bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation on the effect of castor‐oil based bio‐resins on mechanical, visco‐elastic, and water diffusion properties of flax fiber reinforced epoxy composites
Authors: Sankar Lal Sathyaraj , Kannan Sekar , Sahoo Sushanta K.
Published: May 2023

Due to the depletion of petro‐based sources and environmental consciousness, researchers are striving to replace synthetic fibers and resins in composites with bio‐sourced ones without compromising their properties. In this regard, the present study investigates the effect of partially replacing epoxy moieties with castor oil based bio‐resins on various properties of epoxy resin and its flax fiber reinforced composite system to achieve sustainable materials, thereby encouraging the bio‐based theme. Base‐catalyzed transesterification was used to synthesize epoxy methyl ricinoleate (EMR) as a low viscous reactive green monomer derived from epoxidized castor oil (ECO). The influence of both ECO and EMR bio‐resin on various mechanical, thermo‐mechanical properties, free mode vibration, and water absorption of epoxy and its composites were studied. The composition with 20% of ECO and EMR was optimized based on stiffness‐toughness balance. The inclusion of 20% EMR significantly escalated the tensile, impact, and fracture toughness properties of epoxy composites by 6.45%, 12.8%, and 14.2%, respectively. The strong fiber‐matrix interface was confirmed by increased pullout adhesion by 21% and 35.1% due to the addition of ECO and EMR, respectively. Dynamic mechanical analyzer revealed a 12% higher storage modulus for EMR modified composites than ECO counterparts. Scanning electron microscope morphology revealed superior interfacial adhesion between fiber and matrix in case of EMR modified bio‐composite, which resulted in a lower water diffusion coefficient than ECO modified bio‐composite. These results showed that the 20% EMR customized epoxy composite is dimensionally stable with improved mechanical properties and may act as a green alternative to petro‐sourced epoxy composites in automotive and semistructural applications.

Highlights

Effects of castor oil based bio‐resins on epoxy composites are studied.

Composites with significant bio‐content (~50 wt%) are developed.

EMR modified epoxy composites exhibited improved mechanical properties.

A strong fiber‐matrix interface was confirmed by increased pullout adhesion.

Reduction in pot life of epoxy was observed on adding ECO and EMR.
Affective temperaments mediate the effect of childhood maltreatment on bipolar depression severity
Authors: Terao Itsuki , Morishita Chihiro , Tamada Yu , Masuya Jiro , Fujimura Yota , Toda Hiroyuki , Kusumi Ichiro , Tanabe Hajime , Inoue Takeshi
Published: May 2023

Aim

Bipolar disorder is a leading disorder contributing to global disease burden, and bipolar depression often becomes severe and refractory. Therefore, clarifying the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder is an urgent issue. Previous reports suggested that factors, such as affective temperaments and childhood maltreatment, aggravate bipolar depression severity. However, to our knowledge, no reports to date have clarified the interrelationship between the above factors and bipolar depression severity. We here hypothesized that childhood maltreatment worsens bipolar depression severity via increasing affective temperaments. To test this hypothesis, a covariance structural analysis was conducted.

Methods

The following information was evaluated for a total of 75 people with bipolar disorder using self‐administered questionnaires: demographic characteristics, depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire‐9), history of childhood maltreatment (Child Abuse and Trauma Scale), and affective temperaments (Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris, and San Diego Autoquestionnaire). The results were analyzed using covariance structure analysis.

Results

A significant indirect effect of childhood maltreatment on bipolar depression severity via increasing affective temperaments was identified, whereas the direct effect of childhood maltreatment was not significant.

Conclusion

Our results reveal that affective temperaments can mediate the adverse effects of childhood maltreatment on the severity of bipolar depression.
Practical limits of multijunction solar cells
Authors: Peters Ian Marius , Rodríguez Gallegos Carlos David , Lüer Larry , Hauch Jens A. , Brabec Christoph J.
Published: May 2023

Multijunction solar cells offer a path to very high conversion efficiency, exceeding 60% in theory. Under ideal conditions, efficiency increases monotonically with the number of junctions. In this study, we explore technical and economic mechanisms acting on tandem solar cells. We find that these mechanisms produce limitations that are the more pronounced the greater the number of junction is and, hence, limit the ideal number of junctions, as well as the corresponding efficiencies. Spectral variations induce current losses in series‐connected tandem solar cells. For Denver, we find that these losses reduce achievable harvesting efficiencies to 51% for non‐concentrated light and that they restrict the ideal number of junctions to less than nine. Independently operated solar cells suffer from optical losses with similar consequences. Even high optical efficiencies of 99% restrict the ideal number of junctions to below 10 and reduce achievable efficiencies by more than 10%. Only architectures with a sequential cell illumination are more resilient to these losses. Restricting available materials reveals that a sufficiently low band gap for the bottom cell of 0.9 eV or below is expedient to realize high efficiencies. Economic considerations show that five junctions or less are economically ideal for most conceivable applications.
Disinhibition domain and facets uniquely predict changes in depressive symptoms and psychosocial functioning
Authors: Ro Eunyoe , Vittengl Jeffrey R. , Jarrett Robin B. , Clark Lee Anna
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to understand the role of disinhibition (low conscientiousness)—in conjunction with the other major personality traits of negative affectivity, detachment, antagonism, and psychoticism—in predicting changes in depressive symptoms and psychosocial functioning. Both the disinhibition trait domain and its primary facets (i.e., irresponsibility, impulsivity, and distractibility) were examined. In a large sample (Time 1 N = 605, Time 2 N = 497) of psychiatric outpatients and high‐risk community residents, personality traits, depressive symptoms (both self‐reported and interviewer‐rated), and psychosocial functioning levels (i.e., daily functioning, interpersonal functioning, health‐related quality of life, and global quality of life) were collected across two time points. Results showed that the disinhibition domain was the strongest predictor of changes in depressive symptoms and general quality of life levels. Disinhibition facets also predicted changes in depressive symptoms but showed a less consistent pattern compared to the broader trait domain. Finally, the irresponsibility and distractibility facets significantly and uniquely explained changes in interpersonal functioning. The study highlights the importance of assessing the disinhibition trait rather than only negative and positive affectivity (which are well‐known correlates of depression), for understanding changes in depressive symptoms and psychosocial functioning. The findings identify potential targets in psychotherapy for individuals with disinhibition traits and depressive disorders.
De novo protein design by inversion of the AlphaFold structure prediction network
Authors: Goverde Casper A. , Wolf Benedict , Khakzad Hamed , Rosset Stéphane , Correia Bruno E.
Published: May 2023

De novo protein design enhances our understanding of the principles that govern protein folding and interactions, and has the potential to revolutionize biotechnology through the engineering of novel protein functionalities. Despite recent progress in computational design strategies, de novo design of protein structures remains challenging, given the vast size of the sequence‐structure space. AlphaFold2 (AF2), a state‐of‐the‐art neural network architecture, achieved remarkable accuracy in predicting protein structures from amino acid sequences. This raises the question whether AF2 has learned the principles of protein folding sufficiently for de novo design. Here, we sought to answer this question by inverting the AF2 network, using the prediction weight set and a loss function to bias the generated sequences to adopt a target fold. Initial design trials resulted in de novo designs with an overrepresentation of hydrophobic residues on the protein surface compared to their natural protein family, requiring additional surface optimization. In silico validation of the designs showed protein structures with the correct fold, a hydrophilic surface and a densely packed hydrophobic core. In vitro validation showed that 7 out of 39 designs were folded and stable in solution with high melting temperatures. In summary, our design workflow solely based on AF2 does not seem to fully capture basic principles of de novo protein design, as observed in the protein surface's hydrophobic vs. hydrophilic patterning. However, with minimal post‐design intervention, these pipelines generated viable sequences as assessed experimental characterization. Thus, such pipelines show the potential to contribute to solving outstanding challenges in de novo protein design.
Molecular determinants of Hsp90 dependence of Src kinase revealed by deep mutational scanning
Authors: Nguyen Vanessa , Ahler Ethan , Sitko Katherine A. , Stephany Jason J. , Maly Dustin J. , Fowler Douglas M.
Published: May 2023

Hsp90 is a molecular chaperone involved in the refolding and activation of numerous protein substrates referred to as clients. While the molecular determinants of Hsp90 client specificity are poorly understood and limited to a handful of client proteins, strong clients are thought to be destabilized and conformationally extended. Here, we measured the phosphotransferase activity of 3929 variants of the tyrosine kinase Src in both the presence and absence of an Hsp90 inhibitor. We identified 84 previously unknown functionally dependent client variants. Unexpectedly, many destabilized or extended variants were not functionally dependent on Hsp90. Instead, functionally dependent client variants were clustered in the αF pocket and β1–β2 strand regions of Src, which have yet to be described in driving Hsp90 dependence. Hsp90 dependence was also strongly correlated with kinase activity. We found that a combination of activation, global extension, and general conformational flexibility, primarily induced by variants at the αF pocket and β1–β2 strands, was necessary to render Src functionally dependent on Hsp90. Moreover, the degree of activation and flexibility required to transform Src into a functionally dependent client varied with variant location, suggesting that a combination of regulatory domain disengagement and catalytic domain flexibility are required for chaperone dependence. Thus, by studying the chaperone dependence of a massive number of variants, we highlight factors driving Hsp90 client specificity and propose a model of chaperone‐kinase interactions.
Key substrate recognition residues in the active site of cystathionine beta‐synthase from Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Conter Carolina , Favretto Filippo , Dominici Paola , Martinez‐Cruz Luis Alfonso , Astegno Alessandra
Published: May 2023

Cystathionine β‐synthase (CBS) catalyzes the condensation of l‐serine and l‐homocysteine to give l‐cystathionine in the transsulfuration pathway. Recently, a few O‐acetylserine (l‐OAS)‐dependent CBSs (OCBSs) have been found in bacteria that can exclusively function with l‐OAS. CBS from Toxoplasma gondii (TgCBS) can efficiently use both l‐serine and l‐OAS to form l‐cystathionine. In this work, a series of site‐specific variants substituting S84, Y160, and Y246 with hydrophobic residues found at the same positions in OCBSs was generated to explore the roles of the hydroxyl moieties of these residues as determinants of l‐serine/l‐OAS preference in TgCBS. We found that the S84A/Y160F/Y246V triple mutant behaved like an OCBS in terms of both substrate requirements, showing β‐replacement activity only with l‐OAS, and pH optimum, which is decreased by ~1 pH unit. Formation of a stable aminoacrylate upon reaction with l‐serine is prevented by the triple mutation, indicating the importance of the H‐bonds between the hydroxyl groups of Y160, Y246, and S84 with l‐serine in formation of the intermediate. Analysis of the independent effect of each mutation on TgCBS activity and investigation of the protein–aminoacrylate complex structure allowed for the conclusion that the hydroxyl group of Y246 has a major, but not exclusive, role in controlling the l‐serine preference by efficiently stabilizing its leaving group. These studies demonstrate that differences in substrate specificity of CBSs are controlled by natural variations in as few as three residue positions. A better understanding of substrate specificity in TgCBS will facilitate the design of new antimicrobial compounds.
Performance Improvement of InGaN Red Light‐Emitting Diode by Using V‐Pits Layer and Step‐Graded GaN Barrier
Authors: Jia Chuanyu , Shen Chunliang , Wang Qi
Published: May 2023

The carrier‐transport properties of InGaN red light‐emitting diode (LED) with V‐pits layer and step‐graded GaN barrier are investigated. By using V‐pits layer technology, the inverted pyramid–shaped V‐pit layer forms an energy barrier around the dislocation, inhibits the lateral diffusion of electrons from active layer to the dislocation center, and reduces the probability of non‐radiative recombination rate of electrons and holes. With the increase of the horizontal opening width of the V‐pits layer, the uniformity of holes concentration distribution in InGaN/GaN multiple quantum well (MQWs)‐active region is improved significantly. Compared with the traditional InGaN/GaN MQWs‐active region with fixed well/barrier thickness, step gradient GaN barrier is adopted in the active layer of InGaN red LED, which can reduce the length of the transmission path and improve the injection efficiency of holes into deep quantum wells close to the n‐type region. At injection current density of 200 A cm−2, the internal quantum efficiency of LED D with V‐pits layer and step‐graded GaN barrier is improved by 56.4% as compared with that of reference LED A. In addition, the efficiency droop of LED D can also be effectively alleviated as compared with that of reference LED A.
Lentinan alleviates sciatic nerve injury by promoting autophagy to remove myelin fragments
Authors: Xiao Haili , Wei Chao , Liu Huiying , Li Zhiqiang , Zheng Cihua , Luo Jun
Published: May 2023

Lentinan, a natural drug with wide‐ranging pharmacological activities, can regulate autophagy—the process through which Schwann cells (SCs) eliminate myelin fragments after peripheral nerve injury (PNI). However, the effect of lentinan after PNI and the role of accelerated myelin debris removal via autophagy in this process are unclear. This study examined the effect of lentinan on rat sciatic nerve repair following crush injury and the underlying mechanisms. After the successful establishment of the sciatic nerve compression injury model, group‐specific treatments were performed. The treatment group received 20 mg/kg lentinan via intraperitoneal injection, while the model group was treated with normal saline. The recovery in each group was then evaluated. Further, a rat SC line (RSC96) was cultured in medium with/without lentinan after supplementation with homogenous myelin fractions to evaluate the removal of myelin particles. Our results showed that lentinan promotes autophagic flux in vivo via the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway, accelerates the clearance of myelin debris by SCs, and inhibits neuronal apoptosis, thereby promoting neurological recovery. Similarly, in vitro experiments showed that lentinan promotes the phagocytosis of myelin debris by SCs. In conclusion, our results suggest that lentinan primarily promotes nerve regeneration by accelerating the autophagic clearance of myelin debris in SCs, and this process is likely regulated by the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway. Therefore, this study provides compelling evidence that lentinan may be a cost‐effective and natural treatment agent for PNI.
A hazard analysis of heavy CNC machine tools based on fusion fault correlation
Authors: Chen Hongxia , Zhang Junfeng , Guo Chuncheng , Li Hongyue , Li Chenguang
Published: May 2023

This paper presents an analysis of the fault correlation between CNC machine tool subsystems using decision laboratory analysis and the House of Reliability (HoR) methodology. Initially, the maintenance information of the machine tool and other hazard indicators is comprehensively analyzed based on the cognitive best worst method (CBWM) to assign weights of hazard indicators. The HoR method is then employed to perform fault correlation fusion, which results in comprehensive hazard analysis results of the machine tool subsystems considering the fault correlation. Finally, the results obtained from the fusion fault correlation and the traditional hazard analysis are compared. The results indicate that the proposed method can highlight the relatively important subsystems and the most vulnerable parts of the machine tools. Overall, the hazard analysis results of this paper contribute to the safe and reliable operational and maintenance optimization of CNC machine tools.
Use of postpartum intrauterine contraceptive device among women in northern Uganda: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Okullo Augustine , Amongin Dinah , Izudi Jonathan
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with postpartum intrauterine contraceptive device use among postpartum mothers in Lira district, northern Uganda.

Methods

We designed a cross‐sectional study among postpartum mothers with the outcome as postpartum intrauterine contraceptive device use defined as the insertion of an intrauterine contraceptive device within 10 min to 48 h following placental delivery. Data were collected using a researcher‐administered structured questionnaire. We descriptively summarized numerical data using the mean and the standard deviation and categorical data using frequency and percentages. We performed bivariate analysis using either the χ2 test or Fisher's exact test, and determined factors associated with the outcome using binary logistic regression analysis at a 5% level of statistical significance. We reported the results as adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Of 384 postpartum women studied, 37 (9.6%) had used a postpartum intrauterine contraceptive device and the associated factors included maternal age <35 years with an aOR of 0.12 (95% CI: 0.02, 0.72), parity ≥3 with aOR of 4.25 (95% CI: 1.79, 11.03), at least secondary level of education with aOR of 0.27 (95% CI: 0.07, 0.92) and knowledge of adverse effects of a postpartum intrauterine contraceptive device with aOR of 9.56 (95% CI: 4.13, 24.36).

Conclusions

The prevalence of postpartum intrauterine contraceptive device use is low in this setting. Interventions to improve the use of a postpartum intrauterine contraceptive device such as health education should target younger and multiparous women including those without adequate knowledge about it.
Tracking periodic parametric references using model predictive control
Authors: Sánchez Ignacio J. , D'Jorge Agustina , Limache Alejandro C. , González Alejandro H. , Ferramosca Antonio
Published: May 2023

This paper presents a model predictive controller for tracking periodic parametric reference curves. The controller is formulated in a single layer so that the time‐parameterization of the reference curve, the trajectory planning, and the trajectory tracking tasks are solved in a single optimization problem which is computed at each sampling time. The auxiliary state and input trajectories are introduced into the optimization problem as decision variables, which become the planned trajectory to be effectively followed. By design, the closed‐loop system guarantees of recursive feasibility of the optimization problem while being able to handle arbitrary changes of reference during execution time. Such properties are discussed in detail, and new results on the asymptotic average performance are presented. Simulation results show the benefits of the proposed strategy.
ONIOM Study on the Influence of Aluminium in Propylsulfonic Acid‐functionalized ZSM‐5 for Proton Transfer
Authors: Nadiah Md Ajeman Siti , Maarof Hasmerya , Bahruji Hasliza , Fatimah Zaharah Mustafa Siti
Published: May 2023

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are promising candidates for clean and efficient power sources. Zeolite nanoparticle membranes have been introduced as potential new membrane materials to improve the performance of PEMFCs. Understanding the proton transport mechanism on zeolite nanoparticle membranes at the atomic level is crucial in developing more efficient PEMFCs. We investigated the influence of aluminium to initiate proton transfer within zeolite fragments by performing geometry conformation of hydrated propylsulfonic acid‐functionalized zeolite ZSM‐5 clusters from one to six water molecules using four different ONIOM schemes; ONIOM(B3LYP:HF) and ONIOM(B3LYP:PM3) in gas phase and within polarizable continuum model (PCM) of water system. Results show that four water molecules are required for second proton dissociation to occur in Al systems, whereas at least five water molecules are needed in their counterpart systems. Analysis of the results suggests that the presence of Al atom in the zeolite backbone increases the electronegativity of the oxygen atom of the sulfonic acid. The oxygen provides an active site for the acidic proton to participate and increased the ability of hydrogen to dissociate itself and form hydronium cations. Our ONIOM calculation proves that ONIOM(B3LYP:PM3) method of calculation provides a reliable result with minimal computational cost.
Synthesis of Amorphous Poly (aryl ether ketone) Resin and its Anti‐Irradiation Properties under Gamma Ray
Authors: Teng Rui , Wang Honghua , Qu Minjie , Zhou Guangyuan
Published: May 2023

The stability of polymer materials used in nuclear environment directly determines the life and reliability of nuclear power equipment. Poly (aryl ether ketone) (PAEK) itself exhibits excellent irradiation resistance which can be widely used. The emphasis of this study lies in designing and synthesizing three different structures of amorphous PAEKs by the solution SN2 nucleophilic polycondensation. The thermodynamic properties and structural changes of the materials under gamma‐ ray (γ‐ray) irradiation were investigated and the irradiation‐resistance mechanism was discussed. The present results illustrate that the performance can be basically stable lower than 108 Gy. Up to 1013 Gy dose, γ‐ray has little effect on the impact resistance and Young ′s modulus of the three materials, the tensile strength and elongation at break decreased with the increase of irradiation dose. No new structures were formed after irradiation, and all the three materials decomposed slightly caused by oxidized.
Triple Action of an Attractive Deep Eutectic Solvent in the Synthesis of Aryl Nitriles and Substituted Triazoles Using a Magnetically Reusable Fe3O4@SiO2@PrNCu Catalyst
Authors: Mobaraki Akbar , Sakhaee Nader , Takallou Ahmad , Habibi Azizollah
Published: May 2023

Heterogeneous Cu‐catalyzed cyanation of aryl halides and Click cycloaddition of alkyl halides, sodium azide, and terminal alkynes were optimized to be cost effective and environmentally benign. A green Deep Eutectic Solvent (DES) and Fe3O4@SiO2@PrNCu magnetic catalyst was used. This new DES was designed to acts as both base and reaction promoter, beside its major role as solvent, in the studied Cu‐catalyzed reactions. Additionally, hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance of employed DES, enables easier association of polar or nonpolar reactants in the course of the reactions compared to conventional green but only polar solvent such as water. Therefore, this DES provides better diffusion onto the catalyst‘s surfaces and thus accelerates the catalytic process. Simple experimental procedures with purposeful design and use toward DES accompanied by utilization of green and reusable catalyst could be considered as alternative features in this new protocol compared to existing methods for Cu‐catalyzed reactions.
Synthesis of novel macrocyclic di‐ and tetralactams and their corresponding C‐pivot lariat derivatives
Authors: Abbas Ashraf A.
Published: May 2023

A synthesis of novel C‐pivot lariat macrocycles incorporated amide linkages is described. The dipotassium salt of N,N′‐(2‐hydroxypropane‐1,3‐diyl)bis(2‐hydroxybenzamide) is first reacted with a variety of bis(chloro) compounds, and then the hydroxyl groups of these macrocycles are acylated with chloroacetyl chloride to give the corresponding (chloroacetoxy) derivatives. The desired products were produced in good yields through subsequent amination of the latter compounds with morpholine.
TCT‐Mediated Process for the Preparation of Nafamostat Mesylate and Camostat Mesylate
Authors: Ahmed Riyaz , Kumar Gulshan , Mahajan Sheena , Verma Praveen Kumar , Singh Cham Pankaj , Reddy D. Srinivasa , Shankar Ravi , Singh Parvinder Pal
Published: May 2023

The present work describes the s‐trichlorotriazine (TCT)‐mediated formation of highly functionalized ester‐based drugs, namely nafamostat mesylate and camostat mesylate. The TCT‐mediated activation of acids followed by the attack of a hydroxyl group (−OH group) resulted in the formation of ester. The high aqueous solubility of cyanuric acid eases the work‐up process and avoids repetitive washing process (better E‐factor). The present method also avoids using pyridine as a base, and instead of that, N‐methylmorpholine (NMM) was used for the coupling. Moreover, we have also demonstrated the synthesis of key intermediates namely, 4‐guanidinobenzoic acid and 6‐hydroxy‐2‐naphthimidamide from economical and readily available raw materials. The TCT‐mediated coupling provides many advantages in scalability, cost‐effectiveness and environmental friendly handling.
Enhanced Energy Transfer in the Co‐assembly of Donor‐Receptor Polymer Nanoparticles: An Artificial Light Capture System to Trigger Effective Photodynamic Antibacterial Processes
Authors: Li Mengxue , Xu Hanxin , Hou Jinxing , Yang Feihu , Sun Jianxin , Hou Chunxi , Liu Junqiu
Published: May 2023

Light‐harvesting system is an important way for capturing, transferring and utilizing light energy. It remains a key challenge to develop highly efficient artificial light‐harvesting systems. Herein, we report a supramolecular co‐assembly based on 5,10,15,20‐tetrakis (4‐hydroxyphenyl) porphyrin (THPP) and fluorescein derivatives as an artificial light‐harvesting systems. The assemblies use fluorescein derivatives as a donor and porphyrin (THPP) as an acceptor unit by covalent linkage and achieved fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) owing to their strong spectral overlap and short distance. Firstly, three linkers of different chain lengths were synthesized through bromoalkane, and three fluorescein derivatives were obtained by connecting the linker and fluorescein through covalent bonds according to the principle of substitution reaction. Then, FRET systems between fluorescein derivatives and THPP were developed. As a result, a nanocapsule with an ultrathin shell designed for mimicking natural light‐harvesting systems was successfully constructed based on the covalent assembly of donor molecule called fluorescein and acceptor molecule called THPP. To our delight, the covalent FRET probes achieved enhanced energy transfer and a longer fluorescence lifetime. The covalent FRET probes also showed the obvious growth inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus cells in photodynamic antibacterial. Therefore, this study provides a new and efficient strategy to construct artificial light‐harvesting systems and they hold great promise for photophysical and photochemical applications.
Ultrasensitive Terahertz Biodetection Enabled by Quasi‐BIC‐Based Metasensors
Authors: Wang Ride , Xu Lei , Huang Lujun , Zhang Xiaobao , Ruan Hao , Yang Xiao , Lou Jing , Chang Chao , Du Xiaohui
Published: May 2023

Advanced sensing devices, highly sensitive, and reliable in detecting ultralow concentrations of circulating biomarkers, are extremely desirable and hold great promise for early diagnostics and real‐time progression monitoring of diseases. Nowadays, the most commonly used clinical methods for diagnosing biomarkers suffer from complicated procedures and being time consumption. Here, a chip‐based portable ultra‐sensitive THz metasensor is reported by exploring quasi‐bound states in the continuum (quasi‐BICs) and demonstrate its capability for sensing low‐concentration analytes. The designed metasensor is made of the designed split‐ring resonator metasurface which supports magnetic dipole quasi‐BIC combining functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) conjugated with the specific antibody. Attributed to the strong near‐field enhancement near the surface of the microstructure enabled by the quasi‐BICs, light‐analyte interactions are greatly enhanced, and thus the device's sensitivity is boosted significantly. The system sensitivity slope is up to 674 GHz/RIU, allowing for repeatable resolving detecting ultralow concentration of C‐reactive protein (CRP) and Serum Amyloid A (SAA), respectively, down to 1 pM. The results touch a range that cannot be achieved by ordinary immunological assays alone, offering a novel non‐destructive and rapid trace measured approach for next‐generation biomedical quantitative detection systems.
Cuproptosis‐Inducible Chemotherapeutic/Cascade Catalytic Reactor System for Combating with Breast Cancer
Authors: Lee Song Yi , Seo Ji‐Hye , Kim Sungyun , Hwang ChaeRim , Jeong Da In , Park JiHye , Yang Mingyu , Huh Ji Won , Cho Hyun‐Jong
Published: May 2023

Cascade hydroxyl radical generating hydrogel reactor structures including a chemotherapeutic agent are invented for multiple treatment of breast cancer. Glucose oxidase (GOx) and cupric sulfate (Cu) are introduced for transforming accumulated glucose (in cancer cells) to hydroxyl radicals for starvation/chemodynamic therapy. Cu may also suppress cancer cell growth via cuproptosis‐mediated cell death. Berberine hydrochloride (BER) is engaged as a chemotherapeutic agent in the hydrogel reactor for combining with starvation/chemodynamic/cuproptosis therapeutic modalities. Moreover, Cu is participated as a gel crosslinker by coordinating with catechol groups in hyaluronic acid‐dopamine (HD) polymer. Controlling viscoelasticity of hydrogel reactor can extend the retention time following local injection and provide sustained drug release patterns. Low biodegradation rate of designed HD/BER/GOx/Cu hydrogel can reduce dosing frequency in local cancer therapy and avoid invasiveness‐related inconveniences. Especially, it is anticipated that HD/BER/GOx/Cu hydrogel system can be applied for reducing size of breast cancer prior to surgery as well as tumor growth suppression in clinical application.
Construction of 1D Heterogeneous Co/C@Ag Nws With Tunable Electromagnetic Wave Absorption And Shielding Performance
Authors: Jiang Chao , Wen Bianying
Published: May 2023

In this study, silver nanowires (Ag NWs) are synthesized at first, and then the 1D heterogeneous Co/C@Ag NWs with a kebab‐ and popsicle‐like microstructures are constructed by in situ growth ZIF‐67 on Ag NWs combined with calcination. Results show that the EM wave prevention performance of composites depends on the loading of Co/C particles threaded on the Ag NWs. The popsicle‐like structure with high Co/C loading gives Co/C@Ag NWs excellent EM wave absorption performance, which achieved a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of −44.5 dB with a low filling of 30 wt.% in paraffin; while the kebab‐like structure with low Co/C loading shows good electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness (SET) of 30.2 dB at the same filler ratio. The enhanced EM wave absorption performance is attributed to the synergy of multiple energy dissipation mechanisms including dielectric loss, magnetic loss, polarization loss, eddy‐current loss, multiple reflection loss, as well as proper impedance matching; the good EMI shielding performance is mainly due to the conduction loss brought by the Ag NWs with ultrahigh conductivity. This work provides a reference for the design of electromagnetic wave prevention material with tuned absorption and shielding performance.
ISCOMs/MPLA‐Adjuvanted SDAD Protein Nanoparticles Induce Improved Mucosal Immune Responses and Cross‐Protection in Mice
Authors: Zhu Wandi , Park Jaeyoung , Pho Thomas , Wei Lai , Dong Chunhong , Kim Joo , Ma Yao , Champion Julie A. , Wang Bao‐Zhong
Published: May 2023

The epidemics caused by the influenza virus are a serious threat to public health and the economy. Adding appropriate adjuvants to improve immunogenicity and finding effective mucosal vaccines to combat respiratory infection at the portal of virus entry are important strategies to boost protection. In this study, a novel type of core/shell protein nanoparticle consisting of influenza nucleoprotein (NP) as the core and NA1‐M2e or NA2‐M2e fusion proteins as the coating antigens by SDAD hetero‐bifunctional crosslinking is exploited. Immune‐stimulating complexes (ISCOMs)/monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) adjuvants further boost the NP/NA‐M2e SDAD protein nanoparticle‐induced immune responses when administered intramuscularly. The ISCOMs/MPLA‐adjuvanted protein nanoparticles are delivered through the intranasal route to validate the application as mucosal vaccines. ISCOMs/MPLA‐adjuvanted nanoparticles induce significantly strengthened antigen‐specific antibody responses, cytokine‐secreting splenocytes in the systemic compartment, and higher levels of antigen‐specific IgA and IgG in the local mucosa. Meanwhile, significantly expanded lung resident memory (RM) T and B cells (TRM/BRM) and alveolar macrophages population are observed in ISCOMs/MPLA‐adjuvanted nanoparticle‐immunized mice with a 100% survival rate after homogeneous and heterogeneous H3N2 viral challenges. Taken together, ISCOMs/MPLA‐adjuvanted protein nanoparticles could improve strong systemic and mucosal immune responses conferring protection in different immunization routes.
Edge Graphitized Oxygen‐Rich Carbon Based on Stainless Steel‐Assisted High‐energy Ball Milling for High‐Capacity and Ultrafast Sodium Storage
Authors: Ning Meng , Wen Jiajun , Duan Zhihua , Cao Xiaoguo , Qiu Guojian , Zhang Minglu , Ye Xiaoji , Li Zhenghui , Zhang Haiyan
Published: May 2023

Oxygen doping is an effective strategy for constructing high‐performance carbon anodes in Na ion batteries; however, current oxygen‐doped carbons always exhibit low doping levels and high‐defect surfaces, resulting in limited capacity improvement and low initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE). Herein, a stainless steel‐assisted high‐energy ball milling is exploited to achieve high‐level oxygen doping (19.33%) in the carbon framework. The doped oxygen atoms exist dominantly in the form of carbon‐oxygen double bonds, supplying sufficient Na storage sites through an addition reaction. More importantly, it is unexpected that the random carbon layers on the surface are reconstructed into a quasi‐ordered arrangement by robust mechanical force, which is low‐defect and favorable for suppressing the formation of thick solid electrolyte interfaces. As such, the obtained carbon presents a large reversible capacity of 363 mAh g−1 with a high ICE up to 83.1%. In addition, owing to the surface‐dominated capacity contribution, an ultrafast Na storage is achieved that the capacity remains 139 mAh g−1 under a large current density of 100 A g−1. Such good Na storage performance, especially outstanding rate capability, has rarely been achieved before.
From Supramolecular Organic Cages to Porous Covalent Organic Frameworks for Enhancing Iodine Adsorption Capability by Fully Exposed Nitrogen‐Rich Sites
Authors: Cheng Ke , Li Hailian , Wang Jia‐Rui , Li Pei‐Zhou , Zhao Yanli
Published: May 2023

In order to overcome the limitations of supramolecular organic cages for their incomplete accessibility of active sites in the solid state and uneasy recyclability in liquid solution, herein a nitrogen‐rich organic cage is rationally linked into framework systems and four isoreticular covalent organic frameworks (COFs), that is, Cage‐TFB‐COF, Cage‐NTBA‐COF, Cage‐TFPB‐COF, and Cage‐TFPT‐COF, are successfully synthesized. Structure determination reveals that they are all high‐quality crystalline materials derived from the eclipsed packing of related isoreticular two‐dimensional frameworks. Since the nitrogen‐rich sites usually have a high affinity toward iodine species, iodine adsorption investigations are carried out and the results show that all of them display an enhancement in iodine adsorption capacities. Especially, Cage‐NTBA‐COF exhibits an iodine adsorption capacity of 304 wt%, 14‐fold higher than the solid sample packed from the cage itself. The strong interactions between the nitrogen‐rich sites and the adsorbed iodine species are revealed by spectral analyses. This work demonstrates that, utilizing the reticular chemistry strategy to extend the close‐packed supramolecular organic cages into crystalline porous framework solids, their inherent properties can be greatly exploited for targeted applications.
Zinc‐Doping Strategy on P2‐Type Mn‐Based Layered Oxide Cathode for High‐Performance Potassium‐ion Batteries
Authors: Zheng Yunshan , Li Junfeng , Ji Shunping , Hui Kwan San , Wang Shuo , Xu Huifang , Wang Kaixi , Dinh Duc Anh , Zha Chenyang , Shao Zongping , Hui Kwun Nam
Published: May 2023

Mn‐based layered oxide is extensively investigated as a promising cathode material for potassium‐ion batteries due to its high theoretical capacity and natural abundance of manganese. However, the Jahn–Teller distortion caused by high‐spin Mn3+(t2g3eg1) destabilizes the host structure and reduces the cycling stability. Here, K0.02Na0.55Mn0.70Ni0.25Zn0.05O2 (denoted as KNMNO‐Z) is reported to inhibit the Jahn–Teller effect and reduce the irreversible phase transition. Through the implementation of a Zn‐doping strategy, higher Mn valence is achieved in the KNMNO‐Z electrode, resulting in a reduction of Mn3+ amount and subsequently leading to an improvement in cyclic stability. Specifically, after 1000 cycles, a high retention rate of 97% is observed. Density functional theory calculations reveals that low‐valence Zn2+ ions substituting the transition metal position of Mn regulated the electronic structure around the MnO bonding, thereby alleviating the anisotropic coupling between oxidized O2− and Mn4+ and improving the structural stability. K0.02Na0.55Mn0.70Ni0.25Zn0.05O2 provided an initial discharge capacity of 57 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 and a decay rate of only 0.003% per cycle, indicating that the Zn‐doped strategy is effective for developing high‐performance Mn‐based layered oxide cathode materials in PIBs.
Spray‐Deposited, Virus‐Templated SnO2 Mesoporous Electron Transport Layer for High‐Efficiency, Sequential‐Deposited Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Kumar Neetesh , Lee Hock Beng , Tyagi Barkha , Ovhal Manoj Mayaji , Cho Sinyoung , Lee Jong-Soo , Oh Jin-Woo , Kang Jae-Wook
Published: May 2023

In recent years, researchers have developed spray deposition technology to fabricate tin oxide electron transport layer (ETL) with the aim of manufacturing high‐efficiency, large‐area perovskite solar cell (PSC). However, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of PSC based on sprayed SnO2 ETL remains inferior to that of the spin‐coated SnO2 ETL. Herein, the combined use of spray deposition and genetically engineered M13 bacteriophages for the deposition of M13‐SnO2 biohybrid ETL over large‐area (62.5 cm2) substrates is demonstrated. The spray‐deposited M13‐SnO2 ETLs exhibit mesoporous morphologies with >85% transmittance in UV–vis region. Through the use of M13‐SnO2 ETL, the sequential‐deposited PSCs achieve a maximum PCE of ≈22.1%. The improved performance of the PSC is attributable to the mesoporous morphology of M13‐SnO2 ETL that facilitates the growth of larger perovskite grains. The PSCs based on M13‐SnO2 ETLs also display highly consistent photovoltaic performance which manifests the excellent scalability of the spraying process. Furthermore, M13‐SnO2‐based PSCs exhibit higher ambient stability compared to the SnO2‐based PSCs, showing that the use of M13 bacteriophage is incredibly beneficial to both the efficiency and stability of PSCs.
Advances and Future Prospects of Wearable Textile‐ and Fiber‐Based Solar Cells
Authors: Ke Huizhen , Gao Mengyuan , Li Saimeng , Qi Qingchun , Zhao Wenchao , Li Xin , Li Sunsun , Kuvondikov Vakhobjon , Lv Pengfei , Wei Qufu , Ye Long
Published: May 2023

Carbon neutrality is one of the most urgent global missions and has promoted the development of clean and renewable energy sources. Sustainable photovoltaic cells have become ideal candidates for green energy harvesting owing to their high power conversion efficiencies and low production costs, which can efficiently reduce the carbon emissions. In recent years, with the increasing advancements in wearable electronics, flexible photovoltaic textile devices have been regarded as the most promising energy resources for Internet of Things. Accordingly, herein, an up‐to‐date account of the recent advancements in modern textile‐based solar cells (i.e., organic, perovskite, and dye‐sensitized solar cells) based on both fibers and fabrics for highly effective harvesting of solar energy is provided, and their fundamental designs and optimization strategies are comprehensively reviewed. This review emphasizes the unique characteristics, underlying mechanisms and potential applications of textile‐based solar cells. Moreover, a modern perspective on both challenges and opportunities in the advancements of the interesting textile‐based solar cells embedded in wearable devices is elucidated. This review offers new insights into advanced energy technologies and smart wearable devices that would facilitate multidisciplinary integration of basic science, device engineering, industrial applications, and other scientific domains.
Bilayer Indium Tin Oxide Electrodes for Deformation‐Free Ultrathin Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Ohashi Noboru , Kaneko Ryuji , Sakai Chikako , Wasai Yoko , Higuchi Seiji , Yazawa Kenji , Tahara Hirokazu , Handa Taketo , Nakamura Tomoya , Murdey Richard , Kanemitsu Yoshihiko , Wakamiya Atsushi
Published: May 2023

The superior electrical conductivity and optical transparency of indium tin oxide (ITO) make it an ideal electrode material for use in optoelectronic devices such as solar cells. When ITO electrodes are fabricated on very thin plastic substrates, however, the internal stress of the ITO layer causes the substrate to deform, severely limiting the device's performance. Herein, it is shown that ITO bilayers composed of an amorphous base layer and a crystalline overlayer lead to deformation‐free ITO electrodes. It is shown that an optimized bilayer structure is achieved when the internal stresses of the amorphous and crystalline layers approximately cancel. With this approach, mixed composition metal halide perovskite solar cells with ITO electrodes are successfully fabricated on 4 μm polyethylene naphthalate films. A power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.2% is obtained for the reference cell design, corresponding to a power‐to‐weight ratio of 24 W g−1 before encapsulation. The devices retain 95% of the original PCE after 1000 bend cycles, while under simulated indoor lighting (white LED, 200 lux, 5000 K) the PCE reaches 28.3%. A 3‐cell module with a designated area of 2.3 cm2 is realized with a power output of 28.1 mW and an open‐circuit voltage of 3.17 V.
Integrating near‐surface mounted SMA and externally bonded CFRP for concrete beams strengthened in flexure
Authors: Zhu Miaochang , Deng Jun , Jiang Jieliang
Published: May 2023

This study aims to develop a new hybrid strengthening approach for reinforced concrete beams by integrating near‐surface mounted shape memory alloys (SMAs) and externally bonded carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs). Due to the superelasticity and shape memory effect of SMAs, the proposed strengthening can enhance the flexural strength of concrete beams without compromising ductility. The recovery behavior of deformed SMA wires was studied to determine the optimal prestrain level that can achieve the highest recovery stress. Afterward, the flexural performance of concrete beams strengthened with SMA, CFRP and both was investigated by performing three‐point tests. The results show that integrating SMA and CFRP has more influence on increasing the ultimate moment than the cracking moment and leads to a more significant improvement in the ultimate moment than individually utilizing SMA and CFRP. Besides, the effect of the integrated approach on enhancing the ductility is more notable than increasing the ultimate moment. The ultimate moment was analytically calculated, and the calculations show reasonable agreement with experimental results. The effects of the SMA and CFRP amount on the ultimate moment were also clarified through a parametric study.
Quantification of data‐related uncertainty of spatially dense soil moisture patterns on the small catchment scale estimated using unsupervised multiple regression
Authors: Paasche Hendrik , Schröter Ingmar
Published: May 2023

Multiple regression analysis is a valuable method to reduce information gaps in a sparse soil moisture data set by fusing its information content with those of densely mapped data sets. Regression analysis utilizing uncertain data results in an indeterminate regression model and indeterminate soil moisture predictions when applying the regression model. We employ an unsupervised multiple regression approaches, taking optimally located sparse soil moisture measurements directly as coefficients in a linear regression model. We propagate data uncertainties into our probabilistic soil moisture estimation results by embedding the regression in a Monte Carlo approach. The computed uncertainty defines the quantitative limit for information retrieval from the resultant ensemble of soil moisture maps. This raises doubts on the true presence of some prominent channel‐like features of increased soil moisture that are clearly visible in a previously and deterministically derived soil moisture map ignoring the presence of data uncertainty. The approach followed in this work is computationally simple and could be applied routinely to databases of similar size. Insufficient uncertainty communication by the data provider became the biggest obstacle in our efforts and led us to the insight that the geoscientific community may need to revise their standards with regard to uncertainty communication related to measured and processed data.