bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Globalization of Clean Energy Technology
Authors: Gallagher Kelly Sims
Published: March 2019

An examination of barriers that impede and incentives that motivate the global development and deployment of cleaner energy technologies, with case studies from China.

The development and deployment of cleaner energy technologies have become globalized phenomena. Yet despite the fact that energy-related goods account for more than ten percent of international trade, policy makers, academics, and the business community perceive barriers to the global diffusion of these emerging technologies. Experts point to problems including intellectual property concerns, trade barriers, and developing countries' limited access to technology and funding. In this book, Kelly Gallagher uses analysis and case studies from China's solar photovoltaic, gas turbine, advanced battery, and coal gasification industries to examine both barriers and incentives in clean energy technology transfer.

Gallagher finds that the barriers are not as daunting as many assume; these technologies already cross borders through foreign direct investment, licensing, joint R&D, and other channels. She shows that intellectual property infringement is not as widespread as business leaders fear and can be managed, and that firms in developing countries show considerable resourcefulness in acquiring technology legally. She finds that financing does present an obstacle, especially when new cleaner technologies compete with entrenched, polluting, and often government-subsidized traditional technologies. But the biggest single barrier, she finds, is the failure of government to provide sensible policy incentives. The case studies show how government, through market-formation policy, can unleash global market forces. Gallagher's findings have theoretical significance as well; she proposes a new model of global technology diffusion that casts doubt on aspects of technology transfer theory.
Peripheral Vision
Authors: Patterson Zabet
Published: March 2019

How the S-C 4020—a mainframe peripheral intended to produce scientific visualizations—shaped a series of early computer art projects that emerged from Bell Labs.

In 1959, the electronics manufacturer Stromberg-Carlson produced the S-C 4020, a device that allowed mainframe computers to present and preserve images. In the mainframe era, the output of text and image was quite literally peripheral; the S-C 4020—a strange and elaborate apparatus, with a cathode ray screen, a tape deck, a buffer unit, a film camera, and a photo-paper camera—produced most of the computer graphics of the late 1950s and early 1960s. At Bell Laboratories in Murray Hill, New Jersey, the S-C 4020 became a crucial part of ongoing encounters among art, science, and technology. In this book, Zabet Patterson examines the extraordinary uses to which the Bell Labs SC-2040 was put between 1961 and 1972, exploring a series of early computer art projects shaped by the special computational affordances of the S-C 4020.

The S-C 4020 produced tabular data, graph plotting and design drawings, grid projections, and drawings of axes and vectors; it made previously impossible visualizations possible. Among the works Patterson describes are E. E. Zajac's short film of an orbiting satellite, which drew on the machine's graphic capacities as well as the mainframe's calculations; a groundbreaking exhibit of “computer generated pictures” by Béla Julesz and Michael Noll, two scientists interested in visualization; animations by Kenneth Knowlton and the Bell Labs artist-in-residence Stan VanDerBeek; and Lillian Schwartz's “cybernetic” film Pixillation.

Arguing for the centrality of a peripheral, Patterson makes a case for considering computational systems not simply as machines but in their cultural and historical context.
MANAGING OILS AS HAZARDOUS INDUSTRIAL WASTE
Authors: ĆIRIĆ DANICA
Published: March 2019

The management of waste oils is one of several key issues in the field of environmental protection. One of the leading problems is how to manage and process hazardous waste, including liquid hazardous waste oils. Due to the increasing amount of this waste, it is reasonable to be concerned about how to manage waste oils without harmful effects on the environment. The obvious problem with waste oil management in Serbia is insufficient laws and regulations in this area, as well as the fact that waste oil has been illegally incinerated, spilled and disposed. The adoption of the Waste Oils Directive and the Law on Waste Management set the legal framework for the management of waste oils, thus opening the possibility for investment and business in this area.
Key words: waste, waste oil, management, storage, treatment
Understanding the experience of psychopathology after intimate partner violence: the role of personality
Authors: Moreira Paulo A.S. , Pinto Márcia , Cloninger C. Robert , Rodrigues Daniela , da Silva Carlos Fernandes
Published: March 2019

Objective(s)

To fully understand the dynamics of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) it is necessary to understand the role of personality. The current understanding of which personality characteristics are associated with IPV victimization is, however, far from comprehensive. Given this gap in the literature, our objective was to examine the associations between the dimensions of the psychobiological model of personality and psychopathological symptoms in women who had experienced IPV.

Methods

Using a case-control design, a group of women who had experienced IPV and who were living in shelters (n= 50) were compared to a group of control women who had not experienced IPV (n= 50). All women completed the Temperament and Character Inventory–Revised and the Brief Symptom Inventory.

Results

Victims of IPV showed significantly higher levels of Harm Avoidance and Self-Transcendence, and lower levels of Reward Dependence and Self-Directedness, than the non-IPV control group. Victims of IPV also reported elevated levels of psychopathological symptoms. Personality dimensions showed a broadly consistent pattern of associations across different psychopathological symptoms. A regression analysis indicated that Novelty Seeking was negatively associated with psychopathological symptoms in victims of IPV, but not significantly associated in non-victims.

Conclusions

The study highlights the important role of Harm Avoidance and Self-Directedness for understanding psychopathological symptoms. Novelty Seeking appears to play an important role in the expression of individuals’ experiences of IPV. These results have important implications for research and practice, particularly the development and implementation of interventions.
Using road patrol data to identify factors associated with carnivore roadkill counts
Authors: Williams Samual T. , Collinson Wendy , Patterson-Abrolat Claire , Marneweck David G. , Swanepoel Lourens H.
Published: March 2019

As the global road network expands, roads pose an emerging threat to wildlife populations. One way in which roads can affect wildlife is wildlife-vehicle collisions, which can be a significant cause of mortality through roadkill. In order to successfully mitigate these problems, it is vital to understand the factors that can explain the distribution of roadkill. Collecting the data required to enable this can be expensive and time consuming, but there is significant potential in partnering with organisations that conduct existing road patrols to obtain the necessary data. We assessed the feasibility of using roadkill data collected daily between 2014 and 2017 by road patrol staff from a private road agency on a 410 km length of the N3 road in South Africa. We modelled the relationship between a set of environmental and anthropogenic variables on the number of roadkill carcasses, using serval (Leptailurus serval) as a model species. We recorded 5.24 serval roadkill carcasses/100 km/year. The number of carcasses was related to season, the amount of wetland, and NDVI, but was not related to any of the anthropogenic variables we included. This suggests that roadkill patterns may differ greatly depending on the ecology of species of interest, but targeting mitigation measures where roads pass through wetlands may help to reduce serval roadkill. Partnering with road agencies for data collection offers powerful opportunities to identify factors related to roadkill distribution and reduce the threats posed by roads to wildlife.
Assessing the Nature of Risk Management Implementation in Manufacturing Small Medium Enterprises in Nigeria
Authors: Nkemakonam Igbokwe , Wilfred Mba
Published: March 2019

The survival of manufacturing small and medium enterprises depends on its capability to anticipate and prepare for setbacks, challenges and risks, rather than waiting for it to happen. Thus the purpose of this study was to investigate the nature of risk management implementation in manufacturing small and medium enterprises in Nigeria. A survey methodology was applied during this investigation. And the results revealed that as the owner/manager entrepreneurial experience grows, risk management experience is gained. Thereby leading to a better risk perception, where a more sophisticated risk management approach is implemented that ensures its survival during political or economic crises.
Contribution of Law Enforcement Institutions in Protecting Street Children’s Rights in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Chingonikaya Emanuel E. , Salehe Farida S.
Published: March 2019

Tanzania is one of the countries which have ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child which means they are committed to protecting the rights of all children. Moreover, over 50% of the population of Tanzania is aged 18 years and under, the need to invest in the development and protection of children becomes more important. There is an increasing number of street children in many cities in Tanzania. The reasons for causing street children are widely known. There are law enforcement institutions for protecting children. However, it is not widely known on the contribution of these institutions in protecting street children rights. The study determined the contribution of law enforcement institutions in protecting Street children's rights. Specific objectives of the research were to examine the roles of law enforcement institutions in protecting children's rights at various levels of the society and determine the community's attitude towards violation of children’s rights. The study was conducted in Temeke and Ilala municipalities in Dar es Salaam city. A cross-sectional research design was adopted. A representative sample of 120 street children was used. Both primary and secondary data were collected. A questionnaire survey, focus group discussion, key informant interview and personal observation methods were used to collect the primary data. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) for Windows Version 12.0 was used for data analysis. Results of this study revealed that some of the street children's rights for protection were being violated by various law enforcement institutions. From the perspective of communities, many of them regarded the street children as criminals. The study concludes that many street children to get the rights for protection. From the findings, it is recommended that law enforcement institutions should not always use forces due to the notion that street children are criminals.
Carbon Sequestration Potential and Economic Value in Agroforestry Parkland to Tectona grandis L. f. (Verbenaceae) in Central Africa: A Case Study to Department of Poli (Northern Region in Cameroon)
Authors: Victor Awe Djongmo , Valery Noiha Noumi , Louis Zapfack , Aimé Vroh Bi Tra , Aliou Saïdou
Published: March 2019

The vegetation and the afforestation of agricultural land non-forest represent a potential increase in carbon stocks which could, under certain conditions and within certain limits, compensate part of the emissions resulting from the use of fossil fuels and deforestations. Quantification of stocks of biomass and carbon dioxide contained in agroforestry systems has become an international priority within the framework of the implementation of REDD+ mechanism. Estimates of stocks of carbon in woody biomass, dead organic matter, belowground biomass, litter, herbaceous and lianas plant biomass were incorporated in allometric equation based on non-destructive method. The total carbon stock evaluated in the parkland of Tectona grandis was 207.34 ton/3ha out of which woody biomass accounted for 130.19 ton/3ha belowground biomass (40.4 ton/3ha), dead organic matter (22.85 ton/3ha), litter (9.09 ton/3ha), herbaceous plant biomass (2.28 ton/3ha) and lianas (2.53 ton/3ha). The aboveground biomass therefore contributed approximately 62.80 % of the total stock of carbon assessed. This show the considerable contribution of Tectona grandis parkland to climate change mitigation in Cameroon.
A Multistage Sampling Case Study in India of Food Packaging on Buyers’ Behavior
Authors: Bakshi Saumya , Choudhary Harshika , Badal P. S.
Published: March 2019

Due to increasing self-service and changing consumers’ lifestyles, interest in packaging as a tool of sales promotion and stimulator of impulsive buying is growing. The basic purpose of this paper was to find out how different elements of packaging influence buyer behaviour at different stages of purchasing. Varanasi district (Uttar Pradesh) was selected for the study purposively. The Results showed that all the packaging elements are highly important to consumers’ depending on their demographics and these factors can highly influence their purchasing decision.
Effect of Arenga Palm [Arenga pinnata (WRMB)MERR.] Liquid on the Growth and Yield of Rice
Authors: . Lukman
Published: March 2019

Arenga palm is a liquid obtained from palm plant stem [Arenga pinnata (Wurmb). Merr)] this liquid is used as an ingredient for brown sugar or alcoholic beverages, this liquid is then mixed with some organic ingredients through fermentation method. The result of laboratory analysis shows that the fermentation contained N, P, K, and IAA and GA3 hormones that were used as experimental fertilizer (Liquid Organic fertilizer arenga palm). This research aims to determine the effectiveness of the dosage of liquid organic fertilizer to the growth and yield of rice field plants. This research used a randomized block design consisting of 3 (three) replications and 10 doses so that there were 30 experimental treatments. The study was carried out at the Agricultural Research Institute of Sidondo Palu in Central Sulawesi in March to June 2017. The analysis used was the analysis of single factor variance with the Honest Significant Difference test (BNJ). The results of the analysis shows that the dose of arenga palm 25.75 L.ha-1 for plant growth aged 15 days after planting (HST), 28 HST and 43 HST affects significantly (P <0.001) to an average plant height of 49.3 cm, 6.51 cm and 86 cm, and the number of productive tillers is 15.23 stems. Cluster-1. Likewise, the results of crop production shows that the use of a dose of 25.75 L. ha-1 is significantly different (P <0.001 harvested dry rice yield (GKP) 7.99 tons. ha-1.
Homeless Encampments and Involuntary Displacement
Authors: Meehan Ashley A. , Hagan Liesl M. , Butler Jay C.
Published: November 2024

This Viewpoint enumerates the public health risks of involuntary displacement and offers 4 strategies that public health agencies can take to minimize the harms caused by dismantling homeless encampments.
Age‐Related ECM Stiffness Mediates TRAIL Activation in Muscle Stem Cell Differentiation
Authors: Alakhdar Amira A. , Sivakumar Sruthi , Kopchak Rylee M. , Hunter Allison N. , Ambrosio Fabrisia , Washburn Newell R.
Published: November 2024

The stiffening of the extracellular matrix (ECM) with age hinders muscle regeneration by causing intrinsic muscle stem cell (MuSC) dysfunction through a poorly understood mechanism. Here, the study aims to study those age‐related molecular changes in the differentiation of MuSCs due to age and/or stiffness. Hence, young and aged MuSCs are seeded onto substrates engineered to mimic a soft and stiff ECM microenvironment to study those molecular changes using single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA). The trajectory of scRNA data of the MuSCs under four different conditions undergoing differentiation is analyzed as well as the active molecular pathways and transcription factors driving those differentiation fates. Data revealed the presence of a branching point within the trajectory leading to the emergence of an age‐related fibroblastic population characterized by activation of the TNF‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) pathway, which is significantly activated in aged cells cultured on stiff substrates. Next, using the collagen cross‐linking inhibitor β‐aminopropionitrile (BAPN) in vivo, the study elucidates stiffness changes on TRAIL downstream apoptotic targets (caspase 8 and caspase 3) using immunostaining. TRAIL activity is significantly inhibited by BAPN in aged animals, indicating a complex mechanism of age‐related declines in muscle function through inflammatory and apoptotic mediators.
Modular Tunable α‐Helical Peptide Hydrogels for Neuronal Cells
Authors: Scott D. Arne , Wasmuth Alexandra , Abelardo Edgardo , Hudson Kieran L. , Thomson Andrew R. , Birchall Martin A. , Mehrban Nazia , Henley Jeremy M. , Woolfson Derek N.
Published: November 2024

The assembly of synthetic modules into user‐defined hydrogels for cell culture and clinical applications carries significant advantages over naturally derived materials. Modularity is exploited in synthetic‐polymer‐based hydrogels to alter their physical properties, and spatiotemporally incorporate signaling peptides and growth factors. By contrast, the design of self‐assembling peptide hydrogels has focused largely on assessing cellular responses to unmodified hydrogels and introducing small cell‐adhesive ligands. In short, the modularity of peptide hydrogels is yet to be fully exploited. Previously, hydrogelating self‐assembling fibers (hSAFs) are reported in which two de novo designed α‐helical peptides form gels when mixed. Here, rational peptide design and engineering are used to alter the elastic properties of these hydrogels, to introduce adhesion peptides and growth factors, and to spatially pattern proteins within them. Analysis of the viability and morphology of primary rat neurons cultured on these hydrogels indicates that the modularity of the hSAF system provides a flexible platform for manipulating cell behavior, with potential future applications for modeling natural systems in vitro and regenerative medicine in vivo.
Facilitating Cathode Regeneration via Defect‐Driven Prelithiation
Authors: Jin Shan , Lu Zi‐Ang , Mu Deying , Lin Tianning , Zhang Wei , Zhang Yanjiang , Chen Daoming , Li Ruhong , Dai Changsong
Published: November 2024

Direct regeneration of electrode materials has been in the spotlight due to its potential resource recovery and environmental benefits, especially for LiNixCoyMnzO2 (NCM) cathode materials. Yet, prior studies have predominantly emphasized innovating regeneration methods, overlooking the intrinsic defects of spent NCM and their effects in the regeneration process. This study proposes a mechanism aimed at facilitating lithiation regeneration by modulating the surface defects of spent NCM. The generation of oxygen defects in degraded NCM intensifies the adsorption of lithium source, effectively reducing the energy barrier for Li+ migration from surface to bulk. Simultaneously, mechanical energy is employed to alter the local thermodynamic state to provide a driving force for lithium migration, allowing it to undergo a prelithiation reaction before roasting. The temperature range in which the phase transition occurs during the roasting process becomes more concentrated. This contributes to increasing opportunities for lithium insertion and accelerates the repair of crystal structure, resulting in favorable properties of regenerated materials. This strategy innovatively exploits the inherent defects of spent NCM, proposes the critical role of synergistically regulating defect kinetic and thermodynamic features in facilitating regeneration, providing a unique perspective for the design of direct NCM regeneration technology.
Phosphorylation Enables Nano‐Graphene for Tunable Artificial Synapses
Authors: Zhang Zhenyu , Qu Yuanduo , Chen Siran , Ke Shanwu , Hao Mengdi , Xiao Yongyue , Zhang Shuai , Cheng Ziqiang , Xiao Jiangrong , Huang Hao , Ye Cong , Chu Paul K. , Yu Xue‐Feng , Wang Jiahong
Published: November 2024

Flexible and robust memristors with controllable resistance‐switching characteristics are important to neuromorphic computing. However, the nanomaterials‐based, solution‐processed resistance switching layer usually has poor reliability and tunability due to uneven morphology and invariable surface properties. Herein, phosphorylated graphene nanoflakes (phos‐GPs) are synthesized for high‐performance solution‐processed flexible memristors. In situ conductive atomic force microscopy reveals that the tightly stacked uniform nanoflakes and modified phosphorate groups jointly reduce the formation barrier of the conductive filaments. Furthermore, phosphorylation gives rise to surface silver ion coordination leading to enhanced radial growth of the conductive filaments. The memristor shows volatile characteristics in the Ag/phos‐GPs/ITO architecture and exhibits non‐volatile properties in the Ag/Ag+‐(phos‐GPs)/ITO structure. Both types of memristors display consistent I‐‐V curves during long‐term cycling and under repetitive mechanical bending, in addition to excellent synaptic plasticity. Moreover, ultrasmall nonlinearity is observed from non‐volatile long‐term synaptic potentiation and depression. By utilizing the tunable artificial synapses, the processes of memory‐forgetting and re‐recognition are simulated, and the image recognition tasks are accomplished by the artificial neural networks.
An Ionic Sieve‐Integrated Conductive Interfacial Design to Simultaneously Regulate the Zn2+ Flux and Interfacial Resistance for Advancing Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Haobo , Wu Yutong , Xie Qihong , Ma Xinxi , Zou Jiawei , Zheng Anyu , Guo Taolian , Wang Chao , Han Jie
Published: November 2024

Zinc‐ion batteries possess operation safety, high energy density, production flexibility and affordability, making them attractive for scalable energy storage. While Zn anodes face significant challenges from rampant dendrite growth and electrolyte‐related side‐reactions in a complex interfacial microenvironment. The growing interfacial resistance further degrades the battery performance. An integrated anode interfacial design is reported to regulate simultaneously the Zn2+ flux and interfacial resistance through in situ confinement growth of Zn2+ sieve, that is, 2D CuBDC metal–organic framework in mesoporous carbonaceous host. CuBDC with sub‐nanometer channels is selected for efficient dehydration and directional Zn2+ flux transport, and lowering the nucleation barrier by zincophilic Cu(II) and N sites. Conductive meso‐carbon reduces the interfacial resistance and blocks the interfacial side‐reactions. Resultantly, the modified Zn anodes demonstrate improved cycling stability with lower voltage polarization, supported by operando optical microscopy and ex situ analysis. This work provides a feasible strategy improving aqueous Zn anodes and new interfacial insights on designing advancing zinc batteries.
Dye Decorated Ammonium Perchlorate with Fast Decomposition and High Safety Performance
Authors: Liu Dan , Wang Junru , Zhao Xu , Yang Zhijian
Published: November 2024

Enhancing the thermal decomposition efficiency and safety of ammonium perchlorate (AP) is of far‐reaching significance in composite propellants. Most catalysts act well on the thermal decomposition of AP, however, synergistically achievements of fastened decomposition and improved mechanical safety are still in challenge. Herein, neutral red (NR) is selected from typical dyes through theoretical calculations, acting as an organic decoration of AP crystal with improved performances. Among the four organic dyes, NR demonstrated the highest adsorption energy and evident charge transfer at the interface. Following preparations through a freeze‐drying technique obtained a quasi‐homogeneous energetic composite (NR‐AP‐5%). The large interaction force between NR and AP promoted the rupture of chemical bonds between Cl and O as proved by TG‐MS, showing excellent energy‐release performance with the decreased exothermic peak from 437.0 to 355.5 °C. Correspondingly, the activation energy is reduced from 213.59 to 107.72 kJ mol−1, with largely increased heat release from 447.29 to 1014.86 J g−1. In addition, the inert decoration of NR endowed considerable advances in the safety performances of AP, achieving remarkably improved impact and friction sensitivity of 35 J and 288 N, respectively. This unique assembly structure provides a novel strategy to achieve high‐effective catalysis for functional propellants.
Enabling One‐Step De‐Sodiation of Na4MnV(PO4)3 Cathode via Regulating Coordination Environment for High‐Power and Long‐Lasting Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Chen Can , Wang Liqun , Deng Zhihao , Kong Xueling , Zhang Tianyi , Yu Qinqin , Wang Zuyong , Zhu Peining , Ding Yuan‐Li
Published: November 2024

Na4MnV(PO4)3 (NMVP) is considered as a promising cathode candidate for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) because it possesses a higher voltage plateau of 3.6 V (Mn3+/Mn2+) besides the voltage plateau of 3.4 V (V4+/V3+), lower cost, and environmental benign compared to Na3V2(PO4)3. However, such cathode still suffers from sluggish intrinsic Na+ diffusion kinetics and the Jahn‐Teller distortion of Mn3+, leading to low capacity and poor cycling performance. Particularly, the second‐step Na+ de‐sodiation in NMVP is the rate‐determining step owing to a lower chemical diffusion coefficient with one order of magnitude than that of the first‐step counterpart. To address these issues, a coordination environment regulation strategy is reported to develop a one‐step de‐sodiation NMVP cathode via introducing Zr4+ and K+/Ca2+ into Mn and Na sites, respectively. Based on theoretical calculations and electrochemical evaluation, the obtained Na3.3K0.1Ca0.1Mn0.8VZr0.2(PO4)3 exhibits much enhanced Na+ diffusion and efficiently inhibits the Jahn‐Teller distortion. Importantly, such modification significantly facilitates the second‐step Na+ diffusion of NMVP, realizing one‐step de‐sodiation. When employed as a cathode for SIBs, such cathode shows a specific capacity of 73 mAh g−1 (15 C), and capacity retentions of 92.7% after 3000 cycles (at 10 C, room temperature), and 72.6% after 1000 cycles (1 C, 50 °C).
Enhancing Fracture Healing with 3D Bioprinted Hif1a‐Overexpressing BMSCs Hydrogel: A Novel Approach to Accelerated Bone Repair
Authors: Lu Jiajia , Shi Xiaojian , Zhou Zhibin , Lu Nan , Chu Guangxin , Jin Hai , Zhu Lei , Chen Aimin
Published: November 2024

Addressing the urgent need for effective fracture treatments, this study investigates the efficacy of a 3D bioprinted biomimetic hydrogel, enriched with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and targeted hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 alpha (Hif1a) gene activation, in enhancing fracture healing. A photocross‐linkable bioink, gelatin methacryloyl bone matrix anhydride (GBMA) is developed, and selected its 5% concentration for bioink formulation. Rat BMSCs are isolated and combined with GBMA to create the GBMA@BMSCs bioink. This bioink is then used in 3D bioprinting to fabricate a hydrogel for application in a rat femoral fracture model. Through transcriptome sequencing, WGCNA, and Venn analysis, the hypoxia‐inducible factor Hif1a is identified as a critical gene in the fracture healing process. In vitro studies showed that Hif1a promoted BMSC proliferation, chondrogenic differentiation, and cartilage matrix stability. The in vivo application of the GBMA@BMSCs hydrogel with Hif1a overexpression significantly accelerated fracture healing, evidenced by early and enhanced cartilage callus formation. The study demonstrates that 3D bioprinting of GBMA@BMSCs hydrogel, particularly with Hif1a‐enhanced BMSCs, offers a promising approach for rapid and effective fracture repair.
Flower‐Like Nanosensors for Photoacoustic‐Enhanced Lysosomal Escape and Cytoplasmic Marker‐Activated Fluorescence: Enabling High‐Contrast Identification and Photothermal Ablation of Minimal Residual Disease in Breast Cancer
Authors: Li Lin , Xing Yuxin , Chen Yuhua , Li Kunlin , Wu Yunyun , Cai Kaiyong , Wang Lu , Zhang Jixi
Published: November 2024

The clearance of minimal residual disease (MRD) after breast cancer surgery is crucial for inhibiting metastasis and recurrence. However, the most promising biomarker‐activated fluorescence imaging strategies encounter accessibility issues of the delivered sensors to cytoplasmic targets. Herein, a flower‐like composite nanosensor with photoacoustic (PA) effect‐enhanced lysosomal escape and cytoplasmic marker‐activated fluorescence is developed to address this challenge. Specifically, the incorporation of Co2+ into the synthesis of 2D Zn2+‐derived metal–organic frameworks enabled rapid dopamine polymerization and deposition. Subsequently, the composite nanoflower (FHN), characterized by an average size of ≈80 nm and petal thickness of ≈6 nm, is formed through the sealing of micropores and simultaneous cross‐linking of nanosheets. The pronounced reduction in thermal conductivity of FHN, and superposition of interpetal thermal fields under a pulsed laser (PL), lead to enhanced PA effect and membrane permeability. Thereby, nanosensors efficiently escape from lysosomes resulting in synergistic fluorescence activation by dual‐factors (ATP, miRNA‐21) and DNA probes installed on FHN. A subsequently high tumor‐to‐normal tissue signal ratio (TNR) of 17.4 lead to precise guidance of NIR irradiation for efficient MRD eradication and recurrence inhibition. This study provides a new approach for high‐contrast identification and precise ablation of MRD based on the synergistic response of endogenous and exogenous factors.
Granular Nanofiber‐Hydrogel Composite‐Programmed Regenerative Inflammation and Adipose Tissue Formation
Authors: Kong Jiayuan , Yao Zhi‐Cheng , Stelzel Jessica L. , Yang Yueh‐Hsun , Chen Jeffrey , Feng Hexiang , Schmidt Collin , Zhang Chi , Krishnan Kedar , Chen Long , Pan Jingwen , Ding Kailei , Zhu Yining , Li Xiaowei , Doloff Joshua C. , Mao Hai‐Quan , Reddy Sashank K.
Published: November 2024

The interplay between biomaterials and host immune responses critically determines outcomes in tissue restoration. Recent studies suggest that physicochemical properties of materials can dictate pro‐regenerative versus pro‐fibrotic responses and have begun to define the key immune cell types and signals governing these divergent effects. This emerging understanding enables the engineering of regenerative biomaterials capable of functional restoration in situ. An injectable nanofiber‐hydrogel composite (NHC) microparticles are designed and constructed from cross–linked electrospun collagen nanofiber fragments surface‐bonded to the hyaluronic acid hydrogel network via covalent conjugation during the cross–linking process. The collagen nanofiber fragments, acting as the structural reinforcement component, increased the overall storage modulus of the NHC to a level comparable to native soft tissues while maintaining a sufficiently high degree of porosity of the hydrogel phase to allow host cell infiltration following subcutaneous injection of the NHC microparticles. More importantly, the NHC promoted macrophage/monocyte infiltration, migration, and spreading, sustained cell recruitment over time, and enhanced the proangiogenic effect and recruitment of PDGFRα+ perivascular progenitor cells, leading to extensive adipose tissue remodeling. This study demonstrates the regenerative potential of the injectable NHC microgels as an off‐the‐shelf solution for devastating soft tissue losses.
Self‐Extracting Dextran‐Based Hydrogel Microneedle Arrays with an Interpenetrating Bioelectroenzymatic Sensor for Transdermal Monitoring with Matrix Protection
Authors: Darmau Bastien , Sacchi Marta , Texier Isabelle , Gross Andrew J.
Published: November 2024

Continuous glucose monitors have revolutionized diabetes management, yet such devices are limited by their cost, invasiveness, and stability. Microneedle (MN) arrays could offer improved comfort compared to invasive implanted or mm‐sized needle devices, but such arrays are hampered by complex fabrication processes, limited mechanical and sensor stability, and/or cytotoxicity concerns. This work demonstrates the first crosslinked hydrogel microneedle‐bioelectroenzymatic sensor arrays capable of biomarker extraction and robust transdermal continuous monitoring in artificial interstitial fluid for 10 days. The fabrication process via micromolding of dextran‐methacrylate (Dex‐MA) and dry‐state visible light crosslinking is simple and permits the robust fixation of diverse prefabricated electrodes in a single array. Dry‐state crosslinking minimized material shrinkage to enable the formation of resistant Dex‐MA microneedles with shape control and reproducibility. The polymer substitution level (9–62%) and mass content (10–30 wt%) affect the mechanical, swelling, and bioelectrocatalytic properties of the integrated sensors. Crosslinked Dex‐MA hydrogel matrices provide beneficial cytotoxicity protection and flux‐limiting membrane properties to the integrated second generation dehydrogenase‐based nanostructured buckypaper biosensor and Ag/AgCl reference electrodes. Polysaccharide‐based microneedle technology with encapsulated porous bioelectrodes promise to be a valuable alternative to more invasive devices for safer and longer‐term biomarker monitoring.
Lipid Nanoparticle‐Mediated CRISPR‐Cas13a Delivery for the Control of Bacterial Infection
Authors: Kim Bookun , Seo Hwi Won , Lee Kyuri , Yong Dongeun , Park Yoon Kyung , Lee Yujin , Lee Solip , Kim Do‐Wan , Kim Dajeong , Ryu Choong‐Min
Published: November 2024

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) can assist in the delivery of nucleic acid inside animal cells, as demonstrated by their use in COVID‐19 vaccine development. However, LNPs applicable to bacteria have not been reported. Here, the screening of 511 LNPs containing random combinations of different lipid components identified two LNPs, LNP 496 and LNP 470, that efficiently delivered plasmids into Escherichia coli BW25113. Since Gram‐negative bacteria have lipid bilayers, the bacteria are pretreated with LNP‐helper that weakens the bacterial membrane. The cationic lipid DOTAP improved delivery of LNP‐encapsulated plasmid DNA when present at a molar ratio of 10–25 mol% in the LNP. LNP encapsulation of the Cas13a/gRNA expression vector controlled infection by a clinical Escherichia strain in Galleria mellonela larvae and mouse infection models when used in combination with non‐cytotoxic concentrations of polymyxin B, a bacterial membrane disruptor. Together, the results show that LNPs can be useful as a delivery platform for agents that counteract pathogenic bacterial infections.
Thermal‐Assisted Dry Coating Electrode Unlocking Sustainable and High‐Performance Batteries
Authors: Qu Zongtao , Wang Yan , Zhang Chengxiao , Geng Shitao , Xu Qiuchen , Wang Shuo , Zhao Xiaoju , Zhang Xiao , Yuan Bin , Ouyang Zhaofeng , Sun Hao
Published: November 2024

Current battery production relies on the use of large amounts of N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidnone (NMP) solvent during electrode preparation, which raises serious concerns in material cost, energy consumption, and toxicity, thus demanding the innovation of dry electrodes with excellent performance. However, state‐of‐the‐art dry electrodes show inferior energy densities, particularly under high‐areal‐capacity and fast charge/discharge conditions required for practical applications. Here dry production of high‐energy‐density Li‐ and Mn‐rich (LMR) cathodes is shown based on a thermal‐assistant approach. The lithium difluoro(oxalate)borate (LiDFOB) and succinonitrile (SN) serve as two key electrode mediators to facilitate Li+ transport, and the mild heating process for melting SN‐LiDFOB has significantly improved the distribution of various components in the electrode. These synergistic effects enable dry LMR cathodes with a maximum rate capability of 4 C (12 mA cm−2) and an areal capacity of 11.0 mAh cm−2. The resulting Li metal/LMR full cell exhibits the maximum energy and power densities of 609 Wh kg−1 and 2,183 W kg−1, respectively, based on the total mass of the cathode and anode. These results not only break through the key bottleneck in energy density for dry electrodes but, in a broader context, open a new avenue for green and sustainable battery production.
Reversible Anion‐Cation Relay‐Intercalation in a T‐MnO2 Cathode to Boost the Efficiency of Aqueous Dual‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Shin Kyungsoo , Pei Yi , Zhou Xiaolong , Chen Qing , Kidkhunthod Pinit , Zheng Yongping , Guo Xiuli , Tunmee Sarayut , Zhang Qichun , Tang Yongbing
Published: November 2024

Benefiting from the merits of intrinsic safety, high power density, environmental friendliness, and high‐output voltage, aqueous dual‐ion batteries (ADIBs) have shown broad potential applications in future grid‐scale energy storage. However, since the ADIBs require the cathodes to undergo the intercalation reactions through different local structures and mechanisms, causing large structural deformation and cathode failure, their reversible cation‐anion intercalation in the cathode remains a major challenge. To address this issue, based on a reasonable selection and theoretical simulation, this work finds that Todorokite manganese dioxide (t‐MnO2) cathode with a metal‐ion stabilized 3 × 3 large‐tunnel structure should be suitable for cation‐anion intercalation of ADIBs. The comprehensive characterizations confirm that the unique tunnel structure of the t‐MnO2 cathode can withstand large structural deformation during the sulfate radical anion– zinc/proton cation (SO42−–Zn2+/H+) intercalation. Due to the intercalation of SO42−, the ADIB delivered a high reversible capacity of 398 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 with an output voltage of ≈1.41 V, which is much higher than the theoretical capacity (308 mAh g−1) of Zn‐MnO2 based Zinc‐ion batteries. This work provides the design principles for ADIBs cathode materials and demonstrates that t‐MnO2 can be a promising cathode material for high‐performance ADIBs.
Ferroelectric Perovskite/MoS2 Channel Heterojunctions for Wide‐Window Nonvolatile Memory and Neuromorphic Computing
Authors: Xu Haojie , Sun Fapeng , Li Enlong , Guo Wuqian , Hua Lina , Wang Ruixue , Li Wenwu , Chu Junhao , Liu Wei , Luo Junhua , Sun Zhihua
Published: November 2024

Ferroelectric materials commonly serve as gate insulators in typical field‐effect transistors, where their polarization reversal enables effective modulation of the conductivity state of the channel material, thereby realizing non‐volatile memory. Currently, novel 2D ferroelectrics unlock new prospects in next‐generation electronics and neuromorphic computation. However, the advancement of these materials is impeded by limited selectivity and narrow memory windows. Here, new concepts of 2D ferroelectric perovskite/MoS2 channel heterostructures field‐effect transistors are presented, in which 2D ferroelectric perovskite features customizable band structure, few‐layered ferroelectricity, and submillimeter‐size monolayer wafers. Further studies reveal that these devices exhibit unique charge polarity modulation (from n‐ to p‐type channel) and remarkable nonvolatile memory behavior, especially record‐wide hysteresis windows up to 177 V, which enables efficient imitation of biological synapses and achieves high recognition accuracy for electrocardiogram patterns. This result provides a device paradigm for future nonvolatile memory and artificial synaptic applications.
Cellulose Nanofiber‐Supported Electrochemical Percolation of Capacitive Nanomaterials with 0D, 1D, and 2D Structures
Authors: Hang Chen‐Chen , Zhang Chao , Guan Qing‐Fang , Ye Liqing , Su Yude , Yu Shu‐Hong
Published: November 2024

Cellulose nanofiber (CNF) represents a promising support material to strengthen the mechanical property of free‐standing supercapacitor electrodes comprised of conducting nanomaterials. Although efforts have been focused on improving the performance of the CNF‐supported electrode, the percolation of capacitive nanomaterials within the insulating CNF matrix, and its correlation with the nanomaterial's dimensionality are still underexplored. In this work, membrane supercapacitor electrodes are fabricated by incorporating CNF with 0D, 1D, and 2D capacitive nanocarbons respectively to study the impact of their dimensionality. It is found that the percolation pathway of the nanocarbons is dependent on their dimensionality. By introducing a new definition termed as electrochemical percolation threshold, the threshold weight percentages to realize effective electrochemical percolation are determined to be 60.0, 14.3, and 66.7% for 0D, 1D, and 2D nanocarbons, respectively. Increasing the weight percentage beyond the threshold typically results in improved electrochemical percolation but reduced mechanical strength, and both trends are dependent on the nanocarbon's dimensionality. The results provide guidance to design efficient and robust CNF‐supported supercapacitor electrodes by controlling the dimensionality and density of the active material. The insights regarding the electrochemical percolation threshold can be applied to other energy‐storage nanomaterials to advance the development of insulator‐supported supercapacitors.
Synthesis of Dibenzoxasilepine Using Ring Expansion Reaction of a Pentacoordinate Silicon Intermediate
Authors: Watanabe Keigo , Sato Mutsuki , Takehara Tsunayoshi , Asano Kaori , Matsuzaki Tsuyoshi , Suzuki Takeyuki , Sako Makoto , Arisawa Mitsuhiro
Published: November 2024

Dibenzoxasilepine is an important skeleton in both synthetic organic and medicinal chemistry. Here, we have succeeded in obtaining it in higher yield than the conventional method, elucidating for the first time the rearrangement tendency of the two aromatic rings during the ring expansion reaction on the cyclic pentacoordinate silicon intermediate.
Co Modified Pr0.6Sm0.4Mn1O3 Perovskite Enhances the Non‐Radical Pathway for Efficient Removal of Rhodamine B
Authors: Han Dongxu , Song Zhi , Liu Boxia , Liu Bofei , Zhang Xiayan , Liu Jialu , Huang Yeqiong , Xing Chuhan
Published: November 2024

Because of its excellent catalytic activity and stability, perovskite materials are widely used in advanced oxidation processes to remove refractory organic pollutants. In this study, a series of catalysts Pr0.6Sm0.4CoxMn1‐xO3 (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6,0.8 and 1) with limited range effect are prepared by sol–gel method with the regulation strategy of injecting active metal Co at B site in the crystal lattice of perovskite catalyst Pr0.6Sm0.4MnO3. Under the optimal conditions, the Pr0.6Sm0.4Co0.8Mn0.2O3/PMS/RhB system showed superior catalytic performance, and the removal rate of Rhodamine B (100 mg L−1) is close to 100% within 40 min. In addition, the Pr0.6Sm0.4Co0.8Mn0.2O3 catalyst has a wider pH (2‐10) tolerance range and still has outstanding catalytic properties after multiple cycle tests. The quenching experiment and EPR test confirmed that a variety of active species are produced in the system, and the singlet oxygen as the leading path of a variety of active substances assisted to promote the efficient degradation of Rhodamine B in wastewater. This study provides a new reaction system and regulatory strategy of active structural sites for the design of Fenton‐like catalytic systems based on novel perovskite oxides.
A Mini Review on the Synthesis of Mesoporous Silica and its Application in Antibiotic Removal
Authors: Wang Jingfang , Li Fei , Bao Yueping , Zhan Sihui
Published: November 2024

In recent years, antibiotics have been widely used in multiple fields such as agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry as well as human health due to their high efficiency and low price in treating bacterial infections. However, the misuse of antibiotics has posed a serious threat to both ecological environment and human health, resulting in the antibiotic contamination as a global issue. Therefore, the development of novel materials and technologies to remove antibiotics from water has become a research frontier and hotspot. Meanwhile, mesoporous silica materials have been gradually used in the removal of antibiotics via adsorption and degradation due to their controllable structure, tunable pore size as well as diverse sources. This mini review focuses on the research progress of mesoporous silica in removing antibiotics from aquatic environments. The main types and controllable synthesis procedures of mesoporous silica is introduced first, followed by their application in antibiotics removal via both adsorption and catalytic degradation. Furthermore, it proposes the future directions of this field, providing insights for the use of mesoporous silica materials in water pollution control.
Ultra‐Broad Emission Copper Halide Scintillator‐Based X‐Ray Imager
Authors: Lv Haocheng , Shao Wenyi , Chen Haifeng , Zhu Guoyang , Wang Yao , Zhang Zhenzhong , Liang Hongwei
Published: November 2024

Lead‐free metal‐halide scintillators are gaining considerable attention as more eco‐friendly and superior alternatives to their lead‐based counterparts. However, novel broad‐emission band scintillators like the state‐of‐the‐art CsI: Tl scintillator, which can generate high signals due to its strong compatibility with the spectral responsivity of regular photodiode arrays, are still less investigated. Herein, a TPA2Cu2I4 (TPACI) copper halide scintillator with a unique ultra‐broad emission (FWHM > 240 nm) is developed, which shows universal compatibility with the peak response range of commercial photodetector. The optical properties characterization and mechanism analysis indicates that this ultra‐broad spectrum can be attributed to the dual self‐trapped exciton (STE) emission consisting of two emission bands. Benefiting from the large Stokes shift and ultra‐broad emission band enabled by the dual STE, the self‐absorption‐free TPACI scintillator exhibits efficient white light emission with a high photoluminescence quantum yields of 94.27%, a high light yield of ≈40124 photons MeV−1. Moreover, a prototype of a TPACI scintillator‐based X‐ray imager is assembled for inspecting the internal structures of biological and electronic devices, which demonstrated a high resolution of 5.5 lp mm−1 at modulation transfer function = 0.2. These findings provide insights into the design of efficient, broad‐emission scintillators for high‐resolution X‐ray imaging.