bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proximate, Antinutrient and Mineral Contents of Aframomum danielli (Ataiko) Seed
Authors: Emmanuel Peters Dikioye , Sarah Kojo,
Published: August 2020

Background: Plant seeds are rich in nutrients and antinutrients which interfere with bioavailability of minerals.

Objective: This research was aimed at evaluating the proximate, anti-nutrients and minerals compositions and estimation of relative mineral bioavailability of Aframomum danielli seed (Ataiko).

Methods: Proximate composition was assessed by AOAC methods, minerals by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and anti-nutrients by titrimetric methods.

Results: Proximate compositions in percentage revealed carbohydrate with (51.95±0.15), crude fibre (16.00±0.10) and fat (2.35±0.15) was least. Caloric value (kcal 100 g) was 286.55±2.75 Phytate (1.98±0.03%) was higher than oxalate (0.06±0.00%). Major mineral percentage included phosphorus (7401.43 ± 318.24) and sulphur (1926.58 ± 21.49), minor minerals were in trace amounts. Molar ratios of phytate: Fe, Zn and Ca and oxalate:Ca were above their critical values.

Conclusion: A. daneilli seed is rich in nutrients, has high caloric value. High intake could lead to micronutrient malnutrition.
Efficacy of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Hyptis suaveolens and Moringa oleifera in the Control of Soil-Borne Pathogens
Authors: Augusta Okoro, Chisom , Nwakaego Onaebi, Chiemeka
Published: August 2020

Aim: Soil-borne diseases are difficult to control because they are caused by pathogens that can survive for long periods in the absence of the normal crop host and often have a wide host range including weeds. This present study was design to assess the antifungal assay dependent effect of methanolic extracts of Hyptis suaveolens and Moringa oleifera on Phytophthora colocasiae and Fusarium oxysporum.

Methods: The presence of biologically active ingredients (alkaloid, saponin, tannins, flavonoid, terpenoids, tannins, steroids, hydrogen cyanides, phenols and glycoside) in the leaf extracts was investigated using standard procedures. The antifungal activities of the plant extract were tested against Phytophthora colocasiae and Fusarium oxysporum using disc and well diffusion assays.

Results: The results of the phytochemical evaluated showed that H. suaveolens, contained significantly higher alkaloids, saponins, hydrogen cyanide, flavonoids and phenols than M. oleifera, while on the other hand, M. oleifera contained significantly higher terpenoids, tannins, steroids and glycosides. Consequently, H. suaveolens extract similarly recorded significantly (P < 0.05) higher inhibition on the organisms as compared to M. oleifera. The disc diffusion assay method was more sensitive than the well diffusion assay. H. suaveolens at 100 mg/ml using disc diffusion assay method showed higher inhibition on both P. colocasiae and F. oxysporum. While M. oleifera recorded higher inhibition on F. oxysporum at 50 mg/ml and P. colocasiae at 100 mg/ml using the disc diffusion assay method. MIC was lowest with H. suaveolens (12.5 mg/ml) against F. oxysporum.

Conclusion: These results promote the identification of actives substances from these plants for use as lead molecules in the development of new fungicides for the control of Phytophthora colocasiae and Fusarium oxysporum.
Biochemical Characteristics of Penicillium crustosum FP 11 Xylanase II and an Assessment of the Properties of Xylanases Produced by the Genus Penicillium
Authors: Bittencourt Jorge W. F. , Arfelli Vanessa C. , Lunkes Jaina C. , Torre Carla L. D. , Silva Jose L. C. , Maller Alexandre , Simão Rita de Cássia G. , Kadowaki Marina K.
Published: August 2020

Penicillium crustosum FP 11 produces two extracellular xylanase, which are designated xylanase I and II, and are induced by corn stover. In this work, xylanase II was purified 40-fold with a recovery yield of 9.2% using DEAE-Sephadex and Sephadex G-75 gel filtration, and the biochemical characteristics of the enzyme were compared with other xylanases produced by the genus Penicillium. Xylanase II exhibited a single band on SDS–PAGE, and had an apparent molecular mass of 28 kDa. The optimal temperature and pH of xylanase II activity were 50ºC and 5.5, respectively. Xylanase II had activities of 61, 53 and 55% in the presence of Mg2+, DTT and β-mercaptoethanol, respectively; however, the enzyme was strongly inhibited by 5 mM Cu2+, EDTA, and SDS. Hydrolysis of beechwood xylan released mainly xylose and short-chain xylo-oligosaccharides as final products. Thus, an assessment of the enzymatic properties of xylanase II showed that its biochemical characteristics are best suited for the saccharification of lignocellulosic biomass into fermentable sugars.
Comparative Theoretical Study of Stability, Lypophilicity, Dipole Moments, Acidity and Spectroscopic Properties of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: Ibuprofen, Ketoprofen and Flurbiprofen
Authors: Benjamine Assoma Amon , Jacques Atse Adepo , Soleymane Kone , Sawaliho Bamba El Hadji
Published: August 2020

A comparative theoretical study of some physicochemical properties of R and S enantiomers of ibuprofen, ketoprofen and flurbiprofen is undertaken in order to understand their reactivity. To do this, DFT and TD-DFT methods at the B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) level theory are used. The partition coefficient determined is 3.72 for ibuprofen, 2.81 for ketoprofen and 4.12. for flurbiprofen. That means that these NSAIDs are characterized by a high lipophilicity. The calculated Gibbs energies show that the R enantiomer is the most stable in the case of ibuprofen and the S enantiomer in the case of ketoprofen and flurbiprofen. The study of acidity shows that S enantiomer of ibuprofen and R enantiomers of ketoprofen and flurbiprofen are the most acidic enantiomers. TD-DFT calculations show that, the absorption maxima (λmax) of ibuprofen and flurbiprofen correspond to the HOMO→LUMO transition. For ketoprofen, these are associated with the transition HOMO→LUMO+1. These results elucidate the reactivity of the investigated NSAIDs and could help to establish a classification their efficacy.
Preparation and Evaluation of Pan Bread Made with Wheat Flour and Psyllium Seeds for Obese Patients
Authors: Hadidy G. S. El-
Published: August 2020

In this covenant of functional foods, the world seeks for new healthier food products with appropriate proportions of bioactive constituents such as fiber, mineral elements, amino acids and phenols. The psyllium seed has good nutritional and pharmaceutical properties; therefore, its incorporation in pan bread could be beneficial in improving human health. In the current study, partial substitution of wheat flour (WF) with psyllium seed flour (PSF) at levels of 5%, 10% and 15% were carried out to investigate the rheology properties of dough, baking performance, proximate compositions and physical properties of the pan bread. Partial substitution of WF with PSF increased the water absorption, arrival time and developing time of dough (P ≤ 0.05), while, the dough extensibility was reduced. Also, elasticity and energy were increased by addition of PSF. Pan bread supplemented with PSF resulted in a reduction in quality in terms of specific loaf volume, while, weight was increased. PSF up to 15% could partially replace WF in pan bread; increase its nutritional value in terms of fiber, amino acids content and minerals, with only a small depreciation in the bread quality. Sensory evaluation showed that pan bread supplemented up to 15% PSF were acceptable to the panelists and there was significant difference in terms of appearance, crumb texture, crumb grain, crust color, taste, odor and overall acceptability compared to the control. The incorporation of PSF increased the minerals contents, amino acids contents and nutritional properties compared to the control (for pan bread).
Level of Some Mineral Elements in Zobo (Hibiscus sabdariffa) Drink Consumed within Gombe Metropolis
Authors: Umar S. M. , Maigari F. U. , Idi J. J. , Salome J.
Published: August 2020

The study was conducted to determine the levels of magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and calcium present in Zobo Drink consumed in Gombe metropolis. Zobo (Hibiscus sabdariffa) drink has been consumed for decades as a non-alcoholic beverage, thus, the knowledge of its nutritional value is of huge interest. Hence, it is important to determine the level of some minerals present in the beverage. Ten samples were bought from different retailers within Gombe metropolis and were digested using Aqua regia (1:3 of HNO3 and HCL) in the laboratory and the levels of the various elements in each sample were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). The results obtained showed that the sample from Gombe State University commercial area 1 has the highest (P<0.05) magnesium content (9.38.±0.02 mg/kg). Calcium (2.90.±0.02 mg/kg) and Phosphorus (9.11.±0.02 mg/kg) were found to be highest in samples obtained from Arawa market and Gombe State University commercial area 2 respectively. Potassium was (14.45.±0.05 mg/kg) was highest in the beverage gotten from Gombe State University commercial area 2. The results showed that Zobo drink sold in Gombe metropolis possess some amount of the assayed  minerals but are lower than the Regular Dietary Intake (RDI) permissible by the World Health Organisation.
Detection and Classification of Brain Tumor in MRI Images Using Wavelet Transform and Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Sarhan Ahmad M.
Published: August 2020

A brain tumor is a mass of abnormal cells in the brain. Brain tumors can be benign or malignant. Conventional diagnosis of a brain tumor by the radiologist, is done by examining a set of images produced by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Many computer-aided detection (CAD) systems have been developed in order to help the radiologist reach his goal of correctly classifying the MRI image. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have been widely used in the classification of medical images. This paper presents a novel CAD technique for the classification of brain tumors in MRI images The proposed system extracts features from the brain MRI images by utilizing the strong energy compactness property exhibited by the Discrete Wavelet transform (DWT). The Wavelet features are then applied to a CNN to classify the input MRI image. Experimental results indicate that the proposed approach outperforms other commonly used methods and gives an overall accuracy of 98.5%.
Challenges and Strategies towards Entrepreneurship Education and Learning among Ghanaian Built Environment Students
Authors: Tengan Callistus , Kissi Ernest , Asigri Tom Mboya , Eshun Bridget Tawiah Badu
Published: August 2020

Entrepreneurship is now considered as a major contributor to global economic growth. Internationally, entrepreneurship or enterprise-based modules are increasingly being incorporated into non-business courses. Entrepreneurship education is believed to foster entrepreneurial learning, and help individual students develop a set of skills and competencies that can facilitate and support their entrepreneurial activities. Despite the profound benefits of entrepreneurship education, it is still not fully blown in Ghana. This study sought to identify challenges in the entrepreneurship education process and to propose strategies to enhance effective entrepreneurial learning. The study employed a mixed research design by means of preliminary literature review and subsequently a survey using the structured questionnaire approach. The data collected was analysed using the One-sample T-test. The analysis revealed eight (8) challenges to entrepreneurship education and twelve (12) strategies to enhance entrepreneurial learning amongst built environment students. This paper reports the investigation results of challenges and strategies of entrepreneurship education and learning among built environment students. The findings of this study are very useful for improving entrepreneurial activities in Ghana as well as Africa in general.
Effects of Thymus schimperi and Moringa stenopetala Leaf Extracts on Lipid Peroxidation and Total Antioxidant Status in Pre-eclampsia Rat Models
Authors: Mergiaw Kumlachew , Mengesha Yoseph A. , Tolessa Tesfaye , Makonnen Eyasu , Genet Solomon , Abebe Abiy , Gebreyesus Kidist , Tadele Ashenif , Debella Asfaw , Ashencho Demeke
Published: August 2020

Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are common pregnancy complications, with a cumulative incidence of 7%. Pre-eclampsia (PE) is the most common clinical type of HDP and one of the five top leading causes of maternal mortality worldwide. There is imbalance between lipid peroxides and antioxidant system in PE. Established PE is associated with increased concentrations of oxidative stress markers including lipid peroxidation products, and a reduction in antioxidant concentrations.

Methods: A case control experimental method was employed on Wistar rats with induced pre-eclampsia using nitric oxide-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). Lipid peroxide content was estimated according to the method of Ohkawa et al. 1979. Total antioxidant capacity was assayed using colorimetric azinobis 2, 2′3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonate (ABTS) radical cathion decolorization assay.

Results: Lipid peroxides of untreated PE rat models were significantly (p<0.01) higher (0.57±0.08 nmol of malondyaldehide (MDA) per gram tissue weight) compared to normal pregnant controls (0.11±0.03 nmol). PE rat models that received aqueous leaf extracts of Thymus schimperi (ALETS) had (0.09±0.01, 0.07±0.002 and 0.02±0.002 nmol) (p<0.05) while, those PE rat models that received aqueous leaf extracts of Moringa stenopetala (ALEMS) had (0.36±0.08, 0.20±0.003 and 0.13±0.02 nmol) (p<0.05) with daily doses of 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg respectively. On the other hand, untreated PE rat models had significantly (p<0.01) lower levels of serum total anti-oxidants (24.5±0.9 μg/ml of ascorbic acid equivalent) compared to normal pregnant controls (28.1±0.4 μg/ml). ALETS or ALEMS treated PE rat models had significantly (p<0.01) higher levels of serum total anti-oxidants in a dose dependent manner compared to untreated PE controls; (27.6±0.3, 29.5±0.3, 31.2±0.4 μg/ml and 29.2±0.3, 29.7±0.3, 30.6±0.4 μg/ml) with daily doses of 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg respectively. ALETS treated PE rat models had significantly (p<0.05) reduced total lipid peroxides compared to ALEMS treated counterparts.

Conclusion: ALETS and ALEMS might have significant therapeutic effects against PE syndrome through reducing lipid peroxides and increasing total anti-oxidants.
A Study on Mode of Injury, Types of Fractures and Associated Trauma in Unstable Pelvic Fractures
Authors: Arshad A. R. , Rajashekar M. R. , Srinivasan .
Published: August 2020

Aim: The present study was aimed to analyze the mode of injury, different type of fractures and associated injuries in patients with unstable pelvic fractures who are later managed by surgical interventions.

Materials and Methods: The study involved 21 cases of unstable pelvic injuries (Tile type B and C) managed surgically patients.

Results: The result showed that out of 21 patients, 6 patients (28.6%) had associated skeletal and/or soft tissue injuries. Of which 9.4% (n=2) patients had nerve injury. Despite aggressive resuscitation including application of external fixators, the mortality of 10-20% remain unchanged.

Conclusion: Anatomic reduction and internal fixation of unstable pelvic injuries gives excellent stability, allows for early mobility with good functional outcome.
Evaluation of Free Radical Scavenging Potential of Different Bioactive Fractions Present in Boerhavia diffusa Linn. Root Extract: An in-vitro Approach
Authors: Khalid Mohammad , Alqarni Mohammed H. , Foudah Ahmed I. , Akhtar Juber , . Badruddeen , Shoaib Ambreen , Alam Prawez
Published: August 2020

Aim and Objectives: Boerhavia diffusa (B. diffusa) frequently known as punarnava is specifically used to replenish the body. The present work was designed to evaluate the scavenging potential of its bioactive constituents.

Materials and Methods: The different fractions of B. diffusa root methanolic extract were examined for phenolic, flavonoids contents, DPPH free radical and Nitric oxide scavenging activities. Further antioxidant activity was evaluated by ABTS free radical scavenging method and also from the reducing potential scavenging activity. The total phenolic content in different fractions by using various solvent like ethanol, diethyl ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol were carried out to find the antioxidant activities.

Results: The phenolic content was highest in ethanolic fraction that was significantly comparable with ascorbic acid. The flavonoid content was highest in ethanol fraction (41.93 ± 3.92 µg/mL) followed by n-butanol fraction (31.68 ± 1.72 µg/mL), then ethyl acetate fraction (29.67 ± 2.83 µg/mL) and least in chloroform fraction (16.91 ± 2.74 µg/mL). The ethanolic fraction of B. diffusa also showed highest DPPH radical scavenging activity (101.29 ± 3.78) when compared with other fractions of same extract using different solvent phases. Moreover the nitric oxide scavenging activity of ethanolic fraction was maximum (82.31 ± 2.83) than different fractions. The ethanolic fraction also showed improved ABTS radical scavenging activity (81.73 ± 2.73 mg/mL) while chloroform fraction showed poor ABTS radical cation scavenging activity (29.51 ± 2.79 mg/mL).

Conclusions: The study concludes that Boerhavia diffusa has rich and ample source of phenolic acid and flavonoids. Among all fractions the ethanolic has potent antioxidant activity, which shows its significance for a better novel approach.
Association of Lympho-vascular Invasion with Various Known Prognostic Markers in Breast Carcinomna
Authors: Dam Moumita , Ganapathy Hemalatha
Published: August 2020

Breast cancer is the one of the most frequent neoplasm in women. In the last decades, detection of disease in earlier clinical stages has improved prognosis, however five-year disease-free survival still remains at about 72%. For this reason, continuing efforts to establish reliable prognostic markers are made. The presence of lymph node metastasis is one of the most important prognostic factors in breast cancer.  Studies show that D2-40 immuno-stain demonstrated a significant higher detection of LVI as compared with routine H&E staining in early breast cancer. LVI is associated with axillary lymph node metastases and a long-term prognostic factor. A precise identification of LVI would have a strong clinical impact for breast cancer patients. In this study, we aim to demonstrated.

LVI as a significant predictor of poor prognosis in patients with lymph node- negative patients with primary invasive breast cancer and its association with other known parameters such as tumour size, tumour grade, nodal metastasis and age.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern of Klebsiella Species from Various Clinical Samples at a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Sathyavathy K. , Madhusudhan B. Kiran
Published: August 2020

The aim of the study was to investigate the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Klebsiella species from different clinical samples at Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, India. Overall 189 samples out of 980 non repetitive clinical samples obtained from wound/pus, urine, sputum swab and blood by disc diffusion method and identified as Klebsiella and analysed. Out of total 189 Klebsiella isolates, 76 out of 155 K. pneumoniae (49%) were resistant and none out of 34 Klebsiella oxytoca (0%) showed resistance to cefotaxime and ceftazidime by disc diffusion method. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Klebsiella exhibited 100% resistance to Ampicillin. The present study highlights the need for the continued monitoring of antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of important bacterial pathogens, so that rational antibiotic policies can be formulated.
Engineering Wavy‐Nanostructured Anode Interphases with Fast Ion Transfer Kinetics: Toward Practical Li‐Metal Full Batteries
Authors: Zhang Weidong , Shen Zeyu , Li Siyuan , Fan Lei , Wang Xinyang , Chen Fang , Zang Xiaoxian , Wu Tian , Ma Fuyuan , Lu Yingying
Published: August 2020

Fast Li‐metal depletion and severe anode pulverization are the most critical obstacles for the energy‐dense Li‐metal full batteries using thin Li‐metal anodes (<50 µm). Here, a wavy‐nanostructured solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) with fast ion transfer kinetics is reported, which can promote high‐efficiency Li‐metal plating/stripping (>98% at 4 mAh cm−2) in conventional carbonate electrolyte. Cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo‐TEM) further reveals the fundamental relationship between wavy‐nanostructured SEI, function, and the electrochemical performance. The wavy SEI with greatly decreased surface diffusion resistance can realize grain coarsening of Li‐metal deposition and exhaustive dissolution of active Li‐metal during the stripping process, which can effectively alleviate “dead Li” accumulation and anode pulverization problems in practical full cells. Under highly challenging conditions (45 µm Li‐metal anodes, 4.3 mAh cm−2 high capacity LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 cathodes), full cells exhibit significantly improved cycling lifespan (170 cycles; 20 cycles for control cells) via the application of wavy SEI.
High Lubricity Meets Load Capacity: Cartilage Mimicking Bilayer Structure by Brushing Up Stiff Hydrogels from Subsurface
Authors: Rong Mingming , Liu Hui , Scaraggi Michele , Bai Yanyan , Bao Luyao , Ma Shuanhong , Ma Zhengfeng , Cai Meirong , Dini Daniele , Zhou Feng
Published: August 2020

Natural articular cartilage has ultralow friction even at high squeezing pressure. Biomimicking cartilage with soft materials has been and remains a grand challenge in the fields of materials science and engineering. Inspired by the unique structural features of the articular cartilage, as well as by its remarkable lubrication mechanisms dictated by the properties of the superficial layers, a novel archetype of cartilage‐mimicking bilayer material by robustly entangling thick hydrophilic polyelectrolyte brushes into the subsurface of a stiff hydrogel substrate is developed. The topmost soft polymer layer provides effective aqueous lubrication, whereas the stiffer hydrogel layer used as a substrate delivers the load‐bearing capacity. Their synergy is capable of attaining low friction coefficients (order 0.010) under heavily loaded conditions (order 10 MPa contact pressure) in water environment, a performance incredibly close to that of natural articular cartilage. The bioinspired material can maintain low friction even when subjected to 50k reciprocating cycles under high contact pressure, with almost no wear observed on the sliding track. These findings are theoretically explained and compounded by multiscale simulations used to shed light on the mechanisms responsible for this remarkable performance. This work opens innovative technology routes for developing cartilage‐mimicking ultralow friction soft materials.
Modular Design of Supramolecular Organic Frameworks for Image‐Guided Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Wang Wenjing , Qi Bin , Yu Xiang , Li Wen‐Zhen , Yang Zhonghua , Zhang Haibo , Liu Simin , Liu Yi , Wang Xiao‐Qiang
Published: August 2020

Inspired by the efficient modular design of contemporary engineering, a design philosophy is proposed for the construction of molecular building blocks. Here, modular design of supramolecular organic frameworks (SOFs) for image‐guided photodynamic therapy (PDT) in vivo is presented. The closo‐dodecaborate cluster (B12) can selectively bind with the convex exterior of cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) with a molar ratio of 1:3 through chaotropic effect, which enables the CB[8]‐B12 based SOFs with exchangeable units/functions. After the B12 is modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and RGD sequence as target ligand and the CB[8] is loaded with methylene blue (MB) as supramolecular photosensitizer, the SOFs can be easily prepared with wide engineering range. A uniform nanoshuttle (NanoSOF) with excellent water dispersibility and bioavailability can be prepared by simply mixing the B12‐PEG‐RGD and MB@CB[8] in aqueous solution. As a proof of concept, the NanoSOF is applied as smart nanomedicine for targeted tumor imaging and PDT of tumor, and excellent tumor targeting ability as well as tumor ablation ability can be achieved in vivo. This work highlights the modular design of SOFs with exchangeable units/functions based on chaotropic effect, which may arouse research interests in many other fields.
Zinc Microrocket Pills: Fabrication and Characterization toward Active Oral Delivery
Authors: Mundaca‐Uribe Rodolfo , Esteban‐Fernández de Ávila Berta , Holay Maya , Lekshmy Venugopalan Pooyath , Nguyen Bryan , Zhou Jiarong , Abbas Amal , Fang Ronnie H. , Zhang Liangfang , Wang Joseph
Published: August 2020

Here the fabrication of a zinc (Zn) microrocket pill is reported, and its unique features toward active and enhanced oral delivery application are demonstrated. By loading Zn‐based tubular microrockets into an orally administrable pill formulation, the resulting Zn microrocket pill can rapidly dissolve in the stomach, releasing numerous encapsulated Zn microrockets that are instantaneously activated and then propel in the gastric fluid. The released Zn microrockets display efficient propulsion without being affected by the presence of the inactive excipient materials of the pill. An in vivo retention study performed in mice clearly shows that the active pill dissolution and powerful acid‐driven Zn microrocket propulsion greatly enhance the microrocket retention within the gastric tissue without causing toxic effects. By combining the active delivery feature of Zn microrockets with the oral administration of a pill, the Zn microrocket pill holds considerable potential for active oral delivery of various therapeutics for diverse medical applications.
Chiral Transition Metal Oxides: Synthesis, Chiral Origins, and Perspectives
Authors: Li Yiwen , Wang Xiongbin , Miao Jun , Li Jiagen , Zhu Xi , Chen Rui , Tang Zikang , Pan Ruikun , He Tingchao , Cheng Jiaji
Published: August 2020

Transition metal oxides (TMOs) consist of a series of solid materials, exhibiting a wide variety of structures with tunability and versatile physicochemical properties. Such a statement is undeniably true for chiral TMOs since the introduction of chirality brings in not only active optical activities but also geometrical anisotropy due to the symmetry‐breaking effect. Although progressive investigations have been made for accurately controlled synthesis and relevant explanations on the chirality origin of such materials, the overall field of chiral TMOs is still in its infancy with adequate space for interdisciplinary communications and development. Herein, therefore, recent advances in both experimental phenomena and theoretical calculations in this area are reviewed, to elucidate the underlying chiral origin with respect to their fabrications process, triggering new insights for further evolution of this field.
Autonomous Surface Reconciliation of a Liquid‐Metal Conductor Micropatterned on a Deformable Hydrogel
Authors: Park Jung‐Eun , Kang Han Sol , Koo Min , Park Cheolmin
Published: August 2020

Spreading liquid droplets on solid surfaces is a core topic in physical chemistry with significant technological implications. Liquid metals, which are eutectic alloys of constituent metal atoms with low melting temperatures, are practically useful, but difficult to spread on solid surfaces because of their high surface tension. This makes it difficult to use liquid metals as deformable on‐board microcircuitry electrodes, despite their intrinsic deformability. In this study, it is discovered that eutectic gallium–indium (EGaIn) can be spread onto the surface of chemically cross‐linked hydrogels consisting of aliphatic alkyl chains with numerous hydroxyl groups (OH), thus facilitating the development of directly micropatterned EGaIn electrodes. More importantly, EGaIn patterned on a hydrogel autonomously reconciliates its surface to form a firm hydrogel interface upon mechanical deformation of the hydrogel. This autonomous surface reconciliation of EGaIn on hydrogels allows researchers to reap the benefits of chemically modified hydrogels, such as reversible stretching, self‐healing, and water‐swelling capability, thereby facilitating the fabrication of superstretchable, self‐healable, and water‐swellable liquid‐metal electrodes with very high conductance tolerance upon deformation. Such electrodes are suitable for a variety of deformable microelectronic applications.
On‐Demand Local Modification of High‐Tc Superconductivity in Few Unit‐Cell Thick Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ
Authors: Ghosh Sanat , Vaidya Jaykumar , Datta Sawani , Pandeya Ram Prakash , Jangade Digambar A. , Kulkarni Ruta N. , Maiti Kalobaran , Thamizhavel Arumugam , Deshmukh Mandar M.
Published: August 2020

High‐temperature superconductors (HTSs) are important for potential applications and for understanding the origin of strong correlations. Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ (BSCCO), a van der Waals material, offers a platform to probe the physics down to a unit‐cell. Guiding the flow of electrons by patterning 2DEGS and oxide heterostructures has brought new functionality and access to new science. Similarly, modifying superconductivity in HTS locally, on a small length scale, is of immense interest for superconducting electronics. A route to modify superconductivity locally by depositing metal on the surface is reported here by transport studies on few unit‐cell thick BSCCO. Deposition of chromium (Cr) on the surface over a selected area of BSCCO results in insulating behavior of the underlying region. Cr locally depletes oxygen in CuO2 planes and disrupts the superconductivity in the layers below. This technique of modifying superconductivity is suitable for making sub‐micrometer superconducting wires and more complex superconducting devices.
Multiple Mechanical Gradients are Responsible for the Strong Adhesion of Spider Attachment Hair
Authors: Flenner Silja , Schaber Clemens F. , Krasnov Igor , Stieglitz Hergen , Rosenthal Martin , Burghammer Manfred , Gorb Stanislav N. , Müller Martin
Published: August 2020

Wandering spiders climb vertically and walk upside‐down on rough and smooth surfaces using a nanostructured attachment system on their feet. The spiders are assumed to adhere by intermolecular van der Waals forces between the adhesive structures and the substrate. The adhesive elements are arranged highly ordered on the hierarchically structured attachment hair (setae). While walking, it has been suggested that the spiders apply a shear force on their legs to increase friction. However, the detailed mechanical behavior of the hair's structures during attachment and detachment remains unknown. Here, gradients of the mechanical properties of the attachment hair on different length scales that have evolved to support attachment, stabilize adhesion in contact, and withstand high stress at detachment, examined by in situ experiments, are shown. Shearing helps to self‐align the adhesive elements with the substrate. The study is anticipated to contribute to the development of optimized artificial dry adhesives.
Modification of the Electronic Transport in Atomically Thin WSe2 by Oxidation
Authors: Lin Yu‐Chuan , Bersch Brian M. , Addou Rafik , Xu Ke , Wang Qingxiao , Smyth Christopher M. , Jariwala Bhakti , Walker Roger C. , Fullerton‐Shirey Susan K. , Kim Moon J. , Wallace Robert M. , Robinson Joshua A.
Published: August 2020

Atomically thin tungsten diselenide (WSe2) is a promising 2D semiconductor for nanoelectronics and optoelectronics. Using UV ozone and low‐power O2 plasma treatments, it is demonstrated that the formation of WSe2(1−x)O2x (WSeyOx) leads to hysteretic behavior in vertical transport measurements and also enables to an improvement in the p‐type transfer characteristics in lateral transport measurements. The amount of oxidation correlates well with the resistive switch behavior in oxidized WSe2/graphene, and WSeyOx formation under the electrical contact of the horizontal devices leads to increased p‐branch on/off by 100×. In addition to its effect for residue removal, oxidation on field effect transistor channel also helps mitigate n‐type dominated transfer characteristics of WSe2 commonly seen on sapphire. It is demonstrated that light oxidation of WSe2 is a multifunctional post‐growth treatment that enables vertical resistive switch junctions, contact improvement, and continuous tuning of transistor transport properties.
Self‐Oscillation of Locally Heated Water Vapor Microbubbles in Degassed Water
Authors: Namura Kyoko , Okai Shunsuke , Kumar Samir , Nakajima Kaoru , Suzuki Motofumi
Published: August 2020

The self‐oscillation of water vapor microbubbles in degassed water is experimentally investigated by using the photothermal conversion effect of an FeSi2 thin film. A laser spot on the FeSi2 thin film is used as a heat resistant and localized heat source with flexible size and power. The local heating of the degassed water leads to the generation of a water vapor microbubble, which shows self‐oscillation at 0.1–0.7 MHz under continuous heating. The bubble oscillation frequency shows the maximum value when the absorbed power density reaches 1 mW µm−2 ( = 1 × 109 W m−2), regardless of the laser spot size. This value is close to the critical heat flux for highly subcooled boiling of water. The anomalous dependence of the self‐oscillation frequency on the input power density is explained by the transition from nucleate boiling to local film boiling. Additionally, a numerical analysis suggests that the bubble oscillation exceeding 1 mW µm−2 is attributed to the dried region on the laser spot and the periodic contact of the liquid water to the small heater. These results are useful for understanding and enhancing the flow generated around the water vapor bubble, and the design of microscale cooling devices.
The Adhesion of Mica Nanolayers on a Silicon Substrate in Air
Authors: Yu Bowen , Wang Fei , Wang Shiliang , Hu Yujin , Huang Han
Published: August 2020

Mica nanolayers (MNL) are a new dielectric material that can improve the electron transport properties of Si based microelectronic devices. However, the mechanical reliability of such devices is not well understood because measurement of the adhesion between an MNL and a Si substrate is insufficiently accurate. The recent work reports a bridging method that is developed based on the linear beam theory and can characterize the adhesion of MNL on a mica substrate in a reasonably accuracy. In this work, the accuracy of the bridging method is improved by using a nonlinear mechanical model. 15 MNL specimens are measured on a Si substrate in air and the new model gives an average adhesion energy of 119.69 ± 20.47 mJ m–2. The effect of environment on the adhesion is also investigated. The increase in temperature from 25 to 300 °C enhances adhesion, attributed to the increased bonding effect of interfacial contaminants. When humidity is below a threshold value, 80% in this case, the adhesion energy remains unchanged, but above the threshold, the nanobridges collapse during testing. Molecular dynamics simulation reveal that the collapse is because the increase of interfacial water molecules reduces the frictional force between the MNL and Si substrate.
Improved Performance and Stability of Organic Solar Cells by the Incorporation of a Block Copolymer Interfacial Layer
Authors: Pérez Gabriel E. , Erothu Harikrishna , Topham Paul D. , Bastianini Francesco , Alanazi Tarek I. , Bernardo Gabriel , Parnell Andrew J. , King Stephen M. , Dunbar Alan D. F.
Published: August 2020

In a proof‐of‐concept study, this work demonstrates that incorporating a specifically designed block copolymer as an interfacial layer between a charge transport layer and the photoactive layer in organic solar cells can enhance the interface between these layers leading to both performance and stability improvements of the device. This is achieved by incorporating a P3HT50‐b‐PSSx block copolymer as an interfacial layer between the hole transporting and photoactive layers, which results in the improvement of the interfacial roughness, energy level alignment, and stability between these layers. Specifically, the incorporation of a 10 nm P3HT50‐b‐PSS16 and a 13 nm P3HT50‐b‐PSS23 interfacial layer results in a 9% and a 12% increase in device efficiency respectively compared to the reference devices. In addition to having a higher initial efficiency, the devices with the block copolymer continue to have a higher normalized efficiency than the control devices after 2200 h of storage, demonstrating that the block copolymer not only improves device efficiency, but crucially, prevents degradation by stabilizing the interface between the hole transporting layer and the photoactive layer. This study proves that appropriately designed and optimized block copolymers can simultaneously stabilize and improve the efficiency of organic solar cells.
Recent Progress of Flexible Lithium–Air/O2 Battery
Authors: Liu Tong , Yang Xiao‐Yang , Zhang Xin‐Bo
Published: August 2020

Along with the popularity of flexible electronic products, the requirements for flexible energy storage devices are also increasing, including high energy density, long‐term stability, and high‐grade safety. Among various flexible energy storage devices, flexible lithium–air batteries are expected to be one of the best candidates due to their high energy density and environmental friendliness. In order to realize the broad application of flexible lithium–air batteries with high performance, flexibility, and safety, many efforts are made. Here, the recent achievements in flexible lithium–air batteries are discussed, highlighting the flexible cathodes, polymer electrolytes, flexible anodes, operating in ambient air, and battery structural design. Besides, future research perspectives in flexible lithium–air batteries are presented.
Hydrogen‐Rich Syngas Production by DC Thermal Plasma Steam Gasification from Biomass and Plastic Mixtures
Authors: Ma WenChao , Chu Chu , Wang Ping , Guo ZhenFei , Lei ShiJun , Zhong Lei , Chen GuanYi
Published: August 2020

Recently, thermal plasma gasification has attracted much attention due to hydrogen‐rich syngas production. In this research, wood sawdust and high density polyethylene (HDPE) mixtures have been investigated under plasma steam gasification with various HDPE contents (0–100%), at different input plasma powers (16–24 kW) and varying steam flow/carbon flow (S/C) ratios (0.2–1.8). The single‐factor analysis indicates that the real H2 yield at 80 wt% HDPE is 23.99% higher than the theoretically calculated results. This significant improvement in hydrogen yield confirms the synergetic gasification effects between HDPE and biomass. The yield and proportion of H2 show a climbing trend with the increase of input power, while showing a trend from rising to descending with the increase of S/C ratio. Under the optimal conditions (the HDPE ratio of 80%, the input power of 22 kW, the S/C ratio of 1.0), the H2 yield is as high as 78.55 mol kg−1 and the proportion of H2 in syngas reaches 66.91%. Redundancy analysis shows that the HDPE content, input power and S/C ratio can explain 39.8%, 12.4%, and 10.6% of the variations of syngas properties respectively. The input power has the largest correlation with the increase of H2 yield among these three factors.
Radio Frequency Driven Heating of Catalytic Reactors for Portable Green Chemistry
Authors: Patil Nutan , Mishra Naveen K. , Saed Mohammad A. , Green Micah J. , Wilhite Benjamin A.
Published: August 2020

Here, a novel integration is proposed for radio frequency (1–300 MHz) responsive nanomaterials with conventional catalytic materials to realize a new class of heterogeneous catalysts that undergo uniform volumetric and localized heating to drive chemical transformations at the modular scale. Approximately 80% of chemical manufacturing involves heterogeneous catalytic reactions, which currently require heating via steam utilities or fired furnaces, and thus contribute to global greenhouse gas emissions while also limiting distributed chemicals production. This approach uses an electric route to produce chemicals where radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic fields and their interaction with carbon/ceramic nanomaterials are utilized to selectively heat the catalyst composition. A proof‐of‐concept is demonstrated using the commonly studied methanol steam reforming reaction on a platinum catalyst. In this study, two RF susceptors are used: carbon nanotubes and silicon carbide fibers. The conversion rate of methanol using RF heating is comparable to oven heating at varying temperature and catalyst combinations. This is a potential improvement over conventional catalytic reactors in that it enables small, safe, sustainable, on‐site, and on‐demand production of chemicals in the absence of traditional manufacturing infrastructure.
Nanomedicine Revisited: Next Generation Therapies for Brain Cancer
Authors: Bhargav Adip G. , Mondal Sujan K. , Garcia Cesar A. , Green Jordan J. , Quiñones‐Hinojosa Alfredo
Published: August 2020

Brain cancer persists as a difficult‐to‐treat condition. In particular, metastatic brain cancer and malignant primary brain tumors such as glioblastoma (GBM) are among the most deadly and still carry a dismal prognosis despite current standard of care with surgery and chemo‐radiation. Recent advances in nanotechnology have led to innovative nanomedicine strategies for the treatment of brain cancers and specifically for GBM. These strategies represent promising alternative or adjunctive therapies for conventional treatment modalities and are increasingly designed to target specific cell types such as brain tumor‐initiating cells and immune cells. This review provides an update on emerging insights into these nanomedicine strategies with a focus on nanoparticles as tools that facilitate 1) drug delivery 2) gene therapy, and 3) engineered‐cellular therapy for GBM and future directions for brain cancer treatment.
Tinted Semi‐Transparent Solar Panels Allow Concurrent Production of Crops and Electricity on the Same Cropland
Authors: Thompson Elinor P. , Bombelli Emilio L. , Shubham Simon , Watson Hamish , Everard Aldous , D’Ardes Vincenzo , Schievano Andrea , Bocchi Stefano , Zand Nazanin , Howe Christopher J. , Bombelli Paolo
Published: August 2020

Agrivoltaics describes concurrent agricultural production of crops and photovoltaic generation of electricity on the same cropland. By using tinted semi‐transparent solar panels, this study introduces a novel element to transform the concept of agrivoltaics from just solar‐sharing to selective utilization of different light wavelengths. Agrivoltaic growth of basil and spinach is tested. When compared with classical agriculture, and based on the feed‐in‐tariff of the experimental location, agrivoltaic co‐generation of biomass and electricity is calculated to result in an estimated financial gross gain up to +2.5% for basil and +35% for spinach. Marketable biomass yields do not change significantly for basil, while a statistically significant loss is observed for spinach. This is accompanied by a relative increase in the protein content for both plants grown under agrivoltaic conditions. Agrivoltaics implemented with tinted solar panels improve the biomass production per unit amount of solar radiation up to 68%, with up to 63% increase in the ratio of leaf and stem biomass to root. Agrivoltaics can enrich the portfolio of farmers, mitigate risks associated with climate, and vastly enhance global photovoltaics capacity without compromising agricultural production.
Catalytic and Dual‐Conductive Matrix Regulating the Kinetic Behaviors of Polysulfides in Flexible Li–S Batteries
Authors: Li Huanhuan , Chen Huiqin , Xue Yan , Zhang Yuting , Zhang Mengjie , Yu Wenqi , Bai Guangyue , Zhuo Kelei , Zheng Yanping
Published: August 2020

The main challenge in developing foldable Li–S batteries (LSB) lies in developing an electrode that is ultraflexible, conductive, and catalytic for dissolved lithium polysulfides (LiPSs). In this paper, lightweight macromolecule graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) film and a conductive polymer (CP) of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) shell are introduced into flexible LSBs by compositing with carbon cloth (CC). In the designed hybrid of CP/g‐C3N4@CC, 2D g‐C3N4 is used in the form of an effective trapper and functions as a continuous catalytic layer for LiPSs via the formation of pyridinic‐N‐Li bonds. This is revealed by both experimental investigations and theoretical analysis. The sandwich‐like CC and CP simultaneously bring an omnidirectional conductive network for fast interfacial reaction kinetics. With these benefits, the self‐supported CP/g‐C3N4@CC forms a powerful interaction system to fully in situ “lock” LiPSs in the commercial CC matrix. Thus, a substantially enhanced electrochemical performance is obtained at a high sulfur loading (4.7 mg cm–2) even operating in a pouch cell. This work may provide a potential avenue for practical use of high‐performance LSBs toward flexible energy‐storage devices.
Seed pre‐inoculation with Bradyrhizobium as time‐optimizing option for large‐scale soybean cropping systems
Authors: Hungria Mariangela , Nogueira Marco Antonio , Campos Leonardo Jose Motta , Menna Pamela , Brandi Fabio , Ramos Yuri Guerreiro
Published: August 2020

Nitrogen is a key nutrient for soybean cropping and can be fully supplied by the biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) process. Inoculation with elite Bradyrhizobium strains greatly improves the supply of N to soybean; however, inoculation of large areas in short‐sowing windows delays the sowing process, demanding the development of technologies for pre‐inoculation. Here we report the evaluation of a liquid formulation containing cell protectors that proved, in four field experiments located in different edaphoclimatic conditions of Brazil, symbiotic performance comparable to the peat‐based inoculant, traditionally considered as the best carrier. The liquid inoculant was also effective when applied to seeds not treated with pesticides 15 days before sowing, providing efficient BNF and time‐flexibility to the farmers. Benefits of the liquid inoculant in improving grain yield were confirmed in two areas cropped for the first time and devoid of Bradyrhizobium, with an average increase of 89%, and also in two areas traditionally cropped with inoculated soybean, with an average increase of 6.8%, both in comparison to the non‐inoculated control without N‐fertilizers (NI). It is worth mentioning that, also in comparison to the NI control, the addition of 200 kg N ha−1 impacted grain yield in +54% and −1,8%, in new and traditional areas, respectively, indicating that BNF was more effective than the application of N‐fertilizer. Large increases in total N content in grains were observed as well in response to the liquid inoculant, on average 47% and 27%, when compared to the NI and NI + N controls, respectively.