bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Light‐Matter Interactions Revealing Load‐Induced Phase Mobility in Elastomers
Authors: Huynh Nha Uyen , Koohbor Behrad , Youssef George
Published: February 2023

Elastomers with segmental microstructure are a fascinating class of shock‐tolerant and impact‐resistant materials. However, their technological potential remains untapped due to a vague understanding of the molecular contributions to their superior mechanical behavior. Herein, in situ light‐matter interactions, to reveal the extent of microstructural mobility by temporally exploiting molecular processes during creep response, are leveraged. The segmental microstructure comprises aromatic hard domains embedded within an aliphatic soft matrix. High‐resolution digital image correlation reveals the development of strain striations, mild anisotropy, and the mechanisms responsible for domain mobility, where the rate of hard segment mobility is found to be 60% slower than that of the soft segment. Terahertz spectral analyses pinpoint the contributions of interchain hydrogen bonding of the hard segments and their significant conformational changes by observing spectral features at ≈1.2THz and ≈1.67THz. Moreover, the domain mobility is examined using experimental and computational light scattering approaches, uncovering dynamic scattering and elucidating the difference in the complex refractive index of the soft and hard segments. The study unlocks the pathway for quantitative measurements of elusive molecular mobility and conformational changes during mechanical loading and sheds light on the origin of the shock tolerance in some elastomeric polymers with segmental microstructure.
The mystery of the ice cold rose—Microbiome of an Arctic winter frost flower
Authors: Thiele Stefan , Vader Anna , Øvreås Lise
Published: February 2023

Under very cold conditions, delicate ice‐crystal structures called frost flowers emerge on the surface of newly formed sea ice. These understudied, ephemeral structures include saline brine, organic material, inorganic nutrients, and bacterial and archaeal communities in their brine channels. Hitherto, only a few frost flowers have been studied during spring and these have been reported to be dominated by Rhizobia or members of the SAR11 clade. Here we report on the microbiome of frost flowers sampled during the winter and polar night in the Barents Sea. There was a distinct difference in community profile between the extracted DNA and RNA, but both were dominated by members of the SAR11 clade (78% relative abundance and 41.5% relative activity). The data further suggested the abundance and activity of Cand. Nitrosopumilus, Nitrospinia, and Nitrosomonas. Combined with the inference of marker genes based on the 16S rRNA gene data, this indicates that sulfur and nitrogen cycling are likely the major metabolism in these ephemeral structures.
The Impact of the COVID‐19 Pandemic on Care Partners of People with Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Speelberg Daniël H.B. , Hulshoff Max J. , Book Elaine , Dahodwala Nabila , Korell Monica , Tanner Caroline M. , Marras Connie
Published: February 2023

Background

Since the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, the caregiving routine for care partners of people with Parkinson's disease (PwPD) changed substantially.

Objectives

To understand the nature and severity of burden in care partners of PwPD during the ongoing pandemic. We also sought to describe care partners' perceived change in burden and factors associated with increased burden.

Methods

Cross‐sectional online questionnaire‐based study among care partners of PwPD, registered in the Fox Insight study. The questionnaire consisted of the Modified Caregiver Strain Index, whether an aspect of strain had changed over the course of the pandemic and additional pandemic‐specific infection and lifestyle‐related items.

Results

Two hundred seventy‐three non‐paid primary care partners responded to the questionnaire, 73% female with a median age at enrollment of 64 years, 56% reporting a household income greater than 75,000 USD per year, and 61% retired. An increase in burden compared to before the pandemic was prevalent, ranging from 33% to 63% for individual items. Emotional strain increased most frequently (63%). Decreases in burden were uncommon; work adjustments (7%) and time demands (6%) decreased most frequently. PD‐related factors and care partner roles in personal care of the PwPD were the factors that were associated with strain in multivariable analysis, whereas social and pandemic‐related factors were not.

Conclusion

In this affluent and mostly retired cohort, increases in emotional strain during the pandemic were prevalent. Despite this, caregiving roles in personal care and severity of symptoms in the PwPD were more strongly associated with strain than social and pandemic‐related factors.
Oxidative Stress Mediated by N6‐Methyladenosine Methylation Contributes to High‐Fat Diet Induced Male Reproductive Dysfunction
Authors: Sun Jingyi , Li Mujiao , Xiong Yuting , Zhai Lingling , Zhao Jian
Published: February 2023

Objective

To determine the mechanism of oxidative stress mediated by N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) methylation contributing to high fat diet‐induced reproductive dysfunction.

Results

In vivo, compared with those in the Control group, the sperm count and sperm motility decrease significantly; the testosterone, luteinizing hormone levels, hyaluronidase, acrosomal enzyme levels, and total antioxidant capacity decrease significantly; malondialdehyde increases significantly in the DIO and DIO‐R groups. The expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2), superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), and NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1) decreases significantly in the DIO and DIO‐R groups; m6A levels in testis tissue in the DIO and DIO‐R groups increase; the enrichment of m6A‐modified Nrf2 mRNA in testis in the DIO group and DIO‐R group increases significantly. Also the m6A regulatory proteins increase significantly in the DIO group and DIO‐R group. In vitro, compared to palmitic acid treated cells, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level significantly decreases in STM2457, S‐Adenosylhomocysteine treated cells and YTHDC2, YTHDF2 gene silence cells; however, Nrf2 expression increases in all treated cells. In addition, m6A expression decreases.

Conclusions

Oxidative stress mediates by methylation of m6A may contribute to high fat diet‐induced male reproductive dysfunction.
Preventive Effect of Indian Gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica L.) Fruit Extract on Cognitive Decline in High‐Fat Diet (HFD)‐Fed Rats
Authors: Chen Ying‐Yin , Chen Sheng‐Yi , Lin Jer‐An , Yen Gow‐Chin
Published: February 2023

Scope

Methylglyoxal (MG)‐derived advanced glycation end products (AGEs) directly bind to the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), subsequently exacerbating obesity and obesity‐induced cognitive decline. Indian gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica L.) fruit has antiobesity properties. However, the underlying mechanism by which Indian gooseberry fruit prevents obesity‐induced cognitive decline remains unclear.

Methods and results

This study aims to investigate the preventive effect of a water extract of Indian gooseberry fruit (WEIG) and its bioactive compound gallic acid (GA) on the obesity‐induced cognitive decline through MG suppression and gut microbiota modulation in high‐fat diet (HFD)‐fed rats. Trapping MG, WEIG, and GA significantly ameliorate fat accumulation in adipose tissue and learning and memory deficits. Mechanistically, WEIG and GA administration effectively reduces brain MG and AGE levels and subsequently reduces insulin resistance, inflammatory cytokines, MDA production, and Alzheimer's disease‐related proteins, but increases both antioxidant enzyme activities and anti‐inflammatory cytokine with inhibiting RAGE, MAPK, and NF‐κB levels in HFD‐fed rats. Additionally, WEIG and GA supplementation increases the relative abundances of Bacteroidetes, Gammaproteobacteria, and Parasutterella, which negatively correlate with MG, inflammatory cytokine, and Alzheimer's disease‐related protein expressions.

Conclusion

This novel finding provides a possible mechanism by which WEIG prevents obesity‐induced cognitive decline through the gut‐brain axis.
Technical note: TERMA scaling as an effective heterogeneity correction model for convolution‐based external‐beam photon dose calculations
Authors: Laakkonen Linda , Fan Zheyong , Harju Ari
Published: February 2023

Background

In highly heterogeneous medium, such as one with lung tissue or air cavities, the dose in the low‐density region or after it, as calculated by the conventional methods based on convolution with an energy‐spreading kernel, is usually overestimated in comparison with measurements or more accurate predictions.

Purpose

To correct the overestimation, we propose a method of scaling the total energy released per mass (TERMA).

Methods

The scaling depends on both the density distribution and the effective beam size in the lateral direction.

Results

The corrected convolution method achieved a significantly improved accuracy in both the lung‐like tissue and the water‐like region after air, compared to the uncorrected method. The TERMA correction only adds about 10% to the overall computational cost.

Conclusions

Due to the improvement in accuracy and the preservation of computational efficiency, the proposed dose calculation method will be valuable for inverse treatment planning.
Surface‐GCN: Learning interaction experience for organ segmentation in 3D medical images
Authors: Tian Fengrui , Tian Zhiqiang , Chen Zhang , Zhang Dong , Du Shaoyi
Published: February 2023

Background

Accurate segmentation of organs has a great significance for clinical diagnosis, but it is still hard work due to the obscure imaging boundaries caused by tissue adhesion on medical images. Based on the image continuity in medical image volumes, segmentation on these slices could be inferred from adjacent slices with a clear organ boundary. Radiologists can delineate a clear organ boundary by observing adjacent slices.

Purpose

Inspired by the radiologists' delineating procedure, we design an organ segmentation model based on boundary information of adjacent slices and a human–machine interactive learning strategy to introduce clinical experience.

Methods

We propose an interactive organ segmentation method for medical image volume based on Graph Convolution Network (GCN) called Surface‐GCN. First, we propose a Surface Feature Extraction Network (SFE‐Net) to capture surface features of a target organ, and supervise it by a Mini‐batch Adaptive Surface Matching (MBASM) module. Then, to predict organ boundaries precisely, we design an automatic segmentation module based on a Surface Convolution Unit (SCU), which propagates information on organ surfaces to refine the generated boundaries. In addition, an interactive segmentation module is proposed to learn radiologists' experience of interactive corrections on organ surfaces to reduce interaction clicks.

Results

We evaluate the proposed method on one prostate MR image dataset and two abdominal multi‐organ CT datasets. The experimental results show that our method outperforms other state‐of‐the‐art methods. For prostate segmentation, the proposed method conducts a DSC score of 94.49% on PROMISE12 test dataset. For abdominal multi‐organ segmentation, the proposed method achieves DSC scores of 95, 91, 95, and 88% for the left kidney, gallbladder, spleen, and esophagus, respectively. For interactive segmentation, the proposed method reduces 5–10 interaction clicks to reach the same accuracy.

Conclusions

To overcome the medical organ segmentation challenge, we propose a Graph Convolutional Network called Surface‐GCN by imitating radiologist interactions and learning clinical experience. On single and multiple organ segmentation tasks, the proposed method could obtain more accurate segmentation boundaries compared with other state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Expectations of patients awaiting lung transplantation: A qualitative study
Authors: Mestres‐Soler Olga , Gómez‐Ibáñez Rebeca , Zuriguel‐Pérez Esperanza , Escobar‐Fornieles Roser , Aguayo‐González Mariela , Leyva‐Moral Juan Manuel , Watson Carolina E.
Published: February 2023

Aim

The main aim of the present study is to examine the expectations and feelings of people awaiting lung transplantation.

Background

The assessment of the benefits of lung transplant should consider, among other things, the subjective perceptions of patients about the procedure, especially in relation to the context and to their values, goals and expectations. This is an issue that has not been studied in depth, especially in Spain.

Design

Exploratory qualitative study.

Methods

Data were collected through semi‐structured interviews during the period of being on the waiting list for transplantation. Thematic analysis of the data was supported by the Atlas.ti software.

Results

The study population comprised 16 patients awaiting lung transplant, a number sufficient to reach data saturation. Four categories were identified to describe patients' feelings and expectations: (1) reasons for undergoing the transplant, (2) expectations about life post‐transplant, (3) emotional state, and (4) relationship with the healthcare team.

Conclusions

Patients have high expectations of lung transplantation. They see it as offering them a second chance at life, although the future creates uncertainty. The healthcare professionals are identified as key actors, providing essential support and information throughout the various stages of the process. Future research should explore recipients' experiences of lung transplant at later stages.

Relevance to clinical practice

It is important to adapt care through all the lung transplant process, which is accompanied by intense and complex emotions since the beginning. Thus, providing social and psychological support from the beginning may contribute to their health status, helping them deal with all the emotions and feelings experienced, and find balance between expectations and reality.

Patient or public contribution

Sixteen patients awaiting lung transplant were interviewed. Interview transcripts were returned to participants to check for accuracy with their experiences.
The novelty role of polyamide elastomer in the determination of crosslink density and the formation of crosslink network of EPDM vulcanizates
Authors: Hao Yupeng , Kadlcak Jakub , Xu Jiayong , Wu Di , Liu Guangyong
Published: February 2023

The effect of polyamide elastomer (PAE) on the crosslink network of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) was systematically investigated by using equilibrium swelling method and rheological experiment. The swelling systems of the EPDM‐PAE vulcanizates were discussed by classification way. The results showed that PAE was involved in the construction of the crosslink network and decreases the chemical crosslink density and the total crosslink degree of EPDM vulcanizate. By linearly fitting the relationship between chemical crosslink density and total crosslink degree, the physical crosslink degrees of EPDM, EPDM‐PAE and PAE were estimated as 9.135, 2.934, and 0.820 dNm, respectively. The physical crosslink degree of EPDM vulcanizates was mainly contributed by the entanglement of rubber macromolecular chains. By contrast, the interaction of the inter‐macromolecular chains of EPDM‐PAE and the physical crosslink of PAE itself contributed less to the physical crosslink degree of EPDM vulcanizates. With the increase of aging time under 150°C, the roles of PAE in continuously promoting the crosslink reaction and leading to the degradation of crosslink network resulted in various changes in crosslink density and mechanical properties. It could be expected from this study that the construction of the crosslink network of EPDM‐PAE composite was unique, which provided a novel perspective on the microscopic crosslink structures and macroscopic properties of EPDM‐PAE based products.
Synthesis and coating properties of sulfonated calixarene‐based waterborne polyurethane hydrotalcite nanocomposite
Authors: Zhang Qi , Zhou Yongxiang , Ma Jianzhong , Wang Hao , Li Wenbo
Published: February 2023

In this article, sulfonated calixarene was used to modify Mg‐Al hydrotalcite (Mg‐Al‐LDH) prepared by coprecipitation method to improve the interfacial compatibility between nano‐hydrotalcite and waterborne polyurethane (WPU) matrix. Waterborne polyurethane hydrotalcite nanocomposite emulsion (STCR‐LDH/WPU) was prepared by adding modified hydrotalcite into WPU. The tensile strength, surface static contact angle, water permeability rate, and water absorption of the film were measured. FTIR and X‐ray diffraction were used to determine the film‐forming properties. The results showed that the tensile strength increased to 57 MPa, the elongation at break reached 292%, and its water vapor permeability and UV resistance were significantly improved by introducing sulfonated calixarene to modify the hydrotalcite nanosheet structure based on WPU. The compound emulsion gives the coated leather excellent physical and mechanical properties, and the laminated leather has stronger coating abrasion resistance.
Comparison of circulating maternal placenta growth factor levels and sonographic evaluation of patients with abnormal first trimester screening analytes
Authors: Ashwal Eran , Keunen Johannes , Ravichandran Anjana , Ellul Katie , Agrawal Swati , Hobson Sebastian R. , Windrim Rory C. , Kingdom John C.
Published: February 2023

Objective

To evaluate the role of mid‐trimester placental growth factor (PlGF) in patients with abnormal circulating levels of first‐trimester biomarkers.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study including singleton pregnancies complicated by abnormal first‐trimester biomarkers (2017–2020). Pregnancies complicated with chromosomal/structural anomalies were excluded. All patients had ultrasound imaging including uterine artery Doppler combined with measurement of maternal circulating PlGF. Sonographic findings, maternal and perinatal outcomes, and placental histopathology were compared between pregnancies with normal and low (<10th percentile for gestational age) PlGF levels. The diagnostic accuracy of PlGF for the prediction of specific placental‐mediated complications was compared with the uterine artery Doppler assessment and additional sonographic findings.

Results

Seventy‐one pregnancies were assessed, of which 35 (49.3%) had low PlGF levels. Maternal sociodemographic characteristics, nulliparity, and aspirin consumption were comparable. In comparison with patients with normal PlGF levels, individuals with low PlGF levels had a higher rate of fetal growth restriction (EFW <3rd centile; 42.9% vs. 8.3%, p = 0.001), preterm‐preeclampsia (22.9% vs. 0%, p = 0.002), preterm delivery <34 weeks (54.3% vs. 8.3%, p < 0.001) and maternal vascular malperfusion placental pathology (72.7% vs. 21.7%, p < 0.001) following delivery. Adjusting for uterine artery Doppler and fetal biometry status, mid‐trimester low PlGF remained significantly associated with these placental‐mediated complications. The predictive capacity of PlGF outperformed ultrasound imaging with only minimal diagnostic improvement when ultrasound information was combined with PlGF status.

Conclusion

In pregnancies with unexplained abnormal first‐trimester biomarkers, mid‐trimester PlGF outperformed a comprehensive ultrasound assessment in the identification of a subset of patients destined to develop placental dysfunction. This blood test may be an alternative initial approach in this context, especially where access to specialist care is more geographically challenging.
Screen‐positive rate in cell‐free DNA screening for microdeletion 22q11.2
Authors: Lüthgens Kai , Sinzel Monika , Kolar Miriam , Kagan Karl Oliver
Published: February 2023

Objective

To examine the impact of the fetal fraction (FF) on the screen‐positive rate in screening for microdeletion 22q11.2.

Methods

This study is based on samples that were analyzed using the Harmony® Prenatal Test (Roche Inc). The study cohort comprised samples from women with singleton pregnancies who were at least 16 years old and at least at 11 weeks' gestation. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine significant covariates that carry an impact on the screen‐positive rate.

Results

The study population consisted of 52,019 pregnancies, including 309 pregnancies with a high‐risk result for microdeletion 22q11.2. Thus, the overall screen‐positive rate was 0.59%. In the low‐risk group, the FF was 10.1%, and in the high‐risk group, it was 7.3%. Regression analysis indicated a strong correlation between the FF and the screen‐positive rate. In the cases with an FF of <11.0%, the screen‐positive rate was 0.92%, while it was 0.13% in the group with a higher FF.

Conclusion

The screen‐positive rate depends on the FF. In order to keep the rate low, we recommend restricting the analysis to samples with a FF of 11% and more.
Experimental and theoretical EBIC analysis for grain boundary and CdS/Cu (In, Ga)Se2 heterointerface in Cu (In, Ga)Se2 solar cells
Authors: Fukuda Ryotaro , Nishimura Takahito , Yamada Akira
Published: February 2023

The behavior of carriers for an electron‐beam‐induced current (EBIC) evaluation is experimentally and theoretically analyzed for the polycrystalline Cu (In, Ga)Se2 (CIGS) thin‐film solar cells. The experimental EBIC signal in‐depth profiles of the CIGS layers show four features: peaks at grain boundaries (GBs), narrowed peaks near the surface, shifted peaks near the surface, and double peaks at the GBs and surface. Operating principles for CIGS solar cell devices under electron–hole pair excitation are systematically revealed utilizing a two‐dimensional theoretical EBIC simulation: (i) The EBIC peaks at the GBs are caused by a high hole barrier, including a valence band offset (ΔEV) and a band bending at the GBs; (ii) narrowing of EBIC peaks near the surface is caused by high defect densities at the GBs, grading of a conduction band minimum, and grading of acceptor concentration (Na) along with the CIGS depth direction; (iii) a shift in EBIC peaks near the surface is caused by high donor‐like defect densities at the surface; (iv) double peaks at the GBs and surface are caused by a thick surface layer (SL) with the ΔEV and the hole barrier at GBs. These findings of the EBIC analysis will help to comprehensively understand the complex polycrystalline CIGS carrier transport mechanism in realizing the highest‐efficiency CIGS solar cells.
Growth, Structure, and Magnetic Properties of Artificially Layered NiMn in Contact to Ferromagnetic Co on Cu3Au(001)
Authors: Shinwari Tauqir , Gelen Ismet , Villanueva Melek , Kumberg Ivar , Shokr Yasser A. , Khan M. Yaqoob , Kuch Wolfgang
Published: February 2023

Single‐crystalline antiferromagnetic artificially layered [Ni/Mn] films of different thicknesses, covered by ferromagnetic Co layers, are deposited on . Their structural and magnetic properties are characterized by low‐energy electron diffraction (LEED) and magneto‐optical Kerr effect, respectively, and compared with disordered alloy films with the same Ni/Mn ratio and the same film thickness. LEED intensity‐versus‐energy curves show that the perpendicular interatomic lattice distance is decreased in the artificially layered [Ni/Mn] samples in comparison to the disordered alloy films. At the same time, the artificially layered [Ni/Mn] films exhibit higher coercivity and exchange bias of the adjacent Co layer compared to those of . This is discussed as a consequence of the different interatomic lattice distance, presumably caused by an ordered buckling in the artificially layered [Ni/Mn] samples, leading to a stronger interlayer exchange coupling.
Total lignans from Vitex negundo seeds attenuate osteoarthritis and their main component vitedoin A alleviates osteoclast differentiation by suppressing ERK/NFATc1 signaling
Authors: Ban Yanfei , Wang Yang , Qiao Liming , Zhang Chengzhong , Wang Hongrui , He Xuhui , Jia Dan , Zheng Chengjian
Published: February 2023

The seeds of Vitex negundo have been used for inflammation‐related disease treatment in traditional medicine. This study focused on the anti‐osteoarthritis (OA) effects of the total lignans of V. negundo seeds (TOV) in monosodium iodoacetate‐induced osteoarthritis rats and its pharmacokinetic properties, as well as the effects and potential mechanism of its main components VN1 (6‐hydroxy‐4‐(4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxy‐phenyl)‐3‐hydro‐xymethyl‐7‐methoxy‐3,4‐dihydro‐2‐naphthaldehydeb) and VN2 (vitedoin A) on receptor activator of NF‐κB ligand (RANKL)‐induced osteoclast differentiation in bone marrow macrophages (BMMs). TOV significantly attenuated osteoarthritis, leading to an increase in pain thresholds, improvement of knee articular cartilages and chondrocytes loss, and decreased total joint scores and serum levels of TNF‐α, interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in osteoarthritis rats. The half‐time (T1/2) was 2.82 h and 1.33 h, and the bioavailability was 15.34%–21.89% and 16.29%–22.11%, for VN1 and VN2, respectively. VN2, rather than VN1, remarkably inhibited tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity, reduced the number of TRAP‐positive multinuclear cells, diminished the formation of actin ring, and decreased mRNA levels of cathepsin K (CTSK), TRAP, nuclear factor of activated T cell 1 (NFATc1), and osteoclast‐associated receptor, as well as downregulated protein levels of p‐ERK (phosphorylated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase), TRAP, CTSK and NFATc1 in BMMs. These findings suggest TOV has promising therapeutic potential for OA treatment and VN2, in particular, attenuates osteoclast differentiation by suppressing ERK/NFATc1 signaling and actin ring, mainly accounting for the anti‐OA efficacy of TOV.
Insights on Mpox virus infection immunopathogenesis
Authors: Saghazadeh Amene , Rezaei Nima
Published: February 2023

An immunocompromised status has been associated with more odds of being infected with Mpox virus (MPXV) and progressing to severe disease. This aligns with the importance of immune competence for MPXV control and clearance. We and others have previously reviewed parallels between MPXV and other viruses belonging to the Poxviridae in affecting the immune system. This article reviews studies providing direct evidence of the MPXV‐immune interactions. The wide‐ranging effects of MPXV on the immune system, from stimulation to modulation to memory, are broadly categorised, followed by a detailing of these effects on the immune cells and molecules, including natural killer cells, macrophages, neutrophils, lymphocytes, cytokines, interferons, chemokines, and complement.
Iterative learning identification: Dynamic parametrization modeling and comparison
Authors: Sun Mingxuan , Zhong Guomin , Wang Liming
Published: February 2023

This article elaborates the iterative learning mechanism for time‐varying system identification, and describes the learning algorithms that could achieve the consistent estimation for time‐varying parameters under persistent repetitive‐excitation conditions. A dynamic parametrization approach, in this article, is presented for modeling and analysis a general class of nonlinear systems. The derivations are conducted to give linear‐in‐the‐parameters models with time‐varying coefficients. The resultant models can be in a unified form, with the aid of the variable difference representation, and the iterative learning least squares algorithm and its variant are applicable for the purpose of parameter estimation. Moreover, a learning control scheme is adopted for demonstrating effectiveness of the dynamically‐parametrized modes, which are simulated and fully compared with the presented numerical results.
Hollow‐Particles Quasi‐Solid‐State Electrolytes with Biomimetic Ion Channels for High‐Performance Lithium‐Metal Batteries
Authors: Liu Zixin , Chen Weizhe , Zhang Fengling , Wu Feng , Chen Renjie , Li Li
Published: February 2023

Solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) are the core material of solid‐state lithium metal batteries (SLMBs), which are being researched urgently owing to their high energy and safety. Both high ionic conductivity and excellent cycling stability remain the primary goal of solid‐state electrolytes. Herein, inspired by K+/Na+ ion channels in cell membrane of eukaryotes, a novel hollow UiO‐66 with biomimetic ion channels based on quasi‐solid‐state electrolytes (QSSEs) is designed. The hollow UiO‐66 spheres containing biomimetic ion channels can spontaneously combine anions and incorporate more lithium ions, creating improved ionic conductivity (1.15 × 10−3 S cm−1) and lithium‐ion transference number (0.70) at room temperature. The long‐term cycling of symmetric batteries and COMSOL simulations demonstrate that this biomimetic strategy enables uniform ion flux to suppress Li dendrites. Furthermore, the Li metal full cells paired with LiFePO4 cathode exhibit excellent cycling stability and rate performance. Consequently, the strategy of designing biomimetic QSSEs opens up a new path for developing high‐performance electrolytes for SLMBs.
Polymerization‐Induced Self‐Assembly: An Emerging Tool for Generating Polymer‐Based Biohybrid Nanostructures
Authors: Qiu Liang , Han Xinyue , Xing Chengfen , Glebe Ulrich
Published: February 2023

The combination of biomolecules and synthetic polymers provides an easy access to utilize advantages from both the synthetic world and nature. This is not only important for the development of novel innovative materials, but also promotes the application of biomolecules in various fields including medicine, catalysis, and water treatment, etc. Due to the rapid progress in synthesis strategies for polymer nanomaterials and deepened understanding of biomolecules’ structures and functions, the construction of advanced polymer‐based biohybrid nanostructures (PBBNs) becomes prospective and attainable. Polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (PISA), as an efficient and versatile technique in obtaining polymeric nano‐objects at high concentrations, has demonstrated to be an attractive alternative to existing self‐assembly procedures. Those advantages induce the focus on the fabrication of PBBNs via the PISA technique. In this review, current preparation strategies are illustrated based on the PISA technique for achieving various PBBNs, including grafting‐from and grafting‐through methods, as well as encapsulation of biomolecules during and subsequent to the PISA process. Finally, advantages and drawbacks are discussed in the fabrication of PBBNs via the PISA technique and obstacles are identified that need to be overcome to enable commercial application.
An Inverted Layer‐by‐Layer Process to Enable Ultrasmooth MXene–Ag Nanowire Hybrid Electrode for Organic Photovoltaics
Authors: Shin Eul-Yong , Choi Su Bin , Lee Jong Ho , Yoo Byungwook , Han Chul Jong , Park So Hyun , Noh Jun Hong , Kim Jong-Woong , Son Hae Jung
Published: February 2023

To realize flexible and wearable electronic devices in the future, it is important to develop flexible transparent electrodes while replacing indium tin oxide‐based transparent electrodes. Herein, a highly conductive transparent electrode based on hybrid materials of MXene nanosheet films and Ag nanowires (AgNWs) is reported, which synergistically combines the advantageous properties of each material. MXene/AgNW/colorless polyimide (cPI) hybrid electrode is prepared utilizing reverse sequential processing of MXene nanosheets and AgNWs and exhibits significantly improved conductivity and transmittance compared with the MXene/cPI electrode. Furthermore, owing to the abundant hydrophilic termination groups (‐O and ‐OH) on the MXene surface, the MXene/AgNW/cPI hybrid electrode shows hydrophilic surface properties and a highly uniform film. Therefore, the MXene/AgNW/cPI hybrid electrode exhibits higher transmittance at 550 nm to 79% than MXene/cPI electrode (59%) and considerably lower sheet resistance (13.08 ohm sq−1) than MXene/cPI electrode (113.6 ohm sq−1). Flexible organic photovoltaic devices fabricated with MXene/AgNW/cPI hybrid electrode achieve higher power conversion efficiency of 10.3% compared with 6.70% of the corresponding MXene/cPI electrode. These results provide the great potential of Ti3C2‐based MXene hybrid electrode as a flexible transparent electrode, paving the way for various and wider range of applications include solar cells and light‐emitting diodes.
Micro/Nanofabrication, Assembly, and Actuation Based on Microorganisms: Recent Advances and Perspectives
Authors: Gong De , Sun Lili , Li Xinghao , Zhang Wenqiang , Zhang Deyuan , Cai Jun
Published: February 2023

Microorganisms become new sources for fabricating intricate micro/nano structures via bottom‐up approaches. Produced from nature, microorganism biotemplates exhibit unique structural and material features over thousands of years of revolution. They are considerably superior and cost‐effective for fabricating complex and heterogeneous structures when compared to other micro/nanofabrication techniques. Herein, the recent advances in biologically driven micro/nanofabrication, assembly, and actuation based on microorganisms are consolidated. Detailed development and recent advances of micro/nanoparticle fabrication, their ordered assembly, and controlled actuation properties, as well as certain typical engineering application examples, are mainly involved. The developing perspectives and challenges of microorganism‐based micro/nanofabrication are also discussed, aiming to inspire the relevant researches and promote the development in this field.
Conjugated Microporous Polymer Hybrid Microparticles for Enhanced Applicability in Silica‐Boosted Diclofenac Adsorption
Authors: Reis Berthold , Pfefferkorn Kai , Borchert Konstantin B. L. , Gohl Sebastian , Zimmermann Philipp , Steinbach Christine , Kohn Benjamin D. , Scheler Ulrich , Reuter Uta , Pohl Darius , Schwarz Simona , Mayer Martin , Schwarz Dana
Published: February 2023

Diclofenac (DCF) is one of the most widespread and consumed analgesics, thereby causing contamination of water bodies on a global scale. A common approach to tackle this pressing issue is the adsorption of DCF exploiting highly hydrophobic polymers. However, controlling the morphology of such polymers is essential. Adsorption capacities of the presented conjugated microporous polymer (CMP) in bulk‐form, for DCF (qsat) are as low as 13.0 mg g−1 despite exhibiting additional nitrogen moieties to specifically target DCF. Herein, an approach to drastically increase the DCF adsorption by increasing the accessible hydrophobic surface area by coating it around mesoporous silica microspheres is shown. These microspheres do not attribute to the adsorption of DCF themselves, but increase the accessibility of the CMP. Simultaneously, the applicability of the hybrid material is enhanced through higher wettability and more facile separation. As a consequence, an effective adsorbent is formed featuring an adsorption of up to 422 mg DCF per 1 × g CMP for the optimized silica/monomer ratio — comparable to expensive state‐of‐art materials. As the approach combines the advantages of the nano‐ and the micro‐dimension and does not depend on the actual adsorbent material, it holds great potential for general adsorption problems requiring highly engineered systems.
Effect of steel fibers on the performance of an economical ultra‐high strength concrete
Authors: Nguyen Tan‐Trac , Thai Huu‐Tai , Ngo Tuan
Published: February 2023

This study examines the use of steel fibers in enhancing the ductility of an economical ultra‐high strength concrete (UHSC). The addition of fibrous material with very small geometry in this mixture is an effective solution to improve its ductility and prevent its brittle failure which is a common characteristic of UHSC. Different mechanical properties of reinforced and unreinforced concrete (e.g., slump flow, compressive, splitting tensile strength tests, and failure modes) were taken into account to find out the efficiency of micro steel fibers. The test results showed that concrete containing 25 mm length and 0.20 mm diameter steel fibers at a volume fraction of 0.5% not only presented a reasonable improvement in ductility performance but also ensured cost‐effectiveness. The cost evaluation conducted on several existing mix designs is also introduced in this study to investigate the influence of various steel fiber contents on the total cost of concrete so that figure out the lowest budget solution. The evaluation shows the high price of fiber reinforcement in which an addition of steel fibers by 5% volume could increase 7% of the total concrete cost.
Material reduced tunnel lining segments for moderately swelling soils
Authors: Petraroia Diego N. , Medeghini Filippo , Plückelmann Sven , Mark Peter , Breitenbücher Rolf
Published: February 2023

Tunnels in unfavorable ground conditions are exposed to high internal stresses due to localized loading at the outer face. Addition of extra layers of compressible material as a countermeasure needs more material and greater excavation volumes which is in conflict to the global goals of CO2 reduction. Thus, two alternative types of segments with higher bearing capacities are proposed that allow for lining thickness reduction. They are derived from multi‐load topology optimization considering relevant load cases during construction and in service. The first design incorporates centered recesses that maximize segmental stiffness. The second shifts the recesses to the outer face increasing their potential to absorb deformation. Two prototypes of each type are fabricated from high performance steel fiber reinforced concrete. Experiments show that a concrete reduction of up to 55.2% is achieved with respect to a conventional design. The volume savings give space for layers of radially compressible material.
Spinophilin‐dependent regulation of GluN2B‐containing NMDAR‐dependent calcium influx, GluN2B surface expression, and cleaved caspase expression
Authors: Salek Asma B. , Claeboe Emily T. , Bansal Ruchi , Berbari Nicolas F. , Baucum Anthony J.
Published: February 2023

N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are calcium‐permeable ion channels that are ubiquitously expressed within the glutamatergic postsynaptic density. Phosphorylation of NMDAR subunits defines receptor conductance and surface localization, two alterations that can modulate overall channel activity. Modulation of NMDAR phosphorylation by kinases and phosphatases regulates the amount of calcium entering the cell and subsequent activation of calcium‐dependent processes. The dendritic spine enriched protein, spinophilin, is the major synaptic protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) targeting protein. Depending on the substrate, spinophilin can act as either a PP1 targeting protein, to permit substrate dephosphorylation, or a PP1 inhibitory protein, to enhance substrate phosphorylation. Spinophilin limits NMDAR function in a PP1‐dependent manner. Specifically, we have previously shown that spinophilin sequesters PP1 away from the GluN2B subunit of the NMDAR, which results in increased phosphorylation of Ser‐1284 on GluN2B. However, how spinophilin modifies NMDAR function is unclear. Herein, we utilize a Neuro2A cell line to detail that Ser‐1284 phosphorylation increases calcium influx via GluN2B‐containing NMDARs. Moreover, overexpression of spinophilin decreases GluN2B‐containing NMDAR activity by decreasing its surface expression, an effect that is independent of Ser‐1284 phosphorylation. In hippocampal neurons isolated from spinophilin knockout animals, there is an increase in cleaved caspase‐3 levels, a marker of calcium‐associated apoptosis, compared with wildtype mice. Taken together, our data demonstrate that spinophilin regulates GluN2B containing NMDAR phosphorylation, channel function, and trafficking and that loss of spinophilin enhances neuronal cleaved caspase‐3 expression.
Transient Biomacromolecular Nanoparticles for Labels with Self‐Erasable and Rewritable Ability
Authors: Li Jiahui , Wang Liang , Pan Chunyu , Yang Bai , Li Yunfeng
Published: February 2023

Nature utilizes non‐equilibrium self‐assembly to achieve remarkable functions. Although such systems have been synthesized, this class of assembly is only sparsely explored in innovative materials with life‐like functions. Here, we report transient nanoparticles driven by adenosine triphosphate and their applications on the self‐erasable and rewritable security labels. We show that the lifetime of transient nanoparticles can be tuned from a few minutes to hundreds of minutes through adjusting concentrations of the components. By integrating the transient nanoparticles into hydrogels, we achieve self‐erasable and rewritable labels with time‐ and space‐encoded information encryption. Notably, a smart Morse code is implemented by programming the hydrogel labels in a spatiotemporal manner. This work provides an emerging material involving transient nanoparticles for information encryption, further accelerating the explorations of the new type information encryption materials.
Identification with cartoon characters across cultures suggests better fit for appointments at subsidiaries
Authors: Behrens Alfredo
Published: February 2023

Caucasian Anglophones tend to side with the Coyote while Latin Americans, Indians, and Iberians with the Roadrunner. The Roadrunner types claim to dislike being led by Coyote types, and that is probably what they get at subsidiaries, because the heads of subsidiaries are likely to be appointed by Anglophone Coyote‐type bosses. Among the Seligman virtues, Justice and Courage show the greatest cleavage between the choices between characters. Respondents who side with the Roadrunner appreciate more what they see as fairness and leadership in the Roadrunner, while those who side with the Coyote appreciate more its bravery and integrity. Because MBA alumni respondents tend to have relatively homogenous training and goals, their expressed allegiances to either the Coyote or the Roadrunner characters of the Warner Bros. cartoon are likely to express culturally nuanced projections on the characters. Respondents also explained what managerial roles they see fitting for each character.
Can synoptic drivers explain rotor‐area wind conditions and predict energy output?
Authors: Coburn Jacob , Klink Katherine
Published: February 2023

Synoptic‐scale weather patterns are an important driver of wind speed at turbine hub height, but wind energy generation is also affected by the wind profile across the rotor. In this research, we use a 6‐year record of hourly profile measurements at the Eolos Wind Research Station in Minnesota, USA, to investigate whether synoptic weather patterns can provide information about rotor‐area characteristics in addition to hub‐height wind speed. We use sea level pressure data from the MERRA‐2 reanalysis to classify synoptic patterns at the Eolos site into 15 synoptic types and use the Eolos wind profile data to create mean hourly and mean monthly values of wind speed and turbulence intensity at hub height (80 m), and wind speed shear, wind direction shear, and the potential temperature gradient across the rotor (30–129 m), for each synoptic type. Using a simple linear regression model, we find that, at monthly time scales, wind speed, turbulence intensity, and wind speed shear across the rotor are the most important variables for predicting monthly wind energy output from the Eolos turbine. Regression models using the original Eolos data and the derived synoptic types capture about 64% and 55% of the variance in monthly energy output, respectively. When fewer than the full 6 years of observations are used to fit the regression model, however, predictions using the synoptic types slightly outperform predictions using the Eolos observations. These results suggest that seasonal energy projections may be enhanced by incorporating wind profile measurements with synoptic‐scale drivers.
Evaluation of analysis volume in total reflection X‐ray fluorescence analysis
Authors: Tsuji Kouichi , Taniguchi Naoya , Yamaguchi Hiroki , Matsuyama Tsugufumi
Published: February 2023

Total reflection X‐ray fluorescence (TXRF) is widely used for trace elemental analysis, wherein a thin monochromatic X‐ray beam is typically applied at glancing angles. The actual volume of the sample measured by the instrument (analysis volume) depends on the dimensions of the X‐ray beam and glancing angle, and it is a key feature in sample preparation for TXRF analysis. Herein, the analysis volume, including the analysis region and analysis height, was experimentally evaluated. A thin Au layer approximately 5 nm thick and 1 mm in diameter was prepared at a specific position on a flat glass substrate using a vacuum evaporation device. The position of this Au layer was controlled by manipulating a mask plate with a small hole. Nine samples were prepared at different Au layer positions and analyzed at 8 azimuth angles using a tabletop TXRF instrument. Finally, the Au XRF intensity distribution was visualized on a glass substrate. It was found that the XRF emitted over a diameter of approximately 5 mm was effectively detected using the tabletop TXRF instrument. The analysis height was experimentally evaluated using a thin Au layer deposited on a polyimide film 5 mm in diameter and 5 nm thick. The Au layer height was adjusted by inserting polyimide thin films between the Au layer and the glass substrate. The Au XRF intensity drastically decreased with increasing Au layer height, suggesting that the XRF emitted from the sample is effectively detected at heights of <10 μm by using the described setup.
A zoo of deformed Jackiw-Teitelboim models near large dimensional black holes
Authors: Sybesma Watse
Published: February 2023

Abstract

We consider a charged Lifshitz black hole in the large transverse dimension limit. In this setup, the dynamics near the black hole horizon are shown to be effectively governed by a family of two-dimensional models of dilaton gravity depending on the ratio of the dynamical parameter characterizing the black hole and the dimension of spacetime. This family includes the Callan-Giddings-Harvey-Strominger (CGHS) and Jackiw-Teitelboim (JT) models and their charged equivalents. This family also contains classes of asymptotically anti-de Sitter models beyond JT, characterized by a running Ricci scalar, with the option of adding charge. Finally, we argue that specific non-minimally coupled probe scalars in the parent Lifshitz model become minimally coupled scalars in the two-dimensional theory, which is relevant for understanding semi-classical corrections in such models.
Islands and light gravitons in type IIB string theory
Authors: Demulder Saskia , Gnecchi Alessandra , Lavdas Ioannis , Lüst Dieter
Published: February 2023

Abstract

We consider the setup of a black hole in AdS4 coupled to an external bath, embedded in type IIB string theory. We study quantum extremal islands in these backgrounds, in relation to the existence of a massive graviton. Using explicit results of the microscopic embedding of AdS4 massive gravity in string theory, we investigate whether it is possible to achieve backgrounds with extremal islands, in which the lowest lying graviton is only slightly massive. For certain regions of the microscopic parameters, the graviton mass can be computed explicitly, and we explain how it directly affects the existence and the properties of the islands. We also show that islands can in principle exist within the regime of validity of the massive gravity effective field theory. However we see via numerical computations that the existence of quantum extremal islands at zero temperature is highly constrained, also when the dilaton is allowed to vary, so that the mass of the graviton cannot be made arbitrarily light. At finite temperature, we also identify a critical parameter, above and below which islands still exist but exhibit a different behavior. Our work supports recent proposals that the unitary evolution of black holes in higher dimensions, and more precisely their Page curve, relies on the presence of a massive graviton in the effective theory.