bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Holey Reduced Graphene Oxide Scaffolded Heterocyclic Aramid Fibers with Enhanced Mechanical Performance
Authors: Li Jiaqiang , Wen Yeye , Xiao Zhihua , Wang Shijun , Zhong Lixiang , Li Tao , Jiao Kun , Li Lanying , Luo Jiajun , Gao Zhenfei , Li Shuzhou , Zhang Zhong , Zhang Jin
Published: May 2022

Poly(p‐phenylene‐benzimidazole‐terephthalamide) (PBIA) fibers, a kind of heterocyclic aramid fibers, possess extraordinary mechanical properties and advanced applications in aerospace, military protection, and other civilian areas. However, harsh application scenarios are putting forward even stringent requirements for the mechanical performances and environmental compatibility of PBIA fibers. Strengthening lateral interactions between polymer chains are approachable methods but ongoing challenges to obtain PBIA fibers with high‐performance. This work develops a novel holey reduced‐graphene‐oxide (HrGO)/PBIA composite fiber with a scaffolded structure, in which the HrGO plays a role of clamp to effectively band plentiful PBIA chains through the in‐plane holes. A small amount of HrGO (0.075 wt%) is able to improve the tensile strength and Young's modulus of HrGO/PBIA fibers by 11.5% and 8.3%, respectively. The small amount of well dispersed HrGO improves the crystallinity and serves as the topological constraint that enhances the lateral interaction of the PBIA chains, which is unveiled by the wide‐angle X‐ray scattering and the coarse‐grained molecular dynamics simulations. In addition, the favorable compatibility of HrGO/PBIA fibers in complex application scenarios is demonstrated by the dynamic and cyclic‐loading measurements.
Bio‐Inspired Self‐Hydrophobized Sericin Adhesive with Tough Underwater Adhesion Enables Wound Healing and Fluid Leakage Sealing
Authors: Liu Huan , Qin Sumei , Liu Jia , Zhou Cheng , Zhu Yuanyuan , Yuan Ye , Fu Da'an , Lv Qiying , Song Yu , Zou Meizhen , Wang Zheng , Wang Lin
Published: May 2022

Given that adhesion‐resistance of water severely weakens the bonding strength of tissue adhesives, instant adhesion to wet biological tissue surfaces remains challenging. Inspired by the robust underwater adhesion of natural creatures (such as mussels and barnacles whose underwater adhesion derives from the synergy of hydrophobic and adhesive matrix), a self‐hydrophobized adhesive is developed by co‐assembly of disulfide‐bond hydrolyzed hydrophobic natural sericin protein (a major component of silkworm silk fibers) and tannic acid. Once exposed to water, the self‐aggregation of hydrophobic chains within the adhesive repels water and enhances interfacial hydrogen bonding or electrostatic interactions, mechanistically leading to a robust (>0.5 MPa for solid plates and >0.1 MPa for tissues) and durable (still maintained at 0.4 Mpa even after five cycles) underwater adhesion. Owing to its robust underwater adhesion property, this adhesive possesses multiple advantages outperforming commercial adhesives, such as in vivo wound healing‐promoting effects, effective fluid leakage sealing, and rapid hemostasis activity. This study not only offers a novel strategy for designing and fabricating an underwater adhesive with natural protein but also provides a new adhesive for various potential applications, including promoting wound healing and hemostasis.
Anti‐Freezing Self‐Adhesive Self‐Healing Degradable Touch Panel with Ultra‐Stretchable Performance Based on Transparent Triboelectric Nanogenerators
Authors: Guo Xingkui , Yang Fan , Sun Xiaolu , Bai Yujiao , Liu Guanjun , Liu Wenbo , Wang Rongguo , He Xiaodong
Published: May 2022

The development of next‐generation touch panels requires sensors that are highly sensitive, biocompatible, transparent, stretchable, self‐healing, and even anti‐freezing and self‐powered because the traditional touch panel based on stiff and brittle electrodes faces many challenges. Conductive hydrogels hold great promise as sensing materials for the new‐generation touch panel. However, most hydrogel‐based touch panels are developed based on single‐function gel materials with a lack of the anti‐freezing and self‐power capabilities. Herein, the authors demonstrate a multi‐functional surface‐capacitive touch panel based on a triboelectric nanogenerator with an instantaneous peak power density of 209 mW m−2 that uses zwitterionic network hydrogels as a highly transparent (98.1% transmittance), ultra‐stretchable (>11 500% strain), degradable, and flexible ionic conductor. The panel can be utilized as a human‐machine interactive interface with fast response, high resolution, low parasitic capacitance, functional recovery instantly upon damage, and without sacrificing its functionalities even in the high stretch state (1600% areal strain) and at the subzero environment (<−20 °C). Epidermal touch panels are operated on arbitrary and complex surfaces, with outstanding input property demonstrated by writing, and playing computer games. Simultaneously, the multifunctional touch panel is degradable in phosphate buffered saline solution, and no pollution is caused.
Realizing Simultaneous X‐Ray Imaging and Dosimetry Using Phosphor‐Based Detectors with High Memory Stability and Convenient Readout Process
Authors: Yang Zetian , Hu Jieqi , Van der Heggen David , Feng Ang , Hu Hairong , Vrielinck Henk , Smet Philippe F. , Poelman Dirk
Published: May 2022

Flexible X‐ray storage phosphor sheets are regarded as promising alternatives to conventional electronic flat‐panel X‐ray detectors, enabling X‐ray imaging and dosimetry in less accessible situations. However, it is a challenge to develop phosphor‐based detectors with high memory stability and convenient readout processes. Here, an approach to realize this using radiation‐induced photoluminescence tuning in (Ba1‐xSrx)2SiO4:Eu phosphors is demonstrated, ascribed to the reduction of Eu3+ toward Eu2+. The associated photoluminescence spectral change and the accompanying color contrast in response to the radiation dose are exploited for simultaneous X‐ray dosimetry and imaging. The recorded image can be read out conveniently by a regular photo camera upon UV illumination and the radiation dose can be extracted during the imaging process in a ratiometric way via the green to red pixel intensity, avoiding the need for absolute intensity measurement. Moreover, the imaged information can be maintained for longer than 28 days and the plate can be reused for X‐ray detection after bleaching upon 420 nm illumination, exhibiting superior memory retention ability and good cycling resistance. These results reveal the great potential of (Ba1‐xSrx)2SiO4:Eu for X‐ray‐based microbeam radiation therapy and nondestructive inspection and are expected to stimulate research on phosphor‐based photoluminescence modulated detectors.
Enhanced Piezoelectric Properties and Improved Property Uniformity in Nd‐Doped PMN‐PT Relaxor Ferroelectric Single Crystals
Authors: Li Qian , Liu Yangbin , Liu Jinfeng , Song Kexin , Guo Haisheng , Li Fei , Xu Zhuo
Published: May 2022

Relaxor‐PbTiO3 crystals exhibit excellent piezoelectric properties (d33 > 2000 pC N−1 and k33 > 90%) and thus attractes widespread attention in the past two decades. However, the inevitable segregation of components during the crystal growth results in relatively low‐performance consistency of Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3‐PbTiO3 (PMN‐PT) crystals, which seriously affects their practical applications. In this work, Nd3+ as A‐site substitution is introduced to improve the uniformity of electromechanical performance of PMN‐PT crystal. The results show that the crystal exhibits a high piezoelectric coefficient of 3000 pC N−1 in rhombohedral phase with a variation of 36%. The electron probe X‐ray microanalyzer indicates that the opposite separation characteristics of Nd3+ and Ti4+ lead to improved uniformity of piezoelectric performance along the crystal boule. The giant piezoelectricity in Nd‐doped PMN‐PT is attributed to the enhanced local structural heterogeneity introduced by doping Nd. Furthermore, the Nd‐doped PMN‐PT crystal shows the rhombohedral‐tetragonal phase transition temperature in the range of 74–87 °C, which indicates that Nd‐doped PMN‐PT crystal can be a promising candidate for the design of advanced piezoelectric transducers.
Structure‐Optimized Phosphorene for Super‐Stable Potassium Storage
Authors: Guan Jie , Rao Apparao M. , Zhou Jiang , Yu Xinzhi , Lu Bingan
Published: May 2022

Few‐layer phosphorene is a promising anode material in potassium‐ion batteries, yet suffers from poor electronic properties and large volume expansion during the potassiation/depotassiation process. In this study, a facile synthesis method for a high‐performance phosphorene‐carbon nanotubes/polyaniline ((P‐CNTs)/PANI) composite is reported. The CNTs in the (P‐CNTs)/PANI composite serve as electron transport channels and improve the conductivity of phosphorene, while the PANI coating alleviates the structural degradation caused by the volume expansion of phosphorene. This results in super‐stable, high‐performance potassium storage. Structure‐optimized (P‐CNTs)/PANI anodes combined with a potassium bis‐(fluorosulfonyl)imide (KFSI)‐based electrolyte (3 m KFSI/dimethoxyethane) exhibits a high reversible capacity of 642.7 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1 and a maximum reversible capacity of 417.6 mAh g−1 at 500 mA g−1 during stable cycling. A capacity retention rate of 94% is observed after 500 stable cycles, while the average capacity decay rate per cycle is as low as 0.012%. Moreover, the anode exhibits an excellent rate performance of 147.8 mAh g−1 at 2000 mA g−1. The results of the effect of the PANI coating show that (P‐CNTs)/PANI has a more stable structure and superior performance than P‐CNTs.
A Transparent, High‐Performance, and Stable Sb2S3 Photoanode Enabled by Heterojunction Engineering with Conjugated Polycarbazole Frameworks for Unbiased Photoelectrochemical Overall Water Splitting Devices
Authors: Wang Lei , Lian Weitao , Liu Bin , Lv Haifeng , Zhang Ying , Wu Xiaojun , Wang Tuo , Gong Jinlong , Chen Tao , Xu Hangxun
Published: May 2022

Developing low‐cost, high‐performance, and durable photoanodes is essential in solar‐driven photoelectrochemical (PEC) energy conversion. Sb2S3 is a low‐bandgap (≈1.7 eV) n‐type semiconductor with a maximum theoretical solar conversion efficiency of ≈28% for PEC water splitting. However, bulk Sb2S3 exhibits opaque characteristics and suffers from severe photocorrosion, and thus the use of Sb2S3 as a photoanode material remains underexploited. This study describes the design and fabrication of a transparent Sb2S3‐based photoanode by conformably depositing a thin layer of conjugated polycarbazole frameworks (CPF‐TCzB) onto the Sb2S3 film. This structural design creates a type‐II heterojunction between the CPF‐TCzB and the Sb2S3 with a suitable band‐edge energy offset, thereby, greatly enhancing the charge separation efficiency. The CPF‐TCzB/Sb2S3 hybrid photoanode exhibits a remarkable photocurrent density of 10.1 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode. Moreover, the thin CPF‐TCzB overlayer effectively inhibits photocorrosion of the Sb2S3 and enables long‐term operation for at least 100 h with ≈10% loss in photocurrent density. Furthermore, a standalone unbiased PEC tandem device comprising a CPF‐TCzB/Sb2S3 photoanode and a back‐illuminated Si photocathode can achieve a record solar‐to‐hydrogen conversion efficiency of 5.21%, representing the most efficient PEC water splitting device of its kind.
Advances on Thermally Conductive Epoxy‐Based Composites as Electronic Packaging Underfill Materials—A Review
Authors: Wen Yingfeng , Chen Chao , Ye Yunsheng , Xue Zhigang , Liu Hongyuan , Zhou Xingping , Zhang Yun , Li Dequn , Xie Xiaolin , Mai Yiu‐Wing
Published: May 2022

The integrated circuits industry has been continuously producing microelectronic components with ever higher integration level, packaging density, and power density, which demand more stringent requirements for heat dissipation. Electronic packaging materials are used to pack these microelectronic components together, help to dissipate heat, redistribute stresses, and protect the whole system from the environment. They serve an important role in ensuring the performance and reliability of the electronic devices. Among various packaging materials, epoxy‐based underfills are often employed in flip‐chip packaging. However, widely used capillary underfill materials suffer from their low thermal conductivity, unable to meet the growing heat dissipation required of next‐generation IC chips with much higher power density. Many strategies have been proposed to improve the thermal conductivity of epoxy, but its application as underfill materials with complex performance requirements is still difficult. In fact, optimizing the combined thermal–electrical–mechanical–processing properties of underfill materials for flip‐chip packaging remains a great challenge. Herein, state‐of‐the‐art advances that have been made to satisfy the key requirements of capillary underfill materials are reviewed. Based on these studies, the perspectives for designing high‐performance underfill materials with novel microstructures in electronic packaging for high‐power density electronic devices are provided.
A Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Green OLED with 4500 h Lifetime and 20% External Quantum Efficiency by Optimizing the Emission Zone using a Single‐Emission Spectrum Technique
Authors: Mac Ciarnáin Rossa , Mo Hin Wai , Nagayoshi Kaori , Fujimoto Hiroshi , Harada Kentaro , Gehlhaar Robert , Ke Tung Huei , Heremans Paul , Adachi Chihaya
Published: May 2022

Device optimization of light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) targets the most efficient conversion of electrically injected charges into emitted light. The emission zone in an LED is where charges recombine and light is emitted from. It is believed that the emission zone is strongly linked to device efficiency and lifetime. However, the emission zone size is below the optical diffraction limit, so it is difficult to measure. An accessible method based on a single emission spectrum that enables emission zone measurements with sub‐second time resolution is shown. A procedure is introduced to study and control the emission zone of an LED system and correlate it with device performance. A thermally activated delayed fluorescence organic LED emission zone is experimentally measured over all luminescing current densities, while varying the device structure and while ageing. The emission zone is shown to be finely controlled by emitter doping because electron transport via the emitter is the charge‐transport bottleneck of the system. Suspected quenching/degradation mechanisms are linked with the emission zone changes, device structure variation, and ageing. Using these findings, a device with an ultralong 4500 h T95 lifetime at 1000 cd m−2 with 20% external quantum efficiency is shown.
A Bionic Interface to Suppress the Coffee‐Ring Effect for Reliable and Flexible Perovskite Modules with a Near‐90% Yield Rate
Authors: Fan Baojin , Xiong Jian , Zhang Yanyan , Gong Chenxiang , Li Feng , Meng Xiangchuan , Hu Xiaotian , Yuan Zhongyi , Wang Fuyi , Chen Yiwang
Published: May 2022

The inhomogeneity, poor interfacial contact, and pinholes caused by the coffee‐ring effect severely affect the printing reliability of flexible perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, inspired by the bio‐glue of barnacles, a bionic interface layer (Bio‐IL) of NiOx/levodopa is introduced to suppress the coffee‐ring effect during printing perovskite modules. The coordination effect of the sticky functional groups in Bio‐IL can pin the three‐phase contact line and restrain the transport of perovskite colloidal particles during the printing and evaporation process. Moreover, the sedimentation rate of perovskite precursor is accelerated due to the electrostatic attraction and rapid volatilization from an extraordinary wettability. The superhydrophilic Bio‐IL affords an even spread over a large‐area substrate, which boosts a complete and uniform liquid film for heterogeneous nucleation as well as crystallization. Perovskite films on different large‐area substrates with negligible coffee‐ring effect are printed. Consequently, inverted flexible PSCs and perovskite solar modules achieve a high efficiency of 21.08% and 16.87%, respectively. This strategy ensures a highly reliable reproducibility of printing PSCs with a near 90% yield rate.
Mesopore‐Rich Fe–N–C Catalyst with FeN4–O–NC Single‐Atom Sites Delivers Remarkable Oxygen Reduction Reaction Performance in Alkaline Media
Authors: Peng Lishan , Yang Jiao , Yang Yuqi , Qian Fangren , Wang Qing , Sun‐Waterhouse Dongxiao , Shang Lu , Zhang Tierui , Waterhouse Geoffrey I.N.
Published: May 2022

Fe–N–C catalysts offer excellent performance for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline media. With a view toward boosting the intrinsic ORR activity of Fe single‐atom sites in Fe–N–C catalysts, fine‐tuning the local coordination of the Fe sites to optimize the binding energies of ORR intermediates is imperative. Herein, a porous FeN4–O–NCR electrocatalyst rich in catalytically accessible FeN4–O sites (wherein the Fe single atoms are coordinated to four in‐plane nitrogen atoms and one subsurface axial oxygen atom) supported on N‐doped carbon nanorods (NCR) is reported. Fe K‐edge X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) verifies the presence of FeN4–O active sites in FeN4–O–NCR, while density functional theory calculations reveal that the FeN4–O coordination offers a lower energy and more selective 4‐electron/4‐proton ORR pathway compared to traditional FeN4 sites. Electrochemical tests validate the outstanding intrinsic activity of FeN4–O–NCR for alkaline ORR, outperforming Pt/C and almost all other M–N–C catalysts reported to date. A primary zinc–air battery constructed using FeN4–O–NCR delivers a peak power density of 214.2 mW cm−2 at a current density of 334.1 mA cm−2, highlighting the benefits of optimizing the local coordination of iron single atoms.
Magnets Assisted Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Harvesting Water Wave Energy
Authors: Ouyang Ri , Miao Juan , Wu Tao , Chen Jiajia , Sun Chengfu , Chu Jing , Chen Dingming , Li Xin , Xue Hao
Published: May 2022

Developing renewable energies, especially ocean wave energy, is very significant for solving the energy and environmental crisis. The emergence of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) provides new possibilities for harvesting the abundant clean ocean wave energy on earth. In this work, the magnets assisted triboelectric nanogenerator (MA‐TENG) is designed to harvest low frequency ocean wave energy. The integration of electromagnetic generators (EMGs) and TENGs in the MA‐TENG can accomplish their complementary strengths. Additionally, the MA‐TENG system features four output units and a contact separation structure to further improve its output performance while avoiding friction loss. Driven by the linear motor and simulated water waves, the MA‐TENG system can achieve a maximum power density of 79 and 26.2 W m‐3, respectively. This research not only demonstrates a new design idea for TENGs, but also provides a cost‐efficient way for wave energy harvesting.
Surface‐Supported Metal‐Organic Framework as Low‐Dielectric‐Constant Thin Films for Novel Hybrid Electronics
Authors: da Silva Ricardo M. L. , Albano Luiz G. S. , Vello Tatiana P. , de Araújo Wagner W. R. , de Camargo Davi H. S. , Palermo Leirson D. , Corrêa Cátia C. , Wöll Christof , Bufon Carlos C. B.
Published: May 2022

The miniaturization of electronic devices highlights the need for robust low‐κ materials as an alternative to prevent losses in the performance of integrated circuits. For it, surface‐supported metal‐organic frameworks (SURMOFs), a class of porous‐hybrid materials, may cover such a demand. However, the high‐intrinsic porosity makes determining the dielectric properties difficult and promotes the integration of SURMOF thin films. Here, the integration of ultrathin HKUST‐1 SURMOF films into a 3D functional device architecture using soft‐top electrical contacts is addressed. In this novel approach, the device structure assumes an ultracompact capacitor structure allowing determine the dielectric properties of porous thin films with considerable accuracy. A low‐κ value of 2.0 ± 0.5 and robust breakdown strength of 2.8 MV cm−1 are obtained for films below 80 nm. The spontaneous self‐encapsulated structure provides a footprint‐area reduction of up to 90% and yields good protection for the SURMOF toward different hazardous exposure. Finite‐element calculations compare the HKUST‐1 performance as dielectric layer with well‐established insulators applied in electronics (SiO2 and Al2O3). The possibility of integration and miniaturization of HKUST‐1, combined with their interesting insulating properties, place this hybrid material as a robust low‐k dielectric for novel electronics.
Atomic‐Scale Design of Anode Materials for Alkali Metal (Li/Na/K)‐Ion Batteries: Progress and Perspectives
Authors: Olsson Emilia , Yu Jiale , Zhang Haiyan , Cheng Hui‐Ming , Cai Qiong
Published: May 2022

The development and optimization of high‐performance anode materials for alkali metal ion batteries is crucial for the green energy evolution. Atomic scale computational modeling such as density functional theory and molecular dynamics allows for efficient and adventurous materials design from the nanoscale, and have emerged as invaluable tools. Computational modeling cannot only provide fundamental insight, but also present input for multiscale models and experimental synthesis, often where quantities cannot readily be obtained by other means. In this review, an overview of three main anode classes; alloying, conversion, and intercalation‐type anodes, is provided and how atomic scale modeling is used to understand and optimize these materials for applications in lithium‐, sodium‐, and potassium‐ion batteries. In the last part of this review, a novel type of anode materials that are largely predicted from density functional theory simulations is presented. These 2D materials are currently in their early stages of development and are only expected to gain in importance in the years to come, both within the battery field and beyond, highlighting the ability of atomic scale materials design.
Difluorobenzene‐Based Locally Concentrated Ionic Liquid Electrolyte Enabling Stable Cycling of Lithium Metal Batteries with Nickel‐Rich Cathode
Authors: Liu Xu , Mariani Alessandro , Diemant Thomas , Pietro Maria Enrica Di , Dong Xu , Kuenzel Matthias , Mele Andrea , Passerini Stefano
Published: May 2022

Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) with nickel‐rich cathodes are promising candidates for next‐generation, high‐energy batteries. However, the highly reactive electrodes usually exhibit poor interfacial compatibility with conventional electrolytes, leading to limited cyclability. Herein, a locally concentrated ionic liquid electrolyte (LCILE) consisting of lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI), 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (EmimFSI), and 1,2‐difluorobenzene (dFBn) is designed to overcome this challenge. As a cosolvent, dFBn not only promotes the Li+ transport with respect to the electrolyte based on the ionic liquid only, but also has beneficial effects on the electrode/electrolyte interphases (EEIs) on lithium metal anodes (LMAs) and LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811) cathodes. As a result, the developed LCILE enables dendrite‐free cycling of LMAs with a coulombic efficiency (CE) up to 99.57% at 0.5 mA cm−2 and highly stable cycling of Li/NMC811 cells (4.4 V) at C/3 charge and 1 C discharge (1 C = 2 mA cm−2) for 500 cycles with a capacity retention of 93%. In contrast, the dFBn‐free electrolyte achieves lithium stripping/plating CE, and the Li/NMC811 cells’ capacity retention of only 98.22% and 16%, respectively under the same conditions. The insight into the coordination structure, promoted Li+ transport, and EEI characteristics gives fundamental information essential for further developing (IL‐based) electrolytes for long‐life, high‐energy LMBs.
Winter wheat light interception measured with a quantum sensor and images
Authors: Helguera Maria Paula Garcia , Lollato Romulo , Patrignani Andres
Published: May 2022

Light interception (LI) measurements are essential for modeling crop biomass and grain yield. Canopy LI is often measured with linear quantum sensors, but the need for unobstructed sunlight near solar noon can make field measurements impractical. We aimed to evaluate the use of the fraction of green canopy cover (FGCC) as a surrogate for LI in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) canopies. A linear quantum sensor and a camera were used to collect 930 observations during the 2021 growing season across three locations in Kansas. Images were analyzed with the Canopeo application. The quantum sensor was also used to estimate the LI and leaf area index (LAI) in different canopy strata. Growing season shoot dry biomass was modeled with LI values from images and the quantum sensor. The LI estimated by the quantum sensor and images resulted in a strong positive linear correlation (r = 0.97). During the vegetative stages, LI values from images were generally greater than the LI values from the quantum sensor. During the reproductive stages, LI values from images were generally lower than those obtained by the quantum sensor, which was partly attributed to the better discrimination of FGCC for senescing vegetation. Using images to measure LI was easier and faster in prostrate canopies, and less sensitive to soil microrelief and changing sky conditions. The quantum sensor was useful for quantifying LI and LAI nondestructively in different canopy layers. Final growing season shoot dry biomass determined by either method was within 5% of the observed biomass.
Effect of nano TiO2 on the cellular structure and mechanical properties of wood flour/polypropylene composite foams via mold‐opening foam injection molding
Authors: Chai Kun , Xu Zesheng , Chen Dong , Liu Yingtao , Fang Yiqun , Song Yongming
Published: May 2022

Microcellular foamed wood‐plastic composites (WPCs) have shown good development prospects in environmentally‐friendly composites. Herein, the foamed wood flour (WF)/polypropylene (PP) composites were fabricated by mold‐opening injection molding using supercritical N2 as a physical foaming agent. The effects of nano TiO2 on the microcellular structure and mechanical properties of WF/PP composites were investigated, and the results show that nano TiO2 accelerates the crystallization rate and reduces the crystallinity of PP, which is beneficial to the formation of foamed homogeneous systems and cell growth in the WF/PP composites. This is mainly due to heteronucleation effect of nano TiO2, resulting in the refinement of crystal. Molecular chain movement of PP is limited with the introduction of nano TiO2, resulting in increased the melt elasticity of WF/PP composites, thereby reducing cell coalescence and collapse. With the addition of 5 wt% nano TiO2, the cell density was increased by 393.8%, the cell size was reduced by 54.4%, and the cell size homogeneity was clearly improved. In addition, impact strength increased by 33.3%. The improved foamability of WF/PP composites using nano TiO2 shows a great promise for the production and application of WPC foams, especially in automotive, packaging and building areas.
High orientation structure in UHMWPE/BN composites continuously obtained by elongational flow field leading to superior thermal conductivity
Authors: He Guangjian , Lin Zhihao , Yin Xiaochun , Feng Yanhong
Published: May 2022

Ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight polyethylene/boron nitride (BN) composites have been continuously prepared successfully by eccentric rotor extruder (ERE) based on elongational flow. Optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermal conductivity test, heat‐dissipation test, and tensile test were performed to investigate the orientation structure, thermal conductivity, mechanical properties, and insulation properties. The orientation factor and thermal conductivity of the composites prepared by ERE were 79.3 and 3.75 W·m−1·K−1, which were much higher than those of composites prepared with a torque mixer (14.7 and 2.73 W·m−1·K−1, respectively). OM and SEM showed that the BN sheets were in contact inside the composites and formed an efficient thermal conductivity network. Besides, the composites prepared by ERE had satisfactory mechanical and insulation properties (>1013 Ω·cm). This study provides experimental and theoretical guidance for industrial preparation of polymer/layered‐filler functional composites.
Localization of host endocytic and actin‐associated proteins during Shigella flexneri intracellular motility and intercellular spreading
Authors: Dhanda Aaron Singh , Guttman Julian Andrew
Published: May 2022

Shigella flexneri (S. flexneri), the causative agent of bacillary dysentery, uses an effector‐mediated strategy to hijack host cells and cause disease. To propagate and spread within human tissues, S. flexneri bacteria commandeer the host actin cytoskeleton to generate slender actin‐rich comet tails to move intracellularly, and later, plasma membrane actin‐based protrusions to move directly between adjacent host cells. To facilitate intercellular bacterial spreading, large micron‐sized endocytic‐like membrane invaginations form at the periphery of neighboring host cells that come into contact with S. flexneri‐containing membrane protrusions. While S. flexneri comet tails and membrane protrusions consist primarily of host actin cytoskeletal proteins, S. flexneri membrane invaginations remain poorly understood with only clathrin and the clathrin adapter epsin‐1 localized to the structures. Tangentially, we recently reported that Listeria monocytogenes, another actin‐hijacking pathogen, exploits an assortment of caveolar and actin‐bundling proteins at their micron‐sized membrane invaginations formed during their cell‐to‐cell movement. Thus, to further characterize the S. flexneri disease process, we set out to catalog the distribution of a variety of actin‐associated and caveolar proteins during S. flexneri actin‐based motility and cell‐to‐cell spreading. Here we show that actin‐associated proteins found at L. monocytogenes comet tails and membrane protrusions mimic those present at S. flexneri comet tails with the exception of α‐actinins 1 and 4, which were shed from S. flexneri membrane protrusions. We also demonstrate that all known host endocytic components found at L. monocytogenes membrane invaginations are also present at those formed during S. flexneri infections.
Genetic Liability to Rheumatoid Arthritis in Relation to Coronary Artery Disease and Stroke Risk
Authors: Yuan Shuai , Carter Paul , Mason Amy M. , Yang Fangkun , Burgess Stephen , Larsson Susanna C.
Published: May 2022

Objective

To assess the causality of the associations of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with coronary artery disease (CAD) and stroke using the Mendelian randomization approach.

Methods

Independent single‐nucleotide polymorphisms strongly associated with RA (n = 70) were selected as instrumental variables from a genome‐wide association meta‐analysis including 14,361 RA patients and 43,923 controls of European ancestry. Summary‐level data for CAD, all stroke, any ischemic stroke and its subtypes, intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and subarachnoid hemorrhage were obtained from meta‐analyses of genetic studies, international genetic consortia, the UK Biobank, and the FinnGen consortium. We obtained summary‐level data for common cardiovascular risk factors and related inflammatory biomarkers to assess possible mechanisms.

Results

Genetic liability to RA was associated with an increased risk of CAD and ICH. For a 1‐unit increase in log odds of RA, the combined odds ratios were 1.02 (95% confidence interval [1.01, 1.03]; P = 0.003) for CAD and 1.05 (95% confidence interval [1.02, 1.08]; P = 0.001) for ICH. Genetic liability to RA was associated with increased levels of tumor necrosis factor and C‐reactive protein (CRP). The association with CAD was attenuated after adjustment for genetically predicted CRP levels. There were no associations of genetic liability to RA with the other studied outcomes.

Conclusion

This study found that genetic liability to RA was associated with an increased risk of CAD and ICH and that the association with CAD might be mediated by CRP. The heightened cardiovascular risk should be actively monitored and managed in RA patients, and this may include dampening systemic inflammation.
On a buffered threshold autoregressive stochastic volatility model
Authors: Wang Qingzheng , Yiu Ka‐Fai Cedric , Wong Heung
Published: May 2022

This article introduces a new autoregressive stochastic volatility (SV) model with a new piecewise linear structure such that the regime‐switching mechanism has a buffer zone where regime‐switching is delayed. The proposed model allows us to model the hysteretic phenomenon of the regime‐switching existing on both the mean equation and the volatility equation. A full description of the proposed Markov chain Monte Carlo method is given. In the empirical study, we consider the daily closing prices of NIKKEI stock average, the exchange rate for US Dollar to Japanese Yen and Hang Seng Index. Deviance information criterion measure shows that our proposed model outperforms the classical threshold SV models.
Creating social and environmental value through integrated thinking: International evidence
Authors: Reimsbach Daniel , Braam Geert
Published: May 2022

Integrated thinking (IT) is a managerial mindset increasingly discussed in the context of value creation. Through the lens of systems theory, this study examines how the degree to which IT is embedded in a firm's strategy and day‐to‐day business processes is associated with the firm's social and environmental value creation. Using a broad international dataset, we find strong evidence that our measure of IT is positively related to a firm's sustainability performance (SP), which we use to operationalize social and environmental value creation (or erosion). Our results also reveal that the increase in a firm's SP might come at the cost of a short‐term decrease in financial performance (FP). We find no indication, however, that IT induces a trade‐off between SP and long‐term FP. Integrated thinking appears to stipulate long‐term financial value creation instead. We further explore moderating factors within the organizational and institutional context of our sample firms and highlight implications for society, corporate practice, and policymaking.
Connecting businesses and biodiversity conservation through community organizing: The case of babassu breaker women in Brazil
Authors: Puppim de Oliveira José A. , Mukhi Umesh , Quental Camilla , de Oliveira Cerqueira Fortes Paulo Jordão
Published: May 2022

We investigate the role of community organizing in connecting business activities and biodiversity conservation. We draw from a unique setting in the BrazilianAmazônia Legal(Legal Amazon)—the traditional community ofquebradeiras de coco do babaçu(babassu nut breaking women), orquebradeiras—to show how this community connects the subsistence activity of breaking babassu palm tree nuts with local and global value chains (GVCs) in the cosmetics industry. As a consequence of multidimensional community organizing and local/global business connections, we show not only the ways in which biodiversity conservation has been realized in a large area of the Amazon but also how thequebradeirashave developed organizational activities that address persistent social, economic, and environmental challenges. Through community organizing, thequebradeirasmaintain a traditional activity, connect with GVCs, and protect the biodiversity of the regional ecosystem. We thus call attention to the impact of business on strengthening community organizing and fostering biodiversity conservation.
miRNA‐encapsulated abiotic materials and biovectors for cutaneous and oral wound healing: Biogenesis, mechanisms, and delivery nanocarriers
Authors: Deka Dey Asmita , Yousefiasl Satar , Kumar Arun , Dabbagh Moghaddam Farnaz , Rahimmanesh Ilnaz , Samandari Mohamadmahdi , Jamwal Sumit , Maleki Aziz , Mohammadi Abbas , Rabiee Navid , Cláudia Paiva‐Santos Ana , Tamayol Ali , Sharifi Esmaeel , Makvandi Pooyan
Published: May 2022

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) as therapeutic agents have attracted increasing interest in the past decade owing to their significant effectiveness in treating a wide array of ailments. These polymerases II‐derived noncoding RNAs act through post‐transcriptional controlling of different proteins and their allied pathways. Like other areas of medicine, researchers have utilized miRNAs for managing acute and chronic wounds. The increase in the number of patients suffering from either under‐healing or over‐healing wound demonstrates the limited efficacy of the current wound healing strategies and dictates the demands for simpler approaches with greater efficacy. Various miRNA can be designed to induce pathway beneficial for wound healing. However, the proper design of miRNA and its delivery system for wound healing applications are still challenging due to their limited stability and intracellular delivery. Therefore, new miRNAs are required to be identified and their delivery strategy needs to be optimized. In this review, we discuss the diverse roles of miRNAs in various stages of wound healing and provide an insight on the most recent findings in the nanotechnology and biomaterials field, which might offer opportunities for the development of new strategies for this chronic condition. We also highlight the advances in biomaterials and delivery systems, emphasizing their challenges and resolutions for miRNA‐based wound healing. We further review various biovectors (e.g., adenovirus and lentivirus) and abiotic materials such as organic and inorganic nanomaterials, along with dendrimers and scaffolds, as the delivery systems for miRNA‐based wound healing. Finally, challenges and opportunities for translation of miRNA‐based strategies into clinical applications are discussed.
Immediate implant and socket preservation using sticky bone and leukocyte‐platelet‐rich fibrin in the anterior maxilla: A 3‐year case report
Authors: Cirmeni Marco , Fedele Ottavio , Giammarinaro Enrica , Marconcini Simone , Covani Ugo , Caso Guerino
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Immediate implant in the esthetic area is a challenging procedure. Chronic infection often contributes to extensive bone loss and acute infection often precludes a safe, clean surgery. However, it is quite common to come across failing teeth in the esthetic area, where the patient often demands a faster rehabilitation.

Case Presentation

In this clinical case, a fractured upper central incisor was replaced by an immediate implant, and the perimetrical area was filled with heterologous bone blended with patient‐derived leukocyte‐ and platelet‐rich fibrin (L‐PRF) in the form of sticky bone. A Maryland bridge was bonded to the adjacent teeth with the intent to guarantee minimum esthetic to the patient. After 5 months, the implant was connected to a definitive abutment and crown. The facial and interdental soft tissue was maintained with appreciable success after 2 years. The pre‐treatment and 2‐year‐ post‐treatment computed tomography scans revealed marginal bone preservation.

Conclusion

The use of sticky bone and L‐PRF in immediate implant sites helps prevent hard and soft‐tissue collapse and may favor faster and sounder healing.

Key points

Why is this case new information?

It provides support to the efficacy of immediate implant placement with simultaneous use of L‐PRF.

What are the keys to successful management of this case?

Having L‐PRF supporting wound healing.

What are the primary limitations to success in this case?

Having sufficient bone apical to the existing socket and at adjacent teeth.
Videoconferencing versus face‐to‐face psychotherapy: Insights from patients and psychotherapists about comparability of therapeutic alliance, empathy and treatment characteristics
Authors: Leuchtenberg Sophie , Gromer Daniel , Käthner Ivo
Published: May 2022

Objective

Videoconferencing psychotherapy (VCT) is an effective treatment option. Yet, it is unclear whether a similar therapeutic alliance as in conventional face‐to‐face psychotherapy (F2F) can be achieved, since previous studies yielded mixed results. Furthermore, surveys about the attitudes towards VCT amongst patients have been missing until now. The current study gathered opinions from patients and psychotherapists about the perceived comparability of VCT and F2F regarding contextual factors and treatment characteristics, focusing on therapeutic alliance and empathy.

Method

An online survey amongst patients (N = 189) and practitioners (N = 57) taking part in cognitive behavioural therapy was conducted after the first lockdown in Germany due to the COVID‐19 pandemic and a resulting transition from F2F to VCT for most participants.

Results

While patients experienced therapeutic alliance and empathy as comparable, psychotherapists indicated advantages of F2F. Both groups indicated advantages of F2F for the therapy contents and expressed advantages of VCT for flexibility regarding location and time. More than half of the participants expressed a preference for a combination of analogue and digital therapy.

Conclusion

The perceived disadvantages of VCT can be addressed, for example, with training programmes for psychotherapists targeting communication in VCT and adapting established psychotherapy methods to a digital format to further improve VCT.
Beyond one size fits all? An experimental study of the effects of stage‐specific interventions to promote ecological online food shopping
Authors: Berger Verena , Burkhalter Linda
Published: May 2022

Encouraging people to consume sustainably is more important than ever to tackle climate change. In the area of nutrition, we focused on understanding how social norm inspired treatments can effectively be applied to promote sustainable purchasing without restricting choice. Many intervention studies in this area have applied ‘one size fits all’‐measures, ignoring the target group's context and psycho‐social preconditions. To examine the effectiveness of tailored interventions, we tested the impact on purchasing decisions of four treatments. The treatments were developed based on the four stages of behavioural change that conceptualise behavioural change as a transition through a sequence of stages: predecision, preaction, action, and postaction. In an online experiment (N = 855), these treatments (shopping assistant, success story, commitment, and feedback) were integrated into a true‐to‐the‐original online food shop and socio‐psychological constructs were collected using a downstream questionnaire. The results of a regression analysis showed that there are differences in the effectiveness of the treatments on participants' purchasing decisions. The feedback treatment turned out to be a particularly effective measure for encouraging large numbers of people at different stages of behavioural change to select greener products. In line with theory, the impact of several socio‐psychological variables designed to encourage more eco‐friendly purchases increased from stage to stage. The results may motivate online food shop providers to create customer experiences that promote eco‐friendly consumption. At the same time, it should also encourage other researchers working in this field to develop effective measures that support the achievement of sustainability goals.
Immobilization Method to Separate Microalgae Biomass for Fatty Acid Methyl Ester Production
Authors: Sepian Noor Raihana Abu , Yasin Nur Hidayah Mat , Ramesh Nagaarasan
Published: May 2022

An immobilization method for simplified separation of cultured cells and their products from the growth media was developed. The growth rates of both immobilized and free cells of the microalga Chlorella vulgaris were compared. The free and immobilized cells reached nearly identical cell densities. The reported immobilization strategy uses a combination of matrices (sodium alginate (SA), calcium alginate (CA), and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)) at different matrix/microalgae volumetric ratios of 0.3:1 and 1:1. The microalgae in the SACACMC/Mc (0.3:1) beads achieved the highest cell density. The cells immobilized in SACACMC/Mc (0.3:1) gave the highest lipid yield, as compared to the cells immobilized in SA. Pore size and membrane thickness analysis as well as surface images of SACACMC/Mc (0.3:1) showed that the mixed matrix had a unique structure favoring lipid production.
Influence of Flange Structure Parameters on Contact Pressure of the New‐Type Wedge Ring Gasket
Authors: Xu Wenbin
Published: May 2022

As a sealing element, the new‐type wedge ring gasket required the usage of flanges to achieve sealing. On the basis of previous research, the influence of flange structural parameters on the contact pressure of the sealing surface of the new wedge ring gasket was studied by finite element analysis. The effective thickness of the flange had the greatest influence on the contact pressure of the main and slave sealing surfaces, followed by the thickness of the big end of the cone neck, the outer diameter of the flange, and the height of the flange neck. The flange structure parameters were optimized by an orthogonal experiment, and the maximum contact pressure of the sealing surface of the gasket was obtained under optimized conditions. The results provided a basis for the selection of structural parameters of the flange used with the new‐type wedge ring gasket.
Deep Eutectic Solvents and Layered Double Hydroxides in Solid‐Phase Extraction of Antidepressant Drugs
Authors: Khezeli Tahere , Daneshfar Ali
Published: May 2022

For the first time, an acidic deep eutectic solvent (DES) comprised of malonic acid and ChCl was used to complete dissolution of Co‐Al, Ni‐Al, and Cu‐Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs) as sorbents in the vortex‐assisted in‐situ solid‐phase extraction of doxepin and amitriptyline followed by high‐performance liquid chromatography‐ultraviolet (HPLC‐UV). Moreover, the ability of urea:ChCl and ethylene glycol:ChCl was investigated to dissolve the LDH sorbents. The extraction conditions were optimized in terms of vortex time, molar ratio of Co2+:Al3+, NaOH concentration, and volume of DES based on the Box‐Behnen design. The linearity, limit of detection, and coefficient of determination R2 for both analytes were assessed as well. Recoveries of more than 93.1 % with relative standard deviations of less than 5.3 % were achieved for spiking urine and pharmaceutical formulation samples.
Total calcaneal allograft reconstruction of an Ewing's sarcoma in a child: Outcome and review of the literature
Authors: Torner Ferran , Nuñez Jorge H. , Inarejos Clemente Emilio José , Garraus Moira , Suñol Mariona , Martínez Aníbal D. , Moreno David
Published: May 2022

Background

Ewing's sarcoma rarely presents in bones of the feet. Surgical management usually includes amputation. Limb sparing surgery is anecdotal.

Case

We report the case of a 13‐year‐old boy with an Ewing sarcoma in his calcaneus who had a calcaneal reconstruction with total calcaneus allograft after induction chemotherapy.

Conclusions

At 42 months of follow‐up our patient remains disease free and functionally intact. A review of the exceptional limb salvage procedure options for malignant calcaneus tumor was performed.