bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Poly(vinyl alcohol) Hydrogels with Broad‐Range Tunable Mechanical Properties via the Hofmeister Effect
Authors: Wu Shuwang , Hua Mutian , Alsaid Yousif , Du Yingjie , Ma Yanfei , Zhao Yusen , Lo Chiao‐Yueh , Wang Canran , Wu Dong , Yao Bowen , Strzalka Joseph , Zhou Hua , Zhu Xinyuan , He Ximin
Published: February 2021

Hydrogels, exhibiting wide applications in soft robotics, tissue engineering, implantable electronics, etc., often require sophisticately tailoring of the hydrogel mechanical properties to meet specific demands. For examples, soft robotics necessitates tough hydrogels; stem cell culturing demands various tissue‐matching modulus; and neuron probes desire dynamically tunable modulus. Herein, a strategy to broadly alter the mechanical properties of hydrogels reversibly via tuning the aggregation states of the polymer chains by ions based on the Hofmeister effect is reported. An ultratough poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogel as an exemplary material (toughness 150 ± 20 MJ m−3), which surpasses synthetic polymers like poly(dimethylsiloxane), synthetic rubber, and natural spider silk is fabricated. With various ions, the hydrogel's various mechanical properties are continuously and reversibly in situ modulated over a large window: tensile strength from 50 ± 9 kPa to 15 ± 1 MPa, toughness from 0.0167 ± 0.003 to 150 ± 20 MJ m−3, elongation from 300 ± 100% to 2100 ± 300%, and modulus from 24 ± 2 to 2500 ± 140 kPa. Importantly, the ions serve as gelation triggers and property modulators only, not necessarily required to remain in the gel, maintaining the high biocompatibility of PVA without excess ions. This strategy, enabling high mechanical performance and broad dynamic tunability, presents a universal platform for broad applications from biomedicine to wearable electronics.
Dual‐Interface Modification of CsPbIBr2 Solar Cells with Improved Efficiency and Stability
Authors: Jiang Xiao , Subhani Waqas Siddique , Wang Kai , Wang Hui , Duan Lianjie , Du Minyong , Pang Shuping , Liu Shengzhong (Frank)
Published: February 2021

The organic‐inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cell has been a rising star in photovoltaics (PV) in the last decade due to its high efficiency and the fastest efficiency‐rise among all known materials in the PV history. The newly developed all‐inorganic perovskite, for its high stability against thermal and light irradiation stresses, is recognized as a promising material for both PV and general optoelectronic applications. Interface and its modification have been proven to play an important role in the solar cell performance. However, all previous research on the all‐inorganic CsPbIBr2 based solar cells limits their scope to only one surface/interface while ignoring the other. Herein, synergistic effect is discovered when proper amount of CsBr is introduced on both sides of the perovskite active layer. It is found that the TiO2/perovskite interface modification reduces pinhole and trap‐state densities while modification on perovskite/Spiro‐OMeTAD promotes smoother surface and better crystallinity. The synergistic effect of both modifications leads to increased efficiency to 10.33% with VOC of 1.24 V, both are among the highest for these types of solar cells. In addition, the optimized device retains 60% of its initial efficiency after 60 h of aging in ambient atmosphere.
Alternating‐Current‐Driven Color‐Tunable Organic Light‐Emitting Triodes
Authors: Zhao Changbin , Ali Muhammad Umair , Ji Junpeng , Liu Ming , Li Aiyuan , Bai Junwu , Miao Jingsheng , Wang Tao , Perepichka Dmitrii F. , Yan Chaoyi , Shen Kwang‐Fu Clifton , Meng Hong
Published: February 2021

Exploring multifunctional, miniaturized light‐emitting devices with well‐controlled operation is deemed vital to meet the increasing demands of full‐color displays and lighting systems. Nevertheless, complicated architectures, low performance, and poor operational control remain daunting challenges in the realization of smart devices. Here, an alternating‐current‐driven organic light‐emitting triode (AC‐OLETr) is reported with simple yet versatile architecture that emits light with precise control over the color and intensity. The fabricated AC‐OLETr devices are driven and regulated by a three‐phase AC supply, making them highly suitable for implementation in state‐of‐the‐art electric systems. A coplanar two‐phase AC drives a pair of light‐emitting units of different colors, while a third‐phase AC tunes the luminescence intensity ratio of the former two units through changes in its phase difference. Furthermore, interdigitated electrodes are employed to achieve effective control over the light emission, extending from yellow, through white, to the blue region. The proposed configuration offers a simplistic approach to realize color‐tunable light emission and holds great potential for full‐color displays and next‐generation solid‐state lighting.
Plasmonic Properties of Colloidal Assemblies
Authors: Rossner Christian , König Tobias A. F. , Fery Andreas
Published: February 2021

The assembly of metal nanoparticles into supracolloidal structures unlocks optical features, which can go beyond synergistic combinations of the properties of their primary building units. This is due to inter‐particle plasmonic coupling effects, which give rise to emergent properties. The motivation for this progress report is twofold: First, it is described how simulation approaches can be used to predict and understand the optical properties of supracolloidal metal clusters. These simulations may form the basis for the rational design of plasmonic assembly architectures, based on the desired functional cluster properties, and they may also spark novel material designs. Second, selected scalable state‐of‐the‐art preparative strategies based on synthetic polymers to guide the supracolloidal assembly are discussed. These routes also allow for equipping the assembly structures with adaptive properties, which in turn enables (inter‐)active control over the cluster optical properties.
Hyperbolic Metamaterials via Hierarchical Block Copolymer Nanostructures
Authors: Murataj Irdi , Channab Marwan , Cara Eleonora , Pirri Candido F. , Boarino Luca , Angelini Angelo , Ferrarese Lupi Federico
Published: February 2021

Hyperbolic metamaterials (HMMs) offer unconventional properties in the field of optics, enabling opportunities for confinement and propagation of light at the nanoscale. In‐plane orientation of the optical axis, in the direction coinciding with the anisotropy of the HMMs, is desirable for a variety of novel applications in nanophotonics and imaging. Here, a method for creating localized HMMs with in‐plane optical axis, based on block copolymer (BCP) blend instability, is introduced. The dewetting of BCP thin film over topographically defined substrates generates droplets composed of highly ordered lamellar nanostructures in hierarchical configuration. The hierarchical nanostructures represent a valuable platform for the subsequent pattern transfer into a Au/air HMM, exhibiting hyperbolic behavior in a broad wavelength range in the visible spectrum. A computed Purcell factor as high as 32 at 580 nm supports the strong reduction in the fluorescence lifetime of defects in nanodiamonds placed on top of the HMM.
Fingerpad‐Inspired Multimodal Electronic Skin for Material Discrimination and Texture Recognition
Authors: Lee Giwon , Son Jong Hyun , Lee Siyoung , Kim Seong Won , Kim Daegun , Nguyen Nguyen Ngan , Lee Seung Goo , Cho Kilwon
Published: February 2021

Human skin plays a critical role in a person communicating with his or her environment through diverse activities such as touching or deforming an object. Various electronic skin (E‐skin) devices have been developed that show functional or geometrical superiority to human skin. However, research into stretchable E‐skin that can simultaneously distinguish materials and textures has not been established yet. Here, the first approach to achieving a stretchable multimodal device is reported, that operates on the basis of various electrical properties of piezoelectricity, triboelectricity, and piezoresistivity and that exceeds the capabilities of human tactile perception. The prepared E‐skin is composed of a wrinkle‐patterned silicon elastomer, hybrid nanomaterials of silver nanowires and zinc oxide nanowires, and a thin elastomeric dielectric layer covering the hybrid nanomaterials, where the dielectric layer exhibits high surface roughness mimicking human fingerprints. This versatile device can identify and distinguish not only mechanical stress from a single stimulus such as pressure, tensile strain, or vibration but also that from a combination of multiple stimuli. With simultaneous sensing and analysis of the integrated stimuli, the approach enables material discrimination and texture recognition for a biomimetic prosthesis when the multifunctional E‐skin is applied to a robotic hand.
A Fast Alternative to Soft Lithography for the Fabrication of Organ‐on‐a‐Chip Elastomeric‐Based Devices and Microactuators
Authors: Ferreira Daniel A. , Rothbauer Mario , Conde João P. , Ertl Peter , Oliveira Carla , Granja Pedro L.
Published: February 2021

Organ‐on‐a‐chip technology promises to revolutionize how pre‐clinical human trials are conducted. Engineering an in vitro environment that mimics the functionality and architecture of human physiology is essential toward building better platforms for drug development and personalized medicine. However, the complex nature of these devices requires specialized, time consuming, and expensive fabrication methodologies. Alternatives that reduce design‐to‐prototype time are needed, in order to fulfill the potential of these devices. Here, a streamlined approach is proposed for the fabrication of organ‐on‐a‐chip devices with incorporated microactuators, by using an adaptation of xurography. This method can generate multilayered, membrane‐integrated biochips in a matter of hours, using low‐cost benchtop equipment. These devices are capable of withstanding considerable pressure without delamination. Furthermore, this method is suitable for the integration of flexible membranes, required for organ‐on‐a‐chip applications, such as mechanical actuation or the establishment of biological barrier function. The devices are compatible with cell culture applications and present no cytotoxic effects or observable alterations on cellular homeostasis. This fabrication method can rapidly generate organ‐on‐a‐chip prototypes for a fraction of cost and time, in comparison to conventional soft lithography, constituting an interesting alternative to the current fabrication methods.
Solid Polymer Electrolytes with High Conductivity and Transference Number of Li Ions for Li‐Based Rechargeable Batteries
Authors: Zhao Yun , Wang Li , Zhou Yunan , Liang Zheng , Tavajohi Naser , Li Baohua , Li Tao
Published: February 2021

Smart electronics and wearable devices require batteries with increased energy density, enhanced safety, and improved mechanical flexibility. However, current state‐of‐the‐art Li‐based rechargeable batteries (LBRBs) use highly reactive and flowable liquid electrolytes, severely limiting their ability to meet the above requirements. Therefore, solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) are introduced to tackle the issues of liquid electrolytes. Nevertheless, due to their low Li+ conductivity and Li+ transference number (LITN) (around 10−5 S cm−1 and 0.5, respectively), SPE‐based room temperature LBRBs are still in their early stages of development. This paper reviews the principles of Li+ conduction inside SPEs and the corresponding strategies to improve the Li+ conductivity and LITN of SPEs. Some representative applications of SPEs in high‐energy density, safe, and flexible LBRBs are then introduced and prospected.
Foldable Perovskite Solar Cells Using Carbon Nanotube‐Embedded Ultrathin Polyimide Conductor
Authors: Yoon Jungjin , Kim Unsoo , Yoo Yongseok , Byeon Junseop , Lee Seoung‐Ki , Nam Jeong‐Seok , Kim Kyusun , Zhang Qiang , Kauppinen Esko I. , Maruyama Shigeo , Lee Phillip , Jeon Il
Published: February 2021

Recently, foldable electronics technology has become the focus of both academic and industrial research. The foldable device technology is distinct from flexible technology, as foldable devices have to withstand severe mechanical stresses such as those caused by an extremely small bending radius of 0.5 mm. To realize foldable devices, transparent conductors must exhibit outstanding mechanical resilience, for which they must be micrometer‐thin, and the conducting material must be embedded into a substrate. Here, single‐walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs)–polyimide (PI) composite film with a thickness of 7 µm is synthesized and used as a foldable transparent conductor in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). During the high‐temperature curing of the CNTs‐embedded PI conductor, the CNTs are stably and strongly p‐doped using MoOx, resulting in enhanced conductivity and hole transportability. The ultrathin foldable transparent conductor exhibits a sheet resistance of 82 Ω sq.−1 and transmittance of 80% at 700 nm, with a maximum‐power‐point‐tracking‐output of 15.2% when made into a foldable solar cell. The foldable solar cells can withstand more than 10 000 folding cycles with a folding radius of 0.5 mm. Such mechanically resilient PSCs are unprecedented; further, they exhibit the best performance among the carbon‐nanotube‐transparent‐electrode‐based flexible solar cells.
Approaching the Theoretical Sodium Storage Capacity and Ultrahigh Rate of Layer‐Expanded MoS2 by Interfacial Engineering on N‐Doped Graphene
Authors: Liang Shichuan , Zhang Su , Liu Zheng , Feng Jing , Jiang Zimu , Shi Mengjiao , Chen Lan , Wei Tong , Fan Zhuangjun
Published: February 2021

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) holds great potential for sodium storage due to its high theoretical capacity of 670 mAh g−1. However, its theoretical capacity is hardly realized because of low conductivity, sluggish electrochemical kinetics, and unsatisfied structural stability. Herein, a polyaniline‐mediated interfacial engineering strategy for the growth of interlayer‐expanded MoS2 nanoflowers on N‐doped graphene “land” (E‐MoS2/NG) using Mo7O246− anions adsorbed on positively charged polyaniline as the “seeds” is reported. The strong interfacial interaction between MoS2 and graphene through MoN bonds as well as ultrathin interlayer‐expanded MoS2 can significantly improve the electrochemical kinetics and structural stability. As a result, E‐MoS2/NG with a high MoS2 content of 90 wt% shows a high capacity (620 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1), an ultrahigh rate capability (201 mAh g−1 at 50 A g−1), and outstanding cycle performance (390 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles at 1 A g−1). Importantly, MoS2 in the composite approaches its theoretical capacity of 670 mAh g−1. Furthermore, the assembled E‐MoS2/NG//activated carbon sodium ion capacitor delivers high energy densities of 150 and 82 Wh kg−1 at 35 and 14 421 W kg−1, respectively, and a capacity retention of 78.1% after 1500 cycles at 10 A g−1, demonstrating great potential for practical application.
Advances and Prospective in Metal Halide Ruddlesen–Popper Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Shao Shuyan , Loi Maria Antonietta
Published: February 2021

Metal halide Ruddlesen–Popper perovskite solar cells (RPPSCs) have attracted a great deal of attention in the research community due to their excellent stability over the 3D counterparts. In 2014, the first RPPSC was reported achieving a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of about 4.7%. To date, this type of solar cells reach a PCE exceeding 18% on lab scale. In this essay, distil strategies to further improve the PCE of RPPSCs are discussed. First, the unique physical properties of RPP are discussed to highlight the importance of film processing and material design, and then the factors that are limiting RPPSCs with special focus on the crystallographic and charge transport properties are addressed. Finally, the opportunities for RPPSCs are discussed, and opinions are provided regarding how to further improve the performance of these devices and on strategies which may advance the technology toward its industrial exploitation.
Improving publicly available corn nitrogen rate recommendation tools with soil and weather measurements
Authors: Ransom Curtis J. , Kitchen Newell R. , Sawyer John E. , Camberato James J. , Carter Paul R. , Ferguson Richard B. , Fernández Fabián G. , Franzen David W. , Laboski Carrie A. M. , Myers D. Brenton , Nafziger Emerson D. , Shanahan John F.
Published: February 2021

Improving corn (Zea mays L.) N fertilizer rate recommendation tools is necessary for improving farmers’ profits and minimizing N pollution. Research has repeatedly shown that weather and soil factors influence available N and crop N need. Adjusting available corn N recommendation tools with soil and weather measurements could improve farmers’ ability to manage N. The aim of this research was to improve publicly available N recommendation tools with site‐specific soil and weather measurements. Information from 49 site‐years of N response trials in the U.S. Midwest was used to evaluate 21 rate recommendation tools for a single (at‐planting) and split (at‐planting + sidedress) N application. Using elastic net and decision tree algorithms, the difference between each tool's N recommendation and the economically optimum nitrogen rate (EONR) was modeled against soil and weather measurements. The model's predicted values were used to adjust the tools. Unadjusted the best performing tool had r2 = .24; after adjustment, the best performing tool had r2 = .57. Overall tool improvement was modest and sometimes required many additional inputs. Using weather measurements (e.g., evenness of rainfall or abundant and well‐distributed rainfall) helped increase N recommendations by accounting for N loss while soil measurements (e.g., pH and total C) helped decrease N recommendations when there was sufficient available soil N. This investigation showed that incorporating soil and weather measurements is a viable approach for improving corn N recommendation tools regionally; but even with adjustments, tools still have room for additional improvement.
Biomimetic Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Hematologic Malignancies
Authors: Powsner Emily H. , Harris Jenna C. , Day Emily S.
Published: February 2021

Hematologic malignancies are a prevalent group of cancers that originate from abnormal hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in the bone marrow. As these cells differentiate to produce all blood cell types, their mutation and/or abnormal differentiation results in a wide range of diseases and complications. Current treatments for hematologic maligancies include chemotherapy and HSC transplants, both of which engender detrimental side effects that the patient must endure, and the end result is still often death. Thus, there exists a dire need for alternative methods to treat hematologic malignancies. Researchers have recently begun to explore the use of biomimetic nanotherapeutic to treat these cancers and mitigate their side effects, with promising results. Biomimetic nanoparticles (NPs) imitate naturally occurring structures such as cells through various techniques to avoid immune recognition and target specific locations in the body; by exploiting cells’ expression of “self‐recognition” molecules and their unique homing abilities, biomimetic NPs can deliver therapeutic cargo precisely to diseased cells while minimizing risks of toxicity. Herein, several biomimetic nanomedicines are reviewed that are investigated as treatments for hematologic malignancies and offers perspective on the future of this approach as a therapeutic strategy.
Fluorescent Signaling of Molecularly Imprinted Nanogels Prepared via Postimprinting Modifications for Specific Protein Detection
Authors: Tsutsumi Katsuki , Sunayama Hirobumi , Kitayama Yukiya , Takano Eri , Nakamachi Yuji , Sasaki Ryohei , Takeuchi Toshifumi
Published: February 2021

Previous reports have stated the advantages of postimprinting modification (PIM) to develop multifunctional molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs). However, existing technologies have only been applied on bulk‐ and film‐based MIPs. Herein, the fluorescent signaling of nanogels (NGs) for protein detection is demonstrated. The NGs are prepared by molecular imprinting and PIM. A bivalent functional monomer, 4‐[2‐(N‐methacrylamido)ethylaminomethyl] benzoic acid (FM1), comprising a benzoic acid moiety for interaction with proteins and secondary amine group for incorporating fluorescent reporter molecules is used. Human serum albumin (HSA), a marker protein for human health, serves as the model protein. HSA‐imprinted NGs (MIP‐NGs) are prepared by emulsifier‐free precipitation polymerization of FM1, N‐isopropylacrylamide, 2‐methacryloxyethyl phosphorylcholine, and N,N′‐methylenebis acrylamide in the presence of HSA. After the removal of HSA, a fluorescent dye (ATTO 647 N) is treated with amino groups on FM1 residue as the PIM; this yields fluorescent‐signaling MIP‐NGs (FL‐MIP‐NGs) of ≈20 nm in diameter. The FL‐MIP‐NG‐based sensing system detects HSA in a real sample by selectively reading out the HSA‐binding events as high‐affinity fluorescence changes (Kd = 2.5 × 10−9 M). The proposed MIP‐NGs functionalized via PIMs serve as advanced functional materials for sensing biorelated compounds.
Influence of ultraviolet aging on the structure, mechanical and gas permeability properties of hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber
Authors: Tan Jinghua , Chen Chengliang , Wu Juying , He Ren , Jiang Linbing , Liu Yiwu
Published: February 2021

The effect of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on the structure and performance of hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR) was studied in this paper. The HNBR was exposed to UV radiation for various durations (0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days). The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results demonstrated that the surface molecular structures were oxidized to generate oxygenated species under UV radiation. The oxidative degree enhanced with the increase of aging time, resulting in thicker and denser cracks on the surface. The plausible aging mechanism of HNBR was suggested. The free volume of HNBR before and after UV aging was characterized by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) and their cross‐linking density, compression set, mechanical and gas permeability properties were also analyzed. In the first 14 days of UV irradiation, the dominant chain‐scission reaction led to a decrease in cross‐linking density of HNBR, resulting in the enhancement of free volume and thereby the increase of gas permeability. When the aging time was longer than 14 days, cross‐linking reaction played a leading role and the free volume decreased, thus causing the reduction of gas permeability. As the aging time increased, the glass transition temperature (Tg), tensile strength and storage modulus of HNBR initially reduced and then increased, which was in agreement with the changing trend of cross‐linking density.
Polypropylene/poly(ethylene terephthalate) microfibrillar reinforced composites manufactured by fused filament fabrication
Authors: Huang Miaozi , Schlarb Alois K.
Published: February 2021

In the present work, microfibrillar composites (MFCs) consisting of polypropylene (PP) and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) were successfully produced by melt extrusion and cold stretching. The resulting filaments were then printed using fused filament fabrication. The morphological results demonstrate that the highly oriented PET fibrils after stretching are still well preserved in the printed components. Since the printing process defines the alignment of the fibrils in the final component the fibers can be perfectly adapted to the load paths. Comparative analyses of the mechanical properties reveal that the PET fibrils act as an effective reinforcement in the 3D printed components, resulting in the superior mechanical performance of the PP/PET MFCs compared to a PP/PET blend and a neat PP. Due to the combination of material and innovative processing, the study opens up a new way of using the morphology‐based enormous potential of polymer fibers for lightweight, cost‐effective and recyclable full polymer solutions in compact components.
Design of sandwich structure conductive polypropylene/styrene‐butadiene‐styrene triblock copolymer/carbon black composites with inherent morphological tunability
Authors: Zhou Zichen , Yang Zhangbin , Sun Haoxuan , Zhang Jun
Published: February 2021

The insulator‐conductor transition of conductive polymer composites (CPCs) can be ascribed to the fabrication of conductive networks, and the morphology of conductive networks plays a significant role in the electrical conductivity. This study presents CPCs with inherent morphology tunability which can be controlled by kinetic methods (i.e., mixing procedures and sequences, and polymer melt viscosity). Polypropylene (PP)/styrene‐butadiene‐styrene block copolymer (SBS) (50/50, in volume)/10 phr (parts per hundred of the polymer matrix) conductive carbon black (CB) composites prepared by different compounding sequences (PP/CB composites mixed with SBS, SBS/CB composites mixed with PP, and PP/SBS blend mixed with CB) are named as PC10S, SC10P, and PSC10. With the difference between the phase morphologies, distribution, and dispersion of CB, the PP/SBS/CB composites realize seven orders of magnitude difference in resistivity. The volume resistivity (ρv) of PC10S SC10P and PSC10are 1.57 × 101, 1.68 × 102, and 4.88 × 108 Ω m, respectively.
Lipopolysaccharide Binding Protein and CD14, Cofactors of Toll‐like Receptors, Are Essential for Low‐Grade Inflammation–Induced Exacerbation of Cartilage Damage in Mouse Models of Posttraumatic Osteoarthritis
Authors: Won Yoonkyung , Yang Jeong‐In , Park Seulki , Chun Jang‐Soo
Published: February 2021

Objective

Osteoarthritis (OA) is initiated by pathogenic factors produced by multiple stimuli, including mechanical stress, metabolic stress, and/or inflammaging. This study was undertaken to identify novel low‐grade inflammation–associated pathogenic mediators of OA.

Methods

Candidate pathogenic molecules were screened using microarray data obtained from chondrocytes exposed to OA‐associated catabolic factors. In mice with OA generated by destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM), low‐grade inflammation was induced by a high‐fat diet or endotoxemia. Functions of candidate molecules in OA pathogenesis were examined using primary‐culture chondrocytes from mice with DMM‐induced OA, following intraarticular injection of adenovirus expressing the candidate gene. Specific functions of candidate genes were evaluated using whole‐body gene‐knockout mice.

Results

Bioinformatics analysis identified multiple candidate pathogenic factors that were associated with low‐grade inflammation, including components of the Toll‐like receptor (TLR) signaling pathways (e.g., TLR‐2, TLR‐4, lipopolysaccharide binding protein [LBP], and CD14). Overexpression of the individual TLR signaling components in mouse joint tissue did not alter cartilage homeostasis. However, the low‐grade inflammation induced by a high‐fat diet or endotoxemia markedly enhanced posttraumatic OA cartilage destruction in mice, and this exacerbation of cartilage destruction was significantly abrogated in LBP−/− and CD14−/− mice. Additionally, LBP and CD14 were found to be necessary for the expression of matrix‐degrading enzymes in mouse chondrocytes treated with proinflammatory cytokines.

Conclusion

LBP and CD14, which are accessory molecules of TLRs, are necessary for the exacerbation of posttraumatic OA cartilage destruction resulting from low‐grade inflammation, such as that triggered by a high‐fat diet or endotoxemia.
Shifting probation culture and advancing juvenile probation reform through a community‐based, participatory action research‐informed training
Authors: Brogan Leah , McPhee Jeanne , Gale‐Bentz Elizabeth , Rudd Brittany , Goldstein Naomi
Published: February 2021

Many jurisdictions are currently transforming their juvenile probation systems to reflect research‐informed, developmentally based case management approaches. Training, developed through a community‐based, participatory action research (CBPAR) framework and guided by a community–academic partnership, may promote probation staff's readiness for such change. This paper examined whether such training could serve as an effective method to impact organizational culture by exploring shifts in probation staff's knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about graduated response – a structured juvenile probation case management system that aligns with research on adolescent development and youth behavior change. Data came from 559 juvenile probation staff trained in graduated response theory and practice between 2016 and 2019. Results demonstrated that at the end of a 1‐day, CBPAR‐grounded training program, participating staff reported significantly more buy‐in to graduated response, greater knowledge of this new system, and attitudes more strongly in favor of graduated response and intended behaviors. Study findings revealed important shifts indicative of readiness for change within juvenile probation departments. Additional implementation strategies are needed to extend training gains and overcome organizational‐ and system‐level barriers to change.
A poroelastic immersed finite element framework for modelling cardiac perfusion and fluid–structure interaction
Authors: Richardson Scott I. Heath , Gao Hao , Cox Jennifer , Janiczek Rob , Griffith Boyce E. , Berry Colin , Luo Xiaoyu
Published: February 2021

Modern approaches to modelling cardiac perfusion now commonly describe the myocardium using the framework of poroelasticity. Cardiac tissue can be described as a saturated porous medium composed of the pore fluid (blood) and the skeleton (myocytes and collagen scaffold). In previous studies fluid–structure interaction in the heart has been treated in a variety of ways, but in most cases, the myocardium is assumed to be a hyperelastic fibre‐reinforced material. Conversely, models that treat the myocardium as a poroelastic material typically neglect interactions between the myocardium and intracardiac blood flow. This work presents a poroelastic immersed finite element framework to model left ventricular dynamics in a three‐phase poroelastic system composed of the pore blood fluid, the skeleton, and the chamber fluid. We benchmark our approach by examining a pair of prototypical poroelastic formations using a simple cubic geometry considered in the prior work by Chapelle et al (2010). This cubic model also enables us to compare the differences between system behaviour when using isotropic and anisotropic material models for the skeleton. With this framework, we also simulate the poroelastic dynamics of a three‐dimensional left ventricle, in which the myocardium is described by the Holzapfel–Ogden law. Results obtained using the poroelastic model are compared to those of a corresponding hyperelastic model studied previously. We find that the poroelastic LV behaves differently from the hyperelastic LV model. For example, accounting for perfusion results in a smaller diastolic chamber volume, agreeing well with the well‐known wall‐stiffening effect under perfusion reported previously. Meanwhile differences in systolic function, such as fibre strain in the basal and middle ventricle, are found to be comparatively minor.
Plasmon‐Enhanced Perovskite Solar Cells with Efficiency Beyond 21 %: The Asynchronous Synergistic Effect of Water and Gold Nanorods
Authors: Gao Yifeng , Zhang Jiaoxia , Zhang Zhihao , Li Zicheng , Xiong Qiu , Deng Longhui , Zhou Qin , Meng Lingyi , Du Yitian , Zuo Tao , Yu Yaming , Lan Zhang , Gao Peng
Published: February 2021

Although perovskite films have excellent extinction coefficients, further increase of the light‐absorbing capacity by increasing the thickness of the active layer is always required in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, to maintain the morphology quality of the perovskite layer, the film thickness is subject to certain restrictions. To increase the light absorbance without significantly inflating the perovskite film while keeping the high quality of the perovskite film, herein, we added an aqueous solution of gold nanorods (AuNRs) to the perovskite precursor solution via a so‐called asynchronous synergistic effect (ASE) strategy of water and AuNR. The former improves the quality of the perovskite film during the crystallization process to reduce defect density and enhance carrier mobility. Simultaneously, the latter increases the light absorption of the perovskite layer through the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect when the device is exposed to light. We show that the ASE strategy leads to an excellent power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 21.73 % and outstanding long‐term stability, which can retain 95 % of its initial PCE after storage for three months in an air atmosphere.
Using Monochlorobimane to Visualize Glutathione Utilization in the Developing Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Embryo
Authors: Rastogi Archit , Timme‐Laragy Alicia R.
Published: February 2021

Glutathione (GSH) plays fundamental roles in cellular redox buffering and is a common detoxification pathway for excretion of xenobiotics. This is especially crucial during vertebrate embryogenesis, when an organism is at one of its most vulnerable life stages. Importantly, GSH content and redox potential can dictate cell fate decisions, which can have profound consequences if altered by early life xenobiotic exposures. Owing to technical limitations, the best available method to detect and quantify changes in GSH has been high‐pressure liquid chromatography, a terminal method that prevents suborganism‐level resolution of these changes in developing embryos. Here, we describe a protocol that leverages the transparent nature of zebrafish embryos and the compatibility of monochlorobimane with the zebrafish GSH‐S‐transferase enzymes, to allow for the visualization of changes in GSH via S‐glutathionylation in a live, developing embryo. This method can find broad application in developmental biology and toxicology. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

This article was corrected on 19 July 2022. See the end of the full text for details.
Relationships between educational achievement, intelligence, and perfectionism in adolescents with eating disorders
Authors: Schilder Christina M. T. , Sternheim Lot C. , Aarts Emmeke , van Elburg Annemarie A. , Danner Unna N.
Published: February 2021

Objective

High performance at school is associated with the risk of eating disorders (EDs), and perfectionism is proposed as an explanatory factor for this association. This study aims to evaluate (a) potential discrepancies between the measured IQ of adolescents with EDs and the IQ that is expected given their educational track, and (b) to what extent perfectionism was associated with educational achievement independent from IQ.

Method

WISC‐III Verbal IQ, Performance IQ, and Full Scale IQ of 386 adolescent ED patients were compared with population norms for their educational track, using one‐sample t tests. The association between self‐oriented perfectionism (Eating Disorder Inventory‐2) and educational achievement, adjusted for IQ, was determined with sequential ordinal regression analyses.

Results

Over 50% of the patients received pre‐university education, the most complex educational track. For patients receiving education in the second most complex track, IQ‐scores were lower than normative data for that track. For patients receiving pre‐university education, the verbal IQ was lower than the norm for that track. Self‐oriented perfectionism was associated with educational achievement independent from intelligence.

Discussion

This study suggests that high educational achievement is common in adolescents with EDs. Particularly for patients who receive education in the most complex tracks the demands at school may be higher than they can handle, based on their IQ. Self‐oriented perfectionism contributed to educational achievement independent from IQ. Our results indicate that treatment for EDs should include awareness for the possibility of a too high target level of patients at school and perfectionism.
Trait–density relationships explain performance in cladoceran zooplankton
Authors: Frances Dachin N. , Barber Amelia J. , Tucker Caroline M.
Published: February 2021

Traits have been used extensively to predict and understand performance in response to the abiotic environment, but their role for understanding competitive interactions is less understood, especially in nonplant systems. In this study, we evaluate how traits interact with intraspecific density to modulate performance (per capita birth rate) and whether the traits associated with intraspecific competitive ability are similar across multiple species. We used an experimental system of four cladoceran zooplankton species, experimentally manipulated the density of conspecifics, and measured a range of morphological and life history characteristics (body mass, body length, second antenna length, eye diameter, relative growth rate, age at first reproduction, and birth rate). With causal modeling, we identified significant trait–density relationships for three out of four species, although the specific traits that predicted birth rate varied from species to species. In general, individuals at higher densities displayed smaller morphological traits and shifts towards slower relative growth rates and delayed onset of reproduction. We also asked more generally if there are consistent trait‐mediated impacts of density across multiple species. The interspecific model identified significant trait–density relationships for body length, age at first reproduction, and relative growth rate. Unexpectedly, we found little evidence for trait‐based competition due to mechanisms such as limiting similarity or hierarchical competition, and rather noted the potential for trait plasticity and constraints on plasticity affecting performance in response to the competitive environment.
One‐year results of the first‐in‐man study investigating the Atrial Flow Regulator for left atrial shunting in symptomatic heart failure patients: the PRELIEVE study
Authors: Paitazoglou Christina , Bergmann Martin W. , Özdemir Ramazan , Pfister Roman , Bartunek Jozef , Kilic Teoman , Lauten Alexander , Schmeisser Alexander , Zoghi Mehdi , Anker Stefan D. , Sievert Horst , Mahfoud Felix ,   AFR‐PRELIEVE Investigators
Published: February 2021

Aims

Attenuating exercise‐induced elevated left atrial pressure with an atrial shunt device is under clinical investigation for treatment of symptomatic heart failure (HF).

Methods and results

PRELIEVE was a prospective, non‐randomised, multicentre, first‐in‐man study in symptomatic HF patients with reduced (HFrEF) or preserved (HFpEF) ejection fraction and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) ≥15 mmHg at rest or ≥25 mmHg during exercise. Here, we provide follow‐up data up to 1 year after implantation of the Atrial Flow Regulator (AFR) device. The AFR was successfully implanted in 53 patients (HFrEF n = 24 and HFpEF n = 29). Two patients were not enrolled due to an unsuccessful transseptal puncture. There was one device embolisation into the left atrium, which required surgical removal. One patient experienced a serious procedure‐related adverse event (post‐procedural bleeding and syncope). All patients with sufficient echocardiography readout confirmed device patency with left–right shunt both at 3 (n = 47/51, 92%) and 12 (n = 45/49, 92%) months. At 3 months, rest PCWP decreased by 5 (−12, 0) mmHg (P = 0.0003, median Q1, Q3). No patient developed a stroke, worsening of right heart function or significant increase of pulmonary artery pressure. Six (6/53, 11%) patients were hospitalised for worsening of HF and three (3/53, 6%) patients died. We observed improvements in New York Heart Association functional class, 6‐min walking distance and quality of life (Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire) in certain patients.

Conclusions

Implantation of the AFR device in HF patients was feasible. No shunt occlusion, stroke or new right HF was observed during the 1‐year follow‐up, with clinical improvements in certain patients.
Epidemics and trust: The case of the Spanish Flu
Authors: Aassve Arnstein , Alfani Guido , Gandolfi Francesco , Le Moglie Marco
Published: February 2021

Recent studies argue that major crises can have long‐lasting effects on individual behavior. While most studies focused on natural disasters, we explore the consequences of the global pandemic caused by a lethal influenza virus in 1918–19: the so‐called “Spanish Flu.” This was by far the worst pandemic of modern history, causing up to 100 million deaths worldwide. Using information about attitudes of respondents to the General Social Survey, we find evidence that experiencing the pandemic likely had permanent consequences in terms of individuals' social trust. Our findings suggest that lower social trust was passed on to the descendants of the survivors of the Spanish Flu who migrated to the United States. As trust is a crucial factor for long‐term economic development, our research offers a new angle from which to assess current health threats.
Rings and Chains: Synthesis and Characterization of Polyferrocenylmethylene
Authors: Winter Tamara , Haider Wasim , Schießer Alexander , Presser Volker , Gallei Markus , Schäfer André
Published: February 2021

The synthesis and characterization of polyferrocenylmethylene (PFM) starting from dilithium 2,2‐bis(cyclopentadienide)propane and a Me2C[1]magnesocenophane is reported. Molecular weights of up to Mw = 11 700 g mol–1 featuring a dispersity, Ð, of 1.40 can be achieved. The material is studied by different methods comprising nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight (MALDI‐ToF) mass spectrometry, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) measurements elucidating the molecular structure and thermal properties of these novel polymers. Moreover, cyclic voltammetry (CV) reveals quasi‐reversible oxidation and reduction behavior and communication between the iron centers. Also, the crystal structure of a related cyclic hexamer is presented.
The impact of guilt and shame in charity advertising: The role of self‐construal
Authors: Xu Jie
Published: February 2021

Following the cognitive functional model in persuasive communication and the self‐construal theory, this two‐study design project examines the impact of guilt and shame in charity advertising. Study 1 was a survey that investigated the extent to which anticipatory guilt and shame operate in affecting people's purchase intention relating to a product with social causes. Study 2 was an experiment that examined the impact of guilt versus shame appeals in processing charity advertising messages. The role of self‐construal was examined in both studies. Results indicated that both the anticipatory guilt and ad‐induced guilt were positively connected with behavioral intentions. People with higher interdependent self‐construal were more prone to charitable behaviors. The anticipatory shame was positively connected with behavioral intention, whereas the ad‐induced shame was not. In addition, self‐construal negatively moderated the effect of shame, such that the impact of anticipatory shame and shame arousal on behavioral intentions were more pronounced among people with higher independent self‐construal.
Reductant‐Free and In‐Situ Green Synthesis of Ag Nanoparticles on Fe3O4@Nanocellulose and Their Catalytic Activity for the Reduction of Dyes
Authors: Heidari Hannaneh , Aliramezani Fatemeh
Published: February 2021

In this work, magnetic nanofibrillated cellulose (Fe3O4@NFC) was prepared and used as green support and reducing agent for the facile synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) by the reflux and hydrothermal methods. The structure of the as‐prepared composites was characterized by various spectroscopic techniques including X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer, and nitrogen adsorption‐desorption isotherms. The catalytic activity of synthetic nanocomposites by the reflux (Fe3O4@NFC/Ag‐1) and hydrothermal (Fe3O4@NFC/Ag‐2) methods was investigated in the removal of organic dyes. Moreover, the effects of catalyst amounts, pH values, and drying process on the catalytic activity were also evaluated. The results indicated that the Ag loading and specific surface area of freeze‐dried Fe3O4@NFC/Ag‐1 were 1.8 wt % and 37 m2 g−1, respectively. The catalyst showed the saturation magnetization of 23.5 emu g−1 and could be easily separated and reused again. The freeze‐dried Fe3O4@NFC/Ag‐1 (0.02 g) synthesized by the reflux method in neutral conditions (pH=7) showed high catalytic activity for the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP), methyl orange (MO), and methylene blue (MB) with rate constants of 40.7×10−3 s−1, 7.5×10−3 s−1, and 2.9×10−3 s−1, respectively.
Effect of Rice Husk Particle Size on ZSM‐5 Physico‐Chemical Properties for Selective Formation of 1,3,5‐Trimethyl‐2‐Benzylbenzene (Pharmaceutical Intermediate)
Authors: Ghuge Gorakh , Niphadkar Prashant , Rathod Simmy , Bokade Vijay V.
Published: February 2021

Rice husk, rich in silica and abundantly available as waste, is presently destroyed by burning, which creates environmental issues. Thus, it will be advantageous if this rice husk waste can be used for preparation of valuable products. One of the application is its use as silica source in the synthesis of zeolites like ZSM‐5, which are silico‐aluminates. Rice husk waste is available in wide range of particle sizes in agricultural farms. There is no study available in open literature on use of these wide particle ranges for its direct application. This paper is an attempt to use wide particle size rice husk, its effect on ZSM‐5 synthesis and its physico‐chemical properties. Further these prepared ZSM‐5 catalyst was evaluated for benzylation of mesitylene reaction. The study found that, rice husk of 600 μm particle size is optimum as far as ZSM‐5 synthesis, its physicochemical properties and further its application in mesitylene benzylation reaction.
Evolution of Nonmetallic Inclusions during the Electroslag Remelting Process
Authors: Wen Tianjie , Ren Qiang , Zhang Lifeng , Wang Jujin , Ren Ying , Zhang Ji , Yang Wen , Xu Anjun
Published: February 2021

The evolution of inclusions during the electroslag remelting (ESR) process, especially the inclusions in droplets is investigated by an industrial trial which remelts a plain carbon steel billet in the slag of CaF2–Al2O3–CaO–MgO. Results show that oxide inclusions change from SiO2–MnO to Al2O3–MnO during the ESR process. The transfer of aluminum from the slag to the steel increases the aluminum content in the steel and causes the reaction between (MnO), (SiO2) in inclusions with the [Al] in the steel to generate (Al2O3) inclusions. Thermodynamic results show that inclusion evolution is mainly influenced by the temperature and the total Al content in the steel. With the increase in temperature at the electrode tip, the MnO content in inclusions increases rapidly. Meanwhile, as the aluminum transfers from the slag to the steel, the Al2O3 inclusion increases clearly with the corresponding decrease in MnO and SiO2 inclusions. In addition, from the electrode to the ingot, the number density of inclusions decreases from 208.82 to 33.49 # mm−2, whereas the average size increases from 3.79 to 5.76 μm. Both the chemical modification and the physical absorption of slag mainly occur at the liquid film and droplet stage.