bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can a Station Marché function to prevent loneliness and isolation?
Authors: Uchihira Takayuki , Nakajima Kazunori
Published: April 2023

The study developed a simple screening tool for evaluating social isolation and loneliness to examine the effect of social inclusion on the prevention of isolation and loneliness. An interview‐format questionnaire survey was conducted in the Station Marché and examined the effectiveness of the Station Marché as a social prescription. In previous studies, the marché was expected to play a social role as a place for community interaction. The results of the current study suggest that the marché could be positioned more strongly as a place for social prescriptions that contribute to the prevention of isolation and loneliness among all generations, which exceeds community interaction. In conclusion, we suggest that the station‐front marché can function as a spatial prescription to help prevent loneliness.
Utilizing a projection neural network to convex quadratic multi‐objective programming problems
Authors: Jahangiri Mohammadreza , Nazemi Alireza
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we propose a projection neural network model for solving convex quadratic multi‐objective optimization problem (CQMOP). The CQMOP is first converted into an equivalent convex nonlinear programming problem by the means of the weighted sum method, where the Pareto optimal solutions are calculated via different values of weights. A neural network model is then constructed for solving the obtained convex problem. It is shown that the presented neural network is stable in the sense of Lyapunov and is globally convergent. Simulation results are given to illustrate the global convergence and performance of the suggested model. Both theoretical and numerical approaches are studied. Numerical results are in good agreement with the proved theoretical concepts.
Confocal Microscopy for In Situ Multi‐Modal Characterization and Patterning of Laser‐Reduced Graphene Oxide
Authors: Li Yuhan , Shaffer Milo S. P.
Published: April 2023

Graphene oxide (GO) films can be readily prepared at wafer scale, then reduced to form graphene‐based conductive circuits relevant to a range of practical device applications. Among a variety of reduction methods, laser processing has emerged as an important technique for localized reduction and patterning of GO films. In this study, the novel use of confocal microscopy is demonstrated for high‐resolution characterization, in situ laser reduction, and versatile patterning of GO films. Multi‐modal imaging and real‐time tracking are performed with 405 and 488 nm lasers, enabling large‐area direct observation of the reduction progress. Using image analysis to cluster flake types, the different stages of reduction can be attributed to thermal transfer and accumulation. Delicate control of the reduction process over multiple length scales is illustrated using millimeter‐scale stitched patterns, micropatterning of single flakes, and direct writing conductive 2D wires with sub‐micrometer resolution (530 nm). The general applicability of the technique is shown, allowing fabrication of both conductive reduced graphene oxide (rGO) films (sheet resistance: 2.5 kOhm sq−1) and 3D microscale architectures. This simple and mask‐free method provides a valuable tool for well‐controlled and scalable fabrication of reduced GO structures using compact low‐power lasers (< 5 mW), with simultaneous in situ monitoring and quality control.
Formation and Etching of the Insulating Sr‐Rich V5+ Phase at the Metallic SrVO3 Surface Revealed by Operando XAS Spectroscopy Characterizations
Authors: Polewczyk Vincent , Mezhoud Moussa , Rath Martando , El‐Khaloufi Oualyd , Bassato Ferdinando , Fouchet Arnaud , Prellier Wilfrid , Frégnaux Mathieu , Aureau Damien , Braglia Luca , Vinai Giovanni , Torelli Piero , Lüders Ulrike
Published: April 2023

In the search of low cost and more efficient electronic devices, here the properties of SrVO3 transparent conductor oxide (TCO) thin film are investigated, both visible‐range optically transparent and highly conductive, it stands as a promising candidate to substitute the standard indium‐tin‐oxide (ITO) in applications. Its surface stability under water (both liquid and vapor) and other gaseous atmospheres is especially addressed. Through the use of spectroscopy characterizations, X‐ray photoemission and operando X‐ray absorption measurements, the formation of a thin Sr‐rich V5+ layer located at the surface of the polycrystalline SrVO3 film with aging is observed, and for the first time how it can be removed from the surface by solvating in water atmosphere. The surface recovery is associated to an etching process, here spectroscopically characterized in operando conditions, allowing to follow the stoichiometric modification under reaction. Once exposed in oxygen atmosphere, the Sr‐rich V5+ layer forms again. The findings improve the understanding of aging effects in perovskite oxides, allowing for the development of functionalized films in which it is possible to control or to avoid an insulating surface layer. This constitutes an important step towards the large‐scale use of V‐based TCOs, with possible implementations in oxide‐based electronics.
Color‐Stable Two‐Dimensional Tin‐Based Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes: Passivation Effects of Diphenylphosphine Oxide Derivatives
Authors: Wang Chenhui , Cui Siqi , Ju Yangyang , Chen Yu , Chang Shuai , Zhong Haizheng
Published: April 2023

The performance of tin (Sn)‐based perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs) lags behind their lead analogs due to the challenges of Sn2+ oxidation, defect passivation, and fast crystallization. Herein, the passivation effects of diphenylphosphine oxide (DPPO) derivatives on the fabrication of PEA2SnI4 films are investigated. The DPPO derivatives with hydroxyl group, or including substituent group with the potential to form hydroxyl group, are unfavorable passivators due to their positive effects in accelerating Sn2+ oxidation. In comparison, amino‐functionalized DPPO molecule is an effective additive to enhance the photoluminescence of PEA2SnI4 films due to the effective defect passivation as well as crystallinity improvement. Based on the optimized films, color‐stable pure‐red PeLEDs are demonstrated with a full width at half maximum of 23 nm at 630 nm, a maximum luminance of 451 cd m−2, a maximum external quantum efficiency of 3.51%, and a half‐lifetime of 13.7 min at 102 cd m−2. This work opens new prospects on the selection of effective molecular additives for Sn‐based perovskites.
Management of Host–Guest Triplet Exciton Distribution for Stable, High‐Efficiency, Low Roll‐Off Solution‐Processed Blue Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes by Employing Triplet‐Energy‐Mediated Hosts
Authors: Liu Denghui , He Yanmei , Qiu Weidong , Peng Xiaomei , Li Mengke , Li Deli , Pu Junrong , Yang Jiaji , Gan Yiyang , Yang Guoxi , Sun Guanwei , Shen Chenyang , Cai Xinyi , Su Shi‐Jian
Published: April 2023

High‐quality hosts are indispensable for simultaneously realizing stable, high efficiency, and low roll‐off blue solution‐processed organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). Herein, three solution processable bipolar hosts with successively reduced triplet energies approaching the T1 state of thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitter are developed and evaluated for high‐performance blue OLED devices. The smaller T1 energy gap between host and guest allows the quenching of long‐lived triplet excitons to reduce exciton concentration inside the device, and thus suppresses singlet‐triplet and triplet‐triplet annihilations. Triplet‐energy‐mediated hosts with high enough T1 and better charge balance in device facilitate high exciton utilization efficiency and uniform triplet exciton distribution among host and TADF guest. Benefited from these synergetic factors, a high maximum external quantum efficiency (EQEmax) of 20.8%, long operational lifetime (T50 of 398.3 h @ 500 cd m−2), and negligible efficiency roll‐off (EQE of 20.1% @ 1000 cd m−2) are achieved for bluish‐green TADF OLEDs. Additionally introducing a narrowband emission multiple‐resonance TADF material as terminal emitter to accelerate exciton dynamic and improve exciton utilization, a higher EQEmax of 23.1%, suppressed roll‐off and extended lifetime of 456.3 h are achieved for the sky‐blue sensitized OLEDs at the same brightness.
Stress‐Triggered Mechanoluminescence in ZnO‐Based Heterojunction for Flexible and Stretchable Mechano‐Optics
Authors: Li Leipeng , Cai Chongyang , Lv Xiaohuan , Shi Xingqiang , Peng Dengfeng , Qiu Jianrong , Yang Yanmin
Published: April 2023

Owing to the forthcoming global energy crisis, the search for energy‐saving materials has intensified. Over the past two decades, mechanically induced luminescent materials have received considerable attention as they can convert waste into useful components, for instance, the conversion from stress into light. However, this material features many constraints that limit its widespread application. Herein, a strategy to improve the mechanoluminescence (ML) of ZnO by embedding it in a ZnF2:Mn2+ matrix is introduced. Upon dynamic excitation via an external stress, the reddish‐yellow ML is confirmed to originate from the 4T1 (4G) → 6A1 (6S) transition of the optically active Mn2+ center. Moreover, the sample with the strongest ML contains the appropriate amount of ZnF2 (ZnF2:ZnO = 7:3). By performing density functional theory calculations, a possible ML‐enhancement mechanism is elucidated, which indicates the formation of a ZnF2/ZnO:Mn2+ heterojunction. Considering the unique characteristics of ML, its promising applications are demonstrated in various mechano‐optics scenarios, including flexible and stretchable optoelectronics, advanced self‐powered displays, e‐skins/e‐signatures, and anti‐counterfeiting, without the use of external light/electric‐incentive sources. The study significantly increases the variety of ML materials and is expected to strengthen the foundation for the future development of smart mechanically controlled devices and energy‐saving systems.
Ni3V2O8 Nanosheets Grafted on 3D Helical‐shaped Carbon Nanocoils as A Binder‐free Hierarchical Composite for Efficient Non‐enzymatic Glucose Sensing
Authors: Farid Amjad , Zhonghua Chen , Khan Abdul Sammed , Javid Muhammad , Khan Ijaz Ahmad , Khan Aqib Ali , Fan Zeng , Pan Lujun
Published: April 2023

High fabrication cost, chemical instability, and complex immobilization of enzyme molecules are critical issues of enzyme‐based glucose sensors. Designing state‐of‐the‐art, binder‐free, and non‐enzymatic glucose sensing probes plays an imperative role to cope with the aforementioned issues. 3D carbonaceous nanomaterials coated with transition metal vanadates (TMVs) are a favorable biomimetic platform for glucose quantification. Peculiar hierarchical structure, enhanced conductivity, synergistic interaction, multiple oxidation states, and high catalytic activity would make such composite a potential contender for non‐enzymatic glucose sensing. Herein, 3D helical‐shaped carbon nanocoils (CNCs) are grown on nickel foam (NF) via chemical vapor deposition method to prepare a robust CNCs/NF scaffold. Then, a hydrothermal route is followed to grow interconnected free‐standing Ni3V2O8 nanosheets (NSs) on CNCs/NF scaffold. This novel and binder‐free Ni3V2O8 NSs/CNCs/NF hierarchical composite possesses superior electrochemical active area (ECSA) and exceptional electrochemical efficacy. Amperometric analysis exhibits extremely prompt detection time (0.1 s), elevated sensitivity (5214 µA mM−1 cm−2), and low detection limit (0.04 µM). Developed sensor demonstrates appreciable recoveries (93.3 to 103.3%) regarding glucose concentration in human serum. The appealing analytical results show that deployment of a 3D helical‐shaped hierarchical smart scaffold can be an effective strategy for developing efficient and advanced non‐enzymatic glucose sensors.
Atomically Dispersed Silver‐Cobalt Dual‐Metal Sites Synergistically Promoting Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Liu Yazi , Sun Yue , Zhao En , Yang Weiwei , Lin Jingkai , Zhong Qiang , Qi Haifeng , Deng Aixin , Yang Shaogui , Zhang Huayang , He Huan , Liu Shaomin , Chen Zupeng , Wang Shaobin
Published: April 2023

Regulating the coordination environment of single‐atom sites is of high necessity to promote the catalytic performances of the photocatalysts. Herein, the preparation of atomically dispersed Co‐Ag dual‐metal sites anchored on P‐doped carbon nitride (Co1Ag1‐PCN) via supramolecular and solvothermal approaches is reported, which demonstrates desirable performance for photocatalytic H2 evolution from water splitting. The optimal Co1Ag1‐PCN catalyst achieves a remarkable hydrogen production rate of 1190 µmol g−1 h−1 with an apparent quantum yield (AQY) of 1.49% at 365 nm, superior to most of the newly reported metal‐N‐coordinated photocatalysts. Systematic experimental characterizations and density functional theoretic studies attribute the enhanced photocatalytic activity to the synergistic effect of Co‐Ag dual sites with exclusive coordination configuration of Co‐N6 and Ag‐N2C2, which enhances the charge density and promotes oriented electrons transport to the metal centers with reduced free energy barriers by facilitating the formation of H* intermediates as the key step in hydrogen evolution. This study reveals a versatile strategy to tailor the electronic structures of dual‐metal sites with synergies by engineering the neighboring coordination environment.
Highly Elastic and Anisotropic Wood‐Derived Composite Scaffold with Antibacterial and Angiogenic Activities for Bone Repair
Authors: Chen Jiaqing , He Xiangheng , Sun Tianyi , Liu Kun , Chen Chunhua , Wen Wei , Ding Shan , Liu Mingxian , Zhou Changren , Luo Binghong
Published: April 2023

Scaffold‐based tissue engineering is a promising strategy to address the rapidly growing demand for bone implants, but developing scaffolds with bone extracellular matrix‐like structures, suitable mechanical properties, and multiple biological activities remains a huge challenge. Here, it is aimed to develop a wood‐derived composite scaffold with an anisotropic porous structure, high elasticity, and good antibacterial, osteogenic, and angiogenic activities. First, natural wood is treated with an alkaline solution to obtain a wood‐derived scaffold with an oriented cellulose skeleton and high elasticity, which can not only simulate collagen fiber skeleton in bone tissue but also greatly improve the convenience of clinical implantation. Subsequently, chitosan quaternary ammonium salt (CQS) and dimethyloxalylglycine (DMOG) are further modified on the wood‐derived elastic scaffold through a polydopamine layer. Among them, CQS endows the scaffold with good antibacterial activity, while DMOG significantly improves the scaffold's osteogenic and angiogenic activities. Interestingly, the mechanical characteristics of the scaffolds and the modified DMOG can synergistically enhance the expression of yes‐associated protein/transcriptional co‐activator with PDZ binding motif signaling pathway, thereby effectively promoting osteogenic differentiation. Therefore, this wood‐derived composite scaffold is expected to have potential application in the treatment of bone defects.
Microfluidic‐Assisted Growth of Perovskite Single Crystals for Photodetectors
Authors: Viola Ilenia , Matteocci Fabio , De Marco Luisa , Lo Presti Leonardo , Rizzato Silvia , Sennato Simona , Zizzari Alessandra , Arima Valentina , De Santis Antonio , Rovelli Chiara , Morganti Silvio , Auf der Maur Matthias , Testa Marianna
Published: April 2023

The organometal halide perovskites (OMHP) are promising candidates for fast, sensitive, and large area photodetectors. In the last decade, several techniques have been developed with complementary advantages. Film devices are thin and can be scaled to large area, but have a large number of grain‐boundaries related defects. Single bulk crystals instead have higher purity, but are thicker and can not be easily produced on large areas. In this work, a microfluidics‐assisted technique to realize a controlled growth of OMHP single crystals, in the form of microwires, directly on a conductive patterned substrates, is presented. This technique enables the realization of vertical devices with a pixelated sensor layer. The resulting devices present gain, a responsivity up to 200 AW−1and a fast rise time down to 35 µs. This is the first demonstration of a OMHP vertical device realized on a patterned substrate using microfluidics‐assisted techniques.
Flexible and Stretchable Piezoresistive Sensor with Decoupled Pressure Sensing Capability
Authors: Kim Wooseok , Kim Doyoung , Kim Jihwan , Park Sang Uk , Lee Hee Kyu , Joo Janghoon , Lee Se Gi , Chae Jeong Woo , Kim Jeonghyun , Han Seungyong , Baac Hyoung Won , Won Sang Min
Published: April 2023

Pressure sensors made on a mechanically deformable substrates are widely available for health monitoring systems, tactile sensors, and human–machine interfaces. While their sensitivity typically exceeds that of the human skin, it is highly challenging to perceive multiple kinds of mechanical inputs, such as normal, stretching, bending, and/or twisting forces, in a decoupled manner. For example, the interpretation of the specific pressure‐related distortion requires differentiation of such pressure stimuli from the simultaneously measured mixed deformation. This report proposes a sensor with an engineered geometrical configuration that dramatically reduces its mechanical distortion made by non‐pressure related stimuli. Such decoupled‐sensing capability for normal force is characterized by a linear response of fractional resistance change at 2.07 kPa−1and negligible responses to other deformations such as stretching and bending. An in vitro sensor demonstration for the diagnosis of stress urinary incontinence presents one mode of practical application of the sensor. Facile fabrication allows an interconnected array and wireless network to capture the spatial distribution of normal force and to record the data with consumer devices, respectively.
Large Orthorhombic Polyhedral CsPbBr3 Nanocrystals for Ultrasensitive Photodetectors with Type‐I Structures
Authors: Wang Jiahui , Yang Fengyi , Ding Guanghao , Hong Xun , Yang Qing
Published: April 2023

Lead halide perovskite nanocrystals (LHPs) are emerging with enormous potential for high‐performance optoelectronics. Regrettably, most of the reported lead halide nanocrystal‐based photodetectors (LHP‐PDs) focus on six‐faceted hexahedron (cube/platelet) shapes and encounter issues of interface recombination of the photogenerated electron‐hole pairs and low carrier migration efficiency. Herein, a vertical heterojunction photodetector with type‐I band alignment based on high‐quality polyhedral orthorhombic CsPbBr3 nanocrystals (NCs) is designed and realized. The results show that utilizing these rhombic dodecahedron CsPbBr3 as photosensitive layers, the p‐Si/CsPbBr3 device presents high responsivity (R) and detectability (D*) values of 8.36 A W−1 and 9.33 × 1013 Jones, a powerful weak light detection capability with an ultralow noise equivalent power (NEP) of 2.14 × 10−15 W Hz−1/2, and a fast response time of 90/162 µs . Meanwhile, based on theoretical density functional theory (DFT) and energy band analysis, it is shown that the recombination of photogenerated electron‐hole pairs can be significantly suppressed, and the spectral response of the PDs is almost contributed by photogenerated carriers in CsPbBr3 . The work provides a new avenue for improving the performance of PDs based on large‐size orthorhombic polyhedral CsPbBr3 NCs by morphological structure modulation and optimized band alignment engineering.
Intrinsically Healable Fabrics
Authors: Hsu Hsun‐Hao , Lo Tse‐Yu , Tseng Yu‐Hsuan , Lee Lin‐Ruei , Chen Si‐Rou , Chang Kai‐Jie , Kao Tzu‐Hsun , Lin Zong‐Hong , Chou Ho‐Hsiu , Chen Jiun‐Tai
Published: April 2023

Wearable electronics with healability have been extensively researched recently. To provide wearing comfort, fabrics are often adopted as the base materials. Intrinsic healability, however, is challenging for fabrics because of the inability to retain the fibrous morphologies. Herein, an unprecedented strategy is presented for producing electrospun fabrics that are intrinsically healable by carefully balancing the crystalline structural support and healing ability. Fluorocarbon polymers with different crystallinities are mixed with ionic liquids to form ionogels, which are spun into fabrics using a unique wet electrospinning apparatus. Importantly, the introduction of the crystalline domains prevents the fusion of the electrospun fibers; even after 1 year, no significant morphological change is observed. The nonwoven fabrics are not only stretchable and waterproof but also intrinsically healable. The ion–dipole interactions between the polar copolymers and ionic liquids provide the reversible physical crosslinking essential to the healing capability. When damaged, the fabrics can be overlapped and healed after applying pressure. Moreover, the fabrics demonstrate healability underwater. Healable sensing devices, pressure, and tensile sensors are also designed by printing ion‐conductive gels as electrodes. Both devices show good stability before and after healing. This work demonstrates the first example of intrinsically healable electrospun fabrics, which are promising for fabric‐based wearable electronics and smart clothing.
Wide‐Wavelength Tunable Mid‐Infrared Lasing Based on Black Arsenic Phosphorus
Authors: Zhang Junrong , Xie Maobin , Zhang Yushuang , Wang Junyong , Zhao Xinchao , Chen Cheng , Zhang Quanlong , Xia Meng , Li Jie , Dong Zhuo , Zhang Yan , Ren Zeqian , Liu Tong , Pan Anlian , Wang Shaowei , Zhang Kai
Published: April 2023

Mid‐infrared (MIR) semiconductor laser sources are essential for applications in gas detection, infrared imaging, and high‐speed free space optical communications. At present, the dynamic wavelength tunability of MIR lasers based on lead salt, antimonide, and quantum cascade lasers is limited and their compact size as well as heterogeneous integration are still challenging. Two‐dimensional (2D) materials, used as optical gain materials, have the flexible tunability and compatible van der Waals integrations—providing many new possibilities for constructing MIR laser sources of large tunability and high integration. Here, wide‐wavelength tunable MIR vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) integrated on silicon substrates are realized based on 2D black arsenic phosphorus (b‐AsxP1−x). The emission wavelength of the optically pumped laser device is demonstrated to be tuned from 3.42 to 4.65 µm at room temperature, which could be controlled by adjusting the alloy composition and thickness of the gain media b‐AsxP1−x. The tunable MIR VCSEL device would pave the way for further exploration of 2D materials‐based IR lasers working as on‐chip light sources.
Industrially Scalable and Refreshable Photocatalytic Foam
Authors: Yang Yawei , Wang Riyao , Han Zhongji , Wang Rui , He Jiancheng , Zhang Chengyu , Que Wenxiu
Published: April 2023

Semiconductor photocatalysis has been a promising candidate for micropollutant degradation in environmental remediation. In the past 50 years, TiO2 nanomaterials‐based photocatalytic devices have been practically applied to ex‐situ sewage treatment. This work promotes the practical photocatalytic application of TiO2 nanomaterials by successfully fabricating a scalable and refreshable photocatalytic foam. The fabrication is done by firmly immobilizing catalyst nanoparticles on ethylene‐vinyl acetate (EVA) foam. The immobilization replaces commonly used ZnO promoter by TiO2 catalyst nanoparticles in raw materials during industrial foaming production processes. The as‐fabricated photocatalytic foam exhibits excellent photocatalytic activity, stability, and refreshability in in‐situ micropollutant degradation.
DNAJC21‐related thrombocytopenia in a young adult female
Authors: Aslan Deniz , Akgun‐Dogan Ozlem , Ay Beril , Çamurdan Mahmut Orhun , Mancılar Hanifenur , Alanay Yasemin
Published: April 2023

Bone marrow failure type 3 (BMFS3) (MIM:617052) is a subtype of inherited bone marrow failure syndromes (IBMFS) caused by homozygous pathogenic variants in DNAJC21. It was first defined in 2016, and to date, 19 patients have been reported. Here we report the first adult patient; a 20‐year‐old female with a novel frameshift variant in DNAJC21 presents with thrombocytopenia, dysmorphic findings, and ovarian agenesis. Our patient expands the clinical spectrum to the milder end and suggests that DNAJC21‐related disorders can have relatively mild presentations. Investigation of DNAJC21 variants in both childhood and adult patients with persistent, non‐progressive thrombocytopenia will allow to broaden the gene‐related phenotypic and genotypic spectrum and elucidate the pathophysiology. Therefore, we encourage revisiting undiagnosed patients to offer whole exome sequencing (WES) in adulthood.
Characterization of key manufacturing uncertainties in next generation therapeutics and vaccines across scales
Authors: Sarkis Miriam , Shah Nilay , Papathanasiou Maria M.
Published: April 2023

Viral vectors are advanced therapy products used as genetic information carriers in vaccine and cell therapy development and manufacturing. Despite the first product receiving market authorization in 2012, viral vector manufacturing has still not reached the level of maturity of biologics and is still highly susceptible to process uncertainties, such as viral titers and chromatography yields. This was exacerbated by the COVID‐19 pandemic when viral vector manufacturers were challenged to respond to the global demand in a timely manner. A key reason for this was the lack of a systematic framework and approach to support capacity planning under uncertainty. To address this, we present a methodology for: (i) identification of process cost and volume bottlenecks, (ii) quantification of process uncertainties and their impact on target key performance indicators, and (iii) quantitative analysis of scale‐dependent uncertainties. We use global sensitivity analysis as the backbone to evaluate three industrially relevant vector platforms: adeno‐associated, lentiviral, and adenoviral vectors. For the first time, we quantify how operating parameters can affect process performance and, critically, the trade‐offs among them. Results indicate a strong, direct proportional correlation between volumetric scales and propagation of uncertainties, while we identify viral titer as the most critical scale‐up bottleneck across the three platforms. The framework can de‐risk investment decisions, primarily related to scale‐up and provides a basis for proactive decision‐making in manufacturing and distribution of advanced therapeutics.
Kombination von Styrol‐ und Dien‐Struktur zu einem zyklischen Dien: Anionische Polymerisation von 1‐Vinylcyclohexen (VCH)
Authors: Hahn Christoph , Rauschenbach Moritz , Frey Holger
Published: April 2023

Wir berichten über die erste anionische Polymerisation von 1‐Vinylcyclohexen (VCH). Diese Struktur kann als eine Kombination von Dien und Styrol betrachtet werden. Die Polymerisation dieses zyklischen, 1,2‐disubstituierten 1,3‐Diens verlief quantitativ in Cyclohexan bei 25 °C mit sec‐Butyllithium als Initiator. Die erhaltenen Polymere wiesen gut kontrollierte Molekulargewichte im Bereich von 5 bis 142 kg mol−1 auf, die durch das molare Verhältnis von Monomer und Initiator einstellbar waren, mit engen Molekulargewichtsverteilungen (Đ<1.07–1.20). Die kinetische in situ Untersuchung der Polymerisation mittels 1H NMR ergab eine schwach ausgeprägte Gradientenstruktur für die Copolymere von Styrol und VCH (rSty=2.55, rVCH=0.39). PVCH, das in Cyclohexan mit sec‐BuLi als Initiator erhalten wurde, zeigte sowohl 1,4‐ als auch 3,4‐Einbau von VCH (Verhältnis: 64 : 36). Es wurde weiterhin gezeigt, dass die Mikrostruktur des resultierenden PVCH durch Zugabe eines polaren Additivs (THF) verändert werden kann, was zu einem erhöhten Anteil der 3,4‐Mikrostruktur (bis zu 78 %) und einer erhöhten Glasübergangstemperatur von bis zu 89 °C führte. Somit polymerisiert das Monomer VCH carbanionisch lebend wie ein Dien, liefert dabei jedoch recht rigide Polymere mit hoher Glasübergangstemperatur, was interessante Möglichkeiten für die Kombination mit anderen Dienen zu hoch definierten Polymerarchitekturen und Materialien bietet.
Chalkogenbindungs‐induzierte Doppelhelix basierend auf der Selbstassemblierung eines kleinen planaren Bausteins
Authors: Mehrparvar Saber , Wölper Christoph , Haberhauer Gebhard
Published: April 2023

Helikale Strukturen auf einer molekularen Ebene werden in der Regel aus nicht‐planaren Einheiten gebildet. Umso faszinierender ist es, Helices ausgehend von planaren Bausteinen durch Selbstorganisation zu generieren. Bislang ist dies jedoch nur selten gelungen, wobei stets Wasserstoff‐ und Halogenbindungen beteiligt waren. Hier zeigen wir, dass das Motiv der Carbonyl‐Tellur‐Wechselwirkung geeignet ist, selbst kleine planare Einheiten im Festkörper zu helikalen Strukturen zusammenzufügen. Wir haben je nach Substitutionsmuster zwei verschiedene Arten von Helices gefunden: sowohl Einzel‐ als auch Doppelhelices. Bei der Doppelhelix sind die Stränge durch zusätzliche Te⋅⋅⋅Te‐Chalkogenbindungen verbunden. Bei der Einzelhelix kommt es im Kristall zu einer spontanen Enantiomerentrennung. Dies zeigt das Potential der Carbonyl‐Tellur‐Chalkogenbindung komplexe dreidimensionale Muster zu erzeugen.
Self‐assembly Mechanism and Chiral Transfer in CuO Superstructures
Authors: Zhang Jun , Vallée Renaud A. L. , Kochovski Zdravko , Zhang Wei , Shen Chen , Bertram Florian , Pinna Nicola
Published: April 2023

Chiral inorganic superstructures have received considerable interest due to the chiral communication between inorganic compounds and chiral organic additives. However, the demanding fabrication and complex multilevel structure seriously hinder the understanding of chiral transfer and self‐assembly mechanisms. Herein, we use chiral CuO superstructures as a model system to study the formation process of hierarchical chiral structures. Based on a simple and mild synthesis route, the time‐resolved morphology and the in situ chirality evolution could be easily followed. The morphology evolution of the chiral superstructure involves hierarchical assembly, including primary nanoparticles, intermediate bundles, and superstructure at different growth stages. Successive redshifts and enhancements of the CD signal support chiral transfer from the surface penicillamine to the inorganic superstructure. Full‐field electro‐dynamical simulations reproduced the structural chirality and allowed us to predict its modulation. This work opens the door to a large family of chiral inorganic materials where chiral molecule‐guided self‐assembly can be specifically designed to follow a bottom‐up chiral transfer pathway.
BN‐Butafulvenes and Their Application in the Synthesis of Highly Substituted BN‐9,1‐Naphthalenes
Authors: Wang Junyi , Zhu Shuai , Ma Wangyang , Lin Zhenyang , Ye Qing
Published: April 2023

BN‐butafulvenes, mono‐BN isosteres of butafulvene and highly strained isomers of azaborines and B‐amino boroles, have been synthesized via hydrolysis of the urana‐borabicyclic complexes obtained from the reactions of bis(alkynyl)boranes with an uranacyclopropene complex. Their 4‐dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) adducts can further isomerize to 1,2,4,6‐multisubstituted BN‐9,1‐naphthalenes. Both NMR reaction monitoring and theoretical calculations point to a reaction mechanism involving dearomative insertion of DMAP followed by two consecutive 1,2‐hydrogen shifts. The photophysical studies of the highly substituted BN‐9,1‐naphthalenes reveal a notable redshift in both the UV/Vis absorption and emission spectra. The (TD)‐DFT calculations corroborate the experimental data, suggesting that the strong π‐donating amino substitution at the 1‐ and/or 6‐positions destabilizes the HOMO, and thus leading to a notable decrease of the HOMO–LUMO gap.
A Tandem‐Locked Fluorescent NETosis Reporter for the Prognosis Assessment of Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Cheng Penghui , He Shasha , Zhang Chi , Liu Jing , Pu Kanyi
Published: April 2023

NETosis, the peculiar type of neutrophil death, plays important roles in pro‐tumorigenic functions and inhibits cancer immunotherapy. Non‐invasive real‐time imaging is thus imperative for prognosis of cancer immunotherapy yet remains challenging. Herein, we report a Tandem‐locked NETosis Reporter 1 (TNR1) that activates fluorescence signals only in the presence of both neutrophil elastase (NE) and cathepsin G (CTSG) for the specific imaging of NETosis. In the aspect of molecular design, the sequence of biomarker‐specific tandem peptide blocks can largely affect the detection specificity towards NETosis. In live cell imaging, the tandem‐locked design allows TNR1 to differentiate NETosis from neutrophil activation, while single‐locked reporters fail to do so. The near‐infrared signals from activated TNR1 in tumor from living mice were consistent with the intratumoral NETosis levels from histological results. Moreover, the near‐infrared signals from activated TNR1 negatively correlated with tumor inhibition effect after immunotherapy, thereby providing prognosis for cancer immunotherapy. Thus, our study not only demonstrates the first sensitive optical reporter for noninvasive monitoring of NETosis levels and evaluation of cancer immunotherapeutic efficacy in tumor‐bearing living mice, but also proposes a generic approach for tandem‐locked probe design.
Optimal detuning of multivariable proportional integral controller based on data‐driven approach for an activated sludge process
Authors: Anchan Sanjith S. , Kumar Tanneru Hemanth , Sankar Rao Chinta
Published: April 2023

The study deals with designing a multivariable centralized proportional‐integral (PI) controller for an activated sludge process (ASP) by adopting a new tuning technique. To overcome the tedious task of manual tuning by a classical method that was based on Ziegler–Nichols tuning, a novel approach is developed by formulating the optimization problem and considering it along with the theoretical results to calculate the controller parameters. The proposed method is then compared with the reported method to demonstrate the advantages of the proposed approach. A nonlinear ASP model is selected to evaluate the performance of the designed controller. The simulation carried through the proposed optimization technique exhibits a significant improvement in closed‐loop performance for tuning the centralized controller. It is observed that the proposed method minimizes the effort of tuning the controller significantly. The proposed controller achieves better load disturbance response and lower overshoot than the reported method. The proposed method could improve integral absolute error (IAE) and integral time absolute error (ITAE) performance indices, ranging between 18.69% to 53.80% and 16.42% to 52.97% for a step change in and , respectively, which are better compared to the reported method. The study also assesses the control system's robustness for their uncertainties with the time constant and time delay.
Anchoring HPW by amino‐modified MIL‐101(Cr) to improve the properties of SPEEK in proton exchange membranes
Authors: Zhang Xiaocan , Ma Huixiao , Pei Tong , Zhang Ruochen , Liu Yiran
Published: April 2023

Incorporating phosphotungstic acid (HPW) in proton exchange membranes (PEMs) is an effective way to improve proton conductivity, but its leakage remains a problem. It can be solved by immobilizing acid in membranes to enhance the stability of PEMs. Herein, we proposed a novel sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) composite membrane (SPEEK/HPW@MIL) that was prepared by blending amino‐modified MIL‐101(Cr) to anchor HPW. In this work, HPW was anchored through hydrogen bond to minimize its leakage and enhance the overall compatibility. The incorporation of MIL‐101(Cr)‐NH2 also helped lower the swelling ratio and improve the dimensional stability. Compared with pristine SPEEK and SPEEK/MIL membrane, the proton conductivity of the SPEEK/HPW@MIL composite membrane increased by 26% and 14%, respectively. The superior performance recommended a promising conception for anchoring HPW in PEMs.
Synthesis and properties of trifluoromethyl organosilicon cycloaliphatic epoxy monomers for cationic photopolymerization
Authors: Xie Jin , Hu Yunlang , Gao Yanjing , Sun Fang
Published: April 2023

The cycloaliphatic epoxy compounds have been widely used as the monomers in cationic photopolymerization and the fluorine‐modified organosilicon materials combine the merits of both organosilicon and organofluorine. In this work, three trifluoromethyl organosilicon cycloaliphatic epoxy monomers with different chain length (CE‐FSin, n = 3, 6, 9) were designed and prepared by using a facile two‐step synthesis and very competitive raw materials. CE‐FSin showed good ability to cationically photopolymerize. The final conversion of the alicyclic epoxy group of CE‐FSin systems reached up to 84.0% under the irradiation for 900 s. The addition of CE‐FSin enhanced the surface water repellency, heat resistance, elongation at break and glass transition temperature (Tg) of the cured film because of the presence of organosilicon chain and trifluoromethyl group of CE‐FSin. The cured film of CE‐FSi3‐0.5% had the largest water contact angle (105.0°), while the cured film of CE‐FSi9‐0.5% had tensile strength of 0.49 MPa and elongation at break of 68.51% that was three folds as that of the blank control. The addition of CE‐FSin had no obvious influences on the adhesion forces of the cured films, but decreased the pencil hardness.
An insight into microbial sources, classification, and industrial applications of xylanases: A rapid review
Authors: Kaur Damanjeet , Joshi Amit , Sharma Varruchi , Batra Navneet , Sharma Anil K.
Published: April 2023

Endo 1,4‐β‐d‐xylanases (EC3.2.1.8) are one of the key lignocellulose hydrolyzing enzymes. Xylan, which is present in copious amounts on earth, forms the primary substrate of endo‐xylanases, which can unchain the constituent monosaccharides linked via β‐1,4‐glycosidic bonds from the xylan backbone. Researchers have shown keen interest in the xylanases belonging to glycoside hydrolase families 10 and 11, whereas those placed in other glycoside hydrolase families are yet to be investigated. Various microbes such as bacteria and fungi harbor these enzymes for the metabolism of their lignocellulose fibers. These microbes can be used as miniature biofactories of xylanase enzymes for a plethora of environmentally benign applications in pulp and paper industry, biofuel production, and for improving the quality of food in bread baking and fruit juice industry. This review highlights the potential of microbes in production of xylanase for industrial biotechnology.
A RaPID Macrocyclic Peptide That Inhibits the Formation of α‐Synuclein Amyloid Fibrils
Authors: Ikenoue Tatsuya , Oono Miki , So Masatomo , Yamakado Hodaka , Arata Toshiaki , Takahashi Ryosuke , Kawata Yasushi , Suga Hiroaki
Published: April 2023

There is considerable interest in drug discovery targeting the aggregation of α‐synuclein (αSyn) since this molecular process is closely associated with Parkinson's disease. However, inhibiting αSyn aggregation remains a major challenge because of its highly dynamic nature which makes it difficult to form a stable binding complex with a drug molecule. Here, by exploiting Random non‐standard Peptides Integrated Discovery (RaPID) system, we identified a macrocyclic peptide, BD1, that could interact with immobilized αSyn and inhibit the formation of fibrils. Furthermore, improving the solubility of BD1 suppresses the co‐aggregation with αSyn fibrils while it kinetically inhibits more effectively without change in their morphology. We also revealed the molecular mechanism of kinetic inhibition, where peptides bind to fibril ends of αSyn, thereby preventing further growth of fibrils. These results suggest that our approach for generating non‐standard macrocyclic peptides is a promising approach for developing potential therapeutics against neurodegeneration.
Jejunal lipoma: A rare cause of small bowel bleeding
Authors: Kozyk Marko , Strubchevska Kateryna , Batke Mihaela
Published: April 2023

Prompt endoscopic recognition as well as histopathological examination are crucial for establishing the diagnosis and management of small bowel lipomas complicated by bleeding.
Urea Electrooxidation in Alkaline Environment: Fundamentals and Applications
Authors: Wang Hongdan , Zheng Xingqun , Fang Ling , Lu Shun
Published: April 2023

Urea is an important chemical in agricultural, biosystem and chemical engineering. It can not only be a fertilizer and feed supplement, but also converted into electricity and hydrogen based on the counterpart half‐reactions. In this concept, we demonstrated the fundamental mechanism of electrochemical urea oxidation reaction (UOR) and its various applications on environmental, energy and healthcare devices with typical examples. UOR providing potential directions for the electrochemical treatment of urea‐contained wastewater were also introduced in this concept. This work is not focused on electrocatalyst design, but rather offers instructive guidance for the UOR developments in environmental, energy, and healthcare devices.
LONGITUDINAL SHEAR TRANSFER IN COMPOSITE STEEL TRUSS AND CONCRETE (CSTC) BEAMS
Authors: Vigneri Valentino , Kroyer Robert , China Stefano , Argentoni Alessio , Taras Andreas
Published: April 2023

The Composite Steel Truss and Concrete (CSTC) beam represents an effective and structurally economical solution which can look back to a long tradition of successful use in Italy. This type of structural element consists of a truss made of structural steel which is partly or entirely encased in in‐situ cast concrete. The shear transfer mechanisms activated in these elements do not rely on dedicated shear connectors but on a mechanical interlocking between the truss and the surrounding concrete. In order to investigate the shear transfer mechanism and to support the development of appropriate design rules, 39 push‐out tests have been planned in accordance with EN 1994‐1‐1 B.2 testing procedure and they are presented in this work. Also, a finite element (FE) model was developed to study in detail the stress and strain field of the specimens. This paper will present the findings of the experimental campaign and numerical studies on the longitudinal shear transfer in CSTC beams.
Persistent and Predominantly Localized Boron Radical from the Reduction of a Three‐Dimensional Analogue of NHC‐Stabilized Borafluorenium
Authors: Xiang Libo , Wang Junyi , Krummenacher Ivo , Radacki Krzysztof , Braunschweig Holger , Lin Zhenyang , Ye Qing
Published: April 2023

In this contribution, we reported the three‐dimensional (3D) analogues of N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC)‐stabilized 9‐borafluorenium and 9‐borafluorene radical. The radical was fully characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV), UV‐Vis absorption spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses. The distinct boron‐centered radical character of 9‐borafluorene radical was corroborated by DFT calculations and EPR analysis.
Interfacial Polymer Engineered Field Effect Transistor Biosensors for Rapid and Efficient Identification of SARS‐CoV‐2 N Antigen
Authors: Peng Qiumin , Huang Wanting , Chen Duo , Gao Zhipeng , Yang Yanbing , Yuan Quan
Published: April 2023

Comprehensive Summary

With the advantages of high sensitivity, rapid response, label‐free, and simple operation, field effect transistor biosensors have shown promising application prospects in large‐scale pathogen screening. However, in practical biological fluids with relatively high ionic strength, such as saliva and serum, the Debye screening effect will weaken the interaction between FET biosensors and target bio‐molecules, thereby affecting the sensing sensitivity and accuracy. Herein, an interfacial polymer‐engineered field effect transistor (IPE FET) biosensor was developed for the efficient identification of SARS‐CoV‐2 N antigens in saliva samples. The inclusion of a polymer layer shortens the distance between target molecules and the electrode interface, which effectively overcomes the limitation of Debye screening. The constructed IPE FET biosensors exhibit high sensitivity and anti‐fouling capability, achieving efficient detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 N antigen in saliva within 5 min with a detection limit of 4.6 fg·mL−1. In a cohort of 35 simulated throat swab samples of SARS‐CoV‐2 N antigen, IPE FET exhibits an identification accuracy of up to 97.1%, with predictive sensitivity and specificity of 96.0% and 100.0%, respectively. The excellent performance of IPE FET not only provides a strategy to design efficient detection platforms but also suggests a pathway to realize rapid and scalable epidemic screening.
A single switch hybrid quadratic converter for grid‐integrated renewable energy system
Authors: Thirukkuralkani K. N. , Srinivasan K. , Karthikeyan V.
Published: April 2023

To interface the electricity grid with renewable energy system applications, the system voltage is to be stepped up to a higher level. Here, the interfacing converter along with the transformer unit becomes an essential stage. Due to this traditional approach and the presence of a transformer, the size and cost of the entire unit are higher and reduce the efficiency of the system drastically with large space requirements, especially under light load conditions. To overcome this limitation, various dc‐dc converters have been proposed by researchers; however, the components' utilization and operation range of duty cycles are higher to obtain a higher voltage level. This particular paper proposes a novel single‐switch hybrid quadratic converter (HQC) for a grid‐integrated renewable energy system. The main objective of this proposed approach is to minimize the components count utilized in the converter with lower device stress to achieve higher gain; hence, it improvises the efficiency. The operational waveforms and mathematical relations based on the corresponding equivalent circuit are discussed in detail. To understand and analyze the merits of various performance parameters, the detailed comparative performance of the proposed HQC with existing converters is summarized in this paper. Finally, to validate and verify the novelty, the 500‐W experimental prototype was built and experimental results were captured and presented in this paper. It is observed that the proposed HQC can yield an efficiency of more than 95% under a lower range of duty cycles.
An input‐parallel output‐series wireless power transfer scheme for automatic vehicle modular and misalignment‐tolerant charging
Authors: Zhang Fan , Xiao Yong , Wan Leke , Qian Bin , Cai Changsong , Lin Xiaoming , Tang Jianlin
Published: April 2023

For ameliorating the energy pick‐up capability of wireless charging during the movement of automatic vehicles, this paper proposes an input‐parallel output‐series wireless power transfer (WPT) scheme with modular extension and misalignment tolerance. Dual inductor‐capacitor‐capacitor (LCC) and series capacitor compensated WPT channels are included in this scheme. Input ports at the transmitter (Tx) side are in parallel, which shares an identical voltage source, and output ports at the receiver (Rx) side are in series for modular expansion of output capacity. Asymmetrical coupling coils based on the magnetic field distribution optimization of Tx coils are employed in this design for the tolerance performance under Rx misalignments. An output voltage control method at the Tx side is implemented to regulate the output voltage of each channel without communication. The phase and amplitude of each channel's output are actively consistent through the control, thereby improving the WPT efficiency and avoiding channel damage due to excessive output. Finally, a scaled‐down WPT prototype is established, and the performance of the proposed scheme is verified by experimental results.