+x catalyst enriched with surface Mo6+ is reported. The Mo6+ is stabilized by a native oxide layer to prevent corrosion and its speciation is identified as (MoO3)n clusters. This native layer with Mo6+ suppresses the hydrogen evolution significantly and promotes the activation of nitrogen as supported by both experimental characterization and theoretical calculation. The as‐prepared MoO2+x catalyst shows a high ammonia yield of 3.95 µg mgcat−1h−1 with a high Faradaic efficiency of 22.1% at −0.2 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode, which is much better than the MoO2 catalyst with Mo6+ etched away. The accuracy of experimental results for NRR is confirmed by various control experiments and quantitative isotope labeling.
Lemon‐Derived Extracellular Vesicles Nanodrugs Enable to Efficiently Overcome Cancer Multidrug Resistance by Endocytosis‐Triggered Energy Dissipation and Energy Production Reduction
Authors: Xiao Qian , Zhao Wei , Wu Chentian , Wang Xuejiao , Chen Jianping , Shi Xiubo , Sha Suinan , Li Jinheng , Liang Xiaomei , Yang Yulu , Guo Haoyan , Wang Ying , Fan Jun‐Bing
Published: February 2022

Multidrug resistance remains a great challenge for cancer chemotherapy. Herein, a biomimetic drug delivery system based on lemon‐derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) nanodrugs (marked with heparin‐cRGD‐EVs‐doxorubicin (HRED)) is demonstrated, achieving highly efficient overcoming cancer multidrug resistance. The HRED is fabricated by modifying functional heparin‐cRGD (HR) onto the surface of EVs and then by loading with doxorubicin (DOX). The obtained HRED enable to effectively enter DOX‐resistant cancer cells by caveolin‐mediated endocytosis (main), macropinocytosis (secondary), and clathrin‐mediated endocytosis (last), exhibiting excellent cellular uptake capacity. The diversified endocytosis capacity of HRED can efficiently dissipate intracellular energy and meanwhile trigger downstream production reduction of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), leading to a significant reduction of drug efflux. Consequently, they show excellent anti‐proliferation capacities to DOX‐resistant ovarian cancer, ensuring the efficiently overcoming ovarian cancer multidrug resistance in vivo. The authors believe this strategy provides a new strategy by endocytosis triggered‐energy dissipation and ATP production reduction to design drug delivery system for overcoming cancer multidrug resistance.
Oxide Two‐Dimensional Electron Gas with High Mobility at Room‐Temperature
Authors: Eom Kitae , Paik Hanjong , Seo Jinsol , Campbell Neil , Tsymbal Evgeny Y. , Oh Sang Ho , Rzchowski Mark S. , Schlom Darrell G. , Eom Chang‐Beom
Published: February 2022

The prospect of 2‐dimensional electron gases (2DEGs) possessing high mobility at room temperature in wide‐bandgap perovskite stannates is enticing for oxide electronics, particularly to realize transparent and high‐electron mobility transistors. Nonetheless only a small number of studies to date report 2DEGs in BaSnO3‐based heterostructures. Here, 2DEG formation at the LaScO3/BaSnO3 (LSO/BSO) interface with a room‐temperature mobility of 60 cm2 V−1 s−1 at a carrier concentration of 1.7 × 1013 cm–2 is reported. This is an order of magnitude higher mobility at room temperature than achieved in SrTiO3‐based 2DEGs. This is achieved by combining a thick BSO buffer layer with an ex situ high‐temperature treatment, which not only reduces the dislocation density but also produces a SnO2‐terminated atomically flat surface, followed by the growth of an overlying BSO/LSO interface. Using weak beam dark‐field transmission electron microscopy imaging and in‐line electron holography technique, a reduction of the threading dislocation density is revealed, and direct evidence for the spatial confinement of a 2DEG at the BSO/LSO interface is provided. This work opens a new pathway to explore the exciting physics of stannate‐based 2DEGs at application‐relevant temperatures for oxide nanoelectronics.
Hydrogels as Soft Ionic Conductors in Flexible and Wearable Triboelectric Nanogenerators
Authors: Wu Yinghong , Luo Yang , Cuthbert Tyler J. , Shokurov Alexander V. , Chu Paul K. , Feng Shien‐Ping , Menon Carlo
Published: February 2022

Flexible triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have attracted increasing interest since their advent in 2012. In comparison with other flexible electrodes, hydrogels possess transparency, stretchability, biocompatibility, and tunable ionic conductivity, which together provide great potential as current collectors in TENGs for wearable applications. The development of hydrogel‐based TENGs (H‐TENGs) is currently a burgeoning field but research efforts have lagged behind those of other common flexible TENGs. In order to spur research and development of this important area, a comprehensive review that summarizes recent advances and challenges of H‐TENGs will be very useful to researchers and engineers in this emerging field. Herein, the advantages and types of hydrogels as soft ionic conductors in TENGs are presented, followed by detailed descriptions of the advanced functions, enhanced output performance, as well as flexible and wearable applications of H‐TENGs. Finally, the challenges and prospects of H‐TENGs are discussed.
Multipotent Poly(Tertiary Amine‐Oxide) Micelles for Efficient Cancer Drug Delivery
Authors: Xiang Jiajia , Shen Yihuai , Zhang Yifan , Liu Xin , Zhou Quan , Zhou Zhuxian , Tang Jianbin , Shao Shiqun , Shen Youqing
Published: February 2022

The cancer drug delivery process involves a series of biological barriers, which require the nanomedicine to exhibit different, even opposite properties for high therapeutic efficacy. The prevailing design philosophy, i.e., integrating these properties within one nanomedicine via on‐demand property transitions such as PEGylation/dePEGylation, complicates nanomedicines’ composition and thus impedes clinical translation. Here, polyzwitterionic micelles of poly(tertiary amine‐oxide)‐block‐poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PTAO‐PCL) amphiphiles that enable all the required functions are presented. The zwitterionic nature and unique cell membrane affinity confer the PTAO micelles long blood circulation, efficient tumor accumulation and penetration, and fast cellular internalization. The mitochondrial targeting capability allows drug delivery into the mitochondria to induce mitochondrial dysfunction and overcome tumor multidrug resistance. As a result, the PTAO/drug micelles exhibit potent anticancer efficacy. This simple yet multipotent carrier system holds great promise as a generic platform for potential clinical translation.
Electronic State Modulation and Reaction Pathway Regulation on Necklace‐Like MnOx‐CeO2@Polypyrrole Hierarchical Cathode for Advanced and Flexible Li–CO2 Batteries
Authors: Deng Qinghua , Yang Yong , Mao Chunfeng , Wang Tianyu , Fang Zhao , Yan Wuwei , Yin Kai , Zhang Yiwei
Published: February 2022

Li–CO2 batteries provide the possibility for synchronous implementation of carbon neutrality and development of advanced energy storage devices. Catalytic cathodes composed of well‐designed conductive substrates and active materials are critical to the improvement of Li–CO2 batteries. Herein, MnOx‐CeO2 hollow nanospheres are strung together by conductive polypyrrole (PPy) via post‐in‐situ polymerization, and a necklace‐like MnOx‐CeO2@PPy hierarchical cathode with excellent flexibility and self‐supporting feature is constructed. Benefitting from the excellent conductivity of PPy, the binder‐free structure, and the greatly exposed catalytic active sites, the MnOx‐CeO2@PPy based Li–CO2 batteries exhibit superior discharge capacity (13631 mA h g–1 at 100 mA g–1) and cycle performance (253 cycles) as well as a low overpotential of 1.49 V. Of particular note, the flexible freestanding film is confirmed as a potential catalytic cathode for flexible Li–CO2 batteries. The density functional theory calculations, combined with experimental tests, are performed to gain insights into the enhanced substrate adsorption capacity, the optimized electronic structure of the active surface MnOx‐CeO2 (111), the concentrated electrons on the reaction sites Ce, and the electrochemical mechanism. This work initiates the use of conductive polymers for catalytic cathodes in Li–CO2 batteries, which provide new opportunities for promoting the performance of various energy storage devices.
Microbial Disinfection with Supercoiling Capacitive Triboelectric Nanogenerator
Authors: Huo Zheng‐Yang , Lee Dong‐Min , Jeong Jang‐Mook , Kim Young‐Jun , Kim Jihye , Suh In‐Yong , Xiong Peixun , Kim Sang‐Woo
Published: February 2022

Water‐borne diseases resulting from pathogen infection are especially challenges in areas with inadequate sanitation and power supply. Here a novel disinfection system is developed for bacterial and viral inactivation in water using a self‐powered supercoiling‐mediated rotational triboelectric nanogenerator (S‐TENG) as a power source to drive a new oxidation‐assisted electroporation mechanism. Owing to its rational design, the S‐TENG achieves an ultrafast rotation (≈7500 rpm), therefore it enables a simultaneous nanowire‐enhanced localized electric field and generation of oxidative species resulting in high disinfection performance: >99.9999% microbial inactivation at a high flux of 15 000 L h‐1 m‐2. An integrated S‐TENG‐powered disinfection prototype using an enlarged electrode (area of 50 cm2) achieves complete disinfection when the gravity‐driven natural water flows through the whole system at a high rate (1 L min‐1). This rapid, self‐powered water disinfection method is a potential solution for urgent water disinfection needs during disasters and pandemics, and water disinfection in areas with inadequate power supply.
A Wirelessly Controlled Shape‐Memory Alloy‐Based Bistable Metal Swimming Device
Authors: Wan Yu , Cuff Keith , Serpe Michael J.
Published: February 2022

Shape memory Nitinol has long been used for actuation. However, utilizing Nitinol to fabricate novel devices for various applications is a challenge, but has shown incredible promise and impacts. Bistable metal strips are widely adopted for shape morphing purposes (primarily in kid's toys, e.g., snap bracelets) due to their easy and robust transformation between two states. Herein, Nitinol shape memory alloy and bistable metal strip are combined to fabricate a swimming actuator with both slow moving and fast snapping capability, akin to an octopus swimming slowly in water, but quickly moving upon encountering a threat. The actuator developed here can also swim in multiple directions, all controlled by a wireless module. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that an onboard sensor can be incorporated for potential environmental monitoring applications. The fact that the device developed here has no mechanical parts, makes this an interesting potential alternative to more expensive, and energy consuming boats. A preprint version of the article can be found at: https://www.authorea.com/doi/full/10.22541/au.164199106.60208565.
Phase Separation of Oppositely Charged Polymers Regulates Bioinspired Silicification
Authors: Zhai Hang , Bendikov Tatyana , Gal Assaf
Published: February 2022

In nature, simple organisms evolved mechanisms to form intricate biosilica nanostructures, far exceeding current synthetic manufacturing. Based on the properties of extracted biomacromolecules, polycation–polyanion pairs were suggested as moderators of biosilica formation. However, the chemical principles of this polymer‐induced silicification remain unclear. Here, we used a biomimetic polycation–polyanion system to study polymer‐induced silicification. We demonstrate that it is the polymer phase separation process, rather than silica–polymer interactions, which controls silica precipitation. Since ionic strength controls this electrostatic phase separation, it can be used to tune the morphology and structure of the precipitates. In situ cryo electron microscopy highlights the pivotal role of the hydrated polymer condensates in this process. These results pave the road for developing nanoscale morphologies of bioinspired silica based on the chemistry of liquid‐liquid phase separation.
Molecular Catalysts for the Reductive Homocoupling of CO2 towards C2+ Compounds
Authors: Liang Hong‐Qing , Beweries Torsten , Francke Robert , Beller Matthias
Published: February 2022

The conversion of CO2 into multicarbon (C2+) compounds by reductive homocoupling offers the possibility to transform renewable energy into chemical energy carriers and thereby create “carbon‐neutral” fuels or other valuable products. Most available studies have employed heterogeneous metallic catalysts, but the use of molecular catalysts is still underexplored. However, several studies have already demonstrated the great potential of the molecular approach, namely, the possibility to gain a deep mechanistic understanding and a more precise control of the product selectivity. This Minireview summarizes recent progress in both the thermo‐ and electrochemical reductive homocoupling of CO2 toward C2+ products mediated by molecular catalysts. In addition, reductive CO homocoupling is discussed as a model for the further conversion of intermediates obtained from CO2 reduction, which may serve as a source of inspiration for developing novel molecular catalysts in the future.
IgG Anti–Citrullinated Protein Antibody Variable Domain Glycosylation Increases Before the Onset of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Stabilizes Thereafter: A Cross‐Sectional Study Encompassing ~1,500 Samples
Authors: Kissel Theresa , Hafkenscheid Lise , Wesemael Tineke J. , Tamai Mami , Kawashiri Shin‐ya , Kawakami Atsushi , El‐Gabalawy Hani S. , van Schaardenburg Dirkjan , Rantapää‐Dahlqvist Solbritt , Wuhrer Manfred , van der Helm‐van Mil Annette H. M. , Allaart Cornelia F. , van der Woude Diane , Scherer Hans U. , Toes Rene E. M. , Huizinga Tom W. J.
Published: February 2022

Objective

The autoimmune response in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is marked by the presence of anti–citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs). A notable feature of IgG ACPA is the abundant expression of N‐linked glycans in the variable domain. However, the presence of ACPA variable domain glycosylation (VDG) across disease stages, and its response to therapy, are poorly described. To understand its dynamics, we investigated the abundance of IgG ACPA VDG in 1,498 samples from individuals in different clinical stages.

Methods

Using liquid chromatography, we analyzed IgG ACPA VDG profiles in 7 different cohorts from Japan, Canada, The Netherlands, and Sweden. We assessed 106 healthy individuals, 228 individuals with presymptomatic RA, 277 individuals with arthralgia, 307 patients with new‐onset/early RA, and 117 RA patients after prespecified treatment regimens. Additionally, we measured VDG in 234 samples from patients with RA who did or did not achieve long‐term drug‐free remission (DFR) during up to 16 years follow‐up.

Results

IgG ACPA VDG significantly increased (P < 0.0001) toward disease onset and was associated with ACPA levels and epitope spreading prior to diagnosis. A slight increase in VDG was observed in patients with established RA, with a moderate influence of treatment (P = 0.007). In patients in whom DFR was later achieved, IgG ACPA VDG was already reduced at the time of RA onset.

Conclusion

The abundance of IgG ACPA VDG increases toward RA onset and correlates with maturation of the ACPA response. While IgG ACPA VDG levels are fairly stable in established disease, a lower degree of VDG at RA onset correlates with DFR. Although the underlying biologic mechanisms remain elusive, our data support the concept that VDG relates to an expansion of the ACPA response in the pre‐disease phase and contributes to disease development.
MOF‐Derived Onion‐Like Carbon with Superior Surface Area and Porosity for High Performance Lithium‐Ion Capacitors
Authors: Dimas Chandra Permana Antonius , Omar Ahmad , Guillermo Gonzalez‐Martinez Ignacio , Oswald Steffen , Giebeler Lars , Nielsch Kornelius , Mikhailova Daria
Published: February 2022

Lithium‐ion capacitors (LICs), potentially bring together the advantages of batteries and supercapacitors. For the faradaic anodes, nanostructured carbonaceous materials hold immense potential, in contrast to graphite where limitations in Li‐ion diffusivity exist. Herein, onion‐like carbons (OLCs), synthesized from Fe‐BTC metal‐organic framework (MOF), is implemented as the LIC anode, owing to its high charge storage capacity and rate capability as compared to graphite. The enhanced charge storage and Li‐ion transference in OLCs was understood to be due to hierarchical porosity with accessible inner voids along with high defect concentration. Therefore, full‐LIC cells with OLC anodes exhibited a markedly higher specific capacitance and an enhanced rate capability than graphite‐LIC. The OLC‐LIC achieved an outstanding maximum energy density of 224 Wh kg−1 at 122 W kg−1 and maximum power density of 14436 W kg−1 at 80 Wh kg−1. Thus, MOF‐derived OLC with distinctive morphology is presented as a highly attractive anode for practical LIC systems.
A case with type Ⅱ vesicouterine fistula
Authors: Yan Zhi‐peng , Wang Cheng‐cheng , Wang Yang‐yang , Zhao Sheng‐Tian
Published: February 2022

Here, we report a 41‐year‐old female with type II VUF after hysteromyomectomy.We report the diagnosis of VUF by imaging method, and provide a feasible treatment for this complication after pelvic surgery.
Polypyrrole and Polythiophene Modified Carbon Nanotube‐Based Cathode Catalysts for Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell
Authors: Sokka Andri , Mooste Marek , Marandi Margus , Käärik Maike , Kozlova Jekaterina , Kikas Arvo , Kisand Vambola , Treshchalov Alexey , Tamm Aile , Leis Jaan , Holdcroft Steven , Tammeveski Kaido
Published: February 2022

The development of non‐precious metal cathode catalysts for anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFC) is beneficial for achieving a more affordable and sustainable H2 economy. Herein, we propose a polypyrrole, polythiophene, and multi‐walled carbon nanotube‐based composite material (PPy/PTh/MWCNT) for the electrocatalysis of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the AEMFC cathode. The PPy/PTh/MWCNT catalyst has a tubular micro‐mesoporous structure with high specific surface area. The elemental composition of the catalyst's surface was studied by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In 0.1 M KOH solution, the ORR half‐wave potential is −0.16 V (SCE) and the electron transfer number is 4. In a single‐cell AEMFC, the PPy/PTh/MWCNT catalyst exhibited a maximum power density of 284 mW cm−2, which is 86 % of the value obtained using commercial Pt/C cathode catalyst under the same testing conditions.
Metal‐Organic Frameworks as Unique Platforms to Gain Insight of σ‐Hole Interactions for the Removal of Organic Dyes from Aquatic Ecosystems
Authors: Negro Cristina , Escamilla Paula , Bruno Rosaria , Ferrando‐Soria Jesus , Armentano Donatella , Pardo Emilio
Published: February 2022

The combination of high crystallinity and rich host‐guest chemistry in metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), have situated them in an advantageous position, with respect to traditional porous materials, to gain insight on specific weak noncovalent supramolecular interactions. In particular, sulfur σ‐hole interactions are known to play a key role in the biological activity of living beings as well as on relevant molecular recognitions processes. However, so far, they have been barely explored. Here, we describe both how the combination of the intrinsic features of MOFs, especially the possibility of using single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography (SCXRD), can be an extremely valuable tool to gain insight on sulfur σ‐hole interactions, and how their rational exploitation can be enormously useful in the efficient removal of harmful organic molecules from aquatic ecosystems. Thus, we have used a MOF, prepared from the amino acid L‐methionine and possessing channels decorated with −CH2CH2SCH3 thioalkyl chains, to remove a family of organic dyes at very low concentrations (10 ppm) from water. This MOF is able to efficiently capture the four dyes in a very fast manner, reaching within five minutes nearly the maximum removal. Remarkably, the crystal structure of the different organic dyes within MOFs channels could be determined by SCXRD. This has enabled us to directly visualize the important role sulfur σ‐hole interactions play on the removal of organic dyes from aqueous solutions, representing one of the first studies on the rational exploitation of σ‐hole interactions for water remediation.
High‐Temperature Quantum Tunneling and Hydrogen Bonding Rearrangements Characterize the Solid‐Solid Phase Transitions in a Phosphonium‐Based Protic Ionic Liquid
Authors: Khudozhitkov Alexander E. , Donoshita Masaki , Stepanov Alexander G. , Philippi Frederik , Rauber Daniel , Hempelmann Rolf , Kitagawa Hiroshi , Kolokolov Daniil I. , Ludwig Ralf
Published: February 2022

We report the complex phase behavior of the glass forming protic ionic liquid (PIL) d3‐octylphosphonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide [C8H17PD3][NTf2] by means of solid‐state NMR spectroscopy. Combined line shape and spin relaxation studies of the deuterons in the PD3 group of the octylphosphonium cation allow to map and correlate the phase behavior for a broad temperature range from 71 K to 343 K. In the solid PIL at 71 K, we observed a static state, characterized by the first deuteron quadrupole coupling constant reported for PD3 deuterons. A transition enthalpy of about 12 kJ mol−1 from the static to the mobile state with increasing temperature suggests the breaking of a weak, charge‐enhanced hydrogen bond between cation and anion. The highly mobile phase above 100 K exhibits an almost disappearing activation barrier, strongly indicating quantum tunneling. Thus, we provide first evidence of tunneling driven mobility of the hydrogen bonded P−D moieties in the glassy state of PILs, already at surprisingly high temperatures up to 200 K. Above 250 K, the mobile phase turns from anisotropic to isotropic motion, and indicates strong internal rotation of the PD3 group. The analyzed line shapes and spin relaxation times allow us to link the structural and dynamical behavior at molecular level with the phase behavior beyond the DSC traces.
Comprehensive Characterization of Shredded Lithium‐Ion Battery Recycling Material
Authors: Peschel Christoph , van Wickeren Stefan , Preibisch Yves , Naber Verena , Werner Denis , Frankenstein Lars , Horsthemke Fabian , Peuker Urs , Winter Martin , Nowak Sascha
Published: February 2022

Herein we report on an analytical study of dry‐shredded lithium‐ion battery (LIB) materials with unknown composition. Samples from an industrial recycling process were analyzed concerning the elemental composition and (organic) compound speciation. Deep understanding of the base material for LIB recycling was obtained by identification and analysis of transition metal stoichiometry, current collector metals, base electrolyte and electrolyte additive residues, aging marker molecules and polymer binder fingerprints. For reversed engineering purposes, the main electrode and electrolyte chemistries were traced back to pristine materials. Furthermore, possible lifetime application and accompanied aging was evaluated based on target analysis on characteristic molecules described in literature. With this, the reported analytics provided precious information for value estimation of the undefined spent batteries and enabled tailored recycling process deliberations. The comprehensive feedstock characterization shown in this work paves the way for targeted process control in LIB recycling processes.
Illumination correction of dyed fabric based on extreme learning machine with improved ant lion optimizer
Authors: Zhou Zhiyu , Ji Haodong , Yang Xingfan
Published: February 2022

In order to eliminate the influence of scene illumination on the evaluation of the color difference of dyed fabrics, this paper proposes a dyed fabric illumination correction algorithm based on the extreme learning machine (ELM) with grey wolf optimizer (GWO)‐optimized ant lion optimizer (ALO). Firstly, the Grey Edge framework is used to extract the features of the dyed fabric image as the input vector. Then, to improve the optimization ability of the ALO algorithm, the GWO algorithm is used to provide a set of optimized initial populations to the ALO algorithm, and then the improved ALO algorithm is used to optimize the parameters of the ELM. Finally, the proposed GWO‐ALO‐ELM algorithm is used to correct the illumination of the dyed fabric, and restore the graphics to the effect display under standard illumination through the diagonal reduction model. Compared with the experimental results of GWO‐ELM, ALO‐ELM, backpropagation (BP), ELM, random vector function link (RVFL), and other algorithms, it can be seen that the GWO‐ALO‐ELM algorithm proposed in this paper has good predictive value and quasi‐bias effect, and good stability.
Numerical Simulation of Thermal Performance of GaAs‐Metal‐Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition Reactor Based on 36 × 4 inches’ Wafers
Authors: Yu Dayang , Li Hui
Published: February 2022

Currently, limited studies on 3D models based on thermal and flow fields have investigated the effects of geometric and process parameters on the metal–organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) process in large square reactors under severe temperatures. To address these problems, this study conducts numerical simulations and experiments for a large square Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) MOCVD reactor. A 3D model based on the MOCVD reactor coupled with fluid flow and heat transfer is developed to analyze the influence of the heating mode and process parameters on the temperature uniformity and heating efficiency. At 800 °C, the heating time is decreased less than 300 s, and a temperature uniformity of 7.9 °C is achieved, thereby realizing improved uniformity and excellent reactor performance. The use of cross and lateral lamps promote the controllability of the reactor temperature. As the gas flow rate increases, the velocity at the edge of the reactor increases, which induces the difference in the heat transfer coefficient between the center and edge increased. The variations in the gas composition influence the heating rate and temperature uniformity. The results of this study are useful for the design of heating modules in MOCVD reactors.
Research Progress on Postgrowth Annealing of Cd1−xMnxTe Crystals
Authors: Yu Pengfei , Jiang Biru , Liu Wenfei , Shao Tingquan , Gao Pandeng
Published: February 2022

Cadmium manganese telluride (Cd1−xMnxTe, abbreviated CMT) crystals have high resistivity, wide bandgap and good carrier transport properties, as well as being superior to traditional CdZnTe crystals in some respects. Therefore, CMT crystals are promising materials for room‐temperature nuclear radiation detectors. However, as‐grown CMT crystals usually include many defects dominated by Te inclusions. These defects greatly affect the device performance. In this paper, main defects such as point defects, dislocations, and inclusions in CMT materials are summarized and discussed. Postgrowth annealing is used to reduce and eliminate defects. It is a great method to improve the properties of as‐grown crystals. Annealing process includes annealing method, atmosphere, temperature, and time. The research progress of annealing process on crystal quality, photoelectric properties, and detector performance is reviewed.
Case study research of green life cycle model for the evaluation and reduction of scope 3 emissions in food supply chains
Authors: Asif Muhammad Salman , Lau Henry , Nakandala Dilupa , Fan Youqing , Hurriyet Hilal
Published: February 2022

Scope 3 emissions evaluation is a challenge but Walmart's collaborations with its suppliers has set the benchmark as they successfully reported these emissions to Carbon Disclosure Project in 2020. This study has analysed Walmart's best supplier management practices (The sustainability insight system or THESIS, Project gigaton and Blockchain technology) that proved their success in identifying, evaluating and reducing scope 3 emissions. Using Agribalyse database and case product of beef pie, we identified critical hotspots in upstream food supply chains through life cycle assessment (LCA). A weighting method was used to prioritise the critical hotspots. For empirical evidence, a few hotspots were addressed using Walmart's best practices and modified LCA was piloted that showed up to 10% decreased environmental burden, irrespective of the change in region, data mix and supply chain complexity. For industrial implication, a hotspot resolution model was designed for the root cause analysis of pain points concerning global food supply chains. Firms can use this generic model to identify and implement best practices based on breakdown of supply chain hotspots.