bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel fast pathogen diagnosis method for severe pneumonia patients in the intensive care unit: randomized clinical trial
Authors: Wang Yan , Liang Xiaohui , Jiang Yuqian , Dong Danjiang , Zhang Cong , Song Tianqiang , Chen Ming , You Yong , Liu Han , Ge Min , Dai Haibin , Xi Fengchan , Zhou Wanqing , Chen Jian-Qun , Wang Qiang , Chen Qihan , Yu Wenkui
Published: October 2022

Background:

Severe pneumonia is one of the common acute diseases caused by pathogenic microorganism infection, especially by pathogenic bacteria, leading to sepsis with a high morbidity and mortality rate. However, the existing bacteria cultivation method cannot satisfy current clinical needs requiring rapid identification of bacteria strain for antibiotic selection. Therefore, developing a sensitive liquid biopsy system demonstrates the enormous value of detecting pathogenic bacterium species in pneumonia patients.

Methods:

In this study, we developed a tool named Species-Specific Bacterial Detector (SSBD, pronounce as ‘speed’) for detecting selected bacterium. Newly designed diagnostic tools combining specific DNA-tag screened by our algorithm and CRISPR/Cas12a, which were first tested in the lab to confirm the accuracy, followed by validating its specificity and sensitivity via applying on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from pneumonia patients. In the validation I stage, we compared the SSBD results with traditional cultivation results. In the validation II stage, a randomized and controlled clinical trial was completed at the ICU of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital to evaluate the benefit SSBD brought to the treatment.

Results:

In the validation stage I, 77 BALF samples were tested, and SSBD could identify designated organisms in 4 hr with almost 100% sensitivity and over 87% specific rate. In validation stage II, the SSBD results were obtained in 4 hr, leading to better APACHE II scores (p=0.0035, ANOVA test). Based on the results acquired by SSBD, cultivation results could deviate from the real pathogenic situation with polymicrobial infections. In addition, nosocomial infections were found widely in ICU, which should deserve more attention.

Conclusions:

SSBD was confirmed to be a powerful tool for severe pneumonia diagnosis in ICU with high accuracy.

Funding:

National Natural Science Foundation of China. The National Key Scientific Instrument and Equipment Development Project. Project number: 81927808.

Clinical trial number:

This study was registered at https://clinicaltrials.gov/ (NCT04178382).
Knowing friend from foe
Authors: Hallas-Møller Magnus , Johansen Katja S
Published: October 2022

How does a protein at the cell wall determine if a newly encountered fungus is safe to fuse with?
The balance of the sexes
Authors: Kurvers Ralf HJM , Snijders Lysanne
Published: October 2022

A large-scale experiment demonstrates sex differences in cooperation and competition that can explain group size variation in ostriches.
Resilience of political leaders and healthcare organizations during COVID-19
Authors: Baxi Manmeet Kaur , Philip Joshua , Mago Vijay
Published: October 2022

This study assesses the online societal association of leaders and healthcare organizations from the top-10 COVID-19 resilient nations through public engagement, sentiment strength, and inclusivity and diversity strength. After analyzing 173,071 Tweets authored by the leaders and health organizations, our findings indicate that United Arab Emirate’s Prime Minister had the highest online societal association (normalized online societal association: 1.000) followed by the leaders of Canada and Turkey (normalized online societal association: 0.068 and 0.033, respectively); and among the healthcare organizations, the Public Health Agency of Canada was the most impactful (normalized online societal association: 1.000) followed by the healthcare agencies of Turkey and Spain (normalized online societal association: 0.632 and 0.094 respectively). In comparison to healthcare organizations, the leaders displayed a strong awareness of individual factors and generalized their Tweets to a broader audience. The findings also suggest that users prefer accessing social media platforms for information during health emergencies and that leaders and healthcare institutions should realize the potential to use them effectively.
Changes in whistle parameters of two common bottlenose dolphin ecotypes as a result of the physical presence of the research vessel
Authors: Antichi Simone , Urbán R. Jorge , Martínez-Aguilar Sergio , Viloria-Gómora Lorena
Published: October 2022

In the presence of vessels, dolphins have been found to change their habitat, behavior, group composition and whistle repertoire. The modification of the whistle parameters is generally considered to be a response to the engine noise. Little is known about the impact of the physical presence of vessels on dolphin acoustics. Whistle parameters of the coastal and oceanic ecotypes of common bottlenose dolphins in La Paz Bay, Mexico, were measured after the approach of the research vessel and its engine shutdown. Recordings of 10 min were made immediately after turning off the engine. For analysis, these recordings were divided from minute 0 to minute 5, and from minute 5:01 to minute 10. The whistles of the oceanic ecotype showed higher maximum, minimum and peak frequency in the second time interval compared to the first one. The whistle rate decreased in the second time interval. The whistles of the coastal ecotype showed no difference between the two time intervals. The physical presence of the research vessel could have induced a change in the whistle parameters of the oceanic dolphins until habituation to the vessel disturbance. The oceanic ecotype could increase the whistle rate and decrease the whistle frequencies to maintain acoustic contact more frequently and for longer distances. The coastal ecotype, showing no significant changes in the whistle parameters, could be more habituated to the presence of vessels and display a higher tolerance.
Identification of 1H-purine-2,6-dione derivative as a potential SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitor: molecular docking, dynamic simulations, and energy calculations
Authors: Nada Hossam , Elkamhawy Ahmed , Lee Kyeong
Published: October 2022

The rapid spread of the coronavirus since its first appearance in 2019 has taken the world by surprise, challenging the global economy, and putting pressure on healthcare systems across the world. The introduction of preventive vaccines only managed to slow the rising death rates worldwide, illuminating the pressing need for developing effective antiviral therapeutics. The traditional route of drug discovery has been known to require years which the world does not currently have. In silico approaches in drug design have shown promising results over the last decade, helping to decrease the required time for drug development. One of the vital non-structural proteins that are essential to viral replication and transcription is the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro). Herein, using a test set of recently identified COVID-19 inhibitors, a pharmacophore was developed to screen 20 million drug-like compounds obtained from a freely accessible Zinc database. The generated hits were ranked using a structure based virtual screening technique (SBVS), and the top hits were subjected to in-depth molecular docking studies and MM-GBSA calculations over SARS-COV-2 Mpro. Finally, the most promising hit, compound (1), and the potent standard (III) were subjected to 100 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and in silico ADME study. The result of the MD analysis as well as the in silico pharmacokinetic study reveal compound 1 to be a promising SARS-Cov-2 MPro inhibitor suitable for further development.
Hatib Marbling Used in 18th Century Ottoman Manuscripts
Authors: YAMAN Bahattin , GÜNDÜZ Keziban
Published: October 2022

Geleneksel bir sanat olan Türk ebru sanatı, yapıldığı dönemin şartlarına ayak uydurarak günümüze kadar gelmiş ve gelişerek de devam etmektedir. Kitap sanatları açısından ayrı bir önemi olan Ebru Sanatının Osmanlı dönemindeki gelişimini
çeşitli kamu ve kuruluşuna ait arşivlerden, özel koleksiyonlardan, müzelerden ve kütüphanelerden yararlanarak ebru çeşitlerine göre veya yüzyıllara göre incelemek mümkündür. Yapılan bilimsel çalışmaların büyük çoğunluğu M. Uğur
Derman’ın yazmış olduğu ‘Türk Sanatında Ebru” adlı eserin tekrarı niteliğindedir. Özgün örneklere göre yapılan bilimsel çalışmalar parmakla sayılacak kadar azdır. Sayıca az da olsa, son yıllarda farklı kütüphane yazmaları üzerindeki
örneklerden yola çıkarak yapılan çalışmalar sevindiricidir. Bu araştırmalar sadece bir kütüphaneyi temel alarak orada bulunan eserlerdeki ebru çeşitlerini incelemektedir. Osmanlı döneminin tamamı üzerinde çalışmak ise kapsamlı
bir araştırmayı gerektireceğinden dolayı bu çalışmamızın kapsamı 18. yüzyıldaki hatip ebrular olarak sınırlandırılmıştır. Elde edilen eserler için 18 kütüphane ile yüz yüze, telefonla veya e-posta ile iletişime geçilmiştir. 1579
adet ebrulu eserin görselleri incelenip excel programından yararlanılarak eserlerin tablosu ayrıntılı bir şekilde oluşturulmuştur. Bunun sonucunda eserlerin çeşitli bölümlerinde 3582 adet ebruya rastlanılmıştır. Bunların arasından
hatip ebru bulunan eserler incelemeye alınmıştır. Bunun sonucunda 16 hatip ebru çeşidinin kullanıldığı 615 eserde toplam 1416 adet hatip ebru bulunmaktadır. Bu çalışma kapsamında elde edilen eserlerdeki hatip ebrular çeşitlerine,
eserin hatip ebrulu olan bölümlerine ve hatip ebru kullanılan cilt biçimlerine göre incelenmiş ve sonra 66 eserin görselleri kullanılarak açıklamaları yapılmıştır.
Use of Garden Cress (Lepidium sativum L.) Seeds to Produce some Healthy Bakery Products
Authors: Afify Hayat M. N.
Published: October 2022

Aims: The aim of this study is the utilization of Garden Cress seeds (Lepidium sativum L.) as natural sources of phenols, flavonoids and dietary fiber in salted biscuits

Methodology: Salted biscuits prepared by substitution of wheat flour with 5, 7.5 and 10% of garden cress powder. The biscuits were evaluated for their quality based on proximate analysis, phytochemical content, physical properties and sensory evaluation.

Results: Chemical analysis of garden cress powder showed higher contents of protein, fat, crude fiber and ash (19.17, 21.11, 8.21 and 4.94 g/100 g, respectively) compared to those in wheat flour. It had an increasingly protein and fat contents by increasing the substitution level with garden cress powder. Twenty-one phenolic compounds were identified in garden cress seed extract. Pyrogallol (12545.34 μg/100g) was the main phenolic compound followed by ρ-hydroxy-benzoic (3838.14μg/100g). Also, nine flavonoid compounds were quantitatively identified in garden cress seeds with hisperidin as the major component (34488.97μg/100g). The overall acceptability and other sensory parameters of the biscuits were affected in different ways by the addition of garden cress powder. Biscuits with 7.5% garden cress powder had the highest scores in all sensory parameters.

Conclusion: Salted biscuits with potential health benefits, good quality and acceptable sensory characteristics can be produced by substituting 7.5% of wheat flour with garden cress powder in the biscuit formula.
Application of Classical Test Theory (CTT) in the Validation of Teacher Made Mathematics Multiple Choice Test (MMCT) Items
Authors: Gyamfi Abraham
Published: October 2022

Multiple choice items are the most popular item format used in Senior High schools in Ghana and even beyond for almost all subjects which mathematics is not an exception. The quality of the items constructed by the classroom teachers is essential. Stakeholders depend on the results for decision making. Little is known about the quality of the teacher made items. This study therefore sought to find out if the multiple-choice items used by the mathematics teachers meet the criteria for a good assessment instrument using the classical test theory approach. Instrumentation research design was used. A purposive and simple random sample technique were used to select one intact class with a class size of 35 at Baidoo Bonsoe Senior High School in the Ahanta West Municipality of Ghana for the study. A multiple-choice test in core mathematics with items constructed by the mathematics teachers of the school was used. Classical test theory was used to estimate the content related evidence of validity, reliability, difficulty index, and discrimination indices and distracter analysis of the items. It was found that only three items measured high level cognitive thinking, 14 items were observed to have acceptable level of difficulty and 28 items discriminated between the upper and lower groups at varying degrees. It was also found that only one out of 10 items was without issue of distracter defect and that reliability of the scores of the test was 0.73. It was therefore recommended that training in test construct should be intensified both whiles the teachers are the training institution and on the job.
Effect of Optimized Number of Suckers and Use of PGR on Growth, Yield and Quality of Banana (Musa paradisiaca L.) cv. Udhayam
Authors: Purseth Krishnakant , Topno Samir E. , Bahadur Vijay
Published: October 2022

Aim: Banana (Musa paradisiaca L.) is a member of the family Musaceae and the order Zingiberales which is 2nd most important crop in India after Mango. The plant expands rapidly. A few weeks after planting, it begins to develop suckers, which compete with the parent plant for resources (such as nutrients and water), hence reducing productivity. Therefore, plant growth regulators, in addition to desuckering, are required for proper control of plant development.

Study Design: The experiment comprised of 10 treatments of different levels of desuckering and IAA replicated thrice in a Randomized Block Design. The main objective of the experiment was to find out the optimized number of suckers and use of PGR on growth, yield & quality as well as to evaluate the economics of various treatments on Banana. IAA levels ranged between 80 and 100 ppm, while desuckering levels ranged between 1 to 3 suckers per plant.

Place and Duration of Study: So, to find out Effect of optimized number of suckers and use of PGR on growth, yield and quality of banana (Musa paradisiaca L.) cv. Udhayam. A field experiment was conducted at the Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHUATS), Prayagraj, during month August 2021- April 22.

Results: Treatment T4, which consisted of the Mother plant + 1 sucker + IAA (80 ppm) had the best effect on height of mother plant (3.49 m), height of suckers (215.68 cm), number of leaves per plant (11.57), leaf area (32.39 m2), leaf area index (7.34), number of days taken from stalk opening to harvest (120.44 days), total chlorophyll content (SPAD-502 value, 60.05), number of hands per stalk (10.88), number of fingers per hand (14.14), finger length (15.09 cm), finger girth (4.31 cm), stalk weight (22.62 kg), yield (51.27 t/ha), firmness of finger at  ripening stage (4.33 kg/cm2), moisture content of finger at ripening stage (78.84 %), total soluble solid (TSS) (16.26° Brix). From the economics point of view, Treatment T4 Mother Plant + 1 sucker + IAA (80 ppm) was found to be most economically viable in terms of gross return (Rs 769050/ha), net return (Rs 611858/ha) and benefit cost ratio (3.89).

Conclusion: According to the present investigation it is concluded that treatment T4 Mother Plant + 1 sucker + IAA (80 ppm) was found most effective in terms of growth, yield and quality of banana (Musa paradisiaca L.) cv. Udhayam.
Evaluation of Secondary Metabolites Profiling of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) Rhizome using GC-MS and Its Antibacterial Potential on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli
Authors: Momoh Johnson Oshiobugie , Olaleye Oluremi Nurudeen
Published: October 2022

Objective: Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) rhizome is a well-known food spice and flavoring ingredient with wide range of medicinal properties. The rhizome of ginger consists of unique secondary metabolites compounds. The study evaluates the secondary metabolites profiling of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) rhizome using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and its antibacterial potential on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

Methodology: The GC-MS and phytochemical screening of the aqueous ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) rhizome extract were determined using standard procedures. Antibacterial activities were determined by agar well diffusion methods. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined using standard procedure.

Results: The result of the GC-MS analysis shows that thirty six compounds were identified in the ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) rhizome using GC-MS analysis with tridecane with molecular formula of C13H28 being the most abundant with peak area of 16.94% and retention time of 12.849. The phytochemical screening shows that the plant contains saponins, alkaloids, glycoside, simple phenolics, tannins, flavonoids carbohydrates and reducing sugar. The study shows that at 250 mg/ml, the aqueous ginger extract exhibited little or no response with zone of inhibition of 9.85±0.39 and 8.19±1.33 mg/ml against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli respectively. The extract exhibited weak response antibacterial activity against E. coli and moderate response against S. aureus with zone of inhibition of 13.62±2.03 and 16.73±1.83 at 500 mg/dl respectively. Augmentin showed moderate and strong response with zone of inhibition of 17.23±1.67 and 21.13±1.34 mg/ml against E. coli and S. aureus at concentration of 7.50 mg/ml respectively. At 15 mg/ml, augmentin showed strong response with zone of inhibition of 23.00±2.88 mg/ml against E. coli and potent response with zone of inhibition of 30.50±2.64 mg/ml against S. aureus. The Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for the aqueous ginger are 125 and 250 mg/ml for S. aureus and E. coli and 7.81 and 15.63 for augmentin solution for the sane organisms respectively.

Conclusions: The aqueous ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) rhizome contains secondary metabolites and possesses poor antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli and may prevent pathogenic diseases caused by these organisms.
Preparing for Pandemics and Other Health Threats
Authors: Frieden Thomas R. , McClelland Amanda
Published: October 2022

This Viewpoint discusses 3 areas in need of progress regarding societal approaches to pandemics and other health threats: a renaissance in public health; robustness of primary health care; and resilience of individuals and communities, with higher levels of trust in government and society.
Association Between Preexisting Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction and Fluid Administration Among Patients With Sepsis
Authors: Powell Rachel E. , Kennedy Jason N. , Senussi Mourad H. , Barbash Ian J. , Seymour Christopher W.
Published: October 2022

Importance

Intravenous fluid administration is recommended to improve outcomes for patients with septic shock. However, there are few data on fluid administration for patients with preexisting heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

Objective

To evaluate the association between preexisting HFrEF, guideline-recommended intravenous fluid resuscitation, and mortality among patients with community-acquired sepsis and septic shock.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A cohort study was conducted of adult patients hospitalized in an integrated health care system from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2015, with community-acquired sepsis and preexisting assessment of cardiac function. Follow-up occurred through July 1, 2016. Data analyses were performed from November 1, 2020, to August 8, 2022.

Exposures

Preexisting heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (≤40%) measured by transthoracic echocardiogram within 1 year prior to hospitalization for sepsis.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Multivariable models were adjusted for patient factors and sepsis severity and clustered at the hospital level to generate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% CIs. The primary outcome was the administration of 30 mL/kg of intravenous fluid within 6 hours of sepsis onset. Secondary outcomes included in-hospital mortality, intensive care unit admission, rate of invasive mechanical ventilation, and administration of vasoactive medications.

Results

Of 5278 patients with sepsis (2673 men [51%]; median age, 70 years [IQR, 60-81 years]; 4349 White patients [82%]; median Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, 4 [IQR, 3-5]), 884 (17%) had preexisting HFrEF, and 2291 (43%) met criteria for septic shock. Patients with septic shock and HFrEF were less likely to receive guideline-recommended intravenous fluid than those with septic shock without HFrEF (96 of 380 [25%] vs 699 of 1911 [37%]; P < .001), but in-hospital mortality was similar (47 of 380 [12%] vs 244 of 1911 [13%]; P = .83). In multivariable models, HFrEF was associated with a decreased risk-adjusted odds of receiving 30 mL/kg of intravenous fluid within the first 6 hours of sepsis onset (aOR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.47-0.85; P = .002). The risk-adjusted mortality was not significantly different among patients with HFrEF (aOR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.69-1.24; P = .59) compared with those without, and there was no interaction with intravenous fluid volume (aOR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.98-1.03; P = .72).

Conclusions and Relevance

The results of this cohort study of patients with community-acquired septic shock suggest that preexisting HFrEF was common and was associated with reduced odds of receiving guideline-recommended intravenous fluids.
Thinking disposition, thinking style, and susceptibility to causal illusion predict fake news discriminability
Authors: Saltor Joan , Barberia Itxaso , Rodríguez‐Ferreiro Javier
Published: October 2022

Acceptance of fake news is probably modulated by an intricate interplay of social, cultural, and political factors. In this study, we investigated whether individual‐level cognitive factors related to thinking and decision making could influence the tendency to accept fake news. A group of volunteers responded to a COVID19‐related fake news discrimination scale as well as to questionnaires assessing their thinking style (reflective vs. intuitive) and thinking disposition (actively open‐mindedness). Furthermore, they completed a computerized contingency learning task aimed at measuring their tendency to develop a causal illusion, a cognitive bias leading to perceive causal connections between non‐contingent events. More actively open‐minded and more reflective individuals presented higher fake news discrimination scores. In addition, those who developed weaker causal illusions in the contingency learning task were also more accurate at differentiating between fake and legitimate news. Actively open‐minded thinking was the main contributor in a regression model predicting fake news discrimination.
Prediction Models to Estimate the Future Risk of Osteoarthritis in the General Population: A Systematic Review
Authors: Appleyard Tom , Thomas Martin J. , Antcliff Deborah , Peat George
Published: October 2022

Objective

To evaluate the performance and applicability of multivariable prediction models for osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

This was a systematic review and narrative synthesis using 3 databases (EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science) from inception to December 2021. We included general population longitudinal studies reporting derivation, comparison, or validation of multivariable models to predict individual risk of OA incidence, defined by recognized clinical or imaging criteria. We excluded studies reporting prevalent OA and joint arthroplasty outcome. Paired reviewers independently performed article selection, data extraction, and risk‐of‐bias assessment. Model performance, calibration, and retained predictors were summarized.

Results

A total of 26 studies were included, reporting 31 final multivariable prediction models for incident knee (23), hip (4), hand (3) and any‐site OA (1), with a median of 121.5 (range 27–12,803) outcome events, a median prediction horizon of 8 years (range 2–41), and a median of 6 predictors (range 3–24). Age, body mass index, previous injury, and occupational exposures were among the most commonly included predictors. Model discrimination after validation was generally acceptable to excellent (area under the curve = 0.70–0.85). Either internal or external validation processes were used in most models, although the risk of bias was often judged to be high with limited applicability to mass application in diverse populations.

Conclusion

Despite growing interest in multivariable prediction models for incident OA, focus remains predominantly on the knee, with reliance on data from a small pool of appropriate cohort data sets, and concerns over general population applicability.
From Heterostructures to Solid‐Solutions: Structural Tunability in Mixed Halide Perovskites
Authors: Shin Donghoon , Lai Minliang , Shin Yongjin , Du Jingshan S. , Jibril Liban , Rondinelli James M. , Mirkin Chad A.
Published: October 2022

The stability, reliability, and performance of halide‐perovskite‐based devices depend upon the structure, composition, and particle size of the device‐enabling materials. Indeed, the degree of ion mixing in multicomponent perovskite crystals, although challenging to control, is a key factor in determining properties. Herein, an emerging method termed evaporation–crystallization polymer pen lithography is used to synthesize and systematically study the degree of ionic mixing of Cs0.5FA0.5PbX3 (FA = formamidinium; X = halide anion, ABX3) crystals, as a function of size, temperature, and composition. These experiments have led to the discovery of a heterostructure morphology where the A‐site cations, Cs and FA, are segregated into the core and edge layers, respectively. Simulation and experimental results indicate that the heterostructures form as a consequence of a combination of both differences in solubility of the two ions in solution and the enthalpic preference for Cs–FA ion segregation. This preference for segregation can be overcome to form a solid‐solution by decreasing crystal size (<60 nm) or increasing temperature. Finally, these tools are utilized to identify and synthesize solid‐solution nanocrystals of Cs0.5FA0.5Pb(Br/I)3 that significantly suppress photoinduced anion migration compared to their bulk counterparts, offering a route to deliberately designed photostable optoelectronic materials.
Inkjet‐Printed, Coplanar Electrolyte‐Gated Organic Field‐Effect Transistors on Flexible Substrates: Fabrication, Modeling, and Applications in Biodetection
Authors: Chennit Khalil , Delavari Najmeh , Mekhmoukhen Samia , Boukraa Rassen , Fillaud Laure , Zrig Samia , Battaglini Nicolas , Piro Benoît , Noël Vincent , Zozoulenko Igor , Mattana Giorgio
Published: October 2022

The first example of inkjet‐printed, electrolyte‐gated organic field‐effect transistors, fabricated on flexible polyimide substrates is presented. The interdigitated source and drain electrodes, and the coplanar gate electrodes, are inkjet‐printed using a homemade gold nanoparticle ink. A semiconducting ink based on the p‐type, organic semiconductor poly[2,5‐(2‐octyldodecyl)‐3,6‐diketopyrrolopyrrole‐alt‐5,5‐(2,5‐di(thien‐2‐yl)thieno [3,2‐b] thiophene)] (DPP‐DTT) is formulated and inkjet‐printed onto the channel. The performances of inkjet‐printed, coplanar devices are compared to those of transistors whose gate electrode consists in a metallic wire inserted in the electrolyte. Printed transistors show excellent electrical properties with field‐effect mobility as high as 0.04 cm2 V−1 s−1. The electrical behavior of inkjet‐printed, coplanar devices is also modeled using the Nernst–Planck–Poisson (NPP) equations, where the output and transfer curves are calculated based on the charge and potential distribution inside the device. Good quantitative agreement between the simulation and experiments is achieved, outlining the attainable use of NPP simulations as predictive tools for device design and optimization. To demonstrate an example of application, printed transistors are functionalized for the detection of complementary DNA strands. This study opens an avenue for the next generation of low‐cost, flexible sensors and circuits, both through experimental studies and device modeling.
Flexible and Wearable Optical System Based on U‐Shaped Cascaded Microfiber Interferometer
Authors: Mishra Pratik , Kumar Hemant , Sahu Subrat , Jha Rajan
Published: October 2022

Future wearable devices for health monitoring, robotics, and ultraprecise industrial positioning necessitate flexible optical systems. Here, an optical microfiber interferometer‐based wearable system is demonstrated with wavelength interrogation that overcomes the limits of commonly reported electrical, optical, and material‐based flexible devices. The microfiber in a finely tuned configuration is enclosed in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) thin film to provide a means of controlling interference between fundamental and higher‐order modes. Using this approach, it is possible to create a simple, adaptable, and cost‐effective optical device with a direction recognizable bending sensitivity of up to 1.01 nm per degree, and remarkable temperature sensitivity of −3.07 nm °C−1. The ultrahigh sensitivity, mechanical robustness, and outstanding flexible and biocompatible nature make this sensor system a leading candidate for wearable medical devices for elder‐care facilities, physiological monitoring, athletic training, and rehabilitation programs.
Materials and Biomedical Applications of Implantable Electronic Devices
Authors: Liu Yiqun , Yu Qi , Yang Li , Cui Yue
Published: October 2022

The implantable electronic devices have attracted great attention for solving clinical problems ranging from monitoring psychological states to electro‐organ transplantation. The ongoing challenges are the selection of suitable materials in a target device configuration for biomedical applications. To address the ongoing challenges, there are several interesting questions: what types of electronic materials can be used as the implantable electrodes? What types of materials can be used as the substrates for the implantable electronic devices? What types of materials can be used as membranes and encapsulations? What types of device configurations are there for implantable biomedical applications? What types of applications are for implantable electronic devices? This review will highlight the attempts for addressing these questions. This review will explore the fundamentals and practical aspects of a variety of materials and their biomedical applications in implantable electronic devices. It is anticipated that this review could provide new opportunities for the construction of future implantable electronic devices, as well as related applications for disease diagnosis and therapy.
Unraveling the Evolution of Luminescence Center in an Eu‐Doped Orthophosphate: Beyond the Probe Limitation to Trace Activator
Authors: Cao Yaxin , Wang Xicheng , Wang Jian‐Tao , Seto Takatoshi , Wang Yuhua
Published: October 2022

To precisely tune the performance of phosphors, a proper understanding of the luminescence center is necessary. However, precisely probing into the luminescence center is still challenging. In this study, the luminescence center and the evolution are revealed in Eu3+‐doped Li4Zn(PO4)2 (LZP:Eu) depending on the activator in as low as trace amounts: Eu3+ ions evolve from the LZP lattice to hardly measurable EuPO4 impurities. By utilizing the spectroscopic probe effect of Eu3+ ion with multiscale characterizations, pressure‐induced spectral behavior, and ab initio calculations, the luminescence origin, local environment, and nanostructure evolution are fully deciphered. The contribution of the two luminescence centers during the evolution process is deeply elucidated by steady spectra and decay kinetics analysis. This study provides a broader understanding of the luminescence center from micro‐ to macro‐length, which would be beneficial for the design and modulation of luminescent materials.
Turbo‐Synergistic Oily Wastewater Remediation in Bio‐Inspired Cone Array Barrel
Authors: Wang Bing , Luo Xianfeng , Feng Yawei , Yang Linfeng , Zhang Chunhui , Dong Zhichao , Jiang Lei , Dai Haoyu
Published: October 2022

Oily wastewater discharge causes not only the pollution of environment but also the waste of resources. Existing technologies for wastewater remediation, such as membrane and particle methods, are variable and effective, but are difficult for achieving continuous and rapid oil–water separation. Here, with the synergy of turbo stirring, a strategy for emulsion separation is demonstrated based on the bio‐inspired cone array barrel. Under the centrifugal force, oil droplets in emulsion are thrown onto the cones arrayed on inner wall due to the Coriolis effect, captured by microstructures on cone surface and then penetrate out through the superhydrophobic pores, while only the remediated water remains. The separation technique maintains a high efficiency of above 99.5% for over 30 times of use, as well as for emulsions with variable ingredients. This structure‐dynamics synergistic separation strategy evolves the future technologies on water purification in industrial and daily processes.
TiO2/FePS3 S‐Scheme Heterojunction for Greatly Raised Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Xia Bingquan , He Bowen , Zhang Jianjun , Li Laiquan , Zhang Yanzhao , Yu Jiaguo , Ran Jingrun , Qiao Shi‐Zhang
Published: October 2022

The aggravating extreme climate changes and natural disasters stimulate the exploration of low‐carbon/zero‐carbon alternatives to traditional carbon‐based fossil fuels. Solar‐to‐hydrogen (STH) transformation is considered as appealing route to convert renewable solar energy into carbon‐free hydrogen. Restricted by the low efficiency and high cost of noble metal cocatalysts, high‐performance and cost‐effective photocatalysts are required to realize the realistic STH transformation. Herein, the 2D FePS3 (FPS) nanosheets anchored with TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2/FePS3) are synthesized and tested for the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction. With the integration of FPS, the photocatalytic H2‐evolution rate on TiO2/FePS3 is radically increased by ≈1686%, much faster than that of TiO2 alone. The origin of the greatly raised activity is revealed by theoretical calculations and various advanced characterizations, such as transient‐state photoluminescence spectroscopy/surface photovoltage spectroscopy, in situ atomic force microscopy combined with Kelvin probe force microscopy (AFM‐KPFM), in situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and synchrotron‐based X‐ray absorption near edge structure. Especially, the in situ AFM‐KPFM and in situ XPS together confirm the electron transport pathway in TiO2/FePS3 with light illumination, unveiling the efficient separation/transfer of charge carrier in TiO2/FePS3 step‐scheme heterojunction. This work sheds light on designing and fabricating novel 2D material‐based S‐scheme heterojunctions in photocatalysis.
Ligand‐Substitution Chemistry Enabling Wide‐Voltage Aqueous Hybrid Electrolyte for Ultrafast‐Charging Batteries
Authors: Zhao Xiliang , Yan Jiawei , Hong Hu , Zhao Yuwei , Li Qing , Tang Yongchao , He Jiafeng , Wei Zhiquan , He Shenggong , Hou Xianhua , Zhi Chunyi , Li Hongfei
Published: October 2022

The further development of sodium‐zinc hybrid batteries (SZBs) is seriously impeded by the narrow electrochemical stability window (ESW) of aqueous electrolytes. Exploring appropriate electrolytes with both wide ESW and high ionic conductivity is of great importance to achieve high‐performance SZBs yet remain challenging. Here, a rationally designed Na+/Zn2+ hybrid electrolyte is developed via a ligand‐substitution strategy, which effectively extends the ESW up to 2.9 V and combines with high ionic conductivity of 19.6 mS cm−1. The ligand exchange process reconfigures the cation solvation structure and optimizes the carrier mobility environment. Furthermore, Na+/Zn2+ hybrid cells are assembled by pairing Zn anode with two different kinds of sodium superionic conductor (NASICON) type cathodes, achieving a promising rate performance and long cycle life (3 A g−1 over 1000 cycles). Meanwhile, the high electrochemical reactivity of water molecules promotes the formation of the high‐quality NaF/ZnF2‐rich cathode electrolyte interphases, inhibiting the uncontrolled decomposition of the electrolyte on the cathode interface. This work provides guidance for designing aqueous hybrid electrolytes with wide ESW and high carrier mobility.
N‐Heterocyclic carbene‐catalyzed Atroposelective Annulation for Access to Pyrrolo[3,4‐b]pyridines Derivatives with C−N Axial Chirality
Authors: Li Yanting , Duan Xiao‐Yong , Wei Yamei , Li Jiahan , Ren Xiaojie , Qi Jing
Published: October 2022

An N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalyzed atroposelective [3+3] annulation of enals with α‐aminomaleimides is developed. In this strategy, a series of atropisomeric pyrrolo[3,4‐b]pyridine bearing various substituents and substitution patterns are generated in good yields with excellent enantioselectivities.
Cobalt‐Catalyzed Chemoselective Isomerization of 2‐Substituted Allyl Ethers Induced by Hydrogen Atom Transfer
Authors: Li Nan , You Mengdi , Qiu Xiaohan , Deng Meng , Kang Guohui , Liu Huan , Deng Shu‐Zhen , Ji Baoming
Published: October 2022

A simple, mild and efficient method for the isomerization of 2‐substituted allyl ethers has been developed by cobalt‐catalyzed hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) process. The trivalent cobalt complex oxidized in‐situ by tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (tBuOOH) exhibits higher catalytic activity than prefabricated trivalent cobalt catalysts. This facile protocol displays excellent chemoselectivity, good functional group tolerance and high yields. The obtained vinyl ethers can be easily hydrolyzed by N‐iodosuccinimide/water to afford corresponding phenols or alcohols.
Classification of cardiac differentiation outcome, percentage of cardiomyocytes on day 10 of differentiation, for hydrogel‐encapsulated hiPSCs
Authors: Mohammadi Samira , Hashemi Mohammadjafar , Finklea Ferdous , Williams Bianca , Lipke Elizabeth , Cremaschi Selen
Published: October 2022

This study employed machine learning (ML) models to predict the cardiomyocyte (CM) content following differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) encapsulated in hydrogel microspheroids and to identify the main experimental variables affecting the CM yield. Understanding how to enhance CM generation using hiPSCs is critical in moving toward large‐scale production and implementing their use in developing therapeutic drugs and regenerative treatments. Cardiomyocyte production has entered a new era with improvements in the differentiation process. However, existing processes are not sufficiently robust for reliable CM manufacturing. Using ML techniques to correlate the initial, experimentally specified stem cell microenvironment's impact on cardiac differentiation could identify important process features. The initial tunable (controlled) input features for training ML models were extracted from 85 individual experiments. Subsets of the controlled input features were selected using feature selection and used for model construction. Random forests, Gaussian process, and support vector machines were employed as the ML models. The models were built to predict two classes of sufficient and insufficient for CM content on differentiation day 10. The best model predicted the sufficient class with an accuracy of 75% and a precision of 71%. The identified key features including post‐freeze passage number, media type, PF fibrinogen concentration, CHIR/S/V, axial ratio, and cell concentration provided insight into the significant experimental conditions. This study showed that we can extract information from the experiments and build predictive models that could enhance the cell production process by using ML techniques.
Corrosion inhibition of Q235 steel by epoxy coatings containing FG@ZIF‐8
Authors: Lin Xiuzhou , Peng Qiang , Duan Song , Zhang Chunjiang , Chen Xulei , Deng Zhiqiang , Dou Baojie , Zhang Yingjun , Gao Xiulei , Fang Zhiwen
Published: October 2022

In this study, ZIF‐8 modified fluorinated graphene composite (FG@ZIF‐8) was innovatively prepared and used as a novel functional filler to improve the anticorrosion performance of epoxy coating on Q235 carbon steel. The morphology and structure of FG@ZIF‐8 composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x‐ray powder diffractometer (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT‐IR), and x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) tests. The results showed that the structure and morphology of the composites largely depended on the composition ratio of FG and ZIF‐8. The mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of FG@ZIF‐8 modified coatings were also investigated. The unique two‐dimensional sheet structure and insulation of FG in the FG@ZIF‐8 filler can not only inhibit the penetration of corrosive media but also discourage electron migration effectively on the interface of coating/matrix during the electrochemical reaction. Meanwhile, the chemical cross‐linking between the amine groups in ZIF‐8 and the epoxy group increases the degree of densification of the coatings. Besides, the 2‐methylimidazole from the dissolution of ZIF‐8 on FG@ZIF‐8 will also inhibit the corrosion reaction. These advantages endow the FG@ZIF‐8 modified epoxy coatings an excellent long‐term corrosion resistance. Our findings may inspire the development of new graphene‐based materials with superior protective properties for metallic materials.
Kinetic and chemorheological modeling of thermosetting polyurethanes obtained from an epoxidized soybean oil polyol crosslinked with glycerin
Authors: Armanasco Franco , D'hers Sebastián , Chiacchiarelli Leonel Matías
Published: October 2022

Thermosetting polyurethanes were obtained using an aromatic isocyanate and a hydrophobic polyol formulation obtained from epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) crosslinked with glycerin. A systematic DSC analysis of the effect of catalyst type, crosslinker concentration, isocyanate index and ESO crystallization on cure kinetics was conducted. The combination of a stannic catalyst at 0.2 wt% and glycerin at 20 wt% produced a cure kinetics governed by an autocatalytic heat flow where vitrification played a key role in the formation of chemical bonds. The evolution of Tg as a function of conversion, which followed Di‐Benedetto's predictions, supported the hypothesis that vitrification was a preponderant phenomenon during cure. Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) of a post‐cured sample revealed a Tg centered at 220°C, whereas quasi‐static flexural mechanical tests shown a flexural modulus of 2.14 GPa and a flexural strength of 99.4 MPa. Rheological experiments at isothermal conditions supported the hypothesis that vitrification played a key role in the evolution of apparent viscosity. A master model using Kim‐Macosko equations was obtained for the proposed formulation. The results presented in this work will serve to further extend the use of biobased polymers applied in the polymer composite industry.
PPSU dual layer hollow fiber mixed matrix membranes with functionalized MWCNT for enhanced antifouling, salt and dye rejection in water treatment
Authors: Huhn‐Ibarra Mauricio José , Loría‐Bastarrachea María Isabel , Duarte‐Aranda Santiago , Montes‐Luna Angel de Jesús , Ortiz‐Espinoza Jesús , González‐Díaz María Ortencia , Aguilar‐Vega Manuel
Published: October 2022

Loose nanofiltration dual layer hollow fiber membranes (DLHFM) were prepared from polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) with a thin contact mixed matrix membrane (MMM) outer layer containing functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). Two types of MWCNT were used; oxidized MWCNT (OMWCNT) and polyethyleneimine (PEI) functionalized MWCNT (PEI‐MWCNT). Z potential measurements indicate that OMWCNT and PEI‐MWCNT were negatively charged, being OMWCNT most negative. Na2SO4, MgSO4, and methylene blue (MB) rejection was enhanced due to OMWCNT and PEI‐MWCNT incorporation in DLHFM outer layer. Enhanced hydrophilicity and negatively charge mixed matrix DLHFM layer was the key factor for a better mixed matrix DLHFM performance. The best salt and MB rejection was found in those membranes prepared with (OMWCNT) followed by (PEI‐MWCNT) compared with neat PPSU membranes. An increase of 113% and 100% in Na2SO4 and MB rejection respectively was attained in DLHFM with 0.04 wt%, OMWCNT (relative to dope's weight) in comparison with the neat PPSU membrane. Antifouling test for bovine serum albumin (BSA) and MB showed better performance also for the mixed matrix DLHFM containing OMWCNT's. In antifouling tests, a 4.4% and 25% flux recovery increase for MB and BSA respectively was obtained in DLHFM with 0.04 wt% OMWCNT compared with the neat PPSU DLHFM.
Reinforcing effect of Fe2O3 nanoparticle‐decorated graphene oxide on flexural and wear behaviors of epoxy composites
Authors: Mahaki Salman , Khosravi Hamed , Tohidlou Esmaeil
Published: October 2022

In this work, a chemical precipitation procedure for decorating graphene oxide (GO) with Fe2O3 nanoparticles was described. Iron(III) chloride (FeCl3) was employed to generate the nano‐Fe2O3 particles onto the GO surface in the presence of sodium hydroxide. The Fe2O3@GO hybrid was characterized by various techniques of X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Field‐emission scanning electron microscope, Raman spectra, and Atomic‐force microscopy. The epoxy (EP)‐matrix nanocomposites containing various Fe2O3@GO loadings (0–0.8 wt% at a step of 0.2) were prepared by mechanical stirring and ultrasonic treatment. Mechanical properties of these composites were explored using the three‐point bending and dry‐sliding wear tests. The results revealed that the best flexural and wear behaviors were related to the specimens containing 0.2 and 0.6 wt% Fe2O3@GO hybrid, respectively. The incorporation of 0.2 wt% Fe2O3@GO was found to increase the flexural strength and modulus by 24% and 29%, respectively. Additionally, mass reduction and friction coefficient were decreased by 97% and 66% respectively, due to the addition of 0.6 wt% Fe2O3@GO. Most importantly, in comparison with the untreated‐GO/EP composite, the specimens containing Fe2O3@GO have attained higher improvements in flexural and wear properties. Finally, morphology of the fractured and worn surfaces was also evaluated.
Fabrication of high‐expansion, fully degradable polylactic acid‐based foam with exponent oil/water separation
Authors: Hua Mengqing , Chen Dong , Xu Zesheng , Fang Yiqun , Song Yongming
Published: October 2022

Polylactic acid (PLA) foam is widely regarded as an effective substitute for petroleum‐based foams. However, the fabrication of high‐expansive, lightweight, highly hydrophobic foams for oil/water separation remains a challenge. Here, an innovative method was developed to improve the foaming ability of PLA by introducing silane modified alkaline lignin (m‐LA), and a lightweight PLA foam with a high expansion ratio, high porosity, and high hydrophobic performance was successfully developed. The crystallization behavior, rheological properties, pore morphology, and oil/water separation performance of foams were evaluated. The results show that m‐LA not only improves the crystalline properties of PLA, but also plays an important nucleation role during the foaming. m‐LA increased the foaming ratio of PLA to 40.17 times, and reduced the apparent density of the foam to only 0.0303 g cm−3. The PLA foam has exponent hydrophobicity. The water contact angle is up to 130.0°, and the adsorption capacity of various organic solvents is 5.17–12.44 g g−1, because the surface energy of LA is reduced by silane modification. This study provides a new insight into the development of environment‐friendly PLA foams for oil/water separation applications.