bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of supersonic techniques for separating water from extracted natural gas
Authors: Bârsan Doru , Prodea Laurențiu , Chiș Timur
Published: November 2024

The article analyzes the supersonic techniques for separating impurities from natural gas extracted from Romanian deposits. One of the newest techniques used in separating water from natural gas is their treatment in a supersonic flow (flow field) using a device (the supersonic separator). The article describt this technique of separating water (the dewatering process) and condensate (the separation petroleum liquid process), which is increasingly used (especially in the limited spaces of offshore platforms).
Biofuels: Bridging the Gap to a Greener Energy Future
Authors: Malhotra Ruhaan
Published: November 2024

Biofuels, derived from renewable organic materials, present a critical opportunity to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate the environmental consequences of greenhouse gas emissions. As global energy demands grow and climate change intensifies, the need for sustainable energy alternatives has become urgent. This paper examines the potential of biofuels to bridge the gap to a greener energy future, exploring their role as substitutes for fossil fuels and their ability to significantly reduce carbon emissions. While biofuels offer substantial environmental benefits, their production faces challenges, including high costs, competition for land and water, and lifecycle emissions. The review analyzes both traditional and advanced biofuels, such as those derived from agricultural waste, and other non-food biomass sources, which could provide more sustainable and scalable solutions. By investigating innovations in biofuel production technologies and alternative sources, this study highlights how biofuels can contribute to global energy security and environmental sustainability. The review also addresses how improved policies and research investments could enhance biofuels' efficiency and economic viability, promoting their adoption as a critical element in the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Numerical Prediction of Pressure Oscillation in a Centrifugal Pump at Shut-off conditions
Authors: Yu Di , Chen Xu-Lai , Zhang Fu-Yi , Guo He-Chao , Zhao Zhi-Yang , Chen Shen
Published: November 2024

In order to investigate the pressure fluctuation characteristics of centrifugal pumps under shut-off conditions, a numerical calculation was carried out using Fluent software based on the RNG k-ε turbulence model. The pressure fluctuation characteristics within the volute and impeller flow fields of the centrifugal pump under shut-off conditions were analyzed, and the shut-off head was predicted. The results show that the monitoring points within the volute flow passage exhibit obvious periodic patterns, and their peak pressure fluctuations occur at frequencies that are multiples of the vane passing frequency. Additionally, the closer the monitoring point is to the volute tongue, the greater the amplitude of pressure fluctuation. Furthermore, for monitoring points located on the centerline of the impeller flow passage, the closer they are to the impeller exit, the greater the amplitude of pressure fluctuation.
In-Depth Analysis of Hydrogen Storage Technologies: Recent Developments, Emerging Trends, and Future Prospects in Physical, Chemical, and Hybrid Methods
Authors: Deshmukh Dr. Manish
Published: November 2024

Storing the element is one of the obstacles in developing hydrogen-powered energy systems. This article outlines and categorizes current trends and advancements in hydrogen storage technology and applications between 2020 and 2024. This article discusses the properties, utility, and potential applications of physical, chemical, and combination storage systems, as well as recent research discoveries. This study focuses on major trends, prospective goals, and current developments in the field of material research. Topics discussed include advances in metal and chemical hydrides, compressed and liquid hydrogen tanks, and hybrid devices. Readers are properly informed about the many hydrogen storage options available, as well as safety and environmental concerns.
Robust Face Recognition in the Presence of Diverse challenges: A Hybrid Deep Neural Network Approach
Authors: Trivedi Himani , Goyani Mahesh
Published: November 2024

This paper presents a novel lightweight hybrid architecture for face recognition, combining the strengths of MobileNet and attention mechanisms to enhance performance under challenging conditions such as facial occlusions (e.g., masks), varied illumination, and diverse expressions. The proposed model is evaluated against popular baseline models, including MobileNetV2, EfficientNetB2, and VGG16, on the Yale Face Dataset and a Simulated Masked Yale Dataset. On the Yale Dataset, the hybrid model achieved superior results with an accuracy of 93.78%, precision of 94.45%, recall of 93.33%, and F1-score of 93.89%, outperforming the baseline models in all key metrics. Additionally, when tested on the Simulated Masked Yale Dataset, the hybrid model exhibited increased resilience to occlusion with an accuracy of 63.45% and F1-score of 64.22%, significantly surpassing the other architectures.
Fenton Process for Removing Organic Pollutants from industrial Wastewater
Authors: Baldha Mallesham , Srilatha Dr K.
Published: November 2024

The fenton process is one of the most studied advanced oxidation processes, due to its efficiency, low reaction time and easy application. In the present study, fenton process is used to remove the organic pollutants from industrial wastewater. The process parameters like pH and reaction time were studied using 1:10 ratio of FeSO4 and H2O2 with a 500ml working volume of sample. The most favourable circumstances were determined at a pH level of 7 with a reaction duration of 3 Hours. Finally, chemical oxygen demands (COD) and chlorides, before and after fenton process were measured to ensure the entire destruction of organics during their removal from industrial wastewater. The experimental results shown that the fenton process effectively achieved removal efficiency of 80%.
The membrane‐bound O‐acyltransferase Ale1 transfers an acyl moiety to newly synthesized 2‐alkyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine in yeast
Authors: Morisada Shiho , Ono Yusuke , Kodaira Teruhisa , Kishino Hideyuki , Ninomiya Ryo , Mori Naoki , Watanabe Hidenori , Ohta Akinori , Horiuchi Hiroyuki , Fukuda Ryouichi
Published: May 2018

To elucidate the mechanism of acyl chain remodeling at the sn‐1 position of phosphatidylcholine (PC), we investigated acyl chain introduction using a newly synthesized 1‐hydroxy‐2‐hexadecyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine (HHPC) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. HHPC is incorporated into yeast cells and converted to a PC species containing acyl residues of 16 or 18 carbons. The efficiency of palmitoleic acid introduction to HHPCin vitro is lower in the reaction with the extract from the deletion mutant of ALE1, which encodes a membrane‐bound O‐acyltransferase, than in that with extracts from the wild‐type strain. In addition, deletion of ALE1 causes reductions in the molecular species containing acyl residues in HHPC. These results reveal that ALE1 is involved in acyl chain transfer to the sn‐1 position of HHPC in yeast.
Cullin3/KCTD5 induces monoubiquitination of ΔNp63α and impairs its activity
Authors: He Hanbing , Peng Yougong , Fan Shijie , Chen Yonglong , Zheng Xuan , Li Chenghua
Published: May 2018

Potassium channel tetramerization domain containing 5 (KCTD5) was previously documented as a component of the Cullin3‐RING ligase (CRL3). It has been reported that KCTD5 can induce enrichment of polyubiquitinated proteins, and KCTD5‐based CRL3 destabilizes several proteins. In our present study, we report that KCTD5 may physically interact with ΔNp63α, which is a member of the p53 family. Our further investigation revealed that Cullin3/KCTD5 can induce monoubiquitination of ΔNp63α. Cullin3/KCTD5 downregulates the DNA‐binding affinity of ΔNp63α, impairing either its transactivity or its transinhibitory activity. Functionally, Cullin3/KCTD5 abates the proproliferation activity of ΔNp63α. These findings suggest that KCTD5‐based CRL3 may mediate monoubiquitination and is a novel regulator of ΔNp63α.
Aging related cognitive changes associated with Alzheimer's disease in Down syndrome
Authors: Firth Nicholas C. , Startin Carla M. , Hithersay Rosalyn , Hamburg Sarah , Wijeratne Peter A. , Mok Kin Y. , Hardy John , Alexander Daniel C. ,   The LonDownS Consortium, Strydom André
Published: May 2018

Objective

Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) have an extremely high genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD), however, the course of cognitive decline associated with progression to dementia is ill‐defined. Data‐driven methods can estimate long‐term trends from cross‐sectional data while adjusting for variability in baseline ability, which complicates dementia assessment in those with DS.

Methods

We applied an event‐based model to cognitive test data and informant‐rated questionnaire data from 283 adults with DS (the largest study of cognitive functioning in DS to date) to estimate the sequence of cognitive decline and individuals’ disease stage.

Results

Decline in tests of memory, sustained attention/motor coordination, and verbal fluency occurred early, demonstrating that AD in DS follows a similar pattern of change to other forms of AD. Later decline was found for informant measures. Using the resulting staging model, we showed that adults with a clinical diagnosis of dementia and those with APOE 3:4 or 4:4 genotype were significantly more likely to be staged later, suggesting that the model is valid.

Interpretation

Our results identify tests of memory and sustained attention may be particularly useful measures to track decline in the preclinical/prodromal stages of AD in DS whereas informant‐measures may be useful in later stages (i.e. during conversion into dementia, or postdiagnosis). These results have implications for the selection of outcome measures of treatment trials to delay or prevent cognitive decline due to AD in DS. As clinical diagnoses are generally made late into AD progression, early assessment is essential.
Pallidal deep brain stimulation and intraoperative neurophysiology for treatment of poststroke hemiballism
Authors: Ramirez‐Zamora Adolfo , Eisinger Robert S. , Haider Sameah A. , Youn Youngwon , Shin Damian , Molho Eric S. , Pilitsis Julie G.
Published: May 2018

Deep brain stimulation is a recognized and effective treatment for several movement disorders. Nevertheless, the efficacy of this intervention on abnormal movements secondary to structural brain pathologies is less consistent. In this report, we describe a case of hemiballism–hemichorea due to a peripartum ischemic stroke‐treated with deep brain stimulation of the globus pallidus internus. Patient observed marked improvement in her symptoms at long‐term follow‐up. Neurophysiologic data revealed lower globus pallidus internus firing rates compared to other hyperkinetic disorders. Pallidal deep brain stimulation is a plausible option for medically refractory hemiballism–hemichorea and cumulative data from multiple centers may be used to fully evaluate its efficacy.
Serum neurofilament light chain is increased in hereditary spastic paraplegias
Authors: Wilke Carlo , Rattay Tim W. , Hengel Holger , Zimmermann Milan , Brockmann Kathrin , Schöls Ludger , Kuhle Jens , Schüle Rebecca , Synofzik Matthis
Published: May 2018

Blood biomarkers are still largely missing in hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSPs). We here explored Neurofilament light chain (NfL) as a biomarker in HSP. Serum NfL was assessed in 96 HSP (63 genetically confirmed), 96 healthy control, and 33 ALS subjects by single molecule array (Simoa). Compared to controls, NfL was increased in HSP (P < 0.001), correlating with cross‐sectional disease progression (ρ = 0.28). Levels were lower than in ALS (P < 0.001), allowing to differentiate HSP from ALS (AUC = 0.91). Serum NfL might serve as a biomarker in HSP indicating neuronal damage and, if confirmed longitudinally, disease progression. It might also support differentiating HSP from ALS.
Ultrasonography for the Assessment of Skin in Systemic Sclerosis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Santiago Tânia , Santiago Mariana , Ruaro Barbara , Salvador Maria João , Cutolo Maurizio , da Silva J. A. P.
Published: May 2018

Objective

To identify and synthesize the best available evidence on the use of ultrasound to assess skin involvement in systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods

We conducted a systemic review of the literature on PubMed Medline and Embase, using the vocabulary terms (“systemic sclerosis OR scleroderma”) AND (“ultrasonography” OR “elasticity imaging techniques”) AND (“skin” OR “dermis”). Two independent reviewers selected articles, collected data from studies, and carried out a manual search of the references from the studies included. This search was further enhanced by a review of bibliographic references extrapolated from these studies. The quality of the evidence was assessed by the Effective Public Health Practice Project system.

Results

A total of 30 studies were identified, enrolling 1,171 SSc patients, predominantly middle‐aged (mean age 55.5 years) females (88.8%). The ultrasound skin measurements that were reported included thickness in 28 studies and/or echogenicity (7 studies), and/or stiffness (6 studies), and/or vascularity (1 study). The main comparator was the global and site‐specific modified Rodnan skin thickness score. Reported interrater and intrarater reproducibility appeared to be excellent, but this reproducibility was assessed by a small number of studies. Moreover, there were no published evaluations of construct or criterion validity of skin ultrasound assessment. The responsiveness to change of ultrasound elastography has not been assessed.

Conclusion

Published reports have strong limitations and are highly heterogeneous, hindering the evidence to support the use of skin ultrasound assessment in clinical practice. Further studies, with modern devices and appropriate methodology, are needed to establish the real value of skin ultrasound assessment in the early diagnosis and monitoring of SSc patients.
Brain Correlates of Continuous Pain in Rheumatoid Arthritis as Measured by Pulsed Arterial Spin Labeling
Authors: Lee Yvonne C. , Fine Alexander , Protsenko Ekaterina , Massarotti Elena , Edwards Robert R. , Mawla Ishtiaq , Napadow Vitaly , Loggia Marco L.
Published: May 2018

Objective

Central nervous system pathways involving pain modulation shape the pain experience in patients with chronic pain. The aims of this study were to understand the mechanisms underlying pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to identify brain signals that may serve as imaging markers for developing targeted treatments for RA‐related pain.

Methods

Patients with RA and matched control subjects underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging, using pulsed arterial spin labeling. The imaging conditions included 1) resting state, 2) low‐intensity stimulus, and 3) high‐intensity stimulus. Stimuli consisted of mechanical pressure applied to metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints with an automated cuff inflator. The low‐intensity stimulus was inflation to 30 mm Hg. The high‐intensity stimulus was the amount of pressure required to achieve a pain intensity rating of 40 on a 100‐point scale for each RA patient, with the same amount of pressure used in the matched control.

Results

Among RA patients, regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in the medial frontal cortex and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex increased during both low‐pressure and high‐pressure stimulation. No rCBF changes were observed in pain‐free controls. Region‐of‐interest analyses in RA patients showed that baseline rCBF in the medial frontal cortex was negatively correlated with the pressure required for the high‐intensity stimulus and positively correlated with pain induced by the low‐intensity stimulus. Baseline rCBF was also marginally correlated with disease activity). Regional CBF during high pain was positively correlated with pain severity and pain interference.

Conclusion

In response to clinically relevant joint pain evoked by pressure applied to the MCP joint, neural processing in the medial frontal cortex increases and is directly associated with clinical pain in patients with RA.
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Compared to Volitional Exercise for Improving Muscle Function in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized Pilot Study
Authors: Piva Sara R. , Khoja Samannaaz S. , Toledo Frederico G. S. , Chester‐Wasko Mary , Fitzgerald G. Kelley , Goodpaster Bret H. , Smith Clair N. , Delitto Anthony
Published: May 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare the feasibility and effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) with that of high‐intensity volitional resistance training for improving muscle structure and function and physical function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We also compared pre‐intervention and post‐intervention values of myocyte characteristics.

Methods

In this 2‐group, single‐blind, randomized pilot study, adult patients with RA were assigned to 36 sessions of NMES (n = 31 patients) or volitional training (n = 28 patients) over 16 weeks. Outcome measures included muscle structure and function (quadriceps muscle area, density, and strength), physical function (performance‐based and patient‐reported), feasibility (increased pain, increased disease activity, attrition, and adherence), and myocyte characteristics (area, proportion of type I or II muscle fibers, and intramyocellular lipid content). Analysis of covariance was used to compare groups.

Results

The intervention intensity in the NMES group was less than half that in the volitional exercise group (31% versus 77% of maximum effort). Both groups experienced significant improvements in muscle structure and function (P < 0.001 to 0.019). Improvements in muscle characteristics and physical function were not different between groups. Exercise did not result in serious adverse events or increases in pain and disease activity. Attrition was 29% in the NMES group and 7% in the volitional exercise group.

Conclusion

Both NMES and high‐intensity volitional resistance training can be used as effective approaches to improving muscle structure and function in patients with RA. NMES may be a viable alternative for improving muscle function in patients in whom high‐intensity resistance exercise may not be tolerated or is contraindicated, but attrition must be considered when using this approach.
Investigations Regarding Electron Beam Surface Remelting of Plasma Nitrided Spray‐Formed Hypereutectic Al–Si Alloy
Authors: Hegelmann Eugen , Jung Anne , Hengst Philipp , Zenker Rolf , Buchwalder Anja
Published: May 2018

Plasma nitriding of aluminum alloys is a suitable method for improving wear resistance because of the hard ceramic AlN layer formed. However, the surface's load‐bearing behavior is greatly limited by the low hardness of the Al base material. New investigations regarding improved load support of the thin AlN layer examine the treatment sequence of nitriding and subsequent EB remelting. Because of its broad range of beneficial alloying elements (Si, Fe, Cu, Mg), a hypereutectic Al–Si alloy (DISPAL® S232) − made by spray forming − was used as the base material. The electron beam remelting process is carried out on samples with a nitride layer thickness of approx. 3 μm. As a result of the newly formed phases, grain refinement, and oversaturation of the aluminum solid solution, the surface hardness beneath the nitride layer can be increased by up to three times compared to that of the initial base material. The estimated enhancement in load support is evaluated by unlubricated wear tests using a pin‐on‐disc configuration and scratch tests under constant loading conditions. Furthermore, the wear mechanisms are investigated by means of detailed SEM examination of the remelted surface layer.
Bioinspired Underwater Superoleophobic Electrodes with Superior Kolbe Electrochemical Performances
Authors: Peng Yun , Ning Yuzhen , Ma Xiaoxuan , Zhu Yangshuo , Yang Shuai , Su Bin , Liu Kesong , Jiang Lei
Published: May 2018

Although water is the life force of our planet, the global risk of water is becoming a hotspot all over the world. Therefore, wastewater treatment and reuse have attracted much attention, especially for the household wastewater containing surfactants. Kolbe electrolysis is an important organic electrochemical reaction. However, the resultant hydrophobic products are prone to adhere to traditional oleophilic platinum (Pt) electrode, hindering the charge transfer and resulting in a short working life of Kolbe electrolysis. Here, inspired by the biological materials with underwater superwettability, simultaneous underwater superoleophobic and superhydrophilic Pt electrodes with multiscale structures are fabricated, demonstrating superior electrochemical performances compared to the conventional underwater oleophilic flat Pt electrodes. The working life can be enhanced from about 5800 to 30 000 s, arising from the efficient repellency of multiscale structured Pt electrodes toward the hydrophobic products and the resultant clean electrode surface. The long working life of the underwater superoleophobic Pt electrode can be maintained even under a wide variety of experimental conditions, exhibiting its universality. The presented bioinspired approach should extend the application of the Kolbe electrolysis and provide a promising solution for the wastewater treatment to alleviate the growing global water crisis.
High‐Efficiency All‐Small‐Molecule Organic Solar Cells Based on an Organic Molecule Donor with Alkylsilyl‐Thienyl Conjugated Side Chains
Authors: Bin Haijun , Yao Jia , Yang Yankang , Angunawela Indunil , Sun Chenkai , Gao Liang , Ye Long , Qiu Beibei , Xue Lingwei , Zhu Chenhui , Yang Chunhe , Zhang Zhi‐Guo , Ade Harald , Li Yongfang
Published: May 2018

Two medium‐bandgap p‐type organic small molecules H21 and H22 with an alkylsily‐thienyl conjugated side chain on benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene central units are synthesized and used as donors in all‐small‐molecule organic solar cells (SM‐OSCs) with a narrow‐bandgap n‐type small molecule 2,2′‐((2Z,2′Z)‐((4,4,9,9‐tetrahexyl‐4,9‐dihydro‐s‐indaceno[1,2‐b:5,6‐b′]dithiophene‐2,7‐diyl)bis(methanylylidene))bis(3‐oxo‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐indene‐2,1‐diylidene))dimalononitrile (IDIC) as the acceptor. In comparison to H21 with 3‐ethyl rhodanine as the terminal group, H22 with cyanoacetic acid esters as the terminal group shows blueshifted absorption, higher charge‐carrier mobility and better 3D charge pathway in blend films. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the SM‐OSCs based on H22:IDIC reaches 10.29% with a higher open‐circuit voltage of 0.942 V and a higher fill factor of 71.15%. The PCE of 10.29% is among the top efficiencies of nonfullerene SM‐OSCs reported in the literature to date.
High‐Yield Production of Monolayer FePS3 Quantum Sheets via Chemical Exfoliation for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Cheng Zhongzhou , Shifa Tofik Ahmed , Wang Fengmei , Gao Yi , He Peng , Zhang Kai , Jiang Chao , Liu Quanlin , He Jun
Published: May 2018

2D layered transition metal phosphorus trichalcogenides (MPX3) possess higher in‐plane stiffness and lower cleavage energies than graphite. This allows them to be exfoliated down to the atomic thickness. However, a rational exfoliation route has to be sought to achieve surface‐active and uniform individual layers. Herein, monolayered FePS3 quantum sheets (QSs) are systematically obtained, whose diameters range from 4–8 nm, through exfoliation of the bulk in hydrazine solution. These QSs exhibit a widened bandgap of 2.18 eV as compared to the bulk (1.60 eV) FePS3. Benefitting from the monolayer feature, FePS3 QSs demonstrate a substantially accelerated photocatalytic H2 generation rate, which is up to three times higher than the bulk counterpart. This study presents a facile way, for the first time, of producing uniform monolayer FePS3 QSs and opens up new avenues for designing other low‐dimensional materials based on MPX3.
Recent Advances on Black Phosphorus for Energy Storage, Catalysis, and Sensor Applications
Authors: Liu Hanwen , Hu Kui , Yan Dafeng , Chen Ru , Zou Yuqin , Liu Hongbo , Wang Shuangyin
Published: May 2018

As a new type of 2D semiconductor, black phosphorus (BP) possesses high charge‐carrier mobility and theoretical capacity, thickness‐dependent bandgap, and anisotropic structure, which has attracted tremendous attention since early 2014. To explore its full application in all aspects, studies based on BP nanostructures are swiftly expanding from the electronic field to energy storage and even biochemistry. The mechanism and application of BP in Li‐/Na‐ion battery anodes, oxygen evolution reaction/hydrogen evolution reaction catalysis, photocatalytic hydrogen production, and selective sensors are summarized. Based on the solid research on this topic, feasible improvements and constructive suggestions regarding these four fields are put forward.
Intelligent Mesoporous Materials for Selective Adsorption and Mechanical Release of Organic Pollutants from Water
Authors: Xie Siying , Wu Shanshan , Bao Sihan , Wang Yanqiu , Zheng Yongtai , Deng Danfeng , Huang Liping , Zhang Lingling , Lee Myongsoo , Huang Zhegang
Published: May 2018

Despite recent advances in the porous materials for efficient removal of dissolved organic pollutants from water, the regeneration of porous characteristics for reuse with preventing secondary contamination remains a challenge. Here, novel supramolecular absorbents with hydrophobic pore are prepared by the self‐assembly of propeller‐shaped aromatic amphiphiles. The assembly of folded propeller provides a mesoporous environment within aromatic segments, which is suitable for the removal of organic pollutants from waste water. The removal efficiency is found to be 92% and 90% for ethinyl oestradiol (Eo) and bisphenol A (BPA). Notably, the folded architecture of propeller is observed to be flattened by the salt addition, which results in the strong π–π interaction driving the porous materials closed and forms solid fibers. It is found that most of the removed pollutants are spontaneously released by the dynamic porous assembly, and subsequent dialysis triggers the porous materials to be recovered.
Hierarchical Micro‐/Nanostructures from Human Hair for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Zheng Di‐Wei , Hong Sheng , Xu Lu , Li Chu‐Xin , Li Ke , Cheng Si‐Xue , Zhang Xian‐Zheng
Published: May 2018

With the prominent progress of biomedical engineering, materials with high biocompatibility and versatile functions are urgently needed. So far, hierarchical structures in nature have shed some light on the design of high performance materials both in concept and implementation. Inspired by these, the hierarchical micro‐/nanostructures of human hair are explored and human hair is further broken into hierarchical microparticles (HMP) and hierarchical nanoparticles (HNP) with top‐down procedures. Compared with commercialized carriers, such as liposomes or albumin nanoparticles, the obtained particles exhibit high hemocompatibility and negligible immunogenicity. Furthermore, these materials also display attentional abilities in the aspects of light absorption and free radical scavenging. It is found that HMP and HNP can prevent skin from UV‐induced damage and relieve symptoms of cataract in vitro. Besides, both HMP and HNP show satisfactory photothermal conversion ability. By using microcomputed tomography and intravital fluorescence microscopy, it is found that warfarin‐loaded HMP can rescue mice from vein thrombosis. In another aspect, HNP modified with tumor targeted aptamers exhibit dramatic antineoplastic effect, and suppress 96.8% of tumor growth in vivo. Thus, the multifaceted materials described here might provide a new tool for addressing biomedical challenges.
Camphor‐Enabled Transfer and Mechanical Testing of Centimeter‐Scale Ultrathin Films
Authors: Wang Bin , Luo Da , Li Zhancheng , Kwon Youngwoo , Wang Meihui , Goo Min , Jin Sunghwan , Huang Ming , Shen Yongtao , Shi Haofei , Ding Feng , Ruoff Rodney S.
Published: May 2018

Camphor is used to transfer centimeter‐scale ultrathin films onto custom‐designed substrates for mechanical (tensile) testing. Compared to traditional transfer methods using dissolving/peeling to remove the support‐layers, camphor is sublimed away in air at low temperature, thereby avoiding additional stress on the as‐transferred films. Large‐area ultrathin films can be transferred onto hollow substrates without damage by this method. Tensile measurements are made on centimeter‐scale 300 nm‐thick graphene oxide film specimens, much thinner than the ≈2 μm minimum thickness of macroscale graphene‐oxide films previously reported. Tensile tests were also done on two different types of large‐area samples of adlayer free CVD‐grown single‐layer graphene supported by a ≈100 nm thick polycarbonate film; graphene stiffens this sample significantly, thus the intrinsic mechanical response of the graphene can be extracted. This is the first tensile measurement of centimeter‐scale monolayer graphene films. The Young's modulus of polycrystalline graphene ranges from 637 to 793 GPa, while for near single‐crystal graphene, it ranges from 728 to 908 GPa (folds parallel to the tensile loading direction) and from 683 to 775 GPa (folds orthogonal to the tensile loading direction), demonstrating the mechanical performance of large‐area graphene in a size scale relevant to many applications.
Unique Energy Alignments of a Ternary Material System toward High‐Performance Organic Photovoltaics
Authors: Cheng Pei , Wang Jiayu , Zhang Qianqian , Huang Wenchao , Zhu Jingshuai , Wang Rui , Chang Sheng‐Yung , Sun Pengyu , Meng Lei , Zhao Hongxiang , Cheng Hao‐Wen , Huang Tianyi , Liu Yuqiang , Wang Chaochen , Zhu Chenhui , You Wei , Zhan Xiaowei , Yang Yang
Published: May 2018

Incorporating narrow‐bandgap near‐infrared absorbers as the third component in a donor/acceptor binary blend is a new strategy to improve the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of organic photovoltaics (OPV). However, there are two main restrictions: potential charge recombination in the narrow‐gap material and miscompatibility between each component. The optimized design is to employ a third component (structurally similar to the donor or acceptor) with a lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy level similar to the acceptor and a highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy level similar to the donor. In this design, enhanced absorption of the active layer and enhanced charge transfer can be realized without breaking the optimized morphology of the active layer. Herein, in order to realize this design, two new narrow‐bandgap nonfullerene acceptors with suitable energy levels and chemical structures are designed, synthesized, and employed as the third component in the donor/acceptor binary blend, which boosts the PCE of OPV to 11.6%.
Graphene Oxide‐Based Polymeric Membranes for Water Treatment
Authors: Wang Xiao , Zhao Yuntao , Tian Enling , Li Jing , Ren Yiwei
Published: May 2018

Membrane technologies for water treatment and desalination are increasingly developed and utilized to address the global challenges of water security and supply. Membrane‐based separations can produce water with desirable qualities from a wide range of water sources, such as groundwater, seawater, brackish water, and wastewater. However, the membranes, which are typically made from polymers, are still restricted by their inherent limitations, including a permeability/selectivity trade‐off and a high fouling propensity. Functionalized graphene (i.e., graphene oxide and its functionalized derivates) is regarded as a very promising nanomaterial for overcoming these limitations owing to its superior hydrophilicity, mechanical stability, bacteriostasis, and biocidal properties. The addition of a small amount of this nanomaterial (normally less 1 wt% based on the weight of polymer) into polymeric membranes significantly improves their physicochemical properties and provides new functionalities. In this review, the recent advances in the preparation of functionalized graphene and its integration into polymer membranes for water treatment are summarized. The influences of functionalized graphene on the separation performance, antifouling ability, chlorine resistance, and mechanical properties of membranes are revealed. Current challenges and future perspectives in the development of high‐performance functionalized graphene–polymer membranes are also discussed.
Flexible Wire‐Shaped Perovskite Photodetector via Joule Heating for Improved Crystallization and Performance
Authors: Adams Geoffrey Ryan , Adhikari Nirmal , Parker Helen , Okoli Okenwa
Published: May 2018

Organolead triiodide perovskite (CH3NH3PbI3) is used extensively as the absorber material for both solar cells and photodetectors; however, the reported photodetectors are all planar and flexible planar devices. To the best of knowledge the first flexible wire‐shaped perovskite photodetector is reported. The performance of the wire‐shaped perovskite photodetector on carbon nanotube yarn (CNY) critically depends on the surface geometry and annealing conditions. The use of joule heating method for uniform control of temperature on CNY surface results in smooth perovskite crystalline films, which are used to produce self‐powering photodetectors with strong responsivity (10.2 A W−1), detectivity (1.76 × 1011 J), and Ilight/Idark (45). This development displays the role of joule heating in the annealing process and demonstrates a cheap, repeatable method for the fabrication of self‐powered perovskite photodetectors.
Enhancement of Wetting and Mechanical Properties of UHMWPE‐Based Composites through Alumina Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Shimel Meni , Gouzman Irina , Grossman Eitan , Barkay Zahava , Katz Sari , Bolker Asaf , Eliaz Noam , Verker Ronen
Published: May 2018

Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers suffer from poor adhesion to polar matrices in composites due to their chemically inert surface, thus limiting the use of UHMWPE‐based fabrics and composites. Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is a useful method of constructing a thin oxide layer, with a variety of oxides available, enabling a nondestructive method for surface modification. Here, UHMWPE fibers and fabrics are coated by ALD with a thin alumina layer, using two precursors—trimethylaluminum (TMA) and water—to a final coating thickness of 39 nm. The effect of the oxide coating layer is determined by various mechanical and physical tests. The contact angle is reduced by 44–49%, indicating a substantial increase in wettability. Significant improvements are observed in the flexural modulus, flexural strength, interlaminar shear strength, resilience, and toughness. Frequency dependence tests show an improvement in storage modulus at all tested frequencies, insinuating higher impact toughness at high strain rates. Failure analysis reveals a change in the failure mode, from pinholes formation and adhesion failure to cohesion failure and mixed failure modes. Thus, the use of ALD alumina‐coated UHMWPE fibers in composites shows high scientific and technological potential.
Multifunctional Trimetallic Colloidal Plasmonic Nanohybrid: Highly Efficient Photocatalyst and Photothermal Agent
Authors: Kumar Dinesh , Awasthi Ganesh Prasad , Park Chan Hee , Kim Cheol Sang
Published: May 2018

Herein, preparation of novel multimetallic core–satellite Pt‐nanodots decorated TiO2‐coated AuNPs (AuNPs@TiO2@Pt) plasmonic nanoparticles with well‐defined spherical dendritic morphology and excellent colloidal stability are reported. The coating of a TiO2 layer and PtNDs maximizes the surface plasmon resonance as there is a redshift from 525 to 550 nm and also increases surface area significantly. Prepared plasmonic nanohybrid is tested for multiple photosystems such as water pollutants (methylene blue, methyl orange, and methyl red) photodegradation at room temperature in visible light irradiation, and photothermal studies in near‐infrared (NIR, 808 nm) light. AuNPs@TiO2@Pt shows complete photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes (methylene blue = 40 min, methyl orange = 75 min, and methyl red = 60 min) at room temperature and the pseudo first‐order rate constant is found to be 0.1242, 0.047, and 0.068 min−1 for methylene blue, methyl orange, and methyl red degradation, respectively. Moreover, AuNPs@TiO2@Pt also shows a high photothermal effect in NIR light irradiation with an excellent morphological and photostability.
Doping Cu Atoms Excel as the Functional Material to Tune the Wettability for TMeNs Hard Coating
Authors: Zhang Kan , Liu Chang , Wen Mao , Chen Yuning , Song Jinlong , Yang Lina , Cao Jiashu , Yu Shansheng
Published: May 2018

The hard yet hydrophobic surface capable of withstanding harsh conditions is needed in a broad range of applications. This combined computational‐experimental study exhibits an effective modification method for transition metal nitrides protective coatings toward both excellent mechanical and robust hydrophobic properties. It indicates that the introduction of low concentrations of Cu as the solute atoms substitute for the Ta atoms in TaN lattice can form the TaCuN solid solution structure. Meanwhile, the evolution of microstructure induces the refined grains and higher H/E*, which results in a combination of improved hardness and enhanced toughness. Better yet, a moderate incorporation of solute Cu atoms into TaN structure can induce a charge depletion state and form a Cu2O surface on TaN, as demonstrated by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electron density difference pattern. The Cu2O phase has an essentially full Cu 3d shell achieving the coordinative saturation, which can inhibit hydrogen bonding with interfacial water molecules, succeeded in enhancing the hydrophobicity of TaN. Density functional theory calculations are further employed to clarify that hydrophobic feature of Cu2O groups should be responsible for the tuning of wettability via destroying hydrogen‐bonding network of water molecules next to the surface.
Intense Single Red Emission Induced by Near‐Infrared Irradiation Using a Narrow Bandgap Oxide BiVO4 as the Host for Yb3+ and Tm3+ Ions
Authors: Huang Huining , Wang Zeyan , Huang Baibiao , Wang Peng , Zhang Xiaoyang , Qin Xiaoyan , Dai Ying , Zhou Guangjun , Whangbo Myung‐Hwan
Published: May 2018

As a new way of producing a single red emission under near‐infrared (NIR) irradiation, the possibility of using a narrow bandgap oxide as the host for the sensitizer Yb3+ ion as well as a suitable activator ion such as Ho3+, Er3+, or Tm3+ is considered, because the host can absorb the emissions of the activator ion higher in energy than the red emission. To verify this new concept, BiVO4:Yb3+,Tm3+ using a sol–gel method is prepared and its photoluminescence properties are characterized. BiVO4 has the bandgap of ≈2.4 eV so that, under NIR irradiation, it absorbs the blue and other higher‐energy emissions of Tm3+. As a consequence, BiVO4:Yb3+,Tm3+ exhibits an intense single red emission under the NIR irradiation. The high‐energy emissions absorbed by the host generate electron–hole pairs in the host, so that BiVO4:Yb3+,Tm3+ acts as a photocatalyst under NIR irradiation although the host alone cannot absorb the NIR light. NIR‐induced upconversion luminescence (UCL) and photocatalysis in the region of red lights can be achieved by employing a semiconducting oxide as the host for sensitizer and activator lanthanide ions.
Advanced Sustainable Thermoplastics Based on Wood Residue Using Interface Nanomodification Technique
Authors: Bao Lixia , Zou Xin , Chi Shuai , Dong Shunping , Lei Jingxin , Wang Jiliang
Published: May 2018

Wood residue (WR) is one of the most important biorenewable and sustainable resources, however, it is still a big challenge to directly use such hydrophilic resources to obtain thermoplastics by common thermoplasticization methods. Consequently, WR is usually used as fuel to produce heat or as fillers in furniture and decoration materials. Herein, a WR‐based sustainable thermoplastic with both good thermoplasticity and waterproof performance by grafting hydrophobic n‐octanol side chains (IP‐8) onto the WR is reported. Thermoplasticity and waterproof mechanisms of the prepared thermoplastics are extensively evaluated. It is found for the first time that Tg of the modified WR can be significantly reduced to 54 °C, which is much lower than the reported value (≈200 °C) of unmodified WR. Tm peaks are evidently detected once the IP‐8 content exceeds 52.1 wt%, implying much better thermoplasticity in comparison with the unmodified WR. The good thermoplasticity and waterproof performance are mainly attributed to the formation of new crystal lamella with a crystallite size of ≈84 nm and hydrophobic spherical nanoparticles (150–350 nm). The developed method has large potential application in the fields of environmental‐friendly and sustainable macromolecular materials based on biomass resources like wood residue and plant straw.
11% Organic Photovoltaic Devices Based on PTB7‐Th: PC71BM Photoactive Layers and Irradiation‐Assisted ZnO Electron Transport Layers
Authors: Aqoma Havid , Park Sujung , Park Hye‐Yun , Hadmojo Wisnu Tantyo , Oh Seung‐Hwan , Nho Sungho , Kim Do Hui , Seo Jeonghoon , Park Sungmin , Ryu Du Yeol , Cho Shinuk , Jang Sung‐Yeon
Published: May 2018

The enhancement of interfacial charge collection efficiency using buffer layers is a cost‐effective way to improve the performance of organic photovoltaic devices (OPVs) because they are often universally applicable regardless of the active materials. However, the availability of high‐performance buffer materials, which are solution‐processable at low temperature, are limited and they often require burdensome additional surface modifications. Herein, high‐performance ZnO based electron transporting layers (ETLs) for OPVs are developed with a novel g‐ray‐assisted solution process. Through careful formulation of the ZnO precursor and g‐ray irradiation, the pre‐formation of ZnO nanoparticles occurs in the precursor solutions, which enables the preparation of high quality ZnO films. The g‐ray assisted ZnO (ZnO‐G) films possess a remarkably low defect density compared to the conventionally prepared ZnO films. The low‐defect ZnO‐G films can improve charge extraction efficiency of ETL without any additional treatment. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the device using the ZnO‐G ETLs is 11.09% with an open‐circuit voltage (VOC), short‐circuit current density ( JSC), and fill factor (FF) of 0.80 V, 19.54 mA cm‐2, and 0.71, respectively, which is one of the best values among widely studied poly[4,8‐bis(5‐(2‐ethylhexyl)thiophen‐2‐yl)benzo[1,2‐b;4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐2,6‐diyl‐alt‐(4‐(2‐ethylhexyl)‐3‐fluorothieno[3,4‐b]thiophene‐)‐2‐carboxylate‐2‐6‐diyl)]: [6,6]‐phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PTB7‐Th:PC71BM)‐based devices.
A Metal Chelator as a Plasmonic Signal‐Generation Superregulator for Ultrasensitive Colorimetric Bioassays of Disease Biomarkers
Authors: Zhao Qian , Piao Jiafang , Peng Weipan , wang Jun , Gao Weichen , Wu Xiaoli , Wang Hanjie , Gong Xiaoqun , Chang Jin , Zhang Bingbo
Published: May 2018

Enzyme‐based assays have been widely applied in clinical diagnosis for decades. However, the intrinsic limitations of enzymes, such as low operation stability, mediocre sensitivity, and high cost in production and purification, heavily constrain their detection application. Here, an enzyme‐free assay is reported that relies on the strong chelating capability of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid disodium salt (EDTA•2Na, the chelator) for Au3+ ions, in which the cheap EDTA•2Na labeled by targeting moieties can selectively regulate the growth of plasmonic gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) at the target site subjecting to the concentration of analyte in samples. Independent of ambient temperature and unstable H2O2, EDTA•2Na perform superregulation in AuNPs plasmonic signal generation with distinct tonality and outstanding reliability. Upon integrating with silica nanoparticles as the signal amplifying platform, EDTA•2Na‐regulated bioassay can lead to detection‐sensitivity enhancements exceeding three orders of magnitude in protein detection, compared with the gold‐standard assay. The limit of detection of the HBsAg and alpha fetoprotein (AFP) pushes down to 2.6 × 10−15 and 2.5 × 10−19 g mL−1, respectively. EDTA•2Na‐regulated bioassay is also challenged in the clinical serum sample detection and a good consistency is found with the chemiluminescence immunoassay method in clinics.
3D Multifunctional Composites Based on Large‐Area Stretchable Circuit with Thermoforming Technology
Authors: Yang Yang , Vervust Thomas , Dunphy Sheila , Van Put Steven , Vandecasteele Bjorn , Dhaenens Kristof , Degrendele Lieven , Mader Lothar , De Vriese Linde , Martens Tom , Kaufmann Markus , Sekitani Tsuyoshi , Vanfleteren Jan
Published: May 2018

Fiber‐reinforced polymer composites with integrated intelligence, such as sensors, actuators, and communication capabilities, are desirable as infrastructures for the next generation of “internet of things.” However, the shape mismatch between the 3D composites and a planar electronic circuit causes difficulties in integrating electronic circuit‐based intelligences. Here, an easily scalable approach, by incorporating a large‐area stretchable circuit with thermoforming technology, to fabricate 3D multifunctional composites is reported. The stretchable circuit is first fabricated on a rigid and planar carrier board, then transferred and sandwiched between thermoplastic composites through lamination processes. A thermoforming step shapes the sandwiched and planar structure by heating up the encapsulating polymers beyond their glass transition temperature and pushing them and the circuit against a mold. Using the proposed process, large‐sized composites with integrated matrices of light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) and capacitive sensors are successfully fabricated. A giant (with a size of 0.5 m × 1 m) seven‐segment display is assembled using the fabricated composites with integrated LEDs and capacitive sensors to display 128 symbols. The results demonstrate the potential of the proposed approach as a facile, reproducible, and scalable process for creating 3D multifunctional composites.
Di‐Spiro‐Based Hole‐Transporting Materials for Highly Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Gao Ke , Xu Bo , Hong Chaoshen , Shi Xueliang , Liu Hongbin , Li Xiaosong , Xie Linghai , Jen Alex K‐Y
Published: May 2018

Hole‐transporting materials (HTMs) are essential for enabling highly efficient perovskite solar cells (PVSCs) to extract and transport the hole carriers. Among numerous HTMs that are studied so far, the single‐spiro‐based compounds are the most frequently used HTMs for achieving highly efficient PVSCs. In fact, all the new spiro‐based HTMs reported so far that render PVSCs over 20% are based on spiro[fluorene‐9,9′‐xanthene] or spiro [cyclopenta [2,1‐b:3,4b′]dithiophene‐4,9′‐fluorene] cores; therefore, there is a need to diversify the design of their structures for further improving their function and performance. In addition, the fundamental understanding of structure–performance relationships for the spiro‐based HTMs is still lagging, for example, how molecular configuration, spiro numbers, and heteroatoms in spiro‐rings impact the efficacy of HTMs. To address these needs, two novel H‐shaped HTMs, G1 and G2 based on the di‐spiro‐rings as the cores are designed and synthesized. The combined good film‐forming properties, better interactions with perovskite, slightly deeper highest occupied molecular orbital, higher mobility and conductivity, as well as more efficient charge transfer for G2 help devices reach a very impressive power conversion efficiency of 20.2% and good stability. This is the first report of demonstrating the feasibility of using di‐spiro‐based HTMs for highly efficient PVSCs.