bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation and Characterization of Halophilic Bacteria from Salinity Soil of Shatkhira, Bangladesh
Authors: Mohanta Moni Krishno , Nasrin Samima , Haque Md. Fazlul , Hasi Alpona Sarker , Saha Ananda Kumar
Published: June 2020

Aim: The aim of this study was undertaken for the isolation and molecular characterization of the halophilic bacteria from salt affected soils.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted on the salinity affected area in Ramzan Nagor under Shamnagor Upazilla of Shatkhira District, Bangladesh. The collection of soil sample, isolation of halophilic bacteria and subsequent experiments were done from May to December 2018.

Methodology: Salt affected soil could be good source of halophilic bacteria as it contain high amount of salt. Hence, one gram of salt affected soil sample which was containing high amount of salt was suspended to 100 ml sterile distilled water and one ml of sample from the top of the suspension were taken in to 250 ml Erlenmeyer flaks containing 100 ml of mineral salts (MS) medium. The primary enrichment was incubated for several days at 37°C with shaking at 120 rpm (revolution per minute) on an orbital shaker. Cultures which were found to be turbid after a period of up to 4 days were used as inocula in subsequent experiments.

Results: Four halophilic bacterial strains viz. Bacillus sp. strain 8-15, Enterobacter sp. strain LCR75, Acinetobacter sp. strain 407 and Acinetobacter junii strain F27 were isolated from the saline soil and screened for their growth at a range of salt (NaCl) concentrations viz., 0%, 2%, 2.5%, 3%, 3.5%, 4%, 4.5% and 5%. Out of four isolates, Bacillus sp. showed the highest capacity to tolerate 5% salt concentration whereas Enterobacter sp. and other two isolates (Acinetobacter sp. and Acinetobacter junii) showed the capacity to tolerate 4% and 2.5% salt concentration respectively. Based on their morphological and biochemical characteristics the isolates were found to be Gram-positive and Gram-negative, rod shaped, motile bacteria which were later identified on the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The optimum culture conditions of the isolates were pH 7.0 and temperature 37°C. Results on the antibiogram profiles of the isolates revealed that the strains were sensitive to most of the antibiotics used in this study except Kenamycin, Ceftazidime and Ampicillin.

Conclusion: The isolated halophilic bacteria may play an important role to optimize the salt affected soil; hence they could be important candidates for further research on slat bioremediation.
Qualitative & Quantitative Analysis of Adult Arboreal Individuals from the Afforestation in the Municipality of Várzea, Paraíba, Brazil
Authors: Rocha Iara Cristina Araujo , Medeiros Jaqueline Rocha de , Silva Geovanio Alves da , Ferreira Vinícius Staynne Gomes , Lima Joedla Rodrigues de , Junior Marcelo Pereira Dutra , Ferreira Maria Beatriz , Sousa Geovana Gomes de , Azevedo Sebastiana Renata Vilela , Oliveira Elisabeth de
Published: June 2020

Aims: Perform a qualiquantitative analysis of adult arboreal individuals in urban roads in the municipality of Várzea, Paraíba, Brazil.

Study Design: Census inventory.

Place and Duration of Study: Várzea Municipality, Paraíba, Brazil from March to April 2018.

Methodology: The qualitative and quantitative census inventory of adult shrubs-tree individuals was carried out in the urban roads of the municipality, the level of inclusion of the individuals was circumference at breast height (CBH) of (1.30 m) was ≥ 6 cm. Common name of the species was recorded, CBH measurements, height of the first bifurcation and total and physical conditions that were classified as good, regular, bad and dead. The data were tabulated, processed and presented in tables and graphs.

Results: A total of 429 individuals were recorded on public roads distributed in 20 species. Azadirachta indica A. Juss and Ficus benjamina L. had the highest number of individuals.

85% of the species were exotic and 15% were native. 12 species offered direct nutritional benefit to man and local fauna as they were fruit trees. The physical conditions of the individuals were 55.94% good, 40.33% regular, 3.73% poor, however, 47.50% of individuals had some type of conflict. 41.72% of individuals were concentrated in the diametric class of 15-21 cm. 54.78% of individuals had height of the first bifurcation greater than 200 cm and 62% of the individuals medium size.

Conclusion: The afforestation of the municipality was satisfactory in relation to plant health. Attention needs to be paid to the diversity of native species and the injuries caused to vegetation. The height of the first fork was adequate. The trees were medium sized. It is suggested that studies of perception of afforestation be carried out in the municipality.
Analysis of Traffic Accident Severity at Intersection Using Logistic Regression Model
Authors: Hsu Yao Tzu , Chang Shun Chi , Hsu Tzu Hsin
Published: June 2020

Accident severity analysis is an important issue in the field of traffic safety study, and intersections are also locations of relatively high accident rates in the roadway network. Therefore, the main purpose of this study is to establish a prediction model of intersection severity based on the binary logistic regression model of data mining technology. The data source of intersection accident is obtained from the Taichung City Police Department in Taiwan in 2018 and there are 27461 valid samples. The dependent variable is the severity of intersection accident. The independent variables include 9 variables such as month, time of accident, weather condition, light conditions, road type, road surface condition, traffic control type, accident type and vehicle type, and are analyzed by the forward selection (Wald). The research results show that time of accident, road surface condition, accident type and vehicle type have significant effects. The confusion matrix is used to verify the reliability of the model, and the results can be used as the references for reducing the degree of accident injury at the intersection in the future.
Wire Shorting Elimination through Wirebond Process Optimization of Semiconductor Sensor Device
Authors: Moreno Anthony , Jr. Edwin Graycochea , Gomez Frederick Ray
Published: June 2020

New and upcoming semiconductor devices and technologies are getting more challenging in assembly manufacturing process due to many factors such as complex package layout, process capability and critical bill of materials. This paper focused on the mitigation of the top major assembly reject of a semiconductor sensor device, that is the wire-to-wire shorting issue at wirebonding process. Parameter optimization particularly the looping segment 1 parameter, as well as using a reverse stitch on ball (RSOB) were employed to eliminate the wire-to-wire defect in wirebonding process. Finally, with the process optimization and improvement, a reduction of 98 percent wire-to-wire shorting occurrence was attained.
Effects of Mentoring Enhanced Strategy on Self-regulation in Physics among Secondary School Students in Benue State, Nigeria
Authors: Ankeli Gabriel Odeh
Published: June 2020

The study determined the effects of mentoring enhanced strategy on secondary school students’  self-regulation (SR) in physics in education zone ‘C’ of Benue State, Nigeria. The study was guided by two research questions while two hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The design of the study was the quasi-experimental, non-randomized, pre-test and post-test control groups. The population of the study consisted of 4,064 SS Two physics students in the 94 schools in Education Zone C. The sample comprised 406 SS Two physics students drawn from 10 schools using multi-stage sampling technique. The research instrument adapted and used for data collection was Students’ Self-Regulation Scale (SSRS). The research instruments was subjected to a reliability analysis using Cronbach’s Alpha Formula which yielded a reliability co-efficient of 0.85. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions while inferential statistics of Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used to test the hypotheses. The findings revealed that students who were exposed to mentoring exhibited higher self-regulation levels (P = 0.007 ˂ 0.05) than those students who were not exposed to mentoring. There was no significant difference between male and female students’ self-regulation level (P = 0.036 ˃ 0.05). Based on these findings, it was recommended among others that the use of mentoring enhanced strategy should be encouraged and used in physics instruction in secondary schools.
Using failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) to generate an initial plan check checklist for improved safety in radiation treatment
Authors: Rassiah Prema , Su Fan‐Chi Frances , Huang Y. Jessica , Spitznagel Dan , Sarkar Vikren , Szegedi Martin W. , Zhao Hui , Paxton Adam B. , Nelson Geoff , Salter Bill J.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To apply failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) to generate an effective and efficient initial physics plan checklist.

Methods

A team of physicists, dosimetrists, and therapists was setup to reconstruct the workflow processes involved in the generation of a treatment plan beginning from simulation. The team then identified possible failure modes in each of the processes. For each failure mode, the severity (S), frequency of occurrence (O), and the probability of detection (D) was assigned a value and the risk priority number (RPN) was calculated. The values assigned were based on TG 100. Prior to assigning a value, the team discussed the values in the scoring system to minimize randomness in scoring. A local database of errors was used to help guide the scoring of frequency.

Results

Twenty‐seven process steps and 50 possible failure modes were identified starting from simulation to the final approved plan ready for treatment at the machine. Any failure mode that scored an average RPN value of 20 or greater was deemed “eligible” to be placed on the second checklist. In addition, any failure mode with a severity score value of 4 or greater was also considered for inclusion in the checklist. As a by‐product of this procedure, safety improvement methods such as automation and standardization of certain processes (e.g., dose constraint checking, check tools), removal of manual transcription of treatment‐related information as well as staff education were implemented, although this was not the team's original objective. Prior to the implementation of the new FMEA‐based checklist, an in‐service for all the second checkers was organized to ensure further standardization of the process.

Conclusion

The FMEA proved to be a valuable tool for identifying vulnerabilities in our workflow and processes in generating a treatment plan and subsequently a new, more effective initial plan checklist was created.
Soluble Flt‐1, Placental Growth Factor, and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Serum Levels to Differentiate Between Active Lupus Nephritis During Pregnancy and Preeclampsia
Authors: de Jesús Guilherme R. , Lacerda Marcela I. , Rodrigues Bruna C. , dos Santos Flávia C. , do Nascimento Adriana P. , Cristóvão Porto Luís , de Jesús Nilson R. , Levy Roger A. , Klumb Evandro M.
Published: June 2020

Objective

To evaluate mean serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), placental growth factor (PlGF), and soluble Flt‐1 (sFlt‐1) in pregnant patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with inactive disease, active lupus nephritis, and preeclampsia for differential diagnosis between these conditions.

Methods

Pregnant women with SLE, with singleton pregnancies and no other autoimmune diseases, were classified according to disease activity (inactive SLE and active lupus nephritis) and the presence of preeclampsia. Serum samples were collected within 3 weeks of delivery and frozen for subsequent blinded analysis through the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay method.

Results

A total of 71 women were included, with 41 classified as having inactive SLE (group 1; Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Pregnancy Disease Activity Index [SLEPDAI] score <4), 15 with a diagnosis of active lupus nephritis (group 2, SLEPDAI score ≥4, including renal criteria), and 15 with a diagnosis of preeclampsia (group 3). Patients in group 3 had higher mean levels of sFlt‐1 and lower mean levels of PlGF compared to groups 1 and 2, both findings with statistical significance. The sFlt‐1:PlGF ratio was also significantly higher in patients with preeclampsia, while mean VEGF levels were higher in pregnant woman with active lupus nephritis compared to patients with preeclampsia or inactive SLE.

Conclusion

Evaluation of serum VEGF, PlGF, and sFlt‐1 levels can differentiate between preeclampsia, inactive SLE, and active lupus nephritis during pregnancy.
Racial Disparities in Medication Adherence between African American and Caucasian Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Their Associated Factors
Authors: Sun Kai , Eudy Amanda M. , Criscione‐Schreiber Lisa G. , Sadun Rebecca E. , Rogers Jennifer L. , Doss Jayanth , Corneli Amy L. , Bosworth Hayden B. , Clowse Megan E. B.
Published: June 2020

Objective

Medication nonadherence is more common in African Americans compared with Caucasians. We examined the racial adherence gaps among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and explored factors associated with nonadherence.

Methods

Cross‐sectional data were obtained from consecutive patients prescribed SLE medications seen at an academic lupus clinic between August 2018 and February 2019. Adherence was measured using both self‐report and pharmacy refill data. High composite adherence was defined as having both high self‐reported adherence and high refill rates. Covariates were patient‐provider interaction, patient‐reported health status, and clinical factors. We compared adherence rates by race and used race‐stratified analyses to identify factors associated with low composite adherence.

Results

Among 121 patients (37% Caucasian, 63% African American), the median age was 44 years (range 22‐72), 95% were female, 51% had a college education or more, 46% had private insurance, and 38% had high composite adherence. Those with low composite adherence had higher damage scores, patient‐reported disease activity scores, and more acute care visits. High composite adherence rate was lower among African Americans compared with Caucasians (30% vs 51%, P = 0.02), and the gap was largest for those taking mycophenolate (26% vs 75%, P = 0.01). Among African Americans, low composite adherence was associated with perceiving fewer “Compassionate respectful” interactions with providers and worse anxiety and negative affect. In contrast, among Caucasians, low composite adherence was only associated with higher SLE medication regimen burden and fibromyalgia pain score.

Conclusion

Significant racial disparities exist in SLE medication adherence, which likely contributes to racial disparities in SLE outcomes. Interventions may be more effective if tailored by race, such as improving patient‐provider interaction and mental health among African Americans.
Unveiling the Essential Nature of Lewis Basicity in Thermodynamically and Dynamically Promoted Nitrogen Fixation
Authors: Wang Mengfan , Liu Sisi , Ji Haoqing , Liu Jie , Yan Chenglin , Qian Tao
Published: June 2020

Electrochemical N2 reduction provides a promising alternative to the Haber–Bosch process for sustainable ammonia production but enhancing its selectivity and activity remains a significant challenge. Here, this issue is tackled by triggering strong Lewis basicity within the catalyst, which boosts ambient ammonia synthesis from both thermodynamic and dynamic viewpoints. The enhanced π back donation induced by the Lewis base as the electron donor is first confirmed by first‐principle calculations, which greatly activates the NN bond and promotes its dissociation. Moreover, as suggested by molecular dynamics simulations, such abundant Lewis base would contribute to more surface heterogeneity and thus enhanced van der Waals interactions between nitrogen and the catalyst. Localized high concentration of N2 molecules can be realized at the catalyst surface, enabling efficient N2 delivery with a high flux and benefiting the following reaction process. As expected, the proof‐of‐concept metal‐free catalyst achieves a Faradaic efficiency of 62.9% and ammonia yield rate of 41.1 µg h−1 mg−1 at −0.2 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode. With this Lewis base‐assisted strategy, the superior efficiency would greatly reduce the energy loss of the system and cut down the fundamental cost, thus contributing to future practical applications.
Boosting Ultrafast Lithium Storage Capability of Hierarchical Core/Shell Constructed Carbon Nanofiber/3D Interconnected Hybrid Network with Nanocarbon and FTO Nanoparticle Heterostructures
Authors: Koo Bon‐Ryul , Sung Ki‐Wook , Ahn Hyo‐Jin
Published: June 2020

The aim of the study involves accelerating ultrafast electrochemical behavior of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) by proposing hierarchical core/shell heterostructure of carbon nanofiber (CNF)/3D interconnected hybrid network with nanocarbon and fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO) nanoparticles (NPs) via a one‐pot process of horizontal ultrasonic spray pyrolysis deposition. This is constructed via a pyrolysis reaction of ketjen black forming 3D interconnected FTO NPs covered with nanocarbon network on CNF. It offers fast electrical conductivity to the overall electrode with improved Li ion diffusion due to decreased size effect and relaxed structural variation of FTO NPs via nanocarbon network, leading to high discharge capacity (868.7 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles) at 100 mA g−1 and superior rate capability. Nevertheless, at extremely high current density (2000 mA g−1), significant ultrafast electrochemical performances with reversible discharge capacity (444.4 mAh g−1) and long‐term cycling retention (89.9% after 500 cycles) are noted. This is attributed to the novel effects of 3D interconnected hybrid network accelerating receptive capacity of Li ions into the FTO NPs via nanocarbon network, delivery of formed Li ions and electrons by hybrid network with FTO NP and nanocarbon, and prevention of FTO NP pulverization from CNFs via nanocarbon network. Therefore, the proposed heterostructure holds significant promise for effective development of ultrafast anode material for enhancing the practical applications of LIBs.
Hybrid FeNiOOH/α‐Fe2O3/Graphene Photoelectrodes with Advanced Water Oxidation Performance
Authors: Kormányos Attila , Kecsenovity Egon , Honarfar Alireza , Pullerits Tönu , Janáky Csaba
Published: June 2020

In this study, the photoelectrochemical behavior of electrodeposited FeNiOOH/Fe2O3/graphene nanohybrid electrodes is investigated, which has precisely controlled structure and composition. The photoelectrode assembly is designed in a bioinspired manner where each component has its own function: Fe2O3 is responsible for the absorption of light, the graphene framework for proper charge carrier transport, while the FeNiOOH overlayer for facile water oxidation. The effect of each component on the photoelectrochemical behavior is studied by linear sweep photovoltammetry, incident photon‐to‐charge carrier conversion efficiency measurements, and long‐term photoelectrolysis. 2.6 times higher photocurrents are obtained for the best‐performing FeNiOOH/Fe2O3/graphene system compared to its pristine Fe2O3 counterpart. Transient absorption spectroscopy measurements reveal an increased hole‐lifetime in the case of the Fe2O3/graphene samples. Long‐term photoelectrolysis measurements in combination with Raman spectroscopy, however, prove that the underlying nanocarbon framework is corroded by the photogenerated holes. This issue is tackled by the electrodeposition of a thin FeNiOOH overlayer, which rapidly accepts the photogenerated holes from Fe2O3, thus eliminating the pathway leading to the corrosion of graphene.
Stabilizing Solid Electrolyte Interphases on Both Anode and Cathode for High Areal Capacity, High‐Voltage Lithium Metal Batteries with High Li Utilization and Lean Electrolyte
Authors: Ma Qingtao , Zhang Xinyue , Wang Aoxuan , Xia Yongyao , Liu Xingjiang , Luo Jiayan
Published: June 2020

High‐energy‐density lithium metal batteries are considered the most promising candidates for the next‐generation energy storage systems. However, conventional electrolytes used in lithium‐ion batteries can hardly meet the demand of the lithium metal batteries due to their intrinsic instability for Li metal anodes and high‐voltage cathodes. Herein, an ester‐based electrolyte with tris(trimethylsilyl)phosphate additive that can form stable solid electrolyte interphases on the anode and cathode is reported. The additive decomposes before the ester solvent and enables the formation of P‐ and Si‐rich interphases on both electrodes that are ion conductive and robust. Thus, lithium metal batteries with a high‐specific‐energy of 373 Wh kg−1 can exhibit a long lifespan of over 80 cycles under practical conditions, including a low negative/positive capacity ratio of 2.3, high areal capacity of 4.5 mAh cm−2 for cathode, high‐voltage of 4.5 V, and lean electrolyte of 2.8 µL mAh−1. A 4.5 V pouch cell is further assembled to demonstrate the practical application of the tris(trimethylsilyl)phosphate additive with an areal capacity of 10.2 and 9.4 mAh cm−2 for the anode and cathode, respectively. This work is expected to provide an effective electrolyte optimizing strategy compatible with current lithium ion battery manufacturing systems and pave the way for the next‐generation Li metal batteries with high specific energy and energy density.
Effects of Fluorinated Diluents in Localized High‐Concentration Electrolytes for Lithium–Oxygen Batteries
Authors: Kwak Won‐Jin , Lim Hyung‐Seok , Gao Peiyuan , Feng Ruozhu , Chae Sujong , Zhong Lirong , Read Jeffrey , Engelhard Mark H. , Xu Wu , Zhang Ji‐Guang
Published: June 2020

A stable electrolyte is critical for practical application of lithium–oxygen batteries (LOBs). Although the ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability of the electrolytes have been extensively investigated before, their oxygen solubility, viscosity, volatility, and the stability against singlet oxygen (1O2) still need to be comprehensively investigated to provide a full picture of the electrolytes, especially for an open system such as LOBs. Herein, a systematic investigation is reported on the localized high‐concentration electrolytes (LHCEs) using different fluorinated diluents in comparison with those of conventional electrolytes. The physical properties and activation energies for reactions with singlet oxygen (1O2) of these electrolytes are calculated by density functional theory. The electrochemical performances of LOBs using these electrolytes are compared. This study reveals that the correlation between the stability of the electrolytes and their physical and electrochemical properties depends strongly on the diluents in LHCEs. Therefore, it shines light on the rational design of new electrolytes for LOBs.
Multiphoton‐Pumped Highly Polarized Polariton Microlasers from Single Crystals of a Dye‐Coordinated Metal–Organic Framework
Authors: Kottilil Dileep , Gupta Mayank , Vijayan Cheriyanath , Bharadwaj Parimal K. , Ji Wei
Published: June 2020

Room‐temperature, low‐threshold, photostable, cost‐effective, efficient, miniaturized, and all‐solid‐state lasers are highly desirable in many technological and medicinal applications. Here, an archetypical dye laser is introduced, with the above attributes, based on single‐crystalline microplates of a dye‐coordinated metal–organic framework (MOF) without an external cavity, holding a potential to be the next‐generation laser. With an exciton–polariton lasing mechanism combined with large multiphoton absorption cross sections, the lasing thresholds of the three microplates are in the range from 0.34 to 0.12 µJ cm−2 under various optical pumping schemes. The lasing threshold is observed to be reduced with an increment in the order of optical nonlinearity involved in the pumping scheme. Lasing at an extreme‐red region is demonstrated, with a high photostability (with a drop in lasing output as low as 25% after 1.8 × 106 cycles), a large degree of polarization (up to 92%), and an excellent conversion efficiency (up to 12%), thereby realizing a crucial milestone in the field of laser technology.
Cancer Cell Invasion of Mammary Organoids with Basal‐In Phenotype
Authors: Parigoris Eric , Lee Soojung , Mertz David , Turner Madeleine , Liu Amy Y. , Sentosa Jason , Djomehri Sabra , Chang Hao Chen , Luker Kathryn , Luker Gary , Kleer Celina G. , Takayama Shuichi
Published: June 2020

This paper describes mammary organoids with a basal‐in phenotype where the basement membrane is located on the interior surface of the organoid. A key materials consideration to induce this basal‐in phenotype is the use of a minimal gel scaffold that the epithelial cells self‐assemble around and encapsulate. When MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells are co‐cultured with epithelial cells from day 0 under these conditions, cells self‐organize into patterns with distinct cancer cell populations both inside and at the periphery of the epithelial organoid. In another type of experiment, the robust formation of the basement membrane on the epithelial organoid interior enables convenient studies of MDA‐MB‐231 invasion in a tumor progression‐relevant direction relative to epithelial cell‐basement membrane positioning. That is, the study of cancer invasion through the epithelium first, followed by the basement membrane to the basal side, is realized in an experimentally convenient manner where the cancer cells are simply seeded on the outside of preformed organoids, and their invasion into the organoid is monitored. Interestingly, invasion is more prominent when tumor cells are added to day 7 organoids with less developed basement membranes compared to day 16 organoids with more defined ones.
Low‐Bandgap Porphyrins for Highly Efficient Organic Solar Cells: Materials, Morphology, and Applications
Authors: Gao Ke , Kan Yuanyuan , Chen Xuebin , Liu Feng , Kan Bin , Nian Li , Wan Xiangjian , Chen Yongsheng , Peng Xiaobin , Russell Thomas P. , Cao Yong , Jen Alex K.‐Y.
Published: June 2020

With developments in materials, thin‐film processing, fine‐tuning of morphology, and optimization of device fabrication, the performance of organic solar cells (OSCs) has improved markedly in recent years. Designing low‐bandgap materials has been a focus in order to maximize solar energy conversion. However, there are only a few successful low‐bandgap donor materials developed with near‐infrared (NIR) absorption that are well matched to the existing efficient acceptors. Porphyrin has shown great potential as a useful building block for constructing low‐bandgap donor materials due to its large conjugated plane and strong absorption. Porphyrin‐based donor materials have been shown to contribute to many record‐high device efficiencies in small molecule, tandem, ternary, flexible, and OSC/perovskite hybrid solar cells. Specifically, non‐fullerene small‐molecule solar cells have recently shown a high power conversion efficiency of 12% using low‐bandgap porphyrin. All these have validated the great potential of porphyrin derivatives as effective donor materials and made DPPEZnP‐TRs a family of best low‐bandgap donor materials in the OSC field so far. Here, recent progress in the rational design, morphology, dynamics, and multi‐functional applications starting from 2015 will be highlighted to deepen understanding of the structure–property relationship. Finally, some future directions of porphyrin‐based OSCs are presented.
Interfacial Molecular Doping of Metal Halide Perovskites for Highly Efficient Solar Cells
Authors: Jiang Qi , Ni Zhenyi , Xu Guiying , Lin Yun , Rudd Peter N. , Xue Rongming , Li Yaowen , Li Yongfang , Gao Yongli , Huang Jinsong
Published: June 2020

Tailoring the doping of semiconductors in heterojunction solar cells shows tremendous success in enhancing the performance of many types of inorganic solar cells, while it is found challenging in perovskite solar cells because of the difficulty in doping perovskites in a controllable way. Here, a small molecule of 4,4′,4″,4″′‐(pyrazine‐2,3,5,6‐tetrayl) tetrakis (N,N‐bis(4‐methoxyphenyl) aniline) (PT‐TPA) which can effectively p‐dope the surface of FAxMA1−xPbI3 (FA: HC(NH2)2; MA: CH3NH3) perovskite films is reported. The intermolecular charge transfer property of PT‐TPA forms a stabilized resonance structure to accept electrons from perovskites. The doping effect increases perovskite dark conductivity and carrier concentration by up to 4737 times. Computation shows that electrons in the first two layers of octahedral cages in perovskites are transferred to PT‐TPA. After applying PT‐TPA into perovskite solar cells, the doping‐induced band bending in perovskite effectively facilitates hole extraction to hole transport layer and expels electrons toward cathode side, which reduces the charge recombination there. The optimized devices demonstrate an increased photovoltage from 1.12 to 1.17 V and an efficiency of 23.4% from photocurrent scanning with a stabilized efficiency of 22.9%. The findings demonstrate that molecular doping is an effective route to control the interfacial charge recombination in perovskite solar cells which is in complimentary to broadly applied defect passivation techniques.
Controlling Enamel Remineralization by Amyloid‐Like Amelogenin Mimics
Authors: Wang Dong , Deng Jingjing , Deng Xuliang , Fang Changqing , Zhang Xu , Yang Peng
Published: June 2020

In situ regeneration of the enamel‐like structure of hydroxyapatite (HAp) crystals under oral conditions is significant for dental caries treatment. However, it is still a challenge for dentists to duplicate the elegant and well‐aligned apatite structure bonding to the surface of demineralized enamel. A biocompatible amelogenin‐inspired matrix, a phase‐transited lysozyme (PTL) film mimicking an N‐terminal amelogenin with central domain (N‐Ame) combined with synthetic peptide (C‐AMG) based on the functional domains of C‐terminal telopeptide (C‐Ame) is shown here, which is formed by amyloid‐like lysozyme aggregation at the enamel interface through a rapid one‐step aqueous coating process. In the PTL/C‐AMG matrix, C‐AMG facilitated the oriented arrangement of amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) nanoparticles and their transformation to ordered enamel‐like HAp crystals, while PTL served as a strong interfacial anchor to immobilize the C‐AMG peptide and PTL/C‐AMG matrix on versatile substrate surfaces. PTL/C‐AMG film‐coated enamel induced both of the in vivo and in vitro synthesis of HAp crystals, facilitated epitaxial growth of HAp crystals and recovered the highly oriented structure and mechanical properties to levels nearly identical to those of natural enamel. This work underlines the importance of amyloid‐like protein aggregates in the biomineralization of enamel, providing a promising strategy for treating dental caries.
Unveiling the Fine Structural Distortion of Atomically Thin Bi2O2Se by Third‐Harmonic Generation
Authors: Liang Jing , Tu Teng , Chen Guanchu , Sun Yuanwei , Qiao Ruixi , Ma He , Yu Wentao , Zhou Xu , Ma Chaojie , Gao Peng , Peng Hailin , Liu Kaihui , Yu Dapeng
Published: June 2020

Bismuth oxyselenide (Bi2O2Se), a new type of 2D material, has recently attracted increased attention due to its robust bandgap, stability under ambient conditions, and ultrahigh electron mobility. In such complex oxides, fine structural distortion tends to play a decisive role in determining the unique physical properties, such as the ferrorotational order, ferroelectricity, and magnetoelasticity. Therefore, an in‐depth investigation of the fine structural symmetry of Bi2O2Se is necessary to exploit its potential applications. However, conventional techniques are either time consuming or requiring tedious sample treatment. Herein, a noninvasive and high‐throughput approach is reported for characterizing the fine structural distortion in 2D centrosymmetric Bi2O2Se by polarization‐dependent third‐harmonic generation (THG). Unprecedentedly, the divergence between the experimental results and the theoretical prediction of the perpendicular component of polarization‐dependent THG indicates a fine structural distortion, namely, a <1.4° rotation of the oxygen square in the tetragonal (Bi2O2) layers. This rotation breaks the intrinsic mirror symmetry of 2D Bi2O2Se, eventually reducing the symmetry from the D4h to the C4h point group. The results demonstrate that THG is highly sensitive to even fine symmetry variations, thereby showing its potential to uncover hidden phase transitions and interacting polarized sublattices in novel 2D material systems.
Controlled High‐Capacity Storage of Lithium‐Ions Using Void‐Incorporated 3D MXene Architectures
Authors: Min Gyu Duk , Nam Myeong Gyun , Kim Dongjae , Oh Min Jun , Moon Joon Hyung , Kim Woo‐Jae , Park Juhyun , Yoo Pil J.
Published: June 2020

MXene, an example of 2D transition metal carbides, has recently been explored as an energy storage material for batteries or supercapacitors due to its high electrical conductivity and tunability of functional moieties. As with other 2D nano‐materials, however, attempts to harness MXene‐based electrodes have been limited by deterioration in mass transfer owing to self‐stacking and aggregation problems of MXenes. Here, means of creating 3D‐structured MXene films having voids of controlled size using templated co‐assembly between MXene nanosheets and monodisperse colloidal particles are presented. Using a 3D‐structured MXene‐only film incorporating microscale voids as a thin‐film electrode for Li‐ion batteries yield an initial specific capacity of 435.4 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.01 A g−1 and highly extended cyclic stability persisting 1200 cycles, approaching the reported theoretical capacity of MXene even without employing any binder or conductive species. Electrochemical analyses reveal that the improved specific capacity is attributable to enhanced contribution of pseudo‐capacitive Li‐storage compared to diffusion‐mediated capacity, as incorporated voids tend to facilitate ionic transport into the interior region of the MXene films. Therefore, this work offers a concrete understanding to realize improved electrochemical performances of 2D nanomaterial‐based electrodes, especially in the form of free‐standing thin films.
Atomic Layer Engineering of Epsilon‐Near‐Zero Ultrathin Films with Controllable Field Enhancement
Authors: Gurung Sudip , Anopchenko Aleksei , Bej Subhajit , Joyner Jay , Myers Jason D. , Frantz Jesse , Lee Ho Wai Howard
Published: June 2020

Enhanced and controlled light absorption, as well as field confinement in optically thin materials, are pivotal for energy‐efficient optoelectronics and nonlinear optical devices. Highly doped transparent conducting oxide (TCO) thin films can support the so‐called epsilon near zero (ENZ) modes in a frequency region of near‐zero permittivity, which can lead to the perfect light absorption and ultrastrong electric field intensity enhancement (FIE) within the films. To achieve full control over absorption and FIE, one must be able to tune the ENZ material properties as well as the film thickness. Here, engineered absorption and FIE are experimentally demonstrated in aluminum‐doped zinc oxide (AZO) thin films via control of their ENZ wavelengths, optical losses, and film thicknesses, tuned by adjusting the atomic layer deposition (ALD) parameters such as dopant ratio, deposition temperature, and the number of macrocycles. It is also demonstrated that under ENZ mode excitation, though the absorption and FIE are inherently related, the film thickness required for observing maximum absorption differs significantly from that for maximum FIE. This study on engineering ENZ material properties by optimizing the ALD process will be beneficial for the design and development of next‐generation tailorable photonic devices based on flat, zero‐index optics.
Building High Rate Capability and Ultrastable Dendrite‐Free Organic Anode for Rechargeable Aqueous Zinc Batteries
Authors: Liu Nannan , Wu Xian , Zhang Yu , Yin Yanyou , Sun Chengzhi , Mao Yachun , Fan Lishuang , Zhang Naiqing
Published: June 2020

Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) are an alternative energy storage system for large‐scale grid applications compared with lithium‐ion batteries, when the low cost, safety, and durability are taken into consideration. However, the reliability of the battery systems always suffers from the serious challenge of the large Zn dendrite formation and “dead Zn,” thus bringing out the inferior cycling stability, and even cell shorting. Herein, a dendrite‐free organic anode, perylene‐3,4,9,10‐tetracarboxylic diimide (PTCDI) polymerized on the surface of reduced graphene oxide (PTCDI/rGO) utilized in ZIBs is reported. Moreover, the theoretical calculations prove the reason for the low redox potential. Due to the protons and zinc ions coparticipant phase transfer mechanism and the high charge transfer capability, the PTCDI/rGO electrode provides superior rate capability (121 mA h g−1 at 5000 mA g−1, retaining the 95% capacity of that compared with 50 mA g−1) and a long cycling life span (96% capacity retention after 1500 cycles at 3000 mA g−1). In addition, the proton coparticipation energy storage mechanism of active materials is elucidated by various ex‐situ methods.
Ultrathin Phosphate‐Modulated Co Phthalocyanine/g‐C3N4 Heterojunction Photocatalysts with Single Co–N4 (II) Sites for Efficient O2 Activation
Authors: Chu Xiaoyu , Qu Yang , Zada Amir , Bai Linlu , Li Zhijun , Yang Fan , Zhao Lina , Zhang Guiling , Sun Xiaojun , Yang Zhao‐Di , Jing Liqiang
Published: June 2020

Realization of solar‐driven aerobic organic transformation under atmospheric pressure raises the great challenge for efficiently activating O2 by tailored photocatalysts. Guided by theoretical calculation, phosphate groups are used to induce the construction of ultrathin Co phthalocyanine/g‐C3N4 heterojunctions (CoPc/P‐CN, ≈4 nm) via strengthened H‐bonding interfacial connection, achieving an unprecedented 14‐time photoactivity improvement for UV–vis aerobic 2,4‐dichlorophenol degradation compared to bulk CN by promoted activation of O2. It is validated that more •O2− radicals are produced through the improved photoreduction of O2 by accelerated photoelectron transfer from CN to the ligand of CoPc and then to the abundant single Co–N4 (II) catalytic sites, as endowed by the matched dimension, intimate interface even at the molecular level, and high CoPc dispersion of resulted heterojunctions. Interestingly, CoPc/P‐CN also exhibits outstanding photoactivities in the aerobic oxidation of aromatic alcohols. This work showcases a feasible route to realize efficient photocatalytic O2 activation by exploiting the potential of ultrathin metal phthalocyanine (MPc) assemblies with abundant single‐atom sites. More importantly, a universal facile strategy of H‐bonding‐dominating construction of MPc‐involved heterojunctions is successfully established.
Evaluating pearl millet and mungbean intercropping in the semi‐arid regions of Senegal
Authors: Diatta Andre A. , Abaye Ozzie , Thomason Wade E. , Lo Mamadou , Thompson Thomas L. , Vaughan Larry J. , Gueye Fatou , Diagne Nathalie
Published: June 2020

Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] yields in Senegal are constrained by rainfall variability, persistent drought, and low soil fertility. Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek], a short‐duration and relatively drought‐tolerant legume crop, is capable of improving soil fertility and productivity of associated crops. Our study evaluated the effects of pearl millet and mungbean intercropping on crop yields in the semi‐arid regions of Senegal. Field experiments were conducted during the 2017 and 2018 growing seasons at Bambey and Nioro sites located within Senegal's west‐central and Saloum agricultural regions, respectively. Experimental treatments: monocropped millet (T1), monocropped mungbean (T2, 100%), and 23% (T3), 43% (T4), 47% (T5), 62% (T6), 125% (T7), and 164% (T8) of mungbean intercropped with millet were laid out in a randomized complete block design and replicated four times. In addition to yield, canopy cover and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) were measured and yield advantage was assessed with the land equivalent ratio (LER). Combined millet and mungbean seed yields were up to 60 and 85% higher under intercropping systems compared to millet monocropping at Bambey and Nioro, respectively. Similarly, LER was always greater than unity (> 1) under millet–mungbean intercropping compared to millet monocropping. Mean canopy cover estimates and NDVI values increased by up to 60 and 30% in millet–mungbean intercropping over millet grown alone, respectively. These combined yield gains obtained without fertilizer applications suggested that optimizing mungbean density (62–125%) in pearl millet‐based systems can increase the combined yields in a low‐input and/or high‐risk environment in Senegal.
Hydration in relation to water insecurity, heat index, and lactation status in two small‐scale populations in hot‐humid and hot‐arid environments
Authors: Bethancourt Hilary J. , Swanson Zane S. , Nzunza Rosemary , Huanca Tomas , Conde Esther , Kenney W. Larry , Young Sera L. , Ndiema Emmanuel , Braun David , Pontzer Herman , Rosinger Asher Y.
Published: June 2020

Objectives

This study compared the prevalence of concentrated urine (urine specific gravity ≥1.021), an indicator of hypohydration, across Tsimane' hunter‐forager‐horticulturalists living in hot‐humid lowland Bolivia and Daasanach agropastoralists living in hot‐arid Northern Kenya. It tested the hypotheses that household water and food insecurity would be associated with higher odds of hypohydration.

Methods

This study collected spot urine samples and corresponding weather data along with data on household water and food insecurity, demographics, and health characteristics among 266 Tsimane' households (N = 224 men, 235 women, 219 children) and 136 Daasanach households (N = 107 men, 120 women, 102 children).

Results

The prevalence of hypohydration among Tsimane' men (50.0%) and women (54.0%) was substantially higher (P < .001) than for Daasanach men (15.9%) and women (17.5%); the prevalence of hypohydration among Tsimane' (37.0%) and Daasanach (31.4%) children was not significantly different (P = .33). Multiple logistic regression models suggested positive but not statistically significant trends between household water insecurity and odds of hypohydration within populations, yet some significant joint effects of water and food insecurity were observed. Heat index (2°C) was associated with a 23% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09‐1.40, P = .001), 34% (95% CI: 1.18‐1.53, P < .0005), and 23% (95% CI: 1.04‐1.44, P = .01) higher odds of hypohydration among Tsimane' men, women, and children, respectively, and a 48% (95% CI: 1.02‐2.15, P = .04) increase in the odds among Daasanach women. Lactation status was also associated with hypohydration among Tsimane' women (odds ratio = 3.35, 95% CI: 1.62‐6.95, P = .001).

Conclusion

These results suggest that heat stress and reproductive status may have a greater impact on hydration status than water insecurity across diverse ecological contexts.
Positively selected variants in functionally important regions ofTLR7inAlouatta guariba clamitanswith yellow fever virus exposure in Northern Argentina
Authors: Torosin Nicole S. , Webster Timothy H. , Argibay Hernán , Sanchez Fernandez Candelaria , Ferreyra Hebe , Uhart Marcela , Agostini Ilaria , Knapp Leslie A.
Published: June 2020

Background

In 2007–2009, a major yellow fever virus (YFV) outbreak in Northern Argentina decimated the local howler monkey (Alouatta) population.

Aims

To evaluate whether the surviving howler monkeys possess advantageous genetic variants inherited from monkeys alive prior to the YFV outbreak, we explored the relationship between Toll‐like receptor (TLR) 7 and TLR8 gene variation and YFV susceptibility.

Methods

We used samples from Alouatta individuals in Misiones, Argentina alive before the YFV outbreak, individuals that died during the outbreak, and individuals that survived the outbreak and are alive today. We measured genetic divergence between Alouatta YFV exposure groups and evaluated Alouatta‐specific substitutions for functional consequences.

Results

We did not find different allele frequencies in the post‐YFV exposure Alouatta group compared to the pre‐exposure group. We identified three nonsynonymous variants in TLR7 in Alouatta guariba clamitans. Two of these substitutions are under positive selection in functionally important regions of the gene.

Discussion and Conclusions

Our results did not indicate that surviving howler monkey spossess advantageous genetic variants at greater frequency than those alive before the YFV outbreak. However, the positively selected unique coding differences in A. guariba clamitans are in the region important in pathogen detection which may affect YFV resistance. Morework is necessary to fully explore this hypothesis
NMDAR Antibodies Alter Dopamine Receptors and Cause Psychotic Behavior in Mice
Authors: Carceles‐Cordon Marc , Mannara Francesco , Aguilar Esther , Castellanos Aida , Planagumà Jesús , Dalmau Josep
Published: June 2020

Objective

The aim was to demonstrate that antibodies from patients with anti‐N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis alter the levels of dopamine 1 receptor (D1R) and dopamine 2 receptor (D2R) and cause psychotic‐like features in mice.

Methods

Cultured rat hippocampal neurons were treated with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients with anti‐NMDAR encephalitis or controls, and the effects on clusters of D1R and D2R were quantified. In vivo studies included 71 C57BL/6J mice that were chronically infused with CSF from patients or controls through ventricular catheters connected to subcutaneous osmotic pumps. Prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startling reflex (PPI; a marker of psychotic‐like behavior), memory, locomotor activity, and the density of cell‐surface and synaptic D1R, D2R, and NMDAR clusters were examined at different time points using reported techniques.

Results

In cultured neurons, CSF from patients, but not from controls, caused a significant decrease of cell‐surface D1R and an increase of D2R clusters. In mice, CSF from patients caused a significant decrease of synaptic and total cell‐surface D1R clusters and an increase of D2R clusters associated with a decrease of PPI. These effects were accompanied by memory impairment and a reduction of surface NMDARs, as reported in this model. The psychotic‐like features, memory impairment, and changes in levels of D1R, D2R, and NMDAR progressively improved several days after the infusion of CSF from patients stopped.

Interpretation

In addition to memory deficits and reduction of NMDARs, CSF antibodies from patients with anti‐NMDAR encephalitis cause reversible psychotic‐like features accompanied by changes (D1R decrease, D2R increase) in cell‐surface dopamine receptor clusters. ANN NEUROL 2020 ANN NEUROL 2020;88:603–613