bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Li content on stability, electronic and Li-ion diffusion properties of Li3xLa(2/3)–x†(1/3)–2xTiO3 surface
Authors: Hua Biao , Sun Bao-Zhen , Wang Jing-Xuan , Shi Jing , Xu Bo ,   College of Physics and Communication Electronics, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang 330022, China,   Key Lab of Fluorine and Silicon for Energy Materials and Chemistry of Ministry of Education, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang 330022, China
Published: October 2022

Li3xLa(2/3)–x†(1/3)–2xTiO3(LLTO) is a promising solid-state electrolyte for Li-ion batteries. We study the effect of Li content on the stability, electronic and Li-ion diffusion properties of LLTO surface based on first-principles and molecular dynamics simulations. We consider both Li-poor and Li-rich LLTO surfaces. The results show that La/O/Li-terminated LLTO (001) is the most stable crystal surface. Further, LLTO (001) surface gives better stability when Li content is 0.17, 0.29, and 0.38 for Li-poor phase, while 0.33, 0.40, and 0.45 for Li-rich phase . Electronic structure calculations infer that in both Li-poor and Li-rich LLTO(001) surfaces there occurs the transition from conductor to semiconductor with the increase of Li content. Besides, we find that Li-ion always keeps a two-dimensional diffusion path for different Li content. As Li content increases from 0.17 to 0.38 for Li-poor LLTO (001) surface, Li-ion diffusion coefficient increases gradually and Li-ion diffusion barrier decreases from 0.58 eV to 0.42 eV. Differently, when Li content increases from 0.33 to 0.45 for Li-rich LLTO(001) surface, it does not follow a monotonic trend for diffusion coefficient nor for diffusion barrier of Li-ion. In this case, Li-ion diffusion coefficient is the largest and Li-ion diffusion barrier is the lowest (0.30 eV) when Li content is 0.40. Thus, our study suggests that by varying Li content, the stability, band gap, and Li-ion diffusion performance of LLTO (001) can be changed favorably. These advantages can inhibit the formation of lithium dendrites on the LLTO (001) surface.
Autoantibody discovery across monogenic, acquired, and COVID-19-associated autoimmunity with scalable PhIP-seq
Authors: Vazquez Sara E , Mann Sabrina A , Bodansky Aaron , Kung Andrew F , Quandt Zoe , Ferré Elise MN , Landegren Nils , Eriksson Daniel , Bastard Paul , Zhang Shen-Ying , Liu Jamin , Mitchell Anthea , Proekt Irina , Yu David , Mandel-Brehm Caleigh , Wang Chung-Yu , Miao Brenda , Sowa Gavin , Zorn Kelsey , Chan Alice Y , Tagi Veronica M , Shimizu Chisato , Tremoulet Adriana , Lynch Kara , Wilson Michael R , Kämpe Olle , Dobbs Kerry , Delmonte Ottavia M , Bacchetta Rosa , Notarangelo Luigi D , Burns Jane C , Casanova Jean-Laurent , Lionakis Michail S , Torgerson Troy R , Anderson Mark S , DeRisi Joseph L
Published: October 2022

Phage immunoprecipitation sequencing (PhIP-seq) allows for unbiased, proteome-wide autoantibody discovery across a variety of disease settings, with identification of disease-specific autoantigens providing new insight into previously poorly understood forms of immune dysregulation. Despite several successful implementations of PhIP-seq for autoantigen discovery, including our previous work (Vazquez et al., 2020), current protocols are inherently difficult to scale to accommodate large cohorts of cases and importantly, healthy controls. Here, we develop and validate a high throughput extension of PhIP-seq in various etiologies of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including APS1, IPEX, RAG1/2 deficiency, Kawasaki disease (KD), multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), and finally, mild and severe forms of COVID-19. We demonstrate that these scaled datasets enable machine-learning approaches that result in robust prediction of disease status, as well as the ability to detect both known and novel autoantigens, such as prodynorphin (PDYN) in APS1 patients, and intestinally expressed proteins BEST4 and BTNL8 in IPEX patients. Remarkably, BEST4 antibodies were also found in two patients with RAG1/2 deficiency, one of whom had very early onset IBD. Scaled PhIP-seq examination of both MIS-C and KD demonstrated rare, overlapping antigens, including CGNL1, as well as several strongly enriched putative pneumonia-associated antigens in severe COVID-19, including the endosomal protein EEA1. Together, scaled PhIP-seq provides a valuable tool for broadly assessing both rare and common autoantigen overlap between autoimmune diseases of varying origins and etiologies.
Z-REX uncovers a bifurcation in function of Keap1 paralogs
Authors: Van Hall-Beauvais Alexandra , Poganik Jesse R , Huang Kuan-Ting , Parvez Saba , Zhao Yi , Lin Hong-Yu , Liu Xuyu , Long Marcus John Curtis , Aye Yimon
Published: October 2022

Studying electrophile signaling is marred by difficulties in parsing changes in pathway flux attributable to on-target, vis-à-vis off-target, modifications. By combining bolus dosing, knockdown, and Z-REX—a tool investigating on-target/on-pathway electrophile signaling, we document that electrophile labeling of one zebrafish-Keap1-paralog (zKeap1b) stimulates Nrf2- driven antioxidant response (AR) signaling (like the human-ortholog). Conversely, zKeap1a is a dominant-negative regulator of electrophile-promoted Nrf2-signaling, and itself is nonpermissive for electrophile-induced Nrf2-upregulation. This behavior is recapitulated in human cells: (1) zKeap1b-expressing cells are permissive for augmented AR-signaling through reduced zKeap1b–Nrf2 binding following whole-cell electrophile treatment; (2) zKeap1a-expressing cells are non-permissive for AR-upregulation, as zKeap1a–Nrf2 binding capacity remains unaltered upon whole-cell electrophile exposure; (3) 1:1 ZKeap1a:zKeap1b-co-expressing cells show no Nrf2-release from the Keap1-complex following whole-cell electrophile administration, rendering these cells unable to upregulate AR. We identified a zKeap1a-specific point-mutation (C273I) responsible for zKeap1a’s behavior during electrophilic stress. Human-Keap1(C273I), of known diminished Nrf2-regulatory capacity, dominantly muted electrophile-induced Nrf2-signaling. These studies highlight divergent and interdependent electrophile signaling behaviors, despite conserved electrophile sensing.
A simple, cost-effective colorimetric assay for aluminum ions via complexation with the flavonoid rutin
Authors: Arnold Anne M. , Kennedy Zachary C. , Hutchison Janine R.
Published: October 2022

Aluminum has been linked to deleterious health effects with high concentration, chronic exposure, creating a need for innovative detection techniques. Colorimetric assays are an ideal approach since they are simple, cost-effective, and field adaptable. Yet, commercially available colorimetric assays for aluminum are limited since it forms few colored chelation complexes. Flavonoids, a class of polyphenolic compounds, are one of the few examples that create colored aluminum complexes. Aluminum ions (Al3+) are the main constituent in colorimetric assays for flavonoid detection in food or plant samples. Our assay design was based on colorimetric flavonoid assays, where the assay reported herein was optimized. Specifically, the flavonoid rutin concentration and sample-to-rutin volume ratio (295:5 µL) were optimized to detect Al3+ at low µM concentrations in samples. The assay performed comparably, and in some instances better, than those requiring advanced instrumentation and previously reported colorimetric assays, with a linear range (1–8 µM), sensitivity (7.6 nM), limit of detection (79.8 nM), and limit of quantification (266 nM) for Al3+. The colorimetric assay was accurate (99 ≤ 108 ± 4 ≤ 6% Al3+ recovery), precise (low intra- and inter-assay coefficient of variation (CV) of 3.1 ≤ 5.9% and 4.4%, respectively), and selective for Al3+ ions compared to solutions containing a variety of other mono-, di-, and tri-cations at much higher concentrations (10- to 100-fold higher). Lastly, the colorimetric assay was applicable to complex analysis. It was used to generate a chelation curve depicting the Al3+ chelation capacity of sodium alginate, a biologically derived polymer used as a bioink for 3D bioprinting.
Comparative Study on Theoretical and Numerical Calculations of Mass Flow Rate through Opening of Compartment
Authors: Ha Suim , Oh Chang Bo
Published: October 2022

In this study, stratified, well-mixed, and simplified theoretical model equations and Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) were used to calculate the mass inflow, outflow and neutral height to determine the usefulness of previously proposed simple formulas for the calculation of the mas flow rate through openings of compartments in case of fire. The mass flow rate through the opening was evaluated for two conditions, i.e., a fire inside the compartment and no fire, with a high-temperature homogeneous mixture filled inside the compartment. The height of the neutral plane calculated using the theory and FDS under the condition of fire inside the compartment well obeyed the trend of the experiment. In particular, the FDS results for the neutral plane height and inlet air mass flow well agreed with the experiment. However, for the inlet air mass flow rate, the theoretically obtained stratified and well-mixed model equations overestimated the mass flow variation trend according to the increase in opening width. The results of the stratified model equation were the most consistent with the FDS calculation results regardless of temperature, under the condition of a uniform mixture inside the compartment. Regarding the inlet air flow rate, the difference between the theoretical equation result and FDS result was not small. In contrast, for the effluent air flow rate, the results of the simplified formula were the most consistent with the FDS results.
Study on the Development of Multi-Purpose Fire Engines through Vehicle Safety Factor Design
Authors: Han Yong-taek
Published: October 2022

With the recent rapid economic growth, the construction of high-rise buildings such as new town apartment complexes, residential-commercial complexes, and office buildings has increased. This study thus attempted to develop a multi-purpose fire engine to enhance the response to a fire and rescue efforts in line with the steady increase in the demand for safety in high-rise buildings, through a design that combined techniques that focused on large ladders and a midsized 5-ton fire pump engine. A ladder function was added to the most widely used fire engine, with the design incorporating a maximum ladder height of 20 m for fire suppression and lifesaving. A basket was fitted to the end of the ladder to enable firefighters to safely perform these tasks, while the outrigger was designed to vertically descend to allow ladder work as long as vehicle entry is possible despite illegally parked cars. Based on the chassis of a commercial 5-ton fire engine as a type of conventional midsized pump engine, the result was a multi-purpose fire engine developed for special uses that require both fire pump and ladder functions. The multi-purpose fire engine was designed in consideration of safety factors for the direct rescue of people from buildings using a basket rated for a maximum load of 250 kg, through the application of a boom in addition to the common fire pump. It is expected that after their rapid arrival at the scene of a fire, such multi-purpose fire engines could be used for firefighting or lifesaving at relatively low 2-6-story buildings. It is anticipated that the present investigation and other relevant studies will allow the application of this novel design to various other vehicle types such as water tanks, chemical tanks, and rescue vehicles.
Analysis of Factors Related to Return of Spontaneous Circulation in Patients with Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest in Korea: Using Data from the 2019 Acute Cardiac Arrest Survey
Authors: Choi Hyojeong , Roh Sanggyun
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to analyze the characteristics of out-of-hospital acute cardiac arrest patients collected from the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to identify the current status and provide basic data to increase the recovery rate of out-hospital acute cardiac arrest patients. As a result of the study, the number of acute cardiac arrest patients in Korea in 2019 was 30,279, of whom 1,505 (64.4%) were men and 10,774 (35.6%) were women. Of the total patients, 1,056 (51.7%) showed good neurological outcomes when paramedics performed defibrillation at the pre-hospital stage (p = 0.001). In the initial review of electrocardiographic rhythm performed by paramedics, 1,025 patients (52.8%) showed ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia, which indicated good neurological outcomes (p = 0.001).
Aesthetic Elements of Calligraphy Appear in Chinese Films
Authors: Huai Liu , Qin Zhang
Published: October 2022

Aesthetic elements of calligraphy appear in Chinese films is the main focus of this paper. The transition of calligraphy works from practicality to artistry is actually a process of constantly surpassing techniques, and it is a logical evolution from technique to Dao. In this process, the subject's emotions are continuously infiltrated, enriched and expanded in the realization of techniques. Hence, we will consider to apply to the real scenarios. In essence, film is a way of cultural dissemination. Each film has its own cultural concept and cultural orientation and the process of dissemination is a process of concept diffusion. Accordingly, this paper gives the novel suggestions.
A Study on the Problems and Obstacles that Small and Medium-Sized Hotel Businesses Struggle
Authors: GÖKTEPE Sevinç
Published: October 2022

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are especially important for developing countries. SMEs are the basis not only of the developing countries’ economies but also the developed countries. On one hand, helping to revitalize the
economy by contributing to employment; on the other hand, these businesses contribute to regional economies. It is possible to say that SMEs are dominant in tourism. Hotels attract the attention most among tourism SMEs. Small and
Medium-sized Hotel Enterprises (SMHEs) are trying to fulfill the hospitality feature in the best way by interacting one-to-one with the customers. In this study, the problems and obstacles of SMHEs, which are very important in
terms of Turkey's tourism, are tried to emphasize by consultation with the hotel owner/managers face to face. The research was carried out on small and medium-sized hotel businesses in Istanbul during the period of June-September
2018. Istanbul is a destination that attracts the most tourists and is dominated by small and medium-sized hotel businesses. In this direction, 28 participants, including managers and owners of SME hotels in Istanbul, were interviewed.
When the results are evaluated problems and obstacles are grouped under 5 main headings. These are security, issues related to the quality of SMHEs, ethnic problems, obstacles of bringing small in size, marketing problems. It has
been seen in the literature that the problems and obstacles faced by businesses are mostly related to the business itself. The elements such as lack of funding, marketing problems, lack of resources, etc. may come to the fore.
However, in the interviews, the participants talked about non-organizational problems in general. It is clearly seen that the problems and obstacles experienced are affected by periodic events. In this context, it was observed
that periodic situations such as terrorism and the State of Emergency were predominant.
Revolutionizing Large Classes and Helping the Silently Excluded Learners through Language Inclusive Practices
Authors: Ofodu Graceful Onovughe , Fatimayin Foluke Florence , Paschal Mahona Joseph
Published: October 2022

One of the challenges facing the actualization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in many African countries and especially Nigeria is the daunting influence of lack of quality education which is occasioned by the problems of large classes and silently excluded learners in schools. The effects of these maladies had always been foregrounded in the poor academic performance of students, especially in the English language writing task of secondary school students in both internal and external examinations. The rippling effects are not easily erased from most undergraduate and postgraduate students’ writing abilities. Therefore, there is a great need to revolutionize the language classrooms to accommodate the silently excluded or struggling learners in our large language classes. In this paper, the inclusive-pluralistic strategies of effective language teaching for educators were examined. Some of these strategies highlighted are class collaborations, grand/instructional conversations, quick-writes and quick-draws. The literature review was done and the gaps found gave room for the justification of this study. The applicability, examples and step-by-step procedures of these strategies for inclusive teaching and learning of the literacy skills of reading and writing resonated. The paper concluded with a call on teachers in secondary schools to use these strategies to eliminate the challenges of the silently excluded/struggling learners as well as assist them to teach writing effectively. It also suggested that teacher training institutions could introduce these strategies so that pre-service teachers can imbibe and utilize them when they eventually become practising teachers. Lastly, it recommended the strategies to textbook writers and curriculum planners.
Association Between Selective Decontamination of the Digestive Tract and In-Hospital Mortality in Intensive Care Unit Patients Receiving Mechanical Ventilation
Authors: Hammond Naomi E. , Myburgh John , Seppelt Ian , Garside Tessa , Vlok Ruan , Mahendran Sajeev , Adigbli Derick , Finfer Simon , Gao Ya , Goodman Fiona , Guyatt Gordon , Santos Joseph Alvin , Venkatesh Balasubramanian , Yao Liang , Di Tanna Gian Luca , Delaney Anthony
Published: October 2022

Importance

The effectiveness of selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) in critically ill adults receiving mechanical ventilation is uncertain.

Objective

To determine whether SDD is associated with reduced risk of death in adults receiving mechanical ventilation in intensive care units (ICUs) compared with standard care.

Data Sources

The primary search was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases until September 2022.

Study Selection

Randomized clinical trials including adults receiving mechanical ventilation in the ICU comparing SDD vs standard care or placebo.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Data extraction and risk of bias assessments were performed in duplicate. The primary analysis was conducted using a bayesian framework.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was hospital mortality. Subgroups included SDD with an intravenous agent compared with SDD without an intravenous agent. There were 8 secondary outcomes including the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia, ICU-acquired bacteremia, and the incidence of positive cultures of antimicrobial-resistant organisms.

Results

There were 32 randomized clinical trials including 24 389 participants in the analysis. The median age of participants in the included studies was 54 years (IQR, 44-60), and the median proportion of female trial participants was 33% (IQR, 25%-38%). Data from 30 trials including 24 034 participants contributed to the primary outcome. The pooled estimated risk ratio (RR) for mortality for SDD compared with standard care was 0.91 (95% credible interval [CrI], 0.82-0.99; I2 = 33.9%; moderate certainty) with a 99.3% posterior probability that SDD reduced hospital mortality. The beneficial association of SDD was evident in trials with an intravenous agent (RR, 0.84 [95% CrI, 0.74-0.94]), but not in trials without an intravenous agent (RR, 1.01 [95% CrI, 0.91-1.11]) (P value for the interaction between subgroups = .02). SDD was associated with reduced risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia (RR, 0.44 [95% CrI, 0.36-0.54]) and ICU-acquired bacteremia (RR, 0.68 [95% CrI, 0.57-0.81]). Available data regarding the incidence of positive cultures of antimicrobial-resistant organisms were not amenable to pooling and were of very low certainty.

Conclusions and Relevance

Among adults in the ICU treated with mechanical ventilation, the use of SDD compared with standard care or placebo was associated with lower hospital mortality. Evidence regarding the effect of SDD on antimicrobial resistance was of very low certainty.
Tinea Nigra Palmaris
Authors: Saraswat Neerja , Tripathy Durga Madhab , Kumar Sushil
Published: October 2022

This case report describes multiple coalescing brownish black macules with irregular borders over the left palm and palmar aspect of the digits, with black pigmentary accentuation over the creases.
Practical Guide to Designing a Clinical Trial in Surgery
Authors: Kougias Panos , Kaji Amy H. , Boermeester Marja
Published: October 2022

This Guide to Statistics and Methods outlines the key elements that need to be considered during the design phase of a surgical clinical trial.
Practical Guide to Recruitment of Participants for Surgical Clinical Trials
Authors: Newman Lisa A. , Schwartz Todd A. , Boermeester Marja
Published: October 2022

This Guide to Statistics and Methods proposes guidance for clinical trial recruitment to improve diverse population representation and overall generalizability.
Practical Guide to Design Choice of Randomized Clinical Trials in Surgery
Authors: Dijkgraaf Marcel G. W. , Haukoos Jason , Itani Kamal M. F.
Published: October 2022

This Guide to Statistics and Methods provides an overview of the strengths and weaknesses of several randomized clinical trial design options.
Practical Guide to Clinical Trial Publication
Authors: Winter Des C. , Haukoos Jason , Salminen Paulina
Published: October 2022

This Guide to Statistics and Methods describes the process for publishing about a clinical trial by planning its clinical relevance, knowing the audience, and following reporting guidelines.
To Stabilize Oxygen on In/In2O3 Heterostructure via Joule Heating for Efficient Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Authors: Wulan Bari , Cao Xueying , Tan Dongxing , Ma Jizhen , Zhang Jintao
Published: October 2022

The regulation of interfacial chemistry for the electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 into valuable fuels is highly promising but still challenging. Herein, an advanced strategy is developed to modulate the interfacial oxygen species on the hierarchical indium oxide nanosheets. The rapid Joule heating to an elevated temperature is demonstrated to stabilize oxygen species against the electrochemical reduction. Thus, the formation of heterogeneous interface with desirable oxygen species enables to improve electrocatalytic performance. Typically, the obtained electrocatalysts display the high Faradaic efficiency of 94% for carbon dioxide reduction (CO2RR) into formate and ≈100% for C1 products in the wide potential range from −0.5 to −1.0 V, outperforming most of the state‐of‐art indium‐based catalysts. The in situ experimental characterization and theoretical calculation reveal that the heterointerface with stable InO species would regulate the d‐band center to optimize the electronic structure and thus accelerate the protonation process from bicarbonate species adsorbed, leading to the enhanced performance. With the fundamental understanding, the solar‐driven CO2‐H2O cell is constructed to achieve a good energy conversion efficiency of 13.4%. This study offers a feasible strategy to modulate the interfacial structures and properties toward the rational design of advanced electrocatalysts.
Redox‐Active Polymer Integrated with MXene for Ultra‐Stable and Fast Aqueous Proton Storage
Authors: Shi Minjie , Wang Renyuan , Li Lingyun , Chen Nianting , Xiao Peng , Yan Chao , Yan Xingbin
Published: October 2022

Proton is a charge carrier with the smallest ionic size and quickest kinetics, making aqueous proton batteries (APBs), a promising technology for safe and profitable energy storage systems. Despite being potential electrode materials, organic compounds have not yet been fully investigated in terms of proton storage properties and APB applications due to their low capacity and unstable cycle life in aqueous electrolytes. Herein, a novel redox‐active polymer (PDPZ) with diquinoxalino‐phenazine as the structural unit has been designed, which is further integrated with MXene nanosheets to construct a flexible PDPZ@MXene electrode material with a rapid and ultra‐stable proton storage behavior. In‐operando monitoring techniques, i.e., in situ Raman and in situ FTIR, demonstrate the highly reversible redox reaction between CN and CN/NH bonds in electro‐active PDPZ molecule with the strong proton absorption ability. Theoretical calculation further proves the electron transfer from MXene to PDPZ promotes the redox reaction of the PDPZ@MXene electrode. As a result, a flexible APB device is developed with a considerable energy density (64.3 mWh cm−3), a supercapacitor‐level power density (6000 mW cm−3), and a record lifespan with ≈98.2% capacity retention over 10 000 cycles, revealing its potential applications in satisfying the various requirements of energy storage systems.
Vapor Phase Growth of Centimeter‐Sized Band Gap Engineered Cesium Lead Halide Perovskite Single‐Crystal Thin Films with Color‐tunable Stimulated Emission
Authors: Lin Xiaohui , Chen Long , He Chenglin , Wang Yiliu , Li Xu , Dang Weiqi , He Kun , Huangfu Ying , Wu Dan , Zhao Bei , Li Bo , Li Jia , Duan Xidong
Published: October 2022

Single crystal metal halide perovskites thin films are considered to be a promising optical, optoelectronic materials with extraordinary performance due to their low defect densities. However, it is still difficult to achieve large‐scale perovskite single‐crystal thin films (SCTFs) with tunable bandgap by vapor‐phase deposition method. Herein, the synthesis of CsPbCl3(1–x)Br3x SCTFs with centimeter size (1 cm × 1 cm) via vapor‐phase deposition is reported. The Br composition of CsPbCl3(1–x)Br3x SCTFs can be gradually tuned from x = 0 to x = 1, leading the corresponding bandgap to change from 2.29 to 2.91 eV. Additionally, an low‐threshold (≈23.9 µJ cm−2) amplified spontaneous emission is achieved based on CsPbCl3(1–x)Br3x SCTFs at room temperature, and the wavelength is tuned from 432 to 547 nm by varying the Cl/Br ratio. Importantly, the high‐quality CsPbCl3(1–x)Br3x SCTFs are ideal optical gain medium with high gain up to 1369.8 ± 101.2 cm−1. This study not only provides a versatile method to fabricate high quality CsPbCl3(1–x)Br3x SCTFs with different Cl/Br ratio, but also paves the way for further research of color‐tunable perovskite lasing.
Regulable Polyelectrolyte‐Surfactant Complex for Antibacterial Biomedical Catheter Coating via a Readily Scalable Route
Authors: Yu Huan , Wang Lei , Zhang Zhenyan , Zhang Xu , Luan Shifang , Shi Hengchong
Published: October 2022

Constructing multifunctional surfaces is one of the practical approaches to address catheter‐related multiple complications but is generally time‐consuming and substrate‐dependent. Herein, a novel anti‐adhesion, antibacterial, low friction, and robustness coating on medical catheters are developed via a universal and readily scalable method based on a regulable polyelectrolyte surfactant complex. The complex is rapidly assembled in one step by electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions between organosilicon quaternary ammonium surfactant (N+Si) and adjustable polyelectrolyte with cross‐linkable, anti‐adhesive, and anionic groups. The alcohol‐soluble feature of the complex is conducive to the rapid formation of coatings on any medical device with arbitrary shapes via dip coating. Different from the conventional polyelectrolyte–surfactant complex coating, the regulated complex coating with nonleaching mode could be stable in harsh conditions (high concentration salt solution, organic reagents, etc.) because of the cross‐linked structure while improving the biocompatibility and reducing the adhesion of various bacteria, proteins, and blood cells. The coated catheter exhibits good antibacterial infection in vitro and in vivo, owing to the synergistic effect of N+Si and zwitterionic groups. Therefore, the rationally designed complex supplies a facile coating approach for the potential development in combating multiple complications of the medical catheter.
Recent Advances in Ultrathin Chiral Metasurfaces by Twisted Stacking
Authors: Han Zexiang , Wang Fei , Sun Juehan , Wang Xiaoli , Tang Zhiyong
Published: October 2022

Artificial chiral nanostructures have been subjected to extensive research for their unique chiroptical activities. Planarized chiral films of ultrathin thicknesses are in particular demand for easy on‐chip integration and improved energy efficiency as polarization‐sensitive metadevices. Recently, controlled twisted stacking of two or more layers of nanomaterials, such as 2D van der Waals materials, ultrathin films, or traditional metasurfaces, at an angle has emerged as a general strategy to introduce optical chirality into achiral solid‐state systems. This method endows new degrees of freedom, e.g., the interlayer twist angle, to flexibly engineer and tune the chiroptical responses without having to change the material or the design, thus greatly facilitating the development of multifunctional metamaterials. In this review, recent exciting progress in planar chiral metasurfaces are summarized and discussed from the viewpoints of building blocks, fabrication methods, as well as circular dichroism and modulation thereof in twisted stacked nanostructures. The review further highlights the ever‐growing portfolio of applications of these chiral metasurfaces, including polarization conversion, information encryption, chiral sensing, and as an engineering platform for hybrid metadevices. Finally, forward‐looking prospects are provided.
The Role of Interfaces in Ionic Liquid‐Based Hybrid Materials (Ionogels) for Sensing and Energy Applications
Authors: Suen Ji Wei , Elumalai Naveen Kumar , Debnath Sujan , Mubarak Nabisab Mujawar , Lim Chye Ing , Reddy Mohan M.
Published: October 2022

Ionogels have established themselves as an intriguing type of composites, owing to their distinctive properties, including superior thermal stability, non‐flammability, tunable electrochemical stability window, and high ionic conductivity. Hybrid materials based on ionic liquids (ionogels) are held together by interfaces arising out of intermolecular interactions, including electrostatic, van der Waals, solvophobic, steric, and hydrogen bonding. The interfaces within the ionic liquid (ILs) and its multifaceted interplay with the encapsulating matrix greatly influence the physicochemical and electronic/ionic interactions within the composite resulting in exceptional characteristics, allowing for the design of ionogels for targeted applications. Though ionogels have shown superior properties comparable to neat ILs, they still exhibit relatively low mechanical strength, limiting their application in several practical technologies. Simultaneous enhancement of mechanical durability while retaining high ionic conductivity is indispensable, which requires understanding interfaces and related influencing parameters. This review provides a synergetic comprehension, focusing on the interactive forces and factors affecting the conductivity, stability, and robustness of ionogels. Correlating with interfaces, several strategies, including the implications of nanofiller incorporation on the electromechanical properties of ionogel, are also elaborated. Finally, a primer is provided on the application of ionogels in sensors and energy harvesting technologies.
Size Selection and Size‐Dependent Optoelectronic and Electrochemical Properties of 2D Titanium Carbide (Ti3C2Tx) MXene
Authors: Hantanasirisakul Kanit , Chantaurai Treepat , Limsukhon Apichanont , Chomkhuntod Praeploy , Poprom Phuri , Sawangphruk Montree
Published: October 2022

2D materials produced via liquid‐phase exfoliation commonly exhibit broad size and thickness distributions, where size selection is required to obtain nanosheets with desired dimensions and properties. Here, size selection of 2D Ti3C2Tx MXene is systematically performed using liquid cascade centrifugation (LCC) and sedimentation‐based separation (SBS) techniques. Based on statistical atomic force and electron microscopy analyses, it is found that the SBS technique offers stronger separation power compared to the LCC technique with an expense of lower yield. Moreover, predominantly monolayer MXene flakes are obtained after centrifugation at low speeds (≤ 3000 rpm) for 15 min for both techniques. Films fabricated from large MXene flakes with the average flake length of 4.2 µm show high electrical figure of merit of 7.8 and improved rate performance as a cathode in Zn‐ion capacitor. This work serves as a guideline for choosing size selection techniques and conditions for MXene processing to obtain flakes with certain sizes and desired properties.
Antibiofouling Performance of a Metal‐Organic Gel Based on 2‐Amino‐5‐Mercapto‐1,3,4‐Thiadiazole and CuI
Authors: Zhang Liu‐Qin , Li Hua‐Li , Zhang Xiao‐Hu , Li Qiu‐Ping , Luo Shu‐Wen , Liu Fa‐Qian
Published: October 2022

Metal–organic gels or metallogels (MOGs), which usually made up with metal ions and organic ligands, are promising in the area of medicine, environment, and biology. Herein, a new metal–organic gel containing Cu+(Cu‐MOG‐5) is prepared at room temperature using 2‐amino‐5‐mercapto‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole (AMT) and CuI. Considering the excellent low surface energy characteristics of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), the as‐prepared Cu‐MOG‐5 is infused into porous PDMS to obtain Cu‐MOG‐5/PDMS coating, which combines the bactericidal properties of Cu+containing hydrogels and the low surface energy of PDMS. The morphology of the Cu‐MOG‐5 and Cu‐MOG‐5/PDMS coating is investigated by FE‐SEM, and the structure of the new Cu‐MOG‐5 is verified by FT‐IR,1H NMR, XPS, EDS, and elemental analysis. The antibiofouling properties are assessed usingEscherichia coli(E. coli) and mussel. The results show that the newly prepared Cu‐MOG‐5/PDMS coating exhibits superior antibiofouling performance because of the synchronous action of hydrogel including Cu+and PDMS.
Threshold Voltage Control in Dual‐Gate Organic Electrochemical Transistors
Authors: Tseng Hsin , Weissbach Anton , Kucinski Juzef , Solgi Ali , Nair Rakesh , Bongartz Lukas M. , Ciccone Giuseppe , Cucchi Matteo , Leo Karl , Kleemann Hans
Published: October 2022

Organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) based on Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonic acid) (PEDOT:PSS) are a benchmark system in organic bioelectronics. In particular, the superior mechanical properties and the ionic‐electronic transduction yield excellent potential for the field of implantable or wearable sensing technology. However, depletion‐mode operation PEDOT:PSS‐based OECTs cause high static power dissipation in electronic circuits, limiting their application in electronic systems. Hence, having control over the threshold voltage is of utmost technological importance. Here, PEDOT:PSS‐based dual‐gate OECTs with solid‐state electrolyte where the threshold voltage is seamlessly adjustable during operation are demonstrated. It is shown that the degree of threshold voltage tuning linearly depends on the gate capacitance, which is a straightforward approach for circuit designers to adjust the threshold voltage only by the device dimensions. The PEDOT:PSS‐based dual‐gate OECTs show excellent device performance and can be pushed to accumulation‐mode operation, resulting in a simplified and relaxed design of complementary inverters.
Toward Advanced High‐k and Electrode Thin Films for DRAM Capacitors via Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Kim Se Eun , Sung Ju Young , Jeon Jae Deock , Jang Seo Young , Lee Hye Min , Moon Sang Mo , Kang Jun Goo , Lim Han Jin , Jung Hyung‐Suk , Lee Sang Woon
Published: October 2022

Dynamic random access memories (DRAMs) are currently used as the core memory in computing systems because of their high speed and density. Their demand should continue to grow owing to increased data usage. A unit cell in a DRAM consists of one transistor and one capacitor, and the data are stored in the capacitor. As the size of the unit cell decreases to improve the memory density by aggressive scaling, it is important to secure sufficient capacitance in the capacitor. In this regard, technological advances in the fabrication of capacitors are of great importance; accordingly, the materials and processing of high‐k thin films require developmental innovations. Besides, it is necessary to develop electrode materials that optimize the function of high‐k thin films. In this review, recent advances in achieving sufficient capacitance in DRAM capacitors are summarized from structural and material/process perspectives, and the future direction of DRAM capacitor development is discussed. Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is a key technique that enables the growth of functional thin films for DRAM capacitors; thus, recent advances in the deposition of high‐k and electrode thin films grown using the ALD technique are addressed.
A Global Phase‐Modulation Mechanism for Flat‐Lens Design
Authors: Zhang Xin , Hu Yanwen , Zhang Xiliang , Zhu Siqi , Yin Hao , Li Zhen , Chen Zhenqiang , Fu Shenhe
Published: October 2022

Flat lens also known as metasurface lens is drawing considerable attention nowadays. Thus far, the metasurface lens has been achieved by engineering local phase profile in deep subwavelength scale according to resonant or non‐resonant (or both) responses of nanoscatters to light. Such local phase mappings require precise control over each nanoscatter. In addition, there is currently no metasurface lens that exhibits multiple functionalities. Here, a novel working mechanism, named as a global phase‐modulation mechanism, for the flat‐lens design is demonstrated. To illustrate this concept, a binary amplitude‐only hologram is introduced, resulted from an interference between an angular cosine wave and a spherical wave. The resultant flat lens can be made extremely thin (60 nm) and is comprised of spatially shaped apertures. Such a technique allows to globally manipulate the diffractive wave vectors in the reciprocal space. Multiple focusing performances with a single flat lens are demonstrated under different illumination beams including the plane‐wave beam, vortex beam, and vector beam. In addition to imaging, the flat lens is able to Fourier transforming a complex self‐accelerating Airy beam, which was not considered before. The presented global mechanism facilitates new capabilities and holds for multifunctional flat lens, with potential applications in areas such as imaging and optical information processing.
Thin‐Film Lithium Niobate Optical Modulators with an Extrapolated Bandwidth of 170 GHz
Authors: Arab Juneghani Farzaneh , Gholipour Vazimali Milad , Zhao Jie , Chen Xi , Le Son Thai , Chen Haoshuo , Ordouie Ehsan , Fontaine Nicolas K , Fathpour Sasan
Published: October 2022

High‐speed modulators with low driving voltage, low loss, and compact size are essential for future optical communication systems. Thin‐film lithium niobate modulators have met each of these criteria separately, but simultaneous achievement of all of them has been challenging on this platform. Low driving voltage electro‐optic modulators necessitate either a narrow gap between the electrodes or an elongated Mach–Zehnder arms, both of which adversely affect the microwave loss, hence the bandwidth. Herein, this trade‐off is alleviated by placing the optical waveguides nonsymmetrically with respect to the electrodes and by including a dielectric buffer layer beneath the electrodes. Exploiting this novel design yields a modulator with a measured roll‐off of only 2 dB from low frequencies up to 100 GHz, and with an extrapolated 3 dB bandwidth of 170 GHz. The measured voltage–length product of this subterahertz device is 3.3 V cm. Another device, optimized for a lower voltage–length product of 2.2 V cm, exhibits a 3 dB electro‐optic bandwidth of 84 GHz. The devices are also tested for eight‐level pulse‐amplitude modulation (PAM‐8) and demonstrate data rates of up to 240 Gb s−1at 80 Gbaud, validating that the modulators are a propitious candidate for next‐generation optical communication systems.
Potassium Titanate Supported Atomically Dispersed Palladium for Catalytic Oxidation
Authors: Zhou Li , He Shuren , Xu Xiaohong , Li Guangwu , Jia Chuancheng
Published: October 2022

Single‐atom catalysts based on noble metals provide efficient atomic utilization along with enhanced reactivity. Herein, a convenient strategy to construct atomically dispersed palladium catalyst on layered potassium titanate (KTO), which has enhanced interaction between the TiO6 layer and the palladium atoms, is presented. Due to the presence of K+ ions in the interlayers of KTO, the TiO6 octahedron layers have negative charge, which increases the interaction between Pd atoms and the substrate, thus preventing their agglomeration. In addition, the provision of charge of K+ ion makes the molecular oxygen in the system easier to be activated and promotes catalytic oxidation activity.
Digital Light Processing 3D‐Printed Silica Aerogel and as a Versatile Host Framework for High‐Performance Functional Nanocomposites
Authors: Zou Weizhi , Wang Zhen , Qian Zhenchao , Xu Jian , Zhao Ning
Published: October 2022

Vat‐photopolymerization‐based 3D printing enables on‐demand construction of customized objects with scalable production capacity and high precision. Herein, the sol‐gel process for aerogels with digital light processing 3D printing to produce advanced functional materials possessing hierarchical pore structures and complex shapes is combined. It has revealed the temporal evolution of the photorheological behavior of acrylate‐modified silica sols in an acid‐base catalytic procedure, and confirmed that silica aerogels can be fabricated with very low acrylate content. The resulting aerogels are thermostable with intrinsic silica contents, skeletal densities, and physical characteristics similar to those of commercial silica aerogels yet distinct mechanical behaviors. More importantly, the printed silica aerogels can be used as a versatile nanoengineering platform to produce high‐performance and multifunctional interpenetrating phase nanocomposites with complex shapes through programmable post‐printing processes. Epoxy‐based nanocomposites possessing excellent mechanical performance, ionogel‐based conductive nanocomposites with decoupled electrical and mechanical properties, and anti‐swelling hydrogel‐based nanocomposites are demonstrated. The results of this study offer new guidelines for the design and fabrication of novel materials by additive manufacturing.
Identifying syndromes in studies of structural birth defects: Guidance on classification and evaluation of potential impact
Authors: Benjamin Renata H. , Mitchell Laura E. , Scheuerle Angela E. , Langlois Peter H. , Canfield Mark A. , Drummond‐Borg Margaret , Nguyen Joanne M. , Agopian A. J.
Published: October 2022

Structural birth defects that occur in infants with syndromes may be etiologically distinct from those that occur in infants in whom there is not a recognized pattern of malformations; however, population‐based registries often lack the resources to classify syndromic status via case reviews. We developed criteria to systematically identify infants with suspected syndromes, grouped by syndrome type and level of effort required for syndrome classification (e.g., text search). We applied this algorithm to the Texas Birth Defects Registry (TBDR) to describe the proportion of infants with syndromes delivered during 1999–2014. We also developed a bias analysis tool to estimate the potential percent bias resulting from including infants with syndromes in studies of risk factors. Among 207,880 cases with birth defects in the TBDR, 15% had suspected syndromes and 85% were assumed to be nonsyndromic, with a range across defect types from 28.5% (atrioventricular septal defects) to 98.9% (pyloric stenosis). Across hypothetical scenarios varying expected parameters (e.g., nonsyndromic proportion), the inclusion of syndromic cases in analyses resulted in up to 50.0% bias in prevalence ratios. In summary, we present a framework for identifying infants with syndromic conditions; implementation might harmonize syndromic classification across registries and reduce bias in association estimates.
Residual persistence of cytotoxicity lymphocytes and regulatory T cells in patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 over a 1‐year recovery process
Authors: Mitsuyama Yumi , Yamakawa Kazuma , Kayano Katsuhide , Maruyama Miho , Umemura Yutaka , Wada Takeshi , Fujimi Satoshi
Published: October 2022

Aim

To clarify the immune cellular changes in critically ill patients recovering from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19).

Methods

The immune response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with severe COVID‐19 in different stages of recovery (3, 6, and 12 months from hospitalization) was evaluated by single‐cell mass cytometry. Immunological changes in patients were compared with those in age‐matched healthy donors.

Results

Three patients with severe COVID‐19 were compared with four healthy donors. In the patients, there was an increase in the cell density of CD4‐ and CD8‐positive T lymphocytes, and B cells, over the course of the recovery period. CD4‐ and CD8‐positive T lymphocytes expressing T‐bet and granzyme B (Gzm B) in patients were abundant during all recovery periods. The level of regulatory T cells remained high throughout the year. The levels of natural killer (NK) cells in patients were higher than in those in the healthy donors, and the frequency of CD16+ NK cells expressing Gzm B increased throughout the year.

Conclusion

Patients recovering from severe COVID‐19 showed persistence of cytotoxic lymphocytes, NK cells, and regulatory T cells throughout the posthospitalization year of recovery.
Dissecting Critical Factors for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction on Atomically Precise Au Nanoclusters
Authors: Li Site , Nagarajan Anantha Venkataraman , Du Xiangsha , Li Yingwei , Liu Zhongyu , Kauffman Douglas R. , Mpourmpakis Giannis , Jin Rongchao
Published: October 2022

This work investigates the critical factors impacting electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) using atomically precise Au nanoclusters (NCs) as electrocatalysts. First, the influence of size on CO2RR is studied by precisely controlling NC size in the 1–2.5 nm regime. We find that the electrocatalytic CO partial current density increases for smaller NCs, but the CO Faradaic efficiency (FE) is not directly associated with the NC size. This indicates that the surface‐to‐volume ratio, i.e. the population of active sites, is the dominant factor for determining the catalytic activity, but the selectivity is not directly impacted by size. Second, we compare the CO2RR performance of Au38 isomers (Au38Q and Au38T) to reveal that structural rearrangement of identical size NCs can lead to significant changes in both CO2RR activity and selectivity. Au38Q shows higher activity and selectivity towards CO than Au38T, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the average formation energy of the key *COOH intermediate on the proposed active sites is significantly lower on Au38Q than Au38T. These results demonstrate how the structural isomerism can impact stabilization of reaction intermediates as well as the overall CO2RR performance of identical size Au NCs. Overall, this work provides important structure–property relationships for tailoring the NCs for CO2RR.