Digital Commons Network^™

Substrate Interference And Strain In The Second-Harmonic Generation From Mose2 Monolayers, Sudeep Puri, Sneha Patel, Jose Luis Cabellos, Luis Enrique Rosas-Hernandez, Kaitlin Reynolds, Hugh O.H. Churchill, Salvador Barraza-Lopez, Bernardo S. Mendoza, Hiroyuki Nakamura

Physics Faculty Publications and Presentations

Nonlinear optical materials of atomic thickness, such as non-centrosymmetric 2H transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers, have a second-order nonlinear susceptibility (χ⁽²⁾) whose intensity can be tuned by strain. However, whether χ⁽²⁾ is enhanced or reduced by tensile strain is a subject of conflicting reports. Here, we grow high-quality MoSe₂ monolayers under controlled biaxial strain created by two different substrates and study their linear and nonlinear optical responses with a combination of experimental and theoretical approaches. Up to a 15-fold overall enhancement in second-harmonic generation (SHG) intensity is observed from MoSe₂ monolayers grown on SiO₂ when …

Unlocking The Secrets Of Porous Silicon Formation: Insights Into Magnesiothermic Reduction Mechanism Using In Situ Powder X-Ray Diffraction Studies, Sarah A. Martell, Maximilian Yan, Robert H. Coridan, Kevin H. Stone, Siddharth V. Patwardhan, Mita Dasog

Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

The magnesiothermic reduction of SiO₂ is an important reaction as it is a bulk method that produces porous Si for a wide range of applications directly from SiO₂. While its main advantage is potential tunability, the reaction behavior and final product properties are heavily dependent on many parameters including feedstock type. However, a complete understanding of the reaction pathway has not yet been achieved. Here, using in situ X-ray diffraction analysis, for the first time, various pathways through which the magnesiothermic reduction reaction proceeds were mapped. Further, the key parameters and conditions that determine which pathways are …

Development Of Malate Biosensor-Containing Hydrogels And Living Cell-Based Sensors, Nathan J. Ricks, Monica Brachi, Kevin Mcfadden, Rohit G. Jadhav, Shelley D. Minteer, Ming C. Hammond

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

Malate is a key intermediate in the citric acid cycle, an enzymatic cascade that is central to cellular energy metabolism and that has been applied to make biofuel cells. To enable real-time sensing of malate levels, we have engineered a genetically encoded, protein-based fluorescent biosensor called Malon specifically responsive to malate by performing structure-based mutagenesis of the Cache-binding domain of the Citron GFP-based biosensor. Malon demonstrates high specificity and fluorescence activation in response to malate and has been applied to monitor enzymatic reactions in vitro. Furthermore, we successfully incorporated Malon into redox polymer hydrogels and bacterial cells, enabling analysis of …

Selective Hydrolysis Of Heterooligosaccharides By Poly(Acrylate) Gel Catalysts, Susanna Striegler

Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

Natural glycoside hydrolases are distinguished by their ability to hydrolyze glycosidic bonds with high efficiency and selectivity. This feature is achieved through specific interactions in the active site during catalytic turnover and is not just facilitated by two catalytically active amino acids. Intrigued by these features, a biomimetic α-galactosidase mimic was developed using an empirical catalyst design. Starting with a library of 704 gels of which 250 have a unique composition synthesized from TEGDMA cross-linker and 7 selected monomers, 238 monomodal gels are evaluated for their ability to hydrolyze the 1→6 α-glycosidic bond in the disaccharide melibiose. Among those, 13 …

A Multiscale Approach To Understanding The Shared Blue-Orange Flower Color Polymorphism In Two Lysimachia Species, Mercedes Sánchez-Cabrera, Eduardo Narbona, Montserrat Arista, Pedro L. Ortiz, Francisco J. Jiménez-López, Amelia A. Fuller, Benjamin Carter, Justen B. Whittall

Chemistry and Biochemistry

Background
Polymorphisms are common in nature, but they are rarely shared among closely related species. Polymorphisms could originate through convergence, ancestral polymorphism, or introgression. Although shared neutral genomic variation across species is commonplace, few examples of shared functional traits exist. The blue-orange petal color polymorphisms in two closely related species, Lysimachia monelli and L. arvensis were investigated with UV-vis reflectance spectra, flavonoid biochemistry, and transcriptome comparisons followed by climate niche analysis.

Results
Similar color morphs between species have nearly identical reflectance spectra, flavonoid biochemistry, and ABP gene expression patterns. Transcriptome comparisons reveal two orange-specific genes directly involved in both blue-orange …

Development Of E-Modules Based On Pjbl-Steam And Virtual Simulation Media On Work And Energy Topic As An Effort To Improve Students’ Critical Thinking Skills, Farah Rafidah, Parno Parno, Nasikhudin Nasikhudin, Marlina Ali

Jurnal Pendidikan Sains

Work and energy are fundamental topics in physics. However, enhancing students’ critical thinking skills in these areas remains a challenge. This research aimed to develop and assess the validity and readability of e-modules designed with PjBL-STEAM and virtual simulation media to address this issue. The development process followed a 4D model, and the resulting e-modules were evaluated as strongly valid category. The validation tests yielded percentage scores of 91.6% for media, 89.3% for content, and 88.0% for lesson plans. Additionally, the readability test achieved a score of 84.6%, indicating a excellent level of comprehensibility. These findings suggest that the e-modules …

Exploration Of Students’ Scientific Argumentation Skills On Static Fluid Topics, Trio Junira Fernando, Parno Parno, Markus Diantoro

Jurnal Pendidikan Sains

The weakness in students’ scientific argumentation, particularly in providing evidence-based arguments, has become a significant concern in education. This study aims to assess students’ scientific argumentation skills specifically on the topic of static fluids. The survey was conducted with 78 twelfth-grade students from private high schools in East Java, Indonesia, who had previously studied this topic. A scientific argumentation test instrument, consisting of an essay format with five questions, was employed to collect data. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, followed by a classification based on static fluid subtopics and the level of scientific argumentation skill. The results indicated …

Influencing Factors Of Competency Achievement In Fiber Optic Installation Engineering: A Study On Vocational School Graduates In Indonesia, Pangadongan Elfin Pujianto, Djoko Kustono, Hakkun Elmunsyah

Jurnal Pendidikan Sains

This study investigates the factors influencing the achievement of competencies in the field of Fiber Optic Installation Engineering (TIFO) among vocational school graduates in Indonesia and their subsequent performance in the workforce. Utilizing a quantitative approach, the research examines the relationship between several key variables, including national examination scores, quality of infrastructure, teaching competence, and telecommunication systems subject scores. Path analysis structural equation modeling was employed to determine the direct and indirect effects of these variables on TIFO competency achievement and graduates’ performance. The findings reveal that the quality of infrastructure is the most significant contributor to competency achievement, accounting …

Electronic Communication Between Co And Ru Sites Decorated On Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Nanotubes Boost The Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution Reaction, Meng-Ting Gao, Ying Wei, Xue-Meng Hu, Wenj-Jie Zhu, Qing-Qing Liu, Jin-Yuan Qiang, Wan-Wan Liu, Ying Wang, Xu Li, Jian-Feng Huang, Yong-Qiang Feng

Journal of Electrochemistry

Designing highly efficient Pt-free electrocatalysts with low overpotential for an alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) remains a significant challenge. Here, a novel and efficient cobalt (Co), ruthenium (Ru) bimetallic electrocatalyst composed of CoRu nanoalloy decorated on the N-doped carbon nanotubes (CoRu@N-CNTs), was prepared by reacting fullerenol with melamine via hydrothermal treatment and followed by pyrolysis. Benefiting from the electronic communication between Co and Ru sites, the as-obtained CoRu@N-CNTs catalyst exhibited superior electrocatalytic HER activity. To deliver a current density of 10 mA·cm^–2, it required an overpotential of merely 19 mV along with a Tafel slope of 26.19 mV·dec …

Zhong-Qun Tian, Academician And Honorary Member Of Electrochemistry Committee Chinese Chemical Society, Achieved "Raman Lifetime Award", Editorial Office Of J.Electrochem.

Journal of Electrochemistry

No abstract provided.

Optimization Of Channel Structure Of Alkaline Water Electrolyzer By Using An Expanded Mesh As A Bipolar Plate, Hai-Yan Xiong, Zhen-Xiao Zhu, Xin Gao, Chen-Ming Fan, Hui-Bao Luan, Bing Li

Journal of Electrochemistry

Alkaline water electrolysis (AWE) is the most mature technology for hydrogen production by water electrolysis. Alkaline water electrolyzer consists of multiple electrolysis cells, and a single cell consists of a diaphragm, electrodes, bipolar plates and end plates, etc. The existing industrial bipolar plate channel is concave-convex structure, which is manufactured by complicated and high-cost mold punching. This structure still results in uneven electrolyte flow and low current density in the electrolytic cell, further increasing in energy consumption and cost of AWE. Thereby, in this article, the electrochemical and flow model is firstly constructed, based on the existing industrial concave and …

Chinese Chemical Society: First Young Scholars' Symposium On Electrosynthesis Held Successfully, Chinese Society Of Electrochemistry (Cse)

Journal of Electrochemistry

No abstract provided.

2024 Tianmulake Advanced Anode Materials Innovation Forum And Sixth National Conference Of Advanced Battery Failure Analysis And Testing Technology Concluded Successfully, Editorial Office Of J.Electrochem.

Journal of Electrochemistry

No abstract provided.

Aging Characteristics Of Lithium-Ion Battery Under Fast Charging Based On Electrochemical-Thermal-Mechanical Coupling Model, Dong-Xu Zuo, Pei-Chao Li

Journal of Electrochemistry

The aging characteristics of lithium-ion battery (LIB) under fast charging is investigated based on an electrochemical-thermal-mechanical (ETM) coupling model. Firstly, the ETM coupling model is established by COMSOL Multiphysics. Subsequently, a long cycle test was conducted to explore the aging characteristics of LIB. Specifically, the effects of charging (C) rate and cycle number on battery aging are analyzed in terms of nonuniform distribution of solid electrolyte interface (SEI), SEI formation, thermal stability and stress characteristics. The results indicate that the increases in C rate and cycling led to an increase in the degree of nonuniform distribution of SEI, and thus …

Immobilization Of Ni(Ii) On Amine-Functionalized Mesoporous Silica As Catalyst For Benzyl Alcohol Acetylation Reaction, Wardah Nabilah, Eko Sri Kunarti, Fajar Inggit Pambudi

Makara Journal of Science

In this study, amine-functionalized and Ni(II)-immobilized mesoporous silica materials were synthesized. This research aimed to synthesize mesoporous silica based on rice husk ash functionalized with amine and immobilized with Ni(II). The activity of amine-functionalized and Ni(II)-immobilized mesoporous silica materials was studied for the acetylation of benzyl alcohol with acetic anhydride as the acetylating agent. First, mesoporous silica was synthesized using rice husk ash using the sol–gel method, followed by amine functionalization using (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) and Ni(II) immobilization through ultrasonic treatment. The results obtained showed that amine-functionalized and Ni(II)-immobilized mesoporous silica (SiO₂/APTES/Ni(II)) were successfully synthesized, confirmed by Fourier transform …

Efforts Toward The Synthesis And Biological Evaluation Of Ym/Fr Analogs, Siyue Liu

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Natural products FR900359 and YM254890, selective inhibitors of the Gq/11 protein signaling pathway, are crucial for therapeutic development, particularly in treating uveal melanoma. This dissertation focuses on efforts to understand the mechanisms behind this selective inhibition. A versatile synthetic approach to these natural product analogs and a potential method for evaluating their biological activity on the microelectrode array are presented. Chapter 1 provides an overview of Gq/11 proteins, detailing their roles in cellular signaling. Mutations lead to constitutively active oncogenic Gq/11 proteins, contributing to uveal melanoma. The building-block synthetic concept is introduced in the YM/FR synthesis, enabling relatively scalable and …

Near-Infrared Ratiometric Hemicyanine Fluorescent Probes For Monitoring Mitochondrial Ph Dynamics In Live Cells During Oxidative Stress And Hypoxia, Sushil K. Dwivedi, Dilka Liyana Arachchige, Adenike Olowolagba, Mohamed Mahmoud, Subash Pandey, Tara Vohs, Haiying Liu, Rudy Luck

Michigan Tech Publications

Novel near-infrared ratiometric molecules (probes A and B) produced by linking formyl-functionalized xanthene and methoxybenzene moieties, respectively, onto a xanthene-hemicyanine framework are detailed. Probe A exhibited a primary absorption peak at 780 nm and a shoulder peak at 730 nm and exhibited fluorescence at 740 nm↓ (signifies a downward shift in intensity upon acidification) in a pH 9.3 buffer and 780 nm↑ at pH 2.8 under excitation at 700 nm. Probe B featured absorptions at 618 and 668 nm at pH 3.2 and at 717 nm at pH 8.6, and fluorescence at 693 nm↑ at pH 3.2 and at 739 …

Efforts Toward The Synthesis And Biological Evaluation Of Ym/Fr Analogs, Siyue Liu

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Natural products FR900359 and YM254890, selective inhibitors of the Gq/11 protein signaling pathway, are crucial for therapeutic development, particularly in treating uveal melanoma. This dissertation focuses on efforts to understand the mechanisms behind this selective inhibition. A versatile synthetic approach to these natural product analogs and a potential method for evaluating their biological activity on the microelectrode array are presented. Chapter 1 provides an overview of Gq/11 proteins, detailing their roles in cellular signaling. Mutations lead to constitutively active oncogenic Gq/11 proteins, contributing to uveal melanoma. The building-block synthetic concept is introduced in the YM/FR synthesis, enabling relatively scalable and …

Research On Development Status And Strategy Of Advanced Materials In Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Ziwei Zhao, Can Wang, Weihua Wang, Qingli Huang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Advanced materials are an important source of new quality productivity. Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is now facing the internal and external pressure of manufacturing upgrading, and there is an urgent need to play the leading and supporting role of advanced materials in the construction of modernized industrial system. This study combs through the basic situation of the development of materials science and industry in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, analyzes its advantages, characteristics and problems in depth, and puts forward a number of suggestions around how to develop materials science, technology, and industry in the Greater Bay Area.

A Preliminary Fuzzy Inference System For Predicting Atmospheric Ozone In An Intermountain Basin, John R. Lawson, Seth N. Lyman

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Publications

High concentrations of ozone in the Uinta Basin, Utah, can occur after sufficient snowfall and a strong atmospheric anticyclone creates a persistent cold pool that traps emissions from oil and gas operations, where sustained photolysis of the precursors builds ozone to unhealthy concentrations. The basin's winter-ozone system is well understood by domain experts and supported by archives of atmospheric observations. Rules of the system can be formulated in natural language ("sufficient snowfall and high pressure leads to high ozone"), lending itself to analysis with a fuzzy-logic inference system. This method encodes human expertise as machine intelligence in a more prescribed …

Systematic Review On Isolation, Purification, Characterization, And Industrial Applications Of Thermophilic Microbial Α- Amylases, Rugaiyah A. Arfah, Sarlan Sarlan, Abdul Karim, Anita Anita, Ahyar Ahmad, Paulina Taba, Harningsih Karim, Siti Halimah Larekeng, Dorothea Agnes Rampisela, Rusdina Bte Ladju

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

The α-amylase enzyme, sourced from diverse organisms, including plants, animals, and bacteria, plays a crucial role in multiple industries, notably food processing sectors like cakes, fruit juices, and starch syrup. Research identifies thermophilic organisms as prime sources of this enzyme thriving at temperatures ranging from 41°C to 122°C. The enzyme purification was carried out using liquid-liquid extraction, which involved the exchange of substances between two liquid phases that were immiscible or partially soluble. The optimal temperature for α-amylase was 45 to 90°C. The best pH for bacterial and fungal α-amylases ranged from 5.0 to 10.5 and 5.0 to 9.0. Based …

The Effect Of Different Vegetable Oils (Macadamia Nut Oil And Walnut Oil) On The Coefficient Of Friction As A Finish For Oak Wood, Lee Dillon

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

Slipping due to insufficient friction with flooring can cause fatal injuries in workplaces and homes. Oak wood flooring is commonly used in construction to build these environments. In the manufacturing process, wood finishing is conducted at the end of the process to strengthen the properties and longevity of the wood, although it could impact the coefficient of friction (COF) causing slip falls. Vegetable oils, such as macadamia nut and walnut oils, used as wood finishes have gained prominence due to their beneficial aspects to the environment. However, little is known about their effectiveness as a safe coating for wood floors. …

Alphafold2 Modeling And Molecular Dynamics Simulations Of The Conformational Ensembles For The Sars-Cov-2 Spike Omicron Jn.1, Kp.2 And Kp.3 Variants: Mutational Profiling Of Binding Energetics Reveals Epistatic Drivers Of The Ace2 Affinity And Escape Hotspots Of Antibody Resistance, Nishank Raisinghani, Mohammed Alshahrani, Grace Gupta, Gennady M. Verkhivker

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

AlphaFold2-based atomistic predictions of structures and conformational ensembles of the SARS-CoV-2 spike complexes with the host receptor ACE2 for the most dominant Omicron variants JN.1, KP.1, KP.2 and KP.3 to examine the mechanisms underlying the role of convergent evolution hotspots in balancing ACE2 binding and antibody evasion. Using the ensemble-based mutational scanning of the spike protein residues and computations of binding affinities, we identified binding energy hotspots and characterized the molecular basis underlying epistatic couplings between convergent mutational hotspots. The results suggested the existence of epistatic interactions between convergent mutational sites at L455, F456, Q493 positions that protect and restore …

Potential Nec2/Nek1 Inhibitor And Inh1 Analog N-[4-(2,4-Dimethylphenyl)-2-Thiazolyl]-4-Pyridinecarboxamide Via Hantzsch Thiazol Condensation, Robert E. Lee Sr, Isabella G. Mcdonald, Paige E. Heiple, Lukas D. Shelton

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

The potential active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), N-[4-(2,4-Dimethylphenyl)-2-thiazolyl]-4-pyridinecarboxamide (6) is a cancer cell metabolism mitosis inhibitor via the Nek2 and Hec1 enzymes. The three-step synthesis starts with the bromination of 1-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)ethan-1-one (1) using CuBr₂ to produce 2-bromo-1-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)ethan-1-one (2) with a yield of 90%.[i]^,[ii],[iii] Followed by Hantzsch thiazol ring synthesis as (2) reacts with thiourea (3) and, resulting in 4-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)thiazol-2-amine (4)[iv] in 80% yield. Finally, isonicotinoyl chloride hydrochloride (5) and (4) reacted to form the amide (6).[v]^{,[vi],[vii],[viii],[ix],[x]} Characterization of the final product was determined …

Development And Validation Of A Chemistry Laboratory Safety Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, And Mindset Questionnaire, Claudine Garcia, Genejane Adarlo, Anna Carissa San Esteban, Armando M. Guidote

Health Sciences Faculty Publications

Accidents in chemistry laboratories can be prevented by fostering a safety culture - the institution’s knowledge, attitudes, practices (KAP), and mindset regarding laboratory safety. To effectively promote a safety culture, robust tools are essential for evaluating safety KAP and mindset. Hence, this study developed and validated a questionnaire that can rapidly measure laboratory safety KAP and mindset to guide targeted interventions aimed at enhancing the safety culture in chemistry laboratories. The study was drawn from existing validated questionnaires in constructing a tool comprising 40 items that can measure the safety KAP and mindset in chemistry laboratories. Using a cross-sectional design, …

Microfiltration Membrane Pore Functionalization With Primary And Quaternary Amines For Pfas Remediation: Capture, Regeneration, And Reuse, Sam Thompson, Angela Gutierrez, Jennifer Bukowski, Dibakar Bhattacharyya

UK CARES Faculty Publications

The widespread production and use of multi-fluorinated carbon-based substances for a variety of purposes has contributed to the contamination of the global water supply in recent decades. Conventional wastewater treatment can reduce contaminants to acceptable levels, but the concen- trated retentate stream is still a burden to the environment. A selective anion-exchange membrane capable of capture and controlled release could further concentrate necessary contaminants, mak- ing their eventual degradation or long-term storage easier. To this end, commercial microfiltration membranes were modified using pore functionalization to incorporate an anion-exchange moiety within the membrane matrix. This functionalization was performed with primary and …

Investigation Of Temperature, Solution Strength, And Applied Stress Effects On Cation Exchange Processes In Different Geosynthetic Clay Liner Products, Kendra Fuller

Master's Theses

An extensive laboratory test program was conducted to analyze and compare the cation exchange processes in three different varieties of sodium bentonite (Na-B) geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) over increased conditioning durations up to 32 days and investigate the effects of temperature, solution strength, and applied stress. The goal of this test program was to establish whether the variables of temperature, solution strength, and applied stress improved or degraded the engineering properties of GCLs in laboratory testing and municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill applications. The GCLs were conditioned in liquids of increasing ionic strength, using deionized water and 2, 50, and …

Michael Mcgraw: Profile Of The Newest Chbc Faculty Member, Danna Jaimes-Fajardo, Jeremy J. Smith, Lutishoor Salisbury

University Libraries Faculty Publications and Presentations

Presents the research profile of Michael McGraw, Assistant Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry department. It highlights his research interests, education, and impact of his research.

Deciphering The Interdomain Coupling In A Gram-Negative Bacterial Membrane Insertase, Adithya Polasa, Shadi A. Badiee, Mahmoud Moradi

Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

YidC is a membrane protein that plays an important role in inserting newly generated proteins into lipid membranes. The Sec-dependent complex is responsible for inserting proteins into the lipid bilayer in bacteria. YidC facilitates the insertion and folding of membrane proteins, both in conjunction with the Sec complex and independently. Additionally, YidC acts as a chaperone during the folding of proteins. Multiple investigations have conclusively shown that Gram-positive bacterial YidC has Sec-independent insertion mechanisms. Through the use of microsecond-level all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we have carried out an in-depth investigation of the YidC protein originating from Gram-negative bacteria. This …

Synthesis Of Amorphous And Various Phase-Pure Nanoparticles Of Nickel Phosphide With Uniform Sizes Via A Trioctylphosphine-Mediated Pathway, David Thompson, Adam S. Hoffman, Zachary R. Mansley, Sarah York, Feng Wang, Yimei Zhu, Simon R. Bare, Jingyi Chen

Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

Nickel phosphides are of particular interest because they are highly active and stable catalysts for petroleum/biorefinery and hydrogen production. Despite their significant catalytic potential, synthesizing various phase-pure nickel phosphide nanoparticles of uniform size remains a challenge. In this work, we develop a robust trioctylphosphine (TOP)-mediated route to make highly uniform phase-pure Ni₁₂P₅, Ni₂P, and Ni₅P₄ nanoparticles. The synthetic route forms amorphous Ni₇₀P₃₀ nanoparticle intermediates. The reactions can be stopped at the amorphous stage when amorphous particles are desired. The amount of P incorporation can be controlled by varying …