bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Latin American Ethics
Authors: Nuccetelli Susana
Published: June 2021

In Latin America a number of philosophical doctrines developed as responses to some mainstream views of the Iberian colonial period, which extended from the late 1500s to the early 1800s, and the independence that followed it. This entry looks closely at two sets of doctrines thus developed, one concerning human rights, the other concerning ethnic and racial identity. It begins by examining a controversy about the moral status of the Spanish Conquest during the early stages of the European modern expansion. Its main thesis on this controversy is that, pressured by the new physical and social realities of the Americas, some natural law theorists from Spain in fact challenged certain applications of the official philosophy of the Roman Catholic Church, Thomism, that were common in these countries during the sixteenth century. The entry then turns to some later thinkers of Latin America who theorized about the region's cultural identity. They belong to three generations of intellectuals who were jaded by some ill‐conceived attempts at applying to it political theories originating in Europe or the USA.
Pornography and Obscenity
Authors: Watson Lori
Published: June 2021

This entry aims to describe the debates about pornography, both philosophical and legal. Liberal, feminist, and pro‐sex feminist positions are explained.
Precedent
Authors: Stevens Katharina
Published: June 2021

This entry discusses precedents. A precedent is created when a decision toφis made under a certain set of circumstances such that, if a relevantly similar set of circumstances were to occur, there would be aprima facieduty to make the corresponding decision. The entry engages with two puzzles surrounding the normative force of precedents. First, it discusses two options for the basis of this normative force: (1) the possibility that it stems from a general principle thatlike cases must be treated alikeand (2) the possibility that it must be based on additional reasons each time. Second, it discusses two options for the determination of a specific precedent's scope: (1) that precedents establish rules so that all those cases that fall under the rule are governed by the precedent, or (2) that precedents are applied via analogical comparison, so that all relevantly similar cases are governed by the precedent.
Culture
Authors: O'Connor Adrian
Published: June 2021

This entry outlines the history of culture as an object of analysis and concern, surveys some of the major disciplinary approaches to understanding culture, and suggests some ways in which these approaches may be germane to ethical considerations.
Risk of Comorbidities Following Physician‐Diagnosed Knee or Hip Osteoarthritis: A Register‐Based Cohort Study
Authors: Dell'Isola Andrea , Pihl Kenneth , Turkiewicz Aleksandra , Hughes Velocity , Zhang Weiya , Bierma‐Zeinstra Sita , Prieto‐Alhambra Daniel , Englund Martin
Published: June 2021

Objective

To estimate the risk of developing comorbidities in patients after physician‐diagnosed knee or hip osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

This was a cohort study using Swedish longitudinal health care register data; we studied residents in the Skåne region age ≥35 years on January 1, 2010 who were free from diagnosed hip or knee OA (n = 548,681). We then identified subjects with at least 1 new diagnosis of knee or hip OA (incident OA) between 2010 and 2017 (n = 50,942 considered exposed). Subjects without diagnosed OA were considered unexposed. From January 2010 both unexposed and exposed subjects were observed for the occurrence of 18 different predefined comorbidities until either relocation outside of the region, death, occurrence of the comorbidity, or December 2017, whichever came first. We calculated unadjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and adjusted HRs of comorbidities using Cox models with knee and hip OA as time‐varying exposures.

Results

Subjects with incident knee or hip OA had 7% to 60% higher adjusted HRs (range 1.07–1.60) of depression, cardiovascular diseases, back pain, and osteoporosis than individuals without an OA diagnosis. An increased risk of diabetes mellitus was found only for knee OA (adjusted HR 1.19 [95% confidence interval 1.13–1.26]). For the rest of the diagnoses, we found either no increased risk or estimates with wide confidence intervals, excluding clear interpretations of the direction or size of effects.

Conclusion

Incident physician‐diagnosed knee and hip OA is associated with an increased risk of depression, cardiovascular diseases, back pain, osteoporosis, and diabetes mellitus. However, the latter was only found for knee OA.
Covalent Organic Frameworks for Batteries
Authors: Zhu Dongyang , Xu Guiyin , Barnes Morgan , Li Yilin , Tseng Chia‐Ping , Zhang Zhuqing , Zhang Jun‐Jie , Zhu Yifan , Khalil Safiya , Rahman Muhammad M. , Verduzco Rafael , Ajayan Pulickel M.
Published: June 2021

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have emerged as an exciting new class of porous materials constructed by organic building blocks via dynamic covalent bonds. They have been extensively explored as potentially superior candidates for electrode materials, electrolytes, and separators, due to their tunable chemistry, tailorable structures, and well‐defined pores. These features enable rational design of targeted functionalities, facilitate the penetration of electrolytes, and enhance ion transport. This review provides an in‐depth summary of the recent progress in the development of COFs for diverse battery applications, including lithium‐ion, lithium–sulfur, sodium‐ion, potassium‐ion, lithium–CO2, zinc‐ion, zinc–air batteries, etc. This comprehensive synopsis pays particular attention to the structure and chemistry of COFs and novel strategies that have been implemented to improve battery performance. Additionally, current challenges, possible solutions, and potential future research directions on COFs for batteries are discussed, laying the groundwork for future advances for this exciting class of material.
A Self‐Limited Free‐Standing Sulfide Electrolyte Thin Film for All‐Solid‐State Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Zhu Gao‐Long , Zhao Chen‐Zi , Peng Hong‐Jie , Yuan Hong , Hu Jiang‐Kui , Nan Hao‐Xiong , Lu Yang , Liu Xin‐Yan , Huang Jia‐Qi , He Chuanxin , Zhang Jian , Zhang Qiang
Published: June 2021

All‐solid‐state (ASS) lithium metal batteries (LMBs) are considered the most promising next‐generation batteries due to their superior safety and high projected energy density. To access the practically desired high energy density of ASS LMBs, an ultrathin solid‐state electrolyte (SSE) film with fast ion‐transport capability presents as an irreplaceable component to reduce the proportion of inactive materials in ASS batteries. In this contribution, an ultrathin (60 µm), flexible, and free‐standing argyrodite (Li6PS5Cl) SSE film is designed through a self‐limited strategy. A chemically compatible cellulose membrane is employed as the self‐limiting skeleton that not only defined the thinness of the sulfide SSE film but also strengthened its mechanical properties. The ionic conductivity of the SSE film reaches up to 6.3 × 10−3 S cm−1 at room temperature, enabling rapid lithium‐ion transportation. The self‐limited SSE thin films are evaluated in various ASS LMBs with different types of cathode (sulfur and lithium titanate) and anode materials (lithium and lithium‐indium alloy) at both mold‐cell and pouch‐cell levels, demonstrating a stable performance and high‐rate capability. This study provides a general strategy for the rational design of an SSE thin film towards high‐energy‐density ASS batteries.
In Situ Synthesis of the Peapod‐Like Cu–SnO2@Copper Foam as Anode with Excellent Cycle Stability and High Area Specific Capacity
Authors: Liu Wenbo , Lu Bobo , Liu Xiangjiang , Gan Yi , Zhang Shichao , Shi Sanqiang
Published: June 2021

The theoretical specific capacity of tin oxide (SnO2) anode material is more than twice that of graphite material (782 vs 372 mAh g–1), whereas its potential usage is limited fatally by its huge volume expansion during lithiation. An effective solution is to encapsulate tin oxide into hollow structure such as yolk‐shell based on the principle of confinement. However, in light of the restricted space of active substance, this kind of hollow electrode always has the low capacity, severely limiting its commercial value. Herein, a peapod‐like Cu‐SnO2@copper foam (CF) as high area specific capacity anode based on the Kirkendall effect, in which the “pod and peas” in the peapod‐like structure are composed of SnO2 and Cu nanoparticles, respectively, is tactfully designed and constructed. Compared to other SnOx‐based electrodes with different hollow structure designs in published reports, the unique peapod‐like Cu‐SnO2@CF anode delivers a remarkably high first reversible capacity of 5.80 mAh cm‐2 as well as excellent cycle stability with 66.7% capacity retention and ≈100% coulombic efficiency after 200 cycles at a current density of 1 mA cm–2, indicative of its quite promising application toward high‐performance lithium‐ion batteries.
Planar‐Coordination PdSe2 Nanosheets as Highly Active Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Lin Zhiping , Xiao BeiBei , Wang Zongpeng , Tao Weiying , Shen Shijie , Huang Liangai , Zhang Jitang , Meng Fanqi , Zhang Qinghua , Gu Lin , Zhong Wenwu
Published: June 2021

The coordination environment is crucial for the activity of an electrocatalyst, which defines the interaction between the central and adjacent atoms. In traditional 2D MX2 (M = Mo, W, etc., X = S, Se), M is usually coordinated with 6 X atoms in either trigonal prismatic (2H) or octahedral (1T) polyhedrons. With such a coordination configuration, only the edge X sites exhibit activity for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Here, a planar‐coordination transition metal chalcogenide, PdSe2 is reported, as an efficient electrocatalyst for the HER in an alkaline electrolyte. By reducing the spatial polyhedron coordination to planar polygon coordination, the M sites in PdSe2 can be efficiently activated to interact with the adsorptive intermediates. As a result, both Pd and Se atoms act as active sites for hydrogen evolution with neutral adsorption ability. With an overpotential of 138 mV at 10 mA cm−2, this work advances the exploration of planar‐coordination HER electrocatalysts.
A Facile In Situ Surface‐Functionalization Approach to Scalable Laminated High‐Temperature Polymer Dielectrics with Ultrahigh Capacitive Performance
Authors: Dong Jiufeng , Hu Renchao , Xu Xinwei , Chen Jie , Niu Yujuan , Wang Feng , Hao Jianyu , Wu Kai , Wang Qing , Wang Hong
Published: June 2021

High‐temperature dielectric materials for capacitive energy storage are in urgent demand for modern power electronic and electrical systems. However, the drastically degraded energy storage capabilities owing to the inevitable conduction loss severely limit the utility of dielectric polymers at elevated temperatures. Herein, a new approach based on the in situ preparation of oxides onto polyimide (PI) films to high‐temperature laminated polymer dielectrics is described. As confirmed by computational simulations, the charge injection at the electrode/dielectric interface and electrical conduction in dielectric films are substantially depressed via engineering the in situ prepared oxide layer in the laminated composites. Consequently, ultrahigh dielectric energy densities and high efficiencies are simultaneously achieved at elevated temperatures. Especially, an excellent energy density of 1.59 J cm−3 at a charge–discharge efficiency of above 90% has been achieved at 200 °C, outperforming the current dielectric polymers and composites. Together with its excellent discharging capability and cyclic reliability, the laminate‐structured film is demonstrated to be a promising class of polymer dielectrics for high‐power energy storage capacitors operating at elevated temperatures. The facile preparation method reported herein is readily adaptable to a variety of polymer thin films for energy applications under extreme environments.
Direct‐Writing of 2D Diodes by Focused Ion Beams
Authors: Liu Yanran , Qu Yuanyuan , Liu Yue , Yin Hang , Liu Jinglun , Tan Yang , Chen Feng
Published: June 2021

Electronic devices based on 2D materials have exhibited outstanding figures of merit. However, the fabrication of 2D diodes still relies on manual or semi‐automated handling processing. To unleash their commercial potential, the integration of 2D materials into a fully‐automated fabrication line is a critical step. Here, the focused ion‐beam writing as an automated approach to construct lateral diodes on a 2D heterostructure (MoSe2/G) consisting of graphene and MoSe2 is elucidated. Se‐defects generated by focused ion writing endow the 2D heterostructure with unique electronic properties, which allows for the construction of the barrier at the boundary of the writing and non‐writing region. Benefiting from this feature, the ion‐beam‐written heterostructure is used to realize rectifying and current regulating diodes. Exhibiting comparable performance to traditional diodes, the rectifying diode has a rectification ratio of ≈104, while the current regulative diode has a dynamic resistance larger than 4.5 MΩ. Furthermore, to illustrate practical applications of these diodes in digital logic electronics, AND and OR logic gates are directly inscribed on the heterostructure by ion beams. This work demonstrates focused ion‐beam writing as an additional strategy for direct‐writing of 2D diodes on graphene‐based heterostructures.
Nanostructure Engineering and Modulation of (Oxy)Nitrides for Application in Visible‐Light‐Driven Water Splitting
Authors: Dong Beibei , Cui Junyan , Qi Yu , Zhang Fuxiang
Published: June 2021

(Oxy)nitride‐based nanophotocatalysts have been extensively investigated for solar‐to‐chemical conversion, and not only allow wide spectral utilization to achieve high theoretical energy conversion efficiency but also exhibit suitable conduction and valence band positions for robust reduction and oxidation of water. During the past decades, a few reviews on the research progress in designing and synthesizing new visible‐light‐responsive semiconductors for various applications in solar‐to‐chemical conversion have been published. However, those on the effects of their bulk and composite (surface/interface) nanostructures on basic processes as well as solar water splitting performances to produce hydrogen are still limited. In this review, a brief introduction on the relationship between the nanostructure photocatalytic properties is included. Three main processes of solar water splitting are involved, allowing the elucidation of the correlation with the nanostructural properties of the photocatalyst such as surface/interface, size, morphology, and bulk structure. Subsequently, the development of methodologies and strategies for modulating the bulk and composite structures to improve the efficiencies of the basic processes, particularly charge separation, is summarized in detail. Finally, the prospects of (oxy)nitride‐based photocatalysts such as controlled synthesis, modulation of 1D/2D morphology, exposed facet regulation, heterostructure formation, theoretical simulation, and time‐ and space‐resolved spectroscopy are discussed.
Open‐Circuit Voltage Loss in Lead Chalcogenide Quantum Dot Solar Cells
Authors: Liu Junwei , Xian Kaihu , Ye Long , Zhou Zhihua
Published: June 2021

Lead chalcogenide colloidal quantum dot solar cells (CQDSCs) have received considerable attention due to their broad and tunable absorption and high stability. Presently, lead chalcogenide CQDSC has achieved a power conversion efficiency of ≈14%. However, the state‐of‐the‐art lead chalcogenide CQDSC still has an open‐circuit voltage (Voc) loss of ≈0.45 V, which is significantly higher than those of c‐Si and perovskite solar cells. Such high Voc loss severely limits the performance improvement and commercialization of lead chalcogenide CQDSCs. In this review, the Voc loss is first analyzed via detailed balance theory and the origin of Voc loss from both solar absorber and interface is summarized. Subsequently, various strategies for improving the Voc from the solar absorber, including the passivation strategies during the synthesis and ligand exchange are overviewed. The great impact of the ligand exchange process on CQD passivation is highlighted and the corresponding strategies to further reduce the Voc loss are summarized. Finally, various strategies are discussed to reduce interface Voc loss from charge transport layers. More importantly, the great potential of achieving performance breakthroughs via various organic hole transport layers is highlighted and the existing challenges toward commercialization are discussed.
Copper‐Based Plasmonic Catalysis: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives
Authors: Xin Yue , Yu Kaifu , Zhang Lantian , Yang Yanru , Yuan Haibo , Li Hongliang , Wang Liangbing , Zeng Jie
Published: June 2021

With the capability of inducing intense electromagnetic field, energetic charge carriers, and photothermal effect, plasmonic metals provide a unique opportunity for efficient light utilization and chemical transformation. Earth‐abundant low‐cost Cu possesses intense and tunable localized surface plasmon resonance from ultraviolet‐visible to near infrared region. Moreover, Cu essentially exhibits remarkable catalytic performance toward various reactions owing to its intriguing physical and chemical properties. Coupling with light‐harvesting ability and catalytic function, plasmonic Cu serves as a promising platform for efficient light‐driven chemical reaction. Herein, recent advancements of Cu‐based plasmonic photocatalysis are systematically summarized, including designing and synthetic strategies for Cu‐based catalysts, plasmonic catalytic performance, and mechanistic understanding over Cu‐based plasmonic catalysts. What's more, approaches for the enhancement of light utilization efficiency and construction of active centers on Cu‐based plasmonic catalysts are highlighted and discussed in detail, such as morphology and size control, regulation of electronic structure, defect and strain engineering, etc. Remaining challenges and future perspectives for further development of Cu‐based plasmonic catalysis are also proposed.
Aligned Electrospun PLLA/Graphene Microfibers with Nanotopographical Surface Modulate the Mitochondrial Responses of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Li Min , Deng Wenshuai , Zhang Jun , Zheng Weiping , Yu Tao , Zhou Qihui
Published: June 2021

Although electrospun polymer fibers with unique (bio)physicochemical features have been demonstrated to regulate cellular phenotype, their specific effect on organelles has not been examined closely. Herein, this work investigates the impact of aligned electrospun poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA)/graphene (Gr) microfibers with the nanoporous surface on the mitochondrial responses of human aorta smooth muscle cells. Highly aligned PLLA/Gr microfibers with an average fiber diameter of ≈1.3 µm are prepared via a novel stable jet electrospinning strategy. Nanoporous topography is formed onto individual fiber surfaces using highly volatile solvent dichloromethane and suitable ambient humidity. Further, it is found that the addition of Gr in PLLA fibers significantly facilitates the formation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mROS) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) as well as mitochondrial autophagy and division by upregulating the protein expression of microtubule‐associated protein light chain 3, mitochondrial fission 1 protein, and dynamin‐related protein 1. In contrast, the introduction of the nanoporous structure greatly inhibits the generation of mROS and ATP as well as mitochondrial autophagy and division. The work thus indicates that the incorporation of nanotopography and Gr in/on the PLLA fibers can offer additional physicochemical stimuli to regulate the mitochondrial responses of cells.
Multi‐Functional Metasurface: Visibly and RF Transparent, NIR Control and Low Thermal Emissivity
Authors: Safari Mahdi , Kherani Nazir P. , Eleftheriades Geroge V.
Published: June 2021

Rapid advances in metamaterial technology are enabling the engineering of wave–matter interactions heretofore not realized and functionalities with potentially far‐reaching implications for major challenges in the fields of energy conservation and radio frequency (RF) communication. A visibly and RF transparent composite metasurface utilizing dielectric–metal spectrally selective coatings with high near‐infrared control and low thermal emissivity is proposed, thus achieving a multi‐functional metasurface capable of enhancing fifth‐generation (5G) communication efficiency and exhibiting energy conservation features. The proposed meta‐glass yields 92% peak RF transmission at 30 GHz which corresponds to 20% and 90% enhancement when compared to plain glass and low‐emissive glass substrates. This meta‐glass possesses 86% peak optical transparency at λ = 550 nm, >60% near‐infrared reflection, and >80% mid‐infrared reflection which corresponds to ≈0.2 thermal emissivity. The proposed metasurface design is highly flexible and can be tuned to operate over different frequency ranges owing to its frequency scalability. This study provides a better alternative using earth‐abundant materials compared to low‐emissive glass based on indium tin oxide while boosting the efficiency of 5G communication amenable to window systems demanding simultaneous functionalities for emergent smart/energy‐efficient buildings/cities and autonomous transportation applications.
Actively Switchable Beam‐Steering via Hydrophilic/Hydrophobic‐Selective Design of Water‐Immersed Metasurface
Authors: Li Zhe , Wan Chengwei , Dai Chenjie , Zhang Jian , Zheng Guoxing , Li Zhongyang
Published: June 2021

Liquid immersion on metasurface was earlier demonstrated to realize spectral control. However, it remains a great challenge to achieve tunable phase modulation and versatile beam‐steering performance, which are critical for practical optoelectronic devices. Here, a new liquid‐immersive mechanism with metasurfaces for active beam‐steering is proposed and experimentally realized. Based on the dielectric‐on‐metal nanostructure with selective hydrophilic/hydrophobic properties, the switchable beam‐steering is initiated and successfully presented in the broadband visible regime with a large reflection angle of ≈±30°. Specifically, the beam diffraction direction is tuned between two opposite‐directional channels by water immersion or drying in a repeatable and controllable manner. The proposed straightforward tuning strategy enjoys great convenience in structural patterning and large‐area implementation, instead of requiring any complicated contact patterning or external modulation. This study provides an alternative optical platform for switchable beam‐steering functionality, which is promising for potential applications in tunable display, directional emission, sensing technologies, etc.
Identifying the Surface Charges and their Impact on Carrier Dynamics in Quantum‐Dot Light‐Emitting Diodes by Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Wu Zhenghui , Liu Pai , Qu Xiangwei , Ma Jingrui , Liu Wenbo , Xu Bing , Wang Kai , Sun Xiao Wei
Published: June 2021

The carrier injection and charge transfer at interfaces in quantum dot light‐emitting diodes (QLEDs) are commonly evaluated based on the energy levels of different functional layers. However, the actual charge dynamics in the experiments are found to be very different from the common expectations. In this work, QLEDs using 2,2′′,2′′′‐(1,3,5‐Benzinetriyl)‐tris(1‐phenyl‐1‐H‐benzimidazole) (TPBi) or zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles as electron transport layer (ETL) are studied by impedance spectroscopy. It was the first time to observe that the hole injection and electron injection start at different applied bias. In QLEDs with TPBi ETL, at an applied bias as low as 0.5 V, large amounts of holes have injected into the hole transport layer, while electron injection only occurs after the applied bias increased up to about 3.0 V. This is caused by the intrinsic accumulated negative charges in the quantum dot (QD) layer. The adverse impacts of the negative accumulated charges in QD layer are mitigated by replacing TPBi with ZnO. Hole injection and electron injection start at the same applied bias, or 1.7 V if ZnO replaces TPBi. Charge transfer and neutralization processes between QD and ZnO layers are adopted to explain the above results.
A Dimeric π‐Stacking of Anthracene Inducing Efficiency Enhancement in Solid‐State Fluorescence and Non‐Doped Deep‐Blue Triplet–Triplet Annihilation Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Nalaoh Phattananawee , Sungworawongpana Nathas , Chasing Pongsakorn , Waengdongbung Wijitra , Funchien Patteera , Kaiyasuan Chokchai , Sudyoadsuk Taweesak , Promarak Vinich
Published: June 2021

Triplet–triplet annihilation (TTA) mechanism utilizing the conversion of low triplet energy excitons to generate singlet excitons has been successfully employed in realizing highly efficient fluorescent organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). Herein, new anthracene‐based TTA molecules (TPNACN and TPBACN) are developed as deep‐blue emitters for high‐efficiency non‐doped TTA‐OLEDs. Their structural, physical, and photophysical properties are experimentally and theoretically investigated. These compounds in solid‐state exhibit different photophysical properties due to a discrepancy in the molecular packing. Particularly, in the crystal of TPNACN, anthracene moieties are arranged with dimeric π–π stacking, and the material shows a strong excimer emission in the deep‐blue region with ΦPL close to the ideal theoretical value. The non‐doped TTA‐OLED based on TPNACN attains a high maximum external quantum efficiency of 7.89% (6.63 cd A−1) with a low turn‐on voltage of 2.6 V, and displays deep‐blue emission with CIE coordinates of (0.146, 0.101). These results prove that a separated dimeric π‐stacked molecular alignment of anthracene enhances not only the fluorescence efficiency in the solid state but also the ratio of singlet exciton harvested by the TTA process in the device, bringing about excellent device electroluminescent properties. This can be a new tactic to designing new emissive materials for efficient OLED devices.
Structural Dimensionality Modulation toward Enhanced Photoluminescence Efficiencies of Hybrid Lead‐Free Antimony Halides
Authors: Zhao Jian‐Qiang , Han Meng‐Fei , Zhao Xue‐Jie , Ma Yue‐Yu , Jing Chang‐Qing , Pan Hong‐Mei , Li Dong‐Yang , Yue Cheng‐Yang , Lei Xiao‐Wu
Published: June 2021

Rationally optimizing the photoluminescence performance via accurate structural modulation is one of most important and challenging issues for hybrid halides. Herein, a viable crystal dimensional reduction strategy is proposed to reasonably enhance the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of hybrid antimony halide. Specifically, a synthetic technique is developed and new 1D [DMPZ]SbCl5 ∙ H2O (DP‐SbCl5) is sliced to 0D [DMPZ]2SbCl6 ∙ Cl ∙ (H2O)2 (DP‐SbCl6) with crystal dimensional reduction from infinite [SbCl5]2− chain to discrete [SbCl6]3− octahedron. Comparing with nonluminescent 1D DP‐SbCl5, 0D DP‐SbCl6 displays highly efficient broadband yellow light emission with enhanced PLQY up to 75.94%. First‐principles calculation demonstrates that 0D DP‐SbCl6 features more flat and narrow band structure, which promotes the photoelectron localization and increases the quantum confinement, and finally boosts the luminescence efficiency. Together highly efficient and ultra‐stable luminescence performance enable DP‐SbCl6 as excellent down‐conversion broadband yellow phosphor to successfully fabricate white light emitting diodes with a high color rendering index of 92. This work provides a novel structural modulation strategy of crystal dimensional reduction to rationally optimize the PL performance of hybrid metal halides.
Endothelin Inhibition Potentiates Cancer Immunotherapy Revealing Mechanical Biomarkers Predictive of Response
Authors: Voutouri Chrysovalantis , Panagi Myrofora , Mpekris Fotios , Stylianou Andreas , Michael Christina , Averkiou Michalakis A. , Martin John D. , Stylianopoulos Triantafyllos
Published: June 2021

Immunotherapy efficacy depends on T cell trafficking to tumors and migrating to malignant cells to kill them. One barrier to T cell homing is the tumor blood vessel wall, which inhibits T cell attachment and transmigration through the endothelin B receptor, but antagonizing this receptor has not led to a clinically approved drug. One reason may be tumor hypo‐perfusion, which limits the area of perfused vessels for T cell attachment. If collapsed vessels can be decompressed and re‐perfused by alleviating tumor stiffness, then endothelin B receptor antagonism can improve immunotherapy. Here, it is tested whether the nonselective endothelin receptor blocker, bosentan, by simultaneously interfering with endothelin A receptor induced fibrosis, can normalize the tumor microenvironment thereby acting as a “mechanotherapeutic.” Tumor stiffness is monitored with ultrasound elastography and nanomechanical properties with atomic force microscopy to find an optimal dose, which reprograms cancer‐associated fibroblasts resulting in reduced collagen thereby decompressing vessels. Through this mechanism, T cell association with tumor vessels increases and immunosuppressive hypoxia is reduced. Additionally, bosentan increases the CD8+ T cells proliferating fraction. Ultrasound stiffness measurements correlate well with response to immunotherapy, suggesting the potential role of ultrasound elastography as a predictive biomarker of response to immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Optimization of Microbubble‐Based DNA Vaccination with Low‐Frequency Ultrasound for Enhanced Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Zhang Nisi , Foiret Josquin , Kheirolomoom Azadeh , Liu Pei , Feng Yi , Tumbale Spencer , Raie Marina , Wu Bo , Wang James , Fite Brett Z. , Dai Zhifei , Ferrara Katherine W.
Published: June 2021

Immunotherapy is an important cancer treatment strategy; nevertheless, the lack of robust immune cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment remains a factor in limiting patient response rates. In vivo gene delivery protocols can amplify immune responses and sensitize tumors to immunotherapies, yet non‐viral transfection methods often sacrifice transduction efficiency for improved safety tolerance. To improve transduction efficiency, a strategy employing low ultrasound transmission frequency‐induced bubble oscillation is optimized to introduce plasmids into tumor cells. Differential centrifugation isolated size‐specific microbubbles (MBs). The diameter of the small MB population is 1.27 ± 0.89 µm and that of the larger population is 4.23 ± 2.27 µm. Upon in vitro insonation with the larger MB population, 29.7% of cancer cells are transfected with DNA plasmids, higher than that with smaller MBs (18.9%, P <0.05) or positive control treatments with a commercial transfection reagent (12%, P < 0.01). After 48 h, gene expression increases more than twofold in tumors treated with large, as compared with small, MBs. Furthermore, the immune response, including tumor infiltration of CD8+ T cells and F4/80+ macrophages, is enhanced. It is believed that this safe and efficacious method can improve preclinical procedures and outcomes for DNA vaccines in cancer immunotherapy in the future.
Fluorine‐Driven Enhancement of Birefringence in the Fluorooxosulfate: A Deep Evaluation from a Joint Experimental and Computational Study
Authors: Jin Wenqi , Zhang Wenyao , Tudi Abudukadi , Wang Liying , Zhou Xin , Yang Zhihua , Pan Shilie
Published: June 2021

Understanding and exploring the functional modules (FMs) consisting of local atomic groups can promote the development of the materials with functional performances. Oxygen‐containing tetrahedral modules are popular in deep‐ultraviolet (DUV) optical materials, but their weak optical anisotropy is adverse to birefringence. Here, the fluorooxosulfate group is proved as a new birefringence‐enhanced FM for the first time. The birefringence of fluorooxosulfates can be 4.8–15.5 times that of sulfates with the same metal cations while maintaining a DUV band gap. The polarizing microscope measurement confirms the birefringence enhancement by using the millimeter crystals experimentally. The theoretical studies from micro and macro levels further reveal a novel universal strategy that the fluorine induced anisotropic electronic distribution in fluorooxo–tetrahedral group is responsible for the enhancement of birefringence. This study will guide the future discovery of DUV optical materials with enlarged birefringence.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Boosts PD‐1 Antibody Delivery and T Cell Infiltration for Augmented Immune Responses Against Solid Tumors
Authors: Liu Xin , Ye Ningbing , Liu Sha , Guan Jiankun , Deng Qingyuan , Zhang Zhijie , Xiao Chen , Ding Ze‐yang , Zhang Bi‐xiang , Chen Xiao‐ping , Li Zifu , Yang Xiangliang
Published: June 2021

Aberrant mechanical properties and immunosuppression are the two key factors that limit the antitumor efficacy of T cell immune checkpoint blockade inhibitors, e.g., programmed cell death‐1 antibody (PD‐1 Ab), against solid tumors in the clinic. This study leverages hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) for the first time to address these two issues and reports the PD‐1‐Ab‐mediated immune responses against various stroma‐rich solid malignancies. The results demonstrate that HBO promoted PD‐1 Ab delivery and T cells infiltration into tumor parenchyma by depleting the extracellular matrix's main components, such as collagen and fibronectin. Furthermore, HBO disrupts hypoxia‐mediated immunosuppression and helps PD‐1 Ab trigger robust cytotoxic T lymphocytes and long‐lasting immunological memory to inhibit tumor relapses. Such enhanced immune responses are effective in solid tumors from rodents and the cancer cells from hepatocellular carcinoma patients. The results illustrate that HBO bolsters antitumor efficacy of PD‐1 Ab, and the HBO–PD‐1 Ab combination is a promising stroma‐rich solid tumors’ treatment in the clinic.
Multi‐Functional Liposome: A Powerful Theranostic Nano‐Platform Enhancing Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Cheng Xiamin , Gao Jing , Ding Yang , Lu Yao , Wei Qiancheng , Cui Dezhi , Fan Jiali , Li Xiaoman , Zhu Ershu , Lu Yongna , Wu Qiong , Li Lin , Huang Wei
Published: June 2021

Although photodynamic therapy (PDT) has promising advantages in almost non‐invasion, low drug resistance, and low dark toxicity, it still suffers from limitations in the lipophilic nature of most photosensitizers (PSs), short half‐life of PS in plasma, poor tissue penetration, and low tumor specificity. To overcome these limitations and enhance PDT, liposomes, as excellent multi‐functional nano‐carriers for drug delivery, have been extensively studied in multi‐functional theranostics, including liposomal PS, targeted drug delivery, controllable drug release, image‐guided therapy, and combined therapy. This review provides researchers with a useful reference in liposome‐based drug delivery.
Bionic Ultra‐Sensitive Self‐Powered Electromechanical Sensor for Muscle‐Triggered Communication Application
Authors: Zhou Hong , Li Dongxiao , He Xianming , Hui Xindan , Guo Hengyu , Hu Chenguo , Mu Xiaojing , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: June 2021

The past few decades have witnessed the tremendous progress of human–machine interface (HMI) in communication, education, and manufacturing fields. However, due to signal acquisition devices’ limitations, the research on HMI related to communication aid applications for the disabled is progressing slowly. Here, inspired by frogs’ croaking behavior, a bionic triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG)‐based ultra‐sensitive self‐powered electromechanical sensor for muscle‐triggered communication HMI application is developed. The sensor possesses a high sensitivity (54.6 mV mm−1), a high‐intensity signal (± 700 mV), and a wide sensing range (0–5 mm). The signal intensity is 206 times higher than that of traditional biopotential electromyography methods. By leveraging machine learning algorithms and Morse code, the safe, accurate (96.3%), and stable communication aid HMI applications are achieved. The authors' bionic TENG‐based electromechanical sensor provides a valuable toolkit for HMI applications of the disabled, and it brings new insights into the interdisciplinary cross‐integration between TENG technology and bionics.
Development of Novel Therapeutics Targeting the Blood–Brain Barrier: From Barrier to Carrier
Authors: Li Jia , Zheng Meng , Shimoni Olga , Banks William A. , Bush Ashley I. , Gamble Jennifer R. , Shi Bingyang
Published: June 2021

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a highly specialized neurovascular unit, initially described as an intact barrier to prevent toxins, pathogens, and potentially harmful substances from entering the brain. An intact BBB is also critical for the maintenance of normal neuronal function. In cerebral vascular diseases and neurological disorders, the BBB can be disrupted, contributing to disease progression. While restoration of BBB integrity serves as a robust biomarker of better clinical outcomes, the restrictive nature of the intact BBB presents a major hurdle for delivery of therapeutics into the brain. Recent studies show that the BBB is actively engaged in crosstalk between neuronal and the circulatory systems, which defines another important role of the BBB: as an interfacing conduit that mediates communication between two sides of the BBB. This role has been subject to extensive investigation for brain‐targeted drug delivery and shows promising results. The dual roles of the BBB make it a unique target for drug development. Here, recent developments and novel strategies to target the BBB for therapeutic purposes are reviewed, from both barrier and carrier perspectives.
Current status of function‐preserving gastrectomy for gastric cancer
Authors: Kosuga Toshiyuki , Tsujiura Masahiro , Nakashima Susumu , Masuyama Mamoru , Otsuji Eigo
Published: June 2021

Early gastric cancer (EGC) has excellent postoperative survival outcomes; thus, one of the recent keywords in the treatment of EGC is “function‐preserving gastrectomy (FPG).” FPG reduces the extent of lymphadenectomy and gastric resection without compromising the long‐term prognosis. Proximal gastrectomy (PG) is an alternative to total gastrectomy (TG) for EGC in the upper‐third of the stomach, in which the gastric reservoir, gastric acid secretion, and intrinsic factors are maintained. Distal gastrectomy (DG) with a small remnant stomach, namely subtotal gastrectomy (STG), is another option for upper EGC, where the function of the cardia and fundus is preserved. Pylorus‐preserving gastrectomy (PPG) is a good alternative to DG for EGC in the middle‐third of the stomach, where pyloric function is preserved. Following elucidation of the markedly low incidences of possible metastasis to lymph node stations where dissection is omitted, the oncological safety of these FPG procedures was clarified. Nutritional advantages of PG or STG over TG have been reported; however, the standardized reconstruction methods after PG are yet to be established, and it is important to devise methods to prevent postoperative gastroesophageal reflux and anastomotic complications regardless of the reconstruction method. Nutritional benefits of PPG compared with DG have also been clarified, in which reducing postoperative gastric stasis is important. For the further spread of these FPG procedures, several issues, such as precise evaluation of preserved function, confirmation of oncological safety, and standardization of the technique, should be addressed in future prospective randomized controlled trials.
Designing industrial landscapes for mitigating air pollution with spatially‐explicit techno‐ecological synergy
Authors: Charles Michael , Bakshi Bhavik R.
Published: June 2021

Air pollution has posed health and environmental threats since the Industrial Revolution. Technological solutions present major expenses for industry, yet nature's ecosystems also provide pollution uptake. In the pursuit of techno‐ecological sustainable design, this work presents a framework for spatially‐explicit industrial site design that determines where and when ecological restoration should be considered. The framework considers land use changes and identifies the cheapest balance between technological and ecological uptake for industrial landscapes, including the impacts of long term ecological growth dynamics. This work presents the framework's construction along with a case study conducted for a coal‐fired power station in Ohio. The results provide spatial maps of proposed restoration areas, projected savings values, and spatial‐temporal maps that consider annual budget constraints. The results demonstrate a significant sensitivity to land use restoration costs and highlights ecological advantages, like simultaneous uptake of different chemical species.
Interlayer bonding between thermoplastic composites and metals by in‐situ polymerization technique
Authors: Robert Colin , Mamalis Dimitrios , Obande Winifred , Koutsos Vasileios , Ó Brádaigh Conchúr M. , Ray Dipa
Published: June 2021

Fiber‐metal laminates (FMLs) offer the superior characteristics of polymer composites (i.e., light weight, high strength and stiffness) with the ductility and fracture strength of metals. The bond strength between the two dissimilar materials, composite and metal, dictates the properties and performance of the FMLs. The bonding becomes more critical when the polymer matrix is thermoplastic and hydrophobic in nature. This work employed a novel bonding technique between thermoplastic composites and a metal layer using six different combinations of organic coatings. The flexural, and interlaminar shear strength of the thermoplastic fiber metal laminates (TP‐FMLs) were examined to investigate the bond strengths in the different cases along with fracture characteristics revealed from the tested samples using scanning electron microscopy. The viscoelastic performance of the fabricated TP‐FMLs were also investigated using the dynamic mechanical thermal analysis method.
Improved tribological and thermo‐mechanical properties of epoxy resin with micro‐nano structured ZrO2/Ti3C2 particles
Authors: Yi Jie , Yang Yaru , Zhang Yalin , Cao Miao , Wang Tianle , Guan Jipeng , Xiao Yunchao , Zhang Yuanjie , Tang Bolin , Shen Xiaojun
Published: June 2021

Inherent brittleness and poor wear resistance of epoxy resin severely restricts its practical application in many applications. In this present, a micro‐nano structured ZrO2/Ti3C2 particle was employed to improve the tribological and thermo‐mechanical properties of epoxy resin. The micro‐nano structured ZrO2/Ti3C2 particles are synthesized by hydrothermal growth of nano‐ZrO2 onto the surface of accordion‐like Ti3C2, and the ZrO2/Ti3C2/epoxy composites are fabricated by solution blending and curing reaction. The surface morphology of ZrO2/Ti3C2 particles and the fracture surface of ZrO2/Ti3C2/epoxy composites were investigated. Test results indicated that the wear rate, storage modulus and glass transition temperature of epoxy resin is effectively improved by incorporation of ZrO2/Ti3C2 particles, maybe ascribing to the strong interfacial interaction between micro‐nano structured ZrO2/Ti3C2 and epoxy matrix. In addition, the wear mechanism of ZrO2/Ti3C2/epoxy composites were further revealed by analyzing their worn surfaces and wear debris. This work provides a promising strategy for improving the tribological and thermo‐mechanical properties of epoxy.
Spherical hybrid filler BN@Al2O3 via chemical adhesive for enhancing thermal conductivity and processability of silicon rubber
Authors: Guan Shengwen , Su Ziru , Chen Feng , Fu Qiang
Published: June 2021

Hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) is an ideal candidate material for electrical and electronic systems due to its excellent performance. However, the addition of platelet‐like h‐BN leads to a dramatic increase of viscosity of composites and anisotropic thermal conductivity of composites. Herein, modified h‐BN (m‐BN) was coated onto spherical α‐Al2O3 via chemical adhesive, and core‐shell structured hybrid spherical filler (m‐BN@Al2O3) was prepared. Furthermore, the microstructure, rheology, mechanical properties, and thermal conductivity of hybrid filler/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) were studied. At 60 vol% filler loading, the thermal conductivity of m‐BN@Al2O3/PDMS is up to 2.23 W·m−1·K−1, which is 86% higher than that of Al2O3/PDMS and the ratio of in‐plane diffusivity to through‐plane diffusivity decreases from 2.0 to 1.0. At meanwhile, the viscosity of m‐BN@Al2O3/PDMS is about one fourth of the viscosity of m‐BN/Al2O3/PDMS. This simple and versatile strategy opens a pavement for enhancing the thermal conductivity of polymer and has great potential in high‐frequency communication.
Removal behavior and mechanism of silver from low concentration wastewater using cellulose aerogel modified by thiosemicarbazide
Authors: Liu Yifan , Pei Ruihan , Lv Yuancai , Lin Chunxiang , Huang Jianhui , Liu Minghua
Published: June 2021

Due to the low concentration of silver in water, most of the cellulose adsorbents exhibited low removal efficiency, which greatly limited their practical applications. Herein, a cellulose aerogel modified by thiosemicarbamide (CAT) was fabricated for reducing and adsorbing silver ions from low concentration wastewater. The characterization results concluded that CAT owned a three‐dimensional spongy structure with many circular microspheres and a better specific surface area (19.37 m2 g−1), as well as the functional groups of ─C═N+─H and ─(C═S)─N. The static batch adsorption experiments demonstrated that CAT could reached the maximum removal percentage of 94.94% and adsorption capacity of 42.12 mg g−1 under the initial concentration of Ag(I) was 15 mg L−1 and the pH value was 7. Meanwhile, the adsorption of Ag(I) on CAT was second‐order reaction, and the Langmuir model could better fit the adsorption process. In addition, CAT exhibited wide pH values (1–9) adaptability and excellent adsorption performance for silver through electrostatic interaction, chelation, and reduction. This study probably provides a new method as well as important experimental data and theoretical reference for the removal of silver ions and other metals.
AtmosphericCO2/CH4permeability ofEVAcopolymer/SiO2composite membrane for biogas purification
Authors: Watasit Prachya , Rukchonlatee Suparat , Ausavasukhi Artit , Ritvirulh Chonlada , Sooknoi Tawan
Published: June 2021

The CO2and CH4permeabilities of poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) (EVA)/SiO2composite membrane were investigated at atmospheric pressure. The membranes were fabricated by compression molding and characterized by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, a universal testing machine, and a contact angle analyzer. The effect of vinyl acetate content (18–33 wt%) was evaluated for both single‐gas and mixed‐gas permeation systems. A non‐pressurized homemade‐permeation cell was used for the single‐gas permeation of CO2and CH4, while a tubular membrane was utilized for a continuous separation of CO2/CH4mixture. CO2flux was readily increased (from 0.7 to 2.0 ml/m2.s) with vinyl acetate content (18–33 wt%). The enhanced CO2permeability is attributed to the increase in polarity and also the decrease in crystallinity of the membrane. A satisfied gas separation selectivity (CO2/CH4) of 4.31 could be obtained from tubular membrane with 28 wt% VA content. The incorporation of SiO2as a filler (0.5–2.0 wt%) especially increased the membrane polarity and hence the CO2flux up to 6.0 ml/m2.s. However, the CH4flux was not affected by VA and SiO2contents.