bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating ecosystem organization, quality and services indicators in the ecological security assessment
Authors: Tang Butian , Wang Hao , Peng Lixian , Wang Zhuangzhuang , Liu Jiamin , Liwei Zhang , Jiao Lei
Published: July 2023

Ecological security is a vital component of regional security and significantly influences regional sustainable development. The assessment of ecological security is the cornerstone of relative research to coordinate ecological protection and economic developments. However, a framework that enables systematic assessment of the ecological security still needs further exploration. A framework that includes ecosystem organization (O), quality (Q), and services (S) was proposed to evaluate the ecological security in southeast Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau (QTP) in this study. Results showed that: (1) From 2000 to 2020, ecosystem organization in the study area showed an improving trend, with 61.33% of counties experiencing an increase in O value; (2) The ecosystem quality showed an increasing trend, with the proportion of increased areas amounting to 54.46%, and the significantly increased area occupied 3.38% of the study area; (3) The total trend of ecosystem services decreased, among them, habitat provision and soil conservation both presented an increasing trend, while water yield performed a decreased trend; (4) The ecological security in the southeast of QTP has been improved, which increased in north of the study area and decreased in south part. Overall, our study provided a novel view to characterize the physical status of the natural environment and enriched the methodology of ecological security assessment. More attention should be received by the different roles of ecosystem organization, quality, and services in ecological security in future studies, which is helpful to reflect the current situation and changing trends of regional ecological security more reasonably and comprehensively.
A comparative study of the conference papers of mainland China's double first‐class universities
Authors: Zhang Guijie , Wei Fangfang
Published: July 2023

This paper analyses the conference papers published by double first‐class universities from mainland China between 2006 and 2019. The main findings are as follows: first, the number of conference papers from different double first‐class universities varied greatly, with the annual numbers of papers in the China Proceedings of Conferences Full‐text Database (CPCD) and in the Conference Proceedings Citation Index (CPCI) fluctuating during this period. Second, most of the top 10 disciplines of the papers in the CPCD and CPCI were in the natural sciences, with only two in the social sciences. The CPCD papers and CPCI papers had some overlap in their disciplinary distributions. Third, the CPCD and CPCI papers differed little in total number, with the number of CPCI papers being slightly higher than the number of CPCD papers. With the introduction of new regulations from the Ministry of Science and Technology (MST), there will likely be an increase in the number of Chinese‐language conference papers in the future.
Physiological response of an Antarctic cryptophyte to increasing temperature, CO2, and irradiance
Authors: Camoying Marianne G. , Trimborn Scarlett
Published: July 2023

The Southern Ocean, a globally important CO2 sink, is one of the most susceptible regions in the world to climate change. Phytoplankton of the coastal shelf waters around the Western Antarctic Peninsula have been experiencing rapid warming over the past decades and current ongoing climatic changes will expose them to ocean acidification and high light intensities due to increasing stratification. We conducted a multiple‐stressor experiment to evaluate the response of the still poorly studied key Antarctic cryptophyte species Geminigera cryophila to warming in combination with ocean acidification and high irradiance. Based on the thermal growth response of G. cryophila, we grew the cryptophyte at suboptimal (2°C) and optimal (4°C) temperatures in combination with two light intensities (medium light: 100 μmol photons m−2 s−1 and high light [HL]: 500 μmol photons m−2 s−1) under ambient (400 μatm pCO2) and high pCO2 (1000 μatm pCO2) conditions. Our results reveal that G. cryophila was not susceptible to high pCO2, but was strongly affected by HL at 2°C, as both growth and carbon fixation were significantly reduced. In comparison, warming up to 4°C stimulated the growth of the cryptophyte and even alleviated the previously observed negative effects of HL at 2°C. When grown, however, at temperatures above 4°C, the cryptophyte already reached its maximal thermal limit at 8°C, pointing out its vulnerability toward even higher temperatures. Hence, our results clearly indicate that warming and high light and not pCO2 control the growth of G. cryophila.
Solution‐Processable Three‐Dimensional Metamaterials with Ultrahigh Broadband Absorption for Photothermal Electronic Conversion
Authors: Tsao Shao Hsuan , Sun Aileen Y. , Lee Yang‐Chun , Hwang Ching‐Wen , Lin Keng‐Te , Lai Yu‐Sheng , Yang Ling‐Chu , Chen Hsuen‐Li , Wan Dehui
Published: July 2023

Metamaterials are promising candidates for broadband light absorbers, but complex manufacturing procedures with expensive instruments have limited their practical applications. Herein, this work develops an all‐solution‐processed three‐dimensional (3D) metamaterial—based on a gold nanocage (GNC)/silk fibroin (SF) nanocomposite thin film—that achieves near‐unity (>94%) and broadband (350–2000 nm) light absorption. At a low particle density, the film exhibits a typical signal for localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) absorption at 856 nm, originating from its hollow geometrical shape of GNCs. In contrast, at high particle densities the films display ultrahigh broadband absorption, even in the non‐LSPR regions. This work attributes this behavior to the highly dense GNCs dispersed uniformly in the SF matrix acting optically as extremely fragmented metallic films, thereby retaining the highly absorptive nature of the metal while strongly suppressing its highly reflective properties. Moreover, the metamaterial absorber displays a desirable broadband‐light‐induced photothermal effect when illuminated with a halogen lamp. Finally, investigations into the photothermal electronic properties of this metamaterial combined with an Al/Si Schottky diode reveal an excellent photoresponse and photostability. The as‐designed systems can function at telecommunication wavelengths longer than the typical operation wavelengths of Si‐based devices. Such 3D metamaterial absorbers can be efficient platforms for various photothermal applications.
When to present an extended warranty: Pre‐ vs. post‐purchasing a product
Authors: Kim Dongeun , Nayakankuppam Dhananjay
Published: July 2023

This research examines a temporal factor's influence—showing an extended warranty before versus after consumers purchase a product—on consumers' likelihood of purchasing the warranties. Our results show that consumers are more likely to purchase a warranty before committing to a product rather than after doing so. These results appear to result from differing mental construals. Before committing to purchase, mental construals conditioned on product failures are more accessible; accordingly, consumers are more likely to consider buying a warranty. However, consumers who have already committed to purchase the product have mental construals that over‐represent positive features of the product; thus, these consumers are not compelled to buy a warranty. Four studies provide converging evidence via scenarios and behavioral measures. Our research suggests that offering extended warranties before the product purchase decision can be an effective strategy to increase warranty sales.
The length of brand names influences the expectation of healthiness in foods and preference for healthy foods
Authors: Motoki Kosuke , Pathak Abhishek
Published: July 2023

Across five studies (including one supplementary study), we demonstrate that the length of brand names influences the expectations of healthiness in foods and preference for healthy foods. Specifically, foods with shorter (vs. longer) brand names are perceived as healthier, and consumers prefer such foods. The perceived potency of names and expectations of healthfulness partially mediate the effect. Shorter (vs. longer) names are perceived as less potent; therefore, foods with such names are expected to be healthier, leading to a greater preference. Furthermore, the boundary condition (perceived potency of the brand names) is identified, where a positive effect of name length is not observed when the name includes more potent phonemes. Our findings contribute to the literature on healthy food branding and provide managerial implications for practitioners who are interested in promoting healthy foods.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study on Thermal Transport in Graphyne/Polyaniline Composite System
Authors: Qiao Yalan , Luo Min , Yin Qinjian , Wang Yihan , Zhou Ge
Published: July 2023

Graphyne (GY) is a new carbon material with excellent electrical conductivity and low thermal conductivity (TC). The doping of GY into polymers to improve the thermoelectric properties of the material has become a hot research trend. In this study, molecular dynamics (MD) and nonequilibrium MD are used to study the effect of the number of oxidation units of polyaniline (PANI) on TC and heat transfer of PANI and GY/PANI systems. The geometric structure of polymer, interaction energy, and heat transport of all systems are studied and analyzed. It is found that (1) as the number of oxidation units of PANI increases, the interchain and intrachain heat transfers of PANI are decreased thereby decreasing the heat transfer of the PANI chains; (2) the weak interaction energy at the interface hinders the heat flux transfer, and the phonon vibration of GY and PANI mismatch at the interfaces; eventually the above reasons lead to low interface TC; (3) the doping of GY can effectively reduce the TC of the system. This study provides some research ideas and theoretical exploration for the application of polymer doped with GY composites in the field of thermoelectricity.
Evolutionary game analysis of rent seeking in inventory financing based on blockchain technology
Authors: Li Jingwei , Li Shouwei , Zhang Yonghong , Tang Xiaoyu
Published: July 2023

This study constructs a tripartite evolutionary game model composed of a small and medium‐sized enterprise (SME), a supervisory enterprise, and a bank for the inventory financing model. The effects of blockchain technology on rent seeking in supply chain finance are calculated with focuses on its mechanism and advantages in inventory financing from the theoretical perspective. The influence of the parameters on the evolutions is likewise determined. Results show that for high‐value financing business, compared with the traditional model, the bank's application of blockchain can accelerate the system to the stable state, in which the SME complies with the contract, the supervisor does not seek collusion, and the bank thoroughly investigates the relationships of enterprises, and the enhancement of blockchain's automatic monitoring capability does not lead to the bank's inaction on regulation. For low‐value financing business, in response to the problem of collusion between the SME and the supervisor for additional benefits in the traditional model, the bank can monitor fund transfers within enterprises and unauthorized pledge release through smart contracts embedded in the blockchain system to automatically detect joint defaults, and effectively avoid the negative stable state of the bank indulging in inter‐enterprise relations which triggers collusion to embezzle financing. In addition, the bank can enhance the robustness of inventory financing service and curb rent‐seeking behavior in the blockchain inventory financing through strict penalties on the supervisor for its violations, monitoring abnormal capital flows of the SME, confirming appropriate credit rate gap, and moderately raising the service value threshold.
Design and development of a novel flexible ultra‐short echo time (FUSE) sequence
Authors: Cui Lumeng , McWalter Emily J. , Moran Gerald , Venugopal Niranjan
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To present the validation of a new Flexible Ultra‐Short Echo time (FUSE) pulse sequence using a short‐T2 phantom.

Methods

FUSE was developed to include a range of RF excitation pulses, trajectories, dimensionalities, and long‐T2 suppression techniques, enabling real‐time interchangeability of acquisition parameters. Additionally, we developed an improved 3D deblurring algorithm to correct for off‐resonance artifacts. Several experiments were conducted to validate the efficacy of FUSE, by comparing different approaches for off‐resonance artifact correction, variations in RF pulse and trajectory combinations, and long‐T2 suppression techniques. All scans were performed on a 3 T system using an in‐house short‐T2 phantom. The evaluation of results included qualitative comparisons and quantitative assessments of the SNR and contrast‐to‐noise ratio.

Results

Using the capabilities of FUSE, we demonstrated that we could combine a shorter readout duration with our improved deblurring algorithm to effectively reduce off‐resonance artifacts. Among the different RF and trajectory combinations, the spiral trajectory with the regular half‐inc pulse achieves the highest SNRs. The dual‐echo subtraction technique delivers better short‐T2 contrast and superior suppression of water and agar signals, whereas the off‐resonance saturation method successfully suppresses water and lipid signals simultaneously.

Conclusion

In this work, we have validated the use of our new FUSE sequence using a short T2 phantom, demonstrating that multiple UTE acquisitions can be achieved within a single sequence. This new sequence may be useful for acquiring improved UTE images and the development of UTE imaging protocols.
Gene transfer therapy in children with spinal muscular atrophy: A single‐center experience with a cohort of 25 children
Authors: Chencheri Nidheesh , Alexander Gail , Nugud Ahmed , Majadas Eurose , Salim Haneen , Prudhomme Katy , DeJager Noleen , Janardhanan Vaishnavi Shetty , Elbashir Haitham
Published: July 2023

Introduction/Aims

New therapeutic strategies to increase survival motor neuron protein levels in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) have focused on replacing the SMN1 gene. Onasemnogene abeparvovec was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2019 for treatment of children with SMA less than 2 years of age. Postmarketing studies are limited, especially outside of Europe and the United States. Herein we describe a single‐center experience with onasemnogene abeparvovec from the Middle East.

Methods

Between November 17, 2020 and January 31, 2022, 25 children with SMA received onasemnogene abeparvovec at our center in the United Arab Emirates. Data were collected on patients’ demographics, age at diagnosis, SMA type, genetic information, relevant medical history, laboratory investigations, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Infant Test of Neuromuscular Disorders (CHOP‐INTEND) functional assessment scores at baseline and 1 and 3 months after gene therapy.

Results

Onasemnogene abeparvovec was well tolerated. Significant improvements in CHOP‐INTEND scores were observed after the therapy. Elevation of liver enzymes and thrombocytopenia were the most common adverse events, but were transient and managed with high‐dose corticosteroids. There were no life‐threatening adverse events or deaths reported during the 3‐month follow‐up period.

Discussion

The study findings concurred with those of previously published studies. Side effects of gene transfer therapy are well tolerated, although serious complications can arise. In such cases, persistent transaminitis for example, steroid dose escalation is warranted with close observation of the patient's clinical status and lab values. Combination therapy should be explored as an alternative to gene transfer therapy only.
Psychosocial needs of pediatric cancer patients and their caregivers at end of treatment: Why psychosocial screening remains important
Authors: Perez Megan N. , Madden Rebecca E. , Zukin Heather N. , Velazquez‐Martin Blanca , Barakat Lamia P.
Published: July 2023

Objective

The pediatric cancer Psychosocial Standards of Care calls for psychosocial screening across the cancer trajectory. The current study aims to describe pediatric cancer family needs at the end of treatment (EOT) and summarize feedback on a clinical EOT screening and education program.

Methods

During a clinic visit, families attended an education session regarding general EOT considerations and caregivers and youth aged 11+ years completed questionnaires. Scores were coded for clinical significance based on cutoff scores per questionnaire, and clinical significance frequencies were calculated. Caregivers provided qualitative feedback on the EOT program via an open‐ended prompt.

Results

Screening was completed by 151 families. Ninety‐four patients (67.1%) endorsed risk by self‐ or proxy‐report in at least one domain. Across all patient age groups, a symptom of neurocognitive functioning was the most frequently endorsed risk, including executive functioning, sustained focused, and thinking slower than others. For caregivers, 106 (74.1%) endorsed risk in at least one domain, with concerns for ability to manage their child's medical condition as the most frequent endorsement. Families were agreeable to an EOT program with many caregivers advocating for receiving this program earlier.

Conclusions

Both patients and caregivers experienced clinically significant needs that require intervention at EOT. While patients are experiencing neurocognitive effects and distress, their caregivers are balancing management of their own distress with management of their child's needs during a transition to decreased support from the medical team. The findings affirm the need for systematic screening at EOT and anticipatory guidance for off treatment expectations.
Preparation of PP/PC light‐diffusing materials with UV‐shielding property
Authors: Zhu Huihao , Wang Wenhui , Wang Yu , Lin Zhenbin , Ji Huajian , Chen Xin , Li Guo , Ma Yulu , Xie Linsheng
Published: July 2023

In this study, we presented a one‐step melt‐blending method to fabricate polypropylene (PP)/polycarbonate (PC) light‐diffusing materials. A promising balance between haze and transmittance was obtained by the addition of small amount of PC to the matrix. On the basis of Mie scattering theory and morphology analysis, the correlation between processing conditions and light‐diffusing properties was built. Low rotor speed and high viscosity ratio were beneficial to optical properties of PP/PC composites. To extend the advanced application, two general anti‐ultraviolet additives nanoscale titanium dioxide (Nano‐TiO2) and 2‐(2‐hydroxy‐5‐methylphenyl) benzotriazole (UV‐P) were added to impart UV‐shielding property to the composites. Their specific influences on the morphology and comprehensive properties of PP/PC composites were studied. It was found that the introduction of Rayleigh scattering raised by Nano‐TiO2 could strengthen the scattering effect and cause a significant reduction in light transmittance, while UV‐P had little effect on the optical properties of the light‐diffusing composites. In summary, this study prepared the PP/PC composites with high‐performance light scattering and UV‐shielding properties applying a facile blending method, which showed a potential application in flexible lightings and LCD displays.
Thermal oxygen aging mechanism and assessment of aramid chopped fibers/polyphenylene sulfide composite paper
Authors: Xia Tiantian , Wu Mengyun , Yan Junbao , Yang Feihua , Wang Xuyi , Jia Yingbin , Wang Hua , Xiong Siwei , Wang Luoxin
Published: July 2023

Aramid chopped fibers/polyphenylene sulfide (ACFs/PPS) composite paper exhibits great potential for application in several cutting‐edge areas because of their excellent comprehensive properties. However, the mechanism underlying thermal aging and the role it plays in the performance of ACF/PPS composite paper remain poorly characterized. Herein, we studied the change in the chemical structure of ACFs/PPS composite paper during thermal oxidative aging and investigated the correlation between the evolution of chromophore/auxochrome groups and the development of color appearance in the ACFs/PPS composite paper. Using the color space theory, we established a correlation model among the degrees of thermal aging, the evolution of color appearance, and the changes in the mechanical properties of ACFs/PPS composite paper. On the basis of this model, the degree of aging and the corresponding mechanical strength of ACFs/PPS composite paper under different conditions could be rapidly received by estimating the change in color factor only. This study sheds new light on elucidates and provides a method for the study of polymer thermal oxidative aging.
The fluorinated SiO2 self‐assembly surface of epoxy resin with excellent insulating and superhydrophobic properties
Authors: Xie Qing , Yin Guohua , Duan Qijun , Zhong Yuyao , Xie Jun , Fu Kexin , Wang Peng
Published: July 2023

The flashover and dampness on the surface of epoxy resin (ER) composites are two critical factors leading to the failure of high voltage direct current (HVDC) insulating devices. Designing and constructing a surface structure with high insulating and hydrophobic performance is an effective way to solve these problems. In this paper, we prepared fluorinated silica nanoparticles (F‐SiO2) using a combination of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma and 1H,1H,2H,2H‐Perfluorodecyltrimethoxysilane (FAS‐17). The resulting low‐surface‐energy F‐SiO2 self‐assembled on the surface of ER to form a thin layer structure. Our results demonstrate a significant improvement in both the surface flashover voltage and hydrophobicity of ER composites with the self‐assembly structure. The maximum surface flashover voltage is increased by 35.73% to 12.08 kV, and the maximum water contact angle reaches superhydrophobicity at 155.5 ± 3°. The improvements in flashover voltage are attributed to changes in trap energy level and surface roughness. At the same time, the superhydrophobicity is due to the low‐surface‐energy characteristics and micro‐nano structure of the self‐assembly structure. This study provides a promising approach for synergistically improving flashover voltage and hydrophobicity of insulating materials.
Biome regulates the effects of long‐term grazing on soil microbial diversity
Authors: Zhao Xuan , Cai Jinting , Song Yueqing , Liu Jushan , Wang Deli , Wang Ling
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Livestock overgrazing represents one of the most destructive uses of land in terrestrial ecosystems and threatens biodiversity. However, understanding the effects of livestock overgrazing on below‐ground soil microbial diversity is limited, despite soil microbes representing the majority of biodiversity and determining ecosystem functioning.

Materials and Methods

To investigate the effects of overgrazing on soil microbial richness, a long‐term grazing exclusion experiment was conducted at six sites including three meadow steppes and three typical steppes in northern China.

Results

Our results revealed that overgrazing decreased bacterial and fungal richness across temperate steppes in northern China, and the biome could regulate the overgrazing effects, especially for fungal richness. Specifically, the negative effects of overgrazing on microbial richness were highly significant in typical steppes while not significant in meadow steppes that contained higher plant diversity and precipitation. Partial least‐squares path model showed that overgrazing affected soil microbial richness in highly complex ways, and the affected pathways were different in meadow steppes and typical steppes. The direct negative effects of grazing and their indirect negative effects via soil properties resulted in a significant decrease in microbial richness in typical steppes. In meadow steppes, the indirect beneficial effects via plant attributes offset the direct negative effects of grazing. Consequently, the soil microbial community in meadow steppe resisted overgrazing disturbance.

Conclusion

Our study illuminates the complex and highly biome‐dependent grazing effects and pathways on soil microbiota and indicates that meadow steppe may be more resistant or resilient to human disturbance than typical steppe. These findings suggest that different grasslands might be managed differently considering their intrinsic characteristics to help biodiversity conservation. Moreover, future research should focus on the underlying mechanisms of grazing effects on soil microbial richness. Besides grazing‐induced plant and soil traits changes, other potential pathways could strongly influence soil microbial diversity.
The social pillar of sustainable development: Measurement and current status of social sustainability of aged care projects in China
Authors: Wang Kun , Ke Yongjian , Sankaran Shankar
Published: July 2023

Social sustainability, the social pillar of sustainable development, has had increasing influences in recent years. It pursues the realisation of human well‐being and focuses on satisfying human needs and improving the quality of life. Unfortunately, there is a lack of social sustainability research in the aged care sector. The definition and indicators for social sustainability in aged care projects in the Chinese context are unclear, let alone the status of its realisation. This study aimed to establish a social sustainability indicator framework for aged care projects in China. Two focus group meetings and two online Delphi surveys were conducted to finalise and evaluate the indicators. Three stakeholders, 10 social impacts, and 21 indicators were identified. The realisation status of 19 indicators needs to be improved, nine of which need special attention. The indicator framework established in this study will be an effective tool to enhance the understanding and measure the social sustainability of aged care projects. As the world's most populous country, China's experience can provide insights to other countries. Moreover, the findings have implications for understanding the social sustainability of other public service projects with social impact.
Highly Enhancing CO2 Photoreduction by Metallization of an Imidazole‐linked Robust Covalent Organic Framework
Authors: Luan Tian‐Xiang , Wang Jia‐Rui , Li Keyu , Li Hailian , Nan Fuchun , Yu William W. , Li Pei‐Zhou
Published: July 2023

Converting CO2 into value‐added chemicals to solve the issues caused by carbon emission is promising but challenging. Herein, by embedding metal ions (Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+) into an imidazole‐linked robust photosensitive covalent organic framework (PyPor‐COF), effective photocatalysts for CO2 conversion are rationally designed and constructed. Characterizations display that all of the metallized PyPor‐COFs (M‐PyPor‐COFs) display remarkably high enhancement in their photochemical properties. Photocatalysis reactions reveal that the Co‐metallized PyPor‐COF (Co‐PyPor‐COF) achieves a CO production rate as high as up to 9645 µmol g−1 h−1 with a selectivity of 96.7% under light irradiation, which is more than 45 times higher than that of the metal‐free PyPor‐COF, while Ni‐metallized PyPor‐COF (Ni‐PyPor‐COF) can further tandem catalyze the generated CO to CH4 with a production rate of 463.2 µmol g−1 h−1. Experimental analyses and theory calculations reveal that their remarkable performance enhancement on CO2 photoreduction should be attributed to the incorporated metal sites in the COF skeleton, which promotes the adsorption and activation of CO2 and the desorption of generated CO and even reduces the reaction energy barrier for the formation of different intermediates. This work demonstrates that by metallizing photoactive COFs, effective photocatalysts for CO2 conversion can be achieved.
Two Birds One Stone: Graphene Assisted Reaction Kinetics and Ionic Conductivity in Phthalocyanine‐Based Covalent Organic Framework Anodes for Lithium‐ion Batteries
Authors: Zhao Jianjun , Zhou Miaomiao , Chen Jun , Wang Luyi , Zhang Qian , Zhong Shengwen , Xie Haijiao , Li Yutao
Published: July 2023

This work reports a covalent organic framework composite structure (PMDA‐NiPc‐G), incorporating multiple‐active carbonyls and graphene on the basis of the combination of phthalocyanine (NiPc(NH2)4) containing a large π‐conjugated system and pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) as the anode of lithium‐ion batteries. Meanwhile, graphene is used as a dispersion medium to reduce the accumulation of bulk covalent organic frameworks (COFs) to obtain COFs with small‐volume and few‐layers, shortening the ion migration path and improving the diffusion rate of lithium ions in the two dimensional (2D) grid layered structure. PMDA‐NiPc‐G showed a lithium‐ion diffusion coefficient (DLi+) of 3.04 × 10−10 cm2 s−1 which is 3.6 times to that of its bulk form (0.84 × 10−10 cm2 s−1). Remarkably, this enables a large reversible capacity of 1290 mAh g−1 can be achieved after 300 cycles and almost no capacity fading in the next 300 cycles at 100 mA g−1. At a high areal capacity loading of ≈3 mAh cm−2, full batteries assembled with LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM‐811) and LiFePO4 (LFP) cathodes showed 60.2% and 74.7% capacity retention at 1 C for 200 cycles. Astonishingly, the PMDA‐NiPc‐G/NCM‐811 full battery exhibits ≈100% capacity retention after cycling at 0.2 C. Aided by the analysis of kinetic behavior of lithium storage and theoretical calculations, the capacity‐enhancing mechanism and lithium storage mechanism of covalent organic frameworks are revealed. This work may lead to more research on designable, multifunctional COFs for electrochemical energy storage.
Progress on Physical Field‐Regulated Micro/Nanomotors for Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Disease Treatment
Authors: You Qing , Shao Xinyue , Wang Jinping , Chen Xiaoyuan
Published: July 2023

Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (CCVDs) are two major vasculature‐related diseases that seriously affect public health worldwide, which can cause serious death and disability. Lack of targeting effect of the traditional CCVD treatment drugs may damage other tissues and organs, thus more specific methods are needed to solve this dilemma. Micro/nanomotors are new materials that can convert external energy into driving force for autonomous movement, which can not only enhance the penetration depth and retention rates, but also increase the contact areas with the lesion sites (such as thrombus and inflammation sites of blood vessels). Physical field‐regulated micro/nanomotors using the physical energy sources with deep tissue penetration and controllable performance, such as magnetic field, light, and ultrasound, etc. are considered as the emerging patient‐friendly and effective therapeutic tools to overcome the limitations of conventional CCVD treatments. Recent efforts have suggested that physical field‐regulated micro/nanomotors on CCVD treatments could simultaneously provide efficient therapeutic effect and intelligent control. In this review, various physical field‐driven micro/nanomotors are mainly introduced and their latest advances for CCVDs are highlighted. Last, the remaining challenges and future perspectives regarding the physical field‐regulated micro/nanomotors for CCVD treatments are discussed and outlined.
Development and Testing of Operator Vision Assistance System for Foundry Applications
Authors: Rangavittal Bharath Vasudev , Köchner Herbert , Stark Erik , Glaser Björn
Published: July 2023

Slag control in small‐ and medium‐scale (SME) foundries is based on operator's experience, as foundry operators can hardly see a visual difference between liquid metal and liquid slag at metal‐making temperatures with the naked eye. With increasing requirements of high‐quality castings, it is imperative that foundry SMEs employ smart, innovative, affordable technologies to assist the operators in real‐time slag monitoring to stay competitive in the market. In this work, an Operator Vision Assistance System (OVIAS) is developed to enhance the operator's vision in differentiating liquid metal from liquid slag and to provide real‐time visualization and control of slag. A prototype of the OVIAS is set up and tested on imaging a metal bath surface in a 2.5 t induction furnace at Österby Gjuteri AB, Sweden. Tests confirm the potential of the OVIAS in real‐time slag visualization. OVIAS can assist the foundry operators in optimizing the amount of slag coagulant addition during melting stage and in de‐slagging operation. Industrial calibration of OVIAS is performed but must be further confirmed with lab‐scale tests. The OVIAS can serve as a cost‐efficient, flexible alternative to current expensive infrared‐based systems in providing real‐time improved visualization of slag in foundry SMEs as well as larger mills.
Assembled MXene Macrostructures for Multifunctional Polymer Nanocomposites
Authors: Han Xiao , Qiu Xueyuan , Zong Meng , Hao Jianhua
Published: July 2023

As a thriving family of 2D nanomaterials, early transition metal carbides and carbonitrides (MXenes) are regarded as promising candidates in various applications. To enhance the mechanical robustness and environmental stability of MXenes, research on their polymer‐based nanocomposites with improved oxidation and damage tolerance has attracted increasing attention. As a reinforcing and functional filler, MXenes can also endow polymer with desired thermal/electrical properties. Compared to the powder‐based direct dispersion, assembling MXene nanosheets into MXene macrostructures (MMs) is proven as an effective strategy to unite with polymer. In particular, performance of the nanocomposites can be readily optimized by manipulating the structure of MMs and their interactions with polymer. In this Review, recent research progress on the MMs/polymer nanocomposites is summarized to provide a systematic understanding of the relationships among structures, fabrication techniques, and performance. Beyond diverse exfoliation methods for synthesizing MXene flakes, special attention is given to the assembly routes to construct mechanically robust macrostructures and hybrid techniques to build various MMs/polymer nanocomposites. Then, their applications in several areas of fundamental research and practical application are discussed, including heat/electrical conduction, electromagnetic shielding, and flexible devices. Finally, the challenges and perspectives are summarized to guide the future exploration for multifunctional MMs/polymer nanocomposites.
Na–K Co‐deposition in Liquid‐Alloy Batteries Revealed by Operando Visualization
Authors: Cheng Yong , Lin Chenxue , Luo Chong , Liu Weicheng , Wang Ming-Sheng
Published: July 2023

Despite the great prospects of alkali metal batteries, safety concerns associated with dendrite growth still limit their commercial applications. An attractive alternative is to use the room temperature liquid sodium–potassium alloy as the anode, which inherently prevents dendrite growth. Currently, Na–K alloy anodes allow only Na+ or K+ to be cycled, depending on the choice of electrolyte and ion selectivity of the cathode, which results in reduced energy density of the battery. Herein, the possibility of concurrent use of both Na+ and K+ ions in Na–K alloy anodes is explored, and the working mechanism by operando optical microscopy is investigated. It is found that the type of deposited metal is dictated by both salt and solvent in electrolyte. Impressively, Na–K co‐deposition is observed in KFSI‐DME electrolyte for the first time, which strongly influences the dendrite morphology and evolution. Furthermore, the current density also has a great impact on the deposition pattern, which allows dendrite‐free Na/K deposition on the liquid‐alloy anode. These findings enrich our understanding of the intricate electrochemical behaviors of Na–K binary electroactive alloy systems and offer guidance for the sufficient use of Na and K while avoiding dendrite formation in such liquid‐alloy batteries.
Prediction of the monotonic load–displacement curve of slender RC beams with corroded transverse and longitudinal reinforcements
Authors: Rossi Pier Paolo , Spinella Nino
Published: July 2023

The present paper proposes a mechanical model for the prediction of the response of slender reinforced concrete beams with corroded transverse and longitudinal reinforcements. The proposed model is based on the Modified Compression Field Theory and is able to predict the load–displacement curve of members subjected to monotonic displacement‐controlled tests up to their peak load. The corrosion‐damage effects are considered by means of an effective width of the beam and by means of reduced values of both cross‐sectional area and strain capacity of steel bars. The accuracy of the model is evaluated by comparison with results of tests reported in the literature. Moreover, a simple relation is suggested for the estimate of the shear strength of reinforced concrete beams with low values of the effective geometric percentage of (corroded) stirrups.
Mechanical properties of short polypropylene fiber enhanced recycled concrete under cyclic compression
Authors: Wu Huiqin , Zhu Zhen , Chen Yuliang , Li Hong , Jiang Weiqin
Published: July 2023

This study investigated the mechanical properties and stress–strain relationship of polypropylene fiber recycled aggregate concrete (PFRAC) subjected to uniaxial cyclic compression. A total of 78 cylindrical specimens were designed for uniaxial cyclic compression test with coarse aggregate replacement rate, polypropylene fiber volume fraction, and loading rate as variation parameters. The failure process of the specimens under cyclic loading was observed and recorded. The stress–strain curve of PFRAC was summarized. The important mechanical properties of PFRAC were obtained, such as plastic strain, accumulated energy dissipation. The microstructure of PFRAC was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, and the crack resistance mechanism of PFRAC under cyclic loading was revealed. The results show that the PFRAC under cyclic loading appeared oblique splitting failure. The compressive stress–strain curve envelope of PFRAC subjected to cyclic loading exhibited similarity to the monotonic counterpart. The addition of polypropylene fibers can improve the peak stress, peak strain, residual stress, post‐peak ductility, and accumulated energy dissipation of the recycled concrete. In addition, a constitutive relation formula for the PFRAC stress–strain curve under cyclic loading is proposed, and the fitting result is good.
Re: Birth‐weight centile at term and school performance at 12 years of age: linked cohort study
Authors: Visser G. H. A.
Published: July 2023

Linked article: This Correspondence comments on Burger et al. Click here to view the article.
Alignment behavior of nerve, vascular, muscle, and intestine cells in two‐ and three‐dimensional strategies
Authors: Jafari Amir , Behjat Erfan , Malektaj Haniyeh , Mobini Faezeh
Published: July 2023

By harnessing structural hierarchical insights, plausibly simulate better ones imagination to figure out the best choice of methods for reaching out the unprecedented developments of the tissue engineering products as a next level. Constructing a functional tissue that incorporates two‐dimensional (2D) or higher dimensions requires overcoming technological or biological limitations in order to orchestrate the structural compilation of one‐dimensional and 2D sheets (microstructures) simultaneously (in situ). This approach enables the creation of a layered structure that can be referred to as an ensemble of layers or, after several days of maturation, a direct or indirect joining of layers. Here, we have avoided providing a detailed methodological description of three‐dimensional and 2D strategies, except for a few interesting examples that highlight the higher alignment of cells and emphasize rarely remembered facts associated with vascular, peripheral nerve, muscle, and intestine tissues. The effective directionality of cells in conjunction with geometric cues (in the range of micrometers) is well known to affect a variety of cell behaviors. The curvature of a cell's environment is one of the factors that influence the formation of patterns within tissues. The text will cover cell types containing some level of stemness, which will be followed by their consequences for tissue formation. Other important considerations pertain to cytoskeleton traction forces, cell organelle positioning, and cell migration. An overview of cell alignment along with several pivotal molecular and cellular level concepts, such as mechanotransduction, chirality, and curvature of structure effects on cell alignments will be presented. The mechanotransduction term will be used here in the context of the sensing capability that cells show as a result of force‐induced changes either at the conformational or the organizational levels, a capability that allows us to modify cell fate by triggering downstream signaling pathways. A discussion of the cells' cytoskeleton and of the stress fibers involvement in altering the cell's circumferential constitution behavior (alignment) based on exposed scaffold radius will be provided. Curvatures with size similarities in the range of cell sizes cause the cell's behavior to act as if it was in an in vivo tissue environment. The revision of the literature, patents, and clinical trials performed for the present study shows that there is a clear need for translational research through the implementation of clinical trial platforms that address the tissue engineering possibilities raised in the current revision.

This article is categorized under:

Infectious Diseases > Biomedical Engineering

Neurological Diseases > Biomedical Engineering

Cardiovascular Diseases > Biomedical Engineering
Unitarity bounds on extensions of Higgs sector
Authors: Lu Bo-Qiang , Huang Da
Published: July 2023

Abstract

It is widely believed that extensions of the minimal Higgs sector is one of the promising directions for resolving many puzzles beyond the Standard Model (SM). In this work, we study the unitarity bounds on the models by extending the two-Higgs-doublet model with an additional real or complex Higgs triplet scalar. By noting that the SM gauge symmetries SU(2)L × U(1)Y are recovered at high energies, we can classify the two-body scattering states by decomposing the direct product of two scalar multiplets into their direct sum of irreducible representations of electroweak gauge groups. In such state bases, the s-wave amplitudes of two-body scalar scatterings can be written in the form of block-diagonalized scattering matrices. Then the application of the perturbative unitarity conditions on the eigenvalues of scattering matrices leads to the analytic constraints on the model parameters. Finally, we numerically investigate the complex triplet scalar extension of the two-Higgs-doublet model, finding that the perturbative unitarity places useful stringent bounds on the model parameter space.
Celestial Supersymmetry
Authors: Taylor Tomasz R. , Zhu Bin
Published: July 2023

Abstract

We discuss supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory coupled to dilatons in the framework of celestial holography. We show that in the presence of point-like dilaton sources, the CCFT operators associated with the gauge supermultiplet acquire a simple, factorized form. They factorize into the holomorphic (super)current part and the exponential “light” operators of Liouville theory, in the infinite central charge limit. The current sector exhibits (1,0) supersymmetry, thus implementing spacetime supersymmetry in CCFT.
Is action complexity better for de Sitter space in Jackiw-Teitelboim gravity?
Authors: Anegawa Takanori , Iizuka Norihiro , Sake Sunil Kumar , Zenoni Nicolò
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Volume complexity in dS2 remains O(1) up to a critical time, after which it suddenly diverges. On the other hand, for the dS2 solution in JT gravity, there is a linear dilaton which smoothly grows towards the future infinity. From the dimensional reduction viewpoint, the growth of the dilaton is due to the expansion of the orthogonal sphere in higher-dimensional dSd (d ≥ 3). Since in higher dimensions complexity becomes very large even before the critical time, by properly taking into account the dilaton, the same behavior is expected for complexity in dS2 JT gravity. We show that this expectation is met by the complexity = action (CA) conjecture. For this purpose, we obtain an appropriate action for dS2 in JT gravity, by dimensional reduction from dS3. In addition, we discuss complexity = “refined volume” where we choose an appropriate Weyl field-redefinition such that refined volume avoids the discontinuous jump in time evolution.
Fisher information of a black hole spacetime
Authors: Patterson Everett , Mann Robert B.
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Relativistic quantum metrology is the study of optimal measurement procedures within systems that have both quantum and relativistic components. Here we use Unruh-DeWitt detectors coupled to a massless scalar field as probes of thermal parameters in different spacetimes via a relativistic quantum metrology analysis. We consider both (2 + 1)-dimensional anti-de Sitter and BTZ black hole spacetimes. We compute the Fisher information to identify characteristics of the black hole spacetime and to compare it to a uniformly accelerating detector in anti-de Sitter space. We find the dependence of the Fisher information on temperature, detector energy gap, black hole mass, interaction time, and the initial state of the detector. We identify strategies that maximize the Fisher information and therefore the precision of estimation.
Anomalous conductivities in the holographic Stückelberg model
Authors: Rai Nishal , Megías Eugenio
Published: July 2023

Abstract

We have studied a massive U(1) gauge holographic model with pure gauge and mixed gauge-gravitational Chern-Simons terms. The full backreaction of the gauge field on the metric tensor has been considered in order to explore the vortical and energy transport sector. The background solution has been computed numerically. On this background, we have considered the fluctuation of the fields and evaluated the different correlators. We have found that all the correlators depend on the mass of the gauge field. Correlators such as the current-current one, 〈JxJx〉, which were completely absent in the massless case, in the presence of a finite gauge boson mass start picking up some finite value even at zero chemical potential. Similarly, the energy-current correlator, 〈T0xJx〉, which was also absent in the massless theory, has now a non-vanishing value but for finite values of the chemical potential. Our findings for the chiral vortical conductivity, σV, and the chiral magnetic/vortical conductivity of energy current, $$ {\sigma}_B^{\varepsilon }={\sigma}_V^{\varepsilon } $$

σ
B
ε

=

σ
V
ε

, are completely new results. In addition to this, we have found that these anomalous transport coefficients depend linearly both on the pure Chern-Simon coupling, κ, and on the mixed gauge-gravity Chern-Simon coupling, λ. One of the results that we would like to highlight is that it’s not just κ that contributes to the σB but there is an additional contribution from λ as well unlike the previous studies.
Kerr-Newman black holes from 𝒩 = 1∗
Authors: Amariti Antonio , Segati Alessia
Published: July 2023

Abstract

The microstate counting of charged rotating AdS5 supersymmetric black holes has been reformulated in terms of an extremization problem, obtained from the superconformal index of the 4d dual SCFT. On the gravitational side this problem corresponds to the attractor mechanism of the theory KK reduced on AdS4. Such procedure has indeed been successfully applied to some consistent truncations with a known field theory dual description. In this paper we study the case of the Leigh-Strassler fixed point along these lines, finding an agreement between the field theory and the gravitational results.