bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Directional Thermal Diffusion Realizing Inorganic Sb2Te3/Te Hybrid Thin Films with High Thermoelectric Performance and Flexibility
Authors: Wei Meng , Shi Xiao‐Lei , Zheng Zhuang‐Hao , Li Fu , Liu Wei‐Di , Xiang Li‐Ping , Xie Yang‐Su , Chen Yue‐Xing , Duan Jing‐Yi , Ma Hong‐Li , Liang Guang‐Xing , Zhang Xiang‐Hua , Fan Ping , Chen Zhi‐Gang
Published: September 2022

Inorganic films possess much higher thermoelectric performance than their organic counterparts, but their poor flexibilities limit their practical applications. Here, Sb2Te3/Tex hybrid thin films with high thermoelectric performance and flexibility, fabricated via a novel directional thermal diffusion reaction growth method are reported. The directional thermal diffusion enables rationally tuning the Te content in Sb2Te3, which optimizes the carrier density and leads to a significantly enhanced power factor of >20 µW cm–1 K–2, confirmed by both first‐principles calculations and experiments; while dense boundaries between Te and Sb2Te3 nanophases, contribute to the low thermal conductivity of ≈0.86 W m–1 K–1, both induce a high ZT of ≈1 in (Sb2Te3)(Te)1.5 at 453 K, ranking as the top value among the reported flexible films. Besides, thin films also exhibit extraordinary flexibility. A rationally designed flexible device composed of (Sb2Te3)(Te)1.5 thin films as p‐type legs and Bi2Te3 thin films as n‐type legs shows a high power density of >280 µW cm–2 at a temperature difference of 20 K, indicating a great potential for sustainably charging low‐power electronics.
Ultrasound‐Enhanced Antibacterial Activity of Polymeric Nanoparticles for Eradicating Bacterial Biofilms
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Sanjana , Gupta Aarohi , Makabenta Jessa M. V. , Park Jungmi , Amante John J. , Chattopadhyay Aritra Nath , Matuwana Dorcas , Kearney Cathal J. , Rotello Vincent M.
Published: September 2022

Bacterial biofilms are a major healthcare concern resulting in refractory conditions such as chronic wounds, implant infections and failure, and multidrug‐resistant infections. Aggressive and invasive strategies are employed to cure biofilm infections but are prone to long and expensive treatments, adverse side‐effects, and low patient compliance. Recent strategies such as ultrasound‐based therapies and antimicrobial nanomaterials have shown some promise in the effective eradication of biofilms. However, maximizing therapeutic effect while minimizing healthy tissue damage is a key challenge that needs to be addressed. Here a combination treatment involving ultrasound and antimicrobial polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) that synergistically eradicate bacterial biofilms is reported. Ultrasound treatment rapidly disrupts biofilms and increases penetration of antimicrobial PNPs thereby enhancing their antimicrobial activity. This results in superior biofilm toxicity, while allowing for a two‐ to sixfold reduction in both the concentration of PNPs as well as the duration of ultrasound. Furthermore, that this reduction minimizes cytotoxicity toward fibroblast cells, while resulting in a 100‐ to 1000‐fold reduction in bacterial concentration, is demonstrated.
Transparent and Skin‐Attachable Silver Nanowire Electrodes Embedded on Dissolvable Polyurethane for Highly Conformable Wearable Electronics
Authors: Kim Seung‐Rok , Jeon Jiwan , Kim Yu‐Chan , Park Jin‐Woo
Published: September 2022

Conformal contact with skin is a critical requirement for wearable electronics in medical healthcare, artificial electronics, and human–computer interfaces. Tattoo‐like electronics exploiting water‐dissolvable polymers have been introduced to directly transfer electronics to the skin increasing conformality and adhesion. However, water‐dissolvable polymers cannot be anchored on the skin while maintaining electrical properties because water‐based sweat can destroy the polymer substrate. In this study, we present a transparent and skin‐attachable electrode (TSE) composed of highly conductive silver nanowires and biocompatible polyurethane composite using surface redissolution by ethanol. The TSE can be fabricated into various patterns by a simple fabrication method and firmly mounted on the skin. There was no reddishness or residue on the attached spot after detachment. Additionally, the TSE showed low mechanical modulus of 225 kPa and an optical transmittance of ≈70% at 550 nm. Stable and conformal contact with the skin leads to effective body motion sensing and sensitive electrophysiological signal acquisition due to the low electrical interfacial impedance.
Phase‐Only Holographic Assisted Planar Printing for Massively Multiplexed Optical Display and Encryption
Authors: Wei Yunxuan , Hu Tie , Feng Xing , Zhao Ming , Yang Zhenyu
Published: September 2022

Multiplexed planar printings, made of single or few layer micro and nano optical platforms, are essential for high capacity display, information storage, and encryption. Although they are developed rapidly, the demonstrated channels are still limited and also lack instantaneity. Here, holograms and printings, always regarded as two independent information coding domains with totally different principles, are combined together through this proposed angle multiplexing framework, leading to multiplexed printings with hundreds of channels. Based on such approach, the authors experimentally encode, respectively, 25 gray scale printings into 25 angles and even 8 gray scale videos into 8 angles with a phase‐only spatial light modulator. As a bridge between printings and holograms, this method allows to generate printings combining various holographic methods. Beneficial from this, a gradient metasurface based 324 channel printing is demonstrated which multiplexes angles, polarizations, and wavelengths simultaneously. This work paves the way to flexibly angle‐dependent printing display and massively multiplexed encryption systems.
Functional Phosphoproteomics in Cancer Chemoresistance Using CRISPR‐Mediated Base Editors
Authors: Li Jianan , Lin Jianxiang , Huang Shisheng , Li Min , Yu Wenxia , Zhao Yuting , Guo Junfan , Zhang Pumin , Huang Xingxu , Qiao Yunbo
Published: September 2022

Selective inhibition of targeted protein kinases is an effective therapeutic approach for treatment of human malignancies, which interferes phosphorylation of cellular substrates. However, a drug‐imposed selection creates pressures for tumor cells to acquire chemoresistance‐conferring mutations or activating alternative pathways, which can bypass the inhibitory effects of kinase inhibitors. Thus, identifying downstream phospho‐substrates conferring drug resistance is of great importance for developing poly‐pharmacological and targeted therapies. To identify functional phosphorylation sites involved in 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) resistance during its treatment of colorectal cancer cells, CRISPR‐mediated cytosine base editor (CBE) and adenine base editor (ABE) are utilized for functional screens by mutating phosphorylated amino acids with two libraries specifically targeting 7779 and 10 149 phosphorylation sites. Among the top enriched gRNAs‐induced gain‐of‐function mutants, the target genes are involved in cell cycle and post‐translational covalent modifications. Moreover, several substrates of RSK2 and PAK4 kinases are discovered as main effectors in responding to 5‐FU chemotherapy, and combinational treatment of colorectal cancer cells with 5‐FU and RSK2 inhibitor or PAK4 inhibitor can largely inhibit cell growth and enhance cell apoptosis through a RSK2/TP53BP1/γ‐H2AX phosphorylation signaling axis. It is proposed that this screen approach can be used for functional phosphoproteomics in chemotherapy of various human diseases.
Near‐Infrared Carbonized Polymer Dots for NIR‐II Bioimaging
Authors: Han Tianyang , Wang Yajun , Ma Shengjie , Li Mengfei , Zhu Ningning , Tao Songyuan , Xu Jiajun , Sun Bin , Jia Yunlong , Zhang Yuewei , Zhu Shoujun , Yang Bai
Published: September 2022

Carbon dots (CDs) or carbonized polymer dots (CPDs) are an emerging class of optical materials that have exceptional applications in optoelectronic devices, catalysis, detection, and bioimaging. Although cell studies of CPDs have produced impressive results, in vivo imaging requires available CPDs to fluoresce in the near‐infrared‐II (NIR‐II) window (1000−1700 nm). Here, a two‐step bottom‐up strategy is developed to synthesize NIR‐CPDs that provide bright emissions in both NIR‐I and NIR‐II transparent imaging windows. The designed strategy includes a hydrothermal reaction to form a stable carbon core with aldehyde groups, followed by the Knoevenagel reaction to tether the molecular emission centers. This procedure is labor‐saving, cost‐efficient, and produces a high yield. The NIR‐CPDs enable high‐performance NIR‐II angiography and real‐time imaging of the disease degree of colitis noninvasively. This technology may therefore provide a next‐generation synthesis strategy for CPDs with rational molecular engineering that can accurately tune the absorption/emission properties of NIR‐emissive CPDs.
Top Stack Optimization for Cu2BaSn(S, Se)4 Photovoltaic Cell Leads to Improved Device Power Conversion Efficiency beyond 6%
Authors: Teymur Betul , Kim Yongshin , Huang Jialiang , Sun Kaiwen , Hao Xiaojing , Mitzi David B.
Published: September 2022

Earth‐abundant and air‐stable Cu2BaSnS4−xSex (CBTSSe) and related thin‐film absorbers are regarded as prospective options to meet the increasing demand for low‐cost solar cell deployment. Devices based on vacuum‐deposited CBTSSe absorbers have achieved record power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 5.2% based on a conventional device structure using CdS buffer and i‐ZnO/indium tin oxide (ITO) window layers, with open‐circuit voltage (VOC) posing the major bottleneck for improving solar cell performance. The current study demonstrates a >20% improvement in VOC (from 0.62 to 0.75 V) and corresponding enhancement in PCE (from 5.1% to 6.2% without antireflection coating; to 6.5% with MgF2 antireflection coating) for solution‐deposited CBTSSe solar cells. This performance improvement is realized by introducing an alternative successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction‐deposited Zn1−xCdxS buffer combined with sputtered Zn1−xMgxO/Al‐doped ZnO window/top contact layer, which offers lower electron affinities relative to the conventional CdS/i‐ZnO/ITO stack and better matching with the low electron affinity of CBTSSe. A combined experimental (temperature‐ and light intensity‐dependent VOC measurements) and device simulation (SCAPS‐1D) evaluation points to the importance of addressing relative band offsets for both the buffer and window layers relative to the absorber in mitigating interfacial recombination and optimizing CBTSSe solar cell performance.
Vacuum‐Free and Solvent‐Free Deposition of Electrodes for Roll‐to‐Roll Fabricated Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Sutherland Luke J. , Vak Doojin , Gao Mei , Peiris Thelge Anton Nirmal , Jasieniak Jacek , Simon George P. , Weerasinghe Hasitha
Published: September 2022

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are attracting widespread attention due to their exceptional photovoltaic performance and their potential for large‐scale production via low‐cost, high‐throughput roll‐to‐roll (R2R) methods. Full realization of this production approach requires replacement of the evaporated metal electrode commonly used in PSCs. Here, a novel vacuum‐free R2R‐compatible method is introduced to fabricate and deposit printed electrodes based on electrically conductive pastes, which avoids potential loss of PSC performance due to solvent migration from the pastes. Flexible R2R‐fabricated PSCs with record power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of up to 16.7% are produced by vacuum‐free deposition of all functional layers, apart from the transparent conductive electrode. This performance compares very favorably with that of control flexible PSCs comprising an evaporated gold electrode, which displays PCEs of up to 17.4%. Furthermore, the PSCs comprising a printed electrode demonstrate outstanding operational and mechanical stability, with negligible loss of PCE after 24 h of continuous 1‐sun illumination and retention of more than 90% of their initial PCE after 3000 cyclic bends.
Advanced In Situ Induced Dual‐Mechanism Heterointerface Towards Ultrastable Aqueous Rocking‐Chair Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Cai Peng , Wang Kangli , Ning Jing , He Xin , Chen Manlin , Li Qixing , Li Haomiao , Zhou Min , Wang Wei , Jiang Kai
Published: September 2022

The practical application of infancy‐stage rocking‐chair Zn‐ion batteries is predominately retarded by the strong electrostatic interaction between traditional anode materials with bivalent Zn2+, resulting in irreversible serious structural damage, unsatisfactory cycling stabilities, and poor rate performances. Herein, an advanced dual electric field in situ induced intercalation/conversion dual‐mechanism Na1.6TiS2/CuSe2 heterointerface anode towards ultrastable aqueous rocking‐chair zinc‐ion batteries is successfully constructed. The rational constructions of huge heterointerfaces between different phases generate built‐in electric fields, reducing the energy barrier for ion migration, facilitating electron/ion diffusion, decreasing charge transfer resistances, and establishing an excellent conducting network. The enhanced interactions of different atoms at the phase interface alleviate the tensile strain and stabilize the lattice, achieving superior Zn2+ diffusion kinetics. The dual‐mechanism Na1.6TiS2/CuSe2 heterostructures can reach a discharge capacity of 142 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1. It still reaches a discharge capacity of 133 mAh g−1 when the current density recovers to 0.2 A g−1 after a high current evaluation of 10 A g−1 with remarkable capacity retention (83.8% at 5A g−1 after 12 000 cycles). This breakthrough opens a new avenue for the targeted design of rocking‐chair zinc‐ion batteries and provides insights into the evolution of heterointerfaces.
Thermally Stable and Dendrite‐Resistant Separators toward Highly Robust Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Sun Shiyi , Wang Jianan , Chen Xin , Ma Qianyue , Wang Yanyao , Yang Kai , Yao Xuhui , Yang Zhipeng , Liu Jianwei , Xu Hao , Cai Qiong , Zhao Yunlong , Yan Wei
Published: September 2022

High‐level safety is of vital importance to the continuous pursuit of high‐energy‐density batteries in the increasingly electrified world. The thermal instability and dendrite‐induced issues of conventional polypropylene (PP) separators often cause internal short circuits and thermal runaway in batteries. Herein, a thermally stable and dendrite‐resistant separator (F‐PPTA@PP) is constructed using a dual‐functional and easy‐to‐commercialize design strategy of thermally safe poly‐p‐phenylene‐terephthamide nanofibers and plasma‐induced lithiophilic fluorine‐containing groups. In situ thermal monitoring, in situ optical observation, and multiphysics simulation demonstrate that F‐PPTA@PP can suppress thermal shrinkage of the separator and the formation of hotspots, and also promote uniform lithium deposition. Subsequently, lithium metal batteries are assembled, featuring an initial capacity of 194.1 mAh g–1 at 0.5 C with a low‐capacity attenuation of 0.02% per cycle over 1000 cycles. When operating under extreme conditions, i.e., −10 and 100 °C, ultrafast charging/discharging rates up to 30 C, lean electrolyte (2.4 µL mg–1)/high mass‐loading (10.77 mg cm–2) or lithium‐sulfur batteries, F‐PPTA@PP separator still enables competitive electrochemical performance, highlighting its plausible processing scalability for high‐safety energy storage systems.
Zinc‐Catalyzed [4+2] Annulation of 2‐Aminoarylnitriles with Ynamides: An Easy Access to Polysubstituted Quinolines
Authors: Zhao Ximei , Li Zengzeng , Jia Jian , Yu Mingwu , Wang Guanghui , Liu Gang
Published: September 2022

The zinc‐catalyzed [4+2] annulation of 2‐aminoarylnitriles with ynamides offers an easy one‐step access to polysubstituted quinolines. In this new protocol, inexpensive ZnCl2 is used for the first time as an efficient alternative of noble‐metal catalysts. This zinc catalytic system offers the desired polysubstituted quinolines in yields up to 87% with a broad substrate scope and good functional group tolerance. The large‐scale experiment proves the practical utility of this method. Interestingly, the newly synthesized product decorated with an o‐fluorophenyl substituent is transformed to 11‐aminoindolo[2,3‐b]quinoline by deprotection of the benzenesulfonyl group and subsequent regioselective aromatic nucleophilic substitution in combined yield of 62%.
External Validation of e‐ASPECTS Software for Interpreting Brain CT in Stroke
Authors: Mair Grant , White Philip , Bath Philip M. , Muir Keith W. , Al‐Shahi Salman Rustam , Martin Chloe , Dye David , Chappell Francesca M. , Vacek Adam , von Kummer Rüdiger , Macleod Malcolm , Sprigg Nikola , Wardlaw Joanna M.
Published: September 2022

Objective

The purpose of this study was to test e‐ASPECTS software in patients with stroke. Marketed as a decision‐support tool, e‐ASPECTS may detect features of ischemia or hemorrhage on computed tomography (CT) imaging and quantify ischemic extent using Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS).

Methods

Using CT from 9 stroke studies, we compared software with masked experts. As per indications for software use, we assessed e‐ASPECTS results for patients with/without middle cerebral artery (MCA) ischemia but no other cause of stroke. In an analysis outside the intended use of the software, we enriched our dataset with non‐MCA ischemia, hemorrhage, and mimics to simulate a representative “front door” hospital population. With final diagnosis as the reference standard, we tested the diagnostic accuracy of e‐ASPECTS for identifying stroke features (ischemia, hyperattenuated arteries, and hemorrhage) in the representative population.

Results

We included 4,100 patients (51% women, median age = 78 years, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] = 10, onset to scan = 2.5 hours). Final diagnosis was ischemia (78%), hemorrhage (14%), or mimic (8%). From 3,035 CTs with expert‐rated ASPECTS, most (2084/3035, 69%) e‐ASPECTS results were within one point of experts. In the representative population, the diagnostic accuracy of e‐ASPECTS was 71% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 70–72%) for detecting ischemic features, 85% (83–86%) for hemorrhage. Software identified more false positive ischemia (12% vs 2%) and hemorrhage (14% vs <1%) than experts.

Interpretation

On independent testing, e‐ASPECTS provided moderate agreement with experts and overcalled stroke features. Therefore, future prospective trials testing impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) software on patient care and outcome are required before widespread implementation of stroke decision‐support software. ANN NEUROL 2022;92:943–957
Midazolam Prevents the Adverse Outcome of Neonatal Asphyxia
Authors: Welzel Björn , Schmidt Ricardo , Johne Marie , Löscher Wolfgang
Published: September 2022

Objective

Birth asphyxia (BA) is the most frequent cause of neonatal death as well as central nervous system (CNS) injury. BA is often associated with neonatal seizures, which only poorly respond to anti‐seizure medications and may contribute to the adverse neurodevelopmental outcome. Using a non‐invasive rat model of BA, we have recently reported that the potent benzodiazepine, midazolam, prevents neonatal seizures in ~50% of rat pups. In addition to its anti‐seizure effect, midazolam exerts anti‐inflammatory actions, which is highly relevant for therapeutic intervention following BA. The 2 major aims of the present study were to examine (1) whether midazolam reduces the adverse outcome of BA, and (2) whether this effect is different in rats that did or did not exhibit neonatal seizures after drug treatment.

Methods

Behavioral and cognitive tests were performed over 14 months after asphyxia, followed by immunohistochemical analyses.

Results

All vehicle‐treated rats had seizures after asphyxia and developed behavioral and cognitive abnormalities, neuroinflammation in gray and white matter, neurodegeneration in the hippocampus and thalamus, and hippocampal mossy fiber sprouting in subsequent months. Administration of midazolam (1 mg/kg i.p.) directly after asphyxia prevented post‐asphyctic seizures in ~50% of the rats and resulted in the prevention or decrease of neuroinflammation and the behavioral, cognitive, and neurodegenerative consequences of asphyxia. Except for neurodegeneration in the thalamus, seizures did not seem to contribute to the adverse outcome of asphyxia.

Interpretation

The disease‐modifying effect of midazolam identified here strongly suggests that this drug provides a valuable option for improving the treatment and outcome of BA. ANN NEUROL 2023;93:226–243
Untersuchungen zur Substrattoleranz von Sactisynthasen für die Generierung Thioether‐verbrückter Sactipeptide mit neuen Eigenschaften
Authors: Ali Ataurehman , Happel Dominic , Habermann Jan , Schoenfeld Katrin , Macarrón Palacios Arturo , Bitsch Sebastian , Englert Simon , Schneider Hendrik , Avrutina Olga , Fabritz Sebastian , Kolmar Harald
Published: September 2022

Sactipeptide sind ribosomal synthetisierte Peptide, die eine einzigartige Verknüpfung von Schwefel und α‐Kohlenstoffen enthalten. Die Bildung von Thioetherbrücken wird in diesen Molekülen durch Sactisynthasen katalysiert. Diese spezielle Art der Verknüpfung verleiht Sactipeptiden eine erhöhte strukturelle, thermische und proteolytische Stabilität, was sie zu attraktiven Gerüsten für die Entwicklung neuer Biotherapeutika macht. In diesem Artikel berichten wir über eine Studie zur Substrattoleranz der Sactisynthase AlbA, die die Bildung von Thioetherbrücken im Sactipeptid Subtilosin A katalysiert. Wir haben eine Modifikationsstelle innerhalb dieses Sactipeptids identifiziert, die ein Peptid‐Engineering ohne Beeinträchtigung der Bildung von Thioetherbrücken ermöglicht. Eine Reihe von natürlichen und hybriden Sactipeptidkonstrukten wurde hergestellt, um die AlbA vermittelte Bildung von Thioetherbrücken zu untersuchen und diese massenspektrometrisch zu identifizieren. In einer Proof‐of‐Principle‐Studie haben wir Subtilosin A mit einer neue Funktion ausgestattet, ein Thioether‐verbrücktes Streptavidin‐bindendes Peptid generiert und damit die Tür für das funktionelle Engineering von Sactipeptiden weiter geöffnet.
Stimulus‐Responsive Tubular Conjugated Polymer 2D Nanosheets
Authors: Jang Daewoong , Heo Jung‐Moo , Jannah Fadilatul , Khazi Mohammed Iqbal , Son Young Ji , Noh Jaegeun , An Hyosung , Park Soon Mo , Yoon Dong Ki , Kadamannil Nila Nandha , Jelinek Raz , Kim Jong‐Man
Published: September 2022

Creation of new two‐dimensional (2D) architectures has attracted significant attention in the field of self‐assembly for structural diversity and new functionalization. Although numerous 2D polymer nanosheets have been reported, 2D nanosheets with tubular channels have been unexplored. Herein, we describe a new strategy for the fabrication of stimulus‐responsive conjugated polymer 2D nanosheets with hollow cavities. Amphiphilic macrocyclic diacetylenes self‐assembled in an aqueous solution in a columnar manner to afford bilayered 2D nanosheets with intrinsically tubular nanochannels. UV‐induced polymerization resulted in the generation of blue‐colored tubular conjugated polydiacetylene 2D nanosheets. Immobilization of gold nanoparticles, fluorescence labeling with FRET phenomenon and colorimetric DNA sensing were demonstrated with these new 2D nanosheets. In addition, the free NH2 containing polymerized 2D nanosheet was utilized for conductivity behavior and grafting on graphene oxide (GO).
Mild and Chemoselective Carboxylic Acid Reduction Promoted by Borane Catalysis
Authors: Lunic Danijela , Sanosa Nil , Funes‐Ardoiz Ignacio , Teskey Christopher J.
Published: September 2022

Although considerable advances have been made in developing chemoselective transformations of ubiquitous carboxylic acid groups, many challenges still exist. For instance, their selective reduction is problematic if both more nucleophilic and more electrophilic groups are present in the starting material. Here, we address this problem with a simple and mild protocol using bench‐stable reagents at ambient temperatures. This platform is able to tolerate a diverse range of functionality, leaving ketones, esters, nitro‐groups, olefins, nitriles and amides untouched. A combination of experimental and computational mechanistic experiments demonstrate that this reaction proceeds via hidden borane catalysis with small quantities of in situ generated BH3playing a key role in the exquisite selectivity that is observed.
Making Polyisoprene Self‐Healable through Microstructure Regulation by Rare‐Earth Catalysts
Authors: Wang Haobing , Yang Yang , Nishiura Masayoshi , Hong You‐lee , Nishiyama Yusuke , Higaki Yuji , Hou Zhaomin
Published: September 2022

The creation of self‐healing polymers from commodity olefins is of great interest and importance but has remained a challenge to date. We report here for the first time the synthesis of self‐healing polymers by catalyst‐controlled polymerization of a simple commodity diene, isoprene. We found that polyisoprenes having an appropriate mixture (ca. 70/30) of 3,4‐ and cis‐1,4‐microstructures synthesized by using a half‐sandwich scandium catalyst could act as excellent self‐healing elastomers without any external intervention. The unprecedented self‐healability could be ascribed to nanoscale heterogeneities formed by microphase separation of the relatively hard 3,4‐segments from a flexible cis‐1,4‐segment matrix. The hydrogenated polyisoprenes (without C=C bonds) with the analogous microstructures also exhibited excellent mechanical and self‐healing properties, further demonstrating that even simple polyolefins can be made self‐healable if the microstructures are appropriately regulated.
A novel bio‐based, flame retardant and latent imidazole compound—Its synthesis and uses as curing agent for epoxy resins
Authors: Yang Bo , Wei Yi , Qiu Yiping , Ramakrishna Seeram , Liu Yanbo
Published: September 2022

Composite industry is constantly seeking multifunctional, high performance and environmentally friendly materials. Herein reported is a novel bio‐based, flame retardant and latent epoxy curing agent synthesized from wood vanillin, phosphate ester and imidazole. Experiment data from combustion test demonstrated that the cured epoxy resin with this new curing agent, designated as VAIP, rendered effective flame retardant property with limit of oxygen of 38.4%, UL‐94 V‐0 rating, total heat release of 48 MJm−2 and peak heat release rate of 435 KWm−2. Thermal mechanical tests showed its significantly higher char yield of 35% at 800°C and thermal stability with the temperature of initial weight loss rate of above 350°C, compared to reference epoxy resins cured by conventional cyano‐imidazole (CEMI). This new phosphorus containing imidazole curing agent also demonstrated potential application in fiber‐reinforced composite by rendering comparable Tg, for both dry and hot‐wet conditions, as well as higher interlaminar and shear strengths, when compared with the reference composite. Dynamic rheological isothermal measurement of the epoxy resin viscosity further concluded that VAIP had significantly better latency of 580 min at 60°C and 14 days at room temperature, resulting in much longer pot life or shelf life for the formulated resins and their prepreg.
PFAS Challenges and Novel Research: A Conversation With the Editorial Board of the AWWA Water Science Topical Collection on PFAS Analytics and Treatment
Authors: Crimi Michelle , Speth Thomas F. , Chowdhury Zaid K. , Dickenson Eric R.V. , Knappe Detlef R.U. , Liu Jinxia
Published: September 2022

Key Takeaways

Per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances, “forever chemicals” commonly known as PFAS and used in countless products, have become a significant environmental and public health concern.

Among especially alarming PFAS issues are their pervasive presence, the low concentrations at which they are found to be hazardous, and the challenges and limitations of remediation.

A roundtable interview with water industry experts—guest editors of an AWWA Water Science article collection—presents their candid, comprehensive take on the PFAS picture.
Serum pharmacochemistry and pharmacokinetics of major components after oral administration of Luhong recipe in rats using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Li Suli , Liu Hanze , Zhang Congcong , An Dingbang , Zhao Xiang , Liu Wei , Cheng Xuemei , Qu Huiyan , Zhou Hua , Yang Tao , Wang Changhong
Published: September 2022

Luhong recipe (LHR) is has been used as an empirical prescription for treating chronic heart failure for long, with safety, reliability, and significant efficacy. However, its pharmacokinetics has not yet been studied. This study aims to establish a ultra performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) method for the simultaneous analysis of epimedin A, epimedin B, epimedin C, icariin, psoralen, and isopsoralen in rat plasma and apply it to the pharmacokinetic study of LHR after oral administration. These six analytes were ionized using positive electrospray ionization (ESI+). The MS/MS transitions used for monitoring are successively converted to m/z 839.3 → 369.1, m/z 809.2 → 369.1, m/z 823.3 → 369.1, m/z 677.2 → 205.2, m/z 187.1 → 115.2, and m/z 230 → 120.9. Linearity, precision, accuracy, stability, matrix effect, and recovery of the established method were within the acceptable range. The method was suitable for the determination of six analytes after oral administration of LHR. The pharmacokinetic results showed that the time to reach the peak concentration (Tmax) was from 0.17 to 13.5 h, the peak concentration (Cmax) was 109.23–980 ng/mL, the area under the concentration–time curve (AUC[0 − t]) was 65.48–8846.08 ng·h/mL, and the apparent distribution volume (Vd) was 24,772–896,132 mL/kg. These results provided a meaningful basis for formulating the clinical dose regimen of LHR.
Nickel Catalysts for Non‐Alternating CO‐Ethylene Copolymerization
Authors: Zhu Linhui , Gaire Sanjay , Ziegler Christopher J. , Jia Li
Published: September 2022

Transition metal‐catalyzed copolymerization of CO and ethylene has a strong inherent propensity to produce the strictly alternating copolymer. In this work, nickel catalysts capable of both homopolymerization of ethylene and alternating copolymerization of CO and ethylene are developed to explore the possibility of non‐alternating copolymerization of CO and ethylene under the assumption that comonomer incorporation in the polymer chain can be adjusted by the concentrations of the comonomers. Both polyketones with slightly more than 50 % ethylene and “polyethylenes” with a small amount of CO incorporation are obtained but only under carefully controlled conditions and in low yields.
Activity Levels of Amine Transaminases Correlate with Active Site Hydrophobicity
Authors: Kollipara Manideep , Matzel Philipp , Bornscheuer Uwe , Höhne Matthias
Published: September 2022

Amine transaminases (ATAs) are biocatalysts for the synthesis of chiral amines and can be identified in sequence databases by specific sequence motifs. This study shows that the activity level towards the model substrate 1‐phenylethylamine can be predicted solely from the sequence. To demonstrate this, 15 putative ATAs with a different distribution of hydrophobic or hydrophilic amino acid side chains near the active site were characterized. Hydrophobic side chains were associated with a high activity level and were a better predictor of activity than global sequence identity to known ATAs with high or low activities. Enzyme stability investigations revealed that four out of the 15 ATAs showed a good operational stability.
Non‐Classical Conversion of Methanol to Formaldehyde
Authors: Deitermann Michel , Huang Zjian , Lechler Sebastian , Merko Mariia , Muhler Martin
Published: September 2022

Non‐classical alternatives to the silver contact and the Formox processes comprise the thermal non‐oxidative dehydrogenation of methanol, for which new catalysts are needed to achieve high formaldehyde selectivity at high conversion at temperatures below 600 °C. The electro‐ or photocatalytic conversion of methanol to formaldehyde is not applied either industrially but is attractive because of mild reaction conditions and high formaldehyde selectivities. Novel gas‐phase approaches yielding (anhydrous) formaldehyde are presented describing lab‐scale setups and the challenges for up‐scaling.
Elektrostatische Aufladung verhindern
Authors: Schultz Stephan
Published: September 2022

Explosionsfähige Atmosphären können in allen industriellen Bereichen, in denen brennbare Flüssigkeiten oder feinkörnige brennbare Schüttgüter gehändelt werden, entstehen. Die richtige Erdungstechnik spielt eine zentrale Rolle, um eine elektrostatische Aufladung zur verhindern. Sie muss durch die sichere Ableitung bzw. Erdung energiereicher elektrostatischer Potenziale verhindern, dass unkontrollierte Entladungen zu Zündgefahren führen.
Mit Hochdruck zum Druck
Authors: Weiser Marc , Wolff‐Fabris Felipe , Hochrein Thomas , Bastian Martin , Sawamura Naoki
Published: September 2022

Der Hochdruckhomogenisator ist ein Dispergierverfahren, mit dem die Struktur des Partikelkollektivs von gefälltem Silika für den Einsatz in hochwertigen Inkjetprodukten optimiert werden kann. Die verarbeiteten Silikas werden mit weiteren Materialen zu einer fertigen Papierstrichformulierung hergestellt, verarbeitet und weiter charakterisiert, um den Einfluss auf das zu bedruckende Papier kennen zu lernen.
Partikel auf Abstand
Authors: Jacob Hans‐Joachim
Published: September 2022

Die Inline‐Dispergiermaschine Conti‐TDS von Ystral setzt auf das Prinzip der Vakuumexpansion und erzielt dadurch eine sichere, staubfreie und vollständige Benetzung und Dispergierung innerhalb kürzester Zeit.
Das digitale Flanschkonzept
Authors: Göbel Timothy
Published: September 2022

Eine Sisyphusarbeit mit Null‐Fehler‐Toleranz erwartet die Monteure: Es gilt mehrere tausend Flansche mit Dreh–momenten von bis zu 85.000 Nm zu verschrauben – zu 100 % technisch dicht. BASF als Betreiber nimmt eine Revision zum Anlass, um Effizienz, Qualität und Sicherheit der Synthesegasanlage in Ludwigshafen zu optimieren.
High‐efficiency separation of oil sands using ChCl‐based deep eutectic solvents
Authors: Yuan Wei , Zhao Yidi , Zhang Yu , Ma Shanshan , Sun Yinlu
Published: September 2022

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are a kind of potential lixiviant for extraction processing. Unlike conventional ionic liquids (ILs), DESs are relatively cheap and environmentally friendly. Herein, three different ChCl‐based DESs, namely, choline chloride/urea, choline chloride/ethylene glycol, as well as choline chloride/propandioic acid, were synthesized and used to enhance bitumen recovery from oil sand by petroleum ether extraction. The results showed a multiphase system formed after mixing the components at ~25°C, consisting of sands and clays, a DES layer, and a petroleum ether layer containing the bitumen. These DESs were immiscible with bitumen or petroleum ether. Coupled with a density difference, a clear phase separation was presented between the bitumen–petroleum ether mixture and DES. The DES functioned as a separating agent, keeping the petroleum ether–bitumen mixture and spent sand apart from each other. The results showed that the bitumen recovery was increased by ~12% compared with that without the DESs. We deduced that the enhancement in the separation may result from the reduction of adhesion between bitumen and sand by the DESs. The ChCl‐based DESs and petroleum ether could be readily recycled to reduce industrial costs. After 10 cycles, the bitumen recovery remained above 86%.
PROTOCOL: Criminal justice interventions for preventing terrorism and radicalisation: An evidence and gap map
Authors: Sydes Michelle , Hine Lorelei , Higginson Angela , Dugan Laura , Mazerolle Lorraine
Published: September 2022

This is the protocol for a Campbell systematic review. The objectives are as follows: to identify the existing evidence that considers the effectiveness of criminal justice interventions in preventing terrorism and radicalisation and to identify existing gaps in the evidence where new primary research could be undertaken and where future synthesis could be conducted.
Rapid On‐site Evaluation Practice Variability Appraisal (ROSE PETAL) survey
Authors: Avasarala Sameer K. , Matta Maroun , Singh Jaspal , Bomeisl Philip , Michael Claire W. , Young Benjamin , Panchabhai Tanmay S. , Di Felice Christopher , Dahlberg Greta , Maldonado Fabien
Published: September 2022

Background

Rapid on‐site evaluation (ROSE) is frequently used during diagnostic procedures in patients with or suspected to have lung cancer. There is variation in ROSE use among bronchoscopists, and discussion of ROSE results can have significant consequences for patients. This study was performed to define ROSE practice and result disclosure patterns among bronchoscopists.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was performed using an electronic survey disseminated to the members of the American Association for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology and the Society for Advanced Bronchoscopy. The questions centered around ROSE availability, utilization, barriers, and discussion of results with patients.

Results

There were 137 respondents. Most identified themselves as interventional pulmonologists (109, 80%); most respondents worked in an academic setting (71, 52%). Availability of ROSE was reported by 121 (88%) respondents. Time constraints (28%), availability of cytology (22%), and scheduling conflicts (20%) were the most reported barriers to ROSE use. Endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration (85%) and nonrobotic peripheral bronchoscopy (65%) were the most reported procedures that used ROSE. There was heterogeneity regarding discussion of ROSE results with the patient or their caregiver in the immediate postprocedure setting: yes ‐ always (40, 33%), yes ‐ sometimes (32, 26%), yes ‐ rarely (18, 15%), or no (31, 26%). Thirty‐eight respondents reported they believed ROSE was ≥90% concordant with final cytology results.

Conclusions

The results confirmed the heterogeneity of practice patterns. Estimates of ROSE‐final cytology concordance were lower than previously published concordance results. Notably, the discussion of ROSE results varied significantly.
Stakeholder engagement as a sustainable development strategy: Managerial entrenchment for cross‐shareholdings
Authors: Yoshida Kenichi , Kurita Kenichi , Managi Shunsuke
Published: September 2022

We analyze the effect of managerial entrenchment on firms' corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities. We use the cross‐shareholding ratio and the stable shareholders ratio, which characterize the Japanese corporate system, as proxy variables for managerial entrenchment. We choose two CSR/environmental, social, and corporate governance scores: those for vendors targeting only Japan and those for vendors targeting the entire world. The results show that increases in the cross‐shareholding and stable shareholder ratios decrease CSR activities. These results are consistent with the view that CSR activities are considered a costly investment for managers rather than a type of agency cost. Finally, we reveal that after the enactment of Japan's Corporate Governance Code in 2015, the cross‐shareholding and the stable shareholder ratios have not significantly affected CSR activities and that foreign institutional investors have promoted CSR activities.
Multi‐input battery‐integrated single‐stage DC‐DC converter for reliable operation of solar photovoltaic‐based systems
Authors: Bodele Nikhil J. , Kulkarni P. S.
Published: September 2022

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are emerging progressively due to their wide compatibility range, ease of installation, and environmental friendliness. The module mismatch (MM) losses and module open circuit (MOC) fault can cause the power mismatch between different PV modules. This significantly affects the energy output from the PV module. Also, the intermittent nature of solar PV power makes the solar PV systems unreliable; to compensate for this, conventional PV systems utilize a battery storage system (BSS) with separate bidirectional converter. These bidirectional converters require two‐stage power conversion and massive battery bank connected at the DC link. This leads to the further reduction in overall efficiency. To address these issues, this paper proposed a multi‐input PV battery system (MIPBS) that uses nonisolated buck and boost converter combinations. It requires single‐stage power conversion to extract maximum power from each PV module along with BSS charging and discharging. Its modular design allows it to function across a wide range of voltage, power, and BSS choices. The proposed system is capable of mitigating the MM loss and sustaining the MOC fault. This paper discusses the operation, steady‐state analysis, and dynamic analysis of the proposed MIPBS. The performance of the proposed MIPBS is validated using a state‐of‐the‐art experimental setup with two PV modules, each having a rating of 60.53 W.
Photocatalytic activity of electrospun Fe‐doped ZnO nanofibers: Synthesis, characterization and applications
Authors: Wu Fengmin , Yuan Qinlin , Wang Xiaowei , Luo Jie , Song Yakun , Lu Weiwei , Xu Hang
Published: September 2022

Fe‐doped ZnO ceramic nanofibers (CNFs) as specific structural features and unique properties synthesized by using electrospun technology. X‐ray diffraction disclosed the wurtzite phase, and the microscopy analysis by SEM revealed the formation uniform nanofibers with 400 nm in diameter. The UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) was used to investigation the optical properties of the pristine and the various percentages Fe doped ZnO photocrystalysts. The photo‐reduction activities of photocatalyst were evaluated using methylene blue (MB) as organic contaminant irradiated with simulate solar light from xenon lamp. The photocatalytic results that 1% Fe‐doped ZnO CNFs exhibits efficient visible and UV light activity and excellent photo‐stability. The kinetic constant of MB degradation over 1% Fe‐doped ZnO is about 2.2 times higher than that over pure ZnO. The experiment demonstrated that the photodegradation efficiency of Fe‐doped ZnO was significantly higher than that of undoped ZnO.
Sensing matrix design for wideband channel estimation in millimeter‐wave hybrid multiple‐input multiple‐output system
Authors: Molazadeh Amirhossein , Ardebilipour Mehrdad , Maroufi Zahra
Published: September 2022

Hybrid analog/digital multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) system is proposed to support low complexity multi‐stream communication in millimeter‐wave (mmWave) frequencies. The main idea of channel estimation methods for mmWave hybrid MIMO systems is based on leveraging the sparsity nature of the channel in the angle and delay domain. Sparse signal recovery algorithms have been used to reconstruct the channel coefficients. Due to the lack of information about the angle of arrival and angle of departure before channel estimation, random values are common choices for precoders and combiners. Moreover, the training pilot symbols are considered to be random variables. In this article, we propose sequential time domain sensing matrix design and sequential frequency domain sensing matrix design algorithms to design these variables in order to enhance sparse signal recovery performance and consequently the channel estimation accuracy. Our methods are based on reducing the correlation between the sensing matrix columns, which is defined in the sparse formulation of the channel estimation problem. We design the training radio frequency precoders/combiners phase angle values and pilot symbol vectors with the aid of a sequential procedure that has a reasonable complexity. Simulation results show that utilizing the designed values instead of random variables increased the performance of the channel estimation, especially when we deal with a higher number of variables.
Text‐based soybean futures price forecasting: A two‐stage deep learning approach
Authors: An Wuyue , Wang Lin , Zeng Yu‐Rong
Published: September 2022

This paper investigates the soybean futures price prediction problem from a new perspective and proposes an effective prediction model named Two‐Stage Hybrid Long Short‐Term Memory (TSH‐LSTM) by using text data from social media. First, the unstructured text is transformed into structured data by sentiment analysis and text classification methods. The improved sentiment score is computed by combining the degree centrality of sentiment words based on the sentiment dictionary method, and the characteristics of price fluctuations in texts are learned through the text Recurrent Convolutional Neural Networks. Second, the significant relationship between social media features and soybean futures price is assessed through stepwise regression, and the results of such an assessment are used as a basis for the identification of significant factors as input variables of the prediction model. Finally, the TSH‐LSTM prediction model is designed, and the final prediction result is acquired through the combination of prediction results of each stage using the error reciprocal method. The empirical results indicate that the incorporation of the social media text feature helps improve forecasting performances. Specifically, the proposed TSH‐LSTM is more accurate than univariate LSTM, multivariate LSTM, and eXtreme Gradient Boosting.
Adoption of hospital diagnosis‐related group financing in Switzerland and the availability of computed tomography scanners
Authors: Baker Laurence C. , Lamiraud Karine
Published: September 2022

We study the relationship between diagnosis‐related group (DRG) financing and the availability of computed tomography (CT) scanners in Switzerland. A number of Swiss hospitals switched to DRG payment for a portion of their payments progressively between 2002 and 2011. As of 2012, all hospitals were required to use DRG payment for a substantial portion of reimbursement. We conducted two main analyses. First, we studied hospitals switching in 2002–2011 and estimated event study models to compare changes in CT availability before and after the adoption of DRG financing, using the hospitals that did not switch during this time as a comparison group. In the second, we compared trends in CT availability before and after 2012, for the hospitals that switched in that year. In both analyses, we find a statistically significant association between the switch to DRG financing and lower levels of CT availability.
High performance work systems and perceived organizational support: The contribution of human resource department's organizational embodiment
Authors: Kim Kyoung Yong , Clark Kevin D. , Messersmith Jake G.
Published: September 2022

Integrating the literatures on strategic human resource management and organizational support theory, we examine the cross‐level relationship between high performance work systems (HPWS) at the team‐level and individual perceptions of organizational support (i.e., POS). In addition, we introduce a critical boundary condition, the HR department's organizational embodiment (HROE), which involves the extent to which employees identify the HR department with the organization. We propose that the cross‐level HPWS–POS relationship is moderated by HROE, such that the linkage between HPWS and POS is stronger when HROE is high. With a sample of 103 teams and 399 employees in South Korea, we find that HPWS utilization increases POS and that this relationship is stronger when HROE is high. We also find that HR department status and the favorable attitude of the HR head are antecedents to HROE. These findings suggest that HROE is a critical boundary condition for the relationship between HPWS and POS with subsequent effects on organizational commitment and job satisfaction.