bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A blockchain‐based mobile crowdsensing scheme with enhanced privacy
Authors: Peng Tao , Guan Kejian , Liu Jierong , Chen Jianer , Wang Guojun , Zhu Jiawei
Published: October 2021

With the popularity and development of sensors‐containing intelligent terminals, mobile crowdsensing system (MCS) based on the Internet of Things (IoT) has become a new paradigm of application. By the MCS, the pervasive smart device users are enabled to collect large‐scale data cost‐effectively, for crowd intelligent extraction and human‐centric service delivery. However, most of the existing MCSs are based on a centralized structure vulnerable to attacks and intrusions. Moreover, the data collected through crowdsensing are diverse and difficult to guarantee user privacy, especially during the payment and data upload stages. In this article, we propose a blockchain‐based privacy‐preserving crowdsensing (BPPC) scheme based on the distributed structure, to protect user privacy. First, we combine the multiblockchain technology and K‐anonymity to construct anonymity groups for the confusion. Second, we present the random algorithm HashProof to select candidates from the anonymity groups to avoid deployment of Trusted Third Party (TTP) or agent server. Ultimately, we design encryption‐based algorithms building trust and authentication mechanisms in the system to guarantee the confidentiality of user data and achieve the accurate distribution of rewards. To verify the effectiveness and efficiency of the BPPC scheme, extensive experiments were conducted.
“Walking the nitrogen around the ring”: Chemical synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of novel 4‐, 5‐, 6‐, and 7‐azaindazole analogs of the synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist MDMB‐PINACA
Authors: Alam Ryan M. , Keating John J.
Published: October 2021

Over the past decade, synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) have rapidly evolved to encompass a wide range of structurally diverse new psychoactive substances (NPS), including derivatives that incorporate indole, indazole, 7‐azaindole, γ‐carbolinone, or carbazole heterocyclic scaffolds. The introduction of legislative measures seeking to control the availability of NPS on the recreational drug scene has likely contributed to the continued emergence of novel SCRA analogs, which often evade regulatory control. However, the detection and/or identification of azaindazole‐type SCRAs in seized material has not yet been reported (September, 2021). It is plausible that SCRAs bearing a 1,3‐disubstituted azaindazole scaffold may possess cannabimimetic activity, given their structural similarity with known indole, indazole, and azaindole SCRAs. In view of these antecedents, a set of four novel isomeric 4‐, 5‐, 6‐, and 7‐azaindazole analogs of the known potent indazole SCRA, MDMB‐PINACA, were synthesized using a Pd‐catalyzed aminocarbonylation strategy. The complementary use of ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy, gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS), high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), 1D‐ and 2D‐nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) has permitted the spectroscopic differentiation, unambiguous structural assignment, and rapid separation of novel isomeric 4‐, 5‐, 6‐, and 7‐azaindazole analogs of the indazole SCRA, MDMB‐PINACA.
Effects of 12‐week, non‐energy‐restricted dietary intervention with conventional yogurt οn appetite hormone responses of type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Yanni Amalia E. , Konstantopoulos Panagiotis , Kartsioti Kleio , Binou Panagiota , Karathanos Vaios Τ. , Chatzigeorgiou Artemis , Kokkinos Alexander
Published: October 2021

Hunger‐reducing effects and beneficial changes in gastrointestinal hormones have been reported, in overweight/obese individuals consuming dairy while yogurt takes pride of place due to its unique structure and composition. Although the contribution of yogurt to metabolic regulation has received growing attention, the research studies which examine its role on appetite are limited, especially regarding type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of non‐fat, conventional yogurt consumption on appetite hormone responses of T2DM patients following a non‐energy‐restricted diet. Overweight subjects participated in a 12‐week dietary intervention including 2 meals/day (2 × 200 g) of yogurt. At the beginning and the end of the intervention, a mixed meal tolerance test assessing the postprandial response of glucose, insulin, ghrelin, glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1), and peptide‐YY (PYY) was performed. Subjective appetite ratings were also evaluated. Area under the curve for glucose, insulin, ghrelin, GLP‐1, and PYY responses did not differ after the 12‐week intervention with yogurt (p > .05) as well as for subjective appetite ratings (p > .05). No significant differences were indicated at specific time points in any of the examined parameters. Regular consumption of non‐fat, conventional yogurt for 12‐week duration does not affect appetite hormone responses in overweight patients with T2DM following a non‐energy‐restricted diet.
Immunomodulation of endothelial cells induced by macrolide therapy in a model of septic stimulation
Authors: Pons Stéphanie , Arrii Eden , Arnaud Marine , Loiselle Maud , Ferry Juliette , Nouacer Manel , Lion Julien , Cohen Shannon , Mooney Nuala , Zafrani Lara
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Sepsis is defined as the host's inflammatory response to a life‐threatening infection. The endothelium is implicated in immunoregulation during sepsis. Macrolides have been proposed to display immunomodulatory properties. The goal of this study was to analyze whether macrolides can exert immunomodulation of endothelial cells (ECs) in an experimental model of sepsis.

Methods

Human ECs were stimulated by proinflammatory cytokines and lipopolysaccharide before exposure to macrolides. ECs phenotypes were analyzed by flow cytometry. Cocultures of ECs and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were performed to study the ECs ability to alter T‐cell viability and differentiation in the presence of macrolides. Soluble factor production was assessed.

Results

ECs act as non‐professional antigen presenting cells and expressed human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antigens, the adhesion molecules CD54, CD106, and the coinhibitory molecule CD274 after septic stimulation. Incubation with macrolides induced a significant decrease of HLA class I and HLA class II HLA‐DR on septic‐stimulated ECs, but did not alter either CD54, CD106, nor CD274 expression. Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and IL‐8 production by stimulated ECs were unaltered by incubation with macrolides, whereas Clarithromycin exposure significantly decreased IL‐6 gene expression. In cocultures of septic ECs with PBMCs, neither the proportion of CD4 + , CD8 + T nor their viability was altered by macrolides. T‐helper lymphocyte subsets Th1, Th17, and Treg polarization by stimulated ECs were unaltered by macrolides.

Conclusion

This study reports phenotypic and gene expression changes in septic‐stimulated ECs exposed to macrolides, without resulting in altered immunogenicity of ECs in co‐cultures with PBMCs. In vivo studies may help to further understand the impact of macrolide therapy on ECs immune homeostasis during sepsis.
Quantitative Analysis of Charge Dissociation by Selectively Characterizing Exciton Splitting Efficiencies in Single Component Materials
Authors: He Yakun , Hanisch Benedict , Osvet Andres , Lüer Larry , Aubele Anna , Bäuerle Peter , Li Weiwei , Li Ning , Brabec Christoph J.
Published: October 2021

Exciton dissociation between donor and acceptor is the decisive process to determine the photovoltaic performance of organic solar cells (OSCs). The rather fast dynamics of photo‐induced charge generation in well‐optimized bulk heterojunction (BHJ) composites complicate the quantitative analysis of the charge generation efficiency for donor and acceptor units. Herein, we report time‐resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) investigations and demonstrate their potential as a quantitative and contactless characterization technique allowing to separately determine the exciton splitting efficiency of donor and acceptor moieties in selected single component materials. We demonstrate that the exciton splitting efficiency for donor or acceptor moieties can be separately adjusted in these materials by post‐treatment, while the corresponding BHJ composites undergo excessive phase separation upon external stress. By relating the separate exciton splitting efficiencies to their photovoltaic performance, the limiting factor in corresponding OSCs, either charge generation or recombination, is identified.
Hepatotoxicity of systemic therapies for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Celsa Ciro , Giuffrida Paolo , Giacchetto Carmelo Marco , Stornello Caterina , Rancatore Gabriele , Grova Mauro , Ricciardi Maria Rita , Rizzo Sergio , Cammà Calogero , Cabibbo Giuseppe
Published: October 2021

The number of effective systemic therapies for the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC) is rapidly increasing and the advent of immunotherapy changed the treatment paradigm for these patients, leading to a significant improvement in survival outcomes. While sorafenib, a tyrosine‐kinase inhibitor monotherapy, remained the only effective treatment for almost a decade, the combination of atezolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) targeting programmed death‐ligand 1, plus bevacizumab, an antiangiogenic agent targeting vascular endothelial growth factor, now represents the new standard of care for patients with uHCC. Moreover, several further clinical trials are ongoing to evaluate novel combinations between ICIs with other drugs, belonging to the same class or to other classes. As HCC occurs in most cases in the setting of cirrhosis, the evaluation of the risk/benefit ratio of systemic treatments represents a critical point. The underlying liver disease significantly influences the safety and the effectiveness of current and future systemic treatments for uHCC. For this reason, the hepatotoxicity profile and impact on liver function of these molecules should be carefully assessed in both clinical trials and in the real‐world setting. Here, we review hepatotoxicity data on systemic treatments for uHCC and offer suggestions on monitoring and managing liver‐related adverse events occurring during the treatment.
Efficient Frequency Doubling with Active Stabilization on Chip
Authors: Chen Jia‐Yang , Tang Chao , Jin Mingwei , Li Zhan , Ma Zhaohui , Fan Heng , Kumar Santosh , Sua Yong Meng , Huang Yu‐Ping
Published: October 2021

Thin‐film lithium niobate (TFLN) is superior for integrated nanophotonics due to its outstanding properties in nearly all aspects: strong second‐order nonlinearity, fast and efficient electro‐optic effects, wide transparency window, and little two photon absorption and free carrier scattering. Together, they permit highly integrated nanophotonic circuits capable of complex photonic processing by incorporating disparate elements on the same chip. Yet, there has to be a demonstration that synergizes those superior properties for system advantage. Here, such a chip that capitalizes on TFLN's favorable ferroelectricity, high second‐order nonlinearity, and strong electro‐optic effects is demonstrated. It consists of a monolithic circuit integrating a Z‐cut, quasi‐phase matched microring with high quality factor and a phase modulator used in active feedback control. By Pound–Drever–Hall locking, it realizes stable frequency doubling at about 50% conversion with only milliwatt pump power. This demonstration addresses a long‐outstanding challenge facing cavity‐based optical processing, including frequency conversion, frequency comb generation, and all‐optical switching, whose stable performance is hindered by photorefractive or thermal effects. These results further establish TFLN as an excellent material capable of optical multitasking, as desirable to build multi‐functional chip devices.
Narrow Bandwidth Luminescence in Sr2Li(Al,Ga)O4:Eu2+ by Selective Site Occupancy Engineering for High Definition Displays
Authors: Qiao Jianwei , Zhou Yayun , Molokeev Maxim S. , Zhang Qinyuan , Xia Zhiguo
Published: October 2021

It remains a critical challenge to develop narrow‐band emitters for wide color gamut displays. Herein, it is designed by the selective site occupancy engineering and an unprecedented narrow‐band green‐emitting phosphor is prepared through chemical substitution. By introducing Ga3+ ions into Sr2LiAlO4:Eu2+ phosphor, the distribution of Eu2+ ions in Sr1 and Sr2 sites is effectively controlled, and only one type of luminescent centers Eu2+(Sr1) is remained in Sr2LiAl0.6Ga0.4O4:Eu2+ due to the compression effect of Sr2O8 polyhedra. Sr2LiAl0.6Ga0.4O4:Eu2+ phosphor presents an extremely narrow‐band green emission centered at 512 nm with a full‐width at half‐maximum of only 40 nm. The wide color gamut (107% National Television System Committee) of the as‐fabricated white liquid crystal displays and the vivid figures captured from the projector demonstrate the potential application of narrow‐band emitter for wide‐color gamut displays. This work provides the design principles of realizing narrow‐band emission by selective site occupancy engineering and can set the stage for the exploring of Eu2+‐activated phosphor for high definition displays.
Assessing cognitive toxicity in early phase trials ‐ What are we missing?
Authors: Stapleton Sarah E. , Darlington Anne‐Sophie , Minchom Anna , Pal Abhijit , Raynaud Florence , Wiseman Theresa
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Novel therapies, such as, small protein molecule inhibitors and immunotherapies are first tested clinically in Phase I trials. Moving on to later phase trials and ultimately standard practice. A key aim of these early clinical trials is to define a toxicity profile; however, the emphasis is often on safety. The concern is cognitive toxicity is poorly studied in this context and may be under‐reported. The aim of this review is to map evidence of cognitive assessment, toxicity, and confounding factors within reports from Phase I trials and consider putative mechanisms of impairment aligned with mechanisms of novel therapies.

Methods

A scoping review methodology was applied to the search of databases, including Embase, MEDLINE, Clinicaltrials.gov. A [keyword search was conducted, results screened for duplication then inclusion/exclusion criteria applied. Articles were further screened for relevance; data organised into categories and charted in a tabular format]. Evidence was collated and summarised into a narrative synthesis.

Results

Despite the availability of robust ways to assess cognitive function, these are not routinely included in the conduct of early clinical trials. Reports of cognitive toxicity in early Phase I trials are limited and available evidence on this shows that a proportion of patients experience impaired cognitive function over the course of participating in a Phase I trial. Links are identified between the targeted action of some novel therapies and putative mechanisms of cognitive impairment.

Conclusion

The review provides rationale for research investigating cognitive function in this context. A study exploring the cognitive function of patients on Phase I trials and the feasibility of formally assessing this within early clinical trials is currently underway at the Royal Marsden.
Multispectral Scattering Imaging Based on Metasurface Diffuser and Deep Learning
Authors: Lei Yunsong , Guo Yinghui , Pu Mingbo , He Qiong , Gao Ping , Li Xiong , Ma Xiaoliang , Luo Xiangang
Published: October 2021

Multispectral imaging plays an essential role in applications from biomedical imaging to remote sensing since it records rich spectral and spatial information. Nevertheless, conventional multispectral imaging systems generally suffer from complicated optical systems and compromise between spectral, spatial, and temporal resolution. Multispectral scattering imaging has recently drawn considerable attention due to its simple setup and unique methodology to solve the aforementioned bottlenecks. Herein, multispectral scattering imaging based on metasurface diffuser and deep learning is proposed. Prior knowledge of the metasurface diffuser's wavefront will avoid the time‐consuming characterization required in conventional scattering media, and a well‐trained deep learning algorithm can realize real‐time image reconstruction. With these merits, this method may push the development of metasurface applications and multispectral imaging.
Electro−Photo Double Control of Resistive Switching in Electron‐Doped La0.9Hf0.1MnO3 Films
Authors: Liu Xuefeng , Zheng Ming , Yang Jinwei , Guan Pengfei , Zhang Feng , Wang Yi , Ni Hao
Published: October 2021

Electron‐doped La0.9Hf0.1MnO3 thin films are epitaxially integrated onto 0.7Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3−0.3PbTiO3 single‐crystalline ferroelectric substrates to construct multiferroic heterostructures. By applying a light field and not just changing temperature, the relative magnitude of the electric‐field‐generated lattice strain effect and interfacial charge effect is identified to be controllable. Moreover, the electric field can enhance the photoresistance effect by 26%. This, accompanied by light‐tunable electroresistance effect, intimate interaction between the electric‐field‐generated and light‐generated effects is demonstrated. Herein, a route to achieve low‐power multifield (light and electric field) control of electronic transport in electron‐doped perovskite manganites is provided.
Characteristics of convective precipitation over tropical Africa in storm‐resolving global simulations
Authors: Becker Tobias , Bechtold Peter , Sandu Irina
Published: October 2021

We analyse how the representation of deep convection affects the characteristics of convective precipitation over tropical Africa in global storm‐resolving simulations with the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Integrated Forecasting System (IFS). The simulations consist in 48 hr forecasts initiated daily at 0000 UTC for a 40‐day period in August and September 2016, at 9 and 4 km resolution. We find that results agree best with the satellite retrieval Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Integrated Multi‐satellitE Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) when a term for the integrated and scaled total advective moisture tendency is added to the convective instability closure. This allows for a better coupling of the convective parametrization to the mesoscale dynamics and improves precipitation intensity (increased), precipitating area fraction (decreased), the size of individual deep convective systems (decreased) and their propagation (westward), even though the duration of rain events remains underestimated. With explicit deep convection, the duration of rain events is more realistic, but precipitation intensity is significantly overestimated, and extreme rain events (>400 mmday) are three times more likely than in GPM IMERG, causing biases in the organization of deep convection. In particular, individual convective systems are too small, hindering the formation of mesoscale convective systems. These findings are also valid for two other regions: the Maritime Continent and the contiguous United States. Our results suggest that deep convection is not completely resolved at a resolution of 9 or even 4 km, and that some scale‐aware parametrization is still needed for global numerical weather prediction.
A case of pulmonary foreign body granuloma formation after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Murata Saori , Nakamura Morio , Sasada Shinji , Kirita Keisuke , Ishioka Kota , Takahashi Saeko , Usui Yusuke , Tsuchiya Yumi , Seki Reishi
Published: October 2021

Key message

We experienced a case of pulmonary foreign body granuloma diagnosed by bronchoscopy in a patient with multiple lung lesions after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma. We speculate that the lesions may be caused by transarterial migration of the materials used for TACE.
Observer‐based optimal adaptive control for multimotor driving servo systems
Authors: Hu Shuangyi , Ren Xuemei , Wang Minlin , Zheng Dongdong
Published: October 2021

An adaptive control strategy based on the optimal sliding surface is designed for multimotor driving servo systems in this article. By dividing the system into load subsystem and motor subsystem and decomposing the tracking performance index, the optimal control problem of a high‐order systems is simplified into a second‐order system optimal control problem. Then based on the decomposed performance indexes, the optimal sliding surfaces are determined by solving two algebraic Riccati equations. Combined with an adaptive gain, an optimal adaptive tracking controller is designed, which can reduce the settling time and the energy consumption with a small overshoot. In addition, to obtain the unmeasurable angular velocities of motors and the load, an leaky echo state network‐based observer is applied that ensures fast and accurate estimation. Furthermore, to solve the synchronization problem of the multimotor driving servo systems, the mean relative coupling synchronization controller is designed. The simulation and experimental results have demonstrated that the presented control scheme is effective.
Route‐Optimized Synthesis of Bagasse‐Derived Hierarchical Activated Carbon for Maximizing Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Adsorption Capture Properties
Authors: Yang Fu , Lu Yutong , Li Wenhao , Tu Wenlong , Li Lulu , Wang Xuyu , Yuan Aihua , Pan Jianming
Published: October 2021

The deep exploration of adsorption preferential specific structural properties of waste biomass‐derived activated carbon(AC) adsorbent is significant but challenged in the light of the synthetic control. This work optimizes chemical activation routine of waste bagasse‐derived AC to fabricate high‐performance adsorbent. The resultant optimal AC affords outstanding structural properties (SBET=2832.2 m2 g−1, SLang=5478.3 m2 g−1, Vtotal=1.93 cm3 g−1). The pre‐carbonization method (using high‐temperature calcination or hydrothermal) and the implanting approach of KOH (impregnation or grinding method) were rationally tuned, and the corresponding effect on structural properties of AC and their adsorption capacity for volatile organic compounds(VOCs) were carefully studied for the first time. The obtained optimal BC‐1 adsorbent showed the highest adsorption capacity (1604.5 mg g−1 and 1679.5 mg g−1) of benzene and toluene, which is nearly 1.73 folds enhancement compared to others derived from comparative routes. This adsorption property is far superior to that of industrial AC. Meanwhile, the adsorption capacity and adsorption behavior were further demonstrated to be directly determined by the total pore volume and Langmuir surface area of the adsorbent through correlating adsorption properties with structural characters. Besides, we demonstrated the superior adsorption selectivity of C6H6/H2O(g) (61.22) and C7H8/H2O(g) (189.33) over BC‐1 under humid conditions predicted by the DIH (difference of the isosteric heats) equation.
Sulfenylation of Indoles Mediated by Iodine and Its Compounds
Authors: Mulina Olga M. , Ilovaisky Alexey I. , Terent'ev Alexander O.
Published: October 2021

Indole represents one of the most common and important heterocyclic scaffolds omnipresent in a plenty of natural products and medicinal agents. Development of the synthetic routes to 3‐substituted indoles attracts a considerable attention due to a huge amount of biologically relevant molecules containing 3‐substituted indole moiety. Reactions of indoles halogenation, nitration, acylation, and alkylation at the 3d position have been known for several decades and continue developing now. Processes of indoles sulfenylation are much less studied. However, 3‐sulfenylated derivatives possess promising biological properties. This review summarizes nearly 100 references from the middle of the 20th century to 2021, concerning reactions of indoles sulfenylation mediated by iodine and its compounds. The manuscript is divided into the sections according to the classes of compounds used as sulfenylating agents.
Rheological Behavior of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Filled with Corn Stalk Biochar
Authors: Wang Yazhen , Liu Xinyu , Shi Zhen , Lin Yuxin , Yang Yonghui , Yang Qing , Dong Shaobo , Lan Tianyu
Published: October 2021

Corn stalk (CS) was used as raw material to prepare biochar. Corn stalk biochar /HDPE composite (CSB/HDPE) was prepared by extrusion method with 3 wt% MA added. The effect of corn stalk biochar (CSB) on the rheological properties of HDPE under different conditions was studied. The interface performance of each component with HDPE was studied by using the Harmonic‐Mean interface equation. The purpose is to provide guidance for the processing and molding of materials by studying the rheological properties and interface properties of the materials. The results showed that, compared with CS, the interfacial tension between CSB and HDPE was lower; Research on dynamic rheological properties showed that an appropriate amount of CSB can improve the processing performance of HDPE; With the increase of CSB content, the stability of the composite system decreased, but the elasticity and viscosity increased correspondingly. The steady‐state rheological properties showed that shear induced compatibility occurs in the composite system at high shear rates; Compared with HDPE, 50 %CSB/HDPE was more sensitive to temperature and had higher viscous flow activation energy. In addition, the tensile strength and flexural strength of the composite material reached the maximum when the CSB content was 50 %, which were 28.69 MPa and 30.14 MPa, respectively. Overall, the study of rheological properties of materials provides guidance for the application of CSB in polymers and broadens the way of waste resources utilization.
Experimental and Computational Validation of Structural Features and BSA Binding Tendency of 5‐Hydroxy‐5‐trifluoromethyl‐3‐arylpyrazolines**
Authors: Kataria Ramesh , Vashisht Devika , Rani Payal , Sindhu Jayant , Kumar Sunil , Sharma Shikha , Sahoo Subash C. , Kumar Vinod , Kumar Mehta Surinder
Published: October 2021

Bovine serum albumin (BSA) serves as a model protein to explore drug‐protein interactions due to its structural similarities with Human serum albumin (HSA). In this report, the binding tendency of BSA protein with synthesized trifluoromethyl functionalized pyrazoles i. e., 5‐hydroxy‐3‐(p‐methoxyphenyl)‐5‐trifluoromethyl‐4,5‐dihydropyrazole‐1‐thiocarboxamide (2 a) and 5‐hydroxy‐3‐(p‐bromophenyl)‐5‐trifluoromethyl‐4,5‐dihydropyrazole‐1‐thiocarboxamide (2 b) was explored using spectroscopic techniques. The pyrazoles were synthesized by a one‐pot reaction and characterized with the help of single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The crystallographic parameters were found to be in close agreement with those evaluated computationally using density functional theory (DFT). Further, to explore the nature of interactions involved in binding, Hirshfeld surface analysis was carried out, which indicated the presence of non‐covalent interactions. Specifically, hydrogen bonding viz O−H, S−H and F−H were observed in both cases. As predicted by DFT based global reactivity descriptors, compound 2 a is chemically softer than 2 b. In silico molecular docking and molecular dynamic studies were also performed to validate the nature of binding interactions present in both cases.
A New Thiophene‐Appended Fluorescein‐Hydrazone‐Based Chromo‐Fluorogenic Sensor for the Screening of Hg2+ Ions in Real Water Samples
Authors: Roy Swapnadip , Mondal Tapashree , Dey Dhananjay , Mane Manoj V. , Panja Sujit S.
Published: October 2021

A simple yet efficient, Hg2+ selective sensor, based on a fluroescein‐thiophene conjugate, namely, (Z)‐3′,6′‐dihydroxy‐2‐(((3‐methylthiophen‐2‐yl)methylene)amino)spiro[isoindoline‐1,9′‐xanthen]‐3‐one (FT) has been designed and synthesized. The compound was well characterized by analytical techniques such as HR‐MS, FTIR, UV‐visible absorption, steady‐state fluorescence and time‐resolved spectrophotometric techniques. Comprehensive analysis demonstrated FTas a highly specific and ultra‐sensitive sensor towards Hg2+ ions in presence of several other interfering metal ions in ethanol/H2O (9 : 1, v/v) at pH=7.2 buffered with 10 mM HEPES buffer at room temperature. The complexation of the probe FT with Hg2+ was well confirmed by ESI‐MS and FTIR spectral analysis. The detection limit of the probe FT towards Hg2+ was achieved down to 137 nM. The structure of ligand FT and FT‐Hg2+ complex were well corroborated by theoretical studies as well. In addition, the FT‐Hg2+ complex was found to be reversible in presence of di‐sodium EDTA and hence decipher its recyclability capabilities. The significance of the present probe FT lies in its successful application for the detection and quantification of Hg2+ in real water samples and logic gate fabrication for future incorporation in small organic molecule based efficient molecular devices.
Chitosan Matrix Encapsulation of α‐Lipoic Acid (LA) Anchored Gold Nanoparticles: A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study
Authors: Gunupuru Ravi , Mehrotra Amritansh , Sairam Pinisetti Swami , Vyas Gaurav , Pandey Jitendra K , Sen Anik
Published: October 2021

In this article the competitive binding of citrate (2‐hydroxypropane‐1,2,3‐tricarboxylate), chitosan and α‐lipoic acid ((R)‐5‐(1,2‐dithiolan‐3‐yl) pentanoic acid, (LA) are tested on the surface of Gold Nanoparticle (AuNP). The chitosan matrix encapsulated gold nanoparticle resulted in colour reversibility in presence of α‐lipoic acid through partial ligand exchange mechanism. Different experimental analysis including TEM, EDX, spectrophotometry and FTIR were spectrometry performed to check the interaction mechanism and explain the colour reversibility. Binding and colour reversibility mechanism was also supported through the Density functional Theory calculations.
Carbon Dots‐in‐EuAPO‐5 Zeolite: Triple‐Emission for Multilevel Luminescence Anti‐Counterfeiting
Authors: Yu Xiaowei , Liu Kaikai , Zhang Hongyue , Wang Bolun , Ma Wenyan , Li Jiyang , Yu Jihong
Published: October 2021

Multilevel luminescence materials have aroused wide attention for their advanced anti‐counterfeiting abilities. However, various complicated stimuli factors involved in multilevel luminescence anti‐counterfeiting (MlLA) limit the practical applications of such materials. Herein, carbon dots (CDs) are in situ introduced into Eu‐substituted AlPO4‐5 zeolite (named CDs@EuAPO‐5) via a solvent‐free thermal crystallization method, which exhibits triple emissions including pink fluorescence mainly associated with Eu3+ in the zeolite framework, blue fluorescence and green room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) associated with CDs. CDs are uniformly embedded in the EuAPO‐5 zeolite matrix. Such composite displays excellent photo‐, thermo‐, and solvent resistance, as well as long‐term storage‐stability. Moreover, the triple emissions of the composite only need two kinds of common excitation lights to trigger, without involving other complicated stimuli. A triple‐level luminescence anti‐counterfeiting (TlLA) label has been built, realizing facile, quick, and advanced luminescence anti‐counterfeiting that is hard to copy.
Remarkable Black‐Phase Robustness of CsPbI3 Nanocrystals Sealed in Solid SiO2/AlOx Sub‐Micron Particles
Authors: Lin Yue , Fan Xiaotong , Yang Xiao , Zheng Xi , Huang Weizhi , Shangguan Zhibin , Wang Yuhan , Kuo Hao‐Chung , Wu Tingzhu , Chen Zhong
Published: October 2021

This work combines the high‐temperature sintering method and atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique, and yields SiO2/AlOx–sealed γ–CsPbI3 nanocrystals (NCs). The black‐phase CsPbI3 NCs, scattered and encapsulated firmly in solid SiO2 sub‐micron particles, maintain in black phases against water soaking, ultraviolet irradiation, and heating, exhibiting remarkable phase stability. A new phase‐transition route, from γ via β to α phase without transferring into δ phase, has been discovered upon temperature increasing. The phase stability is ascribed to the high pressure exerted by the rigid SiO2 encapsulations, and its condensed amorphous structures that prevent the permeation of H2O molecules. Nanoscale coating of Al2O3 thin films, which are deposited on the surface of the CsPbI3‐SiO2 by ALD, enhances the protection against O2 infiltration, greatly elevating the high‐temperature stability of CsPbI3 NCs sealed inside, as the samples remain bright after 1‐h annealing in air at 400 °C. These fabrication and encapsulation techniques effectively prevent the formation of δ–CsPbI3 under harsh environment, bringing the high‐pressure preservation of black‐phase CsPbI3 from laboratory to industry toward potential applications in both photovoltaic and fluorescent areas.
Solvent Co‐Intercalation‐Induced Activation and Capacity Fade Mechanism of Few‐/Multi‐Layered MXenes in Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Bärmann Peer , Winter Martin , Gonzalez‐Julian Jesus , Placke Tobias
Published: October 2021

MXenes attract tremendous research efforts since their discovery in 2011 due to their unique physical and chemical properties, allowing for application in various fields. One of them is electrochemical energy storage due to their pseudocapacitive (=redox) behavior, high electronic conductivity, and charge storage versatility regarding the cationic species (e.g., Li+). MXenes typically display stable charge/discharge cycling behavior over hundreds of cycles in numerous electrolytes, however, a drastic loss of reversible capacity is detectable during the initial cycles. Furthermore, an electrochemical “activation” is also reported in the literature, especially for free‐standing electrodes. Here, these electrochemical phenomena are investigated by electrochemical and analytical means to decipher the responsible mechanism by comparing few‐layered and multi‐layered Ti3C2Tx. A change in the pseudocapacitive behavior of MXenes during cycling can be explained by in situ X‐ray diffraction studies, revealing solvent co‐intercalation in the first cycle for the morphologically different MXenes. This co‐intercalation is responsible for the capacity decay detected in the first cycles and is also responsible for the ongoing “activation” occurring in later cycles.
Improving the Long‐Term Stability of Doped Spiro‐Type Hole‐Transporting Materials in Planar Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Urieta-Mora Javier , García-Benito Inés , Illicachi Luis A. , Calbo Joaquín , Aragó Juan , Molina-Ontoria Agustín , Ortí Enrique , Martín Nazario , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja
Published: October 2021

The improvement of the long‐term stability of perovskite‐based solar cells (PSCs) toward commercialization is closely linked to the development of cutting‐edge charge‐transporting materials. The progress on the design and the synthesis of new hole‐transporting materials (HTMs) is synergistically attaining both top efficiencies and promising stability. Herein, the synthesis and characterization of two doped‐HTMs based on electron‐rich spiranic cores, namely, 9H‐quinolinophenoxazine (spiro‐POZ) and 9H‐quinolinophenothiazine (spiro‐PTZ), are presented. The novel HTMs exhibit excellent solubility, optimal highest occupied molecular orbital energy, and excellent thermal stability with glass transition temperatures higher than those for spiro‐OMeTAD. [(FAPbI3)0.87(MAPbBr3)0.13]0.92[CsPbI3]0.08‐based solar cells using the new spiro‐type HTMs deliver power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) around 17% for mesoporous cells, and higher than 18% in planar configurations, matching the PCE of spiro‐OMeTAD. Remarkably, doped spiro‐POZ and spiro‐PTZ exhibit excellent long‐term stability in planar devices, retaining over 84% of their initial efficiency after more than 300 days of exposure to ambient conditions. Furthermore, after 1200 h under continuous 1 sun illumination, the PCE of the PSCs based on spiro‐POZ and spiro‐PTZ decreases by only 6%.
Super Flexible Transparent Conducting Oxide‐Free Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Perovskite Solar Cells with 19.01% Efficiency (Active Area = 1 cm2)
Authors: Heo Jin Hyuck , Lee David Sunghwan , Zhang Fei , Xiao Chuanxiao , Heo Su Jeong , Lee Hyong Joon , Zhu Kai , Im Sang Hyuk
Published: October 2021

Highly efficient organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells (OIHP‐SCs) are often fabricated on a transparent conducting oxide (TCO) substrate such as indium tin oxide (ITO). However, the presence of TCOs is disadvantageous to the development of flexible OIHP‐SCs due to the brittle nature of ITO which is easily breakable during bending. Herein, a flexible TCO‐free OIHP‐SC is demonstrated by using lithium bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide (Li‐TFSI) as a codopant for the single‐layer graphene transparent conducting electrode and poly(triarylamine) hole‐transporting material (HTM) on a flexible polydimethylsiloxane substrate. The optical and electrical properties of the Li‐TFSI‐doped graphene substrate are measured by controlling the doping amount and the best conditions for charge extraction are established at a doping concentration of 20 mm Li‐TFSI, thus optimizing the device photovoltaic performance. As a result, a highest power conversion efficiency of 19.01% is demonstrated by the flexible TCO‐free OIHP‐SC devices with an active area of 1 cm2. In addition, the flexible TCO‐free OIHP‐SCs exhibit good bending stability after 5000 bending cycles at radii of 6, 4, and 2 mm and excellent light soaking stability under 1 Sun light intensity over 1000 h as opposed to the poor stability when using poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate as the HTM.
Performance Improvement of Gallium‐Doped Passivated Emitter and Rear Cells by Two‐Step Bias Application
Authors: Song Lihui , Hu Zechen , Fang Lingxin , Cai Yongmei , He Sheng , Huang Haiyan , Hsu WeiChih , Yu Xuegong , Yang Deren
Published: October 2021

Passivated emitter and rear cell (PERC) solar cells have dominated the photovoltaic market in recent years. Continuously improving the efficiency of PERC solar cells is of great importance to enable the goal of low electricity cost, which is cheaper than the cost of thermal power generation. Herein, it is demonstrated that a two‐step postfiring bias treatment is able to evidently enhance the efficiency of commercial gallium‐doped PERC solar cells by up to 0.1% absolute. In detail, the first‐step bias treatment is done by forward biasing the PERC solar cells at 12 A and 200 °C for 60 min, resulting in an average efficiency enhancement at around 0.05% absolute. The second‐step bias treatment is done by reverse biasing the PERC solar cells at −0.1 or −0.2 V and at the elevated temperatures for certain times, leading to another average efficiency enhancement at around 0.05% absolute. To explore the mechanism underlying the two‐step bias treatments on improving cell efficiency, a new model in light of hydrogen behavior under electric field is proposed to explain this phenomenon.
Robustness of multistory corner‐supported modular steel frames against progressive collapse
Authors: Alembagheri Mohammad , Sharafi Pejman , Tao Zhong , Hajirezaei Ramtin , Kildashti Kamyar
Published: October 2021

In current practice, a relatively wide range of different interconnections and assembly systems is being used for the design of modular buildings made of volumetric prefabricated frames. The integration strategies and design criteria for providing structural robustness or prevention of disproportionate collapse for such buildings are completely different with those with conventional systems. This is mainly because of their fundamentally different configuration of joints and the redundancy they provide for the structure. This paper studies the robustness of multistory modular structures, made of prefabricated volumetric steel frames, against progressive collapse, which can be triggered by various column or module loss scenarios. In this study, the flexibility of modules and propagation of the damage inside the individual modules are taken into account, and the buckling of columns, as well as the effects of material nonlinearity on the responses and capacity of the entire system, are also considered. Load redistribution patterns and possible gravity‐induced collapse mechanisms are inspected in various collapse scenarios for a typical mid‐rise modular steel frame. In the numerical model, each individual prefabricated volumetric module is composed of discrete beam and column frame elements, connected through conventional rigid beam–column connections. The volumetric modular steel frames are connected via corner vertical and horizontal intermodule joints; each one is modeled utilizing one axial and two shear springs with predefined nonlinear force–displacement behavior in a 3D finite element analysis. The local damage scenarios are assumed to be due to instantaneous loss of columns or entire modules, for which the interactions between the modular units, overall structural robustness, load redistribution, possible collapse mechanisms, and progressive collapse response of the frames are investigated. The results indicate that the additional redundancy may help the modular steel frames survive from some corner column or single module removals but will not be able to maintain their robustness under combined module removal scenarios.
Identifizierte Problemfelder
Authors: Sailer Marcel , Reichstein Christopher , Andelfinger Volker P.
Published: October 2021

Das folgende Kapitel stellt einleitend zentrale Problemfelder vor, die im Forschungs- und Themenbereich Active Assisted Living bereits identifiziert wurden, jedoch bis heute nicht zufriedenstellend gelöst sind. Im Fokus stehen vorhandene Marktbarrieren, die es strategisch und methodisch zu überwinden gilt.
A reduction principle for Fourier coefficients of automorphic forms
Authors: Gourevitch Dmitry , Gustafsson Henrik P. A. , Kleinschmidt Axel , Persson Daniel , Sahi Siddhartha
Published: October 2021

We consider a special class of unipotent periods for automorphic forms on a finite cover of a reductive adelic group $$\mathbf {G}(\mathbb {A}_\mathbb {K})$$

G
(

A
K

)

, which we refer to as Fourier coefficients associated to the data of a ‘Whittaker pair’. We describe a quasi-order on Fourier coefficients, and an algorithm that gives an explicit formula for any coefficient in terms of integrals and sums involving higher coefficients. The maximal elements for the quasi-order are ‘Levi-distinguished’ Fourier coefficients, which correspond to taking the constant term along the unipotent radical of a parabolic subgroup, and then further taking a Fourier coefficient with respect to a $${\mathbb K}$$
K
-distinguished nilpotent orbit in the Levi quotient. Thus one can express any Fourier coefficient, including the form itself, in terms of higher Levi-distinguished coefficients. In companion papers we use this result to determine explicit Fourier expansions of minimal and next-to-minimal automorphic forms on split simply-laced reductive groups, and to obtain Euler product decompositions of certain Fourier coefficients.
Additive roles of tobacco and cannabis co-use in relation to delay discounting in a sample of heavy drinkers
Authors: Nieto Steven J. , Venegas Alexandra , Burnette Elizabeth M. , MacKillop James , Ray Lara A.
Published: October 2021

Rationale

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is associated with steeper delay discounting rates; however, it is unknown whether substance co-use, particularly cannabis use, has an additive effect on discounting rates among heavy drinkers. Furthermore, it is unclear whether substance co-use and delay discounting are independently associated with AUD severity.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to determine whether alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis co-use impacts delay discounting rates. We also sought to determine whether substance co-use and delay discounting were associated with AUD symptom counts.

Methods

The study sample was culled from several human laboratory studies and consisted of 483 heavy drinking individuals who completed a baseline visit (prior to experimental procedures). Participants were divided into groups based on self-reported alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis use during the past 30 days: alcohol only (n = 184), alcohol + cigarettes (n = 89), alcohol + cannabis (n = 82), and tri-use (n = 128). We examined discounting rates across the 4 groups and used multiple linear regression to test whether co-use and delay discounting were associated with AUD symptoms.

Results

After adjusting for covariates, individuals in the alcohol + cannabis group and the tri-use group had steeper discounting rates relative to the alcohol-only group. In addition, tri-use and delay discounting rates were independently correlated with a greater number of AUD symptoms.

Conclusions

Delay discounting rates were significantly greater among subgroups reporting cannabis use providing partial support for an additive effect, while also highlighting the importance of co-use substance type. Both tri-use and delay discounting were associated with greater AUD severity, which may provide relevant intervention targets.
Measurement of crystallographic orientation of quartz crystal using Raman spectroscopy: application to entrapped inclusions
Authors: Zhong Xin , Loges Anselm , Roddatis Vladimir , John Timm
Published: October 2021

Raman spectroscopy has been widely used in mineralogy and petrology for identifying mineral phases. Some recent applications of Raman spectroscopy involve measuring the residual pressure of mineral inclusions, such as quartz inclusions in garnet host, to recover the entrapment pressure condition during metamorphism. The crystallographic orientations of entrapped inclusions and host are important to know for the modelling of their elastic interaction. However, the analysis of tiny entrapped mineral inclusions using EBSD technique requires time consuming polishing. The crystallographic orientations can be measured using polarized Raman spectroscopy, as the intensities of Raman bands depend on the mutual orientation between the polarization direction of the laser and the crystallographic orientation of the crystal. In this study, the Raman polarizability tensor of quartz is first obtained and is used to fit arbitrary orientations of quartz grains. We have implemented two rotation methods: (1) sample rotation method, where the sample is rotated on a rotation stage, and (2) polarizer rotation method, where the polarization directions of the incident laser and the scattered Raman signal are parallel and can be rotated using a circular polarizer. The precision of the measured crystallographic orientation is systematically studied and is shown to be ca. 0.25 degrees using quartz wafers and quartz plates that are cut along known orientations. It is shown that the orientation of tiny mineral inclusions (ca. 2–5 μm) can be precisely determined and yield consistent results with EBSD.