bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Working principle and layout logic of closed magnetic field in sputtering
Authors: Cui Sui-Han , Guo Yu-Xiang , Chen Qiu-Hao , Jin Zheng , Yang Chao , Wu Zhong-Can , Su Xiong-Yu , Ma Zheng-Yong , Tian Xiu-Bo , Wu Zhong-Zhen ,   School of Advanced Materials, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
Published: February 2022

Closed magnetic field constructed by unbalanced magnetron sputtering (MS) cathodes has been a general means of developing the MS coating system. However, owing to the difficulties in characterizing the complex plasma behaviors, there are still no quantitative criteria or design bases for some critical points, such as the effective object, the working mechanism, the closure condition, the layout logic and the effectivity of the closed magnetic field. Here in this work, out of the movements of charged particles in magnetic field, the motion behaviors of electrons and ions in the vacuum chamber are studied and it is also revealed that the closed magnetic field can affect mainly the electrons and further control the distributions of ions. A Monte-Carlo collision (MCC) model of the closed magnetic field MS coating system is established by test-electron to characterize the plasma transport characteristics, and the electron constraint and coating deposition efficiency are studied by different layouts of the magnetron cathodes and the ion sources. The simulation results show that the cathode numbers and vacuum chamber size determine the constraint effect on electrons in closed magnetic field. By 8 MS cathodes and the chamber radius of 0.5 m, the proportion of the overflow electrons can decrease to 1.77%. To increase the proportion of the electrons in the coating region, four coupled magnetic fields are introduced in the center of vacuum chamber. The studies of cathode type, rotation angle and magnetic field direction reveal that the proportion of the overflow electrons is less than 3%. A local dense plasma distribution and a continuous uniform plasma distribution can be observed in the vacuum chamber, corresponding to the same and opposite layout in magnetic poles of the MS cathodes and the ion sources, and the proportion of the electrons in the coating region significantly increases to 53.41% and 42.25%, respectively.
Causes and Consequences of Nuclear Envelope Rupture and DNA Damage in Micronuclei
Authors: Grodsky Ania
Published: February 2022

Micronuclei are small, aberrant nuclear compartments containing mis-segregated chromosomes or chromosomal fragments. During telophase, dysfunctional micronuclear envelope reassembly leaves the micronuclear envelope highly unstable and rupture-prone. Following rupture, micronuclei attempt to repair membrane gaps, but the process is typically unsuccessful and may promote the invasion of ER tubules into the interior of micronuclei. These abnormalities cause ruptured micronuclei to accumulate significant DNA damage in the form of both single-stranded DNA and double-stranded breaks. Because micronuclei are capable of promoting genome instability, it is essential to understand the sources of DNA damage and the mechanism through which it arises in these structures. In this review, I will explore the causes and consequences of micronuclear envelope rupture, beginning with the processes surrounding improper micronuclear envelope reassembly. I will then discuss micronuclear envelope rupture, attempted micronuclear envelope repair and its consequences, and the proposed causes of micronuclear DNA damage.
Multi‐jet fusion for additive manufacturing of radiotherapy immobilization devices: Effects of color, thickness, and orientation on surface dose and tensile strength
Authors: Asfia Amirhossein , Deepak Basaula , Novak James Ivan , Rolfe Bernard , Kron Tomas
Published: February 2022

Immobilization devices are used to obtain reproducible patient setup during radiotherapy treatment, improving accuracy, and reducing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Additive manufacturing is emerging as a viable method for manufacturing and personalizing such devices. The goal of this study was to investigate the dosimetric and mechanical properties of a recent additive technology called multi‐jet fusion (MJF) for radiotherapy applications, including the ability for this process to produce full color parts. Skin dose testing included 50 samples with dimensions 100 mm × 100 mm with five different thicknesses (1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, and 5 mm) and grouped into colored (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (CMYK) additives) and non‐colored (white) samples. Results using a 6 MV beam found that surface dose readings were predominantly independent of the colored additives. However, for an 18 MV beam, the additives affected the surface dose, with black recording significantly lower surface dose readings compare to other colors. The accompanying tensile testing of 175 samples designed to ASTM D638 type I standards found that the black agent resulted in the lowest ultimate tensile strength (UTS) for each thickness of 1–5 mm. It was also found that the print orientation had influence on the skin dose and mechanical properties of the samples. When all data were combined and analyzed using a multiple‐criteria decision‐making technique, magenta was found to offer the best balance between high UTS and low surface dose across different thicknesses and orientations, making it an optimal choice for immobilization devices. This is the first study to consider the use of color MJF for radiotherapy immobilization devices, and suggests that color additives can affect both dosimetry and mechanical performance. This is important as industrial additive technologies like MJF become increasingly adopted in the health and medical sectors.
Maintaining dosimetric quality when switching to a Monte Carlo dose engine for head and neck volumetric‐modulated arc therapy planning
Authors: Feygelman Vladimir , Latifi Kujtim , Bowers Mark , Greco Kevin , Moros Eduardo G. , Isacson Max , Angerud Agnes , Caudell Jimmy
Published: February 2022

Head and neck cancers present challenges in radiation treatment planning due to the large number of critical structures near the target(s) and highly heterogeneous tissue composition. While Monte Carlo (MC) dose calculations currently offer the most accurate approximation of dose deposition in tissue, the switch to MC presents challenges in preserving the parameters of care. The differences in dose‐to‐tissue were widely discussed in the literature, but mostly in the context of recalculating the existing plans rather than reoptimizing with the MC dose engine. Also, the target dose homogeneity received less attention. We adhere to strict dose homogeneity objectives in clinical practice. In this study, we started with 21 clinical volumetric‐modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans previously developed in Pinnacle treatment planning system. Those plans were recalculated “as is” with RayStation (RS) MC algorithm and then reoptimized in RS with both collapsed cone (CC) and MC algorithms. MC statistical uncertainty (0.3%) was selected carefully to balance the dose computation time (1–2 min) with the planning target volume (PTV) dose‐volume histogram (DVH) shape approaching that of a “noise‐free” calculation. When the hot spot in head and neck MC‐based treatment planning is defined as dose to 0.03 cc, it is exceedingly difficult to limit it to 105% of the prescription dose, as we were used to with the CC algorithm. The average hot spot after optimization and calculation with RS MC was statistically significantly higher compared to Pinnacle and RS CC algorithms by 1.2 and 1.0 %, respectively. The 95% confidence interval (CI) observed in this study suggests that in most cases a hot spot of ≤107% is achievable. Compared to the 95% CI for the previous clinical plans recalculated with RS MC “as is” (upper limit 108%), in real terms this result is at least as good or better than the historic plans.
Pew calls for more access to methadone, fewer rules for OTPs
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: February 2022

As drug overdose deaths continue to skyrocket, another report in what seems like an endless parade of them calls for an expansion of treatment.
Small‐Molecule‐Driven Direct Reprogramming of Fibroblasts into Functional Sertoli‐Like Cells as a Model for Male Reproductive Toxicology
Authors: Yang Yan , Li Quan , Huang Rufei , Xia Huan , Tang Yan , Mai Wanwen , Liang Jinlian , Ma Siying , Chen Derong , Feng Yuqing , Lei Yaling , Zhang Qihao , Huang Yadong
Published: February 2022

Sertoli cells (SCs) are vital to providing morphological and nutritional support for spermatogenesis. Defects in SCs often lead to infertility. SCs transplantation is a promising potential strategy to compensate for SC dysfunction. However, isolation of SCs from testes is impractical due to obvious and ethical limitations. Here, a molecular cocktail is identified comprising of pan‐BET family inhibitor (I‐BET151), retinoic acid, and riluzole that enables the efficient conversion of fibroblasts into functional Sertoli‐like cells (CiSCs). The gene expression profiles of CiSCs resemble those of mature SCs and exhibit functional properties such as the formation of testicular seminiferous tubules, engulfment of apoptotic sperms, supporting the survival of germ cells, and suppressing proliferation of primary lymphocytes in vitro. Moreover, CiSCs are sensitive to toxic substances, making them an alternative model to study the deleterious effects of toxicants on SCs. The study provides an efficient approach to reprogram fibroblasts into functional SCs by using pure chemical compounds.
Study on Duplex Stainless Steel Powder Compositions for the Coating of Thick Plates for Laser Beam Welding
Authors: Straße Anne , Gumenyuk Andrey , Rethmeier Michael
Published: February 2022

Duplex stainless steels combine the positive properties of its two phases, austenite and ferrite. Due to its good corrosion resistance, high tensile strength, and good ductility, it has multiple applications. But laser beam welding of duplex steels changes the balanced phase distribution in favor of ferrite. This results in a higher vulnerability to corrosion and a lower ductility. Herein, different powder combinations consisting of duplex and nickel for coating layers by laser metal deposition (LMD) are investigated. Afterward, laser tracks are welded, and the temperature cycles are measured. The ferrite content of the tracks is analyzed by feritscope, metallographic analysis, and electron backscatter diffraction. The goal is the development of a powder mixture allowing for a duplex microstructure in a two‐step process, where first the edges of the weld partners are coated with the powder mixture by LMD and second those edges are laser beam welded. The powder mixture identified by the pretests is tested in the two‐step process and analyzed by metallographic analysis, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and Vickers hardness tests. The resulting weld seams show a balanced duplex microstructure with a homogenous nickel distribution and a hardness of the weld seam similar to the base material.
Substantial Improvement of Operating Stability by Strengthening Metal‐Halogen Bonds in Halide Perovskites
Authors: Chen Xi , Sun Zhiguo , Cai Bo , Li Xiaoming , Zhang Shihua , Fu Di , Zou Yousheng , Fan Zhiyong , Zeng Haibo
Published: February 2022

Solution‐processed lead halide perovskites (LHPs) hold great promise for low‐cost high‐performance solar cells and light‐emitting devices, but they also suffer from a serious operating instability problem due to the ionic migration and lattice decomposition driven by strong electric fields. Here, considerably suppressed ionic migration and enhanced lattice stability in LHPs with partial substitution of Pb with 3d transition metal (TM: Mn and Ni) are reported. It is experimentally shown that the energy barrier for ionic migration in CsPbBr3 can be increased fourfold by Mn and Ni substitution, even with a small doping level (<4%). However, post‐TM Zn and non‐TM Bi incorporations are less efficient in suppressing ionic migration. The theoretical results reveal that Ni and Mn ions with partially filled 3d orbitals can passivate the active lone‐pair electron of surrounding Pb‐Br octahedrons via a coordination effect and reduce the Pb 6s‐Br 4p antibonding states, resulting in long‐range lattice stabilization and suppressed ionic migration. The Ni incorporation strategy in mixed‐halogen CsPbBr1.5I1.5 is further demonstrated, for which the field‐driven halogen segregation is significantly mitigated and the associated emission color variation is reduced sixfold. This study paves the way for improving the operating stability in LHP‐based optoelectronic and electronic devices.
Microneedle Patches Integrated with Biomineralized Melanin Nanoparticles for Simultaneous Skin Tumor Photothermal Therapy and Wound Healing
Authors: Lei Qi , He Dengfeng , Ding Liangping , Kong Fanhui , He Peiying , Huang Junda , Guo Jimin , Brinker C. Jeffrey , Luo Gaoxing , Zhu Wei , Yu Yunlong
Published: February 2022

Unhealed wound after malignant skin tumor resection, characterized by full‐thickness cutaneous defects, large open cavities, and incomplete tumor tissue resection are the leading cause for long recovery times, poor prognoses, and high recurrence among patients. Herein, a hyaluronic acid (HA)‐based microneedle (MN) functionalized with biomineralized melanin nanoparticles is fabricated to concurrently administer tumor photothermal therapy (PTT) and promote skin tissue regeneration. Natural melanin nanoparticles derived from cuttlefish ink (CINP) possessing antioxidative and photothermal functionalities are employed to scavenge ROS and implement PTT. Further, CINPs are encapsulated within an amorphous silica shell that served as a source of bioactive to stimulate skin tissue regeneration. Due to the physical penetration characteristics of microneedles, the obtained CINP@SiO2‐HA MNs could exert photothermal eradication of the remaining subcutaneous tumor cells to avoid recurrence and inhibit Staphylococcus aureus infection in wound beds. Moreover, benefiting from ROS‐scavenging and release, inflammatory environment can be well controlled and angiogenic gene expression can be up‐regulated for skin tissue regeneration. With requisite biofunctionality, convenient synthesis, and excellent biocompatibility, CINP@SiO2‐HA MNs accompanied with clinically feasible irradiation meet the multiple demands of tumor eradication and wound healing, holding great potential as a supplementary therapy following skin tumor resection.
Synergy between Palladium Single Atoms and Nanoparticles via Hydrogen Spillover for Enhancing CO2 Photoreduction to CH4
Authors: Liu Peigen , Huang Zixiang , Gao Xiaoping , Hong Xun , Zhu Junfa , Wang Gongming , Wu Yuen , Zeng Jie , Zheng Xusheng
Published: February 2022

Selective photoreduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) into carbon‐neutral fuels such as methane (CH4) is extremely desirable but remains a challenge since sluggish multiple proton–electron coupling transfer and various C1 intermediates are involved. Herein, a synergistic function between single Pd atoms (Pd1) and Pd nanoparticles (PdNPs) on graphitic carbon nitride (C3N4) for photocatalytic CO2 methanation is presented. The catalyst achieves a high selectivity of 97.8% for CH4 production with a yield of 20.3 µmol gcat.−1 h−1 in pure water. Mechanistic studies revealed that Pd1 sites activated CO2, while PdNPs sites boosted water (H2O) dissociation for increased H* coverage. The H* produced by PdNPs migrate to the Pd1 sites to promote multiple proton–electron coupling transfer via hydrogen spillover. Moreover, the adjacent Pd1 and PdNPs effectively stabilized intermediates such as *CHO, thereby favoring the pathway for CH4 production. This work provides a new perspective into the development of selective photocatalytic CO2 conversion through the artful design of synergistic catalytic sites.
Pristine and Defective 2D Borophene/Graphene Heterostructure as the Potential Anode of Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Yu Jianwen , Zhou Ming , Yang Mingyang , Zhang Yibo , Xu Benyan , Li Xuyin , Tao Haonan
Published: February 2022

Borophene has received much attention due to its unique structure and electronic properties. However, the application of borophene has been limited by the template effect of the growth metal substrate. A stable borophene/graphene (B/G) heterostructure is designed and prepared by the resonance ball milling method and one‐step molding strategy to realize the application of borophene in the lithium‐ion battery for the first time. Graphene serves as a supporting substrate for borophene, and the B/G anode has a better specific capacity and rate performance than the reduced graphene (G) oxide skeleton. By comparing the electrochemical performance of boron powder samples under different ball milling times, it is found that the anode of B/G heterostructure with 6 h boron powder has the largest specific capacity of 192.3 mAh g–1, which is 39% higher than that of the graphene framework. Oxidation functional groups on the surface of borophene are beneficial for the rate performance of the anode. And the influence of the surface functional groups of borophene are analyzed on the diffusion performance through the first principles. It is believed that the B/G has potential for further applications in the field of lithium‐ion batteries.
Enhanced Electrochemical Kinetics on Ni2P Polar Mediators Integrated with Graphene for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Cheng Junhan , Gao Song , Zhao Dan , Rooney David , Zhang Naiqing , Sun Kening
Published: February 2022

Lithium‐sulfur batteries have evoked intensive attention caused by the urgent requirement of energy storage devices with higher energy density, long cycle life, and low cost. However, the insulating nature and the soluble reaction intermediate products still hinder its large‐scale industry and acceptance by the market. Tremendous efforts focus on the composite of polar material and non‐polar material to solve the weaknesses of material insulating nature and soluble reaction intermediate products. However, the linkage form between these two generic materials has been ignored. In this paper, by using typical Ni2P as polar material and graphene as non‐polar material, the reaction kinetics changes and its intrinsic theories on behavior enhancement have been proved, which construct different binding type between polar and non‐polar materials. The Ni2P/PrGO delivers an improved high specific capacity of 1254.6 mAh g‐1 than Ni2P/rGO at 0.2 C. The relevant X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy result and the in situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests prove that the linkage state between polar and non‐polar material has strong influence on the sulfur cathode reaction kinetics. The enhanced reaction kinetics and polar adsorption behavior bring the soft pack battery testing unit over 150 stable cycles with decay ratio of 0.19% for each cycle.
Periodic Arrays of 3D AuNP‐Capped VO2 Shells and Their Temperature‐Tunable SERS Performance
Authors: Liang Jiran , Yu Lize , Wang Yunxia , Xue Tao , Lei Dangyuan , Wang Zhaoyang , Li Xinzhe
Published: February 2022

In this work, periodic arrays of 3D composite structures consisting of gold nanoparticle (AuNP) capped VO2 shells on self‐assembled highly‐ordered SiO2 microspheres have been designed and fabricated, and their temperature‐tunable surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) performance is investigated. The results show that the SERS intensity enhancement factor (EF) for R6G molecules adsorbed on the AuNP‐capped VO2 shells increases from 8.3 × 105 to 3.9 × 106 when triggering the semiconductor‐to‐metal phase transition of VO2 by temperature rise, which strengthens the plasmonic coupling between the AuNPs and VO2 shells and consequently leads to a larger electric near‐field enhancement at the gaps between neighboring AuNPs. Such periodic arrays of AuNP‐capped VO2 shells with tunable plasmonic coupling can provide great opportunities for various optical applications, such as quantitative SERS detection of analytes, photothermal nano‐regulators, and biosensing in general.
A Quantum Chemistry Approach of Breast Cancer Drugs Bound to Human Serum Albumin
Authors: Tavares Ana Beatriz M.L.A. , Albuquerque Eudenilson L.
Published: February 2022

The bindings of three different anticancer drugs, Cu(BpT)Br (2‐benzoylpyridine thiosemicarbazone copper), NAMI‐A (imidazolium trans‐imidazoledimethylsulphoxide‐tetrachlorido ruthenate), and DOX (doxorubicin), widely used in the breast cancer treatment, to human serum albumin (HSA) are investigated using a quantum chemistry approach based on the density functional theory calculations employing a dispersion corrected exchange‐correlation functional within a fragmentation strategy. As a consequence, it is possible to identify the magnitude of the most relevant quantum binding interactions of these supramolecular complexes, and thus guide their molecular modification process. The data obtained in this work highlight the power of quantum calculations as an important tool for the drug design process, and pave the way for the use of HSA‐ligand interactions during the rational design of new anticancer compounds. More important, the results show that HSA/multi‐drug complex, formed by the combination of the three individual anticancer drugs [Cu(BpT)Br]–(NAMI‐A)–(DOX), increases the targeting ability compared with each single drug's interaction with HSA, in agreement with in vivo predictions.
Biodegradable Elastomers and Gels for Elastic Electronics
Authors: Chen Shuo , Wu Zekai , Chu Chengzhen , Ni Yufeng , Neisiany Rasoul Esmaeely , You Zhengwei
Published: February 2022

Biodegradable electronics are considered as an important bio‐friendly solution for electronic waste (e‐waste) management, sustainable development, and emerging implantable devices. Elastic electronics with higher imitative mechanical characteristics of human tissues, have become crucial for human‐related applications. The convergence of biodegradability and elasticity has emerged a new paradigm of next‐generation electronics especially for wearable and implantable electronics. The corresponding biodegradable elastic materials are recognized as a key to drive this field toward the practical applications. The review first clarifies the relevant concepts including biodegradable and elastic electronics along with their general design principles. Subsequently, the crucial mechanisms of the degradation in polymeric materials are discussed in depth. The diverse types of biodegradable elastomers and gels for electronics are then summarized. Their molecular design, modification, processing, and device fabrication especially the structure–properties relationship as well as recent advanced are reviewed in detail. Finally, the current challenges and the future directions are proposed. The critical insights of biodegradability and elastic characteristics in the elastomers and gel allows them to be tailored and designed more effectively for electronic applications.
Semi‐Planar Non‐Fullerene Molecules Enhance the Durability of Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Liu Hairui , Zhang Zuhong , Su Zhenhuang , Zuo Weiwei , Tang Ying , Yang Feng , Zhang Xilin , Qin Chaochao , Yang Jien , Li Zhe , Li Meng
Published: February 2022

Flexible perovskite solar cells (FPSCs) represent a promising technology in the development of next‐generation photovoltaic and optoelectronic devices. SnO2 electron transport layers (ETL) typically undergo significant cracking during the bending process of FPSCs, which can significantly compromise their charge transport properties. Herein, the semi‐planar non‐fullerene acceptor molecule Y6 (BT‐core‐based fused‐unit dithienothiophen [3,2‐b]‐pyrrolobenzothiadiazole derivative) is introduced as the buffer layer for SnO2‐based FPSCs. It is found that the Y6 buffer layer can enhance the ability of charge extraction and bending stability for SnO2 ETL. Moreover, the internal stress of perovskite films is also reduced. As a result, SnO2/Y6‐based FPSCs achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20.09% and retained over 80% of their initial efficiency after 1000 bending cycles at a curvature radius of 8 mm, while SnO2‐based devices only retain 60% of their initial PCE (18.60%) upon the same bending cycles. In addition, the interfacial charge extraction is also effectively improved in conjunction with reduced defect density upon incorporation of Y6 on the SnO2 ETL, as revealed by femtosecond transient absorption (Fs‐TA) measurements.
Unveiling a Three Phase Mixed Heterojunction via Phase‐Selective Anchoring of Polymer for Efficient Photocatalysis
Authors: Jadhav Amol R , Bui Viet Q. , Cho Yunhee , Liu Yang , Kumar Ashwani , Kim Hyojung , Ajmal Sara , Liu Xinghui , Saqlain Shahid , Lee Jinsun , Kim Hyunjung , Kim Young Dok , Kim Seong‐Gon , Lee Hyoyoung
Published: February 2022

The ligand‐to‐metal charge transfer (LMCT) facilitated activation of TiO2 has noteworthy potential for solar energy harvesting. However, the fast back electron transfer from TiO2 to an oxidized sensitizer is a key limiting factor causing low photocatalyst efficiency. Herein, a new catalyst design to both increase LMCT efficiency and minimize the back electron transfer is presented. A phase‐selective modification of mixed‐phase TiO2 (anatase: rutile interface) with poly‐salophen organic polymer is developed. The salophen and salen family organic monomers are selectively bound and polymerized on the anatase phase but not the rutile phase, which results in the formation of a three‐phase system. Such a three‐phase system converts an unfavorable polymer TiO2 core‐shell structure to an intimately mixed blend morphology, consisting of interfaced crystalline rutile TiO2 and an amorphous polymer‐covered anatase‐phase TiO2. The developed mixed‐blend morphology poly‐S@P25 can produce H2 of 37 410 µmol h–1 g–1 of polymer, which is ≈3.4 times higher than core‐shell poly‐S@anatase TiO2. This approach overcomes the drawback of the traditional core‐shell structured system for efficient electron harvesting from the LMCT process.
Scalable, Ultrathin, and High‐Temperature‐Resistant Solid Polymer Electrolytes for Energy‐Dense Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Ma Yinxing , Wan Jiayu , Yang Yufei , Ye Yusheng , Xiao Xin , Boyle David T. , Burke Will , Huang Zhuojun , Chen Hao , Cui Yi , Yu Zhiao , Oyakhire Solomon T. , Cui Yi
Published: February 2022

All‐solid‐state batteries (ASSBs) demonstrate great promise, offering high energy density, good thermal stability, and safe operation compared with traditional Li‐ion batteries. Among various solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs), solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) offer an attractive choice due to their thinness, low density, and good manufacturability. However, ultrathin SPEs that work with practical current densities or at high temperatures remain challenging, limiting applicable conditions of SPE‐based batteries. Here, the authors report a novel scalable, ultrathin, and high‐temperature‐resistant SPE for ASSBs. This design includes an electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) matrix and polyethylene oxide (PEO)/Li salt ionic conductor, which offers a stable LiF and Li3N containing SSE/Li interface. The unique interface—as well as the good mechanical strength—inhibits lithium dendrites and prevents short circuiting. As a result, symmetrical LiLi cells deliver more than 300 h cyclability at 0.5 mA cm−2. ASSBs fabricated with only 5 µm‐thickness PAN‐PEO/lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide reach 300 cycles at 0.3 C rate at 60 °C. The excellent thermal stability of PAN also results in safer SPEs at high temperatures. The design extends battery operation up to temperatures of 120 and 150 °C, where it achieves 500 cycles at C/2 rate and 100 cycles at 2C rate, respectively.
The Renaissance of Oligothiophene‐Based Donor–Acceptor Polymers in Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Yin Bingyan , Chen Zhili , Pang Shuting , Yuan Xiyue , Liu Zhitian , Duan Chunhui , Huang Fei , Cao Yong
Published: February 2022

The power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of organic solar cells (OSCs) have increased rapidly owing to the development of non‐fullerene acceptors (NFAs). However, the development of polymer donors lags behind significantly. Currently, the polymer donors are dominated by a handful of thiophene‐substituted benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b']dithiophene (BDTT) polymers, which suffer from lengthy synthesis and high production cost. Compared with BDTT‐based polymers, oligothiophene‐based donor‐acceptor polymers feature much easier synthesis, which were the prevailing polymer donors in fullerene‐based OSCs, but almost disappeared in non‐fullerene OSCs. Herein, two oligothiophene‐based donor‐acceptor polymers (PTTz‐3HD and PTTz‐4HD) are reported to re‐evaluate this kind of polymer in non‐fullerene OSCs. Benefiting from the exquisite alkyl chain design, the polymer PTTz‐3HD exhibits more planar conformation, stronger aggregation, and higher crystallinity, which in turn contributes to the formation of an optimal active layer morphology when blended with NFA. As a result, a PCE of 16.1% and 16.7% is achieved by PTTz‐3HD in binary and ternary OSCs, respectively. Of particular note, the product of short‐circuit current density and fill factor of PTTz‐3HD is fully comparable to those of BDTT‐based polymers. These results suggest the renaissance of oligothiophene‐based donor‐acceptor polymers in OSCs and demonstrate a promising avenue to access high‐efficiency OSCs from low‐cost materials.
Assessing a century of maize and soybean polyculture for silage production
Authors: Burton Amanda B. , Kemanian Armen R.
Published: February 2022

Maize (Zea mays L.) silage is an important source of feed for ruminant animals. However, maize monocultures are exposed to both abiotic and biotic stresses that can reduce yield and contribute to environmental degradation. Over the past century, maize + soy [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] polycultures gained traction because polycultures diversify silage cropping systems and can increase the nutritional quality of silage compared with maize monocultures. However, it remains unclear under which conditions these polycultures provide biomass yields like those of maize monocultures. We compiled paired data from 30 papers (529 records) that reported maize and maize + soy yields for silage. Using random forest, we created two models to investigate the factors determining yield and the yield differential with respect to maize monocultures. We found that the most important variables in determining the polyculture yield were the maize proportion in the mixture and year, where year represents mostly technology trends. Precipitation and temperature remain pivotal, with yields stabilizing when yearly precipitation exceeds 100 cm and average temperature exceeds 15 °C. Maize + soy polycultures may produce similarly to maize monocultures if the maize density is at least 5.3 plants m−2. This signals that whereas biomass production in polycultures is maize‐driven, maize stands can be supplemented with soy or with other suitable companion crops without sacrificing yield, perhaps capturing additional production and ecosystem benefits. Research on polycultures for silage production should focus on economical ways of planting mixtures and on suitable maize companions for each region.
Low‐temperature total oxidation of methane by pore‐ and vacancy‐engineered NiO catalysts
Authors: Shu Yuan , Wang Mengyao , Duan Xiaolan , Liu Dandan , Yang Shize , Zhang Pengfei
Published: February 2022

Designing methane combustion catalysts operated under low temperature (<400°C) remains a huge challenge, especially for noble‐metal–free catalytic systems. With NaCl as a crystalline scaffold, NiO catalyst with abundant oxygen vacancies and an ultra‐high–specific surface area of 181 m2 g−1 is obtained. The mesoporous NiO exhibits outstanding CH4 combustion performance (T90 = 370°C at the weight hourly space velocity (WHSV) = 20,000 mL g−1 h−1). X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), H2‐temperature‐programmed reduction (TPR), kinetic measurements, and O18 isotope‐labeling experiments together disclose the key role of surface lattice oxygen and reaction mechanism by NiO catalysts. More importantly, the excellent stability of NiO by doping La was obtained (low‐temperature thermal stability: 385°C, 400 h, 4 vol% H2O).
A nested online scheduling and nonlinear model predictive control framework for multi‐product continuous systems
Authors: Andrés‐Martínez Oswaldo , Ricardez‐Sandoval Luis A.
Published: February 2022

In the pursuit of integrated scheduling and control frameworks for chemical processes, it is important to develop accurate integrated models and computational strategies such that optimal decisions can be made in a dynamic environment. In this study, a recently developed switched system formulation that integrates scheduling and control decisions is extended to closed‐loop operation embedded with nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC). The resulting framework is a nested online scheduling and control loop that allows to obtain fast and accurate solutions as no model reduction is needed and no integer variables are involved in the formulations. In the outer loop, the integrated model is solved to calculate an optimal product switching sequence such that the process economics is optimized, whereas in the inner loop, an NMPC implements the scheduling decisions. The proposed scheme was tested on two multi‐product continuous systems. Unexpected large disturbances and rush orders were handled effectively.
Locomotion of Sensor‐Integrated Soft Robotic Devices Inside Sub‐Millimeter Arteries with Impaired Flow Conditions
Authors: Pancaldi Lucio , Noseda Lorenzo , Dolev Amit , Fanelli Adele , Ghezzi Diego , Petruska Andrew J. , Sakar Mahmut Selman
Published: February 2022

One of the grand challenges in interventional cardiology and neuroradiology is to minimize the operation time and risk of damage during catheterization. These two factors drastically increase if the target location resides in small and tortuous vessels. Flow‐driven microcatheters are capable of rapidly and safely navigating small arteries with complex anatomy. However, their navigation relies on proper perfusion, which is an important bottleneck in the treatment of pathologies that cause impaired flow conditions. This work introduces the first endovascular sensor‐integrated soft robotic device that navigates sub‐millimeter arteries by extracting propulsive power from external magnetic fields. To this end, a number of innovations are described in the design, actuation, and control of flexible magnetic structures. The device is capable of advancing inside vasculature in an automated fashion using an open‐loop control scheme. Onboard sensors enable the real‐time monitoring of flow conditions, and autonomous switching between different modes of locomotion. The potential of the presented technology for minimally invasive diagnosis and therapy is demonstrated by achieving navigation inside coronary arteries of an ex vivo porcine heart under fluoroscopic guidance.
Reliable Domain‐Specific Exclusive Logic Gates Using Reconfigurable Sequential Logic Based on Antiparallel Bipolar Memristors
Authors: Park Taegyun , Kim Yeong Rok , Kim Jihun , Lee Jinwon , Hwang Cheol Seong
Published: February 2022

The development of memristor‐based stateful logic circuits can minimize data movement during the computing process to achieve in‐memory computing, mitigating the von Neumann bottleneck in the current computing architecture. Herein, a method to combine resistance–resistance (R–R) and voltage–resistance (V–R) logic gates to implement exclusive logic gates composed of APMR‐two‐2(XOR, IMP, RIMP) and APMR‐three‐4XOR, where APMR means antiparallel memristors with a series resistor, is suggested. The proposed gates can accelerate XOR logic operation in a single cycle and expand for the n‐bit input. The performance of the proposed logic gate is then demonstrated with a 1‐bit full adder–subtractor along with the comparison of an n‐bit ripple carry adder. It shows that the implementation for the n‐bit adder takes 4n+1 memristors within 2n+1 steps, which significantly improves the optimization in terms of space‐ and time‐related costs compared with other memristive logic gates. Subsequently, the improved adder circuit can be further utilized to implement an n‐bit multiplier. In addition, the evaluation of the device stress on the various logic gates confirms that the proposed logic gates are reliable.
Biofluid‐based biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease–related pathologies: An update and synthesis of the literature
Authors: Zetterberg Henrik
Published: February 2022

The past few years have seen an explosion in sensitive and specific assays for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related disorders, as well as some novel assays based on pathological seed‐induced protein misfolding in patient samples. Here, I review this exciting field that promises to transform dementia diagnostics and disease monitoring. I discuss data on biomarkers for amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau pathology, neurodegeneration, and glial activation, mention the most promising biomarkers for α‐synuclein and TDP‐43 pathology, and highlight the need for further research into common co‐pathologies. Finally, I consider practical aspects of blood‐based biomarker‐supported AD diagnostics and emphasize the importance of biomarker interpretation in a full clinical context.
Probing the proteome to explore potential correlates of increased Alzheimer's‐related cerebrovascular disease in adults with Down syndrome
Authors: Moni Fahmida , Petersen Melissa E. , Zhang Fan , Lao Patrick J. , Zimmerman Molly E. , Gu Yian , Gutierrez José , Rizvi Batool , Laing Krystal K. , Igwe Kay C. , Sathishkumar Mithra , Keator David , Andrews Howard , Krinsky‐McHale Sharon , Head Elizabeth , Lee Joseph H. , Lai Florence , Yassa Michael A. , Rosas H. Diana , Silverman Wayne , Lott Ira T. , Schupf Nicole , O'Bryant Sid , Brickman Adam M.
Published: February 2022

Cerebrovascular disease is associated with symptoms and pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) among adults with Down syndrome (DS). The cause of increased dementia‐related cerebrovascular disease in DS is unknown. We explored whether protein markers of neuroinflammation are associated with markers of cerebrovascular disease among adults with DS. Participants from the Alzheimer's disease in Down syndrome (ADDS) study with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and blood biomarker data were included. Support vector machine (SVM) analyses examined the relationship of blood‐based proteomic biomarkers with MRI‐defined cerebrovascular disease among participants characterized as having cognitive decline (n = 36, mean age ± SD = 53 ± 6.2) and as being cognitively stable (n = 78, mean age = 49 ± 6.4). Inflammatory and AD markers were associated with cerebrovascular disease, particularly among symptomatic individuals. The pattern suggested relatively greater inflammatory involvement among cognitively stable individuals and greater AD involvement among those with cognitively decline. The findings help to generate hypotheses that both inflammatory and AD markers are implicated in cerebrovascular disease among those with DS and point to potential mechanistic pathways for further examination.
Synthesis, characterization, antibacterial, anticancer, and density‐functional theory studies of nano‐metal (II) oxime complexes
Authors: Al‐Sabawi Emad N. , Al‐Janabi Ahmed S. M. , Jerjis Haifa Muhammed , Khairy Mohammed , Alduaij Omar K. , Yousef Tarek A.
Published: February 2022

New nanophenolic oxime complexes of the type [M(κ2‐Saly)2] {where HSaly = salicyl‐aldoxime; M = Co(1), Ni(2), Cu(3), Pd(4), Pt(5), Zn(6), Cd(7), and Hg(8)} were prepared and characterized by different spectroscopic methods. The surface morphology and the micrographs of the investigated complexes were checked by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The results indicate the successful preparation of nanocomplexes with nanoparticles size. In addition, the antibacterial activity was studied against three different pathogenic bacteria, and the Pt(II) complex displayed the highest activity compared with free salicylaldoxime ligand and other complexes. Magnetic susceptibility and ultraviolet (UV)–visible spectroscopic measurements were used to deduce the geometry of the complexes, which was then validated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The in vitro antitumor activity was investigated by MTT assays against HepG‐2 cell lines. The Zn(II) and Pt(II) complexes displayed good activity with IC50 values at 17.31 ± 0.95 and 11.78 ± 0.54 μM, respectively. In contrast, the [Cu(Saly)2] and [Ni(Saly)2] complexes showed the lowest activity against tested cells.
The Role of the Robotics Coordinator: Improving Efficiency in a Robotic Surgery Program
Authors: Lawrence Chuck
Published: February 2022

An increase in the number of surgical robots from four to nine at a large academic medical center in the northeastern United States created several challenges for personnel to keep up with the increased robotic surgical volume and remain efficient. To facilitate improvements, the robotic steering committee at the facility created a full‐time robotics coordinator position. After joining the steering committee, the new coordinator performed a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis to identify specific goals for process improvement; these included improvements to procedure scheduling, OR layouts, surgeon preference cards, point‐of‐care supply storage, team communication, and new hire orientation and competency. This article discusses the role of a robotics program coordinator and how this coordinator used strategic management tools and techniques, including lean principles, to streamline processes, maximize efficiency, and decrease operational variances across the robotic surgery program at this institution.
Pressure sensitive adhesive based on PFBA monomer for ePTFE bonding
Authors: Li Wei , Ma Xiao‐Yan , Yan Jie , Zou Wei , Zheng Wenjiang , Li Yanli , Liang Yanli
Published: February 2022

Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) has superior properties such as compression creep resistance and compression resilience, but it is difficult to bond with other materials due to its low surface energy, high crystallinity and highly symmetrical structure. In this paper, a new type of pressure‐sensitive adhesive is prepared from butyl acrylate, glycidyl methacrylate and unique pentafluorobenzyl acrylate, in which pentafluorophenyl group is introduced to provide steric hindrance to avoid clustering and increase the affinity with ePTFE simultaneously. The thermal stability of this pressure‐sensitive adhesive is approximately 250°C; the contact angle can reach 110.7°; the peel strength can reach 19 N/25 mm, comparable to literature values. The shear holding power at room temperature can be maintained over 100 h, and increases with the extension of immersion time in water, 5 times that of the literature report. This new adhesive can aptly solve the adhesion challenges with the use of ePTFE in complex environment.
Controllable fabrication of multi‐modal porous PLGA scaffolds with different sizes of SPIONs using supercritical CO2 foaming
Authors: Wang Jinjing , Zhang Yi , Sun Jianfei , Jiao Zhen
Published: February 2022

Multi‐modal porous scaffolds can promote bone regeneration. In the present study, they were successfully fabricated from poly (lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA)/superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) by supercritical CO2 foaming, where SPIONs was employed as heterogeneous nucleation agent. The effects of SPION size on pore nucleation in PLGA/SPIONs nanocomposites were investigated. It was found that the addition of smaller SPIONs size caused the reduction of pore size. Multi‐modal porous scaffolds could be available by controlling the SPIONs content, soaking temperature, pressure, and depressurization rate. The porosity of the PLGA/SPIONs scaffolds ranged from (58.68 ± 0.62)% to (94.97 ± 0.14)% could be obtained via adjusting the supercritical CO2 foaming conditions. Moreover, it was found that the compressive modulus and porosity of the scaffolds were strongly associated with the porous structure. This study provided a new green preparation method for magnetic scaffolds to realize the controllable adjustment of the multi‐mode porous scaffolds.
Low‐temperature selective laser sintering 3D printing of PEEK‐Nylon blends: Impact of thermal post‐processing on mechanical properties and thermal stability
Authors: Chavez Luis A. , Ibave Paulina , Hassan Md Sahid , Hall‐Sanchez Samuel E. , Billah Kazi Md Masum , Leyva Alba , Marquez Cory , Espalin David , Torres Sabrina , Robison Thomas , Lin Yirong
Published: February 2022

A high‐performance polymer (HPP) (polyether ether ketone, PEEK) blended with a commercial low‐temperature polymer (polyamide 12, PA‐12) was fabricated using a low‐temperature selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printer. Different post‐processing heat treatments were implemented after fabrication to tune the thermal and mechanical properties of printed blends. The specific mechanical modulus of the blend was increased up to 79% in comparison to printed PA‐12 samples with heat treatment. Additionally, the thermal resistance of the treated blends greatly exceeded the properties observed using PA‐12 alone. This research proposes a methodology to fabricate and engineer HPP using desktop SLS printers through a secondary lower melting temperature material and heat treatments.
Examining the impacts of pinnipeds on Atlantic salmon: The effects of river restoration on predator–prey interactions
Authors: Leach Lauri , Simpson Mitch , Stevens Justin R. , Cammen Kristina
Published: February 2022

Seal populations in the Gulf of Maine have been recovering from historical bounty‐driven declines since they received federal protection in 1972. In the past few decades, their population growth has sparked renewed concerns over conflict between pinniped and fish conservation.

In the Penobscot River in Maine, USA, where restoration efforts over the past decade have aimed at restoring diadromous fish runs, seal predation on the endangered Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) has become a growing concern.

Quantitative and qualitative data for individual salmon, as well as the presence of putative seal‐induced injury, have been collected from salmon passing upriver at dams in the Penobscot River since 2012.

An analysis of seal‐induced injury rate with demographic data, river herring returns, estuary fish biomass estimates, and timing of peak estuary fish biomass revealed that the seal‐induced injury rate declined in the Penobscot River from 2012 to 2019, coincident with increasing river herring returns and estuary fish biomass. Despite a potentially increasing seal population, these results suggest that predator swamping from increasing forage fish may provide protection to salmon against seal predation.

The presence of multiple injuries on an individual salmon was also significantly associated with the probability of a salmon having a seal‐induced injury. Lamprey wounds and lacerations on salmon were commonly associated with seal‐induced injury, suggesting a confounding effect of multiple stressors.

This assessment illustrates how multi‐species diadromous restoration activities may alter predator–prey interactions in ways that support salmon conservation efforts. As demonstrated in the Penobscot River, a focus on overall ecosystem health and restoration can benefit multiple species that use the river. Insights from this study may help inform future management decisions in other human‐impacted systems where protected predators come into conflict with endangered prey.