bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainable and Inexpensive Polydimethylsiloxane Sponges for Daytime Radiative Cooling
Authors: Zhou Lyu , Rada Jacob , Zhang Huafan , Song Haomin , Mirniaharikandi Seyededriss , Ooi Boon S. , Gan Qiaoqiang
Published: October 2021

Radiative cooling is an emerging cooling technology that can passively release heat to the environment. To obtain a subambient cooling effect during the daytime, chemically engineered structural materials are widely explored to simultaneously reject sunlight and preserve strong thermal emission. However, many previously reported fabrication processes involve hazardous chemicals, which can hinder a material's ability to be mass produced. In order to eliminate the hazardous chemicals used in the fabrication of previous works, this article reports a white polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) sponge fabricated by a sustainable process using microsugar templates. By substituting the chemicals for sugar, the manufacturing procedure produces zero toxic waste and can also be endlessly recycled via methods widely used in the sugar industry. The obtained porous PDMS exhibits strong visible scattering and thermal emission, resulting in an efficient temperature reduction of 4.6 °C and cooling power of 43 W m−2 under direct solar irradiation. In addition, due to the air‐filled voids within the PDMS sponge, its thermal conductivity remains low at 0.06 W (m K)−1. This unique combination of radiative cooling and thermal insulation properties can efficiently suppress the heat exchange with the solar‐heated rooftop or the environment, representing a promising future for new energy‐efficient building envelope material.
Nuclear AIM2‐Like Receptors Drive Genotoxic Tissue Injury by Inhibiting DNA Repair
Authors: Jiang Hui , Swacha Patrycja , Gekara Nelson O.
Published: October 2021

Radiation is an essential preparative procedure for bone marrow (BM) transplantation and cancer treatment. The therapeutic efficacy of radiation and associated toxicity varies from patient to patient, making it difficult to prescribe an optimal patient‐specific irradiation dose. The molecular determinants of radiation response remain unclear. AIM2‐like receptors (ALRs) are key players in innate immunity and determine the course of infections, inflammatory diseases, senescence, and cancer. Here it is reported that mice lacking ALRs are resistant to irradiation‐induced BM injury. It is shown that nuclear ALRs are inhibitors of DNA repair, thereby accelerate genome destabilization, micronuclei generation, and cell death, and that this novel function is uncoupled from their role in innate immunity. Mechanistically, ALRs bind to and interfere with chromatin decompaction vital for DNA repair. The finding uncovers ALRs as targets for new interventions against genotoxic tissue injury and as possible biomarkers for predicting the outcome of radio/chemotherapy.
Acid‐Resistance and Self‐Repairing Supramolecular Nanoparticle Membranes via Hydrogen‐Bonding for Sustainable Molecules Separation
Authors: Han Wang , Yin Ming‐Jie , Zhang Wen‐Hai , Liu Zhi‐Jie , Wang Naixin , Yong Ken Tye , An Quan‐Fu
Published: October 2021

Functional membranes generally wear out when applying in harsh conditions such as a strong acidic environment. In this work, high acid‐resistance, long‐lasting, and low‐cost functional membranes are prepared from engineered hydrogen‐bonding and pH‐responsive supramolecular nanoparticle materials. As a proof of concept, the prepared membranes for dehydration of alcohols are utilized. The synthesized membranes have achieved a separation factor of 3000 when changing the feed solution pH from 7 to 1. No previous reports have demonstrated such unprecedentedly high‐record separation performance (pervaporation separation index is around 1.1 × 107 g m−2 h−1). More importantly, the engineered smart membrane possesses fast self‐repairing ability (48 h) that is inherited from the dynamic hydrogen bonds between the hydroxyl groups of polyacrylic acid and carbonyl groups of polyvinylpyrrolidone. To this end, the designed supramolecular materials offer the membrane community a new material type for preparing high acid resistance and long‐lasting membranes for harsh environmental cleaning applications.
All‐Around Universal and Photoelastic Self‐Healing Elastomer with High Toughness and Resilience
Authors: Tolvanen Jarkko , Nelo Mikko , Hannu Jari , Juuti Jari , Jantunen Heli
Published: October 2021

Ultimately soft electronics seek affordable and high mechanical performance universal self‐healing materials that can autonomously heal in harsh environments within short times scales. As of now, such features are not found in a single material. Herein, interpenetrated elastomer network with bimodal chain length distribution showing rapid autonomous healing in universal conditions (<7200 s) with high efficiency (up to 97.6 ± 4.8%) is reported. The bimodal elastomer displays strain‐induced photoelastic effect and reinforcement which is responsible for its remarkable mechanical robustness (≈5.5 MPa stress at break and toughness ≈30 MJ m−3). The entropy‐driven elasticity allows an unprecedented shape recovery efficiency (100%) even after fracturing and 100% resiliency up to its stretching limit (≈2000% strain). The elastomers can be mechanically conditioned leading to a state where they recover their shape extremely quickly after removal of stress (nearly order of magnitude faster than pristine elastomers). As a proof of concept, universal self‐healing mechanochromic strain sensor is developed capable of operating in various environmental conditions and of changing its photonic band gap under mechanical stress.
Biomaterial‐Based Solid‐Electrolyte Organic Electrochemical Transistors for Electronic and Neuromorphic Applications
Authors: Nguyen‐Dang Tung , Harrison Kelsey , Lill Alex , Dixon Alana , Lewis Erin , Vollbrecht Joachim , Hachisu Taku , Biswas Shantonu , Visell Yon , Nguyen Thuc‐Quyen
Published: October 2021

A systematic study of biomaterial‐based solid‐state organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) is presented in which biogels consisting of gelatin and glycerol, two food‐grade materials, are chosen as the model solid electrolyte. Such gels are fundamentally attractive for bioelectronics and wearable applications due to their superior and tunable electrical and mechanical properties, which allow one to fabricate solid‐state organic transistors with high ON/OFF ratio and transconductance, possible millisecond‐switching speed, and 6‐month stability in ambient air. Next, the authors show a good control of the state‐retention property of biogel OECTs, demonstrated herein by employing them as artificial synapses with various synaptic functions, such as frequency‐based short‐term plasticity. This study herein paves the way for the development of biomaterial‐based electronics by providing guiding principles for future works that employ biomaterials in OECTs.
The van der Waals Epitaxy of High‐Quality N‐Polar Gallium Nitride for High‐Response Ultraviolet Photodetectors with Polarization Electric Field Modulation
Authors: Chen Yang , Shi Zhiming , Zhang Shanli , Ben Jianwei , Jiang Ke , Zang Hang , Jia Yuping , Lü Wei , Li Dabing , Sun Xiaojuan
Published: October 2021

High‐quality and polarity‐controlled III‐nitride is crucial for realizing high‐performance and new types of device designs with rich functionalities, but there are still many difficulties for obtaining N‐polar III‐nitrides till now. In this work, the van der Waals epitaxy of high‐quality N‐polar gallium nitride (GaN) is reported by innovatively inserting a thin MoS2 layer. Due to the remission of thermal and lattice mismatch by the week van der Waals force in 2D MoS2 insert layer, the N‐polar GaN exhibits high crystalline quality and reduced residual stress. The proposed atom deposition kinetics for the van der Waals epitaxy of the polarity‐controlled aluminium nitride nucleation layer and GaN epilayer on the MoS2 lighten the great potentiality for the application of similar 2D materials. The ultraviolet photodetector based on N‐polar GaN possesses over seven times’ response higher than that of the Ga‐polar one, which is both beneficial from the high crystalline quality and efficient polarization electric field control of the N‐polar GaN. Present work provides a new strategy for the polarity control of high‐quality III‐nitrides by the van der Waals epitaxy with a novel 2D insert layer, which would be also extended in other optoelectronic and electronic devices.
Reversible and Fast (De)fluorination of High‐Capacity Cu2O Cathode: One Step Toward Practically Applicable All‐Solid‐State Fluoride‐Ion Battery
Authors: Zhang Datong , Yamamoto Kentaro , Wang Yanchang , Gao Shenghan , Uchiyama Tomoki , Watanabe Toshiki , Takami Tsuyoshi , Matsunaga Toshiyuki , Nakanishi Koji , Miki Hidenori , Iba Hideki , Amezawa Koji , Maeda Kazuhiko , Kageyama Hiroshi , Uchimoto Yoshiharu
Published: October 2021

All‐solid‐state fluoride‐ion batteries (FIBs) are regarded as promising energy storage devices; however, currently proposed cathodes fail to meet the requirements for practical applications in terms of high energy density and high rate capability. Herein, the first use of stable and low‐cost cuprous oxide (Cu2O) as a cathode material for all‐solid‐state FIBs with reversible and fast (de)fluorination behavior is reported. A phase‐transition reaction mechanism involving Cu+/Cu2+ redox for charge compensation is confirmed, using the combination of electrochemical methods and X‐ray absorption spectroscopy. The first discharge capacity is approximately 220 mAh g−1, and fast capacity fading is observed in the first five cycles, which is ascribed to partial structural amorphization. Compared with those of simple metal/metal fluoride systems, the material shows a superior rate capability, with a first discharge capacity of 110 mAh g−1 at 1 C. The rate‐determining step and probable structural evolutions are investigated as well. It is believed that the comprehensive investigations of Cu2O as a cathode material described in this work can lead to an improved understanding of all‐solid‐state FIBs.
Near‐term problems in meeting world food demands at regional levels: A special issue overview
Authors: Nleya Thandiwe , Clay Sharon A.
Published: October 2021

Growing food, feed, and fiber in a manner sustainable for future generations is the starting point for improved food security. As the world population continues to grow, it is imperative to improve many aspects of agronomic production systems to better suit local conditions. This special issue of Agronomy Journal examines what agronomists see as today's or near future problems that are currently looming for different regions of the world. Authors from Africa, Asia, and South and North America were invited to write forum papers for this special issue. Some of the current agronomic practices and policies are unsustainable for diverse reasons. Workforce development, climate challenges, soil degradation, water limitations, and pest problems are discussed. Suggested solutions to these problems include integrated techniques, which need to be implemented in knowledgeable systems approaches, to sustain the environment and improve food security. It is hoped that this special issue serves as an outreach platform to the global community to improve communication and spark new collaborations.
Amphiphilic AIEgen‐polymer aggregates: Design, self‐assembly and biomedical applications
Authors: Cao Shoupeng , Shao Jingxin , Abdelmohsen Loai K. E. A. , van Hest Jan C. M.
Published: October 2021

Aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) is a phenomenon in which fluorescence is enhanced rather than quenched upon molecular assembly. AIE fluorogens (AIEgens) are flexible, conjugated systems that are limited in their dynamics when assembled, which improves their fluorescent properties. This intriguing feature has been incorporated in many different molecular assemblies and has been extended to nanoparticles composed of amphiphilic polymer building blocks. The integration of the fascinating AIE design principle with versatile polymer chemistry opens up new frontiers to approach and solve intrinsic obstacles of conventional fluorescent materials in nanoscience, including the aggregation‐caused quenching effect. Furthermore, this integration has drawn significant attention from the nanomedicine community, due to the additional advantages of nanoparticles comprising AIEgenic molecules, such as emission brightness and fluorescence stability. In this regard, a range of AIEgenic amphiphilic polymers have been developed, displaying enhanced emission in the self‐assembly/aggregated state. AIEgenic assemblies are regarded as attractive nanomaterials with inherent fluorescence, which display promising features in a biomedical context, for instance in biosensing, cell/tissue imaging and tracking, as well as (photo) therapeutics. In this review, we describe recent strategies for the design and synthesis of novel types of AIEgenic amphiphilic polymers via facile approaches including direct conjugation to natural/synthetic polymers, polymerization, post‐polymerization and supramolecular host−guest interactions. Their self‐assembly behavior and biomedical potential will be discussed.
Spike‐Enabled Audio Learning in Multilevel Synaptic Memristor Array‐Based Spiking Neural Network
Authors: Wu Xulei , Dang Bingjie , Wang Hong , Wu Xiulong , Yang Yuchao
Published: October 2021

Speech recognition involves the ability to learn the audios which are closely related to event sequence. Although speech recognition has been widely implemented in software neural networks, a hardware implementation based on energy efficient computing architecture is still missing. Herein, W/MgO/SiO2/Mo memristor arrays with multilevel resistance states are fabricated, where the weights of the artificial synapses in the memristor array can be tuned precisely by voltage pulses. Based on the array, speech recognition in memristive spiking neural networks (SNNs) with improved supervised tempotron algorithm on Texas Instruments digit sequences (TIDIGITS) dataset is conducted, demonstrating software‐comparable accuracy for speech recognition in the memristive SNN. It is envisioned that such memristive SNNs can pave the way to building a bioinspired spike‐based neuromorphic system for audio learning.
Inconsistent annual compensation for floral herbivory by an iterocarpic thistle
Authors: West Natalie M. , Louda Svata M.
Published: October 2021

Premise

Plants experiencing steep reproductive losses from herbivores should favor strategies promoting tolerance or resistance to that herbivory. However, the degree to which such strategies succeed in improving plant fitness under natural conditions needs further evaluation, especially for iterocarpic species. We tested whether reproductive effort by the iterocarpic Cirsium undulatum Spreng. (Wavyleaf thistle) provided within‐season tolerance for floral herbivory through response to apical damage.

Methods

We imposed apical damage and manipulated floral herbivory on later‐flowering, non‐apical flowerheads for two seasons. We asked: (1) is there evidence of compensatory potential to tolerate apical flowerhead damage? If so, (2) does the amount of herbivore pressure on non‐apical flowerheads influence the magnitude of any compensatory response; and (3) is the response to apical damage sufficient to increase plant seed production under ambient floral herbivory over the flowering season?

Results

Plants showed compensatory potential for apical head loss; apical damage increased seed contributions from later, lower positioned flowerheads. Further, the intensity of subsequent herbivore pressure influenced compensation outcomes. Equitable seed production under both levels of ambient herbivory occurred only in the year in which plants were larger and insect pressure was lower. Finally, the response to apical damage was sufficient to compensate for apical seed loss, but it did not consistently increase overall annual seed production under ambient floral herbivory.

Conclusions

Although this iterocarpic species can compensate for apical damage, tolerance for floral herbivory varied between years.
A greenhouse experiment partially supports inferences of ecogeographic isolation from niche models of Clarkia sister species
Authors: Goff Kaleb A. , Martinez Del Rio Cormac , Kay Kathleen M.
Published: October 2021

Premise

Ecogeographic isolation, or geographic isolation caused by ecological divergence, is thought to be of primary importance in speciation, yet is difficult to demonstrate and quantify. To determine whether distributions are limited by divergent adaptation or historical contingency, the gold standard is to reciprocally transplant species between their geographic ranges. Alternatively, ecogeographic isolation is inferred from species distribution models and niche divergence tests using widely available environmental and occurrence data.

Methods

We tested for ecogeographic isolation between two sister species of California annual wildflowers, Clarkia concinna and C. breweri, with a hybrid approach. We used niche models to predict water availability as the major axis of ecological divergence and then tested that with a greenhouse experiment. Specifically, we manipulated water availability in field soils for two populations of each species and predicted higher fitness in conditions representing home habitats to those representing the environment of each's sister species.

Results

Water availability and soil representing C. concinna generally increased both species' fitness. Thus, water and soil may indeed limit C. concinna from colonizing the range of C. breweri, but not vice versa. We suggest that the competitive environment and pollinator availability, which are not directly captured with either approach, may be key biotic factors correlated with climate that contribute to unexplained ecogeographic isolation for C. breweri.

Conclusions

Ours is a valuable approach to assessing ecogeographic isolation, in that it balances feasibility with model validation, and our results have implications for species distribution modeling efforts geared toward predicting climate change responses.
An outbreak of work‐related asthma and silicosis at a US countertop manufacturing and fabrication facility
Authors: Tustin Aaron W. , Kundu‐Orwa Sylvia , Lodwick Jeffrey , Cannon Dawn L. , McCarthy Ronda B.
Published: October 2021

Background

Outbreaks of severe silicosis have affected workers who fabricate artificial stone countertops. Work‐related asthma (WRA) has not been a prominent feature of those prior outbreaks.

Methods

This report describes an outbreak of WRA and silicosis at a facility that manufactures and fabricates chemical‐resistant countertops comprised of sand, epoxy resin, and phthalic anhydride (PA), a known respiratory sensitizer. The multi‐disciplinary investigation included clinical examinations of workers, an industrial hygiene survey with qualitative and quantitative exposure assessments, and a cross‐sectional questionnaire.

Results

Engineering controls and personal protective equipment were inadequate. Some workers were exposed to PA or silica above permissible exposure limits established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Clinical and epidemiologic investigations identified 16 workers with confirmed or suspected WRA. Two years later, after OSHA began to enforce its new silica standards, 12 workers received medical surveillance for silicosis. Of these 12 workers, four (33.3%) were diagnosed with silicosis based on abnormal chest computed tomography examinations.

Conclusions

Artificial stone countertop workers can develop asthma or silicosis. Risk of asthma may be highest in workers exposed to asthmagens such as PA and epoxy resins while manufacturing the artificial stone material.
SARS‐CoV‐2 and wastewater: What does it mean for non‐human primates?
Authors: Mathavarajah Sabateeshan , Melin Amanda , Dellaire Graham
Published: October 2021

In most of our lifetimes, we have not faced a global pandemic such as the novel coronavirus disease 2019. The world has changed as a result. However, it is not only humans who are affected by a pandemic of this scale. Our closest relatives, the non‐human primates (NHPs) who encounter researchers, sanctuary/zoo employees, and tourists, are also potentially at risk of contracting the virus from humans due to similar genetic susceptibility. “Anthropozoonosis”—the transmission of diseases from humans to other species—has occurred historically, resulting in infection of NHPs with human pathogens that have led to disastrous outbreaks. Recent studies have assessed the susceptibility of NHPs and predict that catarrhine primates and some lemurs are potentially highly susceptible to infection by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) virus. There is accumulating evidence that a new factor to consider with the spread of the virus is fecal‐oral transmission. The virus has been detected in the watersheds of countries with underdeveloped infrastructure where raw sewage enters the environment directly without processing. This may expose NHPs, and other animals, to SARS‐CoV‐2 through wastewater contact. Here, we address these concerns and discuss recent evidence. Overall, we suggest that the risk of transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 via wastewater is low. Nonetheless, tracking of viral RNA in wastewater does provide a unique testing approach to help protect NHPs at zoos and wildlife sanctuaries. A One Health approach going forward is perhaps the best way to protect these animals from a novel virus, the same way that we would protect ourselves.
Temperature and exudativory as drivers of the marmoset (Callithrixspp.) daily activity period
Authors: Hilário Renato R. , Silvestre Saulo M. , Abreu Filipa , Beltrão‐Mendes Raone , de Castro Carla S. S. , Chagas Renata R. D. , De la Fuente Maria F. , Duarte Marina H. L. , Ferrari Stephen F. , Passamani Marcelo , Schiel Nicola , Souto Antonio , Young Robert J. , Souza‐Alves João P.
Published: October 2021

Primates are affected by fluctuations in ambient temperatures, mostly through thermoregulatory costs and changes in the availability of food. In the present study, we investigate whether the ambient temperature and proxies of food availability affect the activity period of marmosets (Callithrixspp.). We predicted that: (i) at colder sites, marmosets would spend more time at sleeping sites; (ii) midday resting bouts would be longer at hotter sites; (iii) the onset/cessation of activity and resting behavior at midday would be more closely related to temperature than food availability, and (iv) highly exudativorous groups would have higher total levels of resting. We compiled data on the onset and cessation of activity and the time spent resting at midday from seven marmoset studies from sites with a wide range of temperatures. We used generalized linear mixed models to verify the relationship between the dependent variables (lag between dawn and the onset of activities, lag between cessation of activities and dusk, and proportion of resting during midday) and the minimum and maximum temperatures at the respective study sites, together with proxies of food availability (exudativory rates, the amount of habitat available per individual, and net primary productivity) using each sample month as a sampling unit and the identity of the study as a categorical random factor. At colder sites and during colder months, the marmosets left sleeping trees later in the morning and ceased their activities earlier, while at hotter sites and during hotter months, they spent more time resting during midday. More exudativorous groups become active later in the morning, but also ceased their activities later. The abundance of food did not affect the timing of activities. We provide evidence that both low and high temperatures affect marmosets' activities, and that their activity period appears to be more influenced by the thermal environment than food availability.
Biosocial life‐course factors associated with women's early marriage in rural India: The prospective longitudinal Pune Maternal Nutrition Study
Authors: Marphatia Akanksha A. , Wells Jonathan C. K. , Reid Alice M. , Yajnik Chittaranjan S.
Published: October 2021

Objectives

By convention, women's early marriage is considered a sociocultural decision sensitive to factors acting during adolescence such as poverty, early menarche, and less education. Few studies have examined broader risk factors in the natal household prior to marriage. We investigated whether biosocial markers of parental investment through the daughters' life‐course were associated with early marriage risk in rural India. We used an evolutionary perspective to interpret our findings.

Materials and Methods

A prospective cohort recruited mothers at preconception. Children were followed from birth to age 21 years. Multivariable logistic regression models estimated odds ratios of marrying early (<19 years) associated first with wealth, age at menarche and education, and then with broader markers of maternal phenotype, natal household characteristics, and girls' growth trajectories. Models adjusted for confounders.

Results

Of 305 girls, 71 (23%) had married early. Early married girls showed different patterns of growth compared to unmarried girls. Neither poverty nor early menarche predicted early marriage. Girls' non‐completion of lower secondary school predicted early marriage, explaining 19% of the variance. Independent of girls' lower schooling, nuclear household, low paternal education, shorter gestation, and girls' poor infant weight gain were associated with marrying early, explaining in combination 35% of the variance.

Discussion

Early marriage reflects “future discounting,” where reduced parental investment in daughters' somatic and educational capital from early in her life favors an earlier transition to the life‐course stage when reproduction can occur. Interventions initiated in adolescence may occur too late in the life‐course to effectively delay women's marriage.
Flower‐Like Colloidal Particles through Precipitation Polymerization of Redox‐Responsive Liquid Crystals
Authors: Liu Xiaohong , Moradi Mohammad‐Amin , Bus Tom , Debije Michael G. , Bon Stefan A. F. , Heuts Johan P. A. , Schenning Albert P. H. J.
Published: October 2021

We report on the synthesis of monodisperse, flower‐like, liquid crystalline (LC) polymer particles by precipitation polymerization of a LC mixture consisting of benzoic acid‐functionalized acrylates and disulfide‐functionalized diacrylates. Introduction of a minor amount of redox‐responsive disulfide‐functionalized diacrylates (≤10 wt %) induced the formation of flower‐like shapes. The shape of the particles can be tuned from flower‐ to disk‐like to spherical by elevating the polymerization temperature. The solvent environment also has a pronounced effect on the particle size. Time‐resolved TEM reveals that the final particle morphology was formed in the early stages of the polymerization and that subsequent polymerization resulted in continued particle growth without affecting the morphology. Finally, the degradation of the particles under reducing conditions was much faster for flower‐like particles than for spherical particles, likely a result of their higher surface‐to‐volume ratio.
Development of High Energy Density Diaminocyclopropenium‐Phenothiazine Hybrid Catholytes for Non‐Aqueous Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Yan Yichao , Vogt David B. , Vaid Thomas P. , Sigman Matthew S. , Sanford Melanie S.
Published: October 2021

This report describes the design of diaminocyclopropenium‐phenothiazine hybrid catholytes for non‐aqueous redox flow batteries. The molecules are synthesized in a rapid and modular fashion by appending a diaminocyclopropenium (DAC) substituent to the nitrogen of the phenothiazine. Combining a versatile C‐N coupling protocol (which provides access to diverse derivatives) with computation and structure‐property analysis enabled the identification of a catholyte that displays stable two‐electron cycling at potentials of 0.64 and 1.00 V vs. Fc/Fc+ as well as high solubility in all oxidation states (≥0.45 M in TBAPF6/MeCN). This catholyte was deployed in a high energy density two‐electron RFB, exhibiting >90 % capacity retention over 266 hours of flow cell cycling at >0.5 M electron concentration.
Ruddlesden–Popper Hybrid Lead Bromide Perovskite Nanosheets of Phase Pure n=2: Stabilized Colloids Stored in the Solid State
Authors: Cevallos‐Toledo Rita B. , Rosa‐Pardo Ignacio , Arenal Raul , Oestreicher Víctor , Fickert Michael , Abellán Gonzalo , Galian Raquel E. , Pérez‐Prieto Julia
Published: October 2021

Ruddlesden‐Popper lead halide perovskite (RP‐LHP) nano‐nanostructures can be regarded as self‐assembled quantum wells or superlattices of 3D perovskites with an intrinsic quantum well thickness of a single or a few (n=2‐4) lead halide layers; the quantum wells are separated by organic layers. They can be scaled down to a single quantum well dimension. Here, the preparation of highly (photo)chemical and colloidal stable hybrid LHP nanosheets (NSs) of ca. 7.4 μm lateral size and 2.5 nm quantum well height (thereby presenting a deep blue emission at ca. 440 nm), is reported for the first time. The NSs are close‐lying and they even interconnect when deposited on a substrate. Their synthesis is based on the use of the p‐toluenesulfonic acid/dodecylamine (pTS/DDA) ligand pair and their (photo)chemical stability and photoluminescence is enhanced by adding EuBr2 nanodots (EuNDs). Strikingly, they can be preserved as a solid and stored for at least one year. The blue emissive colloid can be recovered from the solid as needed by simply dispersing the powder in toluene and then using it to prepare solid films, making them very promising candidates for manufacturing devices.
Solubility limitations of residual steryl glucosides, saturated monoglycerides and glycerol in commercial biodiesel fuels as determinants of filter blockages
Authors: Heiden Richard W. , Schober Sigurd , Mittelbach Martin
Published: October 2021

Newer, improved high pressure common rail diesel engines require increased protection from damaging particles in fuel, resulting in tighter, low‐micron filtration requirements. The unobstructed flow of fuel through filters underlies the well‐known efficiencies and reduced exhaust emissions of diesel engines, and when flows are hindered, these efficiencies become severely compromised. Biodiesel fuels frequently contain saturated monoglycerides, glycerol (GLY) and/or steryl glucosides, systemic impurities that become problematic when low concentrations exceed ill‐defined solubility limits, usually unexpectedly at low temperatures. Here, filters and blended fuels from seven flow obstruction incidents were subjected to detailed compositional analyses. With one exception the fuels contain estimated levels within international specifications, yet exhibit heterophase (HP) formation in the laboratory at 2°C, well above measured cloud points. Feedstock composition, pretreatment and/or purification processes are found to modulate insolubility risks. Interferences in standard gas chromatography methods used without modification can hide or complicate estimates of residual levels of GLY. The data show that classical variables controlling solubility, such as concentrations and temperatures, play important roles in setting the risks associated with in situ formation of HPs from these common impurities. Further, such risks are likely attenuated considerably by reductions in critical impurities beyond currently specified limits.
A novel high mechanical and excellent hydrophilic electrospun polyurethane‐silk‐bioactive glass nanofiber film for rotator cuff injury repair
Authors: Duan Kaikai , Ling Ziao , Sun Minghui , Zhi Weiliang , Zhang Yifeng , Han Sheng , Xu Jingli , Wang Hui , Li Jiusheng
Published: October 2021

Rotator cuff injury is the most common muscle injury in bone surgery and there was still enormously challenging to completely repair it. Disturbed by mechanical stability and biocompatibility, most implants have failed to relieve symptoms and prevent the development of osteoarthritis. Herein, we have firstly fabricated novel electrospinned nanofiber membranes by integrating the excellent mechanical properties of polyurethane (PU), the good biocompatibility of silk fibroin with the osteogenesis properties of bioactive glass (PSB). The obtained results have exhibited that the PSB nanofiber film possessed excellent mechanical properties with the tensile stress have reached 14.6 MPa and the tensile strain reached 70%, which had extremely remedied the properties of pure silk film (3.8 MPa and the tensile strain 7.9%). Especially, PSB has shown superior hydrophilicity (WCA) than silk (WCA) and PU (WCA) groups. Furthermore, we have endowed the PSB with osteogenesis by doping bioactive glass (BG) in it. The PSB film can long‐term release functional ions (Si and B ions) that benefit bone tissue repair, and the CCK‐8 and ALP results have also confirmed the excellent biocompatibility and osteogenesis of PSB. Hence, the novel PSB film may provide a new treatment strategy for repairing rotator cuff injury.
A facile strategy to improve the mechanical and thermal conductivity of PA6 nanocomposites by introducing graphene oxide/sodium benzoate compounding nucleator
Authors: Huang Huan , Zhang Zhao Xin , Zhang Xun Tao , Yan Lei , Yang Shang Ke , Xiao Liu Xin , Lin Hai Lan , Bian Jun , Chen Dai Qiang
Published: October 2021

In this study, a new and facile route has been developed to prepare graphene oxide (GO)/sodium benzoate (Sb) compounding nucleator (GO‐Sb) reinforced polyamide 6 (PA6) nanocomposites. The effects and mechanism of adding GO/Sb compounding nucleator on the morphology and properties of PA6 nanocomposites were systematically investigated. The experimental results showed that there are electrostatic interaction and π–π conjugation between GO and Sb, which make the GO‐Sb compounding nucleator homogenously dispersed in matrix and gain good interfacial adhesion. XRD and DSC analysis revealed that incorporation of Sb improved the formation of γ‐crystal. In addition, GO‐Sb significantly enhanced the crystallization temperature of PA6 nanocomposites due to “the heterogeneous nucleating effects”. The tensile results showed that the tensile strength and elastic modulus of the nanocomposites can be obviously improved by incorporation of GO‐Sb compounding nucleator at low contents. The tensile strength and impact strength of the PA6‐GO‐Sb (100/0.05/0.25) nanocomposite were enhanced by 69.9% and 157.1%, respectively compared with pure PA6. Compared with pure PA6, the thermal conductivity of PA6‐GO‐Sb (100/0.05/0.25) nanocomposite increased by 258.8%. This simple and effective approach is believed to offer possibilities for broadening the graphene applications with the development of PA6‐graphene nanocomposites.
Preparation and ultrasonic characterization of modified epoxy resin/coconut shell powder biocomposites
Authors: Oral Imran , Kocaman Suheyla , Ahmetli Gulnare
Published: October 2021

A new bio‐based epoxy resin (BER) is produced by the esterification reaction between sebacic acid (SAc) as bio‐based acid and epichlorohydrin (ECH). The epoxy resin (ER) is modified with the BER. The biocomposites are prepared using untreated coconut shell powder (CSP), modified coconut shell powder (MCSP), and MER. The CSP and MCSP particles are mixed with MER in varied compositions (10–50 wt%) for preparation of the MER/CSP and MER/MCSP biocomposites. The influences of CSP and MCSP bio‐fillers amounts on the physical properties (density, elastic constants, acoustic impedance, ultrasonic micro‐hardness, and attenuation coefficient) of biocomposites are investigated using the ultrasonic pulse‐echo overlap method (PEOM). It was seen that the densities, both ultrasonic longitudinal and shear waves' velocity values of obtained biocomposites were higher than those of the MER. All elastic moduli of the MER/MCSP biocomposites have higher values than of the neat MER and MER/CSP biocomposites.
Diselenide‐bearing crosslinked micelles‐reduced and stabilized gold nanoparticles in‐situ
Authors: Lin Wenjing , Yan Jingye , Pan Guoyi , Zhang Jieheng , Wen Liyang , Huang Quanfeng , Li Tang , Zhao Qianyi , Lin Xiaofeng , Yi Guobin
Published: October 2021

Gold nanoparticles (GNPs), usually fabricated through reduction and stabilization two steps, have been widely used in biomedical field. Here, the six‐armed star copolymer was synthesized and self‐assembled into crosslinked micelles for the in‐situ preparation of GNPs in one‐step without external reductant. The copolymer and their precursors were synthesized by a combination of ring‐opening polymerization (ROP), activators regenerated by electron transfer atom transfer radical polymerization (ARGET ATRP), and Michael addition reaction. Their molecular weights and structures were measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and 1H NMR. The diselenide bond of crosslinked micelles reduced AuCl4− to GNPs, and the crosslinked micelles stabilized the GNPs in‐situ. Through increasing AuCl4− concentration, the collision probability between the GNPs increased, with particle diameters of 1.5, 2.3, and 3.0 nm. Moreover, the GNPs showed good stability, and the wavelength of maximum absorbance (λmax) did not change under different dilution, temperature, and storage conditions. Furthermore, integrating dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) simulations and scripts with experiments, the formation process of crosslinked micelles, the stabilization process, and the size regulation of GNPs at mesoscopic scale were revealed. Therefore, this stable crosslinked micelles/GNPs hybrid material is expected to be used as a nanocarrier in an integrated diagnosis and treatment system.
Insight into roles of different types of additives on mechanical and crystalline properties of polylactic acid
Authors: Zhang Ligang , Tian Hongchi , Chen Jun , Hao Yanping , Liu Yang , Sun Yawei , Duan Hongyun
Published: October 2021

With people's awareness of environmental protection, the requirement of eco‐quality is increasingly demanding, particularly a more profound reflection in the field of materials. Polylactic acid (PLA) is a hopeful biodegradable thermoplastic material while its adverse nature restricts the practical applications. In this work, a one‐step reactive extrusion method was adopted to improve some properties of PLA by melt blending with some active additives, including commercial epoxy‐based chain extender, that is, ADR4468 of BASF, Germany; thermoplastic polyurethane thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) elastomer, that is, DN‐5380 of Dawn, China, and mineral nucleating agent talc, that is, AH250CL of Aihai, China. Their influences on mechanical properties and crystallization behaviors of PLA were explored, and the detailed mechanisms were also discussed. It is found that ADR chain extender played a key role in improving the strength and rigidity of the composites, and methylenediphenyl diisocyanate type TPU elastomer could significantly enhance the toughness and ductility of PLA materials, while talc had a positive impact on regulating the cooling crystallization behavior of PLA. In particular, only trace ADR4468 (0.4 wt%) could effectively enhance its tensile and flexural strengths of neat PLA by 6.3% and 13.4%, respectively. Reactive polyurethane with 5 wt% significantly improved its elongation at break by 36.5%. The micro‐sized talc‐nucleating agent enhanced the cooling crystallization degrees to 24.7% from 4.8% for PLA blended with trace chain extender. The analysis results indicated that the functional group reactions between the active additives and PLA played key roles in improving the related properties. The output has certain reference values for PLA modification strategy, and will pave a route for endowing PLA materials with specific and required nature.
Fabrication and performance of the ammonium molybdophosphate/polysulfone mixed matrix membranes for rubidium adsorption in aqueous solution
Authors: Sun Xiufang , Wang Yi , Zhang Haiyan , Shen Yi , Shi Qiang , Chen Huanhuan , Sun Jiankui , Zhang Zhiguo
Published: October 2021

The separation of the rare and precious metal rubidium is still a challenge to hydrometallurgy and material science. A novel ammonium molybdophosphate (AMP)/polysulfone (PSf) mixed matrix membrane for rubidium adsorption and separation was prepared successfully by NIPs method via immobilizing AMP into the PSf porous membrane. FTIR, XRD, SEM tests indicate that AMP is embedded into the PSf matrix, and its crystalline structure remains intact. WCA tests show that the membrane surfaces are more and more hydrophilicity with the AMP blending content increasing. The fluxes increase approximately linearly from 210.2 to 370.2 L m−2 h−1 with the AMP content while the bovine serum albu rejections decrease from 97.8% to 88.5%. The Rb+ adsorption capacities of the membranes studied as a function of contact time, pH, Rb+ concentration, temperature, presence of various interference ions, and the Rb+ capacity is up to 98.4 mg g−1 at the optimal adsorption conditions. The Rb+ adsorption on the AMP/PSf porous membrane complies with Langmuir adsorption isotherms and pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. Finally, the reusability in Rb+ adsorption of the AMP/PSf porous membrane is investigated, and the recovery rate can still be maintained above 95% after five adsorption–desorption recycles.
Antiproliferative, proapoptotic, and tumor‐suppressing effects of the novel anticancer agent alsevirone in prostate cancer cells and xenografts
Authors: Khan Irina I. , Karshieva Saida S. , Sokolova Darina V. , Spirina Tatiana S. , Zolottsev Vladimir A. , Latysheva Alexandra S. , Anisimova Natalia Y. , Komarova Marina V. , Yakunina Marina N. , Nitetskaya Tatiana A. , Misharin Alexander Y. , Pokrovsky Vadim S.
Published: October 2021

The aim of this study was to explore the mechanisms of action of alsevirone in prostate cancer (PC) in vitro and in vivo: CYP17A1 inhibition, cytotoxic, apoptotic, and antitumor effects in comparison with abiraterone. The CYP17A1‐inhibitory activity was investigated in rat testicular microsomes using high‐performance liquid chromatography. Testosterone levels were evaluated using enzyme‐linked immunoassay. IC50 values were calculated for PC3, DU‐145, LNCaP, and 22Rv1 cells using the MTT (3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) test. The antitumor effect in vivo was studied in DU‐145 and 22Rv1 subcutaneous xenografts in Balb/c nude mice. Alsevirone reduced the CYP17A1‐inhibitory activity by 98% ± 0.2%. A statistically significant reduction in the testosterone concentration in murine blood was recorded after the 7th administration of 300 mg/kg alsevirone at 0.31 ± 0.03 ng/ml (p < .001) versus 0.98 ± 0.22 ng/ml (p = .392) after abiraterone administration and 1.52 ± 0.49 ng/ml in control animals. Alsevirone was more cytotoxic than abiraterone in DU‐145, LNCaP, and 22Rv1 cells, with IC50 values of 23.80 ± 1.18 versus 151.43 ± 23.70 μM, 22.87 ± 0.54 versus 28.80 ± 1.61 μM, and 35.86 ± 5.63 versus 109.87 ± 35.15 μM, respectively. Alsevirone and abiraterone significantly increased annexin V‐positive, caspase 3/7‐positive, and activated Bcl‐2‐positive cells. In 22Rv1 xenografts, alsevirone 300 mg/kg × 10/24 h per os inhibited tumor growth: on Day 9 of treatment, tumor growth inhibition = 59% (p = .022). Thus, alsevirone demonstrated significant antitumor activity associated with CYP17A1 inhibition, apoptosis in PC cells, and testosterone reduction.
MTHFR promoter methylation might mitigate the effect of smoking at the level of LINE‐1 in cleft lip tissues: A preliminary study
Authors: Khan Mohammad Faisal J. , Little Julian , Mossey Peter A. , Butali Azeez , Autelitano Luca , Meazzini Maria C. , Rubini Michele
Published: October 2021

Background

The medial and maxillary aspects of the upper lip originate at separate embryonic stages and therefore may experience different maternal exposure patterns which may affect methylation. Based on this hypothesis, we investigated the level of methylation of the methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase promoter gene (mMTHFR) in tissues from cleft lip, and mMTHFR levels by MTHFR c.677C > T genotype. We further investigated whether mMTHFR mitigates the effect of smoking on long interspersed nuclear element (LINE‐1) methylation in these tissues.

Methods

DNA extracted from medial and lateral tissues of 26 infants with nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (nsCL/P) was bisulfite converted and mMTHFR was measured on a pyrosequenser. LINE‐1 methylation and MTHFR c.677C > T genotype data were obtained in our previous study.

Results

There was no substantial difference in mMTHFR (p = .733) and LINE‐1 (p = .148) between the two tissues. mMTHFR was not influenced by MTHFR c.677C > T genotype, but there was suggestive evidence that the difference was larger among infants exposed to maternal smoking compared to nonexposed. LINE‐1 methylation differences were significant (p = .025) in infants born to nonsmoking mothers, but this was not apparent (p = .872) in infants born to mothers who smoked. Our Pearson's correlation analysis suggested a weak inverse association between mMTHFR and LINE‐1 (r = −.179, p = .381).

Conclusion

Our preliminary observation of differences in patterns of mMTHFR levels in lip tissue suggests the interplay of gene and environment in the establishment of methylation in tissues at both sides of cleft lip. This requires investigation in a larger cohort, integrated with metabolic assessment.
Whose ‘voice’ is it anyway? The paradoxes of the participatory narrative
Authors: Papadopoulou Marianna , Sidorenko Ewa
Published: October 2021

This study discusses some of the paradoxes found in the rhetoric of participatory research. Research‐with‐children views them as competent and agentic and as social actors, as citizens with opinions that must be listened to and given due weight. This image of the child as a social actor fails to acknowledge the structural, contextual and relational conditions that can afford or restrict opportunities for children’s agentic action. It conceals the multi‐faceted, multi‐dimensional properties of power that shape children’s (and adults’) contributions and ‘voices’. Our research took place in a primary school and aimed at training Year 6 children to carry out their own research on their chosen topic of interest. The participatory research ‘space’ was informed by the participants’ different intentionalities and agendas. The children were invited to take initiatives and make decisions, to be agentic. However, their agency, or what counts as ‘proper’ agency, was framed and defined in our adult terms. Tensions arose when the children’s agendas conflicted with and threatened ours. As we argue here, this participatory space should rather be seen as a political arena, where different and often competing agendas are at play, where the roles and relationships between children and adults are far from fixed, and where the capacity for agentic action is always socially mediated and shaped by social structure.