bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alien pathogens and parasites impacting native freshwater fish of southern Australia: a scientific and historical review
Authors: Kaminskas Simon
Published: December 2020

Native freshwater fish of Australia have a diverse but largely undescribed endemic pathogen and parasite fauna. However, due to long-shared evolutionary histories and virulence/transmissibility trade-offs, effects of these endemic pathogens and parasites appear to be subtle: significant impacts are rarely observed and epizootics have not been recorded. In contrast, a number of alien pathogens and parasites are now established across southern Australia, causing manifestly harmful effects to native fish species and known or suspected epizootics in native fish populations. Undetected and/or undescribed alien viral pathogens are also suspected of being present. Alien pathogens and parasites were introduced to Australia with imports of live alien fish or their fertilised eggs. A review of the scientific and historical evidence indicates that they have had, and continue to have, greater impacts on native fish species than previously realised—especially for freshwater species. This review also documents a previously unknown, Murray-Darling-Basin-wide epizootic of Murray cod Maccullochella peelii in 1929–30, which may have contributed to strong declines in the related eastern freshwater cod Maccullochella ikei. A serious Chilodonella epizootic of M. peelii in 1982 is also examined. In addition, a possible role for alien viruses of the family Iridoviridae (Ranavirus and Megalocytivirus) in the general decline of the critically endangered silver perch Bidyanus bidyanus, and the rapid collapse of two specific native fish populations—upper Murrumbidgee River B. bidyanus and Shoalhaven River Macquarie perch Macquaria australasica—is suggested. It is argued that the severity of the impact of the virulent alien oomycete Saprolegnia parasitica, both historical and present day, has been underestimated. Finally, action is recommended against emerging new pathogen and parasite threats, and the extreme risk current alien fish importations pose in introducing them. These will further threaten already stressed native fish populations in southern Australia, particularly across the Murray-Darling Basin.
The Effect of Norbactin on the Lipid Profile of the Cardiovascular System of Albino Rats
Authors: Uneze I. M. , Azionu D. N. , Ogunbowale A. S.
Published: December 2020

Antibiotics have been reported to produce varied degree of toxicity to different organs and systems. Thus, the present study investigated the effect of Norbactin on the lipid profile of the cardiovascular system of Albino rats. The research was performed on 20 adult male Albino rats, randomly placed in 5 groups (A,B,C,D,E) of 4 rats in each. Group A,B,C,D were administrated 5.72,11.43,17.15 and 22.86(mg/kg) respectively of Norbactin solution. Group E was the control. The administration was by oral intubation and lasted for 7 consecutive days. Physical activities, feed and water intake was found to decrease in the test groups while the control did not show significant (p>0.05) changes. Concentration of total cholesterol, triglyceride and low density lipoprotein in the groups administered the drug was significantly (p>0.05) higher than the control. The level of high density lipoprotein recorded in group A,B,C and D was significantly (p<0.05) lower than in the control. This effect were found to be dose dependent. The findings of this study suggest that Norbactin may be toxic to the cardiovascular system. It may not be suitable for a patient with cardiovascular disorders.
Mulches and Their Impact on Floor Management and Performance of Fruit Crops: A Review
Authors: Singh Vijay P. , Jat Rajkumar , Kumar Virendra , Singh Ravinder
Published: December 2020

Apart from the various innovations and technologies developed, productivity of most of the fruit crops in India remains at a lower level when compared to the major producers and developed countries. In the present era of health awareness, demand of the quality fruits, classified as protective foods, has increased globally. The ever-growing demand for the quality fruits and market competition has been compelling the farmers to produce more but quality fruits. Use of mulches is an age old practice and also one the cheapest methods under protected cultivation technologies which could help the orchardists to increase the production with higher quality. Looking to the several biotic and abiotic challenges in fruit production, adoption of mulching technique at large scale might be helpful to mitigate several problems considering the advantages of mulching. Several studies have shown that mulching in fruit crops has positive impact on soil moisture status, soil temperature along with weed suppression thus on rhizosphere of the plants. These rhizospheric conditions favour the vegetative as well as yield and quality parameters of the fruit crops. In this paper, an attempt has been made to review the impact of mulching on floor management (soil moisture status, soil temperature and weed suppression) as well as growth, yield and quality characteristics in fruit crops with the help of appropriate findings available in literature.
A Critical Review of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) during Pregnancy & Risk of Vertical Transmission in the United States
Authors: Fatima Zebi
Published: December 2020

Since December 2019, people around the world have been affected by a pandemic disease caused by a novel type of betacoronavirus. It can lead to severe contagious respiratory illness. The experts are concerned about the effects of this novel virus on both the mother and their fetuses. This review is to identify strategies for the obstetric management of women diagnosed with COVID-19 and the best neonatal care for their newborns.

We conducted a comprehensive literature search using PubMed, ELSEVIER and CDC web page and included the articles published from December 2019 through July 2020. Inclusion criteria were original articles published between December 2019 and July 2020 and Meta-Analysis, Reviews and, Systematic Reviews.

Regarding vertical transmission, several studies concluded that there is no evidence for intrauterine vertical transmission of COVID-19 from infected mothers to their babies. Pregnant women with COVID-19 might develop more severe respiratory complications. After delivery, women with COVID-19 can transmit the virus to their babies through respiratory droplets during breastfeeding or care, so experts recommend to adopt hygienic measures.

The current information shows that COVID-19 infection apparently is not associated with greater severity of the disease in pregnant women than in the general population. However, the data is minimal, and that represents a challenge for the obstetric care providers.
Total Imports and Its Components Influence on Inflation in Kenya
Authors: Kiganda Evans Ovamba , Omondi Margaret Atieno
Published: December 2020

Aim: The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of total imports (TIMP) and its components of commercial imports (CIMP) and government imports (GIMP) on inflation in           Kenya.

Study Design: Quantitative approach was employed to analyze the influence of imports on inflation in Kenya.

Methodology: Monthly time series data from Central Bank of Kenya for the period 2005 to 2018 was used for analysis involving correlation analysis, variance decomposition, impulse response and Granger causality tests.

Results: Results indicated that total imports and commercial imports had negative influence on inflation while government imports did not significantly influence inflation in Kenya. Unidirectional causality from total imports and commercial imports to inflation was noted while there was no causality between government imports and inflation.

Conclusion: The study concluded that imports influence inflation in Kenya but commercial imports highly determined total imports influence on inflation in Kenya.
Challenges and Prospects of Entrepreneurship in Bhutan from the Lens of Business Educators
Authors: Sharma Dhanapati , Gautam Khem Prasad
Published: December 2020

Entrepreneurship plays an important role in generating employment opportunities, enhancing public income and promoting societal change, particularly in a budding economy like Bhutan. Given its importance to the country, this paper investigates the challenges faced by aspiring entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial ventures, and their future prospects in Bhutan. The paper adopts qualitative research methodology to study the perspective of business educators through a semi-structured interview with fifteen participants from Gedu College of Business Studies located at Gedu, Bhutan. The study reveals that, due to a range of challenges the aspiring entrepreneurs and the entrepreneurial ventures face today, the Bhutanese entrepreneurs have a long way to go before they can effectively drive changes in the economy. However, the findings suggest that there is a good prospect for the entrepreneurial ventures in the country, and the ventures will have an undue advantage if it can leverage on the technological support from other countries. To ease the way for entrepreneurs in the country, the study finds it important to encourage the consumption of indigenous products by discouraging the import of the goods and services that can be produced within the country, regulate the price of the home made product, explore market and marketing facilities beyond the country to encourage large scale production, initiate discussion about entrepreneurship and the associated benefits at school levels and also take adequate infrastructural facilities (water, electricity and transportation network) across all parts of the country.
The Role of Gender, Age and Religion in Explaining the Variations in Selected Sexual Experiences of University Teacher-Trainees in Uganda and Tanzania
Authors: Kobusingye Loyce Kiiza , Kibanja Grace Milly
Published: December 2020

After a realisation that there are scanty studies conducted on university teachers trainees’ sexual experiences and how these experiences are shaped by gender, age and religion, this study set out to conduct survey on final/third year university teacher-trainees in two selected teacher training university colleges, one in Uganda and another in Tanzania, with the purpose of examining the role of gender, age and religion in explaining the variations in age of first sexual experience and number of both past and current sexual partners among the university teacher-trainees. The purely quantitative study was conducted on a population of 557 teacher-trainees who were selected that the students studied were drawn from a sample taken from a population using systematic random sampling. The teacher-trainees were final/third year students at both Makerere University’s College of Education and External Studies (MUK) and University of Dar es Salaam’s Constituent College of Education known as Dar es Salaam University College of Education (UDSM).

The observed scores and resultant variations revealed that the variation in age of first sexual experience among male and female and male teacher trainees was non-significant while the variation in number of both past and current sexual partners among the two genders was significant. The variation in age of first sexual experience among the age groups was significant while the variation in number of both past and current sexual partners among the existing age groups was non-significant. The variation in age of first sexual experience, number of past and current sexual partners among the existing religions was non-significant all through. Basing on these findings therefore, it is recommended that sex education and policies be introduced in high institutions of learning while stressing education on contraception and messages about sex. Religious leaders too should participate in teaching against behaviours that lead to consequences of early sex debut and existence of concurrent multiple sexual partners among young people.
Nurses Experiences and Challenges during COVID 19: Mixed Method Approach
Authors: Alshmemri Mohammed S. , Ramaiah Pushpamala
Published: December 2020

Background: World health organization announced COVID-19 as a pandemic crisis in march 2020. As of WHO statistics 2020 September, the incidence appears to be accelerating globally, with the soaring of new cases since the last one week. Even though worldwide incidence and further deaths have decreased in recent weeks across a few nations, the panic situation has caused unprecedented stress among frontline healthcare workers. Nurses fall into the category of full-blown anxiety responses syndrome to undergo burnout post-traumatic stress disorder.

Purpose: This research aimed to explore the perceptions of frontline healthcare workers (Nurses)’ and their opinion about healthcare resources while caring for COVID-19 patients.

Methodology: The study adopted a mixed-method where the quantitative data collected using a google document questionnaire related to healthcare resources followed by a qualitative method of online individual interview method to explore the in-depth analysis of nurses’ perceptions of caring for coronaviruses infected patients.

Results: The results revealed the nurses’ concerns about the everyday routine of delivering care to COVID-19 patients, including a moderate level of resilience in healthcare resources authorities. The barriers faced by nurses in the journey of a pandemic crisis were also discussed in this study that could also render substantial support in establishing policies and guidelines to meet the needed population’s healthcare needs.

Conclusions: Health care workers, including nurses, tend to experience work-related stress that could be alleviated by the appropriate staffing, equipment and supplies, training programs, and staff welfare programs.
Effectiveness of Sofosbuvir Combined with Direct Acting Antivirals in Hepatitis C Patients in a Tertiary Teaching Hospital in Qatar: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Adawi Rana Moustafa Al , Jassim Zainab , Elgaily Dina Eltayeb , Imanullah Rizwan , Ibrahim Mohamed Izham Mohamed
Published: December 2020

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The effectiveness of sofosbuvir, as a new direct-acting antiviral (DAA) for chronic HCV infection, needs to be assessed and evaluated among patients with or without cirrhosis with all HCV genotypes.

Aims: This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of chronic HCV treatment as part of a combination therapy for all HCV genotypes in patients with or without cirrhosis.

Study Design: A retrospective observational study.

Methodology: All patients who received sofosbuvir treatment from the Pharmacy Department of Hamad General Hospital during a 12-month period (between 2014 and 2015) were included. Patients were observed up to 12 weeks after treatment course completion. Data were analyzed descriptively and compared using a paired t-test (alpha=0.05).

Results: A total of 95 patients received sofosbuvir. All of these patients received sofosbuvir in combination with other antiviral medications. All HCV genotypes were included; 1a and 4 were the most dominant genotypes (37% and 30.5%, respectively). Half of the patients were treatment naïve. All patients achieved undetectable virus ribonucleic acid (RNA) starting from week 4 of the treatment. A sustained virological response at 12 weeks (SVR12) after completion of the treatment period was maintained in 95% of patients. Relapse was mostly observed in patients with genotype 1a (40%); no patients with HCV genotype 3 exhibited relapse.

Conclusion: The SVR12 after sofosbuvir treatment was maintained in most patients, regardless of genotype, HCV complications HCV or co-administered drugs.
Biodiversity in Bacterial Phyla Composite in Arid Soils of the Community of Desert Medicinal Plant Rhazya stricta
Authors: Noor Samah O. , Zahrani Dhafer A. Al- , Hussein Refaei M. , Jalal Rewaa S. , Abulfaraj Aala A. , Majeed Mazen A. , Baeshen Mohammed N. , Hejin Ahmed M. Al- , Baeshen Nabih A. , Huelsenbeck John P.
Published: December 2020

Rhazya stricta is an important medicinal plant used as native herbal drug to cure various diseases across Asia. Plant-microbe interactions represented by different environment abiotic stress factors that shows effects also on the host plants or on the associated microbial communities. Soil microorganism can be adapted to specific stress conditions and evolve tolerance to this stress. The adjustment of the plant microbiome can productively improve the yield production of essential crops. In the present study, metagenomics analysis of bacterial communities associated with five desert plants (Rhazya stricta, Enneapogon desvauxii, Citrullus colocynthis, Senna italica, and Zygophyllum simplex) was used to highlights the bacterial diversity in the communities of these desert plants, as they also have an importance as folkloric medicinal plants, in addition to their important roles in the ecological and agricultural applications. The results of the bacterial community’s taxonomy showed eleven phyla in each sample, and the most abundant were highlighted for further analysis as it was unassigned phyla. Results indicated that the most commonlyknownphylawere; Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi, Firmicutes, Acidobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes, and Bacteroidetes. Further bioinformatics and functional analysis of bacteria are needed to investigate their effectiveness in promoting plant growth and understanding symbiotic relationships under drought-stress conditions, meanwhile, introducing the pinpointed ones in this study will help in achieving this task.
Chemical effects on dye efflux activity in live zebrafish embryos and on zebrafish Abcb4 ATPase activity
Authors: Bieczynski Flavia , Burkhardt‐Medicke Kathleen , Luquet Carlos M. , Scholz Stefan , Luckenbach Till
Published: December 2020

ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporter proteins include efflux pumps that confer multixenobiotic resistance to zebrafish embryos, a valuable toxico/pharmacological model. Here, we established an automated microscopy‐based rhodamine B dye accumulation assay in which enhanced dye accumulation in live zebrafish embryos indicates inhibition of multixenobiotic efflux transporter activity. Twenty structurally divergent known substrates and/or inhibitors of human ABC transporters and environmentally relevant compounds were examined using this assay and the ATPase activity of recombinant zebrafish Abcb4 as readouts. These two assays confirmed that Abcb4 functions as an efflux transporter in zebrafish, whereas they gave discordant results for some of the tested substances. The dye accumulation assay in zebrafish embryos could be useful to screen environmental pollutants and other chemicals for efflux transporter interaction in a medium‐throughput fashion.
A structural model of the PriB–DnaT complex in Escherichia coli replication restart
Authors: Abe Yoshito , Ikeda Yohei , Fujiyama Saki , Kini R. Manjunatha , Ueda Tadashi
Published: December 2020

In Escherichia coli, DNA replication is restarted following DNA repair by the PriA‐dependent pathway, in which the binding and dissociation of proteins such as PriA, PriB, and DnaT on ssDNA lead to the formation of a protein–DNA complex for recruiting the DnaB–DnaC replication protein complex. However, the structure of the PriB–DnaT complex, which is an essential step in the PriA‐dependent pathway, remains elusive. In this study, the importance of His26 in PriB for replication restart was reconfirmed using plasmid complementation. Furthermore, we used NMR to examine the DnaT interaction sites on PriB. We also evaluated the PriB–DnaT peptide complex model, which was prepared by in silico docking, using molecular dynamic simulation. From these data, we propose a structural model that provides insight into the PriB–DnaT interaction.
230 days of ultra long‐term subcutaneous EEG: seizure cycle analysis and comparison to patient diary
Authors: Viana Pedro F. , Duun‐Henriksen Jonas , Glasstëter Martin , Dümpelmann Matthias , Nurse Ewan S. , Martins Isabel P. , Dumanis Sonya B. , Schulze‐Bonhage Andreas , Freestone Dean R. , Brinkmann Benjamin H. , Richardson Mark P.
Published: December 2020

We describe the longest period of subcutaneous EEG (sqEEG) monitoring to date, in a 35‐year‐old female with refractory epilepsy. Over 230 days, 4791/5520 h of sqEEG were recorded (86%, mean 20.8 [IQR 3.9] hours/day). Using an electronic diary, the patient reported 22 seizures, while automatically‐assisted visual sqEEG review detected 32 seizures. There was substantial agreement between days of reported and recorded seizures (Cohen’s kappa 0.664), although multiple clustered seizures remained undocumented. Circular statistics identified significant sqEEG seizure cycles at circadian (24‐hour) and multidien (5‐day) timescales. Electrographic seizure monitoring and analysis of long‐term seizure cycles are possible with this neurophysiological tool.
Nanostructured Metal Sulfides: Classification, Modification Strategy, and Solar‐Driven CO2 Reduction Application
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Lin Sen , Tian Na , Ma Tianyi , Zhang Yihe , Huang Hongwei
Published: December 2020

Solar‐driven conversion of CO2 into high value‐added fuels is expected to be an environmental‐friendly and sustainable approach for relieving the greenhouse gas effect and countering energy crisis. Metal sulfide semiconductors with wide photoresponsive range and favorable band structures are suitable photocatalysts for CO2 photoreduction. This review summarizes the recent progress on metal sulfide semiconductors for photocatalytic CO2 reduction. First, the fundamentals, mechanisms and some principles, like product selectivity, of photocatalytic CO2 reduction are introduced. Then, according to the elemental composition, the metal sulfide photocatalysts applied for CO2 reduction are classified into binary (CdS, ZnS, MoS2, SnS2, Bi2S3, In2S3,Cu2S, NiS/NiS2, and CoS2), ternary (ZnIn2S4, CdIn2S4, CuInS2, Cu3SnS4, and CuGaS2), and quaternary (Cu2ZnSnS4) systems, in which their crystal structures, photochemical characteristics, and photocatalytic CO2 reduction applications are systematically demonstrated. Especially, the diverse modification strategies for improving the activity and product selectivity of photocatalytic CO2 reduction on these metal sulfides are summarized. Finally, the current challenges and future directions for the development of metal sulfide photocatalysts for CO2 reduction are proposed. This review is expected to serve as a powerful reference for exploiting high‐efficiency metal sulfide photocatalysts for CO2 conversion and furthering related mechanism understanding.
Efficient Visible‐Light Driven Photothermal Conversion of CO2 to Methane by Nickel Nanoparticles Supported on Barium Titanate
Authors: Mateo Diego , Morlanes Natalia , Maity Partha , Shterk Genrikh , Mohammed Omar F. , Gascon Jorge
Published: December 2020

Solar‐driven methanation represents a potentially cost‐efficient and environmentally friendly route for the direct hydrogenation of CO2. Recently, photothermal catalysis, which involves the combination of both photochemical and thermochemical pathways, has emerged as a promising strategy for the production of solar fuels. For a photothermal catalyst to efficiently convert CO2 under illumination, in the absence of external heating, effective light harvesting, an excellent photothermal conversion and efficient active sites are required. Here, a new composite catalyst consisting of Ni nanoparticles supported on barium titanate that, under optimal reaction conditions, is able to hydrogenate CO2 to CH4 at nearly 100% selectivity with production rates as high as 103.7 mmol g–1 h–1 under both UV–visible and visible irradiation (production rate: 40.3 mmol g−1 h–1) is reported. Mechanistic studies suggest that reaction mostly proceeds through a nonthermal hot‐electron‐driven pathway, with a smaller thermal contribution.
Drug Delivery across Barriers to the Middle and Inner Ear
Authors: Zhang Zipei , Li Xiyu , Zhang Wei , Kohane Daniel S.
Published: December 2020

The prevalence of ear disorders has spurred efforts to develop drug delivery systems to treat these conditions. Here, recent advances in drug delivery systems that access the ear through the tympanic membrane (TM) are reviewed. Such methods are either non‐invasive (placed on the surface of the TM), or invasive (placed in the middle ear, ideally on the round window [RW]). The major hurdles to otic drug delivery are identified and highlighted the representative examples of drug delivery systems used for drug delivery across the TM to the middle and (crossing the RW also) inner ear.
The Effect of Physical Cues of Biomaterial Scaffolds on Stem Cell Behavior
Authors: Wang Shuo , Hashemi Sharareh , Stratton Scott , Arinzeh Treena Livingston
Published: December 2020

Stem cells have been sought as a promising cell source in the tissue engineering field due to their proliferative capacity as well as differentiation potential. Biomaterials have been utilized to facilitate the delivery of stem cells in order to improve their engraftment and long‐term viability upon implantation. Biomaterials also have been developed as scaffolds to promote stem cell induced tissue regeneration. This review focuses on the latter where the biomaterial scaffold is designed to provide physical cues to stem cells in order to promote their behavior for tissue formation. Recent work that explores the effect of scaffold physical properties, topography, mechanical properties and electrical properties, is discussed. Although still being elucidated, the biological mechanisms, including cell shape, focal adhesion distribution, and nuclear shape, are presented. This review also discusses emerging areas and challenges in clinical translation.
Development of MOF “Armor‐Plated” Phycocyanin and Synergistic Inhibition of Cellular Respiration for Hypoxic Photodynamic Therapy in Patient‐Derived Xenograft Models
Authors: Chen Danyang , Suo Meng , Guo Jiancheng , Tang Wenxue , Jiang Wei , Liu Ying , Duo Yanhong
Published: December 2020

Significant progress has been made in the use of phycocyanin (PC) as a photosensitizer (PS) agent for photodynamic therapy (PDT). The clinical use of PC, however, has been limited by its poor stability, unfavorable pharmacokinetics, limited tumor cell uptake, and the hypoxic nature of the tumor microenvironment. In this study, a novel biomimetic mineralization approach is described for encapsulating PC using zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8), after which MPEG2000‐COOH is further utilized as an anchor on the ZIF/PC complex in order to yield MPEG2000‐ZIF/PC composites (PMs). These PMs are then used as a stable reinforced PS for PDT, effectively improving the intracellular delivery of this protein PS. In contrast to prior studies that have sought to overcome intratumoral hypoxia via increasing oxygen delivery to the tumor site, the mitochondrial complex I inhibitor papaverine (PPV) is instead utilized to reduce intratumor oxygen consumption in an effort to augment the PDT efficacy of the PMs. It is found that this combination treatment strategy markedly improves the antitumor properties of these PMs both in vitro and in patient‐derived xenograft (PDX) models without inducing significant side effects. It is therefore proposed that the “armor‐plating” of protein PS agents with ZIF‐8 in combination with PPV may be a promising approach to precision medicine‐mediated tumor treatment.
Patient‐Derived Prostate Cancer Explants: A Clinically Relevant Model to Assess siRNA‐Based Nanomedicines
Authors: Tieu Terence , Irani Swati , Bremert Kayla L. , Ryan Natalie K. , Wojnilowicz Marcin , Helm Madison , Thissen Helmut , Voelcker Nicolas H. , Butler Lisa M. , Cifuentes‐Rius Anna
Published: December 2020

Over the last thirty years, research in nanomedicine has widely been focused on applications in cancer therapeutics. However, despite the plethora of reported nanoscale drug delivery systems that can successfully eradicate solid tumor xenografts in vivo, many of these formulations have not yet achieved clinical translation. This issue particularly pertains to the delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA), a highly attractive tool for selective gene targeting. One of the likely reasons behind the lack of translation is that current in vivo models fail to recapitulate critical elements of clinical solid tumors that may influence drug response, such as cellular heterogeneity in the tumor microenvironment. This study incorporates a more clinically relevant model for assessing siRNA delivery systems; ex vivo culture of prostate cancer harvested from patients who have undergone radical prostatectomy, denoted patient‐derived explants (PDE). The model retains native human tissue architecture, microenvironment, and cell signaling pathways. Porous silicon nanoparticles (pSiNPs) behavior in this model is investigated and compared with commonly used 3D cancer cell spheroids for their efficacy in the delivery of siRNA directed against the androgen receptor (AR), a key driver of prostate cancer.
Alloyed Palladium–Silver Nanowires Enabling Ultrastable Carbon Dioxide Reduction to Formate
Authors: Han Na , Sun Mingzi , Zhou Yuan , Xu Jie , Cheng Chen , Zhou Rui , Zhang Liang , Luo Jun , Huang Bolong , Li Yanguang
Published: December 2020

Palladium can enable the electrochemical CO2 reduction to formate with nearly zero overpotential and good selectivity. However, it usually has very limited stability owing to CO poisoning from the side reaction intermediate. Herein, it is demonstrated that alloying palladium with silver is a viable strategy to significantly enhance the electrocatalytic stability. Palladium–silver alloy nanowires are prepared in aqueous solution with tunable chemical compositions, large aspect ratio, and roughened surfaces. Thanks to the unique synergy between palladium and silver, these nanowires exhibit outstanding electrocatalytic performances for selective formate production. Most remarkably, impressive long‐term stability is measured even at < ‐0.4 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode where people previously believed that formate cannot be stably formed on palladium. Such stability results from the enhanced CO tolerance and selective stabilization of key reaction intermediates on alloy nanowires as supported by detailed electrochemical characterizations and theoretical computations.
High‐Performance Poly(vinylidene difluoride)/Dopamine Core/Shell Piezoelectric Nanofiber and Its Application for Biomedical Sensors
Authors: Li Tong , Qu Minghe , Carlos Corey , Gu Long , Jin Fei , Yuan Tao , Wu Xiaowei , Xiao Jijun , Wang Ting , Dong Wei , Wang Xudong , Feng Zhang‐Qi
Published: December 2020

Fabrication of soft piezoelectric nanomaterials is essential for the development of wearable and implantable biomedical devices. However, a big challenge in this soft functional material development is to achieve a high piezoelectric property with long‐term stability in a biological environment. Here, a one‐step strategy for fabricating core/shell poly(vinylidene difluoride) (PVDF)/dopamine (DA) nanofibers (NFs) with a very high β‐phase content and self‐aligned polarization is reported. The self‐assembled core/shell structure is believed essential for the formation and alignment of β‐phase PVDF, where strong intermolecular interaction between the NH2 groups on DA and the CF2 groups on PVDF is responsible for aligning the PVDF chains and promoting β‐phase nucleation. The as‐received PVDF/DA NFs exhibit significantly enhanced piezoelectric performance and excellent stability and biocompatibility. An all‐fiber‐based soft sensor is fabricated and tested on human skin and in vivo in mice. The devices show a high sensitivity and accuracy for detecting weak physiological mechanical stimulation from diaphragm motions and blood pulsation. This sensing capability offers great diagnostic potential for the early assessment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases and respiratory disorders.
Emerging Perovskite Materials with Different Nanostructures for Photodetectors
Authors: Gu Hao , Chen Shan‐Ci , Zheng Qingdong
Published: December 2020

In recent years, solution‐processed lead trihalide perovskites have been widely used as semiconductors in photodetectors with their salient features of tunable direct bandgap, long carrier lifetime, extended diffusion length, and high carrier mobility, etc. For the photodetector application, perovskites with different structures ranging from the traditional 3D perovskites to the emerging 2D perovskites, to 1D nanowires, and to 0D quantum dots, have been synthesized. In this perspective, the recent advances in the strategies of preparing novel lead trihalide perovskites with different nanostructures are summarized together with an overview on their application in photodetectors including photoconductors, photodiodes, and phototransistors. The semiconductor selection and structure–performance relationships of various photodetectors over the past 5 years are discussed comprehensively. Finally, a brief summary as well as an in‐depth discussion regarding the current challenges and perspectives for the future development of perovskite‐based photodetectors is presented.
Deep Blue Layered Lead Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diode
Authors: Yan Siyu , Tian Wanli , Chen Hua , Tang Kaixin , Lin Tingting , Zhong Gaoyu , Qiu Longzhen , Pan Xiaoyong , Wang Weizhi
Published: December 2020

The perovskite light‐emitting diode (PeLED) based on lead has the advantages of excellent purity, high efficiency, and good brightness. In order to develop a highly luminescent and deep blue lead halide perovskite light emitting diode, here, a two‐dimensional layered lead perovskite owning the high deep blue photoluminescence quantum yield 80% at 445 nm is reported. In addition, the maximum recording brightness and the peak external quantum efficiency of the PeLED is 1315 cd m−2 and 3.08%, respectively, which outdoes that of previously reported deep blue lead PeLEDs. The half‐life of the device reaches 3.5 h at 5 V. This work clearly shows that the layered lead perovskite will provide a route to fabricate stable and high‐performance deep blue emission PeLEDs.
Optically Activated 3D Thin‐Shell TiO2 for Super‐Sensitive Chemoresistive Responses: Toward Visible Light Activation
Authors: Cho Donghwi , Suh Jun Min , Nam Sang‐Hyeon , Park Seo Yun , Park Minsu , Lee Tae Hyung , Choi Kyoung Soon , Lee Jinho , Ahn Changui , Jang Ho Won , Shim Young‐Seok , Jeon Seokwoo
Published: December 2020

One of the well‐known strategies for achieving high‐performance light‐activated gas sensors is to design a nanostructure for effective surface responses with its geometric advances. However, no study has gone beyond the benefits of the large surface area and provided fundamental strategies to offer a rational structure for increasing their optical and chemical performances. Here, a new class of UV‐activated sensing nanoarchitecture made of highly periodic 3D TiO2, which facilitates 55 times enhanced light absorption by confining the incident light in the nanostructure, is prepared as an active gas channel. The key parameters, such as the total 3D TiO2 film and thin‐shell thicknesses, are precisely optimized by finite element analysis. Collectively, this fundamental design leads to ultrahigh chemoresistive response to NO2 with a theoretical detection limit of ≈200 ppt. The demonstration of high responses with visible light illumination proposes a future perspective for light‐activated gas sensors based on semiconducting oxides.
Addressing the Elusive Polaronic Nature of Multiple Redox States in a π‐Conjugated Ladder‐Type Polymer
Authors: Fazzi Daniele , Negri Fabrizia
Published: December 2020

Poly(benzimidazole–benzophenanthroline) (BBL) is a ladder‐type conjugated polymer showing remarkable charge transport properties. Upon doping it displays various conductive regimes, leading to two insulator‐to‐conductor transitions. Such transitions are never fully characterized, limiting understanding of its charged states. Open issues are: i) the electron/hole polaron relaxations, ii) the structure–function relationships of multiple redox states and their connection with the conductive regimes, and iii) the role of protonation. Such knowledge‐gaps are tackled via a comprehensive computational investigation of multiple redox species. Polarons show polyradicaloid character, as revealed by combining broken‐symmetry density functional theory, fragment orbital density, and multireference analysis. Electron/hole polaron relaxations occur on the polymer chain, the former localizing on the benzophenanthroline moieties, the latter on the benzimidazole units. Modeling of multiple charged species, up to one electron per repeat unit (1 eru), reveals a complex scenario of quasidegenerate states each featuring different spin multiplicity. Four redox states are responsible for the BBL insulator‐to‐conductor transitions. The two high conductive states refer to the electron polaron (0.25 eru) and the redox species with 0.75 eru. The insulating regimes refer to the bipolaron (0.50 eru) and the redox state with 1 eru. Protonation is modeled, revealing polaron‐like features in the spectroscopic properties.
Electric‐Potential‐Induced Complete Control of Magnetization in MnZnSb Metallic Ferromagnets
Authors: Greve Martin Møller , Das Bijoy , Issac Ibrahim , Witte Ralf , Wang Di , Kruk Robert , Hahn Horst , Dasgupta Subho
Published: December 2020

Magnetoelectric coupling refers to electric‐field control of magnetism, which may offer low‐power memory and beyond‐CMOS electronics. However, contenders of magnetic phase change materials, such as the dilute magnetic semiconductors (DMS), show weak ferromagnetism whereas the ultra‐small screening lengths of robust metallic magnets in artificially stacked thin film heterostructures reduce the extent of controllable magnetization to sub‐atomic distances, thereby diminishing the sheer magnitude of the tunable magnetization. In contrast, an electrochemical control of magnetization has recently been proposed where reversible electrochemistry/ion‐exchange is used to control magnetism in bulk ferromagnets. However, so far, ionic control of magnetism is limited to spinel ferrites and highly correlated oxide systems. Here, it is reported that the ionic control of magnetism can be extended to metallic ferromagnets; complete and reversible switching of ferromagnetism is demonstrated in bulk MnZnSb intermetallic compounds at room temperature. An electrochemically controlled reversible tuning of magnetization across the magnetic phase transition temperature is demonstrated. The observed phenomenon can be explained by the distortion of the crystal lattice, upon Li‐ion insertion into the MnZnSb interstitial sites, accompanied by a change in the magnetic moment of the manganese ions; acting together, both these effects lead to the collapse of the ferromagnetic order in MnZnSb.
Molecular‐Scale Design of Cellulose‐Based Functional Materials for Flexible Electronic Devices
Authors: Pang Bo , Jiang Geyuan , Zhou Jianhong , Zhu Ying , Cheng Wanke , Zhao Dawei , Wang Kangjun , Xu Guangwen , Yu Haipeng
Published: December 2020

Structural design and self‐assembly at the molecular level provide feasible strategies for constructing materials with novel and unique properties. Cellulose is one of the most abundant bioresources and is renewable, biodegradable, biocompatible, and environmentally friendly. The formation of hydrogen‐bonding networks between the cellulose molecular chains on the one hand gives cellulose a rigid crystalline region and high mechanical strength and on the other hand it causes inconvenience to material design based on the molecular scale. The emergence of eco‐friendly solvents such as ionic liquids and alkali/urea solutions breaks the hydrogen bonds and allows the design of various cellulose‐based functional materials, such as membranes, gels, fibers, and nano/microspheres via structural optimization and molecular self‐assembly. Such functional materials have promising applications in flexible electronic devices, such as electrochemical energy storage devices, sensors, biomimetic electronic skins, and optoelectronic devices. In this review, green solvents for cellulose, the dissolution–recombination process, molecular self‐assembly strategies, advanced applications, and future development prospects for high‐performance cellulose‐based functional materials with unique structures are presented.
2D WS2 Based Asymmetric Schottky Photodetector with High Performance
Authors: Gao Wei , Zhang Shuai , Zhang Feng , Wen Peiting , Zhang Li , Sun Yiming , Chen Hongyu , Zheng Zhaoqiang , Yang Mengmeng , Luo Dongxiang , Huo Nengjie , Li Jingbo
Published: December 2020

Two‐dimensional‐material‐based self‐driven photodetectors show high sensitivity, fast and broadband response under built‐in electric field in a P–N junction configuration. However, the methods, including doping and multiple transfer processes, for constructing the heterostructures is complex and time‐costing. On the other hand, asymmetric Schottky barrier heights caused by metal electrodes scale, kinds, contact area and thickness can lead to zero‐bias driven photo‐response. In this work, a metal–semiconductor–metal irregular WS2 photodetector with symmetric electrodes are achieved by wet‐transfer. A high zero‐bias photo‐responsivity of 777 mA W−1, a fast response speed of 7.8/37.2 ms, a Ilight/Idark ratio of 104 and a high detectivity of 4.94 × 1011 Jones under 405 nm light are obtained because of a Schottky barrier height difference of ≈50.2 mV through Fermi‐level pinning effect and different contact area. The responsivity at −2 V is stable in the range of 2.23 to 3.45 A W−1 and the empirical factor reaches to 0.99 by the efficient carrier generation process. The WS2 asymmetric Schottky photodetectors outperform most heterostructure based photodiodes. This paper provides a facile route toward self‐powered photodetectors with high performance, easy processing and simple architecture for future applications.
Can soil phosphorus sorption saturation estimate future potential legacy phosphorus sources?
Authors: Sharpley A. N. , Brye K. R. , Burke J. M. , Berry L. G. , Daniels M. B. , Webb P.
Published: December 2020

Various soil extraction methods are used to indicate plant available P in soil but do not account for soil specific sorption of subsequent applications of P. Thus, estimates of soil phosphorus sorption saturation (PSS; estimated from Mehlich‐3 extractable P, Al, and Fe) have been used in conjunction with Mehlich‐3 extractable soil phosphorus (M3P) to overcome these limitations. As less is known about the effect of land management on PSS than M3P under field conditions, the effect of field management on PSS was investigated for three pastures over 5 yr (2014–2018). Swine slurry was applied to two fields (Field 1 received 60 kg P and 74 kg N and Field 12 received 60 kg P and 74 kg N  ha−1 yr−1), mineral fertilizer to one field (Field 5 received 28 kg P and 64 kg N  ha−1 yr−1), and all fields grazed by cattle. Biannual grid‐soil sampling (0.1‐ha grid) showed an increase in PSS in the surface 10 cm of two fields receiving swine slurry (7.8–12.0% and 6.0–11.0% for Fields 1 and 12, respectively; P < .05 level) between 2014 and 2018, while no change in PSS was evident for Field 5 receiving mineral fertilizer (P > .05 level). Compared with published values, measured increases in PSS suggest that soils of Fields 1 and 12 are transitioning from sinks to sources of P in specific areas of the field due to P applications and cattle grazing, and that management should change to minimize the potential for P runoff.
Strategies to reduce plant height in dual‐use intermediate wheatgrass cropping systems
Authors: Zimbric Joseph W. , Stoltenberg David E. , Picasso Valentin D.
Published: December 2020

Intermediate wheatgrass [IWG; Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkworth & D.R. Dewey] is a perennial cereal and forage crop marketed for its grain, Kernza. Lodging, which is correlated with plant height, can reduce IWG grain yield. Our goal was to determine the effects of the plant growth regulator trinexapac‐ethyl (TE) application rate; forage harvest timing; and N rate on IWG plant height, lodging, aboveground biomass, grain yield, and harvest index. The experiment was established in 2015 in southern Wisconsin using a population of IWG bred for increased grain yield. The experimental design was randomized complete blocks with three replications of a factorial arrangement of three factors: TE rate (0, 0.22, 0.66 kg a.i. ha−1), forage harvest timing (unharvested, summer, summer + fall, spring + summer + fall), and N rate (90 and 135 kg N ha−1). Responses were measured in the second (2017) and third (2018) production years of IWG. Lodging was not observed. No interactions among treatment factors were detected. Plant height was 6% lower, grain yield was 26% higher, and harvest index was 48% higher in the low TE rate treatment compared to non‐treated, averaged across other factors. Harvesting forage in the spring + summer + fall reduced plant height by 7% compared to unharvested control but reduced grain yield by 11%. The high N rate increased plant height by 4% and grain yield by 26%. Using TE can be a viable strategy to reduce plant height and increase grain yield in IWG dual‐use (grain and forage) production systems.
Olfactory cleft mucus proteome in chronic rhinosinusitis: a case‐control pilot study
Authors: Soler Zachary M. , Schlosser Rodney J. , Mulligan Jennifer K. , Smith Timothy L. , Mace Jess C. , Ramakrishan Vijay R. , Norris‐Caneda Kim , Bethard Jennifer R. , Ball Lauren E.
Published: December 2020

Background

Mechanisms of smell loss in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) are still unclear and likely multifactorial. Little attention has been given to olfactory cleft (OC) mucus proteins involved in odorant binding and metabolizing enzymes and their potential role in smell loss.

Methods

Mucus from the OC was sampled from patients with CRS (n = 20) and controls (n = 10). Liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry were performed, followed by data processing so that protein groups could be identified, quantified, and compared. Hierarchical clustering and bioinformatic analysis were performed on significantly different proteins to explore for enrichment in known biologic pathways.

Results

A total of 2514 proteins were found in OC mucus from all 30 subjects. Significant differences in protein abundance were found between CRS and controls, including both CRSsNP (n = 351 proteins; log2 fold change range: –3.88 to 6.71) and CRSwNP (n = 298 proteins; log2 fold change range: –4.00 to –6.13). Significant differences were found between patients with normosmia and those with dysosmia (n = 183; log2 fold change range: –3.62 to –2.16) and across groups of interest for a number of odorant binding proteins and metabolizing enzymes.

Conclusion

OC mucous in CRS displays a rich and abundant array of proteins, many of which have been implicated in odorant transport and metabolization in animal studies. Significant differences in the olfactory mucus proteome were seen between CRS subtypes and controls, as well as between those with normal and abnormal olfaction. Further study should confirm these findings and explore the role individual proteins play in odorant transport and metabolization. ©2020 ARSAAOA, LLC.