bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Charge‐Gradient Hydrogels Enable Direct Zero Liquid Discharge for Hypersaline Wastewater Management
Authors: Xie Wenke , Duan Jiangjiang , Li Jia , Qi Bei , Liu Rong , Yu Boyang , Wang Hui , Zhuang Xinyan , Xu Ming , Zhou Jun 
Published: May 2021

AbstractZero liquid discharge (ZLD), which maximizes water recovery and eliminates environmental impact, is an urgent wastewater management strategy for alleviating freshwater shortage. However, because of the high concentration of salts and broad‐spectrum foulants in wastewater, a huge challenge for ZLD is lack of a robust membrane‐based desalination technology that enables direct wastewater recovery without costly pretreatment processes. Here, a paradigm‐shift membrane distillation (MD) strategy is presented, wherein the traditional hydrophobic porous membrane is replaced with a hydrophilic nonporous charge‐gradient hydrogel (CGH) membrane that possesses hypersaline tolerance, fouling/scaling‐free properties, and negligible vapor transfer resistance inside the membrane, simultaneously. Therefore, the CGH‐based MD with high water flux enables direct desalination of hypersaline wastewater (130 g L‐1) containing broad‐spectrum foulants (500 mg L‐1) during continuous long‐term operation (200 h), and this technology paves a promising way to direct ZLD for wastewater management.
A Safe and Sustainable Lithium‐Ion–Oxygen Battery based on a Low‐Cost Dual‐Carbon Electrodes Architecture
Authors: Yang Huijun , Qiao Yu , Chang Zhi , Deng Han , He Ping , Zhou Haoshen 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPeople anticipate high‐energy‐density battery technology with better security, stability, and sustainability. By tuning the advantage of specific capacity, the lithium‐metal anode is replaced with a graphite intercalation compound and a conceptual prototype lithium‐ion–oxygen battery based on a low‐cost dual‐carbon electrodes architecture is proposed. The lithium‐ion involves a (de)intercalation process into the graphite anode and an O2/Li2O2 redox conversion on the carbon‐nanotube cathode. After a thorough examination as to the electrode compatibility with current electrolytes, a nonflammable fluorinated ether electrolyte is proposed to render a highly coordinated solvation sheath and low lithium salt concentration (1 mol). Herein, the compatibility with graphite anode is investigated, which maintains high capacity retention (88.1%) after long‐term lifespan (over 1 year). In view of the ultrahigh reversibility (average Coulombic efficiency over 99.93%) of the graphite anode, a lithium‐ion–oxygen coin cell with high depth‐of‐discharge of 80% and 60% deliver a satisfactory life over 150 and 300 cycles, respectively. Moreover, systematic spectroscopy characterizations demonstrate a reversible and efficient 2e– O2/Li2O2 redox reaction without relying on noble‐metal catalysts. Lastly, in the engineering aspect, a high‐energy‐density pouch cell (302.52 W h kg−1 based on the weight of the entire pouch) with cost‐effective and environmentally friendly carbon‐composed cell components is successfully fabricated.
Programming Metasurface Near‐Fields for Nano‐Optical Sensing
Authors: Buijs Robin D. , Wolterink Tom A.W. , Gerini Giampiero , Verhagen Ewold , Koenderink A. Femius 
Published: May 2021

AbstractControl of optical fields at the nanoscale holds the promise of fast, efficient imaging methods, but is elusive due to the diffraction limit. This paper investigates how a single metasurface patch in the near field of a sample plane may be used to create a wide variety of intensity patterns by applying different illumination profiles from the far field. Numerical analysis shows that one metasurface patch may be used to generate complete bases of illumination patterns on a grid as fine as λ/16. The limits of control are explored in terms of degrees of freedom on the illumination side and spatial resolution on the sample side. These illumination patterns are expected to enable sub‐wavelength structured illumination microscopies, compressive imaging and sensing. Quantitative analysis of how the engineered fields may be used for detection of small scattering particles demonstrates the potential the approach holds for nanoscale optical sensing.
Transient Electronics as Sustainable Systems: From Fundamentals to Applications
Authors: Jamshidi Reihaneh , Taghavimehr Mehrnoosh , Chen Yuanfen , Hashemi Nicole , Montazami Reza 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe unique attribute of transient technology is that it promotes the potential for the design and implementation of sustainable systems through their capability to fully or partially disintegrate after a predefined period of stable operation. Transient electronics have a wide range of potential applications as biomedical implants, environmental sensors, and hardware‐secured devices. Controlled disintegration of such systems without the need for harsh solvents is a step toward realizing green and sustainable electronics. In this short review, recent progress in the development of transient electronics is studied. First, an overview of the transient materials, both the substrate and electronic component, is described. Second, the mechanisms under which transiency occurs, including aqueous dissolution and thermal degradation, are reported. Third, manufacturing techniques for the fabrication of transient electronics are reviewed. And last, various transient electronic devices and their applications are discussed.
Fabrication and Characterization of Autonomously Self‐Healable and Stretchable Soft Microfluidics
Authors: Wang Hualong , Vu Susanna , Pignanelli Julia , Abdel Fatah Tamer , Trant John F. , Mahshid Sara , Rondeau‐Gagné Simon , Ahamed Mohammed Jalal 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn this paper, a novel self‐healable and stretchable microfluidics system for next generation wearable lab‐on‐a‐chip is presented. An imine‐based precursor with various metal sources (Co(II), Fe(II), and Zn(II)) is used for the development of an intrinsically autonomous self‐healing microfluidic device. Microfluidics fabrication is performed on the self‐healing substrate layer using a mold transfer method. The mechanical properties of the resulting layer are evaluated using tensile strain pull testing. Microfluidic characteristics including fluid flow, wettability, leak, and fluorescence compatibility are investigated to understand its performance in classical microfluidic applications. The new microfluidic devices are also characterized using scanning‐electron microscopy to evaluate the mold transfer capability. The self‐healing microfluidics and the corresponding detailed fluidic characterization presented in this paper will open new opportunities for microfluidic lab on a chip development for various applications, especially in wearable electronics.
Efficient Schottky Junction Construction in Metal‐Organic Frameworks for Boosting H2 Production Activity
Authors: Wang Yang , Zhang Wei , Li Dan , Guo Jianping , Yu Yu , Ding Kejian , Duan Wubiao , Li Xiyou , Liu Heyuan , Su Pengkun , Liu Bo , Li Jianfeng 
Published: May 2021

AbstractManipulation of the co‐catalyst plays a vital role in charge separation and reactant activation to enhance the activity of metal‐organic framework‐based photocatalysts. However, clarifying and controlling co‐catalyst related charge transfer process and parameters are still challenging. Herein, three parameters are proposed, Vtransfer (the electron transfer rate from MOF to co‐catalyst), Dtransfer (the electron transfer distance from MOF to co‐catalyst), and Vconsume (the electron consume rate from co‐catalyst to the reactant), related to Pt on UiO‐66‐NH2 in a photocatalytic process. These parameters can be controlled by rational manipulation of the co‐catalyst via three steps: i) Compositional design by partial substitution of Pt with Pd to form PtPd alloy, ii) location control by encapsulating the PtPd alloy into UiO‐66‐NH2 crystals, and iii) facet selection by exposing the encapsulated PtPd alloy (100) facets. As revealed by ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy and first‐principles simulations, the new Schottky junction (PtPd (100)@UiO‐66‐NH2) with higher Vtransfer and Vconsume exhibits enhanced electron‐hole separation and H2O activation than the traditional Pt/UiO‐66‐NH2 junction, thereby leading to a significant enhancement in the photoactivity.
Recent Advancements in Regenerative Approaches for Thymus Rejuvenation
Authors: Sharma Himal , Moroni Lorenzo 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe thymus plays a key role in adaptive immunity by generating a diverse population of T cells that defend the body against pathogens. Various factors from disease and toxic insults contribute to the degeneration of the thymus resulting in a fewer output of T cells. Consequently, the body is prone to a wide host of diseases and infections. In this review, first, the relevance of the thymus is discussed, followed by thymic embryological organogenesis and anatomy as well as the development and functionality of T cells. Attempts to regenerate the thymus include in vitro methods, such as forming thymic organoids aided by biofabrication techniques that are transplantable. Ex vivo methods that have shown promise in enhancing thymic regeneration are also discussed. Current regenerative technologies have not yet matched the complexity and functionality of the thymus. Therefore, emerging techniques that have shown promise and the challenges that lie ahead are explored.
Boron Nitride Nanotube Coatings for Thermal Management of Printed Silver Inks on Temperature Sensitive Substrates
Authors: Wagner Kaitlin , Paquet Chantal , Martinez‐Rubi Yadienka , Genest Marc , Guan Jingwen , Sampson Kathleen L. , Kim Keun Su , Kell Arnold J. , Malenfant Patrick R. L. , Lessard Benoît H. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPrinted electronics provide inexpensive and light weight electrical components to fuel emerging applications. One major challenge is the high temperature required to sinter conductive metal inks, which leads to thermal degradation of the substrate and subsequently poor performance. A boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) interfacial film is reported for thermal management in rapid processing of a printable silver molecular ink platform using intense pulsed light (IPL) sintering techniques. The inclusion of BNNT thin films of varying surface concentrations deposited between the substrate and the printed features reduces thermal damage to the substrate during sintering while simultaneously improving electrical performance, achieving a sheet resistance value as low as 140 mΩ sq−1. A wide range of sintering energies ranging from 2.0 and 3.2 J cm−2 are investigated along with printed trace widths ranging from 5 mil (0.127 mm) to 20 mil (0.508 mm). Increases in the rate of cooling and in the current carrying capacity are confirmed with the inclusion of the BNNTs. Overall the thin coating of BNNTs presents no drawbacks while significantly improving the electrical properties of IPL sintered conductive traces and thus represents a simple approach that will advance the adoption of IPL for fabricating printed electronic components.
Tubular CoFeP@CN as a Mott–Schottky Catalyst with Multiple Adsorption Sites for Robust Lithium−Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Zhang Chaoqi , Du Ruifeng , Biendicho Jordi Jacas , Yi Mingjie , Xiao Ke , Yang Dawei , Zhang Ting , Wang Xiang , Arbiol Jordi , Llorca Jordi , Zhou Yingtang , Morante Joan Ramon , Cabot Andreu 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe shuttle effect and the sluggish reaction kinetics of lithium polysulfide (LiPS) seriously compromise the performance of lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs). To overcome these limitations and enable the fabrication of robust LSBs, here the use of a Mott–Schottky catalyst based on bimetallic phosphide CoFeP nanocrystals supported on carbon nitride tubular nanostructures as sulfur hosts is proposed. Theoretical calculations and experimental data confirm that CoFeP@CN composites are characterized by a suitable electronic structure and charge rearrangement that allows them to act as a Mott–Schottky catalyst to accelerate LiPS conversion. In addition, the tubular geometry of CoFeP@CN composites facilitates the diffusion of Li ions, accommodates volume change during the reaction, and offers abundant lithiophilic/sulfiphilic sites to effectively trap soluble LiPS. Therefore, S@CoFeP@CN electrodes deliver a superior rate performance of 630 mAh g−1 at 5 C, and remarkable cycling stability with 90.44% capacity retention over 700 cycles. Coin cells with high sulfur loading, 4.1 mg cm−2, and pouch cells with 0.1 Ah capacities are further produced to validate their superior cycling stability. In addition, it is demonstrated here that CoFeP@CN hosts greatly alleviate the often overlooked issues of low energy efficiency and serious self‐discharging in LSBs.
Using process data to generate an optimal control policy via apprenticeship and reinforcement learning
Authors: Mowbray Max , Smith Robin , Del Rio‐Chanona Ehecatl A. , Zhang Dongda 
Published: May 2021

AbstractReinforcement learning (RL) is a data‐driven approach to synthesizing an optimal control policy. A barrier to wide implementation of RL‐based controllers is its data‐hungry nature during online training and its inability to extract useful information from human operator and historical process operation data. Here, we present a two‐step framework to resolve this challenge. First, we employ apprenticeship learning via inverse RL to analyze historical process data for synchronous identification of a reward function and parameterization of the control policy. This is conducted offline. Second, the parameterization is improved online efficiently under the ongoing process via RL within only a few iterations. Significant advantages of this framework include to allow for the hot‐start of RL algorithms for process optimal control, and robust abstraction of existing controllers and control knowledge from data. The framework is demonstrated on three case studies, showing its potential for chemical process control.
The genotypic and phenotypic spectrum of pycnodysostosis in Saudi Arabia: Novel variants and clinical findings
Authors: Mushiba Aziza M. , FAQEIH EISSA , Saleh Mohammed A. , Ramzan Khushnooda , Imtiaz Faiqa , Al‐Owain Mohammed , Alhashem Amal M. , Alswaid Abdulrahman 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPycnodysostosis is characterized by short stature, osteosclerosis, acro‐osteolysis, increased tendency of fractures, and distinctive dysmorphic features. It is a rare autosomal recessive disease caused by biallelic CTSK mutations. The clinical details of 18 patients from Saudi Arabia were reviewed. Short stature, osteopetrosis, acro‐osteolysis, and distinctive facial dysmorphism were documented in all cases. Our results highlight the significant complications associated with this disease. The large anterior fontanelle is one of the cardinal signs of this disease; however, half of our patients had small fontanelles and a quarter had craniosynostosis, which caused optic nerve compression. Sleep apnea was of the major complications in three patients. Bone fracture can be a presenting symptom, and in our patients it mainly occurred after the age of 3 years. Bone marrow suppression was seen in a single patient of our cohort who was misdiagnosed initially with malignant osteopetrosis. In this study, we also describe two novel (c.5G > A [p.Trp2Ter], c.538G > A [p.Gly180Ser]) and two reported (c.244–29 A > G, c.830C > T [p.Ala277Val]) CTSK mutations. Our results indicate that the recurrent intronic variant, c.244–29 A > G is likely to be a founder mutation, as it was found in 78% (14/18 patients) of our cohort belonging to the same tribe.
First direct evidence of conservative foraging ecology of early Gigantopithecus blacki (~2 Ma) in Guangxi, southern China
Authors: Jiang Quyi , Zhao Lingxia , Guo Lin , Hu Yaowu 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectivesGigantopithecus blacki, the largest hominoid known, is one of the representative Pleistocene mammals in southern China and northern Southeast Asia. Here we investigate the feeding ecology of G. blacki in its core habitat (Guangxi, Southern China) during the early Early Pleistocene, which was the early period in its evolution.Materials and methodsThe stable isotopic (C, O) analysis of tooth enamel of the fauna associated with G. blacki (n = 58), including the largest number of G. blacki teeth (n = 12) to date from the Liucheng Gigantopithecus Cave (~2 Ma), Guangxi, China, is undertaken.ResultsThe δ13C values of Liucheng fauna range from −12.9 to −19.0‰ with an average of −16.1 ± 1.3‰ (n = 58) and the δ18O values range from −4.3 to −9.6‰ with an average of −6.9 ± 1.2‰ (n = 58). The δ13C values of G. blacki range from −15.9‰ to −17.0‰ with an average of −16.5 ± 0.4‰ (n = 12), and the δ18O values vary from −5.9‰ to −7.5‰ with an average of −6.6 ± 0.5‰ (n = 12).ConclusionsThe isotopic data show Guangxi was characterized by closed C3 forest and humid climate in the early Early Pleistocene. Niche partitioning is found among G. blacki, Sinomastodon, Ailuropoda and Stegodon, the typical megafauna in South China in the early Early Pleistocene. This could be one of the important factors for them to co‐exist until the Middle Pleistocene. Smallest isotopic variations of G. blacki are found compared with those of contemporary animals, indicating a conservative foraging ecology i.e., limited foraging area and/or narrow dietary flexibility. Furthermore, the more confined foraging ecology of G. blacki is also seen in comparison with fossil and extant large‐bodied primates. However, the unique dietary pattern of G. blacki does not seem to have hindered its survival. The environment in Guangxi during the early Early Pleistocene offered the suitable conditions for G. blacki to become one of the typical species in the faunal assemblages.
Conservative versus invasive management of secondary spontaneous pneumothorax: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Gerhardy Benjamin Carl , Simpson Graham 
Published: May 2021

AimHospitalization, often with intervention, is the recommended management algorithm by multiple international respiratory societies for management of a secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (SSP). Over recent years we adopted a conservative approach to SSPs. We undertook a retrospective cohort study of SSP to establish the safety profile of a conservative approach for these previously unstudied patients.MethodsWe reviewed all cases of SSP presenting to our institution from 2012 to 2019 using the 2010 British Thoracic Society definition of an SSP. Age, gender, smoking status, underlying lung disease, pneumothorax size estimate (using the Collins method), nature of intervention, inpatient duration, and any additional complications were recorded. The χ2‐test and Mann–Whitney U‐test were used for comparison of categorical variables and categorical/continuous variables, respectively.ResultsEighty‐two cases were included in the final analysis. Of them, 64 had an interpleural distance at the hilum of 1cm or greater, meeting British Thoracic Society criteria for a pleural intervention. Of these 64 patients, 25 (39%) were managed conservatively. No patient managed conservatively required a subsequent intervention. When stratified for conservative or invasive management, there was no significant difference in age, gender, smoking status, or presence of underlying lung disease between the groups. There was a significant difference in size of the pneumothorax with conservative management having smaller pneumothoraces (37% versus 54%, P < 0.001) and a shorter inpatient stay (conservative, 7.9 days; intercostal catheter, 9 days; P = 0.004).ConclusionWe have demonstrated success with conservative management of SSPs where a significant proportion of them met accepted criteria for a pleural intervention.
A Family of Nonribosomal Peptides Modulate Collective Behavior in Pseudovibrio Bacteria Isolated from Marine Sponges**
Authors: Ióca Laura P. , Dai Yitao , Kunakom Sylvia , Diaz‐Espinosa Jennifer , Krunic Aleksej , Crnkovic Camila M. , Orjala Jimmy , Sanchez Laura M. , Ferreira Antonio G. , Berlinck Roberto G. S. , Eustáquio Alessandra S. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAlthough swarming motility and biofilms are opposed collective behaviors, both contribute to bacterial survival and host colonization. Pseudovibrio bacteria have attracted attention because they are part of the microbiome of healthy marine sponges. Two‐thirds of Pseudovibrio genomes contain a member of a nonribosomal peptide synthetase‐polyketide synthase gene cluster family, which is also found sporadically in Pseudomonas pathogens of insects and plants. After developing reverse genetics for Pseudovibrio, we isolated heptapeptides with an ureido linkage and related nonadepsipeptides we termed pseudovibriamides A and B, respectively. A combination of genetics and imaging mass spectrometry experiments showed heptapetides were excreted, promoting motility and reducing biofilm formation. In contrast to lipopeptides widely known to affect motility/biofilms, pseudovibriamides are not surfactants. Our results expand current knowledge on metabolites mediating bacterial collective behavior.
Quantitative and Multiplexed Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging of Intercellular Tensile Forces
Authors: Keshri Puspam , Zhao Bin , Xie Tianfa , Bagheri Yousef , Chambers James , Sun Yubing , You Mingxu 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMechanical interactions between cells have been shown to play critical roles in regulating cell signaling and communications. However, the precise measurement of intercellular forces is still quite challenging, especially considering the complex environment at cell–cell junctions. In this study, we report a fluorescence lifetime‐based approach to image and quantify intercellular molecular tensions. Using this method, tensile forces among multiple ligand–receptor pairs can be measured simultaneously. We first validated our approach and developed lifetime measurement‐based DNA tension probes to image E‐cadherin‐mediated tension on epithelial cells. These probes were then further applied to quantify the correlations between E‐cadherin and N‐cadherin tensions during an epithelial–mesenchymal transition process. The modular design of these probes can potentially be used to study the mechanical features of various physiological and pathological processes.
Folded Perylene Diimide Loops as Mechanoresponsive Motifs
Authors: Traeger Hanna , Sagara Yoshimitsu , Kiebala Derek J. , Schrettl Stephen , Weder Christoph 
Published: May 2021

AbstractA supramolecular mechanophore that can be integrated into polymers and indicates deformation by a fluorescence color change is reported. Two perylene diimides (PDIs) were connected by a short spacer and equipped with peripheral atom transfer polymerization initiators. In the idle state, the motif folds into a loop and its emission is excimer dominated. Poly(methyl acrylate) (PMA) chains were grown from the motif and the mechanophore‐containing polymer was blended with unmodified PMA to afford materials that display a visually discernible fluorescence color change upon deformation, which causes the loops to unfold. The response is instant, and correlates linearly with the applied strain. Experiments with a reference polymer containing only one PDI moiety show that looped mechanophores that display intramolecular excimer formation offer considerable advantages over intermolecular dye aggregates, including a concentration‐independent response, direct signaling of mechanical processes, and a more pronounced optical change.