bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soluble Polyimide Coated UHMWPE Fibers with Multiple Property Enhancements: Surface Activity, Tensile Strength, Heat Resistance, Acid Resistance, and Erasability
Authors: Yin Lijie , Li Wei , Lu Yichen , He Liang , Tian Ming , Ning Nanying , Wang Wencai
Published: October 2024

Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers possess excellent mechanical properties, yet their applications are severely limited by surface inertness and low melting points. To enhance surface activity and temperature resistance, soluble polyimide (PI) is applied to the surface of UHMWPE fibers. A mussel‐inspired biomimetic polycatechol/polyamine (PA) coating is initially constructed on the UHMWPE fiber surface by oxidative self‐polymerization, serving as a secondary reaction platform. Subsequently, multifunctional UHMWPE‐PA‐PI fibers are prepared by depositing soluble PI on the fiber surface via impregnation. The PA and PI layers are firmly bonded by hydrogen bonding interactions and physical adhesion. The results show that the PI‐coated UHMWPE fiber surface exhibits enhanced chemical activity, hydrophilicity, and thermal stability, with an increased thermal decomposition temperature of approximately 30 °C. Compared to pristine UHMWPE, the breaking force of UHMWPE‐PA‐PI fibers increases by 14.9%, and the interfacial adhesion strength between the fiber and rubber improves by 65.5%. The PI coatings also provide thermal insulation, acid resistance, and erasability functionalities. This modification strategy is highly efficient, simple, and less damaging, offering a novel solution to address UHMWPE fibers' surface inertness and temperature intolerance.
Humulus lupulus L.: Evaluation of Phytochemical Profile and Activation of Bitter Taste Receptors to Regulate Appetite and Satiety in Intestinal Secretin Tumor Cell Line (STC‐1 Cells)
Authors: Lela Ludovica , Carlucci Vittorio , Kioussi Chrissa , Choi Jaewoo , Stevens Jan F. , Milella Luigi , Russo Daniela
Published: October 2024

Scope

Inflorescences of the female hop plant (Humulus lupulus L.) contain biologically active compounds, most of which have a bitter taste. Given the rising global obesity rates, there is much increasing interest in bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs). Intestinal TAS2Rs can have beneficial effects on obesity when activated by bitter agonists. This study aims to investigate the mechanism of action of a hydroalcoholic hop extract in promoting hormone secretion that reduces the sense of hunger at the intestinal level through the interaction with TAS2Rs.

Methods and results

The results demonstrate that the hop extract is a rich source of bitter compounds (mainly α‐, β‐acids) that stimulate the secretion of anorexigenic peptides (glucagon‐like peptide 1 [GLP‐1], cholecystokinin [CCK]) in a calcium‐dependent manner while reducing levels of hunger‐related hormones like ghrelin. This effect is mediated through interaction with TAS2Rs, particularly Tas2r138 and Tas2r120, and through the activation of downstream signaling cascades. Knockdown of these receptors using siRNA transfection and inhibition of Trpm5, Plcβ‐2, and other calcium channels significantly reduces the hop‐induced calcium response as well as GLP‐1 and CCK secretion.

Conclusions

This study provides a potential application of H. lupulus extract for the formulation of food supplements with satiating activity capable of preventing or combating obesity.
Multi‐stage automatic and rapid ablation and needle trajectory planning method for CT‐guided percutaneous liver tumor ablation
Authors: Li Shengwei , Zhou Fanyu , Zhang Yumeng , Xu Sheng , Wang Yufeng , Cheng Lin , Bie Zhixin , Li Bin , Li Xiao‐Guang
Published: October 2024

Background

Computer‐assisted planning methods have increasingly contributed to preoperative ablation planning; however, these methods cannot automatically obtain the final optimal solution within a short time and are rarely validated in practice, greatly limiting their clinical applicability.

Purpose

We aimed to propose a full‐automatic multi‐stage ablation and needle trajectory planning method for CT‐guided percutaneous liver ablation to attain the final optimal plans under multiple clinical constraints rapidly.

Methods

Our proposed method integrates the ablation zone planning fulfilling complete tumor coverage and critical structure avoidance while reaching a trade‐off between ablation number and healthy tissue damage, and needle trajectory planning under multiple clinical constraints. Our needle trajectory planning determines feasible skin entry regions based on hard constraints, where the multi‐objective optimization (MOO) considering soft constraints is performed using the Pareto Optimality and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) methods for the final optimal solution. The performance of our proposed method was evaluated on 30 tumors of various characteristics from 23 patients and clinically validated in five clinical cases.

Results

Our proposed method achieved 99.8% treatment zone coverage and 40.5% ablation efficiency without involving critical structures, and completely satisfied multiple clinical constraints in all needle trajectory planning results. The average planning time was 23.6 s for tumors of different sizes. All the plans were considered clinically acceptable by the doctors’ evaluation. Our method achieved complete tumor coverage without complications in clinical case validation.

Conclusion

Our proposed planning method can generate a final optimal plan satisfying multiple clinical constraints within a short time, potentially facilitating preoperative planning for hepatic tumor ablation.
Rapid and quantitative CEST‐MRI sequence using water presaturation
Authors: Chen Wenxuan , Chen Zhensen , Ma Lele , Wang Yi , Song Xiaolei
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Despite the significant potential for in vivo metabolic imaging in preclinical and clinical applications, CEST MRI suffers from long scan time and inaccurate quantification. This study aims to suppress the contaminations among signals under different frequencies, which could shorten the TR and thereby facilitate CEST imaging acceleration and quantification.

Methods

A novel sequence is proposed by applying a water‐presaturation (WPS) module at the beginning of each TR. WPS CEST quickly knocks down the residual signal from previous TRs so that the magnetization of all TRs recovers from zero, which aligns well with the formula of quasi‐steady‐state theorem and enables accurate quantification within shorter TR. WPS CEST was assessed by simulations, creatine phantom, and healthy human brain scans at 3 T.

Results

In simulation and phantom experiment, WPS CEST allows accurate estimation of exchange rate (ksw) using omega plot and using shorter delay time (Td) and saturation time (Ts) (e.g., 1 s/1 s) compared with the conventional CEST. Simulations further showed that WPS CEST could obtain consistent spin‐lock relaxation (R1ρ) values over varied Tds and Tss. Six human scans indicated that R1ρ collected from conventional sequences showed significant differences between two groups with Td and Ts of (1 s/1 s) and (2 s/2 s) (amide: 1.721 ± 0.051 s−1 vs. 1.622 ± 0.050 s−1, p = 0.001; nuclear Overhauser enhancement: 1.792 ± 0.046 s−1 vs. 1.687 ± 0.053 s−1, p = 0.004), whereas WPS CEST scans using these 2 Td/Ts values obtained the same mean R1ρ (amide: 1.616 ± 0.053 s−1 vs. 1.616 ± 0.048 s−1, p = 0.862; nuclear Overhauser enhancement: 1.688 ± 0.064 s−1 vs. 1.684 ± 0.054 s−1, p = 0.544).

Conclusion

WPS CEST demonstrated accurate quantitation within shorter TR compared with conventional sequences, and thereby may allow rapid quantitative CEST scans in various situations.
High on sparsity: Interbin compensation of cardiac motion for improved assessment of left‐ventricular function using 5D whole‐heart MRI
Authors: Yerly Jérôme , Roy Christopher W. , Milani Bastien , Eyre Katerina , Raifee Mozedin Javad , Stuber Matthias
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Cardiac magnetic resonance is the gold standard for evaluating left‐ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Standard protocols, however, can be inefficient, facing challenges due to significant operator and patient involvement. Although the free‐running framework (FRF) addresses these challenges, the potential of the extensive data it collects remains underutilized. Therefore, we propose to leverage the large amount of data collected by incorporating interbin cardiac motion compensation into FRF (FRF‐MC) to improve both image quality and LVEF measurement accuracy, while reducing the sensitivity to user‐defined regularization parameters.

Methods

FRF‐MC consists of several steps: data acquisition, self‐gating signal extraction, deformation field estimations, and motion‐resolved reconstruction with interbin cardiac motion compensation. FRF‐MC was compared with the original 5D‐FRF method using LVEF and several image‐quality metrics. The cardiac regularization weight () was optimized for both methods by maximizing image quality without compromising LVEF measurement accuracy. Evaluations were performed in numerical simulations and in 9 healthy participants. In vivo images were assessed by blinded expert reviewers and compared with reference standard 2D‐cine images.

Results

Both in silico and in vivo results revealed that FRF‐MC outperformed FRF in terms of image quality and LVEF accuracy. FRF‐MC reduced temporal blurring, preserving detailed anatomy even at higher cardiac regularization weights, and led to more accurate LVEF measurements. Optimized produced accurate LVEF for both methods compared with the 2D‐cine reference (FRF‐MC: 0.59% [−7.2%, 6.0%], p = 0.47; FRF: 0.86% [−8.5%, 6.7%], p = 0.36), but FRF‐MC resulted in superior image quality (FRF‐MC: 2.89 ± 0.58, FRF: 2.11 ± 0.47; p < 10−3).

Conclusion

Incorporating interbin cardiac motion compensation significantly improved image quality, supported higher cardiac regularization weights without compromising LVEF measurement accuracy, and reduced sensitivity to user‐defined regularization parameters.
Arbitrary Order Virtual Element Methods for High‐Order Phase‐Field Modeling of Dynamic Fracture
Authors: Leng Y. , Svolos L. , Boureima I. , Manzini G. , Plohr J. N. , Mourad H. M.
Published: October 2024

Accurate modeling of fracture nucleation and propagation in brittle and ductile materials subjected to dynamic loading is important in predicting material damage and failure under extreme conditions. Phase‐field fracture models have garnered a lot of attention in recent years due to their success in representing damage and fracture processes in a wide class of materials and under a variety of loading conditions. Second‐order phase‐field fracture models are by far the most popular among researchers (and increasingly, among practitioners), but fourth‐order models have started to gain broader acceptance since their more recent introduction. The exact solution corresponding to these high‐order phase‐field fracture models has higher regularity. Thus, numerical solutions of the model equations can achieve improved accuracy and higher spatial convergence rates. In this work, we develop a virtual element framework for the high‐order phase‐field model of dynamic fracture. The virtual element method (VEM) can be regarded as a generalization of the classical finite element method. In addition to many other desirable characteristics, the VEM allows computing on polytopal meshes. Here, we use ‐conforming virtual elements and the generalized‐ time integration method for the momentum balance equation, and adopt ‐conforming virtual elements for the high‐order phase‐field equation. We verify our virtual element framework using classical quasi‐static benchmark problems and demonstrate its capabilities with the aid of numerical simulations of dynamic fracture in brittle materials.
The implementation of molecular tumor profiling in the practice of pediatric cancer pathology: The pathologists’ experience
Authors: Gestrich Catherine K. , Kreiger Portia , Surrey Lea , Besmer Sherri , Lopez‐Terrada Dolores , Church Alanna J. ,   the Society for Pediatric Pathology (SPP) Practice Committee
Published: October 2024

Background

The increased accessibility and utilization of molecular testing including next‐generation sequencing (NGS) has impacted the practice of pediatric pathology, with diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic implications for our patients. This survey is the first to describe the utilization of molecular testing in the routine practice of pediatric pathology for the care of children with known or suspected solid tumors.

Procedure

The Society for Pediatric Pathology Practice Committee distributed a survey to our membership asking 25 questions about training, practice setting, molecular ordering practices, and barriers to testing.

Results

Seventy‐five pathologists responded to the survey. The survey provides valuable insight into the current use of molecular testing for the care of children with known or suspected solid tumors. Most respondents reported that they are increasingly using a variety of molecular techniques, with increased use over time, and that NGS is useful.

Conclusions

These results highlight a variety of barriers to molecular testing, including cost, insurance coverage, turnaround time, limitations of available assays (including limited coverage of pediatric‐specific alterations), and difficulty in determining the most appropriate test to order. These data may be useful in supporting pediatric pathologists in their practice.
Investigation of the weld seam quality of particle filled polymers in the fused filament fabrication process
Authors: Moritzer Elmar , Beutelspacher Jonas , Elsner Christian Lennart
Published: October 2024

The fused filament fabrication (FFF) is an additive manufacturing process in which thermoplastic strands are deposited. Due to thermal fusion of the strands, the FFF can be characterized as a plastic welding process. The resulting weld seams are weak points in the component structure and, thus, determine the mechanical properties. Thereby, the weld seam quality is significantly influenced by the process temperatures. To estimate the mechanical properties, knowledge of the resulting weld seam quality is required. In the context of material development, the weld seam quality can also be used as a criterion for the basic evaluation of the processability. In the present study, the influence of particulate fillers on the weld seam quality of a thermoplastic polymer matrix is investigated. With regard to the material, the influences of the filler type and the filler volume fraction are considered. In terms of the process, the influence of the process temperatures on the weld seam quality is evaluated. The aim is the description of the resulting weld strength and the comparison to the base material strength by means of the welding factor. For this purpose, an existing method is applied and adapted with regard to process reliability and comparability.

Highlights

Test plan is determined on the basis of a thermal analysis

Method adaptation enables faster and reliable specimen manufacturing

Higher process temperatures lead to higher weld seam strengths

Filled polymers show a significantly reduced weld seam strength

Relationship between filler content and weld seam strength is shown
Experimental characterization and numerical analysis of 3D woven preforms torsional deformation
Authors: Zhang Yifan , You Maowang , Guo Qiwei , Xie Junbo , Li Chao , Zhang Daijun , Zhang Jingyi , Wang Tianqi , Chen Li
Published: October 2024

To clarify the torsional deformation performance of 3D angle‐interlock woven preforms, this paper aims to establish the relationship between the structural parameters and the torsional deformation performance of fabrics, examining the torsional deformation mechanism of fabrics. The torsional deformation properties of 3D angle‐interlock fabrics are first characterized by experimental methods, and the influence laws of typical structural parameters on the torsional deformation properties of fabrics are obtained. In continuing, a numerical model for 3D angle‐interlock fabric torsional deformation is established based on virtual fiber modeling technology. To demonstrate the accurateness of the newly developed model, its results are methodically compared with the macro‐ and micro‐morphology of fabric torsional deformation, and a reasonably good agreement between their results is attained. The characteristics of the “arc” and “diagonal” arrangement of yarns in the same column after torsional deformation are effectively employed to propose a quantitative analysis of the deviation degree of yarns. This analysis is essentially based on the variation coefficient index, which is commonly utilized to compare and analyze the variation laws of warp and weft cross‐sections at different torsion angles. This study holds scientific significance and engineering value for optimizing the design and enhancing the performance of composite blades.

Highlights

Design the torsional deformation device of the preform.

The torsion Angle torque curve of the preform was tested.

The numerical simulation method of torsion deformation is established.

The microstructure deformation mechanism of the preform was analyzed.
Liver Injury in People With HIV on Antituberculosis and/or Antiretroviral Therapy—Assessing Causality Using the Updated Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method
Authors: Gunter H. M. , Tatz G. , Maartens G. , Spearman C. W. , Mehta U. , Cohen K.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

We compared performance of the Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method (RUCAM) with multidisciplinary expert panel review in identifying a drug‐induced liver injury (DILI) due to antituberculosis therapy (ATT) and/or antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Methods

Cases were drawn from a prospective registry of hospitalised adults with suspected DILI due to ATT and/or ART in Cape Town, South Africa. Participants had to fulfil American Thoracic Society criteria for ATT interruption (alanine transaminase [ALT] ≥5 times upper limit of normal [ULN]/ALT ≥3 times [ULN] and symptomatic). Causality assessment by expert panel review served as reference standard. The panel ranked potentially implicated drugs as certain, probable, possible or unlikely causes guided by World Health Organization Uppsala Monitoring Centre criteria. The RUCAM was performed for each potentially implicated drug. We calculated sensitivity and specificity of the RUCAM in identifying a probable/certain drug cause for liver injury.

Results

We included 48 participants. All were people with HIV (PWH). Twenty‐seven were on concomitant ART and ATT, with a median of six potentially hepatotoxic drugs per case. Sensitivity and specificity of the RUCAM in identifying a probable/certain drug cause of liver injury compared with expert panel review was 7% and 100% respectively. Implicated drugs (times ranked probable/certain by panel) were isoniazid (18/0), pyrazinamide (17/0), rifampicin (15/1), efavirenz (6/4) and lopinavir/ritonavir (1/0).

Conclusions

PWH with liver injury received multiple potentially implicated drugs, which may increase liver injury risk and complicate causality assessment. Compared with expert panel review, the RUCAM had low sensitivity in detecting probable or certain drug causes of liver injury.
Informing forest carbon inventories under the Paris Agreement using ground‐based forest monitoring data
Authors: Anderson‐Teixeira Kristina J. , Herrmann Valentine , Williams Madison , Tinuviel Teagan , Morgan Rebecca Banbury , Bond‐Lamberty Ben , Cook‐Patton Susan
Published: October 2024

Societal Impact Statement

Human interactions with forests have shaped Earth's climate for millennia and will continue to do so as we target net‐zero emission goals. Accurately characterizing these climate impacts requires making reliable forest carbon data available for forest monitoring and planning. Here, we develop a semi‐automated process for submitting forest carbon measurements from the largest relevant scientific database to the International Panel on Climate Change's Emission Factor Database, which currently has sparse forest carbon data. Building this bridge from scientific research to international policy is an important step towards managing forests in a net‐zero motivated future.

Humans have been influencing Earth's climate via transformative impacts on forests for millennia, and forests are now recognized as critical to climate change mitigation under the Paris Agreement. The efficacy of climate change mitigation planning and reporting depends on quality data on forest carbon (C) stocks and changes. The Emission Factor Database (EFDB) of the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is intended to be a definitive source for such data, but needs comprehensive and well‐documented data to be so.

To facilitate submission of forest C estimates from scientific studies to EFDB, we develop and document a process for semi‐automated data submission from the Global Forest C database (ForC v4.0), which is the largest compilation of ground‐based forest C estimates. We then assess the data currently available through ForC and provide recommendations for improving forest data collection, analysis, and reporting.

As of September 2024, ForC contained ~19,286 records potentially relevant to EFDB, 1068 of which had been submitted and posted to EFDB. These represented 19% of the total EFDB records for forest land. Records were unevenly distributed across variables and geographic regions. ForC records (37%) reviewed could not be submitted because the original publication lacked required information.

In the future, ground‐based forest C estimates should target gaps in the record, and studies should ensure that they report all information necessary for inclusion in EFDB. Given that climate change is rapidly impacting the world's forests, timely reporting of recent estimates will be critical to accurate forest C inventories.
Degradation Laws and Characteristic Parameters of Performance of Gun Propellant in Storage
Authors: Zhao Xin , Liu Wei , Zhang Bowen , Rui Xiaoting
Published: October 2024

Aiming at the phenomenon of complex changes in the properties of propellant charges in storage, a description method of the propellant degradation mechanisms during storage for the propellant properties including chemical stability, energy content, combustion characteristics and fracture behavior is established in this paper. The type of propellant is one of an artillery ammunition. Compared with the previous research methods, a more practical accelerated aging test for propellant charges is designed by performing systematic research on storage environment influences; The regularity of the burning rate change of propellant charges with the storage time is explored based on segment analysis. This is achieved using the Initial Dynamic Vivacity Ratio method. The mechanical property characterization problem of ‘increasing fragility’ with storage loads on the charge is solved. This paper identifies the key performance of a propellant charge during storage and accurately characterizes its dynamic change with respect to storage time.
Identification of expression profiles and transcription factors during EGFR‐TKI acquired resistance in LUAD
Authors: Feng Lili , Wang Cenzhu , Chen Jiawen , Tao Chenyue , Zhang Liuliu , Zhou Luojing
Published: October 2024

Lung cancer is one of the most‐common malignant tumors while lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) serves as the major subtype of lung cancer. The epidermal growth factor receptor‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR‐TKIs) are an important choice in LUAD targeted therapies. However, EGFR‐TKI acquired resistance always happens, urging for further investigating and overcoming. We acquired the scRNA‐seq data of EGFR‐TKI acquired resistance in LUAD from GSE149383 and PRJNA591860 databases. We identified the typical tendency during EGFR‐TKI acquired resistance progression in LUAD. Furthermore, we investigate the potential expression profiles, upstream transcription factors, and interacting drugs with EGFR‐TKI in LUAD, participating in EGFR‐TKI acquired resistance. According to scRNA‐seq databases, the typical tendency was identified as “decrease early and raise later” during EGFR‐TKI acquired resistance progression in LUAD from Day 0 to Day 11. Seven important pairs of upstream transcription factors and target genes were explored during EGFR‐TKI acquired resistance in LUAD, including TFDP1‐RPA3, TFDP1‐EIF2S1, TFDP1‐COTL1, TFDP1‐CBX1, MYBL2‐STMN1, EZH2‐CYCS, and BRCA1‐STMN1. Several potential interacting drugs with EGFR‐TKI were screened in LUAD, especially TANDUTINIB. We identified the typical tendency of “decrease early and raise later” during EGFR‐TKI acquired resistance progression in LUAD while we recognized transcription factor‐target gene pairs and interacting drugs with EGFR‐TKI during EGFR‐TKI acquired resistance, which could provide a novel insight for clinical treatments.
Exploring Bioactive Phytomedicines for Advancing Pulmonary Infection Management: Insights and Future Prospects
Authors: Ho Joyce Siaw Syuen , Ping Teh Li , Paudel Keshav Raj , El Sherkawi Tammam , De Rubis Gabriele , Yeung Stewart , Hansbro Philip M. , Oliver Brian Gregory George , Chellappan Dinesh Kumar , Sin Keng Pei , Dua Kamal
Published: October 2024

Pulmonary infections have a profound influence on global mortality rates. Medicinal plants offer a promising approach to address this challenge, providing nontoxic alternatives with higher levels of public acceptance and compliance, particularly in regions where access to conventional medications or diagnostic resources may be limited. Understanding the pathophysiology of viruses and bacteria enables researchers to identify biomarkers essential for triggering diseases. This knowledge allows the discovery of biological molecules capable of either preventing or alleviating symptoms associated with these infections. In this review, medicinal plants that have an effect on COVID‐19, influenza A, bacterial and viral pneumonia, and tuberculosis are discussed. Drug delivery has been briefly discussed as well. It examines the effect of bioactive constituents of these plants and synthesizes findings from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies conducted over the past decade. In conclusion, many medicinal plants can be used to treat pulmonary infections, but further in‐depth studies are needed as most of the current studies are only at preliminary stages. Extensive investigation and clinical studies are warranted to fully elucidate their mechanisms of action and optimize their use in clinical practice.
Fast Colonization of Wild Brown Trout in Nature‐Like Compensation Channel
Authors: Koski Alisa , Koljonen Saija , Syrjänen Jukka Tapani
Published: October 2024

Salmonids and other aquatic migrating species are strongly affected by river damming, but the declining salmonid populations have been traditionally compensated by fish stocking. Nature‐like compensation channels are a new way to mitigate diversity loss in lotic environment. In this study, a newly constructed side‐channel in Finland called Imatra City Brook (ICB) and its brown trout (Salmo trutta) population were studied. ICB was built partly to enhance brown trout reproduction and to compensate the loss of riffle habitat caused by the Imatrankoski hydropower plant. Stages in brown trout life cycle were compared with those in several natural streams and rivers in southern Finland. In a 6‐year study from 2016 to 2022, estimated yearly egg density was 184–511 eggs/100 m2 in ICB. A 0‐year‐old parr density was 10–126 parr/100 m2. Yearly egg‐to‐parr survival was 0.03–0.25 and survival of 0 to 1 year‐old parr was 0.24–0.64. Egg density in the ICB was average compared with reference sites. Parr density was significantly higher in ICB than in the reference streams. Accordingly, ICB appears to serve its compensation function by providing adequate spawning and early‐life stage rearing habitat for native brown trout that is equivalent or even surpasses production metrics observed in nearby natural stream channels. Therefore, constructed compensation channels are a great option to rehabilitate habitat for the benefit of native salmonids.
Tissue‐Adaptive BSA Hydrogel with Dual Release of PTX and bFGF Promotes Spinal Cord Injury Repair via Glial Scar Inhibition and Axon Regeneration
Authors: Zhu Sipin , Wu Qiuji , Ying Yibo , Mao Yuqin , Lu Wenjie , Xu Jie , Cai Xiong , He Huacheng , Wu Jiang
Published: October 2024

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe clinical disease usually accompanied by activated glial scar, neuronal axon rupture, and disabled motor function. To mimic the microenvironment of the SCI injury site, a hydrogel system with a comparable mechanical property to the spinal cord is desirable. Therefore, a novel elastic bovine serum albumin (BSA) hydrogel is fabricated with excellent adhesive, injectable, and biocompatible properties. The hydrogel is used to deliver paclitaxel (PTX) together with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) to inhibit glial scar formation as well as promote axon regeneration and motor function for SCI repair. Due to the specific interaction of BSA with both drugs, bFGF, and PTX can be controllably released from the hydrogel system to achieve an effective concentration at the wound site during the SCI regeneration process. Moreover, benefiting from the combination of PTX and bFGF, this bFGF/PTX@BSA system significantly aided axon repair by promoting the elongation of axons across the glial scar with reduced reactive astrocyte secretion. In addition, remarkable anti‐apoptosis of nerve cells is evident with the bFGF/PTX@BSA system. Subsequently, this multi‐functionalized drug system significantly improved the motor function of the rats after SCI. These results reveal that bFGF/PTX@BSA is an ideal functionalized material for nerve repair in SCI.
Spontaneous Formation of π‐Conjugated Polymeric Colloidal Molecules Through Stepwise Coacervation and Symmetric Compartmentalization
Authors: Oki Osamu , Noguchi Shun‐ichiro , Nakayama Sota , Yamagishi Hiroshi , Kuwabara Junpei , Kanbara Takaki , Yamamoto Yohei
Published: October 2024

Coacervation, the phase separation of liquid induced by polymeric solutes, sometimes results in the formation of oligomeric clusters of droplets. The morphology of the clusters is non‐uniform because the clustering is a consequence of the random collisions of the drifting droplets. Here we report distinctively organized coacervation, yielding colloidal molecules with monodisperse size, morphological symmetry, and compositional heterogeneity. We investigate the coacervation of a mixture of two types of synthetic polymers and find that one of the polymers coacervates first and serves as a core droplet, on which the other polymer coacervates subsequently to form satellite droplets. The satellite droplets arrange themselves symmetrically around the core and solidify without losing the morphology. The number of satellites and their symmetry are modulable depending on the chemical affinity and the diameter of the droplets. This finding highlights the capability of coacervation as a non‐templated and non‐covalent pathway to form aspherical colloidal materials with structural and functional complexity.
Improved Interfacial Interactions by Core–Shell CoFe2O4@SiO2 Composites to Enhance the Ability of Corrosion Resistance and Electromagnetic Wave Absorption
Authors: Wei Shuang , Sun Tianxiang , Ma Chengcheng , Gao Hui , Zhao Zhipeng , Feng Huimeng , Li Wen , Chen Shougang
Published: October 2024

With the rapid development of science and technology, stealth and anti‐corrosion activities in oceans have attracted widespread attention. This study successfully prepares CoFe2O4@SiO2 with a core–shell structure. This core–shell structure endows the CoFe2O4@SiO2 with good impedance matching and interfacial polarization. Thus, the CoFe2O4@SiO2 exhibits an excellent electromagnetic wave absorption performance with a minimum reflection loss of −45.16 dB. Moreover, the CoFe2O4@SiO2 exhibits an excellent dispersion ability in epoxy. The corrosion resistance of the CoFe2O4@SiO2/epoxy is enhanced. After 60 days of immersion, the low‐frequency impedance modulus of the CoFe2O4@SiO2/epoxy is still >109 Ω cm2. The CoFe2O4@SiO2 realize the dual functions of stealth and anti‐corrosion, which provide ideas for developing marine stealth applications.
Water‐Soluble Lipophilic Near‐Infrared Region II Fluorophores for High‐Brightness Lipid Layer and Lipid Droplets Imaging Applications
Authors: Xu Sicheng , Sun Pengfei , Yu Zikun , Chen Kai , Chu Yongzhen , Wang Shaofan , Shen Qingming , Chen Pengfei , Yao Yuyu , Fan Quli
Published: October 2024

Fluorescence imaging in the second near‐infrared region (NIR‐II, 1000–1700 nm) has garnered considerable attention for displaying the biological information of deep tissues. However, the lack of biocompatible contrast agents with bright NIR‐II emission has hampered the precise clinical application of deep tissue imaging. Here, a lipophilic enhancement strategy employing donor‐acceptor‐donor (D‐A‐D) molecules, introducing long alkoxy chains and quaternary ammonium salts for the development of highly bright water‐soluble NIR‐II fluorophores (BBTD‐2C‐N), is described. Notably, liposome‐encapsulated BBTD‐2C‐N nanoparticles (B‐2C‐N/DMPC) in aqueous solution exhibit a 1.8‐fold increase in NIR‐II fluorescence brightness compared to free BBTD‐2C‐N in methanol. Avoidance of the aggregation‐caused quenching effect and enhanced NIR‐II fluorescence are attributed to significantly attenuated π–π stacking interactions and maintained monodisperses in the hydrophobic liposome shell. Moreover, BBTD‐2C‐N demonstrates superior performance in visualizing lipid droplet‐rich HeLa cells in vitro, as well as precise monitoring of adipose tissue and fatty liver in vivo. This study reveals a new avenue for the development of bright NIR‐II fluorophores and precise in vivo imaging.
Recent Advances in Bonding Regulation of Metalloporphyrin‐Modified Carbon‐Based Catalysts for Accelerating Energy Electrocatalytic Applications
Authors: Lu Yang , Li Wenyan , Fan Yiyi , Cheng Lei , Tang Yawen , Sun Hanjun
Published: October 2024

Metalloporphyrins modified carbon‐based materials, owing to the excellent acid‐base resistance, optimal electron transfer rates, and superior catalytic performance, have shown great potential in energy electrocatalysis. Recently, numerous efforts have concentrated on employing carbon‐based substrates as platforms to anchor metalloporphyrins, thereby fabricating a diverse array of composite catalysts tailored for assorted electrocatalytic processes. However, the interplay through bonding regulation of metalloporphyrins with carbon materials and the resultant enhancement in catalyst performance remains inadequately elucidated. Gaining an in‐depth comprehension of the synergistic interactions between metalloporphyrins and carbon‐based materials within the realm of electrocatalysis is imperative for advancing the development of innovative composite catalysts. Herein, the review systematically classifies the binding modes (i.e., covalent grafting and non‐covalent interactions) between carbon‐based materials and metalloporphyrins, followed by a discussion on the structural characteristics and applications of metalloporphyrins supported on various carbon‐based substrates, categorized according to their binding modes. Additionally, this review underscores the principal challenges and emerging opportunities for carbon‐supported metalloporphyrin composite catalysts, offering both inspiration and methodological insights for researchers involved in the design and application of these advanced catalytic systems.
Ru Nanoparticles Encapsulated by Defective TiO2 Boost the Hydrogen Oxidation/ Evolution Reaction
Authors: Fu Xiuting , Huang Xiaoxiao , Cen Yaping , Ren Xiaoyang , Yan Li , Jin Shao , Zhuang Zhongbin , Li Wanlu , Tian Shubo
Published: October 2024

The development of efficient and durable electrocatalysts for the alkaline hydrogen oxidation/evolution reaction is crucial for anion exchange membrane fuel cells/water electrolyzers. However, designing such electrocatalysts poses a challenge due to the need for optimizing various adsorbates. Herein, highly dispersed Ru nanoparticles catalysts is reported encapsulated and supported by defective anatase phase of titanium dioxide (named as Ru NPs/def‐TiO2(A)) for boosting hydrogen‐cycle electrocatalysis with robust anti‐CO‐poisoning in alkaline conditions. The Ru NPs/def‐TiO2(A) achieves a high‐quality activity of 7.65 A mgRu
−1, which is 23.2 and 9.5‐fold higher than commercial Ru/C and Pt/C in alkaline HOR. Moreover, this catalyst exhibits an outstanding overpotential of 21 mV at 10 mA cm−2 in alkaline HER. Hydrogen underpotential deposition (Hupd) and CO stripping experiments demonstrate that Ru NPs/def‐TiO2(A) has the optimized H*, OH*, and CO* adsorption strength, enabling the Ru NPs/def‐TiO2(A) catalyst to display excellent and robust HOR/HER performance under alkaline conditions. Using density functional theory calculations, the enhanced HOR performance mechanism for the Ru NPs/def‐TiO2(A) catalyst originates from the TiO2 step face in contact with the Ru nanoparticles, indicating that the kinetics of water formation are considerably more favorable at the Ru NPs/def‐TiO2(A) interface.
Graphene Chainmail‐Enabled Moderate Precatalyst Phase Evolution for Sustainable Polysulfide Electrocatalysis in Li─S Batteries
Authors: Gu Jiaxi , Shi Zixiong , Yan Tianran , Tian Meng , Chen Ziang , Chen Shaoqing , Ding Yifan , Lu Miaoyu , Zou Yuhan , Zhang Jincan , Zhang Liang , Sun Jingyu
Published: October 2024

The rational design of polysulfide electrocatalysts is of vital importance to achieve longevous Li─S batteries. Notwithstanding fruitful advances made in elevating electrocatalytic activity, efforts to regulate precatalyst phase evolution and protect active sites are still lacking. Herein, an in situ graphene‐encapsulated bimetallic model catalyst (CoNi@G) is developed for striking a balance between electrocatalytic activity and stability for sulfur electrochemistry. The layer numbers of directly grown graphene can be dictated by tuning the synthetic duration. Exhaustive experimental and theoretical analysis comprehensively reveals that the tailored graphene chainmail boosts catalytic durability while guaranteeing moderate phase evolution, accordingly attaining a decorated surface sulfidation with advanced catalytic essence. Benefiting from the sustainable polysulfide electrocatalysis, CoNi@G enabled sulfur electrodes to harvest a capacity output of 1276.2 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C and a negligible capacity decay of 0.055% per cycle after 1000 cycles at 1.0 C. Such a maneuver can be readily extended to other metallic catalysts including NiFe, CoFe, or Co. The work elucidates the precatalyst phase evolution mechanism through a controllable graphene‐armored strategy, offering meaningful guidance to realize durable electrocatalysts in Li─S batteries.
Boosting the Structural Reversibility of Layered Oxide Cathode for Realizing Long‐Term Cycle Life Through Electronic Structure Regulation
Authors: Zhang Guohua , Gao Yuheng , Fan Yuxin , Gao Yuheng , Wu Jianwei , Ma Jiwei , Zhang Renyuan , Huang Yunhui
Published: October 2024

O3‐type layered oxide cathode exhibits great application potential for practical sodium‐ion batteries, due to its cost‐effectiveness, abundant sodium and manganese resources, and high theoretical capacity. However, the irreversible phase transition, coupled with rapid capacity decay, which is primarily attributed to the Jahn‐Teller effect of Mn3+, remains a significant bottleneck for commercial application. Additionally, the sluggish kinetics during the (de)sodiation process require urgent improvement. Herein, an electronic structure regulation strategy is proposed by low‐valence Li/Cu co‐substitution to address these issues. The roles of Li/Cu on the electronic structure, structural evolution, and electrochemical properties in the Na0.96Ni0.22Fe0.2Mn0.5Li0.04Cu0.04O2 (NFMLC) cathode are comprehensively explored through systematic in situ/ex situ characterization techniques and theoretical calculations. The results reveal that this strategy effectively activates more Ni2+/3+ and Fe3+/4+ redox reactions above 2.5 V, while suppressing Mn3+/4+ redox activity below 2.5 V, thereby achieving highly structural reversibility. Therefore, the NFMLC electrode displays excellent long‐term cycling stability (81.5% capacity retention after 2000 cycles at 5 C), and significantly enhanced rate performance (from 45.5% to 80.4% under a ratio of 5 C to 0.5 C). This work provides a valuable perspective on the design of low‐cost, long‐life, and high‐performance layered oxide cathodes for practical sodium‐ion batteries.
OptimizingPVCphotostability andUVblocking capability through nanoparticles incorporation: A comprehensive review
Authors: Anwer Mohammed Basil , Al‐Mashhadani Mohammed H. , Alsayed Raghda , Mohammed Asmaa Hadi , Alshareef Sohad A. , Alhuwaymil Zamzam , Alyami Mohammed S. S. , Yousif Emad
Published: October 2024

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plays a crucial role in various sectors including industry, agriculture and medicine, primarily due to their affordability, durability, relative chemical inertness, versatility, and ease of processing. Nonetheless, the polymer experiences a serious damage (degradation) upon exposure to UV radiation from sunlight. UV light mainly induces dehydrochlorination, leading to the release of hydrogen chloride (HCl). This process results in the formation of conjugated alkene structures within the polymer backbone, causing weight loss, and deterioration in the PVC's mechanical and physical properties. This deterioration affects not only the material's structure and appearance but also its performance, particularly in outdoor environments. Many advancements have been made in developing UV protective and UV blocking agents to reduce the effect of the harmful light on the polymer and the substance contained within. Nanoparticles (NPs) encompass a wide range of organic, inorganic, and hybrid materials, which have proven an outstanding UV stabilizing effect on the polymer via different mechanisms including absorption, reflection, scattering, and radicals scavenging. The incorporation of NPs into the polymeric matrix not only enhances the photostability of it but also endow the polymer improved UV‐blocking capability enlarging its application in various fields, most importantly packaging. While some of these NPs exhibit photocatalysis effect on the polymer and increase the rate of degradation, the surface modification can substantially reduce this effect. This review covers all research papers published since 2015 that investigate the use of nanoparticles not only as photostabilizers but also as UV‐shielding agents, providing a comprehensive analysis of their applications. It also delves into the underlying mechanisms by which these nanoparticles enhance the photostability of the polymer matrix itself and the protection of the materials contained within it through the blocking of the harmful light. Additionally, it discusses recent strategies, especially surface modification, to enhance the dispersion of NPs in polymeric materials and decreasing the photocatalytic activity of NPs.

Highlights

PVC is susceptible to degradation caused by UV radiation from sunlight.

NPs are promising candidates for mitigating the harmful effects of UV light.

Surface modification reduces photocatalytic degradation by nanoparticles.

Homogeneous distribution of NPs in the polymer improves photostability.

NPs endow polymers with UV‐shielding capabilities for packing applications.
Transformations of Public Spaces - Sustainable and Ethical Approach to Architectural and Urban Design Using Mixed Cultural Background
Authors: Haupt Patrycja , Twardowski Mariusz , Fabris Luca Maria Francesco , Banzarotti Riccardo M. , Campos Andres Ros , Gisbert J. L. , Gimeno Pedro Verdejo
Published: October 2024

Transformations of public spaces are an integral part of city life. These processes although addressing site specific problems are universal for the urban centres across European countries struggling with deurbanization, social exclusion, massive tourism, climate change and pollution. The study is based upon the outcomes of the series of international workshop showing the approach to public space in different location. The aim of research is to show what problems addressed during the design workshop had a universal dimension and which ones were more site specific, addressing the needs of the local community. The basic research question asked was also how to transform public space in order to create active, reach, inclusive and climate neutral environment for the inhabitants. What are the factors in the public space creation that would result in active public space? The research methodology was based on a multi-criteria comparative analysis of activation factors in selected public spaces and evaluation of students’ proposals ac-cording to those factors. These transformations were often driven by specific objectives, such as creating iconic landmarks, improving public safety, or generating economic activity on the other hand some of the proposals were concentrating on local community needs introduced by the meetings with local stakeholders. A hybrid approach that combines the strengths of both approaches provided by the workshop methodology was proved effective didactic method.
Affirmation of a Discipline: Ephemeral Tectonics of Architecture Lesson
Authors: Justic Sinsa
Published: October 2024

Architecture is identified by its presence, its perceived reality. Architecture study is research in essential, defining values of architecture. Within multitude of discipline’s constitutive elements, the objectification of architecture’s perceived state is still one of its vital and specific tasks. No matter technology, economy or social normative imperatives, architecture is aestheticized, reflective research. A meaningful creative act no matter of aesthetic code or material circumstances. Architecture’s immaterial, yet identifying difference is processed by exact conceptual decisions. Study of architecture must sustain a course where a working process is identified as a concept of work itself, where ephemeral emerges out of exact, conceptual execution. Ephemeral is a perceived state, it requires a sensitive person. In time of study, the search of ephemerality through tectonics of architecture lesson is sensitizing pedagogical tool. It is a foundation for architecture’s cultural and human role. In times of intertwining disciplines, architecture must keep tools for protecting its disciplinary identity and intangible, defining differences. A course unit where precise and consistent production leads to authentic if ephemeral presence is valuable tool for affirmation of Architecture’s immaterial, unmeasurable identity.
Research by Design at the Crossroads of Architecture and Visual Arts: Exploring the Epistemological Reconfigurations
Authors: Charitonidou Marianna
Published: October 2024

The paper aims to explore the potential of research by design in architecture and visual arts. The main objective of the paper is to analyze the different models and epistemological positions advanced in the academic milieus as far as doctoral research by design is concerned, to explore the differences and similarities between research by design in the field of architecture and in the field of visual arts. Even though the research by design in the fields of architecture and visual arts is focused on the production of knowledge through visual, associative, and experimental research, the models of research by design in visual arts differ from those prevailing in architectural programs. The paper focuses on a corpus of models of doctoral research by design carried out within different university programs in schools of architecture and visual arts, and various multi-university and supra-disciplinary programs (architecture and visual arts) which share the intention to develop their research projects through creative practice. Two questions to which this paper aims to respond are the following: Under which circumstances and conditions a work in the field of architecture (drawn, graphic, or con-structed) or its formulation (verbal or written) can be recognized as active in the constitution of knowledge? What are the modes of inquiry specific to architectural and artistic practices that make it possible to build knowledge that can be transmitted and shared?