bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Two‐Step Plasma Treatment Designed for High‐Performance Flexible Amorphous ZnAlSnO Thin‐Film Transistors Replacing Thermal Annealing
Authors: Lu Rongkai , Lu Jianguo , Wei Xishuo , Yue Shilu , Li Siqin , Lu Bojing , Zhao Yi , Zhu Liping , Chen Lingxiang , Ye Zhizhen 
Published: July 2020

AbstractA two‐step plasma treatment is designed as a post‐process treatment for active layers of flexible thin‐film transistors (TFTs) instead of thermal post‐annealing. Amorphous zinc‐aluminum‐tin‐oxide (ZATO) is used for active layers of flexible TFTs, which highlights the influence of the two‐step plasma treatment on ZATO films and the corresponding TFT devices, because the device performance of ZATO TFTs exhibits significant improvement only after the active layers are annealed at high temperature. The effects of various plasma‐treatment of the ZATO active layer on the device performance are studied in detail. The two‐step plasma treatment can ameliorate the amorphous film and improve the corresponding device performance. The flexible TFT device with ZATO active layer processed by the two‐step plasma treatment exhibits an Ion/Ioff current ratio of 1.15 × 108, a positive threshold voltage of 3.77 V, a field‐effect mobility of 13.2 cm2 V−1 s−1, and a subthreshold swing of 0.5 V per decade. Meanwhile, a correlation is found that the effect of the two‐step plasma treatment as post‐process treatment of amorphous ZATO films is almost equivalent to 500 °C annealing, by comparing the electrical properties of TFTs with ZATO active layers annealed at different temperature. The two‐step plasma treatment may replace high‐temperature annealing in the thermosensitive process.
Emerging Superconductivity and the Origin of Its Enhancement in Pressurized Topological Nodal‐Line Semimetal SrAs3
Authors: Qi Mengyao , Zhu Xiangde , Zhou Yonghui , An Chao , Chen Chunhua , Yuan Yifang , Zhang Bowen , Wang Shuyang , Zhou Ying , Chen Xuliang , Zhang Ranran , Tian Mingliang , Yang Zhaorong 
Published: July 2020

AbstractTopological nodal‐line semimetal SrAs3 hosts a simple nodal loop on the verge of Fermi level without distracting trivial states, providing a good platform for further investigations of electronic quantum states. Here, a report on pressure‐driven superconductivity in SrAs3 single crystal is provided and the interplay between the crystal structure, electronic state, and superconductivity is clarified therein. The comprehensive high‐pressure experiments, i.e., synchrotron X‐ray diffraction, electrical transport, and Raman spectroscopy, consistently reveal a critical pressure Pc ≈ 25 GPa. Around Pc, a superconducting transition appears, concomitant with the formation of high‐pressure cubic Pm‐3m phase. Meanwhile, the superconducting transition temperature Tc and hole carrier density increase synchronously above Pc. This finding demonstrates that the emerging superconductivity in SrAs3 stems from the high‐pressure cubic phase on the one hand, and shows that the evolution of Tc(P) is intimately correlated with the enhanced density of states near the Fermi level on the other hand.
An Enzymatic Platform for the Highly Enantioselective and Stereodivergent Construction of Cyclopropyl‐δ‐lactones
Authors: Ren Xinkun , Liu Ningyu , Chandgude Ajay L. , Fasan Rudi 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAbiological enzymes offers new opportunities for sustainable chemistry. Herein, we report the development of biological catalysts derived from sperm whale myoglobin that exploit a carbene transfer mechanism for the asymmetric synthesis of cyclopropane‐fused‐δ‐lactones, which are key structural motifs found in many biologically active natural products. While hemin, wild‐type myoglobin, and other hemoproteins are unable to catalyze this reaction, the myoglobin scaffold could be remodeled by protein engineering to permit the intramolecular cyclopropanation of a broad spectrum of homoallylic diazoacetate substrates in high yields and with up to 99 % enantiomeric excess. Via an alternate evolutionary trajectory, a stereodivergent biocatalyst was also obtained for affording mirror‐image forms of the desired bicyclic products. In combination with whole‐cell transformations, the myoglobin‐based biocatalyst was used for the asymmetric construction of a cyclopropyl‐δ‐lactone scaffold at a gram scale, which could be further elaborated to furnish a variety of enantiopure trisubstituted cyclopropanes.
Recent Advances in Catalytic Hydrosilylations: Developments beyond Traditional Platinum Catalysts
Authors: de Almeida Leandro Duarte , Wang Hongli , Junge Kathrin , Cui Xinjiang , Beller Matthias 
Published: July 2020

AbstractHydrosilylation reactions, which allow the addition of Si−H to C=C/C≡C bonds, are typically catalyzed by homogeneous noble metal catalysts (Pt, Rh, Ir, and Ru). Although excellent activity and selectivity can be obtained, the price, purification, and metal residues of these precious catalysts are problems in the silicone industry. Thus, a strong interest in more sustainable catalysts and for more economic processes exists. In this respect, recently disclosed hydrosilylations using catalysts based on earth‐abundant transition metals, for example, Fe, Co, Ni, and Mn, and heterogeneous catalysts (supported nanoparticles and single‐atom sites) are noteworthy. This minireview describes the recent advances in this field.
Meta Junction Promoting Efficient Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence in Donor‐Acceptor Conjugated Polymers
Authors: Rao Jiancheng , Yang Liuqing , Li Xuefei , Zhao Lei , Wang Shumeng , Ding Junqiao , Wang Lixiang 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe meta junction is proposed to realize efficient thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) in donor–acceptor (D‐A) conjugated polymers. Based on triphenylamine as D and dicyanobenzene as A, as a proof of concept, a series of D‐A conjugated polymers has been developed by changing their connection sites. When the junction between D and A is tuned from para to meta, the singlet–triplet energy splitting (ΔEST) is found to be significantly decreased from 0.44 to 0.10 eV because of the increasing hole–electron separation. Unlike the para‐linked analogue with no TADF, consequently, the meta‐linked polymer shows a strong delayed fluorescence. Its corresponding solution‐processed organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) achieve a promising external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 15.4 % (51.9 cd A−1, 50.9 lm W−1) and CIE coordinates of (0.34, 0.57). The results highlight the bright future of D‐A conjugated polymers used for TADF OLEDs.
An Electrochemical Biosensor Architecture Based on Protein Folding Supports Direct Real‐Time Measurements in Whole Blood
Authors: Kurnik Martin , Pang Eric Z. , Plaxco Kevin W. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe ability to monitor drug and biomarker concentrations in the body with high frequency and in real time would revolutionize our understanding of biology and our capacity to personalize medicine. The few in vivo molecular sensors that currently exist, however, all rely on the specific chemical or enzymatic reactivity of their targets and thus are not generalizable. In response, we demonstrate here an electrochemical sensing architecture based on binding‐induced protein folding that is 1) independent of the reactivity of its targets, 2) reagentless, real‐time, and with a resolution of seconds, and 3) selective enough to deploy in undiluted bodily fluids. As a proof of principle, we use the SH3 domain from human Fyn kinase to build a sensor that discriminates between the protein's peptide targets and responds rapidly and quantitatively even when challenged in whole blood. The resulting sensor architecture could drastically expand the chemical space accessible to continuous, real‐time biosensors.
Enhanced liquid mixing in T‐mixer having staggered fins
Authors: Tan Sak Jie , Yu Kok Hwa , Ismail Mohd Azmi , Teoh Yew Heng 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe present study considers computational evaluation of mixing performance in a T‐mixer having staggered fins. A novel arrangement consisting of two pairs of staggered fins is incorporated and placed close to the entrance of the mixing channel. A parametric study is performed to examine the effects arising from the geometric and flow parameters alteration. With respect to all the parameters investigated, the presence of staggered fins consistently give rise to better mixing performance as compared with that without fin. With the presence of fins, flow of liquid with different species concentrations is redirected and aligned with the angle of inclination θ of the fins, creating lateral convection that disrupt the flow. This promotes better mixing of liquids. At Re = 1, staggered fins arrangement with θ = 45°, enhancement in mixing efficiency can reach as high as 33.3% as compared with that of without fin. It is also interesting to note that liquid mixing enhancement is significant at higher Reynolds numbers (1 ≤ Re ≤ 10) as compared with that of low Reynolds value (Re < 1).
Antibacterial Polyelectrolytic chitosan derivatives conjugated natural rubber latex films with minimized bacterial adhesion
Authors: Arakkal Aswin , Aazem Irthasa , Honey Gopinathan , Vengellur Ajith , Bhat Sarita G. , S. Sailaja Gopalakrishnan Chettiar 
Published: July 2020

AbstractWater soluble polyelectrolytic derivatives of chitosan (CDs) with carboxyl (COO−) and quaternary ammonium (NH4+) groups were synthesized and characterized by NMR, FT‐IR, TGA and zeta potential analyses; while degree of substitution was determined by potentiometric titrations. Both CDs in the as‐synthesized form exhibited antibacterial zones against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The CD conjugated vulcanized natural rubber latex (NRL) films were investigated for understanding the level of bacterial adhesion and bactericidal properties as a function of the polyelectrolytic groups present. NRL Films modified at ambient conditions were found effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). The biofilm assay results demonstrate that CD conjugated samples exhibit significantly reduced adhesion (63.8%) against P. aeruginosa. Further, alterations observed in cellular morphology of attached bacteria indicate that the modified surface of films is bacteriocidal while presence of significantly higher level of extra cellular polymer substances (EPS) were detected on control NRL films.
Diet composition of the Italian crested newt (Triturus carnifex) in structurally different artificial ponds based on stomach contents and stable isotope analyses
Authors: Careddu Giulio , Carlini Nicolò , Romano Antonio , Rossi Loreto , Calizza Edoardo , Sporta Caputi Simona , Costantini Maria Letizia 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIn order to evaluate the effects of ecological disturbances, such as climate change, human‐induced habitat modification, or species introduction, and in order to adopt appropriate management policies for their conservation, knowledge of the trophic ecology of protected or threatened species is crucial. The Italian crested newt,Triturus carnifex(Laurenti, 1768), is listed in annexes II and IV of the European Habitats Directive. For this species, changes in water quality and habitat loss represent major threats, potentially impairing its breeding and feeding activities.Artificial aquatic habitats, such as cattle‐drinking pools, represent valuable refuges and suitable breeding sites forT. carnifex. The aim of this study was to determine the food niche of the Italian crested newt in these habitats, evaluating its prey selection strategy in relation to a range of environmental conditions and differing availability of resources. Stomach contents (indicative of short‐term diet) andδ13C andδ15N signatures of tails (indicative of medium‐term diet) of adult newts from three artificial ponds in central Italy, where traditional silvo‐pastoral activities are still important, were determined. Potential prey were also sampled and processed for stable isotope analysis.Triturus carnifex,similar to other newt species, is an opportunistic predator, feeding on a wide variety of prey that includes terrestrial and aquatic macroinvertebrates. In particular, the opportunistic use of temporally available small zooplankton was identified from stomach contents analysis. Conversely, stable isotope analysis highlighted the consumption of larger, soft‐bodied prey that the stomach‐contents‐based approach underestimated. These included terrestrial oligochaetes, which turned out to be the most important and energy‐rich food source in the medium term.These results emphasize the usefulness of combined approaches for studying the trophic ecology of salamanders and also highlight the importance of the integrated management of aquatic breeding habitats and neighbouring terrestrial habitats, as sources of food, for newt conservation.
Novel VEGFR‐2 inhibitors with an N‐acylhydrazone scaffold
Authors: Pauli Fernanda P. , Martins Juliana R. , Paschoalin Thaysa , Ionta Marisa , Barbosa Maria Leticia C. , Barreiro Eliezer J. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractVascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR‐2) is a tyrosine kinase that mediates a large number of cell responses associated with angiogenesis. The control of the angiogenic pathway in tumorigenesis by the inhibition of VEGFR‐2 is considered a promising therapeutic strategy for the prevention and control of solid tumor growth. In this study, the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of a novel series of VEGFR‐2 inhibitors with an N‐acylhydrazone (NAH) scaffold (9a–h) are reported. The molecular design is validated by docking studies and by in vitro inhibitory activity assays. Compounds 9b, 9c, 9d, and 9f effectively inhibited neovascularization induced by VEGF in the chorioallantoic membrane assay. Thus, these NAH derivatives are promising antiangiogenic prototypes.
Analysis of Carbonate Decomposition During Solid Electrolyte Interphase Formation in Isotope‐Labeled Lithium Ion Battery Electrolytes: Extending the Knowledge about Electrolyte Soluble Species
Authors: Peschel Christoph , Horsthemke Fabian , Leißing Marco , Wiemers‐Meyer Simon , Henschel Jonas , Winter Martin , Nowak Sascha 
Published: July 2020

AbstractSufficient interphase formation during the first cycles is crucial for the long‐term performance of lithium ion batteries. During the first cycles, electrolyte salt and solvent molecule decomposition caused by electrochemical instabilities leads to a wide range of decomposition species contributing to the formation of performance‐beneficial interphases at the electrodes as well as performance‐impairing side reactions. Due to structural similarities of carbonate educts, elucidation of underlying reaction pathways is complex. In this work, isotope‐labeled ethylene carbonate (13C3−EC) is applied to differentiate contributions of cyclic and linear carbonates to occurring interphase and decomposition reactions. Thereby, carbon atom tracing of electrolyte soluble species is performed by means of gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC−MS). Reaction pathways are postulated based on identified molecular origins. Among others, a new DMC‐EC cross reactivity via lithium ethylene monocarbonate is considered. Moreover, radical reactions resulting in C−C bond formation are investigated and radical polymerizations of stoichiometric equivalents of ethene formed in situ during EC reduction are proposed. Finally, alkyl carbonates with C>4 alkyl chains are identified considering underlying reactivities. Discussed electrolyte decomposition reactions extend the understanding of EC‐based solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation emphasizing possible radical reactivities and solvent molecule contributions.
Genetics and signaling mechanisms of orofacial clefts
Authors: Reynolds Kurt , Zhang Shuwen , Sun Bo , Garland Michael A. , Ji Yu , Zhou Chengji J. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractCraniofacial development involves several complex tissue movements including several fusion processes to form the frontonasal and maxillary structures, including the upper lip and palate. Each of these movements are controlled by many different factors that are tightly regulated by several integral morphogenetic signaling pathways. Subject to both genetic and environmental influences, interruption at nearly any stage can disrupt lip, nasal, or palate fusion and result in a cleft. Here, we discuss many of the genetic risk factors that may contribute to the presentation of orofacial clefts in patients, and several of the key signaling pathways and underlying cellular mechanisms that control lip and palate formation, as identified primarily through investigating equivalent processes in animal models, are examined.
Novel spiking methods developed for anion exchange chromatography operating in a continuous process
Authors: Li Ying , Chang Audrey , Beattie David , Remington Kathryn M. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractMany manufacturers of biopharmaceuticals are moving from batch to continuous processing. While this approach offers advantages over batch processing, demonstration of viral clearance for continuous processes is challenging. Fluctuating output from a continuous process chromatography column results in a nonhomogeneous load for the subsequent column and must be considered when designing viral clearance studies. One approach to clearance studies is to downscale the connected unit operations and introduce virus by in‐line spiking. This is challenging to be implemented at the contract research organization performing the clearance study given the complexity of systems and level of expertise required. Alternately, each unit operation could be evaluated in traditional batch mode but the spiking and loading conditions be modified to mimic the variance introduced by the transition between two connected columns. Using a standard chromatography system, we evaluated a flow‐through anion exchange chromatography step in a monoclonal antibody (mAb) manufacturing process using five different methods to introduce the virus to the column. Our data show that whether the virus or the mAbs were introduced in concentrated peaks, or as a homogeneous batch, the clearance of mouse minute virus was similar. This study introduces an alternative way to evaluate viral clearance in a continuous process and demonstrates the robustness of anion exchange chromatography unit operating in continuous processing.
Voluntary alcohol consumption is increased in female, but not male, oxytocin receptor knockout mice
Authors: Rodriguez Karla M. , Smith Brittany L. , Caldwell Heather K. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIntroductionThe oxytocin (Oxt) system, while typically associated with the neural regulation of social behaviors, also plays a role in an individual's vulnerability to develop alcohol use disorders (AUD). In humans, changes to the Oxt system, due to early life experience and/or genetic mutations, are associated with increased vulnerability to AUD. While a considerable amount is known about Oxt's role in AUD in males, less is known or understood, about how Oxt may affect AUD in females, likely due to many clinical and preclinical studies of AUD not directly considering sex as a biological variable. This is unfortunate given that females are more vulnerable to the effects of alcohol and have increased alcohol consumption, as compared to males. Therefore, in the current study we wanted to determine whether genetic disruption of the Oxt receptor (Oxtr), that is, Oxtr knockout (−/−) mice, affected stress‐induced alcohol consumption in males and females. We hypothesized that genetic disruption of the Oxtr would result in increased stress‐induced alcohol consumption in both males and females compared to wild‐type (+/+) controls. Though, we predicted that these disruptions might be greater in female Oxtr −/− mice.MethodsTo test this hypothesis, a two‐bottle preference test was utilized along with the forced swim test (FST), and pre‐ and poststress alcohol consumption and preference measured within each sex (males and females were run separately). As a follow‐up experiment, a taste preference test, to control for possible genotypic differences in taste, was also performed.ResultsIn males, we found no significant genotypic differences in alcohol consumption or preference. However, in females, we found that genetic disruption of the Oxtr resulted in a greater consumption of alcohol both pre‐ and poststress compared to controls.ConclusionThese data suggest that in females, disruptions in Oxt signaling may contribute to increased vulnerability to alcohol‐associated addiction.
A cavotricuspid isthmus pouch revealed to be a breakout site for gap conduction of recurrent common atrial flutter
Authors: Sekihara Takayuki , Sonoura Takuryu , Nakamura Yuka , Sunayama Isamu , Morishita Yu , Ishimi Masashi , Yamato Masashi , Yoshimura Takahiro , Yasuoka Yoshinori 
Published: July 2020

AbstractA cavotricuspid isthmus pouch can be a breakout site for gap conduction of cavotricuspid isthmus block line. If the previous block line is electrically silent, high‐density 3‐D mapping and pouchgraphy are useful to find the pouch and ablate within it.
Self‐Assembly Behavior of Diacetylenic Acid Molecules upon Vapor Deposition: Odd–Even Effect on the Film Morphology
Authors: Tseng Chiao‐Wei , Huang Ding‐Chi , Yang Han‐Li , Lin Hsieh‐Cheng , Li Fang‐Cheng , Pao Chun‐Wei , Tao Yu‐Tai 
Published: July 2020

AbstractA series of linear carboxylic acids containing diacetylenic units at different positions along the chain (C12H25(C≡C)2(CH2)nCOOH, n=7–11) were vacuum‐deposited on clean silica substrates. The morphologies of the initial films after UV irradiation were studied. A clear odd–even effect on the morphology of the initial film was observed in that, depending on the spacer length between the diacetylenic unit and carboxyl head group, rings or dendrites of acid dimer layers were obtained. A molecular dynamic simulation of the aggregation process suggests that two competing intermolecular interactions and thus aggregation directions are involved and modulated by the odd or even carbon chain length. Further modulation of the interaction by substitution of a phenyl group at the terminus of the chain or by changing the carboxyl head group to an amidobenzoic acid head group led to a similar odd–even effect but with different dimensions or trends, which can be rationalized similarly. These results give the opportunity to create aligned conjugated polymer chains of different dimensions through self‐assembly for applications in molecular/organic electronics.