bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stenotrophomonas sp. Pemsol isolated from crude oil contaminated soil in Mexico that can degrade polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and its whole genome sequence analyzed
Authors: Elufisan Temidayo O , Rodríguez-Luna Isabel C , Oyedara Omotayo O , Sánchez-Varela Alejandro , Hernandez Mendoza Armando , Dantan Gonzalez Edgar , Paz-González Alma D , Muhammad Kashif , Rivera Gildardo , Villalobos-Lopez Miguel Á , Guo Xianwu
Published: March 2019

Background: Stenotrophomonas are ubiquitous gram-negative bacteria which survive in a wide range of environments. They can use many substances for their growth and are known to be intrinsically resistant to many antimicrobial agents. They have been tested for biotechnological applications, bioremediation and antimicrobial agents because of their recalcitrant nature to many toxic compounds. Method. Stenotrophomonas sp. Pemsol was isolated from a crude oil contaminated soil. The capability of this isolate to tolerate and degrade polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (anthracene, anthraquinone, biphenyl, naphthalene, phenanthrene, phenanthridine and xylene) was evaluated on Bush Nell Hass medium containing PAHs as the unique carbon sources. The metabolites formed after 30-day degradation of naphthalene by Pemsol were analyzed using Fourier Transform Infra-red Spectroscopic (FTIR), Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Results. Complete degradation of naphthalene at a concentration of 1 mg/mL was obtained and a newly formed catechol peak obtained from the UPLC-MS and GC-MS confirmed the degradation. The strain Pemsol lacked the ability to produce biosurfactant so that it cannot bio-emulsify PAHs. The whole genome analysis of Stenotrophomonas sp. Pemsol revealed a wealth of genes for hydrocarbon utilization and interaction with the environment and the presence of 147 genes associated with the degradation of PAHs, some of which are strain-specific on the genomic islands. Few genes are associated with bio-emulsification indicated that Pemsol without biosurfactant production has a genetic basis. This is the first report of the complete genome analysis sequence of a PAH-degrading Stenotrophomonas. Stenotrophomonas sp. Pemsol possesses features that makes it a good bacterium for genetic engineering and will therefore be a good tool for the remediation of crude oil or PAH-contaminated soil.
Coordination of rapid cholinergic and dopaminergic signaling in striatum during spontaneous movement
Authors: Howe Mark , Ridouh Imane , Allegra Mascaro Anna Letizia , Larios Alyssa , Azcorra Maite , Dombeck Daniel A
Published: March 2019

Interplay between dopaminergic and cholinergic neuromodulation in the striatum is crucial for movement control, with prominent models proposing pro-kinetic and anti-kinetic effects of dopamine and acetylcholine release, respectively. However, the natural, movement-related signals of striatum cholinergic neurons and their relationship to simultaneous variations in dopamine signaling are unknown. Here, functional optical recordings in mice were used to establish rapid cholinergic signals in dorsal striatum during spontaneous movements. Bursts across the cholinergic population occurred at transitions between movement states and were marked by widespread network synchronization which diminished during sustained locomotion. Simultaneous cholinergic and dopaminergic recordings revealed distinct but coordinated sub-second signals, suggesting a new model where cholinergic population synchrony signals rapid changes in movement states while dopamine signals the drive to enact or sustain those states.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS OF THE PRODUCTION AND USE OF CORN OIL BIODIESEL
Authors: NJEŽIĆ ZVONKO , BANKOVIĆ-ILIĆ IVANA , STAMENKOVIĆ OLIVERA , VELJKOVIĆ VLADA
Published: March 2019

The present paper reviews the environmental aspects of the production and use of corn oil-based biodiesel. The environmental aspects are analyzed by considering the used-corn oily feedstocks and production technology. Besides that, the possibilities for the improvement of the biodiesel production process are emphasized. The most valuable corn-oil feedstocks are waste corn oil and corn distillers oil obtained primarily from dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS). The use of DDGS, a by-product of ethanol production, for biodiesel production and glycerol, a by-product of biodiesel production, as a substrate for ethanol production, allows the development of an integrated ethanol/biodiesel production and contributes to the elimination or minimization of wastes and the production of the added-value products. Biodiesel is a degradable, less-toxic, safe, and generally, clean-burning fuel with exception of NOx emission that can be reduced by the appropriate methods but further investigations are desirable.
Key words: corn oil, biodiesel, environmental aspect, ghd emission, pollution
Evaluation of a toxoid fusion protein vaccine produced in plants to protect poultry against necrotic enteritis
Authors: Hunter Joseph G.L. , Wilde Shyra , Tafoya Amanda M. , Horsman Jamie , Yousif Miranda , Diamos Andrew G. , Roland Kenneth L. , Mason Hugh S.
Published: March 2019

Background

Necrotic enteritis (NE) is caused by type A strains of the bacteriumClostridium perfringens. Total global economic losses to the poultry industry due to NE is estimated to be over two billion dollars annually. Traditionally, NE has been effectively controlled by inclusion of antibiotics in the diet of poultry. However, recent concerns regarding the impact of this practice on increasing antibiotic resistance in human pathogens have led us to consider alternative approaches, such as vaccination, for controlling this disease. NE strains ofC. perfringensproduce two major toxins, a-toxin and NetB. Immune responses against either toxin can provide partial protection against NE.

Methods

We have developed a fusion protein combining a non-toxic carboxyl-terminal domain of a-toxin (PlcC) and an attenuated, mutant form of NetB (NetB-W262A) for use as a vaccine antigen to immunize poultry against NE. We utilized a DNA sequence that was codon-optimized forNicotiana benthamianato enable high levels of expression. The 6-His tagged PlcC-NetB fusion protein was synthesized inN. benthamianausing a geminiviral replicon transient expression system, purified by metal affinity chromatography, and used to immunize broiler birds.

Results

Immunized birds produced a strong serum IgY response against both the plant produced PlcC-NetB protein and against bacterially produced His-PlcC and His-NetB. Immunized birds were significantly protected against a subsequent in-feed challenge with virulentC. perfringenswhen treated with the fusion protein. These results indicate that a plant-produced PlcC-NetB toxoid is a promising vaccine candidate for controlling NE in poultry.
Comparison of the fecal microbiota of two free-ranging Chinese subspecies of the leopard (Panthera pardus) using high-throughput sequencing
Authors: Han Siyu , Guan Yu , Dou Hailong , Yang Haitao , Yao Meng , Ge Jianping , Feng Limin
Published: March 2019

The analysis of gut microbiota using fecal samples provides a non-invasive approach to understand the complex interactions between host species and their intestinal bacterial community. However, information on gut microbiota for wild endangered carnivores is scarce. The goal of this study was to describe the gut microbiota of two leopard subspecies, the Amur leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis) and North Chinese leopard (Panthera pardus japonensis). Fecal samples from the Amur leopard (n = 8) and North Chinese leopard (n = 13) were collected in Northeast Tiger and Leopard National Park and Shanxi Tieqiaoshan Provincial Nature Reserve in China, respectively. The gut microbiota of leopards was analyzed via high-throughput sequencing of the V3–V4 region of bacterial 16S rRNA gene using the Life Ion S5™ XL platform. A total of 1,413,825 clean reads representing 4,203 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were detected. For Amur leopard samples, Firmicutes (78.4%) was the dominant phylum, followed by Proteobacteria (9.6%) and Actinobacteria (7.6%). And for the North Chinese leopard, Firmicutes (68.6%), Actinobacteria (11.6%) and Fusobacteria (6.4%) were the most predominant phyla. Clostridiales was the most diverse bacterial order with 37.9% for Amur leopard and 45.7% for North Chinese leopard. Based on the beta-diversity analysis, no significant difference was found in the bacterial community composition between the Amur leopard and North Chinese leopard samples. The current study provides the initial data about the composition and structure of the gut microbiota for wild Amur leopards and North Chinese leopards, and has laid the foundation for further investigations of the health, dietary preferences and physiological regulation of leopards.
Extraction and Determination of Caffeine Concentrations in Coffee, Tea and Chocolate Milk Available in Saudi Markets
Authors: Talab Sarra
Published: March 2019

In this work a study was performed using UV/Vis spectrophotometer to determine the concentrations of caffeine in coffee, tea and chocolate milk available in local market in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Quantitative analysis was carried using dichloromethane as extracting solvent. Results showed that the minimum caffeine level was observed in the chocolate milk (16.38 ppm) and the highest caffeine content observes in coffee (32 ppm).
Conditional Probabilities of AIDS Disease Transitions Using Semi-Markov Models
Authors: Asena Tilahun Ferede , Goshu Ayele Taye
Published: March 2019

Analyzing progression of diseases is vital to monitor patient's traversal over time through a disease. Clinical study settings present modeling challenges, as patients' disease trajectories are only partially observed, and patients' disease statuses are only assessed at clinic visit times. HIV disease is a continuum of progressive damage to the immune system from the time of infection to the manifestation of severe immunologic damage. We proposed a semi-Markov model and collected data at Yirgalem General Hospital. Our study found that for an HIV/AIDS patient the transition probability from a given state to the next worse state increases within the good states as time gets optimum and then decreases with increasing time during a follow up. In a specific state of the disease a patient will stay in that state with a non- zero probability in good states and a patient will transit to the next state either to the worst or to the good state with a non-zero probability. The probability of being in same state decreases over time.  With the good or alive states, the probability of being in a better state is non-zero, but less than the probability of being in worst states.  The survival probabilities are decreasing with increasing time. Therefore, we recommend that increased clinical care for patients on ART services should be strengthen and patients need to regularly check their CD4 T cell count in the appropriate day based on physician order to timely know and monitor their disease status to improve the survival probability and to reduce mortality.
Development and Evaluation of Low Pressure Multi Briquetting Machine for Rural Areas
Authors: Kumar A. Ashok , Jhansi R. , Vardhan U. Harsha , Gousia S. M. , Kumar A. Kesav , Ramana C.
Published: March 2019

A hand operated low pressure biomass multi briquetting machine was developed and evaluated which works using a screw press mechanism. The developed system mainly consists of multi square moulds, multi circular moulds, single circular mould pressing plates, base plate, supporting stand and steering wheel. Rice husk, tamarind kernels, groundnut shells, and sawdust were used as raw materials along with cow dung and tamarind powder as binding material for preparation of briquettes. The developed machine was tested with various combinations of agricultural residues and developed various combinations and proportions of raw material briquettes and studied the thermal and physical properties of developed briquettes. The developed machine is low cost and simple in operation and able to produce sixty briquettes per hour.
Antioxidants and Radical Scavenging Activities of Nigerian Soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.)
Authors: Idowu J. Olawuni , Oyinade A. David , Funminiyi S. Bamidele , Gbenga E. Ogundepo
Published: March 2019

Aim: To evaluated the antioxidant and radical scavenging ability of three different accessions (TGx-1835-10E, TGx-1987-62F and TGx 1951-3F) of soybean.

Study Design: In vitro evaluation of antioxidant assays: Total phenol, Total flavonoid, Total antioxidant capacity, Ferric reducing antioxidant capacity, Cupric reducing antioxidant capacity, Ferrous Ion-chelating Ability, 2, 2-Diphenyl-2-Picryl-Hydrazyl (DPPH) and Nitric oxide (NO) radical scavenging activities.

Place and Duration: Department of Biochemistry, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria (August–December, 2016).

Methodology: Hydroalcoholic crude extracts of TGx-1835-10E, TGx-1987-62F and TGx 1951-3F were obtained through soxhlet apparatus using 80% methanol and concentrated in a rotary evaporator at 4°C. The crude extract was then subjected to different  antioxidant assays (Total phenol, Total flavonoid, Total antioxidant capacity, Ferric reducing antioxidant capacity, Cupric reducing antioxidant capacity, Ferrous Ion-chelating Ability , DPPH and NO radical scavenging activities.) following standard procedures.

Results: The results shows that TGx 1951-3F elicited the highest DPPH and NO radical scavenging activity with IC50 value of 2.61± 0.02 mg/ml and 2.58 ± 0.02 mg/ml, compared to TGx-1835-10E and TGx-1987-62F. Similarly, Ferrous Ion-chelating Ability (FIC) of TGx 1951-3F was higher with IC50 value of 1.38 ± 0.07 mg/ml, compared to TGx-1835-10E and TGx-1987-62F with an IC50 of 1.86 ± 0.16 and 2.07 ± 0.16 mg/ml. The reducing power of the three accessions expressed in terms of ascorbic acid equivalent tested using FRAP, TAC and CUPRAC assays showed that TGx 1951-3F has highest antioxidant activity follow by TGx-1835-10E and TGx-1987-62F. This same trend was also observed in antioxidant constituent present in the samples as TGx-1951-3F has higher phenolic and flavonoid content compared to TGx-1835-10E and TGx-1987-62F.

Conclusion: The result of this present study revealed that Accession TGx 1951-3F elicit the highest antioxidant potential nevertheless, accessions TGx-1835-10E and TGx-1987-62F also contain significant amounts of flavonoids and phenolic compounds. Consequently, the plant seeds might be an important source of natural antioxidant, and helpful in prevention and management of various diseases associated with oxidative stress.
Maize and Weed Response to Legume Cover Short Fallow and Fertilizer in Port Harcourt South Eastern Nigeria
Authors: Nzeako E. N. , Udensi U. E. , Omovbude S. , Orluchukwu J. A.
Published: March 2019

Field experiment was conducted in Faculty of Agriculture Teaching and Research Farm University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, South Eastern Region of Nigeria between March and September 2017; to evaluate the effect of planted short fallow legume cover crop on maize performance and weed growth. The experimental design was a 5 x 2 factorial in randomized complete block design (RCBD) in a plot size of 4 m x 4 m with four replicates. The treatments consisted of four different legumes cover species fallow and a natural fallow as follows: Mucuna [Velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC var. utilis), Lablab (Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet), Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Mill spp)], Centrosema (Centrosema pascuorum (L.) and a natural fallow (No Legume Cover) and two levels of inorganic fertilizer as NPK 15: 15: 15 (0 and 15 Kg ha-1 NPK). All legume cover growth characteristics were negatively correlated with weed cover and weed dry weight (r = -0.58 and r = -0.59 at P=0.0001). Legume dry weight had a positive correlation with all maize parameter (r =0.64 at P=0.0001) except for stem diameter (r = -0.43 at P=0.0051). Similarly, all weed attributes were negatively correlated to maize parameters. Maize height was better in plots that received short fallow legumes than natural fallow. There was increase in soil Nitrogen level after 10 weeks of fallow. Legume cover crop short fallow has the potentials for weed suppression, soil fertility and productivity improvement in maize culture.
MHD Maxwell Reactive Flow with Velocity Slip Over a Stretching Surface with Prescribed Heat Flux in the Presence of Thermal Radiation in a Porous Medium
Authors: Baoku I. G. , Falade K. I.
Published: March 2019

This article is concerned with the study of heat and mass transfer of a MHD reactive flow of an upper-convected Maxwell fluid model over a stretching surface subjected to a prescribed heat flux with velocity slip effect in a Darcian porous medium in the presence of thermal radiation and internal heat generation/absorption. The basic boundary layer governing partial differential equations are transformed into a set of coupled ordinary differential equations, which are solved numerically using Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg integration scheme with shooting technique. The far field boundary conditions are asymptotically satisfied to support the accuracy of the numerical computations and the results obtained. The velocity, temperature and species concentration profiles are enhanced by increasing values of velocity slip parameter with Hartmann number, heat generation/absorption parameter and order of chemical reaction parameter respectively.  Increments in the values of velocity slip parameter, Hartmann number, rate of chemical reaction parameter and Prandtl number boost the wall shear stress, dimensionless surface temperature is increased by increasing values of Deborah number, heat generation/absorption and order of chemical reaction parameters while local rate of mass transfer is enhanced by increments in the values of Hartmann number, suction velocity, Darcian porous medium, rate of chemical reaction and velocity slip parameters. The presence of velocity slip on the flow distribution is found to be of great significance to the study.
Commissioning of the Mobius3D independent dose verification system for TomoTherapy
Authors: Kodama Takumi , Saito Yoshihiro , Hatanaka Shogo , Hariu Masatsugu , Shimbo Munefumi , Takahashi Takeo
Published: March 2019

In radiation therapy, a secondary independent dose verification is an important component of a quality control system. Mobius3D calculates three‐dimensional (3D) patient dose using reference beam data and a collapsed cone convolution algorithm and analyzes dose‐volume histogram automatically. There are currently no published data on commissioning and determining tolerance levels of Mobius3D for TomoTherapy. To verify the calculation accuracy and adjust the parameters of this system, we compared the measured dose using an ion chamber and film in a phantom with the dose calculated using Mobius3D for nine helical intensity‐modulated radiation therapy plans, each with three nominal field widths. We also compared 126 treatment plans used in our institution to treat prostate, head‐and‐neck, and esophagus tumors based on dose calculations by treatment planning system for given dose indices and 3D gamma passing rates with those produced by Mobius3D. On the basis of these results, we showed that the action and tolerance levels at the average dose for the planning target volume (PTV) at each treatment site are at μ ± 2σ and μ ± 3σ, respectively. After adjusting parameters, the dose difference ratio on average was −0.2 ± 0.6% using ion chamber and gamma passing rate with the criteria of 3% and 3 mm on average was 98.8 ± 1.4% using film. We also established action and tolerance levels for the PTV at the prostate, head‐and‐neck, esophagus, and for the organ at risk at all treatment sites. Mobius3D calculations thus provide an accurate secondary dose verification system that can be commissioned easily and immediately after installation. Before clinical use, the Mobius3D system needs to be commissioned using the treatment plans for patients treated in each institution to determine the calculational accuracy and establish tolerances for each treatment site and dose index.
Binary Targeting of siRNA to Hematologic Cancer Cells In Vivo Using Layer‐by‐Layer Nanoparticles
Authors: Choi Ki Young , Correa Santiago , Min Jouha , Li Jiahe , Roy Sweta , Laccetti Kristiana H. , Dreaden Erik , Kong Stephanie , Heo Roun , Roh Young Hoon , Lawson Edward C. , Palmer Peter A. , Hammond Paula T.
Published: March 2019

Using siRNA therapeutics to treat hematologic malignancies has been unsuccessful because blood cancer cells exhibit remarkable resistance to standard transfection methods. Herein, the successful delivery of siRNA therapeutics with a dual‐targeted, layer‐by‐layer nanoparticle (LbL‐NP) is reported. The LbL‐NP protects siRNA from nucleases in the bloodstream by embedding it within polyelectrolyte layers that coat a polymeric core. The outermost layer consists of hyaluronic acid (a CD44‐ligand) covalently conjugated to CD20 antibodies. The CD20/CD44 dual‐targeting outer layer provides precise binding to blood cancer cells, followed by receptor‐mediated endocytosis of the LbL‐NP. This siRNA delivery platform is used to silence B‐cell lymphoma 2 (BCL‐2), a pro‐survival protein, in vitro and in vivo. The dual‐targeting approach significantly enhances internalization of BCL‐2 siRNA in lymphoma and leukemia cells, which leads to significant downregulation of BCL‐2 expression. Systemic administration of the dual‐targeted, siRNA‐loaded nanoparticle induces apoptosis and hampers proliferation of blood cancer cells, both in cell culture and in orthotopic non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma animal models. These results provide the basis for approaches to targeting blood‐borne cancers and other diseases and suggest that LbL nanoassemblies are a promising approach for delivering therapeutic siRNA to hematopoetic cell types that are known to evade transfection by other means.
PdSe2 Multilayer on Germanium Nanocones Array with Light Trapping Effect for Sensitive Infrared Photodetector and Image Sensing Application
Authors: Luo Lin‐Bao , Wang Di , Xie Chao , Hu Ji‐Gang , Zhao Xing‐Yuan , Liang Feng‐Xia
Published: March 2019

In this study, a sensitive infrared photodetector (IRPD) composed of a germanium nanocones (GeNCs) array and PdSe2 multilayer is presented, which is obtained by a straightforward selenization approach. The as‐assembled PdSe2/GeNCs hybrid heterojunction exhibits obvious photovoltaic behavior to 1550 nm illumination, which renders the IRPD a self‐driven device without external power supply. Further device analysis reveals that the PdSe2/GeNCs hybrid based IRPD exhibits high sensitivity to 1350, 1550, and 1650 nm illumination with excellent stability and reproducibility. The responsivity and external quantum efficiency is as high as 530.2 mA W−1 and 42.4%, respectively. Such a relatively good device performance is related to the strong light trapping effect of GeNCs array, according to the theoretical simulation based on finite‐difference time‐domain. It is also found that the IRPD shows an abnormal sensitivity to IR illumination with a wavelength of 2200 nm. Finally, the present individual IRPD can also record the simple “F” image produced by 1550 nm, suggesting the promising application of the PdSe2/GeNCs hybrid device in future infrared optoelectronic systems.
Sequential Deposition of High‐Quality Photovoltaic Perovskite Layers via Scalable Printing Methods
Authors: Guo Fei , He Wenxin , Qiu Shudi , Wang Chuan , Liu Xianhu , Forberich Karen , Brabec Christoph J. , Mai Yaohua
Published: March 2019

Sequential deposition is demonstrated as an effective technology for preparation of high‐performance perovskite solar cells based on lab‐scale spin coating. However, devices fabricated by scalable methods are lagging far behind their state‐of‐the‐art spin‐coated counterparts, largely due to the difficulty in obtaining high‐quality thin films of perovskites crystallized from printed precursors. Here, a generic strategy that allows sequential deposition of dense and uniform perovskite films via two‐step blade coating is reported. The rational selection of solvent combined with a mild vacuum extraction process enables us to produce uniform lead iodide (PbI2) films over large areas. Significantly, the resulting PbI2 films possess a mesoporous structure that is highly beneficial for the insertion reaction with methylammonium iodide (MAI). It is further identified that the deposition temperature of MAI plays an important role in determining the morphology and crystallinity of the perovskite films. Solar cells using these sequentially bladed perovskite layers yield efficiencies over 16% with high fill factors up to 78%. These results represent important progress toward the large‐scale deposition of perovskite thin films for practical applications.
A Versatile Approach for Direct Patterning of Liquid Metal Using Magnetic Field
Authors: Ma Biao , Xu Chengtao , Chi Junjie , Chen Jian , Zhao Chao , Liu Hong
Published: March 2019

Patterning of liquid metal (LM) is usually an integral step toward its practical applications. However, the high surface tension along with surface oxide makes direct patterning of LM very challenging. Existing LM patterning techniques are designed for limited types of planar substrates, which require multiple‐step operation, delicate molds and masks, and expensive equipment. In this work, a simple, versatile, and equipment‐free approach for direct patterning of LM on various substrates using magnetic field is reported. To achieve this, magnetic microparticles are dispersed into LM by stirring. When a moving magnetic field is applied to the LM droplet, the aggregated magnetic microparticles deform the droplet to a continuous line. In addition, this approach is also applicable to supermetallophobic substrates since the applied magnetic field significantly enhances the contact between LM and substrate. Moreover, remote manipulation of the magnetic microparticles allows direct patterning of LM on nonplanar surfaces, even in a narrow and near closed space, which is impossible for the existing techniques. A few applications are also demonstrated using the proposed technique for flexible electronics and wearable sensors.
Intrinsic Carbon‐Defect‐Driven Electrocatalytic Reduction of Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Wang Wei , Shang Lu , Chang Guojing , Yan Chunyun , Shi Run , Zhao Yunxuan , Waterhouse Geoffrey I. N. , Yang Dongjiang , Zhang Tierui
Published: March 2019

Heteroatom‐doped carbon catalysts are currently attracting enormous attention due to their excellent performance for the electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction reaction (ECRR). However, the origin of the high catalytic activities of doped‐carbon materials remains obscure with the role of intrinsic carbon defects in promoting the ECRR receiving little attention despite the abundance of carbon defects in all carbon‐based catalytic materials. Herein, a positive correlation is reported between the ECRR performance of carbon‐based catalysts and the content of intrinsic carbon defects contained within these catalysts. Further, it is demonstrated that defective porous carbon catalysts containing no active heteroatom dopants also show excellent catalytic performance for ECRR. C K‐edge near edge X‐ray absorption fine structure measurements and density functional theory calculations reveal that sp2 defects (octagonal and pentagonal) rather than edge defects are key to the excellent ECRR activity of the defective porous carbon catalysts. This work thus makes an important contribution to the understanding of the origin of the ECRR activity of carbon‐based catalysts, with heteroatom doping perhaps being less important than previously envisaged for achieving a high ECRR performance.
A Highly Stretchable and Real‐Time Healable Supercapacitor
Authors: Chen Chuan‐Rui , Qin Haili , Cong Huai‐Ping , Yu Shu‐Hong
Published: March 2019

In addition to a high specific capacitance, a large stretchability and self‐healing properties are also essential to improve the practicality and reliability of supercapacitors in portable and wearable electronics. However, the integration of multiple functions into one device remains challenging. Here, the construction of a highly stretchable and real‐time omni‐healable supercapacitor is demonstrated by sandwiching the polypyrrole‐incorporated gold nanoparticle/carbon nanotube (CNT)/poly(acrylamide) (GCP@PPy) hydrogel electrodes with a CNT‐free GCP (GP) hydrogel as the electrolyte and chemically soldering an Ag nanowire film to the hydrogel electrode as the current collector. The newly developed dynamic metal‐thiolate (M‐SR, M = Au, Ag) bond‐induced integrated configuration, with an intrinsically powerful electrode and electrolyte, enables the assembled supercapacitor to deliver an areal capacitance of 885 mF cm−2 and an energy density of 123 µWh cm−2, which are among the highest‐reported values for stretchable supercapacitors. Notably, the device exhibits a superhigh stretching strain of 800%, rapid optical healing capability, and significant real‐time healability during the charge–discharge process. The exceptional performance combined with the facile assembly method confirms this multifunctional device as the best performer among all the flexible supercapacitors reported to date.
Inkjet‐Printed and Deep‐UV‐Annealed YAlOx Dielectrics for High‐Performance IGZO Thin‐Film Transistors on Flexible Substrates
Authors: Bolat Sami , Fuchs Peter , Knobelspies Stefan , Temel Ozgur , Sevilla Galo Torres , Gilshtein Evgeniia , Andres Christian , Shorubalko Ivan , Liu Yujing , Tröster Gerhard , Tiwari Ayodhya N. , Romanyuk Yaroslav E.
Published: March 2019

Recent developments in inkjet printing have proven it a viable method for low‐cost and large‐area coating of oxide materials. The main drawback of this method is the common requirement of a post‐deposition annealing (PDA) of the printed layers at relatively high temperatures (T > 200 °C). This sets a requirement for the substrate to have high glass transition temperature (Tg). To reduce the PDA temperature, deep‐ultraviolet (DUV) annealing is proposed as an effective method. In this study, yttrium aluminum oxide (YAlOx) dielectrics are realized for application in flexible electronic devices via inkjet printing and DUV annealing at a temperature of 150 °C. The effect of the Y concentration on the electrical properties of the dielectrics is investigated. An increase in the Y incorporation is found to increase the dielectric constant and decrease the leakage current of the dielectrics. Flexible indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) thin‐film transistors with 50 µm channel widths and 7 µm channel lengths employing printed YAlOx dielectrics are fabricated on polyimide substrates with a maximum processing temperature of 150 °C, yielding a maximum gate leakage current of 10−13A, a high ION/IOFF ratio of 108, and a field effect mobility of 4.3 cm2 V−1 s−1.
High‐Responsivity Near‐Infrared Photodetector Using Gate‐Modulated Graphene/Germanium Schottky Junction
Authors: Chang Kyoung Eun , Kim Cihyun , Yoo Tae Jin , Kwon Min Gyu , Heo Sunwoo , Kim So‐Young , Hyun Yujun , Yoo Jung Il , Ko Heung Cho , Lee Byoung Hun
Published: March 2019

A high‐responsivity near‐infrared photodetector is demonstrated using a transparent ZnO top gate‐modulated graphene/Ge Schottky junction. The responsivity of a graphene/Ge junction photodetector characterized with a scanning photocurrent microscopy system is improved to 0.75 A W−1. This result is 5 to 35 times higher than the previously reported graphene/Ge photodetectors that did not use gate modulation. The detectivity is also improved to 2.53 × 109 cm Hz1/2 W−1 at Vg = −10 V from 0.43 × 109 cm Hz1/2 W−1 at Vg = 0 V. The performance of this gate‐modulated graphene/Ge Schottky junction base infrared (IR) detector is comparable to a commercially available IR photodetector, but the fabrication process is much simpler and compatible with glass or flexible substrates.
Asymmetric Contact‐Induced Self‐Driven Perovskite‐Microwire‐Array Photodetectors
Authors: Wu Chun‐Yan , Peng Wei , Fang Ting , Wang Bin , Xie Chao , Wang Li , Yang Wen‐Hua , Luo Lin‐Bao
Published: March 2019

Combining both 1D geometry and the features of hybrid perovskite materials, perovskite micro/nanowires have recently attracted particular attention for a variety of optoelectronic device applications. Herein, by taking advantage of the strong built‐in potential induced by asymmetric contact with varied work functions, highly sensitive visible photodetectors based on a CH3NH3PbI3 microwire array that display pronounced photovoltaic activities are reported. These photodetectors afford the capability to work without an external power supply. A representative detector with Au/Ag electrodes achieves a reasonable responsivity of 161.1 mA W−1 with a fast response speed of 13.8/16.1 µs under 520 nm illumination at zero bias. In addition, such a device is also characterized by an ultralow dark current of tens of femtoamps, enabling a high specific detectivity of 1.3 × 1012 Jones. Furthermore, a flexible photodetector is successfully prepared, which shows comparable photoresponse performance and outstanding flexibility and bending durability. Given the good device performance and simple device geometry, the present self‐driven photodetectors hold great promise for future highly sensitive and low‐energy‐consumption photodetection systems.
Rapid Aqueous Spray Fabrication of Robust NiOx: A Simple and Scalable Platform for Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Scheideler William J. , Rolston Nicholas , Zhao Oliver , Zhang Jinbao , Dauskardt Reinhold H.
Published: March 2019

Organometal halide perovskites have powerful intrinsic potential to drive next‐generation solar technology, but their insufficient thermomechanical reliability and unproven large‐area manufacturability limit competition with incumbent silicon photovoltaics. This work addresses these limitations by leveraging large‐area processing and robust inorganic hole transport layers (HTLs). Inverted perovskite solar cells utilizing NiOx HTLs deposited by rapid aqueous spray‐coating that outperform spin‐coated NiOx and lead to a 5× improvement in the fracture energy (Gc), a primary metric of thermomechanical stability, are presented. The morphology, chemical composition, and optoelectronic properties of the NiOx films are characterized to understand and optimize compatibility with an archetypal double cation perovskite, Cs.17FA.83Pb(Br.17I.83)3. Perovskite solar cells with sprayed NiOx show higher photovoltaic performance, exhibiting up to 82% fill factor and 17.7% power conversion efficiency (PCE)—the highest PCE reported for inverted cell with scalable charge transport layers—as well as excellent stability under full illumination and after 4000 h aging in inert conditions at room temperature. By utilizing open‐air techniques and aqueous precursors, this combination of robust materials and low‐cost processing provides a platform for scaling perovskite modules with long‐term reliability.
Pore and Heteroatom Engineered Carbon Foams for Supercapacitors
Authors: Peng Huarong , Yao Bin , Wei Xijun , Liu Tianyu , Kou Tianyi , Xiao Peng , Zhang Yunhuai , Li Yat
Published: March 2019

Carbonaceous materials are attractive supercapacitor electrode materials due to their high electronic conductivity, large specific surface area, and low cost. Here, a unique hierarchical porous N,O,S‐enriched carbon foam (KNOSC) with high level of structural complexity for supercapacitors is reported. It is fabricated via a combination of a soft‐template method, freeze‐drying, and chemical etching. The carbon foam is a macroporous structure containing a network of mesoporous channels filled with micropores. It has an extremely large specific surface area of 2685 m2 g−1. The pore engineered carbon structure is also uniformly doped with N, O, and S. The KNOSC electrode achieves an outstanding capacitance of 402.5 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 and superior rate capability of 308.5 F g−1 at 100 A g−1. The KNOSC exhibits a Bode frequency at the phase angle of −45° of 18.5 Hz, which corresponds to a time constant of 0.054 s only. A symmetric supercapacitor device using KNOSC as electrodes can be charged/discharged within 1.52 s to deliver a specific energy density of 15.2 W h kg−1 at a power density of 36 kW kg−1. These results suggest that the pore and heteroatom engineered structures are promising electrode materials for ultrafast charging.
Stability of Nonfullerene Organic Solar Cells: from Built‐in Potential and Interfacial Passivation Perspectives
Authors: Wang Yiwen , Lan Weixia , Li Ning , Lan Zhaojue , Li Zhen , Jia Jingnan , Zhu Furong
Published: March 2019

Remarkable progress has been made in the development of high‐efficiency solution‐processable nonfullerene organic solar cells (OSCs). However, the effect of the vertical stratification of bulk heterojunction (BHJ) on the efficiency and stability of nonfullerene OSCs is not fully understood yet. In this work, we report our effort to understand the stability of nonfullerene OSCs, made with the binary blend poly[(2,6‐(4, 8‐bis(5‐(2‐ethylhexyl)thiophen‐2‐yl)‐benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene))‐alt‐(5,5‐(1′,3′‐di‐2‐thienyl‐5′,7′‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)benzo[1′,2′‐c:4′,5′‐c′] dithiophene‐4,8‐dione)] (PBDB‐T):3,9‐ bis(2‐methylene‐(3‐(1,1‐dicyanomethylene)‐indanone))‐5,5,11,11‐tetrakis(4‐hexylphenyl)‐ dithieno[2,3‐d:2′,3′‐d′]‐s‐indaceno[1,2‐b:5,6‐b′] dithiophene (ITIC) system. It shows that a continuous vertical phase separation process occurs, forming a PBDB‐T‐rich top surface and an ITIC‐rich bottom surface in PBDB‐T:ITIC BHJ during the aging period. A gradual decrease in the built‐in potential (V0) in the regular configuration PBDB‐T:ITIC OSCs, due to the interfacial reaction between the poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)‐poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) hole transporting layer and ITIC acceptor, is one of the reasons responsible for the performance deterioration. The reduction in V0, caused by an inevitable reaction at the ITIC/PEDOT:PSS interface in the OSCs, can be suppressed by introducing a MoO3 interfacial passivation layer. Retaining a stable and high V0 across the BHJ through interfacial modification and device engineering, e.g., as seen in the inverted PBDB‐T:ITIC OSCs, is a prerequisite for efficient and stable operation of nonfullerene OSCs.
Linear method for the design of shell and tube heat exchangers using the Bell–Delaware method
Authors: de O. Gonçalves Caroline , Costa André L. H. , Bagajewicz Miguel J.
Published: March 2019

In this article, we present a rigorous reformulation of the Bell–Delaware model for the design optimization of shell and tube heat exchanger to obtain a linear model. We extend a previously presented methodology1,2 of rigorously reformulate the mixed‐integer nonlinear programing Kern model and we add disjunctions to automatically choose the different correlations to calculate heat transfer coefficients and pressure drop under different flow regimes. The linear character of the formulation allows the identification of the global optimum, even using conventional optimization algorithms. The proposed mixed‐integer linear programming formulation with the Bell–Delaware method is able to identify feasible solutions for the design of heat exchangers at a lower cost than those obtained through conventional design formulations in the literature. Comparisons with the Kern method also indicate an average 22% difference (usually lower) in area.
Harmonizing work history data in epidemiologic studies with overlapping employment records
Authors: Stenehjem Jo Steinson , Babigumira Ronnie , Friesen Melissa C , Grimsrud Tom Kristian
Published: March 2019

Background

Work history data often require major data management including handling of overlapping jobs to avoid overestimating exposure before linkage to job‐exposure matrices (JEMs) is possible.

Methods

In a case‐cohort study of 1825 male Norwegian offshore petroleum workers, 3979 jobs were reported (mean duration 2417 days/job; maximum 8 jobs/worker). Each job was assigned to one of 27 occupation categories. Overlapping jobs of the same category (1142 jobs) were collapsed and overlapping jobs of different categories (1013 jobs) were split. The resulting durations were weighted by a factor accounting for the number of overlapping jobs.

Results

Collapsing overlapping jobs within the same category resulted in 3295 jobs (mean 2629 days/job). Splitting overlapping jobs of different categories increased the number to 4239 jobs (mean 2043 days/job), while the total duration in days dropped by 10%.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that overlapping employment data structures can be harmonized in a systematic and unbiased way, preparing work history data for linkage to several JEMs.
Divergence in gut microbial communities mirrors a social group fission event in a black‐and‐white colobus monkey (Colobus vellerosus)
Authors: Goodfellow Claire K. , Whitney Tabor , Christie Diana M. , Sicotte Pascale , Wikberg Eva C. , Ting Nelson
Published: March 2019

Host behavior and social factors have increasingly been implicated in structuring the composition of gut microbial communities. In social animals, distinct microbial communities characterize different social groups across a variety of taxa, although little longitudinal research has been conducted that demonstrates how this divergence occurs. Our study addresses this question by characterizing the gut microbial composition of an African Old World monkey, the black‐and‐white colobus (Colobus vellerosus), before and after a social group fission event. Gut microbial taxonomic composition of these monkeys was profiled using the V‐4 hypervariable region of the bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA gene, and pairwise‐relatedness values were calculated for all individuals using 17 short tandem repeat loci and partial pedigree information. The two social groups in this study were found to harbor distinct microbial signatures after the fission event from which they emerged, while these communities were not divergent in the same individuals before this event. Three genera were found to differ in abundance between the two new social groups:
Parabacteroides,
Coprococcus, and
Porphyromonadaceae. Additionally, although this fission happened partially along lines of relatedness, relatedness did not structure the differences that we found. Taken together, this study suggests that distinct gut microbial profiles can emerge in social groups in <1 year and recommends further work into more finely mapping the timescales, causes, and potentially adaptive effects of this recurring trend toward distinct group microbial signatures.
Die Chemie der Proteinoxidation in Lebensmitteln
Authors: Hellwig Michael
Published: March 2019

Die Oxidation ist eine der Abbaureaktionen von Proteinen in Lebensmitteln, deren Bedeutung nicht hinter der von anderen wie der Maillard‐Reaktion, Lipierung oder Protein‐Phenol‐Reaktionen zurückbleibt. Während die Untersuchung der Proteinoxidation zu einem vertieften Verständnis der Prozesse in physiologischen Systemen geführt hat, ist das Wissen über spezifische Auswirkungen der Proteinoxidation in Lebensmitteln oder die Rolle “oxidierter” Lebensmittelproteine für den menschlichen Körper vergleichsweise gering. Oxidationsreaktionen an Lebensmittelproteinen können während des gesamten Verarbeitungsprozesses stattfinden – von der Primärproduktion bis zur Verdauung im Darm. In dem vorliegenden Aufsatz soll das derzeitige Wissen über die Mechanismen der Oxidation von Lebensmittelproteinen aus chemischer, technologischer und ernährungsphysiologischer Sicht zusammengefasst und eine Klassifizierung der einzelnen Reaktionen vorgenommen werden. Verschiedene analytische Ansätze werden verglichen, und der Zusammenhang zwischen der Oxidation von Lebensmittelproteinen und oxidativem Stress in vivo wird kritisch bewertet.
Isolated Diatomic Ni‐Fe Metal–Nitrogen Sites for Synergistic Electroreduction of CO2
Authors: Ren Wenhao , Tan Xin , Yang Wanfeng , Jia Chen , Xu Shumao , Wang Kaixue , Smith Sean C. , Zhao Chuan
Published: March 2019

Polynary single‐atom structures can combine the advantages of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts while providing synergistic functions based on different molecules and their interfaces. However, the fabrication and identification of such an active‐site prototype remain elusive. Here we report isolated diatomic Ni‐Fe sites anchored on nitrogenated carbon as an efficient electrocatalyst for CO2 reduction. The catalyst exhibits high selectivity with CO Faradaic efficiency above 90 % over a wide potential range from −0.5 to −0.9 V (98 % at −0.7 V), and robust durability, retaining 99 % of its initial selectivity after 30 hours of electrolysis. Density functional theory studies reveal that the neighboring Ni‐Fe centers not only function in synergy to decrease the reaction barrier for the formation of COOH* and desorption of CO, but also undergo distinct structural evolution into a CO‐adsorbed moiety upon CO2 uptake.
The Chemistry of Protein Oxidation in Food
Authors: Hellwig Michael
Published: March 2019

Oxidation is one of the deterioration reactions of proteins in food, the importance of which is comparable to others such as Maillard, lipation, or protein‐phenol reactions. While research on protein oxidation has led to a precise understanding of the processes and consequences in physiological systems, knowledge about the specific effects of protein oxidation in food or the role of “oxidized” dietary protein for the human body is comparatively scarce. Food protein oxidation can occur during the whole processing axis, from primary production to intestinal digestion. The present review summarizes the current knowledge and mechanisms of food protein oxidation from a chemical, technological, and nutritional–physiological viewpoint and gives a comprehensive classification of the individual reactions. Different analytical approaches are compared, and the relationship between oxidation of food proteins and oxidative stress in vivo is critically evaluated.
Use of sustainable glucose and furfural in the synthesis of formaldehyde‐free phenolic resole resins
Authors: Sui Guanghui , Cheng Yanyan , Yang Xiaomin , Wang Xiaofeng , Wang Zichen
Published: March 2019

Sustainable resol‐type resins [phenol–furfural–glucose (PFuG), phenol–furfural (PFu), and phenol–glucose resins] were synthesized via alkali catalysis. The chemical structures of the PFuG resins, which had different molar ratios of glucose to furfural, were analyzed by 1H‐NMR and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. A possible mechanism for formation of the PFuG resin was proposed. The crosslinking curing behaviors of the PFuG resins were examined by differential scanning calorimetry analysis. The performance of the PFuG resins as wood adhesives was studied. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47732.
Recent developments in graphene‐based polymer composite membranes: Preparation, mass transfer mechanism, and applications
Authors: Du Ying‐Chen , Huang Lin‐Jun , Wang Yan‐Xin , Yang Kun , Tang Jian‐Guo , Wang Yao , Cheng Meng‐Meng , Zhang Yang , Kipper Matt J. , Belfiore Laurence A. , Ranil Wickramasinghe S.
Published: March 2019

The shortage of water resources is a problem concerned by all countries in the world. In order to solve this problem of human survival, membrane separation technology promotes the development of water treatment field by virtue of its own advantages of high efficiency and low consumption. Membrane separation technology combined with nanomaterials has brought surprises to researchers. Graphene has unique structure and properties, making graphene and its derivatives have very good potential in water treatment and selective separation. Graphene‐based materials combined with traditional polymer materials have great potential in the field of membrane separation technology. In this article, we first introduce the preparation methods and transport mechanism of graphene‐based membranes, and then summarize the recent applications of graphene oxide/polymer composite membranes in water purification, gas separation, self‐cleaning, and oil–water separation. It is expected to become the next generation of functional composite membranes. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 47761.