bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reactive Hydride Composite Confined in a Polymer Matrix: New Insights into the Desorption and Absorption of Hydrogen in a Storage Material with High Cycling Stability
Authors: Abetz Clarissa , Georgopanos Prokopios , Pistidda Claudio , Klassen Thomas , Abetz Volker
Published: January 2022

Hydrogen is key to the transformation of today's energy technology toward a sustainable future without carbon dioxide emissions. Hydrogen can be produced from water using renewable or sustainable energy sources such as solar or wind power. It can buffer fluctuations between energy generation and use in all energy sectors, stationary heat, and power, as well as mobility. Safe, fast, and easy to handle solutions for storing and releasing hydrogen are essential for the implementation of hydrogen technology. Among the storage alternatives, metal hydride materials represent a safe and efficient option. For the first time, detailed investigations of the local chemical changes in a confined hydrogen storage material before and after 21 hydrogen‐unloading and loading cycles are reported. The system is based on micrometer‐sized reactive hydride composite (RHC) particles, namely 6Mg(NH2)2 + 9LiH + 1LiBH4, dispersed in a matrix of poly(4‐methyl‐1‐pentene) (TPXTM). The morphological stability of the confined RHC particles during the reversible and almost complete reaction with hydrogen is visualized in detail, explaining the excellent long‐term cycling stability.
Highly Sensitive UV–Vis‐to‐Near‐Infrared Organic Photodetectors Employing ZnO: Polyethylenimine Ethoxylated Composite as Hole‐Blocking Layer
Authors: Li Jingwen , Liu Guanghong , Liu Wansheng , Si Yichuan , Deng Wanyuan , Wu Hongbin
Published: January 2022

Significantly suppressed leakage current and reduced shot noise in organic photodetectors (OPDs) are achieved by employing charge blocking layers, which have led to tremendous advances in highly sensitive devices with photoresponse covering from the ultraviolet to near‐infrared regions. However, trap‐assisted charge carrier injection through tunneling can significantly contribute to the sources of leakage current upon the use of charge blocking layers. Herein, it is shown that leakage current in organic photodetectors can be effectively reduced to an intrinsic lower limit by using a composite hole blocking layer (HBL) that consists of zinc oxide (ZnO) blended with different weight concentration of polymer polyethylenimine ethoxylated (PEIE). The best device shows an ultralow dark current density down to 0.18 nA cm−2, which translates to high specific detectivity (D*) over 1 × 1013 Jones in broad response range from 340 to 1100 nm (with peak value of 4.2 × 1013 Jones at 940 nm and 3.5 × 1013 Jones at 1050 nm), approaching to the intrinsic dark current‐limited detectivity value. It is found that the incorporated N atoms fill the deficient site of oxygen in ZnO, thus giving rise to the reduced proportion of emission via defects.
Dual‐Beam Leaky‐Wave Radiations with Independent Controls of Amplitude, Angle, and Polarization Based on SSPP Waveguide
Authors: Cheng Zhang Wen , Ma Hui Feng , Wang Meng , Cui Tie Jun
Published: January 2022

New dual‐beam leaky‐wave radiations based on spoof surface plasmon polariton (SSPP) waveguide, in which the amplitude, radiation, angle and polarization of each beam can be designed independently, is proposed. The proposed SSPP waveguide is made of a corrugated metallic strip with bilateral 45°‐tilted grooves, whose surface impedance is flexibly designed by changing the depth of grooves. To realize dual‐beam leaky‐wave radiations, the surface impedance of SSPP waveguide is modulated periodically based on the superposition theory of aperture fields. By simply adjusting the modulation factors, modulation periods, and initial phase differences of the modulated surface impedance, the amplitude, radiation angle, and polarization of each beam can be further controlled independently as well. The results have been validated by both numerical simulations and experimental measurements, which show good agreement with the theoretical predictions.
A 1625 nm Q‐Switched All‐Fiber Laser
Authors: Cheng Huihui , Huang Xiaoyi , Jiang Min , Yang Jiahua , Lin Liting , Li Ting , Cai Zhiping , Zhou Shifeng
Published: January 2022

A Q‐switched all‐fiber Er‐doped laser operated at a wavelength up to 1625 nm is proposed and demonstrated. A self‐developed, element hybridization (Al, Ge, La, P, and Er in the core, Si and P in the cladding region) glass fiber with gain extended to U‐band is employed as gain medium. The compact laser cavity contains a fiber Bragg grating which was manufactured by means of point‐by‐point femtosecond laser inscription technique. Stable Q‐switched laser pulse train is successfully achieved using a semiconductor saturable absorber mirror at a low pump threshold of 29 mW. The laser has a maximum single pulse energy of 746 nJ and a minimum pulse duration of 26.8 μs. The pulse repetition rate can be gradually tuned from 6.47 to 11.87 kHz by increasing the pump power. In particular, the laser wavelength of the Q‐switched all‐fiber laser can be as long as 1625 nm. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the longest wavelength for the Q‐switched Er‐doped fiber lasers at this waveband.
Optical Janus Effect in Large Area Multilayer Plasmonic Films
Authors: Priscilla Niken , Smith Dan , Della Gaspera Enrico , Song Jingchao , Wesemann Lukas , James Timothy , Roberts Ann
Published: January 2022

Plasmonic and other nanoparticles have attracted considerable interest for their role in structural coloration. The optical “Janus” effect, where the color of light reflected from a partially transmitting film depends on whether the device is viewed from the substrate or the coating side, is observed using a variety of nanostructured films. Herein, the optical Janus effect produced by homogeneous thin‐film structures comprising only four layers of three different materials with a total thickness less than is demonstrated. An asymmetric Fabry–Perot (FP) nanocavity is formed with a dielectric film bounded by two different metal films of nanoscale thickness. The semitransparent device has a transmitted color that is independent of the viewing direction. A broad color palette is available through the selection of various thicknesses and film materials. In addition to the directional optical effect, the device possesses iridescence properties and can generate images by selective removal of regions of one of the metallic films using simple photolithography. From a manufacturing perspective, this device is scalable and holds significant promise for applications in architecture, producing decorative features, and the development of overt and covert security features.
High‐Refractive‐Index Chip with Periodically Fine‐Tuning Gratings for Tunable Virtual‐Wavevector Spatial Frequency Shift Universal Super‐Resolution Imaging
Authors: Tang Mingwei , Han Yubing , Ye Dehao , Zhang Qianwei , Pang Chenlei , Liu Xiaowei , Shen Weidong , Ma Yaoguang , Kaminski Clemens F. , Liu Xu , Yang Qing
Published: January 2022

Continued research in fields such as materials science and biomedicine requires the development of a super‐resolution imaging technique with a large field of view (FOV) and deep subwavelength resolution that is compatible with both fluorescent and nonfluorescent samples. Existing on‐chip super‐resolution methods exclusively focus on either fluorescent or nonfluorescent imaging, and, as such, there is an urgent requirement for a more general technique that is capable of both modes of imaging. In this study, to realize labeled and label‐free super‐resolution imaging on a single scalable photonic chip, a universal super‐resolution imaging method based on the tunable virtual‐wavevector spatial frequency shift (TVSFS) principle is introduced. Using this principle, imaging resolution can be improved more than threefold over the diffraction limit of a linear optical system. Here, diffractive units are fabricated on the chip's surface to provide wavevector‐variable evanescent wave illumination, enabling tunable spatial frequency shifts in the Fourier space. A large FOV and resolutions of λ/4.7 and λ/7.1 were achieved for label‐free and fluorescently labeled samples using a gallium phosphide (GaP) chip. With its large FOV, compatibility with different imaging modes, and monolithic integration, the proposed TVSFS chip may advance fields such as cell engineering, precision industry inspection, and chemical research.
Crystal Growth Promotion and Defects Healing Enable Minimum Open‐Circuit Voltage Deficit in Antimony Selenide Solar Cells
Authors: Liang Guangxing , Chen Mingdong , Ishaq Muhammad , Li Xinru , Tang Rong , Zheng Zhuanghao , Su Zhenghua , Fan Ping , Zhang Xianghua , Chen Shuo
Published: January 2022

Antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) is an ideal photovoltaic candidate profiting from its advantageous material characteristics and superior optoelectronic properties, and has gained considerable development in recent years. However, the further device efficiency breakthrough is largely plagued by severe open‐circuit voltage (VOC) deficit under the existence of multiple defect states and detrimental recombination loss. In this work, an effective absorber layer growth engineering involved with vapor transport deposition and post‐selenization is developed to grow Sb2Se3 thin films. High‐quality Sb2Se3 with large compact crystal grains, benign [hk1] growth orientation, stoichiometric chemical composition, and suitable direct bandgap are successfully fulfilled under an optimized post‐selenization scenario. Planar Sb2Se3 thin‐film solar cells with substrate configuration of Mo/Sb2Se3/CdS/ITO/Ag are constructed. By contrast, such engineering effort can remarkably mitigate the device VOC deficit, owing to the healed detrimental defects, the suppressed interface and space‐charge region recombination, the prolonged carrier lifetime, and the enhanced charge transport. Accordingly, a minimum VOC deficit of 0.647 V contributes to a record VOC of 0.513 V, a champion device with highly interesting efficiency of 7.40% is also comparable to those state‐of‐the‐art Sb2Se3 solar cells, paving a bright avenue to broaden its scope of photovoltaic applications.
DEPDC1B Promotes Melanoma Angiogenesis and Metastasis through Sequestration of Ubiquitin Ligase CDC16 to Stabilize Secreted SCUBE3
Authors: Hu Feng , Fong Ki On , Cheung May Pui Lai , Liu Jessica Aijia , Liang Rui , Li Tsz Wai , Sharma Rakesh , IP Philip Pun‐Ching , Yang Xintao , Cheung Martin
Published: January 2022

The ability of melanoma to acquire metastasis through the induction of angiogenesis is one of the major causes of skin cancer death. Here, it is found that high transcript levels of DEP domain containing 1B (DEPDC1B) in cutaneous melanomas are significantly associated with a poor prognosis. Tissue microarray analysis indicates that DEPDC1B expression is positively correlated with SOX10 in the different stages of melanoma. Consistently, DEPDC1B is both required and sufficient for melanoma growth, metastasis, angiogenesis, and functions as a direct downstream target of SOX10 to partly mediate its oncogenic activity. In contrast to other tumor types, the DEPDC1B‐mediated enhancement of melanoma metastatic potential is not dependent on the activities of RHO GTPase signaling and canonical Wnt signaling, but is acquired through secretion of signal peptide, CUB domain and EGF like domain containing 3 (SCUBE3), which is crucial for promoting angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, DEPDC1B regulates SCUBE3 protein stability through the competitive association with ubiquitin ligase cell division cycle 16 (CDC16) to prevent SCUBE3 from undergoing degradation via the ubiquitin‐proteasome pathway. Importantly, expression of SOX10, DEPDC1B, and SCUBE3 are positively correlated with microvessel density in the advanced stage of melanomas. In conclusion, it is revealed that a SOX10‐DEPDC1B‐SCUBE3 regulatory axis promotes melanoma angiogenesis and metastasis, which suggests that targeting secreted SCUBE3 can be a therapeutic strategy against metastatic melanoma.
Nanophysical Antimicrobial Strategies: A Rational Deployment of Nanomaterials and Physical Stimulations in Combating Bacterial Infections
Authors: Jia Bingqing , Du Xuancheng , Wang Weijie , Qu Yuanyuan , Liu Xiangdong , Zhao Mingwen , Li Weifeng , Li Yong‐Qiang
Published: January 2022

The emergence of bacterial resistance due to the evolution of microbes under antibiotic selection pressure, and their ability to form biofilm, has necessitated the development of alternative antimicrobial therapeutics. Physical stimulation, as a powerful antimicrobial method to disrupt microbial structure, has been widely used in food and industrial sterilization. With advances in nanotechnology, nanophysical antimicrobial strategies (NPAS) have provided unprecedented opportunities to treat antibiotic‐resistant infections, via a combination of nanomaterials and physical stimulations. In this review, NPAS are categorized according to the modes of their physical stimulation, which include mechanical, optical, magnetic, acoustic, and electrical signals. The biomedical applications of NPAS in combating bacterial infections are systematically introduced, with a focus on their design and antimicrobial mechanisms. Current challenges and further perspectives of NPAS in the clinical treatment of bacterial infections are also summarized and discussed to highlight their potential use in clinical settings. The authors hope that this review will attract more researchers to further advance the promising field of NPAS, and provide new insights for designing powerful strategies to combat bacterial resistance.
Dual‐Ion Flux Management for Stable High Areal Capacity Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Liu Borui , Torres Juan F. , Taheri Mahdiar , Xiong Pan , Lu Teng , Zhu Junwu , Liu Yun , Yu Guihua , Tricoli Antonio
Published: January 2022

Controlling the interaction between multiple ion fluxes is a major challenge that hampers the adoption of post‐Li intercalation battery systems, which offer a multifold increase in energy density over existing technologies. Here, a dual‐ion flux management strategy is introduced to simultaneously control the distribution of Li and polysulfide ions in high‐energy Li–S batteries. This approach enables long‐term use of high S‐loading cathodes with 13.6 mgsulfur cm−2, achieving 9 mAh cm−2 areal capacity with 73% capacity retention for 1000 charging/discharging cycles. The battery system relies on the use of a multiscale membrane, with comparable size to existing battery separators, which simultaneously acts as an atomic redisperser for Li ions, dielectric and mechanical separator, polysulfide barrier, and extended cathode. Combined characterization and modeling reveal that the membrane is stable down to <1.0 V versus Li+/Li and result in a uniform Li‐ion flux to the anode and effective polysulfide confinement and reutilization. The potential of this approach for application is demonstrated by the fabrication of stable pouch cells with a horizontal surface of 40 cm2 and 6.8 mAh cm−2 capacity. These findings provide an exemplification of the potential for effective multi‐ion flux management for future energy storage and emerging electrochemical systems.
Non‐Volatile Perfluorophenyl‐Based Additive for Enhanced Efficiency and Thermal Stability of Nonfullerene Organic Solar Cells via Supramolecular Fluorinated Interactions
Authors: Hung Kai‐En , Lin Yu‐Sheng , Xue Yung‐Jing , Yang Hau‐Ren , Lai Yu‐Ying , Chang Je‐Wei , Su Chun‐Jen , Su An‐Chung , Hsu Chain‐Shu , Jeng U‐Ser , Cheng Yen‐Ju
Published: January 2022

A novel non‐volatile additive, fluorinated bis(perfluorophenyl)pimelate (BF7), is demonstrated to effectively improve both the efficiency and thermal stability of a highly efficient organic solar cell (OSC), comprising fluorinated Y6 as the small‐molecule acceptor and PM6 as the polymer donor. Processed with optimized 0.5 wt% BF7 in solution, the PM6:Y6:BF7 device achieves an elevated power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.01%, compared to 15.16% of that processed without BF7. Moreover, the BF7‐elevated PCE can sustain 95% of the best PCE over 100 °C annealing for 72 h. Grazing incidence X‐ray scattering and differential scanning calorimetry results consistently indicate that BF7 in the PM6:Y6:BF7 device interacts preferentially with Y6, resulting in improved fractal‐like network structures of the active layer with optimized size and orientation of Y6 nano‐crystallites and elevated thermal stability. Molecular simulation also supports that the observed structure and thermal stability is associated with the F–π noncovalent supramolecular interactions between the perfluorophenyl moieties of BF7 and difluorophenyl‐based FIC‐end‐groups of Y6. Similar bifunctional BF7 effects are also observed in the well‐known PM6:IT‐4F system, suggesting that adding BF7 for concomitantly improved PCE and thermal stability might extend generally to OSCs that feature small molecule acceptors of difluorophenyl end‐groups.
Using truck‐to‐trunk programs to increase food security and help support farm incomes
Authors: Dorfman Jeffrey H. , Grant Jared D. , Worley Julian M.
Published: January 2022

The initial lockdown phase of the coronavirus pandemic in the U.S. simultaneously caused food demand from the food service industry to plummet and food insecurity to soar. This created a unique scenario with a large need for food access and a large surplus of food, but no established way to connect the two. The Georgia Department of Agriculture worked with agricultural producers, distributors, and local governments to create a program that facilitated the sale of excess farm commodities and helped alleviate food insecurity. This paper describes how the program was designed and the lessons learned in its execution.
Recent Advances in Aqueous Batteries with Nonmetal Cations as Charge Carriers
Authors: Yu Dongxu , Tian Ruiyuan , Du Fei
Published: January 2022

During the past decades, aqueous rechargeable batteries have been receiving much attention on account of the merits of cost efficiency, high safety, and environmental benignity. Compared to metal‐ions (such as Li+, Na+, K+, Mg2+, Zn2+, Al3+ etc.) as charge carriers in aqueous ion batteries, nonmetal charge carriers not only form covalent–ionic bonds in framework, but also act as reversible redox centers. Moreover, nonmetal charge carriers have advantages of low costs and high volumetric energy densities. Recently, huge efforts have been contributed to performance improvements in aqueous nonmetal cation batteries via a variety of methods. Herein, the recently reported cathode, anode materials, and newly proposed electrochemical reaction mechanisms for rechargeable aqueous nonmetal cation batteries are reviewed.
Health‐related quality of life in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma treated with pomalidomide and dexamethasone ± subcutaneous daratumumab: Patient‐reported outcomes from the APOLLO trial
Authors: Terpos Evangelos , Dimopoulos Meletios A. , Boccadoro Mario , Delimpasi Sosana , Beksac Meral , Katodritou Eirini , Moreau Philippe , Pompa Alessandra , Symeonidis Argiris , Bila Jelena , Oriol Albert , Mateos Maria‐Victoria , Einsele Hermann , Orfanidis Ioannis , Gries Katharine S. , Fastenau John , Liu Kevin , He Jianming , Kampfenkel Tobias , Qiu Yanping , Amin Himal , Carson Robin , Sonneveld Pieter
Published: January 2022

In the phase 3 APOLLO trial, daratumumab in combination with pomalidomide and dexamethasone (D‐Pd) significantly reduced the rate of disease progression or death by 37% relative to Pd alone in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) who had received ≥1 prior line of therapy including lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor. Here, we present patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) from APOLLO. Median treatment duration was 11.5 months with D‐Pd and 6.6 months with Pd. PRO compliance rates were high and similar in both groups. No changes from baseline were observed for EORTC QLQ‐C30 global health status scores in either group, while physical and emotional functioning, disease symptoms, and adverse effects of treatment remained at baseline levels with D‐Pd but worsened with Pd. Reductions (p < 0.05) in pain and fatigue were seen at several time points with D‐Pd versus Pd. Overall, these results suggest patients' health‐related quality of life remained stable when daratumumab was added to Pd, with several results favoring D‐Pd versus Pd. These findings complement the significant clinical improvements observed with D‐Pd and support its use in patients with RRMM.
Chronic neutrophilic leukemia: 2022 update on diagnosis, genomic landscape, prognosis, and management
Authors: Szuber Natasha , Elliott Michelle , Tefferi Ayalew
Published: January 2022

Disease Overview

Chronic neutrophilic leukemia (CNL) is a rare, often aggressive myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) defined by persistent mature neutrophilic leukocytosis, bone marrow granulocyte hyperplasia, and frequent hepatosplenomegaly. The 2013 seminal discovery of oncogenic driver mutations in colony‐stimulating factor 3 receptor (CSF3R) in the majority of patients with CNL not only established its molecular pathogenesis but provided a diagnostic biomarker and rationale for pharmacological targeting.

Diagnosis

In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognized activating CSF3R mutations as a central diagnostic feature of CNL. Other criteria include leukocytosis of ≥25 × 109/L comprising >80% neutrophils with <10% circulating precursors and rare blasts, and absence of dysplasia or monocytosis, while not fulfilling criteria for other MPN.

Management

There is currently no standard of care for management of CNL, due in large part to the rarity of disease and dearth of formal clinical trials. Most commonly used therapeutic agents include conventional oral chemotherapy (e.g., hydroxyurea), interferon, and Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, while hematopoietic stem cell transplant remains the only potentially curative modality.

Disease Updates

Increasingly comprehensive genetic profiling in CNL, including new data on clonal evolution, has disclosed a complex genomic landscape with additional mutations and combinations thereof driving disease progression and drug resistance. Although accurate prognostic stratification and therapeutic decision‐making remain challenging in CNL, emerging data on molecular biomarkers and the addition of newer agents, such as JAK inhibitors, to the therapeutic arsenal, are paving the way toward greater standardization and improvement of patient care.
Identifizierung eines Zweifach‐Koordinierten Eisen(I)‐Oxalat‐Komplexes
Authors: Mayer Martin , Vankova Nina , Stolz Ferdinand , Abel Bernd , Heine Thomas , Asmis Knut R.
Published: January 2022

Exotische Oxidationszustände der Metalle der ersten Übergangsreihe haben in letzter Zeit großes Interesse geweckt. Um die Oxidationsstufen einer Reihe von Eisenoxalat‐Komplexen zu untersuchen, wurde eine wässrige Lösung von Eisen(III)‐nitrat und Oxalsäure mittels Flüssigstrahl‐Infrarot‐Laser‐Desorptions‐ und Elektrospray‐Massenspektrometrie untersucht. Wir zeigen, dass Eisen nicht nur in seinen üblichen Oxidationsstufen +II und +III, sondern auch in der ungewöhnlichen Oxidationsstufe +I nachgewiesen werden kann, sowohl im positiven als auch im negativen Ionenmodus. Die Gasphasenschwingungsspektren der anionischen Eisenoxalat‐Komplexe [FeIII(C2O4)2]−, [FeII(C2O4)CO2]− und [FeI(C2O4)]− werden mit Hilfe von Infrarot‐Photodissoziationsspektroskopie gemessen und ihre Strukturen durch Vergleich mit berechneten anharmonischen Schwingungsspektren auf der Grundlage der Störungstheorie zweiter Ordnung zugeordnet.
Design, Synthesis, and Targeted Delivery of an Immune Stimulant that Selectively Reactivates Exhausted CAR T Cells
Authors: Napoleon John Victor , Zhang Boning , Luo Qian , Srinivasarao Madduri , Low Philip S.
Published: January 2022

Although chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have demonstrated significant promise in suppressing hematopoietic cancers, their applications in treating solid tumors have been limited by onset of CAR T cell exhaustion that accompanies continuous CAR T cell exposure to tumor antigen. To address this limitation, we have exploited the abilities of recently designed universal CARs to bind fluorescein and internalize a fluorescein‐TLR7 agonist conjugate by CAR‐mediated endocytosis. We demonstrate here that anti‐fluorescein CAR‐mediated uptake of a fluorescein‐TLR7‐3 conjugate can reactivate exhausted CAR T cells, leading to dramatic reduction in T cell exhaustion markers (PD‐1+Tim‐3+) and shrinkage of otherwise resistant tumors without inducing systemic activation of the immune system. We conclude that CAR T cell exhaustion can be reversed by administration of a CAR‐targeted TLR7 agonist, thereby enabling the CAR T cells to successfully treat solid tumors without incurring the systemic toxicity that commonly accompanies administration of nontargeted TLR7 agonists.
The water uptake, thermal and mechanical properties, and aging resistance to thermo‐oxidation of phenylboronic acid‐modified benzoxazine‐glass fiber composites
Authors: Hsu Chin‐shih , Hwang Po‐Yu
Published: January 2022

Polybenzoxazines, also known as Benzoxazine (Bz) is one kind of high‐performance thermoset polymers. It manifests several advantages when used for thermal protection applications, such as thermal and dimensional stabilities, low rate of moisture absorption and near zero volatility in curing process. However, benzoxazine shows its drawbacks in terms of curing temperature, char yield at elevated temperature, and resin toughness. Thus, modification of Bz matrix would be essential in order to improve these unfavorable properties. In this study, a facile synthesis of phenylboronic acid‐modified (PBA) benzoxazine (PBz) and glass fibers (GF) composites with varied PBA ratios were prepared. Briefly, GF fabrics were impregnated with each of Bz or PBz/acetone solution and baked to form B‐staged prepregs. Then, the prepregs were stacked, molded and cured in a hot‐pressing machine to form composites. The present study shows the 10 wt% PBA modified‐Bz/GF composite is the optimal formulation as it exhibits minimal water uptake, enhanced char yield, decent thermomechanical stability in terms of glass transition temperature, exceptional interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and highest flexural strength. Moreover, the PBz 10/GF composite subject to thermo‐oxidative aging still maintains good levels of shear and flexural properties for potential service as thermal protection layer.
Dispersion of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles in natural rubber latex and poly lactic acid based matrices
Authors: Cesar Mariana Biondi , Poli Hamish , Piazza Rodolfo Debone , Marques Rodrigo Fernando Costa , Herculano Rondinelli Donizetti , Grøndahl Lisbeth
Published: January 2022

Hydroxyapatite (HAp)‐polymer composite materials are of interest for materials that interface with or substitute bone tissue. HAp nanoparticles (length 290 nm, width 56 nm) synthesized by a wet chemical method were incorporated (5 wt%) into natural rubber latex (NRL), poly lactic acid (PLA) and NRL/PLA (75/25) solvent cast films using three different methods: dry nanoparticles; a dispersion prepared from dry nanoparticles; a dispersion prepared through solvent exchange. Common to all composite materials were an improvement in the contact angle by 10%–13% and a reduction in the elongation at break from 430% to 330%–370%. Furthermore, the method of HAp incorporation influenced the properties of the material with the use of dioxane suspension improving the homogeneity of the films as evidenced from visual appearance and SEM. This led to slower water uptake and higher thermal stability with a shift in the PLA melting peak from 296°C to 334°C when compared to pure polymer and composites with poorly dispersed particle.
Effect of acids and freeze–thaw on the durability of modified rubberized concrete with optimum rubber crumb content
Authors: Kumar Rahul , Dev Nirendra
Published: January 2022

Investigations of the effect of acids and freeze–thaw on pozzolanic cement‐based rubberized concrete after surface treatment of rubber crumbs are limited. Rubberized concrete's mechanical and durability properties (water absorption, acid attack resistance, and freeze–thaw attack resistance) are evaluated. Six rubber crumbs content (0%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30%) and particle size 0.6–2.36 mm are used to replace fine aggregate in concrete partially, and 15% replacement level of rubber crumb is found to be the optimum quantity in concrete. Structural analyses show that the specimens remain in the crystalline phase after being submerged in H2SO4 and HCl acid. When rubberized concrete is immersed in H2SO4 and HCl solution with equal concentrations and duration, specimens immersed in HCl solution have been found to have less surface erosion, less weight loss, and lower compressive strength loss. When the conventional concrete mix is immersed in H2SO4 and HCl solution, the losses in compressive strength are 74.56% and 30.34%, but in rubberized concrete, the losses are 60.01% and 24.22% only. No apparent microcracks and no spalling on the surfaces of the specimens are found up to 90 freeze–thaw cycles. Rubberized concrete's ultrasonic velocity decreases slightly up to 90 freeze–thaw cycles, but it still has good concrete quality.
Nacre‐inspired construction of soft–hard double network structure to prepare strong, tough, and water‐resistant soy protein adhesive
Authors: Xu Yantao , Han Yufei , Li Yue , Luo Jing , Li Jianzhang , Li Jingchao , Gao Qiang
Published: January 2022

Soy protein (SPI) adhesives are non‐toxic and eco‐friendly that can potentially replace traditional formaldehyde‐based adhesives to ease toxic gas emissions. The development of strong and toughness SPI adhesive benefits its bonding stability but is challenging. In this study, inspired by nacre structure, a soft–hard double network structure was constructed in SPI adhesive. The triglycidylamine (TGA) cross‐linked protein served as the hard phase to provide cohesion. In addition, the self‐synthesizing epoxidized rubber (ER) as soft phase cross‐linked protein and enhanced the interfacial force between hard and soft phase to dissipate energy during fracture, which improved the toughness of adhesive. The results showed that: compared with original SPI adhesive, the residue rate of SPI/4%TGA/3%ER adhesive increased by 7.9%, and the moisture absorption rate decreased by 16.7%. The dry and wet shear strength of the plywood prepared by SPI/4%TGA/3%ER adhesive increased by 58.9% and 160.4% to 1.86 and 1.38 MPa, which was higher than commercial polyamide‐epichlorohydrin modified SPI adhesive. The elongation at break increased by 55.2%–45%, the fracture energy increased by 233% to 2.96 MJ/m2, and the cracks on the adhesive surface disappeared, indicating that the strength, toughness, and water resistance of the adhesive were significantly improved. In this research, a soft–hard double network structure is constructed in a bio‐based adhesive to obtain excellent performance, this eco‐friendly adhesive opens up a new way to replace harmful formaldehyde‐based adhesives.
Genetic monitoring of the declining European stony sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus from the central Bay of Biscay (Asturias, northwest Spain) and attempts to restore its wild populations
Authors: Parrondo Marina , López Samuel , de la Uz Silvia , Rodríguez Carmen , Carrasco José F. , García‐Flórez Lucía , Borrell Yaisel J.
Published: January 2022

Paracentrotus lividus is a sea urchin with an important ecological role in the Cantabrian Sea ecosystem, where its populations are in severe decline and the regional government has implemented a population restoration strategy with the aim of preserving this valuable marine resource.

In this study, genetic monitoring was conducted for the first time in the central area of the southern Bay of Biscay to describe the genetic diversity patterns of P. lividus and to assess the potential impacts of conservation and mitigation actions on the wild gene pool. Genetic analyses were performed using the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene and microsatellite loci.

Asturian localities showed significant genetic heterogeneity, possibly due to genetic drift, and seemed to constitute a differentiated management unit with regard to other areas of the species’ distribution. The genetic diversity analyses comparing wild samples with those subjected to restoration experiments did not show significant negative effects on restored localities.

Sea urchins from hatcheries represented 3.5% of the total recaptured individuals (95% accuracy). Even when low hatchery contributions were detected in this work, the results pointed to the necessity of improving the initial autochthonous breeder genetic pool and the aquaculture strategies applied when restoring wild populations to avoid future unwanted negative effects on wild gene pools.
Understanding the preterm human heart: What do we know so far?
Authors: Schuermans Art , Lewandowski Adam J.
Published: January 2022

Globally, preterm birth affects more than one in every 10 live births. Although the short‐term cardiopulmonary complications of prematurity are well known, long‐term health effects are only now becoming apparent. Indeed, preterm birth has been associated with elevated cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in adulthood. Experimental animal models and observational human studies point toward changes in heart morphology and function from birth to adulthood in people born preterm that may contribute to known long‐term risks. Moreover, recent data support the notion of a heterogeneous cardiac phenotype of prematurity, which is likely driven by various maternal, early, and late life factors. This review aims to describe the early fetal‐to‐neonatal transition in preterm birth, the different structural and functional changes of the preterm human heart across developmental stages, as well as potential factors contributing to the cardiac phenotype of prematurity.
Bone structural, biomechanical, and histomorphometric characteristics of the hindlimb skeleton in the marsh rice rat (Oryzomys palustris)
Authors: Castillo Evelyn J. , Croft Summer M. , Jiron Jessica M. , Aguirre Jose Ignacio
Published: January 2022

The rice rat (Oryzomys palustris) is a nonconventional laboratory rodent species used to model some human bone disorders. However, no studies have been conducted to characterize the postcranial skeleton. Therefore, we aimed to investigate age‐ and gender‐related features of the hindlimb skeleton of this species. We used femurs and tibiae from 94 rats of both genders aged 4–28 weeks. Bone mineral content (BMC), volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), and biomechanical properties were determined in femurs. In addition, bone histomorphometry of tibiae was conducted to assess bone cell activities and bone turnover over time. Bone length, total metaphysis BMC and vBMD, mid‐diaphyseal BMC and vBMD, cortical thickness, and cortical area progressively augmented with age. Whereas the increase in these parameters plateaued at age 16–22 weeks in female rats, they continued to rise to age 28 weeks in male rats. Furthermore, bone strength parameters increased with age, with few differences between genders. We also observed a rapid decrease in longitudinal growth between age 4 and 16 weeks. Whereas young rats had a greater bone formation rate and bone turnover, older rice rats had greater bone volume and trabecular thickness, with no differences between genders. (a) Sexual dimorphism in the rice rat becomes grossly evident at age 16 weeks; (b) the age‐related increases in bone mass, structural cortical parameters, and in some biomechanical property parameters plateau at an older age in male than in female rats; and (c) bone growth and remodeling significantly decreased with age irrespective of the gender.
Data‐driven generalized minimum variance regulatory control using routine operation data
Authors: Uematsu Ryota , Masuda Shiro
Published: January 2022

This paper provides a new generalized minimum variance (GMV) control using routine operation data. The proposed method achieves disturbance rejection without additional experiments and reference models, which is different from other data‐driven techniques. In this paper, a new data‐driven criterion is proposed for the Box and Jenkins (BJ) model, which is a more general description including the Auto‐Regressive and Moving Average eXogeneous (ARMAX) model. The paper proves that the optimization of the proposed criterion can achieve GMV control. Numerical examples for two different model structures show the validity of the proposed method. In particular, the application to datasets obtained from a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) demonstrates the efficiency of the proposed method.
Die S‐Bahn‐Querung im neuen Stuttgarter Tiefbahnhof S21 – ein unterirdisches Verkehrsbauwerk mit ganz besonderen Anforderungen
Authors: Schmid Angelika , Gepperth Sonja , Reinke Hans‐Georg
Published: January 2022

Das Bahnprojekt Stuttgart–Ulm (S21) ist das größte Ausbauvorhaben für den öffentlichen Schienenverkehr in Baden‐Württemberg seit dem 19. Jh. Es umfasst neben dem Neubau von zahlreichen Tunneln und Trassen auch eine komplette Umgestaltung des Eisenbahnknotens Stuttgart: Die Gleise des alten Kopfbahnhofs werden durch einen um 90° gedrehten, unterirdischen Durchgangsbahnhof ersetzt. Die neue, 447 m lange, 80 m breite und bis zu 12 m hohe Bahnsteighalle ist als fugenlose Massivbaukonstruktion ausgelegt. Sie besteht aus einem Trog aus Normalbeton und einem Schalendach aus Weißbeton, welches von den Trogwänden und 28 Kelchstützen getragen wird. Die Bodenplatte ist auf Ramm‐ und Bohrpfähle gegründet. Lediglich im Bereich des bestehenden S‐Bahn‐Tunnels überspannt sie diesen als Brückenkonstruktion: dies ist die sog. S‐Bahn‐Querung. Der vorliegende Beitrag beschreibt die Besonderheiten dieses anspruchsvollen Tragwerks aus Sicht der beteiligten Ingenieure. Betrachtet werden hierbei neben der Konstruktion mit ihrer internen verbundlosen Vorspannung auch das über die normativen Anforderungen hinausgehende Bemessungskonzept sowie das konstante Monitoring des Bauwerks über seinen gesamten Nutzungszeitraum hinweg.
Facile Fabrication of Highly Porous 3D Sponge‐Like Si@C Composites as High‐Performance Anode Materials for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Min Chan‐Woo , Nazir Aqsa , Le Hang T. T. , Park Chan‐Jin
Published: January 2022

In this work, we synthesized highly porous 3D sponge‐like mesoporous (MP)‐Si@C composites using mass‐scalable method. The optimized MP−Si@C 1 composite electrode, provided a reversible capacity of 1887 mAh g−1 after 100 discharge−charge cycles with capacity retention of 83 % at the rate of 0.1 C. At high C‐rate the MP−Si@C 1 anode provided reversible capacity of 910 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles. The MP−Si@C 1/LCO full cell provide a discharge capacity of 1515 mAh g−1 and it works well for 100 cycles. This outstanding electrochemical behavior of the MP−Si@C 1 composite electrode was accredited to the exclusive structure of interconnected Si nanoparticles and the presence of the outer C thin layer. The carbon layer served as a shield, an effective buffer layer to house the extreme volume expansion issue of Si during continuous cycling. The excellent performance of the MP−Si@C 1 composite demonstrated its high applicability as potential anode material for next‐generation LIBs.
Metabolic engineering of threonine catabolism enables Saccharomyces cerevisiae to produce propionate under aerobic conditions
Authors: Ding Wentao , Meng Qiongyu , Dong Genlai , Qi Nailing , Zhao Huimin , Shi Shuobo
Published: January 2022

Background

Propionate is widely used as a preservative in the food and animal feed industries. Propionate is currently produced by petrochemical processes, and fermentative production of propionate remains challenging.

Methods and Results

In this study, a synthetic propionate pathway was constructed in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, for propionate production under aerobic conditions. Through expression of tdcB and aldH from Escherichia coli and kivD from Lactococcus lactis, L‐threonine was converted to propionate via 2‐ketobutyrate and propionaldehyde. The resulting yeast aerobically produced 0.21 g L‐1 propionate from glucose in a shake flask. Subsequent overexpression of pathway genes and elimination of competing pathways increased propionate production to 0.37 g L‐1. To further increase propionate production, carbon flux was pulled into the propionate pathway by weakened expression of pyruvate kinase (PYK1), together with overexpression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (ppc). The final propionate production reached 1.05 g L‐1 during fed‐batch fermentation in a fermenter.

Conclusions and Implications

In this work, a yeast cell factory was constructed using synthetic biology and metabolic engineering strategies to enable propionate production under aerobic conditions. Our study demonstrates engineered S. cerevisiae as a promising alternative for the production of propionate and its derivatives.
Inhibition of Connexin 36 attenuates HMGB1‐mediated depressive‐like behaviors induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress
Authors: Jiang Qian , Li Chao‐Ran , Zeng Wen‐Feng , Xu Hui‐Jing , Li Jia‐Mei , Zhang Ting , Deng Guang‐Hui , Wang Yun‐Xia
Published: January 2022

Background

High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) released by neurons and microglia was demonstrated to be an important mediator in depressive‐like behaviors induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), which could lead to the imbalance of two different metabolic approaches in kynurenine pathway (KP), thus enhancing glutamate transmission and exacerbating depressive‐like behaviors. Evidence showed that HMGB1 signaling might be regulated by Connexin (Cx) 36 in inflammatory diseases of central nervous system (CNS). Our study aimed to further explore the role of Cx36 in depressive‐like behaviors and its relationship with HMGB1.

Methods

After 4‐week chronic stress, behavioral tests were conducted to evaluate depressive‐like behaviors, including sucrose preference test (SPT), tail suspension test (TST), forced swimming test (FST), and open field test (OFT). Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining were used to observe the expression and location of Cx36. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was adopted to detect the concentrations of inflammatory cytokines. And the excitability and inward currents of hippocampal neurons were recorded by whole‐cell patch clamping.

Results

The expression of Cx36 was significantly increased in hippocampal neurons of mice exposed to CUMS, while treatment with glycyrrhizinic acid (GZA) or quinine could both down‐regulate Cx36 and alleviate depressive‐like behaviors. The proinflammatory cytokines like HMGB1, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) were all elevated by CUMS, and application of GZA and quinine could decrease them. In addition, the enhanced excitability and inward currents of hippocampal neurons induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) could be reduced by either GZA or quinine.

Conclusions

Inhibition of Cx36 in hippocampal neurons might attenuates HMGB1‐mediated depressive‐like behaviors induced by CUMS through down‐regulation of the proinflammatory cytokines and reduction of the excitability and intracellular ion overload.
Contemporary surgical management of skull base chordomas—Anatomical reflections on a single center experience retrospective case series
Authors: Spiessberger Alexander , Dogra Siddhant , Golub Danielle , Grueter Basil , Nasim Mansoor , Schneider Steven , Moriggl Bernhard , Dehdashti Amir R. , Schulder Michael
Published: January 2022

Chordoma, a rare, locally aggressive tumor can affect the central skull base, usually centered at the midline. Complete surgical resection remains mainstay of therapy in case of primary as well as recurrent tumors. Owing to their secluded location, surgical resection of skull base chordomas remains a challenge, even though the recent advancement of endoscopic endonasal approaches has had a significant positive impact on the management of these patients. Endoscopic endonasal approaches have been shown to significantly reduce surgical morbidity when compared to traditional open approaches; however, the classical endoscopic transclival midline approach fails to sufficiently expose parts of many skull base chordomas. More recent refinements of the technique, such as the interdural pituitary transposition and posterior clinoidectomy, the transpterygoid plate approach and the transcondylar far medial approach enable the surgeon the increase the resection rate in these patients. This retrospective case series focuses on anatomical aspects in the surgical management of patients with skull base chordomas. We outline the surgical anatomy of contemporary endoscopic approaches to the skull base based intraoperative illustrations as well as pre‐ and postoperative 3D reconstructed CT and MR images if our patients. This article should help the clinical choose the most appropriate approach and be aware of relevant anatomy as well as potential shortcomings of a given approach.
CEBOW: A Cloud‐Edge‐Browser Online Web3D approach for visualizing large BIM scenes
Authors: Li Ke , Zhao Hantao , Zhang Qian , Jia Jinyuan
Published: January 2022

With the mobile technology continues to grow and evolve, the technology of presenting building information modeling (BIM) with an online platform has become an important application in the fields of civil engineering, architecture, and computer visualization. However, due to network bandwidth and browser performance limitations, it was difficult to display large‐scale BIM scenes in a flawless manner on mobile browsers. CEBOW, a Cloud‐Edge‐Browser Online architecture for visualizing BIM components with online solutions, is proposed in this article. The method combines transmission scheduling, cache management, and optimal initial loading into a single system architecture. For network transmission testing, BIM scenes are used, and the results show that our method effectively reduces scene loading time and networking delay while improving the visualization effect of large‐scale scenes.
Preparation, Characterization, and Desolvation of 5‐Sulfoisophthalic Acid Sodium Salt Solvates
Authors: Zhu Guijun , Chen Jianxin , Han Jian , Li Jihui , Li Yupeng , Liu Kaili
Published: January 2022

5‐Sulfoisophthalic acid sodium salt (5‐SSIPA) is a crucial intermediate for pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and polyesters. Several acidic groups lead to an unstable crystal structure. Two new polymorphs and three novel solvates were identified during the solvent screening. These crystals were characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, and scanning electron microscopy. The desolvation temperature of solvates was found to be higher than the boiling point of pure solvents, which tentatively indicated the existence of an interaction between solvents and 5‐SSIPA molecules. The phenomenon that the three solvates gradually darkened with desolvation in the hot‐stage microscopic images proved the occurrence of crystal desolvation. The non‐isothermal desolvation kinetics of the 5‐SSIPA solvates was analyzed and discussed.