bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Detection of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Gene in Clinical Isolates of Klebsiella Species in Jos North Central of Nigeria
Authors: Ashien Uju Uchenna , Ayanbimpe Grace
Published: May 2023

Aims: The aim of the study was to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility of Klebsiella species, prevalence of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamases (ESBLs) and the gene coding ESBL production in Klebsiella Species obtained from clinical specimens of patients attending Plateau State Specialist and Jos University Teaching Hospitals both in Jos North Central of Nigeria.

Study Design: This was hospital based study conducted in the Department of Medical Microbiology unit of Plateau State Specialist and Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) during the periods of January to April 2020.

Methodology: Out of 156 non-motile, oxidase negative gram negative organisms collected, 137 isolates were identified to be Klebsiella species using oxoid Microbact 24E kit for Enterobacteriaceae identification and Microsoft for bacteria identification. Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST) and ESBL screening was done by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method using oxoid Single disk antibiotics which include Ceftazidime (30µg), Cefotaxime (30µg), Imipenem (10µg), Ciprofloxacin (5µg), Gentamicin (10µg), Ampicillin (10 µg), Aztreonam (30 µg), and Azithromycin (15 µg) on Mueller Hinton Agar (oxoid).Break point was determined by CLSI AST guidelines. The isolates that showed resistance or reduced susceptibility to Ceftazidime and Cefotaxime are suspected to be ESBL positive Klebsiella. Phenotypic confirmation of ESBL positive isolates was carried out using Double Disk Synergy Test (DDST) with Ceftazidime 30µg (oxoid), Cefotaxime 30µg (oxoid) and Amoxicillin Clavulanic acid 20/10ug (Oxoid).Genotypic detection of ESBL gene was done using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).

Results: Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test showed Imipenem to be highly sensitive to ESBL positive Klebsiella pneumonia with 100% sensitivity. Gentamicin, Ampicillin, and Azithromycin showed reduced susceptibility. Genotypic results showed presence of bla TEM, bla SHV genes at 868bp and 972bp band size with no occurrence of bla CTX-M gene. There was multiple occurrence of gene in some of the isolates tested while some recorded no ESBL gene. The ESBL prevalence of 15.3% was recorded in this study.

Conclusions: The prevalence of 15.3% recorded in this study is low compared to other studies from some other states within the country. Efforts should be put in place to ensure non-proliferation of this ESBL Klebsiella strain as it creates not only a therapeutic challenge but health problem.
Pretreatment Predictors Associated with Improvement in Hepatitis C Virus Related Decompensated Cirrhosis after Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy
Authors: Shady Ebtesam , Kassem Gamal , Akl Mohammed , Farouk Gihan , Soliman Samah
Published: May 2023

Background and Aim: The availability of hepatitis C virus (HCV) direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) has led to a paradigm change in the care of HCV related decompensated cirrhosis. Achieving a stained virologic response (SVR) is associated with considerable improvements in both Child-Turcotte- Pugh (CTP) and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores in decompensated cirrhosis. We aimed to evaluate the pretreatment predictors associated with improvement in CTP B cirrhosis after DAAs and evaluate the efficacy and safety of DAAs in these patients.

Patients and Methods: A prospective study conducted on 213 decompensated patients (CTP B, 134 received DAAs for 24 weeks and 79 for 12 weeks). Clinical and laboratory data obtained at baseline, during treatment, 12 weeks after end of treatment (EOT), 36 weeks after treatment start, and 24 weeks after SVR.

Results: We had 48.4 % and 55.9 % had improved to CTP A at 36 weeks of treatment start and 24 weeks after SVR respectively. A high baseline BE3A score (which includes Body mass index (BMI), Encephalopathy, Ascites, Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and Albumin) was the significant predictor of attaining CTP A at 36 weeks of treatment start, while high baseline ALT (> 60 IU/L) was the significant predictor of attaining CTP A at 24 weeks after SVR. SVR 12 achieved in 97.3% and DAAs were safe with mild tolerable adverse events.

Conclusion: High baseline ALT and BE3A score were the significant predictors of hepatic improvement from CTP B to CTP A after DAAs. HCV DAAs were safe and effective with high SVR rates (97.3%) in decompensated cirrhosis.
Water Quality Assessment of Nigerian Port Authority Waterway in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Babatunde Awosanya , Nwaogazie Ify L. , Ikebude Chiedozie F.
Published: May 2023

The aim of this study is to assess the water quality of the Nigerian Port Authority Water way. A cross-sectional study was carried out using a composite sampling method, where three water samples were collected randomly from each station to ensure that the samples were representative of the entire station. Water samples were taken from four different locations along the waterway with new unused bottles, chosen based on the level of port activity in the area. The samples were thereafter analysed for physiochemical parameters, and heavy metal, and compared to the World Health Organization's Permissible Limits. Data analyses covered descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient analysis, Agglomerative hierarchy clustering, parallel coordinate plot and Water Quality Index computation. The results showed that most parameters were above the standards, indicating a potential risk of bioaccumulation. The water quality index for the station was found to range from 3192.635 to 5061.35 for the four stations, indicating that the waterway is of poor water quality and unsuitable for consumption, and irrigation purposes. The parallel coordinate plot identified Lead and Salinity as the main contaminant in the waterway.
Event-based Lateral Security Control for Network Autonomous Driving System Subject to Double-Quantized Scheme
Authors: Jiang Wenke , Luo Mengzhuo
Published: May 2023

This paper investigates the event-based lateral security control problem for network autonomous driving system subject to the ideal path tracking performance, in which a novel double-quantized structure is reasonably integrated into a unified autonomous vehicle model. Firstly, a generalized tripled cyber-attack protocol, including deception attacks, DoS attacks and replay attacks is taken into  consideration in this paper to simulate the interference of the external environment. Secondly, in order to improve the data transmission efficiency and relieve the effects of cyber-attacks, asynchronous even-triggered scheme (AETS) and doubled-quantized-based control protocol are introduced simultaneously. Additionally, with the help of elegant linearization technique, which not only makes the augmented closed-loop systems global exponential stability can be achieved, but also the desired output feedback controller gains and triggering parameter matrices are co-designed to ensure the H\(\infty\) performance for the autonomous driving system. Finally, a practical example is given to verify the effectiveness of designed mentality.
Metal–Organic Framework Mediated Radio‐Enhancement Assessed in High‐Throughput‐Compatible 3D Tumor Spheroid Co‐Cultures
Authors: Neuer Anna Lena , Vogel Alexandra , Gogos Alexander , Kissling Vera M. , Tsolaki Elena , Herrmann Inge K.
Published: May 2023

Inorganic nanomaterials have gained increasing attention in radiation oncology, owing to their radiation therapy enhancing properties. To accelerate candidate material selection and overcome the disconnect between conventional 2D cell culture and in vivo findings, screening platforms unifying high‐throughput with physiologically relevant endpoint analysis based on 3D in vitro models are promising. Here, a 3D tumor spheroid co‐culture model based on cancerous and healthy human cells is presented for the concurrent assessment of radio‐enhancement efficacy, toxicity, and intratissural biodistribution with full ultrastructural context of radioenhancer candidate materials. Its potential for rapid candidate materials screening is showcased based on the example of nano‐sized metal–organic frameworks (nMOFs) and direct benchmarking against gold nanoparticles (the current “gold standard”). Dose enhancement factors (DEFs) ranging between 1.4 and 1.8 are measured for Hf‐, Ti‐, TiZr‐, and Au‐based materials in 3D tissues and are overall lower than in 2D cell cultures, where DEF values exceeding 2 are found. In summary, the presented co‐cultured tumor spheroid—healthy fibroblast model with tissue‐like characteristics may serve as high‐throughput platform enabling rapid, cell line‐specific endpoint analysis for therapeutic efficacy and toxicity assessment, as well as accelerated radio‐enhancer candidate screening.
High‐Resolution, Multiplex Antibody Patterning using Micropillar‐Focused Droplet Printing, and Microcontact Printing
Authors: Jin Meichi , Wu Kai , Wang Mengzhen , Zhang Yang , Yang Chengbin , Li Zida
Published: May 2023

Antibody arrays have great implications in many biomedical settings. However, commonly used patterning methods have difficulties in generating antibody arrays with both high resolution and multiplexity, limiting their applications. Here, a convenient and versatile technique for the patterning of multiple antibodies with resolution down to 20 µm is reported using micropillar‐focused droplet printing and microcontact printing. Droplets of antibody solutions are first printed and stably confined on the micropillars of a stamp, and then the antibodies absorbed on the micropillars are contact‐printed to the target substrate, generating antibody patterns faithfully replicating the micropillar array. The effect of different parameters on the patterning results is investigated, including hydrophobicity of the stamps, override time of the droplet printing, incubation time, and the diameters of the capillary tips and micropillars. To demonstrate the utility of the method, multiplex arrays of anti‐EpCAM and anti‐CD68 antibodies is generated to capture breast cancer cells and macrophages, respectively, on the same substrate, and successful capturing of individual cell types and enrichment among the cells are achieved. It is envision that this method would serve as a versatile and useful protein patterning tool for biomedical applications.
Ultra‐high Quality Factor of (Zn2/3Nb1/3)3+ Co‐substitution MgAl2O4 Microwave Dielectric Ceramics
Authors: Qi Cong , Yang Xizhi , Lai Yuanming , Gong Weiping , Huang Fangyi , Li Xiao , Yin Jun , Jiang Gang , Wu Chongsheng , Su Hua
Published: May 2023

Herein, nominal compositions of MgAl2–x(Zn2/3Nb1/3)xO4 (x = 0.00, 0.04, 0.08, 0.12, 0.16, 0.20, 0.30, 0.40, and 0.50) ceramics are synthesized using a solid‐phase reaction method. The (Mg/Zn)Al2O4 solid solution and second‐phase Mg4Nb2O9 greatly improve the microwave dielectric properties of the samples. Moreover, the second phase, ionic polarizability, and relative density affect the dielectric constant (εr) value. The quality factor (Qf) value is correlated with the packing fraction, achieving a maximum value of ≈563 000 GHz at x = 0.40. The temperature coefficient of the resonant frequency (τf) value is negatively correlated with the B‐site bond value. When x = 0.40, the nominal composition MgAl1.6(Zn2/3Nb1/3)0.4O4 ceramic exhibits good microwave dielectric properties: εr = 9.06, ultrahigh Qf = 563 000 GHz, and τf = –45 ppm °C−1.
Super Cold‐Drawing Ability and High Tensile Strength of Fe35Ni35Cr20Mn10 High‐Entropy‐Alloy Wires
Authors: Zhou Jun , Wu Dan , Liao Hengcheng , Chen Hao , Chen Hongmei , Feng Di , Zhu Weijun
Published: May 2023

Excellent plastic forming ability is a prerequisite for large‐scale production of steel wires in engineering application. The process of traditional steel wire production inevitably needs interannealing treatment and corrosion‐resistant surface treatment (such as hot‐dip galvanizing), consuming a large amount of energy and causing environmental pollution. Herein, a rod of 6.34 mm in diameter, made of Fe35Ni35Cr20Mn10 high‐entropy alloy (HEA), is continually cold drawn to 0.08 mm wire without interannealing, reaching an accumulated strain of 8.73 and a section reduction ratio of 99.98%. The mechanical properties are examined by CMT5105 or CMT4503 tensile tester. The microstructure was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (FEI Sirion‐400) and transmission electron microscopy (FEI Tecani G2 T20). The wire of 0.08 mm in diameter possesses a high strength of 1868 ± 13 MPa. The formation of nanotwins or twin‐groups between the lamellar structures and inside the lamellar structure during cold‐drawing can harmonize the deformation between the lamellar structures and between grains in a lamellar structure that guarantee the continual plastic deformation. The high strength of the prepared HEA wires is related to the great increase in dislocation density, the formation of nanotwins, and hard <111> texture and the refinement of lamellar structures.
Integration of an Axially Continuous Graphene with Functional Metals for High‐Temperature Electrical Conductors
Authors: Kashani Hamzeh , Choi Won June , Kim Chunghwan , Berlia Rohit , Rajagopalan Jagannathan , Kang Wonmo
Published: May 2023

Demands for effective high‐temperature electrical conductors continue to increase with the rapid adoption of electric vehicles. However, the use of conventional copper‐based conductors is limited to relatively low temperatures due to their poor oxidation resistance and microstructural instability. Here, a highly conductive and thermally stable nickel‐graphene‐copper (NiGCu) wire that combines the advantages of graphene and its metallic components is developed. The NiGCu wire consists of a conductive copper core, an oxidation‐resistant nickel shell, and axially continuous graphene embedded between them. The experiments on 10–80 µm diameter NiGCu wires demonstrate substantial enhancements in electrical properties and thermal stability across a variety of metrics. For instance, the smallest NiGCu wires have a 61.2% higher current density limit, 307.6% higher conductivity, and an order of magnitude smaller change in resistivity compared to conventional Ni‐coated Cu counterparts after annealing at 650 °C. By performing both innovative experiments and simulations using different sizes of NiGCu wires, the diffusion coefficients of metals are quantified, for the first time to the best knowledge, through continuous graphene. These results indicate that the dramatic improvement in thermo‐electrical properties is enabled by the embedded graphene layer which reduces NiCu interdiffusion by ≈104 times at 550 °C and 650 °C.
Thermal and Photo‐Degradation Study of α‐FAPbI3‐Based Perovskite Using In Situ X‐Ray Diffraction
Authors: Ruellou Julie , Courty Matthieu , Sauvage Frédéric
Published: May 2023

Hybrid halide perovskite has established its credibility as high performance thin film photovoltaic technology. Perovskite based on formamidinium cation is at the core composition to top performances and stability. Herein, a depth study based on temperature‐controlled in situ X‐ray diffraction focusing on the photo‐active formamidinium lead iodide (α‐FAPbI3) is reported. In particular, the thermal stability of the latter and the degradation pathways under different experimental conditions are clarified. Based on this in situ technique, the lattice thermal expansion coefficient is reported that provides relevant information on possible mechanical stress created upon temperature cycling or damp heat test. The results support that α‐FAPbI3 degradation is substantially accelerated when temperature is combined to illumination and when it is interfaced with the extraction layers. In addition, by contrast to in darkness for which α‐FAPbI3 degrades directly into PbI2, the existence of a temperature gap under illumination involving an intermediate step with a non‐crystalline phase resulting from the perovskite degradation and contributing to the formation of PbI2 by‐product is revealed.
Doped/Undoped A1‐A2 Typed Copolymers as ETLs for Highly Efficient Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Yang Lisi , Shen Shuaishuai , Chen Xiang , Wei Huan , Xia Dongdong , Zhao Chaowei , Zhang Ningfang , Hu Yuanyuan , Li Weiwei , Xin Hao , Song Jinsheng
Published: May 2023

The electron transport layer (ETL) is a critical component in achieving high device performance and stability in organic solar cells. Conjugated polyelectrolytes (CPEs) have become an attractive alternative due to film‐forming properties and ease of preparation. However, p‐type CPEs generally exhibit poor charge mobility and conductivity, incorporation of electron‐withdrawing units forming alternated D‐A conjugated backbone can make up for these deficiencies. Herein, the ratio of electron withdrawing moieties are further increased and two poly(A1‐alt‐A2) typed PIIDNDI‐Br and PDPPNDI‐Br based on the combination of naphthalene diimide (NDI) with isoindigo (IID) or diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) via direct arylation polycondensation are synthesized. These CPEs possess excellent alcohol solubility, a suitable lowest unocuppied molecular orbital energy level, and work function tunability. Surprisingly, the incorporation of IID and DPP units generate distinct self‐doping behaviors, which are confirmed by UV–vis absorption and ESR spectra. However, no matter doped or undoped, both CPEs present better charge‐transporting properties and conductivity when utilized as ETLs. The PIIDNDI‐Br and PDPPNDI‐Br display good universal compatibility with the blend of PM6:Y6 and PM6:L8‐BO, and PCEs of 18.32% and 18.36% are obtained, respectively, which also present excellent storage stability. In short, the combination of two different acceptors demonstrates an efficient strategy to design highly efficient ETLs for high performance photovoltaic devices.
Oxidative Stimuli‐Responsive “Pollen‐Like” Exosomes from Silver Nanoflowers Remodeling Diabetic Wound Microenvironment for Accelerating Wound Healing
Authors: Chen Yahong , Younis Muhammad Rizwan , He Gang , Zheng Zhiwei , Wang Yun , Xue Ke , Sun Jian , Liu Kai , Huang Peng , Wang Xiansong
Published: May 2023

The hostile oxidative wound microenvironment, defective angiogenesis, and uncontrolled release of therapeutic factors are major challenges in improving the diabetic wound healing. Herein, adipose‐derived‐stem‐cell‐derived exosomes (Exos) are first loaded into Ag@bovine serum albumin (BSA) nanoflowers (Exos–Ag@BSA NFs) to form a protective “pollen‐flower” delivery structure, which are further encapsulated into the injectable collagen (Col) hydrogel (Exos–Ag@BSA NFs/Col) for concurrent remodeling of the oxidative wound microenvironment and precise release of Exos. The Exos–Ag@BSA NFs can selectively dissociate in an oxidative wound microenvironment, which triggers sustained release of Ag ions (Ag+) and cascades controllable release of “pollen‐like” Exos at the target site, thus protecting Exos from oxidative denaturation. Such a wound‐microenvironment‐activated release property of Ag+ and Exos effectively eliminates bacteria and promotes the apoptosis of impaired oxidative cells, resulting in improved regenerative microenvironment. Additionally, Exos–Ag@BSA NFs/Col markedly accelerates wound healing and regeneration in vivo in a diabetic murine silicone‐splinted excisional wound model by promoting blood perfusion, tissue granulation, collagen deposition, neovascularization, angiogenesis, and re‐epithelization. It is anticipated that this work will inspire the development of more delicate and disease‐specific therapeutic systems for clinical wound management.
Out‐of‐Plane Electronics on Flexible Substrates Using Inorganic Nanowires Grown on High‐Aspect‐Ratio Printed Gold Micropillars
Authors: Ma Sihang , Dahiya Abhishek Singh , Dahiya Ravinder
Published: May 2023

Out‐of‐plane or 3D electronics on flexible substrates are an interesting direction that can enable novel solutions such as efficient bioelectricity generation and artificial retina. However, the development of devices with such architectures is limited by the lack of suitable fabrication techniques. Additive manufacturing (AM) can but often fail to provide high‐resolution, sub‐micrometer 3D architectures. Herein, the optimization of a drop‐on‐demand (DoD), high‐resolution electrohydrodynamic (EHD)‐based jet printing method for generating 3D gold (Au) micropillars is reported. Libraries of Au micropillar electrode arrays (MEAs) reaching a maximum height of 196 µm and a maximum aspect ratio of 52 are printed. Further, by combining AM with the hydrothermal growth method, a seedless synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires (NWs) on the printed Au MEAs is demonstrated. The developed hybrid approach leads to hierarchical light‐sensitive NW‐connected networks exhibiting favorable ultraviolet (UV) sensing as demonstrated via fabricating flexible photodetectors (PDs). The 3D PDs exhibit an excellent omnidirectional light‐absorption ability and thus, maintain high photocurrents over wide light incidence angles (±90°). Lastly, the PDs are tested under both concave and convex bending at 40 mm, showing excellent mechanical flexibility.
Macrocyclic Engineering of Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescent Emitters for High‐Efficiency Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Fu Yu , Ye Zecong , Liu Denghui , Mu Yingxiao , Xiao Jingping , Hu Dehua , Ji Shaomin , Huo Yanping , Su Shi‐Jian
Published: May 2023

Several thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) materials have been studied and developed to realize high‐performance organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). However, TADF macrocycles have not been sufficiently investigated owing to the synthetic challenges, resulting in limited exploration of their luminescent properties and the corresponding highly efficient OLEDs. In this study, a series of TADF macrocycles is synthesized using a modularly tunable strategy by introducing xanthones as acceptors and phenylamine derivatives as donors. A detailed analysis of their photophysical properties combined with fragment molecules reveals characteristics of high‐performance macrocycles. The results indicate that: a) the ideal structure decreases the energy loss, which in turn reduces the non‐radiative transitions; b) reasonable building blocks increase the oscillator strength providing a higher radiation transition rate; c) the horizontal dipole orientation (Θ) of the extended macrocyclic emitters is increased. Owing to the high photoluminescence quantum yields of ≈100% and 92% and excellent Θ of 80 and 79% for macrocycles MC‐X and MC‐XT in 5 wt% doped films, the corresponding devices exhibit record‐high external quantum efficiencies of 31.6% and 26.9%, respectively, in the field of TADF macrocycles.
Strain‐Driven Negative Resistance Switching of Conductive Fibers with Adjustable Sensitivity for Wearable Healthcare Monitoring Systems with Near‐Zero Standby Power
Authors: Min Won Kyung , Won Chihyeong , Kim Dong Hyun , Lee Sanghyeon , Chung Jusung , Cho Sungjoon , Lee Taeyoon , Kim Hyun Jae
Published: May 2023

Recently, one of the primary concerns in e‐textile‐based healthcare monitoring systems for chronic illness patients has been reducing wasted power consumption, as the system should be always‐on to capture diverse biochemical and physiological characteristics. However, the general conductive fibers, a major component of the existing wearable monitoring systems, have a positive gauge‐factor (GF) that increases electrical resistance when stretched, so that the systems have no choice but to consume power continuously. Herein, a twisted conductive‐fiber‐based negatively responsive switch‐type (NRS) strain‐sensor with an extremely high negative GF (resistance change ratio ≈ 3.9 × 108) that can significantly increase its conductivity from insulating to conducting properties is developed. To this end, a precision cracking technology is devised, which could induce a difference in the Young's modulus of the encapsulated layer on the fiber through selective ultraviolet‐irradiation treatment. Owing to this technology, the NRS strain‐sensors can allow for effective regulation of the mutual contact resistance under tensile strain while maintaining superior durability for over 5000 stretching cycles. For further practical demonstrations, three healthcare monitoring systems (E‐fitness pants, smart‐masks, and posture correction T‐shirts) with near‐zero standby power are also developed, which opens up advancements in electronic textiles by expanding the utilization range of fiber strain‐sensors.
Boron‐Containing Molecules with Fluorescence‐Phosphorescence Dual‐Emission for Mechanochromism and Single Molecular White Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Liu Meiyan , Hao Hongmin , Liao Guanming , Li Chenglong , Liu Kanglei , Wang Nan , Niu Quan , Yin Xiaodong
Published: May 2023

Organic molecules with fluorescence‐phosphorescence dual‐emission have attracted significant attention for their potential applications in white organic light‐emitting diodes (WOLEDs). Herein, donor–accepter molecules, Mes*BA‐Cz and FXylBA‐Cz, are designed and synthesized, and the photoluminescence of these two compounds in solid state exhibits fluorescence‐phosphorescence dual‐emission. Through the single crystal study, the phosphorescent emission is mainly caused by the molecular stacking in the crystalline state, which is beneficial for aggregation‐induced intersystem crossing. Dual emission behavior further caused the mechanochromism of the two compounds, with emission color changed between amorphous and crystalline state. White light photoluminescence with CIE coordinates of (0.33, 0.34) is achieved by doping FXylBA‐Cz in the poly (methyl methacrylate) film. Furthermore, a WOLED based on FXylBA‐Cz is manufactured with CIE coordinates of (0.31, 0.33), and the external quantum efficiency (EQE) reached 0.49%.
In Situ Generated, Tetracoordinated Copper(II)‐Quinoline Complexes as Photocatalysts for the Chlorosulfonylation of Alkenes and Alkynes
Authors: Chaibuth Pawittra , Engl Sebastian , Reichle Alexander , Chainok Kittipong , Sukwattanasinitt Mongkol , Reiser Oliver
Published: May 2023

A series of copper complexes was synthesized and studied as photocatalysts for the chlorosulfonylation of olefins. Featuring a tetradentate ligand consisting of one amino quinoline and two methyl pyridine moieties, the resulting Cu(II)‐complex is effective under visible light irradiation to add sulfonyl chlorides to alkenes and alkynes, including unactivated aliphatic olefins. A weak base additive such as Na2CO3 prevents catalyst poisoning, resulting in an improvement of reaction yields and catalyst lifetime. A broad scope of sulfonyl chlorides and alkenes/alkynes as coupling partners are amenable for the title process, including examples previously reported unsuccessful with established copper‐based photocatalysts.
Integrating an In‐Plane Electron‐Conductive Separator to Enable Short‐Circuit Warning in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Wang Junzhang , Xu Zhou , Shan Yunpeng , Guo Xingzhong , Luo Zhongkuan , Yang Hui
Published: May 2023

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries are one of the most competitive candidates for high‐energy‐density batteries. However, the high energy density and high reactivity of the lithium anode and sulfur cathode make the safety issues of Li–S batteries particularly prominent. Herein, an early warning strategy for the short circuits in Li–S batteries is explored by integrating an in‐plane electron‐conductive separator. The internal short circuits caused by lithium dendrites or manufacturing defects can be quickly and accurately predicted before catastrophic thermal runaway, with enough time to take rescue measures. The separator with high thermal conductivity also facilitates the heat dissipation of the cell, thus reducing the risk of thermal runaway under abuse. The fast and reliable early warning strategy based on the in‐plane electron‐conductive separator builds the Great Wall of active defense against inherently unsafe Li–S batteries.
Sustainability Consolidated Ln3+(Ce3+‐Pr3+‐Nd3+):SnO2 System for Variegated Electrochemical and Photovoltaic Applications
Authors: Jaffri Shaan Bibi , Ahmad Khuram Shahzad , Abrahams Isaac , Kousseff Christina J. , Nielsen Christian B. , Ibrahim Sobhy M.
Published: May 2023

This work for the first time develops and employs the novel cerium‐praseodymium‐neodymium oxide co‐doped tin oxide (Ln3+(Ce3+‐Pr3+‐Nd3+):SnO2) system for varied energy applications including electro‐catalytic, super‐capacitive, and photovoltaic conversion potential. The outstanding optical, compositional, crystalline, and morphological aspects of the synthesized material express its effectiveness for energy related micro‐electrochemical applications. Bandgap narrowing due to lanthanide doping and acquiring cassiterite crystalline phase results in the auspicious output. O2 and H2 evolution of the developed electro‐catalyst expresses superior energy production with lower overpotential values of 95 mV for O2 and 131 mV toward H2. Fabricated electrode expresses an impressive charge storage potential with the specific capacitance of 151.62 F g−1. Also, this electrode has an extended service life for 100 min showing its ultra‐durability for commercial applications. Ln3+(Ce3+‐Pr3+‐Nd3+):SnO2 is used as an electron transport layer in the cesium based solar cells with the power conversion efficiency of 12.49%, short circuit current of 19.63 mA cm−1, and open circuit voltage of 1.2 V under artificial sun with negligible hysteresis. Ln3+(Ce3+‐Pr3+‐Nd3+):SnO2 is an effective material with the perfect bandgap tuned exceeding the pristine material for diverse energy applications marked by profound sustainability and economic viability.
Beneficial Effects of La0.5Sr0.5CoO3 Coatings on Thin‐Film LiMn2O4 Cathodes for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Yu Xiankai , Scipioni Roberto , Xu Yao‐bin , Wu Jinsong , Dravid Vinayak P. , Barnett Scott A.
Published: May 2023

The severe capacity loss of spinel LiMn2O4 (LMO) limits the utility of this otherwise promising lithium ion battery cathode material. One of the strategies to mitigate capacity fade is applying a coating on LMO particle surfaces. While this approach yields promising results, there is limited understanding of mechanisms whereby coatings improve LMO capacity retention. Herein, the effects of a new protective coating material, La0.5Sr0.5CoO3 (LSCO), in a thin‐film battery geometry that is amenable to fundamental studies of electrode processes, are reported. RF sputtering deposition is used to produce high quality 25–100 nm LMO cathodes on Al2O3 substrates with an intervening Pt/Ti back‐side contact layer. Cycling of the un‐coated cathodes results in capacity loss of 18% over 300 cycles. Adding a 2 nm LSCO layer reduces the capacity loss to 3%. While this may be due in part to reduced Mn dissolution, scanning transmission electron microscopy results indicate that the coating helps to preserve crystallinity and reduce lattice structure distortion due to inhibited formation of defect tetragonal spinel. Three‐electrode electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results reveal that the LSCO coating increases charge transfer and ohmic resistances, but the increases are generally too small to significantly impact cell performance even at high C‐rates.
Emerging Enhancement and Regulation Strategies for Ferromagnetic 2D Transition Metal Dichalcogenides
Authors: Yang Fan , Hu Ping , Yang Fairy Fan , Chen Bo , Yin Fei , Sun Ruiyan , Hao Ke , Zhu Fei , Wang Kuaishe , Yin Zongyou
Published: May 2023

Two‐dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (2D TMDs) present promising applications in various fields such as electronics, optoelectronics, memory devices, batteries, superconductors, and hydrogen evolution reactions due to their regulable energy band structures and unique properties. For emerging spintronics applications, materials with excellent room‐temperature ferromagnetism are required. Although most transition metal compounds do not possess room‐temperature ferromagnetism on their own, they are widely modified by researchers using the emerging strategies to engineer or modulate their intrinsic properties. This paper reviews recent enhancement approaches to induce magnetism in 2D TMDs, mainly using doping, vacancy defects, composite of heterostructures, phase modulation, and adsorption, and also by electron irradiation induction, O plasma treatment, etc. On this basis, the produced effects of these methods for the introduction of magnetism into 2D TMDs are compressively summarized and constructively discussed. For perspective, research on magnetic doping techniques for 2D TMDs materials should be directed toward more reliable and efficient directions, such as exploring advanced design strategies to combine dilute magnetic semiconductors, antiferromagnetic semiconductors, and superconductors to develop new types of heterojunctions; and advancing experimentation strategies to fabricate the designed materials and enable their functionalities with simultaneously pursuing the upscalable growth methods for high‐quality monolayers to multilayers.
Tuning Hydrophilicity of Aluminum MOFs by a Mixed‐Linker Strategy for Enhanced Performance in Water Adsorption‐Driven Heat Allocation Application
Authors: Truong Bao N. , Borges Daiane D. , Park Jaedeuk , Lee Ji Sun , Jo Donghui , Chang Jong‐San , Cho Sung June , Maurin Guillaume , Cho Kyung Ho , Lee U‐Hwang
Published: May 2023

Water adsorption‐driven heat transfer (AHT) technology has emerged as a promising solution to address crisis of the global energy consumption and environmental pollution of current heating and cooling processes. Hydrophilicity of water adsorbents plays a decisive role in these applications. This work reports an easy, green, and inexpensive approach to tuning the hydrophilicity of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) by incorporating mixed linkers, isophthalic acid (IPA), and 3,5‐pyridinedicarboxylic acid (PYDC), with various ratios in a series of Al−xIPA‐(100−x)PYDC (x: feeding ratio of IPA) MOFs. The designed mixed‐linkers MOFs show a variation of hydrophilicity along the fraction of the linkers. Representative compounds with a proportional mixed linker ratio denoted as KMF‐2, exhibit an S‐shaped isotherm, an excellent coefficient of performance of 0.75 (cooling) and 1.66 (heating) achieved with low driving temperature below 70 °C which offers capability to employ solar or industrial waste heat, remarkable volumetric specific energy capacity (235 kWh m−3) and heat‐storage capacity (330 kWh m−3). The superiority of KMF‐2 to IPA or PYDC‐containing single‐linker MOFs (CAU‐10‐H and CAU‐10pydc, respectively) and most of benchmark adsorbents illustrate the effectiveness of the mixed‐linker strategy to design AHT adsorbents with promising performance.
An Adhesive/Anti‐Adhesive Janus Tissue Patch for Efficient Closure of Bleeding Tissue with Inhibited Postoperative Adhesion
Authors: Peng Wan , Liu Cheng , Lai Youjin , Wang Yanting , Liu Pingsheng , Shen Jian
Published: May 2023

Most of the current bioadhesives cannot perform well on bleeding tissues while postoperative adhesion is a general but serious clinical issue. Here, a three‐layer biodegradable Janus tissue patch (J‐TP) that is able to simultaneously enable efficient closure of bleeding wounds with significantly promoted clotting ability and suppressed postoperative adhesion of tissues is reported. A dry adhesive hydrogel bottom layer of the J‐TP can form rapid (within 15 s) and strong (tensile strength up to 98 kPa) adhesion to bleeding/wet tissues with high bursting pressure (about 312.5 mmHg on a sealed porcine skin) through hydrogen binding and covalent conjugation between the carboxyl & N‐hydroxy succinimide (NHS) groups of hydrogel and the primary amine groups of tissues, while the phosphonic motifs can significantly reduce blood loss (by 81% on a rat bleeding liver model) of bleeding wounds. A thin polylactic acid (PLA) middle layer can improve the tensile strength (by 132%) of the J‐TP in wet conditions while the grafted zwitterionic polymers can effectively prevent postoperative tissue adhesion and inflammatory reaction. This J‐TP may be a promising tissue patch to assist the clinical treatment of injured bleeding tissues with inhibited postoperative adhesion.
A Quasisolid Electrolyte Thermogalvanic Cell by Using Sand Grains
Authors: Han Kui , Xie Li
Published: May 2023

Thermogalvanic cells (TGCs) can convert low‐grade heat into electric energy. Currently, Carnot efficiency of the P‐type TGC can reach higher than 11%, but the TGC's commercialization is still limited due to the low Carnot efficiency of the N‐type TGC. In this paper, new TGCs are reported, and they are made of desert sand grains mixed with the Cu(NO₃)₂ aqueous electrolyte, named as QS‐Cu‐TGCs, the thermoelectric performance of which is investigated. It is found that although sand grains are common, widely seen in the desert, the Carnot efficiency of such N‐type QS‐Cu‐TGCs is quite high, about 4%, with the Seebeck coefficient of 8.4 mV K−1, driven by the temperature difference 12.1 K between two electrodes, in an environment below 373 K.
Highly Anisotropic Carbonized Wood as Electronic Materials for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding and Thermal Management
Authors: Dai Zhenhua , Hu Chuanshuang , Wei Yuyi , Zhang Weiwei , Xu Jiangtao , Lin Xiuyi
Published: May 2023

Lightweight carbonized wood has a hierarchically 3D porous framework and orthotropic channels along the growth direction, which demonstrate great potential for multifunctional electronic materials. Herein, carbonized wood with outstanding electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness (SE), high thermal conductivity, and excellent Joule heating property is fabricated. It also exhibits a highly anisotropic EMI shielding performance in the cross‐ and tangential‐sections. In the tangential‐section, the shielding performance of carbonized wood is tuned by monitoring the angle between the wood grain and the electric field vibration direction of the electromagnetic waves, and the SE value ranges from 29 to 77 dB when the angle changes from 90° to 0°. Benefiting from the high SE obtained from structural optimization and the low density, carbonized balsa wood displays a high SSE (the ratio of SE to density) and SSE/t (the ratio of SSE to thickness) of 1069 dB cm3 g−1 and 3263 dB cm2 g−1, respectively. The thermal conductivity of carbonized wood is also angle‐dependent, which ranges from 0.865 to 1.897 W m−1 K−1. With the improvement in thermal conductivity, carbonized wood can be used as a heat sink material. Meanwhile, excellent Joule heating properties are achieved due to the effective conductive pathway in carbonized wood.
Uncovering the Effect of Solid Electrolyte Interphase on Ion Desolvation for Rational Interface Design in Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Aiping , Wang Li , Wu Yanzhou , He Yufang , Ren Dongsheng , Song Youzhi , Zhang Bo , Xu Hong , He Xiangming
Published: May 2023

The conventional knowledge of solid electrolyte interphases (SEIs) is limited to their ionic conductive and electron‐insulating properties. The solvation structure regulation in the new‐concept electrolytes always leads to the regulated SEI, resulting in the improvement of ion desolvation kinetics. However, the linkage between the improved kinetics and the regulated SEl remains unconnected at the atomic level. Herein, this work proposes that the SEI can function more by facilitating ion desolvation. Using quantum chemistry calculations, this work explores the ion desolvation processes with and without SEI. It is found the accelerated ion desolvation in the new‐concept electrolytes is directly attributed to the SEI rather than the regulated solvation structure. Based on the recognition of SEI's role, this work proposes an SEI‐aided ion desolvation model. This study bridges the SEI and battery kinetics at the atomic scale and redefines the functions of SEI, which are expected to steer the electrolyte design in batteries.
Heterogeneous impacts of GlobalGAP adoption on net income in small‐scale pineapple farming in Ghana: Does farm size matter?
Authors: Annor Prince B. , Kaitibie Simeon , Lyne Michael C.
Published: May 2023

Adoption of Global Good Agricultural Practices (GlobalGAP) improves food quality and safety along fresh produce value chains. However, adoption rates have been low among small‐scale pineapple farmers in Ghana, but with possible heterogeneous responses due to farm size economies. This study estimates the impact of GlobalGAP adoption on net incomes earned by small‐scale pineapple farmers in Ghana's main producing region, and examines size‐induced heterogeneous effects of adoption on income. Household and farm‐level data gathered from 546 small‐scale farmers were analyzed using a two‐stage regression model to estimate the impact of GlobalGAP adoption on per hectare pineapple net income. Robustness of the results was checked by re‐estimating the two‐stage model using a maximum likelihood extended regression model. GlobalGAP adoption reduced net income on small farms growing less than 1 ha of pineapples, but increased net income on small farms growing more than 1 ha of pineapples. We conclude that GlobalGAP adoption and farm size are not independent determinants of profitability, and recommend that extension and other interventions intended to promote GlobalGAP adoption among pineapple farmers in Ghana should be targeted at those who are willing and able to grow more than 1 ha of pineapples [EconLit Citations: Q16, Q13].
Shape Memory Soft Robotics with Yield Stress Fluids
Authors: Wilt Jackson Kyle , Overvelde Johannes T. B. , Coulais Corentin
Published: May 2023

Biological movement is a source of inspiration for designing soft robots that use fluidic actuation for adaptive gripping and locomotion. While many biological systems use networks of non‐Newtonian fluid for movement, to date, most soft robots use Newtonian fluids or pneumatics. Herein, yield stress fluids to manufacture and operate soft devices are exploited, particularly to create soft actuators that exhibit shape memory. Our soft robots are fabricated through embedded 3D printing where the suspension media is a yield stress fluid. Moreover, this complex fluid is encapsulated and used as the hydraulic transmission fluid. Diagnostic designs are developed to characterize the force and shape memory of the yield stress fluid, and the findings are used to create a gripper common in modern soft robotic applications. The diagnostic devices have deformable reservoirs that demonstrate force response, flow behavior, and deformation profiles dependent on the yield stress features of the transmission fluid. The actuation using the yield stress fluid from the retained suspension media creates avenues for partial shape retention and unconventional expansion from localized fluid flow. Looking toward the future of soft robotics, these fabrication and operational approaches using yield stress fluids can provide greater tunability for applications requiring nonlinear actuation and shape memory.
Scalable Fluidic Matrix Circuits for Controlling Large Arrays of Individually Addressable Actuators
Authors: Jadhav Saurabh , Glick Paul E. , Ishida Michael , Chan Christian , Adibnazari Iman , Schulze Jurgen P. , Gravish Nick , Tolley Michael T.
Published: May 2023

A fundamental challenge of pneumatically powered soft robotic devices is the scalability of fluidic control systems to address each actuated degree of freedom, as the required electromechanical valves are bulky and expensive. Previous solutions have compromised the reprogrammability and/or the bandwidth of the fluidic system. This article describes and models a fluidic subsystem, afluidic matrix circuit (FMC), that enables the independent control of many () actuators using a limited number () of electromechanical valves. The fundamental unit, afluidic logic module (FLM), generates a bidirectional pressure signal (vacuum or positive pressure) based on the state of the mass flow through it. Thus and array of pneumatic actuators can be addressed individually using an array of FLMs integrated into a matrix (i.e., an FMC), with electromechanical valves to switch the mass flow through each row and column of the matrix. The resulting refresh rates are an order of magnitude faster than previous approaches. This concept with a prototype FMC able to control 25 actuators using 10 electromechanical valves for applications including a fluidic shape display and a wearable haptic vest is demonstrated. This approach could enable more complex and sophisticated soft robotic devices with scalable control hardware.
TMPF: A Two‐Stage Merging Planning Framework for Dense Traffic
Authors: Chen Ci , Yong Chenghao , Guo Xuexun , Pei Xiaofei
Published: May 2023

Planning for autonomous vehicles to merge into high‐density traffic flows within limited mileage is quite challenging. Specifically, the driving trajectory will inevitably have intersections with other vehicles whose driving intentions can't be directly observed. Herein, a two‐stage algorithm framework that is decomposed into the longitudinal and lateral planning processes for online merging planning is proposed. An improved particle filter is used to estimate the driving models of surrounding vehicles for predicting their future driving intentions. Based on Monte Carlo tree search (MCTS), different action spaces are evaluated for longitudinal merging gap selection and lateral interactive merging operation, while heuristic pruning is used to reduce the computation cost. Moreover, the coefficients related to the driving styles are introduced, and their influences on merging performance are analyzed. Finally, the proposed algorithm is implemented in a two‐lane simulation environment. The results show that the proposal has outperformed other baseline methods.
Stereoselective Hydrogen Atom Transfer in Free Radical Reactions
Authors: Subramanian Hariharaputhiran , Sibi Mukund P.
Published: May 2023

Hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) is one of the important class of radical reactions. Although extensive research into this elementary step has resulted in the discovery of many compounds capable of functioning as HAT reagents, synthetic methods available to control the stereoselectivity of the HAT process remains challenging. This mini review outlines how small molecule chiral HAT reagents and catalysts were used to achieve stereoselectivity (diastereoselectivity and enantioselectivity) in free radical reactions. The review also focuses on the recent surge in photoenzymatic catalysis to achieve efficient HAT reactions.
A social media analysis examining new‐age devices of the rhinology industry
Authors: LaHaye Joshua J. , Moffatt David C. , Dunmire Amber , Corona Kassandra K. , Rossi Nicholas A. , Siddiqui Farrah N.
Published: May 2023

Key points

We analyzed social media posts on Facebook and Instagram discussing new rhinologic devices.

Patient posts are a valuable source of patient perspective regarding rhinologic procedures.

The majority of posts are by physicians giving information and advertising these new procedures.