bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication of pectin biopolymer‐based biocompatible freestanding electrodes for supercapacitor applications
Authors: Harikumar M. E. , Batabyal Sudip K.
Published: June 2023

Implantable energy storage devices that are soft, flexible, biocompatible, and biodegradable are the focus of current bio‐instrumentation research. Polymer gel‐based electrodes for energy storage applications such as supercapacitors and rechargeable batteries have a wide attraction for modern technology. This work proposes a flexible, transparent, and biodegradable electrode using pectin biopolymer with a biocompatible electrolyte as a supercapacitor. The biopolymer pectin can be a promising candidate for such energy storage devices. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) was added with pectin, which forms side chains for better stability and conductivity, improving the electrode materials' ionic conduction. Two devices were fabricated using pectin only (PO) and pectin/PEG (PP) composite as electrode materials. The interesting observation with PO was that it has slightly higher specific capacitance (CSP) than PP composite, but the long‐time retention was poor. Graphite was incorporated in the Pectin/PEG composite and fabricated two more devices with Pectin/PEG/Graphite (PPG) composite‐based biosupercapacitors using a 10% and 20% weight ratio of graphite to pectin. An electrochemical study was performed to understand the energy storage capacity of the fabricated electrodes. It was found that the 10% graphite incorporated sample showed excellent retention of 98.74% of capacitance with a specific capacitance of 11.48 mF/cm2 over 2500 cycles. With the increased stability and higher specific capacitance, pectin biopolymer‐based electrodes have a powerful impact on developing flexible and portable solid‐stat energy storage e systems.
Study on impact resistance and parameter optimization of patch‐repaired plain woven composite based on multi‐scale analysis
Authors: Sun Zhenhui , Pi Xiaofan , Tie Ying , Li Cheng
Published: June 2023

Patch‐repaired plain woven composite structures were exposed to internal damage caused by impact during service, which reduced mechanical properties. A multi‐scale modeling strategy was proposed to study the impact resistance characteristics of patch‐repaired plain woven carbon‐fiber‐reinforced‐polymer (CFRP) laminates. The micro representative volume element (RVE) was extracted from the yarn; a local homogenization method was used to obtain the equivalent cross‐ply laminate (ECPL) cells corresponding to the mesoscale RVE. The finite element model (FEM) of patch‐repaired plain woven laminate was established by extending the ECPL cells. The FEM was checked by the low‐velocity impact (LVI) tests, and the impact parameter errors were within 10%. Furthermore, impact resistance of repaired specimens under different impact conditions (e.g., the impact energy was 3 ~ 20 J) was studied. Finally, patch parameters (patch thickness, patch size, off‐axis angle) of the repaired specimen were optimized by multi‐objective optimization based on the surrogate model and response surface method (RSM). After multi‐objective function optimization, the optimal patch parameter configuration (the thickness of the patch was 0.87 mm, the diameter was 66 mm, and the off‐axis angle was 44.2°) reduced the absorbed energy value of the repaired specimen from 4.9089 to 4.1640 J, and the delamination area of the repaired specimen from 605 to 280 mm2. All the results provide a reference for patch repair of plain woven composites.
The clinical impact of the first‐trimester nuchal translucency between the 95th–99th percentiles
Authors: Fantasia Ilaria , Catagini Silvia , Zamagni Giulia , Greco Pantaleo , Bianchini Irene , Bussolaro Sofia , Quadrifoglio Mariachiara , Lo Bello Leila , Monasta Lorenzo , Ricci Giuseppe , Faletra Flavio , Feresin Agnese , Stampalija Tamara
Published: June 2023

Objectives

To evaluate the clinical significance of nuchal translucency (NT) between the 95th–99th percentile in terms of typical and atypical chromosomal abnormalities (ACAs), associated fetal congenital defects and postnatal outcome.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of fetuses with NT between the 95th–99th percentile. Data regarding the rate of associated fetal defects, genetic abnormalities and postnatal outcome were collected.

Results

A total of 306 cases of fetuses with an NT between the 95th–99th percentiles were included. The overall rate of genetic abnormalities was 12.1% (37/306). Chromosomal abnormalities were found in 10.1% (31/306) of cases and 2% were ACA (6/306). Within this group, two were pathogenic Copy Number Variants (CNVs) and four were single gene disorders. The overall rate of fetal congenital defects was 13.7% (42/306). All ACAs were found in fetuses with congenital defects. Postnatally, a new diagnosis of a single gene disorder was made in 0.85% of cases (2/236).

Conclusions

The presence of an NT between the 95th–99th percentiles carries a 10‐fold increased risk of fetal defects, representing an indication for referral for a detailed fetal anatomy evaluation. The risk of ACA is mainly related to the presence of fetal defects, irrespective of the combined test risk.
Synthesis and characterization of isocyanic bonding agents by the reaction of TDI and 5,5‐dimethylhydantoin for use in composite propellants
Authors: Cosentino Garcia Miguel Adriana , Augusto Barbieri de Oliveira Thiago , de Oliveira Ademir , Sciamareli Jairo , da Costa Mattos Elizabeth
Published: June 2023

This paper aims to present the study of obtaining a potential isocyanic bonding agent. The process is based on introducing free isocyanate groups into hydantoin ring. In addition to acting as bonding agents, they can act as curing agents, promoting the formation of cross‐links with the binder so that the propellant cures. The synthesis process consisted of the reaction between toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and 5,5‐dimethylhydantoin (DMH) under different parameters (time, temperature, reaction atmosphere, solvent, and product purification). The reactions were monitored by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in the mid‐infrared region (FT‐IR). Furthermore, the product obtained was characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), elemental analysis (CHN), and volumetric chemistry (determination of the isocyanate‐NCO index). Changes in physical characteristics and the results of the determination of index NCO, FT‐IR, TGA, DSC, and CHN analysis indicate that the proposed reactions occurred. It is concluded that, among the parameters studied, those most suitable for the reaction system between isocyanic reagents TDI and DMH are a temperature of 90 °C, coupling of a nitrogen cylinder, and use of toluene solvent in the reaction system.
An in silico prediction of interaction models of influenza A virus PA and human C14orf166 protein from yeast‐two‐hybrid screening data
Authors: Çağlayan Elif , Turan Kadir
Published: June 2023

The human C14orf166 protein, also known as RNA transcription, translation, and transport factor, shows positive modulatory activity on the cellular RNA polymerase II enzyme. This protein is a component of the tRNA‐splicing ligase complex and is involved in RNA metabolism. It also functions in the nucleo‐cytoplasmic transport of RNA molecules. The C14orf166 protein has been reported to be associated with some types of cancer. It has been shown that the C14orf166 protein binds to the influenza A virus RNA polymerase PA subunit and has a stimulating effect on viral replication. In this study, candidate interactor proteins for influenza A virus PA protein were screened with a Y2H assay using HEK293 Matchmaker cDNA. The C14orf166 protein fragments in different sizes were found to interact with the PA. The three‐dimensional structures of the viral PA and C14orf166 proteins interacting with the PA were generated using the I‐TASSER algorithm. The interaction models between these proteins were predicted with the ClusPro protein docking algorithm and analyzed with PyMol software. The results revealed that the carboxy‐terminal end of the C14orf166 protein is involved in this interaction, and it is highly possible that it binds to the carboxy‐terminal of the PA protein. Although amino acid residues in the interaction area of the PA protein with the C14orf166 showed distribution from 450th to 700th position, the intense interaction region was revealed to be at amino acid positions 610–630.
A novel approach to modeling steady‐state process‐time with smooth transition from repetitive to semi‐repetitive to non‐repetitive (memoryless) processes
Authors: Shore Haim
Published: June 2023

Defining properly the time distribution of a steady‐state process is crucial to its management. A common practice is to assume that process‐time is normally distributed for repetitive processes (process has constant work‐content), and exponentially for non‐repetitive processes (memoryless; no characteristic work‐content). This dichotomous distinction ignores the majority of processes, residing in between the two extreme scenarios, the semi‐repetitive ones. These processes own a characteristic duration time (as reflected in the mode), yet part of work‐content (“process identity”) randomly varies between cycles. In this paper, we develop a unified platform to model process‐time, comprising all three types of processes. The effects of work‐content instability on shape characteristics of process‐time distribution are studied, and process repetitiveness measure, possibly to be used to monitor work‐content instability, is defined. The generalized gamma distribution is employed to approximate the (unknown) distribution of process‐time sample mean, becoming exact for the two extreme scenarios (repetitive and non‐repetitive processes).
Factors associated with Australian preconception and pregnant women's nutrition and nutrient supplement knowledge
Authors: Furness Denise , Hancock Lucinda , Wurth Jane , Wakefield Tom A. N. , Stosic Rodney , Mazza Danielle
Published: June 2023

Aim

To describe factors associated with women's knowledge of nutrition, knowledge of nutrient supplements and use of supplements that are routinely recommended during preconception and pregnancy.

Methods

Participants (women 18–45 years, pregnant or planning pregnancy) were recruited from a consumer survey panel and completed an online, custom‐built questionnaire. Responses were used to calculate individual scores for nutrition knowledge (range 0–30) and supplements knowledge (range 0–10), where higher scores indicated better knowledge, and determine use of routinely recommended supplements (yes/no). Statistical tests of independence were used to explore associations between these outcomes and 68 variables derived from the survey.

Results

Of 2289 respondents, 776 were eligible and 624 (80.4%) completed the survey. Among pregnant women (N = 144) and those planning a pregnancy (N = 480), nutrition knowledge and supplements knowledge was limited, and daily use of routinely recommended supplements was low (63.5% pregnant, 40.1% planners). The odds of appropriate supplement use was strongly associated with health literacy adequacy. There was a low positive correlation between supplements beliefs and nutrition/supplements knowledge. Nutrition and supplements knowledge was associated with information provided by a wider number of health and allied health services during preconception than during pregnancy.

Conclusion

Healthcare providers are central to preconception and pregnancy dietary and nutrient supplement advice. Our data reinforce the role of adequate health literacy in applying this advice and suggest that an understanding of women's beliefs about supplements and targeting the source of the information to women at different stages (preconception or pregnant), could be used to better tailor these communications.
Data‐driven analysis and control of periodic event‐triggered continuous‐time systems
Authors: Wei Zi‐Jie , Xu Chang‐Yi , Liu Kun‐Zhi , Qi Wan‐Ling , Sun Xi‐Ming
Published: June 2023

This article is concerned with data‐driven analysis and controller design for continuous‐time sampled‐data systems. The linear system considered in this paper is controlled under the periodic event‐triggering transmission mechanism. Firstly, the periodic event‐triggered control (PETC) systems are modeled and analyzed by the time‐delay approach. And model‐based stability conditions are presented by invoking the Lyapunov stability approach. Secondly, based on the model‐based conditions and a popular data‐based representation, data‐based stability criteria are deduced by using only noisy data. The stability criteria guarantee the stability properties robustly for all unknown systems consistent with the measured data. The data‐driven estimation of the maximum detecting interval (MDI) is also obtained directly without model knowledge. Beyond that, the data‐based method for the controller design as well as computing a possibly large MDI under various triggering parameters is put forth. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed methods is demonstrated by the numerical simulation and the hardware‐in‐the‐loop (HIL) experiment.
Combined H∞ and anti‐disturbance control for semi‐Markovian jump systems via a nonlinear disturbance observer
Authors: Kaviarasan Boomipalagan , Kwon Oh‐Min , Park Myeong Jin , Lee Sangmoon , Sakthivel Rathinasamy
Published: June 2023

This paper investigates a combined and anti‐disturbance control problem for a class of semi‐Markovian jump nonlinear systems with constant time delay, and both modeled and unmodeled disturbances. In particular, the modeled disturbance is thought to be produced by a nonlinear exogenous system and is estimated by introducing a mode‐dependent nonlinear disturbance observer. The desired controller for the addressed system is then proposed, which consists of two components: (i) state feedback, which ensures the system's stochastic stability by attenuating the unmodeled disturbance; and (ii) disturbance estimate, which compensates for the modeled disturbance effect. Following that, a novel mode‐dependent asymmetric Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional is used to derive the sufficient conditions for the existence of the proposed controller and disturbance observer. The developed theoretical results are supported by three numerical examples that demonstrate the utility of the proposed design method.
The effect of different strong acids and silica‐coating on resin Ti adhesion
Authors: Zakir Muhammad , Laiho Taina , Granroth Sari , Kukk Edwin , Chu Chun Hung , Tsoi James Kit‐Hon , Matinlinna Jukka P.
Published: June 2023

The presence of Si on the Ti surface is quintessential for a strong, durable silane‐based adhesion utilized in several dental applications. Silica‐coating and silanization form durable ≡Si‐O‐Si≡ bonds, which might have a positive effect on resin‐Ti adhesion. This laboratory study studied the effect of strong acids, their blends, and silica‐coating on Ti and resin‐Ti bonding. One‐hundred sixty‐eight c.p. grade 2 polished Ti samples (10 mm × 10 mm × 1 mm), out of which 96 were etched with 9% and 12%HF, a blend of 35%HCl+85%H3PO4 and a blend of 69%HNO3+35%HCl at 60°C, each for 2 min. One half was silica‐coated (Rocatec™ Plus, 110 μm SiO2‐coated‐Al2O3). Sixty Ti samples were first silica‐coated, and then, 48 of them were etched with 9%HF, 12%HF, a blend of 35%HCl+85%H3PO4, and a blend of 69%HNO3+35%HCl at 60°C for 2 min. SEM, EDX, XPS, and Ra analyses were carried out. Polished Ti samples were controls. All silanizations were carried out with a blend of 0.3 vol% 1,2‐bis‐(triethoxysilyl)ethane+1.0 vol% 3‐acryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane. Multilink™ Automix self‐adhesive resin composite cement was used in adhesion testing, and the samples were artificially aged followed by enclosed‐mold micro‐shear test on day 1 and weeks 1, 4, and 8. Failure mode analysis and statistical analysis with one‐way/two‐way ANOVA (p < 0.05) were carried out. HF etching produced the highest surface roughness. XPS analysis identified after etching with HF a variety of Ti and Si ions: Ti4+, Ti3+, Ti2+, and Ti0 and, on the other hand, Si4+, Si3+, and Si2+. A gradual decrease in adhesion strength was observed after artificial aging. Adhesive and cohesive failures were observed.
Zero Threshold for Water Adsorption on MAPbBr3
Authors: Kerr Robin , Macdonald Thomas J. , Tanner Alex J. , Yu Jiangdong , Davies Julia A. , Fielding Helen H. , Thornton Geoff
Published: June 2023

Hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites (HOIPs) have shown great promise in a wide range of optoelectronic applications. However, this performance is inhibited by the sensitivity of HOIPs to various environmental factors, particularly high levels of relative humidity. This study uses X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to determine that there is essentially no threshold to water adsorption on the in situ cleaved MAPbBr3(001) single crystal surface. Using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), it shows that the initial surface restructuring upon exposure to water vapor occurs in isolated regions, which grow in area with increasing exposure, providing insight into the initial degradation mechanism of HOIPs. The electronic structure evolution of the surface was also monitored via ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy (UPS), evidencing an increased bandgap state density following water vapor exposure, which is attributed to surface defect formation due to lattice swelling. This study will help to inform the surface engineering and designs of future perovskite‐based optoelectronic devices.
Lung Persistence, Biodegradation, and Elimination of Graphene‐Based Materials are Predominantly Size‐Dependent and Mediated by Alveolar Phagocytes
Authors: Loret Thomas , de Luna Luis Augusto Visani , Lucherelli Matteo Andrea , Fordham Alexander , Lozano Neus , Bianco Alberto , Kostarelos Kostas , Bussy Cyrill
Published: June 2023

Graphene‐based materials (GBMs) have promising applications in various sectors, including pulmonary nanomedicine. Nevertheless, the influence of GBM physicochemical characteristics on their fate and impact in lung has not been thoroughly addressed. To fill this gap, the biological response, distribution, and bio‐persistence of four different GBMs in mouse lungs up to 28 days after single oropharyngeal aspiration are investigated. None of the GBMs, varying in size (large versus small) and carbon to oxygen ratio as well as thickness (few‐layers graphene (FLG) versus thin graphene oxide (GO)), induce a strong pulmonary immune response. However, recruited neutrophils internalize nanosheets better and degrade GBMs faster than macrophages, revealing their crucial role in the elimination of small GBMs. In contrast, large GO sheets induce more damages due to a hindered degradation and long‐term persistence in macrophages. Overall, small dimensions appear to be a leading feature in the design of safe GBM pulmonary nanovectors due to an enhanced degradation in phagocytes and a faster clearance from the lungs for small GBMs. Thickness also plays an important role, since decreased material loading in alveolar phagocytes and faster elimination are found for FLGs compared to thinner GOs. These results are important for designing safer‐by‐design GBMs for biomedical application.
General Spatial Confinement Recrystallization Method for Rapid Preparation of Thickness‐Controllable and Uniform Organic Semiconductor Single Crystals
Authors: Sun Shougang , Qi Jiannan , Wang Shuguang , Wang Zhongwu , Hu Yongxu , Huang Yinan , Fu Yao , Wang Yanpeng , Du Haiyan , Hu Xiaoxia , Lei Yong , Chen Xiaosong , Li Liqiang , Hu Wenping
Published: June 2023

Organic semiconductor single crystals (OSSCs) are ideal materials for studying the intrinsic properties of organic semiconductors (OSCs) and constructing high‐performance organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs). However, there is no general method to rapidly prepare thickness‐controllable and uniform single crystals for various OSCs. Here, inspired by the recrystallization (a spontaneous morphological instability phenomenon) of polycrystalline films, a spatial confinement recrystallization (SCR) method is developed to rapidly (even at several second timescales) grow thickness‐controllable and uniform OSSCs in a well‐controlled way by applying longitudinal pressure to tailor the growth direction of grains in OSCs polycrystalline films. The relationship between growth parameters including the growth time, temperature, longitudinal pressure, and thickness is comprehensively investigated. Remarkably, this method is applicable for various OSCs including insoluble and soluble small molecules and polymers, and can realize the high‐quality crystal array growth. The corresponding 50 dinaphtho[2,3‐b:2″,3″‐f]thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene (DNTT) single crystals coplanar OFETs prepared by the same batch have the mobility of 4.1 ± 0.4 cm2 V−1 s−1, showing excellent uniformity. The overall performance of the method is superior to the reported methods in term of growth rate, generality, thickness controllability, and uniformity, indicating its broad application prospects in organic electronic and optoelectronic devices.
Emerging Porous Two‐Dimensional Materials: Current Status, Existing Challenges, and Applications
Authors: Zhao Baocai , Fu Jianye , Zhou Chuanli , Yu Liangmin , Qiu Meng
Published: June 2023

Two‐Dimensional (2D) materials have attracted immense attention in recent years. These materials have found their applications in various fields, such as catalysis, adsorption, energy storage, and sensing, as they exhibit excellent physical, chemical, electronic, photonic, and biological properties. Recently, researchers have focused on constructing porous structures on 2D materials. Various strategies, such as chemical etching and template‐based methods, for the development of surface pores are reported, and the porous 2D materials fabricated over the years are used to develop supercapacitors and energy storage devices. Moreover, the lattice structure of the 2D materials can be modulated during the construction of porous structures to develop 2D materials that can be used in various fields such as lattice defects in 2D nanomaterials for enhancing biomedical performances. This review focuses on the recently developed chemical etching, solvent thermal synthesis, microwave combustion, and template methods that are used to fabricate porous 2D materials. The application prospects of the porous 2D materials are summarized. Finally, the key scientific challenges associated with developing porous 2D materials are presented to provide a platform for developing porous 2D materials.
Selective Scatterings of Phonons and Electrons in Defective Half‐Heusler Nb1−δCoSb for the Figure of Merit zT > 1
Authors: Gao Ziheng , Xia Kaiyang , Nan Pengfei , Yin Li , Hu Chaoliang , Li Airan , Han Shen , Zhang Min , Chen Mengzhao , Ge Binghui , Zhang Qian , Fu Chenguang , Zhu Tiejun
Published: June 2023

The recently developed defective 19‐electron half‐Heusler (HH) compounds, represented by Nb1−δCoSb, possess massive intrinsic vacancies at the cation site and thus intrinsically low lattice thermal conductivity that is desirable for thermoelectric (TE) applications. Yet the TE performance of defective HHs with a maximum figure of merit (zT) <1.0 is still inferior to that of the conventional 18‐electron ones. Here, a peak zT exceeding unity is obtained at 1123 K for both Nb0.7Ta0.13CoSb and Nb0.6Ta0.23CoSb, a benchmark value for defective 19‐electron HHs. The improved zT results from the achievement of selective scatterings of phonons and electrons in defective Nb0.83CoSb, using lanthanide contraction as a design factor to select alloying elements that can strongly impede the phonon propagation but weakly disturb the periodic potential. Despite the massive vacancies induced strong point defect scattering of phonons in Nb0.83CoSb, Ta alloying is still found effective in suppressing lattice thermal conductivity while maintaining the carrier mobility almost unchanged. In comparison, V alloying significantly deteriorates the carrier transport and thus the TE performance. These results enlarge the category of high‐performance HH TE materials beyond the conventional 18‐electron ones and highlight the effectiveness of selective scatterings of phonons and electrons in developing TE materials even with massive vacancies.
3D‐Printed Piezoelectric Scaffolds with Shape Memory Polymer for Bone Regeneration
Authors: Li Guanlin , Li Zehao , Min Yajun , Chen Shilu , Han Ruijia , Zhao Zheng
Published: June 2023

The application of piezoelectric nanoparticles with shape memory polymer (SMP) to 3D‐printed piezoelectric scaffolds for bone defect repair is an attractive research direction. However, there is a significant difference in dielectric constants between the piezoelectric phase and polymer phase, limiting the piezoelectric property. Therefore, novel piezoelectric acrylate epoxidized soybean oil (AESO) scaffolds doped with piezoelectric Ag‐TMSPM‐pBT (ATP) nanoparticles (AESO‐ATP scaffolds) are prepared via digital light procession 3D‐printing. The Ag‐TMSPM‐pBT nanoparticles improve the piezoelectric properties of the AESO scaffolds by TMSPM covalent functionalization and conductive Ag nanoparticles. The AESO scaffolds doped with 10 wt% Ag‐TMSPM‐pBT nanoparticles (AESO‐10ATP scaffolds) exhibit promising piezoelectrical properties, with a piezoelectric coefficient (d33) of 0.9 pC N−1 and an output current of 146.4 nA, which are close to the piezoelectric constants of bone tissue. In addition, these scaffolds exhibit good shape memory function and can quickly recover their original shape under near‐infrared (NIR) light irradiation. The results of osteogenesis capability evaluation indicate that the AESO‐10ATP scaffolds can promote osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs in vitro and bone defect repair in vivo, indicating the 3D‐printed AESO‐10ATP piezoelectric scaffolds may have great application potential for bone regeneration.
Janus Dual Self‐Strengthening Structure of Bi2O3/Gd2O3 Nanofibrous Membranes for Superior X‐Ray Shielding
Authors: Xu Li , Zhang Xinyu , Huang Liqian , Yu Jianyong , Si Yang , Ding Bin
Published: June 2023

Bi2O3/rare earth oxide biphasic absorbers are attractive for high‐efficiency X‐ray shielding due to the complementary X‐ray absorption effects. However, its application is severely hindered by poor interphasic contact. Here, a new Janus interface engineering strategy is reported for the construction of continuous and flexible Bi2O3/Gd2O3 crystal nanofibrous membranes (FJNMs) with micro/nano dual self‐strengthening interphasic adhesion. This strategy facilitates online micro‐interlocking between Bi2O3/Gd2O3 nanofibers and in situ nano‐grain fusion between Bi2O3/Gd2O3 crystals, significantly enhancing the adhesive strength at the Bi2O3/Gd2O3 interface. Additionally, the synergistic shielding effect from Bi2O3/Gd2O3 absorption and multiple reflections in Bi2O3 and Gd2O3 crystal lattices make the nanofibrous membranes a superior X‐ray radiation barrier. The FJNMs demonstrate integrated features of exceptional X‐ray shielding efficiency (91%–100%), robust interfacial adhesion (lap‐shear strength >3.8 MPa), prominent flexibility, lightweight, and outstanding breathability. The design concepts of fibrosing biphasic absorber assemblies pave the way for asymmetrically assembling biphasic materials, setting the stage for a fundamental shift in next‐generation radiation shielding materials.
Dual‐Stimuli Cooperative Responsive Hydrogel Microactuators Via Two‐Photon Lithography
Authors: Wang Jian‐Yu , Jin Feng , Dong Xian‐Zi , Liu Jie , Zhou Ming‐Xia , Li Teng , Zheng Mei‐Ling
Published: June 2023

With the development of bionics as well as materials science, intelligent soft actuators have shown promising applications in many fields such as soft robotics, sensing, and remote manipulation. Microfabrication technologies have enabled the reduction of the size of responsive soft actuators to the micron level. However, it is still challenging to construct microscale actuators capable of responding to different external stimuli in complex and diverse conditions. Here, this work demonstrates a dual‐stimuli cooperative responsive hydrogel microactuator by asymmetric fabrication via femtosecond laser direct writing. The dual response of the hydrogel microstructure is achieved by employing responsive hydrogel with functional monomer 2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate. Raman spectra of the hydrogel microstructures suggest that the pH and temperature response of the hydrogel is generated by the changes in tertiary amine groups and hydrogen bonds, respectively. The asymmetric hydrogel microstructures show opposite bending direction when being heated to high temperature or exposed to acid solution, and can independently accomplish the grasp of polystyrene microspheres. Moreover, this work depicts the cooperative response of the hydrogel microactuator to pH and temperature at the same time. The dual‐stimuli cooperative responsive hydrogel microactuators will provide a strategy for designing and fabricating controllable microscale actuators with promising applications in microrobotics and microfluidics.
Electron Injection via Interfacial Atomic Au Clusters Substantially Enhance the Visible‐Light‐Driven Photocatalytic H2 Production of the PF3T Enclosed TiO2 Nanocomposite
Authors: Kao Jui‐Cheng , Bhalothia Dinesh , Wang Zan‐Xiang , Lin Hao‐Wu , Tseng Fan‐Gang , Ting Li‐Yu , Chou Ho‐Hsiu , Lo Yu‐Chieh , Chou Jyh‐Pin , Chen Tsan‐Yao
Published: June 2023

A hybrid composite of organic–inorganic semiconductor nanomaterials with atomic Au clusters at the interface decoration (denoted as PF3T@Au‐TiO2) is developed for visible–light‐driven H2 production via direct water splitting. With a strong electron coupling between the terthiophene groups, Au atoms and the oxygen atoms at the heterogeneous interface, significant electron injection from the PF3T to TiO2 occurs leading to a quantum leap in the H2 production yield (18 578 µmol g−1 h−1) by ≈39% as compared to that of the composite without Au decoration (PF3T@TiO2, 11 321 µmol g−1 h−1). Compared to the pure PF3T, such a result is 43‐fold improved and is the best performance among all the existing hybrid materials in similar configurations. With robust process control via industrially applicable methods, it is anticipated that the findings and proposed methodologies can accelerate the development of high‐performance eco‐friendly photocatalytic hydrogen production technologies.
Single‐Atom Catalysts and Dual‐Atom Catalysts for CO2 Electroreduction: Competition or Cooperation?
Authors: Shao Yueyue , Yuan Qunhui , Zhou Jia
Published: June 2023

Developing highly active and selective electrocatalysts for electrochemical reduction of CO2 can reduce environmental pollution and mitigation of greenhouse gas emission. Owing to maximal atomic utilization, the atomically dispersed catalysts are broadly adopted in CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). Dual‐atom catalysts (DACs), with more flexible active sites, distinct electronic structures, and synergetic interatomic interactions compared to single‐atom catalysts (SACs), may have great potential to enhance catalytic performance. Nevertheless, most of the existing electrocatalysts have low activity and selectivity due to their high energy barrier. Herein, 15 electrocatalysts are explored with noble metallic (Cu, Ag, and Au) active sites embedded in metal–organic hybrids (MOHs) for high‐performance CO2RR and studied the relationship between SACs and DACs by first‐principles calculation. The results indicated that the DACs have excellent electrocatalytic performance, and the moderate interaction between the single‐ and dual‐atomic center can improve catalytic activity in CO2RR. Four among the 15 catalysts, including (CuAu), (CuCu), Cu(CuCu), and Cu(CuAu) MOHs inherited a capability of suppressing the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction with favorable CO overpotential. This work not only reveals outstanding candidates for MOHs‐based dual‐atom CO2RR electrocatalysts but also provides new theoretical insights into rationally designing 2D metallic electrocatalysts.
Void Volume Fraction of Granular Scaffolds
Authors: Riley Lindsay , Wei Grace , Bao Yijun , Cheng Peter , Wilson Katrina L. , Liu Yining , Gong Yiyang , Segura Tatiana
Published: June 2023

Void volume fraction (VVF) is a global measurement frequently used to characterize the void space of granular scaffolds, yet there is no gold standard by which to measure VVF in practice. To study the relationship  between VVF and particles of varying size, form, and composition, a library of 3D simulated scaffolds is used. Results reveal that relative to particle count, VVF is a less predictable metric across replicate scaffolds. Simulated scaffolds are used to explores the relationship between microscope magnification and VVF, and recommendations are offered for optimizing the accuracy of approximating VVF using 2D microscope images. Lastly, VVF of hydrogel granular scaffolds is measured while varying four input parameters: image quality, magnification, analysis software, and intensity threshold. Results show that VVF is highly sensitive to these parameters. Overall, random packing produces variation in VVF among granular scaffolds comprising the same particle populations. Furthermore, while VVF is used to compare the porosity of granular materials within a study, VVF is a less reliable metric across studies that use different input parameters. VVF, a global measurement, cannot describe the dimensions of porosity within granular scaffolds, and the work supports the notion that more descriptors are necessary to sufficiently characterize void space.
Design of High‐Capacity MoS3 Decorated Nitrogen Doped Carbon Coated Cu2S Electrode Structures with Dual Heterogenous Interfaces for Outstanding Sodium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Zhou Yanli , Li Qiming , Han Qi , Zhao Lanling , Liu Yan , Wang Yifei , Li Zhiqi , Dong Caifu , Sun Xueqin , Yang Jian , Zhang Xiaoyu , Jiang Fuyi
Published: June 2023

The hierarchical Cu2S@NC@MoS3 heterostructures have been firstly constructed by the high‐capacity MoS3 and high‐conductive N‐doped carbon to co‐decorate the Cu2S hollow nanospheres. During the heterostructure, the middle N‐doped carbon layer as the linker facilitates the uniform deposition of MoS3 and enhances the structural stability and electronic conductivity. The popular hollow/porous structures largely restrain the big volume changes of active materials. Due to the cooperative effect of three components, the new Cu2S@NC@MoS3 heterostructures with dual heterogenous interfaces and small voltage hysteresis for sodium ion storage display a high charge capacity (545 mAh g−1 for 200 cycles at 0.5 A g−1), excellent rate capability (424 mAh g−1 at 15 A g−1) and ultra‐long cyclic life (491 mAh g−1 for 2000 cycles at 3 A g−1). Except for the performance test, the reaction mechanism, kinetics analysis, and theoretical calculation have been performed to explain the reason of excellent electrochemical performance of Cu2S@NC@MoS3. The rich active sites and rapid Na+ diffusion kinetics of this ternary heterostructure is beneficial to the high efficient sodium storage. The assembled full cell matched with Na3V2(PO4)3@rGO cathode likewise displays remarkable electrochemical properties. The outstanding sodium storage performances of Cu2S@NC@MoS3 heterostructures indicate the potential applications in energy storage fields.
Schnellladedach Leipzig – Schwebendes Dach auf einer computergenerierten Endlosstütze
Authors: Eisenbach Philipp , Bollinger Klaus , Heimrath Moritz , Prengel Jon
Published: June 2023

Für eine Schnellladestation am Produktionsstandort eines Sportwagenherstellers sollte eine Überdachung entwickelt werden, die neben der Funktion als Witterungsschutz das Image der Marke transportiert. Die bereits vorhandene technische Infrastruktur, also nicht überbaubare Starkstromtrassen sowie Bewegungs‐ und Wartungsräume der Ladesäulen, ließen nur wenige und v. a. unregelmäßige Auflagerpunkte und Stützenstellungen zu. Das Ergebnis des Entwurfsprozesses ist ein scheinbar schwebendes Dach, dessen Verkleidung einer Tragfläche nachempfunden ist, welche auf einer einzigen Endlosstütze aufgelagert wurde. Die Endlosstütze Spline, ikonografisch in Analogie einer zunächst einfach erscheinenden, aufgebogenen Büroklammer, gewährleistet durch die räumlichen Stützenstellungen und ‐neigungen sowohl die Einspannung des auskragenden Dachs als auch die globale Aussteifung. Unter Einsatz eines evolutionären Optimierungsalgorithmus wurde die Geometrie hinsichtlich größtmöglicher Effizienz unter Einhaltung der gegebenen geometrischen Restriktionen entwickelt. Innerhalb des parametrischen Strukturmodells erfolgte neben der Kontrolle und Analyse der statischen Performance auch die geometrische Durchbildung der gefrästen Kreisbögen an den Kopf‐ und Fußpunkten. Der gesamte Prozess von der Entwicklung und Variantenstudie über die Analyse und Dokumentation bis zur Fertigung fand somit in einer geschlossenen digitalen Prozesskette statt.
Prediction of the compressive strength of strain‐hardening cement‐based composites using soft computing models
Authors: Saleh Peshkawt Yaseen , Jaf Dilshad Kakasor Ismael , Abdalla Aso A. , Ahmed Hemn Unis , Faraj Rabar H. , Mahmood Wael , Mohammed Ahmed Salih
Published: June 2023

Strain‐hardening cement‐based composites or engineered cementitious composites (ECC) is concrete produced using randomly distributed short polymer fibers. It is very ductile compared to conventional concrete. Compressive strength (CS) is a critical property used as a quality control tool to evaluate the strength of concrete implemented in the structural provisions and mix designs. Accordingly, to save cost and time for testing, it is essential to provide a predictive model to forecast the CS of the concrete mixtures using machine learning and modeling techniques. In this study, different modeling tools are used to propose analytical models to predict the CS of ECC mixtures, such as linear regression (LR), multi‐expression programming (MEP), artificial neural network (ANN), and Gaussian process regression (GPR). A total of 210 data were collected from the literature and used to train and test the developed model. The fly ash‐to‐cement ratio ranged from 0 to 5.6, water to binder ratio from 0.19 to 0.56, different superplasticizer and fiber content, and curing times of 1 to 180 days. Based on the evaluation of the developed models, the ANN model is superior to other developed models with a high coefficient of determination (R2), root mean squared error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and scatter index (SI). The sensitivity analysis of the input parameters' effect on the CS prediction indicates that the curing time and the fly ash‐to‐cement ratio are essential in forecasting ECC's CS.
Fluorine‐Containing Functional Group‐Based Energetic Materials
Authors: Guo Zihao , Yu Qiong , Chen Yucong , Liu Jie , Li Tao , Peng Yuhuang , Yi Wenbin
Published: June 2023

Molecules featuring fluorine‐containing functional groups exhibit outstanding properties with high density, low sensitivity, excellent thermal stability, and good energetic performance due to the strong electron‐withdrawing ability and high density of fluorine. Hence, they play a pivotal role in the field of energetic materials. In light of current theoretical and experimental reports, this review systematically focuses on three types of energetic materials possessing fluorine‐containing functional groups F‐ and NF2‐ substituted trinitromethyl groups (C(NO2)2F, C(NO2)2NF2), trifluoromethyl group (CF3), and difluoroamino and pentafluorosulfone groups (NF2, SF5) and investigates the synthetic methods, physicochemical parameters, and energetic properties of each. The incorporation of fluorine‐containing functional moieties is critical for the development of novel high energy density materials, and is rapidly being adopted in the design of energetic materials.
Biohythane production from pineapple peel using Methanosarcina mazei enhanced with palm oil mill effluent (POME) sludge in single‐stage anaerobic digestion
Authors: Kopli Puteri Nur Syazwani Mohd , Hassim Mimi H. , Asli Umi Aisah , Wahab Firdaus Abdul
Published: June 2023

Biohythane production via single‐stage anaerobic digestion (AD) is an effective way for sustainable energy recovery from lignocellulosic biomass. In this paper, biohythane was produced through the AD process from pineapple peel waste substrate using purely cultured Methanosarcina mazei with the enhancement of palm oil mill effluent (POME) sludge as the inoculum. This study focuses on the effects of the lignocellulosic pre‐treatment method, the addition of POME sludge into M. mazei culture medium as inoculum, and various operational conditions (food to microorganisms (F/M) ratios, temperature, pH) on gas production performances. The experimental results indicate that these parameters influenced the efficiency of biohythane production by producing the peak maximum biohythane production rate values (HPRmax) and (MPRmax), H2:CH4 = 1.93:0.67 L/L‐d, and biohythane yield (HY) and (MY), H2:CH4 = 1.18:0.55 mL/L‐substrate. This study demonstrates that biohythane gas (H2 + CH4 + CO2) production from pineapple waste can be accelerated by M. mazei only with the enhancement of POME sludge through single‐stage AD system under mesophilic batch process conditions.
Impact of choroid plexus size in prenatal diagnosis of normal and abnormal closure of fourth ventricle
Authors: Volpe P. , De Robertis V. , Fanelli T. , Volpe G. , Olivieri C. , Boito S. , Persico N.
Published: June 2023

Objective

To assess the role of the choroid plexus (CP) of the fourth ventricle (4V) in fetuses with an open 4V and a normal cerebellar vermis.

Methods

Two groups of patients were recruited in two fetal medicine referral centers. The prospectively collected control group included singleton pregnancies with a normal sonographic examination after first‐trimester combined screening for chromosomal abnormalities and normal outcome, recruited in the period between 2019 and 2022. The study group was selected retrospectively by searching our databases to identify all cases with an isolated open 4V and normal anatomy and size of the cerebellar vermis. The inclusion criteria of the study group were: (1) gestational age between 20 and 22 weeks; (2) a brainstem–vermis angle ≥ 18° in the midsagittal plane with an otherwise normal cerebellum and vermis; (3) 4V‐CP visible and seen separately from the vermis; (4) absence of other intra‐ and extracranial anomalies; and (5) available prenatal and/or postnatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data.

Results

In 169 cases of the control group, the 4V‐CP was seen separately from the cerebellar vermis and was noticed to progressively fill the space caudal to the 4V, between the vermis and brainstem. From 12 to 22 weeks, the surface areas of the vermis and medial portion of the 4V‐CP increased progressively with advancing gestation (P < 0.0001). Intra‐ and interobserver correlation analysis showed good reproducibility for the measurements. Among the cases with an open 4V and a normal vermis, it was retrospectively feasible to visualize the 4V‐CP separately from the inferior part of the vermis in 41 fetuses. In five of these cases, the open 4V was due to a small CP. In all 41 fetuses, the diagnosis on MRI was isolated upward rotation of the cerebellar vermis, and no additional anomaly was found.

Conclusions

Closure of the 4V is dependent on the 4V‐CP and not only the cerebellar vermis. In fact, a small CP may represent another cause of an open 4V. Therefore, separate visualization of the 4V‐CP and cerebellar vermis is crucial to improve discrimination between the different causes of an open 4V at the anomaly scan and its clinical implications. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Removal of vets from the Shortage Occupation List – what are the implications?
Authors: Morley Malcolm
Published: June 2023

BVA president Malcolm Morley explains the impact of the anticipated removal of vets from the Shortage Occupation List and why it may not be as severe as first thought.
Clinical evaluation of neoadjuvant tyrosine kinase inhibitor administration for mast cell tumours in eight dogs
Authors: Kanai Eiichi , Sato Asaka , Yamauchi Akinori , Yoshida Hiromitsu , Takagi Satoshi
Published: June 2023

Complete surgical removal of tumour cells is the first‐line treatment for canine cutaneous mast cell tumours. Surgical removal of mast cell tumours sometimes requires radical surgery. This may cause severe complications, loss of biological function or poor cosmetic outcomes. This report describes the clinical outcomes of preoperative administration of an effective tyrosine kinase inhibitor for mast cell tumours. Five of eight cases responded to tyrosine kinase inhibitors; complete removal was possible in three cases with narrower (<1 cm) surgical margins than the conventional tumour margin estimated from the original tumour size. Mast cell tumours may not require wide resection if they are responsive to tyrosine kinase inhibitors before surgical removal. Preoperative administration of tyrosine kinase inhibitors could be a treatment option for dogs that have difficulty with complete removal causing severe surgical complications, or for owners who do not accept loss of biological function or poor cosmetic outcomes.
„Data Richness“ als Merkmal erfolgreicher Schulen. Ein Systematisierungsversuch
Authors: Klein Esther Dominique , Hejtmanek Ruth Anna
Published: June 2023

In der internationalen Schulentwicklungsforschung wurde „Data Richness“ als Merkmal erfolgreicher Schulen identifiziert. Anhand der Literatur zur datengestützten Schulentwicklung werden verschiedene Dimensionen von „Data Richness“ herausgearbeitet und anhand von Interviews mit Schulleiter*innen erfolgreicher Schulen empirisch geprüft. Das so entwickelte Analyseraster soll eine systematischere Analyse der komplexen Konfigurationen der Datennutzung in Schulentwicklungsprozessen ermöglichen.
Locally finite two-loop QCD amplitudes from IR universality for electroweak production
Authors: Anastasiou Charalampos , Sterman George
Published: June 2023

Abstract

We describe the implementation of infrared subtractions for two-loop QCD corrections to quark-antiquark annihilation to electroweak final states. The subtractions are given as form-factor integrands whose integrals are known. The resulting subtracted amplitudes are amenable to efficient numerical integration. Our procedure is based on the universality of infrared singularities and requires a relatively limited set of subtractions, whose number grows as the number of two-loop diagrams, rather than with the number of singular regions of integration.
The sub-leading scattering waveform from amplitudes
Authors: Herderschee Aidan , Roiban Radu , Teng Fei
Published: June 2023

Abstract

We compute the next-to-leading order term in the scattering waveform of uncharged black holes in classical general relativity and of half-BPS black holes in $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 8 supergravity. We propose criteria, generalizing explicit calculations at next-to-leading order, for determining the terms in amplitudes that contribute to local observables. For general relativity, we construct the relevant classical integrand through generalized unitarity in two distinct ways, (1) in a heavy-particle effective theory and (2) in general relativity minimally-coupled to scalar fields. With a suitable prescription for the matter propagator in the former, we find agreement between the two methods, thus demonstrating the absence of interference of quantum and classically-singular contributions. The classical $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 8 integrand for massive scalar fields is constructed through dimensional reduction of the known five-point one-loop integrand. Our calculation exhibits novel features compared to conservative calculations and inclusive observables, such as the appearance of master integrals with intersecting matter lines and the appearance of a classical infrared divergence whose absence from classical observables requires a suitable definition of the retarded time.