bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Mechanical Strength and Electrical Conductivity of Al–Ni‐Based Conductor Cast Alloys Containing Mg and Si
Authors: Algendy Ahmed Y. , Javidani Mousa , Khangholi Siamak Nikzad , Pan Lei , Chen X.-Grant
Published: November 2023

The electrical conductivity (EC), mechanical strength, hot tearing susceptibility (HTS), and related microstructure of Al–xNi–0.55Mg–0.55Si conductor alloys (x = 1–4 wt%) are investigated. Adding Mg and Si into Al–Ni‐based alloys, numerous β″/β′ precipitate after T5 and T6 treatments, thus significantly improving the EC and mechanical strength. The HTS of the alloys reduces significantly as the Ni content increases, mainly because of an increase in the eutectic Al–Al3Ni and a reduction in the grain size. Under T5 condition, the tensile strengths increase gradually with the Ni content and reach a medium strength level, with yield strength (YS) of 158–205 MPa and EC of 47.1–50.7% IACS. After applying T6, all alloys achieve a high strength, with YS of 246–287 MPa and EC of 47.7–51.1% IACS. However, the strength decreases with increasing Ni content. In general, the Al3Ni–0.55Mg–0.55Si alloy presents a better trade‐off among HTS, YS, and EC among the four alloys investigated. Due to its excellent properties (EC of 49.4% IACS and YS of 178 MPa in T5, and EC of 49.7% IACS and YS of 250 MPa in T6), the Al3Ni–0.55Mg–0.55Si alloy is a promising material for the fabrication of Al conductor cast alloys.
Dual‐Stroke Soft Peltier Pouch Motor Based on Pipeless Thermo‐Pneumatic Actuation
Authors: Yue Wenchao , Bai Chengxi , Lai Jiewen , Ren Hongliang
Published: November 2023

Soft pneumatic actuators are made of flexible materials that deform in response to pressure changes. Due to their reliability, safety, and flexibility, such actuators enable diverse hardware design and become indispensable for soft robots. However, bulky air compressors and pipes constrain their further integration and lightweight. The liquid–vapor phase transition can produce significant encapsulated volume changes and achieve pipeless thermo‐pneumatic actuation. Herein, a novel soft thermoelectric‐based actuator, named Peltier pouch motor (PPM), is presented with modular and dual‐stroke characteristics enabled by active phase transition of low‐boiling‐point liquid. Furthermore, its lightweight and stretchable compliance contributes to assembly‐induced hyper‐modularity to create diverse degrees‐of‐freedom hybrid systems. Finally, the various forms of PPM units are exploited and versatile locomotion is facilitated for five different applications under multi‐medium scenarios, including thermo‐responsive land locomotion, submersible noise‐free hovering, smart curtains control, body‐temperature‐driven wrist rehabilitation, and adaptive hybrid gripper. In these results, it is indicated that the proposed PPM unit advances in hyper‐modularity with excellent performance in high load rate (around 400%), heat transfer efficiency (heating boost, 425%; cooling boost, 138%), and thermal response performance (heating, 0.57° s−1; cooling, 0.29° s−1; 4.5 V), inspiring widely innovative soft robots through the pipeless thermo‐pneumatic actuation.
Interfacial Characteristics and Mechanical Properties of 316L and S214 Bimetals Fabricated by Wire‐Arc Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Meng Wei , Ye Kai , Chen Kai , Liu Zhenhua , Yin Xiaohui , Ma Qunshuang , Hu Lei
Published: November 2023

Cold metal transition wire‐arc deposition of S214 bronze/316 L stainless steel bimetals is investigated, and the effects of heat input and deposited sequence on the interfacial behavior of bimetallic structure are systematically characterized. It is demonstrated that 316 L and S214 bimetals are defect‐free, with no penetrating cracks or porosity, and that satisfactory metallurgical bonding at the interface is obtained. The interface thickness with low heat input is greater than that with high heat input, and the microstructure of the interface has a honeycomb pattern. The interfacial zone presents the highest microhardness due to the formation of Fe‐based solid solutions with high copper content and intermetallic compounds such as AlCrFe2 and AlNi3. As increasing heat input, microstructure of S214 deposited layer in the S214/316 L transforms from α‐Cu+γ + Fe‐rich phase to α‐Cu + Fe‐rich phase + K phase, and 316 L deposited layer changes from lath ferrite to skeletal ferrite with the determinations of copper and cooling rate. The tensile strength of S214/316 L specimen is substantially higher than that of 316 L/S214.
Optimization Strategies of Covalent Organic Frameworks and Their Derivatives for Electrocatalytic Applications
Authors: Xiao Liyuan , Wang Zhenlu , Guan Jingqi
Published: November 2023

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are crystalline organic porous polymers that can be precisely integrated by building blocks to achieve pre‐designed composition, components, and functions, making them a powerful platform for the development of molecular devices in the field of electrocatalysis. The precise control of channel/dopant positions and highly ordered network structures of COFs provide an ideal material system for the applications of advanced electrocatalysis. In this paper, the topological structure design and synthesis methods of COFs are reviewed in detail, and their design principles are deeply analyzed. In addition, the applications of COFs and their derivatives in the field of electrocatalysis are systematically summarized and the optimization strategies are proposed. Finally, the application prospects of COFs and their derivatives in electrocatalysis and the challenges that may be encountered in the future are prospected, providing helpful guidance for future research.
Advances in Optical Imaging and Optical Communications Based on High‐Quality Halide Perovskite Photodetectors
Authors: Zheng Daming , Pauporté Thierry
Published: November 2023

Metal halide perovskites are widely used in the preparation of photodetectors (PDs) due to their excellent photoelectric properties, tunable band gap, low cost, and rapid processing in solutions. Although 3D perovskite PDs exhibit exceptional performance, their practical applications are limited due to instability issues. Conversely, 2D perovskite PDs are gaining popularity due to their superior environmental stability. To produce efficient and stable perovskite‐based PDs, it is crucial to control the film formation process to achieve high‐quality perovskite films. This paper examines the impacts of perovskite film preparation process and crystallinity on the photoelectric properties of PDs and presents important observations regarding the crystallization and phase dynamics that occur during perovskite film formation. These insights have practical implications on the design and preparation of high‐performance and stable metal halide perovskite photodetectors, particularly in the domains of optical communications and imaging. They offer valuable guidance for next researchers and developers seeking to improve the functionality and marketability of photodetectors using perovskite films.
Hydrogen‐Bonded Liquid Crystal Elastomers Combining Shape Memory Programming and Reversible Actuation
Authors: Guo Hongshuang , Ruoko Tero‐Petri , Zeng Hao , Priimagi Arri
Published: November 2023

Materials that undergo shape morphing in response to external stimuli have numerous applications, e.g., in soft robotics and biomedical devices. Shape memory polymers utilize kinetically trapped states to, typically irreversibly, transfer between a programmed morphed shape and an equilibrium shape. Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs), in turn, can undergo reversible actuation in response to several stimuli. This study combines the irreversible and reversible shape morphing processes to obtain LCEs that undergo shape‐programming via the shape memory effect and subsequent reversible actuation of the programmed shape. This is enabled by an LCE crosslinked via dynamic hydrogen bonds that break at high temperatures and reform upon cooling, endowing the shape memory effect, while mild thermal or photothermal stimulation yields the reversible actuation. Through this combination, proof‐of‐concept robotic application scenarios such as grippers that can adjust their shape for grabbing different‐sized objects and crawling robots that can morph their shape to adapt to constrained spaces, are demonstrated. It is anticipated that this work adds new diversity to shape‐programmable soft microrobotics.
High Thermoelectric Power Factors in Plastic/Ductile Bulk SnSe2‐Based Crystals
Authors: Deng Tingting , Gao Zhiqiang , Qiu Pengfei , Zhou Zhengyang , Ming Chen , Liu Zhiping , Li Zhi , Yang Shiqi , Wei Tian‐Ran , Wang Genshui , Chen Lidong , Shi Xun
Published: November 2023

The recently discovered plastic/ductile inorganic thermoelectric (TE) materials open a new avenue for the fabrication of high‐efficiently flexible TE devices, which can utilize the small temperature difference between human body and environment to generate electricity. However, the maximum power factor (PF) of current plastic/ductile TE materials is usually around or less than 10 µW cm−1 K−2, much lower than the classic brittle TE materials. In this work, a record‐high PF of 18.0 µW cm−1 K−2 at 375 K in plastic/ductile bulk SnSe2‐based crystals is reported, superior to all the plastic inorganic TE materials and flexible organic TE materials reported before. The origin of such high PF is from the modulation of material's stacking forms and polymorph crystal structures via simultaneously doping Cl/Br at Se‐site and intercalating Cu inside the van der Waals gap, leading to the significantly enhanced carrier concentrations and mobilities. An in‐plane fully flexible TE device made of the plastic/ductile SnSe2‐based crystals is successfully developed to show a record‐high normalized maximum power density to 0.18 W m−1 under a temperature difference of 30 K. This work indicates that the plastic/ductile material can realize high TE power factor to achieve large output electric power density in flexible TE technology.
Epitaxial Growth of α‐FAPbI3 at a Well‐Matched Heterointerface for Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells and Solar Modules
Authors: Meng Yuanyuan , Wang Yulong , Liu Chang , Yan Pengyu , Sun Kexuan , Wang Yaohua , Tian Ruijia , Cao Ruikun , Zhu Jintao , Do Hainam , Lu Jianfeng , Ge Ziyi
Published: November 2023

Although the FAPbI3 perovskite system exhibits an impressive optoelectronic characteristic and thermal stability because of its energetically unstable black phase at room temperature, it is considerably challenging to attain a controllable and oriented nucleation of α‐FAPbI3. To overcome this challenge, a 2D perovskite with a released inorganic octahedral distortion designed by weakening the hydrogen interactions between the organic interlayer and [PbI6]4− octahedron is presented in this study. A highly matched heterointerface can be formed between the (002) facet of the 2D structure and the (100) crystal plane of the cubic α‐FAPbI3, thereby lowering the crystallization energy and inducing a heterogeneous nucleation of α‐FAPbI3. This “epitaxial growth” mechanism results form the highly preferred crystallographic orientation of the (100) facets, improved crystal quality and film uniformity, substantially increased charge transporting characteristics, and suppressed nonradiative recombination losses. An impressive power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 25.4% (certified 25.2%) is achieved using target PSCs, which demonstrates outstanding ambient and operational stability. The feasibility of this strategy is proved for the scalable deposition of homogeneous and high‐quality perovskite thin films by demonstrating the remarkably increased PCE of the large‐area perovskite solar module, from 18.2% to 20.1%.
A Multifunctional Amino Acid Enables Direct Recycling of Spent LiFePO4 Cathode Material
Authors: Tang Di , Ji Guanjun , Wang Junxiong , Liang Zheng , Chen Wen , Ji Haocheng , Ma Jun , Liu Song , Zhuang Zhaofeng , Zhou Guangmin
Published: November 2023

Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4, LFP) batteries are extensively used in electric vehicles and energy storage due to their good cycling stability and safety. However, the finite service life of lithium‐ion batteries leads to significant amounts of retired LFP batteries, urgently required to be recycled by environmentally friendly and effective methods. Here, a direct regeneration strategy using natural and low‐cost L‐threonine as a multifunctional reductant is proposed. The hydroxyl groups and amino groups in L‐threonine act as electron donors and nitrogen sources, respectively. The reductive environment created by L‐threonine not only aids in converting the degraded FePO4 phase back to a single LFP phase but also facilitates the elimination of detrimental Li–Fe anti‐site defects; thus, reconstructing fast Li+ diffusion channels. Meanwhile, N atoms derived from amino groups are able to dope into carbon layers, generating more active sites and enhancing the conductive properties of LFP particles. The regenerated LFP shows great electrochemical performance with a discharge capacity of 147.9 mAh g−1 at 1 C and a capacity retention of 86% after 500 cycles at 5 C. Further, this approach is also feasible for LFP black mass sourced from practical industrial dismantling lines, providing considerable prospects for the large‐scale recycling of LFP batteries.
Nonreciprocal Heat Circulation Metadevices
Authors: Ju Ran , Cao Pei‐Chao , Wang Dong , Qi Minghong , Xu Liujun , Yang Shuihua , Qiu Cheng‐Wei , Chen Hongsheng , Li Ying
Published: November 2023

Thermal nonreciprocity typically stems from nonlinearity or spatiotemporal variation of parameters. However, constrained by the inherent temperature‐dependent properties and the law of mass conservation, previous works have been compelled to treat dynamic and steady‐state cases separately. Here, by establishing a unified thermal scattering theory, the creation of a convection‐based thermal metadevice which supports both dynamic and steady‐state nonreciprocal heat circulation is reported. The nontrivial dependence between the nonreciprocal resonance peaks and the dynamic parameters is observed and the unique nonreciprocal mechanism of multiple scattering is revealed at steady state. This mechanism enables thermal nonreciprocity in the initially quasi‐symmetric scattering matrix of the three‐port metadevice and has been experimentally validated with a significant isolation ratio of heat fluxes. The findings establish a framework for thermal nonreciprocity that can be smoothly modulated for dynamic and steady‐state heat signals, it may also offer insight into other heat‐transfer‐related problems or even other fields such as acoustics and mechanics.
Designing Layered 2D Skyrmion Lattices in Moiré Magnetic Heterostructures
Authors: Jabakhanji Bilal , Ghader Doried
Published: November 2023

Skyrmions are promising for the next generation of spintronic and magnonic devices, but their zero‐field stability and controlled nucleation through chiral interactions remain challenging. In this theoretical study, the potential of moiré magnetic heterostructures to generate ordered skyrmion lattices from the stacking‐dependent magnetism in 2D magnets is explored. Heterostructures formed by twisting ultrathin CrBr3 films on top of CrI3 substrates are considered, assuming a moderate interfacial Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction. At large moiré periodicity and appropriate substrate thickness, a moiré skyrmion lattice emerges in the interfacial CrBr3 layer due to the weaker exchange interactions in CrBr3 compared to CrI3. This lattice is then projected to the remaining layers of the CrBr3 film via chiral interlayer exchange fields. By varying the pristine stacking configurations within the ultrathin CrBr3 film, layered ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic skyrmion lattices without the need for a permanent magnetic field are realized. These findings suggest the possibility of creating ordered skyrmion lattices in moiré magnetic heterostructures, enabling further exploration of their fundamental properties and technological relevance.
Designer SiO2 Metasurfaces for Efficient Passive Radiative Cooling
Authors: Ding Zhenmin , Li Honglin , Li Xin , Fan Xueying , Jaramillo‐Fernandez Juliana , Pattelli Lorenzo , Zhao Jiupeng , Niu Shichao , Li Yao , Xu Hongbo
Published: November 2023

In recent years, an increasing number of passive radiative cooling materials are proposed in the literature, with several examples relying on the use of silica (SiO2) due to its unique stability, non‐toxicity, and availability. Nonetheless, due to its bulk phonon‐polariton band, SiO2 presents a marked reflection peak within the atmospheric transparency window (8‐13 µm), leading to an emissivity decrease that poses a challenge to fulfilling the criteria for sub‐ambient passive radiative cooling. Thus, the latest developments in this field are devoted to the design of engineered SiO2 photonic structures, to increase the cooling potential of bulk SiO2 radiative coolers. This review seeks to identify the most effective photonic design and fabrication strategies for SiO2 radiative emitters by evaluating their cooling efficacy, as well as their scalability, providing an in‐depth analysis of the fundamental principles, structural models, and results (both numerical and experimental) of various types of SiO2 radiative coolers.
Tailored Near‐Infrared Luminescent Materials with Fast Reverse Intersystem Crossing for Efficient Deep‐Red/Near‐Infrared Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes with High Efficiencies and Small Roll‐Offs
Authors: Jiang Ruming , Liu Zhangshan , Yang Tao , Yang Dezhi , Ma Dongge , Tang Ben Zhong , Zhao Zujin
Published: November 2023

Robust organic luminescent materials radiating deep‐red/near‐infrared (DR/NIR) light are highly desired in organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). However, most reported DR/NIR materials show only moderate electroluminescence (EL) efficiencies accompanied by rock‐ribbed efficiency roll‐offs, which immensely limit their practical use in OLEDs. In this work, two tailor‐made NIR luminescent materials with thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) property are developed based on rigid and strong electron‐accepting core of 2,7‐bis(4‐cyanophenyl)dibenzo[a,c]phenazine‐11,12‐dicarbonitrile and electron donors of triphenylamine or N,N‐di([1,1′‐biphenyl]‐4‐yl)phenylamine. They exhibit high photoluminescence quantum yields, fast reverse intersystem crossing processes and large horizontal dipole ratios. Their nondoped OLEDs show NIR lights with maximum external quantum efficiencies (ηext,maxS) of 0.59% at 856 nm and 1.14% at 850 nm. And their doped OLEDs radiate DR to NIR lights (646–737 nm) and attain superb ηext,maxs of up to 30.3% at 646 nm with small efficiency roll‐offs. The state‐of‐the‐art EL performances of both NIR TADF materials demonstrate their high potential as emitters in OLEDs and the insights gained in this work will enlighten the further development of efficient NIR luminescent materials.
Elucidating The Horizontal Orientation Mechanism of Emissive Transition Dipole Moment in A Series of Stick‐Like Delayed Fluorescent Emitters for Ultra‐High‐Efficiency OLEDs
Authors: Yoshida Naoto , Sasabe Hisahiro , Arai Hiroki , Sagae Yuki , Yagi Yuro , Hoshi Keigo , Yokoyama Daisuke , Kido Junji
Published: November 2023

The horizontal orientation of the emissive transition dipole moment (TDM) of emissive molecules is a crucial factor in improving the efficiency of organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). However, the mechanism of this horizontal orientation remains unclear. Herein, to elucidate the horizontal orientation mechanism of the TDM of the molecules in thermally activated delayed fluorescent (TADF) emitters, the relationship between the horizontal orientation ratio (Θ) of the TDM and the key parameters of stick‐like TADF emitters dispersed in carbazole‐based host materials is systematically and quantitatively investigated. The introduction of functional groups containing weak CH/n (n = O, N) hydrogen bonds into the host material is found to significantly increase the Θ values up to 30%. The physical parameters of the dispersed emitter exhibit a strong relationship with the Θ values, with the following influence order: glass transition temperature (Tg) ≥ total surface area of the largest π‐plane and the corresponding parallel π‐plane > molecular weight > aspect ratio > permanent dipole moment. The Tg value of the host material is another key parameter determining the Θ values. By using a P=O‐based host material, namely mCP2PO, a high PLQY of 97%, a high Θ value of 88%, and a sky‐blue OLED with an EQE of 37.6% are simultaneously realized.
Advances in Printed Electronic Textiles
Authors: Islam Md Rashedul , Afroj Shaila , Yin Junyi , Novoselov Kostya S. , Chen Jun , Karim Nazmul
Published: November 2023

Electronic textiles (e‐textiles) have emerged as a revolutionary solution for personalized healthcare, enabling the continuous collection and communication of diverse physiological parameters when seamlessly integrated with the human body. Among various methods employed to create wearable e‐textiles, printing offers unparalleled flexibility and comfort, seamlessly integrating wearables into garments. This has spurred growing research interest in printed e‐textiles, due to their vast design versatility, material options, fabrication techniques, and wide‐ranging applications. Here, a comprehensive overview of the crucial considerations in fabricating printed e‐textiles is provided, encompassing the selection of conductive materials and substrates, as well as the essential pre‐ and post‐treatments involved. Furthermore, the diverse printing techniques and the specific requirements are discussed, highlighting the advantages and limitations of each method. Additionally, the multitude of wearable applications made possible by printed e‐textiles is explored, such as their integration as various sensors, supercapacitors, and heated garments. Finally, a forward‐looking perspective is provided, discussing future prospects and emerging trends in the realm of printed wearable e‐textiles. As advancements in materials science, printing technologies, and design innovation continue to unfold, the transformative potential of printed e‐textiles in healthcare and beyond is poised to revolutionize the way wearable technology interacts and benefits.
Field‐Free and Energy‐Efficient Switching of a Ferrimagnetic Insulator Through Orbital Currents of Copper
Authors: Bi Lin‐Zhu , Ke Jintao , Bai Hao , Li Guansong , Zhu Zhaozhao , Hu Chaoqun , Cheng Yuanhao , Wang Pengju , Jiang Wanjun , Zhang Ying , Cai Jian‐Wang
Published: November 2023

Electrically manipulating the magnetization of insulators presents exciting opportunities for fast and energy‐efficient spintronic devices. However, the existing approaches, which rely on spin‐orbit torque (SOT), invariably require an auxiliary field. Here field‐free current‐induced magnetization switching in perpendicularly magnetized Tm3Fe5O12 films is demonstrated. This is achieved through a magnetic hybrid structure, Tm3Fe5O12/Co40Fe40B20/Cu/SiO2, where the Cu layer acts as the source of orbital current, and the in‐plane magnetized Co40Fe40B20 layer functions as the converter of orbital‐to‐spin current. The interplay between the insulating and metallic magnetic layers not only yields a significant anomalous Hall signal for monitoring the Tm3Fe5O12 magnetization states, but also enables field‐free switching that is immune to the magnetic history of the structure. It also observes similar Tm3Fe5O12 switching in stacks with different spin/orbital current sources, with the SOT‐driven switching consuming substantially more power. This work establishes a pathway for achieving energetically efficient all‐electrical manipulation of insulator spins through orbital currents.
Assistive Magnetic Skin System for Speech Reconstruction: An Empowering Technology for Aphonic Individuals
Authors: Ramirez-De Angel Montserrat , Almansouri Abdullah S. , Salama Khaled N.
Published: November 2023

Individuals with a voice disorder or speech sound disorder (SSD) (i.e., aphonic or mute people) can have any combination of difficulties with perception, articulation/motor production, and phonotactics, which may impact their speech intelligibility and acceptability, thus finding challenging to communicate with the public. As a result, many individuals suffer from frustration, isolation, and depression. Natural verbal communication for SSD patients is now more feasible than ever thanks to advancements in wearable artificial skins and machine learning. This article presents an assistive magnetic skin system for speech reconstruction (AM2S‐SR), which enables SSD‐afflicted people to communicate with their mouths. Using magnetic field sensors integrated into Magnetphones, the system reads the movement of the mouth by tracking the movement of magnetic skin patches attached next to the bottom lip. The measured magnetic field signals data are then processed using a Fine K‐Nearest Neighbor machine learning classifier. The classified data are then exported verbally on speakers, or visually on a display. AM2S‐SR successfully identifies the full English alphabets with average success rate of 94.96%, thus enabling SSD people to talk using the mouth and have a more natural conversation with others.
Zinc‐Mediated Radiosynthesis of Unprotected Fluorine‐18 Labelled α‐Tertiary Amides
Authors: Wright Jay S. , Ma Richard , Webb E. William , Winton Wade P. , Stauff Jenelle , Cheng Kevin , Brooks Allen F. , Sanford Melanie S. , Scott Peter J. H.
Published: November 2023

This report describes the development of a Zn(OTf)2‐mediated method for converting α‐tertiary haloamides to the corresponding fluorine‐18 labelled α‐tertiary fluoroamides with no‐carrier‐added [18F]tetramethylammonium fluoride. 1,5,7‐Triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec‐5‐ene is an essential additive for achieving high radiochemical conversion. Under the optimised conditions, radiofluorination proceeds at sterically hindered tertiary sites in high radiochemical conversions, yields, and purities. This method has been successfully automated and applied to access >200 mCi (>7.4 GBq) of several model radiofluorides. Mechanistic studies led to the development of a new, nucleophilic C−H radiofluorination process using N‐sulphonyloxyamide substrates.
Metal‐Free B−B Dehydrocoupling Reaction of a Simple Borane Adduct: Convenient Access to a Nucleophilic Diborane(4)
Authors: Kistner Lucas , Sigmund Lukas Maximilian , Grieser Fabian Frank , Krauß Julian , Leingang Simone , Kaifer Elisabeth , Greb Lutz , Himmel Hans‐Jörg
Published: November 2023

The selective formation of homonuclear bonds is of key importance in synthetic chemistry. Especially, dehydrocoupling reactions are attractive as ecologically and economically friendly alternatives to established reductive bond forming reactions, since they do not require the use of stoichiometric amounts of a reducing reagent and produce only valuable dihydrogen as by‐product. Here, we report on a metal‐free B−B dehydrocoupling reaction that starts directly from a simple, easily accessible BH3 adduct, providing convenient access to a new nucleophilic dihydridodiborane in excellent yield. The dihydridodiborane in turn activates dihydrogen, allowing to obtain quantitatively the dideuteridodiborane from the dihydridodiborane by D2 activation. On the basis of detailed quantum‐chemical calculations, the mechanism of this unprecedented reaction is elucidated. Some key points that are essential for metal‐free dehydrocoupling are disclosed, paving the way for their systematic evaluation and application.
Clinical Issues — December 2023
Authors: Wood Amber
Published: November 2023

THIS MONTH

Head lice

Key words: lice, nit, hair, infestation, transmission.

Patients with iodine and chlorhexidine allergies

Key words: antiseptic, skin preparation, alcohol, chloroxylenol, soap.

Storing sterile and unsterile supplies together

Key words: storage, shelves, event‐related sterility, package integrity, handling.

Using indwelling urinary catheters during general surgery

Key words: indwelling urinary catheter, Michigan Appropriate Perioperative (MAP) criteria, urinary retention, bladder scanner, routine use.
Selective thermal recycling for graphene growth on natural substrates: A comparative study on life cycle assessment, energy consumption, and mechanical performance in recompounding
Authors: Baskan‐Bayrak Havva , Kocanali Atakan , Saner Okan Burcu
Published: November 2023

Manufacturing of carbon‐based materials from waste thermoplastics is a keystone to reduce adverse environmental impacts. There are numerous attempts for sustainable graphene manufacturing from various waste sources by thermal treatment but there is no clear distinction on the effective conversion process by addressing reliable CO2 footprints. This study provides a comprehensive benchmarking study on the conversion of waste polypropylene plastics coming from yogurt containers into graphene on the substrate of talc by applying two upcycling techniques of catalytic carbonization (CC) and flash pyrolysis (FP) by comparing energy and speed of the processes and a dimensional stability and physical characteristics of the produced graphene substances by adopting a comparative life cycle assessment. FP led to the sphericalization of graphenes due to fast dehydration, cross‐linking, and carbonization of aromatic structures. On the other hand, gradual heating in CC caused the formation of tubular‐like graphene structures. In addition, FP became advantageous by resulting in 52% of CO2 emission compared with CC process. On the other hand, graphenes separated from talcs exhibited a remarkable 70% reduction in global warming potential compared with conventional graphene production from graphite. In order to complete the value chain and circularity, the mechanical performance of two different hybrid additives produced by selective thermal recycling in recompounding with copolymer polypropylene was examined, and additives from CC enhanced the flexural and tensile properties two times better than the one from FP. With this study, it becomes possible to compare analysis of graphene growth on natural substrates by exploring life cycle assessment, energy consumption, and mechanical performance with selective thermal recycling and recompounding.
Skin‐customized wearable device adhesive without skin damage
Authors: Lee Bom , Park Min‐Ho , Kim Bong Hoon
Published: November 2023

Wearable medical devices are gaining popularity owing to their potential for seamless integration with the human body and long‐term monitoring of physiological activity. However, conventional adhesives were developed based on the assumption of healthy adult skin and may not account for variations in skin characteristics across different species, environments, and body parts. Consequently, the adhesive strength of wearable devices may significantly differ depending on the skin surface to which they are attached, potentially causing skin damage. In this study, we developed a customized wearable‐device adhesive without skin damage by analyzing the characteristics of the skin surface based on oil and water content and roughness according to different species and parts. Our findings demonstrated that increased root‐mean‐square roughness of the skin surface led to reduced contact area and decreased adhesion force between the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) pad and skin surface. Surprisingly, hairless skin exhibited 1.5 times higher adhesion strength than hairy skin due to stronger molecular forces resulting from the higher surface energy of the skin. Additionally, the hole‐patterned PDMS pad on sweaty skin displayed improved adhesion properties compared to the cylinder‐patterned PDMS pad. Therefore, customized wearable adhesives provide an effective strategy for developing skin‐damage‐free wearable devices.
Insight into the synthesis and thermomechanical properties of “short‐long” type biobased aliphatic polyesters
Authors: Sahu Pranabesh , Sharma Lav , Dawsey Tim , Gupta Ram K.
Published: November 2023

A series of biobased “short‐long” chain aliphatic polyesters having high molecular weight were successfully synthesized using dimethyl sebacate and diols with different carbon chain lengths via a two‐step melt‐polycondensation method by using titanium butoxide as a catalyst. The diols chain length and its odd‐even effect on the structure–property relationship, crystallinity, and thermomechanical properties of the polyesters were systemically investigated. The synthesized polyesters displayed weight‐average molecular weight between 23,600 to 72,900 g/mol and a maximum intrinsic viscosity of 0.933 dL/g. With increasing the diol chain length, the molecular weight of the polyesters increased linearly, except for poly(butylene sebacate) (PBS). Altogether, the “odd‐even” effect of the diol chain on the crystalline (Tc)/melting temperature (Tm), and melting/ crystallization enthalpies of the polyester's were observed. Poly(pentylene sebacate) (PPeS) has the highest weight‐average molecular weight of 72,900 Da, Tm of ∼55.4°C, degradation temperature (Td,max) of about 404°C, and highest storage modulus (E′ at 25°C) of 661 MPa compared to other short‐chain polyesters. PBS and PPeS showed the appearance of sharp intensity peaks from XRD diffraction patterns, indicating higher crystallinity in the material, in accordance with crystallization enthalpies (ΔHc) values from the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) thermograms. These fabricated biobased polymers with 100% bio‐content, low melting temperature range, rapid crystallization, and high thermal stability suggest good processability and can offer an alternative option to nonrenewable thermoplastic polyesters for potential applications.
Chitosan‐gelatin/hydroxyapatite‐based scaffold associated with mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into osteoblasts improves the surface of the bone lesion in mice C57BL/6J
Authors: Carvalho Janicy Arantes , Jayme Cristiano Ceron , Matsuo Flávia Sayuri , Tedesco Antonio Claudio
Published: November 2023

Extensive injuries to bone tissue are still considered a significant clinical challenge; therefore, developing new bone tissue engineering (BTE) strategies is still necessary. This work aims to construct and characterize a chitosan‐gelatin/hydroxyapatite‐based (CG/H) scaffold to provide well‐design support for mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) growth and differentiation to osteoblasts. First, the CG/H scaffolds are construct by freeze‐drying. Then, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x‐ray diffraction, water uptake, and degradation profiles evaluate the material's surface. In addition, the CG/H morphological, biochemical, and MSC adhesion processes and growth behavior are also assess, indicating reasonable adhesion rates to the surface, low material cytotoxicity, and excellent alkaline phosphatase activity compared to control on the cellular framework. Based on these results, we obtain a highly biocompatible scaffold and that can support osteoblast differentiation. Finally, the in vivo studies demonstrate the CG/H scaffold with MSC adhere is capable of differentiating into osteoblasts, and the application of this scaffold is able to significantly enhance the closure of the bone lesion. Therefore, the CG/H scaffold has potential clinical application for bone regeneration.
Quaternarized cationic poly[(vinyl chloride)‐co‐(vinyl chloroacetate)] binary copolymer as non‐migration antibacterial additive in PVC matrix
Authors: Jian Xiyan , Sun Jiaxin , Gu Xiaojing , Song Changtong , Zhang Xianhong , Yang Wantai
Published: November 2023

Antibacterial polyvinyl chloride (PVC) materials have drawn considerable attention since their wide application in medical devices. The objective of this study is to develop a novel quaternary ammonium cationic vinyl chloride copolymer, which can be potentially used as antibacterial additive in PVC matrix. Initially, the low average‐number molecular weight poly[(vinyl chloride)‐co‐(vinyl chloroacetate)] (PVC‐co‐PVCA) is synthesized by precipitation copolymerization. Subsequently, quaternary ammonium cationic moieties with different lengths of alkyl chains are introduced into the copolymers via quaternization reaction between alkyl‐dimethyl tertiary amines with acyl chloride groups. The successful synthesis of PVC‐co‐PVCA and quaternarized copolymers are carefully confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), and x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The antibacterial behaviors of the quaternarized copolymers and its blends with PVC are investigated. The results reveal that all the PVC blends containing at least 5% by weight of quaternarized copolymer have superior bacteriostasis ratio (>99.6%) against both Escherichia coli (E.coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) due to the incorporation of quaternary ammonium groups. Meanwhile, the cationic copolymer exhibits excellent antifouling and much lower migration rate (<0.4%). These interesting consequences endow the quaternarized copolymers as alternative antibacterial agents possess a great deal of potential for use in PVC materials.
Integrative analysis of genome‐wide association study and transcriptomics to identify potential candidate genes influencing drip loss in Beijing Black pigs
Authors: Gao Hongmei , Tian Jingjing , Zhang Run , Liu Xiance , Liu Hai , Zhao Fuping , Xue Zhenhua , Wang Lixian , Jing Xitao , Zhang Longchao
Published: November 2023

Understanding the genetic factors related to meat drip loss is of great importance for animal breeding and production. In this study, we employed a combination of genome‐wide association study (GWAS) mapping and RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) data to effectively identify potentially functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as well as candidate genes associated with drip loss (DL) in Beijing Black pigs. Initially, we conducted a single‐ and multi‐trait GWAS on drip loss traits in 441 Beijing Black pigs at 24 (DL24) and 48 (DL48) hours postmortem using the Illumina pig 50K SNP chip. Five SNPs with annotations for four genes (FGGY, LHFPL6, OSBPL1A, and NMNAT3) were consistently identified in single or multiple trait GWAS results, indicating their potential pleiotropic effects on drip loss. Next, a comprehensive comparative transcriptomic analysis was performed on samples of Beijing Black pigs exhibiting extremely high and low drip loss, resulting in the identification of 21 differentially expressed genes (DGEs) as potential candidates. Additionally, protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis revealed reciprocal regulatory relationships between FOXO1, OSBPL1A, DOCK1 (identified from GWAS) and the candidate DGEs obtained from RNA‐seq data. Therefore, we propose that these genes may impact drip loss traits through gene interactions. In conclusion, our integrative analysis screened candidate genes that may affect the drip loss traits in Beijing Black pigs, which provides crucial insights into the molecular mechanisms of drip loss and serves as a theoretical reference for improving meat quality in Beijing Black pigs.
Using Polygenic Risk Scores to Aid Diagnosis of Patients With Early Inflammatory Arthritis: Results From the Norfolk Arthritis Register
Authors: Hum Ryan M. , Sharma Seema D. , Stadler Michael , Viatte Sebastien , Ho Pauline , Nair Nisha , Shi Chenfu , Yap Chuan Fu , Soomro Mehreen , Plant Darren , Humphreys Jenny H. , MacGregor Alexander , Yates Max , Verstappen Suzanne , Barton Anne , Bowes John ,   all NOAR collaborators
Published: November 2023

Objective

There is growing evidence that genetic data are of benefit in the rheumatology outpatient setting by aiding early diagnosis. A genetic probability tool (G‐PROB) has been developed to aid diagnosis has not yet been tested in a real‐world setting. Our aim was to assess whether G‐PROB could aid diagnosis in the rheumatology outpatient setting using data from the Norfolk Arthritis Register (NOAR), a prospective observational cohort of patients presenting with early inflammatory arthritis.

Methods

Genotypes and clinician diagnoses were obtained from patients from NOAR. Six G‐probabilities (0%–100%) were created for each patient based on known disease‐associated odds ratios of published genetic risk variants, each corresponding to one disease of rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriatic arthritis, spondyloarthropathy, gout, or “other diseases.” Performance of the G‐probabilities compared with clinician diagnosis was assessed.

Results

We tested G‐PROB on 1,047 patients. Calibration of G‐probabilities with clinician diagnosis was high, with regression coefficients of 1.047, where 1.00 is ideal. G‐probabilities discriminated clinician diagnosis with pooled areas under the curve (95% confidence interval) of 0.85 (0.84–0.86). G‐probabilities <5% corresponded to a negative predictive value of 96.0%, for which it was possible to suggest >2 unlikely diseases for 94% of patients and >3 for 53.7% of patients. G‐probabilities >50% corresponded to a positive predictive value of 70.4%. In 55.7% of patients, the disease with the highest G‐probability corresponded to clinician diagnosis.

Conclusion

G‐PROB converts complex genetic information into meaningful and interpretable conditional probabilities, which may be especially helpful at eliminating unlikely diagnoses in the rheumatology outpatient setting.

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Adaptive prescribed performance sliding mode control based on time‐varying barrier function
Authors: Li Zhiyu , Tian Bailing , Zhang Xiuyun
Published: November 2023

In this paper, a nonoverestimated adaptive prescribed performance sliding mode control algorithm based on time‐varying barrier function is proposed, for high‐order integrator systems subject to bounded but unknown disturbances. The developed algorithm has some remarkable features. Firstly, it is able to ensure that the system states are confined in a performance function from the initial instant. Secondly, it is easy‐implementable and some exponential stability and practical fixed‐time stability algorithms can be easily obtained. Finally, with the system states to be known, the size of the performance function is independent of the upper bound of the external disturbance. To show the efficiency of the developed algorithm, some numerical simulations are provided.
Decomposition of the central structure of NGC 2273 in the NIR: A case study
Authors: Schey L. , Heidt J. , Pramskiy A. , Thompson D. , Agapito G. , Esposito S. , Gredel R. , Miller D. , Pinna E. , Puglisi A. , Rossi F. , Seifert W. , Taylor G. , Quirrenbach A.
Published: November 2023

The Seyfert 2 galaxy NGC 2273 is a prime target to explore how active nuclei can be fed. It has a star‐forming innermost nuclear ring with a radius of 0.33kpc from where material may be funneled to the supermassive black hole in its center. In this article, we discuss high‐resolution adaptive optics aided JHKs images of NGC 2273 taken with the Large Binocular Telescope. Using Galfit we decomposed the innermost part of NGC 2273 into a core, a disk, and a ring using 58 parameters, 44 of them were used to describe the ring. The stellar mass of the ring was found to be 12 , a factor of 10 higher than its molecular gas mass. A continuous gas flow via the main stellar bar of NGC 2273 during the lifetime of the bar of up to 10
is required to provide the fuel for the formation of the stars unless the star formation efficiency is on the order of 10%. This does not affect the fueling of the nuclear source as the amount of molecular gas required for this low‐luminosity active galaxy to achieve this is on the order of only.
Probability and confidence: How to improve communication of uncertainty about uncertainty in intelligence analysis
Authors: Duke Misty C.
Published: November 2023

Intelligence agencies communicate uncertainty to decision‐makers through verbal probability phrases that correspond to numerical ranges (i.e., probability lexicons) and ordinal levels of confidence. However, decision‐makers may misinterpret the relationship between these concepts and form inappropriate interpretations of intelligence analysts' uncertainty. In two experiments, four ways of conveying second‐order probability to decision‐makers were compared: (a) probability and confidence phrases written in the text of a report, (b) the addition of a probability lexicon, (c) the addition of a probability lexicon that varied numerical ranges according to the level of confidence (i.e., revised lexicon), and (d) a probability phrase written in text followed by a numerical range that varied according to the level of confidence. The revised lexicon was expected to improve interpretations of second‐order probability. The 275 participants in Experiment 1 and 796 participants in Experiment 2 provided numerical estimates corresponding to analytic judgments provided in descriptions about three overseas military operations and also indicated their support for approving or delaying the operations. The results demonstrated that providing the numerical range in the text of the report or providing a probability lexicon, improved interpretations of probability phrases above the verbal phrase‐only condition, but not interpretations of confidence. Participants were unable to correctly interpret confidence with respect to the precision of their estimate intervals and their decisions about the operations. However, in Experiments 2 and 3 the effects on these variables of providing decision‐makers with information about the source of the analyst's uncertainty were examined. In Experiment 3 (n = 510), providing this information improved correspondence between confidence level and approval of the operation. Recommendations are provided regarding additional methods of improving decision‐makers' interpretation of second‐order probability conveyed in intelligence reporting.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of school and cognitive function domains of health‐related quality of life measures for children and young adults with congenital heart disease
Authors: Mamasoula Chrysovalanto , Pennington Lindsay , Adesanya Adenike Motunrayo , Rankin Judith
Published: November 2023

Background

Research on cognitive and school functioning domains of health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) for children and adolescents with congenital heart disease (CHD) presents inconsistencies.

Objectives

To summarize and synthesize data on school and cognitive function domains of HRQOL for children and young people (CYP) with CHD.

Methods

Five electronic databases MEDLINE, Scopus, PsycINFO, EMBASE, ERI, and citations were systematically searched. We included original‐research articles reporting the cognitive and school function domains of HRQOL for children and young people with CHD (child and parent reports included). Both fixed and random‐effects meta‐analyses were performed to estimate pooled mean test scores for cognitive and school function. A total of 34 studies met our inclusion criteria and were synthesized narratively, 17 studies were included in formal meta‐analyses.

Results

Self‐reported cognitive function was lower for children and young people with CHD than healthy controls (SMD −0.28 (−0.42, −0.15)). Parental reports demonstrated similar results to self‐reports (SMD −0.54 (−0.91, −0.18)). School function was lower in children and young people with CHD compared with healthy controls in self‐reported (SMD −0.30 (−0.48, −0.13)) and parent reported HRQOL (SMD −0.49 (0.64, −0.36)). Self‐reported school function domain scores were lower for young (<8 years) (SMD −0.65 (−1.32, 0.03)) and older children (8–18 years) (SMD −0.25 (−0.47, −0.03)) with CHD than their peers. Similarly, parents reported lower school function domain scores for young (<8 years) (SMD −0.68 (−1.29, −0.07)) and older (8–18 years) (SMD −0.46 (−068, −0.25)) children with CHD than typically developing peers.

Conclusion

Children born with CHD may experience lower cognitive and school function HRQOL scores than healthy controls (self and proxy‐report). This is consistent with a subgroup meta‐analysis of young (<8 years) and older (8 years old or more) children with CHD reporting lower school function scores compared to controls.