bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pratiques commémoratives de jeunes en deuil
Authors: Roberge Martine
Published: February 2018

Bien que la mort ait fait l’objet de plusieurs interprétations interdisciplinaires, elle constitue encore de nos jours matière à réflexion. Se questionner sur le rapport entre la mort et les jeunes propose ainsi une multitude de perspectives à explorer. Dans ce texte, nous nous interrogeons sur les pratiques commémoratives des jeunes en deuil. Notre étude s’appuie principalement sur un cas singulier de ritualité vécue dans un groupe de jeunes adultes de 18-25 ans. Par le récit de la ritualisation ayant suivi la mort accidentelle d’un des membres du groupe, nous tenterons de comprendre comment se vivent la mort et le deuil face à la perte d’un des leurs et quel rôle les médias sociaux peuvent jouer dans ces circonstances. Tout porte à croire que les rituels réalisés par le groupe de pairs en marge des rites funéraires classiques lors de la sépulture et dans les pratiques commémoratives – telle l’érection d’une borne de route –, participent au processus du deuil et qu’elles sont en quelque sorte l’expression de l’apprivoisement de la mort qui passe par la régénération de groupe.
« Croyez surtout pas que j’ai perdu la tête » : quand les lettres d’adieu de suicidés québécois défient les verdicts du coroner
Authors: Cauchie Jean-François , Corriveau Patrice , Hamel Bryan
Published: February 2018

Selon l’OMS, 90 % des suicides sont liés à des problèmes de santé mentale. Or associer le suicide à une altération de l’esprit ne va pas de soi. Au Québec, il est par exemple historiquement aisé de montrer qu’un tel couplage dépasse largement des considérations d’ordre psychiatrique. Sans prendre position davantage dans ce débat, notre analyse de lettres d’adieu part néanmoins du principe que dès lors qu’il y a mise en mots du geste suicidaire, il y a, à travers ce récit, interpellation d’un futur dans lequel l’auteur entend rester acteur de sa vie comme de ce qui la suit. La majorité des lettres de notre corpus rend d’ailleurs explicitement compte des raisons de la mort à venir. Pourtant, dans 91 % des dossiers, le coroner conclut au geste d’un fou. Y compris quand le suicidé précise ne pas l’être.
Understanding Fiduciary Duties and Relationship Fiduciarity
Authors: Rotman Leonard I.
Published: February 2018

How well do we truly understand the legal concepts we regularly use and discuss? Truly understanding a legal concept necessitates understanding why it exists, what it was constructed to accomplish, and the purpose or purposes it was intended to facilitate. A lack of attentiveness to that raison d’être results in the loss of connection between the concepts and their underlying rationales. The divorce between legal concepts and their philosophical foundations renders the former susceptible to manipulation and misuse as they lose their connection to their philosophical and doctrinal foundations and subsequently become more and more unintelligible.

As it presently sits, fiduciary jurisprudence is one of the most confused and least understood areas of contemporary law. This is not a new development, but one of long standing. Jurisprudence and legal commentary indicate that both lawyers and judges misuse fiduciary principles for reasons inconsistent with fiduciary law’s conceptual foundation.

The primary purpose of this article is to enhance the understanding of fiduciary duties and relationship fiduciarity by promoting a more robust understanding of the fiduciary concept centred upon its foundational raison d’être. In the process of establishing a stronger philosophical and doctrinal base for the fiduciary concept, the article will also contemplate the contributions provided by of one of the more recent additions to fiduciary law scholarship, authored by Remus Valsan and published in a recent issue of this same law journal.
Small mammal diversity along two neighboring Bornean mountains
Authors: Hawkins Melissa T. R. , Camacho-Sanchez Miguel , Tuh Yit Yuh Fred , Maldonado Jesus E , Leonard Jennifer A
Published: February 2018

Biodiversity across elevational gradients generally follows patterns, the evolutionary origins of which are debated. We trapped small non-volant mammals across an elevational gradient on Mount (Mt.) Kinabalu (4,101 m) and Mt. Tambuyukon (2,579 m), two neighboring mountains in Borneo, Malaysia. We also included visual records and camera trap data from Mt. Tambuyukon. On Mt. Tambuyukon we trapped a total of 299 individuals from 23 species in 6,187 trap nights (4.8% success rate). For Mt. Kinabalu we trapped a total 213 animals from 19 species, in 2,044 trap nights, a 10.4% success rate. We documented the highest diversity in the low elevations for both mountains, unlike previous less complete surveys which supported a mid-elevation diversity bulge on Mt. Kinabalu. Species richness decreased gradually towards the highlands to a more even community with different species (high turnover), less rich but with the highest levels of endemism. These patterns suggest that an interplay of topography and climatic history of the region were drivers of the diversity gradient, in addition to standing climatic and spatial hypothesis.
Allosteric mechanism of the V. vulnificus adenine riboswitch resolved by four-dimensional chemical mapping
Authors: Tian Siqi , Kladwang Wipapat , Das Rhiju
Published: February 2018

The structural interconversions that mediate the gene regulatory functions of RNA molecules may be different from classic models of allostery, but the relevant structural correlations have remained elusive in even intensively studied systems. Here, we present a four-dimensional expansion of chemical mapping called lock-mutate-map-rescue (LM2R), which integrates multiple layers of mutation with nucleotide-resolution chemical mapping. This technique resolves the core mechanism of the adenine-responsive V. vulnificus add riboswitch, a paradigmatic system for which both Monod-Wyman-Changeux (MWC) conformational selection models and non-MWC alternatives have been proposed. To discriminate amongst these models, we locked each functionally important helix through designed mutations and assessed formation or depletion of other helices via compensatory rescue evaluated by chemical mapping. These LM2R measurements give strong support to the pre-existing correlations predicted by MWC models, disfavor alternative models, and suggest additional structural heterogeneities that may be general across ligand-free riboswitches.
Time- and polarity-dependent proteomic changes associated with homeostatic scaling at central synapses
Authors: Schanzenbächer Christoph T , Langer Julian D , Schuman Erin M
Published: February 2018

In homeostatic scaling at central synapses, the depth and breadth of cellular mechanisms that detect the offset from the set-point, detect the duration of the offset and implement a cellular response are not well understood. To understand the time-dependent scaling dynamics we treated cultured rat hippocampal cells with either TTX or bicucculline for 2 hr to induce the process of up- or down-scaling, respectively. During the activity manipulation we metabolically labeled newly synthesized proteins using BONCAT. We identified 168 newly synthesized proteins that exhibited significant changes in expression. To obtain a temporal trajectory of the response, we compared the proteins synthesized within 2 hr or 24 hr of the activity manipulation. Surprisingly, there was little overlap in the significantly regulated newly synthesized proteins identified in the early- and integrated late response datasets. There was, however, overlap in the functional categories that are modulated early and late. These data indicate that within protein function groups, different proteomic choices can be made to effect early and late homeostatic responses that detect the duration and polarity of the activity manipulation.
Identification and expression profile analysis of the sucrose phosphate synthase gene family inLitchi chinensisSonn.
Authors: Wang Dan , Zhao Jietang , Hu Bing , Li Jiaqi , Qin Yaqi , Chen Linhuan , Qin Yonghua , Hu Guibing
Published: February 2018

Sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS, EC 2.4.1.14) is a key enzyme that regulates sucrose biosynthesis in plants. SPS is encoded by different gene families which display differential expression patterns and functional divergence. Genome-wide identification and expression analyses ofSPSgene families have been performed in Arabidopsis, rice, and sugarcane, but a comprehensive analysis of theSPSgene family inLitchi chinensisSonn. has not yet been reported. In the current study, fourSPSgene (LcSPS1,LcSPS2,LcSPS3, andLcSPS4) were isolated from litchi. The genomic organization analysis indicated the four litchiSPSgenes have very similar exon-intron structures. Phylogenetic tree showedLcSPS1-4were grouped into different SPS families (LcSPS1andLcSPS2in A family,LcSPS3in B family, andLcSPS4in C family).LcSPS1andLcSPS4were strongly expressed in the flowers, whileLcSPS3most expressed in mature leaves. RT-qPCR results showed thatLcSPSgenes expressed differentially during aril development between cultivars with different hexose/sucrose ratios. A higher level of expression ofLcSPSgenes was detected in Wuheli, which accumulates higher sucrose in the aril at mature. The tissue- and developmental stage-specific expression ofLcSPS1-4genes uncovered in this study increase our understanding of the important roles played by these genes in litchi fruits.
Maximizing the Ability of Health IT and AI to Improve Patient Safety
Authors: Singh Hardeep , Sittig Dean F. , Classen David C.
Published: October 2024

This Viewpoint discusses how health information technology (IT) and artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to transform patient safety.
A Clown With Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Carmichael S. Thomas
Published: October 2024

This essay describes the efforts patients might make to hold onto their humanity in the midst of an absurd world: being in the emergency department with a neurological injury.
Job Lock and Parents of Children With Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Azaroff Lenore S. , Woolhandler Steffie , McCormick Danny , Himmelstein David U. , Bor David , Dickman Samuel , Gaffney Adam
Published: October 2024

This cross-sectional study examined whether parental job lock and other financial and employment factors are associated with access to care for children with cystic fibrosis.
Antibiotic Shortage During a Public Health Crisis—The Perfect Storm
Authors: Banerjee Ritu , Fox Erin R. , Hersh Adam L.
Published: October 2024

This Viewpoint discusses the shortage of penicillin G benzathine during a surge in congenital syphilis cases in the US.
Optimizing Room‐Temperature Thermoelectric and Magnetocaloric Performance via Constructing Multi‐Scale Interfacial Phases in LaFeSi/BiSbTe Thermo‐Electro‐Magnetic Refrigeration Materials
Authors: Liu Chengshan , Liang Dong , Chen Tiantian , Ye Xianfeng , He Danqi , Zhu Wanting , Nie Xiaolei , Wei Ping , Zhao Wenyu , Zhang Qingjie
Published: October 2024

Fabricating a thermo‐electro‐magnetic material that exhibits simultaneously excellent magnetocaloric (MC) and thermoelectric (TE) performance is challenging since the interfacial reaction causes severe deterioration of MC and TE performance. In this work, a construction of multi‐scale interfaces in LaFe10.4Co0.8Si1.8/Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 (LFS/BST) composites is realized by adopting a low‐temperature high‐pressure sintering strategy. It is revealed in the atomic‐scale that the interfacial reaction between LFS and BST leads to the formation of (Fe,Co)(Sb,Te)2 micro‐grains and LaTe2 nano‐grains, and the latter form low‐mismatch phase boundaries with LFS matrix. Benefiting from the multi‐scale interfacial phases, excellent MC performance of LFS is preserved alongside a minor impact on TE properties, e.g., a peak zT of 1.04 and a small decrease of 3.0% in relative cooling power are achieved in the 2%LFS/BST composite. Compared with other thermo‐electro‐magnetic materials, a good trade‐off between MC and TE performance is realized in LFS/BST composites with simultaneously high MC and TE performance. The 20%LFS/BST composite exhibits a room‐temperature zT of 0.46 with large maximum magnetic entropy change and relative cooling power of 0.81 J kg−1 K−1 and 44.83 J kg−1, respectively. This work provides an effective material design for developing the all‐solid‐state MC/TE hybrid refrigeration technique.
A Novel Photo‐Activated Dopant for n‐Type Organic Thermoelectrics
Authors: Liang Minghao , Zhang Guanxin
Published: October 2024

Efficient and air‐stable molecular dopants are critical for optimizing the performance of thermoelectric devices. Despite significant advancements in developing p‐dopants for organic semiconductors, the quest for efficient and air‐stable n‐dopants remains challenging. Here, viologen‐tetraarylborate (VT) is introduced as a promising n‐dopant for thermoelectric applications, demonstrating its remarkable photo‐activation efficiency. After just 1 min of light exposure, a maximum power factor of 8.6 µW m−1 K−2, with a conductivity of 0.86 S cm−1 and a Seebeck coefficient of −346 µV K−1, is achieved for the VT doped PNDI2TEG‐2Tz film. Furthermore, VT exhibits excellent air stability, simplifying the device preparation process by allowing films to be prepared in ambient conditions. Additionally, the unique doping mechanism imparts good air stability to the stock solution of VT and the conjugated polymer, ensuring that the storage time of the stock solution does not affect thermoelectric performance. This innovative approach not only highlights the potential of VT as an efficient n‐dopant but also paves the way for developing novel air‐stable dopants and advancing doping methodologies in thermoelectric material research.
Muscle‐Inspired Robust Anisotropic Cellulose Conductive Hydrogel for Multidirectional Strain Sensors and Implantable Bioelectronics
Authors: Lin Fengcai , Yang Wenshuai , Lu Beili , Xu Yanlian , Chen Jipeng , Zheng Xiaoxiao , Liu Shiyu , Lin Chensheng , Zeng Hongbo , Huang Biao
Published: October 2024

Integrating superior mechanical performance, anisotropic conductivity, and biocompatibility into conductive hydrogels as all‐in‐one human‐machine interaction device remains challenging. Herein, by mimicking the anisotropic structures of human muscles, a robust anisotropic conductive hydrogel is developed by initially aligning polyvinyl alcohol with polypyrrole decorated cellulose nanofibrils to form an anisotropically oriented polymer networks, followed by post‐crosslinking with tannic acid (TA). Introducing TA into hydrogel network permanently secures its hierarchically anisotropic structure through multiple hydrogen bonds, thus endowing the hydrogel with exceptional mechanical properties (tensile strength of 11.41 MPa, toughness of 12.44 MJ m−3), anisotropic adhesive property, and direction‐dependent conductivity. With these attributes, a hydrogel strain sensor with excellent multidirectional sensitivity is developed, enabling stable monitoring of multi‐degrees of freedom joint movements in the human body and facilitating the control of a multiaxial virtual robot manipulator. Moreover, the in vitro/vivo tests demonstrate exceptional biocompatibility and anti‐biofouling properties of the as‐prepared hydrogel sensor, maintaining stable electronic response signals for over 14 days after successful implantation into the Achilles tendon of mice. Overall, this study presents a promising approach for designing conductive hydrogels with superior mechanical properties and anisotropic functionality for emerging applications in both in vitro and in vivo human‐machine interface materials.
Visualization Detection of Ultralow Temperature Based on Flexible Cross–linked Polymer Systems
Authors: Guo Fengling , Chen Yuanjin , Li Chen , Wang Xiaojuan , Li Qiankun , He Meiyi , Hou Hui , Yang Chaolong
Published: October 2024

Ultralow temperature storage has sparked considerable attention with the development of the economy, showing promising applications ranging from biomedical to national defense and other fields. However, the development of ultralow temperature detection is constrained by the brittleness of current materials at low temperatures and the complexity of detection techniques. Consequently, the challenge exists in finding efficient solutions to material tolerance issues and achieving rapid detection of ultralow temperature. Herein, a novel flexible cross–linked polymer TPTA@PU film with long afterglow, high phosphorescence quantum efficiency, and excellent mechanical properties are successfully fabricated. Interestingly, the obtained TPTA@PU films demonstrate a notable thermoresponsive behavior, with the afterglow color shifting rapidly from blue to green within the temperature ranges from 80 to 280 K. Additionally, there is a positive linear correlation between the RGB values of the afterglow color and the corresponding temperature. Based on these prominent features, an ultralow temperature sensor is realized by utilizing TPTA@PU films as thermoresponsive elements. This work can be expected to provide more inspiration and possibilities for using RTP materials in a more cutting‐edge field.
Hierarchically Structured Conductive Lanthanide Metal Organic Framework Nanorods for Ultrastable Flexible Magnesium Ion Capacitors
Authors: Park Hye Rin , Jang Gun , Byun Jin Suk , Park Yeonju , Kim Won Il , Lee Sang Joon , Chung Yongchul G. , Jung Young Mee , Park Ho Seok
Published: October 2024

Aqueous multivalent metal ion capacitors are very attractive owing to their high capacitance, low cost, environmental benignity, and safety. Herein, hierarchically structured, conductive lanthanide metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) assembled by nanorods for ultrastable flexible magnesium ion capacitors (MICs) is designed. Three MOFs, consisting of lanthanide metals (La, Ho, and Yb) and 2,3,6,7,10,11‐hexahydroxytriphenylene (HHTP), are structurally stabilized through the covalent bonds and electronically conductive due to π‐d conjugation. Among 3 MOFs, Ho‐HHTP electrodes in a full‐cell system achieved long‐term cyclic stability with a high capacitance retention of 65.0% after 12 000 cycles and a high Coulombic efficiency of 96.9%. Furthermore, flexible pouch cells are fabricated using Ho‐HHTP as anode, reduced graphene oxide as cathode, and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/Mg(ClO4)2 as gel electrolyte, demonstrating a low capacitance decay rate of 0.00444% per cycle during 10 000 cycles owing to the hierarchical structure and intrinsic electronic conductivity. As indicated by density functional theory and spectroscopic characterizations, Mg2+ ions are faradaically stored in the catechol part of the ligand, and Mg2+ inserted into the vacant Ho sites contributes to structural stability. Furthermore, operando 2D correlation Raman spectroscopy identified how Mg2+ ions interact with the ligand of Ho‐HHTP and demonstrated the sequential change of peak change.
Improving Buried Interface Contact for Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells via Dual Modification Strategy
Authors: Zhang Yang , Liu Yinjiang , Zhao Zihan , Kong Tengfei , Chen Weiting , Liu Wenli , Gao Peng , Bi Dongqin
Published: October 2024

The non‐wetting issue of the self‐assembled monolayer (SAM) layer can complicate subsequent perovskite deposition and impact device efficiency. This study addresses this challenge using a dual approach involving co‐self‐assembly and a buffer layer to enhance the wettability and interfacial contact of the buried perovskite film. A weakly acidic boronic acid derivative, 4‐N, N‐dimethylbenzeneboronic acid hydrochloride (4NPBA), is used to co‐self‐assemble with the regular SAM molecule on ITO and the subsequent FAI buffer layer further increased perovskite film coverage to 89%. This dual buried interface strategy—SAM‐4NPBA/FAI—results in a flat and dense perovskite interface. The optimized device demonstrates a high fill factor of 88.35%, a power conversion efficiency of 25.29%, and retains over 99% of its initial efficiency after 500 h of maximum power point testing.
Switchable Camouflage via Reflective Display
Authors: Yuan Shuang , Zhou Jiayu , Meng Qixing , Zhang Rui , Gao Yufei , Liu Minghou , Ye Hong , Long Linshuang
Published: October 2024

In nature, dynamic camouflage is performed by cephalopods and reptiles. Humans attempt to perform dynamic camouflage by employing display devices to show the surrounding background. In this work, a switchable camouflage device based on an electrophoretic display (EPD) is proposed. Color‐filter EPDs display colors by reflecting light through the color filters and black‐and‐white EPDs. The number of subpixels is found to be an important factor on color performance. To improve the poor saturation of color‐filter EPDs, the number of color filter subpixels is reduced. Compared with filters with three and four subpixels, a dual‐subpixel filter proposed in this work significantly improves the average saturation of red, green, and blue colors, with increases of 49% and 112%, respectively. Subsequently, the spectral characteristics of the color filter and black‐and‐white EPD are optimized by using genetic algorithm to reduce the average color difference between the display and the switchable target color, which can be reduced as low as 0.18. To visually demonstrate the color reproduction capability of the dual‐subpixel EPD, sample applications including the switchable vegetation and digital camouflages are designed and have a high degree of agreement with the background. In this work, an innovative and effective approach is introduced to dynamic camouflage.
Absence of Additional Stretching‐Induced Electron Scattering in Highly Conductive Cross‐linked Nanocomposites with Negligible Tunneling Barrier Height and Width
Authors: Muhammed Ajmal C. , Jeong Juyeong , Cheon Seongsu , Majee M. K. , Yang Heejun , Baik Seunghyun
Published: October 2024

The intrinsic resistance of stretchable materials is dependent on strain, following Ohm's law. Here the invariable resistance of highly conductive cross‐linked nanocomposites over 53% strain is reported, where additional electron scattering is absent with stretching. The in situ generated uniformly dispersed small silver nanosatellite particles (diameter = 3.6 nm) realize a short tunneling barrier width of 4.1 nm in cross‐linked silicone rubber matrix. Furthermore, the barrier height can be precisely controlled by the gap state energy level modulation in silicone rubber using cross‐linkers. The negligible barrier height (0.01 eV) and short barrier width, achieved by the silver nanosatellite particles in cross‐linked silicone rubber, dramatically increase the electrical conductivity (51 710 S cm−1) by more than 4 orders of magnitude. The high conductance is also maintained over 53% strain. The quantum tunneling behavior is observed when the barrier height is increased, following the Simmons approximation theory. The transport becomes diffusive, following Ohm's law, when the barrier width is increased beyond 10.3 nm. This study provides a novel strain‐invariant resistance mechanism in highly conductive cross‐linked nanocomposites.
Dexmedetomidine Ameliorates Myocardial Ischemia‐Reperfusion Injury by Inhibiting MDH2 Lactylation via Regulating Metabolic Reprogramming
Authors: She Han , Hu Yi , Zhao Guozhi , Du Yunxia , Wu Yinyu , Chen Wei , Li Yong , Wang Yi , Tan Lei , Zhou Yuanqun , Zheng Jie , Li Qinghui , Yan Hong , Mao Qingxiang , Zuo Deyu , Liu Liangming , Li Tao
Published: October 2024

Myocardial ischemia‐reperfusion injury (MIRI) significantly worsens the outcomes of patients with cardiovascular diseases. Dexmedetomidine (Dex) is recognized for its cardioprotective properties, but the related mechanisms, especially regarding metabolic reprogramming, have not been fully clarified. A total of 60 patients with heart valve disease are randomly assigned to Dex or control group. Blood samples are collected to analyze cardiac injury biomarkers and metabolomics. In vivo and vitro rat models of MIRI are utilized to assess the effects of Dex on cardiac function, lactate production, and mitochondrial function. It is found that postoperative CK‐MB and cTNT levels are significantly lower in the Dex group. Metabolomics reveals that Dex regulates metabolic reprogramming and reduces lactate level. In Dex‐treated rats, the myocardial infarction area is reduced, and myocardial contractility is improved. Dex inhibits glycolysis, reduces lactate, and improves mitochondrial function following MIRI. Lactylation proteomics identifies that Dex reduces the lactylation of Malate Dehydrogenase 2（MDH2), thus alleviating myocardial injury. Further studies reveal that MDH2 lactylation induces ferroptosis, leading to MIRI by impairing mitochondrial function. Mechanistic analyses reveal that Dex upregulates Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 3 Group C Member 1（NR3C1) phosphorylation, downregulates Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Kinase 4 (PDK4), and reduces lactate production and MDH2 lactylation. These findings provide new therapeutic targets and mechanisms for the treatment for MIRI.
V‐Shaped Heterostructure Nanocavities Array with CM and EM Coupled Enhancement for Ultra‐Sensitive SERS Substrate
Authors: Rahim Abdur , Ma Liqi , Saleem Muhammad , Lyu Baiju , Shafi Muhammad , You Yuxin , Li Mingyue , Zhang Xiaoyu , Liu Mei
Published: October 2024

The field of semiconductor surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates has experienced significant advancements, leading to a wide range of applications in several fields. However, the quest for new ultra‐sensitive semiconductor SERS materials is still of utmost importance. In this regard, an efficient and novel substrate, F4TCNQ/MoS2 heterostructure is introduced, assisted by V‐shaped aluminum anodic oxide (AAO) nanocavities with different depths. Utilizing the efficient charge transfer of organic/inorganic semiconducting heterostructure and the photoconfinement capability of the nanocavity structure of the AAO nanotemplate, excellent stability, fast sensing, enhanced Raman, and photodegradation activities are achieved. Due to its unique 3D structure, the optimized F4TCNQ/MoS2/AAO with 1500 nm depth achieves ultra‐high sensitivity detection of 9.0×10−16 M for conventional probe molecules. Furthermore, precise detection of water contaminants is observed for the first time with a V‐shaped heterostructure due to combined organic/inorganic features that differ significantly from conventional MoS2 structures or other metal/inorganic or inorganic/inorganic semiconductors. This research presents a novel and versatile strategy for SERS and demonstrates its diverse potential performance in practical applications.
Reinforcing the Efficiency of Plastic Upgrading through Full‐Spectrum Photothermal Effect Integration of Heat Isolator
Authors: Gong Xueqin , Wang Peng , Yang Shuo , Li Wenbo , Lv Min , Li Bei , Zhang Xiangxiang , Wang Zeyan , Liu Yuanyuan , Wang Peng , Cheng Hefeng , Dai Ying , Huang Baibiao , Zheng Zhaoke
Published: October 2024

Photoreforming of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to H2 is practically attractive strategy for upgrading waste plastics. The major challenge is to utilize the infrared energy in the solar spectrum to improve the efficiency for photoreforming of PET to H2. Herein, through the ingenious integration of tungsten phosphide nanoparticles and tungsten single atoms (WP/W SAs) with carbon nitride (g‐C3N4), the constructed hybrid inherits both the desirable properties and structural merits of the respective building blocks. Specifically, the photothermal effect of WP/W SAs couples with the “heat isolator” role of g‐C3N4 due to its low thermal conductivity, thereby forming localized high‐temperature regions, reducing the activation energy and improving the kinetics in the photoreforming of PET to H2. Additionally, the green pretreatment of PET using alkali‐free hydrothermal strategy is reported, achieving direct separation of the ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. This work not only provides an alkali‐free hydrothermal pretreatment for PET, but also integrates the photothermal effect with the thermal insulation and opens a new avenue for harnessing solar energy into to convert plastics into H2.
In Situ Constructing Robust Interface by Deep Eutectic Polymeric Electrolyte Enables High Performance Lithium Metal Batteries with High‐Loading Cathode
Authors: Fang Zixuan , Zhang Ming , Zhang Zhihao , Li Jitao , Peng Haofeng , Wu Jintian , Zhou Haiping , Xu Ziqiang , Wu Mengqiang
Published: October 2024

The low Li+ transport and poor interface have consistently been two major impediments to practical applications of Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)‐based composite solid‐state electrolytes (PCPE). In this work, a polymerizable deep eutectic electrolyte is meticulously designed with high fluidity which consists of Poly (Ethylene Glycol) Diacrylate (PEGDA), Fluoroethylene Carbonate (FEC), Succinonitrile (SN) and dual salts (LiTFSI/LiDFOB) to promote Li+ transport and ameliorate the interface of PCPE. Inclusion of PEGDA monomers and FEC alters the crystallinity of SN, enhancing the wettability of thick electrode, and formation of polymeric 3D network from polymerization of PEGDA can anchor SN and suppress the side reactions between SN and lithium metal. Consequently, the modified PCPE exhibit an enhanced conductivity of 4.47 × 10−4 S cm−1 with Li‐ion transference number of 0.60, and show an excellent lithium stability. LiCoO2(LCO)/SP‐PCPE/Li batteries with higher loading (3–4.4 V, 6 mg cm−2) can work for over 300 cycles at 0.5 C. Even with an ultra‐high loading of 16 mg cm−2, LCO/SP‐PCPE/Li batteries achieve an excellent cycling performance. This work provides new insights into how to construct a robust interface for solid‐state batteries with high‐loading cathode.
Bridging Zn2+/Ca2+‐Storage Chemistries by Hetero‐Solvation Electrolyte toward High‐Voltage Ca2+‐Based Hybrid Batteries
Authors: Yan Jianping , Wang Bo , Tang Yongchao , Xiong Jiaming , Liu Guigui , Feng Zhenfeng , Qi Jintu , Li Hongqing , Wen Zhipeng , Ye Minghui , Zhang Yufei , Du Wencheng , Liu Xiaoqing , Li Cheng Chao
Published: October 2024

Earth‐rich Ca2+ ions for energy storage can endow batteries with low‐cost and high‐energy merits, yet remain hampered by difficult Ca2+ plating/stripping and (de)intercalation. Herein, by bridging Zn2+/Ca2+‐storage chemistries, a high‐voltage and stable Ca2+‐based hybrid battery (CHB) in a hetero‐solvation electrolyte (HSE) is initially achieved. With a [Ca2+(H2O)(acetonitrile)(CF3SO3)−] hetero‐solvation unit, the HSE not only allows a reversible in situ Zn stripping/plating to circumvent the low‐capacity/high‐potential limitation of non‐stripping/plating‐type anodes for Ca2+ storage but also effectively overcomes kinetics‐sluggish Ca2+ (de)intercalation usually occurring in conventional organic electrolytes. The acetonitrile‐rich water‐lean anode interface synergized by the electrostatic shielding effect of Ca2⁺ ions plays a conducive role in facilitating highly reversible Zn stripping/plating. Moreover, the lubricating/shielding properties of water molecules in the hetero‐solvation unit effectively boost the Ca2+/Zn2+ co‐insertion/extraction into/from the KNiMnPB/G cathode. Consequently, the HSE affords an endurable Zn stripping/plating over 1600 h, endows KNiMnPB/G//Zn battery with a high operating voltage of up to 1.85 V at 0.1 A g−1, and demonstrates decent stability over 400 cycles at 1 A g−1, outperforming most aqueous Ca2+‐based batteries with non‐stripping/plating‐type anodes. This work sheds new light on the development of high‐voltage aqueous CHBs by bridging Zn2+/Ca2+‐storage chemistries, which would boost to pursue other high‐energy multivalent‐ion batteries.
Flexible Supercapacitor Device Based on Laser‐Synthesized Nanographene for Low‐Power Applications
Authors: Awasthi Himanshi , Kumar Pavar Sai , Thundat Thomas , Goel Sanket
Published: October 2024

Laser‐induced graphene (LIG) and laser‐induced reduced graphene oxide (LIrGO) are two relatively recent graphene‐based nanoscale materials suitable for miniaturized flexible supercapacitors. This study employs direct laser engraving techniques to generate patterns on flexible substrates, such as paper and polyamide (PI). This methodology allows fine control over the formed nanographene structures to fabricated LIG and LIrGO supercapacitors. The LIG on PI exhibits a distinctive porous structure and high surface area, adsorption, and transportation of ions. Furthermore, paper‐based LIrGO electrodes are recyclable and are formed in a single step. The morphological study is done using scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. Galvanostatic charge–discharge studies at 0.05 mA cm−2 current density show an areal capacitance of 3.69 mF cm−2 for LIG and 1.61 mF cm−2 for LIrGO. The comparable energy densities for LIG and LIrGO are 0.32 and 0.16 μWh cm−2, respectively. From the calculative analysis of both types, the variation in specific areal capacitance enabling effective is 56.3% from GCD, indicating that the LIG device performs better. Finally, a portable potentiostat is employed to investigate the viability of utilizing supercapacitors to operate self‐powered sensors in a portable and integrable fashion.
An Overview of H2 and CH4 as Environmentally Sustainable Alternative Reductants to C for Chromite Smelting
Authors: Ernst Margaretha Susanna , Du Preez Stephanus Petrus
Published: October 2024

The application of hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4) as gaseous reductants for pure chromite (FeCr2O4) is reviewed in four theoretical approaches. These approaches are evaluated against the conventional process, where the sole reductant is a solid carbon (C) source. The sustainability is measured by gaseous carbon monoxide (CO(g)) formation, determined by the reaction stoichiometry of each theoretical approach. Decreased CO(g) formation is critical for alleviating the adverse environmental impact of ferroalloy production. The prereduction of FeCr2O4 by H2, followed by reduction by CH4 shows the largest decrease in CO(g) formation, i.e., a 75% decrease, compared to the conventional process. Furthermore, the H2‐based prereduction and CH4‐based primary reduction occur at lower temperatures than C‐based reduction, due to kinetic advantages, and thus decrease energy consumption. The overview discusses the environmental impact of substituting C with H2 and CH4 and briefly discusses how it can be implemented in industry.
Flexible Continuum Robot with Variable Stiffness, Shape‐Aware, and Self‐Heating Capabilities
Authors: Zhao Ximing , Su Yilin , Xu Qingzhang , Liu Haohang , Shi Rui , Zhang Meiyang , Hou Xuyan , Wang Youyu
Published: October 2024

Conventional continuum robots have outstanding flexibility and dexterity. However, when the robot needs to interact with the environment, the softness may affect the performance of the robot. Especially in transport tasks, the softness of continuum robots can lead to handling failures and drastic drops in precision. The variable stiffness continuum robot combines the advantages of flexibility and rigidity, which is conducive to expanding the application scenarios of flexible continuum robots. This article proposes a flexible continuum robot that simultaneously realizes variable stiffness, shape‐aware, and self‐heating functions using liquid metal. The low‐temperature phase transition property of liquid metal is utilized to realize the variable stiffness function; the overall stiffness of the robot can reach the range of 18.5–183 N m−1, which can realize a tenfold stiffness gain. The conductivity of liquid metal is utilized to develop the shape‐aware function, and the monitoring accuracy is within 5%. At the same time, this article utilizes the liquid metal's resistive thermal effect to realize heating function, so that the robot no longer needs heating systems such as heating wires and can realize the phase transition by energizing itself. Based on this design, the robot arm can realize the transition between maximum and minimum stiffness within 240 s.
Smart Bioinspired Material‐Based Actuators: Current Challenges and Prospects
Authors: Palacios Alejandro , Chiriatti Léon , Poppinga Simon , Speck Thomas , Le Houérou Vincent
Published: October 2024

This research review discusses several examples of plant movements, either depending on the direction of the triggering stimuli (tropisms) or not (nastic responses), which have served as inspiration to develop smart biomimetic actuators. In addition, it presents an overview of the multiple approaches for the development of autonomous actuators based on synthetic materials, as well as of their advantages and disadvantages, applicability, and limitations. The classification is based on structural and conformational characteristics (mono‐, bi‐, or multimaterial assemblies, their orientation, chemical structures, and geometrical configurations). Additionally, this review presents an alternative formulation and extension of the pioneering Timoshenko's model, which provides an understanding of the underlying mechanical principle of bilayer bending actuation. Finally, upscaled applications of this actuation principle are described, focusing mainly on biomimetic architecture. Attention is given to previously reported real‐life applications based on bio‐based materials and material systems. Furthermore, this review discusses the multiple challenges for synthetic materials when an upscaling perspective is intended. In this sense, key aspects such as time responsiveness and mechanical amplification, in terms of speed, displacement, and load‐bearing capability, are discussed.
Classification of Vaginal Cleanliness Grades through Surface‐Enhanced Raman Spectral Analysis via The Deep‐Learning Variational Autoencoder–Long Short‐Term Memory Model
Authors: Tang Jia‐Wei , Wen Xin‐Ru , Chen Hui‐Min , Chen Jie , Hong Kun‐Hui , Yuan Quan , Usman Muhammad , Wang Liang
Published: October 2024

In this study, it is aimed to establish a novel method based on a deep‐learning‐guided surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) technique to achieve rapid and accurate classification of vaginal cleanliness levels. We proposed a variational autoencoder (VAE) approach to enhance spectral quality, coupled with a deep learning algorithm long short‐term memory (LSTM) neural network to analyze SERS spectra produced by vaginal secretions. The performance of various machine learning (ML) algorithms is assessed using multiple evaluation metrics. Finally, the reliability of the optimal model is tested using blind test data (N = 10/group for each cleanliness level). The data quality of the SERS fingerprints of four types of vaginal secretions is significantly improved after VAE decoding and reconstruction. The signal‐to‐noise ratio of the generated spectra increased from the original 2.58–11.13. Among all algorithms, the VAE–LSTM algorithm demonstrates the best prediction ability and time efficiency. Additionally, blind test datasets yielded an overall accuracy of 85%. In this study, it is concluded that the deep‐learning‐guided SERS technique holds significant potential in rapidly distinguishing between different levels of vaginal cleanliness through human vaginal secretion samples. This contributes to the efficient diagnosis of vaginal cleanliness levels in clinical settings.
Using multi‐component carbon composite as current collector in ultra‐battery
Authors: Aghabararpour Mohammad , Naderi Malek , Jafari Seyed Hassan , Motahari Siamak , Ghazitabar Arash
Published: October 2024

This study introduces a multi‐component composite as a substitute for lead grids in ultra‐battery structures. The presented composite decreases the weight and simultaneously extends the cycle life of the traditional lead‐acid battery. Overall, UBZCP (the sample containing metal oxides and polyaniline), as the best sample, increases the cyclic stability by 3.3 and 1.4 times under high rate partial state of charge (HRPSoC) mode, compared to Native and UB450 samples. Metal oxides predominantly enhance the electrical conductivity of carbon‐based composites due to catalytic effects in the reduction of graphene oxide during heat treatment. Poly aniline shows considerably positive effect of electrochemical performance due to the high pseudo‐capacitive properties, high interaction of lead ions and the nitrogen in the polymer chains and accordingly hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) inhibition. The synergistic effect of polyaniline and metal oxides makes the best performance in the UBZCP sample achieve. Also, the UBZCP sample represented an enhancement of about 1.21 and 1.39 times in battery life and specific capacity under deep discharge mode compared to the Native sample. As a result, the introduced multi‐component composite making a 3D conductive network, facilitates Pb/PbSO4 reaction reversibility, and reduces the lead sulfate crystal size.
Hollow glass microsphere/polybutadiene composites with low dielectric constant and ultralow dielectric loss in high‐frequency
Authors: Ren Ting , Wang Ruikun , Zhang Yang , Nie Shengqiang , Guo Shaoyun , Zhang Xianlong
Published: October 2024

High‐frequency dielectric materials have been widely and rapidly applied in areas such as automotive radar, Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. Currently, the challenge in high‐frequency dielectric materials lies in reducing the dielectric constant (Dk) and dielectric loss (Df) without sacrificing its mechanical properties. This study addresses this challenge by introducing air, as the most common “low dielectric factor,” into the polymer matrix in the form of hollow glass microspheres. Meanwhile, the reactive vinyl groups were also introduced onto the surface of the hollow glass microspheres, enabling an interfacial chemical reaction between the side vinyl groups of polybutadiene and its surface so that the organic–inorganic interface compatibility and interface peel strength are simultaneously improved. Consequently, the minimum Dk of 1.29 and Df of 0.0012 in 3–18 GHz are achieved, and the interface peel strength also reaches 0.65 N/mm. Molecular dynamics simulations, analysis of dielectric properties, and interface peel strength reveal the influence of hollow glass microspheres' morphology and chemical structure on their high‐frequency dielectric performance and adhesive strength. This paper provides effective strategies for the structural design and preparation of high‐frequency, low‐dielectric composites, contributing to the further development of next‐generation microwave communication devices towards higher frequencies and faster information transmission.
Effects of oxidation‐induced aggregation structure transformation of aramid fiber on interfacial adhesion of epoxy resin
Authors: Li Yang , Liu Wei , Ma Jiahao , Lei Jingjing , Wang Ziyi , Yang Le
Published: October 2024

The large‐scale pretreatment and efficient surface activation of aramid fibers (AFs) before composite fabrication remains a major challenge. In this study, we developed a heat treatment–induced surface modification method to change the reactive groups on AFs. Results indicated that the O/C ratio and the number of ester groups on the AFs as well as the surface morphology of the AFs could be flexibly controlled using the heat treatment–induced surface modification method. Furthermore, the surface oxidation mechanism of the AFs changed from point oxidation to surface oxidation during heat treatment. As the heat‐treatment time increased, the crystallinity and tensile strength of the AF monofilament considerably increased. An optimal heat‐treatment time of 30 min was provided considering that long‐time heating (>30 min) would destroy the surface molecular chains. Under this optimal heat‐treatment time, the number of ester groups reached the maximum, which enhanced the reactivity of the AFs in the epoxy resin matrix. The interfacial shear strength between the AFs treated for 30 min and epoxy resin microdroplet increased by 12.64%, reaching as high as 18.17 MPa. Moreover, the contact angle between the AF monofilament and epoxy resin droplet reached a minimum value of 54.7°. Furthermore, the thickness of the interfacial bond layer between the AFs and epoxy resin reached 50–60 nm. These results provide effective theoretical guidance for the large‐scale application of AFs in composite materials.
Imaging‐based profiling for elucidation of antibacterial mechanisms of action
Authors: Baranova Anna A. , Alferova Vera A. , Korshun Vladimir A. , Tyurin Anton P.
Published: October 2024

In this review, we aim to summarize experimental data and approaches to identifying cellular targets or mechanisms of action of antibacterials based on imaging techniques. Imaging‐based profiling methods, such as bacterial cytological profiling, dynamic bacterial morphology imaging, and others, have become a useful research tool for mechanistic studies of new antibiotics as well as combinations with conventional ones and other therapeutic options. The main methodological and experimental details and obtained results are summarized and discussed. The review covers the literature up to February 2024.
Self‐care in prevention of burnout amongst counselling professionals: A systematic literature review
Authors: Turner Malini , Rankine Robynne
Published: October 2024

Aim

This paper sought to examine current application of self‐care to reduction and prevention of burnout amongst counselling professionals.

Materials and Methods

A systematic approach to the literature across CINAHL, EBSCO, PsycInfo, PsycArticles, PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar was conducted, adhering to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome (PICO) and Sample, Phenomenon of Interest, Design, Evaluation and Research type (SPIDER) were applied as strategic tools to paper inclusion. After the completion of selection process, Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) was used to examine the included papers and to narrow the study down to a total of 16 journal articles. Furthermore, thematic analysis revealed two superordinate themes: Factors contributing to burnout with total of five subthemes and actions contributing to self‐care with total of six subthemes.

Results

The factors contributing to burnout had both personal and organisational origin, primarily based on lack of knowledge of burnout symptoms and reduced resources for applied self‐care. Furthermore, access to clinical supervision was not readily available, and self‐care concepts were not adequately implemented within the organisational context.

Conclusion

Despite the extensive research regarding the serious occupational repercussions of burnout amongst counselling professionals, the role of timely and appropriately applied self‐care has not been clearly established. Many counselling professionals were not aware of burnout signs and symptoms while self‐care was seen as optional exercise, applied either minimally or not at all. Holistic education on the effects of cognitive, emotional, physical and spiritual self‐care needs amongst the counselling professionals is necessary in prevention and reduction of burnout and should be further examined.