bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A benzimidazolyl‐substituted cyclotriphosphazene and its application in benzoxazine: Curing behaviors, thermal properties, and fire safety
Authors: Wu Feifan , Wang Jun , Wang Jingsheng , Chen Kaiwen , Yang Shuang , Huo Siqi , Wang Hao
Published: November 2022

In this study, a well‐designed benzimidazolyl‐substituted cyclotriphosphazene (BICP) was used as a versatile additive to enhance the integrated performances of bisphenol A‐aniline based benzoxazine (BA‐a). Our results showed that the BA‐a/BICP systems possessed lower curing temperature than virgin BA‐a due to the catalytic action of tertiary amines in BICP. Moreover, the thermal resistance of BA‐a/BICP thermosets was better than that of BA‐a thermoset because of the rigid structure and high thermal stability of BICP. The introduction of BICP significantly enhanced the fire safety of BA‐a. For instance, the limiting oxygen index and UL‐94 rating of BA‐a/BICP‐11 sample with 11 wt% of BICP were up to 35.2% and V‐0. Compared with BA‐a, the total smoke production and peak smoke production rate of BA‐a/BICP‐17 sample with 17 wt% of BICP were reduced by 36.5% and 39.3%, respectively. The improved fire safety of BA‐a/BICP sample was mainly due to the condensed‐phase effect of BICP. This work provides a simple strategy for the development of advanced benzoxazine resins with low curing temperature, great thermal properties, and superior fire safety.
PocketOptimizer 2.0: A modular framework for computer‐aided ligand‐binding design
Authors: Noske Jakob , Kynast Josef Paul , Lemm Dominik , Schmidt Steffen , Höcker Birte
Published: November 2022

The ability to design customized proteins to perform specific tasks is of great interest. We are particularly interested in the design of sensitive and specific small molecule ligand‐binding proteins for biotechnological or biomedical applications. Computational methods can narrow down the immense combinatorial space to find the best solution and thus provide starting points for experimental procedures. However, success rates strongly depend on accurate modeling and energetic evaluation. Not only intra‐ but also intermolecular interactions have to be considered. To address this problem, we developed PocketOptimizer, a modular computational protein design pipeline, that predicts mutations in the binding pockets of proteins to increase affinity for a specific ligand. Its modularity enables users to compare different combinations of force fields, rotamer libraries, and scoring functions. Here, we present a much‐improved version––PocketOptimizer 2.0. We implemented a cleaner user interface, an extended architecture with more supported tools, such as force fields and scoring functions, a backbone‐dependent rotamer library, as well as different improvements in the underlying algorithms. Version 2.0 was tested against a benchmark of design cases and assessed in comparison to the first version. Our results show how newly implemented features such as the new rotamer library can lead to improved prediction accuracy. Therefore, we believe that PocketOptimizer 2.0, with its many new and improved functionalities, provides a robust and versatile environment for the design of small molecule‐binding pockets in proteins. It is widely applicable and extendible due to its modular framework. PocketOptimizer 2.0 can be downloaded at https://github.com/Hoecker-Lab/pocketoptimizer.
To twist or not to twist: From chromophore structure to dynamics inside engineered photoconvertible and photoswitchable fluorescent proteins
Authors: Krueger Taylor D. , Tang Longteng , Chen Cheng , Zhu Liangdong , Breen Isabella L. , Wachter Rebekka M. , Fang Chong
Published: November 2022

Green‐to‐red photoconvertible fluorescent proteins (FPs) are vital biomimetic tools for powerful techniques such as super‐resolution imaging. A unique Kaede‐type FP named the least evolved ancestor (LEA) enables delineation of the evolutionary step to acquire photoconversion capability from the ancestral green fluorescent protein (GFP). A key residue, Ala69, was identified through several steady‐state and time‐resolved spectroscopic techniques that allows LEA to effectively photoswitch and enhance the green‐to‐red photoconversion. However, the inner workings of this functional protein have remained elusive due to practical challenges of capturing the photoexcited chromophore motions in real time. Here, we implemented femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy and transient absorption on LEA‐A69T, aided by relevant crystal structures and control FPs, revealing that Thr69 promotes a stronger π–π stacking interaction between the chromophore phenolate (P‐)ring and His193 in FP mutants that cannot photoconvert or photoswitch. Characteristic time constants of ~60–67 ps are attributed to P‐ring twist as the onset for photoswitching in LEA (major) and LEA‐A69T (minor) with photoconversion capability, different from ~16/29 ps in correlation with the Gln62/His62 side‐chain twist in ALL‐GFP/ALL‐Q62H, indicative of the light‐induced conformational relaxation preferences in various local environments. A minor subpopulation of LEA‐A69T capable of positive photoswitching was revealed by time‐resolved electronic spectroscopies with targeted light irradiation wavelengths. The unveiled chromophore structure and dynamics inside engineered FPs in an aqueous buffer solution can be generalized to improve other green‐to‐red photoconvertible FPs from the bottom up for deeper biophysics with molecular biology insights and powerful bioimaging advances.
Development and biological evaluation of nanoencapsulated‐based pyrethroids with synergists for resistance management of two soybean pests: insights for new insecticide formulations
Authors: Boff Jéssica S. , Reis Alexandre C. , de Oliveira Jhones L. , Gross Renata B. , Fraceto Leonardo F. , Melo Adriano A. , Bernardi Oderlei
Published: November 2022

Background

Chemical control is commonly used against Euschistus heros (F.) and Chrysodeixis includens (Walker) in soybean fields in South America. However, previous studies reported that these pests have reduced susceptibility to pyrethroids in Brazil. On this basis, we developed and evaluated nanoencapsulated‐based bifenthrin (BFT) and λ‐cyhalothrin (LAM) with the synergists piperonyl butoxide (PBO) and diethyl maleate (DEM) for insect resistance management (IRM).

Results

Nanoformulations of BFT and LAM with PBO and DEM presented good physical–chemical characteristics and were stable. The spherical morphology of all systems and the encapsulation efficiency in nanostructured lipid carriers did not change when synergists were added. Nanoencapsulated BFT with DEM applied topically increased the susceptibility of E. heros to BFT by 3.50‐fold. Similarly, nanoencapsulated BFT and LAM with PBO in diet‐overlay bioassays increased the susceptibility of C. includens to both chemicals by up to 2.16‐fold. Nanoencapsulated BFT and LAM with synergists also improve control efficacy of both species, causing higher mortality than commercial products containing these chemistries.

Conclusions

It is possible to develop nanoencapsulated‐based formulations of BFT and LAM with PBO or DEM, and these nanoformulations have the potential to improve control of E. heros and C. includens with recognized low susceptibility to pyrethroids. This study provides updates for designing new insecticide formulations for IRM. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
A reliability‐based robust optimization design for the drum brake using adaptive Kriging surrogate model
Authors: Yang Zhou , Pak Unsong , Kwon Cholu , Zhang Yimin
Published: November 2022

To decrease random parameters’ influence on the drum brake reliability, the reliability‐based robust optimization design (RBROD) of the electric vehicle brake is proposed. Based on the assumption that the maximum temperature of the brake cannot exceed the allowable temperature, a performance function model of thermal–mechanical coupling reliability of drum brakes is established by the adaptive Kriging method, and the analysis of reliability sensitivity and RBROD are conducted. The accuracy of the proposed model is verified by temperature measurement experiment under emergency braking condition. The robust optimization design improves the drum brake reliability to 0.99998 and reduce the influence of the design parameters on the reliability, with the absolute values of the reliability sensitivity and the weight of the drum brake are significantly smaller. Therefore, the objectives of reliability design, robustness design, and optimization design are simultaneously achieved by the proposed methods. Besides, the relative error of the proposed method is 0.373%, the number of function evaluations is 39, and the comparison with four meta‐model methods show that the proposed method holds high‐accuracy and high‐efficiency. This study provides a high‐precision theoretical explanation for the robust optimization design of drum brake.
Validation of a surgical workspace scale during robot‐assisted surgery
Authors: Alhusseinawi Hayder , Haase Rikke , Rasmussen Sten , Jensen Jørgen B. , Kingo Pernille S.
Published: November 2022

Background

A sufficient surgical workspace is crucial to avoid complications. Within classic laparoscopy, many subjective surgical rating scales (SRSs) have previously been used to evaluate the surgical workspace. This study aimed to validate a modified version of the 5‐point SRS during robot‐assisted radical nephrectomy (RARN).

Methods

Thirty‐two intra‐operative videos of intraperitoneal spaces were recorded from eight patients who underwent RARN. To attain the visualisation of different types of workspaces, we recorded 20 s panoramic videos of different pneumoperitoneum, namely 3, 5, 7 and 12 mmHg. The videos were randomised and presented two times to eight experienced robotic surgeons to evaluate the workspace using our modified 5‐point SRS. Both inter‐and intra‐rater reliabilities were tested.

Results

The results of the validation study showed moderate inter‐rater and good to excellent intra‐rater reliability.

Conclusion

This is a valid tool that can be confidently used by future researchers in the field of robot‐assisted surgery.
The Financial Burden of Out-of-Pocket Healthcare Expenses on Caregivers of Children with Atopic Dermatitis in the United States
Authors: Chovatiya Raj , Begolka Wendy Smith , Thibau Isabelle J. , Silverberg Jonathan I.
Published: November 2022

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is associated with elevated financial costs, including out-of-pocket (OOP) expenses. Yet, the full burden of OOP expenses in children with AD is poorly understood.

Objectives

We sought to characterise categories, impact, and associations of caregiver-reported OOP AD healthcare expenses for US children.

Methods

An online survey was administered to National Eczema Association members (N = 113 502). Inclusion criteria (US resident; respondent age ≥18; self or caregiver report of AD diagnosis) was met by 77.3% (1118/1447) of those who completed the questionnaire.

Results

Caregivers of children (<18 years) with AD reported increased healthcare provider (HCP) visits, comorbid food allergy, cutaneous infections, and topical antimicrobial use (p < 0.005 for all), and increased OOP expenses for hospitalisation, emergency room visits, emollients, hygiene/bathing products, childcare, and specialised cleaning products, and clothing/bedding (p < 0.05 for all) compared to adults with AD. Children with AD had increased median total yearly OOP expenditures ($860 vs. $500, p = 0.002) and were more likely to spend ≥$1000 OOP per year (48.9% vs. 40.0%, p = 0.03). In children, yearly OOP expenses ≥$1000 were associated with increased AD severity, flares, HCP visits, prescription polypharmacy, and step-up therapy use (p < 0.005 for all) compared with adults. Predictors of harmful financial impact among children included black race (adjusted OR [95% confidence interval]: 3.86 [1.66–8.98] p = 0.002) and ≥$1000 annual OOP expenditures (6.98 [3.46–14.08], p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Children with AD have unique and increased OOP expenses that are associated with significant disease burden. Strategies are needed to reduce OOP costs and improve clinical outcomes in children with AD.
Metabolic health disparities driven by financial stress: Behavioural adaptation or modification?
Authors: Kuo Wan‐Chin , Bratzke Lisa. C. , Hagen Erika W. , Hale Lauren , Brown Roger L. , Barnet Jodi H. , Peppard Paul E.
Published: November 2022

Financial stress has been linked to an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, yet, it remains unclear whether suboptimal sleep duration and physical inactivity are the adaptive responses to financial stress or effect modifiers in the association between financial stress and metabolic syndrome. Hence, this study aims to examine whether physical activity and sleep duration mediate or moderate the bivariate association between financial stress and metabolic syndrome. A prospective secondary analysis was conducted using data from the Wisconsin Sleep Cohort Study (N = 445, mean [SD] age = 64 [7] years). Baseline moderation effect was examined using subgroup analysis with model constraints; prospective mediation model was examined using bias‐corrected bootstrap confidence intervals. Results indicate that participants with higher financial stress were less likely to meet physical activity and sleep recommendations. Baseline moderation analysis indicates that meeting current recommendations of sleep duration and physical activity attenuated the association between financial stress and metabolic syndrome. In the prospective mediation analysis, weekly physical activity levels partially mediated the relationship between financial stress and metabolic syndrome, but sleep duration did not mediate this relationship. In conclusion, the joint effect of optimal sleep duration and physical activity disassociates financial stress from the risk of metabolic syndrome. Future interventions addressing metabolic risk might achieve better outcomes if clinicians and researchers factor in the behavioral adaptation of physical inactivity in financially stressed adults (Clinical Trial Registration: NCT00005557).
Pioneering digital platform ecosystems: The role of aligned capabilities and motives in shaping key choices and performance outcomes
Authors: Wormald Audra , Shah Sonali K. , Braguinsky Serguey , Agarwal Rajshree
Published: November 2022

Research Summary

We inductively analyze rich qualitative and quantitative data on the global census of pioneering mobile money firms to examine how firm characteristics shape digital platform ecosystem configuration choices regarding (a) internal versus external integration and (b) the creation of network externalities through open versus closed end‐user access. In contrast to received wisdom, we find pioneering firms were equally likely to engage in external and internal integration; moreover, diversifying entrants were less likely to internally integrate than startups. We uncover the important role of motives, in addition to capabilities, for creating alignment between pioneering firms and their partners. Such alignment was key for addressing path‐dependent implementation challenges through experimentation and navigating nascent industry uncertainty for success.

Managerial Summary

Our study showcases how enterprising firms pioneered and diffused mobile money, a digital platform that improves access to financial services. The successful take‐off and growth of this industry, as revealed by our inductive analysis, was contingent on aligned capabilities and motives among platform co‐providers and critical partners. We illuminate why and how pioneer capabilities and motives influenced key platform choices regarding internal versus external integration, and open versus closed end‐user access. These choices then created different implementation challenges. The successful pioneers navigated these challenges to create a robust ecosystem for network effects by engaging in two actions: they developed lasting partner relationships, and they experimented to determine distinct demand segments, identify unmet needs, and develop value propositions.
Entrapped Molecule‐Like Europium‐Oxide Clusters in Zinc Oxide with Nearly Unaffected Host Structure
Authors: Mukherjee Soham , Katea Sarmad Naim , Rodrigues Emille M. , Segre Carlo. U. , Hemmer Eva , Broqvist Peter , Rensmo Håkan , Westin Gunnar
Published: November 2022

Nanocrystalline ZnO sponges doped with 5 mol% EuO1.5are obtained by heating metal–salt complex based precursor pastes at 200–900 °C for 3 min. X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and extended X‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) show that phase separation into ZnO:Eu andc‐Eu2O3takes place upon heating at 700 °C or higher. The unit cell of the clean oxide made at 600 °C shows only ≈0.4% volume increase versus undoped ZnO, and EXAFS shows a ZnO local structure that is little affected by the Eu‐doping and an average Eu3+ion coordination number of ≈5.2. Comparisons of 23 density functional theory‐generated structures having differently sized Eu‐oxide clusters embedded in ZnO identify three structures with four or eight Eu atoms as the most energetically favorable. These clusters exhibit the smallest volume increase compared to undoped ZnO and Eu coordination numbers of 5.2–5.5, all in excellent agreement with experimental data. ZnO defect states are crucial for efficient Eu3+excitation, whilec‐Eu2O3phase separation results in loss of the characteristic Eu3+photoluminescence. The formation of molecule‐like Eu‐oxide clusters, entrapped in ZnO, proposed here, may help in understanding the nature of the unexpected high doping levels of lanthanide ions in ZnO that occur virtually without significant change in ZnO unit cell dimensions.
Automated Folding of Origami Lattices: From Nanopatterned Sheets to Stiff Meta‐Biomaterials
Authors: van Manen Teunis , Ganjian Mahya , Modaresifar Khashayar , Fratila‐Apachitei Lidy E. , Zadpoor Amir A.
Published: November 2022

Folding nanopatterned flat sheets into complex 3D structures enables the fabrication of meta‐biomaterials that combine a rationally designed 3D architecture with nanoscale surface features. Self‐folding is an attractive approach for realizing such materials. However, self‐folded lattices are generally too compliant as there is an inherent competition between ease‐of‐folding requirements and final load‐bearing characteristics. Inspired by sheet metal forming, an alternative route is proposed for the fabrication of origamilattices. This ‘automated‐folding’ approach allows for the introduction of sharp folds into thick metal sheets, thereby enhancing their stiffness. The first time realization of automatically folded origami lattices with bone‐mimicking mechanical properties is demonstrated. The proposed approach is highly scalable given that the unit cells making up the meta‐biomaterial can be arbitrarily large in number and small in dimensions. To demonstrate the scalability and versatility of the proposed approach, it is fabricated origamilattices with > 100 unit cells, lattices with unit cells as small as 1.25 mm, and auxetic lattices. The nanopatterned the surface of the sheets prior to folding. Protected by a thin coating layer, these nanoscale features remained intact during the folding process. It is found that the nanopatterned folded specimens exhibits significantly increased mineralization as compared to their non‐patterned counterparts.
Covalently Interlayer‐Confined Organic–Inorganic Heterostructures for Aqueous Potassium Ion Supercapacitors
Authors: Chen Jianping , Liu Bin , Cai Hang , Liu Shude , Yamauchi Yusuke , Jun Seong Chan
Published: November 2022

Artificial assembly of organic–inorganic heterostructures for electrochemical energy storage at the molecular level is promising, but remains a great challenge. Here, a covalently interlayer‐confined organic (polyaniline [PANI])–inorganic (MoS2) hybrid with a dual charge‐storage mechanism is developed for boosting the reaction kinetics of supercapacitors. Systematic characterizations reveal that PANI induces a partial phase transition from the 2H to 1T phases of MoS2, expands the interlayer spacing of MoS2, and increases the hydrophilicity. More in‐depth insights from the synchrotron radiation‐based X‐ray technique illustrate that the covalent grafting of PANI to MoS2 induces the formation of MoN bonds and unsaturated Mo sites, leading to increased active sites. Theoretical analysis reveals that the covalent assembly facilitates cross‐layer electron transfer and decreases the diffusion barrier of K+ ions, which favors reaction kinetics. The resultant hybrid material exhibits high specific capacitance and good rate capability. This design provides an effective strategy to develop organic–inorganic heterostructures for superior K‐ion storage. The K‐ion storage mechanism concerning the reversible insertion/extraction upon charge/discharge is revealed through ex situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
Highly Exposed NH2 Edge on Fragmented g‐C3N4 Framework with Integrated Molybdenum Atoms for Catalytic CO2 Cycloaddition: DFT and Techno‐Economic Assessment
Authors: Wong Kien Tiek , Brigljević Boris , Lee Jeong Hyeon , Yoon So Yeon , Jang Seok Byum , Choong Choe Earn , Nah Inwook , Kim Hyeongjun , Roh Hyun‐Seog , Kwak Sang Kyu , Lim Hankwon , Jang Min
Published: November 2022

This study focuses on the applicability of single‐atom Mo‐doped graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) nanosheets which are specifically engineered with high surface area (exfoliated GCN), NH2 rich edges, and maximum utilization of isolated atomic Mo for propylene carbonate (PC) production through CO2 cycloaddition of propylene oxide (PO). Various operational parameters are optimized, for example, temperature (130 °C), pressure (20 bar), catalyst (Mo2GCN), and catalyst mass (0.1 g). Under optimal conditions, 2% Mo‐doped GCN (Mo2GCN) has the highest catalytic performance, especially the turnover frequency (TOF) obtained, 36.4 h−1 is higher than most reported studies. DFT simulations prove the catalytic performance of Mo2GCN significantly decreases the activation energy barrier for PO ring‐opening from 50–60 to 4.903 kcal mol−1. Coexistence of Lewis acid/base group improves the CO2 cycloaddition performance by the formation of coordination bond between electron‐deficient Mo atom with O atom of PO, while NH2 surface group disrupts the stability of CO2 bond by donating electrons into its low‐level empty orbital. Steady‐state process simulation of the industrial‐scale consumes 4.4 ton h−1 of CO2 with PC production of 10.2 ton h−1. Techno‐economic assessment profit from Mo2GCN is estimated to be 60.39 million USD year−1 at a catalyst loss rate of 0.01 wt% h−1.
Disturbed Flow‐Facilitated Margination and Targeting of Nanodisks Protect against Atherosclerosis
Authors: Zhao Chuan‐Rong , Li Jingyi , Jiang Zhi‐Tong , Zhu Juan‐Juan , Zhao Jia‐Nan , Yang Qian‐Ru , Yao Weijuan , Pang Wei , Li Ning , Yu Miaorong , Gan Yong , Zhou Jing
Published: November 2022

Disturbed blood flow induces endothelial pro‐inflammatory responses that promote atherogenesis. Nanoparticle‐based therapeutics aimed at treating endothelial inflammation in vasculature where disturbed flow occurs may provide a promising avenue to prevent atherosclerosis. By using a vertical‐step flow apparatus and a microfluidic chip of vascular stenosis, herein, it is found that the disk‐shaped versus the spherical nanoparticles exhibit preferential margination (localization and adhesion) to the regions with the pro‐atherogenic disturbed flow. By employing a mouse model of carotid partial ligation, superior targeting and higher accumulation of the disk‐shaped particles are also demonstrated within disturbed flow areas than that of the spherical particles. In hyperlipidemia mice, administration of disk‐shaped particles loaded with hypomethylating agent decitabine (DAC) displays greater anti‐inflammatory and anti‐atherosclerotic effects compared with that of the spherical counterparts and exhibits reduced toxicity than “naked” DAC. The findings suggest that shaping nanoparticles to disk is an effective strategy for promoting their delivery to atheroprone endothelia.
Modulating Electronic Environment of Ru Nanoclusters via Local Charge Transfer for Accelerating Alkaline Water Electrolysis
Authors: Wu Zihe , Liu Luchang , Zhao Zhenyang , Yang Chengdong , Mu Shengdong , Zhou Hongju , Luo Xianglin , Ma Tian , Li Shuang , Zhao Changsheng
Published: November 2022

Compared to platinum catalysts, ruthenium (Ru) is disclosed as a promising alternative for alkaline water electrolysis due to its similar hydrogen adsorption energy and relatively lower water dissociation barrier. However, in the challenging alkaline media, the dissatisfied Volmer step during water dissociation of Ru metal prohibits its practical applications. Here, a new pathway to modulate the electronic environment of Ru catalysts via a local charge transfer strategy for tuning the water dissociation kinetics and accelerating the alkaline water electrolysis is proposed. The obtained catalysts are engineered by assembling and subsequently pyrolyzing the layer‐stacked and 2D porphyrin‐based Ru‐N coordination polymers on nanocarbon supports. Benefiting from the well‐defined Ru nanocluster‐Nx‐coordination bonds (Runc‐Nx), unique electronic environments, and local charge transfer properties, the catalysts exhibit the exceptional activity of 17 mV overpotential at 10 mA cm−2and robust stability in water, which is more efficient than state‐of‐the‐art Ru catalysts. The theoretical calculation suggests that the Runc‐Nxsites enhance the nucleophilic attack of water and weaken the HOH bond. This study manifests that tailoring the bond environments of Ru clusters can significantly modulate their intrinsic catalytic activities and stabilities, which may open new avenues for developing high‐active and durable catalysts for water electrolysis.
Partially Carbonized Polymer Binder with Polymer Dots for Silicon Anodes in Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wu Zhuoying , Wan Zhengwei , Li Zeheng , Du Qiaokun , Wu Tong , Cao Jun , Ling Min , Liang Chengdu , Tan Yuanzhong
Published: November 2022

Large‐scale applications of conventional conductive binders for silicon (Si) anodes are challenging to accomplish due to their complex synthesis steps and high cost. Herein, a carbonized polymer dots‐assisted polyvinyl alcohol‐chitosan (PVA‐CS‐CPDs) binder is developed through a simple and low‐cost hydrothermal method. Through rational design, the PVA‐CS‐CPDs binder retains rich polar groups while forming conjugated structures. The conjugated structure endows the PVA‐CS‐CPDs with high electronic conductivity, and the retained polar groups maintain strong binding strength. The proposed water‐soluble binding system acts as both a binder and conductive additive, enabling stable cycling for high‐Si‐content (90 wt.%) anodes without any other conductive additives.
Electrospun Nanofibrous Membranes: A Versatile Medium for Waterproof and Breathable Application
Authors: Gong Xiaobao , Yin Xia , Wang Fei , Liu Xiaoyan , Yu Jianyong , Zhang Shichao , Ding Bin
Published: November 2022

Waterproof and breathable membranes that prevent liquid water penetration, while allowing air and moisture transmission, have attracted significant attention for various applications. Electrospun nanofiber materials with adjustable pore structures, easily tunable wettability, and good pore connectivity, have shown significant potential for constructing waterproof and breathable membranes. Herein, a systematic overview of the recent progress in the design, fabrication, and application of waterproof and breathable nanofibrous membranes is provided. The various strategies for fabricating the membranes mainly including one‐step electrospinning and post‐treatment of nanofibers are given as a starting point for the discussion. The different design concepts and structural characteristics of each type of waterproof and breathable membrane are comprehensively analyzed. Then, some representative applications of the membranes are highlighted, involving personal protection, desalination, medical dressing, and electronics. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives associated with waterproof and breathable nanofibrous membranes are presented.
Laser Induced Coffee‐Ring Structure through Solid‐Liquid Transition for Color Printing
Authors: Xie Jiawang , Qiao Ming , Zhu Dezhi , Yan Jianfeng , Deng Shengfa , He Guangzhi , Luo Ma , Zhao Yuzhi
Published: November 2022

Metallic micro/nano structures with special physicochemical properties have undergone rapid development owing to their broad applications in micromachines and microdevices. Ultrafast laser processing is generally accepted as an effective technology for functional structures manufacture, however, the controllable fabrication of specific metallic micro/nano structures remains a challenge. Here, this work proposes a novel strategy of laser induced transient solid‐liquid transition to fabricate unique structures. Through modulating the transient state of metal from solid to liquid phase using the initial pulse excitation, the subsequent ultrafast pulse‐induced recoil pressure can suppress the plasma emission and removal of liquid phase metals, resulting in the controllable fabrication of coffee‐ring structures. The solid‐liquid transition dynamics, which related with the transient reflectivity and plasma intensity, are revealed by established two temperature model coupled with molecular dynamics model. The coffee‐ring structure exhibits tunable structure color owing to various optical response, which can be used for color printing with large scale and high resolution. This work provides a promising strategy for fabricating functional micro/nano structures, which can greatly broaden the potential applications.
Two‐Dimensional Ultrathin Graphic Carbon Nitrides with Extended π‐Conjugation as Extraordinary Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Photocatalyst
Authors: Sha Pengzhan , You Yang , Wen Donglian , Wu Zihao , Wang Qingfeng , Bu Donglei , Huang Shaoming
Published: November 2022

Construction of 2D graphic carbon nitrides (g‐CNx) with wide visible light adsorption range and high charge separation efficiency concurrently is of great urgent demand and still very challenging for developing highly efficient photocatalysts for hydrogen evolution. To achieve this goal, a two‐step pyrolytic strategy has been applied here to create ultrathin 2D g‐CNx with extended the π‐conjugation. It is experimentally proven that the extension of π‐conjugation in g‐CNx is not only beneficial to narrowing the bandgap, but also improving the charge separation efficiency of the g‐CNx. As an integral result, extraordinary apparent quantum efficiencies (AQEs) of 57.3% and 7.0% at short (380 nm) and long (520 nm) wavelength, respectively, are achieved. The formation process of the extended π‐conjugated structures in the ultrathin 2D g‐CNx has been investigated using XRD, FT‐IR, Raman, XPS, and EPR. Additionally, it has been illustrated that the two‐step pyrolytic strategy is critical for creating ultrathin g‐CNx nanosheets with extended π‐conjugation by control experiments. This work shows a feasible and effective strategy to simultaneously expand the light adsorption range, enhance charge carrier mobility and depress electron‐hole recombination of g‐CNx for high‐efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.
End‐of‐life solution prioritization for pre‐cast concrete components aligning with circular economy targets
Authors: Samarakoon S. M. Samindi M. K. , Ratnayake R. M. Chandima
Published: November 2022

Circular economy (CE) targets provide an economic model to focus on the efficient use of resources by minimization of the waste, reduction of the linear consumption of natural resources, long‐term value creation, and making material consumption circular. The building and construction sector is responsible for significantly increasing the carbon footprint and linear material consumption. The identification and prioritization of end‐of‐life solutions during the decommission of the existing pre‐cast concrete buildings enable the carbon footprint and linear material consumption to be alleviated. The CE targets enable end‐of‐life solutions for structural or non/structural components to be identified, while multi‐criteria decision analysis enables their prioritization using a hierarchically structured decision model. A principal challenge, therefore, is to identify the assessment criteria for such a prioritization, aligning with the CE targets, and to develop an assessment framework. This manuscript demonstrates how to prioritize end‐of‐life solutions using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). The decision hierarchy has been developed using the end‐of‐life solutions given in research findings within the structural and/or non‐structural components. The decision hierarchy development, AHP prioritization, and sensitivity analysis enable practitioners to integrate the suggested approach with building information modeling (BIM). This enhances the potential for the effective integration of the CE economic model in the construction industry and to minimize the carbon footprint.
Simultaneous phosphorus and nitrogen removal with different C/N ratios in a low oxygen aeration system: Microorganisms and mechanisms
Authors: Jin Baodan , Liu Ye , Jia Yusheng , Niu Jintao , Wang Lipei , Qin Hexian , Wang Ran , Wang Lan , Ji Jiantao , Pang Long , Du Jing Jing
Published: November 2022

In this study, a combined system with simultaneous nitrification, denitrification, and phosphorus removal was operated in continuous low oxygen aeration mode, and the effect of lower oxygen aeration (dissolved oxygen [DO] 0.5–1.5 mg/L) on its performance was examined. The combined system consisted of sludge and high‐efficiency biological packing and was operated using four carbon/nitrogen ratios (C/N) with being 10:1, 8:1, 6:1, 10:1. Experimental results showed that the combined system could perform an efficient nitrogen and phosphorus removal under low DO and C/N ratio of 8:1 condition, and removal efficiencies of chemical oxygen demand (COD), NH4+‐N, and PO43−‐P were 80.01%, 99.03%, and 89.51%, respectively. High‐throughput analysis indicated that the functional species of denitrifying bacteria, including Ferruginibacter Azospira, Comamonas, Bacilli, Hyphomicrobium, Thauera, and Comamonadaceae, were important participants in biological nutrient removal. Meanwhile, Acinetobacter was enriched in the combined system, which contributed to phosphorus removal.

Practitioner Points

A combined system was operated firstly under continuous low oxygen condition.

The lower dissolved oxygen (DO) of the combined system was maintained at 0.50–1.5 mg/L level.

The combined system could realize simultaneous phosphorus and nitrogen removal under C/N ratio of 8:1.

Several functional bacteria were enriched in the coupled systems.
Degradation of sulfamethoxazole by chlorination in water distribution systems: Kinetics, toxicity, and antibiotic resistance genes
Authors: Xu Luo , Li Cong , Wei Guozijian , Ji Jie , Lichtfouse Eric , García Andreina , Zhang Yunshu
Published: November 2022

Sulfamethoxazole (SMX) is one of veterinary drugs and food additives, which has been frequently detected in surface waters in recent years and will cause damage to organisms. Therefore, SMX was selected as a target to be investigated, including the degradation kinetics, evolution of toxicity, and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) of SMX during chlorination in batch reactors and water distribution systems (WDS), to determine the optimal factors for removing SMX. In the range of investigated pH (6.3–9.0), the SMX degradation had the fastest rate at close to neutral pH. The chlorination of SMX was affected by the initial total free chlorine concentration, and the degradation of SMX was consistent with second‐order kinetics. The rate constants in batch reactors are (2.23 ± 0.07) × 102 M−1 s−1 and (5.04 ± 0.30) × 10 M−1 s−1 for HClO and ClO−1, respectively. Moreover, the rate constants in WDS are (1.76 ± 0.07) × 102 M−1 s−1 and (4.06 ± 0.62) × 10 M−1 s−1, respectively. The degradation rate of SMX was also affected by pipe material, and the rate followed the following order: stainless‐steel pipe (SS) > ductile iron pipe (DI) > polyethylene pipe (PE). The degradation rate of SMX in the DI increased with increasing flow rate, but the increase was limited. In addition, SMX could increase the toxicity of water initially, yet the toxicity reduced to the level of tap water after 2‐h chlorination. And the relative abundance of ARGs (sul1 and sul2) of tap water samples was significantly increased under different chlorination conditions.

Practitioner Points

The degradation rate of SMX in batch reactor and WDS is different, and they could be described by first‐ or second‐order kinetics.

The degradation of SMX had the fastest rate at neutral pH.

The degradation rate of SMX was also affected by pipe material and flow velocity.

SMX increased the toxicity of water initially, yet the toxicity reduced after a 2‐h chlorination.

SMX increased the relative abundance of antibiotic resistance genes sul1 and sul2.
Epoxy lining influence on recycled water quality during pipeline transit for potable reuse
Authors: Pham Christine , Medina Ricardo , Plumlee Megan H.
Published: November 2022

An epoxy treatment was applied to a pipeline used to convey advanced treated recycled water from a purification facility to a recharge site. The epoxy treatment was applied to prevent further deterioration (corrosion) of the interior cement mortar lining (CML). A soil column study was conducted to evaluate the effect of the epoxy liner on the clogging potential of water before and after conveyance. The clogging potential was represented by differences in the column's relative hydraulic conductivity and water quality, between the treatment plant and injection site, before and after epoxy lining. Hydraulic conductivity of columns at the injection well site declined rapidly before epoxy and improved considerably after epoxy application. Total suspended solids (TSS) and cellular adenosine triphosphate (cATP) median concentrations improved significantly. Before epoxy, TSS increased with pipeline transit from 0.005 to 0.053 (mg/L) compared with 0.009 mg/L after epoxy. Before epoxy, cATP increased from 0.14 to 1.6 pg/ml across pipeline transit compared with 0.37 pg/ml after epoxy. Aluminum and nitrate followed similar trends. Results indicate that epoxy liner reduced the clogging potential of high purity recycled water, likely due to a decrease in particle and biomass load (clogging constituents) accumulated during pipeline transit.

Practitioner Points

Clogging potential of advanced treated recycled water increases with pipeline transit.

Epoxy lining the pipeline used for conveyance reduces the particulate and microbial loading of the highly purified water.

Applying epoxy to pipelines used to convey advanced treated recycled water has the dual benefit of infrastructure protection and improving water quality.

Reducing particle and microbial load in the advanced treated recycled water can reduce maintenance frequencies and elongate production periods for MAR applications.
Propagation of generalised Rayleigh wave at the surface of piezoelectric medium with arbitrary anisotropy
Authors: Sharma M. D.
Published: November 2022

Mathematical model for mechanical and electrical dynamics is solved for three‐dimensional propagation of harmonic plane waves in a piezoelectric medium with arbitrary anisotropy. A system of modified Christoffel equations is derived to explain the existence and propagation of bulk waves or decaying phases in the considered medium. At the free plane boundary, a superposition of decaying phases form a generalised Rayleigh wave, which is governed by a linear system of four homogeneous equations. A complex determinantal secular equation ensures a solution to this system. True surface wave at the boundary of the considered medium demands a real solution of this complex secular equation. The linear system of four equations is then transformed to replace the complex secular equation with a real one, which can be solved by standard numerical methods. A real solution of this real secular equation provides the phase velocity for generalised Rayleigh wave at the boundary of piezoelectric medium with arbitrary anisotropy. This phase velocity defines a complex slowness vector, which is used to calculate the motion of material particles and the wave‐induced electric field. A numerical example is considered to compute the phase velocity as well as group velocity for given (arbitrary) propagation directions of Rayleigh wave at the boundary. Variations in particle motion and electric field, induced by Rayleigh wave, are analysed at different depths for different propagation directions at the boundary.
Multi-target regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine production by transcription factor Blimp-1
Authors: Qin Qiushi , Li Rui , Li Lan , Zhang Yue , Deng Shuwei , Zhu Liuluan
Published: November 2022

Objective

Cytokine storm syndrome is a fatal condition related to infectious and autoimmune diseases. Here, we aim to investigate the regulatory mechanisms of Blimp-1 on multiple cytokine production.

Methods

The Blimp1 shRNA was transfected into RAW264.7 macrophages, followed by Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligand stimulation. The mRNA and protein levels of cytokines were detected by real-time PCR and flow cytometric bead array. The nuclear translocation of AP-1 and NF-κB p65 was measured by immunofluorescence staining. The transcriptional activity was detected by luciferase reporter assay with 5 × NF-κB reporter or with IL6 promoter reporter.

Results

Blimp-1 significantly inhibited the expression and secretion of IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18 in macrophages during stimulation with a variety of TLR ligands. The immunofluorescence staining results showed that Blimp-1 strictly controlled the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 in LPS-challenged macrophages. Furthermore, Blimp-1 directly inhibited the transcriptional activity of NF-κB and the transcription of IL6 gene.

Conclusion

Blimp-1 represses the production of multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines by directly binding the genomic region and restricting the nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity of NF-κB. This finding may provide potential therapeutic strategies for the cytokine storm-related diseases.
The relationship between decentralization and economic growth across regimes
Authors: Aray Henry , Pedauga Luis
Published: November 2022

Panel smooth transition regression (PSTR) is applied to obtain thresholds in certain variables to classify the regions into regimes (high or low). Data for the regions of Spain over the period 1986–2010 are used. In general, the results point to a positive (negative) relationship between fiscal (administrative) decentralization and economic growth in regions with low public infrastructure stock per efficient worker and high human capital per worker. In addition, in regions with low (high) total factor productivity, expenditure (revenue) decentralization is positively (negatively) correlated with economic growth. The results are fairly robust to different specifications and estimation methods.
Irregular Liouville Correlators and Connection Formulae for Heun Functions
Authors: Bonelli Giulio , Iossa Cristoforo , Lichtig Daniel Panea , Tanzini Alessandro
Published: November 2022

We perform a detailed study of a class of irregular correlators in Liouville Conformal Field Theory, of the related Virasoro conformal blocks with irregular singularities and of their connection formulae. Upon considering their semi-classical limit, we provide explicit expressions of the connection matrices for the Heun function and a class of its confluences. Their calculation is reduced to concrete combinatorial formulae from conformal block expansions.
Density theorems for $${\textrm{GL}}(n)$$
Authors: Blomer Valentin
Published: November 2022

Strong bounds—going beyond Sarnak’s density hypothesis—are obtained for the number of automorphic forms for the group $$\Gamma _0(q) \subseteq \textrm{SL}(n, {\mathbb {Z}})$$

Γ
0

(
q
)

⊆
SL

(
n
,
Z
)

violating the Ramanujan conjecture at any given unramified place. The proof is based on a relative trace formula of Kuznetsov type and best-possible bounds for certain Kloosterman sums for $$\textrm{GL}(n)$$

GL
(
n
)

. Further applications are given.
Embryonic developmental process and clinical anatomy of the preperitoneal fascia and its clinical significance
Authors: Zhou Zheqi , Yan Likun , Li Yi , Zhou Jinsong , Ma Yanbing , Tong Cong
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Many researchers have different views on the origin and anatomy of the preperitoneal fascia. The purpose of this study is to review studies on the anatomy related to the preperitoneal fascia and to investigate the origin, structure, and clinical significance of the preperitoneal fascia in conjunction with previous anatomical findings of the genitourinary fascia, using the embryogenesis of the genitourinary system as a guide.

Methods

Publications on the preperitoneal and genitourinary fascia are reviewed, with emphasis on the anatomy of the preperitoneal fascia and its relationship to the embryonic development of the genitourinary organs. We also describe previous anatomical studies of the genitourinary fascia in the inguinal region through the fixation of formalin-fixed cadavers.

Results

Published literature on the origin, structure, and distribution of the preperitoneal fascia is sometimes inconsistent. However, studies on the urogenital fascia provide more than sufficient evidence that the formation of the preperitoneal fascia is closely related to the embryonic development of the urogenital fascia and its tegument. Combined with previous anatomical studies of the genitourinary fascia in the inguinal region of formalin-fixed cadavers showed that there is a complete fascial system. This fascial system moves from the retroperitoneum to the anterior peritoneum as the preperitoneal fascia.

Conclusions

We can assume that the preperitoneal fascia (PPF) is continuous with the retroperitoneal renal fascia, ureter and its accessory vessels, lymphatic vessels, peritoneum of the bladder, internal spermatic fascia, and other peritoneal and pelvic urogenital organ surfaces, which means that the urogenital fascia (UGF) is a complete fascial system, which migrates into PPF in the preperitoneal space and the internal spermatic fascia in the inguinal canal.
AbsorbaTack™ vs. ProTack™ vs. sutures: a biomechanical analysis of cervical fixation methods for laparoscopic apical fixations in the porcine model
Authors: Sebastian Ludwig , Alina Jansen , Fabinshy Thangarajah , Dominik Ratiu , Axel Sauerwald , Jens Hachenberg , Kilian Wegmann , Claudia Rudroff , Leonidas Karapanos , Julia Radosa , Nadja Trageser , Christian Eichler
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) often requires the use of synthetic mesh. In case of a novel and standardized bilateral apical fixation, both uterosacral ligaments are replaced by polyvinylidene-fluoride (PVDF) tapes. One of the main problems remains the fixation method, which should be stable, but also simple and quick to use. The current study evaluated biomechanical differences between the cervical tape fixation with sutures (group 1), non-absorbable tacks (group 2) and absorbable tacks (group 3) in an in vitro porcine model.

Methods

A total of 28 trials, conducted in three groups, were performed on porcine, fresh cadaver uteri. All trials were performed until mesh, tissue or fixation device failure occurred. Primary endpoints were the biomechanical properties maximum load (N), displacement at failure (mm) and stiffness (N/mm). The failure mode was a secondary endpoint.

Results

There was a significant difference between all three groups concerning the maximum load. Group 1 (sutures) supported a maximum load of 64 ± 15 N, group 2 (non-absorbable tacks) yielded 41 ± 10 N and group 3 (absorbable tacks) achieved 15 ± 8 N.

The most common failure mode was a mesh failure for group 1 and 2 and a fixation device failure for group 3.

Conclusion

The PVDF-tape fixation with sutures supports 1.5 times the load that is supported by non-absorbable tacks and 4.2 times the load that is supported by absorbable tacks. Nevertheless, there was also a stable fixation through tacks. Sutures are the significantly stronger and cheaper fixation device but may prolong the surgical time in contrast to the use of tacks.