bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Probing Nanoscale Interactions of Antimicrobial Zinc Oxide Quantum Dots on Bacterial and Fungal Cell Surfaces
Authors: Gangadoo Sheeana , Xu Chenglong , Cozzolino Daniel , Latham Kay , Della Gaspera Enrico , Chapman James , Truong Vi Khanh
Published: November 2021

The need for novel antimicrobial agents in response to a growing antibiotic and antimicrobial resistance crisis is now at a breaking point. In this work, the use of 5 nm zinc oxide quantum dots (ZnO QDs), demonstrating rapid and high antimicrobial activity against Gram‐positive methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus and highly pathogenic yeast Candida auris cells under both non‐photocatalytic and photocatalytic conditions, is showcased. Results show ZnO QDs adhere and cluster around the microbial cell surfaces, and exhibit antimicrobial response toward attached cells, resulting in the cell membrane damage. With the introduction of ultraviolet‐A light, autogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced and caused further increase in cell membrane/wall disruption, in particular Gram‐negative Escherichia coli. Nanoscale Fourier transform infrared is used to further confirm the intrinsic biochemical changes that occur with the Gram‐negative cell membrane within 30 min and spectra demonstrate that biochemical alterations are achieved for the protein and carbohydrate component of the membrane, which is a common mechanism of ROS damage. Investigation of the cell membrane–material interaction and mechanism is crucial in developing and optimizing effective antimicrobial materials in combating the rise of antimicrobial resistance.
Aqueous Drop‐on‐Drop Impact on Super‐Repellent Surface
Authors: Han Xing , Tang Xin , Zhao Haibo , Li Jiaqian , Li Wei , Wang Liqiu
Published: November 2021

Antiliquid‐accumulation on the surface is desired in practical applications. Super‐repellency of the surface reduces the interaction between impacting drop and the surface effectively. However, for horizontal super‐repellent surfaces, super‐repellency is not enough for liquid removal when drops keep coalescing and remain on the surface. The interaction between impacting drop and static drop can further be beneficial for antiliquid‐accumulation on the surface. Here, aqueous drop‐on‐drop impact on the super‐repellent surface is studied. Weber number of impacting drop and offset distance between drops control impacting outcomes (coalescence or bouncing), while the viscosity of drops influences fluid dynamics after the coalescence. The efficiency of released excess surface energy transferred into mechanical energy during coalescence can be 18.9% for upcoalescence, which is much higher than the efficiency for downcoalescence or in‐plane coalescence (≈6%) as reported in the literature. The bouncing between drops can reduce liquid accumulation on a super‐repellent wafer remarkably (99.1 vol% reduction of accumulated liquid), being a promising method for liquid removal.
Wearable, Breathable and Waterproof Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Harvesting Human Motion and Raindrop Energy
Authors: Yuan Wei , Zhang Chuguo , Zhang Baofeng , Wei Xuelian , Yang Ou , Liu Yuebo , He Lixia , Cui Shengnan , Wang Jie , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: November 2021

Smart textiles capable of harvesting biomechanical energy via triboelectric effect have been well developed in the field of self‐powered wearable electronic products. However, it is still a challenge to manufacture self‐charging wearable electronic products with features of high triboelectric output, breathability and water resistance, simultaneously. Herein, a multifunctional wearable triboelectric nanogenerator (MW‐TENG) is designed with the functions of flexibility, excellent water resistance and air permeability to provide comfort and convenience in practical application. The maximum peak power density of the MW‐TENG can reach 1.03 W m–2 under the frequency of 3 Hz. Moreover, the MW‐TENG can be embedded in clothes and shoes to drive wearable electronic devices by harvesting human mechanical energy and raindrop energy. This work not only presents a kind of MW‐TENG with the functions of flexible, breathable, and waterproof, but also provides a practical strategy to design multifunctional self‐powered wearable electronic devices.
Discovery of Novel GR Ligands toward Druggable GR Antagonist Conformations Identified by MD Simulations and Markov State Model Analysis
Authors: Hu Xueping , Pang Jinping , Zhang Jintu , Shen Chao , Chai Xin , Wang Ercheng , Chen Haiyi , Wang Xuwen , Duan Mojie , Fu Weitao , Xu Lei , Kang Yu , Li Dan , Xia Hongguang , Hou Tingjun
Published: November 2021

Binding of different ligands to glucocorticoid receptor (GR) may induce different conformational changes and even trigger completely opposite biological functions. To understand the allosteric communication within the GR ligand binding domain, the folding pathway of helix 12 (H12) induced by the binding of the agonist dexamethasone (DEX), antagonist RU486, and modulator AZD9567 are explored by molecular dynamics simulations and Markov state model analysis. The ligands can regulate the volume of the activation function‐2 through the residues Phe737 and Gln738. Without ligand or with agonist binding, H12 swings from inward to outward to visit different folding positions. However, the binding of RU486 or AZD9567 perturbs the structural state, and the passive antagonist state appears more stable. Structure‐based virtual screening and in vitro bioassays are used to discover novel GR ligands that bias the conformation equilibria toward the passive antagonist state. HP‐19 exhibits the best anti‐inflammatory activity (IC50 = 0.041 ± 0.011 µm) in nuclear factor‐kappa B signaling pathway, which is comparable to that of DEX. HP‐19 also does not induce adverse effect‐related transactivation functions of GR. The novel ligands discovered here may serve as promising starting points for the development of GR modulators.
Mesopore Controls the Responses of Blood Clot‐Immune Complex via Modulating Fibrin Network
Authors: Wu Shiyu , Shan Zhengjie , Xie Lv , Su Mengxi , Zeng Peisheng , Huang Peina , Zeng Lingchan , Sheng Xinyue , Li Zhipeng , Zeng Gucheng , Chen Zhuofan , Chen Zetao
Published: November 2021

Formation of blood clots, particularly the fibrin network and fibrin network‐mediated early inflammatory responses, plays a critical role in determining the eventual tissue repair or regeneration following an injury. Owing to the potential role of fibrin network in mediating clot‐immune responses, it is of great importance to determine whether clot‐immune responses can be regulated via modulating the parameters of fibrin network. Since the diameter of D‐terminal of a fibrinogen molecule is 9 nm, four different pore sizes (2, 8, 14, and 20 nm) are rationally selected to design mesoporous silica to control the fibrinogen adsorption and modulate the subsequent fibrin formation process. The fiber becomes thinner and the contact area with macrophages decreases when the pore diameters of mesoporous silica are greater than 9 nm. Importantly, these thinner fibers grown in pores with diameters larger than 9 nm inhibit the M1‐polorazation of macrophages and reduce the productions of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and chemokines by macrophages. These thinner fibers reduce inflammation of macrophages through a potential signaling pathway of cell adhesion‐cytoskeleton assembly‐inflammatory responses. Thus, the successful regulation of the clot‐immune responses via tuning of the mesoporous pore sizes indicates the feasibility of developing advanced clot‐immune regulatory materials.
Donor–Acceptor Type Polymer Bearing Carbazole Side Chain for Efficient Dopant‐Free Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: You Guofeng , Li Lihua , Wang Shuaiqi , Cao Jiabing , Yao Lu , Cai Wanzhu , Zhou Zhonggao , Li Kan , Lin Zhenghuan , Zhen Hongyu , Ling Qidan
Published: November 2021

In conventional n–i–p perovskite solar cells (PVSCs), electron donor (D)–acceptor (A) polymers have been found to be potential substitutes for doped spiro‐based small molecule hole‐transporting materials (HTMs) due to their excellent performance in hole mobility, film formability, and stability. Herein, a benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene (BDT)‐benzodithiophene‐4,8‐dione (BDD) copolymer PBDB‐Cz is developed by employing carbazole as the conjugated side chain of BDT. PBDB‐O and PBDB‐T with alkoxy and thiophene as the side chain of BDT, respectively, are also synthesized and studied for comparison. The synergistic effect of the carbazole side chain and the BDT‐BDD backbone to promote hole transport properties is found in PBDB‐Cz. The carbazole side chain enhances both coplanarity and interaction of polymer chains, while simultaneously deepening energy levels and improving the hole mobility of the polymeric HTM. Consequently, PBDB‐Cz outperforms two counterparts, exhibiting a promising power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 22.06%. Notably, the PBDB‐Cz also improves the device stability, and the devices can retain more than 90% of their initial PCEs after being stored at ambient conditions for 100 days. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report to incorporate carbazole into D–A polymeric HTM by side chain engineering.
Novel Phenothiazine‐Based Self‐Assembled Monolayer as a Hole Selective Contact for Highly Efficient and Stable p‐i‐n Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Ullah Asmat , Park Keun Hyeong , Nguyen Hieu Dinh , Siddique Yasir , Shah S. F. A. , Tran Huyen , Park Sunghyeok , Lee Seok In , Lee Kyung‐Koo , Han Chi‐Hwan , Kim Kihwan , Ahn SeJin , Jeong Inyoung , Park Young S. , Hong Sungjun
Published: November 2021

Recent advances in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) performance have been closely related to improved interfacial engineering and charge selective contacts. Here, a novel and cost‐competitive phenothiazine based, self‐assembled monolayer (SAM) as a hole‐selective contact for p‐i‐n PSCs is introduced. The molecularly tailored SAM enables an energetically well‐aligned interface with the perovskite absorber, with minimized nonradiative interfacial recombination loss, thus dramatically improving charge extraction/transport and device performance. The resulting PSCs exhibit a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of up to 22.44% (certified 21.81%) with an average fill factor close to 81%, which is among the highest efficiencies reported to date for p‐i‐n PSCs. The new SAM also demonstrates the outstanding operational stability of the PSC, with increasing PCE from 20.3% to 21.8% during continuous maximum power point tracking under a simulated 1 sun illumination for 100 h. The reported findings highlight the great potential of engineered SAMs for the fabrication of stable and high performing PSCs.
Grain sorghum desiccation: Impacts on plant and grain dry‐down
Authors: Ballagh Anna , Kezar Sarah , Harris Stephen C. , Lofton Josh
Published: November 2021

Desiccants have been used in many crops to aid in late‐season dry‐down, hasten harvest, and improve harvest efficiency. Glyphosate, the primary desiccant used in grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] production, can be effective at drying the crop but has been noted to have issues completely desiccating plants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of various desiccant products on grain sorghum dry‐down and yield. Field trials were conducted at Goodwell and Stillwater, Oklahoma, in 2017 and 2018. Five desiccation treatments were applied at approximately 30% seed moisture, with dry‐down time, grain yield, and foreign material evaluated in this study. It was found that the use of desiccants aided in a more rapid and greater dry‐down of the sorghum plant in both Goodwell and Stillwater locations, with the glyphosate and glyphosate/saflufenacil applications showing the greatest drydown. As opposed to plant moisture, grain moisture was not consistently influenced by desiccation treatments. Due to mild late‐season weather, grain yield was increased from the use of desiccants at the Stillwater location primarily as a result of increased harvest efficiency. Overall, it was found that both glyphosate and the combination of glyphosate with saflufenacil provide better dry‐down compared with saflufenacil, carfentrazone, and sodium chlorate desiccants alone. In most sorghum production systems, glyphosate would be adequate in terms of dry‐down and control of late‐season weeds; however, if saflufenacil were to become labeled, it could provide an option for growers in certain production systems, such as those with problematic weeds.
Irrigated rice rotations affect yield and soil organic carbon sequestration in temperate South America
Authors: Macedo Ignacio , Roel Alvaro , Ayala Walter , Pravia M. Virginia , Terra Jose A. , Pittelkow Cameron M.
Published: November 2021

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) systems rotated with perennial pastures have intensified in South America to increase annual grain productivity, but the effects on rice yield and soil quality remain poorly understood. We evaluated rice grain yield, crop and pasture biomass production, and soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen stocks (0–15‐cm depth) in three rice‐based rotations over 8 yr in Uruguay. Treatments were: (a) rice–pasture [a 5 yr rotation of rice–ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.)–rice, then 3.5 yr of a perennial mixture of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), white clover (Trifolium repens L.), and birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.)], (b) rice–soybean [a 2‐yr rotation of rice–ryegrass–soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.)–Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.)], and (c) rice–cover crop (an annual rotation of rice–Egyptian clover). Rice after soybean or pasture achieved the highest yield (9.8 Mg ha–1), 9% higher than rice after rice in the rice–pasture and rice–cover crop systems. Estimated belowground biomass under rice–pasture (2.7 Mg ha–1) was 12 and 42% greater than under rice–cover crop and rice–soybean rotations, respectively. Rice–pasture showed an increase of 0.6 Mg ha–1 yr–1 of SOC; no changes were observed in the intensified rotations replacing pasture with additional rice or soybean. All systems sustained soil total N. These results provide insights for implementing sustainable rice‐based rotations, with rice–pasture being the only system that increased SOC while achieving high rice yields and belowground biomass productivity.
Diagnosis and differential diagnosis flow diagram of Chinese post‐stroke aphasia types and treatment of post‐stroke aphasia
Authors: Wang Yinhua , Du Wanliang , Yang Xiaona , Yan Jun , Sun Wei , Bai Jing , Zhou Jiong , Zhou Aihong , Niu Jianping , Li Chuanling , Wang Jian
Published: November 2021

This review aimed to explore the concept, etiology, classification, classical cortical mapping, assessment, diagnosis and differential diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, mechanism, recovery, prognosis, and influencing factors for Chinese post‐stroke aphasia (PSA). The review emphasized the necessity and significance of neuroimaging assessment of brain and blood vessels and neuropsychological assessment in diagnosis and differential diagnosis of Chinese PSA. In addition, it suggested and recommended to use “dichotomies of internal and external, and anterior and posterior” as a starting point, based on the anatomic location of brain and blood vessels and their relationship with language area and language disorder. As a result, the formulated Chinese PSA classification was more suitable to guide the clinical treatment of cerebral stroke. Diagnosis, classification, and differential diagnosis of Chinese PSA types were performed according to the “dichotomy” and “four elements.” The formulated “flow diagram” enabled to determine the classification of Chinese PSA types. It was beneficial for patients to establish targeted and individualized rehabilitation training plans. This review introduced the use of memantine, piracetam, donepezil, etc. in PSA treatment, evaluated clinical studies conducted in China and abroad, investigated the mechanism of action related to the use of drugs in PSA treatment, and explored the therapeutic mechanism of rehabilitation training. It suggested the use drugs of memantine, piracetam, donepezil, etc. combine with non‐pharmacotherapy and rehabilitation training in clinical studies on PSA treatment and also in practical settings.
Towards structured NLP interpretation via graph explainers
Authors: Yuan Hao , Yang Fan , Du Mengnan , Ji Shuiwang , Hu Xia
Published: November 2021

Natural language processing (NLP) models have been increasingly deployed in real‐world applications, and interpretation for textual data has also attracted dramatic attention recently. Most existing methods generate feature importance interpretation, which indicate the contribution of each word towards a specific model prediction. Text data typically possess highly structured characteristics and feature importance explanation cannot fully reveal the rich information contained in text. To bridge this gap, we propose to generate structured interpretations for textual data. Specifically, we pre‐process the original text using dependency parsing, which could transform the text from sequences into graphs. Then graph neural networks (GNNs) are utilized to classify the transformed graphs. In particular, we explore two kinds of structured interpretation for pre‐trained GNNs: edge‐level interpretation and subgraph‐level interpretation. Experimental results over three text datasets demonstrate that the structured interpretation can better reveal the structured knowledge encoded in the text. The experimental analysis further indicates that the proposed interpretations can faithfully reflect the decision‐making process of the GNN model.
Leber congenital amaurosis as an initial manifestation in a Chinese patient with thiamine‐responsive megaloblastic anemia syndrome
Authors: Wu Shijing , Yuan Zhisheng , Sun Zixi , Yao Fengxia , Sui Ruifang
Published: November 2021

Thiamine‐responsive megaloblastic anemia syndrome (TRMA) is an autosomal recessive disorder, inherited by the defective SLC19A2 gene that encodes a high‐affinity thiamine transporter (THTR‐1). TRMA is characterized by the occurrence of classical triad manifestations including megaloblastic anemia, diabetes mellitus, and sensorineural deafness. In addition to the systemic manifestations, ophthalmic features can be present and include retinitis pigmentosa, optic atrophy, cone‐rod dystrophy, maculopathy, and Leber congenital amaurosis. Here we report a 6‐year‐old boy presenting severe early‐onset retinal dystrophy with the initial diagnosis of Leber congenital amaurosis, which followed for 12 years. Diabetes mellitus occurred 3 years after vision problem. Eosinophilic granuloma of the left scapula was confirmed at 13 years old. Whole‐exome sequencing was performed to identify two novel compound heterozygous variants c.725dupC (p.Ala243Serfs*3) and c.121G>A (p.Gly41Ser) in SLC19A2 gene (NM_006996.3). Oral thiamine supplementation treatment was initiated at 13 years. This case demonstrates Leber congenital amaurosis can present as the first clinical feature before systemic manifestations. Phenotypic variety should be aware and multidisciplinary teamwork and regular follow‐up are important for TRMA patient care.
CuO–NiO bimetallic nanoparticles supported on graphitic carbon nitride with enhanced catalytic performance for the synthesis of 1,2,3‐triazoles, bis‐1,2,3‐triazoles, and tetrazoles in parts per million level
Authors: Gajurel Sushmita , Dam Binoyargha , Bhushan Mayank , Singh L. Robindro , Pal Amarta Kumar
Published: November 2021

The unification of CuCl2·2H2O and NiCl2·6H2O with the support of graphitic carbon nitride yielded to form an efficient, synergistic, bimetallic nano‐catalyst CuO–NiO@g‐C3N4. FT‐IR, SEM, TEM‐EDX, PXRD, RAMAN, TGA, and XPS were used as the confirmatory techniques to establish the evidence of its absolute formation. Catalyst with three different molar ratios of Cu and Ni, that is, Cu75Ni25 (Cu:Ni = 3:1; catalyst‐a), Cu50Ni50 (Cu:Ni = 1:1; catalyst‐b), and Ni66Cu33 (Ni:Cu = 2:1; catalyst‐c), was synthesized, and their catalytic activity was examined. The synergistic interaction of one metal with the other on the surface of extremely stable graphitic carbon nitride has enhanced the catalytic performance in the synthesis of triazole, tetrazole, and bis‐triazole derivatives to such a distinguished level (in ppm level), which a monometal fail to possess. The aforementioned statement has been supported by the catalytic activity data provided for both the monometallic and bimetallic catalyst herein. In addition to this, benign reaction conditions, in situ generation of azides, wide reaction scopes, and reusability of the catalyst were also the major advantages leading toward safe and sustainable chemistry beyond doubt.
Highly stretchable polyurethane coating based on functionalized cerium oxide nanoparticles for anti‐corrosive/UV protection
Authors: Huang Rui , Du Xiaosheng , Wang Haibo , Cheng Xu , Du Zongliang
Published: November 2021

To prolong the active life of carbon steel in corrosive environment, it is an effective way to use inorganic nano‐pigments in polyurethane (PU) coatings. In this work, the CeO2 nanoparticles are modified by APTMS (labeled as mCeNPs), and the organic–inorganic nanocomposite coating is prepared. The morphology and structure of PU/mCeNPs composites are characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The mechanical and UV resistance properties of compound material are studied by ultraviolet spectroscopy and universal tensile testing machine. The corrosion resistance of PU/mCeNPs coatings are investigated by Tafel polarization technique and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results show that the PU composite coating with mCeNPs additive had high long‐term corrosion resistance. Under the optimum conditions, when mCeNPs accounted for 5% of PU, the nanocomposite coatings show excellent UV resistance, excellent mechanical properties, and long‐term corrosion resistance due to the characteristics of ceria and its good dispersion in PU.
Enhancing thermal conductivity of silicone rubber via constructing hybrid spherical boron nitride thermal network
Authors: Zhou Xuejun , Zong Jiyou , Lei Jun , Li Zhongming
Published: November 2021

In this work, a series of spherical boron nitride/silicone rubber (sBN/SR) composites were prepared, and the influence of different shapes and sizes of BN on the thermal conductivities of the composites was investigated. Additionally, hybrid spherical boron nitride/silicon rubber (hybrid sBN/SR) composites were fabricated by synchronously incorporating two kinds of sBN particles into SR to perfect the thermal conduction paths, and a synergistic effect of the fillers was achieved. The thermal conductivity of the composite could reach 1.70 W/(m·K) at the 35 wt% filler content, which is clearly superior to the composite containing single type of filler and stands at a very high level at such a filler fraction according to the reported literature. Also, the experimental results were supported by the Agari's equation. In addition, the composites show a low hardness (shore A hardness < 60) due to the low filling content. The prepared materials hold great promise in thermal interface materials for thermal management of state‐of‐the‐art electronic equipment.
Influence of blending protocol on the mechanical, rheological, and electromagnetic properties of PC/ABS/ABS‐g‐MAH blend‐based MWCNT nanocomposites
Authors: dos Anjos Erick Gabriel Ribeiro , Braga Natália Ferreira , Ribeiro Bruno , Escanio Camila Alves , Cardoso Andreza de Moura , Marini Juliano , Antonelli Eduardo , Passador Fabio Roberto
Published: November 2021

Polycarbonate (PC)/acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene copolymer (ABS) blend‐based multi‐wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) nanocomposites is an attractive alternative for the manufacture of electronics housing as it can have the mechanical and electromagnetic properties required for this application. The preferred location of MWCNT in PC/ABS blend is an important parameter to obtain better mechanical and electromagnetic properties. In this way, three different blending protocols (BP) were used to obtain PC/ABS/maleic anhydride‐grafted ABS (ABS‐g‐MAH) (85/10/5) blend‐based MWCNT nanocomposites with the addition of 0.5 and 1 wt% of MWCNT in a twin‐screw extruder. Specimens were evaluated by thermal (thermogravimetric analysis—TGA and differential scanning calorimetry—DSC), mechanical (Izod impact strength and tensile tests), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), electrical, and rheological properties, which were correlated with the nanocomposites morphology evaluated by high‐resolution scanning electron microscopy. The BP associated with the addition of a compatibilizer agent influenced the MWCNT distribution and location in the polymeric matrix. The one‐step extrusion process results in MWCNT mostly at the interface of the PC/ABS blend and agglomerates, leading to lower mechanical and thermal properties. The BP in which a PC/MWCNT masterbatch was first prepared and then diluted in ABS and ABS‐g‐MAH achieves the higher mechanical properties, increasing Young's modulus and the ultimate tensile strength. The third BP in which MWCNT was added in a second step in the blend already processed resulted in a homogeneous dispersion of MWCNT on both phases and a lower electrical resistivity.
Bioinspired modification strategy to improve thermal conductivity and dielectric constant of natural rubber composite for thermal management applications
Authors: Ruan Mengnan , Guo Dandan , Zhu Defu , Liu Zhifeng
Published: November 2021

Natural rubber (NR) composites filled with modified aluminum nitride (AlN) particles were successfully fabricated with high thermal conductivity and dielectric constant. To boost the interfacial interactions form thermal conductive networks between AlN and NR matrix, a mussel‐inspired polydopamine and γ‐(2,3‐epoxypropoxy)propy trimethoxysilane (KH560) grafting were combined to yield AlN‐PDA‐KH560. The double‐layer structure led to good filler dispersion of AlN‐PDA‐KH560 with decreased interfacial thermal resistances. As a result, the largest thermal conductivity in 30 phr AlN‐PDA‐KH560/NR was reached to 0.48 W/m K, which was 2.28 times larger than pure NR. Furthermore, the 30 phr AlN‐PDA‐KH560/NR composite also had relatively high dielectric constant (3.95 at 103 Hz) and low dielectric loss (~0.01 at 103 Hz), benefiting for long time operation and thermal diffusion. This strategy provides a facile, low‐cost, and scalable method to fabricate high electrical and thermal conducting composites for strong potential in thermal management for electronic devices.
Electrospun carboxyl‐functionalised multi‐walled carbon nanotube/poly(vinyl alcohol) asymmetric pervaporation membrane: Application and modeling
Authors: Yeang Qian Wen , Sulong Abu Bakar , Tan Soon Huat
Published: November 2021

This study focuses on the development of an asymmetric membrane comprised of an electrospun carboxyl‐functionalised multi‐walled carbon nanotube (COOH‐MWCNT)/poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) composite nanofibre layer on a dense PVA separation layer (MCOOH‐MWCNT). The electrospun nanofibre layer in this study acts as a “pre‐selective layer” instead of its common function as a membrane support. In addition, COOH‐MWCNT, a hydrophilic filler is integrated in the nanofibres to further enhance the membrane pervaporation separation performance. Immense improvement was observed in the pervaporation performance of the resultant asymmetric membranes in the dehydration of aqueous 1,4‐dioxane solutions, owing to the presence of the electrospun composite nanofibres as a hydrophilic layer. The resultant asymmetric membrane showed an increase of nearly 80% in water permeation flux as compared to that of the dense PVA membrane alone, and the separation factor was improved from 392.65 to 605.35. The parameters estimated using Rautenbach model showed that the dehydration of aqueous 1,4‐dioxane solutions via pervaporation is dominantly governed by sorption process. The permeation flux, transport coefficient of water and 1,4‐dioxane of the electrospun asymmetric membrane showed a good agreement in between the experimental data and those predicted using Rautenbach model.
Investigation of the accelerated thermal aging behavior of polyetherimide and lifetime prediction at elevated temperature
Authors: Cho Chungyeon , Nam Seo Lin , de la Mata A. Paulina , Harynuk James J. , Elias Anastasia L. , Chung Hyun‐Joong , Dolez Patricia I.
Published: November 2021

Fire‐protective clothing are manufactured using heat and flame resistant fibers that are made of high‐performance polymers. These polymers exhibit a gradual reduction in their performance after long‐term exposure under various aging conditions. This study investigates the thermal aging behavior of a high‐temperature resistance polymer, polyetherimide (PEI), at elevated temperatures in air. Changes in the ultimate tensile strength (UTS), glass transition temperature, and surface properties are observed. In addition, infrared spectroscopy identifies chemical bonds in PEI being consumed because of chain scission. Applying the time–temperature superposition principle to the UTS data gives an activation energy of 112 kJ mol−1 for the effect of thermal aging on the mechanical strength of PEI. This value is similar to what has been reported for fire‐protective clothing fabrics, which opens the possibility to use PEI as a sensing material for the development of end‐of‐life sensors for fire‐protective fabrics.
The effects of string‐like copper plated short carbon fibers reinforced rigid polyurethane composites
Authors: Liu Xiaojing , Li Weiwei , Yang Jie , Zhou Yilong , Liu Huixin
Published: November 2021

The performance of short carbon fibers (CFs) reinforced rigid polyurethane (RPU) composites is largely restricted by poor interfacial strength and damage‐tolerance. In order to optimize the performance of CFs/RPU composites, we prepared CFs with a new structure starting from the modified CFs morphology. In this paper, a new type of fiber morphology, which was string‐like copper‐plated CFs (string‐like Cu‐CFs) were prepared by the electrodeposition method. The structure of the string copper could increase the contact area of the CFs and the RPU matrix and mechanical interlocking. At the same time, the surface roughness of the CFs could be enhanced, thereby promoting the formation of irregular interfaces. Ordinary CFs composite materials showed the low strength and toughness, due to the more stress concentrations generated around the fiber ends. By adding string‐like Cu‐CFs into the RPU matrix, the pinning effect was achieved due to the special fiber structure, which improved the strength and toughness of the string‐like Cu‐CFs/RPU. Compared with pure RPU, the tensile strength, bending strength, and impact strength of string‐like Cu‐CFs/RPU composites were improved by 15.3, 148.3, and 171.4%, respectively. At the same time, the string‐like Cu‐CFs formed a more continuous conductive network inside the RPU matrix, which significantly improved the electrical conductivity of the composites.
Design of polyurea networks containing anticancer and anti‐inflammatory drugs for dual drug delivery purposes
Authors: de Resende Mariane A. , Pedroza Gabriele A. , Macêdo Lucia H. G. M. C. , de Oliveira Ricardo , Amela‐Cortes Maria , Molard Yann , Molina Eduardo F.
Published: November 2021

Naproxen (Nap), a non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug, and 5‐fluorouracil (5FU), an anticancer drug, were easily incorporated into a polyurea xerogel. Polyureas (PUr) were synthesized by one pot reaction via sol–gel chemistry. Soft segments were based on polyetheramine‐PEO and hard segments were based on a hexamethylene diisocyanate trimer (HDI). The final materials were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Polyurea can assume many forms revealing its versatility in terms of produced shapes. In good agreement with FTIR, SAXS studies showed a microphase separated structure arising from inter‐hard‐domain spacings, which remains unchanged after incorporation of the drugs. DSC analysis demonstrated that the PEO chain mobility was poorly affected after the drugs incorporation due to the solvation of the drugs through the network. The water uptake and the amount of drug released agree well, playing an important role for controlled Nap and 5FU release. This work opens positive perspectives for ocular drug delivery and wound management, due to the easy processability of the xerogel, which has high feasibility to be moldable as pharmaceutical devices for contact lenses and transdermal patches purposes containing distinct therapeutic agents.
Halogen‐free intumescent flame retardancy and mechanical properties of the microcellular polypropylene with low expansion ratio via continuous extrusion assisted by subcritical CO2
Authors: Tian Yichen , Gong Changjing , Zhou Hongfu , Jiang Ziyin , Wang Xiangdong , Tang Longcheng , Cao Kun
Published: November 2021

Continuous preparation of the intumescent flame retardant (IFR) and polypropylene (PP) composite (IFR‐PP) foams with excellent flame retardancy and mechanical properties via the extrusion assisted by subcritical CO2 was presented. The effects of die structure, die temperature/pressure and CO2 injection ratios on expansion ratio, cell diameter, and cell density of the IFR‐PP foams were investigated. A uniform cell structure without obvious defects was prepared by the die with better pressure holding capacity. With the increase of die temperature, die pressure decreased accordingly, the expansion ratio of the obtained IFR‐PP foams decreased, the cell diameter increased, and the cell density decreased. With an appropriate increase in the CO2 injection ratio, the expansion ratio of the resulting IFR‐PP foams increased, the cell diameter decreased, and the cell density increased. Cell wall thickness played an important role in mechanical properties. When the expansion ratio was maintained near 3 or cell diameter was maintained near 92 μm, as the cell wall thickness increased, the tensile modulus and tensile strength increased. A cell structure without defects possessed better mechanical properties and flame retardancy than a deformed cell. Moreover, the IFR‐PP foams exhibiting excellent flame retardancy including the 30% of limiting oxygen index (LOI) values and UL‐94 V0 rating without dripping were achieved at only 22.5 wt% of IFR loading.
Collagen fibrils and cell nuclei are entrapped within Randall's plaques but not in CaOx matrix overgrowth: A microscopic inquiry into Randall's plaque stone pathogenesis
Authors: Canela Victor Hugo , Bledsoe Sharon B. , Worcester Elaine M. , Lingeman James E. , El‐Achkar Tarek M. , Williams James C.
Published: November 2021

Calcium oxalate (CaOx) stones can grow attached to the renal papillary calcification known as Randall's plaque. Although stone growth on Randall's plaque is a common phenomenon, this mechanism of stone formation is still poorly understood. The objective of this study was to investigate the microenvironment of mature Randall's plaque, explore its molecular composition and differentiate plaque from CaOx overgrowth using multimodal imaging on demineralized stone sections. Fluorescence imaging showed consistent differences in autofluorescence patterns between Randall's plaque and calcium oxalate overgrowth regions. Second harmonic generation imaging established the presence of collagen only in regions of decalcified Randall's plaque but not in regions of CaOx overgrowth matrix. Surprisingly, in these stone sections we observed cell nuclei with preserved morphology within regions of mature Randall's plaque. These conserved cells had variable expression of vimentin and CD45. The presence of nuclei in mature plaque indicates that mineralization is not necessarily associated with cell death. The markers identified suggest that some of the entrapped cells may be undergoing dedifferentiation or could emanate from a mesenchymal or immune origin. We propose that entrapped cells may play an important role in the growth and maintenance of Randall's plaque. Further characterization of these cells and thorough analyses of the mineralized stone forming renal papilla will be fundamental in understanding the pathogenesis of Randall's plaque and CaOx stone formation.
Early trajectories of motor skills in infant siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Patterson James W. , Armstrong Vickie , Duku Eric , Richard Annie , Franchini Martina , Brian Jessica , Zwaigenbaum Lonnie , Bryson Susan E. , Sacrey Lori‐Ann R. , Roncadin Caroline , Smith Isabel M.
Published: November 2021

Delays in motor development are not considered a core feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Yet, recent studies of infant siblings of children with ASD suggest that early delays in motor skills may be associated with later delays in developmental areas considered to be core features of an ASD diagnosis. While these studies demonstrate the longitudinal association between core features and motor delays observed at single time points, there is considerable interest in studying the trajectories of motor development over the first 3 years of life. To accomplish this, we investigated early trajectories of motor development in a cohort of 499 infant siblings of children with ASD and 176 children with no family history of ASD. Data for the current study were drawn from the prospective, multi‐site, Canadian Infant Sibling Study. We evaluated trajectories of fine and gross motor development over the first 3 years using group‐based trajectory modeling. Our results show that membership for both fine and gross motor trajectory groups was related to expressive language skills, receptive language skills, ASD symptom severity scores, and diagnostic classification at age 3. These results provide evidence that the trajectory of a child's early motor development may have important prognostic implications in ASD.
Antibacterial activity of curcumin and its essential nanoformulations against some clinically important bacterial pathogens: A comprehensive review
Authors: Shome Soumitra , Talukdar Anupam Das , Upadhyaya Hrishikesh
Published: November 2021

Multidrug‐resistant bacterial infections can kill 700,000 individuals globally each year and is considered among the top 10 global health threats faced by humanity as the arsenal of antibiotics is becoming dry and alternate antibacterial molecule is in demand. Nanoparticles of curcumin exhibit appreciable broad‐spectrum antibacterial activity using unique and novel mechanisms and thus the process deserves to be reviewed and further researched to clearly understand the mechanisms. Based on the antibiotic resistance, infection, and virulence potential, a list of clinically important bacteria was prepared after extensive literature survey and all recent reports on the antibacterial activity of curcumin and its nanoformulations as well as their mechanism of antibacterial action have been reviewed. Curcumin, nanocurcumin, and its nanocomposites with improved aqueous solubility and bioavailability are very potential, reliable, safe, and sustainable antibacterial molecule against clinically important bacterial species that uses multitarget mechanism such as inactivation of antioxidant enzyme, reactive oxygen species‐mediated cellular damage, and inhibition of acyl‐homoserine‐lactone synthase necessary for quorum sensing and biofilm formation, thereby bypassing the mechanisms of bacterial antibiotic resistance. Nanoformulations of curcumin can thus be considered as a potential and sustainable antibacterial drug candidate to address the issue of antibiotic resistance.
Dynamische Analyse der Zugüberfahrt bei Eisenbahnbrücken unter Berücksichtigung von nichtlinearen Effekten
Authors: Reiterer Michael , Firus Andrei
Published: November 2021

Im Artikel wird das Schwingungsantwortverhalten von Eisenbahnbrücken infolge Zugüberfahrt unter Berücksichtigung von nichtlinearen Effekten untersucht und bewertet. Die betrachteten Nichtlinearitäten beziehen sich auf die bei realen Eisenbahnbrücken festgestellte Amplitudenabhängigkeit der Eigenfrequenzen. Im ersten Teil werden die bei durchgeführten dynamischen Messungen an realen Eisenbahnbrücken detektierten Nichtlinearitäten dargestellt und diskutiert. Der Fokus liegt dabei auf einfeldrigen Stahlbetonplattentragwerken mit Schotteroberbau. Die Grundlagen des nichtlinearen Duffing‐Schwingers mit unterlinearer Federkennlinie werden dargelegt und die besonderen Effekte von nichtlinearen Schwingungen werden erläutert. Im zweiten Teil werden numerische Simulationen der Zugüberfahrten unter Betrachtung von nichtlinearen Balkenmodellen durchgeführt. Bei den Simulationsberechnungen wird die Amplitudenabhängigkeit der Eigenfrequenzen berücksichtigt und die Tragwerksantworten bei Zugüberfahrt in der Form von Resonanzkurven dargestellt. Zu Vergleichszwecken werden die Berechnungen auch an linearen Balkenmodellen mit konstanten Eigenfrequenzen durchgeführt und die sich ergebenden Abweichungen diskutiert. Der Einfluss der untersuchten Nichtlinearitäten auf das Schwingungsverhalten von Eisenbahnbrücken wird herausgearbeitet und Empfehlungen für die zukünftige Berücksichtigung dieser Effekte bei dynamischen Berechnungen der Zugüberfahrt werden angegeben.
From Socialism to Social Media: Women's and Gender History in Post‐Soviet Russia**
Authors: Rossman Ella
Published: November 2021

Women's and gender history in Russia has been developing since the 1990s and began to be institutionalized in the 2000s and 2010s. Throughout that period, unfavorable intra‐academic and sociopolitical conditions hindered the development of women's and gender history in Russia. Those who tried to establish a new field of study under these conditions sought various strategies by which to legitimize their research and build up authority among peers. This article analyzes their strategies for legitimizing women's and gender history in the Russian academy and beyond, using Bourdieu's work in the scientific field. I argue that in the 2000s, at the stage of institutionalization, researchers in the field of women's and gender history tried to legitimize their field by applying a number of strategies. These included appeals to scale, geography, and a connection with the generalized “West,” as well as attempts to ascertain the practical significance of women's and gender history and, finally, highlight their connections to the classical heritage of the humanities and social sciences. Despite arguing with an explicitly feminist gist in mind, researchers of this generation had little to do with activism and were comparatively less active in the media than before. In the 2010s, however, as the development of new media and a new wave of feminism in Russia significantly changed the strategies for legitimizing the field, researchers started coming to women's and gender history by way of feminist activism. Lacking prospects within the academy, young researchers turned to social media and journalism to establish their authority through popularity with the general public.
Frontal interhemispheric structural connectivity, attention, and executive function in children with perinatal stroke
Authors: Larsen Nicole , Craig Brandon T. , Hilderley Alicia J. , Virani Shane , Murias Kara , Brooks Brian L. , Kirton Adam , Carlson Helen L.
Published: November 2021

Perinatal stroke affects ∼1 in 1000 births and concomitant cognitive impairments are common but poorly understood. Rates of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are increased 5–10× and executive dysfunction can be disabling. We used diffusion imaging to investigate whether stroke‐related differences in frontal white matter (WM) relate to cognitive impairments. Anterior forceps were isolated using tractography and sampled along the tract. Resulting metrics quantified frontal WM microstructure. Associations between WM metrics and parent ratings of ADHD symptoms (ADHD‐5 rating scale) and executive functioning (Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF)) were explored. Eighty‐three children were recruited (arterial ischemic stroke [AIS] n = 26; periventricular venous infarction [PVI] n = 26; controls n = 31). WM metrics were altered for stroke groups compared to controls. Along‐tract analyses showed differences in WM metrics in areas approximating the lesion as well as more remote differences at midline and in the nonlesioned hemisphere. WM metrics correlated with parental ratings of ADHD and executive function such that higher diffusivity values were associated with poorer function. These findings suggest that underlying microstructure of frontal white matter quantified via tractography may provide a relevant biomarker associated with cognition and behavior in children with perinatal stroke.
Structural and functional brain alterations associated with cancer‐associated cognitive decline in gastric cancer patients: A preliminary longitudinal neuroimaging study
Authors: Ahn Jaeun , Lee DeokJong , Jung Young‐Chul , Kim Kyung Ran
Published: November 2021

Objective

Despite the clinical significance of cancer‐associated cognitive decline (CACD), no longitudinal study has evaluated CACD in gastric cancer patients. This preliminary study explored structural and functional neural changes of CACD in gastric cancer patients focusing on the effects of chemotherapy.

Methods

13 gastric cancer patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy (CTx+ group), 9 gastric cancer patients who did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy (CTx‐ group), and 10 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled in this study. We performed self‐report questionnaires, neurocognitive tests, voxel‐based morphometry (VBM), and resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) analyses before and 3 months after chemotherapy.

Results

Compared to the CTx‐ group, the CTx+ group exhibited statistically significant decrease in attention and executive function over time and dysfunction in delayed recognition performance. The results of the rsfMRI analysis showed a significant group‐by‐time interaction in the left hippocampus–anterior thalamus. However, no significant structural change was observed in the VBM analysis.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first longitudinal neuroimaging study on CACD in gastric cancer patients. Based on the results of our preliminary study, we suggest that the neuropathological processes and clinical presentation of CACD in gastric cancer patients is similar to those of patients associated with age‐related neurodegenerative disorders.
The Persian version of the centrality of event scale (CES): Assessment of validity and reliability among Iranian university students
Authors: Azadfar Zahra , Khosravi Zohreh , Farah Bijari Azam , Abdollahi Abbas
Published: November 2021

Background

Event centrality, the extent to which an experience is perceived as a central event in one's life, has been found to be a strong correlate of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The centrality of event scale (CES) is commonly used in different conditions and cultures to measure trauma‐related effects. However, the psychometric properties of this scale have not been investigated in the Iranian context.

Methods

The present study examined the psychometric properties of the Persian translation of the 7‐item CES in a sample of 525 university students with a history of a romantic breakup.

Results

Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed a one‐factor structure. The CES score was positively correlated with psychological inflexibility and PTSD symptoms. The measurement invariance analyses showed that the 7‐item CES is gender invariant and can be used for both men and women.

Findings

Findings supported the good psychometric properties of the 7‐item CES for measuring event centrality in Iranian university students.