bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Die Swell in Molten Polymers
Authors: Graessley William W. , Glasscock Steven D. , Crawley Richard L.
Published: July 2002

The capillary flow properties of two commercial samples of polystyrene (Mw/Mn≈2.5–3.0) and three narrow distribution samples (Mw/Mn≈1.1) have been examined. Viscosity and extrudate diameter were measured as functions of temperature, shear rate, capillary diameter, and capillary length. Shear stress was found to be the primary flow variable controlling the swelling ratio (extrudate diameter/capillary diameter); polydispersity was the primary molecular variable. At low shear stresses the swelling ratio in all samples approached a constant value of approximately 1.10, concomitant with the approach of the viscosity to its Newtonian value. At high shear stresses the first normal stress difference, P11−P22, was calculated from the swelling ratio by the momentum balance method of Metzner et al. The values obtained were too small by several orders of magnitude. An alternative approach, in which the increase in diameter at the exit was attributed to stored elastic energy in the fluid, led to normal stresses of the correct magnitude.
A Method for the Determination of Polymer Melt Die Swell
Authors: Han C. D. , Charles M.
Published: July 2002

Methods currently employed to measure polymer melt die swell are critically surveyed. A new photographic technique is discussed and data obtained using it are presented. This data tends to confirm the drawbacks of the older techniques.
Note: Departure from Newtonian Behavior of Molten Poly(ethylene terephthalate)
Authors: Gregory D. R.
Published: July 2002

Departure from Newtonian behavior of molten poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) flowing at steady state in a capillary is shown to occur at a constant shear stress of ∼9.65×105 dynes/cm2. However, the shear rate for departure of PET from Newtonian behavior [γ̇w (departure)] is a function of temperature and molecular weight. An equation for γ̇w (departure) as a function of temperature and molecular weight is derived; γ̇w (departure) increases as melt temperature increases for a given molecular weight and decreases as molecular weight increases for a given temperature. Maximum relaxation times for viscoelastic response of molten PET can be approximated from the reciprocal of γ̇w (departure), at least for the ranges of molecular weight and temperature investigated.
Theory of Interface Distortion in Stratified Two-Phase Flow
Authors: White James L. , Lee Biing-Lin
Published: July 2002

We present an analysis of the variation of interface position during the stratified two-phase flow of two Newtonian fluids (1) between parallel plates and (2) through a circular tube. The analysis, which is based upon Reynolds lubrication theory, predicts that the high viscosity phase pushes into and displaces the low viscosity phase during extrusion. The extension of the analysis to viscoelastic fluids is also considered. The theoretical predictions are in general agreement with experimental studies of interface shape in tubular side-by-side two-phase stratified flow.
A Study on the Interfacial Instability in the Stratified Flow of Two Viscoelastic Fluids Through a Rectangular Duct
Authors: Khan Ashfaq A. , Dae Han Chang
Published: July 2002

A hydrodynamic stability analysis was carried out to better understand the phenomenon of interfacial instability in the stratified flow of two viscoelastic fluids through a rectangular duct, using the Coleman-Noll second-order fluid as a constitutive equation. Because of the complexity of the equations to be dealt with, we considered, instead of a full three-dimensional treatment of the disturbance, the two sets of two-dimensional disturbances, namely (a) disturbances spatially dependent only upon the x1 and x2 coordinates, and (b) disturbances spatially dependent only upon the x2 and x3 coordinates. For each set of disturbances, approximate solutions of the governing system differential equations were obtained by using the perturbation technique. It has been found that the occurrence of interfacial instability in the x1−x2 plane depends only on the viscosity ratio of the two fluids (i.e., independent of the fluid elasticity), whereas the occurrence of interfacial instability in the x1−x2 plane depends on both the viscosity and elasticity ratios of the two fluids concerned. Regions of stability were constructed in terms of the viscosity and elasticity ratios of the two fluids. The stability regions determined may be used for guidance in judiciously choosing the viscosity and elasticity ratios, and the composition ratio of the two fluids flowing side by side in order to avoid an irregular interface.
Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging of flow for a shear-thinning polymer in cylindrical Couette geometry
Authors: Rofe Craig J. , Lambert Rodney K. , Callaghan Paul T.
Published: July 2002

We have developed a small concentric cylinder Couette cell which fits into the 10 mm sample space of a NMR electromagnet. The 2 mm fluid gap provides sufficiently high shear rates to result in shear-thinning behavior in polymer solutions, and the limited sample volume makes possible the study of gram quantities of material. By using Fourier encoding for velocity combined with microimaging to 50 μm resolution, we are able to provide precise and accurate maps of velocity across the cell. Profiles obtained from these maps are fitted using a power-law fluid model to yield the exponent n. For water we obtain 1.0, as expected, while for the polymer solution the effective exponent decreases to around 0.4 as the rotation speed and hence the shear rate, is increased. These data are compared, and found to be consistent with, the results of conventional viscometry using a cone-and-plate geometry.
An instrument for precise measurement of viscoelastic properties of low viscosity dilute macromolecular solutions at frequencies from 20 to 500 kHz
Authors: Stokich Theodore M. , Radtke Douglas R. , White Christopher C. , Schrag John L.
Published: July 2002

A high-frequency torsional rod apparatus (HFTRA) has been developed for measurements of moderately high-frequency viscoelastic properties of dilute, low viscosity polymer solutions. It employs a long cylindrically shaped resonating element driven by an X-cut (torsional mode) quartz piezoelectric crystal. Up to 11 different normal modes are employed, resulting in 11 discrete frequencies, ranging from approximately 20 to 500 kHz. Measurements are made in free decay; a key feature of the apparatus is the method for high precision measurements of damping coefficients and eigenfrequencies. The instrument is suitable for liquids with 0.003P<‖η*‖<5P and η′≥1.33η″. Typically, η′ has a relative uncertainty of ±2% or less, with the relative uncertainty for η″ being about 4% for liquids with η″ greater than 0.01P. Values of η′ obtained in the HFTRA for low viscosity liquids with small η″ show excellent agreement with the known steady flow viscosities. Measurements of the viscoelastic properties of polymer solutions employing the HFTRA and two other instruments capable of higher precision measurements show excellent agreement, demonstrating that the HFTRA is sufficiently precise for dilute-solution viscoelasticity studies; the working frequency range is such that most of the polymer relaxation time spectrum can be probed for many polymer/solvent combinations.
Inequities in Access to Structural Heart Disease Interventions
Authors: Reddy Kriyana Pasham , Eberly Lauren Anne , Nathan Ashwin Senthil
Published: November 2022

This Viewpoint discusses the structural barriers to care that exist for patients of racial and ethnic minoritized and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups and proposes solutions to address the inequities in health care delivery.
Acneiform Eruption Following Elexacaftor-Tezacaftor-Ivacaftor Treatment in Patients With Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Okroglic Léa , Sohier Pierre , Martin Clémence , Lheure Coralie , Franck Nathalie , Honoré Isabelle , Kanaan Reem , Burgel Pierre-Régis , Carlotti Agnès , Dupin Nicolas , Oulès Bénédicte
Published: November 2022

Importance

A new treatment for cystic fibrosis combining 3 CFTR modulators—elexacaftor (ELX), tezacaftor (TEZ), and ivacaftor (IVA)—has recently been approved for cystic fibrosis treatment. The cutaneous adverse effects following treatment with this combination are poorly described in the literature.

Objective

To describe the clinicopathological features and treatment response of ELX-TEZ-IVA–associated acneiform eruptions in patients with cystic fibrosis.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This case series study was conducted in the Dermatology Department of Cochin Hospital, Paris, France, from July 2021 to June 2022 in collaboration with the Cochin Reference Center for Cystic Fibrosis. Referred patients were examined by senior dermatologists. All patients with cystic fibrosis treated with ELX-TEZ-IVA and referred for an acneiform rash were included.

Exposures

Treatment with ELX-TEZ-IVA.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Onset of acneiform rash, type of lesions, and degree of severity, as well as treatments initiated and response, were evaluated. When performed, skin biopsies were reviewed.

Results

This study included 16 patients (11 women [68.7%]) with a median (range) age of 27 (22-38) years. Six patients (37.5%) developed new-onset acneiform rashes, whereas 10 patients (62.5%) had a relapse (5 patients) or worsening (5 patients) of previous acne. The median (range) onset of acneiform rash was 45 (15-150) days. At inclusion, 11 patients (68.7%) had facial hyperseborrhea, 15 patients (93.7%) had noninflammatory lesions, and 14 (87.5%) had inflammatory lesions of seborrheic regions. Four patients (25.0%) had severe acne with deep inflammatory lesions and pitted scars. A specific pathological pattern of necrotizing infundibular crystalline folliculitis was observed in 4 patients. Topical acne treatments, antibiotics, and isotretinoin were used successfully in these patients, resulting in partial or complete remission in 12 patients (85.7% of patients reevaluated).

Conclusions and Relevance

This case series study found that acneiform eruption is an adverse event associated with ELX-TEZ-IVA treatment in patients with cystic fibrosis. Most patients developed mild lesions. However, isotretinoin treatment may be necessary in some patients. The mechanism of ELX-TEZ-IVA–associated acneiform eruption is currently unknown, but the observation of necrotizing infundibular crystalline folliculitis in biopsied patients may guide further exploration.
Clinical Trial Design Challenges and Opportunities for Emerging Treatments for Opioid Use Disorder
Authors: Kiluk Brian D. , Kleykamp Bethea A. , Comer Sandra D. , Griffiths Roland R. , Huhn Andrew S. , Johnson Matthew W. , Kampman Kyle M. , Pravetoni Marco , Preston Kenzie L. , Vandrey Ryan , Bergeria Cecilia L. , Bogenschutz Michael P. , Brown Randall T. , Dunn Kelly E. , Dworkin Robert H. , Finan Patrick H. , Hendricks Peter S. , Houtsmuller Elisabeth J. , Kosten Thomas R. , Lee Dustin C. , Levin Frances R. , McRae-Clark Aimee , Raison Charles L. , Rasmussen Kurt , Turk Dennis C. , Weiss Roger D. , Strain Eric C.
Published: November 2022

Importance

Novel treatments for opioid use disorder (OUD) are needed to address both the ongoing opioid epidemic and long-standing barriers to existing OUD treatments that target the endogenous μ-opioid receptor (MOR) system. The goal of this review is to highlight unique clinical trial design considerations for the study of emerging treatments for OUD that address targets beyond the MOR system. In November 2019, the Analgesic, Anesthetic, and Addiction Clinical Trial Translations, Innovations, Opportunities, and Networks (ACTTION) public-private partnership with the US Food and Drug Administration sponsored a meeting to discuss the current evidence regarding potential treatments for OUD, including cannabinoids, psychedelics, sedative-hypnotics, and immunotherapeutics, such as vaccines.

Observations

Consensus recommendations are presented regarding the most critical elements of trial design for the evaluation of novel OUD treatments, such as: (1) stage of treatment that will be targeted (eg, seeking treatment, early abstinence/detoxification, long-term recovery); (2) role of treatment (adjunctive with or independent of existing OUD treatments); (3) primary outcomes informed by patient preferences that assess opioid use (including changes in patterns of use), treatment retention, and/or global functioning and quality of life; and (4) adverse events, including the potential for opioid-related relapse or overdose, especially if the patient is not simultaneously taking maintenance MOR agonist or antagonist medications.

Conclusions and Relevance

Applying the recommendations provided here as well as considering input from people with lived experience in the design phase will accelerate the development, translation, and uptake of effective and safe therapeutics for individuals struggling with OUD.
In vitro reconstitution of small GTPase regulation
Authors: Loose Martin , Auer Albert , Brognara Gabriel , Budiman Hanifatul Rahmah , Kowalski Lukasz , Matijević Ivana
Published: November 2022

Small GTPases play essential roles in the organization of eukaryotic cells. In recent years, it has become clear that their intracellular functions result from intricate biochemical networks of the GTPase and their regulators that dynamically bind to a membrane surface. Due to the inherent complexities of their interactions, however, revealing the underlying mechanisms of action is often difficult to achieve from in vivo studies. This review summarizes in vitro reconstitution approaches developed to obtain a better mechanistic understanding of how small GTPase activities are regulated in space and time.
Topologically Programmed Graphene Oxide Membranes with Bioinspired Superstructures toward Boosting Osmotic Energy Harvesting
Authors: Liu Sheng‐Hua , Zhang Da , Fang You‐Peng , Liang Zi‐Xuan , Zhao Zheng‐Kun , Chen Xia‐Chao , Yao Juming , Jiang Lei
Published: November 2022

The emergence of lamellar nanofluidic membranes offers feasible routes for developing highly efficient, mechanically robust, and large‐scale devices for osmotic energy harvesting. However, inferior ion permeability associated with their relatively long channels limits ionic flux and restricts their output performance. Herein, a superstructured graphene oxide membrane is developed to allow programmable topological variation in local geometry and contain laminar spaces inside. Such deliberate design offers excess specific area as well as nanofluidic channels to modulate transmembrane ionic transportation while concomitantly retaining similar nanoconfined environment in contrast to planar ones, leading to considerable enhancement of ionic permeability without compromising selectivity. This can be highly favorable in terms of osmotic energy harvesting, where the superstructured membranes offer a power output much higher than those of conventional planar ones. Besides, the superstructure design also endows the resulting membranes with benign biofouling resistance, which can be crucial to their long‐term usage in converting osmotic energy. This study highlights the importance of membrane topographies and presents a general design concept that could be extended to other nanoporous membranes to develop high‐performance nanofluidic devices.
Unconventional Spin State Driven Spontaneous Magnetization in a Praseodymium Iron Antimonide
Authors: Pabst Falk , Palazzese Sabrina , Seewald Felix , Yamamoto Shingo , Gorbunov Denis , Chattopadhyay Sumanta , Herrmannsdörfer Thomas , Ritter Clemens , Finzel Kati , Doert Thomas , Klauss Hans‐Henning , Wosnitza Jochen , Ruck Michael
Published: November 2022

Consolidating a microscopic understanding of magnetic properties is crucial for a rational design of magnetic materials with tailored characteristics. The interplay of 3d and 4f magnetism in rare‐earth transition metal antimonides is an ideal platform to search for such complex behavior. Here the synthesis, crystal growth, structure, and complex magnetic properties are reported of the new compound Pr3Fe3Sb7 as studied by magnetization and electrical transport measurements in static and pulsed magnetic fields up to 56 T, powder neutron diffraction, and Mößbauer spectroscopy. On cooling without external magnetic field, Pr3Fe3Sb7 shows spontaneous magnetization, indicating a symmetry breaking without a compensating domain structure. The Fe substructure exhibits noncollinear ferromagnetic order below the Curie temperature TC ≈ 380 K. Two spin orientations exist, which approximately align along the Fe–Fe bond directions, one parallel to the ab plane and a second one with the moments canting away from the c axis. The Pr substructure orders below 40 K, leading to a spin‐reorientation transition (SRT) of the iron substructure. In low fields, the Fe and Pr magnetic moments order antiparallel to each other, which gives rise to a magnetization antiparallel to the external field. At 1.4 K, the magnetization approaches saturation above 40 T. The compound exhibits metallic resistivity along the c axis, with a small anomaly at the SRT.
Coating versus Doping: Understanding the Enhanced Performance of High‐Voltage Batteries by the Coating of Spinel LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 with Li0.35La0.55TiO3
Authors: Mereacre Valeriu , Stüble Pirmin , Trouillet Vanessa , Ahmed Shamail , Volz Kerstin , Binder Joachim R.
Published: November 2022

Li0.35La0.55TiO3 (LLTO) coated spinel LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (LNMO) as cathode material is fabricated by a new method using hydrogen‐peroxide as activating agent. The structure of the obtained active materials is investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and the electrochemical properties of the prepared cathodes are probed by the charge–discharge studies. The morphology of the coating material on the surface and the degree of coverage of the coated particles is investigated by the SEM, which shows a fully dense and homogeneous coating (thickness ≈ 7 nm, determined by TEM) on the surface of active material. XRD studies of the coated active materials treated at different temperatures (between 300 °C and 1000 °C) reveal expansion or contraction of the unit cell in dependence of the coating concentration and degree of Ti diffusion. It is concluded, that for the LNMO particles calcined at low temperatures, the LLTO coating layer is still intact and protects the active material from the interaction with the electrolyte. However, for the coated particles treated at high temperatures, Ti ions migrate into the structure of LNMO during the modification process between 500 °C and 800 °C, resulting in “naked” and unprotected particles.
Bias‐Free Graphene Solid Cell to Realize the Real‐Time Observation on Dynamical Changes of Electrodes
Authors: Cheong Jun Young , Chang Joon Ha , Choe Jacob , Yuk Jong Min , Kim Il‐Doo
Published: November 2022

To realize the development of high‐performance electrodes materials, real‐time observation tool that can visualize dynamical changes of electrode materials upon lithiation and sodiation is highly critical. Recently, in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has gained much attraction as it provides rich information on both phase and morphological transitions of electrode materials upon lithiation and sodiation in an atomic scale. Nevertheless, two significant limitations are present for current in situ TEM study: i) most of the in situ TEM experiments use a specially designed TEM holder, which is costly and suitable for use in only selective types of TEM; and ii) recently developed in situ TEM techniques with no applied bias have inherent limitations in the size of the sample (difficult for a size above 50 nm). Overcoming these two aforementioned issues, bias‐free graphene solid cells (GSCs) are now introduced, which can conduct real‐time observation of electrode materials in any size dimensions and morphologies without using bias. In this work, dynamical changes of hollow SnO2 nanotubes (NTs) are visualized upon lithiation and sodiation in real time using GSCs, where rich information is obtained on the morphology‐dependent, ion‐dependent characteristics of dynamical changes.
[4]‐Cyclo‐2,7‐Carbazole as Host Material in High‐Efficiency Phosphorescent OLEDs: A New Perspective for Nanohoops in Organic Electronics
Authors: Brouillac Clément , Lucas Fabien , Tondelier Denis , Rault‐Berthelot Joëlle , Lebreton Christophe , Jacques Emmanuel , Quinton Cassandre , Poriel Cyril
Published: November 2022

In the last ten years, the development of π‐conjugated nanohoops has been considerable owing to their remarkable properties. However, to date, their incorporation in organic electronic devices remains very scarce. In this work, the first high‐performance organic electronic device (i.e., phosphorescent organic light‐emitting diode, PhOLED) incorporating a nanohoop ([4]‐cyclo‐N‐butyl‐2,7‐carbazole, [4]C‐Bu‐Cbz) is reported, revealing the potential of nanohoops in electronics. Thus, using the red phosphor Ir(MDQ)2(acac), the [4]C‐Bu‐Cbz‐based PhOLED displays a high external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 17.0%, a current efficiency (CE) of 20.6 cd A−1 and a power efficiency (PE) of 25.8 lm W−1 demonstrating that the charge injection, transport, and recombination are particularly efficient. This performance is significantly higher than that of its linear counterpart, N‐butyl‐2,7‐quartercarbazole ([4]L‐Bu‐Cbz), which presents an EQE of 11.1%, a CE of 13.0 cd A−1 and a PE of 15.7 lm W−1. The significant difference, in terms of device performance, between cyclic and acyclic compounds provides a new basis to construct high‐performance electronic devices. This study, which includes optical, electrochemical, morphological, and charge transport properties, shows that nanohoops can be efficiently used as organic semiconductors in electronics and opens the way to their practical uses in high‐performance optoelectronic devices, which is now the next stage of their evolution.
Modified Spatially Confined Strategy Enabled Mild Growth Kinetics for Facile Growth Management of Atomically‐Thin Tungsten Disulfides
Authors: Wang Qun , Wang Shi , Li Jingyi , Gan Yichen , Jin Mengtian , Shi Run , Amini Abbas , Wang Ning , Cheng Chun
Published: November 2022

Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) has been widely used to produce high quality 2D transitional metal dichalcogenides (2D TMDCs). However, violent evaporation and large diffusivity discrepancy of metal and chalcogen precursors at elevated temperatures often result in poor regulation on X:M molar ratio (M = Mo, W etc.; X = S, Se, and Te), and thus it is rather challenging to achieve the desired products of 2D TMDCs. Here, a modified spatially confined strategy (MSCS) is utilized to suppress the rising S vapor concentration between two aspectant substrates, upon which the lateral/vertical growth of 2D WS2 can be selectively regulated via proper S:W zones correspond to greatly broadened time/growth windows. An S:W‐time (SW‐T) growth diagram was thus proposed as a mapping guide for the general understanding of CVD growth of 2D WS2 and the design of growth routes for the desired 2D WS2. Consequently, a comprehensive growth management of atomically thin WS2 is achieved, including the versatile controls of domain size, layer number, and lateral/vertical heterostructures (MoS2‐WS2). The lateral heterostructures show an enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction performance. This study advances the substantial understanding to the growth kinetics and provides an effective MSCS protocol for growth design and management of 2D TMDCs.
Multiwavelength Color Switching from Polyaniline‐Viologen Bilayer: Inching toward Versatile All‐Organic Flexible Electrochromic Device
Authors: Ghosh Tanushree , Kandpal Suchita , Rani Chanchal , Bansal Love , Tanwar Manushree , Kumar, Rajesh
Published: November 2022

Search for a versatile flexible all‐organic liquid electrolyte‐less solid–state electrochromic device continues. In this quest, a polyaniline‐Viologen‐(PANI‐EV)‐based electrochromic device has been reported and designed based on the complementary redox behavior and easy processibility. Electrochromic electrodes are first individually characterized before the device fabrication, to check their compatibility. The polyaniline electrode is electrodeposited and characterized using scanning electron microscopy and Raman techniques followed by bias dependent absorbance measurements to understand its color switching capabilities. In situ kinematics are performed on the finished solid–state device and electrochromic performance have been measured. An improved electrochromic performance can be observed as evident from <1 s switching time while switching with a color contrast of ≈75% and good cycle life. The device displays switching in visible, as well as IR and NIR regions with an application of bias as low as 1.5 V. In addition to the multiple wavelength switching, a device has also been fabricated on a plastic electrode to demonstrate all‐organic flexible liquid electrolyte less solid–state versatile electrochromic device.
Reconfiguration toward Self‐Assembled Monolayer Passivation for High‐Performance Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Chen Zijing , Li Yiming , Liu Zhenghao , Shi Jiangjian , Yu Bingcheng , Tan Shan , Cui Yuqi , Tan Chengyu , Tian Fubo , Wu Huijue , Luo Yanhong , Li Dongmei , Meng Qingbo
Published: November 2022

Self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) with unique ordered structures and varied anchoring groups have emerged as an excellent interfacial strategy for perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, 3‐carboxypropyl‐triphenyl phosphonium bromide with the participation of the fullerene derivative [6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid (PCBA) as functionalized C‐PCBA SAM, is introduced to stably modify the TiO2/perovskite interface. In the meantime, with strong fullerene cage–iodide interaction, ordered C‐PCBA SAM can passivate interfacial defects and improve the electron transportation. A high efficiency of 24.8% and stabilized power output of 23.9%, are achieved with negligible hysteresis, which is among the best performances for TiO2 planar PSCs. This modified cell also exhibits significantly improved stabilities under different testing conditions; non‐encapsulated devices can maintain 95% of initial efficiency after 1000 h thermal stability testing at 85 °C and 85% after 700 h continuous illumination (≈100 mW cm−2) and maximum‐power‐point tracking. This work provides valuable inspiration for developing highly efficient and stable PSCs by using a convenient SAM reconfiguration strategy.
Hybrid Polymer Electrolyte Encased Cathode Particles Interface‐Based Core–Shell Structure for High‐Performance Room Temperature All‐Solid‐State Batteries
Authors: Pazhaniswamy Sivaraj , Joshi Sagar A. , Hou Haoqing , Parameswaran Abhilash Karuthedath , Agarwal Seema
Published: November 2022

A smooth interfacial contact between electrode and electrolyte, alleviation of dendrite formation, low internal resistance, and preparation of thin electrolyte (<20 µm) are the key challenging tasks in the practical application of Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO)‐based solid‐state batteries (SSBs). This paper develops a unique strategy to reduce interfacial resistance by designing an interface‐based core–shell structure via direct integration of Al‐LLZO ceramic nanofibers incorporated poly(vinylidene fluoride)/LiTFSI on the surface of a porous cathode electrode (HPEIC). This yields an ultrathin solid polymer electrolyte with a thickness of 7 µm. The integrated HPEIC/Li SSB with LiFePO4/C exhibits an initial specific capacity of 166 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and 159 mAh g−1 with capacity retention of 100% after 120 cycles at 0.5 C (25 °C). The HPEIC/Li SSB with LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 cathode delivers a good discharge capacity of 134 mAh g−1 after 120 cycles at 0.5 C. The rational design of interface‐based core–shell structure outperforms the conventional assembly of solid‐state cells using free‐standing solid electrolytes in specific capacity, internal resistance, and rate performance. The proposed strategy is simple, cost‐effective, robust, and scalable manufacturing, which is essential for the practical applicability of SSBs.
Intercalation of Ammonium Cationic Ligands Enabled Grain Surface Passivation in Sequential‐Deposited Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Lee Hock Beng , Kumar Neetesh , Cho Sinyoung , Hong Seungyeon , Lee Hyun Hwi , Kim Hyo Jung , Lee Jong-Soo , Kang Jae-Wook
Published: November 2022

Solution‐processed formamidinium lead iodide (FAPbI3) perovskite typically contains a high number of ionic defects that are intrinsically formed during film formation. To reduce the defects, postsynthetic surface passivation treatment is widely practiced. However, the practicality of the surface passivation approach is limited by the poor coverage and incomplete adsorption of passivators into the defective sites. Unprecedentedly, the use of 4‐(trifluoromethyl)benzylammonium iodide (CF3BZAI) is demonstrated as a novel passivator additive for sequentially deposited perovskite films. Due to its unique molecular structure and trifluoromethyl (–CF3) moiety, CF3BZAI is expected to have enhanced adsorption with defect sites during the film formation. Owing to grain surface passivation, the CF3BZAI‐intercalated FAPbI3 (target) film has enhanced morphology and crystallinity as well as significantly fewer defects than the normal FAPbI3 film. Interestingly, the intercalation of CF3BZAI passivators does not lead to the formation of a low‐dimensional perovskite phase in FAPbI3 films. The best perovskite solar cell (PSC) device based on the target film achieves a maximum efficiency of ≈22.4%, which is much higher than the efficiency (≈20.7%) of the normal device. CF3BZAI‐assisted grain surface passivation is a facile yet effective strategy to enhance the performance and stability of FAPbI3‐based PSCs.
Extreme climatic events and human biology and health: A primer and opportunities for future research
Authors: Rosinger Asher Y.
Published: November 2022

Extreme climatic events are increasing in frequency, leading to hotter temperatures, flooding, droughts, severe storms, and rising oceans. This special issue brings together a collection of seven articles that describe the impacts of extreme climatic events on a diverse set of human biology and health outcomes. The first two articles cover extreme temperatures extending from extreme heat to cold and changes in winter weather and the respective implications for adverse health events, human environmental limits, well‐being, and human adaptability. Next, two articles cover the effects of exposures to extreme storms through an examination of hurricanes and cyclones on stress and birth outcomes. The following two articles describe the effects of extreme flooding events on livelihoods, nutrition, water and food insecurity, diarrheal and respiratory health, and stress. The last article examines the effects of drought on diet and food insecurity. Following a brief review of each extreme climatic event and articles covered in this special issue, I discuss future research opportunities–highlighting domains of climate change and specific research questions that are ripe for biological anthropologists to investigate. I close with a description of interdisciplinary methods to assess climate exposures and human biology outcomes to aid the investigation of the defining question of our time – how climate change will affect human biology and health. Ultimately, climate change is a water, food, and health problem. Human biologists offer a unique perspective for a combination of theoretical, methodological, and applied reasons and thus are in a prime position to contribute to this critical research agenda.
Determination of the quality and purity characteristics of olive oils obtained from different regions of Turkey, depending on climatic changes
Authors: Sevim Didar , Köseoğlu Oya , Özdemir Durmuş , Hakan Mehmet , Büyükgök Elif B. , Uslu Hatice , Dursun Özgür , Savran M. Kerem , Eralp Önder , Kaptan Serkan , Köktürk Halil , Asker Özlem , Pazarlı Sibel , Ayaztek Melike , Akbaş Nurdan , Yalçın Serkan , Topdemir Pınar Çakır
Published: November 2022

Virgin olive oils (VOOs) obtained from olives grown in different regions of Turkey under changing climatic conditions sometimes show different sensory and chemical properties. This study was planned to determine whether these deviations are due to climatic changes or not. For this purpose, five different olive varieties (Ayvalık, Memecik, Gemlik, Nizip Yağlık, Kilis Yağlık) of commercial importance were harvested from the provinces/districts (four different region) where cultivation is intense during the 2017/2018–2020/2021 harvest years. Every year, olive samples were collected from 3 orchards from 13 provinces/districts. One hundred and fifty‐six samples were subjected to the purity, quality and sensory analysis. Basic climatic values (average, minimum and maximum temperature, humidity and precipitation) were examined for four consecutive years. All of the examined olive oil samples were determined within the legal limits in terms of fatty acid composition and fatty acid ethyl ester values. However, delta‐7‐stigmastenol value from the sterol composition was found to be above 0.5% in some samples in all the years studied (total 21 samples). Delta‐7‐stigmastenol values of olive oil samples varied between 0.16% and 1.14%. Multiple linear regression analysis was applied using a genetic algorithm‐based inverse least squares method to determine whether there is a relationship between climate data and delta‐7‐stigmastenol values. According to this result, it has been determined that the delta‐7‐stigmastenol value is high when the annual average relative humidity is low and the annual average temperature is high. There is an urgent need to make forward‐looking plans due to climate change.
Forest conversion adversely affects native Macrobrachium shrimp assemblages in tropical Malaysian streams
Authors: Gan Lydia X. , Tan Claudia L. Y. , Ahmad Amirrudin B. , Cai Yixiong , Yeo Darren C. J.
Published: November 2022

Commodity‐driven forest conversion represents one of the most severe threats to freshwater biodiversity in Southeast Asia, notably causing population declines and the extinction of freshwater fish species.

Although a variety of freshwater taxa are likely to be adversely affected by forest conversion, little is known about the impact on ecologically and economically important invertebrates such as decapod crustaceans.

This study evaluated the impact of forest conversion and land‐use change on freshwater Macrobrachium shrimp species, using species richness, abundance, and environmental data collected from 20 streams across southern Peninsular Malaysia. Streams were located in three types of landscape: forest; oil palm plantation; and mixed land use, comprising young secondary forest, small‐scale plantations, patches of open and sparsely vegetated areas, and agricultural fields and clearings.

Generalized linear models showed that even incomplete change from forest habitats to mixed land use and oil palm plantation resulted in significantly lower Macrobrachium native species richness and higher non‐native species abundance. Native species richness was positively correlated with canopy cover, leaf litter, substrate size, and dissolved oxygen, and was negatively correlated with water temperature and conductivity. Native species richness was also negatively correlated with non‐native species abundance, with non‐native species abundance increasing along the human disturbance gradient.

These results highlight the need for riparian habitat protection to conserve native Macrobrachium and limit the spread of non‐native species. A management priority should be to maintain or restore optimum instream habitat conditions for shrimps, which would also benefit fish and other benthic macroinvertebrates. Suitable riparian management requires substantial support and funding from multiple stakeholders, but it can be aligned with other catchment‐based strategies to optimize the use of limited resources available for freshwater biodiversity conservation.
What makes us more susceptible to false memories in the era of COVID‐19? A focus on vaccines and Green Pass
Authors: Scuotto Chiara , Ilardi Ciro Rosario , Maggi Gianpaolo , Ilardi Alfonso , Gamboz Nadia , Staiano Maria , Borrelli Giovanni , La Marra Marco , Perrella Raffaella
Published: November 2022

Introduction

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic was accompanied by an overabundance of fake news increasing the risk of developing false memories (FMs). Previous studies have shown that the relationship between fake news and FMs could be mediated by some individual variables, including attitudinal biases. We explored the role of these variables in true memories (TMs) and FMs formation, with special emphasis on vaccine‐ and Green Pass (GP)‐related topics.

Method

We set up a large online survey exploring several constructs including media usage, attitude toward vaccines and GP, perceived (PK) and objective knowledge (OK) about COVID‐19‐related information, fear of the disease, depression and anxiety symptoms, coping mechanisms, and reasoning skills. Then, we asked participants whether they remembered certain news (true or fake), providing confidence ratings.

Results

Data from 289 respondents (198 females) from the general population were analyzed. Participants with positive attitude reported a greater fear that their loved ones contracted the COVID‐19, a more frequent use of traditional media, and a higher PK when compared with respondents with negative attitude. On the whole sample, participants reported higher confidence levels when required to judge their memory of true than fake news; however, participants with positive attitude reported a higher confidence for both true and fake news. The relationship between attitude and TM confidence was mediated by the PK, whereas the relationship between attitude and FM confidence was probably affected by OK.

Conclusion

Attitude can modulate individual behaviors in the context of health issues. The PK and OK may interact with attitude in the memory formation.
Megakaryocyte membrane‐wrapped nanoparticles for targeted cargo delivery to hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells
Authors: Das Samik , Harris Jenna C. , Winter Erica J. , Kao Chen‐Yuan , Day Emily S. , Papoutsakis Eleftherios Terry
Published: November 2022

Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) are desirable targets for gene therapy but are notoriously difficult to target and transfect. Existing viral vector‐based delivery methods are not effective in HSPCs due to their cytotoxicity, limited HSPC uptake and lack of target specificity (tropism). Poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) are attractive, nontoxic carriers that can encapsulate various cargo and enable its controlled release. To engineer PLGA NP tropism for HSPCs, megakaryocyte (Mk) membranes, which possess HSPC‐targeting moieties, were extracted and wrapped around PLGA NPs, producing MkNPs. In vitro, fluorophore‐labeled MkNPs are internalized by HSPCs within 24 h and were selectively taken up by HSPCs versus other physiologically related cell types. Using membranes from megakaryoblastic CHRF‐288 cells containing the same HSPC‐targeting moieties as Mks, CHRF‐wrapped NPs (CHNPs) loaded with small interfering RNA facilitated efficient RNA interference upon delivery to HSPCs in vitro. HSPC targeting was conserved in vivo, as poly(ethylene glycol)–PLGA NPs wrapped in CHRF membranes specifically targeted and were taken up by murine bone marrow HSPCs following intravenous administration. These findings suggest that MkNPs and CHNPs are effective and promising vehicles for targeted cargo delivery to HSPCs.
From Molecules to Heat‐Integrated Processes: Computer‐Aided Design of Solvents and Processes Using Quantum Chemistry
Authors: Fleitmann Lorenz , Gertig Christoph , Scheffczyk Jan , Schilling Johannes , Leonhard Kai , Bardow André
Published: November 2022

Solvents are key to many chemical and energy conversion processes. Solvents should be selected as part of process design, optimizing a process‐level objective to account for the interactions between molecular properties and process performance. In this paper, we integrate the computer‐aided molecular design of solvents with the design of heat‐integrated processes for minimum utility demand. The process flowsheet is represented by thermodynamically accurate shortcut process models, encompassing the most common unit operations: extraction, distillation, absorption, and multiphase reaction. For each candidate solvent, we optimize the process considering heat integration and design solvents based on their process performance. All thermodynamic properties are predicted using quantum chemistry. The method is applied to two case studies: extraction‐distillation and integrated carbon capture and utilization. In both studies, designed solvents improve process performance compared to literature benchmarks, where simpler heuristics lead to suboptimal choices. Thus, the results highlight the importance of integrating molecular and process design to achieve maximum process performance.
Meta‐analysis and review of cannabinoids extraction and purification techniques
Authors: Song Yu‐Xiang , Furtos Alexandra , Fuoco Domenico , Boumghar Yacine , Patience Gregory S.
Published: November 2022

Projected revenues of cannabis concentrates and extracts in Canada will reach 5 billion dollars, of which infused products will account for half of the total. The pharmacologically active cannabinoids accumulate in the crop's flowers, accounting for as much as 30% of their dry mass, and are absent from the rest of the plant's body. To achieve a cost effective drug formulation requires optimizing cannabis processing techniques. Here, we review the pre‐treatment of Cannabis sativa L., its solvent extraction, and the isolation of its active metabolites. We describe traditional extraction processes such as maceration and percolation with organic solvents, but focus on recent green solvent and methods including supercritical fluid extraction (SCFE) and microwave‐ and ultrasound‐enhanced techniques. Furthermore, we report the decarboxylation kinetics to convert tetrahydrocannabinolic acid and cannabidiolic acid and purification‐isolation techniques to satisfy regulatory and consumer requirements. Cannabinoids decarboxylate in 10–60 min at 100–150°C. Ethanol and petroleum ether recover up to 90% of the neutral cannabinoids from plant inflorescences, but the crude extracts require further refining as the purity is less than 50%. Propane and butane compressed gas extraction facilitate solvent removal but introduce safety hazards related to flammability. SCFE is the safest solvent‐free extraction method with improved terpenoid recovery and purity. Academic and commercial interest in the field is expected to accelerate in the next decade due to recent changes in regulatory schemes across North America, which will reduce legal and stigmatic barriers to research.
Data‐driven modelling methods in sintering process: Current research status and perspectives
Authors: Yan Feng , Zhang Xinmin , Yang Chunjie , Hu Bing , Qian Weidong , Song Zhihuan
Published: November 2022

The sintering process, as a primary modus of the blast furnace ironmaking industry, has enormous economic value and environmental protection significance for the iron and steel enterprises. Recently, with the emergence of artificial intelligence and big data, data‐driven modelling methods in the sintering process have increasingly received the researchers' attention. But now, there is still no systematic review of the data‐driven modelling approaches in the sintering process. Therefore, in this article, we conduct a comprehensive overview and prospects on the data‐driven models for the purpose of intelligent sintering. First, the mechanism and characteristics of the sintering process are introduced and analyzed elaborately. Second, the detailed research status of the sintering process is illustrated from four aspects: key parameters prediction, control, optimization, and others. Finally, several challenges and promising modelling methods such as deep learning in the sintering process are outlined and discussed for future research.
Safety and efficacy of cryoablation for atrial fibrillation in young patients: A multicenter experience in the 1STOP project
Authors: Bertaglia Emanuele , Iacopino Saverio , Verlato Roberto , Arena Giuseppe , Pieragnoli Paolo , Tondo Claudio , Molon Giulio , Manfrin Massimiliano , Perego Giovanni B. , Rovaris Giovanni , Rivezzi Francesco , Mantica Massimo , Startari Umberto , Sciarra Luigi
Published: November 2022

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an uncommon arrhythmia in young adults without structural heart disease, and cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation (CB‐PVI) is an important therapeutic strategy for rhythm control in patients with drug‐refractory AF. The aim of this analysis was to evaluate efficacy and safety of CB‐PVI in a large cohort of young patients in comparison with middle‐aged adults in a real‐world setting.

Methods

From 2012 to 2020, a total of 3033 patients with AF underwent CB‐PVI and were followed prospectively in the framework of the 1STOP Clinical Service project, involving 34 Italian centers. Out of 3033 total 1STOP project subjects, a subgroup of 1318 patients were defined which included a YOUNG group (age ≤ 45 years; n = 368) and a MIDDLE‐AGED group (age 60–65 years; n = 950).

Results

The acute success rate of PVI did not differ between the two cohorts (99.9 ± 1.3% vs. 99.8 ± 3.2%, p = 0.415). There was no difference in procedural characteristics, and periprocedural complication rates were similar among the two cohort (1.9% vs. 2.3%, p = 0.646). The 12‐month freedom from AF recurrence was 88.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 84.7–92.0) in the YOUNG cohort and 85.6% (95% CI: 82.9–88.0) in the MIDDLE‐AGED group. At 36‐month follow‐up, freedom from AF recurrence was 72.4% (65.5%–78.2%) and 71.8% (67.7%–75.6%), respectively with no significant difference among groups (p = 0.550).

Conclusion

CB‐PVI had similar efficacy and safety in YOUNG and MIDDLE‐AGED patients. Younger age did not affect acute procedural results, complication rate, or AF recurrence after a single procedure.