bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interaction of Water with Atomic Layer Deposited Titanium Dioxide on p‐Si Photocathode: Modeling of Photoelectrochemical Interfaces in Ultrahigh Vacuum with Cryo‐Photoelectron Spectroscopy
Authors: Cottre Thorsten , Fingerle Mathias , Kranz Melanie , Mayer Thomas , Kaiser Bernhard , Jaegermann Wolfram 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis study combines cryo‐photoelectron spectroscopy and electrochemical analysis techniques to investigate the p‐Si/SiO2/TiO2/H2O system in the context of water‐splitting. Atomic layer deposition is used for the preparation of a TiO2 thin film coating for a p‐Si/SiO2 photocathode. First, an interface experiment is performed to study the contact properties of the interface between p‐Si/SiO2 and TiO2. For the p‐Si/TiO2 heterojunction, a downward band bending of 0.3 eV is found for the p‐Si toward the interface. Second, a water adsorption experiment is conducted, which allows the investigation of the surface chemistry of the TiO2 coating in contact to water. A direct correlation between the amount of surface hydroxide species, formed due to water dissociation, and Ti3+ defect state density is found. Furthermore, a surface water species can be identified in addition to the commonly found bulk molecular water. Together with the results from a Mott–Schottky analysis, a complete energy level alignment can be constructed.
Wearable, Implantable, and Interventional Medical Devices Based on Smart Electronic Skins
Authors: Wang Lili , Jiang Kai , Shen Guozhen 
Published: May 2021

AbstractRecent advances in soft, flexible, and stretchable sensors have offered a good opportunity to design various types of wearable flexible medical devices for achievement of continuous health monitoring, preventive medicine and robot feedback and control. The integration of biofunctionability with electronic skin is undoubtedly an attractive prospect in the sense that the successful medical device requires good biocompatibility, sensing capability, and high degrees of mechanical flexibility. This work summarizes the last developments in electronic skin for next‐generation medical devices that can simultaneously detect a variety of physiological information of the human body. The key properties of e‐skin that must be realized for their versatile use in medical applications are discussed in detail. Next, the paper outlines the overall applications of these sensors in wearable medicine, implantable medicine, and interventional medicine, and emphasizes how these devices monitor human health status and may be expected to replace traditional clinical tools. Finally, the challenges and future research opportunities in the field of wearable health monitoring are proposed.
4D Printing of Continuous Shape Representation
Authors: Ahn Sang‐Joon , Byun Junghwan , Joo Hyeong‐Joon , Jeong Jae‐Hak , Lee Dae‐Young , Cho Kyu‐Jin 
Published: May 2021

Abstract4D printing can address time‐evolving structural functions that are unattainable by conventional 3D printing. Despite the advance in materials and printing techniques, however, 4D printing of continuity of shape representation that generally characterizes 3D matters is still challenging, because the existing methodologies mostly rely on a few discrete levels of strain and their spatial distributions. Here, a 4D printing strategy of shape memory polymers (SMPs) that can program continuous levels of shape‐recovery strain is proposed. It is found that the irrecoverable state of the SMP and the corresponding recovery strain can be controlled in a continuous and precise manner by a single printing parameter. Importantly, the continuity of strain programming provides an opportunity for the translation into mathematical function representation (F‐rep), which allows the systematic derivation and implementation of 4D‐printed bilayer strain functions that are matched to the continuously varying curvatures of the target geometry. Combined with the custom‐built software, the F‐rep 4D printing strategy can produce 4D‐printed architectures that involve continuously varying strain profiles of almost any function type. The effectiveness of the framework is highlighted by a set of 3D face masks with facial feature transformation driven by a function operator.
Hybrid Living Capsules Autonomously Produced by Engineered Bacteria
Authors: Birnbaum Daniel P. , Manjula‐Basavanna Avinash , Kan Anton , Tardy Blaise L. , Joshi Neel S. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBacterial cellulose (BC) has excellent material properties and can be produced sustainably through simple bacterial culture, but BC‐producing bacteria lack the extensive genetic toolkits of model organisms such as Escherichia coli (E. coli). Here, a simple approach is reported for producing highly programmable BC materials through incorporation of engineered E. coli. The acetic acid bacterium Gluconacetobacter hansenii is cocultured with engineered E. coli in droplets of glucose‐rich media to produce robust cellulose capsules, which are then colonized by the E. coli upon transfer to selective lysogeny broth media. It is shown that the encapsulated E. coli can produce engineered protein nanofibers within the cellulose matrix, yielding hybrid capsules capable of sequestering specific biomolecules from the environment and enzymatic catalysis. Furthermore, capsules are produced which can alter their own bulk physical properties through enzyme‐induced biomineralization. This novel system uses a simple fabrication process, based on the autonomous activity of two bacteria, to significantly expand the functionality of BC‐based living materials.
Dynamic Interfacial Stability Confirmed by Microscopic Optical Operando Experiments Enables High‐Retention‐Rate Anode‐Free Na Metal Full Cells
Authors: Ma Bingyuan , Lee Youngju , Bai Peng 
Published: May 2021

AbstractRechargeable alkali metal anodes hold the promise to significantly increase the energy density of current battery technologies. But they are plagued by dendritic growths and solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI) layers that undermine the battery safety and cycle life. Here, a non‐porous ingot‐type sodium (Na) metal growth with self‐modulated shiny‐smooth interfaces is reported for the first time. The Na metal anode can be cycled reversibly, without forming whiskers, mosses, gas bubbles, or disconnected metal particles that are usually observed in other studies. The ideal interfacial stability confirmed in the microcapillary cells is the key to enable anode‐free Na metal full cells with a capacity retention rate of 99.93% per cycle, superior to available anode‐free Na and Li batteries using liquid electrolytes. Contradictory to the common beliefs established around alkali metal anodes, there is no repeated SEI formation on or within the sodium anode, supported by the X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy elemental depth profile analyses, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy diagnosis, and microscopic imaging.
Synthetic Formatotrophs for One‐Carbon Biorefinery
Authors: Bang Junho , Ahn Jung Ho , Lee Jong An , Hwang Chang Hun , Kim Gi Bae , Lee Jinwon , Lee Sang Yup 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe use of CO2 as a carbon source in biorefinery is of great interest, but the low solubility of CO2 in water and the lack of efficient CO2 assimilation pathways are challenges to overcome. Formic acid (FA), which can be easily produced from CO2 and more conveniently stored and transported than CO2, is an attractive CO2‐equivalent carbon source as it can be assimilated more efficiently than CO2 by microorganisms and also provides reducing power. Although there are native formatotrophs, they grow slowly and are difficult to metabolically engineer due to the lack of genetic manipulation tools. Thus, much effort is exerted to develop efficient FA assimilation pathways and synthetic microorganisms capable of growing solely on FA (and CO2). Several innovative strategies are suggested to develop synthetic formatotrophs through rational metabolic engineering involving new enzymes and reconstructed FA assimilation pathways, and/or adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE). In this paper, recent advances in development of synthetic formatotrophs are reviewed, focusing on biological FA and CO2 utilization pathways, enzymes involved and newly developed, and metabolic engineering and ALE strategies employed. Also, future challenges in cultivating formatotrophs to higher cell densities and producing chemicals from FA and CO2 are discussed.
Wireless MRI‐Powered Reversible Orientation‐Locking Capsule Robot
Authors: Erin Onder , Boyvat Mustafa , Lazovic Jelena , Tiryaki Mehmet Efe , Sitti Metin 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners do not provide only high‐resolution medical imaging but also magnetic robot actuation and tracking. However, the rotational motion capabilities of MRI‐powered wireless magnetic capsule‐type robots have been limited due to the very high axial magnetic field inside the MRI scanner. Medical functionalities of such robots also remain a challenge due to the miniature robot designs. Therefore, a wireless capsule‐type reversible orientation‐locking robot (REVOLBOT) is proposed that has decoupled translational motion and planar orientation change capability by locking and unlocking the rotation of a spherical ferrous bead inside the robot on demand. Such an on‐demand locking/unlocking mechanism is achieved by a phase‐changing wax material in which the ferrous bead is embedded inside. Controlled and on‐demand hyperthermia and drug delivery using wireless power transfer‐based Joule heating induced by external alternating magnetic fields are the additional features of this robot. The experimental feasibility of the REVOLBOT prototype with steerable navigation, medical function, and MRI tracking capabilities with an 1.33 Hz scan rate is demonstrated inside a preclinical 7T small‐animal MRI scanner. The proposed robot has the potential for future clinical use in teleoperated minimally invasive treatment procedures with hyperthermia and drug delivery capabilities while being wirelessly powered and monitored inside MRI scanners.
Interaction of Polyelectrolytes with Proteins: Quantifying the Role of Water
Authors: Walkowiak Jacek J. , Ballauff Matthias 
Published: May 2021

AbstractA theoretical model is presented for the free energy ΔGb of complex formation between a highly charged polyelectrolyte and a protein. The model introduced here comprises both the effect of released counterions and the uptake or release of water molecules during complex formation. The resulting expression for ΔGb is hence capable of describing the dependence of ΔGb on temperature as well as on the concentration of salt in the system: An increase of the salt concentration in the solution increases the activity of the ions and counterion release becomes less effective for binding. On the other hand, an increased salt concentration leads to the decrease of the activity of water in bulk. Hence, release of water molecules during complex formation will be more advantageous and lead to an increase of the magnitude of ΔGb and the binding constant. It is furthermore demonstrated that the release or uptake of water molecules is the origin of the marked enthalpy–entropy cancellation observed during complex formation of polyelectrolytes with proteins. The comparison with experimental data on complex formation between a synthetic (sulfated dendritic polyglycerol) and natural polyelectrolytes (DNA; heparin) with proteins shows full agreement with theory.
Diclofenac Resensitizes Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus to β‐Lactams and Prevents Implant Infections
Authors: Zhang Shutao , Qu Xinhua , Tang Haozheng , Wang You , Yang Hongtao , Yuan Weien , Yue Bing 
Published: May 2021

AbstractImplant infections caused by methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can cause major complications during the perioperative period. Diclofenac, one of the most widely used nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, is often used to relieve pain and inflammation. In this study, it is found that high‐dose diclofenac can inhibit the growth of MRSA, and does not easily induce drug‐resistant mutations after continuous passage. However, low‐doses diclofenac can resensitize bacteria to β‐lactams, which help to circumvent drug resistance and improve the antibacterial efficacy of conventional antibiotics. Further, low‐dose diclofenac in combination with β‐lactams inhibit MRSA associated biofilm formation in implants. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses indicate that diclofenac can reduce the expression of genes and proteins associated with β‐lactam resistance: mecA, mecR, and blaZ; peptidoglycan biosynthesis: murA, murC, femA, and femB; and biofilm formation: altE and fnbP. Murine implant infection models indicate that diclofenac combined with β‐lactams, can substantially alleviate MRSA infections in vivo. In addition, it is investigated that low dose diclofenac can inhibit MRSA antibiotic resistance via the mecA/blaZ pathway and related biofilms in implants. The synergistic effect of diclofenac and β‐lactams might have promising applications for preventing perioperative infection, considering its multitarget effects against MRSA.
Wireless Localized Electrical Stimulation Generated by an Ultrasound‐Driven Piezoelectric Discharge Regulates Proinflammatory Macrophage Polarization
Authors: Kong Ying , Liu Feng , Ma Baojin , Duan Jiazhi , Yuan Wenhu , Sang Yuanhua , Han Lin , Wang Shuhua , Liu Hong 
Published: May 2021

AbstractProinflammatory (M1) macrophages play a vital role in antitumor immunity, and regulation of proinflammatory macrophage polarization is critical for immunotherapy. The polarization of macrophages can be regulated by biological or chemical stimulation, but investigations of the regulatory effect of physical stimulation are limited. Herein, regulating macrophage polarization with localized electrical signals derived from a piezoelectric β‐phase poly(vinylidene fluoride) (β‐PVDF) film in a wireless mode is proposed. Charges released on the surface of the β‐PVDF film driven by ultrasonic irradiation can significantly enhance the M1 polarization of macrophages. Mechanistic investigation confirms that electrical potentials rather than reactive oxygen species and mechanical forces enable Ca2+ influx through voltage‐gated channels and establishment of the Ca2+‐CAMK2A‐NF‐κB axis to promote the proinflammatory macrophage response during ultrasound treatment. Piezoelectric material‐mediated electrical signal‐activated proinflammatory macrophages significantly inhibit tumor cell proliferation. A method for electrogenetic regulation of immune cells as well as a powerful tool for engineering macrophages for immunotherapy is provided here.
Ferroelectric‐Nanocrack Switches for Memory and Complementary Logic with Zero Off‐current and Low Operating Voltage
Authors: Guo Zhe , Guan Yaodong , Luo Qiang , Hong Jeongmin , You Long 
Published: May 2021

AbstractFerroelectric devices have attracted intensive research in memory and logic applications due to their non‐volatility, scalability, and energy efficiency. As an emerging technology, the ferroelectric nanocrack device offers a simple and efficient way to manipulate the device resistance states with a high on/off ratio. Meanwhile, its complementary switching enables the construction of logic gates with a similar way as the complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology. Here, it is demonstrated that the memory and logic functions can be realized by the same device structure with superior electrical performance, such as reliable metallic on‐state contacts, zero off‐state leakage current, and wide working temperature range (–110 to 150 °C). Moreover, the scaling performance has been investigated and the operating voltage can be reduced to average 2.5 V with device scaling down to sub‐micrometers. Following the scaling rule, the operating voltage can shrink largely to sub‐1 V at 100 nm nodes. In addition, the logic gates including NOT, 2:1 MUX, AND, and OR functions have been experimentally demonstrated. It is believed that this work can expand the scope of ferroelectronics and be applicable to logic‐in‐memory computing in the future.
MoO2 Nanowire Electrochemically Decorated Graphene Additively Manufactured Supercapacitor Platforms
Authors: García‐Miranda Ferrari Alejandro , Pimlott Jessica L. , Down Michael P. , Rowley‐Neale Samuel J. , Banks Craig E. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAdditively manufactured (AM) supercapacitor platforms are fabricated from bespoke filaments, which are comprised of electro‐conductive graphene (20 wt%) incorporated polylactic acid (80 wt%), via fused deposition modeling and denoted as G/AMEs. The G/AMEs are shown to be capable of acting as a template for the electrodeposition of metals/metal oxides, in particular MoO2 nanowires (MoO2‐G/AMEs), which are subsequently explored as a capacitor within 1 m H2SO4, 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, and 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate. Optimization of the MoO2‐G/AMEs demonstrates capacitance up to 1212 F g–1 when used in a symmetric arrangement. The material science described herein represents a significant enhancement in unlocking AMs potential as a valid manufacturing route for device level capacitance architectures.
All‐Inorganic Cesium‐Based Hybrid Perovskites for Efficient and Stable Solar Cells and Modules
Authors: Montecucco Riccardo , Quadrivi Eleonora , Po Riccardo , Grancini Giulia 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn the last ten years, organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites have been skyrocketing the field of innovative photovoltaics (PVs) and now represent one of the most promising solution for next‐generation PVs. Within the family of halide perovskites, increasing attention has been focused on the so‐called all‐inorganic group, where the organic cation is replaced by cesium, as in the case of CsPbI3. This subclass of halide perovskites features desirable optoelectronic properties such as easily tunable bandgap, strong defect tolerance, and improved thermal stability compared to the hybrid systems. When integrated in PV cells, they exhibit high power conversion efficiency (PCE) with record values of 19.03%. However, all‐inorganic perovskite solar cells (PCSs) face several challenges such as i) instability of the CsPbI3 photoactive phase in ambient conditions, ii) inhomogeneous film morphology, and iii) high surface defect density. This work focuses on the mentioned challenges with a special attention on discussing the Cs–Pb–X system (X = I, Br). Then, the most recent and effective approaches for increasing both the PCE and the stability of devices are reviewed, which include material doping, interface engineering, and device optimization. Finally, the first efforts toward the upscaling of Cs‐based PSCs, and predicted methods for enabling large‐scale production, are discussed.
Circularly polarized luminescence of agglomerate emitters
Authors: Zhang Chong , Li Si , Dong Xi‐Yan , Zang Shuang‐Quan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCircularly polarized luminescence (CPL) originates from the chiral emissive excited states. CPL materials have promising applications in 3D optical displays, encryptions, biological probes, chiral photoelectric devices, and CPL switches, most of which require excellent CPL performances including bright luminescence and high luminescence dissymmetry factor (glum) in the agglomerate state. This review systematically summarizes the progress about CPL of aggregate and solid materials, such as organic materials, metal‐organic materials (such as coordination polymers, organic‐inorganic metal halides, metal clusters, and cluster‐assembled materials), the assembled materials by supramolecular interactions, and liquid crystals. We also present the current challenges and a future perspective of chiral emitting agglomerate materials.
Diagnosis of skin and soft tissue infections using near‐infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Oi Marina , Maruhashi Takaaki , Kumazawa Kenichi , Iwakawa Saori , Kurihara Yutaro , Wato Jyunpei , Niimi Yuta , Takeda Akira , Asari Yasushi 
Published: May 2021

AimSkin and soft tissue infections are classified into cellulitis and necrotizing fasciitis, which are difficult to distinguish. Necrotizing fasciitis has a poor prognosis and requires immediate intensive care. The diagnostic gold standard is to incise the lesion to determine whether necrosis has reached the fascia. We aimed to show that these infections can be differentiated using near‐infrared spectroscopy.MethodsWe describe two cases in an observational study about the utility of near‐infrared spectroscopy. Case 1 involved a 77‐year‐old man with a chief complaint of pain, redness, and swelling in the right lower leg for 1 week. Computed tomography of his legs showed no gas formation. Case 2 involved an 82‐year‐old man. He visited another hospital because of pain, redness, and swelling in the right thigh. Based on the X‐ray examination, necrotizing fasciitis was suspected, and he was transferred to our hospital.ResultsIn Case 1, the regional oxygen saturation value was lower on the lesion side (41%) than on the healthy side (55%). We confirmed the depth of invasion by incision, leading to a diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis. In Case 2, the thigh’s regional oxygen saturation was higher on the affected side (76%) than on the healthy side (61%). An incision was made for diagnosis, but the fascia was not necrotized. Thus, we diagnosed cellulitis and provided conservative treatment using antibiotics.ConclusionNear‐infrared spectroscopy can be utilized to measure tissue blood flow, and it could be useful as a non‐invasive diagnostic tool for skin and soft tissue infections.
Topological Insulators: An In‐Depth Review of Their Use in Modelocked Fiber Lasers
Authors: Mondal Shyamal , Ganguly Rounak , Mondal Krishnakanta 
Published: May 2021

AbstractTopological insulators (TIs) exhibit exciting optical properties, which open up a new pathway to generate ultrashort pulses from fiber lasers. Layered TIs display distinct saturable absorption properties due to excited state absorption, as compared to their bulk structures. Moreover, the electronic structures of the TI films depend on the thickness of the films due to the quantum confinement of the electrons. By virtue of this, TI nanoparticles play a key role in all‐fiber modelocked lasers. By tweaking the crystal structures of TIs, it is possible to generate ultrashort pulses across the visible, near‐infrared, and mid‐infrared wavelengths. Starting from the crystal structures and density of states calculations, how different topological insulators can be fabricated and integrated as an efficient passive saturable absorber in all‐fiber modelocked lasers with the capability of producing fundamental to high‐harmonic pulse generation are described clearly in this review report. Moreover, this report reviews the current state‐of‐art of TI‐based saturable absorbers and their applications in different regimes of modelocked fiber lasers.
A comprehensive review of blockchain applications in industrial Internet of Things and supply chain systems
Authors: Malik Nida , Alkhatib Khalid , Sun Yufei , Knight Elijah , Jararweh Yaser 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and supply chain systems have become one of the most important technologies to positively impact our daily life activities. Blockchain technology has recently gained popularity and it is increasingly being employed in a large number of applications and industries. The use cases for blockchain are growing rapidly in different fields and domains. Combining blockchain into IIoT and in our supply chain logistics could provide many solutions to the critical issues that current systems face today. Blockchain features such as immutability, decentralization, and data encryption are useful in solving the shortcomings of IIoT and the current supply chain systems security and integrity. This article presents a comprehensive review of blockchain applications in IIoT and supply chain systems. This article also focuses on the security aspects of blockchain integration within industry applications with the support of the emerging edge computing technology.