bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Controllable Fabrication of Polypyrrole Nanopillar/Hair Arrays by Oxygen Plasma Treatment and Their Applications as Antibacterial Flexible pH Sensors
Authors: Shang Xue , Chen Panpan , Ling Wei , Hang Tian 
Published: March 2024

AbstractFlexible pH sensors have attracted a great deal of attention in numerous applications, such as wearable healthcare devices, smart wound bandages, and other pH monitor sensors for chemical and bioprocess control. Herein, a facile approach to fabricate conducting polymer polypyrrole nanopillar arrays is proposed, and its potential as an advanced pH sensing interface is shown. Using oxygen plasma treatment as the etching tool, polypyrrole nanopillar/hair arrays can be prepared after etching 3D polypyrrole network structures. Conductive polypyrrole nanopillar arrays possessed unique advantages in sensing: their featured nanopillars has enhanced antibacterial properties; their structures showed excellent hydrophilicity and are favorable for interaction with analytes in small‐volume liquids. A flexible polypyrrole nanopillar array‐based potentiometric pH sensor integrated with a solid‐state reference electrode is further designed and fabricated. Superior performance with a near‐Nernstian response of 60.1±1.0 mV pH−1, excellent repeatability, high stability, and reproducibility is verified in the physiological pH range. The reliabilities of flexible and small‐volume sample testing, as well as the applicability for artificial sweat sample pH sensing, are examined. Provided with the advantages of antibacterial properties and hydrophilicity, the proposed flexible pH sensor is promising for trace analysis in biological, medical, and healthcare applications.
Revolutionizing Monolithic Catalysts: The Breakthroughs of Design Control through Computer‐Aided‐Manufacturing
Authors: Parra‐Marfil Adriana , Pérez‐Cadenas Agustín Francisco , Carrasco‐Marín Francisco , Ocampo‐Pérez Raúl , Bailón‐García Esther 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAdditive manufacturing (AM) presents a promising opportunity for the innovative design and production of structured catalytic materials. Given the critical role of catalysts in industrial catalytic processes, AM has the potential to contribute to the development of improved catalysts by reducing activation energy and enhancing selectivity. Conventional synthesis methods limit the choice of structural materials and composition for producing monoliths. Additionally, the deposition of catalytic compounds is also restricted by commonly applied techniques that may require prior coverage or treatments to improve adherence or do not achieve a homogenous coat. Moreover, production is limited to monoliths with straight and parallel channels. However, this format drives to laminar regime flow thus restricting the radial mass and heat transfer. Conversely, AM allows the production of a wider variety of compositions and more complex structures that have proven to rise their effectiveness by increasing reagents‐catalyst interaction, making catalytic processes more cost‐effective. Therefore, in this review an outline of the recent progress of AM methods in the development of monolithic catalysts is presented focusing on the requirements, advantages, and disadvantages of each technique, hence providing a practical overview of their novel opportunities to overcome current limitations in catalyst synthesis.
Optically Tunable Multistable Liquid Crystal Grating for Anti‐Counterfeiting through Multilayer Continuous Phase Analysis
Authors: Zhang Jingxing , Wu Rundong , Feng Yancong , Lai Rongzeng , Liao Jinglun , Mai Zhijian , Wang Yao , Xiang Ying , Li Hao , Zhou Guofu 
Published: March 2024

AbstractOptically tunable liquid‐crystal (LC) gratings have remarkable applications in the field of image analysis for anti‐counterfeiting. However, existing tunable LC gratings suffer from limited adjustable ranges and weak stability. The spacing variability and accuracy of the grating cannot satisfy the demands of continuous analysis. This study presents a novel approach to anti‐counterfeiting through multilayer continuous phase analysis (MCPA) based on the continuous multistable states of the LC grating. This optically tunable LC grating featuring continuous multistable states is successfully prepared using a novel optically tunable chiral dopant, tetra(n‐hex‐azo), which exhibits an exceptionally slow conformational relaxation rate (half‐life: 78.02 h). By exposing the LC grating to ultraviolet irradiation with an intensity of 0.1054 mW cm−2, the fringe spacing can be continuously and widely tuned between 0 and 250 µm, which enhances the ultraslow conformational relaxation of tetra(n‐hex‐azo). Four representative spacings (50, 55, 60, and 65 µm) are selected to construct four‐layer MCPA gratings, enabling simultaneous decoding of a four‐layer latent image for the first time. The mechanism of the MCPA grating is investigated through control experiments and theoretical simulations. This study demonstrates a facile, precise, and efficient approach for complex information encryption and anti‐counterfeiting.
A Self‐Powered Photodetector Based on Graphene Enhanced WSe2/PtSe2 Heterodiode with Fast Speed and Broadband Response
Authors: Wang Xiuxiu , Wang Suofu , Wu Yanwei , Wang Wenhui , Cao Zhangyu , Wei Binbin , Han Tao , Li Feng , Wang Shaoliang , Shan Lei , Long Mingsheng 
Published: March 2024

AbstractNarrow bandgap 2D layered material platinum selenide (PtSe2) with good environmental stability, high carrier mobility, and high light absorption, has been widely investigated for uncooled midwave‐infrared (MWIR) photodetection. However, the phototransistor based on the PtSe2 operation at room temperature suffered from the high dark current and background noise. Here, a graphene (G)‐enhanced G‐WSe2/PtSe2 hetero‐diode placed on a metal electrode is reported. To enhance the photogain, a graphene layer placed on the WSe2/PtSe2 heterodiode as a local gating layer is designed. The device exhibits an ultra‐high light on/off ratio of up to 108 and ultra‐fast photoresponse speed with raising time τr = 0.9 µs and decay time of τd = 1.5 µs in the visible spectra range. Notably, ultrabroad band photoresponse from 405 to 3366 nm is demonstrated under the self‐power model. Notably, the device presented a competitive photovoltaic effect with a high energy conversion efficiency (PCE) of 3.45%. The results pave the way toward a new approach to tuning the performance of the atomic thin layered materials photodetector.
Three‐Component Radical Cross‐Coupling: Asymmetric Vicinal Sulfonyl‐Esterification of Alkenes Involving Sulfur Dioxide
Authors: Chang Zhiqian , Zhang Xuemei , Lv Haiping , Sun Haotian , Lian Zhong 
Published: March 2024

AbstractA novel catalytic system for radical cross‐coupling reactions based on copper and chiral Pyridyl‐bis(imidazole) (PyBim) ligands is described. It overcomes the challenges of chemoselectivity and enantioselectivity, achieving a highly enantioselective vicinal sulfonyl‐esterification reaction of alkenes involving sulfur dioxide. This strategy involves the use of earth‐abundant metal catalyst, mild reaction conditions, a broad range of substrates (84 examples), high yields (up to 97% yield), and exceptional control over enantioselectivity. The reaction system is compatible with different types of radical precursors, including O‐acylhydroxylamines, cycloketone oxime esters, aryldiazonium salts, and drug molecules. Chiral ligand PyBim is identified as particularly effective in achieving the desired high enantioselectivity. Mechanistic studies reveal that copper/PyBim system plays a vital role in C─O coupling, employing an outer‐sphere model. In addition, the side arm effect of ligand is observed.
Long‐ and Short‐Term Memory Characteristics Controlled by Electrical and Optical Stimulations in InZnO‐Based Synaptic Device for Reservoir Computing
Authors: Park Hyogeun , Ju Dongyeol , Mahata Chandreswar , Emelyanov Andrey , Koo Minsuk , Kim Sungjun 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn this study, the resistive switching phenomenon and synaptic mimicry characteristics of an indium tin oxide (ITO)/indium zinc oxide (IZO)/Al2O3/TaN device are characterized. The insertion of a thin Al2O3 layer via atomic layer deposition improves the resistive switching characteristics such as cycle‐to‐cycle and device‐to‐device uniformity and reduces the power consumption of the proposed device with respect to a single‐layer ITO/IZO/TaN device. The proposed device exhibits the coexistence of volatile and nonvolatile characteristics under optical and electrical measurement conditions. Nonvolatile memory characteristics with stable retention results are used for synaptic applications by emulating potentiation, depression, and spike‐timing‐dependent plasticity. Furthermore, the device shows volatile characteristics under ultraviolet‐light illumination, emulating paired‐pulse facilitation and excitatory post‐synaptic current responses. Finally, optical‐enhanced reservoir computing is implemented based on the nonlinear and volatile nature of the IZO‐based resistive random‐access memory device.
Enhanced Li+ and Mg2+ Diffusion at the Polymer–Ionic Liquid Interface within PVDF‐Based Ionogel Electrolytes for Batteries and Metal‐Ion Capacitors
Authors: Demarthe Nicolas , O'Dell Luke A. , Humbert Bernard , Arrua R. Dario , Evans Drew , Brousse Thierry , Le Bideau Jean 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWith the widespread use of batteries, their increased performance is of growing in importance. One avenue for this is the enhancement of ion diffusion, particularly for solid‐state electrolytes, for different ions such as lithium (Li+) and magnesium (Mg2+). Unraveling the origin of better cation diffusion in confined ionic liquids (ILs) in a polymer matrix (ionogels) is compared to that of the IL itself. Ionic conductivity measured by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy for ionogels (7.0 mS cm−1 at 30 °C) is very close to the conductivity of the non‐confined IL (8.9 mS cm−1 at 30 °C), that is, 1‐ethyl‐3‐methyimidazolium bis(trifluorosulfonyl)imide (EMIM TFSI). An even better ionic conductivity is observed for confined EMIM TFSI with high concentrations (1 m) of lithium or magnesium salt added. The improved macroscopic transport properties can be explained by the higher self‐diffusion of each ion at the liquid‐to‐solid interface induced by the confinement in a poly‐vinylidenedifluoride (PVDF) polymer matrix. Upon confinement, the strong breaking down of ion aggregates enables a better diffusion, especially for TFSI anion and strongly polarizing cations (e.g., Li+, Mg2+.). The coordination number of these cations in the liquid phase confirmed that Li+ and Mg2+ interact with the polymer matrix. Moreover, it is a major result that the activation energy for diffusion is lowered.
Textbook outcome contributes to long‐term prognosis in elderly patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Matsumoto Chihiro , Iwatsuki Masaaki , Mitsuura Chishou , Morito Atsushi , Maeda Yuto , Toihata Tasuku , Kosumi Keisuke , Baba Yoshifumi , Yoshida Naoya , Baba Hideo 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPurposeTextbook outcome (TO) is a composite quality measurement of outcomes for evaluating surgical procedures. We investigated whether TO can be used to predict outcomes after curative resection for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in elderly patients.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 105 patients who underwent curative esophagectomy for ESCC from 2005 to 2020. In accordance with previous reports, TO consisted of 10 parameters. The patients were divided into two groups: those who achieved TO (TO) and those who failed to achieve TO (non‐TO). We evaluated the association between TO and long‐term survival.ResultsTO was achieved in 28 (26%) patients. The patients in the TO group were significantly older (p = 0.02). The parameter with the lowest achievement rate was “No hospital stay ≥21 days”. The patients in non‐TO group had significantly shorter overall survival than those in TO group (p = 0.03). Multivariable Cox regression analyses of overall survival revealed that lymph node metastasis (hazard ratio [HR], 3.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.73–6.78; p < 0.0002) and non‐TO (HR, 2.37; 95% CI, 1.05–5.65; p = 0.03) were significantly associated with poor overall survival.ConclusionTO can be used to predict outcomes after curative esophagectomy in elderly patients with ESCC.
Building Text and Speech Benchmark Datasets and Models for Low‐Resourced East African Languages: Experiences and Lessons
Authors: Nakatumba‐Nabende Joyce , Babirye Claire , Nabende Peter , Tusubira Jeremy Francis , Mukiibi Jonathan , Wairagala Eric Peter , Mutebi Chodrine , Bateesa Tobius Saul , Nahabwe Alvin , Tusiime Hewitt , Katumba Andrew 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTAfrica has over 2000 languages; however, those languages are not well represented in the existing natural language processing ecosystem. African languages lack essential digital resources to effectively engage in advancing language technologies. There is a need to generate high‐quality natural language processing resources for low‐resourced African languages. Obtaining high‐quality speech and text data is expensive and tedious because it can involve manual sourcing and verification of data sources. This paper discusses the process taken to curate and annotate text and speech datasets for five East African languages: Luganda, Runyankore‐Rukiga, Acholi, Lumasaba, and Swahili. We also present results obtained from baseline models for machine translation, topic modeling and classification, sentiment classification, and automatic speech recognition tasks. Finally, we discuss the experiences, challenges, and lessons learned in creating the text and speech datasets.
Implementation of a minimally invasive cell culture system to measure the regulation of inflammation in a school‐based sample of adolescents
Authors: McDade Thomas W. , Giletta Matteo , Miller Aaron A. , Krause Keegan C. , Michels Nathalie 
Published: March 2024

AbstractDysregulated inflammation underlies many human diseases, and measures of responsiveness to activation, and sensitivity to inhibition, provide important information beyond baseline assessments of chronic inflammation. This study implements a simplified cell culture protocol in a school‐based setting, using finger stick capillary blood collected from 333 adolescents (age 11.4–15.6 years) incubated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Median cytokine responses for IL6, IL1β, and TNFα were 61.9, 26.2, and 11.2 pg/mL, respectively. Samples were also incubated with LPS and glucocorticoid (GC) to measure GC sensitivity. Median responses were reduced in the presence of GC inhibition for IL6 (20.3 pg/mL), IL1β (10.5 pg/mL), and TNFα (3.3 pg/mL). Minimally invasive cell culture protocols provide novel opportunities for measuring inflammatory phenotypes in a wide range of non‐clinical settings.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Povidone‐Iodine Versus Chlorhexidine Gluconate With Isopropyl Alcohol for Preoperative Vaginal Antisepsis
Authors: Dunn Debra , Yannotti Kara , Centrella‐Nigro Andrea , Correa Stacy , O'Dea Denise , Wiley Sandra 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTMany surgeons request use of 10% povidone‐iodine (PI) for vaginal antisepsis; however, when PI is contraindicated, some surgeons request use of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) instead. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to determine any significant differences in self‐reported symptoms associated with vaginal antisepsis with either 10% PI scrub or 4% CHG with 4% isopropyl alcohol. The control group comprised 62 participants who underwent vaginal antisepsis with the PI product, and the intervention group comprised 58 participants who underwent vaginal antisepsis with the CHG product. Participants completed surveys immediately before surgery, immediately after surgery, and 48 to 72 hours after surgery. No significant differences were found in the reported vaginal symptoms between the two groups for any survey. One participant in the intervention group reported symptoms consistent with an allergic reaction. Additional studies are needed on the use of CHG for vaginal antisepsis.
Highly transparent and flame‐retardant polyvinyl alcohol membranes crosslinked with 2‐methyl‐2,5‐dioxo‐1,2‐oxaphospholane
Authors: Wang Jinlu , Ruan Xiao , Shen Kaixin , Wang Yijia , Zhang Yan , Liu Jiyan , Liu Xueqing 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn the present paper, crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) membranes with high transparency and excellent flame retardancy were obtained by blending 2‐methyl‐2,5‐dioxo‐1,2‐oxaphospholane (OP) with a PVA water solution at the molecular scale. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry and differential scanning calorimetry were used to investigate the crosslinking reaction. The surface morphology and micromechanical assessments of the membrane were examined using nanoindentation. The limited oxygen index (LOI) and vertical flame microscale combustion calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were employed to evaluate the flame retardancy and reveal the corresponding mechanisms. It was found that OP reacted with PVA below 120°C. The crosslinked membranes have a rougher surface and higher hydrophilicity and lower hardness and modulus than pure PVA does. The crosslinked membranes exhibit enhanced flame retardancy and high transparency. The membrane passes the UL 94 V 0 rating with an LOI of 27.6% and achieves a transmittance of 90.2% when the OP content is 20 wt.%. The SEM, EDS, and XPS results demonstrate that the interaction between OP and PVA effectively promotes the formation of a continuous and stable char in the condensed phase.
Characterization and application of a microemulsion as model system for lipophilic phytochemicals in high‐pressure processing
Authors: Tauber Svenja , Fehn Simon , Schmidt Mario , Schwarzenbolz Uwe , Böhm Volker 
Published: March 2024

AbstractHigh‐pressure processing (HPP) is considered as gentle preservation technique for especially heat‐sensitive food ingredients. So far, the focus has been on the fact that it is called a nonthermal process and high pressure can affect bioavailability, but it is questionable whether the high pressure affects the ingredients themselves. By using an o/w‐microemulsion (ME) as a model system, it was possible to investigate the influence of pressure, especially on lipophilic compounds (e.g., carotenoids and vitamin E), without the complexity of a food matrix. The ME consisted of Capryol® TM 90, Tween® 80 or 20, Transcutol® HP and distilled water. Lipophilic and hydrophilic compounds were introduced to the oil phase and to the aqueous phase, respectively. Storage experiments confirmed the applicability for β‐carotene and α‐tocopherol. HPP of MEs, performed for 10 min at room temperature (RT) and up to 600 MPa, resulted in pressure stability of β‐carotene (exceptional at 400 MPa; −11%) and α‐tocopherol. Multicomponent ME showed that both had a positive effect on the stability of chlorophyll a/b during HPP. An ME environment was used to facilitate co‐oxidation of β‐carotene via lipoxygenase (LOX) from an Edamame‐based crude enzyme extract and lyophilized LOX‐1 from soybeans during storage (RT and 4°C, dark conditions) and HPP treatment. A loss of β‐carotene occurred after addition of linoleic acid, whereas effects of added α‐tocopherol could be related to β‐carotene protection. Overall, the introduced ME for studying HPP effects on lipophilic food ingredients showed promising results as versatile model system for future investigations regarding interactions of phytochemicals.
Verbundverhalten von Faserkunststoffbewehrungsstäben
Authors: Caspari Christian , Pahn Matthias 
Published: March 2024

AbstractDurch die nichtrostenden Eigenschaften von Faserkunststoffbewehrung (FKB) ist es möglich, diese Bewehrung oberflächennah in Bauteilen zu positionieren, ohne deren Dauerhaftigkeit einzuschränken. In diesem Fall verbleibt an der Mindestbetondeckung der Anteil zur Sicherstellung des Verbunds. Die normative Mindestbetondeckung ist auf das Verbundverhalten von Betonstahl angepasst. Da die Geometrie‐ und Materialeigenschaften von FKB variieren, ist deren Verbundverhalten stabspezifisch und nicht dem von Betonstahl gleichzusetzen. Aus diesem Grund ist die Übertragbarkeit der für Betonstahl definierten Mindestbetondeckung zur Sicherstellung des Verbunds für FKB infrage zu stellen. Zur Ableitung einer Mindestbetondeckung ist die Erforschung der Spannungsverteilung entlang der Verbundlänge erforderlich. Zur experimentellen Erfassung der längs des Bewehrungsstabs wirkenden Verbundspannung τ und des radial wirkenden Innendrucks pi wurde in den 1990er‐Jahren der Ringtest entwickelt. Ziel dieses Beitrags ist es, die Spannungsverteilung entlang der Verbundlänge für unterschiedliche FKB experimentell zu ermitteln. Hierzu wird der Ringtest modifiziert, sodass eine (quasi‐)kontinuierlichen Erfassung der Verbundspannung und des Innendrucks entlang der Verbundlänge in Abhängigkeit von der Ausziehkraft ermöglicht wird. Im Ergebnis werden die Spannungsverteilungen gegenübergestellt und aus dem Innendruck eine Mindestbetondeckung zur Sicherstellung des Verbunds hergeleitet.
Recent progress of atmospheric and room‐temperature plasma as a new and promising mutagenesis technology
Authors: Li Dongao , Shen Jie , Ding Qiang , Wu Jinyong , Chen Xiangsong 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAt present, atmospheric and room‐temperature plasma (ARTP) is regarded as a new and powerful mutagenesis technology with the advantages of environment‐friendliness, operation under mild conditions, and fast mutagenesis speed. Compared with traditional mutagenesis strategies, ARTP is used mainly to change the structure of microbial DNA, enzymes, and proteins through a series of physical, chemical, and electromagnetic effects with the organisms, leading to nucleotide breakage, conversion or inversion, causing various DNA damages, so as to screen out the microbial mutants with better biological characteristics. As a result, in recent years, ARTP mutagenesis and the combination of ARTP with traditional mutagenesis have been widely used in microbiology, showing great potential for application. In this review, the recent progress of ARTP mutagenesis in different application fields and bottlenecks of this technology are systematically summarized, with a view to providing a theoretical basis and technical support for better application. Finally, the outlook of ARTP mutagenesis is presented, and we identify the challenges in the field of microbial mutagenesis by ARTP.