bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CARBON NITRIDE THIN FILMS PREPARED BY PULSED XeCl EXCIMERLASER DEPOSITION ASSISTED BY DC GLOW DISCHARGE
Authors: FU GUANG-SHENG  , YU WEI  , WANG SHU-FANG  , LI XIAO-WEI  , ZHANG LIAN-SHUI  , HAN LI  ,   河北大学物理科学与技术学院,保定071002
Published: December 2020

Carbon nitride thin films are deposited by combining XeCl pulsed laser deposition with additional dc glow discharge. The morphology, composition, structure and bonding status of the films are analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Auger electron spectroscopy. The results show that the deposited films are mainly composed of crystalline carbon nitride and amorphous silicon nitride. The carbon nitride in the film exist in mixed phases of α- and β-C3N4 and the crystalline grain size is in the range of 40—60nm, The XPS studies indicate that carbon atoms of the films are mainly bonded to nitrogen in sp3 C—N bonds while most of the nitrogen atoms are in N—Si bonds.
EFFECTS OF ANNEALING CONDITIONS ON THE CRYSTALLIZATION QUALITIES OF Cd1-xZnxTe SLICES
Authors: LI YU-JIE-  , ZHANG XIAO-NA  , JIE WAN-QI  ,   西北工业大学凝固技术国家重点实验室,西安710072
Published: December 2020

Defects such as point defects, dislocations, impurities and Te precipitates always exist in Cd 1-xZnxTe ( x =0.04) crystals obtained by Bridgman and accelerated crucible rotation technique-Bridgman bulk crystal growth methods. It is important to anneal CdZnTe slices in Cd vapor to eliminate these defects. In this paper, the solid-vapor equilibrium for CdZnTe crystals is first discussed extensively based on the phase diagrams of Cd-Te and the P-T plot of Cd0.96Zn0.04Te. Through the annalysis, the annealing conditions for Cd1-xZnxTe crystals are optimized. Experimental results show that the Zn partial vapor pressure, which is higher than the equilibrium pressure within a certain range, can enhance the diffusion process of the excess Te towards the surface of the slices and thus eliminate Te precipitates. However, saturated Zn pressure causes Zn and Te concentration in surface layers of the slices far away from the stoichiometry. Intensive exchange of atoms between the slice surface and the vapor under this condition would lead to severe damage to the crystallization quality on the surface. The inter diffusion of Zn also inhibits the outer-diffusion of impurities during annealing. Thus a lower Zn partial pressure, but still lies in the solid vapor equilibrium area of the P-T plot, can help to drive out the impurities. According to the crystallization quality and the concentration distribution of slices annealed under different conditions, the annealing of CdZnTe wafers is classified into three kinds, namely de-precipitate annealing, de-impurity annealing and homogenizing annealing. The favorable annealing process should be a multi-step and multi period procedure.
PERIODIC ENTANGLEMENT BETWEEN THE INTERNAL AND EXTERANL DEGREE OF FREEDOM OF A TRAPPED ION IN A STANDING WAVE LASER
Authors: FANG MAO-FA  , LIU XIANG  ,   湖南师范大学理学院物理系,长沙410081
Published: December 2020

We have investigated the quantum entropy and entanglement of the internal and external degrees of freedom of a trapped ion in a standing wave laser by transforming the Hamiltonian to that in the Jaynes-Cummings system for the bare basis of the trapped ion under the Lamb-Dicke limit. Under the off-resonant condition, we have found the periodic entanglement between the internal and external degrees of freedom of a trapped ion.
COMPARISON BETWEEN THE THEORIES OF SIX-TEMPERATURE MODEL AND THE RATE EQUATION FOR Q-SWITCHED CO2 LASER
Authors: TIAN ZHAO-SHUO  , WANG QI  , LI ZI-QIN  , WANG YU-SAN  ,   哈尔滨工业大学可调谐激光技术国家重点实验室,哈尔滨150001
Published: December 2020

The theories of rate equation and six-temperature model for CO2 lasers are used to describe the process of the dynamic emission in the electrooptically Q switched CO2 laser. The peak power and delay time of Q switched laser calculated by the two theories are well consistent with the experiments. The calculated pulse width of Q switched laser using the theory of rate equation is narrow and the tailing is too short. However, a theoretical analysis by using the six-temperature model is consistent with the measured waveform and the tailing is obvious. In addition, the processes of energy-transfer of all kinds of molecular levels are considered in the six-temperature model. So compared to the rate equation, the six-temperature model makes a better analysis.
MECHANISM FOR THE ORIENTATIONAL PHASE TRANSITION OF K3C60
Authors: LI HONG-NIAN  , XU YA-BO  , BAO SHI-NING  , LI HAI-YANG  , WU TAI-QUAN  , CHEN XIAO  , QIAN HAI-JIE  , I. KURASH  , LIU FENG-QIN  ,   (1)浙江大学物理系,杭州310027; (2)浙江大学物理系,杭州310027,浙江大学微系统研究中心,杭州310027; (3)中国科学院高能物理研究所国家同步辐射实验室,北京100039
Published: December 2020

Conduction band structure of K3C60 single crystal films was studied at temperatures near 200 K. Band dispersions along the [111] direction could be observed at 190 K using synchrotron radiation photoemission spectra technique. When the sample temperature increased to 220 K, most subpeaks of the conduction band vanished and the dispersions could not be observed. This result coincides with the existence of an orientational phase transition occurring at 200 K. The fcc nearest-neighbor antiferromagetic Ising model was adopted to analyze the temperature dependence of the band structure. The phase transition is due to the one-dimensional-disordered structure (1DDS) at lower temperatures, which turns to a mixture of bi-directional structure domains and disordered molecules at higher temperatures. The number of disordered molecules was deduced to be about 40 percent of the total molecules at 220 K.
ESTIMATION OF POST-NEWTONIAN APPROXIMATION OF GRAVITY THAT AFFECTS SATELLITES OF PLANET
Authors: ZHONG MING-QIAN  ,   西北大学物理系,西安710069
Published: December 2020

The post-Newtonian approximation in general relativity will be used to estimate gravity for the jovian system and the comet shoemaker-Levy 9 that collided with Jupiter. We calculate and discuss the post-Newtonian corrections to the gravity of Jupiter and precessions of its satellites, which are compared with the Earth-Moon system.
Multi-frequency sinusoidal chaotic neural network and its complex dynamics
Authors: Li Ru-Yi , Wang Guang-Yi , Dong Yu-Jiao , Zhou Wei ,   Institute of Modern Circuits and Intelligent Information, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
Published: December 2020

A large number of animal experiments show that there is irregular chaos in the biological nervous systems. An artificial chaotic neural network is a highly nonlinear dynamic system, which can realize a series of complex dynamic behaviors, optimize global search and neural computation, and generate pseudo-random sequences for information encryption. According to the superposition theory of sinusoidal signals with different frequencies of brain waves, a non-monotone activation function based on the multifrequency-frequency conversion sinusoidal function and a piecewise function is proposed to make a neural network more consistent with the biological characteristics. The analysis shows that by adjusting the parameters, the activation function can exhibit the EEG signals in its different states, which can simulate the rich and varying brain activities when the brain waves of different frequencies and types work at the same time. According to the activation function we design a new chaotic cellular neural network. The complexity of the chaotic neural network is analyzed by the structural complexity based SE algorithm and C0 algorithm. By means of Lyapunov exponential spectrum, bifurcation diagram and basin of attraction, the effects of the activation function’s parameters on its dynamic characteristics are analyzed in detail, and it is found that a series of complex phenomena appears in the chaotic neural network, such as many different types of chaotic attractors, coexistent chaotic attractors and coexistence limit cycles, which improves the performance of the chaotic neural network, and proves that the multi-frequency sinusoidal chaotic neural network has rich dynamic characteristics, so it has a good prospect in information processing, information encryption and other aspects.
Archosauriform footprints in the Lower Triassic of Western Alps and their role in understanding the effects of the Permian-Triassic hyperthermal
Authors: Petti Fabio Massimo , Furrer Heinz , Collo Enrico , Martinetto Edoardo , Bernardi Massimo , Delfino Massimo , Romano Marco , Piazza Michele
Published: December 2020

The most accepted killing model for the Permian-Triassic mass extinction (PTME) postulates that massive volcanic eruption (i.e., the Siberian Traps Large Igneous Province) led to geologically rapid global warming, acid rain and ocean anoxia. On land, habitable zones were drastically reduced, due to the combined effects of heating, drought and acid rains. This hyperthermal had severe effects also on the paleobiogeography of several groups of organisms. Among those, the tetrapods, whose geographical distribution across the end-Permian mass extinction (EPME) was the subject of controversy in a number of recent papers. We here describe and interpret a new Early Triassic (?Olenekian) archosauriform track assemblage from the Gardetta Plateau (Briançonnais, Western Alps, Italy) which, at the Permian-Triassic boundary, was placed at about 11° North. The tracks, both arranged in trackways and documented by single, well-preserved imprints, are assigned to Isochirotherium gardettensis ichnosp. nov., and are here interpreted as produced by a non-archosaurian archosauriform (erytrosuchid?) trackmaker. This new discovery provides further evidence for the presence of archosauriformes at low latitudes during the Early Triassic epoch, supporting a model in which the PTME did not completely vacate low-latitude lands from tetrapods that therefore would have been able to cope with the extreme hot temperatures of Pangaea mainland.
Individual differences show that only some bats can cope with noise-induced masking and distraction
Authors: Gomes Dylan G.E. , Goerlitz Holger R.
Published: December 2020

Anthropogenic noise is a widespread pollutant that has received considerable recent attention. While alarming effects on wildlife have been documented, we have limited understanding of the perceptual mechanisms of noise disturbance, which are required to understand potential mitigation measures. Likewise, individual differences in response to noise (especially via perceptual mechanisms) are likely widespread, but lacking in empirical data. Here we use the echolocating batPhyllostomus discolor, a trained discrimination task, and experimental noise playback to explicitly test perceptual mechanisms of noise disturbance. We demonstrate high individual variability in response to noise treatments and evidence for multiple perceptual mechanisms. Additionally, we highlight that only some individuals were able to cope with noise, while others were not. We tested for changes in echolocation call duration, amplitude, and peak frequency as possible ways of coping with noise. Although all bats strongly increased call amplitude and showed additional minor changes in call duration and frequency, these changes could not explain the differences in coping and non-coping individuals. Our understanding of noise disturbance needs to become more mechanistic and individualistic as research knowledge is transformed into policy changes and conservation action.
Status, Trends and Valuation Methodologies of Forestry Sector in India
Authors: Gorain Subrata , Malakar Ayushman
Published: December 2020

One of the crucial links of ecosystem is forest and its resources. Apart from producing direct use values, it provides several environmental benefits like pollution control, carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling, micro climate regulations etc. Forests are still an almost neglected sector and are consistently undervalued in economic and social terms. Though the area under forest cover has increased, India is still far from its target. Due to different peculiar characteristics, we are not able to valuate forest resources by traditional method of valuation. There is a need to proper insight into forest cover and its valuation methodologies. Through this article, we have tried to estimate the growth pattern, status and trends in India’s forest cover along with its method of valuation.
Potential of Bran from Two Varieties of Rice (Oryza) Spp for Bioethanol Production
Authors: Musa Hadiza , Abdullahi Abdullahi Imam , El-Yakub Rabi’a Ibrahim , Alhaji Yerima Ibrahim
Published: December 2020

Second generation ethanol is produced from non-food based including waste from food crops, wood chips and agricultural residue. Lignocellulosic and starchy materials in them are converted to fermentable sugars which are further processed to produce bioethanol. Rice bran is an agricultural residue with abundant carbohydrate for bioconversion into ethanol. This study was designed to evaluate the potential of two varieties of rice bran (Sipi and Wita) to produce bioethanol. Compositional analysis of Wita rice bran showed 40% cellulose, 23% hemicellulose and 16% lignin content. Sipi variety contains 35% cellulose, 27% hemicellulose and 13% lignin content. Sodium hydroxide pretreatment was carried out at different concentrations (0.5%, 1%, 2% and 3%) and residence time of (15, 30, 60, and 90min). It was observed from the present study, pretreatment of rice bran with 2% NaOH for 90min is considered as effective pretreatment condition for bioethanol production from rice bran. Simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of cellulosic biomass was carried out for 72h with Saccharomyces cerevisae and Mucor indicus. Fermentation of Wita variety with S.cerevisiae produced highest bioethanol yield of 1.36% while Mucor indicus produced 0.75% bioethanol yield. From the result of these findings, it can be concluded that rice bran could be considered as a promising substrate for the fermentation of second generation ethanol.
HSP90 identified by a proteomic approach as druggable target to reverse platinum resistance in ovarian cancer
Authors: Lombardi Rita , Sonego Maura , Pucci Biagio , Addi Laura , Iannelli Federica , Capone Francesca , Alfano Luigi , Roca Maria Serena , Milone Maria Rita , Moccia Tania , Costa Alice , Di Gennaro Elena , Bruzzese Francesca , Baldassarre Gustavo , Budillon Alfredo
Published: December 2020

Acquired resistance to platinum (Pt)‐based therapies is an urgent unmet need in the management of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients. Here, we characterized by an unbiased proteomics method three isogenic EOC models of acquired Pt resistance (TOV‐112D, OVSAHO, and MDAH‐2774). Using this approach, we identified several differentially expressed proteins in Pt‐resistant (Pt‐res) compared to parental cells and the chaperone HSP90 as a central hub of these protein networks. Accordingly, up‐regulation of HSP90 was observed in all Pt‐res cells and heat‐shock protein 90 alpha isoform knockout resensitizes Pt‐res cells to cisplatin (CDDP) treatment. Moreover, pharmacological HSP90 inhibition using two different inhibitors [17‐(allylamino)‐17‐demethoxygeldanamycin (17AAG) and ganetespib] synergizes with CDDP in killing Pt‐res cells in all tested models. Mechanistically, genetic or pharmacological HSP90 inhibition plus CDDP ‐induced apoptosis and increased DNA damage, particularly in Pt‐res cells. Importantly, the antitumor activities of HSP90 inhibitors (HSP90i) were confirmed both ex vivo in primary cultures derived from Pt‐res EOC patients ascites and in vivo in a xenograft model. Collectively, our data suggest an innovative antitumor strategy, based on Pt compounds plus HSP90i, to rechallenge Pt‐res EOC patients that might warrant further clinical evaluation.
A comprehensive meta‐analysis of the comparison question polygraph test
Authors: Honts Charles R. , Thurber Steven , Handler Mark
Published: December 2020

We conducted a meta‐analysis on the most commonly used forensic polygraph test, the Comparison Question Test. We captured as many studies as possible by using broad inclusion criteria. Data and potential moderators were coded from 138 datasets. The meta‐analytic effect size including inconclusive outcomes was 0.69 [0.66, 0.79]. We found significant moderator effects. Notably, level of motivation had a positive linear relationship with our outcome measures. Information Gain analysis of CQT outcomes representing the median accuracy showed a significant information increase over interpersonal deception detection across almost the complete range of base rates. Our results suggest that the CQT can be accurate, that experimental studies are generalizable, and no publication bias was detected. We discussed the limitations of the field research literature and problems within polygraph profession that lower field accuracy. We suggest some possible solutions.
Nanoporous Surface High‐Entropy Alloys as Highly Efficient Multisite Electrocatalysts for Nonacidic Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Yao Rui‐Qi , Zhou Yi‐Tong , Shi Hang , Wan Wu‐Bin , Zhang Qing‐Hua , Gu Lin , Zhu Yong‐Fu , Wen Zi , Lang Xing‐You , Jiang Qing
Published: December 2020

Electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution in alkaline and neutral media offers the possibility of adopting platinum‐free electrocatalysts for large‐scale electrochemical production of pure hydrogen fuel, but most state‐of‐the‐art electrocatalytic materials based on nonprecious transition metals operate at high overpotentials. Here, a monolithic nanoporous multielemental CuAlNiMoFe electrode with electroactive high‐entropy CuNiMoFe surface is reported to hold great promise as cost‐effective electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline and neutral media. By virtue of a surface high‐entropy alloy composed of dissimilar Cu, Ni, Mo, and Fe metals offering bifunctional electrocatalytic sites with enhanced kinetics for water dissociation and adsorption/desorption of reactive hydrogen intermediates, and hierarchical nanoporous Cu scaffold facilitating electron transfer/mass transport, the nanoporous CuAlNiMoFe electrode exhibits superior nonacidic HER electrocatalysis. It only takes overpotentials as low as ≈240 and ≈183 mV to reach current densities of ≈1840 and ≈100 mA cm−2 in 1 m KOH and pH 7 buffer electrolytes, respectively; ≈46‐ and ≈14‐fold higher than those of ternary CuAlNi electrode with bimetallic Cu–Ni surface alloy. The outstanding electrocatalytic properties make nonprecious multielemental alloys attractive candidates as high‐performance nonacidic HER electrocatalytic electrodes in water electrolysis.
The Interlayer Method: A Universal Tool for Energy Level Alignment Tuning at Inorganic/Organic Semiconductor Heterojunctions
Authors: Schultz Thorsten , Lungwitz Dominique , Longhi Elena , Barlow Stephen , Marder Seth R. , Koch Norbert
Published: December 2020

The combination of inorganic and organic semiconductors in a heterojunction is considered a promising approach to overcome limitations of each individual material class. However, to date only few examples of improved (opto‐)electronic functionality have been realized with such hybrid heterojunctions. The key to unraveling the full potential offered by inorganic/organic semiconductor heterojunctions is the ability to deliberately control the interfacial electronic energy levels. Here, a universal approach to adjust the offset between the energy levels at inorganic/organic semiconductor interfaces is demonstrated: the interlayer method. A monolayer‐thick interlayer comprising strong electron donor or acceptor molecules is inserted between the two semiconductors and alters the energy level alignment due to charge transfer with the inorganic semiconductor. The general applicability of this method by tuning the energy levels of hydrogenated silicon relative to those of vacuum‐processed films of a molecular semiconductor as well as solution‐processed films of a polymer semiconductor is exemplified, and is shown that the energy level offset can be changed by up to 1.8 eV. This approach can be used to adjust the energy levels at the junction of a desired material pair at will, and thus paves the way for novel functionalities of optoelectronic devices.
Recent Progress in Magnetically Actuated Microrobots for Targeted Delivery of Therapeutic Agents
Authors: Choi Junhee , Hwang Junsun , Kim Jin‐young , Choi Hongsoo
Published: December 2020

Therapeutic agents, such as drugs and cells, play an essential role in virtually every treatment of injury, illness, or disease. However, the conventional practices of drug delivery often result in undesirable side effects caused by drug overdose and off‐target delivery. In the case of cell delivery, the survival rate of the transplanted cells is extremely low and difficulties with the administration route of cells remain a problem. Recently, magnetically actuated microrobots have started offering unique opportunities in targeted therapeutic delivery due to their tiny size and ability to access hard‐to‐reach lesions in a minimally invasive manner; considerable advances in this regard have been made over the past decade. Here, recent progress in magnetically actuated microrobots, developed for targeted drug/cell delivery, is presented, with a focus on their design features and mechanisms for controlled therapeutic release. Additionally, the practical challenges faced by the microrobots, and future research directions toward the swift bench‐to‐bedside translation of the microrobots are addressed.
Nanotheranostic Interface Based on Antibiotic‐Loaded Conducting Polymer Nanoparticles for Real‐Time Monitoring of Bacterial Growth Inhibition
Authors: Enshaei Hamidreza , Puiggalí‐Jou Anna , del Valle Luis J. , Turon Pau , Saperas Núria , Alemán Carlos
Published: December 2020

Conducting polymers have been increasingly used as biologically interfacing electrodes for biomedical applications due to their excellent and fast electrochemical response, reversible doping–dedoping characteristics, high stability, easy processability, and biocompatibility. These advantageous properties can be used for the rapid detection and eradication of infections associated to bacterial growth since these are a tremendous burden for individual patients as well as the global healthcare system. Herein, a smart nanotheranostic electroresponsive platform, which consists of chloramphenicol (CAM)‐loaded in poly(3,4‐ethylendioxythiophene) nanoparticles (PEDOT/CAM NPs) for concurrent release of the antibiotic and real‐time monitoring of bacterial growth is presented. PEDOT/CAM NPs, with an antibiotic loading content of 11.9 ± 1.3% w/w, are proved to inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli and Streptococcus sanguinis due to the antibiotic release by cyclic voltammetry. Furthermore, in situ monitoring of bacterial activity is achieved through the electrochemical detection of β‐nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, a redox active specie produced by the microbial metabolism that diffuse to the extracellular medium. According to these results, the proposed nanotheranostic platform has great potential for real‐time monitoring of the response of bacteria to the released antibiotic, contributing to the evolution of the personalized medicine.
The Power of Ionic Liquids: Crystal Facet Engineering of SrTiO3Nanoparticles for Tailored Photocatalytic Applications
Authors: Alammar Tarek , Smetana Volodymr , Pei Hanwen , Hamm Ines , Wark Michael , Mudring Anja‐Verena
Published: December 2020

Sonochemical synthesis of nano‐sized SrTiO3carried out at close to room temperature, in ionic liquids (ILs) allows the tuning of particle size and particle morphology, that is, tracht and habitus, as well as particle aggregation via the choice of the ionic liquids (ILs) as the reaction medium. The nanoparticles demonstrate high performance for photocatalytic water splitting and photodecomposition of organic material. To this end bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide ([Tf2N]−)‐based ILs with cations of different properties with respect to specific interactions with the target material are investigated. Isolated, 15±1 nm sized nano‐spheres of SrTiO3are observed to form in [C3mimOH][Tf2N] ([C3mimOH]+ =1‐(3‐hydroxypropyl)‐3‐methylimidazolium). Aggregation of small sized nanoparticles are observed to around 250±100 nm large cube‐like formations in [C4mim][Tf2N] ([C4mim]+ =1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium), raspberry‐like in [C4Py][Tf2N] ([C4Py]+butylpyridinium), and ball‐like in [P66614][Tf2N] ([P66614]+tetradecyltrihexyl phosphonium). Importantly, the different materials show different performance as photocatalysts. SrTiO3prepared in [C4mim][Tf2N] shows the highest photocatalytic activity for H2evolution (1115.4µmol h−1) when using 0.025 wt% Rh as the co‐catalyst, whereas the material prepared in [C3mimOH][Tf2N] shows the highest activity for the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (88%) under UV irradiation. The different photocatalytic activities can be correlated with the different crystal surface facets expressed in the respective nanosized SrTiO3material, {110} for material obtained from [C4mim][Tf2N], and {100} for material from [C3mimOH][Tf2N]. First‐principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations are used to support the experimental findings.
Surface Doping of Organic Single‐Crystal Semiconductors to Produce Strain‐Sensitive Conductive Nanosheets
Authors: Watanabe Shun , Hakamatani Ryohei , Yaegashi Keita , Yamashita Yu , Nozawa Han , Sasaki Mari , Kumagai Shohei , Okamoto Toshihiro , Tang Cindy G. , Chua Lay‐Lay , Ho Peter K. H. , Takeya Jun
Published: December 2020

A highly periodic electrostatic potential, even though established in van der Waals bonded organic crystals, is essential for the realization of a coherent band electron system. While impurity doping is an effective chemical operation that can precisely tune the energy of an electronic system, it always faces an unavoidable difficulty in molecular crystals because the introduction of a relatively high density of dopants inevitably destroys the highly ordered molecular framework. In striking contrast, a versatile strategy is presented to create coherent 2D electronic carriers at the surface of organic semiconductor crystals with their precise molecular structures preserved perfectly. The formation of an assembly of redox‐active molecular dopants via a simple one‐shot solution process on a molecularly flat crystalline surface allows efficient chemical doping and results in a relatively high carrier density of 1013 cm−2 at room temperature. Structural and magnetotransport analyses comprehensively reveal that excellent carrier transport and piezoresistive effects can be obtained that are similar to those in bulk crystals.
Recent Advances and Perspectives of Zn‐Metal Free “Rocking‐Chair”‐Type Zn‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Tian Yuan , An Yongling , Wei Chuanliang , Xi Baojuan , Xiong Shenglin , Feng Jinkui , Qian Yitai
Published: December 2020

In the past decades, the world has witnessed the successful commercialization of “rocking‐chair”‐type lithium‐ion batteries with lithium metal free anodes. Owing to their safe, green, easy manufacturing, and cost‐efficiency characteristics, rechargeable zinc batteries have recently received more and more attention. However, the practical application of Zn metal batteries is hampered mainly by the dendritic growth of Zn metal anode, which leads to poor Coulombic efficiency, hazards, and various side reactions. Herein, the emerging “rocking‐chair”‐type Zn‐ion batteries are systemically reviewed with Zn host anodes instead of Zn metal anodes. As an introduction, the fundamental principles, advantages, and challenges of “rocking‐chair”‐type Zn‐ion batteries are discussed. Subsequently, the design principles and recent advances of cathode, anode, and electrolyte for “rocking‐chair” Zn‐ion batteries are summarized. To conclude, perspectives on the future of “rocking‐chair” Zn‐ion batteries are presented. It is hoped that this review may provide alternative directions for the design of Zn‐ion batteries.
Recent Advances in Twisted‐Fiber Artificial Muscles
Authors: Leng Xueqi , Hu Xiaoyu , Zhao Wubin , An Baigang , Zhou Xiang , Liu Zunfeng
Published: December 2020

An artificial muscle is a type of actuator that can contract, extend, or rotate when exposed to external stimuli (e.g., electrochemical, temperature, pressure, humidity, light, etc.). Twisted fibers can be used in powerful artificial muscles and can convert volume expansion upon stimuli into torsional rotation or axial contraction due to their spiral structure. Upon twist insertion, torsional stress is produced in the fiber, and fiber volume expansion increases the torsional stress, resulting in fiber untwisting. By inserting twist to form a self‐coiled fiber, fiber volume expansion causes the contraction of this self‐coiled fiber if the fiber is torsionally tethered. Fiber‐based artificial muscles have potential applications in a variety of fields such as temperature‐regulating clothing, soft robots, prosthetics, and exoskeletons. Herein, the recent progress in twisted‐fiber artificial muscles with different actuation stimuli, such as thermal, photo, solvent adsorption or infiltration, and electrochemical, is reviewed. The opportunities and challenges for twisted‐fiber artificial muscles are also discussed. Therefore, this review provides an insight for designing high‐performance and multi‐functional twisted‐fiber artificial muscles and motivates the development and applications of fiber‐based artificial muscle in future research.
ABCA7 and the altered lipidostasis hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Lyssenko Nicholas N. , Praticò Domenico
Published: December 2020

We propose the altered lipidostasis hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). It holds that vulnerable neurons of the entorhinal region generate a neurodegenerative lipid during normal function, adenosine triphosphate–binding cassette transporter subfamily A member 7 (ABCA7) protects from AD pathogenesis by removing it out of the cell, generation of the lipid increases with age, and the minimal amount of ABCA7 needed to dispose of the rising volumes of the lipid also increases with age. A survey of ABCA7 protein levels in the hippocampus or parietal cortex of 123 individuals with or without AD neuropathology showed that individuals with low ABCA7 developed AD neuropathology at a younger age, those with intermediate ABCA7 developed it later, and individuals who developed it very late had high ABCA7, the same as the youngest controls. ABC transporters closely similar to ABCA7 protect cells by removing toxic lipids. ABCA7 may have analogous functions. The hypothesis predicts lipidosis and membrane protein dysfunction in neurons with low ABCA7. Further work will identify the neurodegenerative lipid and determine approaches to exploit ABCA7 for therapeutic purposes.
Binuclear Ln (III) complexes: High‐efficiency sensing of acetonitrile/dichloromethane and magnetocaloric effect
Authors: Li Juan , Tang Ji‐Xia , Zou Hua‐Hong , Mo Kai‐Qiang , Wen Chang‐Chun , Liang Fu‐Pei
Published: December 2020

At room temperature, 2‐aminomethylpyridine, Ln (NO3)3·6H2O and (E)‐2‐((3‐methoxy‐2‐oxidobenzylidene)amino)ethanesulfonate (L1) in methanol and acetonitrile to obtain four complexes: [Ln2(L)2(NO3)4] (Ln = Sm (1), Eu (2), Gd (3), Tm (4), andL= (E)‐2‐methoxy‐6‐(((pyridin‐2‐ylmethyl)imino)methyl)phenol). The original organic ligandL1and 2‐aminomethylpyridine reacted in situ under the catalyzed condition of LnIIIion to form a new Schiff base ligandL. In the above process, firstly, the C = N double bond in the original Schiff base ligandL1is broken and further combines with 2‐aminomethylpyridine to form a new Schiff base ligandL. As far as we know, this is rare in the formation of lanthanide complexes. When Complex2was subjected to luminescence test, it was found to have an extremely high selectivity to acetonitrile (CH3CN) and methylene chloride (CH2Cl2). Therefore, after screening a variety of different organic solvents, here we explore a method that can quickly and efficiently respond to CH3CN/CH2Cl2. In addition, we can visually distinguish the response of Complex2to multiple volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The magnetocaloric effect (MCE) test of Complex3showed 18.7 J·kg−1·K−1at 2 K for ΔH= 5 T.
Highly efficient synthesis of silica‐coated magnetic nanoparticles modified with iminodiacetic acid applied to synthesis of 1,2,3‐triazoles
Authors: Godarzbod Farideh , Mirjafary Zohreh , Saeidian Hamid , Rouhani Morteza
Published: December 2020

Great efforts have been made to discover new catalysts to facilitate synthesis of organic fine chemicals. In this research, a new silica‐coated magnetic nanoparticles functionalized by iminodiacetic acid (Fe3O4@SiO2@IDA) was prepared by the sol–gel method. The structure of nanoparticles was fully characterized by using X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetry analysis. The results revealed that the nanoparticles have spherical morphology and an average size of around 40 nm. The analysis also illustrated that the copper nanoparticles had been successfully loaded on the nitrogen‐rich carbon support with a uniform distribution. The inductively coupled plasma analysis showed that about 0.22 mmol g−1 of Cu was loaded on the Fe3O4@SiO2@IDA support. Application of Fe3O4@SiO2@IDA‐Cu as a magnetically recyclable nanocatalyst for synthesis of 1,4‐disubstituted‐1,2,3‐triazole derivatives through an azide–alkyne [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction was also investigated. Mild reaction conditions, excellent yields (65–90%), environment‐friendly synthesis, and easily prepared starting materials are the key features of the present method. The catalyst is easily removed from the reaction media using an external magnetic field and can be reused at least five times without any considerable loss of its catalytic activity.
Preparation and crystallographic studies of a new mercuric salicylaldimine complex for fabrication of microscaled and nanoscaled mercuric sulfide as antimicrobial agents against human pathogenic yeasts and filamentous fungi
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmed B.M. , Mahmoud Ghada Abd‐Elmonsef , Meurer Florian , Bodensteiner Michael
Published: December 2020

The new mercuric complex [Hg(HL)2Cl2] incorporating salicylaldimine ligand (HL = 2‐((pyridin‐3‐ylimino)methyl)phenol) was fabricated where the ligand molecules behaved in a monodentate manner via their pyridine nitrogen atoms. In addition to elemental characterization, X‐ray crystallographic studies of the complex revealed its packing in a monoclinic crystal system (space group:I2/a,a= 13.4276(2) Å,b= 6.20950(10) Å,c= 27.7530 (4) Å,α=γ= 90°, andβ= 98.1610(10)°). Hydrothermal treatment of [Hg(HL)2Cl2] with thioacetamide afforded HgS microparticles (HgS μPs; Brunauer–Emmett–Teller [BET] surface area = 6.205 m2/g, diameter = 196.53–259.13 nm, and average size = 213.27 nm), whereas these microparticles were transformed to nanoscaled HgS particles (HgS NPs; BET surface area = 14.380 m2/g, diameter = 58.87–90.56 nm, and average size = 72.78 nm) by the action of ultrasonication. The as‐prepared HgS, HgS NPs in particular, afforded remarkable microbicidal activity against eight strains of filamentous and unicellular human pathogenic fungi and yeasts in comparison with cycloheximide. Remarkably,Aspergillus terreusgrew up to 34.7 ± 1.88 mm in the absence of any fungicide, but HgS μPs, HgS NPs, and cycloheximide limited the fungal growth to 26 ± 0.94, 12.33 ± 1.6, and 28.3 ± 1.7 mm after incubation for 6 days. Besides, inhibition ofRhodotorula glutiniswas of 7.6 ± 0.01 × 107CFU/ml in control sample, but experiments included HgS μPs, HgS NPs, and cycloheximide limited the colony‐forming units ofR. glutinisto 4.2 ± 0.01 × 107, 3.5 ± 0.02 × 107, and 5.9 ± 0.05 × 107CFU/ml.
Adaptive and Maladaptive Bodily Awareness: Distinguishing Interoceptive Sensibility and Interoceptive Attention from Anxiety‐Induced Somatization in Autism and Alexithymia
Authors: Trevisan Dominic A. , Mehling Wolf E. , McPartland James C.
Published: December 2020

There is growing interest in “interoception” (i.e., detection and interpretation of internal body signals) as a relevant mechanism contributing to certain symptoms and features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and alexithymia. However, inconsistent measurement and operationalization of interoception has led to confusion and inconsistent findings in the literature. In this commentary, we present alternative interpretations of findings from existing studies to demonstrate that ASD and alexithymia are conditions associated with reduced adaptive forms of interoceptive attention (i.e., attention toward bodily signals) but heightened maladaptive forms of interoceptive attention related to anxiety‐induced somatization. Differentiating adaptive and maladaptive forms of interoceptive attention reveals a clearer pattern of findings in the research literature for further investigation of interoceptive processes that are involved in the neurobiology of ASD. However, interoception is a complex and multi‐faceted construct that requires continual refinement in conceptualization and operationalization. Interoception research may benefit from self‐report measures that clearly differentiate adaptive and maladaptive forms of bodily awareness.

Lay Summary

Some research suggests that autistic people have difficulty understanding bodily feelings such as hunger, illness, or emotions, whereas some studies have reported the opposite pattern of findings. We argue that this latter subset of studies reached false conclusions from using measures of bodily awareness that largely measure physical symptoms of anxiety. While attention to unpleasant bodily signals is an important ability necessary for maintaining healthy bodily functioning, excessive attention, and worry toward bodily signals can increase anxiety and be harmful.
Green and sustainable route for oxidative depolymerization of lignin: New platform for fine chemicals and fuels
Authors: Kumaravel Sangeetha , Thiruvengetam Prabaharan , Karthick Kannimuthu , Sankar Selvasundarasekar Sam , Karmakar Arun , Kundu Subrata
Published: December 2020

Depolymerization of lignin biomass to its value‐added chemicals and fuels is pivotal for achieving the goals for sustainable society, and therefore has acquired key interest among the researchers worldwide. A number of distinct approaches have evolved in literature for the deconstruction of lignin framework to its mixture of complex constituents in recent decades. Among the existing practices, special attention has been devoted for robust site selective chemical transformation in the complex structural frameworks of lignin. Despite the initial challenges over a period of time, oxidation and oxidative cleavage process of aromatic building blocks of lignin biomass toward the fine chemical synthesis and fuel generation has improved substantially. The development has improved in terms of cost effectiveness, milder reaction conditions, and purity of compound individuals. These aforementioned oxidative protocols mainly involve the breaking of C‐C and C‐O bonds of complex lignin frameworks. More precisely in the line with environmentally friendly greener approach, the catalytic oxidation/oxidative cleavage reactions have received wide spread interest for their mild and selective nature toward the lignin depolymerization. This mini‐review aims to provide an overview of recent developments in the field of oxidative depolymerization of lignin under greener and environmentally benign conditions. Also, these oxidation protocols have been discussed in terms of scalability and recyclability as catalysts for different fields of applications.
Parallel mediation effect of consumption values and the moderation effect of innovativeness, in predicting the influence of identity on green purchasing behavior
Authors: Mutum Dilip S. , Ghazali Ezlika M. , Wei‐Pin Woon
Published: December 2020

This study investigates the mechanism by which proenvironmental self‐identity (PESI) predicts green purchasing behavior (GPB) through various dimensions of green consumption values, following the recently published modern‐mediation‐analysis guidelines. The model was examined via 1,186 validated survey responses from experienced green consumers. Data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling technique. Results demonstrate that the relationship between PESI and GPB is mediated by emotional, epistemic, social, and health values. The results, however, did not find support for mediation effects of conditional and functional values. In addition, consumer innovativeness was found to moderate the relationship between PESI and three out of five values (conditional, functional, and social values) examined. This study indicates that promoting the advantages of green products and strengthening PESI and consumption values are closely linked to GPBs. Additionally, peer referral appears to minimize the perceived risks associated with buying green products. Marketers of green products are encouraged to provide health‐related information such as calorie and nutritional content.
Decontamination of mycotoxigenic fungi on shelled corn using selective infrared heating technique
Authors: Wilson Shantae A. , Mohammadi Shad Zeinab , Oduola Abass A. , Zhou Zonghui , Jiang Hongrui , Carbonero Franck , Atungulu Griffiths G.
Published: December 2020

Background and objectives

Mycotoxigenic fungi pose a severe threat to humans’ health and cause economic losses to crop growers. This study investigated the impact of selected wavelengths of infrared (IR), as a novel technique, followed by a tempering step to inactivate the fungi on shelled corn.

Findings

Ascomycota was found to be the most dominant phylum (95.6 and 93.2%, respectively) on corn treated with only IR and IR followed by a tempering. Among fungal genera, Aspergillus was the primary genus found on corn treated with only IR heat. However, a significant reduction in relative abundance of Aspergillus (22%) was obtained when corn with 16% moisture content (wet basis) was treated with the following set up: IR wavelength of 3.2 µm at product‐to‐emitter gap of 110 mm, and 60 s duration.

Conclusion

The use of selected IR wavelengths is effective in inactivating mycotoxigenic fungi such as Aspergillus flavus. The further significant suppression of the mycotoxigenic fungi is feasible with incorporating a tempering step into the IR heat treatment.

Significance and novelty

The selected IR system is scalable for large scale industrial application, offering promises of reliable and rapid mycotoxigenic fungal inactivation on corn and other cereals.
Catheter‐related blood stream infection caused by Mycobacterium chelonae in a child with myeloid leukemia associated with Down syndrome
Authors: Fujikawa Tomoko , Uemura Suguru , Aoto Yuya , Nambu Yoshinori , Nagano China , Nakatani Naoko , Nino Nanako , Yamamoto Nobuyuki , Mori Takeshi , Nishimura Noriyuki , Iijima Kazumoto
Published: December 2020

Rapidly growing nontuberculous mycobacteria should be considered if GPRs gram‐positive rods are detected in blood cultures 2‐3 days after the blood sample collection.
Primary intraosseous osteolytic meningioma without an evidence of soft tissue invasion
Authors: Dolachee Ali Adnan , Hoz Samer S. , Lafta Ghazwan A.
Published: December 2020

Primary intraosseous osteolytic meningiomas are not common, and total surgical removal is the best treatment option if the location allows that; however, long‐term follow‐up is recommended since it may recur.
In Situ and Operando Techniques for Investigating Electron Transfer in Biological Systems
Authors: de Souza João C. P. , Macedo Lucyano J. A. , Hassan Ayaz , Sedenho Graziela C. , Modenez Iago A. , Crespilho Frank N.
Published: December 2020

When bioelectrochemistry meets other analytical techniques for in situ experiments, new possibilities for understanding the nature of charge‐transfer reactions are provided. Despite progress in recent years in analytical instrumentation, a number of key issues remains for bioelectrochemistry, in terms of the mechanistic description of the surface reactions involved in biomolecules’ electron transfer. The main challenges of these techniques are the concomitant detection of electron transfer and molecular alteration as well as the development of suitable bioelectrodes. This review discusses the most recent and emerging in situ and operando electrochemical methods used to study biological systems such as redox proteins, nucleic acids, small biomolecules, cells, and biomembranes, focusing on electrochemical methods coupled with spectroscopic, spectrometric, and microscopic techniques.
Forward osmosis for multi‐effect distillation brine treatment: Performance and concentration polarization evaluation
Authors: Yang Ye , Sun Yuzhu , Song Xingfu , Yu Jianguo
Published: December 2020

The discharge of reject brine from seawater desalination processes is a threat to marine ecosystems. This study investigated the feasibility of forward osmosis (FO) for the treatment of reject brine from multi‐effect distillation (MED) systems. The performances of two commercial FO membranes (ie, cellulose triacetate (CTA) and polyamide thin film composite (TFC) membranes) were compared. The effects of operating conditions, such as draw solution concentration, cross‐flow velocity, and temperature, on concentration polarization and consequently on the water flux, were quantitatively analyzed using a mathematical model. Results showed that the batch FO process could effectively reduce the volume of MED brine to 54.9% using 3 mol/L NaCl. As the draw solution concentration increased from 1‐5 mol/L, a significant increase in the initial water flux from 3.23‐17.88 L · m−2 · h−1 and from 3.55‐24.04 L · m−2 · h−1 was observed for the CTA and TFC membranes, respectively. However, the proportions of the effective osmotic pressure differences decreased from 20.7% to 11.9% and from 23.5% to 6.2% for the CTA and TFC membranes, respectively, indicating the concentration polarization (CP) was severe for high‐salinity brine treatment. The positive effects of increasing cross‐flow velocity on CP were limited. Moreover, the high temperature of the MED brine effectively mitigated the internal concentration polarization (ICP), thereby enhancing the water flux. Overall, this study provides valuable guidance for the application and optimization of FO in MED brine treatment.
Discovery of Halogenated Benzothiadiazine Derivatives with Anticancer Activity**
Authors: Huwaimel Bader I. , Bhakta Myla , Kulkarni Chaitanya A. , Milliken Alexander S. , Wang Feifei , Peng Aimin , Brookes Paul S. , Trippier Paul C.
Published: December 2020

Mitochondrial respiratory complex II (CII), also known as succinate dehydrogenase, plays a critical role in mitochondrial metabolism. Known but low potency CII inhibitors are selectively cytotoxic to cancer cells including the benzothiadiazine‐based anti‐hypoglycemic diazoxide. Herein, we study the structure‐activity relationship of benzothiadiazine derivatives for CII inhibition and their effect on cancer cells for the first time. A 15‐fold increase in CII inhibition was achieved over diazoxide, albeit with micromolar IC50 values. Cytotoxicity evaluation of the novel derivatives resulted in the identification of compounds with much greater antineoplastic effect than diazoxide, the most potent of which possesses an IC50 of 2.93±0.07 μM in a cellular model of triple‐negative breast cancer, with high selectivity over nonmalignant cells and more than double the potency of the clinical agent 5‐fluorouracil. No correlation between cytotoxicity and CII inhibition was found, thus indicating an as‐yet‐undefined mechanism of action of this scaffold. The derivatives described herein represent valuable hit compounds for therapeutic discovery in triple‐negative breast cancer.